Sorry this took so long to get out. Holidays, work, life, and the mother of all writer's blocks all conspired against me. I promise to try and do better. For now, I hope you enjoy.
"Ughhh." Kamito groaned as he woke up the following morning. Est was sleeping next to him wearing one of his shirts as a nightshirt. "Restia….you suck." Kamito felt a warm glow radiate from his left hand. Throughout the night Restia had sent many mental images to the young Demon King, many of which were not suitable for children. Elsewhere a pair of dusk colored eyes opened with a mischievous glint.
There was some time before the opening ceremony for the blade dance and Kamito wanted to do some research, so he decided to go visit the Biblion run by the Divine Ritual Institute. He wanted to see what information her could turn up about the ancient city of Megidoa, and if he was really lucky, information about Est's true form from the Spirit Wars.
Kamito and Est had just left their room when they met Fianna in the hall. "Hey, Kamito. Morning, Est." Fianna greeted, a light blush dusting her cheeks.
"Good morning, Fianna." Kamito greeted in return while Est nodded in acknowledgement. "I trust you slept well?"
"Ye-yes, I did." Fianna fumbled, blushing as she remembered a very stimulating dream she had last night.
"Okay…." Kamito trailed off, unsure of what to think of her reaction. "Well, Est and I were just heading out."
"Umm...Kamito?" Fianna tugged lightly on his sleeve as he started past her.
"Yes?"
"I...umm...I wanted to thank you. For last night, at the ball, for...umm...you know, standing up for me and defending me from that prince." Fianna looked at the floor and poked the tips of her index fingers together shyly.
Fianna looked up when Kamito placed a hand on her shoulder and was immediately lost in his dark powerful eyes. "Fianna, I would have stepped in even if we were not friends and teammates. No woman deserves that kind of treatment. So don't worry about it. Well, I'll see you later at the opening ceremony, okay?" Fianna merely nodded as he and Est took their leave.
"Kamito…." Fianna whispered longingly.
They were working their way through town toward the library when Kamito felt a familiar energy trying to discretely follow them, or more specifically, him. Kamito rolled his eyes and led Est on a meandering route through the vendor's booths till they came to an alleyway. Picking Est up bridal style, Kamito used Meta Three Dimensional Movement to quickly scale the wall to the roof.
A few moments later two figures entered the alleyway and were shocked to find our empty. "Damn it, he got away. Of all the days for Ruka to pull her little vanishing act." Misty cursed.
"I still don't see what you see in that guy." Arianna huffed in annoyance as the two merged back into the crowd on the street.
With their tail lost, Kamito and Est continued to the Biblion. Once inside, Kamito directed Est to look for any books pertaining to the spirit war while he went to the sealed archives to see what he could learn about the ancient city of Megidoa and to see if any records of the sixth Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll, still existed.
The librarian led him down to the sealed archive entrance, and spoke a few words in the spirit language causing the door to glow blue for a moment. "Remember, none of the materials beyond this door are allowed to be removed and you are not permitted to publicly discuss anything you may learn here without explicit permission of the Divine Ritual Institute."
"I understand, thank you for your hospitality." Kamito bowed politely.
The librarian looked at Kamito skeptically for a moment then informed him of the research room he could use. Kamito thanked her again as she left. Wandering through the aisles, Kamito collected several books and scrolls that he thought might contain some useful information. Taking the collected materials to the research room, Kamito shut the door and settled into a comfortable chair. He had just opened the first book when he heard the click of the door catch. He knew it wasn't Est, he could feel her presence several floors above. Focusing, he knew that her energy felt familiar, but still one he didn't recognise.
Waiting until his visitor was right behind him, Kamito turned and greeted the newcomer. "Good morning….miss Leonora Lancaster. How may I assist the Dracunia Empire today?"
Leonora almost yelped in surprise when her quarry suddenly turned to face her. She was sure she had not made any overt noises. She was also surprised by the cordial manner he greeted her with, he definitely didn't act in the manner the intelligence department said he would. "So you know of me and who I represent." It was a statement rather than a question.
"Of course. I have a bit of a habit of researching possible opponents. I find that reliable information can be a very valuable tool to possess." Kamito allowed himself a small smirk.
Leonora frowned because she believed in his words and knew her own information was flawed. "Tell me who you really are I need to know why my blood boils so at even your mere thought. I have witnessed your strength. Even now, even though you are suppressing your power, I can feel it lurking beneath the surface, like a dragon slumbering."
Kamito shrugged. "I'm nobody special, just another pawn in the scheme of fate and destiny."
"Please, you are about as much of a pawn as you resemble the rumors about you." Leonora's eyes started to smolder a smoky red and her spiritual pressure started to rise. "I was originally instructed to strip you of your manhood to prevent you from defiling any of the maidens in your presence, but I believe you would be a better benefit to the great Dracunian Empire whole and fit."
'What is this feeling?' Kamito pondered. He was having a difficult time controlling his dark powers. They were subconsciously reacting to Leonora's, ebbing and fluxing in response to her release. 'Her power feels like a missing piece of my own, as of obtaining it would somehow complete me.'
In response to Kamito's release of power, Leonora's breathing became more ragged, her skin started to flush, her nipples hardened and pressed outward on the fabric of her blouse. Leonora's hands traveled to her thighs, where they slowly started inching up, taking her skirt with them.
"Careful, much farther and I will see your panties." Kamito said in a low voice, his senses going into overdrive. He could hear her heartbeat, feel her power, see the flush on her skin, and smell the scent of her arousal.
"There's nothing to worry about there. We who serve the dragon's are not permitted to wear undergarments of any kind." Leonora responded in a husky tone.
In another area of Ragna Ys, a smirk formed on the face of a certain darkness spirit. "That man, it seems more punishment is called for."
In the catacombs beneath Megidoa, Iseria couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Well this is unexpected. It seems his true powers are awakening sooner than I expected. I wonder who he has chosen." She mused before returning to her exploration.
Suddenly the door burst open and a line of swords formed a picket between Kamito and Leonora causing them to jump back, but also served to snap them back to reality. Kamito blinked a few times and looked down to see Est standing in front of him protectively. Kamito chuckled and rubbed Est lightly on the top of her head. Est let out a content sound, but never removed her gaze from the Dracunian princess.
Leonora took a few deep calming breaths while smoothing her uniform. "I shall take my leave now, but prepare yourself for the next time we meet shall be on the field of battle. Remember this, Kamito; The dragons of Dracunia will go all out to take down even hunting lions." With that she turned sharply on her heel and left the research room.
After she left, Kamito gripped the side of his head and shook it lightly. 'What the hell was that about? I have never felt anything like that before.' "Thank you, Est. That was almost an uncomfortable situation. Were you able to come up with anything?
"No, Kamito. The current library only contains information since the previous Demon King was defeated. The old library was destroyed in the war to vanquish him." Est informed Kamito.
"Well, damn. I guess it can't be helped." Kamito sighed. "Let's put these books up and I'll get you a parfait."
"Yes, Kamito." Est responded, a small smile on her lips.
Deep under the Temple of the Queens lay an ancient abandoned shrine. Illuminated by a couple of small light spirits, Sjora Khan stood at the head of a simple wooden casket. Chanting in a long forgotten language, a dark mist seeped from her body and slipped through the cracks of the casket. Her chanting reached a fevered pitch and a brilliant flash of light illuminated the sanctuary. Drained of a large amount of her divine power, Sjora collapsed on the ground. Pulling herself into a sitting position, she wondered if the ceremony had been successful or not when she heard a banging from the wooden box. Inside the box flesh mended itself, a severed arm reattached itself in its former place. Sjora watched in morbid fascination as the casket started to violently shake, the nails working themselves loose. Suddenly the lid blew off and the rest of the wooden box exploded into splinters. As the dust cleared, a being of pure darkness stood in the spot previously occupied by the casket.
"Ha, ha, hahahahaha!" The figure started laughing maniacally. "Yes, this is it! The power I have been denied for so long! Finally, I can prove that I am the true Demon King!" The dark mist condensed into a set of black armor surrounding the figure. Holding the helm in his hand, Jio Inzagi stood, resurrected and overflowing with the power derived from the Otherworldly Darkness. "Kamito, rest while you can, I am coming for you." Jio placed his helm on his head and held out his hand. The darkness that made up his armor shifted and formed a massive black sword that resembled a flamberge.
Sjora had just regained her feet when a figure materialized out of the shadows. The figure had a decidedly feminine look, but all other details were shrouded in the shadows. "Zazazaza...My my, such greed and ambition, it would seem my gift went to the right person. I can't wait to see how you put my gift to use in the future, but for now you must remember that you must not kill during the event. What you do after is no concern of mine. You are now Nepenthes Lore, the very embodiment my will. You will defeat each of the other teams, and then you shall receive your due."
"I will not let your gift go to waste." Jio now as the Nepenthes Lore bowed his head.
"Zazazazaza" The figure melted back into the shadows.
Kamito and Est had just sat down at a small cafe when the rest of his team walked in, obviously having spent the morning visiting the various shops that had set up for the blade dance festivities.
"Hi, Kamito!" Fianna said rushing to the table he and Est had just claimed. The others followed soon after. Although they were trying to hide it, it was apparent that each of the other girls were just as excited to see their male teammate. Even Velsaria had a slight blush as she took her seat. The waitress soon arrived to take their orders.
Kamito took a moment to relax for a few minutes as he observed the girls that were around him. He knew soon enough they were going to be pitched into a battle of survival against many teams that all had the same goal: being granted a wish from the Elemental Lords. If only they knew the truth….
X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X) X)
Team Dark Tides entered the courtyard of the Queens' Palace following behind Team Shadow Stalkers. Most of the other teams were already standing at their assigned stations awaiting the last of the teams to arrive and the Queens to open the blade dance. The tension in the air was heavy as Kamito entered the courtyard. He could feel the eyes of every elementalist on his as he took his place in front of his team. Looking around, Kamito to note of each of the key players.
A young woman in a white uniform with red trim stood proudly in front of her team with her arms crossed, glaring daggers at Kamito. Kamito remembered the last time he had fought against Luminaris Saint Leisched in the finals of the previous blade dance. She was a very strong opponent who unfortunately for Kamito had been blessed with a Holy spirit, quite a bad match for his own darkness spirit, Restia. Kamito could feel that she had become stronger in the last three years, and the rest of her team was composed of elementalists on par with or stronger than his own team. They would be difficult to defeat.
The next team that Kamito's eyes scanned was the sole team from the nation of Quina, Team Four Gods. Shao Fu gave him a smirk that spoke of an eagerness to fight. Each girl wore a different color, Shao in white, Hakua in black, Rao Rin in blue, Rion Sharma in crimson, and Princess Linfa in royal robes. This is one team that Kamito knew was going to be trouble. He knew that at least three of the members were trained as assassins, one was almost as accomplished as a spy as Lily, and the last was quite accomplished in ritual dance. Truly a team to be feared.
Kamito spotted Leonora standing in front of her team under the colors of Dracunia. Unlike the rest of her team that were looking at him with disdain, Leonora had a look that was torn between a desire to battle and a completely different desire. The way she gripped her sword told him that answers would be forged on the battlefield. Kamito could feel his power stir within him as their eyes met. He knew that she would seek out him and his team quickly, so he would have to be prepared.
A team standing under a flag that Kamito didn't immediately recognise were trying to set Kamito ablaze with their looks alone. After a moment, it dawned on Kamito that they were the representatives from the Kingdom of Balstan. Realising this Kamito couldn't help but chuckle. Hearing his chuckle, Claire and Fianna sent him an inquisitive look. He nodded in the direction of the other team and they recognised the flag that the team was standing under and understanding dawned on them.
Before Kamito was able to continue his scan, a dark presence made itself known and heavy footsteps could be heard approaching. All eyes turned toward the heavy doors that had been opened to allow the blade dance participants to enter the courtyard. A group of hooded and cloaked individuals marched through the gate a moment later. Team Inferno had just arrived.
One by one, the members of Team Inferno removed their hoods and revealed themselves to the field. First was the fake Ren Ashbell, also known as Cardinal. She was still wearing the crimson mask, but was now wearing an outfit that largely resembled the outfit that the real Ren Ashbell had worn in the previous blade dance. As the commotion of her reveal died down, the next to remove their hood was Sjora Khan, followed by Muir, who waved excitedly to Kamito, and finally Lily, who nodded in acknowledgement to Kamito. After all the others had revealed themselves, another figure entered the courtyard. Dressed in pitch black armor and radiating foul tainted divine power, the Nepenthes Lore now completed Team Inferno.
"What ghastly power. I have never felt such an evil presence." Fianna whispered. With her training as a princess maiden, she was especially in tune with the nature of divine power.
Kamito was not fooled by the change in energy, he knew exactly who lay behind that black iron mask. His knuckles turned white he was clutching his fist so tightly. "Jio." Kamito growled causing several members of nearby teams to take a hesitant step backward. Shooting a glance at the other members of Team Inferno, Kamito noticed the look of disgust and irritation on the faces of Muir and Lily. When his eyes met Cardinal's, she gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head before her eyes shifted toward Sjora.
"Welcome maiden warriors to the blade dance. Today marks the beginning of the glorious ritual to find those that are worthy to gain audience with the great gods of this world. My your performances upon the field of combat please the Lords." One of the queens greeted the assembled elementalists.
Kamito felt a tap on his shoulder. "That's Reicha Alminas, she was my junior at the Divine Ritual Institute, and is the current queen for the Fire Elemental Lord, Volcanus." Fianna informed him.
"Do you think she has fallen to the corruption of the Otherworldly Darkness?" Kamito asked quietly.
"I don't believe so. I managed to talk to her shortly after we arrived and she didn't seem to be acting abnormally." Fianna whispered back.
"Do you think we can make her an ally in the fight against the Darkness?" Kamito asked after thinking on Fianna's words.
"I don't know, but if anyone of the queens were to join us, she would be the most likely candidate." Fianna answered.
Another Queen approached the balcony with two priestess maidens walking just behind her carrying incense burners. Kamito assumed that this had to be the queen for the Elemental Lord of the Wind, identified by her light blue vestments. The priestess maidens placed the burners on the railing on either side of the queen, then moved into position just behind her incase their assistance was required. A dark smoke wafted from the burners and the queen inhaled deeply. Her body swayed almost drunkenly for a few moments before she suddenly went rigid.
"A storm approacheth, a maelstrom of clashing blades. Seek refuge and you shall be swept away. Take heart and forge onward and with the blessings of the Lords may you emerge victorious. The battlefield will be the Tempest." The queen collapsed into the waiting arms of the priestesses attending her. As the maidens assisted the stricken queen to her chambers, Riecha Alminas retook the dias.
"The layout for the Blade Dance is Tempest. Each team member shall be supplied with a special magic stone. The four teams with the most stones at the end of seven days shall be allowed to participate in the final round to be held at a predetermined location. If any participant is separated from their magic stone for more than one minute shall be considered defeated and with be teleported away from the battlefield. Removed team members are to be reunited with their team either when said team is eliminated or at the conclusion of this preliminary round. Good luck to all teams and may the odds be ever in your favor." The Fire Queen ended her speech and raised her hand in a signal to begin the tournament. Magic circles began to form under each team and one by one they transported to the wilds of Ragna Ys.
As the light from their teleportation faded, Kamito checked to make sure everyone had successfully made the jump. Looking around, Kamito sighed in relief that everyone have made it without a hitch.
"We need to set up our stronghold as soon as possible." Claire stated.
"Yes, I agree. Fianna, that will be your task. Velsaria, your earth affinity will be beneficial towards that end as well. Please accompany Fianna." Kamito directed. "Ellis, could you send out some wind spirit scouts and see if you can locate any of the other teams? Claire, if you would, we need the brush cleared to prevent anyone from using its cover to sneak up on us."
Fianna and Velsaria nodded and began work on setting up their stronghold. Luckily they had appeared near a stream, so water would not be an issue. Ellis began to concentrate on communicating with the local spirits to see what intelligence she could gather.
"What are you going to do, oh mighty leader." Claire said snippily.
"I am going to go gather supplies from the woods and see what kind of wildlife is present for us to eat." Kamito responded.
Accepting his answer, claire huffed as she summoned the flames of the Elsteins and began to burn away the brush, which Scarlet quickly lent her flames to the task.
Kamito followed his senses down a winding path to a clearing not far from where his team was setting up the stronghold.
"Halt, Demon King of the Night!" A slightly shaky voice called out.
Kamito sighed as he turned to face the voice. Standing there was the representative team from the Kingdom of Balstan. The five girls eyed him fearfully as their trembling hands reached for their waffes.
"Please, mr Demon, do not resist. We must bring back honor to our nation." A timid voice said not much louder than a whisper.
"I'm sorry, ladies, but that's just not possible. There's more at stake than just one prince's pride." Kamito replied sadly. Before any of the girls could react, Kamito seemed to vanish, reappearing on the opposite side of the clearing behind the girls.
"What speed." Gasped one of the girls as they turned to face him once again.
"How can anyone be that fast?" Another wondered out loud, her voice trembling slightly.
"Truly, I am sorry it had to end like this." Kamito sighed regretfully.
"Nothing is over yet, we can still fight!" The team leader shouted, trying to inspire her teammates.
Kamito shook his head. "I'm afraid it is over for you though." He said opening his hand, revealing five beautifully cut stones that exuded divide power.
"Impossible!" Cried out the leader as all the girls found their magic stones missing from their pouches. "How could one person be so powerful?" She despaired as magic circles appeared under each girl to teleport them away from the battlefield.
"My my, it almost seemed like you pitied those girls just now." A teasing voice carried on the wind accompanied with a few black feathers.
"Hello, Restia. I do feel bad that they will likely be punished for failing that arrogant prick of a prince." Kamito admitted.
"So the big bad Demon King has a soft spot, huh." Restia teased, running her hand down Kamito's chest.
"There is more to being a king than flaunting your power and strength." Kamito replied simply. "Besides, I have no desire to take that title."
"You could have quite the little harem if you did though." Restia commented. "You have several now that would be more than willing I bet. Just imagine the fun you can have taming the little hellcat for example."
"I have no desire to gather a harem, the only ones I desire are you, Iseria, and Est." Kamito insisted.
"You could have just stopped at me, why do you need those other spirits anyway." Restia cooed.
"We've been over this before." Kamito stated, looking pointedly at the darkness spirit.
"I know, I know." Restia sighed dramatically. "But what about your little queen candidate?"
"What are you talking about 'Queen candidate'? Kamito asked confused.
Before Restia could answer, a large explosion rocked the area. A large form swept in from over the trees and a lone figure leapt to the ground before a massive black dragon landed behind her.
"Well, speaking of the devil, or should I say dragon…" Restia said in a teasing tone. "Ta ta, lover boy." Restia placed a hand on Kamito's cheek and captured his lips with her own as she vanished in a flurry of feathers.
Feeling a sudden surge of divine power mixed with killer intent, Kamito was drawn back to the present, and one very irritated Leonora.
"Restia, you really suck."
Next chapter will begin the battles of the Blade Dance Prelims. Thank you for sticking with me and my erratic update schedule.