Alexandra Breuse was a woman of many layers.
As the second named Legate chosen by Shepherd Hume, it was her job to finish things that would be considered 'unsavory'. Much like the former Legate Exorcist Melchior Mayvin, she was to be the Shepherd's shadow. The dagger to the will of Maotelus.
Necessary evils.
But she had no heart in it.
Formerly a primus Praetor herself, she was always assigned these jobs. All for the greater good; needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few; kill one, save hundreds; same shit, different day.
Perhaps it's because she was brought up knowing the right and wrong. Perhaps because she really isn't an assassin.
Maybe this job wasn't really cut out for her.
She stayed at the Shepherd's side however. She couldn't just go, seeing Eleanor bow and submit to the political games and tribulations of the Midgand Empire. The redhead didn't have the same type of charisma or leadership skills like Artorius did.
And when people see weakness, they immediately latch onto it, and attack there, ignoring everything else.
The blonde blinked, seeing man and woman run up. In the years before the Abbey Reformation, Alex heard of a tall oriental man walking besides her, aiding her. This man, Rokurou Rangetsu, must be him.
And that name still struck fear into the high nobles hearts.
"Rokurou! Why are you here?" Eleanor asked, finishing their brief hug.
"Oh you know, wanted to say 'hi' to Phi before heading off again."
"Where'd you disappear off to? I haven't heard a report on you since you've left."
"Well… You know that map we helped Eizen with? With all that treasure hunting and what not? Decided I'd head for greener pastures, see if there's any other swordsman out there."
"But did you?"
The Yaksha grinned from ear to ear. "Man, I thought I was good, but the people out there? We're talking about completely different fighting styles, and it's all just sooo… damn. Like damn!"
She left off a light chuckle. Same old Rokurou. He never changes, no matter what happens. "Alex, we're heading back to Loegres. We're going to resupply before heading off to our next Empyrean."
"But first." The daemon walked over and stared up at Maotelus's true body then back to his small form.
"Hey Laphicet, how you are doing?"
"Rokurou, I told you not to call me that anymore!" The Empyrean flailed.
"Sorry, sorry! Force of habit."
Alex stared at the three, blinking a few times. A contradiction played before her. There was still much to learn…
-.-.-
"I can't believe you're doing requests from the Bloodwing Butterflies."
"They asked, I wanted to get paid. Simple as that." Rokurou hummed, pouring himself some small sake. "You drink?"
"Not right now."
"Alright. More for me then."
Eleanor looked at her drink. A simple orange juice that kept her awake. Yes, they were take a small break from getting resupplied, but they had Aoife and Alex to aid. The two were her companions on her journey. Out of compassion.
In a time like this, such trust was crucial.
"'Ello? Eleanor, you still there?"
"S-sorry, just lost in thought." She excused herself. "By the way, what brings you here?"
"Getting my extra blades repaired. Plus, I got back from my little outlands adventures, so I wanted to see how I was doing." But heavier brows sank down. "But there's another thing that's happened. And it may concern you too."
Eleanor leaned in, brow furrowing.
"Have you heard of the Capalus family?"
"I know about them." She blinked, a bit shocked by the question. "They're one of the greatest families within the Empire. Even with their checked and controversial history."
On the surface, they were a proud family of royal knights, serving the Midgand Empire's autocracy and military might. However, assassination, trafficking, and blackmail always seem to float about them.
While nothing seemed to directly trace back to them, they always found themselves within the spotlight of such political and polarizing events.
"Well, the Empire's been trying to fortify Vortigern, but came across some trouble. Apparently, a single daemon marched upon its keep and sacked it. Right now, that entire place is tainted with malevolence. And it growing stronger."
"Where does this lead to the Capalus family?"
"The daemon called itself Lancelot du Capalus."
"That's the fomer head of the Capalus Family! I thought they were all wiped out two years ago!"
"Guess he survived. And became a daemon."
The two grew silent. Over the last seven years, they learned about one another. The Capalus family were the ones that brought the Rangetsu clan and its subordinate families from the Far Continent here. As a familial life-debt by their ancestors, they were the hidden blade of the family.
It was them that continued the cycle of bloodshed that the Rangetsu name has today.
And their destruction was one of the last nails into the renewed Abbey's downfall.
Eleanor sunk back in her chair. "So you're going to meet him?"
"It's a debt to be repaid. When I was a human, I swore to kill Shigure. But I killed him as a daemon. Two different things."
"I… I understand." Eleanor looked at his visible eye. There was something there that burned like a flame. The same flames she saw in Velvet's revenge.
"Why are you bringing me?"
"Because I heard that the Shepherd has the power to bring people from daemons to humans."
"That's a bad lie. Who's been spreading that?"
The two turned to the sound of another woman. Aoife and Alex returned, packs filled. The fire malak brushed her hair. "While Maotelus has full control of the Silver Flame, the arte he passed on to me is but a pale imitation. You are aware of the consequences, correct?"
"Not… really."
Aoife sighed. "It could make the person explode. Or just not work at all."
"Eh, if it works, then it works. If not… Eh, the Bloodwing Butterflies will clean up the mess."
Eleanor winced. There's that morbid humor of his. Peaking a smile, she turned back to Alex and her companion.
"We're setting off to Vortigern."
As they were standing back up and heading out, Eleanor overheard conversations. Many of them pointed at her.
"Is that the Shepherd?"
"She looks worse for wear."
"What a strange entourage."
"Such a beautiful woman, taking such a burden"
"It's a shame really, for such a pretty girl"
These words cut deeper and deeper. She was far more than just a pretty face. Even the people seem to forget her former traitor status. Were people so easily swayed?
-.-.-
Vortigern stood as the gateway fortress that aided with the protection of various waterways for the Midgand Holy Empire. Built with the massive aid of malakhim, it was forged and nearly completed in three years.
But now, its pearly white gates fumed purple noxious gas. Tar oozed from its silver pillars. Alex dragged a scarf around her neck and covered her face. Just the presence of walking through this tainted land was enough to make her barf.
Her heart strung along. Whispers bouncing around her head.
"Alex. We need you."
The blonde blinked, seeing Eleanor, Aoife, and Rokurou walking through the gate's front doors.
They creaked open as the malevolence rolled out like a vat of semi-boiled fat. She braced herself as the smog passed through her. Even Eleanor shakily stood her ground.
"Is this all Lancelot's doing?" The redhead asked herself.
"Careful. There are daemons probably guarding the fortress." Aoife warned.
"Just like before. We'll cut through them."
Weapons front, the group of four marched, closing the doors as they continued.
Metal boots rumbled through the halls, dragging weapons tapping and scrapping against the stone floors. The Legate nervously held her weapon. Geometry seemed to warp around this place.
"Aoife." She asked. "Are you going to be ok? Not gonna become a dragon here?"
"I'd worry about yourself before anything, young Legate. But I am quite well."
Alex bit her inner lip. She could sense her anxiety? Her fear? She brushed off the comment. Right, back to herself.
Down the halls and to a door, Rokurou bashed it open. Warrior daemons turned to their intruders. Four with wolves' heads, two with lizards heads.
"The Shepherd! Kill her! For the Lord of Calamity!"
Eyes widened among the group as they split up the fortress's defenders. Two each. Flames blazed about as Alex honed on her attackers. They weren't swarming around a single opponent. They were focused. Former soldiers? Or just a leader who knew basic tactics?
No matter. A blade flashed before her eyes following a mace. Alex flipped her blade around her neck and arms. Metal sparked between them. She pulled away.
"Azure Storm!"
Blue flames knocked one back. She danced back. Flipping her blade again.
"Ghost Wolf!"
Behind her opponent. That plate armor protected all of his back vitals. Maybe a..?
"Cerberus Strike!"
A daemon's body armor and weapons are still the same as any other humans. She remembered her former instructor's words well.
The other daemon came around. Pincered, but not down. She braced, cuffing her blade against the smaller end of mace and blade. Her eyes glistened.
"Guardian Field!"
She broke their lock, turning to one as she stuck the blade into the unarmored neck. A single swipe carried her to the other.
Daemons… Daemons are always easier to kill. She looked at the rest of friends. Everybody finished at the same time. Even if they're former humans.
Again, they continued, faster. Smaller patrols of guards were quickly cut down by herself or the samurai. Deeper still, the malevolence was growing. Her eye twitched, forcing her to rub it.
Finally, the malevolence grew still. Seeping through a singular location of the fortress keep. Massive double doors meant for the grand gateway and control of the entire building. A new addition, she believed. This was it.
Alex and Rokurou pushed on the doors.
A simple chamber of gears and ropes hung about. Like a clock, they continued to churn and go, keeping bits of the white gates open. Blades clung together towards a makeshift throne in the center. The mutated symbol of the Capalus family clung like a banner, draped behind the blades.
And upon the throne was malevolence.
Swirling wisps and fluids of black-red haze where skin or chainmail should be. Silver adored plates scarred and rippled with blood. Glowing red slits where the helmet's visor should allow the user to see. In his hands, a single monstrous blade.
The blade granted to the Capalus family, Arondight.
"Aah, the last of the Rangetsu has arrived…" The being goaded. "And the Shepherd and her pup too."
They entered, leaving the door open. Rokurou immediately crouched down to a knee.
Eleanor knew what was going on.
"When Shigure was taken from me, I thought I had lost my valuable tool. Not even your brothers could hold a candle to your brother's skill."
The Yaksha bit down, keeping himself steady.
"And now the last of the Rangetsu's have come back. If you have no purpose, then leave immediately. I have little use for a vigilante fool." His gazed turned to Eleanor and Alex.
"But the Shepherd… Yes, the Shepherd. Our little guiding light in the dark. The savior." He stood up. Every step bloomed malevolence at his boots. "I've hoped you'd arrive…
"So much hope, so much faith. When smarter ones still remember you, a traitor. How quick people change their minds. Attacks on the frontiers, disappearing settlers and you had nothing to give them."
Eleanor held her ground, holding her spear tighter.
"Excuses, excuses, excuses. Even your own guard deserted. And so quickly those heartfelt warmth turned their backs to the so-called 'Savior'! This world needs not a savior, but a lord, a true Lord of Calamity!"
Lancelot unsheathed his blade, holding before all of them. Black tendrils spouted from his back, waving like a banner. He pointed his sword to Rokurou.
"Sit you hapless dog. My first feast comes at the blood of the incompetent Shepherd and her pup. Then, it will be your turn. Your blood shall be the foundation of a new kingdom! My kingdom!"
Rokurou stood right up, eyes glowing red. "A Lord of Calamity? You?"
Stormhowl and Kurogane Stormquell flashed before him.
"Craving your own kingdom? You do your own thing. But sitting and dying to you would disgrace the Rangetsu name." He barked, fire in his breath. "A curd of a daemon dares to be the Lord of Calamity? Don't make me laugh!"
Lancelot howled, the tendrils flailing like a feral dog. Swinging his blade like a child, he charged at the four. They hopped back, seeing crumbles of stone and wood splinter about.
The expanded growth of the Sir Lancelot served him better against singular opponents. Hot winds and blades smashed against his armor. The daemon lord laughed, wilding attacking. Light and fought against dark.
Stories that would transcend and inspire young children. Details to be learned later. Or disappear in history.
Now, a blaze wrapped around the Shepherd and her malakhim companion. Blows exchanged for kicks, martial artes parried fire balls. A storm erupted between them. Short-lived as Lancelot bashed them back.
"Eleanor!"
Alex rushed in, roaring. "Lone Wolf Storm!"
The ascended daemon shrieked. Rokurou jumping right between them. Both blades shining like a star.
"Souden no higi, katsumoku seyo! Rangetsuryuu: Shira- "
"Do you really think a half-assed move like that would work!?"
Rokurou flung across the room like a ragdoll. Eleanor and Aoife held him back. Alex from the rear. Metal scrapped metal as the light and dark danced between a pyre. Lancelot cupped his helmet, engulfed by concentrated waves of fire.
Reflectively, he dropped his blade. The Yaksha making a move again.
"Zek-!"
Slapped again, Lancelot barreled through, tossing four of them. The former knight turned its maddened gaze to the samurai again, grabbing its sword once more.
"At last, the rest of your pitiful family, destroyed! Honor, fealty, piety. So easy to twist your little bouts for our family! So easy to become tools! No matter what you do now, you can never escape the truth!"
Rokurou stood again. Both blades held up, parallel to the floor. Eyes glowing blood red.
"You are nothing but a pawn!"
"Rangetsuryuu Ougi!"
Black waves snapped across Lancelot's blade. His blacked blade met Rokurou's.
Time stopped. Circular runes of artes manifested across the yaksha's blade. His eyes widened. Like a massive paintbrush, he swung both nodachis.
Mesmerizing strokes. An unending chain of strikes that cut further and further, slicing like iron against flesh.
"AKUMETSU!"
Alex blinked. Rubbing her eyes, something changed. The daemon was nearly craved into pieces, armor plates and weapons destroyed. She turned to the side as Aoife held her hand. A familiar looking arte appearing as she lifted her arms.
Silver flames…
It bathed around the fallen body. Malevolence chewing through the black fog.
And died.
The fire malak ground her teeth. She shook her head.
And Rokurou stuck his blades into the neck of beast.
The air felt fresher. The evil disappearing.
Eleanor pulled herself back up, using her spear as a crutch. Those same emerald eyes she saw, crying once more. Was it for the soul that she hadn't the power to save? The tragedy of a family? Or the man with both blades, standing before a corpse.
Blades that carried the cursed blood of a daemon. They slowly dripped off. Rokurou looked back at Eleanor. No longer were the same eyes of bloodlust or rage. Disappointment or fearlessness.
Just… what could have been.
-.-.-
Two ships pointed in opposite directions. Crew members of the Bloodwing Butterflies to ferry them to their destinations. In one boat, back to Loegres and the capital. The next, to the resting chapel of Musiphe.
Alex was already on board, watching as the Shepherd and the yaksha conversed. Aoife did the same, watching from the bow. In a moment, Eleanor hugged Rokurou tightly as he did the same. And the next, they separated, parting ways.
Once onboard, Eleanor brushed the caked tears from her face.
"Helm, take us further north." She ordered. "We're heading to Cuilthionn."
"Aye ma'am!"
Sails pulled down and both ships parted ways. Aoife finally came down, meeting with Eleanor.
"Our power is not enough. The arte is getting there, but the power is lacking."
The redhead balled her hand into a fist, leaning against the railing. Alex came over to the other side.
"I know. That is why we're on this journey." She looked out to the horizon, passing the silver gates.
"To stop this horrible cycle, we must get the Empyrean's blessing."
Savior with open hands, but they don't reach.
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Author's Note: Do people understand the reference of the fic's title?