DISCLAIMER: I own nothing, this story exists purely because I want it to
Okay, time to write the next chapter of, 'The Storm and the Hawk'
(begins writing, while dramatic music plays in background)
I'm doing it, I'm doing it
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
and some of these, and some of these
almost there and... Done
(music and writing ends)
whew... now let's see how it looks so far
(clears throat)
Awaken chapter 3...
...
GODS FREAKING DAMM IT LELOUCH!
(Lelouch sniggers in the background, eyes glowing red)
Hello all we're back, this gods dammed story won't leave me the FUDGE alone... though now that I think about it, I' am considering going up to chapter 4 with this, as people have been asking for world building and chp4 is going to be the first major block of it, before I move back to my other two
with that said, let's get started on the day's essentials... first, reviews
ThatIndieReviewer - Don't worry my friend, I did my reading on gladiator fights and the basic rules, and will be adhering to them... mostly... let's just say... things happen in this chapter. In fact, it would be fair to say a LOT of things happen this chapter that aren't going to be fully revealed for a while yet, case in point, that world building I mentioned. Long story short, I have a very bad habit of putting all my exposition eggs in one basket, and this has done me no favours in the past, so I'm trying a new strategy, one I hope works out. As far as the Era goes... there isn't really a uniform Era to this world. Britannia is a complex beast, sort of a weird fusion between late Imperial Rome and the high medieval ages. I'll go into greater detail in chp4, that's going to be my early world building chapter and will contain all of the basic details, including the war between Britannia and the Isles. Today's chapter mentions a few things which we're going to come back to in the next chapter, but it's just to get the ball rolling as it were. Also, there's a third faction to this story, which get's its first mention today... remember that Steampunk flare I mentioned at the start of the first chapter... yea, that's where this third faction lies, and oh boy, do they have some nice toys. We'll be meeting them later... so don't worry, world building is coming, I have a plan and am sticking to it
speaking of
MM Browsing - Allow me an Eris moment (clears throat) the goal is Chaos my friend, Glorious Chaos. Again, we're going to find some things out in chapter four that will paint a pretty dark picture for the future, and our beloved main characters are but pieces on the chess board of fate. Currently though, Lelouch is doing what Lelouch does best, making fools of the nobility. As for his relationship with Milly... sorry but, betrothed only currently, not had the marriage yet, and before anyone asks, NO, there was nothing more than heavy petting going on in that one scene last chapter. Honestly, I threw it in because I'd never written something like that before, and having the two of them be a couple for this story presented a good excuse to get some practice, don't expect much more of it... okay?
Final note, as I stated at the beginning of this story, there is to be Magic, in this. I'm going to have a read up on all the powers the cannon (yes, got it right this time) characters possessed, and will attempt to match their powers in this to the powers they have in cannon, to act as mirrors but not exact duplicates. We shall be getting at least two examples of two very different magics used in this chapter, both with their unique advantages and drawbacks... the rest I leave to you dear readers... so
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, Dear Readers all... welcome back to... Awaken... enjoy
The Night beckons while you dream
You stand upon the edge
Your path woven with a single thread
Fate falls to you
The demons knock at your door
Restless one
Each night you shall hear the drums of War
Awaken
Awaken
Our voices call to your hunger
Taste the destiny you're searching for
Awaken
Awaken
The fight is at our door
Take up your cause!
Kallen woke with a start, her body slick with sweat. Slowly, she sits up, staring down at her shaking hands. What the hell was that?
"Kallen," came Krem's sleepy mumble, "You alright?"
Kallen quickly shoved her hands below her blankets, "Yea Krem, I'm fine, just a bad dream that's all."
Krem gave her a serious look, "I wasn't kidding about the arena changing you... get used to a lot of bad dreams."
Kallen nodded, "its okay Krem, I got it... go back to sleep."
"You sure?" Kallen nodded in response. Krem shrugged and turned over; soon the steady sounds of her snores filled the room
Kallen slipped quietly from bed, and out of the room. Making her way out to the yard, she went and stood in front of the water trough, splashing water over her face and neck. She turned her gaze up to the stars above, trying to make sense of the dream she just had. It hadn't been anything really, just voices, voices in the dark, and... something else... something in the dark... something... hungry
Kallen shook herself, bringing her gaze back to the water, it was just a stupid dream, everyone gets them, it means nothing... nothing
"Can't sleep?"
Kallen jolted at the voice, whirling around to find Tamaki standing behind her, when the hell did he get there?
"Bad dream, that's all, noting I can't handle," Kallen replied
Tamaki gave her a critical look, "Really, then you want to explain why I heard you cry out just now?"
Kallen stared at him blankly, "I... I didn't."
"Yea... you did," Tamaki replied, as he pulled out a small cord from around his neck, on the end, was a charm, fashioned in the same way as Kallen's
Kallen stared at it, before pulling out her own, there were differences, but the basic style and artwork was the same. "You're from Japan?"
Tamaki gave a dry chuckle, "What was your first clue Red?"
"I knew my mom got taken from there, but I've never met anyone else from the Isles," Kallen said
"Well now you have," Tamaki said flatly
Kallen shook herself, "That doesn't explain how you heard me call out?"
Tamaki sighed, "You're mother obviously didn't teach you much about our culture."
"She wasn't really able to teach me much of anything," Kallen responded
Leaning back against one of the training dummies, Tamaki crossed his arms as he began, "These charms we wear are more than just superstition, each time one is made, it's dedicated to a certain spirit of our homeland, if ever that spirit can help someone in need, it will if asked, but it also means all the charms are connected to one another, through the spirits." As he explained, he fingered his own charm, "So when you woke up, I heard you cry out, not audibly, but from this," he said, holding up the charm
Kallen looked down at her own, why did mom never teach me this?"
"That said, I've got no idea what spirit your charm is dedicated to, never seen one like it before," Tamaki added
"Would it still work then?" Kallen asked
Tamaki shrugged, "I was a woodcutter, not a priest, so I don't know the specifics of something like that."
Kallen shrank back, "Oh... wait, what's your charm dedicated to?"
Tamaki smirked now, "Beaver," he said, holding it up proudly. At Kallen's furrowed brow, he elaborated, "A beaver is a large rodent, who makes its home by damming a river with wood it harvests from the surrounding forest."
Kallen nodded, hmm, rather fitting actually, if he was a woodcutter
"You still haven't answered my question," Tamaki stated
"Huh?" Kallen responded
"Why did you call out?"
Kallen blinked, before turning away, "It's nothing, just a dream."
"A dream doesn't make you call out through your charm... what aren't you telling me?"
"It's nothing!" Kallen snapped back, whirling towards Tamaki, her eyes aflame
Tamaki stepped back, hands raised as he stared at her, he felt like a rabbit caught in the sight of a fox. "Okay, okay, it was nothing, I get it," he pleaded defensively
Kallen instantly relaxed, hand coming to her head, her face a grimace of pain, "Heh, you alright?"
"No," Kallen groaned, "I feel... dizzy." Kallen abruptly fell, and Tamaki rushed to catch her, calling out for help as he did
Kyoshiro Tohdoh sat seiza upon the mountain path, below him was what used to be a secluded little bay, called Nagasaki bay. He remembered how the place had looked before the war, calm waters, the odd fishing boat sailing in and out of the bay, seabirds, calling from every rock... a peaceful place
It was a far cry from that now
Now the sounds of a bustling trade centre filled the air, along with the blasted horns of the metal monstrosities that sat in the bay. Even the seabirds had been scared off by the newcomers, though it was thanks to these newcomers, that the clans stood even half a chance against Britannia. Tohdoh watched as small tug boats, shuttled back and forth between the docks, and the largest of the metal behemoths that sat in the bay. Its hold already full of fine silks, destined for the markets of Veru
The sound of light footsteps alerted Tohdoh to Sayoko's approach, he did not look up as she reached him, continuing to stare down at the bay. "I'm ready to leave, Tohdoh-sama," she declared
"I don't know how you stand it Sayoko-san... being so close to those monsters," Tohdoh growled, his eyes never leaving the object of his scorn
Sayoko's own eyes drifted to the ships below, "At first... I did loathe it, their loud, inelegant, and choke the very air with their fumes... but their just machines, Tohdoh-sama, they cannot be blamed for existing."
Tohdoh sighed, "I suppose your right... even so... I wish we didn't even have to ask for their help."
"I agree, Tohdoh-san," came the wizened voice of Kirihara, using the aid of a cane to climb the mountain path. "But Britannia is not a beast we can best alone... without those metal ocean monsters, we'd have no chance of keeping Britannia back... and the Verusians take great risk by aiding us."
Tohdoh's scowl deepened, "And how have we paid for it all... silk... miles and miles of silk... our people slave away each day to keep up with Veru's demands, while our warriors bleed on the field of battle against Britannia."
"You think I like this?" Kirihara asked, his own gaze sweeping across the bay below, "Everyday our culture is worn away a little more, and with every son and daughter lost, we lose a little more of ourselves."
"You think this slave may hold the key to stopping that?" Sayoko asked
"I hope so, Sayoko-san," Kirihara replied, "I dearly hope so."
"On that, Kirihara-dono, we are agreed," Tohdoh stated, as he stood from his seated position, before turning to Sayoko, "Good luck, Sayoko-san, you're going to need it."
"Thank you, Tohdoh-sama," Sayoko replied with a bow
"We cannot give you any back up on this mission, it will be dangerous enough as it is, without drawing more attention to you with a sudden influx of Japanese," Kirihara stated
"I understand, Kirihara-dono, I shall be fine on my own," Sayoko acknowledged
"Not entirely alone," Tohdoh said. Kirihara and Sayoko turned to him, as he produced a charm, "The Kestrel flies with you on this mission Sayoko-san, keep her safe."
Sayoko dipped her head, as Tohdoh placed the charm around her neck, "Sharp eyes and a pair of swift, silent wings, what Ninja could ask for more," Sayoko stated with a smile
"May fortune's winds guide you, Sayoko-san," Kirihara blessed
"And you, Kirihara-dono, Tohdoh-sama," Sayoko returned, before heading back down the mountain path to the bay
The warrior and his elder watched as she boarded one of the small boats, and was taken out to the large ship. Several minutes later, the ship's horn gave three blasts, the noise echoing around the entire area, before the anchor began to rise, and the ship began to turn out of the bay, and into open water
"She is in the spirit's hands now," Kirihara intoned
Tohdoh nodded, keeping his silence. As they watched the ship leave, they also spotted two large sail boats, flying Britannian colours, both turned away instantly upon sighting the large metal behemoth and its escort of smaller ships. Tohdoh could not keep a grim smile from his face, the Britannians prided themselves on fearing nothing. Yet even they wouldn't tangle, with a Verusian Ironclad
Kallen's eyes fluttered open, to find herself staring at the ceiling of the Ludus infirmary, she turned her head to the side, the light of dawn was pouring in from a nearby window and in it she could see Teal'c seated off to one side. He spotted her movement instantly, "Doctor, she's awake," he called out
The Ludus' physician rushed over immediately, inspecting Kallen, turning her head this way and that, "Welcome back to the land of the living Kallen, you gave us all quite a scare."
"What... happened," Kallen mumbled, her mouth feeling like it was filled with cotton. A water skin was passed towards her as she sat up, she looked up to see Teal'c standing next to her, a small smile on his face, "Thanks."
"We were rather hoping you could tell us," the physician said, as Kallen gulped down the water greedily
"You just collapsed, it's a good thing Tamaki was with you or you might have been out there till morning," Teal'c stated
Kallen thought back to last night, waking up to that weird dream, going outside, talking with Tamaki and then... nothing. "I'm, not exactly sure... I had this weird dream last night, I went to go clear my head... talked with Tamaki... and then... I must have fainted?" Teal'c and the physician glanced at one another; Teal'c shrugged while the physician frowned
"Has anything like this happened before?" the physician asked
Kallen shook her head, and then frowned, "Wait... where is Tamaki?"
"Getting his ass chewed out by the Ludus master," Teal'c rumbled
Kallen's eyes widened, before she climbed from the bed, wobbling slightly as she stood. Teal'c was instantly at her side, grabbing a hold of her arm to keep her upright. "Hold up, you need to stay in bed," the physician demanded
"I'm fine doc, Teal'c's got me covered, I need to go see the Ludus master," Kallen replied
Teal'c glanced at the physician, who frowned at Kallen, before his shoulders slumped in defeat, "You aren't going to take no for an answer?" Kallen shook her head, "Then I insist that Teal'c stay with you, and that after you see the Ludus master, you return straight here to rest."
"It's a deal doc," Kallen replied, before shuffling out, each step after the first, becoming stronger, and surer, Teal'c standing ready at her side
Kallen made it to the Ludus master's office without incident, though Teal'c hovered over her every step of the way. As they neared the door, Kallen could hear the master yelling at Tamaki through the door
"If you were not so much of an investment, I'd have you sold to the salt mines for this, HELL, I've half a mind to have you flogged!" Kallen didn't pause to knock, she just went straight for the door, the Ludus master's next rant died in his throat as he saw her enter, "Kallen?"
Tamaki turned around, his eyes shining with relief at the sight of her, "Sorry for intruding sir, but I needed to come see you," Kallen said
The Ludus master frowned, "Shouldn't you be resting?"
"I intend to go back to the infirmary after this sir, I just wanted you to know that Tamaki didn't do anything wrong, in fact, if it wasn't for him, I may not have been found till morning," Kallen declared
Tamaki's eyes widened as Kallen stood up for him, while the Ludus master blinked, his eyes darting between the three of them, before finally settling on Kallen. "Really?" he asked
"Yes sir, I just fainted, probably something I ate that didn't agree with me," Kallen replied
The three of them stared at her for several moments, before the Ludus master cleared his throat, "Well alright then, I suppose that's better than the alternative... how are you feeling now?"
"Better, though the physician wants to keep me in bed for a while longer," Kallen said
The Ludus master nodded, "Yes that does seem sensible... alright then, tell him to let me know when you're back in fighting condition... I have a match lined up for you, but we are still waiting on your armour."
Kallen nodded, "Of course sir."
The Ludus master nodded, "Good... dismissed then," he said, waving them all out
After they left, Kallen leaned against the corridor wall, hand coming to her head and gripping her hair. "Are you sure you're okay Kallen?" Teal'c asked
"I don't know Teal'c, but I will be, just need some rest," Kallen replied
Teal'c and Tamaki glanced at one another, "Well... let us know if you need anything, okay."
Kallen nodded at that, before heading back to the infirmary, she wasn't really dizzy anymore, but she did have a pounding headache. Rest, just rest, then a bit more training, and I'll be right as rain
After reaching the infirmary, she went straight back to the bed she'd occupied just a few minutes ago. It was just as Kallen was settling back to sleep again though, that she heard something, frowning, she glanced up, looking around the room. "Heh doc, you don't have a cat do you?" Kallen asked
The physician glanced at her, brow furrowed, "No, why do you ask?"
Kallen frowned herself, then shrugged, "Just thought I heard something purring just now," she said, before settling back to sleep. The physician looked around the infirmary, searching for the mystery cat, but found nothing, shrugging he went back to work, or was about to, until he began hearing the purring himself. He turned around, trying to pin point the location of the noise, after a few minutes searching, he deduced the sound was coming from the direction of Kallen's bed. Being careful not to wake her, he checked underneath, expecting to find a cat there, but there was nothing, and yet the purring persisted. He glanced up at Kallen herself
No, that's crazy... there's no way... the physician shook the ludicrous thought from his head and returned to work. Ignoring the purring sound, that was now lulling Kallen to sleep
Lelouch frowned as the servant helped him into the black tunic, the thing hugged his frame like it was trying to choke him... but then again, it was a military uniform. Over in the corner, Milly, who was already dressed, was having her hair done by her own servant. "So, you're father has called a war meeting has he?"
"Yes," Lelouch grumbled, "Apparently, he's displeased with the progress being made in the Isles."
Milly decided not to answer that, she knew how touchy Lelouch was about this subject. While Britannia was perhaps the most powerful nation on the continent, boasting the largest army and navy, it was hideously backward in other areas, like its infrastructure, civic systems and of course, the surviving traditions that kept things like the arena going. In short order, they were ready, and made their way to Lelouch's waiting carriage, from there, it was a short distance from the Ashford residence, to the imperial palace. They were met at the steps by a Knight of the Round, who bowed and escorted them to the war room
As they walked, they passed trophies of the empire, artefacts and heirlooms stolen from other nations for Britannia's disgusting vanity. Lelouch's glare became more and more pronounced as they went deeper in, Milly gave his hand a squeeze, "I know you hate it here... but you just have to hold out for a little longer," she whispered
Lelouch squeezed her hand back, and his glare lessened a notch, as the knight finally brought them to their destination. A pair of servants opened the doors, and they marched inside, the knight stepped to one side and bowed to the room, "Prince Lelouch vi Britannia and his betrothed Millicent Ashford, have arrived your grace."
At the end of a long oval table – upon which was laid a map of the empire and its surrounding neighbours – sat Lelouch's father, the Emperor of Britannia, Charles zi Britannia. He looked up as Lelouch entered, a smile splitting his face, "Lelouch my boy, so glad you could join us."
Lelouch bowed to his father, as besides him, Milly curtsied, "My apologies for the late arrival father, we were caught off guard by this."
Charles waved his hand, "No need my boy, I'll admit I called this meeting rather suddenly... please have a seat."
Lelouch sat in the vacant seat left for him between his two half sisters, his mentor Cornelia li Britannia on his left – placing her second down from father – and Euphemia li Britannia on his right. Their older brother, Schneizel el Britannia sat at their father's right, while Milly's grandfather, Ruben Ashford sat at Charles' left. Milly sat next to her grandfather, normally her lower status wouldn't have even allowed her access to the room, but as her grandfather's heir, she was being groomed to take over the family business, which meant she was now present in all the meetings. Her betrothal to Lelouch also helped
"So," Charles began, "As you were saying general."
A bald man, dressed in a general's tunic, stood, "Yes, your majesty," the man said, before gesturing towards where the Isles of Japan were displayed on the map. "Our forces currently occupy two thirds of the Isles, and are pressuring the remaining resistance in their holdouts," the man began. Lelouch noted the sweat dripping down the man's bald head as he continued, "Unfortunately, the territory we need has not yet been secured, and it's become increasingly difficult to oust the natives from their mountain strongholds."
"This is old news," Charles barked, "What has been done to circumvent this!?"
The general dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief, "Well, we first attempted to surround the natives from the ocean, intending to bombard their fortresses, as well as make an assault from both land and sea... unfortunately..." the man trailed off, his eyes looking anywhere but the Emperor
Besides Lelouch, Cornelia heaved a heavy sigh, "Unfortunately, father, it seems Veru has stuck its nose where it doesn't belong... again."
The room was silent for a time, before Charles spoke, his voice quiet, but carrying a weight that brooked no defiance, "What?"
"Several private merchants from the city have established trade relations with the remaining clans, purchasing silks in exchange for lending the native's use of their private mercenary fleets," Euphemia added
Charles' eyes turned towards the general, who looked like he was about to start pissing himself, "Do you mean to tell me, the monkeys have their hands on Ironclads!?" the final word roared, causing most of the room's occupants to flinch
"They're not in direct control," Cornelia reassured, "But they have been using them to prevent our navy from surrounding them, and to protect the trade ports that ship the silk to Veru, whose markets are overflowing with the stuff."
Charles brought a hand to his face, fingers massaging his temples, "How and when did this happen?"
Schneizel sat forward here, "We believe that the Verusians grew curious about where we were sending so many resources, and some scout ships followed our fleets. They made contact with the natives, and from there established their agreements, combat equipped Ironclads followed shortly afterwards."
"And now, as a result of this, the natives have been able to fortify their positions, bottle-necking our troops into kill zones, using the terrain to their advantage and picking off supply caravans," Cornelia finished
"Damm those blasted Verusians," Charles muttered
"Couldn't we use this as a Casus Belli your grace?" asked another member of the Britannian military
"Would that we could," Schneizel replied, "The deals were set up by private merchants... we could try to pressure the City's government to make the merchants cancel the deals... but that would likely cause more problems than it solves."
"Not to mention, they'd be more likely to call our bluff anyway," Lelouch commented
"Agreed," Charles rumbled, he then turned to Ruben, "How close are you to completing your little project Ruben?"
"We're getting there your majesty... but if I'm being honest... we need more samples, and the only known source that hasn't been depleted yet, lie within the native's territory of the Isles," Ruben responded, tipping his head respectfully at the end
"Hmm," Charles mused, and then turned to Schneizel, "Is there a chance we could find sources elsewhere, even small ones?"
"There is father, though it will take time to search," Schneizel responded
Charles nodded, "Alright then, take a full battalion and scour the outskirts of the Empire, find us that source, and soon... if the Verusians figure out what we're up to... it'll make things that much harder."
"Understood father," Schneizel responded
"As for you Cornelia, I want you to take this buffoon's place as head of our forces in the Isles," Charles declared, with a nod in the incompetent general's direction
"As you command father," Cornelia replied
"Was there anything else?" Charles asked the room at large. When no one responded, Charles gave a grim nod, "Good, then I want everyone but Lelouch to leave."
At that, the room's occupants began filing out, Milly was one of the last, as she reached the door, she glanced back at Lelouch, giving him a wan smile, which he returned, then she left, and the door shut behind her. "Good to see you've both taken such a shine to one another," Charles rumbled
Lelouch didn't honour that comment with a response, he'd been against the betrothal to begin with, but Milly had eventually brought him around, though not for the reasons his father thought. "You wanted to talk?" Lelouch asked
"Yes," his father replied, standing, "Come."
Lelouch stood and followed his father through another door, which led into the Emperor's own private chambers. They walked a fair distance, before arriving in what appeared to be a small shrine, but it was dedicated to no god. Upon the shrine's surface sat two paintings, one was of a woman with dark hair like Lelouch's, the other was of a bright eyed five year old girl with sandy brown hair. Lelouch felt a stab of pain in his chest at seeing the paintings; he hadn't been in this room in years
"What are we doing here?" Lelouch asked, his tone carefully clipped and measured
Charles didn't speak for several moments, just staring at the paintings, "I know you blame me for what happened, that you're angry I wasn't there to protect them."
Lelouch felt his chest tighten at his father's words, he looked back at the paintings, "I was a child, I looked up to you, you were the Emperor of Britannia, you were supposed to protect us... but that didn't stop those assassins... and what did you do afterwards?"
"Lelouch," Charles began
"NOTHING!" Lelouch's yell cut across his father's words, then his voice grew quieter, "You did nothing... you didn't look for the culprit... even though you knew it had to be one of the nobility... no, instead... you used their deaths as an excuse to officially declare war on the Isles... what better reason to bring far flung savages to heel than the murder of your beloved wife and youngest daughter."
Charles said nothing, just staring at the back of his son's head, then Lelouch turned to him, and Charles saw the sadness contained in his eyes, "Tell me father... if I'd been killed too... would you have looked for the real killers?"
Charles had no response for his son; he hadn't had one for the last eight years. Finally, he took a breath, "I don't expect you to forgive me... and I don't deserve it... but the least you could do is come visit... pay your respects... I know they'd like that... and I know your mother would be proud of the young man you've become."
Lelouch stared hard at the man he called his father, before turning to look at the paintings, he took a few, faltering steps forward, and gently laid his fingers on the frame of his little sister's painting. "I'll think about it," he said, so quietly, Charles almost didn't hear him, "May I go now?"
Charles simply nodded, at which Lelouch turned and left the room, just as he was reaching the door, he called back to his son, "For what it's worth Lelouch, I'm sorry."
Lelouch paused at the door, but did not turn back, and then he was gone
Several moments passed, in which Charles stared at the paintings, before a voice came from one of the shadowed alcoves to the side, "Aww, so you do have a heart Charlie."
"What do you want, witch?" Charles growled in response
"What's mine, you made me a promise Charlie, and I've come to collect," the voice replied
"Have you found my brother?" Charles demanded
"I haven't caught him yet, but I know where he is."
"Then until you bring him back here, my answer stands," Charles replied
The room's temperature suddenly plummeted, and Charles felt an oppressive force, push him to his knees. "Now Charlie... you know as well as I do that without a contractor, I won't be able to bring your brother to heel," the voice admonished
"You... can't... have... him... he's... suffered... enough," Charles grunted, desperately fighting against the force pushing down on him
"Charles," the voice lost the last of its playful edge, "You and I both know what's coming... we both know what your brother intends to unleash... if you want to stop him... then give me what I'm owed!"
"Choose... someone else... anyone else," Charles begged, even as the force pushed him fully to the floor
"No one else even comes close by comparison, I want him Charles... and you will give him to me!"
Charles thought desperately for a solution to this, when inspiration struck him, "You would tear him from his love?" The force faltered, for a moment, it was all Charles needed to get one foot underneath him. "If you take him... you run the risk of tearing either his heart out, hers, or both... can your enigmatic self live with that!"
"Do not test me Charles!" the voice growled
"Three more years, that's all I ask... just three years... and then you can approach him... if he agrees, he's all yours," Charles bargained, hoping it was enough
"And if he doesn't accept?"
"I'll give you anything else, anything you want," Charles replied
The room's temperature returned to normal, and Charles no longer felt like he was getting shoved to the floor. "One year... I've waited long enough Charles... you get one year."
Charles turned towards the alcove from which the voice had come, but it was now empty. Charles felt both a sense of relief and hopelessness overcome him, he turned back to the paintings, his eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry Marianne... I'm so sorry," with those parting words, he slumps from the room, leaving the shrine empty and silent, once more
Kallen turned in place, testing how far she could stretch. It had been three days since her little fainting incident – something the other gladiators had ribbed her for, though she'd since restored her rep with a sparring match against Krem – and her armour was done. It consisted of several layers; the first was a pair of leggings and a shirt that flared out around her elbows, before reaching her gauntlets. Her torso was protected by a woven leather cuirass, with a wide panel over it, wrapping around over her right shoulder and under her left armpit, to hold it in place. Another piece protected her right side, and was held in place by two leather straps wrapping horizontally around her midsection. This protection continued down the right side, with three interlocked strips, covering her right hip, attached to a wide leather belt around her waist. Her legs were protected by a pair of greaves, that covered from just below her knees, to about halfway up her thighs, made of multiple overlapping pieces, which were held in place by more straps
Her lower legs were protected by a final piece which fitted on more like a boot than a piece of armour, and below them were a sturdy pair of shoes, with inlaid steel caps over her toes. Her shoulders were protected by a pair of pauldrons, made of three overlaid pieces. After a short section covered by only her shirt, there were her gauntlets, which were made of four overlapped pieces, starting just below her elbow, and ending over the back of her hand. Meanwhile her neck was protected by a tight neck guard, which Kallen had been vexed with to start, as it felt like the thing was choking her. After seeing how much of her neck it protected though, she began warming up to it, especially as the set did not yet include a helmet, and Kallen was veering more and more towards not wearing one anyway.
Overall, Kallen liked it; it didn't restrict her movement too much, was light, and covered the most vital sections of her body. Her blade was also done, and was currently fitted to her left hip, the simple hard leather sheath tied around the belt. The blade itself was long, wide and simple, with two edges, tapering to a point, the cross guard was made of the same metal as the blade itself, and the grip was simple wrapped leather, with a weighted pommel at the end to balance the blade
She drew the blade, and tested out a few movements, off to the side, the Ludus master and armourer watched, while by the door, a few of the other gladiators were gawking. Finally, Kallen turned to the Ludus master, broad smile on her face, "Fits like a glove."
The Ludus master returned the smile, "Good, because if it didn't you'd be going into the arena nude." His head whipped to the door at the sound of someone snickering, "No one invited you to gawk, get back to training!" he shouted
The other gladiators scarpered, though Kallen's cheeks were still a little flushed, she quickly regained herself. "When's the fight and who am I up against?" she asked
"I don't know who you're opponent is just yet... which is odd, usually they've let me know by now... I should know by the end of the day though, need time to get the posters out," the Ludus master replied. "As for when... it's tomorrow afternoon, so get some rest tonight," he added
Kallen nodded, "Of course sir."
Afterwards, Kallen went and found her friends. Teal'c, Tamaki and Krem were all sitting at the far end of the training yard as she walked up, "What do you think?"
They turned to look at her, all of their eyes widened as they took in her appearance. "Well look at you, don't you just make a fine gladiator now," Krem chuckled
Kallen cheeks flushed at the compliment, "You look set to go to into battle, a true warrior," Teal'c praised
"Yea... what they said," Tamaki added, a strange look in his eyes
Kallen followed his gaze to the charm she was wearing, "I'll be wearing it beneath the armour in a real fight," she stated
"Oh... it's not that... I just..." Tamaki trailed off as he now found everyone looking at him, "You know what... forget about it."
Kallen stared hard at him for a moment, before her gaze softened, "By the way... I never thanked you Tamaki."
"What for?"
"That night... you could have just left me there... you didn't... so thank you," Kallen replied, her gaze finding the ground very interesting right now
"Your, welcome," Tamaki replied, his own cheeks slightly flushed
"Ah come on you two, just get you're freak on already," Krem said, clapping them both on the shoulder
Tamaki's blush went full scarlet, while Kallen glared at Krem indignantly, "What the hell Krem, no... just... no!"
"Someone's blushing," Krem teased, to which Kallen's blush only increased, while Teal'c gave a hearty laugh
"Just because you're sore about losing our sparring match!" Kallen snapped back, causing Teal'c's laughter to become full blown while Kallen and Krem launched into a full on argument, their bickering echoing around the Ludus courtyard
Lelouch glared at the map of Pendragon laid out before him; it was an old map, centuries old in fact, from a time when the city was still new. Nowhere on the map did it denote any slums or districts of poverty... no, when the city had first been built, the designers had never factored in what an overblown population – that was consistently trampled upon by the upper classes – would do to the city. Lelouch's gaze rose to the balcony window in front of him. If one were to look out onto the city today, one would be shocked at how different it looked to how the designers had envisioned it
The section of the city he was in right now was quite nice, neat, orderly buildings, regularly spaced trees for shade, and finely kept gardens and fountains were the norm. Just a short walk down the main highway though, brought you out into the market district, which was cramped, crowded, with both people and buildings. There was barely room to walk, let alone live. If one were to ask a noble what they thought about the whole thing, the nice ones would say things like, "Oh it is a shame, a real shame... but there really isn't much to be done about it... that's just the way things are." The indifferent ones would just turn their noses up and say, "I'm far too busy at the moment, let someone else deal with it." While the arrogant and corrupt ones, had a different view, "Serves those plebeians right for not aspiring to greatness, if they were more proactive like us, then they wouldn't have to live in squalor."
All three responses made Lelouch's blood boil
The nice ones, while they did sympathise, still did nothing, because they truly did believe nothing could be done to change the situation. The indifferent ones were just lazy, but it was the truly corrupt ones that Lelouch could not stand. At least the other two types of nobility had an excuse; the corrupt ones actually exasperated the situation, by quite deliberately stealing money from the lower classes. Of course they didn't call it stealing... they called it taxes... and yes, Lelouch understood the necessity of such things, what he could not stand, was nobles who covered up their skimming a little off the top, by telling the plebs, that taxes had been raised, again
Of course, it hadn't been, but the plebs didn't know that, and they ended up blaming the royal family of course. And since the nobles were doing this under father's nose, there was no paperwork... meaning no proof... no evidence to support a conviction
This only made Lelouch's blood boil more
This city is a powder keg waiting to blow... and if it's not controlled... it'll cause the Empire to come crashing down
This was not a new revelation for Lelouch, he'd known this for some time, and had been working towards a solution. He was now so close to achieving his goal, all he needed was someone to light the fuse
"So how did you're talk with the Emperor go?"
Lelouch turned to see Milly behind him, leaning against the door frame. Lelouch was silent for a moment, before turning to look out at the city again, "He tried to guilt trip me this time, by taking me to see them."
He didn't need to say more, Milly knew full well what he meant, and a stab of pain pierced her chest at the memories the words raised. "You really should visit more... even if it's just for them... and even if it's just for a few minutes," Milly said, walking up behind him, and wrapping him in a hug from behind, kissing his cheek
"I hate that place," Lelouch growled
"I know... but you're father is at least trying to make amends... perhaps you should do the same... you know you're his favourite," Milly replied, the last line holding a cheeky tone
Lelouch continued to glare at the city, before his face finally softened, "I'll think about it."
Milly chuckled, "Is that the same answer you gave him?" the twitch of a smile at Lelouch's lips was answer enough
They stayed like that for a few minutes, before Lelouch shook himself from whatever thoughts he'd been mired in. "Are we ready?" he asked, breathing deep as did
"Yes, we just need someone to get things started," Milly replied
Lelouch nodded, "Good, and with any luck, we'll receive the perfect candidate tomorrow."
"You really think she can win, against Crassus?" Milly asked with a raised brow
"If she doesn't then she was never worth our time to begin with... this will be her proving... in more ways than one," Lelouch replied, his eyes drifting to the colossal ringed structure that dominated the southern skyline of the city
It was a new day, the sun was shining, the arena was packed, and the crowd was roaring. Down in the pit they'd been left in last time, the sound had been muffled, now Kallen appreciated for the first time, just how loud the crowd really was
The flyers had gone out late yesterday evening, just in time to catch the evening party goers either coming or going from local taverns. From there, word had spread like wildfire, a new match was due to begin, funded by the Black Prince himself. Kallen had asked who the 'Black Prince' was, to which Krem had given her this reply
"He's the youngest son of the Emperor, Lelouch vi Britannia, he hasn't really been seen much in public... besides you're first stint in the arena that is."
Kallen thought back to that fight – had it really been five days already – and recalled the pair of figures she'd seen beneath the VIP box's awning, along with the blonde man who'd announced the end of the fight
"You'll meet him during this fight, as you'll be saluting him of course," Krem had gone on to say
Kallen had contented herself with that, and had spent every waking minute afterwards preparing for this fight. She'd been told that her first opponent was someone named Crassus, and if the Ludus master's reaction to the name told her anything, it was that this wouldn't be a fair fight
"Just do your best out there, and try to stay alive, if the crowd likes the show, you both walk out, couldn't be simpler," he'd said to her after learning her opponent's identity
Now Kallen stood in the waiting area, her stomach full of butterflies, and her hands twitchy, she was itching to do something, but there wasn't anything to do but wait. Besides her, Teal'c and Krem waited with her, this was her first fight, and the Ludus master had wanted someone of experience to give her some last minute pointers before she went in. Teal'c was there for personal moral support
Finally, the announcer began
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome, to the Arena!" he began, his voice booming throughout the building, silencing the crowd. "Today's match, has been sponsored by the Black Prince of Britannia himself, and what a match he has lined up for us today folks," the announcer's words were met with a cheer from the crowd. As it died down, the announcer continued, "Today, two skilled warriors shall face off against one another... the first... is a name you all know, and love... please give a warm welcome, for the return of... Numerius, Rufius, CRASSUS!"
The crowd roared as across from Kallen she watched as a pair of doors opened, and a man wearing light leather armour jogged out onto the field, a small shield was buckled onto his left arm, a sword belted to his hip. It was what was on his back though, that caused Kallen's stomach to flip. "Oh you have got to be kidding me!" she growled
Krem sucked in a breath through her teeth, "Oh... that Crassus."
Kallen's head whipped to her "There's two!?" she exclaimed
Krem shook her head, "No, I just thought this one retired a couple years back, I haven't seen him in the arena in a while," she explained
"Are those Javelins?" Teal'c asked
"Yea, and he's a devil with them," Krem replied, "Watch yourself out there Kallen, don't let him get a bead on you."
"Oh you think!" Kallen snapped back, "How is this, in any shape or form fair!?"
Krem chuckled, "It's not all bad," at Kallen's raised eyebrow she went on, "Crassus is a mean shot with those Javelins, but he's only a middling swordsman... get in close, get in quick, and you got this in the bag."
Kallen did not feel convinced, but it was too late to back out now, as the announcer's voice boomed out once more. "And his opponent... she's a new arrival to the arena, barely five days ago a slave... now a fully fledged gladiator... ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, for the very first time ever to the arena... KALLEN!"
The doors in front of Kallen opened, flooding the small room with light. Krem clapped her on the shoulder, "Break a leg Kallen, and don't forget to give the crowd a wave, they love that."
Kallen nodded, as she jogged out onto the arena floor, the crowd roaring as she appeared. Just like last time, Kallen soaked it all in, gazing round at the hundreds, possibly thousands of people packed into the place. Despite the crowd, she was still able to find her father, who was once again present with the rest of his family, and just like last time, Kallen's mother was held at his side, forced to watch. Kallen felt her stomach give yet another flutter, has he paid my opponent to actually kill me?
Before Kallen could descend down that rabbit hole, a figure in the VIP box stood. Kallen and Crassus turned towards him, he was a lanky young man, about Kallen's own age, with dark almost shoulder length hair, and a pale face. He was wearing a black robe/tunic combo, with gold trimming, that made him look almost like a general observing his troops. Kallen and Crassus thumped their right arms to their chests
So, this is the Black Prince, Kallen thought, as the figure nodded, and the crowd roared in anticipation
Kallen and Crassus straightened and backed away from one another, as the announcer spoke once more. "Let the battle... BEGIN!"
The moment the last word left the announcer's mouth, Kallen was running, her blade leaving its sheath before she'd even registered reaching for it. The only sounds she could hear, was the roar of the crowd, the pounding of blood in her ears, her own breath, and pounding feet
As fast as she was, Crassus was faster. With a practiced movement that spoke of years of experience, he drew his first javelin, and after a quick check of his aim, threw it. The weapon sailed towards Kallen, who was forced to dodge to the side to avoid being impaled. The crowd roared Crassus' name, as he drew back another javelin, and Kallen set off again. She had to keep moving, if she stopped for even a moment, she was dead. Again and again she avoided Crassus' javelins, but despite her best attempts, she was getting pushed further and further back, to the point, that Crassus was able to pick up previously thrown javelins and throw them again
Kallen soon found her back to the arena wall, the nearby crowd was booing her, while the majority cheered Crassus. She needed to think of a way out of this, and quick
Up in the VIP box, Lelouch looked down on the match, frowning in disappointment, Milly however was looking thoughtful. "The match is over Milly... how on earth is she going to get him from all the way over there?" Lelouch grumbled
"A cornered wolf is often the most dangerous, dearest," Milly replied
Crassus retrieved another javelin, hefting it into a throwing stance, meanwhile Kallen stood panting with her back to the wall. On the sidelines Teal'c and Krem watched in tense anticipation, "Come on little wolf, find a way out."
"Come on Red, don't just give up," Krem muttered
As Crassus prepared to throw, Kallen sent up a silent prayer, spirits, give me speed
Kallen suddenly winced as pain erupted between her eyes, and a voice filled her head, "If you are worthy, then prove it... prove your strength... prove yourself... or die a weakling!"
The words caused something to snap, Kallen's eyes gained a sudden focus they hadn't had before, and her muscles tensed, legs bracing against the ground, ready to push off, in the same instant that Crassus let his javelin fly. The moment it left his hand, Kallen exploded forward in a surge of speed, causing the crowd to gasp, Crassus' own eyes widened as his javelin sailed completely over Kallen, and the panic was as clear as day in his eyes
"Good, he's scared, get him, get the weakling," the voice purred
Crassus quickly snatched his last javelin from his back, and took careful aim, before throwing. Kallen sidestepped the throw, but it wasn't quite enough, and the javelin grazed along her left side, which flared in pain, and caused Kallen's vision to turn red
"Make him suffer, make him pay... KILL HIM!"
Kallen uttered a roar of fury as she closed the distance, forcing Crassus to draw his own blade. The crowd roared as their blades met, the arena now filled with the sound of metal against metal. Kallen was relentless in her attacks, strike, strike, strike, parry, thrust, strike, parry, parry, strike, strike
Crassus was now the one being pushed back, he was losing, and he knew it, but then, an opening appeared, on instinct, he took it, striking the flat of his blade across Kallen's left side, straight along her fresh injury. The change was immediate, Kallen cried out in pain, as she crumpled to the floor, clutching her left side, sword slipping from her grasp. The crowd gave a collective gasp, before they began to chant Crassus' name. Crassus raised his arms in victory, to a roar from the crowd, before it was drowned out by another chant
"Death, death, death, death!"
Kallen realised with cold understanding, that they were calling for Crassus to finish her off. Wincing she turned her head up to look at the VIP box, which was now behind Crassus, who had also turned to look
Lelouch heaved a heavy sigh, "Ah well... win some, lose some," he said, as he stood and made his way to the side. Behind him, Milly's eyes never left Kallen
Over on the side Teal'c stared intently at her as well, "Come on little wolf, get up!"
"Forget it Teal'c, it's over... she put up a good fight though... hopefully the sponsor will be merciful," Krem said, but Teal'c ignored her
"Should have known, weak, pathetic, die like the worm you are," the voice growled in Kallen's head, forcing her to grit her teeth. Suddenly, a sharp glint of sunlight caught her eye, but she was unable to examine it, as the Black Prince stepped up to deliver his verdict. Kallen watched as he held his closed fist out to the crowd, before raising it, thumbs up, to which the crowd roared in jubilation
Crassus turned back to Kallen, his eyes shining with pity, "Sorry girl... I hope the gods are merciful."
Time slowed, as Crassus raised his blade to deliver the finishing blow, and Kallen's dream returned
You stand upon the edge
Your path woven with a single thread
The sound of the crowd cheering filled her ears
Fate falls to you
The demons knock at your door
That glint of sunlight returned
Restless one
Each night you shall hear the drums of War
Awaken
Awaken
Sunlight...?
Our voices call to your hunger
Taste the destiny you're searching for
Metal!?
Awaken
Awaken
The fight is at our door
Take up your cause!
Weapon!
Kallen was a blur, one moment she was sprawled on the ground, the next she was moving. Her foot lashed out, striking Crassus on the inside of his right leg, the steel toe caps giving the blow some extra oomph. Crassus cried out, falling to one knee, sword falling from his limp grasp behind him, meanwhile, Kallen's hand came down onto the glinting object, one of Crassus' previous javelins, and snatched it up. Twirling around, she brought the weapon forward, and drove it home
Crassus gave an explosive gasp as the air rushed from his lungs and wouldn't return, a dull throbbing pain emanating from his gut. He looked down, to see his midsection pierced by one of his own javelins, his blood already soaking into the sand at his feet.
"Yea, so do I," Kallen replied
Around them the crowd was utterly silent. Crassus looked back up, his eyes meeting Kallen's, they were a deep green, Kallen noticed, like fresh spring leaves. Crassus gave her a weak smile, placing an unsteady hand onto her shoulder
"Well... played..." he choked, before he slumped over
Kallen released her hold on the javelin as his body fell, thumping to the ground
For several moments nothing happened
Up in the VIP box, Lelouch stared in utter disbelief, while behind him, Milly smirked. It was Teal'c who finally broke the silence, with an almighty cheer, which Krem instantly joined, and was soon taken up by the nearby crowd, before it began reverberating throughout the entire arena. Grunting in pain, Kallen stood, retrieving her sword, before looking up at the VIP box
Lelouch stared down at the red haired girl before him, unable to find any words right now. He glanced in the announcer's direction, who was waiting eagerly for permission. Finally, Lelouch gave it with a small nod
"Ladies and Gentlemen... I give you... your victor... KALLEN!"
The crowd roared as her name became a chant, and Kallen raised her sword to the sky, causing an even greater cheer. She stood there, basking in the moment for a little, before making her way out of the arena. As she left, she made eye contact with her father, whose face was a rictus of terror
"Fear... good, fear us, pathetic man... fear what you have unleashed."
Then, Kallen re-entered the room she'd come from, the doors closing shut behind her. The moment they blocked the crowd's view, she collapsed, into Teal'c and Krem's waiting arms
To be continued dear Readers...
First up,yes, I'm aware that, technically, Kallen just broke the rules, but as I said at the start of this chapter, I'm not going by the gladiator's rule book word for word. Yes, gladiator fights didn't always end in the death of a fighter, in reality (as much as Hollywood wants us to think otherwise)... but if you're looking very closely, you'll see why I decided to go with this ending for Kallen's first fight (and honestly, it wouldn't have been the same if Crassus had lived... poor Crassus, I shall miss him). Like most of the stuff brought up this chapter, we'll be getting back to it at a later date
So be patient my pets, it's a brand new day and the mortal world is at peace... but not for long ; )
So yea, hope you guys enjoyed, please don't forget to leave a review, as always, constructive criticism is welcome and I shall see you all, next time
P.s. I know in popular media that it's the thumbs down for finishing an opponent, but I'm going by what historians think is the actual tradition... if it's still wrong... eh fine... I'll just make this Britannia's Arena tradition