Chapter Restructured & Expanded: 19-02-23.
CHAPTER V
Ālecgan
(Destructive Abandonment)
XIX • CM Sunnandæg of Sōlmōnaþ
(The 19th Night of Cake Month, Sun's Day, 900)
Within a blinding flash, a figure towered before Natsuki. She's aware that this figure is standing, whilst she herself has collapsed; knees embedding into dirt. The confusion is overwhelming—where is she? Who is this person—or… what is it? She's unsure, and that terrifies her.
Who! Who is this?!
The figure's slim with a curved waist and slender limbs. What catches Natsuki's attention in this white-hellscape isn't the femininity, but the weapon she—he? It?—possesses: It's a bladed polearm that's aimed directly at her heart.
Veering her eyes downwards towards the blade, a paralysing nausea overcomes her. The blade touches along her chest between her breasts. She attempts to remain still, but this is futile for her heart hammers erratically.
Her desperate endeavour to plea is silenced by the agonising slice ripping into her gut. Air wrenches from her lungs with the taste of iron hitting her tongue like a wall. A pained yell and gurgling emits; herself not realising this arose from her own lips.
Suffering, sorrow, despair—in one foul swoop she has been slain by her most precious person: Shizuru. Slamming to the floor, only a few thoughts remain.
…Everything's so starry, red and blotched… yet… It reminds her of Shizuru's darkness and scarlet gaze.
Gasping for breath, Natsuki bolted upright in bed and her hands scrambled for her stomach. W-what… What had that been? Heaving, she lingered still for a time, staring frightfully at the far wall. Her heart's practically threatening to blast through her chest, so much it hurts.
A dream… It had just been a… dream.
But it felt so real.
A shaken sigh released from her, cupping her temples to slide her fingertips down her face.
She could already only partially remember the dream—no, nightmare—and that truly worries her. The mystifying figure is already unknown to her but feels so familiar. As well, they had stabbed her within the gut—the same place her death wound is located.
Apprehensive, she moridly checked beneath the blankets and her nightshirt. Beneath the linen everything is clean. She is fine. Another, more exhausted sigh sounded, clasping her head into her hands.
Had Natsuki just experienced her death as a HiME?
Is this also worth going over with Viola? She… She should, yes? Even though it had simply been a dream, who knows how that translates in this world? But as if she'd give the Arcewælcyrge another weakness to her growing coll—
—What is she thinking?
In fact, why is she so suspicious of Viola? She saved her and is explaining things!
'To heal another means to sacrifice your very soul. This spiritual energy is part of your soul and once depleted, you will no longer exist.' Or something like that… Did this mean that if Viola dies, she also ceases to exist?
It almost sounds like heartbreak.
This latter thought catches Natsuki off guard, causing her to frown.
Again, why would she think that?
"You are awake."
Nearly jumping out of her skin, Natsuki curses under her breath. Shooting her attention to her far right, the person in question closes her door. "Can you at least knock…?" She grumbles, warily sitting up as Viola approaches.
"It is nice to see you too, Natsuki." The Arcewælcyrge comments, seeming mildly amused as she carries a bowl in with her. She is uncomfortably watched as she sits beside Natsuki. "Do you feel better at all?" She asks, placing down the bowl onto the nightstand. This time she does not attempt bothering Natsuki, only passing her an imparting glance.
"I guess?" Natsuki shrugged, then hesitantly reached for the bowl. Taking the wet towel from it, she said: "I'm not bleeding." Squeezing excess water from this towel, she guided it towards her face. Sluggishly cleaning her face, her eyes remained upon the older woman, studying her.
She couldn't help but notice how… flamboyant her ruffled shirt is? What is it made from? Silk? These ruffles decorated her front while everything is held in place by lace ties. The fabric is loose enough that Natsuki could see the Anchor's chain and—huh…
Natsuki's gaze veered from the woman's chest before hesitantly peering back into the scarlet gaze. There's that look within Viola's eye again; one she could never figure out. It's a mysterious thing, almost like Viola is calculating her every move. Instead, Natsuki decided to try and evade the situation. "Where's Tomoe?"
"She is with the Night Watch again."
Ah, something had been mentioned about this Night Watch before. "What is that, even?"
It seems Natsuki's interest is piquing about her surroundings, Viola noted. 'This is good.' Crossing a leg atop the other, Viola's scarlet gaze wandered over Natsuki casually. Yes, it is indeed good. It is time to tell her more; "She commands the Night Watch who patrol along the Palace battlements. This includes overseeing people through the gatehouses and identifying any potential threats on the outskirts."
Thinking more, Viola hummed as she peered skywards to the ceiling's wooden beams. "I would like to offer you a tour of the Palace. It would be better to show you than yourself falling into trouble, yes?" Her implying easily bristled Natsuki, causing her to smile, a heated flush spreading along Natsuki's face. Oh, that's adorable, isn't it?
Later, after reluctantly getting ready, Natsuki tailed after Viola.
Though she does have to admit, she hadn't expected Viola to do this. Somehow, Natsuki had assumed she'd be crammed inside the quarters until fully healed—especially after yesterday. Well, it's obvious isn't it! Of course Natsuki would not want to be stuck indoors all day!
They were walking down a labyrinth of corridors now. Natsuki has no idea where they're going, all except they are currently within the… Servants' Wing? It'd make sense, after all they had already passed by multitudes of servants. This section certainly seems far less grand than the rest of the Palace as well.
"This is the servants' place, right?" She asked, spying through the occasional open door leading to more corridors or rooms. Plaster messily decorates along the walls without a hint of wallpaper in sight. Not even carved woodwork had been crafted for this Wing. It's rather sad, really.
"It is indeed. This corridor—" The Arcewælcyrge stopped beside a particular route that led to an ominous wooden staircase. Here there's sparse candles along the walls; their light nary illuminating a thing downwards. "—merges with the tunnels underneath the Palace. This is where the bulk of the servants of lower ranking live. It also leads to the dungeon, undercroft, chapel and cistern." She casually marked off.
Dungeons? Natsuki's face scrunched up, peering down the staircase.
"It is unlikely we shall bump into any nobility or royals here."
The more Natsuki learns of this place, the further mysterious it becomes. It also has a functioning community which Natsuki's currently unsure of. Is this place fair or is it bordering on the barbaric? Actually, thinking about it, she has only seen the occasional servant near their quarters. The only person she has actually seen within their quarters is that redhead, Mai.
"Natsuki?" Viola is further down the corridor now, waiting at a heavy oaken door framed with iron. "We will be moving up into the battlements shortly." The Ánhere hurried to her side as she pushed the lever mechanism, heaving the door open.
In this section is an incredibly cramped stone spiral staircase. Suddenly, a gathering of servants climbed down it, heading further into the dark recesses.
How far down does this staircase lead? Natsuki watched them go, the group carrying an assortment of things both insignificant and cumbersome. Isn't this dangerous? Alas, Viola is already starting the climb upwards. Quickly Natsuki follows suit, grasping the safety rope at her right.
What Natsuki doesn't realise is this staircase has been purposefully constructed to be a death trap. If she is to fight Viola, she would not be able to swing a weapon. This feat would instead go to Viola further up who—right handed—would flawlessly impale her.
After twenty steps or so, Natsuki peered out of the narrow arrow loop windows. Here she could see the field below outside the Palace walls. Every so often, she catches sight of what looks like a ditch running along this wall. She could not tell as it's already getting dark outside. But wait, is that a tower like this one she sees? "Does everything connect together?" She asks as they finally reach the top of the stone spiral staircase.
Next to await them is another door.
"It does. Over the centuries Guadeloupe has been extended several times. The battlements could rival that of a Florentine castle." Viola opens the door which creaks obnoxiously, leading them into the battlements.
Torches illuminated these walls, creating a safe path.
Natsuki wandered over to the wall's edge, resting her hands against the merlons which jutted upwards. Downwards she looked, spotting the dyke she had seen from the tower. Just barely within the darkness, she could see stakes sprouting from the murky waters. Is that a simplistic moat? There's also something… ugh. A grotesque smell wafted from it which Natsuki's sure must be sewage.
Set before her are two sheer walls protecting the gatehouse they stood atop. These walls snaked closer as they reached the gatehouse. But… What is that? Natsuki's gaze moved to a large cauldron attached to a wooden overhang. It is connected by an assortment of winches, rope and chains. Wait… She looked to the barrels beside her: These were clearly marked as either animal tallow or pitch. Oh… now she understands. This cauldron is used to dump boiling liquids onto the contained enemies below.
"Come." Viola called, heading further down the battlements. "We shall meet with Tomoe."
Within the distance, Natsuki could see lights flickering on the battlements. Is that where the Night Watch is located?
"Tomoe?" The Arcewælcyrge called from this distance, neither loudly nor lowly. Her voice travelled within the serenity, catching the attention of the patrol.
It turns out that the Night Patrol consists of four people—at least tonight it does.
"Do you have anything to report?" Viola asked once they met up with this group.
"Nothing for the time being." Tomoe aimed her torch towards the merloned wall. Only a few yards is unobscured by this action—the ground below not seen at all now. It's swiftly getting dark now. "Jeanne and Patricia have investigated the siege weapons. Nothing appears out of order topside." Said women were either side of Tomoe.
"I spotted no suspicious activity either." Nobue spoke, striding forward with a torch of her own. Her helmet shone within the flamelight, casting a glance to the Sprites' Forest by the battlements. "But we're worried we might still have to cull the wolves in the forest."
"Good." Viola nodded slowly, musing thoughtfully. It is still unknown why the wolves have become so aggressive lately. "Have the archers mindful of the forest. We do not need any more disturbances."
The Sprites' Forest is an ancient woodland which surrounds the Palace. Originally it and the Kazahana Forest to the north-west were united as one. This changed some centuries ago as the Crown desired personal hunting grounds; hence, the Sprites' Forest. Though, it was not always named this.
"I've already got the archers targeting the forest." Tomoe remarked. "I have the crossbowmen at the weakest points in the arrow loops. Any enemies found trespassing will be sniped before they even reach the walls."
"You're a step further as always, Tomoe." The Arcewælcyrge praised, planting a hand atop the Ánhere's shoulder. For a moment they remained like this until Viola eased back. "You should end the patrol for tonight; it is already late."
"I learned from the best." Tomoe grinned. "I will be returning to the quarters soon." Tomoe turned to the three Night Watchers. "Nobue, tell the next patrol it's their shift. I will make one last round before turning in." With this, the teal-haired woman left them to their own devices.
"Well then." Nobue is the first to speak. "Arcewælcyrge Viola, we will see you later." But… her attention fixing to Natsuki, an odd look is thrown her way. This is that new Ánhere, isn't it?
"Natsuki." The new Ánhere introduces herself quickly.
"Natsuki, let us continue?" Viola suggests. They still had a lot more to see yet; so much so they wouldn't complete the tour. The Palace is a maze, after all.
Honestly! The sheer size of this place amazes Natsuki.
For a good few hours they've just been wandering around Guadeloupe. It makes her genuinely wonder whether she'd see it all. What Viola has shown her were areas which weren't even out of bounds! Who knows what else lies underneath the surface?
Currently they're within the familiar East Wing now. Viola has guided them in a gigantic circle back to the grand hall. Here the Court is surprisingly in session still. Why, Natsuki hadn't an idea, this remained on her mind as they approached the double doors.
Viola gestured for Natsuki to follow her inside, pressing an index finger to her lips.
"And so I, Her Royal Majesty, will change her name!" Queen Mashiro declared as they entered the chamber. A multitude of people were gathered before her throne as she puffed out her chest. "Ahem!" She declared, beating a hand to her chest as Aoi placed her crown atop her head.
"A-ah! Introducing Her Majesty, Queen Mashiro Kazahana Blan de Windbloom of the Wind Dominians and Her Other Reigning Territories!" The lady in waiting haphazardly smiled, looking as though she'd break out laughing.
Is it the ridiculous title, the immature personality or the little sunflower ornament atop the crown? Natsuki hadn't a clue, merely standing beside Viola some distance from the crowd. She still could not believe this brat ruled over the Kingdom.
"My Dominions have recently increased, so I thought it fit to increase my name!" Mashiro stated loudly above the confused murmurings from the crowd. "In my name we stand! We shall dominate this world and form my Empire!"
"...How old is she?" Natsuki hushed at Viola discreetly, quite unable to believe what she's hearing.
"Fourteen."
That… Does that explain this? Natsuki speechlessly stared at Viola.
"For Queen and Country!"
"...For Queen and Country." The crowd droned; tired of the Queen's crazed antics.
"I can't hear you!"
"For Queen and Country!" The crowd yelled, standing straighter.
"That's what I thought." Mashiro grumbles her eyes darting between the large gathering. Her hawking gaze soon found her next target and she narrowed her eyes. "That one! Yes, you! The HiME from earlier! Come here!"
Natsuki stiffens as she's quickly pinpointed amongst the others. Feeling Viola's hand pressing against the small of her back, she shot her gaze at her. The Arcewælcyrge is expressionless, giving her a sharp push.
"What—?!" Stumbling forward, Natsuki only just regains her footing before talling. Throwing a glare at the taller woman behind her, she begrudgingly ventures towards Mashiro. "What?" She mutters, Aoi looking like a ghost within milliseconds. What's her problem?
"What? What?!" Mashiro screeched, her gathering suddenly becoming eerily silent. "Have you not taught your pet manners yet, Viola?!" Shooting a pointed stare at the Arcewælcyrge, her expression twisted. With Viola merely smiling, she huffed loudly. "Aoi, we're leaving!" She declared, her sunflower ornament dropping flat.
As this is confirmed, two royal staff members burst into the grand hall. Swiftly they strode backwards, rolling a large carpet onto the floor towards the throne. Once the carpet reached the steps, Mashiro hurried down and out of the chamber. These two men then started rolling the carpet back up, bodies low to the floor.
"I—" Natsuki stared at the spot Mashiro had resided; the gathering began to depart as well. What in the Gods' name had that been?
Viola discreetly sank in place beside her. She loosely crossed an arm across her middle, studying Natsuki. "You were rather rude." She pointed out, a smile barely reaching her eyes. "You dislike her."
"How can I not?" Natsuki gruffly countered, turning on her heel.
What is it with these people? How can she possibly take any of them seriously if they behaved so… so ridiculously? Though once again, a familiar thought came to Natsuki's mind. She has no choice. Rolling a sore shoulder, Natsuki headed for the double doors. "I think I'll scream if there's any more drama tonight."
The Arcewælcyrge fell in step beside her once more.
As it's late afternoon, they should probably return to the quarters now. Viola mulled as they journeyed through the Palace, passing by a small group of nobility. "We should return to the quarters before Tomoe gets worried."
Guiding a hand towards the back of Natsuki's shoulder-blades, Viola halted. She dropped her hand in realisation and closed her hand into a loose fist. Instead she smiled, covering her mistake and led the way.
Later, Natsuki is sitting on an old rigid chair within the communal room. Here, she unknowingly stares at Viola, deep in thought.
Had her dream been of Viola? Now that she has time to think about it, the figure had similar proportions. It's hard to say unfortunately, since everything had been so bright and silhouetted. But, at this angle, she—
"Might I know why you are staring at me?" Viola doesn't look at her and is still dressed within her uniform. A book is in front of her on the table which she is calmly reading. She has been doing so for the past half an hour or so.
Huh? Natsuki blinked, frowning in confusion for a second. Oh. "Sorry."
"The reports are finished with." Tomoe says as she lays down a rolled parchment in front of Viola. "I'll be heading for bed now." She eases closer to the elder woman. "Try not to stay up too late, hm?"
"Tomoe, who do you think I am?"
What are those two whispering about? Before Natsuki can make heads and tails of it all, she watches them kissing. Huh, well. She stares unfazed before sweeping her attention elsewhere. These two weren't afraid to throw their intimacy around, were they? Scratching her cheek, Natsuki stands up, "I'm going to bed too." Thus, she ignores the two, entering her bedroom.
Immediately, she seals the door tight. Finally, some peace and quiet, she sighs a breath of relief.
Maybe now she can think over that dream some more?
It's been such a long day that she had briefly forgotten about it. She's sure that if it hadn't been for the tour, she might've figured it out.
For a long while she remains seated on the edge of her bed, musing.
Her dream had involved a bladed polearm of some sort. Had it been a halberd? Perhaps… No. That didn't seem right. Maybe a spear? The musings coiled around her brain to the point she lost motivation. Yet, somehow she knows this is important somehow. Ah, yeah… She had forgotten to tell Viola about this. Well, there's nothing she can do about it now with those two being that way.
Natsuki frowned in response to this latter thought. Did she care that they might be—no, it is obvious they're a couple.
She shook her head.
It's clear she's overreacting.
XX • CM Monandæg of Sōlmōnaþ
(The 20th Day of Cake Month, Moon's Day, 900)
The Quarters
"You want me to do what?" Certainly, Natsuki has seen the siege equipment scattered along the battlements, but still! Is Viola out of her mind? But her, Natsuki? Learn to inspect, keep and fix castle weapons? Half the stuff on the battlements are double her size! This doesn't include the tower catapults either.
Exactly what is this Palace defending itself against, though? It can't just be feral wolves. The Sprites' Forest as well—it totally surrounds the Palace, making defence excessively difficult. Natsuki could see this and it's her first time seeing some of their weaponry. "Who are our enemies?"
"When you house a monarch, you require the best protection the country has to offer." Her Arcewælcyrge stated matter-of-factly.
Well… Natsuki supposed that suffices, though why is she being vague? "What makes her so import—"
"—You shouldn't be saying that around her." Tomoe muttered as she entered the room with a box. It's the early morning and she's about to head out in order to check the battlements. "Shizuru, where are the cloaks I left in here last night?" Pointed to an inconspicuous corner, she went there to gather the clothing.
"A monarch—" Viola paused, returning a nod to Tomoe who left without another word—"—is somebody who runs our nation politically, militarily and religiously. She may not look it, but Queen Mashiro shall be, and is, Windbloom's most senior asset.
This could have easily fooled Natsuki. "Just because of a title?" That's simply ridiculous. Natsuki couldn't fathom the logic behind relying on someone who's such a wildcard. Instead of that child, shouldn't it be someone with genuine experience? Mashiro certainly isn't someone who can lead an army, let alone keep the country stable?
The fact that Queen has something to do with religion sounds dangerous too. Anyone with different ideologies is potentially bad news. The mere concept of an entire nation with a mass of ideologies being flung everywhere though? It sounds completely out of the question. How have there not been revolts because of this incompetent monarch?
Nevertheless… She's being forced to monitor siege weaponry to protect this brat of a Queen. "I suppose I have no say in this? Please tell me someone is training me?"
"I am certainly not that cold-hearted." Viola eased to her feet, signalling Natsuki to follow her out of the room. "The Palace's head engineer shall know more. Yohko Helene is her name. She has studied many ancient texts on siege weaponry and inventions."
Not to mention, Helene has recently been seeking a volunteer. Her young apprentice is one of their best blacksmithers. Natsuki would learn an invaluable amount from them. "It shall very likely be an academic position for a while." Viola mentions as they enter the corridor. "Helene would not put someone in harm's way. Not until they are fully trained."
Natsuki's still injured as well.
"I believe her apprentice is around your age." She added.
"Helene, huh…" Natsuki mused. "Where are we going?"
"Helene prefers the basement for her research."
That's different. What is Natsuki getting herself into this time? One could only wonder as her mind materialised scenarios. Is Helene an antisocial person who dislikes others' company? Is she an old, mad scientist conducting experiments on the innocent? Even if Viola had said she didn't endanger others, she—
"—Many of her experiments are light sensitive."
Ah, now it made sense!
Eventually they reached an unremarkable door. Viola entered it, guiding her down a set of steep, stone steps that are seemingly endless. After what feels like aeons, Natsuki asks:
"How far down is this basement?" She runs her fingertips along hefty brickwork, noticing how smooth they are. The construction workers must have put a lot of care into this section.
"Any moment now." The Wælcyrge says vaguely which immediately puts Natsuki on edge.
"Ease it in place now so I can weld them together." A voice lulled from a distance, echoing softly. "If it isn't securely fastened the user will get beheaded."
Beheaded? "What are they building?" She hushes at Viola who continues leading the way down. The brunette didn't move her head, busy watching where she's going. What is wrong with this place?! The more Natsuki learns, the greater she wishes she's oblivious. Is she overreacting?
"They are building a prototype for the Palace's new water system. The outdoor and downstairs plumbing will be connected to the upper floors." Viola personally didn't know much about it. But at last they reach the bottom of the stairs. She drifted an arm to gesture Natsuki to stop, heading towards the door before them.
It looks incredibly heavy and has a design of iron encircling the timber. The door's handle is also outlandish compared to the ones upstairs.
Viola grabs the iron strut and slides it across the door.
"Oh, Yohko, someone's here?" A younger voice drifted through the door as Viola pushed it open. It creaked open loudly and a dull light slowly drifted into the tight corridor. "Ahh, it's the Arcewælcyrge!"
A/N: The scene with Mashiro truly is a product of its time. I thought about redoing this during the revamp, but decided against it at the last minute. If I had known Cyne Wælcyrge would become an immense story, I would've portrayed her differently.
