Chapter Restructured & Expanded: 30-04-23.
CHAPTER XII
Atolic Bealu (Terrible Ruin)
I • CM Bæþdæg of Gastesmōnaþ
(The 1st Day of Ghost Month, Bath Day, 900)
Observing Viola toss and turn within bed inattentively, Helene boredly scribbled down a note upon parchment. For several hours now the Arcewælcyrge has been like this. Is Helene perhaps too wary to wake her? Or maybe she is simply too lazy?
Either way this constant disruption is getting annoying. Sighing, the Palace doctor and inventor rises from her chair within the underground infirmary. Approaching the bed, her eyebrows quirk when the woman suddenly throws herself upwards. "...Hello?" Standing beside her, Helene takes a cautionary step backwards.
The Arcewælcyrge is evidently distraught as she heaves for breath.
Idly, Helene reached for the bedside's fluorescent light: Twisting its dial, Viola is immediately blinded by the provocative brightness. "Arcewælcyrge, I must inspect your wound." She casually reports. "...You're in Guadeloupe. Both your Ánhergas brought you back safely last night. It is early morning." Watching the Wælcyrge cover her eyes, Helene muses.
Interesting, so Viola does have some semblance of emotion after all. For the longest time she has figured she has none at all.
"How…" Viola struggles to speak, covering her side with an arm in moderate pain. "How long will it be before I am permitted to leave?"
'Seriously?' Helene eyes her; Viola never stays still, does she? "A week at minimum." Is there ever a time she does relax? Easing forward, Helene pulls back the blanket and gently eases Viola's arm from the bandaged wound. "Are you feeling any discomfort?" Removing the bandages, she examines the cauterised incision along Viola's abdomen.
It is healing slowly. She hasn't consumed enough Ardour again, has she? Though this makes very little sense. The Arcewælcyrge has slaughtered an entire army of bandits before. Had she discarded their souls?
"It is painful when I move." Viola looks anxious. Helene gives her a questioning look when she closes her eyes. "If I recover quicker than expected—" Her eyes open. "—May I leave sooner?"
"...Arcewælcyrge." Helene sighs, but heads towards the table she had sat at moment's prior. "Due to your responsibilities, I'll allow this—just the once." Fetching a parchment document, an inkwell, quill and fresh bandages, she states: "Because of your hospitalisation, there are a few things we must discuss."
"Such as?" Viola soothes her temples and suddenly glares through the doctor.
"Glare any harder in pain and I will assume you wish to murder me, Arcewælcyrge." It isn't a joke, but neither is it a statement. Placing the items down upon the nightstand, Helene drags over a stool and a one-person table.
Sitting herself down beside Viola, she restarts her observation. There is something wrong. She has never seen Viola visibly wary before. Rather than ask her what the matter is, Helene feels conflicted. Viola's rage is unparalleled and potentially destructive. Multiple onlookers have already reported their findings to her.
Ever since Anh Lu was killed, Viola has undergone a total shift in personality. It is like she is another person entirely. "Do you have nightmares?" She decides to risk it either way. "I would like you to tell me about them."
The Ánhergas have mentioned that Viola is struggling with something. Helene hoped that she could discover whatever this is. "How many days has it been since you first noticed something is wrong?" She transfers her items from the nightstand to the table. "We may be able to pinpoint a diagnosis with your symptoms."
Unfortunately, the Arcewælcyrge doesn't seem to be having it. She is staring down into her lap almost as though she is within a deep trance. Studying her, Helene dips her quill into the inkwell and starts to write. 'Lack of response. A terrible secret?'
"I do not wish to discuss it..."
"Why?"
...Why indeed.
Today is freezing.
Rubbing her hands together, Natsuki stands outside by the servant's wing beside the battlements. Here is a passageway with an assortment of barrels and crates. Off to the side there is even a well. Approaching it, Natsuki peers inside. A couple of feet downwards rests murky water. The pit is so dark she could hardly see the light's reflection upon its surface.
Upon a distant rumble of thunder, Natsuki picks her head up to study the heavens.
'A storm too?' Ugh.
As rainfall abruptly crashes down, Natsuki hurries to the servant's wing entrance. Standing beneath the archway, Natsuki broods over her situation.
Though she hadn't dreamt, she hasn't slept well. isn't that typical? Just… everything kept her awake. Viola, the Slaves, her identity crisis… the sheer unknown. How long could Natsuki continue on like this before she snaps?
Though, she has overstepped her boundaries with Viola on multiple occasions now. When doing so, more information has been revealed, creating furthermore confusion. The same questions remain bolted within her psyche such as: 'Who am I?', or 'What is this world?'. 'Why do I have nightmares, are these memories?' and lastly 'What do I do?'.
A sudden tension pricks her temples as she continues to muse. The downfall of rain is intensifying; quickly forming deepening puddles between cobblestones. Then, as soon as that stress rises, it vanishes as the oak door behind her opens.
"Oh. It's raining." The newcomer declares as they shut the door after them.
Standing beside Natsuki, the boyish woman introduces herself. "You must be Viola's new Ánhere" She smiles broadly, tapping her fingertips along her plate cuirass. "My name is Chie Hallard."
Who is—oh. "Aren't you the one who is looking after that girl?" Natsuki quips. The teenager who Viola had "rescued" from the bandit has been taken in by the Knights. Nothing has been revealed by her so far. They have no knowledge where she has even come from. It is becoming evident that the girl thought positively of her captors.
"Yes. I'm afraid Nina isn't doing well." She sighs. "But that's the way of bandit victims, I suppose."
From what little Natsuki knew about this woman, she is the Knight-Commander. She is dressed rather similarly to Viola actually. Apart from the armour, that is: She wears black knee-high boots with attached steel toe-caps. Higher are poleyns which protect her knees and cover white trousers. Top side the steel cuirass and spaulders also cover a thick black gambeson. Lastly, long cuffed gloves envelop this gambeson's sleeves, hiding all skin protectively.
Is that armour heavy? It must feel unbearably hot during the summer?
Depending on someone's rank, they wear differing uniforms.
Natsuki's clothing is the bare minimum to Viola's, for instance. Thinking about it, surely Viola wouldn't have been injured if she had worn armour…? Should Natsuki mention something later?
"You seem lost in thought." Hallard mentions suddenly, knocking Natsuki from her daze. She holds her helm beneath her arm, fiddling with its visor idly.
"Sorry." She gruffly speaks. Natsuki really needs to stay out of her head. If only. "You work for the Captain, right?"
"Correct." Hallard nods, though her attention moves down the passageway. Even through the heavy downfall, they both hear footfalls rushing towards them. Tomoe appears around the corner, almost bumping into them. "Are you two heading somewhere?" The Commander makes space for the eldest Ánhere.
"Oh, Chie. We're to see the Spymaster." Tomoe reports matter-of-factly. Afterwards she grumbles under her breath softly, brushing her fingers through her now dishevelled hair. Of course it had to rain just as she left the quarters! "Have you seen her?"
"I just came from her office, actually." Motioning a hand towards the door, she pulls it open for the Ánhergas. "She should be there still. Try to keep it quiet though; the trainees have given her another headache." Her lips pulled into a smile.
Slipping beneath the Knight-Commander's arm, Natsuki goes first into the servants' corridor. Now within familiar territory, she catches wind of servants by the far staircase. Watching them, a frown crosses Natsuki's face as she hears them speak.
"Where is she? I can't find her anywhere!" — "Dunno. Senoh said she saw something last night near the Sprites Forest. You don't think…?" — "Ugh! She's gone and done it, hasn't she?!" — "Done what?"
Has someone gone missing in the Spirites Forest? Feeling a hand press to her shoulder, Natsuki's train of thought is derailed. Looking over her shoulder, Tomoe awaits her expectantly.
"The Spymaster doesn't like to be kept waiting." Gesturing Natsuki to follow her, the elder Ánhere heads away from the quickly gathering servants.
"What's happening with that lot?" Natsuki shrugs a shoulder towards the congregation as they turn the corner.
"One of the suicidal servents keeps running off." Tomoe explains, brushing past an assortment of crates. "For a while she was our personal cleaner, but that didn't seem to help."
Oh, the redhead? What is her name again? Natsuki honestly couldn't remember.
They exited the servants' wing upon the next door. They are close to the grand hall now. "Did she ever say what is wrong?"
"I don't belong here." Tomoe recalled the woman's words, halting beside Blythe's door. "The forest brought me here, she said. But, she never bothered to tell us where she is from." Tomoe shrugs. "For a while we thought she was from Zipang, but that country was wiped out centuries ago."
Wiped out? "By what?"
"War." Tomoe knocked on the door. "Everything ends with war." Demeanour dreary, the Ánhere suddenly shifts her attitude on the spot. "Good morning, Spymaster." Tomoe greets the blonde oddly cheerfully who has just opened the door.
Brows arching, Natsuki can only follow Tomoe as Mayha exhaustedly gestures for them to head inside. That greeting seems rather… fake? Once both inside, the door is shut behind them.
"I heard the salvage mission went south." Mahya says as she sits herself down behind her poplar desk.
She wears an amaranth-pink frock coat, including white trousers and a matching shayla scarf. Evidently appearance wise, this Spymaster's heritage isn't Wind.
Where is she from?
This office is also far grander than any room Natsuki has seen so far. Large crowned glass windows soaked light into the room behind the Spymaster. Glass is incredibly expensive, isn't it? These windows alone must have cost a fortune! Poplar bookcases blanketed the walls, engulfed by books of all types. The Spymaster is definitely a bookworm.
"Unfortunately, yes." Tomoe murmurs, sitting herself down in one of the wooden chairs before the desk. "Slaves are inhabiting there. I suspect they're from the plagued dock."
"Inhabiting, you say?" Leaning against her desk, Mahya brushed her fingers to her lips before raising her gaze to Natsuki. "Well, sit down then? I'm not going to crucify you." Wafting a hand towards the empty seat beside Tomoe, the Spymaster's amusement mildly lifted. "You must be Natsuki. I have heard a great deal about you."
"You have?" Natsuki cocked a brow before looking at her in confusion.
"Viola has been reporting your progress to me. Very few accompany the Arcewælcyrge to the Garderobe Ruins so early. She must see great potential in you: You should be proud of that."
Natsuki didn't think so. Warily eyeing the Spymaster, she couldn't help but wonder how much this woman knew about her.
This is the first time she is even meeting Mayha! Let alone know anything about her in return. "Thanks, I gu—" Getting thumped in the side by Tomoe's elbow, Natsuki grunts and stared her way. "Wh—" Receiving a glare instead, she could only look at her in bewilderment. 'Now what?'
"Oh, stop it." Mahya laughs softly, now confusing Tomoe. "I don't have the energy today. My trainees have already drained it. Speak with me naturally. I'm sick of people being terrified of me. Now, for the reason you're both here." Unpocketting a casket-styled key from her pocket, Mahya unlocked her desk cupboard. Leafing through piles of confidential documentation, she brought out a scroll. Unrolling it, she placed it onto the desk and secured it with four colourful paperweights. "Before the salvage mission, Viola requested that I organise your official training for the KEY Shrine Ceremony."
"KEY Shrine Ceremony?" Natsuki babbles. What the hell is that?
"A KEY gives a Wælcyrge their essence, you could say." The Spymaster explains, pointing to a particular paragraph on the scroll. "You're both loaned spiritual power through the Arcewælcyrge and by other means. A KEY is essential for unlocking your potential and allowing you to consume energy yourselves." Drifting her fingertip lower, she now directed them to an image. It showcased twelve monoliths encircling a greater one deep within a forest. "It is decided that whenever the Arcewælcyrge is unwell, I will be managing your progress."
A few days ago when Natsuki had her nightmare, she walked into Viola writing a report. Is that related to this? It seems a little odd that the Spymaster will be explaining this, rather than her. Glancing at Tomoe, the fellow Ánhere didn't seem bothered at all. Maybe she already knows a few of these details?
"Tomoe, what did you Anchor from the Ruins?"
"A few bits and pieces—mostly junk—but I did find a book. I think it relates to the Guardian." What is that book titled again? "Our Lady's… something." Shaking her head, Tomoe straightens in her chair. "Shall I have it delivered later?"
"Please. It sounds incredibly important if it relates to the statue." Clasping a hand atop her other, Mahya's attention transfers to Natsuki. Something within this Ánhere's demeanour has changed abruptly. Ah, now she understands. "I heard that you stumbled across the Ruins when you got lost within the Sprites Forest."
A spike of anxiety hits Natsuki's heart. Even the Spymaster knew—of course she'd know?—"I…" Tongue catching, Natsuki has no idea how to respond as the two women stare at her expectantly. "The wolves… chased me. I got lost and found the Ruins. It was raining so I ended up getting lost there."
"And finding the Guardian." Mahya nods in conclusion. Deciding to drop the subject, the Spymaster discussed the next topic. "How was the visit with the Witch? Once the Arcewælcyrge has recovered I will appreciate the report on her decision."
"She's thinking about it." Tomoe explains, leaving Natsuki to mull over what this decision is even about. "Though she's busy currently. She's studying my Anchor as something strange is happening with it."
"Strange?" Mahya tilted her head with interest.
"Alongside the voices, it seems to have physical healing properties." Musing, Tomoe stares down at the scroll. "I feel better without it." She lifted her head to regard the Spymaster once more. "Do I seriously need to keep using it?"
"Thanks to your incompatibility, I'm afraid not." Mahya smiles sadly. "The KEY Shrine Ceremony will deal with this problem. For the time being, you must rely on Viola and Natsuki."
'Incompatibility?' This is the first time Natsuki is hearing about this. 'Because I'm not ready?' What makes this different suddenly? Unless the Spymaster didn't know Viola's arrangement? "Should I even be hearing this?" Tomoe looks at her warily. "I can g—" Making a move to stand, her forearm is tugged by Tomoe. "—No?" Forced back down, Natsuki awkwardly falls silent as the meeting continues.
"As such with the ceremony, the trials ahead must be prepared for. I will organise the documentation for you as Viola can explain better than I." Removing the paperweights, Mahya rolls the scroll back up. "The details for the report are included within this bundle."
Receiving more scrolls and a ribbon from the cupboard, Mahya ties the documentation together. "If anything arises, my trainee Nao will fetch for you."
That brat Nao is Mahya's underling? Natsuki can only stare as they're dismissed.
Soon they are ushered out of the door. With it closing behind them, Natsuki eyes Tomoe.
Incompatibility, huh? What did that even mean? The elder Ánhere seems lost within her own mind as well. There is far more than meets the eye with Tomoe—everyone, honestly. Nevertheless, she has learned quite a lot today. "Where to next?"
"Shizuru. We should pass her the details."
Oh, right. Of course. Natsuki winces, but follows Tomoe back down into the servants' wing towards the infirmary. For the past hour she has managed to keep Viola mostly at the back of her mind. But now she remembers the previous nights.
Why is she so obsessed with this woman? She is being ridiculous; if anything she is more alike to that bandit victim, Nina. Viola terrifies her half the time. Who in their right mind could think positively of somebody who slaughters willingly?
'Shut up, you idiotic brain.'
Talking about victims, Natsuki spots that teenager with Hallard down the corridor.
"This is the entrance to the Underground Facility. As I am patrolling the city with the other Knights, I will be leaving you in Helene's care."
"How long will you be gone for?"
The two notice the Ánhergas approaching, and turn around. "Ah." The Knight-Commander smiles as she thread her fingers around Nina's shoulder. "These are the Arcewælcyrge's Ánhergas."
The bandit victim visibly flinches at the name, and Hallard is fully aware of it.
"Nina… she rescued you."
Pulling away from her, the teenager runs away down the corridor's opposite end.
"Nina, wai—" Sighing, she signals a hand towards Natsuki and Tomoe apologetically and makes chase. "Nina!"
Blinking after the Knight whose armour rattles, Natsuki turns to Tomoe. "Where are the Knights going?"
"They're checking the dock and skirting the city. The Slaves at the Garderobe Ruins are a great concern." What if the plague has ripped through that region entirely? The Slaves' presence is worrisome as in reality, those docks are rather close by. "They will return in a fortnight."
Opening the infirmary door, Tomoe heads for the metallic stairs. "I hope Shizuru's alright." She mumbles.
"...It's Viola. I doubt a little slice will stop her." It's true. Natsuki let the door swing shut, still wondering how precisely its mechanism works. "Does she really have an agreement with the Spymaster to train us?"
"Yes. Shizuru has too many duties to always be here to help us."
Huh, well. It surprises Natsuki, honestly. She didn't expect Viola to hand them over to someone else so willingly. Did she truly trust Mahya that much?
Arriving at the infirmary's main entrance, she warily watches as its lights switch on. She no longer overreacts to technology, but that doesn't mean she has to like it.
"Tomoe and Natsuki, I'm guessing?" Helene's voice came over the intercom.
"Yeah." Tomoe speaks into the device's microphone.
A loud click emits from the door before it creaks open steadily.
Natsuki is the first to enter apprehensively. Ugh. She will never get used to this Place's strange machinery. Like before, the laboratory is an utter mess. Contraptions litter the platform; even the water reservoir's prototype is still here—albeit now complete.
Inside the ward they can see Helene who is by her desk. "Ánhergas, over here." She wafts a hand before her parchment, seemingly trying to dry the ink faster. "Arcewælcyrge, you have visitors." Picking up her documentation, she keeps the parchment horizontal as she heads over. "Try to give her some space, she isn't feeling well. I'll be in here if you need me."
Heading into the ward that is separated by the towering metal doorway. Apprehensively Natsuki enters it, hesitantly approaching Viola. Standing before the foot of her bed, they stare at one another. Suddenly, like an onslaught, Natsuki remembers the previous nights.
The travelling to the Witch, the Ruins, Slaves—their argument. Or well, has it truly been one? Natsuki hadn't a clue anymore, honestly. "I… Hello." She forces the strained tone to release from her lips, standing there lamely. Viola is staring through her so attentively she swears something is the matter with herself.
Is something about her inappropriate? Natsuki unconsciously checks herself but finds nothing amiss.
"Shizuru." Tomoe meanwhile has no trouble heading to her bedside. "How are you feeling? I've been so worried."
Feeling like a third wheel, Natsuki awkwardly stands there as Tomoe wraps her arms around Viola.
Yeah, um. Scratching her cheek, Natsuki takes to looking elsewhere instead. This wall's alloy panelling sure is interesting suddenly…! A selection of rivets kept the metal securely fastened to the wall.
Thinking about it, what is this thing even supposed to do? Surely it isn't decoration?
Though, no matter how hard Natsuki attempts to ignore her situation, that stare is unavoidable.
Returning her gaze to the bed, a chill runs down Natsuki's spine. Tomoe is mumbling incoherently into Viola's ear, but rather than listen, the Arcewælcyrge stares at her.
For the life of her Natsuki couldn't decipher what this expression is either. The hairs along Natsuki's neck stand on end as she quickly breaks their stare.
"Shizuru? Are you even listening?"
"I am sorry. I am thinking..." The Arcewælcyrge's voice is so soft that even Tomoe has difficulty hearing her. "...and in pain." Easing Tomoe away from herself, Viola slowly eases herself up into a seated position. "I take it you both saw the Spymaster?"
How does she know that? Unless this had been planned beforehand? No. Natsuki is thinking between the lines too much again. Of course it had been organised.
"We did." Tomoe watched the Arcewælcyrge with concern. She is holding her arm to her side with minor discomfort. Rather than ask and be brushed aside, Tomoe continues: "She told us about the Key Shrine Ceremony. We also brought the reports, but Shizuru..." Crimson eyes rake across her. "Rest. The reports can wait."
Heading for the bed at last, Natsuki drags a chair over. "She's right." She mumbles, having difficulty choosing the correct words. "You… you shouldn't push yourself." There isn't really much else she could say, is there?
Especially when tensions rise from the Arcewælcyrge. It's happening again… Breaking their gaze, Natsuki is unable to continue.
"...Either way." Tomoe speaks up: "Are you fine with the Spymaster's part in the Key Shrine Ceremony?" Shizuru didn't reply at first, her stare hardening upon Natsuki who didn't dare to return it. "Shizuru."
"Yes, yes. I am fine with it." She sighs with exhaustion. Her expression straining, the Arcewælcyrge regards her eldest Ánhere dismissively. "I am tired."
"Yes, but…" Tomoe frowns, unable to understand just what precisely is wrong with her—apart from the pain, of course. Evidently there is something else wrong, but what is it? "Shizuru, I—" The Ánhere glances at Natsuki. "—We are worried about you. Please, what's wrong?"
For once the Arcewælcyrge genuinely looks as though she wanted to say something. But as quickly as that appears, it vanishes. "I do not want to discuss it."
"I—" Tomoe stops herself before the frustration rises, dropping the subject at the last moment. "How long will you remain in the infirmary?"
"A week at most, if Helene allows it."
Fiddling with the documentation within her lap, Natsuki is at a loss.
She feels like a spare part in this discussion. But that is pretty typical, isn't it? Every so often she could inject a few snippets into conversations, but this is once in a bluemoon. Honestly she didn't have anything useful to say, and Tomoe is a better communicator than her. Natsuki is still learning, after all. Or well, she supposes.
"Just the week? You persuaded her, didn't you?" Tomoe's lips pulled into a bemused stare.
"I did, however there are a few things I must discuss." Viola says: "It is about hallucinations and Anchoring."
Wait, Viola's coming clean? Natsuki's interest immediately piques and she sweeps her gaze upon the Arcewælcyrge. She is still pressing a palm over her wound in discomfort, but her expression seems determined.
Is Natsuki going to learn even more information today?
"Don't push yourself…" Tomoe worries, but is just as interested nonetheless.
"There is…" Viola sighs, unable to find the words well. She struggles, shaking her head almost as though to rid something from her mind. "My Wælcyrge, Anh; she theorised that the reason Ánhergas hallucinate is due to borrowing the lifeforce of others. She went mad—a horse stalked her till her end."
A horse.
Natsuki freezes up at the statement as Tomoe looks at her in realisation. She is screwed, isn't she?
W-what… What should she do? "V-Viola, I…" Crimson rakes upon her, causing that twang of anxiety to spark harder. "I see a horse…" She whispers, the Wælcyrge staring through her so harshly that Natsuki feared she'd break. Her confession has slipped from her lips much easier than what she has expected. B-ut that stare!
"You… do?" Viola's voice strains as something shifts across her face. It is impossible to decipher what that is. "I… ugh." Clasping a hand to her stitched forehead, Viola leans forward.
"Shizu—"
She lifts a hand to interrupt Tomoe, before sliding it down her jaw. "Not again…" She mumbles into her palm. "Tomoe, please wait with Helene."
Somewhat distraught, Tomoe leaves them.
After a tense lapse, Viola speaks quietly: "A silver horse haunts your dreams, yes?" She removes her hands from herself, straightening to regard Natsuki.
"Y-yes…" Natsuki distractedly responds. It is obvious that Viola isn't lying. As short as the question was, it's a word-for-word description of what she experiences. "Honestly, I… I am scared to mention anything. The wolf at least makes some sense, but the horse? It…" Natsuki pauses, her face twisting into unsettled musing. "...What do I do?" She returns her gaze to the injured Wælcyrge. "Viola, what do I do?" She repeats, adding emphasis to her question desperately. "I-it hounds my dreams and when I'm alone I feel I'm being watched!" Clutching the woman's bedsheet, Natsuki leans closer on her chair.
Viola simply continues to observe her apprehensive Ánhere. Her crimson stare drops to Natsuki's hands which tug faintly at the blankets. "How long?" She asks quietly.
Natsuki realises the tension isn't waning. W-what's happening? She has confessed to Viola, so surely? What…? Lips gaping open faintly, Natsuki quickly closed them as she mulls upon Viola's next question: 'How long?'
Suddenly, she isn't entirely sure. Interrupted however, she jumps when the parchment on her lap falls to the floor. Making a move to gather them up, she stiffens when her forearm is grasped. Staring at a scroll, her attention slowly fixated back to Viola.
"Natsuki, tell me. I must know."
W-was Viola fearful? They stare at one another breathlessly.
"I-I… a week?" Natsuki hazard a guess, but Viola's stare did not relent. If anything she stares harder with concerned revelation. "Viola?" Grip released, Natsuki could only continue to silently observe the Arcewælcyrge.
What should she do? Viola seems as confused as her.
"When does the horse appear?"
Natsuki's been wondering about this herself. It is only predictable within her nightmares, but in reality? "It's… within my dreams. It twists them into complete nightmares. When awake it's unpredictable. But I think it follows me. Especially when I'm paranoid." Which sadly is a lot these days. Natsuki's brow furrows with discomfort. What else is she supposed to say?
"Has it physically attacked you?"
Can it do that? Natsuki's gaze picks up to meet scarlet eyes worriedly. "N-no. Will it?" She is almost too afraid to ask, and this anxiety spikes harder upon Viola's expression. Oh, Gods' it will get worse, won't it? "V-Viola, it doesn't, does it?" Grasping the woman's arm, she stutters: "P-please, Vi-Viola! I can't keep doing this!"
"U-unhand me." Viola mumbles as she begins to sink away from the Ánhere. Oh, her head… Pressing a palm to her temple, she closes her eyes. However, her fretting Ánhere did not relent.
"What is this horse? Why me? Why Anh? W-what's happening?"
"This…" The Wælcyrge sighs a pained breath, her brows knitting together. "This is precisely why I did not want you knowing m—" "—Vio—" "—Silence, Ánhere!" Her voice broke under the strain; her tone heightening. "There are methods for safeguarding against the horse, but it requires strenuous tra—" Viola pauses upon Natsuki's changing demeanour.
Scrolls lying forgotten, they stare as the Ánhere partially leans over the bed. Teeth clenching behind sealed lips, the migraine-stricken Wælcyrge removes their gaze. This reminds her far too much of...
"What is… what do I do?" Natsuki voiced almost incoherently, the words sloshing uselessly around her tongue. "Viola, please! I must k—"
"—You must take a life and absorb that soul. But you shall become a Wælcyrge in the process."
The statement hits Natsuki like a collapsing wall.
Slowly pulling herself away from Viola, she takes a step backwards. Tripping past the chair, she falls onto the floor. Stunned, she shakes her head at Viola. "N-no… you're lying." She whispers brokenly. "W-why will… why will that 'safeguard' me from anything?!" She cries out. "Why must you lie to me?!"
Watching the distraught Ánhere, Viola couldn't do a thing to settle her. At that moment, Tomoe returns to investigate the drama. "T-Tomoe." She ushers her over, feeling so frail. "I cannot do this anymore."
"Do what?" Tomoe looks down at Natsuki, her stare fire. "What have you done?"
"Me?! S-she told me I need to kill someone—" What madness is this?! "—and all because of some stupid horse?!" Grounding her hands against the floor, Natsuki slides backwards from the two women. "Y-ou!" She pointed accusingly at Tomoe. "You're part of this, aren't you!"
"...Shizuru?" The elder Ánhere could only note Viola's incredibly fragile state. She has slouched downwards and is cupping her head. "Shiz—"
"—I hear… voices." The confession floors the ward into deathly silence. "...'Never stops. It didn't speak when I was an Ánhere. B-but when I… w-hen I..." Fingers slipping between tresses, Viola's fingers whiten as they press into her scalp. "...When I… consumed her spirit, I..."
"Shizuru?" Tomoe kneels down closer to her. Grasping the Wælcyrge's wrists, she guides her hands from her head. "Shizuru, when you what?"
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Natsuki questions venomously. "We've all been going insane this entire time, and you never bothered to think that is important?" She spits from the floor.
Hands laxing against Viola's wrists, Tomoe gently placed them within the elder's lap. Turning around, she stalks the fellow Ánhere whose demeanour immediately shifts. Unhooking her handaxe, Natsuki hysterically yelled at her: "If you kill me, you k—"
Interrupting her flawlessly, Tomoe snatched her collar. "—For once in your pathetic life, shut the fuck up." Lifting her axe's blade to Natsuki's throat, she glared death at her. "Neither do I understand. Just. Listen." Slamming the Ánhere down, Tomoe hurried back to the Arcewælcyrge's side. "Shizuru."
VIII • CM Bæþdæg of Gastesmōnaþ
(The 8th Day of Ghost Month, Bath Day, 900)
One Week Later
In the end, Natsuki hadn't learned a thing, nor will she visit Viola.
She absolutely refuses having anything to do with Viola or Tomoe. Those two are complete psychopaths.
Remind her again, but why has she gotten closer to them? Because of the Witch? Waiting outside the Spymaster's office, Natsuki's gaze sweeps across the corridor. She is on constant vigil: If those two show up, she'd know.
Neither has shown up all week. It's leading her to assume that Viola is still stuck inside the infirmary. Good enough for her.
"Natsuki? I'm ready for you." Mahya opens the door wider to allow the Ánhere inside. "What's your decision?"
Ever since the awful revelation, Natsuki had fled to the Spymaster.
The woman is remarkably fine with all of this. Not to mention, she knows what she is talking about. It is refreshing discussing topics without fear of stepping over boundaries.
As for her decision, she is deciding on her future. Infuriatingly, she is chained to Viola through Soul Pact, so there isn't much she can do. Neither could she endanger herself because of Viola's pathetic state.
Hearing voices… don't make her laugh. "I want to learn more about myself, this world and be trained properly." Sitting herself down before Mahya's desk, she wonders where her dread has gone.
In fact, she has undergone a total personality shift, hasn't she? Is this normal after experiencing traumatic events? Had last week been that awful though, truly? Natsuki is conflicted. Will killing somebody truly aid her case?
Surely ending someone's life will bring about more complications? Howbeit… "Specifically I want to learn about the Ánhergas and how they become Wælcyrge."
"Hm." Mahya seats herself down and leans into her fingers. Studying the Ánhere, she muses internally. It is like this woman has aged a decade overnight.
She had received the details from Helene over what had happened. Natsuki's disownment has sent shockwaves through Guadeloupe. The entire Palace is gossiping about it nonstop.
"I can plan your training now. However, what precisely do you want?" Training is a loose word, after all. "Far more's needed in Guadeloupe Palace than just Anchored technology."
"I… don't quite know." Natsuki confesses. "I do not want to become a servant." Her face scrunches up at the idea. "Neither do I think I'd be suited as a crafter or scholar." It is overwhelming just how many jobs are required, and this excludes the nearby city.
Underneath Viola she has learned so little about her environment. Never would she have learned from Viola that Windbloom deplored Queen Mashiro. Nor would she know that the Five Year War with Florence bankrupted Windbloom. Why has Viola kept so much from her? Don't tell her that the voice told her to do this?
"Guard training?"
Natsuki nods. "But…" She frowns. "I don't want to kill anyone. I don't care what Viola says."
"Natsuki…" The Spymaster sighs into her palms as she props her elbows against her poplar desk. "An Ánhere's very existence is sustained by loaned souls. Those souls eventually depart from the material plane leaving you weakened. Viola rejuvenated your body when you were recovering from your previous death, correct?"
"...Yes, but—"
"—That was months ago. Do you not realise how exhausted you look? With the added Phase Shift and the Arcewælcyrge's current condition, you should be dead."
"I...what?" Thinking about it, when is the last time she has taken notice of her appearance? Natsuki surveys her pale hands, looking upon the incredibly visible teal veins. Her palms are also astonishingly cold. It is as though no heat resides within them at all. Natsuki couldn't remove her stare from the sight.
"There is a way you can absorb souls, but it is morally controversial."
But isn't this dubious in the first place? Natsuki's gaze finally breaks from her hands after a time. "That means I'll become a Wælcyrge though? Viola has to kill frequently just to survive. That, and well… she's deranged."
Without souls she will go mad. With them? Fiddling her shirt's cuff distractedly, Natsuki rambles: "What am I supposed to do? Go insane? Tomoe's Anchor was doing something to her as well. That's a crystal full of souls."
The picture is incredibly grim, but… Mahya stands up which catches the Ánhere's immediate attention. Heading for her bookcases, she skims a finger down a multitude of tome spines. "There is something I will show you." Finding the correct book, she brings the hefty volume to Natsuki. "This is called the Wælcyrge Cranic—Chronicle in our Modern Tongue. What I am about to show you are your predecessors."
Predecessors? Natsuki eyes the Spymaster oddly before the book is eased towards her. Brushing her fingers along the leather binding, she wonders what animal it came from. It's all cracked and worn, even staining her fingers vaguely. But those letters… What are those? ᛋᛖᚩ ᚹᛇᛚᚳᛁᚱᚷᛖ ᚳᚱᚪᚾᛁᚳ
"Those are the Old Tongue's runes. This is what our language looked like before we adopted Lutesia's alphabet. What those runes say is Séo—the feminine 'the'—Wælcyrge Cranic. Hence, The Wælcyrge Chronicle."
"Huh…" Natsuki mumbles tracing a nail delicately across the sharp letters. "Weird."
"Perhaps." Mahya opens the book to the correct location. It is old indeed; every page has yellowed with age and the ink has stained. But upon reaching the right section, Natsuki's eyes widened.
Crawling the entirety of this passage is the Wælcyrge 'family line'. There are even pages blank, presumably for her to continue. "H-how far does this go?"
"Nine hundred years." Leaning her jaw into her palm, the Spymaster quietly observes Natsuki. It is evident that Natsuki needed to see this. "Look upon the boxed legend on the page's left side. That details how your predecessors' died."
Natsuki notices that beneath a Wælcyrge's date of "birth" and death there are coloured letters.
Deceased naturally: a green D. Soul maddened: a white S. Lost in action: a red L, and Vanished: a purple V. With this information, she immediately jumps to Viola who is yet to receive a letter. Quickly she notices something fascinating.
Shizuru Viola
890—
_
Anh Lu
878—897
L & S
Rena Sayers & Sakura Hazakura
850—879 & 845—879
V & V
Una Shamrock
836—852
S
Maria Graceburt
799—879
D
If she's reading this correctly, it suggests that the Wælcyrge line fell apart thanks to Shamrock. She went soul maddened. Furthermore, Maria Graceburt died the same year Rena Sayers and Sakura Hazakura went missing. Anh Lu had only existed a year by the time all three women were gone, too… "What happened to these two?" She points to Sayers and Hazakura.
"Shamrock went mad. Graceburt reportedly looks after them."
Wait, so, there can be multiple Wælcyrge? Even though Viola had recommended her to become a Wælcyrge, she had assumed… what? A Wælcyrge could have several Ánhergas, so why did it make any difference? "Did Graceburt really support them? I would've assumed that because Shamrock chose them…?"
"I see where you're coming from, but yes, it's possible."
Er, huh. Delicately turning the pages, Natsuki's already finding it difficult to read the handwriting. Not three centuries ago the language was already incomprehensible. She could still note the letters though. Judging that the terminology hadn't changed, very few actually went soul maddened. In fact, many either died naturally or in action. It is also rare that a Wælcyrge chose multiple Ánhergas. Four centuries before Hazakura and Sayers there were five Wælcyrge. It's bad enough with just one…
It's no wonder that Anh Lu knew so little, Natsuki understands. She had a single year beneath three Wælcyrge before her world was tipped upside down.
Suddenly, she feels guilty for her outburst against Viola. N-no, she shouldn't feel like this at all. Viola deserves it! ...Right? Besides, Viola had seven years with Lu!
Yet, the harder she tries to justify it, the more pointless it feels.
"I think you're beginning to understand now." Mahya remarks as she circles her desk. Seating herself, she continues the discussion. "But let's change the topic now. I will have the scholars search the Kingdom's archives for you. Which subjects will you prefer? Geography, history, the arts?"
"I think history will be fine for now." Let's try not to overcomplicate an already convoluted matter.
"And your training?"
"I think I need to…" What? "I need to think about it more."
Now free from the Spymaster, Natsuki exits the servants' wing and enters the passageway's battlement.
Like the week previously, it is freezing. Currently it's the late afternoon, and her sleeping situation is on mind.
Fortunately she has managed to avoid Tomoe entirely and has been sleeping within her room undisturbed. Curiously, she hadn't had any nightmares either. Maybe Viola's insanity is like a contagious cloud? Anyways, for now she'd rather not risk heading to the quarters.
Wandering aimlessly, Natsuki follows the inner wall of the servants' wing. Other than musing over her potential future duties, she hasn't a clue what to do. Spending the next ten minutes mindlessly walking, she is broken from her trance.
Having shut off her brain, she realises she is now within the Palace gardens. It surrounds the large courtyard. Personally she has never quite liked this place. It is too orderly here. None of the plants have any freedom to grow from their flowerbeds.
Totally alone however, she isn't complaining.
Sitting herself down upon a nearby stone bench, Natsuki shivers within the cold.
When are those floods Viola mentioned? To say the least it feels like winter is fast approaching.
She sighs, her breath forming condensation within the chill. She is mildly surprised that there hasn't been a frost yet. Perhaps later tonight? Sliding the heel of her boot against the tiled floor, she thoughtfully observes the gardens.
Will she truly have to kill somebody just to keep her mind sane? It feels contradictory nor does it make a shred of sense.
Routing out your psyche of torment with murder, all the while engulfing it within guilt? Yet, as a Wælcyrge, this means choosing a soul—an Ánhere—to walk in your footsteps? Although, does a Wælcyrge necessarily need to make a Soul Pact? Natsuki has no idea.
Why? For what reason other than to bring trauma to the innocent? Una Shamrock had gone mad. Is she destined to as well? For half a decade the Wælcyrgan have been failing.
Also, Natsuki has just realised something: Those women within the Wælcyrge Cranic, they are only successful Ánhergas, aren't they? An Ánhere only undergoes recognition if she becomes a Wælcyrge… Or so says Viola.
Thinking back to her potential duties, Natsuki is confused. For some reason guardwork just speaks to her. Is something from her past life driving her towards this choice? All she knows is a mysterious figure cutting her down and an arachnid tormenting her. Trusting of course that these are memories rather than distorted dreams.
Honestly she thinks she shouldn't rely on this past self at all. Especially considering the chrome horse rampages within them.
Typical. Natsuki will sleep on it, she guesses. Or rather, will attempt to.
"Natsuki?"
The hairs on the back of her neck rise. Eyes darting to the side, she spots Viola by the hedge entrance who hesitantly approaches. "...What do you want?" She asks coldly, turning her head away from the Wælcyrge.
What is she doing here? Why couldn't she ever escape this woman? Out of the corner of her eye, she observes as Viola sits down beside her. Ugh.
"I am sorry for last week."
The Ánhere genuinely wonders whether to even bother listening to her. But no matter how much she wants to, something denies her of that. Viola sounds terrible.
Cautiously she looks at her and notices that Viola looks as she feels. "What happened?"
"What happened indeed." Viola releases a depressed chuckle before releasing an exhausted sigh. Though the Arcewælcyrge had been hospitalised, she looks as though she'll collapse from overexertion. "Helene has done all she can. I must consume souls if I can to fully recover."
"Is this your way of being honest?" Natsuki questions the Wælcyrge carefully who is taken off guard. Tired scarlets glance her way before sweeping downwards. Receiving a quiet nod, Natsuki's expression tightens. Viola feels much younger suddenly.
"You seem different, Natsuki."
They both do.
Silence befalls them as the afternoon horizon is painted azure. Emotions suppressed, Natsuki looks upon the crescent Moon and its Star. Her relationship with the Arcewælcyrge is awful: Anybody could recognise this clearer than daylight. Yet? Her bottled despair is too much, but removing the stopper is far more dangerous.
"I've seen the Wælcyrge Cranic." She feels eyes upon her, and she exchanges the look. Viola's aggression is null—Natsuki has wrongly predicted she'd be furious. Instead, the Arcewælcyrge who appears half-awake speaks.
"I am scared." She confesses, tugging at her chained necklace to reveal her Anchor. "Without this, I may as well die." Hanging the kaleidoscopic crystal before herself, it languidly pivots. "Have you ever noticed what waning Ardour does? It transforms us into shells of our former selves."
A tension from the crystal cut the atmosphere. "But by consuming souls, it has changed me. The voice is blocked by this Anchor, however it is only a temporary respite, I..." Viola mutes, allowing the crystal to lax from her fingers to rest by her bosom.
"Viola?" Why is she telling her all of this? Natsuki warily eyes the Anchor, before recognising it's smaller than the one given to the Witch. Did these crystals each hold different properties? The other caused Tomoe to hear voices. This still does not explain why Viola hears voices as well.
"Viola." She repeats, catching the Arcewælcyrge's attention. "What do you mean it changed you?"
The elder strains a smile. "I used to be like you: Innocent, fighting for others. Quickly I discovered my unlogical existence. My Wælcyrge, suffering madness, died by the Guardian's hand. Those seven years we spent together were shattered at a moment's notice. In spite of this, she was not able to demonstrate survival to me. Her soul was the first I ever consumed—an unsupervised reprobate left to insanity."
All Natsuki can do is remain quiet as the Arcewælcyrge gushes her heart out.
"Ever since Wælcyrge Shamrock, we have been tormented by hysteria. I...do not understand why." Viola plants her hand to her side against her healing wound. "She went mad and Anh's Wælcyrge, Hazakura fended for herself similarly to myself."
"Until her and that other one vanished?" Natsuki supplies, causing them to lock eyes again. "That book… were they ever found?"
"No." Skywards Viola looks to the HiME Star, studying its twinkle as though relating to it somehow. "They were searching for something. The records do not state what that is nor why they took their Anchors: Including Graceburt's primary one, an Anchor of unimaginable power. With only her emergency Anchor, her health failed, leaving Anh alone."
The Wælcyrgan have gone through all of this in the space of a few decades? Yet, as Viola describes their history, her voice is neutral as though it does not affect her.
These women are all but ghosts to her.
Natsuki's face twists in response to this thought. Then, something alarming strikes her: "Wait, so is this you right now?" Natsuki asks the Wælcyrge who continues to observe the horizon. "Do consumed souls fight for domin—"
"—Do not misunderstand. It is not the dead who control me."
Then… What does? Natsuki stares as the Arcewælcyrge eases up onto her feet. The voice? "How long has it been since you…"
"—Were not a raving lunatic?"
Natsuki blinks in mild surprise at her.
Turning around, Viola catches the Ánhere's look and smiles sadly. "You have only seen glimpses of my true self. I fear I may not have long, so I must reveal to you what I can." Noting Natsuki's clear confusion, her crimson gaze trains upon her carefully. "I must explain this to you before I am again unable." Taking a breath, the Wælcyrge leans down before the Ánhere. "The silver horse is a bastardised Key. I understand that the Spymaster briefly discussed the Key Shrine Ceremony?" Receiving a bewildered stare, she continues: "A Key is the embodiment of a Wælcyrge's self and also that of a lost God. Vlas, the Bastion of Light—the terror horse—has been hunting Wælcyrgan for centuries. We do not know why. The reason I told you to become a Wælcyrge is so your Key will protect you."
Keys are Gods? Natsuki had assumed these had been literal keys to unlock doors. Flinching as the Arcewælcyrge's hands plant to her knees, she breaks their gaze.
"The wolf you saw is impossible."
"What, why?"
"Durandal ceases to be."
Hang on, that wolf is a God? Natsuki stares, but soon after cups her head. "My head hurts…" She whispers. This is a sensory overload.
"Natsuki, the moment Saint Vlas returns, you must tell me. It cannot touch you. Because if it does… your soul will be lost to oblivion and beyond. That is why Anh went soul maddened."
Natsuki didn't understand.
Upon the horizon the unsettling drone of a horn sounds within the distance. Hearing it, Viola stands to her full height.
Above the treeline within the mountains the warning outpost's pyre is lit.
"Florence has arrived?" A bell from the Palace rings out, quickly alerting the inhabitants. "Natsuki, come. We must journey to the Captain's office. She shall plan our next move."
Now they're under attack? Did this ever end? Stumbling to her feet, the Ánhere accompanies Viola in tow. She can hardly keep track of what is happening. Viola is totally different and poured her a lifetime of information she can barely comprehend. Now they are presumably under attack? "How far are they?"
"At least an hour away. Our pyres stretch on for miles, but we cannot be certain how they are travelling."
Inbound by horses they will be slowed by the Sprites Forest. On foot? Viola is unsure.
Entering the central courtyard facing the Palace, an onslaught of Knights bypass them.
"Arcewælcyrge!" The Knight-Commander calls as she rushes over. Lifting her helmet's visor, Hallard asks: "Will you be joining the battle?"
"Yes."
Everyone sure is casual about this, even though an attack is imminent. How used to conflict are they? Natsuki could only continue tailing Viola as their sizable group pushes into the Palace entrance.
Plate armour rattles, chainmail jangles and boots clicked along the hallway. Dodging a fleet of servants, they soon gather outside Armitage's office.
The stressed atmosphere steadily climbs as the group awaits the Captain of the Guard.
Just as Natsuki has given up hope, the door swings open to reveal the blonde. "Hallard, send your fastest rider to the Kazahana Outpost. They must signal the retreat." Equipping her helm, the fully armoured Captain rallies the group with her. "All of you, with me!" She leads the way, her green and yellow tabard billowing.
Natsuki is unsure why she is being dragged into this. She can't possibly be of any help, right? Looking to the servants however, something triggers inside of her. Some are huddled inside the hallway, whilst others anxiously speak to one another.
"They're going to kill us this time, aren't they?" — "Don't say that!" — "But it's true!"
"Why are they coming?" — "Didn't they do enough after the Five Year War?"
"I don't want to die!"
"Viola, I want to help." She keeps in line with the Wælcyrge as they hurry down towards the battlements. Stopping by the steps leading up into the fortifications, Viola regards her silently before saying:
"Alright. But promise me that you will not put yourself in harm's way? Listen to me at all times."
Natsuki nods. "I get it." Climbing the steps with the Knights and amassing guards, the Night Watch apprehends them. Oh, right… She hasn't seen Tomoe since the drama last week. Natsuki grimaces as the fellow Ánhere immediately catches sight of her.
Tomoe holds a torch aloft, illuminating the battlements partially. "Captain." She pulls her gaze from Natsuki slowly onto Armitage. "The perimeter is secure but the rear portcullis needs looking at. Some fool's jammed the winch."
"What?" Of all times?! The armoured Captain points to two guards at random. "You two! Fix it else I'll have your heads!" As they stumble down the battlements where the Night Watch has come, Armitage turns to everyone. "Where are the archers?"
The group haphazardly looks at each other before quickly realising none of them have arrived.
"Oh, for…" Turning to a particular Knight, Haruka commands: "Gallagher, bring them here. I don't care how you do it; you have my full permission to use force."
The Captain of the Guard is certainly something. Natsuki watches in awe as the woman quickly organises everyone together. Finally, once it is her turn, everyone sets eyes upon her. Feeling self-conscious, Natsuki cautiously glances towards Viola. What is she supposed to…?
"Finally!" The Captain shouts, breaking the Ánhere's train of thought before it begins. The archers have arrived including an odd one out.
Squinting, Natsuki quickly recognises who this is: Woods?! The doctor's assistant comes bounding up the steps gleefully. "Captain! Reporting for duty!" She salutes, a heavy leather bag swinging over her shoulder.
"Woods?" The Captain is as confused as everybody else.
"I'm sorry…" Gallagher sighs as she heaves up the steps. "I couldn't stop her."
"Oh, don't worry. I won't be a liability. I brought grenades!"
...Huh? Natsuki eyes the short woman in disbelief who stands beside her. She takes a cautionary step away from her; as did the others.
"Just don't blow yourself up." Haruka slides a hand against her helmet, shaking her head.
"Aye aye, Captain!"
This entire Palace is mad.
Once everyone else is set, Armitage approaches Natsuki and the Arcewælcyrge.
"Viola, what use is your Ánhere?" The Captain sizes Natsuki up through the slits of her visor. "If she can't fight, have her stocktake the battlements."
The two women turn their attention to Natsuki. Oh, she has a choice? This decision is already made: "I'll do it. What do I need to do?" Gestured closer by the Captain, Natsuki momentarily looks at Viola before being led away.
"We will need plenty of arrows, bolts, brimstone, saltpetre, charcoal, pitch, moss, water and rags. Circle the battlements and ask every group what they need. You'll have everything needed at the drop sites. These are located at the steps. We're at the eastern side, down there—" She points. "—is the north drop site, while there—" An index aims to the south. "—is the final."
Drawing close to the eastern stockpile, Armitage opens one of the barrels and peers inside. "Don't expect the stockpiles to be organised. Sometimes the idiots go and get stuff mixed up. Double check everything before you take it to a group."
"Does that happen a lot?" Natsuki quirks a brow as Armitage secures the barrel's lid closed.
"More than I'd like to admit." The Captain grumbles before propping her hands to her tassets. "Oh right, I suppose I better warn you of the dangers first."
Natsuki's other brow rises in response. Okay?
The Captain starts listing down the regulations off her digits. "Don't breathe in the brimstone: I'm sick of firing stockpilers who insist they see their maker. It's an explosive, so don't light a flame near it. The stuff is yellow pellets—looks like sweetcorn in a way. Don't eat the saltpetre! It's not for food. Charcoal is used to set off black powder—is made from the saltpetre and brimstone. Pitch is very flammable; we dump it onto attackers and set them on fire." Narrowing her eyes, Armitage pauses before continuing. "Bolts are for crossbows not bows whilst moss and water are for fighting fires. Anything else?"
Natsuki stares, taken aback. "I—no. That's fine, I think." Should she be regretting this decision?
"Good!"
For a brief second, Natsuki's sure she saw the Captain smile under her visor.
Slapping the Ánhere against the back, Armitage nearly floors her. "Now make me proud!"
"Gagh! Mind it!" Natsuki growls as she presses a hand against her back. That gauntlet could've ripped into her! But Armitage completely ignores her and heads further down the battlements.
"You'll be fine!" The Captain calls over. "Just do your best!"
Left alone, Natsuki aimlessly sweeps her gaze along the soldiers. A small gathering of archers are beside her preparing their bows. It is unprecedented how long they have, but she guesses she better get started. "Hey." She casually introduces herself to the group. "What do you need?"
"Pitch, rags and arrows."
Further down the battlements, Viola watches on as Natsuki heaves a barrel towards the group. She has grown indeed… She is immensely proud of her Ánhere. But… she sighs, cupping her temple as she views the horizon.
Viola is in no fit state for the upcoming battle. Worse, if she consumes souls, then…
"Shizuru, will you be sitting this one out?" Tomoe asks as she holds a cuirass within her arms. "...I could do with some help."
"Of course not." Turning to the Ánhere, she takes the cuirass' backpiece and fitted it to Tomoe's back. "I will be gracing the battlefield." Piecing the halves together, Viola buckles the cuirass together securely. "Does it fit correctly?"
"Yes, but you should wear armour too." Tomoe takes a spaulder from her table's pile. Luckily her armour has been found easily. Perhaps their stockpilers will be an improvement from previously? Her gaze wanders over towards Natsuki in the distance. She is still sorting the first group.
Last week still pisses her off. Why couldn't she just listen? She can only shake her head, saying: "I think your armour was brought with mine."
Considering she has been injured by the Slave, armour is a good idea. Eyes wandering to the sky, Viola watches the distant pyre flames. "Tomoe." She spots her armour—naturally beside Tomoe's—and removes her knee-length jacket. "If they breach the walls, protect Natsuki."
Folding the clothing, she places it onto the table and reaches for her mahogany-red gambeson. If their adversaries are indeed Florentine, they will require her full attention. Tying the protective tunic up, her fingertips slip upon her Ánhere's statement.
"If we're overwhelmed, will you use Kiyohime?"
Pausing, Viola looks up to the woman who is deadly serious. Spaulders fixed, Tomoe is now slipping on her vambraces.
Only a few have witnessed her Key and due to her devastating power, Viola feared her. What if Kiyohime goes out of control and slaughters the entire Palace? It isn't impossible.
A piercing screech silences the battlements.
There, upon the skies they saw it. A great chained phoenix rides the azure horizon. Wings aflame, they propel soot and ash aside. Smoke billowing from its monstrous maw, savage teeth are revealled as its mouth opens. A blazing orb engulfed its gullet before slamming down into the Sprites Forest. Next: Carnage.
"Shiz—"
Sinking into the battlement merlon, the wail resounds within Viola's mind tenfold. Screams of panic reverberate her migraine-stricken mind, until nothing at all. Vision blackening, a colossal ash tree slams into the Arcewælcyrge's view. Its canopy is whipped by a brutal snowstorm. Encompassing the monumental tree, a mælstrom threatens to collapse it.
"Shizuru!"
Grimmsyll: The Terror Horse of the Golden Millennium with a thousand names.
Upon this vision, the shrieks scale higher and harder. Ripping into the Arcewælcyrge's very sanity, an additional illusion assails. The Key Shrines. Twelve short pillars skirted a towering thirteenth. Then, two severely eroded ones grind skywards.
KA-SUC-I: L-d o- Inf-rn-, R-b-th an-Fi-e.
K-Y-H-E: G-de-s of W-r-s, -rses a-d Deceit.
"Leofa Wælcyrge, faru oþ þæs betlic Grimmsyll. Fundon ðā on stefn þā bōt cearwylmas. Siþþan morgen-lēoht geondscínþ, swice!"
A/N: This chapter actually underwent three versions: Its original draft, a version in Viola's perspective, and one revealing none of Viola's secrets. The old timeline was a mess so I ended up completely redoing it. As for the POV, well... it wasn't sitting right as it completely ruined Viola's mystique. But on the other hand, if I didn't reveal something, the story would've started falling flat.
The next chapter is going to be insane and I have no idea how long it'll take. On another note, I'm taking a break from all stories except for Cyne Wælcyrge, Entwined Empyrean and Renascence. I want to concentrate on this fully because it's honestly become my favourite. As always, I'll frequently be updating my profile. I've also got a poll which should be visible, so if it isn't, please PM me. Never had much luck with FF's polls.
Reviews
Elizabeth Charlotte: In canon, a KEY is a HiME's (manga) most precious person who unlocks their power. So Mai and Natsuki's KEY is Yuuichi etc. KEYs are a little different here though. Also, Natsuki's confusing attraction will be explained at a later date. I'm developing on this at the moment. There's a lot more than meets the eye.
Darwater: Thanks for your kind words. I'm never quite sure with how I feel about my stories because I'm constantly improving. Because I work on the small details so much, I'm always at risk of making huge errors (the overall plot might make no sense). For instance in this chapter, I'm constantly asking myself whether I wrote the right thing. I'm never satisfied with the results because I know I could've written it differently.
Happy Christmas!
