Chapter Restructured & Expanded: 02-05-23.
CHAPTER XIV
Þe Carcernðystru
(The Prison's Darkness)
XII • CM Wigesdæg of Gastesmōnaþ
(The 12th Day of Ghost Month, Warrior's Day, 900)
"I must know, is there any physical evidence of change yet?" The Witch's communication rune drones throughout the lab.
Positioned atop the laboratory table's centre, Yukino's voice further emits: "Though I'm different from the Wælcyrgan, our spiritual basis is surprisingly similar at times."
Days have passed since Viola had eliminated Kagutsuchi and fallen into deep slumber.
It is seemingly endless and no matter what they attempt, the Arcewælcyrge won't stir.
"We may be running out of time if visual complications appear."
"You mean to say that Witches' fall into similar comas?" Helene asks, sitting at the table with Shiro, Natsuki and Mahya. It would make sense as both wield magical properties.
Actually, aren't the Wælcyrgan sometimes known as Witches in far off lands? Food for thought.
"Yes. The Matron Mother—a coven's matriarch—may sometimes fall into spiritual hibernation for various reasons. As she's surrounded by fellow Witches, her essence can recharge which leads to her eventual recovery. I theorise that Viola has fallen into something similar—or perhaps even the same. However, if a Witch doesn't wake in due course, it can be incredibly dangerous. This is because she's at the mercy of her inner mind. Because Guadeloupe has no magical fulcrum, I fear this will happen."
Inner mind? Natsuki glances towards Viola's bed. At that moment, Helene stands and approaches the unconscious Arcewælcyrge. Is Viola stuck in constant nightmares or something?
Is this what the Witch is implying?
She watches as Helene inspects the Wælcyrge before soundlessly motioning over Woods.
Is something wrong?
"Moving on for now, I will now detail my findings on the Anchor. Natsuki, did you manage to find Tomoe?"
"N-No. I never managed to find her."
It is beyond her where the older woman has wandered off to. Hopefully Tomoe hasn't done anything stupid. "Last time I saw her was when we first spoke in the quarters."
"That's concerning…" A breath sounds. "Spymaster, it will be wise to find her. The elder Ánhere's presence is required for what I'm about to discuss."
Wælhaell
Primal energies flow alongside the pathway Viola follows.
Where is she?
Her clouded mindscape doesn't allow her to know, for the mist disorientates her immensely.
This forested region is familiar yet alien simultaneously. Viola isn't aware of when she had been brought to this location either, nor why.
Did she truthfully want to know?
If this truly is Wælheall, this means she is deceased.
How and why does such a corrupt entity like Sanada exist within these astral planes?
Her teachings have completely ignored the concept of these other realms. Or, what little she has received from Anh anyw—
Anh.
Her heart wells with dull pain. How could Sanada do such a thing?
The crazed nun has never made sense, so why should she expect logic?
Furthermore, her wounds have disappeared again. What is the meaning of this? Where's Anh? Who is she?!
She couldn't answer that, and finds herself awestruck upon her next discovery.
The mist departs from view, transforming the path into a winding cobblestone road. It stretches on for endless miles, peeking into the forest before ascending a cliff.
Stopping in her tracks, Viola's gaze slowly lifts. There, in the far distance within the mountainscape, is a monumental ash tree.
T-that is the same one from her vision, isn't it?
Viola's mouth goes dry upon the stark realisation. Yet, for some reason, she is drawn to it.
Unlike her hallucination, it isn't enveloped by piercing winds or a hazardous blizzard. Rather, it appears serene and looks mirage-inducing because it is transparent?
"Is it semi-Anchored?" She muses out loud, her voice reverberating impossibly across the landscape.
Stunned at the notion, she freezes further as the echo rebounds on itself. Instead of being greeted by the same murmured words, they translate into something else entirely.
Neither did these spoken words belong to the Arcewælcyrge.
"Áseón, Wælcyrge oþðe on wæl crunge fýrwyrm."
The sentence blares within Viola's head as though someone is beside her ear. But alas, this isn't the case nor does she feel comfortable.
Déjà vu creeping, she warily scopes out her surroundings and holds her sabre's grip. "Who are you?" She demands at nothingness, her words evaporating within an incoming mist.
Spinning around, she unsheaths her blade and almost slices into her potential adversary.
Where in the Gods' names has she come from?!
Standing before her unfazed, a robed woman pointedly stares. She has seemingly appeared from nowhere; her crimson gaze narrowing upon the blade aiming her way. "Ālecgan." Her command cuts like ice, tightly gripping the sword.
Viola can only watch as the unbloodied hand seizes the sabre, taking it from her. As the blade is thrown aside, the mystery woman then removes her hood.
She nears, causing Viola to cautiously take a step backwards.
"Ic schulen wehte þū, þone wæs cearwylm under Sunne." Without giving Viola a chance, the azure-haired woman strides forward. Extending her arm, her fingers phase through the Arcewælcyrge's bosom. "Êower mód þe þa âbýwan swá mé."
An incomprehensible atmosphere engulfs Viola as she unconsciously hovers her hands close to the woman's forearm. "I...I…" She speechlessly murmurs before the words die upon her tongue. Taking witness to the act, the momentary sensation of collapsing befalls the Wælcyrge—then nothing.
"Behold, Wælcyrge who perished fighting a fire-breathing wyrm. Oneself shall awaken thou, who is sorrowful beneath the Sun. Thy heart shalt be cleansed by mineself."
The words mystifyingly translate within Viola's mind as the robed woman steps back. Knees buckling, the Arcewælcyrge stumbles downwards—energy completely dispersing. "I-I do not… I do not understand. Who are you?"
"Oneself is the Guardian of this Terrible Horse, the world tree. Thou may bethink of me from the Sacred Writ of Wælcyrgan. Thaugh mineself is known as Miyú."
Viola could only stare blankly for a few moments until she understands what the Guardian means. But wait, the Terrible Horse? Her gaze pulls towards the great ash tree. It couldn't possibly be...—
"Grimmwedan is beknownst as the Terrible Horse within this realm. For aeons it has hunted the larcener who purloined its Heart: Suihōhime's Kongōseki." Miyú bends forward to observe the Wælcyrge carefully before transferring her attention to the tree.
"Sanada is somedeal aright. Thou must welcome it, lest malady induces thy soul-maddened heart. Betwixt the roots thou shall divulge Suihōhime." Clasping a frozen palm to the Arcewælcyrge's shoulder, the mist enshrouds the pair. "To the Terrible Horse we depart."
Thrown hands first into the dirt, Viola's world turns upside down as they seemingly teleport.
Disorientated, it takes her a moment to realise they are now before the towering tree. Arching her head upwards, the tree with a thousand names is thousands of acres wide.
Truly, it is an impossible feat to comprehend this tree's size.
Lips falling agape slightly, it takes Viola's all to level her gaze with Miyú. "Am I dead?" The whisper escapes her.
"Aye. Soul Dead."
The Guardian doesn't portray the faintest of deceit. Rather, she is totally serious as she turns to regard Viola fully. "Thy weapon: Take it." The sabre is suddenly within her hold again, her hand entwining its blade.
Hesitantly reaching for the grip pointing her way, Viola stalls. "How is Sanada correct? What does this tree have to do with me? Why must I be here?"
"To awaken thou halves and behold the Kongōseki. Heretofore, mineself shall guide thee." Miyú gestures for the Arcewælcyrge to stand before her. "Rise, Wælcyrge and witness our worlds' Heart."
Within monumental twisting roots is a dark passageway. Inside, a faint glimmer can be observed. "Here thy purpose shall be wrought."
The journey within the dim tunnelway is silent and long. After what feels like an eternity, Viola finds herself deeply lost in thought.
Endless scenarios pour within her mind, constructing impossible and potential events feverishly.
Who is she?
What is her purpose?
What are these personalities?
Why did she remember?
Who is this "Guardian"?
Is it Sanada ploying?
Where is Anh?
How is she dead?
Why does approaching the Heart fill her with joy? The unfamiliar emotion sparks within the Arcewælcyrge as the shining light grows larger.
"Aeons bygone, a corrupt Arcewælcyrge stole fragments of the Heart."
Blinded by the glorifying light, the awestruck Viola can only listen as her vision returns.
"Thirteen pieces—Anchors—are taken. Mineself implores that thy return then purifies them."
A grand crystal entangled by roots is suspended high inside the organic chamber. Hither and thither, even from here, damage is evident. Jagged cracks and missing chunks are clearly visible.
"The Dark Whisperer stole these. Beforetime, the Terrible Horse seeks to hunt her down alike thyself and Ánhergas. If thou is unable to complete thy three halves, he shall expire thou. Now, with your Anchor, I shall purify thouself."
Positioned within the chamber's centre, Viola watches as energy descends towards her from the Heart. Emerald glitters, illuminating its pathway towards her. Touched by this primal magic, an Ardour she has not experienced before fills her.
Taking a step back, she notices that her Anchor has lifted up to hover. Staring at it, she watches as the prismatic crystal's hue transforms before her very eyes. It is now fully transparent, as though it is glass.
Then, the joy she felt returns as her vision wanes.
"Through this purification, thou are reawakened. Return to the mortal plane where mineself will later send word."
XIII • CM Hidesdæg of Gastesmōnaþ
(The 13th Day of Ghost Month, Worker's Day, 900)
Within the underground facility, nobody notices as Viola's fingertips twitch.
"Did you manage to find Tomoe?" The Witch's voice drones across the ward.
"Someone saw her around an hour ago." The Spymaster says, sitting herself back down at the central table. "I've notified the Captain, she's organised a search party."
"Very good. Scholar Takamura—" "—Please, call me Shiro." "—Shiro. What have you managed to translate so far from the Wælcyrge Cranic?"
"Bits and pieces. Though I've noticed a few pages are carefully removed: These are mostly from the malady and bestiary chapters."
Someone has obviously taken them, but for what motive? Brushing his lips momentarily, Shiro heaves open the Wælcyrge Cranic which he has brought along.
Carefully turning to a bookmarked segment, he searches for a particular location. "I translated more of the details discussing the crystals. Arcewælcyrge—the name is illegible here—took crystals from a "terrible ruin". I'm not sure what this means here."
But he is getting ahead of himself.
"From this "ruin", she stole fragments of its "Heart". Once more, I have no idea what this means, but it goes on to say they have incredible power. I am almost completely certain that these heart fragments are Wælcyrge Anchors."
"That would make sense. Judging by this name—"terrible ruin"—it matches well with the studying I have conducted. Does it mention a psychic connection, perchance? Similar to this communication rune, for example? Unlike my rune, a psychic connection will have no external aid and is a link shared within the inner mind."
"Hm, yes and no. There's mention of a Guardian of sorts. They're apparently spirit guides. The one mentioned here is called 'Miyú'."
"...Miyú." The Witch sounds as though she is familiar with this name.
Natsuki, who sits beside Shiro, edges closer to study the Wælcyrge Cranic as well. "Are there any pictures of the crystals?" Surely it'd be easier to identify them if there is?
"Ah, correct. There is, actually." Shiro flips ahead a couple of pages until printed diagrams are visible. Thereupon the yellowed sheets are thirteen crystals of varying sizes and shapes.
Interestingly, the central one seems the most important and has handwriting scribbled beside it. "Heart of Vigour?"
"Of strength, resilience." Yukino supplied. "What is this Heart of Vigour?"
"It's written beside the central crystal." Shiro explains, curious indeed. The tome is large and every day he is learning something new. "There are also numbers beside these crystals. This central one is marked as the first. Sounds like it's the most important one."
"Wait." Mahya speaks up, easing to her feet and standing behind Shiro and Natsuki. Taking a look at the images, she hums with thought. "That looks familiar, actually."
She rests her hands against the back of Shiro's chair and leans over him slightly. "Arcewælcyrge Graceburt owned an Anchor that looks like this. Though…"
"Though?"
"It's inside the Wind Catacombs. It is used to seal the restless dead and protect her body."
"Oh!" Shiro exclaims. "Now that you mention it, I think I've seen it too. Alongside sealing, it can convert another Anchor's abilities temporarily, can't it? Arcewælcyrge Shamrock used it to soothe her mental health, correct?"
"Yeah, I wonder if…" Mahya quietens, a little unsure whether to complete her sentence. Instead, she decides to ask the Witch a question first. "Yukino, will it be feasible to use multiple Anchors to reawaken the Arcewælcyrge? What if we could convert this "Heart of Vigour's" ability to wake her from this coma?"
"That's… this could possibly work. It may take her longer to wake as conversion is usually weaker." But this is clearly the best option they have so far. "The Anchor's location is concerning, however. Are there records documenting the dead's behaviour within these catacombs?"
"I'm unsure as this is the Cathedral's business." Mahya quickly adds: "I shall send a messenger over soon."
"Very good. Shiro, could you please take another look at the Wælcyrge Cranic? Is there a crystal responsible for causing hallucinations? In particular, causing mental health issues, draining spiritual energy and psychosis?"
This is obviously Tomoe's Anchor, isn't it? Natsuki has remained silent for the most part, having nothing useful to say. She couldn't help but wonder though; what are the undead doing beneath Wind Cathedral?
Surely they of all people will know how to keep them… well, dead? She has a bad feeling about this."I'll go and look for her again." She mutters, suddenly feeling claustrophobic within the Underground Facility, which in itself makes no sense. This place is gigantic, after all.
Slipping away, her gaze momentarily sweeps towards Viola's bed again.
She is totally unconscious still. Other than the Arcewælcyrge's calm breathing and that machine droning her status, you'd think she's dead.
Having stopped, Natsuki swallows roughly before compelling herself to exit the ward entirely. Just… What's happening to her? Honestly. She used to be terrified of that woman, but now? It makes no sense and Viola's personality shift confuses her to no end.
No, no.
Natsuki is getting ahead of herself. She has to remind herself that this Wælcyrge's Key is Kiyohime, a being of deceit.
Is she being unfair…?
It is beyond Natsuki.
Climbing the stairs out, she forces herself out of her head. This isn't the time. Firstly, she has to find Tomoe and make sure she isn't doing anything stupid. She has been hiding far for too long now.
Once reaching the surface, she looks down either end of the corridor. Apart from the occasional servant, it is eerily silent.
Though, this is probably due to nightfall; it is fast approaching midnight.
Heading for the nearest window, she momentarily attempts peering out the crown glass. The swirled mess makes it impossible. Grumbling, she grasps the metallic stay but pauses upon noticing the window is jammed. Why is—
"—That window is broken. The royal cat is involved, don't ask."
Almost flying out of her skin, Natsuki whirls around to face the newcomer. Turns out it is the Knight-Commander. "Q-quit it." She grumbles, before also realising the woman is unhelmed and her arm is within a sling.
Oh right, something had happened to her during the battle. Natsuki warily eyes the handsome woman. "Do you know where Tomoe is?"
"I saw her a few hours ago around the battlements, why?"
"Helene needs her." Natsuki shrugs, not wishing to throw anything personal around. It isn't like it's the Knight-Commander's business, anyhow. "Did she say where she's heading?"
"No. We didn't speak. Though…" Hallard muses with brief thought. "...Tomoe's quite partial to the gardens. I'd try there." As Natsuki starts departing, she quickly adds: "Ah, mentioning the cat, watch out. She broke out of the Palace and is probably up to no good."
Strange how the Chief Mouser can do anything but kill vermin.
Once entering the gardens, Natsuki strains her eyes within the darkness. She should've brought a lantern. Sighing in realisation, Natsuki can't be bothered to rectify that. So instead, the Ánhere somewhat blindly searches the gardens.
As the minutes pass slothfully by, her patience starts wearing thin.
Where is Tomoe?
Then, as if by magic, she spots her at the stone bench she and Viola had occupied days ago.
Oh. The memory flies back, causing the Ánhere''s brow to wrinkle.
No, why would Viola lie? Shaking out of it, she starts approaching Tomoe who is sitting beside a conveniently placed lantern.
However, it is quickly evident that she has a guest: Juliette Nao Zhang.
The one-eyed woman catches sight of her first from her tree.
"Speak of the Devil, look who's here."
"You're needed at the labs." Natsuki ignores the redhead who scoffs. What's with her, anyway? Natsuki eyes Juliette who is glued to a large book. She always seems to be reading. Though, can she even see what she's reading?
Oh, well.
"People have been searching for you all night, you know?" She remarks as the Ánhere releases a sigh, rises then hands the lantern up to Juliette.
"What's happened now?" Tomoe waves a hand towards Juliette as she manoeuvres on over. She just wants to be left well alone.
"I don't know. The Witch asked for you."
Tomoe looks exhausted. She's hardly slept, hasn't she?
Even within the darkness, Natsuki could read the evident fatigue upon the Ánhere. Her gait is especially unnatural; another symptom. Deciding against asking about it, she simply leads the way towards the labs.
Once out of earshot and approaching the Servant's Wing, Natsuki says: "It's about the Anchors. They might awaken Viola."
Entering the dim torchlight beside the entrance, Tomoe could now be seen better. Apart from exhaustion, she seems… anxious? Natsuki could only hazard the guess as they briefly remain by the timber door.
Tomoe hasn't heard of such things before. Her experience has only been negative though, she supposes. Following the younger Ánhere inside, she stares into Natsuki's back.
She is finding it increasingly difficult figuring Natsuki out and that pisses her off relentlessly. Why is this person, who has hated her situation before, suddenly like this?
To this day, Tomoe questions herself, yet the rookie? She feels as though she is on the cusp of being replaced, and that terrifies her.
Upon entering the wards some minutes later, the Witch's voice echoes within the chamber: "It will be wise that I come to Guadeloupe. Rituals such as these are incredibly dangerous, especially without prior knowledge. As this is sudden, it may take me a few days to prepare."
"That should be fine." The Spymaster murmurs, a sheet of parchment set before her. Jotting down notes—likely related to this conversation—she continues: "I will persuade Her Majesty to negotiate with Wind Cathedral. She's maintained contact during the Arcewælcyrge's coma so far."
It is miraculous, really. Usually the Queen is quite the brat indeed. Not that she—the Spymaster—should be thinking this at all. "Should I organise a detachment to meet with you? Our relations with the neighbouring countries are yet to improve."
"Yes, that will be very helpful. Thank you, Spymaster."
"Of cou—ah, Natsuki, Tomoe." Mahya's attention moves to the incoming Ánhergas. "Come, sit yourselves down."
Where is everyone? Natsuki looks around but only finds Viola and Blythe accompanying the ward. "Why did the others leave?"
"They're organising the preparations." Mahya drags another chair closer so Tomoe and Natsuki can sit either side of her. "Sit down, this is a fragile situation."
Of course it is. It never is something lighthearted, is it?
"Yukino, you're free to discuss the potential plan with the Ánhergas."
"Hello, Tomoe. I hope you're feeling better. As follows, this is our situation: Translating is underway for what we believe to be Anchors within the Wælcyrge Cranic. One of these crystals is thought to belong to Arcewælcyrge Graceburt: An Anchor that was sealed with her body inside the Wind Catacombs. We are to negotiate with Wind Cathedral soon. This Anchor was used to seal souls and has some form of conversion power. If our theory is correct, we could use this Anchor to reawaken the Arcewælcyrge. Unfortunately, however… the undead wander the Catacombs. This is where yourself and Natsuki come in."
W-wait. They're throwing them inside the Catacombs?! Natsuki distraughtly pulls her gaze from the rune to Mahya. "You can't be serious?! She accuses, absolutely outraged they'd even suggest this.
"Listen to her." The Spymaster simply says, her arms crossing before aiming an idle index towards the rune.
"The reason you have both been chosen for this is due to your spiritual essence. Prolonged proximity with the dead is fatal for those without it."
Now isn't that just typical?
"The Wælcyrgan—and of course Ánhergas—have a natural resistance to this infectious madness. Once I have arrived and the negotiations have been conducted, this plan will be expanded upon. Tomoe, I would like you to prepare Natsuki for this encounter. The Catacombs are tight, so your usual weapons will probably be unreasonable. I wo—"
"—I get it." Tomoe interrupts, her patience breaking. Like Natsuki says, they are pretty much getting thrown to the wolves. But hang on a second… "You're a Witch, surely you should join us?"
The interjection seems to have stunned Yukino somewhat. "...Unfortunately I am not the fighting type. However I will still be advising you both throughout this entire endeavour."
XVI • CM Monandæg of Gastesmōnaþ
(The 16th Day of Ghost Month, Moon's Day, 900)
Three days later, the Ánhergas duo stands before Wind Cathedral's grand entrance.
Three orthogonal towers with cone spires are the centrepieces of this antediluvian marvel. Unto the roof scales awe-inspiring glaze windows depicting heavenly creatures. These tracery portals are engraved alongside a glorious rose window.
Natsuki tilts her head back to view the gigantic building. Before everything she had heard of this place, but to see it in person was… She hasn't even the words to describe it.
"Good morning." Two of the nuns have exited the cathedral. "My name's Sister Zion. This lovely woman beside me is Sister Raquel." The taller, spectacled of the two introduces them. "Please follow us inside, we must prepare you."
Huh, this woman looks remarkably similar to the Knight-Commander, Natsuki notices. It is a little unsettling. For some reason, something about the pigtailed ginger makes her uncomfortable as well.
Warily she glances behind her to Mahya and Shiro who have journeyed with them. Though the Witch arrived yesterday, she has stayed at Guadeloupe. Having her use the communication rune within Wind Cathedral will be too suspicious.
"Got to say." Raquel falls in step beside Natsuki as Zion opens the large timber door. "We weren't expecting the Queen's letter. She was crowned here two years ago and hasn't visited once." She laments, completely unfazed by the sight that befalls them once the door opens. Picking up the pace, she waltzes inside.
"W-wow." Natsuki can only murmur as she stares up into the rafters. Like its exterior, the Cathedral is absolutely monumental. The ceiling consists of a shallow lierne vault with heavy folite bosses. A dozen pillars run along the walls, each splaying out like flowers within the ceiling.
No constraints have been put into the architecture, have there?
Hanging from the ceiling are silver chandeliers glowing with candles. Wait, how do they light those? The torch sconces attached to the pillars at least makes sense?
"We're heading into the undercroft." Zion explains, having them follow the Cathedral's eastern wall.
Here, they pass memorials, busts and effigies of all sizes.
Suddenly, Natsuki realises there are stone plaques beneath their feet. Are they walking on tombs?
How many people are buried here? The question remains unanswered as Natsuki can only follow after the two robed nuns.
Turning the corner, Zion and Raquel lead them towards a doorway. "Spymaster, Takamura: If you could wait here please." Requel says, having them wait by the undercroft entrance. "We should be done in about ten minutes."
"Of course." Mahya spins around as the door closes behind them. "So." She starts, looking around casually. "I guess we can look around?" They are yet to see anyone else other than those two.
"I could do with the distraction." Shiro sighs, staring up at the vaulted ceiling. He doubts he'd ever get used to Wind Cathedral's obscene architecture. The gothic style is something else entirely.
"Hm." Mahya smiles, though her gaze catches something unexpected. Within a far corner, a mysterious woman stares at her. Unnatural lighting surrounds her, seemingly illuminating the sandstone behind her. W-what…? Mahya continues to stare, realising what surrounds that nun is rotting corpses. Then, she disappears, as did the horrific atmosphere.
"Mahya?" The Scholar watches her with concern. "Did you see something?"
"Huh? Oh, I'm unsure." The Spymaster's gaze returns to that corner but finds nothing. "My insomnia's been pretty bad recently."
"If you're sure?"
Meanwhile, Tomoe and Natsuki are taking the stairs down into the Cathedral's basement.
"We brought everything down here beforehand. It's less complicated that way." Raquel says, ushering them towards a stone fount. "You're… Tomoe?" She hazard a guess at the elder Ánhere."
"Yes."
The redhead smiles. "Remove your chestplate, please. We're going to wash holy water over you. It helps to ward the undead away and can disinfect wounds for a time."
As the two reach for a box of vials by the fount, Natsuki hisses over to Tomoe: "Are you happy with this? We've been thrown into this without our consent!"
Tomoe shrugs as she undoes the buckles of her armour. "We're the only ones who can do this. The longer Shizuru's in that coma, the worse her mental health will be. That will affect us, whether you like that or not. Anyway, remove your chestplate. We don't have all day."
"How do you kn—" Before she could finish this question, the two nuns turn around. Natsuki immediately quietens, only throwing a stare at the elder Ánhere.
She has slept terribly because of this mess. How could Tomoe be so calm about this? Apprehension has hounded her the entire way here, long before the journey as well. Either way, Natsuki relents and starts undoing the buckles to her own armour.
She still isn't used to it; the iron feels bulky and unnatural against her. That, and the gambeson is terribly warm. Natsuki supposes the temperature will be cool underground though?
Struggling to remove the chestplate, her eyes unconsciously wander to the far end of the room. An inconspicuous door is located there. Obviously this leads to the Wind Catacombs.
Her heart starts to hammer.
"A word of advice." Zion speaks up suddenly, having filled up the vials as Raquel rummages inside the boxes. "There are tunnels that have sustained water damage. Avoid these at all costs. They may collapse at any point now."
How has water gotten down there? Natsuki watches as the two nuns approach Tomoe. Raquel takes the chestplate from Tomoe while Zion unthreads the gambeson's front.
"Just relax." The spectacled nun murmurs, pouring drops of the water against Tomoe's chest, who flinches. "Cold, right?" She grins, allowing more to run across her shoulders. "We'll give you some vials. Holy water burns the undead and sometimes even stuns them."
But it's just water? Natsuki pessimistically eyes the two before Raquel nears her. Realising it is her turn, she fumbles with the buckles again.
Tomoe has trained her as best she could throughout the two days. Though obviously that won't be enough. She has somewhat of a talent with a sword, but still…
"I'm embarrassed." The redhead confesses. "We heard the Arcewælcyrge finds another Ánhere, but we never caught your name."
"Natsuki."
"So that's it!" Helping Natsuki undo her armour, Raquel then places it beside Tomoe's on the floor. "You'll both need to support each other down there. But it's not like I need to tell you that, right?" She forces a smile before unplugging the cork from the vial. "Actually, thinking about it, you Wælcyrgan used to help us in the Catacombs. How long has that been…?" She shoots a look at Sister Zion who has finished with Tomoe.
"Oh, yeah. We have records somewhere of that. We can pass them over once you're done retrieving the Anchor." Zion nods, reaching into another box. "This sack here—" She eases it out to show the two Ánhergas: "—has everything you'll need down there. In case the lantern oil runs dry, we've included a tinderbox. There's also some holy vials, bandages, a timepiece and a map for extra precaution."
Running water across Natsuki's shoulders, Raquel eases away gradually. "We're also giving you a mace imbued with this holy water."
She gestures to a covered item—obviously the weapon—propped atop the fount. It is wrapped in a crimson fabric; is this to protect it or seal it? Either way, Raquel corks her vial, places it beside the mace, then picks that up.
Tomoe, who is buckling her chestplate back together, looks at the covered mace. "Is that from the Cathedral's vault?"
"Yes. It's a replica of King Bruce II's own, actually. Do not lose it." Raquel warns, uncovering the mace. "The replica is still priceless."
Surprisingly, the revealed weapon is not a spiked ball, but rather has flanged plates. This blunt metal is made from iron, whilst the wooden handle is decorated with silver bands. Though it seems plain for a monarch, nonetheless it looks deadly. Passing the mace to Tomoe, the redheaded nun signals for them to follow.
As the two Ánhergas follow, Zion in the meantime picks up the sack and two lanterns. "You have an hour maximum. If you aren't back by then we'll be forced to seal the Catacombs."
Looking past Tomoe's shoulder, Natsuki tightens the buckles of her armour. Before them, a towering gate bars entry to a trapdoor.
Along the horizontal bars are flair finials. These tops spiral, allowing white candles to rest inside. They dimly glow within the darkness, appearing like stars within the night sky.
"Please, wait a moment." Raquel approaches the gate which brandishes a large chain. Unpocketting a key, she slots it into a padlock. Unhooking it from the barrier, she holds it close before signalling them close. "Arcewælcyrge Graceburt is entombed within the royal wing."
Zion bypasses them, a key of her own unlocking the trapdoor. The iron wrought hatch is then heaved open, disclosing pitch-blackness beneath.
Distraughtly, Natsuki stares down the steps. Nothing can be seen and a horrible sensation is ploughing within her gut. Alas, Tomoe elbows her and nudges a lit lantern within her hold. Fumbling with it, she cautiously illuminates the path downwards before hesitantly glancing at the nuns.
Much to her horror, they have already locked the gate and stare through the bars at them.
"Concentrate on the lantern and watch for danger. I'll do the rest of the work." Tomoe brushes past her and slowly climbs the steps downwards.
Pick-chipped walls glow dully from her lantern-light, but it doesn't reach far.
"Keep quiet while we're down here." Tomoe further warns, noticing her voice travelling into the abyss below.
"R-right." Natsuki could only mumble, rifling through the sack looped around her shoulder. Blindly she reaches for the map once they arrive inside the antechamber.
This room feels closer to a corridor as it is cramped. Alongside the walls are four pillars; these are as jagged as the entrance walls. "T-the royal wing is this way." She shuffles closer to the elder Ánhere to show her. Directing an index towards the eastern corridors, their eyes shift upwards.
Before them is another iron gate. It is locked.
Tomoe raises her own lantern upwards and approaches it.
The nuns hadn't told them abou—...her gaze shifts to her right. There, within the corner is a decrepit corpse. It looks partially mummified and is within a foetal position.
Gripping the mace securely, she carefully addresses it. "Take my lantern." She impetuously hands it over and holds her weapon within both hands.
Natsuki eyes the body. I-it looks exactly like the Slaves from the Ruins. Are they the same as these?
Her thoughts are sapped in an instant when the Ánhere smashes the flanged head into the body's skull. Fragile bone, slimy juices and withered flesh sail the air. A guttural roar releases from the corpse, before going limp.
"F-fuck." Tomoe curses, glaring down at the undead's static body.
That scream has definitely alerted the Catacomb's inhabitants. "Activate the rune." She commands, warily grasping the corpse's brittle wrist. There is a key within its grip… Grasping it, she forced it out of the undead's hold.
The snap of bone echoes within the antechamber momentarily, until the two are engulfed within silence.
Holy shit. Natsuki could only stare before groping around her pockets. Unable to find the communication rune, she starts to panic. Fortunately, she manages to find it, and sighs a breath of relief.
Unpocketting it, the stone dully shines within the darkness. "Yukino? W-we... we made it inside."
"What has happened so far?"
"Seems somebody was sealed within the antechamber." Tomoe hushes as she rejoins the younger Ánhere. Had the nuns locked them inside because they took too long? "They had a key to unlock the inner gate. We will be following the route to the royal wing where Graceburt is entombed."
"She is entombed within the royal wing? Impressive."
Once they unlock this barrier, they will be at the mercy of the walking dead. There is no telling what's awaiting them down these corridors.
Within the lamp-light, the Ánhergas study the map some more.
"It seems each wing has been gated off, so we shouldn't get overrun by the whole Catacomb." Tomoe reports, at least grateful that the architects have built with sense.
Hopefully their luck will continue and they can simply walk in and out. Though, honestly that is doubtful. Wind Cathedral is old indeed. It predates the Great Collapse that took place nine centuries ago. Countless people have been laid to rest within these Catacombs. "Yukino, how best should we contend with the dead? I don't think I can fight over two of them."
"I have the holy water." Natsuki reminds as she shuffles the lanterns within her hold. Standing adjacent from Tomoe by the gate, she peers through the bars.
T-here are bones—everywhere! Even within the faint lantern-light, she could see hundreds of thousands of skeletons stacked! They line the walls neatly; skulls propped and chained within every crevice possible.
Peering downward, she then notices—like upstairs—there are plaques beneath their feet. Heare lyes the exhvmed body of Okvzaki Akira the Wynd Cathedral architect. He was borne in Zipangv in the yeare 426CA and died in the yeare 462CA. Nowe his remayns lyes heare buried 538CA.
"What are you waiting for?" Tomoe captures Natsuki's attention whose eyes are glued to the memorial plaque beneath them. "It's just some entombed guy. We'll see plenty of them down here." Grasping her wrist, she tugs Natsuki closer as she draws their attention to the gate.
"R-right." The mace is propped into her arms alongside the lanterns. Natsuki could only watch on as Tomoe unlocks and heaves the gate open.
It horrifyingly screeches upon opening, echoing down the Catacomb tunnels. The two stiffen in reaction, exchanging a glance. In the distance, they hear something growl in response to the noise. Then, footfalls.
"Get the water ready." Tomoe demands, grabbing the mace once more.
Making a stand before the gates, she partially blocks the less experienced Ánhere.
How many are there? Two at least, by the sounds of it. "Only use it when I say so." They couldn't go wasting it the moment they step inside.
Sweeping her gaze across this new area, Tomoe notices it cuts off in three directions. These must be the wing entryways they have seen on the map.
A husk appears from the darkness from her left first. It uselessly flails its arms outwards before getting its skull embedded with the mace. It crumples to the floor pathetically whilst another from the right corridor engages.
Its arm is lobbed off flawlessly; the limb slamming against a wall somewhere. Stumbling backwards, the corpse's skull is caved in by a precise hit.
"You are good with that thing." Natsuki could only say from behind her, standing aside, lest she'd get hit also. Seeing the elder Ánhere mow down the dead this successfully is inspiring, albeit frightening.
"Shizuru's an excellent teacher."
"I have just received some more information regarding the Catacombs. Building work within the southern section is the most recent. However the route to the royal wing is suffering water damage. You may have to cut through the back entrance."
The nuns have warned of this.
Once the coast is clear, Tomoe returns to Natsuki's side. "We should check first." Her voice emits through the darkness. "Though, I've heard there's several storeys to these Catacombs." She reaches for the map awkwardly held by Natsuki who passes it over.
If so, will the most notable dead be lower or higher up? Infuriatingly, this map is hard to read and there are even detailed notes and scribbles. Their left passageway is crossed out; is it caved in? Looking in this direction, it is pointless as she sees nothing.
"Haven't people fallen through the floor?" Natsuki hushes, offering over Tomoe's lantern. Though those are just rumours, surely?
"Perhaps?" Tomoe simply shrugs before unsheathing her handaxe. "Take this, it's better to use down here than that sabre."
Huh. Natsuki takes it, rotating the weapon to momentarily study it. She supposes so; her sword requires horizontal room whilst the axe doesn't seem to.
Perhaps it is better to use something like this as well? Against the undead, anyway. Natsuki at least knows blades are uncommon for beheadings of all things. Axes are hefty and can easily slice through bone. Swords however required a trained hand to cut.
"We will journey down towards the royal wing." Tomoe confirms to Yukino as she further studies the map. "If it's too dangerous, we'll turn around and take this passageway here." She directs towards a tunnel that seems out of place. Perhaps it is an improvised addition to the Wind Catacombs?
Their trek towards this section is surprisingly uneventful—for now.
At some point, the walls transitioned into smooth brick. Above them, rather than a flat ceiling, it has altered into a lancet arch. This passageway is greater in width, though the solomonic columns subtracted this space. Beside the darkness, this area is pristine. But as they journey forth, a dreary atmosphere takes hold.
"Wait." Natsuki cautions, warily sweeping her gaze across the walls then to the floor. Remains are stacked between the columns like at the antechamber's entrance. Here though, much greater care has been indebted to these bones. Alongside the architecture, it is clear they are approaching the royal wing.
However… Shining her lantern lower, stone stairs await them and they are steep. "Is this it?" She rifles for the map, bringing it close to Tomoe's lamp.
"It seems s—" The elder Ánhere's statement is cut short as she stares down the stairs. A drone whispers through the darkness before a gust of wind pushes against them.
A chill runs down their spines as dread fills them.
"W-what is that…?" Natsuki breathes, staring dead-set at the stairs.
"You have fifty-five minutes left."
The Witch warns just as footfalls effused from the dreary corridor behind them. The two whirl around, but groans can also be heard from downwards.
"Where did they come from?!" Tomoe could only hiss, hurriedly hanging her lamp to the nearest thing—incidentally a thigh bone that pokes out the wall's stack.
The lantern's flame flickers dully; it is hardly enough to light a foot away! "How many are coming from the stairs?!"
"Thr—n-no, four?" Natsuki could only hazard a guess in panic. "Five."
How?!
Natsuki fumbles inside her sack for the holy vials. They have no choice. "How many's coming from your end?" Pushing vials into the elder's hand, she left her lantern inside a column's crevice.
Miraculously it slots inside perfectly, but they can hardly see a thing. Then, Natsuki remembers: "The holy water sets them on fire, right?"
Without another thought, she tosses a vial towards the moaning downstairs. Glass smashing reverberates across the passage but nothing happens. W-why?!
Then, it does happen.
Flames engulf the steps, illuminating the bones and stone gloriously. Before her, five corpses flail brokenly, grave screams spilling from their decrepit throats. Relief can only momentarily consume the Ánhere, for more husks appeared from behind the fiery corpses.
"There's more coming!"
T-they couldn't do this?!
Another vial sounds at Tomoe's end. It is then that they realise their mistake.
The dead aren't dropping and they are surrounded.
"W-we need to push them down the stairs." Tomoe's voice wavers in realisation as well. Spinning around, she engages the ignited husks. Striking down the flanged mace against one's torso, the corpse goes barrelling downwards.
Those moment's spared are completely seized as the unattended dead charge. Chaos erupts inside the Catacombs as more corpses stalk them.
Where in the Gods' names are they coming from?!
A scream which doesn't belong to her nor the dead bursts from beside her. Nats—
A bolt of crystalline ice enshrouds them; chilling the underground air. The frost scales the walls, encasing the husks.
"B-but how did you…" Tomoe whispers, staring at Natsuki who has never consumed a soul. Ice has completely blocked them off from the corpses; those who walk fruitlessly smash the barrier.
The younger Ánhere is leaning against a pillar beside her lantern and is in clear agony.
Pushing before her, she forces Natsuki's hand away from her other.
Her palm's thenar has been deeply bitten into. From this wound, flesh has been torn down the side of the wrist.
Has this near-death experience kick-started Natsuki's…?
Remembering the nun's advice, Tomoe reaches into the sack. "Breathe." She commands, teeth faintly chattering from the cold and tension.
"I-I… ca—ugh…" Natsuki slides against the solomonic pillar and crumples knees-first against the plaqued floor.
"Natsuki? Tomoe? Can you hear me?"
Blood languidly spills down the Ánhere's hand as the elder takes a vial. "From one to ten, how painful is—" Tomoe starts, but is quickly interrupted.
"T-ten."
"Natsuki's been bitten." Tomoe reports, again reaching inside the sack for bandages. "It's bad: It's around the thumb and wrist." Uncorking the vial, she washes water against the wound. A pained sigh released from the younger Ánhere who mumbles incoherently in response.
"F-feel sick." Natsuki squeezes her eyes shut, feeling a surge of unbearable heat flay her wound. Only did it relent after a few minutes.
Opening her eyes after what feels like aeons, she stutters a question: "H-how bad is…?"
"Really bad." Bandages are knotted around the hand as best Tomoe can manage. Natsuki's grip will probably be affected by this. That's if they both make it out of this Catacomb. "Yukino, how long do we have?" She barely dares to ask.
"Forty-nine minutes. Tomoe, listen to me: have her keep her hand suspended above her. The dead, how many are in your path?"
"Two at the front." Tomoe checks behind them. "Three the other side."
"How close are you to the tomb?"
"It's down the other end of the Catacombs." Reaching for the map that slipped from Natsuki's grip at some point, Tomoe pauses. Upon it she could see a scribbled line blocking off Graceburt's tomb.
Wait, could the gate be locked? Because of the chaos she hasn't had the time to realise this. A gut-wrenching sickness fills the Ánhere's gut.
Have the nuns forgotten to give them the key?! O-or maybe the antechamber key will work...?
"Reach it quickly. You may be able to use the Anchor against the dead."
The Witch's words fall on deaf ears.
"Tomoe?"
Maybe the nuns have done this on purpose? But why? Their history has always been a positive one. As they said so themselves, the Wælcyrgan helped sterilise the Catacombs. They wouldn't ju—
"—Tomoe, if you fail, the Arcewælcyrge will die."
Coming to her senses, she heaves Natsuki to her feet. "Get up, I'm not carrying you."
Prised upwards, Natsuki can only woozily stare at the elder who approaches the ice wall.
Holding her palm and wrist delicately, she leans against the column as Tomoe lifts her mace.
She flinches as the crystalline barrier is hit multiple times—solid thunks resounding inside their encased prison.
"Lift your hand—" Tomoe grunts, breaking through a portion of the wall. "—above your head." A corpse immediately lunges for the gap. As it attempts to slide on through, Tomoe batters it until it stills. "Get the fuck out of my way." She hisses, immediately having to contend with the other.
Once their company on the stairs is dealt with, Natsuki could only follow in a daze.
Has she forgotten som—oh… the lantern. It is much harder to see with only one. Its flame flickers across water-damaged corridors as they travel deeper inside the Catacombs. She isn't even aware that Tomoe has taken her handaxe back. Nor that the Ánhere's arm is around her middle, helping to support her.
She is leaning heavily into the elder, but Tomoe doesn't seem to care in the faintest.
"We have to go through the damaged area." Tomoe tells Yukino as they trek through ankle-deep water. "I can see the royal wing now." Holding her breath, Tomoe heaves them towards the gate and hesitantly shoulders it. Hearing it creak open, she sighs in relief. "The gate's open."
The chamber inside is monumental. Pillars rise tall along the walls, and dozens of effigies like the ones above are displayed.
They are made from grand marble and painted with gold. The grandest is the centrepiece of this marvellous chamber.
Approaching it within the chamber's middle, Tomoe instantaneously recognises this monarch's lifelike effigy. Queen Mashiro I is Windbloom's uniter. Canonised to sainthood in 048, she is now the Patroness of Peace. Though, it is anything but that within her resting place.
Pushing forward, the two Ánhergas make their way to the chamber's back where a door is. "We've made it." Tomoe says, though wonders if she's speaking to Yukino, Natsuki, herself or to no one at all.
This next door is also luckily open. Heaving the heavy timber outwards, a circular chamber is revealed. Inside, a regiment of plaques and tombs line the wall. Now, all they need to do is find Graceburt. "What does Graceburt's tomb look like?"
"It's an effigy of her lying down against cushions. Her Will stated she wanted a plain one, specifically made from granite and not decorated with jewels. It seems Guadeloupe Palace went against her wishes, as she wears a crown lined with jaspers."
Soon enough, Tomoe locates the Arcewælcyrge's tomb.
It is indeed made from granite and interestingly has thick chains wrapping around it.
Attached to the chain's loops are talismans and rosemaries. Clearly they are keeping this tomb protected from the dead.
Edging her lantern closer, she also catches sight of two translucent pillars beside it. Ah… Hazakura Sakura and Rena Sayers' memorials are here.
It is incredibly sad, because she also notices there are dozens of these. How many Wælcyrgan and Ánhergas have unaccompanied tombs here?
It is impossible to say.
"I've found it." Studying the grey effigy and the gold-painted crown, her eyes stop upon a prismatic glow. Graceburt's lifelike hands rest against her stomach; the palms skywards. Hovering inches above them, is the Anchor. Just as she is about to reach for it, the Witch warns:
"It states here that there is a barrier protecting the Anchor. Only an Ánhere or Wælcyrge of direct line can unseal her tomb."
They are in luck, then.
Tomoe confidently envelops her hand around the Anchor. But, nothing happens.
W-what? Tomoe distraughtly stares, unable to move it. As the seconds tick onwards, a panic starts swarming her.
"I-It's not wor—"
Natsuki's wounded hand plants atop hers; staining her palm with blood. All around them, an eerie echo reverberates through the Windbloom Catacombs, causing stone to vibrate mysteriously.
The terrifying tremor doesn't subside, even as Natsuki stumbles backwards within Tomoe's hold. It is as though the Anchor has consumed the younger Ánhere's energy.
A vision hammers Natsuki as she collapses.
Between great ash roots is a suspended crystal with three figures inside. A voice booms within her mind, shocking her: "Hither thou shall witness sooth." As quickly as the hallucination materialises, it disappears.
Eyes shooting open, Natsuki stares at the trefoil arch ceiling. Tomoe is above her with an expression Natsuki can't gauge.
Is she angry, concerned or something e—"Ugh." A pained sigh releases from her lips. Inspecting her wounded hand, she realises she has been clenching hold of the Anchor. Hesitantly, she offers it to the elder Ánhere who seems cautious to take it.
"You must hurry, you have less than fifteen minutes."
Oh, Gods'. Hauled onto her feet, Natsuki feels sick from the pain.
Even with Tomoe's aid, she has become a liability.
Are they going to be sealed down here with these husks because of her?
"Snap out of it." Tomoe growls at her, grasping her shoulder and pushing her backwards. "You get stuck inside your head way too much." Checking them over, the elder Ánhere slots the lantern into Natsuki's uninjured hand. "We need to go. If I don't make it, take the Anchor and the mace and keep moving."
"Y-you can't be seriously—"
"Shut up and move!"
They start backtracking on themselves towards the royal wing's entrance.
The closer they come, the more deadly silent it becomes. Something is wrong, isn't it?
Tomoe lifts a hand to stop Natsuki and approaches the gate cautiously. Peering past the corner, a chill runs down her spine when she meets an undead.
It simply stands there, wavering precariously, dry eyes staring through her. Why is it not… Jumping into the corridor, she arches her mace overhead and gorges the head into it.
As it crumples to the floor unceremoniously, she signals for Natsuki to follow. "This one didn't attack for some reason." Is it because of the Anchor? Or perhaps the holy water is finally kicking in?
"Thirteen minutes."
Reaching the water-damaged area, the wall here is partially crumbled and looks ready to collapse.
They shouldn't jinx themselves by commenting on their luck. Instead, they bypass it quickly and head for the stairs.
Here, the deceased husks still litter the area. Stepping over them, they nervously study the final ice wall.
Miraculously it is still standing, blocking three zombies who also stare through them.
They too are motionless.
"Seven minutes left. Please tell me you are by the exit?"
"Not…" Natsuki starts, flinching as the other breaks into the crystalline barrier. "Not yet." She swallows, keeping her wounded palm close to her chestplate.
Tomoe growls in frustration, kicking the stubborn ice outwards. Those undead on the other side don't respond, driving Tomoe to engage them angrily.
"W-we are almost there." Natsuki tries to illuminate the path forward, but Tomoe's antics are making it impossible. The elder Ánhere is left inside partial darkness, swinging wildly at the husks.
When these too are eliminated, she grasps Natsuki's arm and tugs her over. "S-stop it." She spits at Tomoe, the act clearly causing further pain.
Further they withdraw towards the exit, the Witch's constant announcements pitting anxiety within them. Just as they reach the final corridor, they have a single minute to spare.
Alas they have a visitor to contend with, for the husk conveniently blocks the exitpoint.
"Forty seconds!"
This one is gigantic. It looks to be over six feet and is almost as wide as the gate itself.
Neither did it move, it just stupidly stands there, gazing at them solemnly.
Tomoe in vain attacks the thing, but it doesn't topple. As their time decreases, the panic encloses around them.
Why? Why? Why?!
Natsuki herself can't make sense of their misfortune. About to intervene with Tomoe, she gets startled by a voice inside her head. 'Use thy Anchor. Propel the Slave away.' W-who was this?
"Ten seconds!"
Fumbling for the prismatic crystal, Natsuki points it at the husk.
"Nine!"
Nothing's happening?!
"Eight, seven, six, five…!"
An Ardour suddenly engulfs the Ánhergas and a blast of supernatural energy is released from the Anchor. The decrepit corpse is pushed backwards, stumbling onto its rear. Without a moment to spare, the two reach for the steps.
"...Four, three, two, one...!"
The Ánhergas burst from the Catacombs, gasping for breath.
Tumbling to the floor, an immensely surprised Raquel greets them from behind the candle lit bars.
"O-oh wow. Zion, they made it!" She calls for the spectacled Sister who quickly enters the undercroft.
Following swiftly after them are Mahya and Shiro who appear just as surprised. "I was just about to seal you inside!" She propped her hands to her hips to scold them. Though, upon inspecting Natsuki, this demeanour quickly shifts to concern. "Natsuki?"
"O-one of t-hem… bit her." Tomoe heaves exhaustedly, prising herself up and closer to Natsuki who sluggishly rises.
They have somehow made it out alive, but Natsuki could have died.
She had almost failed Shizuru; will she be angry? "It is bad—she needs stitches." Wrapping her arm around the younger Ánhere's middle, she guides her towards the bars.
"Follow Sister Zion to Saint Monica's Chapel. The infirmary is located there." Raquel quickly advises as she opens the gate for them. Pressing forward, she then shuts the trapdoor; its slam briefly echoing.
"Do you think she'll be alright?" Raquel quietly murmurs to Mahya who seems lost in thought. Noticing this, the nun lifts her voice: "Spymaster?"
"Ah?" Mahya distractedly looks at her before straining a smile. "She'll be fine once the Arcewælcyrge is awakened. The Ánhergas are stronger than they look."
XVIII • CM Hidesdæg of Gastesmōnaþ
(The 18th Day of Ghost Month, Worker's Day, 900)
"The Sisters did some fine work." Helene remarks as she carefully examines Natsuki's sutured hand.
She had received the news fairly early as Yukino had relayed this information to her.
Sitting before Natsuki, they are both positioned beside the laboratory table inside the Underground Facility.
The Witch meanwhile has already performed the ritual. Alas there is yet to be any movement from Viola.
All they can do now is wait and keep an eye on Natsuki's injury.
"I'm amazed you didn't bleed out down there. The laceration down your thenar miraculously didn't slice any veins. Along the wrist too… you're exceedingly lucky."
But in pain. Natsuki winces as Helene delicately holds her hand.
The nuns hadn't offered any form of pain relief during the procedure. Or is it simply because Guadeloupe Palace is scientifically more advanced?
Apart from an occasional city gas light, Natsuki hasn't really seen anything similar. That is, if she isn't counting the Garderobe Ruins. "How long will it take to heal?"
"It's hard to say. Three to four months if all goes well. With the Arcewælcyrge's spiritual healing… perhaps half." The scientist muses before easing to her feet. "I advise that you stay within the ward for the night." She cautions, heading over to Viola. "Just as a precaution in case there's complications." She adds, looming over the unconscious Wælcyrge who now wears both Anchors around her throat.
She has no idea what Yukino has done, but even she could sense a strange atmosphere radiating from these crystals. There are even scraps of parchment with scribbles all across them. They are in a language she doesn't recognise.
Once confident that Viola is fine, she returns, shoving her hands within her coat pockets. "I heard about the ice." She says abruptly, catching the Ánhere totally off guard. "You should tell her once she awakens." She shrugs a shoulder towards Viola.
The Ánhere remains silent, thinking back to the Catacombs. She can hardly remember what has happened.
Had she truly done that?
Peering down to her wounded palm, she winces. Though, her memories are sharp when it comes to her hand. The stitches run under her thumb and stretch to the wrist.
That damned Slave had nearly torn her hand off! Nor will she be able to use it for the foreseeable future.
Now she seriously wants Viola to wake up.
A/N: Wind Cathedral is a mixture of real cathedrals and castles in Scotland and England. The external architecture is based on Saint Mary's Cathedral (Edinburgh) while the nave is from Canterbury Cathedral (Kent) and Westminster Abbey (London). Meanwhile, the rafters are taken from the Thistle Chapel in Saint Giles Cathedral (Edinburgh). As for the catacombs, these are mostly taken from Dover Castle's (Kent) mediaeval tunnels.
Zion and Raquel are from Mai Otome: Sifr. In Mai-HiME: Destiny they're called Shion and Mayo. I was actually planning on having their time restraint set to twelve hours, but that would've drags the chapter unnecessarily. I don't feel completely confident about the catacomb scene. There's a bunch of details I would have loved to have included. As I said, I don't want to drag the chapter on further though.
I am going to be taking a break from ongoing stories for now as this has burned me out completely.
