Capital City of the Slane Theocracy Silksuntecks:
The sun hung high in the sky over the grand and beautiful capital of the Slane Theocracy.
One of the oldest established human nations, the Slane Theocracy has a history of six hundred years based on fierce adherence to their country's religion. The doctrine of the Slane Theocracy revolves around theSix Great Gods, who appeared six hundred years ago.
As a result, the country is divided into six different religious sects, each with its own specialized intelligence agency focusing on one expertise they're skillfully good at. Each sect is devoted to one of the Six Great Gods.
Six resplendent temples sat at the six corners of the capital each devoted to one of the six great gods.
Oliver Gallo - the magic academy's bright star and youngest non-Godkin to graduate walked the streets on his way to the water temp.
Oliver was not conspicuously tall, his features were striking but not conspicuously handsome. His hair was wiry and brown and brushed backward from the temples. His skin was a soft peach color with light freckles darted about. And his green eyes seemed to smile on their own.
His white robes hung loosely on him, suggesting his body had a lean look to it — as if he worked too long, and ate too little or too poorly. But even so, his bright expression never wavered.
For years, Oliver had waited for this day, the day he would be called to earn his place. To stand alongside the great protectors of humanity. The most powerful magic casters trained in the divine magics of the Theocrasy priesthood. The Scriptures.
"(Has the day finally come to join a Scripture!?)"
Oliver thought to himself as he looked down at a letter in his hands.
"(A letter from the Grand Marshal instructing me to go to the grand water temple must mean I've been chosen right?)"
"(Has the day where I finally catch up with you come?!)"
Oliver was then pulled from his thoughts to a commotion in front of him as a young elf fell to the ground with an over-filled bag of fruits and vegetables. Which just spilled all over the ground.
"What in the hells do you think you're doing trash!?"
A young woman in an expensive-looking dress said, anger and disgust pasted on her face as she began hitting the boy with a stick.
The elf then quickly began grabbing up the fallen food as the woman continued to hit him.
"Hurry up! You dammed fool. And for every ruined piece, you go a day without meals!"
Oliver looked at the scene for a moment before like everyone else, he stepped around.
"(Poor elf, too bad he didn't get a better master...)"
After a little while Oliver made it to the Grand Water Temple of Tinu Al Rianes. As he entered the courtyard he was greeted by an older priest.
"Ah, Young Master Gallo, you've arrived!"
The older man was short in stature but his aura exuded strength and wisdom.
He had short gray hair which had once been brown and light blue eyes. A finely trimmed beard adorning his face.
Oliver then spoke as the two men stood in front of the temple entrance.
"Master Bergand? I wasn't expecting to see you. It's good to see you well."
The elder Priest looked Oliver over before speaking.
"Likewise Oliver, Though I can see you are still neglecting your health, still studying long into the night?"
Oliver then scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Haha, you know me too well professor. But it's said that in the pursuit of knowledge, the great god Surshana never slept."
Master Bergand then laughed.
"Hahaha, Lord Surshana was also the god of death and did not need sleep. You on the other hand sorely do,"
The two priests then laughed together for a moment before Master Bergand spoke.
"And how is Viviane? Last I heard she had been accepted into the Clearwater Scripture tho Haven't seen her since the two of you graduated. You looked rather smitten."
Oliver blushed as he chuckled nervously.
"Oh, she's good... She was sent out on her first mission a few weeks ago. She said she would write but I'm sure she must have gotten busy."
Master Bergand then looked at the young man before him knowingly.
"So you still haven't told her how you feel..."
Oliver then stuttered a bit.
"W...well not ex...exactly, I plan to..."
Master Bergand then chuckled at his former student's flustered state.
"Ha, ha well don't take too long... If this life has taught me anything, it's that it waits for no one..."
As Oliver took in his teacher's words the elder priest then spoke.
"Now come I've wasted enough time we must go."
Oliver then questioned
"But teacher. What's going on? Why have I been called to the temple?"
The elder priest then quickly grabbed Olvier by the shoulders.
"I will tell you on the way. We must hurry."
The two men then entered the temple with haste.
As they walked through the marble halls Oliver noticed a look of worry on his fellow priest's face.
"Master Bergand..."
Oliver began but was cut off.
"The Elf king's spawn crossed our borders a few days ago and have wreaked havoc across the countryside before going into Baharuth and then into the mountains."
Oliver looked surprised by his former professor's outburst.
"But according to the history books, The elf king hasn't made a move on us in nearly a hundred years. Why would he make a move now?"
The young scholar asked as he tried to keep pace with his elder as they rushed through the halls.
Master Bergand then replied his furrowed eyebrows giving away his worry.
"That is exactly what we mean to find out. The Cardinals dispatched a tracker squad trained by the Black Scripture themselves. But they were discovered and killed."
A look of shock covered Oliver's face.
"Killed? But wait, you said a few days ago, why hasn't anyone heard of this?"
The young scholar asked as he tried to keep pace with his elder as they rushed through the halls.
Master Bergand then replied.
"The Cardinals thought it best that we keep the citizenry in the dark until we know exactly what's going on."
Oliver then spoke surprised by the answer.
"But surely the people should know of the potential danger."
Master Bergand then gave out a disappointed sigh.
"Oliver, You know how excitable they can be. We tell them "The Elf Kings children crossed into our lands and have killed members of the scriptures," You think they will go out and prepare for battle, Ha"
The elder priest chuckled at the idea.
"No, they would take out their fear and anger on the elves here, within our borders. The innocent. And I for one think the elves here have been through enough."
Oliver then gave a look of understanding.
"I suppose you're right, I never thought about that.
The duo then stopped in front of a grand door as Master Bergand's mood seemed to sadden as he spoke.
"Few do, too few, but I want you to remember something. That even on our path to save and preserve humanity we must not allow ourselves to become monsters..."
Oliver looked at the elder with awe.
Master Bergand then shook his head and spoke.
"Ah, What am I saying? I am not your teacher anymore I shouldn't be telling you what to do."
Oliver then quickly spoke up.
"No, Master Bergand I will remember your words, Thank you for sharing your wisdom."
Bergand then smiled.
"You're welcome, Now come on we have work to do."
Oliver looked confused.
"But Sir, you still haven't told me what I am needed for."
Master Bergand then spoke as he pushed the grand doors open.
"Ah, Of course, you're gonna help perform the Planner Eye."
Oliver stood shocked as he took in the information.
"(The Planner Eye?! Supposedly by concentrating the magic through the Miko, the magic allows one to show an image of an intended target.
Oliver's eyes widened and his jaw dropped as he took in the full splendor of the room before him.
A circle of priests sat around a pool of crystal clear water in a room of pure white marble, a pool of water at its center, surrounded by white circular alabaster pillars supporting an entablature with finely detailed frieze.
At the center of the circle of priests
A young woman was positioned in the center of the ritual.
She wore a blindfold that covered her eyes and hid most of her facial features. But Oliver could see she had a sharp face with warm features.
On her forehead, she wore a large circlet that covered her head with threads like a spider's web. It was decorated with string-like metal, with countless gems, and a large blue crystal embedded in the center.
"Is, Is that, Who I think it is?
Oliver could barely speak through his surprise.
Master Bergand then smiled as he replied.
"The Miko Princes of Water? Why, Yes, yes it is."
"Oliver's eyes lit up with awe and excitement."
"(One of the six hearts of the Theocrasy the Miko Princess of water is the most powerful member of the Water Temple, Viviane is gonna be so jealous, she's always wanted to meet her.)"
Oliver thought to himself before speaking.
"What a grand opportunity! May I speak with her, after the ritual of course? I have so many questions!"
Master Bergand looked over at the Miko Princess as a look of guilt quickly crossed his face.
"Oliver, I..."
Just then a man in white and blue armor noticed Oliver and marched over. He had a look of equal parts Regal and intimidating about him.
"Laurent! You're finally here!"
The man was a large, and equal parts intimidating and regal man with short-cut red hair and green eyes.
His voice was gruff and serious matching the expression and scar on his face.
Oliver took a step back as the man's large armored frame approached quickly.
Master Bergand then stepped in front of Oliver and faced down the soldier without fear.
"Hello, Gerad. This is Oliver, my star pupil."
The elder priest said calmly before looking over to Oliver.
"Oliver, this is..."
Oliver then spoke up. A look of admiration on his face.
"You're Gerad Caius Flaminus! You led us to victory in the battle of Knight's End, and were a core member of the Holocaust scripture not to mention you're the son of High Priest Cato Cyrus Flaminus, The God Flame!"
The overseer then chuckled.
"Haha, He hates that moniker but, yes, you have the right of it."
Oliver Then held his hand out and spoke.
"It's an honor meeting a war hero."
Gerad then shook Oliver's hand with a smile.
"My father is the war hero. I just do what I can for our home."
Gerad then looked the young mage up and down before speaking.
"But enough about me, Laurent here speaks very highly of you, top of your class and one of the youngest graduates. And I also hear you've awoken a talent as well."
Oliver then raised his hand as he spoke.
"Oh, thank you sir but my talent isn't much in comparison to your family's feats but my dream is to one day join a scripture and do my best to protect humanity.
Master Bergand then raised an eyebrow.
"Don't sell yourself short Oliver. Your talent "Speed Cast" is incredible. It makes even the most complex spells take a second to cast. It's why the marshal believes you can help to make up the difference in manpower required for the ritual."
Gerad looked curious as he replied,
"Speed Cast huh? And You Even have the Marshal's attention? Won't be longnow till you're selected for a scripture. You may be closer than you think. Come, Let us get on with the ritual. Every second spent is a second those filthy elves go unchecked in our lands."
Master Bergand then replied.
"Yes, of course..."
Laurent then looked over at the circle of mages before looking back at Gerad.
"The Princess, I didn't know a new one was chosen..."
Gerad then spoke.
"Ah, yes, well the former princess could no longer perform her duties so another had to be chosen. Fortunately, she seems even more capable than her predecessor."
Master Bergand then looked at Gerad seriously.
"And the former Princess's early retirement wouldn't have anything to do with the council's refusal to tell us where they sent the other mages who performed the last ritual. I also noticed there are far more guards than usual."
The big man then raised an eyebrow.
"Of course not..."
"You know Gerad... You've always been a terrible liar."
Master Bergand said with a calm smile.
Gerad and looked at Master Bergand for a moment before sighing in defeat.
"Still can't fool you, can I?"
The Overseer said prompting Master Bergand to shake his head with a smile.
Gerad then took a step closer to the elder priest and spoke.
"Ok, I don't know the details but the former Miko Princess and the other priests were in some kind of accident during one of their rituals."
Master Bergand then whispered back.
"Did they say what kind of accident?"
Gerad then replied.
"No, they've been rather closed-lipped about it. But they have assured me that the repeat of such an incident is now impossible... And, to reassure me further they have even sent the Captain of the Black Scripture as security."
Both Oliver and Master Bergand then perked up and looked around the room as they spoke in unison.
"The Captain?!"
Gerad then spoke with a sigh.
"He's not here yet, Unfortunately, as dutiful as that man is he is even worse than you at being on time."
Gerad said as he gestured to Master Bergand.
"But in any case, come we should get started."
The Warrior said as he took Oliver by the shoulder and led him to the circle.
Master Bergand then chuckled to himself as he looked on proudly.
SOME TIME LATER:
Oliver sat with a look of utter disbelief and shock with the other priests around the pool of crystal clear water as an image of a mountain range could be seen.
At the center of the image showed a colossal tree of golden light growing from a crater where a mountain once stood filled with a strange fog that concealed its base.
Master Bergand and Overseer Gerad both stepped back as they looked at the image a look of horror on both of their faces.
"How?!, Wha, what is that?!"
Gerad's voice cracked with fear.
"I... I don't know, I've never in all my years of study come across any magic even remotely similar...only the gods themselves could attempt magic of this scale!"
Master Bergand replied as he stared at the great tree as it began to fade and dissipate.
Oliver looked on in awe.
"(Incredible! Who or what could have produced such magic! Surely not an elf...)"
He thought to himself as his eyes began to wander the room across all the terrified faces until they fell on the Miko Princess. Who looked calm and serene.
"(She looks completely unfazed... How can she stay so calm.)"
Oliver then looked to realize something.
"(Ah of course! It's said that the Miko Princesses have to commune with one of the gods before being chosen. I suppose after seeing a god something like this would be nothing...)"
Master Bergand then leaned forward as if questioning what he was seeing before he spoke out.
" The fog! It's dissipating."
Gerad then replied.
"You're right! We should be able to get a good look now. Hurry and move in closer."
Just then before the planer eyes could move a figure appeared flying in the image staring right at them.
The hooded figure had a deadly and foreboding air about him. His dark purple cloak looked as if shadows were dancing on it. The lower part of his face was covered by a menacing skull mask.
The priest looked at the figure confused as it floated in the air seemingly looking through the image at them.
Oliver's heart raced as the image of the figure filled him with fear and sent shivers down his spine.
Gerad then spoke as he attempted to shake his fear from his heart.
"Everyone stay calm, there is nothing to fear."
Master bergand then spoke up.
"Gerad is right. Even this figure truly has detected us. Our ward, given to us by the gods will protect this place."
The figure slowly raised his hand as a magic circle appeared around him.
Gerad then gripped his sword as he leaned forward squinting his eyes as he spoke.
"Impossible... "
Just then a red flash of light went across the image as Master Bergand yelled out.
'Close it! Close the eye now!!"
But before the priests could react a shadowy red hand ripped through the image and into the room.
Gerad then pulled his blade from its hilt and yelled.
"To arms! Protect the Temple!"
Guards rushed forward toward the breach as Priests fell over themselves trying to escape the hands.
Oliver watched in horror as the shadowy red hands flew past him barely inches from his face and ripped through four priests in an instant. Blood and viscera was turned into a pink mist before his eyes.
As soon as Oliver and the surviving priest created distance they turned and raised their hands.
{Lion heart}
A light shined around the guards as they prepared for battle raising their shields in defense of the princess.
Gerad then ran toward the Princess as the shadowy hands crashed into the line of men and shields tearing them apart.
Gerad was thrown to the side as the bodies of his comrades flew into him.
Oliver looked on at the carnage before him dumbfounded. His white robes were now stained with blood.
"( What... What is happening?! What is that thing?!)"
He was shaken from his thoughts as he felt a sharp pull at his robes.
He turned to find Father Bergand. A look of urgency on the elder's face.
"Get to Gerad! Only at his command will the Princess close the eye! Go! Now!"
The Master caster ordered.
Oliver's eyes narrowed on his former teacher. And for the first time since he'd known him he saw fear.
"But Master Bergand I can't just leave you!"
Master Bergand then pulled hard on Oliver's robes throwing him toward the princess as he walked forward.
"This is no time to argue, boy! Get Gerad, get the Princess, and get out! She is a treasure of humanity! Now do your duty!"
Oliver looked down ashamed before relenting and running toward the princess as the shadowy hands finished off more guards.
Master Beragand raised his hands and spoke out.
"Oh Gods in heaven! Smite the evil before me, and deliver me onto morning!"
{Principality of Observation}
As Oliver ran toward Gerad he watched as a bright white and gold light shined above him as an angelembodied in armor with long robes covering up its legs appeared. It held in one hand a huge mace of divine power and in the other a round shield with an image of the sun emblazoned upon it. Four grand wings protruding from its back.
Master Bergand then yelled out.
{Heavenly smite}
The room surged with power as the angel brought down a bright ray of holy light smashing onto the shadow hands as Oliver got to Gerad and shook him awake.
"Overseer! Overseer! Wake up We have to close the planner's eye!"
"It.. Can't be... How could the wards fail?..."
Gerad mumbled as he stood up blood dripping down his face from a head wound.
Oliver then spoke.
"Overseer!, The Planner's Eye! We have to close it."
Gerad then looked around at the battle and then at the planner's Eye as the arm wriggled from it.
"Of course! You're right! Now let's.."
Just then shadowy arms raced toward the two men.
"Move!!"
{Impenatrable Bulwurk}
Gerad yelled as he grabbed Oliver and threw him. Before the shadow arms crashed into him and sent the warrior into some rubble.
Oliver landed hard on the ground before looking over to the princesses who simply sat quietly before the eye unaffected by the carnage around her.
Frustrated and confused Oliver ran over to her grabbing her by the shoulders.
"Princess!? What's the matter with you? Don't you see what's going on? Close the damn eye before we all die!"
Oliver yelled as he shook the girl. But as he did her blindfold fell away from her face revealing a blank emotionless face. Her violet eyes stared off past him into nothingness.
"Viviane?..."
A shiver went down the young mage's spine as the word left his lips. His stomach turned as the woman he loved sat before him and yet didn't. Her violet eyes were void of recognition.
But before he could react the shadow's hands erupted from the dust and smoke of the angel's attack and rushed toward him.
"Oliver! Look out!"
Master Bergand yelled out as he sent his angel in pursuit.
Oliver quickly turned and raised his hands.
{Barriar}
The shadow hands then smashed through the magic shield with ease.
Oliver looked up shocked to be alive but found Gerad standing before him the shadowy arms borrowed into his back.
He then spoke blood pouring from his mouth.
"Release Planners Eye"
The Miko Princess then quickly raised a hand and spoke.
{Release}
The image on the water then faded away but instead of fading with it, the arms seemed to detach from it and enter Gerad's body
"Gerad!!"
Master Bergand yelled out as his angel rushed over but it was too late.
The arms dug into Gerad disappearing under his skin as strange red and black markings appeared all over his body.
Gerald leaned in and tried to speak.
"Tell my father...I..."
Was all Oliver heard as he watched in horror as before his eyes Gerad's body seemed to melt down into a puddle of blood and shadow.
Then from the puddle emerged a humanoid form made of pulsing black and red ooze.
Bergand then roared through the grief of losing his friend.
"Attack! Smite the evil before us!"
As The great armored angel reached the shadow creature it raised its mace and brought it down with all its strength.
Oliver quickly grabbed Viviane and lept out of the way as the winged warrior's blow came crashing down upon the shadow creature.
The ground cracked and shattered under the force as dirt pieces of marble and debris flew up into the air making a dust cloud.
Oliver then sat up having landed safely while holding Viviane. Oliver watched as the angel then lifted its mace before smashing it back down again causing the room to shake.
After the second time, the Angel lifted its mace once again and this time paused for a moment.
Oliver looked into the dust hoping to find a mangled shadow creature but only found debris and rubble. He then heard a low gravely voice ring out from behind him.
"Unfortunate..."
The voice seemed to come from everywhere. From the creature, from the air, and from within Oliver's own mind. A chill ran down the sides of his neck, a numbness descending from his ears to his shoulders.
Oliver then quickly turned to find the humanoid shadow creature reshaping into the hooded figure they had viewed with the eye.
Oliver could see the man's face now, a terrifying mask of bone covering its lower half. Its eyes were black as death save for crimson pupils.
It stood examining its hand before speaking.
"Not the strongest Form here... But this level of power should be more than enough for the task at hand..."
The hooded creature then let his hand fall to his side as his cold red eyes scanned the room before falling on Oliver and Viviane.
Oliver began shaking as his mind raced.
"(Move! Run!)"
Oliver commanded his body to no avail.
"(I Have to get Viviane out of here! Move damn you!)"
Just then the angel came charging, mace held high as holy magic coursed through it as Master Bergand yelled.
"Run boy! Get over here now."
The creatures looked away from Oliver to the Angel approaching. Oliver then felt control over his body again. Quickly and without hesitation he picked Viviane up and ran toward Master Bergand just as the Angel's mace and holy magic crashed into the hooded figure causing an explosion of light and magic
As Oliver reached the priests, one tried to take Viviane from him.
"Get away from her!"
Oliver protested as he punched the priest in the face.
"What did you all do to her!?"
He yelled out.
Master Bergand then spoke as he tried to concentrate on his enemy.
"Oliver! What are you doing? Now is not the..."
Master Bergand paused in shock as glanced over now seeing the unvailed Princess.
"No... Viviane, not you..."
Just then the angel was pushed back before a volley of shadow daggers pierced its body shattering it.
The priests and guards froze in terror behind Master Bergand.
"We have to run!! It destroyed a Principality!"
One priest yelled out.
"How is this possible?"
Another screamed.
"The wards! How could they fail us?"
Yet another questioned in terror.
Master Bergand then yelled out as blood floated in the once pure waters before him.
"SILENCE!!!"
The elder's voice was strong and stern as he continued.
"Run? Would you all let this creature into our city? Are you not warriors of the gods? Are you not protectors of humanity? None shall run! We will hold till a scripture arrives! None trespass upon the temples of the gods without consequence!"
The creature's cold red eyes looked around the room once again before speaking.
"Ah, So this is a shem temple, is it? I will never understand the scheme's lack of grandeur, Have they no love for their gods?"
His raspy voice was muffled by his mask.
Master bergand then spoke out.
"And what would you know about gods, demon?"
The creature then chuckled before speaking.
"Ha, ha Demon? I am no demon..."
The figure then lifted his hood.
The priests looked on in shock as silver hair fell upon the Figure's shoulders and around elven ears protruding proudly from the sides of his head.
"An Elf?"
Master Bergand said surprised.
Yes, an elf."
The Elf mocked.
"An elf has breached your defenses... I am sure it comes as quite a surprise. For you, who see us as mere beasts of burden or tools and toys to be used."
The shadowy elf's features began to darken with anger as he spoke.
"Even now, I can hear my brethren screaming, begging for help from within these walls... But my lord does all things in their right time."
Master Bergand then inquired.
"Your Lord? Did the elf king send you?"
The elf looked amused as he replied with a laugh.
"Hahaha, Ah, you must mean the Kin Slayer... No, I do not serve that swine, I serve a far more Glorious Lord. And he bade me bring you a gift."
Master Bergand readied himself as he spoke.
"And what gift is that?"
The elf then spoke as he raised his hand and shadows began to dance around him.
"FEAR..."
{SHADOW HOARD}
Just then shodow beasts erupted from the ground rushing the humans.
The guards and priests raised their weapons and yelled out as they charged back.
TO SURSHANA!!!"
Fireballs rained and swords swung as the shadow beasts tore through the humans. Ripping and tearing as they dragged one after the other into the darkness.
{Fire Ball}
Master Bergand yelled, hurling a blazing orb at the shadow beast. But as one fell two more rushed forward.
The elder watched as priests and guards fell into shadow before his eyes fell on Oliver.
"Come on Vivian, It's me don't you remember? What happened to you? Please speak to me!?"
Oliver pleaded.
Master Bergand's eyes saddened for a moment before steeling over as he yelled out.
"Oliver we have to use the princess's power! Only her magic can save us now!"
Oliver then yelled back.
"Her power?! I don't understand! What's happened to her? Why won't she speak to me?"
Master Bergand then grabbed Oliver by the shoulders.
"Oliver, I am as brokenhearted as you to see her in this state, but I can only help you understand if we survive! And to do that you need to listen to me!"
Oliver then regained his composure and spoke.
"What do I do?"
Master Bergand then nodded proudly before moving toward Viviane as he replied.
"You and I will channel our magics through her and cast two spells. Holy Bulwark first then Light Wave.
Oliver then spoke as he grabbed hold of Viviane's hand
"Wait, I've heard those spells before, they are..."
Master Bergand then cut him off.
"The spells of the gods..."
Before Oliver could reply Master Berg and then yelled out.
"With me!"
The two mages then yelled out in unison.
{Holy Bulwark}
Oliver watched as Viviane raised her hands and a shield of light erupted and wrapped around them causing the shadows to recoil in pain as it weakened them.
The masked elf then raised an eyebrow as the three magic casters spoke again.
{Light Wave}
The next moment all the light outside the shield seemed to be drawn into Vivian's hands turning the white room into a black void. Oliver winced as he heard the screams of the guards and priest outside the shield.
Just then Viviane pointed her hands forward, releasing a blast of searing hot radiant light into the hoard of shadows.
The blast ripped through the shadows and to the elf as an explosion rocked the room.
The three casters then fell to the ground exhausted.
"Did... we get him?"
Oliver asked between heavy breaths.
"I... I think so.."
Master Bergand replied through heavy breaths.
Oliver then looked around him at the destruction and death.
"Are we the only ones that made it?"
Oliver asked again.
I... I think so."
Master Bergand repeated himself before coughing up blood and falling over.
Oliver then moved over to the elder and spoke as he placed his hands over him.
"Master Bergand! Are you alright?!"
The elder priest then replied as he slowly sat himself back up.
"I'm fine... Just used too much mana, How is Viviane?"
Oliver then quickly checked the princess only to find the same blank stare looking back at him.
"Master... What is this? I know this is Viviane, but when I look into her eyes. I see nothing of the girl I know..."
Oliver said, addressing Bergand without looking at him. His attention stuck on the woman before him.
Master Bergand winced as he stood himself up.
"The Crown..."
He said with a huff as he finished standing.
"The Crown she wares now, It's a treasure. Passed down from the time of gods, to now. It grants incredible power to the Miko princess granting us access to the might of the gods, but it comes with a cost."
Oliver clenched his fists tight as he turned to face his former teacher.
"The cost, what is it?"
The air grew cold as The elder priest looked away and spoke.
"All Bearers of the crown give up their self and become divine weapons of the Theocracy... Whoever they were before disappears to make room for the Divine..."
Oliver looked down angered as replied.
"And do they know? Do the princesses know what they are sacrificing?
Master Bergand then replied as a look of shame crossed his face.
"It was decided, that due to the rarity of those with the aptitude to become Miko Princesses and their importance to the security of the nation, the truth be omitted. For the sake of humanity."
Oliver's angered eyes looked at the large circlet that covered it laying on the top of her head like a spider's web.
"So she didn't even have a choice, and they did this to her."
"Why don't we just take it off!"
Oliver yelled as he reached for the crown.
"Oliver No!"
Master Bergand yelled causing Oliver to stop just short.
"Oliver look at me!"
Master Bergand ordered.
Oliver slowly looked over at Master Bergand, his hand still clenched around the crown.
Master Bergand then spoke calmly and firmly.
"You must not remove the Crown. If you do, her mind will break and she will attack us. I know you are angry and hurt. But if you wish to join a scripture, you will have to learn that sacrifices must be made..."
"Master Bergand!!!"
Oliver screamed as the elder reached out to him before slumping to the ground dead.
Oliver fell to his knees beside Bergand.
"Master! Master!"
Oliver cried out as the shadowy elf stepped out of shadow and wiped the blood from his hand.
"I wondered how you managed a 7th and 8th tier spell..."
The shadowy elf said as his gaze passed over the grieving priest and fell onto the woman behind him.
The young woman sat, unbothered by the carnage around her.
"An Item that lets one surpass their limits for a cost, huh.."
The pale elf then turned his head with confused curiosity and with a flick of his wrist shadows took hold of the woman pulling her off of the ground and into the air toward him.
The woman dangled in front of him helplessly and still didn't make a sound.
"How curious."
The elven assassin spoke, his gravely voice muffled by his mask.
Oliver then looked up. Seeing Viviane's dangling woke him from his grief as he grabbed a nearby sword and roared.
"DON'T YOU TOUCH HER, MONSTER!!!"
{Holy Imbue}
The sword felt weird in his hands, never before had he wielded one but as it glowed with bright holy light Oliver could only think one thing.
"(I will save you, Vivi!)"
The elf didn't even acknowledge Oliver's approach as shadow creatures erupted from the ground pushing Oliver back as he desperately fought back trying to get through them.
The elf spoke as he continued to examine the strange woman.
"I've heard of Items that exact a price. But what kind of fools would sacrifice their humanity as fleeting as it may."
The woman, still dangling, remained silent. Her steady gaze at the ground.
The Pale elf then gently raised the girl's head to eye level with him.
"And here I thought, How rare it is, to find one so devoid of fear..."
The elf said as he looked into her cold, emotionless, trance-like stare.
He then chuckled through his mask.
"Ha, ha, Alas, not devoid of fear, robbed of it. Along with your will, it would seem..."
Naris then looked at the jeweled circle atop her head before looking past the girl to the last surviving priest fighting for his life.
He then chuckled through his mask.
"Ha, ha, Alas, not devoid of fear, robbed of it. Along with your will, it would seem..."
Oliver then yelled out once again.
"GET AWAY FROM HER DAMMIT!!"
Naris then looked at the jeweled circle atop her head before looking past the girl to the last surviving priest fighting for his life.
Naris then turned his attention back to the crown as he waved his hand.
{Shadow Tale}
Shadow trendels then rose from his hands and touched the crown as the elf's eyes fogged over for a moment before he closed them.
The elf then began to chuckle before opening his eyes and laughing.
"Hahaha, I see, so a Crown of Wisdom is it?... Hahaha!"
Oliver then yelled as Shadow beasts corned him against the wall and he struck one down only to have another appear in its place.
"VIVI!! DON'T WORRY, I'LL SAVE YOU!"
The pale elf then turned his wrist and the woman was turned toward the last priest.
"What A noble song you sing, but I'm afraid it falls on deaf ears, little bird."
Oliver then retorted in defiance.
"No! She can hear me! I know it!"
The priest then addressed the Princess.
"Viviane! I know you're stronger than that Crown! What happened to your dream of joining a scripture and protecting humanity!"
The elf then raised an eyebrow before lifting a hand. The shadow beasts then stopped their advancement.
The priest looked on in confusion as the beasts stared at him expectantly. Shadows danced upon the creatures like an eerie flame.
"Protect Humanity?... Hahahaha"
The elf laughed.
"What irony, Don't you get it, boy. That's exactly what they took from this girl."
The elf's amusement was clear even through his mask.
Oliver then began.
"No, That's... That's not..."
The elf then spoke up.
"You seem to be under the impression that this girl's mind is awake, trapped inside her own body. You think that she can see and hear the world around her but can't interact."
The elf then began walking toward Oliver as he spoke. His dark hooded cloak danced with each step.
"But the truth is the girl you knew is gone. From the very moment, the Crown of Wisdom is placed upon someone's head. They simply cease to be."
Oliver stood defiant, rejecting the elf's words.
"No! The Council wouldn't allow that... Master Bergand wouldn't..."
The elf then stopped a few feet in front of Oliver and retorted.
"Was it not your Master Bergand that said, "Sacrifices must be made."
Oliver then took a step back pressing against the wall behind him as The Elf continued.
"Face it, this country of humans turned this girl into a weapon to protect humanity by striping her of her own."
Fear filled Oliver's voice as he began to speak.
"No, you lie! You are just trying to trick me!"
The elf then laughed again his gravely voice making it sound unnatural.
"Hahaha, I have no need to lie to you shem, the truth has always been enough pain for your kind."
Oliver then took a breath and clenched his fists as he regained his composure.
"No! I won't accept it. I refuse to live in a world without Viviane's smile, so either I change her fate here and now, or I go to the darkness."
The Elf looked surprised for a moment before saying something under his breath.
"...Can only work to make it better... Hmm... Is this the potential you see in them, my lord?"
The elf then turned to look at Viviane and raised his hand toward her.
Oliver rushed forward but before he could raise his sword the girl was placed gently in front of him.
Oliver looked at the elf and then back to Viviane sitting before him as his mind raced. Confusion etched onto his face.
"Why... I don't understand what is this. What do you want?"
The elf then looked to the entrance to the room as if listening for something before speaking.
"You say you wish to change her fate... Then destroy the crown, that is the only way to free her and her mind."
Oliver took a step back.
"Destroy the crown? But it's been passed down since the time of the gods...you're lying! There must be another way?"
The elf seemed to smile cruelly threw his mask.
"Like I said before I have no need to lie to your kind. Think boy, you know it's true. At any time, those who placed that crown upon her head. Could have destroyed it and freed her, but they valued it over her. Like all those that came before.
The elf then looked toward Oliver.
"But now the choice falls to you? Will you choose humanity or love?"
Oliver's sword fell out of his hand as his mind raced.
"(Humanity or love? What kind of choice is that? He must be lying!... But master bergand said removing the crown would make her lose her mind... Could destroying it really save her? But that would be treason! I would be betraying everything I stand for...)"
Oliver fell to his knees unable to stand the weight of the choice as he stared into the blank eyes of Viviane.
The pale elf took a step forward crouched down looking the young priest in the eyes as tears began to fill his eyes.
"Ah, and there it is,(Nienor). Or as you call it Despair. The true mark of humanity, a cold blanket to wrap yourself in whenever the world's truths become too much to bear. You know, of all the tunes the human emotion sings, I believe despair to be my favorite."
The Elven shadow leaned in closer to the priest, Tears running down the man's face, as he looked into the elf's cold red eyes. Like two seas of desolate crimson oceans.
"It is not a simple weeping over a loved one, no mere sadness. But a clawing, gnawing void that drifts at the edge of consciousness, forever threatening to eat you from the inside out."
The elf's voice seemed to drip with quiet glee as he went on.
"And to see it, when that void gets in. To hear that melody play on a man's heart, there is nothing more perfect to my ears."
The elf then stood and turned toward Viviane and spoke as Oliver looked down at the ground.
"So tell me, little bird. Are you going to sing me a song?"
Oliver looked over at his dead teacher and then at Viviane before looking down in defeat.
"Im so sorry Viviane... I ... can't"
The elf then sighed as he stood.
"So that's it then... After all those pretty words... You disappoint me,"
The elf then raised a hand as shadow began to creep up around Oliver and Viviane's bodies.
Just then in a flash of white gold and blue, the elf was attacked.
Oliver watched as the elf's shadowy daggers clashed with a spear and a voice then rang out.
"How dare you trespass and spill blood upon sacred ground! You will not live to see the end of this day elf!"
{Drill Staff!}
The man looked young with long black hair and sharp red eyes. His white, blue, and gold armor shined as his rather plain-looking staff Spun with great force pushing the elf back as the spear crashed into the ground.
As the elf landed a few feet back the man then yelled out.
"NOW!"
Just then another voice called out.
{Sun Burst}
Oliver covered his eyes as a blast of Brilliant sunlight flashed filling the room with radiance as the shadow beasts were burnt away.
As the light faded he opened his eyes to find the Elf barely fazed.
The armored man was now joined by a man draped in beautiful ornate red and gold robes a staff of pure white wood held firmly in his right hand
His short red hair blazed against the white backdrop of the temple. His cold watchful green eyes focused on the enemy before them.
"High Priest Cato Cyrus Flaminus... I can't believe it..."
Oliver spoke under his breath.
Demitri then rushed forward wasting no time.
{Technique Strengthen}
The warrior's spear then clashed with the elf's blade over and over at speeds Oliver could barely keep up with.
The ground shattered as the two fought before the voice from before rang out again.
{Heaven's Flame Smite}
A wave of heat filled the room. The elf then brought his hands together before a blinding white flame erupted around him.
The white-hot flame then vanished revealing a shield of shadow around the elf.
Captain Demitri then rushed forward.
{Guard Shatter}
The spear collided with the shadowy barrier with incredible force.
The elf then smiled from within the barrier.
"Impressive, Though it will take more than that..."
Shadows then began to swirl around the elf and Cato then yelled out as a light shined around Demitri.
{Focus Strength}
The Captain then pressed against the barrier as the shadows met his spear shattering the barrier with force enough to make the elf take a step back two of his shadow daggers barely missed the center of the Captain's stomach hitting him in the side instead.
The Black Scripture Captain pressed forward as he and Cato yelled out
{Drill Staff}
{Holy Smite}
A column of pure light struck the elf as the Captain's spear rotated at lightning speed.
Shadowy blood splattered upon the ground as the Captain's spear pierced the elf's chest.
The captain then smirked.
"Seems we had more than enough strength."
The elf chuckled from under his mask.
"Hehe, Shem... So quick to assume..."
The elf then gripped the spear tightly.
Cato then looked to notice something before quickly raising his staff and yelling out.
{Pull}
Demitri was pulled back with violent speed just as spikes of shadow erupted from all around the elf.
Oliver watched as The Captain landed safely beside Cato, having left his spear behind before wincing slightly at the wounds in his side.
Cato then raised his staff slightly
{Heal}
A warm light shined around the captain, his wounds healing fully.
The duo then straightened themselves out and looked across to the elf who was holding the spear as he examined the hole in his chest as it healed with shadow and blood.
"Hmmm seems this body has reached its limits...Lasted longer than I thought It would..."
He said nonchalantly as his gray hair began to turn red in places.
Cato squinted at the elf's changing and strangely familiar features as his words bounced around in his head.
"Body has reached its limit?"
He then glanced around at the dead priests and soldiers around them before looking at the elf before him as he addressed Oliver.
"Boy, Where is Gerad?"
Oliver's eyes widened as the image of Gerad's last moments replayed in his mind.
"He... He saved... I"
Frustration covered Cato's face as he listened to Oliver search for words.
"Out with it!"
The shadowy elf raised an eyebrow as he watched Oliver stammer over his words before looking back at the mage.
"Oh... I see, so that's who it was..."
The mage then looked back at the elf with confused anger.
"Who!? What did you do?!"
The shadowy elf then raised his hand toward his face and pulled down a veil of shadow revealing Gerad's face.
"Needed an anchor for my Projection spell. This shem proved adequate."
Cato's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Gerad... No..."
The Captain then spoke up.
"Projection Magic?! Cato, we have to secure the Princess and escape. His true form could be anywhere..."
Demitri then looked at the mage beside him only to find a look of pure rage.
"GIVE ME BACK MY SON!!"
Cato roared as he rushed forward.
Demitri then tried to grab hold of the mage.
"Cato, Wait, No!"
But Cato was already out of reach.
{Purifing Flame}
Cato yelled as white balls of fire erupted from his hands.
The white balls of flame exploded on impact with the elf obscuring the elf's form for a moment.
Demitri suspecting a counter-attack raised his spear in preparation as the fire danced around the elf but to his surprise, the elf simply stood in the flame unaffected.
"Impossible!"
Cato exclaimed.
"That flame rids the target of all outside influence!"
Demitri ran up next to Cato.
"Dammit Cato! We have to..."
Demitri stopped mid-sentence as he noticed a strange flicker around the elf.
The elf smiled deviously as its form seemed to fade away.
The elf's voice then came from behind the duo.
"Perhaps the flame would work better if it had hit its target."
The two god-kin turned around quickly to find the Miko Princess and Oliver engulfed in shadow with the elf standing next to them.
Demitri and Cato then rushed forward together with all the speed they could muster as the elf raised his hand and pressed his middle finger against his thumb.
"We shem, let's see how well you spy without your puppet's eyes to guide you..."
SNAP*
Oliver and the princess vanished in shadow as the duo reached them and the elf's visage faded away leaving a drained and barely recognizable Gerad in his wake.
The solider then fell limply into Cato's arms
"Gerad!"
Cato said as he gently laid the man onto the ground.
Demitri then stabbed his spear into the ground in frustration.
"Dammit! He got away with the princess! We have to find him!"
Demitri then turned to address Cato but stopped as he saw the state of Gerad.
Barely skin and bones a far cry from the warrior he remembered.
Cato then spoke to Gerad
"It's ok son. I'm here now. You're gonna be ok."
Gerad's eyes seemed to acknowledge Cato as he weakly raised a hand toward him.
Cato then spoke.
"It's me Gerad. Don't worry I can heal you."
Gerad then struggled to speak.
"Fa... Father."
He said weakly before turning to dust in Cato's arms.
Cato sat silent. His eyes trained on where his son was just moments before.
Demitri then placed a hand on Cato's shoulder.
"We have to notify the Council..."
Cato's eyes began to well up before forcing down the emotion.
Cato then stood up.
"We will need a witness to what happened since he took the boy too..."
Cato's grief and rage-filled eyes then fell on Master Bergand's body.
Deep in the elven forest:
The members of the Slane Theocrasy Army faced a group of elves to the ground in chains as the Commander then approached the elven woman in front as chains tightened around her throat. The beautiful elven woman had red and white hair and a slender body.
The man looked down at her with a cocky smile.
"You put up a good fight but it's over... I see why the main army was having such trouble with you. But you were no match for the cleansing flame. You know I heard you were pretty smart. But you fell for our trap. You've been attacking our weapon shipments for months. Did you really think we wouldn't catch you?"
The other soldier laughed as whimpering could be heard from the girl.
"Oh don't be sad... We won't kill you... They want you alive... But the journey home is a long one, I'm sure you wouldn't mind keeping us warm..."
The man looked the girl in her green eyes and reached out touching her red hair which fell away revealing all white hair as the girl's whimpering turned into laughter.
"A Wig!! Dammit, it's not Mailan!"
The man yelled as the girl kept laughing.
Angered the man struck the elf knocking her over as her laughter got louder.
"What's so dammed funny girl?"
He yelled.
The girl then replied between laughs.
"You! Hahaha the arrogance, to think you could set a trap for us... In OUR... HOME"
The men then heard tribal calls all around them. Before the forest went silent.
Then from out of the undergrowth walked an elven woman.
Her features were beautiful yet fierce. Battle paint covered her face barely hiding a scar across her left eye. Her body clade in tight-fitting armor looked strong and well trained. Her flowing red and white hair bellowed behind her.
She looked at the men before her. Her eyes were cold and sharp. Like a hawk watching prey.
The men looked shocked at her arrival as one yelled out.
"It's her!!! Ambush!!!"
The powerful-looking elf then raised a beautiful ornate spear over her head and yelled out a tribal battle cry.
Elves then spilled out of the tree line attacking from all sides.
The human commander then yelled out.
"Shields!!"
The soldiers then converged on the commander and raised their shields creating a wall.
"Do not falter men!!! The gods are with us and will see us to victory against these savages!!!"
The Elven warrior then spoke as she walked toward the commander through the carnage of battle. Arrows struck down all enemies before they could reach her. Her voice was calm and controlled.
"Us, Savages? And yet it is not our people ravaging villages and murdering children is it?" No, it is you and your Gods that are the masters of savagery. But today... Today your gods will look upon you and watch as you die savagely..."
The commander then roared as he raised his hands and a magic circle appeared at his feet
"We serve the cleansing flame. And fear no heathen!! Attack!!"
{Embue flame}
All The soldier's weapons then erupted in flame as they charged forward.
Milan then spoke as her spear glowed a bright gold.
{Dragon Dance}
The next moment Mailan vanished from sight as rays of golden light pierced the men's chests tearing through their hearts.
Milan then reappeared before them as the commander fell to his knees, his eyes wide with shock and confusion as blood filled his mouth.
She looked down at the man and spoke. Her crimson eye was filled with cold apathy.
"When you stand before your gods, be sure to tell them. One of their "Saveges" sent you..."
The man then fell over dead.
The other elves then finished off the human soldiers and went to free the chained elves.
Mailan's demeanor imeadiatly softened as she ran over to the white haired elven girl.
"Laeha! Are you hurt? Let me see."
The young elven Gorrila fighter then replied as she tried to hide her right cheek.
"I'm fine its nothing."
Milan then insisted.
"Let me see..."
Laeha then turned to get away.
"No I'm fine..."
Milan then grabbed the girl by the shoulders.
"I said let me see... Oh look it's bruising, I knew it, I'll kill him!"
"Mailan... He's already dead..."
"I'll kill him again!!"
The other elves chuckled at the exchange. Mailan was like a mother to them and sometimes worried to much.
Milan then quickly stopped her nagging as she looked out in to the forest with a serious look on her face.
Laeha then looked out into the forest as well.
"What's wrong Mailan?"
But before Mailan could answer a massive and terrifying aura of power erupted from the forest.