~Jenna's POV~
A lot of things have happened, many of them are those I wouldn't have believed if I stayed as my old self, even if I saw them with my own eyes. First was my younger brother Leon coming back home, a changed bo- no, man, with power and wealth that no other person of his age could have achieved. Ever since his adventure, he became smarter, stronger, wiser, and dare I say...scarier than before.
The young boy whom I had once viewed as insignificant was gone, replaced by an adventurer forged in the hardship of the natural world—a true Bartfort who brings pride and honor to his family.
Not like me, or at least, not after the imaginary world built around me by Zola was brought down. What Leon did back then...despite how horrible it was, had been necessary for me. Fear brought low my walls of pride. Allowing me to see what I indeed was...and I threw up at what I had become. Every word that Leon described me as, though harsh and cruel, was accurate.
I wasn't the prettiest in the kingdom, I wasn't the fairest, I wasn't the best in manners, I wasn't the best in studies, and I don't even have that much money to my name. I wasn't who I thought-...I wasn't who I believed I was, and that broke me. I felt filthy, I felt sick, like trash that would only weigh down those who were striving to live, the real priorities.
I did nothing to make my parents proud of me. I did nothing for my family but caused them more pain. I did nothing but follow Zora's orders like a dog on a leash.
I was nothing.
If I was gone, no one would remember me. I was pretty sure my family hated me for the spoiled brat I was, so they'd just move on like they didn't lose anyone important. The 'friends' I made in my years would easily forget me because the dead mean nothing to them. Zora? She'd just scoff and focus on her real daughter. The kingdom of Holfort and even the entirety of the world didn't know I existed. Why would they miss a person they don't even know?
So dead or alive...I was indeed nothing.
"Jenna? Is everything okay?"
Like a torch light that sparked to life within the dark, that voice, that sweet, calm, and soothing voice that always brought a smile to my face, brought me out of my grim thoughts and back to a world of colors, my favorites being silver and gold, but for a completely different reason.
"Are you alright Jenna?"
"With you here? Yes. Everything is... purr~fect."
Golden-slitted eyes that stood out in the moonlit night drooped, accompanied by a tired face that I found oh so cute, "I do not know whether that is a tease or a pun, nor do I know whether to laugh in pity or sigh at your attempt of being a corny comedian."
"Awww~ Look at you. You've learned so much from me. I feel so proud.", I wiped the nonexistent tears from my eyes. Earning me the satisfying sight of Miauler sighing and bowing his head in defeat.
"Whatever makes you happy Jenna."
Whatever makes me happy... those four simple words spoken in such a casual tone weighed more to me than anything else in the world. It wasn't sugar-coated, held no ulterior motive behind were pure. Oh so pure and genuine.
Oh, Miauler. My most precious, protective, and handsome servant. You don't know how much it meant to me when you snuck through the windows and into my life. When I lay almost lifeless and unresponsive to the world, you brought me back to life. When I tried to end it all, you shook me from making the worst mistake. When I lashed out, in words and action, you took it all and never left my side. When shouts of anger became tears and sobs, you continued to hold me as you bled from the cuts I made. Even as I sank deeper into the dark, you never let me go.
"You are my charge. The one that I will protect from all harm. Be they from others or yourself. So go think of yourself as worthless, as trash, or even as lower than that, all you want. To me, you are vital. You are important. Lies will not change that truth."
"Jenna, you are daydreaming again.", Miauler pointed out with a deadpan tone. His words brought me back to reality.
"Oh sorry, sorry! I'm just remembering precious memories... now that I mention it-"
"For the last time, no. I am not crossdressing as a petite maid, EVER, again. One time is enough, thank you very much.", He complained with a frown, not directed at her, but at the memory itself, "I don't want another horde coming after me to 'rumpy-pumpy'."
"Awww, but you looked so cute and adorable~.", I complained while using the 'puppy eye' technique that's been passed down through generations from mother to daughter.
The technique that makes even the most hardened human male buckle and yield, was found ineffective on Miauler, who replied in a dead tired tone, "And you ravaged me for it from afternoon till the next morning. You missed lunch, dinner, breakfast and were severely dehydrated. Not to mention how body was aching for hours due to over exhaustion. How you managed to keep me from moving with those ribbons and knots of yours, I will never know, but I will not allow that to happen again."
Setting down a tray filled with food and a large glass of lemon juice, Miauler continued as I looked away in embarrassment, "You need a healthy balanced meal three times a day, plenty of refreshing liquids, PREFERABLY, water or fruit juice-", He paused to give me a glare that made me feel sheepish, "and at least 8 hours of sleep for you to be able to function properly. I will not allow you to sabotage your health again in favor of your desires and pleasure."
"...even if I let you be on top?"
Miauler stared with a dead serious look in his eyes, one that made any resistance in me crumble and surrender.
"Okay, okay! You win.", I begrudgingly said with a pout.
Thankfully that was enough for him to regain his smile again. Oh, how addictive of a sight that is~
"Now go on and eat your food. You are required to consume everything to recover from your nutrient deficiency."
'Oh Miauler, always looking out for me. What would I be without you, my precious one?', I thought to myself before I took up the utensils and began to enjoy the meal, my eyes switching between watching my most loved person in the world and the village down below.
I truly did make the right decision to have dinner on the balcony of our house. Not only can I enjoy the presence of Miauler without any unwanted interruptions, but I also have a front-row seat of the, what did his brother call it again? Oh right! Lightshow!
The stage that is Newera has long been set. The town was dark with no trace of light in sight. All is pitch black and the silence overcame all sound on the island. A most fitting blank canvas for a perfect masterpiece.
Pewwww~
There it is, the first stroke of the artist's hand. A shimmering streak of white light rose from behind the hills and above towards the blank night sky. It rose higher and higher while its glow faded, flickering in the darkness.
The light reached the apex of its flight, flying high above the world, till the light was snuffed out. The dark reigned over the sky once more.
.
.
.
Ting!
Till the light reemerged from the black curtain, a small yet bright dot, a star, twinkled into existence.
Ting!
Followed by another-
Ting!
-and another-
Ting!
-and another.
The stars, shining their gleaming silver light, returned once more into the night sky. First in pairs, then in trios, then in groups of fours, and fives...before they arrived by the hundreds!
Thousands of stars now shined defiantly in the darkness, yet still, many more followed.
Some simply appeared in the blink of an eye, some fizzled, some streaked across the sky, and some arrived in a blast of shattering silver gleam.
Then the stars had settled, and the silence was pierced with a sound of music. A melody that echoed from the very island itself. Its flow was steady, captivating to the ears, and so mesmerizing, that the stars themselves began to dance.
Oh, what a sight it is to see the celestial bodies moving with such grace and beauty.
My breath left my lungs as they progressed in their harmonious advance across the blank void, like a gala of heavenly bodies.
Then came the crescendo.
Each star began to detach from the dance, following an invisible current, that soon swept all the stars in the sky. They all swirled above, circling the first star.
They converged upon it, combining, condensing, into one point. They gathered and gathered until there was only one single light left in the sky, and as it settled, all stared in awe in realization.
The moon. The stars had converged and formed the moon, bathing the entire island in its soothing pale light.
Then, shimmering streaks of light, each one a different color, shot out from the land towards the sky. They flew to the highest point, hovering alongside the moon... before they shook the heavens...with a BLAST!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
The blanket of darkness was torn asunder and in its absence, the cosmos was freed.
BEAT!
The trumpets are blown!
BEAT!
The drums are struck!
BEAT!
The violins are singing!
BEAT!
THE BELLS ARE RINGING!
DING!
THE DARKNESS SCATTERED!
AND THE COLORS-
BEAT!
OF LIFE!
BEAT!
OF JOY!
BEAT!
OF CELEBRATION!
BEAT!
CAME FORTH
WITH A GRAND ENTRANCE!
Excited cheers from the people roared out into the night. Music came in force, moving with a flow of chaos and harmony!
The town of Newera was brought back to life, brighter and livelier than ever before! Then, from above, descending from the sky with shimmering wings of silver, with instruments in hands, Leon's armors joined the symphony.
The people sang out loud from the bottom of their hearts!
HAIL TO THEE BRINGER OF HOPE!
SALVATION TO THOSE GIVEN LONG AGO!
BRINGING LOW THE KINGS AND THEIR BEASTS!
THE GIVER OF FREEDOM RAISED US FROM OUR KNEES!
DANCE! DANCE! REJOICE AND SING!
BLOW ALL THE TRUMPETS! LET THE BELLS RING!
LAUGH AND PLAY UNDER THE RAYS!
OF THE SUN TILL THE END OF OUR DAYS!
LONG LIVE THE BARON! LONG LIVE THE HOOK!
FOR ALL THE DEEDS THAT THEY UNDERTOOK!
FREED FROM CAGES! FREED FROM CHAINS!
NEVER WILL WE BE CAPTIVE AGAIN!
HA HA HA HAAAA!
YOOOOOOO~HOHOHOHOOO!
YOOOOOOO~HOHOHOHOOO!
YOOOOOOO~HOHOHOHOOO!
YOOOOOOO~
H A ! H A ! H A!
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
"Hahaha! This may be the best show Leon has thrown yet!", Laughing behind a handkerchief, I wiped off any crumbs on my lips, my smile as big as the excitement I felt in my heart. Truly, Leon has changed so much, and it's only the first semester! Oh, I do wonder just how much he'll grow once I graduate from the academy. How close will he be by then to this 'Perfect Party' of his?
Though speaking of Leon, "Miauler, do you know where my brother is? Please tell me he hasn't already gone to bed and missed all his hard work, again."
"He is currently with his two friends, the scholarship student and the young miss Redgrave, enjoying the show much like us at the fourth-floor open-air balcony of the Jade Hotel.", Maiuler replied immediately.
"Oh. That is... quite detailed. Did you get that from a spy network or something similar?", I asked with genuine surprise in a curious tone.
"No.", He raised his hand and pointed to the side, "I see them right there."
My neck snapped to the right and proper to his words, they were there. They are only two buildings away from the house but even I could clearly see them and how their eyes are glued ahead, still stunned in awe. Well, Angelica and Olivia are, Leon instead looked proud...for only a second before he began to brood.
Possibly noticing a flaw or a part of the show that could have been improved.
"Oh, I see.", I mumbled, "I wonder what sort of ideas are now spiraling in that head of his."
"Most probably planning the next Festival of Fallen Horns.", Miauler spoke.
"I would be surprised if he isn't! Hahaha!"
Oh brother of mine, I surely do hope Miss Redgrave and Olivia can get you to relax more. I mean, what else could you possibly be stressing about in this time of wonderous celebration?
THIRD-PERSON POINT OF VIEW
'This must be a dream...', Leon rubbed his eyes to dispel, not his stress, but his surprise.
With his thoughts, he reached out to his trusty AI, 'Have you confirmed her identity?'
LUXION picked up its commander's message and immediately replied, 'Affirmative commander. Facial scans have attained a 100% match on the profile from your memory.'
'So it is her.', Leon didn't know what to feel. On one hand, he was thrilled to see the familiar face of someone who had shown him kindness in his darkest time. However on the other, there was only utter confusion, 'I should be happy to know that she's alive and well...but where has she been all this time?'
'Commander. I received an important notification relating to Project Bastion. Would you like to review it?'
'It's one thing after another this evening.', Leon sighed, 'What are the details?'
'Project Bastion is near completion at 95% progress. Its main structure has been built. Only the crucial interior components remain. By my calculations, it shall be completed in 2 days and fully operational 2 more days after.'
'I'm going to take a guess and say that there have been some complications?'
'Indeed. Mining operations have resulted in the opening of an underwater cave system, releasing numerous threat level 3 monsters.'
'Have you taken the necessary counter-measures?'
'Indeed commander. Our forces are maintaining the safety of the base. 30% of the reserves are being reactivated and sent as reinforcement to replace losses. However, there is something of great importance in the report commander.'
LUXION projected a silver-colored 3D model of the underwater cave system, which was more significant, longer, and deeper than what Leon had imagined.
'Our sensors are picking up a familiar energy signature. Based on the analysis, it is 90% similar to the Kheldari crystals we salvaged from the damaged protoss vessel.'
Leon tried not to succumb to thought-up conclusions, but the idea that perhaps there are more protoss relics and tech somewhere down there in the deep was so much. He could feel his greed squealing with glee, shouting at him to immediately dispatch a salvage group to plunder for the treasure. Honestly, he was about to do just that till he remembered that the last time he did so, he had lost the Dutchman to the impenetrable Border.
'Calm down, Leon, calm down. Going balls in isn't your thing. That's Muscle Head Red's specialty. Assess the situation, highlight priorities, and plan for every possible outcome. Remember. Vision. Vision!',
He let out a slow breath. His mind focusing, his neural implants activating, and the world around him seemed to slow down.
Although the temptation of acquiring more protoss tech is alluring and it could be a massive boon in technology, there is also the fact that there are monsters. If the data Leon is seeing on his HUD is accurate, over 600 monsters had emerged from the breach. Each needs a significant amount of work to put down. Although they are being contained, there have been casualties.
Whenever one monster dies, at least 6 units of his are destroyed. If he were to consider this and the possibility of their being more festering within the cave system, with the possibility of encountering higher threat level monsters, even if he were to send all of his forces down to the location of the objective and race back without it being damaged, he'd be crimpled, vulnerable.
A state that he doesn't want to be in considering the many dangers out there in the world. If, let's say, a powerful foriegn kingdom tries to attack, he'd be able to survive, but there would be losses. Too many losses.
'What are your orders, commander?'
Leon collected his thoughts. His plans and backup plans have been visualized. The choice it has to make is clear.
'LUXION. Create a tight perimeter around the breach, and set the security level to 6. Do not let anything escape or enter. However, we must prioritize The Bastion. Focus on getting it ready. In the meantime, bring out the schematics for the Monster Slayer Caste and update it with all the information we've obtained on the new monsters. As for the previous subject, have a separate squad of Sigma Phantoms monitor Carla. Update her status to crucial.'
'Orders received.'
By the end of LUXION's short reply, Leon sensed several Banshees, Ravens, and Wraiths flying overheard and adding to the slowly growing patrol of cloaked fliers who began to cover an expanding radius around, above, and even below the island.
It is almost frightening to know that while the people in town are all carefree and celebrating, an entire army of AI-piloted mechs and vehicles are moving about so close without them noticing. A sort of reminder that the world will keep on moving even without you, that while one is having the time of their lives, another is preparing an army for war.
"Leon! This is amazing!", Olivia's voice pierced through his concentration.
The world returns to normal for Leon as he gazes towards his friend. Olivia was smiling with innocent wonder filling her shining eyes. Angie herself, who stood side by side with the original protagonist, bore the same look of pure enjoyment. They are enjoying the show he and LUXION had prepared, a very soothing sight for the young man's worrying heart. Oh, how the happiness of his dear ones makes his chest feel warmer.
"Time and time again, I am always left in awe at your best works, Leon.", Angei commented, her eyes drifting from the sky towards the town, watching the crowd of people, commoners, and nobles alike, laughing, dancing, and enjoying themselves out in the open in every street of Newera.
A warm feeling bloomed inside Leon's chest. The same sensation that causes his mind to be washed in a flood of dopamine.
Joy. Joy in having his art be appreciated and being recognized for his hard work.
"I'm glad you both like it.", Leon replied, turning his gaze back to the show.
Perhaps he should savor the calm while it lasted. A few minutes wouldn't hurt.
After all, he had complete faith in LUXION.
~Meanwhile~
"So you've been traveling around the world, all this time?"
"Yes...though that wasn't my intention in the beginning. I simply got lost a lot."
Carla felt embarrassed looking back at her past blunder.
Ever since the two had reunited, they had done nothing but catch up on lost time. They had shed tears, they held onto each other's hand, and not once did they let go as they went about to have fun. They played the games by the fair, indulged themselves in every sweet shop they found, and danced from street to street to the music in the air. They had ventured half of Newera by the time the sun had set.
Now here they are, waiting in an open-air restaurant, chatting with themselves to pass the time, sitting side by side at the table Marie had reserved till her friends returned.
"However, in my excuse, I have a terrible sense of direction. That and I didn't have a map with me."
"Hehehe, I wouldn't blame you. We were so busy running back then. We didn't have the time to search for one."
Marie joked, yet Carla did not laugh. The blue-eyed maiden stiffened, realizing the mistake she had made. An apology was just about to escape her lips-
"I'm sorry."
Only for Carla to beat her to it.
The once cheerful smile dulled down to a guilty frown, with her eyes showing nothing but regret, "If I hadn't been so slow back then, you would-"
"Please, stop.", The famous maiden of scarlet thorns was nowhere to be seen, there was only Marie, a girl who held her friend's hand with a firm grip, "Whatever guilt you've been carrying all this time, whatever thought that has been plaguing you, and all shame you have for yourself. Tear them off and cast them aside. None of it was ever your fault."
Carla was speechless. This...wasn't the same Marie she knew. Back then, she only saw a kindred spirit, a poor tortured, and vulnerable soul she had to protect. Yet now, she saw weakness, no hesitation, no fear.
"We couldn't do anything back then, that's the truth, but things are different now. We've grown, I have grown so much since then. You don't have to follow my lead.", Marie spoke with a smile free of doubt, "Rather, stay by my side and walk forward with me. The past won't happen again, I promise you. I won't ever lose you. Never again.
Carla was silent...until she smiled. Her eyes seemed to glow, outshining the light of the festival around them. Like a bright clear sky...with the sun rising over the horizon. The gentle color of blue...with small hints of fierce red at the edges.
"I would like that. Very, very much."
.
.
.
"MARIE! WE'RE BACK!"
The glow vanished from Carla's eyes before Marie could notice. Their heads turned to the new arrivals to see that it was Julios and his entourage of friends, who looked to have been enjoying themselves.
Julius is walking with a wrapped gift in his arm. Beside him was Greg, sporting a few already healing bruises and a silver belt wrapped around his waist. Next was Chris, who held in his hand a silver trophy. Following him from behind is Jilk, wearing his usual calm smile, with two large stuffed toys in his arms. Last but not the least was Brad-
"Welcome back everyo- eh?", Marie waved to them, only to pause in confusion when her eyes set on Brad, "...uh...Brad? What's with the tiara?"
The teen perked up at being Marie's sole attention. Feeling pleased, he struck a graceful pose with his head held high, "Oh this? It's the prize I won for winning the beauty pageant!"
"Beauty pageant?", Greg looked confused and disturbed, "But isn't that-"
"The rules stated that anyone who has confidence in their looks can participate! It's only coincidence that the other contestants happened to be women.", Brad rebuked.
Jilk covered his mouth with his hand, holding back his laughter, "Really? Then why is there a sash on you that says 'Most Beautiful Lady of Newera'?"
Brad blinked, confused at his friend's words. However, when everyone continued to stare at him with many developing humored smiles and held-back giggles, Brad slowly realized the situation. Looking down with a nervous look in his eyes, he spotted the other prize he had won, still clinging to his chest in a bright golden color.
"Uhhh...", Brad could not come up with an excuse. He could only blush in embarrassment and looked down, prompting everyone to finally release the laughter they had been holding in. Oh, how his face turned a cherry red at the sound. This was why he had hidden away the trophy he won, too bad he forgot the others prizes. It got even worse when he saw a giggling Marie walking up to him.
However, all the shame he began to feel was washed away when Marie raised his head with a gentle guiding hand, "Hold your head up high, Brad! You still won and proved your looks are the best! So show your pride! You've earned it.", Marie cheered him with a smile that melted his heart.
Her honeyed words wormed itself into his brain, turning embarrassment and shame into full-blown pride! Brad once more took a fabulous pose, styling with no care of what others would think. From afar, he would look to be a beautiful maiden, yet to those who know better, Brad is simply a fabulous boy who's showing off his looks.
"Yes! You are right! Thankfully there's someone-", His glare passed over his still laughing friends, "who is congratulating me for my accomplishment. In fact!"
Brad took off the tiara and the sash, presenting the two items to Marie, "Here, Marie, as my thanks for your support. Along with the fact that these are more fitting to be worn by you. They can never be more true."
Taken aback, Marie was not expecting Brad's...generosity. She only spoke those words because she was being genuine, she did not expect to be rewarded this way, nor did a small part of her want to. However, they are very tempting.
"I...thank you, Brad.", In the end, she gave in, the items laid atop her arms, not because of greed or vanity, but because of the puppy dog eyes Brad was giving her. Ugghh! Curse her weakness to all things adorable!
Unfortunately for the girl who only wanted all of them to sit down and introduce her old friend, her accepting the purple lad's offering had set off a chain reaction.
"Oh! Right! I bought this gift for Marie! I earned it all by myself!", Julius stepped forward.
"""SAME FOR US!"""
In only a moment, the five friends that once stood united now developed into five competitive rivals. The five head figures of this generation for Holfort butted heads shoved and pushed each other to give their gifts to their shared love interest.
"Umm...", Marie stepped back with her hands full. Her short arms were surprisingly able to hold up the small hill of gifts she received from her friends/admirers. While said admirers had forgotten about everything around them they got into a very heated argument, one that shows no sign of ending soon.
Sighing, the sole member of the Lafan Family sat back on her seat, setting aside the items in her arms on the floor. Her hands came up to her head to massage her twitching nerves.
Carla watched, slightly amused and confused yet no words were spoken, no questions as to why the young men had decided to start a verbal fight. She only watched...then took the drink that was meant for herself and offered it to Marie, "I think you're going to need this more than me."
Her friend accepted the drink and finished it in one gulp, "Believe me, I am going to need more."
"I assume this happens often?"
"Long before we sat foot on the island."
"You have my condolence...and my company if it helps ease the headaches."
The two women looked at each other. Marie could tell the sincerity behind Carla's words. So...since she was offering.
"Please. I desperately need it. As much as I love these friends of mine...it's a breath of fresh air to spend time with you."
Both smiled. Both reached under the table and held hands. Both looked into each other's eyes with happiness. Both were ignorant of the small sparks of energy that flowed from Marie to Carla.
~Meanwhile~
If LUXION had lips, he would have frowned at the sudden notification he received.
Psionic Emotion Manipulator Tower, or P.E.M.T, 8 at the south quadrant was facing some difficulties and needed a maintenance check. The AI wasn't surprised since P.E.M.T.s have their limits. With the number of humans currently in his commander's territory, it's only natural to be facing issues.
LUXION simply wasn't expecting them to occur so soon.
Nevertheless, he sent a maintenance team to fix the issue while refocusing on more critical matters.
"CRAAAAAA!"
FIZZZZZZZZZZZ~
LUXION watched with interest at the testing of the new anti-magic weapon. After the events of the breach had settled, a few of the monsters had been successfully captured. Quite kind of them to 'participate' in the making of a new series of weapons.
Unlike most of the monsters encountered in dungeons and the wild around Holfort, these monsters have been infused with the essence of magic. Granting them the ability to use spells on instinct.
Think of the Zerg but every unit they have can use physical boosters, barriers, magic missiles, high-pressure water torpedoes that implode upon impact, and hundreds of other high-tier spells.
It was no wonder that over 851 mechanized units had fallen to them. Especially that one particular hermit crab monster, who had used a polarity-based spell to magnetize mechs and vehicles to its shell to use against them. He will admit that he found satisfaction in watching that same monster have its head swell and burst in a gory explosion in the testing room.
The AI approved of the progress of the weapon. It will be very useful in the Monster Slayer Caste's arsenal.
In the beginning, Leon and LUXION were planning countermeasures for if they encounter hostile Protoss that can't be reasoned with, mostly specifically High Protoss. The commander did not want to risk being on the receiving end of a 'Feedback' or, worse, a 'Psionic Storm'.
That fear was the driving force in the creation of the Anti-Phenomena Arsenal. A weapon series that exists to combat supernatural or paranormal enemies. This brings us back to the newest addition to the family, the Overloader. A long-range sniper rifle fires a compressed beam of energy that destabilizes the internal energy of a target, causing the power they are using to spontaneously combust, resulting in very gruesome deaths.
With the conclusion of the test, LUXION had SCVs move the corpse to the bioreactors. Waste not, what not, as his old commander had once said.
The AI paused in his musings when he received a ping from Sigma Phantom 35, codename 'Tau'.
"Report."
"Operation Overtake is fully in motion. All key factors are under our control. However, I have discovered valuable information on House Offrey's cooperation with the remaining sky pirates."
LUXION is intrigued. He didn't expect the scattered pirate survivors to still be in play. Despite them being scum, the stubbornness of humans still seems to linger within them.
How...delightful. Now the AI won't have to hunt them down one by one. Let them all gather. He won't miss a single one this time.
"Proceed."
"The Offreys have reached out to the major pirate factions of other nations. It seems the remnants of Devil's Crown still had some connections. They have been gathering supplies and numbers for the last year at the northwest border of Holfort. They have conquered a Wild Dungeon on a floating island near the Blue Abyss and have been using that as their base of operations."
"Explains why they haven't been picked up by our radars."
"Correct. They have been preparing for their return to Holfort."
"Raven team 24-T and Stealth Ship Phantomo are ready for reconnaissance. Coordinates?"
"The information is irrelevant. They have abandoned the site and formed an armada. It's been a week since their departure, based on these reports."
"Destination?"
.
.
.
"...Newera."
.
.
.
=)
"Like lambs to the slaughter."
~Timeskip - Midnight.~
Oh how long the pirates have dreamed of this day. The day when they will enact vengeance and reclaim what was theirs. Treasure, riches, and everything else that their twisted hearts desire are within their sight. All were ready, their eagerness, much so.
Most especially one particular person.
Isabella Panthera, the last of the pirate lords, the newly crowned Pirate Queen of the Shattered Crown, the Huntress of Hellish Storm, the 'Tamer of The Heaven's Warth'.
Born as a bastard spawn of a now-forgotten pirate warlord, Isabella is both the only woman and demi-human to have ever reached the top of the pirate hierarchy.
Through fear and power, she had commanded her crew of outcasts for the expansion of her realm of control. It was through this that she became one of the three pirate lords. It is because of her cunning that she survived while the others had perished. Now, all the resources she had stockpiled throughout the years had been pulled from storage for one reason and one reason alone.
To take back her pride.
Tho she had survived, the shame of the fall had made its mark on her image. Both on her reputation and on her face.
Back then, she would not have hoped to be where she was now. To all the pirates in the world, she had failed, deemed weak. No one would follow her, not with excessive threats and fear.
So she took a gamble. She pulled the last of her favors from the Offreys and then sailed off to the one place that could give her the means to rise again.
The wild dungeon, Hellish Storm.
If she could conquer and tame this dungeon, not only would her renown grow tenfold, but all the treasures within would be hers for the taking.
She had come up with this idea after she heard the tale of the Maiden of Scarlet Thorns. Despite the girl being a noble, Isabella respected her courage and will.
Which was why she had picked a dungeon that was of equal difficulty as the Blood Gardens.
It was a gamble. She could have lost her life and would have been forgotten by all. Yet here she was now. A mighty queen, a renowned conquerer in fame and infamy.
She had won the bet with destiny. Now she's baring her fangs and claws to carve her fate. To leave her mark on the world.
So what better way to start her reign than by ruining the festival that celebrated her fall?
"My Queen, the armada has now entered Baltfort territory."
A buff bull beastman kneeled in front of a tall figure, one that towered even his imposing frame.
"With the fleet of the 'Null Voyagers', the 'Blud Mons', and Empress Marci's bandit company, the 'Grim Canines', joining us recently, all 1000 ships are accounted for."
In the dim night, Pirate Queen Isabella's form was covered in a cloak of darkness, yet when she turned to face her servant, her singular eye surged with a volatile shine of dark violet.
"Wonderful~ Now send them in."
The beastman froze on the spoke, confusion clear on his face, "But my queen, we haven't even planned a-"
The air cracked, a bolt of lightning flashed, and a second later, the bull's horns had fallen to the floor.
"A-", He froze on the spot, the hardened glare of the 'Tamer of Heaven's Wrath' filled his soul with fear.
"Send. Them. In."
"A-at once m-my Queen!"
The bull ran away, scared for his life, to do what his queen wished. He did not want to end up like the others who thought the 'Hunteress of Hellish Storm' was someone to conquer or control. Their fried corpses still hung from the front of their ships to serve as reminders.
Now alone, Isabelle returned her sight to her goal. The Island of Newera shined like a star in the night. However, stars aren't the only ones who shined in the darkness.
The light Isabella brings isn't to mesmerize and be dazzling. No. Her is blinding, hers brings fear, hers is the very manifestation of the stormy heaven's wrath.
All living beings, be they men or vermin, flee and seek shelter at the coming of her natural disaster.
"You've saved the weak once before, yet it was only by chance. They were fortunate that they stood along the road of your crusade for revenge.", Isabella's eye narrowed into a smile, sparks crackling at its edges.
"I wonder if you'll live up to their legend~ Hmhmhm~"
(*)
The world will always, always, throw obstacles in your path. The future is unpredictable, uncontrollable, and full of surprises.
Hello everyone! EBYrsTruly is here and back again with a new chapter to kick in gear the coming rising climax for the Festival of Fallen Horns arc.
Leon and LUXION's works of art are as astounding as ever. Everyone is enjoying their time just as they have tended. Even the five overgrown children had a swell time. Yet none were more happy than Marie and Clarice. It's heartwarming to see the reunion of separated friends.
Yet anomalies and mystery riddle the air around our now-named maiden. I wonder what's the story behind the scar and the past of their bond.
Speaking of the past, a new player has entered the field. One of the former pirate lords has returned and their eyes are set on Newera. I wonder how Leon and LUXION will deal with the pests in a way that won't interfere with the festival.
We'll all find out in the next chapter. Till next time!
P.S. Thank you syneb for clarifying my mistake.