Chapter 16: Forged in Wind


Flames consume, tides subsume

Cut down all who would dare hold you back, prove there's naught you lack

Earth befouled, fierce winds howl

Face hell now to prove your will unyielding

You must walk this path alone, but know that you are not the first nor last to seek purgation


Van Eltia – en route to Lionel Island


"At least we haven't encountered any ghost ships." Said Ragna. On deck, he leaned back against the side of the ship with Velvet close by doing the same. She had been quiet throughout the trip, though she was never too far from him whenever he wandered about just to stretch his legs.

It was a longer trip this time compared to going to Eastgand. There's only so much one can do on a ship after all, and even the small dice games with Rokurou, Magilou, and Benwick can only entertain one for so long. He had invited Velvet to join in, but she always declined.

But more than just Velvet's own uncertainties... something bugged him too. He couldn't quite explain it, but he felt restless for the past few days now. Oh sure the threat of the Shepherd still rang true, but he had a sinking feeling that something else had been going on. Was it the new arte that Melchior supposedly created? No, that kind of challenge wouldn't be something he'd normally find too concerning. His sister maybe?

"Hey," Velvet looked up at him and gently touched his cheek. "Don't make such a face, you're worrying me."

"I should have said the same thing to you the past few days. You've been brooding too." Ragna replied, taking hold of her hand.

"What I brood over is obvious. But with you, it's difficult to know for sure. Come on, you can talk to me." Velvet insisted.

"Sometimes I don't even know what it is I'm apprehensive about." Sighed Ragna. "Call it a gut feeling after everything so far. But I think it has to do with my sister. I don't know if she'll attack us soon or make some other kind of confrontation. After what that malak, Zaveid mentioned, I don't even know how we would even deal with her."

"At least you're still thinking of your younger sibling." Velvet said. "…Wait, you're older right?"

"…I'd assume so? Like Eizen and his sister or something." He shrugged.

Ragna turned around, hearing footsteps coming up on deck and with it, the rest of the crew.

"Well, well. You two lovebirds are still up here. I was wondering where you two have wandered off?" Magilou said.

"This isn't a big place. Why would anyone have trouble finding anyone?" Ragna replied, then turned towards Eizen. "Any updates?"

"We'll be coming up on Lionel Island soon." The older Malak said.

"Should we expect another welcome party waiting for us again?" asked Rokurou.

"No, I had the Bloodwings spread a rumour that we were raiding an Abbey Compound far, far from here." Said Eizen.

"As far as plans go, that's better than nothing." Said Velvet.

"Heh," Rokurou chuckled, "All this cloak-and-dagger. Give me a frontal assault any day."

"I can see the allure. Much easier that way." Ragna responded.

Benwick suddenly called out, "First Mate, sir, there's a shift drifting ahead of us!"

"A ghost ship?" Magilou asked, eyes gleaming.

"It's an Abbey Ship! Their flag – it's a distress signal!"

"Understood." Said Eizen, "commence approach."

"Are you actually going to help an enemy ship?" Velvet frowned.

"A ship signalling distress has neither allies nor enemies. That's a code all seafarers abide by."

"It's an obvious trap!"

Benwick shook his head. "Not even pirates would use a distress signal for a surprise attack. 'Course, after we rescue a ship, we still strip 'em of everything they've got."

"Anyway, if it's a trap, we'll kill everyone on board. Simple." Eizen said.

"Huh, I think this is the first time I've actually heard you guys talk about doing actual pirating. Unnerving, but I ain't complaining." Ragna shrugged.

They reached the other ship before long and as boarding ramps were raised, the group came aboard a chilling sight. Exorcists slumped over on the deck, many barely even moving.

"Is this…" Eleanor started.

"The Corsair's Scourge!" Phi continued.

"Afflicted with a disease I assume?" Ragna looked at the two, who nodded in response. He looked back at Eizen, taking note of what he was ordering Benwick to retrieve in order to help these poor people. Sale'tomah… huh, odd name.

"Don't Abbey ships usually have a bigger crew?" Rokurou wondered.

Someone emerged from behind the central mast. A woman in an elegant-looking dress, much different from that of the other exorcists. Ragna could see the recognition in Velvet's posture though and her guarded response made him instinctively move a hand on the handle of his weapon.

"These were all who were aboard when I hijacked the ship and made them set sail." The woman said weakly.

"Teresa!" Eleanor exclaimed.

"I knew, I was being reckless." The woman continued, "…but I never expected we'd run afoul of the corsair's scourge. But you know? I'm glad we did, since it brought me to you." she looked at Ragna.

"You seriously plan to fight in that condition?" Velvet crossed her arms as Teresa turned her head to look at her.

"No, no. I know you've won this one. Use me as you will." She continued.

"Don't bother. It's a trap." Velvet replied.

"Lionel Island is where you'll find Dis, a therion. My brother Oscar is guarding over it." Teresa said.

"Oscar, huh? I'm guessing my sister's going to be there too then." Ragna said. That made things… simpler, he supposed.

Teresa shook her head. "You should know that Oscar's acquired a powerful new arte, its formula developed by Lord Melchior. The arte heightens a Malak's power far beyond its normal limits. The effect is incredible. Normal artes don't even compare. Even were you to win, you wouldn't come away unscathed."

"Why are you telling us this?" Velvet asked.

"The arte is still untested and imperfect. There's no guarantee its caster will survive the effects." Teresa explained. "Oscar was attuned to it, but he didn't want to risk using it with the Malak he formed a close bond with. And his failure to use the arte made Lord Melchior strip his Malak away from him until he could demonstrate it in full."

"Oh so it's the old man's fault again. Damn…" Ragna grit his teeth. Rather harsh though, being sent away to test something with no guarantee of survival. Though what she mentioned about Saya concerned him even more. Where is she then if she wasn't with Oscar?

"I don't want anything to happen to Oscar. If I'm your hostage, Oscar won't move against you. This will afford you a window to snatch the therion and make your escape."

"You're willing to betray the Abbey?" Velvet asked.

Teresa looked down, dejected. "There's nothing in this world that could ever replace Oscar. I know you can't trust me, so don't give me your medicine. I'll place my life… in your hands. Just… save Oscar…"

She collapsed then, finally losing consciousness. Phi and Eleanor stepped forward to help her out immediately, though Velvet was deep in thought.

"If true, this information will be of use to us. For now, let's bring her aboard and give her the medicine." Velvet said before looking up at Ragna. He tried not to look a bit disappointed, but at least they were getting somewhere. Another potential break in the Abbey's schemes… every little bit helps.


The Praetor woke up when they finally reached Lionel Docks and enough time had passed to discuss the merits and drawbacks of their situation. Teresa's story could be corroborated by what Zaveid mentioned some time ago, but that didn't make her any less dangerous.

Still, some of her origins were being revealed, courtesy of Eleanor. Apparently, she had been conceived not in any formal marriage and was not originally seen in high standing.

"It happens more often than you might think." The Praetor said, walking down from the ship's ramp to approach the group. "My mother died, and my father's wife never cared for me, so I merely served the Dragonia family as a maid. Those were dark, lonely times for me… But Oscar… Oscar was the only one who called me his sister and embraced me as family. Does a sister need any other reason to want to save her brother?"

"So you're back on your feet." Velvet said.

"My sincere thanks for the medicine."

"I can't use you as a hostage if you're dead. Now, where's the therion?"

Teresa pointed towards an opening in the rock formations surrounding the wharf. "Ahead through the ruins of the Baird Marsh are the ruins of an ancient kingdom. There you'll find the earthpulse point along with Oscar."

Straightforward enough, Ragna thought, seeing Laphicet then turn from the corner of his eye.

"Ummm… what happened to Number One?" the young malak wondered.

Teresa look at Phi silently for a moment and then shook her head. "Lord Artorius took Number One away from me. As it stands, I'm without the powers of an exorcist. As such, whether I live or die is for you people to decide. Once Oscar is safe, you can do whatever you like to me."

"We'll do as you wish. All of it." Velvet said.

The group travelled as one, with Velvet leading the vanguard and Ragna trailing the rearguard to keep an eye on Teresa. It was him and Phi, who mostly stayed behind even as they travelled through the Baird Marsh. Daemons and other monsters were gathered here and while they were adept at keeping them away, there was always the chance that Teresa, the one that needed the most defending could be easily snatched away if they weren't vigilant.

There were also various seals that kept them from proceeding further in, though the former Exorcist knew enough to pass them by with her own knowledge.

The more they interacted too, the better she mingled with the group… in a manner of speaking. Phi and Eleanor were the ones most sympathetic to her plight. Even helping the younger Malak catch a beetle and using his own name instead of 'Number Two.' But there was still animosity there, especially in regards to what Velvet did to Oscar in the past.

"I'm surprised you hold more of a grudge with her than you do with me." Ragna said after Teresa finished talking with Eleanor.

Teresa turned towards him, a hand on her chest. "It's not like that at all. As I told Number…ah, Laphicet, that I didn't think malakhim had the capacity to have a will of their own. But knowing how Oscar treated his malak, he was happier when he acknowledged that. Granted, your sister is a malak from another world so it must have been highly irregular."

"Huh, and how'd you figure that out?"

"I didn't at first. We fought another malak within the heart of a volcano. It told us a lot more about the nature of the world, and to focus on what is most important to us in the times ahead." Teresa replied.

"The nature of the world…" Ragna said. "Is it a place we can visit, hypothetically speaking?"

"If you can find a way to Mount Killaraus easily. We were transported there and back by a Katz that needed help." Teresa replied.

"I'll keep that in mind." Ragna answered as they pressed on. All that's left would be to deal with Oscar then. Simple enough.

They were reaching their destination, though Velvet paused them for a moment to speak with the former exorcist.

"Teresa. Let's review our plan before we go in."

"Alright."

"We'll tell Oscar that we'll release you if he gives up his weapons and malakhim. We'll tie him up, collect the therion, and then head for the docks. Once we're aboard our ship and ready to sail, we'll release you. You'll be free to do whatever you want."

"Very well, but I want you to promise me one thing." Said Teresa. "Promise me you won't hurt Oscar."

"That depends on him. I'll defend myself if I have to." Velvet replied. "If you want to save Oscar, you need to make him listen. Put your own life on the line. You're his sister. Do whatever you have to protect him."

"I will. Even if it means my death." Teresa nodded firmly.

The group soon passed an archway which opened up to a vast plain. Flowers could be seen on the field and at its center, Oscar stood, his sword plated firmly on the ground. There was a daemon in front of him, presumably the therion in containment.

"I knew you'd come." Oscar said, turning around to face them just as Velvet her blade held to Teresa's neck. His eyes widened in fear. "Sister?!"

"As plain as day." Smiled Velvet. "Now put down your sword and let go of my therion. If you don't I'll kill her."

"Coward…" Oscar glared at her.

"I'm sorry to do this, Oscar!" Eleanor called out. "I'm searching for the truth behind the Abbey's talks of so-called 'reason.'"

"…I know, damn it!" Oscar replied. "But your idea of reason is to threaten my dear sister's life?!" Oscar shouted.

"I'm sorry Oscar." Teresa had her eyes closed. "I've become nothing but a burden."

"No.. it's not like that…" Oscar breathed in and calmed down, eventually raising his arms in surrender. "All right. I'll put down my arms."

Ragna stared ahead, his gaze focused on Oscar as he lowered his sword… only for the exorcist to toss his blade at Velvet who was forced to deflect it. The opening was enough for Teresa to run forward to then stand behind her brother.

"Teresa, get back!" Oscar said, only to suddenly grunt as he was struck from behind by Teresa's own staff, knocking him out cold.

"Forgive me, Oscar. This is the only way I can protect you…" Teresa said, torn at what she forced herself to do.

"We've kept our end of the bargain. Take him and get out of here." Velvet declared.

Teresa paused for a moment and closed her eyes. The words that came next from her lips however, was no longer expected. "I can't do that. It will reflect poorly upon him."

"Lady Teresa…?" Phi walked forward, stopping as Ragna held out an arm to block his advance.

"Have you forgotten? You're just a powerless human." Velvet reminded her.

"You're right…" Teresa replied, the therion stirring behind her. She walked towards it and continued on, "…I am a weak, worthless human. But he has shown me the light! And it shines! My body is receptive to Innominat's power! And with it, I can protect everything I care about!"

She turned her back to the therion and opened her arms. All the opportunity for the succubus daemon to reach forward and then bite her neck. Teresa cried out in agony just as darkness enveloped her body. It didn't take long before Teresa reappeared, clad in black, scale like armor around her body and clawed wings that stretched out behind her.

"She turned into a therion?!" Phi called out.

"No, she fused with it!" Magilou said, pulling Phi back.

"I'll kill you all, anything to protect Oscar!" Teresa shouted before lunging at Velvet. Her staff had turned into a spear, intent on running Velvet through though she flipped back to avoid the blow.

"Do you realize what you're doing, Teresa?" Velvet asked, blocking the next few strikes before Ragna suddenly rushed in, a heavy downward slash of his sword forcing Teresa back from continuing her assault.

"Heh, a trivial sacrifice!" Teresa replied, rushing forward again with Ragna this time taking the brunt of her attacks. Fast, but her ferocity left much to be desired. He had heard that Teresa was a prodigy in artes but none of that could be seen here. She was attacking like a mad beast, stabbing and gouging with her spear. She was also just one person.

He parried and blocked much of her attacks, though her sudden disappearance made him pause before realizing she was about to drop down from above. He raised his right arm up, forming a barrier to stop her downward thrust… before he released it in an explosive burst, sending the shocked therion towards Velvet, who struck her with a powerful kick that sent her flying.

But Teresa was persistent and came at Velvet again, rage in her eyes before Velvet transformed her arm into the familiar daemon claw, slashing at Teresa who was forced to shield herself with her own wings. The impact blew her away again, and she found herself on her knees.

"I can't lose… not here…!" she screamed in desperation. She could never have defeated them, even with the powers of that therion.

"Stand down… Or I'll devour you piece by piece." Velvet said.

Just then, Ragna caught sight of Oscar walking towards Teresa. He frowned, though let them have their words for each other.

Oscar kneeled down close, his voice soothing. "It's okay, Sister. You've done enough."

Teresa recoiled back in shame. "No, don't look at me. I'm so hideous."

Oscar shook his head, "When I was growing up, the only one my mother and father ever paid any attention to was my older brother, the heir. But you, Teresa," he held her hand, "You noticed me when they didn't. You looked after me, supported me, smiled for me. I could never thank you enough." He said, touching her face as she raised her head to see her weeping eyes.

"Watch over me, sister. The Lords of Calamity, shall fall at my hands." He stood up and turned around. Calm as he was, his fists were clenched.

"This isn't going to end well for you." Ragna said, stepping forward. "All of you, stay back. I have something I want to settle with him."

Eizen nodded his head, gesturing for the others to fall back a safe distance. There was no protest from Velvet this time, and she ran towards the group and turned to watch at the forefront.

"So, you're stronger now, are you? Show me what you've got." Ragna said, walking in a slow circle around the praetor.

"You probably know already. But I can't let you escape. My life or those of the Lords of Calamity. There is no other way this is going to end." Said Oscar, breathing in deeply. "Are you ready?" he whispered to no one in particular before a Malak materialized beside him.

Ragna frowned and stopped, getting into a guarded stance with his sword behind him held by his right hand.

"Take a good look. This is armatization!" a light engulfed him, his Malak suddenly sinking into his body. Upon his reemergence, Oscar looked changed. His hair had grown brighter and blade-like wings floated behind him. "Here I come!"

Speed, strength, magical ability. He had become a lot more formidable compared to the last time they fought each other. Ragna blocked the first rush, Oscar's body becoming a missile that struck him as he swung his sword up in defence. The impact knocking Ragna back just as Oscar appeared above him.

The armatized praetor formed numerous blades and let it descend, forcing Ragna to meet it with his own offense. He leaped up, and then swung his blade upwards. "Inferno Divider!"

Oscar dodged out of the way, though as he fell, Ragna was rushing down at an angle, his sword pointed down in front of him. "Berial Edge!"

His blade like wings formed a shield in front of Oscar, driving him down to the ground after the impact before leaping away. He held out a hand, the sword he threw at Velvet earlier flying into his hands before he clashed it against Ragna's weapon.

This time, he held his own, though it was soon interrupted by Ragna's fist colliding with his face to knock him back.

"Don't give out on me now, Armatus…" Oscar murmured as he reeled from the strike. He flew forward, his bladed wings slicing at Ragna at different angles. All of which Ragna dodged and parried successfully. Though it forced him to move from one spot to another, not allowed stay too long lest he be skewered by the blades.

"Pierce my enemies!" Oscar shouted, a massive group of those blades appeared and descended, pinning Ragna down in movement, "And scorch them!" Oscar continued, holding his hand out to blast the area with an intense flame that turned the flowers into ash. "Sylphid Blaze!" he finished, his entire body a projectile again that crashed into Ragna.

Ragna was tossed away and, his coat smoking with various cuts, but he flipped about in mid-air and landed with a heavy thud. He wiped his cheek with his glove and then nodded his head. He had a measure of him now… though Oscar was beginning to look worse too. He was tiring, but he didn't intend to give up.

"Will I be forced to slice you up for real this time?" Ragna pointed his sword at him, transforming into a familiar-looking scythe as a threat before reverting it back. "Give up."

"Heh, and let you hurt my sister even further? No chance." Oscar said, drawing on more reserves of energy to empower himself at the risk of losing even more control.

But he didn't get the chance. Ragna's arm transformed into a massive claw and he was upon Oscar in an instant. He grabbed him by the throat and paused, his own dark energies gathering before he made a tearing motion.

Oscar fell to the ground, but in Ragna's claw was the Malak he had armatized with. He released his grip, causing the Malak to fall to the ground in front of Ragna, unconscious. He turned towards Oscar then, towering over him and pointed his sword at the praetor.

"You knew you weren't going to win, didn't you?" Ragna asked him.

Oscar was silent, and then stared up at him. "What choice did I have? If I didn't at least try, I wouldn't be able to do anything. Lady Saya is in their custody now. How am I supposed to do anything else?"

Ragna sighed, lowering his weapon. He continued to stare down at Oscar, studying his reaction. Off to the side, he saw Teresa approach having partially recovered but not daring to do anything else to endanger her brother.

"You're in love with her, aren't you…?" Ragna glared at him.

"I think I am." Oscar nodded, his gaze unflinching.

"Then you're going to help us rescue her too." Ragna said, holding his hand out to him.