" Oh land, how I've missed you. Please tell me we won't have to sail for a while, I can't tell you the number of times I've fallen from my hammock." Magilou says as she slumps. Didn't you fall because you insisted on sleeping with me? It wouldn't have happened if you slept in your own.
At that moment Eizen could be heard speaking with a merchant, aren't they a little too loud? "Hellawes has been torched, word is an exorcist is the cause of it. Vortigern is also overun by demons so I recommend not going that way for a while." The story wasn't twisted to blame us for that mess? While I'm somewhat glad, I wonder how the populous is going to take it?
"You folks always know when to deliver, as per our agreement I've registered your vessel as a merchant ship, as for your other request. Word is that Aifread was taken to an island prison called Titania, it's said that if you are sent there all hope is lost for you." The merchant reaches out for a handshake. "As always it's a pleasure doing business with you, just don't bring any trouble my way."
Eizen shakes his hand. " Good doing business with you." He started heading out way and as soon as he got close Rokuro spoke up.
"Hey I heard you are looking for a guy named Aifread on Titania? Just want to say not to bother with the island, we ourselves escaped from it not too long ago. I also heard from other prisoners that this Aifread guy was taken away by some old guy named Melchior." Rokuro paid attention to that this time? In the game he had no idea about it.
"Lord Melchior?" Eleanor asked " what would an exorcist praetor want with a pirate? Oh Eizen I wanted to thank you and your crew for bringing us this far, thank you." She gave Eizen a small bow of her head.
"Don't thank me just yet, from the sound of things I might just be sticking around with you. Rokuro and Velvet both have targets within the Abbey, it seems like I do as well now." He closed his eyes in thought before snapping them to Velvet.
"You're the leader of our land team, what say you in letting me join?" Velvet gave him a dry look before shrugging.
"Do whatever you want, just don't hold us back." Eleanor chimed in again, not having done so before because Eizen's words having shocked her.
"Targets, in the Abbey? What could have happened for you to want to kill an exorcist? Putting aside Lady Teresa of course." She took a step forward, our bond wavering.
"For me it's no particular reason, I just want to beat my brother. It's been my life's goal for as far as I could remember, and also why I'm a demon in the first place." Rokuro said not worried in the least about her reaction.
"Lady Eleanor, you're not going to leave because you found out their goals, are you?" Laphicet asked, hearing that Eleanor took a deep breath and our stabilizing but was weakened.
It seems she still holds some fond feelings for the Abbey, in her mind it's supposed to support and save lives. For us to declare that we are going to kill high ranking members must weigh on her.
" Enough of this, we are wasting time. Eleanor I've said that my goal will become obvious later on, the only thing I've yet to say to all of you is who I'm after, we'll get to that later. If you still want to stay with us after you find out my goal and reason for it then I will consider you worthy of all my trust." That's not really important right now you know.
When it comes to your goal trust isn't the only issue you know? Our bond can even break if she would vehemently oppose us considering her feelings.
Eleanor doesn't love us, she's just grateful and is considering our bond. It was a miracle for her to even consider joining in when she knew you were a demon. The only reason she hasn't just left yet is because of the time me, Magilou, and Laphicet have spent with her.
"Listen let's get going, I want to get to the capital before the day ends. Whatever issues you have with each other can wait until later tonight." I interject before anyone could say something else.
We set out from Port Zekson with a heavy mood, on the way Velvet had a comment to share.
"I'm surprised there are so many demons around, you would think the Abbey would keep them away from their capital." Eizen sees the opportunity to explain something and takes it.
"Ever since the advent three years ago demons have been appearing more often no one knows why, they just turn to the Abbey and let them deal with it." I can tell that's not exactly what he wanted to say, although that's only because I know about malevolence.
Still the amount of lessons and explanations Eizen gives makes me think he would enjoy being an academic teacher or historian.
The demons that we passed were so weak that we just let Eleanor take care of them as per her request. The only challenge she had from them was their numbers.
As we reached the gates a guard stopped us. "I'll need to see your papers before I can let you in." He said looking at Velvet. Eleanor stepped in front of her holding out her own travel permit as she did so.
"These people are with me. I have some questions for them that are best asked inside a safe city, it's why I brought them here. Please let us pass." The guard after looking at the papers stiffend and gave a quick salute.
"My apologies Lady Eleanor! Please enter right away, you are just in time to listen to Lord Artorius's speech." After relaxing a little he waved us through, Velvet hearing that almost growled before almost running ahead.
Even if me and Magilou had helped her with her grief about Laphicet, her rage towards Artorius is something that we haven't done anything about.
Not that I think we could, rage is what turned her into a therion in the first place, it might not always be there but it should be easier for her to feel. After Artorius is dead her emotions should calm down, or at least I hope so. The only reason me and Magilou haven't been on the receiving end of her rage these past few months is because of our bond, and any frustrations were dealt with quickly.
Our bond symbolizes our love and commitment to each other, as well as our trust. It hasn't wavered at all since the girls started to use my power to understand me and each other.
After overhearing a couple of civilians praising Artorius, Velvet couldn't stand it and ran ahead leaving us behind as she did.
We finally caught up to Velvet as she looked up at the closed gate separating us from Artorius's speech. Already I could hear the prince declaring his desire to step down, all of us could.
Not able to hold in her rage anymore she began to climb the walls surrounding the courtyard, worried for her we began to look for another way up.
It was Rokuro who found the way up first and started running, Magi and Eleanor were quick to run after him. I picked up Laphicet as to not leave him behind and joined the group. Eizen lagging behind in order to make sure we weren't followed.
We got to the top and the situation was almost exactly like the game, Velvet's rage causing her to punch the stone walkway as she muttered. "You're the one who killed Laphicet, and yet you stand there, basking in glory. I won't forgive you, I won't stop until I kill you Artorius Collbrande." Her words sent shock through everyone but me and Magi.
"Killed Laphicet, her brother?" Laphicet asked himself, looking at Artorius as he did so. Shaking his head he looked down at me as I gave him a nod answering his question.
"Lord Artorius, murdering a child? How could this be? Velvet are you sure it was Lord Artorius you saw? Maybe it was an illusion instead." Eleanor was quick to try and rationalize this discovery only for Velvet to deny her.
"Not possible, years ago that man married my sister, after her death he still stuck around until three years ago when he sacrificed my brother and threw me in prison. There is no way an illusion could cause that." Her rage was obvious to all as malevolence seeped out of her.
I put my hand on her head. " We'll get him don't worry about that, we just have to wait for our opportunity to do so. Let's go we still have things to do." After staring at Artorius now named Shepherd she gave a nod. Malevolence still seeping from her she turned and started towards the exit.
"So that's your target huh, you sure can pick them. Even from up top I could tell he would be a formidable opponent, he would have to be in order for my brother to follow him. What was with his right arm though it looked weird." Rokuro spoke as we were heading back, hand on his chin as he thought aloud.
"It's from an attack he suffered before meeting my sister, it's actually what caused them to meet. He lost the use of his sword arm and my sister helped him recover. Don't underestimate him though, even without the use of his sword arm he is still the strongest man alive right now, killing him won't be easy." Velvet said as she calmed down.
"Excuse me, I think it's best if I think on my next course of action. I'm not going to turn you in, I just need some time to think I should have my answer by tonight so please don't leave until then." Eleanor spoke this entire time our bond has been wavering, even moreso than at the port. After getting nods from everyone else she walked away, if it snaps then we'll have her answer so I don't know why she asked us to wait for her.
The only reason we had agreed was because we had decided to extend some trust her way.
"Alright I think that's enough moping around, I need some food let's find a tavern to eat at." Magilou said tired of the tense mood.
"I know of one nearby, it's home to a shadow guild called the bloodwing butterflies, they work in information and have been a huge help to our crew in the past." Eizen said leading the way.
As we walked the surrounding people were all praising the prince and Shepherd, causing Velvet irritation, soon we entered a tavern the smell causing Laphicet's stomach to rumble catching everyone off guard with how loud it was.
Eizen walked up to the lady at the counter." I'm looking for a man named Baskerville and can I get a plate of curry for the boy." The old lady gave a sad smile while preparing a plate.
" Sorry to say but Baskerville was executed for going against the Abbey's interests. Here you go young man fresh Mabo curry." She places the plate on the counter as Eizen motions for Laphicet to eat.
"Oh wow this is delicious! You guys have to try it!" Laphicet said and began to eat at a fast pace, only stopping to get a drink of water.
After we all got a plate and were in the middle of eating the woman spoke, shocking everyone but me.
"Still it's quite a group you have here, a pirate in search of Aifread, a Malak who used to be with the Abbey, and the demons and witch who escaped from an inescapable prison. The only mystery among you is Cyril, a guard from that same island with no past to dig up." Hearing her words Eizen gave the woman a deep look.
"I see the guild is still active at least, we are looking for information, what can you tell me about Aifread." He asked prepared to pay any amount for that information.
"Hmm I'll give this to you for free, Aifread and your crew have always been good customers, he disappeared along with that Melchior fellow. If we find any information regarding their whereabouts I'll have one of our contacts speak with you." She gave a sigh when speak about Aifread.
Velvet seeing their conversation was done, decided to ask her own question. "Is there anything you can tell me about Artorius's plans?" The woman thought for a moment before nodding her head.
"Yes I know some things, it won't be free of course. In exchange for this information I have some tasks for you, get them done and I'll tell you what I know. It's getting a bit late now though, so how about you rest the night here and set out tomorrow."
Now that she mentioned that I did notice the sun was getting low, how much time has passed since the speech? It can't have been more than two hours.
She didn't even give us an option to refuse, not that we would, before giving us a couple keys and pointing us upstairs. " I'll have someone inform that exorcist girl about where you are staying, no need to worry about that. I'll have the requests ready for you to look over tomorrow."
Soon we were walking upstairs before we could enter the rooms I had to ask my question I had earlier. "Hey guys, why is it dark already? I could have sworn it was midday at the speech, and I'm sure it's been less than two hours since then. Why is that?" Everyone looked at me in surprise before Magi and Velvet had a look of realization.
Of our group Eizen and Laphicet are the only ones who don't know about my origins, so it's no surprise they didn't know why I asked but Rokuro, really man?
Magi was the one to speak first. "I'll tell you later, I'm just surprised this is the first time you've witnessed it." She made a motion of shushing to the others before pointing downstairs.
After putting our items in our rooms we hung out a bit, Rokuro and Eizen drinking, Laphicet reading while sitting in the lap of Magi, and Velvet sitting beside me laying her head on my shoulder.
As the night set in Eizen and Rokuro's conversation began to die and Laphicet yawned. I guess it's almost time to get to bed.
Shortly before we decided to go to bed Eleanor walked in, bond still wavering slightly but not near as much. She stopped in front of me and Velvet and after taking a deep breath spoke.
"I still don't support your goal, but for some reason Cyril does. It's because he supports your goal that I have decided to hold judgement and investigate for myself if he isn't what I thought he was. I'll be using my travels with your group to do so, if that is fine with you." While having a determined face for most of her sentences, she gained an uncertain one when she asked her last question.
Velvet already slightly relaxed gave her a nod. " You said it the other day, I had to show you some trust. I showed it to you by allowing you to discover my goal, and I'm going to continue to show my trust by letting you join us. We have a few things to do tomorrow so we best get some sleep." After saying that she got up and pulled me towards the stairs.
"Cyril, Magi and I can take one bed, divide the others however you like, goodnight." After pulling me into the room she pushed me onto a bed before climbing in herself and cuddling with me.
After Magilou joined us Velvet spoke, I guess what happened earlier was her way of telling Magilou that she wanted to talk without making it obvious.
"I just wanted you to know, I haven't ever doubted how much your power has affected us, but sensing the power of Artorius and comparing his growth to our own made me happy. What took him three years to gain, we got in three months of confined training. Now that we can actually experience battles with powerful foes we will only grow faster." She gave me and Magi a kiss before continuing.
"He might have already have been powerful three years ago, but we will surpass him soon I can feel it. When that happens we should think about what to do after Artorius, what will we do or where will we go?" Magi chuckled hearing that.
"Why where else but where the winds take us? Although there was a thought that I had, you know how the blood moon is supposed to connect our world with others? Well I just thought that since Cyril here actually confirms more worlds exist, we might be able to explore them. Just imagine it, worlds we could hardly dream of waiting for us. New experiences, allies and enemies, adventures untold, all we have to do is find a way to them." She was really excited for that huh, I guess it's only natural.
Humans after getting rid of their fear of the unknown, generally do everything thing they can to explore that unknown. It's the basics of science and exploration, and has drove many down uncharted paths.
"We can think on that later, for now let's get some sleep." After giving them one final kiss we start trying to sleep. Eleanor walked in a few moments later in her sleepwear and was soon sleeping soundly.
We didn't know it at the time, having been too relaxed but Eleanor had hear our entire conversation, and was wondering to herself how my existence could confirm more worlds exist.