Author's Note: Hey everybody. Hope you're all doing well. Been a while. I decided I wanted to get this newest chapter out before the Christmas. And I really wanted to update this, since I've been circling new ideas since last update. I have a few more chapters for this and other stories in the making, so stay tuned. If you enjoy this, remember to follow and favorite. Big shout-out to XoMissDaisyoX for giving me permission to bring something into my story- read to find out what. Without further delay, please enjoy!
The story has elements of both Dark War storyline and DemonxBunny's Masters of the Multiverse, so all credit goes to both Impact Wrestling and DemonxBunny. I do not own the characters. I own most of the OCs- 1 OC is owned by XoMissDaisyoX. The story is entirely fictional.
Characters may look and act different than they do in real life. This was done intentionally, and things will change over time in this story, so please be patient.
Rating: M, for violence, coarse language, and mature themes/events that will appear throughout this story. Remember, this is Femslash, so if that's not your thing, you may not like this story.
Pairings: Allie/Rosemary (DemonxBunny), others over time.
Aftermath of the Dark War Chapter 44: To War! By Jurassicfatt
Unknown POV, Western Territories Outpost, Afternoon (3 Hours Earlier)
I sit in the middle of the tarp, breathing deeply and focusing on the clay blocks nearby. My hand stretches out in front of me, slowly levitating a ball of clay from the mass. Bringing it closer, I start using my magic to mold it. The hump of clay swishes around, swirling through the air, until finally turning into a figure. A small bipedal demon. It's nothing fancy; a small hooved clayman with two eyes, a flat nose and a mouth. Chanting a possession spell, my magic seeps into the clay, taking control. A minute later, his eyes flash blue, and the clayman wakes up. He begins to look around curiously, his eyes wide in wonder. Slowly, he turns towards me. He tries to speak, but simply gurgles an unintelligible sound. He's actually kind of cute. I put my hand forward. He comes closer, trying to touch it with his little stub. Unfortunately, upon his 4th step, he begins to melt, sinking onto the floor.
"No!" I say, trying to reach out for him. But he melts before I can, turning into a puddle of clay beneath my feet. I cover my face, sighing to myself. The afternoon sun beats down on my black leather armor and exposed skin. I put my long black hair into a bun, trying to starve off the heat. Another failure. My 3rd one this week. Grabbing my book, I turn to an image of large, 7ft. tall clayman. This demon species died out so long ago. I was hoping to restore them using my magic, to no avail. I'd have more time for research if the Assassin's Guild wasn't so busy cleaning up the Western Regions. I wonder if-
"Excuse me, Ms. Gail?" a voice calls from behind. Turning, I notice one of the younger assassins, Treva, standing nearby. Her green skin and pointy ears twitch, her yellow eyes looking at the puddle near my feet. "Another bad day?"
"Yeah. The little guy tried to grab my hand, but he melted not long after." I explain.
"Some progress, then. Two days ago, they weren't even able to stand." Treva states enthusiastically.
"That's true, but if we're ever going to repopulate this dead valley, it's going to take more than that. What is it that you needed, Treva?"
"We just received a call from Matt on the summoning cauldron. He says the team was able to kill the Beast Warlord terrorizing the villagers 3 towns North of us. He's about 40 minutes from the base."
Dusting my hands, I grab my book tightly and walk towards her. "We better get inside. This heat is going to bake us soon."
"You said it." I walk back inside, Treva not far behind. Some of the other assassins greet me as I do, while others continue to train, shadow-boxing or sparring with their friends. Heading into my office, I put the book back on the shelf. There will be more time for that, tomorrow. Treva hands me my atlas. Thanking her, I put on my glasses and look through Matt's report. Rolling my eyes as I read about his 'heroic teamwork', the summoning cauldron suddenly blares loudly. A distress signal? I go to the cauldron and answer. In seconds, a face I recognize comes up through the smoke cloud. Her pale-olive skin tone contrasts against her full purple lips and the shrieking red snakes on her head. Her eyes are covered with a blindfold, and she seems out of breath.
"Vivian the 16th?" I ask. Isn't she some big-time celebrity? Why is she summoning us?
"What?" Treva calls, freezing as she notices the famous Warlord demon.
"Oh, thank the Guild! We've been trying to reach someone for so long. We have an emergency at the Omni Sports Tournament- Priority 1 Warlord attack!"
"What?!" I yell. Priority 1? A Warlord? There hasn't been an incident at these events in decades. The Brokers work within the laws of the Guild to provide protection. We even send a representative to be 'on-guard' in case of an emergency, but they're almost never needed. "How did this happen?"
"We are still piecing together the details. It seems that the Warlord used some sort of dark magic to enter the grounds through the summoning cauldrons. Several legions of my security, including my former security chief Sergeant Keeril, are working with them. They have been attacking the loyal guards as well as the guests. I've secured most of the attendees in the stadium while my new head of security provides escort and protection." That sounds like a humanoid. No Beast Warlord would bother using dark magic; they'd just try breaking or chewing through the gates. This is very bad.
"Wait a second, did you just say the Warlord came in 'through the summoning cauldron'?" Treva asks, dumbfounded. She turns to me, her face pale from the news. "Is that even possible?"
"I've never heard of such a spell being used before."
"Please, we are begging you for help! So many have died already!" she pleads to us, her snakes screaming in sorrow.
"We're coming. Where is the assassin? I'm reading it's Eddie Edwards from the Northern Heights." I ask.
"No. He transferred the assignment to Rosemary of the Hive. She saved many and kept my loyal subjects safe before going to confront the Warlord. We have no idea how many minions they may have brought with them. My security chief, Officer Orelios, says she was headed towards the botanical gardens to save her Realmer companion. The ground on the promenade is crimson and covered in bodies! The smells and cries of the wounded… I can't believe this has happened under my watch." Vivian explains, emotion in her voice as she rubs her face with a shaky hand.
Rosemary? She was Abyss's protégé. I've met her a few times. I'm not surprised she ran in. She's never been known to shy from a fight.
"Treva, prep the recruits and get them on their rides. We're leaving. Vivian, how many soldiers are siding with the Warlord?"
"We're not sure. At least half, at this point." There must be dozens then.
"Don't we need authorization from the Guild?" Treva questions.
"No time. People are dying. We can't wait for someone to answer their atlas and say yes." I turn to the hostess. "Vivian, keep everyone inside the Colosseum and away from the violence. I'll rendezvous with Officer Orelios outside the Arena. Stay safe. We're on our way." Nodding, she ends the call. I send a message to the Guild about our decision. I hear the recruits freaking out after Treva gives the word.
"This is a priority 1 hunt, everybody. At least one Warlord with multiple conspirators. Get your weapons and armor ready. We're leaving once Sorceress Kim gives the word." Treva tells them. Turning to me, she looks into my eyes. "Are we ready for this?"
Placing a hand on her shoulder, I give her a grave look. "We have to be. This hasn't happened in decades. I've sent an emergency signal to anyone within 300 km of the sight, so nearby assassins will be notified. I've also contacted the Guild. I'm going to call Taven and get his team to meet us there." I walk to the armory, grabbing my metal bracers and a knife, sliding it into a horizontal holster on my belt. Grabbing my atlas, I send a message to Matt. Seconds later, he answers.
"Gail? What's with the emergency signal?" he asks, his voice distorted by the sound of a roaring engine.
"Matt, I need you and the team to meet us at the Omni Sports Tournament. I'm sending you the location now."
"Another freaking hunt?" he screams, the others grumbling while a female voice tells them to shut up.
"Yes."
"Come on, Gail, we just-"
"Matt, this is a priority 1." I cut in. The bickering stops, everyone going silent. I hear them whispering about it.
"How many?" Matt asks, his tone serious.
"At least one. But they've turned about half the guards against the people… There's a lot of dead, Matt."
"We're coming. Meet you there." The call ends, and I run to my chopper motorcycle, the recruits already in or preparing their bikes and steads. I yell out. "Everyone! When we get to the grounds, we focus on saving the spectators and staff. Any non-friendly soldier or minion who threatens them is to be put down immediately! Leave the Warlord to us. Watch your backs. Keep each other safe. Everyone ready?" The recruits nod and yell, some raising their weapons. Revving my engine, I speed down the road, the young assassins following behind me. The shrieking tires and patters of animal feet echo around me. The sand bristles behind us, clouds of it obscuring the view. Most of them have only ever encountered a Beast Warlord. If this is a Warlord conjuring dark magic, who knows what kind of hell we're walking into. But those people need us, and I'm not waiting for permission to do something.
Gail's POV, Just Outside Omni Sports Tournament Gates, Late Evening
It took us so long to get here, thanks to a dust storm that rolled in from the East. Riding down the roads as quickly as possible, I feel my heart drop when I see the Omni Sports Tournament. Despite only being behind the gates, I can see large puffs of smoke rising above the tents, fires raging around. The torches of the Colosseum are dim, the structure an imposing dark figure blocking the sunset. I hear the yelling of demons. We have to stop this. Now. The recruits and I drive straight up to the gates, where, surprisingly, 2 guards come to greet us.
"Assassins! Come, Kaufrid." the male Realmer calls, the green-skinned demon following behind.
"Sorceress Gail Kim of Outpost 54. Vivian sent us a distress call. Open the gates." I tell them.
"Yes." the demon says gratefully, before pressing a few buttons on his atlas. The doors slowly open. "The fighting is still going on. We were sent to come open the doors by the Hostess herself."
"How'd you get past all that? And what's with the handkerchiefs?" Treva asks. I notice they both have yellow handkerchiefs wrapped around their necks.
The Realmer sighs while the demon answers. "We had to kill other guards. 4 of them. We thought they were our friends." he says gravely. "The handkerchiefs are to distinguish those loyal to the hostess from the bastards. How many are you?"
"15. I have a squad of assassins on the way, plus more reinforcements for anyone within 300 km. Trust me, they're going to pay for this." I argue, before revving my engine and rushing forward, Treva and the others following behind.
My blood boils as we come across burning tents and the mutilated bodies of spectators and soldiers, alike. Some lay on their sides, having bled out. Others are impaled on spears or covered with crossbow bolts, sticking to buildings and doors. In front of the Colosseum, there's a battle going on between a small force of 5 or so handkerchief wearing guards and 20 soldiers with crossbows. Screams and arrows shoot across the landscape, my recruits tightening their grip on their weapons.
"Set up a perimeter around the Arena! And protect all civilians!" I yell to them, before pushing my bike even faster. I drive straight towards the crowd of enemy soldiers, who turn and begin firing bolts at me. Dodging, I use my magic to build a small barrier in front of me, before barreling into them. Several go flying, while others run and take up new positions. I notice some turning towards Treva and the others, who start circling the Arena, aiding the wounded and throwing spears at the enemies.
"Protect the Colosseum! No one gets inside!" I hear someone shout, before witnessing a huge group of bandana wearing soldiers run out. The demon in front, who looks like Treva, screams and provides shielding for the crossbowman behind him. When a fireball flies towards him, I search for the culprit. I notice a weird looking demon shooting fire spells at us. It has black skin, green eyes and a beak mouth. When it locks eyes with me, it growls and launches a fireball at my head.
Deflecting it, I get off my bike and head for cover. There's too much debris for me to drive through. The demon continues to launch fireballs, but my barrier is up again. As time passes, I start feeling weak, my hands shaking uncontrollably. I don't understand. These fireballs are draining some of my energy. What kind of magic is this? Suddenly, I hear another yell. Peering over, another group of enemies runs at my recruits and the guards. Some recruits are shot in the chest, getting knocked off their steads. I run from cover and start shooting energy spells at them, killing a few and trying to get their attention. I see a fireball coming from another direction and dodge, rolling to avoid one near my right side. Sand and terrain flies into the air, a large hole sizzling and burning with red flame. There's more than one of those things?! I run behind broken pieces of stone and tent, meeting up with the leader of the friendly group, who gives me covering fire.
"Sorceress Kim, I presume?" he asks, shooting a bolt.
"Yes. I take it you're the security chief?"
"Officer Orelios, at your service." he states, an arrow bouncing off my barrier. With every hit, it becomes weaker. "These traitors have been trying to get into the Arena for a while, now." He gets up and fires another bolt, before getting back behind cover, grabbing some arrows from the ground, including some enemy ones.
"Have you spotted the Warlord?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "No. But Assassin Rosemary and the sorcerer Cal went to the botanical gardens to intercept. Rosemary was looking for her companion. Keep firing!" he orders, reloading the crossbow, then firing again. A fireball hits one of his men. They yell and fly backwards, rolling on the ground. 2 other men pat him down, which takes way longer than it should, before dragging him away. They're using some sort of magic I've never seen before. A fireball doesn't tend to stay lit for 20 seconds if you're killing the oxygen! "Bastard! Ever since those beaked demons came in, my men and I have been cornered. They keep hitting us from different directions with those flames. Pushing us back. Picking off the guardsmen. No one can get near those beaked fiends!"
Peeking around the side, I'm able to make out at least 5 guards and the demon, who continues to shriek orders to the men.
"Leave that to me. Ready your men, Orelios." I tell him.
"What will you do?"
Chanting, I respond. "I'm going to make them mine. It's going to take a lot of my strength, so you and your guardsmen will need to back me up." Orelios screams in the Ancient Tongues, ordering them to hold fire and wait for his word. I stop, closing my eyes and concentrating on 3 of the enemy guards. Waving my hands, tufts of red energy pulse from them. Sweat begins pouring from my back, the focus needed for my spell heating me up. It takes a lot of energy to do this, but I need to break through their lines. A minute later, I can see into their minds. They're trying to fight it, but I keep pushing, using my magic to corrupt them. Slowly transforming them into my puppets. They stop firing, pointing their weapons downwards. Some guards scream at them, but they stay still, waiting for commands. I open my eyes and watch as their eyes go white. "Fire." I whisper.
My puppets turn, firing bolts at their own men. The enemy soldiers swear and fire back at them, taking one down. Another draws his sword and attacks the demon, who grapples with him. Orelios gives the order, and his men use the confusion to launch an attack. Seeing my chance, I go with them, grabbing a spear from a downed soldier. Breathing deeply and aiming it, I throw it towards the demon, who is now biting one of my puppet's necks. It hits him square in the chest, knocking him back. I chant, firing two energy spells at his chest. Two gaping holes form and blood splatters as he goes flying onto the sand. Orelios's men move up, clashing with the others. Moving closer, I hold onto the broken stone buildings to level myself, shuffling my feet towards the downed demon. I grab a crossbow and fire at the demon, making sure he's dead. The bolt hits him in the head, breaking through his skull, blood trickling down the wound. His head slumps back.
I drop the crossbow and pant, falling to my knees before ducking behind cover. The remaining puppet stands guard over me, firing at anyone who attacks us. I usually corrupt 1 enemy at a time, but never 3. Keeping that energy barrier up around my bike and the soldiers wasn't easy, especially when those fireballs hit. My puppet gets hit, an arrow burying into his shoulder. He drops the crossbow, then draw his sword. As a soldier fences with him, I pull my knife and stab the man's leg, his attention focused on my friend. He falls to a knee and I quickly pull out my knife and stab his neck, drawing blood. My puppet sees another enemy coming behind me and cuts them down, pulling out the arrow from his shoulder and tossing it away.
Bang! A fireball blasts in front of us, knocking me over. Another beaked demon walks up, his green eyes narrowing, before preparing another fireball. Scooting away on the ground, just as he's about to throw it, my puppet tackles him. The demon snarls, biting his head and pushing him off, leaving me exposed. The creature eyes me, his sharp bloody beak opening as he comes closer.
Suddenly, the demon gets knocked down, a huge harpoon breaking through his chest, the crunch of his bones echoing out. He dies instantly, the harpoon presumably hitting some vital organs. I hear the roaring of multiple engines and someone scream over the crowd, catching the attention of the other soldiers and demon.
"Thy kingdom come!"
Another harpoon flies through the air, smashing into a nearby soldier, who cries out before collapsing. The soldiers and their demon leader start to flee, but the engines get louder and louder. An armored 6 seated dune buggy parks nearby, the riders getting out.
The first is a 6ft. 2 slender but toned man, with tanned skin, brown hair and eyes. He has his hair shaved on the sides, while the top is long and covers the left side. The man has a stubble beard which ends where his sideburns would be. He wears a white vest, white gloves, black armor pads on his elbows, arm bracers, periwinkle pants and boots. He wields a silver scepter-like weapon in his hands, the end an obsidian black. Matt Taven, the leader of the Kingdom.
The second man is 5ft. 11, but much more muscular than Taven. He has blue eyes, a thick brown beard and a sick smile on his face. He wears a black backwards baseball cap, with thick brown curly hair underneath. He also has a leather jacket, a similar vest to Taven's but black, long pants and combat boots. He has 2 small curved swords in his hands, another strapped to his back. Mike Bennett, second-in-command and Matt's best friend. Matt and Mike begin chasing after the soldiers, who are starting to run low on arrows, unsheathing their swords and clubs. They smack down a few, knocking them out or cutting them down. Matt disarms one as they swing their sword, before grabbing him by the throat.
"Don't you know how I am. I'm MATT TAVEN!" he yells, before belly-to-belly suplexing the soldier down. He groans out in pain, his body rolling after the slam. Matt then knocks his ass out with a kick.
Mike, meanwhile, holds a few guards at bay, stabbing and slicing them to ribbons. I feel a hand grab my arm. Turning, I'm met with a familiar pair of green eyes. The 5ft. 7 Maria Kanellis, navigator of the Kingdom, checks on me. She gives me a small smile, her leather helmet and long red hair framing her face. On her right shoulder is a harpoon gun. She's wearing a black and silver armor set, covering from the neck down. It must weigh a ton, because she's usually a rather skinny and energetic girl; now, her shoulders, chest, and knees pop out more, and her steps are much slower. To be honest, it looks good on her. She and my puppet help me to my feet.
"How are you feeling Gail?" she asks, concerned.
"Tired. But-" I try to continue, before Maria covers my mouth with her hand.
"Rest. We've got this." Huffing, I nod.
"Fine. Fine. What's with the armor? Wait, let me guess." I question weakly. She gives me an eyebrow raise.
"Do you really think she'd let me go out into danger without protection?"
"Her humour's rubbing off on you."
"Yeah, but that's love."
"Shit! Assholes are holed up in that tent!" I hear Matt say. Turning, we notice Matt and Mike, alongside Orelios and his men, surrounding a medium-sized red tent.
"I count at least 3 guards with him." a soldier tells them.
"Should we breach?"
"Sturvian seed with the encantation. Someone let them in." Orelios explains.
"I say we go in there, and... Hold on, where the fuck is-"
An angry scream rings out from inside the tent. Sounds like a woman. Seconds later, a guard comes flying through the entrance, landing on his back. He's followed by another. Both have cuts across their chests and bruises. Orelios and his men quickly grab them, pinning them down. The tent's entrance then erupts into flames.
"Back up!" Mike yells, the group doing as they're told. Inside, I see the demon fighting against another figure with a broadsword. Every time the creature tries using a fireball, the armored warrior aims for his head or hands, forcing him to stop and dodge, or block the attack. 2 enemy bodies lay by their feet as they fight, both sitting in a pool of blood. Finally, the assassin uses their force to shove the demon to one side. Growling while jumping away, the demon cuts an opening with his magic, going outside. He tries to run, but the assassin jolts forward and grabs him by the shoulder.
"You're not going anywhere, fucker." the female voice yells, punching the demon in the head and slamming him to the floor. The 5ft. 9 woman has shoulder-length, naturally dark brown hair and striking hazel eyes, which look brown at the moment. Her body is skinny but slightly muscular, with wide hips. She wears a pair of fingerless black gloves, large black shoulder pads and bracers, a black-silver vest like Matt and Mike, long black pants and combat-style boots. She has a long silver broadsword in her right hand with a dark hilt. Daisy Nicole Sanders, the wildcard of the Kingdom. No wonder she dove straight in.
Daisy slashes the demon's legs to stop him from standing, then does the same to his arms. The demon cries out in pain, trying to get away, crawling as his blood leaks down towards the sand. But Daisy puts a knee on his back, stopping him. She proceeds to smash him over the head with her sword butt again and again, before punching his lights out. Standing to her feet, Daisy grabs him by the throat and drags him over to Matt and Officer Orelios's feet.
"Where do I put him?" she asks, her accent coming through.
"Right there is fine. We'll take it from here, Ms.-?" Orelios puts forward, asking for her name. Matt puts an arm on her shoulder.
"This here is Assassin Daisy Sanders. She's with us." he argues. She shoves him off, standing tall.
"Actually, they're with me. Don't let them tell you otherwise." Daisy states seriously, checking around. Matt glares at her, while Mike blows out a breath. Ria smiles and rolls her eyes at Daisy's antics. I notice the guards arresting the remaining enemy soldiers, disarming them before placing them in restraints.
"Well, in any case, thank you, assassins." Orelios says, clasping an arm to his chest, then turns to his men. "Round them up! The hostess would like to have a word with these traitors." The guards wrap chains around the demon to restrain him, while the others lead the enemy soldiers to the Arena gates to face judgement. Maria and I walk up to Orelios, my strength slowly coming back.
"Officer Orelios, which way to the botanical gardens? We need to find Assassin Rosemary and the Warlord."
"I can escort you. Vivian the 16th wants Keeril dead, but I want to take the bastard down myself. After everything he's done to us... he doesn't deserve death." Orelios argues, contempt in his voice when stating the traitor's name.
"Officer Orelios, there are still enemies scattered around the promenade." a guard states.
"How many?"
"Another dozen or so." the guard replies.
Orelios sighs, turning to us, "I'm sorry. I needed to protect the Arena, and I can't leave my post. But I will lend you Korok and 2 auxiliaries so he can lead you to the Gardens. If you go down the promenade and take the first left, the signage will guide you. Just look for a large, red and white stone tower attached to a building, alongside trees of black bark and blue leaves." he gestures to the soldiers beside him, who bow their heads with arms against their chests.
"Wait, Gail you can't go! You were barely standing a second ago." Ria says, grabbing my arm for emphasis. The other Kingdom members and my puppet stare at me. "You can do more here, whe-"
"No Ria. This is a priority 1. It doesn't matter how I feel. It may take all of us to stop whatever monster caused this."
"But the recruits. They need someone to lead them." Ria tells me.
"That's right. We need to give a hand to Orelios and his men."
"I'll hang back. No way am I letting Ria go anywhere near that Warlord. And I have a feeling Matt and Mike want to go full out on their minion asses." Daisy asserts.
"I can handle myself." Ria argues, eyes narrowed at Daisy.
"You're not going into that warzone. And neither am I, because-" Daisy retorts.
"Because you're hard-headed and never listen?" Matt states. Daisy glares at him, then gives him a 'really' look.
"You might want to be a little kinder to the girl carrying a large sword. Just saying." she argues, shrugging. Orelios moves up, trying to diffuse the situation.
"There may be more of those demons from earlier." Orelios tells her. Daisy smirks, staring at the one she captured.
"They'll be lucky to end up like him. I don't mind snapping their arms and legs like twigs." I don't doubt that, Daisy.
"Good luck, Gail, Matt and Mike." Ria tells us.
"And try not to get yourselves killed, please." Daisy states.
"Oh, Daisy, I didn't know you cared." Matt teases, pushing her arm.
"Do that again and I'll kill you." she states with no emotion.
"You 4 recruits, with me. And bring your steads." I tell some of them. Ria gives me a questioning look. "They're just as fast, and our bikes and buggy will attract too much attention. Best to keep the element of surprise on our side."
"Good luck Korok." Orelios tells his companion, saluting with an arm to the chest. "I'll send more reinforcements when I can."
Korok reciprocates, his yellow eyes fierce. "Thank you, Officer. With me, men." Korok declares, the other guardsmen following him. Riding on top of the recruits' rhinogons, the fast but agile red horned beasts, we make our way through the rubble towards the botanical gardens. The sun is falling fast. As we spot the tower, we notice a large tree dome covering the building, with faint light coming from the other side. Is that from the Warlord? "The light is coming from the entrance."
"I don't see anyone, Gail. Warlord or assassin." Matt declares.
I hope we're not too late.
*Somewhere in the Undead Realm, present*
Certrius walks around the church-like complex of Mitchell's Haven. His red robes drag slightly across the ground as he strides down the wooden floor. He grabs a goblet and a pot of warm water, pouring some into it. Sipping tea from the goblet, he takes a look outside through the stained-glass windows. Realmers are out with their families, walking in the snow with simple coats or even sweaters. The wind is calmer today, and the lack of precipitation gives the outer square an almost idyllic nature. But why is the sky so dark, if such a pristine day?
Taking another sip from the goblet, Certrius suddenly freezes. He feels something… A chill runs through his body. He feels a huge energy mass forming, one he has not felt in years. He drops the goblet, the remains of the drink spilling onto the ground as the cup clinks before rolling away. He begins to run, pushing through the ushers and heaving the heavy church doors open with his large arms. He levitates off the ground, heading for his spell room. The nearby people and demons stare at him, wide-eyed by his furious nature. Havok notices the commotion and leaves the church, following him.
'What is he doing?' she thinks to herself. Walking through the snow, she pushes the doors open and enters his room. Upon entering, she hears the distinct sound of glass vials being thrown to the floor. Havok sees the sorcerer throw a chair away, then smack one of his minions to the other side of the room.
"Move!" he screams hoarsely, grabbing the jewel and pine green book. Bringing it to the cauldron, he begins chanting, green energy filling the contents. A large smoke cloud forms over the lid. His eyes are closed, his mouth whispers the words, and his hands twitch. The sound of his foot tapping frantically echoes around the room. Seconds later, his black eyes shoot open. He grits his teeth and yells, a primal roar ripping from his lungs and bouncing off the walls. Havok winces, having never seen Certrius act like this.
"Certrius? What is-"
"Call the advocate now!" he bellows angrily, his breath choppy.
"You're *ahem* you're hyperventilating. What the hell is going on, sorcerer?" she asks.
He grabs her by the arm. "Do you wish to see your father alive, again?! Then do as I say and call him now!" he repeats, his eyes staring into her soul, conveying the seriousness of his demand. Havok pulls her atlas off her belt, pressing the button to call the maid of honour. No one answers. She continues pressing the button, watching the gray hourglass form over and over. But still, no answer.
"I can't get their attention. What's happened?" she asks, her voice wavering.
"Arghh!" Certrius screams, throwing a chair across the room. The oak wood splinters against the stone wall, crashing into a heap on the floor with a bang. His minions freeze, unsure what to do. They had seen their master angry, even filled with rage, but nothing so severe. So guttural. Not even the loss of his rib provoked such a reaction.
"Certrius! What has happened?!" Havok asks again, this time slower but in a louder tone.
"We need to contact the advocate and the bride. I cannot see them using my magic. If they have not yet responded…" he says, pausing before running his long fingers over the pine book and placing it down on the table. Havok notices his hand ball into a fist.
"Then what?"
Closing his eyes, he breathes deeply and responds. "The nerve of that disgusting overseer. Meddling in what is rightfully ours." Opening his eyes, he looks at Havok. "Our enemy has used his power to strike back. He has taken command of a vessel and imbued something sinister into it."
"A being?" Havok asks. He nods. "We can kill it, then. Father James is one of the most powerful Warlord Demons of the past Millenia. And Su and her bridesmaids are strong. I don't even like her, but I know she's more than capable of-"
"Try calling again." he argues, dismissing her comments.
"What are you worried about? We'll kill it. That assassin can't stop-"
"You know not the savagery of such a being…" Certrius mutters, turning angrily towards Havok. She stops, her voice caught in her throat at he bends over to stare into her eyes, his breath blowing into her face. "You haven't the slightest idea, do you? Do you?! The last time such a creature was created, they killed the Dark Lord. The. Dark. Lord! This is no longer an assassin. It's an abomination! The only one who can stop them now is me! Find the advocate and give me their location. And do it quickly!"
Havok finally caves. She continues trying to connect with Su's minions, hoping that they have everything under control. She knows Father James. He will have a solution. Right?
Certrius reads through his book, finding a spell that might be worthwhile. He feels disgusting having to think about this 'retrieval spell', as it suggests he is not the owner of the jewel sitting just inches from his hands. But perhaps, if he can conjure it in time, he will be able to rectify that and kill that retched Realmer, along with his rival's… his… enforcer. His hands shake, his mind going in circles as he remembers the stories of his people. Of the beings who destroyed the world their forefathers had built with Satan. And of the subsequent wars caused by that event. This time would be different. He swears on the dead, he shall not fail. He is the greatest sorcerer since the time of Satan. He would not allow some far-reaching usurper to stop him. He was born to be a God! He would never allow this to come to pass. Never!
Yet all the while, his hands shake, making it difficult for his long fingers to even turn the page of his tome.
Allie's POV, Observatory Grounds, Night
The grit of the dirt covers my hands in tiny specks. I lie on my stomach, looking up at Father James Mitchell, who grins down at me with Su. His red clerical suit shines from the lit torches, Su Yung's white dress contrasting its crimson hue. Keeril and his men stand around with several bridesmaids. Allysin remains unconscious, Chelsea screaming for her to wake up. One of the brutes has a spear pointed at her neck. Cal has his hands behind his back, the guards binding them with ropes. His right hand still has those horrible markings from Cherry's weapon, a black liquid leaking down onto his fingers. He tries to stand firm, despite his clenched jaw and heavy breathing showing the pain he's enduring for us all. Rebel remains on the ground, glaring at the maid of honour, who nonchalantly swings her club in the air, her eyes showing no emotion. Rosemary… is she…? I notice Cherry Bomb grabbing two torches, lighting Cal's makeshift defenses. No! Rosemary!
As I'm about to speak, Su places her katana near my face, the tip mere inches from my cheek. I press on, unafraid, my concern for Rosemary pushing through. "Please! Cherry don't!" Cherry gives me a sick smile as she lights the branches, while Mitchell huffs.
"I'm sorry, Allie. I really wish it hadn't come to this." he speaks. He tries to sound sincere, but the sarcastic tone of his voice says otherwise.
"Bullshit." Rebel cuts in, her sass coming out through her weak voice. The maid of honour gives her a sharp kick to the ribs, causing her to groan out.
"No one is here to protect you this time." Tertax threatens, readying his club.
"No please! Don't hurt her! I beg you!" I yell.
"Be careful." Mitchell states, waving his finger at Rebel. "You already pissed me off, once. Pick her up." He motions to me. Su and Tertax grab me from under the arms, roughly lifting me to my feet. I pull away from Su's grip. You hurt Courtney. I didn't forget that. "Let her go." Su, reluctantly, pulls away, going closer to Mitchell. The soldier, however, continues to hold me in his grip. "Sergeant, has your officer gone deaf now? Tell him to heel, please." Sergeant Keeril steps forward.
"Tertax, release her." Tertax lets go of me, as Father James laughs.
"Good boy. Now, Ms. Allie. We have so much to do. Our first task is to teach you how to-"
"And our payment?" Tertax speaks again. A few soldiers speak alongside him, echoing his sentiment.
Father James turns towards him. "I think you've spoken out of turn, soldier. Mind your manners and keep your mouth shut, and you will be paid. Just like Keeril said. Isn't that right, Sergeant?"
"Yes, lord Minister." Keeril responds, clasping an arm to his chest.
"Now, as I was saying-"
"Why do you let him talk to us like this? We have done more than what was required of us. Staging an attack. Aiding the Warlord in his quest beyond the time which was agreed. And we were promised extra pay for such activities." the soldier questions, his eyes filled with fury and disdain. A few soldiers murmur amongst themselves. Mitchell stares at him like he has two heads.
"Tertax, mind your ton-" Keeril starts, before Mitchell cuts him off.
"My goodness, someone is pushy today! Mr. big shot! The job is not complete yet, Mr. Tertax. You have been thoroughly paid, and you will receive your cuts when the job is done. Understand?" Father James emphasizes, his tone less than pleasant. Su growls beside him, her hand gripping her sword handle tightly. A few bridesmaids are circling around the disgruntled Tertax.
"Tertax. He is our client. Stand down!" Keeril puts forth, raising his voice at the last part. Tertax nods, before yelling.
"KARTOUSH!" Tertax grabs a knife and places it on my neck, yanking my head backwards using my hair.
"Ahhh!" I yell, wincing at his rough hair pulling.
"Shut up!" I hear clubs and spears knock down and stab people, the thuds sounding out in front of me. I notice most of them are bridesmaids. A few of the guards now stand in formation around Tertax and I, their spears and shields blocking us. Some wield crossbows, ready to fire at the first signal, quivers filled with arrows.
"Oh, for the love of…" Mitchell responds, putting a hand to his face and rubbing his eyes. Su is now pointing her blade forward, the other bridesmaids getting up and unsheathing their weapons. The maid of honour holds her club in hand, waiting for an opening. Even Cherry is staring in confusion. "*Sigh* Keeril, do your job."
"Tertax! Stand down! That's an order!" Keeril yells, but I feel the soldier's head shake no. Keeril draws his sword.
"We are leaving. Follow us and she dies." he states. To bring emphasis, he presses the knife to my neck. I feel the blade pierce a little, breaking the skin and making me cry out.
"Allie!" Rebel yells hoarsely, staring at me in fright. Chelsea's eyes go wide, putting a hand to her mouth in shock. Cal turns in my direction, but is still unable to move.
"Enough! Su!" Mitchell screams, but Tertax laughs. He lets my head go forward but keeps his hand firmly on my neck, beginning to back up with me. At least 8 soldiers flank him, protecting us from any possible attack. I take uneasy steps, having to walk backwards without knowing where I'm going. I watch the flames creep up the building. Rosemary, get out of there now! Ignoring my fear, I lock my eyes on Cal.
"Cal, save Rosemary! Please!" I scream, before Tertax punches my chest, the knife pressing harder against my throat. I gasp, feeling pain just under my collar from his hit.
"I told you to shut up!" he barks. Cal looks behind him, noticing how high the flames are. His mouth moves, and I can see the flames being pushed back by something. Even though they continue to climb higher, he continues to chant.
"You know this won't end well." Mitchell argues. Tertax continues to press the blade against my throat, moving me further away from the Warlord.
"One move and I'll slit her throat." Tertax states simply. "Makes no difference to me."
"You idiot! Have you lost your mind?" Cherry Bomb questions.
"No. To the Guild with this. We're taking the girl and the gold."
"Officer Tertax, we have bridesmaids ahead." a soldier tells him.
"Advocate! Move them from our path!" Tertax yells. Mitchell remains still, while Su bounces next to him, eager to jump back into battle. Her eyes are fierce, a look of hatred painted across her features. The maid of honour, once stoic, has a similar one, staring daggers at the group around me. Tertax shakes his head to the side.
"Advocate." he teases, shaking me. Su tries to rush forward, but Mitchell holds her back with his arm, his cane in hand. He waves his other hand and gives Su a knowing look. She barks in that unknown language again, and the bridesmaids disperse, slowly turning and giving us a path. Tertax orders his soldiers forward, and we continue on, moving past the trees towards the gates. Reaching the fallen tree, I watch Mitchell and the others stand still. Su brings the katana forward, the weapon glowing green in the night. The light touches my upper right shoulder for a moment. It then fades back to nothing, before Mitchell raises his hand.
"What was that?" a soldier asks.
"Nothing. Keep moving." Tertax orders.
In seconds, an energy blast flies through the sky, ripping through Tertax's arm and hitting my shoulder, something wet flying onto my hair and neck. The knife falls from his grasp, and I hear a low groan behind me. The initial hit hurts, but after I feel a burning sensation linger on my shoulder. I yelp in pain, instinctively grabbing it. Turning, my eyes widen as I see part of Tertax's face has been blasted clean through, his cheek and part of his ear missing, his teeth and gums exposed. He bleeds from the new wound, the flesh torn and hanging off the bone. He clutches at his face, trying to stop the bleeding. The soldiers freeze, and from behind the tree come multiple bridesmaids with daggers. Before they have a chance to react, some soldiers have already been stabbed. I try to run, but Tertax grabs my foot, holding me in place. Soldiers yell and try to hold off the bridesmaids, killing a few. I turn and watch Su and her maid of honour flip over, smacking and cutting guards as they do.
Su aims her sword down, before viciously slashing Tertax's arm off. The appendage is cut clean, the bone and flesh separated from his body, blood leaking from both ends of the wound. His separated arm still holds my leg, so I quickly kick it away. Ugh! The maiden grabs me, pulling me away. I continue to clutch my arm, refusing to turn to the slaughter behind me. Their screams slowly turn to silence, until only the sounds of Mitchell, Keeril and the others footsteps on the fallen leaves can be heard. Rebel, Chelsea and Cal were forced to walk with them, while another soldier drags Allysin across the dirt, picking up leaves and grass with her feet.
"Ahem! Does anyone else have issues with my payments?" Mitchell questions, looking around. The others remain silent, the bridesmaids still hacking at the dead soldiers just meters away from us. "Good. Now, as I was saying, the first thing you need is to get some teaching. If you are to-"
A distinctive sound echoes out. Sounds like a summoning cauldron's call. Chelsea's eyes furrow, while Cal, Rebel and I stay still. Mitchell cranes his head towards the sound, a bridesmaid carrying a large brick-looking item in hand. Su and the maid of honour come forward, taking the item and pressing on it. An atlas? In seconds, a woman's voice I've never heard answers.
"Father-" the woman says, before getting cut off.
"ADVOCATE!" someone screams, the voice like nails on a chalkboard… My blood runs cold again. No… Not him!
"Certrius?" Mitchell asks, and I feel my heart skip a beat at the name. Glass breaking behind him catches his attention, so Mitchell speaks in a voice similar to Su. A handful of bridesmaids quickly go back towards the observatory, following the path. "Ah, old friend. So good to see you. We have the girl, and I was just about to ca-"
"WHERE ARE YOU?! ANSWER ME NOW!" the sorcerer screams. Mitchell presses on his ear, his face scrunching from the yells. Cal fidgets to get my attention. He shows one of his hands free from the rope.
"We're in a field of some sort. Botanical gardens- marking 7-10… something? Everything is fine."
"NO, IT'S NOT! I need *static* location! NOW!" he bellows.
"What do you mean? I just gave it to you."
"Our rival has- *static* - And I can only *static*."
"Certrius? Havok? What is happening? The summon is not working. What is wrong with this thing?" Mitchell questions, looking over the device from top to bottom. At the back, a large crack can be seen. "It's not working properly because of this." He turns it over again. "Certrius? Can you hear me? What is-"
A scream of terror pierces through the night sky, catching our attention. Su and her maiden's heads jolt up, eyes scanning into the darkness. Rebel and Chelsea stare too, frozen on the spot. Cal turns his head to the commotion. Mitchell ends the call. Moving closer, the faint smell of black smoke fills my nostrils while the orange flames of the building bring some light to the darkness. Peering through, I finally see something.
On the ground are four bridesmaids. Two are on their back, rolling and screaming as fire engulfs their bodies. The third is a few feet away, a dagger sticking out of her neck, as blood pools around her. The last bridesmaid is on her knees, her eyes blank and body limp. She is being held up by someone. One hand, with black and red painted nails, holds a hook impaled into the bridesmaid's jaw in hand. The other holds her up by her hair, displaying the kill for all to see. The person wears dark black wrestling-style boots, long dark pants, and a sleeveless black armored shirt. She has multiple cuts on her arms. When I see her face, my mouth opens in shock. She has face paint: three claw marks, red and black in color, going from her left forehead down towards her mouth, cuts across her slightly pale white complexion. Her eyes are pure black, and she looks straight at me.
"Rosemary?" I ask weakly, my eyes tearing up.
To be continued!