In the next half, we're on Traysek's first mission as a birds of prey member, but what will he see? Will the person he's looking for be alright? or are we in for something more tragic, if so... can it be fixed? Find out below... :)
Warning: Contains possible angst, if this is not your thing, I understand...
Chapter 48
A Bitter Taste
The settlement...
time 3:00 pm
Near Erdora and Ken region...
Now on the bench near the training dummies, Traysek and Mikael sat, catching up to what was happening on both fronts...
"So, that's why there were more traps set here, you guys had some issues with bandits a week after?"
The young man nodded, "Yeah, and they almost set another fire, if it wasn't for Ingrid smelling out the oil, I think it would've been the end for real this time,"
"I can imagine, so that means you have your own sword?" Traysek asked, smiling.
Mikael rubbed the back of his neck, "Eh, not exactly my own... it was my fathers, I just took it up after he died, I don't have it on me now, it's back at the family hut, best kept away until needed,"
"Can't see no wrong with that, and given how big this place is, that's even easier!" The Redguard laughed, "Well, I'm glad you've been doing well for yourself, I expected you to be in the worst mood given how hard you've been going earlier,"
"I just have a new outlet to release that. That's it really, keeps calm and me from...hurting a certain person..." The young hunter said in an odd tone, the smile coming back, "But what about you, captain? you seem well off, what you got on isn't exactly holy knight material, but I like the crimson coat regardless,"
"Thank you~ I've been around let's just say," Said Captain chuckled, "And as for the girls? what have they been up to?"
"They're doing just fine, making runs and checking traps for the settlements, making sure no attacks come here, I help them man and move defenses when they need it...for now I'm just training until I have to go do my other duties..." Mikael finished with a sigh, "That said, I know you didn't come here for a social call, is there something I can do for you?"
"Actually, there is" Traysek nodded, "We're looking for someone, a kletzkrieg member to be exact, I'm sure you're familiar..."
For a second, the young man's eyes shadowed over, looking back at him with a narrowed look, "Uh-huh, I remember them...destroyed our village, what about it...?" before frowning, "And what do you mean by "We" you got other people here?" looking around until he spotted the rest of the group, eyes going wide when he saw Endra's armor, "What...what is one of them doing in here?!" he nearly shouted, "They are never to be here, what you have you done bringing one here?" baring his teeth.
"Calm down...he's not here for that nor was he a part of that carnage, you're not going to put that on him!" The Redguard defended.
"Does it matter...? he wears that damned uniform, he's affiliated!" Mikael shouted, pointing at Endra.
"I knew it..." Sylla sighed before looking at the kid, "He's about to do something stupid..." noticing his trembling hands.
Traysek narrowed his eyes, "Yes, But he's not affiliated with what happened here..."
"You dare defend him...? after what you saw them do to our village? Aren't you a holy knight or working with them, I remember one of them being with you.." Mikael frowned, "Wait...you're not one, are you...? Does that explain why he's there...? You working with them now...?"
"We have a relationship, yes...a lot happened during these last couple of weeks," The Redguard explained.
"So you did join the dark queen and her general...You..." Mikael growled, gripping his stick hard, eyes shadowed, "I had wanted to see you again, wanted to thank you for helping me survive, but now...now I think you're better on the floor!" taking a swing at his head, catching nothing but air when Traysek disappeared, eyes going wide, "What...? where did you-?"
His leg was then kicked in from the back, nearly sending him on his knee, before getting put in a sleeper hold from behind, forcing him to drop the stick when Traysek tightened the choke.
The Redguard held him, easing the pressure off his neck, "Calm...down...Mikael... you're right, I'm not a holy knight and I did join up with Olga and the others, but we're not here for you or your village... If we were you'd be dead...especially after you've attacked me just now...which I will forgive, I understand you're having issues right now..." waving the others off.
Rela was the first to approach, glaring at the young man, "Maybe I should silence him... for good."
"Nah, no need." Endra laughed, "I kinda understand how the kid's feeling."
The young man huffed, trying to struggle but had no luck breaking out, eventually relaxing his arms with a defeated sigh, "Alright...alright...I yield...I yield...you can let go...I won't try that again...I promise..."
The Dragonborn looked at him for a minute, until he let him go, allowing him to slump to the floor, coughing and catching his breath, "Hope you remain true to that, I don't think she's gonna give you a third chance," motioning his head towards the glaring Rela.
"I...*cough* can see that..." Mikael breathed out, standing back up, regaining his composure, "I'm okay now, apologies for attacking you..."
"All's forgiven...this time..." Traysek nodded with a small grin, "Now that you're calm and cool, we're here for someone you may have here,"
"Right, the kletzkreig woman I assume...? Yeah, she's here, at a hut nearby at the other end of the settlement, was about to make my rounds to her..." He told him.
Both Rela and Sylla looked at him with suspicions.
"Thankfully, her sister isn't here..." Endra mumbled.
"Good, then take us there..." The Redguard said bluntly, "And don't delay...you've already wasted enough time..."
The young man stared back at him with a narrowed look, sighing, "Very well, this way...Maybe you'll have better luck getting something out of her..." being the first to lead the way.
While they walked, Sylla kept her eyes on him, ready to cut him down at the first sign of anything funny.
Klein whistled to himself while following along, 'That was a bit intense...I hope he doesn't try anything else, Rela and Sylla here seem ready to tear him apart...' glancing both, finding their hands trained on their weapons, 'But something tells me...this is going to get worse somehow...'
When they finally arrived at the small hut, the young man went first, opening the door, motioning them in, "Here she is..." guiding the group in.
As he got closer, his eyes widened when he saw it...
The Dark Elf was in her ruined armor, looking more like a dead with eyes filled with nothingness, skin beginning to pale, and an emotionless face... her state was beyond bad.
The Redguard furrowed his brow, walking up and crouching, looking her over, "Gods, she looks terrible...How long has she been like this...?" checking her pulse, finding it going but weaker than where it was supposed to be, waving a hand in front of her face, getting no response, frowning hard, 'Is she in a coma? it's looking that way...but why are her eyes open, something isn't right here...' he snapped his fingers, trying to get her attention, "Hey? do you remember me? Can you hear me?" he tried, getting nothing back, "No response..."
"A couple of weeks, we've tried everything, but could get nothing out of her, at the most we've been able to clean her up...and..." Mikael paused, looking at the food around her mouth, "Help her eat..."
He said nothing as he inspected her, gently grabbing her face and giving a closer look into her eyes, stroking her face gently, trying different temperatures, heating his hand, applying it, nothing, he chilled his hand next and touched her, nothing from that, he tried a bit of lighting, getting a small twitch, but nothing more... 'There's no way...' using his magic to check hers, unable to feel any from her, not even her connection to the Earthmother... He looked back into her eyes again, noticing them empty and glassy... 'She's not sleeping and she can't feel...I'm hoping this is not the case, but one more thing to check...' he then placed both hands on her head and closed his eyes and that's when the realization hit hard, the electrical charge that brains normally carry, he could barely feel it, if really at all...only a low sickening buzz and that's when he knew... His eyes shadowed over, taking his hands off her head, placing one on her shoulder, taking a deep sad sigh, 'By the nine...That's not depression, that's something worse...way worse...her brain is fried...she may as well be gone already, gods...I'm so sorry...'
"If I were you... I would stay away from Maki as much as possible..." Endra pointed before narrowing his eyes, "Something's wrong..."
Once again, Traysek said nothing, eyes still shadowed over...
"So...if you can get her to say...something we can figure out what that is..." Mikael sighed with a headshake.
"...Can I ask you something kid...?" The Redguard said in an odd tone, not facing him.
"S-sure...I guess...?" The young man stammered out.
"Have you looked into her eyes, as in REALLY looked...? " He asked again, "This...this isn't depression, kid...losing will's got nothing to do with it...she would've noticed us by now...Her brain... is fried... she's a vegetable...That's why she's not RESPONDING to you or the other two...she can't..." in a low soft tone.
Mikael had a look of shock, "A... vegetable...? Then that would explain why she hasn't...Oh no...so she's been..." blinking twice, "I didn't think that...I uh...I need to take this to the huntresses...they'll need to know..." he nodded in agreement, "But how did she end up like this...?"
"That...Was on me..." Traysek said, eyes low and dark, "I sent her flying away with my voice when she was going to kill us and herself... The explosion still went off anyway...To know this is how she ended up after... this... this is a sick feeling..." turning to him, "If you're going to do that, please, let them know..."
"Will do..." The young man sighed, before leaving them alone in the tent...
The Redguard remained where he was, not facing the group, but could feel the tension, "Go on...say what you're all thinking...I know you're holding on to it..."
"This isn't just physical... but also magical." Endra pointed, "She's now unable to use any kind of magic... and she has lost her connection to the Earthmother..."
"Magical...?" Traysek asked, thinking back on the spell both she and Mayek attempted to use, "Spell... that's right..." turning to him, "Endra...What all goes into the lightning suicide spell that you all know or some know..."
"That spell can only be used by Storm Kletzkrieg." Endra explained, "Each element has a spell similar to that... its goal is very simple; if the enemy is stronger, or has the advantage, use every fiber of your being to destroy them..."
"And by that meaning, that would include your life okay...I'm getting that..." The Redguard slowly nodded.
Klein walked in and went to Meila kneeling on the other side, "So this the girl we're looking for...She looks like she's a foot away from death itself...by the goddess..." waving his hand in front of her face, "Yeah, she's gone...shit...What's the plan...?"
"That's what I'm getting to..." Traysek began with, "I remember what I was supposed to do...and considering that I don't exactly know any remedies, spells or shouts that could cure this...that already votes that out...but I may have a way to confirm it..." Turning to Rela, "Can we talk for a moment...? outside?"
Rela nodded before walking outside.
The Captain sighed deeply, "Okay, I'm going to step outside, this won't take long, Klein I'll need you to keep an eye on her with Endra here," he told him.
"You got it, I'll let you know if anything happens on that front..." the knight agreed, helping her sit up.
"Before I step out of here," Traysek paused turning to Endra, "Just one more thing to this, what...happens when that technique is harshly disrupted...?"
"Hard to tell..." Endra replied, "Most of the time it's used, it leaves nothing, not even the air... for the Storm users, it affects the flow of magic; and since it's hard to make it work, any external magic can turn it against the caster in a... bad way."
"Like now...I'm surprised Mayek didn't just simply explode when I caught him before he could generate his...but alright, thank you...that...eases the shock...somewhat..." The Redguard sighed, leaving the hut...
Outside, he found Rela leaning against the house, waiting...
"Okay, just had one more thing to ask there, but..." He began with, "I know I had my orders from you master, and that was to bring her straight in...but after seeing this... I need to know..." taking a deep breath, "How vast is your master's power exactly...? been wondering that while we took our house tour, but if he was able to bring you all back to life, what could he do her here?" with an eyebrow raised.
Rela looked around before casting a barrier, "What I'm about to say is going to be hard to get, but..." After a moment she took a deep breath, "Her soul is shattered; meaning that only someone who can manipulate souls has a chance to save her... but not entirely save her as she lost her magic forever."
Traysek deeply sighed, "So either way, this going to be bitter-sweet...well, I suppose that's better than nothing, she'll have her life, but won't be able to cast magic...I can live with that, that's fine...and since I know he can do it, that's why he worded it like that..." looking up at her, with a small smile, "Thank you, Rela...I know where to go from here, now... let's get her back to Lord Swain," in a low tone.
"Of course... there's an alternative he can do..." Rela stated.
He paused before turning around, "Oh? and what's the other way?"
"Turning her into a demon." Rela answered, "If that's her wish."
"Okay...sounds about right...Considering how many of you are one, it could go either way with that pendulum..." He nodded, "I guess that'll depend on what choice she makes, but I think we're done here," cutting his eye at the two approaching huntresses, "Now we just gotta get her there and past these two..."
"I can easily kill them..." Rela spun her Emei Piercers.
Traysek laughed, waving her down, "I like that in you, but let's see what they want first..." Turning to them as the barrier came down, "Ladies~ Ingrid, Natasha, long time no see~ You guys look well~"
"Wish we could say the same captain, what gives? you come here and you don't tell us?" The brunette sister said with a raised eyebrow.
"Even more you bring company, although it seems like she's glaring at us like she's ready to murder us for some reason..." Ingrid nervously chuckled, looking at the needles Rela held, "That said, we're not here to fight with you...we've been told the situation, we know that the woman in there is..."
"Yeah, and she's not going to get that help here, but I know who can...A...A friend of ours can only help her now..."
Natasha sighed, slowly nodding, "Yeah, which is what I thought was happening anyway...we had intended to use her to get our people back, but...if she's in a vegetable state, then that wouldn't work either way...so after talking with each other, my sister and I have concluded..."
"Go ahead, take her, make sure she gets the help needed, we'll just...think of some other way to get our folks out of Erdora..." Ingrid added with a nod, "We haven't been there yet, so we don't know what it looks like now,"
"Maybe you should stop by...you'd be amazed at how much has changed since you were all last there...you might...just find who you're looking for..." Traysek smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Thank you for being honest with me...most would've taken advantage of that, but by you admitting what your intentions were...that tells me you meant no harm to her...We'll be in touch, let's go Rela," heading inside.
"Um..." Rela nodded.
When they got back inside, he looked over at Klein and Endra inspecting her, "Hey guys, we're back, go ahead and get pick her up, we're leaving, we've spoken to the huntresses outside, they've cleared us to take her and we're heading to Swain's,"
"Heading back to Feoh?" Endra raised an eyebrow, "After all, he's still there."
"Or you'll contact him to come here..." Rela asked.
The Redguard thought on that, "Depending on what he's doing at the moment, that might just be what we have to do," grabbing the badge and rubbing it, getting it to glow, "Lord Swain? It's Traysek, I've found the girl and we're prepared to bring her in, are you busy at this time?"
"A little, but with how much time we have, I can spare the amount of time to... heal her," Swain replied.
Traysek nodded, "Very well, we'll be there soon," rubbing the badge again, causing the glow to go out, "We can get going, he's a bit busy at the moment, probably talking with the other members, or the General, which if he is...then we definitely need to bring her there, no questions about it..."
"We'd better hope that Maki isn't there..." Endra sighed.
"I doubt he'd call me back there if she's around, I'm pretty certain Swain doesn't want his office destroyed, but if she is there...I'm expecting that encounter as well," The Redguard pointed, as Mikael came back in, carrying a stretcher.
"Easy everyone, I'm just here to give you all this, the huntresses figured you would need it to carry her out of here..." The young man began with, setting it down next to Meila, "And as a way to...apologize for attacking you back there, I'm sorry,"
"I already said I forgave it, you're all good kid, I know you lost people...thank you for manning on up that front though, I appreciate that," Traysek thanked, turning to the others, "Alright, let's get her on this thing, gently, Endra, grab the legs, Klein you grab the body, I got the head,"
Sylla narrowed her eyes as the men helped the fallen Dark Elf, 'This... this reminds me of the stories I heard about Godwyn the Golden...'
Once they got her on it, the Redguard took the lead at the head of it, while Mikael opened the door, allowing them to carry her outside with the rest of the group following them out...
Traysek snapped his fingers outside, opening a fast travel portal back to Swain's office...
"And back to Lord Swain's, we go..." Klein murmured, "Gotta say, I didn't expect to be done with this until nightfall, you guys work fast,"
"Don't sell the pelt before the hunt." Endra advised, "There is always something that can happen."
"Even at this stage of it...there's no telling who's waiting for us there...either way, let's get this over with," Traysek said, slightly nervous, as they went through the portal, With Rela and Sylla being the last in as the trio waved at them from a distance while it closed...
The young man sighed, "Now what? That didn't work out as we hoped, what will we do...?"
Ingrid thought, "We'll check out the village, if it's as good as he says, and our people are okay, we'll leave this place behind depending on how well they're off..."
"Maybe it'll be for the best, the three of us can't protect this place ourselves forever, one day something more than we can handle WILL come here...it's a safe move, and we might find Father and Mother there, and you Mikael, may find your mother...Who knows?"
He nodded to that, "I can only hope...I can only hope..." staring in that spot they left from...
Feoh...
Swain's office, royal castle...
"Regis is certain that there's no way to avoid the effects," Swain stated as he was with Olga, Greil, and Gronik.
"This might be troubling..." Greil began to think, "Unless we're using undead... it may be impossible to take on Ur..."
A moment after that a portal opens, gaining their attention, Traysek, Klein, and Endra walk out from it carrying a stretcher while the other two are the last ones in.
"Hello everyone~ It seems we came at a bad time~" The Redguard announced, "Where are we putting her?"
"Do you really need to show her like that? Respect her a little." Olga narrowed her eyes.
"I'll contact Maki later..." Greil sighed, "In the meantime, it would be best that you still avoid her... until the situation becomes stable with her..."
"I wasn't making an effort to seek her out anyway, but thanks for the heads up," Traysek waved off, "And as for the respect factor, Olga, much as we wanted to give her a "golden carriage" back, they didn't exactly provide one at the settlement they held her at," with an eye roll.
Greil cleared his throat, "I'll call for some people to... escort her to a better place." Gronik covered her with a white blanket.
The Dragonborn sighed, setting her down with the other two, "Alright, you guys do that, Also, Endra said he had gotten orders, you wanted to speak with us, but...it seems like you're busy already, we can come back or wait, it depends..."
"About that... if you're willing to wait for some time... I may give you an explanation." Greil pointed.
"That's fine, we'll hang around at the bar here, call us when you're ready," Traysek slightly bowed, "I'll see you all soon," leaving the room.
"Now, where were we?" Swain sighed getting the attention of the three after that the others left.
Bar room, royal castle...
Sitting at one of the tables, Klein, Endra, Rela, and Sylla hung out there, getting glasses of wine passed to them...
"Not bad for a first job with you guys, and the least bloody one I've been to!" The dark knight smiled, taking his wine cup and taking a sip, "Ah~"
"Kid... if you want to see what a real bloody job is... become a Bloody Finger and a Recusant simultaneously." Sylla chuckled, "That, or become a Night Cavalry."
Klein frowned after taking a gulp nearly choking on that, "*Cough* how do you become that?"
"Depending on your allegiances." Sylla answered, "Still, from what I heard... Some trials must be passed to become a Bloody Finger. As for becoming a Recusant, you need to impress the Volcano Manor in ."
"I see, those trials sound scary but worth it...too bad there's nothing like that here, kinda wishing it was," The dark knight nodded.
"In one of those trials, you'd have to kill your own guiding Finger Maiden." the former Night Cavalry pointed, "And, I'm a Bloody Finger Hunter..."
"Oh yikes, and you hunt people like that? I don't think I could with a clear mind," Klein laughed.
Meanwhile nearby at the bar counter, Traysek sat, downing a tankard before setting it down, "Another please..." eyes shadowed over.
"Rough day?" the bartender asked as he filled the tankard.
"That's...a "nice" way to put that," He chuckled lightly, "Thank you..." taking it back, staring into reflection with darkened red eyes, his mind plagued with that void, emotionless, dead expression, coming in flashes, as he sighed and took another gulp, setting it down.
"I take that it's something that you don't want to talk about..." the Bartender shook his head, "If I were you, I'd talk to someone to lighten the thoughts."
The dragonborn slowly nodded, "I'll consider it..." turning to the rest of the group, laughing and chatting "I just... need to think right now...That's it really...I don't get a chance to do that often," with a small smile, "Don't let me keep you though, I'm sure you've got others to serve,"
The bartender left a tankard in front of the Dragonborn before going to another customer.
"Hard time processing your thoughts?" Rela sat beside him.
Traysek cut an eye in her direction, before turning his head, "In more ways than one..." a small smile coming back, "What are you doing here...? I figured you'd be chatting up with the others..."
"I'm your second, aren't I..." Rela replied.
He slowly nodded, "Yeah, you are...A damn good one at that saved my ass from that trap...Once again, thank you for it..." taking a gulp, a deep sigh coming after, "To tell you the truth, after seeing that...dead emotionless stare, no, I haven't been processing that well...it's haunting me...and I don't get why..." he admitted, "I've seen death time and time again, caused it myself even...at this point, I thought nothing like that would even rattle me...but now...now I'm not so sure..."
"They say that there are fates worse than death... that's why many consider death as a deliverance." Rela took a deep breath.
"I can agree there, because if what you told me about her soul is what I'm thinking of...then yeah...that's worse than being dead..." The Redguard shook his head, "If...we weren't tasked to find her...and just did on our own, I think would've mercy killed...At that point, it's hell for anyone in that state... they can't move, can't blink, can't take care of themselves...that's suffering...and given that we're just now getting to her...that's a long time to suffer... a very long time..."
"And you blame yourself for that..." Rela looked forward.
"For being the catalyst to her soul-shattering...? Yeah...maybe I am..." He finally admitted.
His second looked at him before looking forward, "You definitely are... you did say that before..."
"And is that a bad thing...?" he asked, facing the front.
"Depends on what are your beliefs..." Rela answered, "Good and evil are nothing but words, the real question is; are you honest or a liar?" she rested her chin on top of her hand, "Those who claim to be good aren't really good, and pointing to others and calling them evildoers doesn't mean that they're bad people..."
He thought on that, "Unless they show it to you..." a slight chuckle coming from him, "Felt like you just quoted on someone else there, but you're right...It just comes down to perception and at the time...ours was shit...and someone paid for it... in a way no one expected..." Taking a gulp, before sitting it down, sliding it away, "As for being a "good person" that's always been hard to say...One minute I'm helping a town with its dragon problem, and the next, I'm robbing a house in the same town three doors down...that's always been a blurry line but, I know right from wrong and that's enough for me..." thinking back, "And after today, I think I got my answer on where I was in that situation...and did not enjoy that one bit..." with a bitter chuckle, "I'll be okay...it's just the mission afterthought...it'll wear, thank you though, Rela...I mean that..." with a genuine smile.
"I'm your second... it's my job to ease your consciousness..." she looked down.
Traysek sighed with a smile, "You know? you remind me of another friend of mine, a housecarl...a clingy one, but a good friend regardless, she would often say something similar, thinking you two would be friends if you met..." Turning to her, "In all seriousness though, you don't have to word it that way, it kinda sounds like you're saying the things I only want to hear, and I know you're not giving that impression...hopefully not..." with a small sweat drop, "Your opinions matter too, can't be my second if they don't, can you...?" with a knowing smirk.
Rela took a deep breath before releasing a heavy dark aura that froze everything around them, "I know how to make myself heard..."
"Good...to...know...Yikes...well..." The Redguard said, clearing his throat, "That answers that concern... no further words needed on that front,"
"Oi," she called the bartender who jumped from his skin, "Bring me some hot chocolate."
"Y-Yes ma'am!" the man ran away, looking for what he was asked.
The Redguard blinked twice, watching the man shakily prepare the chocolate "How many people do you have under that in here...?"
"H-hey, why did it get so cold in here all of s-sudden...?" They heard Klein's voice ring out.
"For some reason... I feel like Black Knives Assassins are watching me..." Sylla's voice may appear bold, but anyone can say that she's afraid.
"I-I think that I'd like to get somewhere else for some reason..." Endra nervously chuckled.
Traysek sighed shaking his head, "You've even got them too I see...didn't think they'd be affected," as the bartender returned.
When he presented her with the hot chocolate, she looked at it before looking at the shaking bartender, "One, where's the cream that's supposed to be on top. And two, bring me something to eat with it." the bartender obeyed without hesitation.
"Okay, point made... can you take the aura off now...?" The Redguard chuckled, "He was trying to be good to me and you're freaking out the crew, you got them jumpy," pointing a thumb at them with a sweaty smile.
Rela sighed before relaxing the atmosphere around them.
The bartender took a deep breath at the counter, feeling himself relax and calmly prepping the food.
"Well, consider me impressed~ at least I know the soon-to-be recruits won't be so confident to mouth off to you, I can rest easy there," The Redguard chuckled with an approving nod, about to reach for the tankard, until he stopped, sighing and shaking his head, pulling out a coin purse and paying instead.
"Since the preparations for Ur are on their way... what are you planning to do in the meantime..." Rela asked.
Traysek thought on that, "Get things set up with the guild once we see what Greil wanted, which should be soon, after that...no telling, might take it easy for a while until then," he shrugged.
Rela said nothing as she looked at a Dark Blade sitting by Traysek.
"Hm? What's wrong?" He frowned, turning around to what she was looking at, "Oh...I'm starting to get used to you guys popping up like that..." he chuckled, "Let me guess, Greil's ready for me now?"
"Yes..." was the answer he got before the assassin disappeared.
He stood up and stretched, "Guess it's time we headed up there, see what he wants, after that we'll see," before he made his way towards Greil's office.
Endra noticed Traysek going and followed him, "Going without me?" he joked.
"Ah, My bad, Endra, I figured they already got to you first," The Redguard chuckled, as they left the parlor area...
"What do you think he wants with us?" Endra asked.
"Who knows? it could be anything, we're bound to find out in a minute," Traysek shrugged.
"Let's hope that we find where he is..." Endra nervously chuckled.
On a balcony...
The general stood there, thinking over the situation of Ur, sighing until he heard a knock on the room door he was using...
"Open the door." He ordered as a Dark Blade appeared next to the door and opened it.
Both Traysek and Endra walked in and met him on the balcony...
"Thank you for coming." Greil sighed, "I take that you wish to know why I called for you, yes?"
"Of course, we waited around as such," The Redguard nodded, "Would've gotten to you earlier, but we were running that other job earlier...that said, what do you need?"
"Normally, I wouldn't call for outside help, but with the mission and who he chose... I had no choice." Greil sighed.
"It concerns someone's test..." Endra narrowed his eyes, "I take that Dargo desires to take the trial?"
"Indeed," Greil nodded, "It would be one of leaving the Kletzkrieg..."
Traysek frowned, "Leaving?" as in ranking up? To what? and who's going?"
Endra sighed, "Do you remember meeting the Storm of Steel?"
"Ah, Heltia...Yeah, I heard she was here in Feoh somewhere," The Redguard nodded, "So he chose her as a partner? interesting... I've briefly seen her skills, but if he's got her with him, what's our role in this then?"
"Wroooong~" Endra playfully replied, "Don't you know that she left the Kletzkrieg?"
The Redguard slowly nodded in realization, "Oh...okay, so this is an exit Trial, gotcha, sometimes "leaving" a troop means you've gone up, that's not the case here, okay, So once again... where's our role in this? and what's the mission on?"
"It's a stealth and rescue mission." Greil replied, "With all the papers we found, we learned that the Holy Knights are using a garrison as an exchange point with the Red Snake. They abduct and keep young women there while waiting for someone who works for the Red Snake to appear and give them the date of the exchange... while it's his mission, we can't overlook that something uncounted for may happen..."
"We're like an insurance that nothing bad happens..." Endra concluded.
"Indeed," Greil nodded, "More so since one of his partners is someone close to the captain..."
"I see...So Recorder volunteered to help with this, makes sense," Traysek concluded, "Looks like I'm going to be using either my Rifle or Crossbow for this one... What day is this going down?"
"Tomorrow." Greil answered, "Giving time for his other partner to come."
"Very well, I was going to seek out Recorder anyway or at least contact her... found out where our new house was and it's in an exotic place and I know she's going to get lost around that area...and that's the last thing anyone needs to do in that forest..." Traysek shivered, "We'll be here tomorrow then, I'll see you then...and uh...How's...the treatment coming along...?"
"We've contacted Maki... and things aren't as good as I thought they'd be..." Greil sighed.
The Redguard stared at him for a moment, until he understood, closing his eyes, "She saw her before the revival, didn't she...?" slowly and nodding to himself, "To be fair, Greil, I wasn't even expecting forgiveness on that end...this was about burying the hatchet on the crap I did on their side...But it seems like I made it WORSE...getting that impression... in an oddly calm tone, "Well since it's come to this, how'd it go exactly...?"
"I had to calm her before sending her back." Greil replied, "The good thing is that she doesn't know how you look."
Traysek just gave him two blinks, closing his eyes with a deep breath, slowly nodding, exhaling and opening them, low and chill, "I see...Whelp...I did my part, the rest will have to play itself out... I'll be here tomorrow, thanks for keeping me updated, I have a guild to set up, I'll see you around Greil," in a cool tone, turning around and heading out of the door.
"Keep an eye on him." Greil ordered, "Use that in case of emergencies..."
"Yes sir..." Endra sighed before following Traysek.
Outside, The Redguard walked back downstairs with a neutral expression, reaching into his coat pocket, pulling out his smoking pipe, and lit it, taking a relaxing pull and exhaling, holding it as he continued his way down.
"You don't seem good." Endra said after catching up, "Want to talk about it?"
"I'm okay, I've had my moment to feel bad about it earlier," Traysek waved off, "Just washing my hands of it, best I don't dwell on it now..."
"If you need someone's help just ask." Endra grinned, "Besides if things go well, you might not be targeted for long, you know? After a few weeks, that flame of hatred might go down."
"Thanks, I'll be sure to remember that," Traysek smirked, "But, I'm not worried about the hatred or sworn vengeance, you get used to that kind of shit after number 250... and then you start being able to predict what's said before it's said... In a way, I expected it to end like that, it was too easy... But, I hoped for a bit more guile at the end..." sighing afterward, "Eh...it still worked out, and as the general says, she doesn't know my face, I have the advantage there..." he chuckled with a shrug, "If that doesn't work, I can teleport, use wards, you get the gist... I can only hope for the best in regards, nothing more... For now... I have my own things to worry about, my guild to set up, and our mission tomorrow..."
"For some reason... I feel like I know why he wants to get out of the Kletzkrieg." Endra smirked, "Can't blame him though..."
Traysek chuckled, "I'll give it to him, he PICKED a good time to do so..." smirking, "Speaking of which, where did they go...? Last we left from here, they had a performance to attend to, but I'm sure that's passed by now,"
"They must be on a daaaaaate~" Endra playfully said, "Probably at the new market built in the center."
"So that's what they were building over there, no wonder it was closed off," The Redguard nodded, "If they are, they'll be easy to track down, assuming I don't call first," glancing at the pocket his call stone was in.
At the new marketplace
Downtown Feoh...
Recorder stood with Dargo, looking over the new mounts with a marveled expression...
"They're so pretty~ It's pretty hard to choose right off the bat," She nodded approvingly, "On the show earlier, I wasn't expecting your brother to be so good, must be proud, huh, big bro~?" in a teasing tone.
"Yes... I'm very happy and proud to have him as a little brother..." Dargo nodded, "As for the mounts... you can take as many as you want, I'll pay for them..."
"Uh...many?" Record repeated, looking around at the mounts, "I think I'll just start with one for now, get used to riding on something other than a horse," she waved down.
"Feel free to choose anything that picks your eyes..." Dargo stated.
Recorder nodded, "I will I will," scanning a few of them, humming as she passed a couple, spotting a pretty color fox mount and went up to it...It nervously approached her hand, gave a sniff, and skittered off quickly after, "Aww, I found him cute too..." shaking her head in disappointment, before spotting a large butterfly with vibrant colors, 'Oooooo~ now you're gorgeous looking, but you are just as the fox...?' she thought, before slowly approaching it...
The mount looked up at her, and slowly approached as well, getting close enough to lean into her face, which prompted her to reach up and stroke the fur around its neck gently, getting the large butterfly to nuzzle on her face while she did.
"Hello to you too ~" She chuckled, giving the head a gentle hug, "I'm in love with your color~ and you took to me pretty well, I like you too, you'll definitely do~" with a happy grin, turning to Dargo, "Hey, Dargo...? What kind of mount is this? She's cute~"
"A Dream Butterfly," Dargo answered, "They're hard to catch due to their ability to put people to sleep."
"So she comes with sleeping powder...? That's even better and given what you told me about this mission we'll be on tomorrow, she'll definitely come in handy~" Recorder nodded with a grin, "How about it~? You wanna cause some trouble together?" getting a squeal and slight nod in response, "Aww~ glad to hear it, I feel the same, we're gonna get along great~" she cooed, scratching under her chin, "Yeah, I'll take her~ she'll do..."
"That'll be 400 Diamonds." the Stable Master replied, getting a bag from Dargo.
"The Diamonds are there..." he said.
"Thank you..." She thanked, slightly blushing, "Well, now since I uh...have a giant dream butterfly, I can finally say a part of my childhood has been accomplished," with a chuckle, frowning when she remembered something, "So you're going through with it huh? Leaving the Kletzkreig? As far as you got, I'm...surprised...What made you do it?"
"Too many limitations... And my hands are tied by the code of the Kletzkrieg..." Dargo pointed before slightly blushing, "Besides, I'll have more free time..."
She raised an eyebrow, "Oh?...Oh..." a heavy blush coming on, "W-well, in that case, there's...still that new house I haven't been to yet, and given how big it's supposed to be, maybe the others won't mind...you over...tonight..." rubbing the back of her neck.
As the air became... more pink around them, people began to look at them, with a lot feeling envy.
"Get a damned room!" One voice shouted, belonging to an old man.
"I fucking hate being single!" Another voice, this time belonging to a woman.
"Oh by the goddess, all this wholesome... I can't take it!" Another man shouted out, in sobs.
Record had a sweatdrop on her head, 'Oh dear god, if this embarrassment doesn't kill us, this mob will...!' before a call came ringing on her call stone, 'Oh thank you, whoever that is...' quickly answering it, "Hello? Ah, bossman! I was wondering when you'd call! how was your mission...? Oh...Oooooh...shit, that's not good...okay, well I can see why that's a bitter taste...Seriously? they couldn't have been more discreet with that?" she frowned.
"Something wrong?" Dargo asked.
"It depends, yeah...his mission involved finding one of yours, she turned out to be brain-dead from an effect his shout had on her during a last resort spell, he brought her back to them, and...they ended up showing that sister of hers...anyway..." She took a deep sigh...
"I see..." Dargo pondered on that, "I'll do my best to help,"
Recorder gave a sullen smile, "I...I can't ask that of you, isn't she one of your friends? I thought you guys were knit deep,"
"You're far more important than that," Dargo stated with a determined tone.
She felt her cheeks heat again, "Geez, and they just cooled off," handwaving her face, "We'll be ready to head home to the new house, you don't mind him coming over do you?"
"Not at all, in fact, I'm glad he's coming over for dinner, heard about the mission you agreed on," Traysek's voice rang out, 'He's more than welcome to join us tonight..."
"He said he wouldn't mind you coming over to the new place and that would like to talk, he's heard about our job," Record told him, going back into the stone, "Okay, also you don't have to worry about picking us up, I'll be arriving in a...new mount, you'll like the choice I went with, just send me the location I'll meet you there,"
"Very well... and Lucien? Erik? What are you guys doing?" Traysek's voice asked the other two.
"I'm on my way back with a mount of my own, I also got four new blueprints, I'll need that location too..." Lucien's voice clicked on.
"Same here...I'll be there later tonight or tomorrow morning, Still with Zephyr, she just woke up and she's "Hi" by the way," Erik chimed in next.
"Great, I'll see you guys later, some sooner than most," She grinned, "Anything else we should know?"
"Yeah...don't be late or you're missing dinner, the maids are quite serious about that...when you three get there, you'll be brought up to speed on what that means...On another note, thank you for reminding me Recorder, I'll have to get those two mounts I've got here, I'll see you all soon," Traysek told them before she disconnected the line.
"Well, that takes care of that," Record nodded, putting away the crystal, before she heard a beep, going for her scouter and checking it, finding the location, "Ah...okay, I know where that is...that's at the Erdora and Ken, probably at that intersection with the signs, looks like we're going the opposite way, know what's there?" she asked.
Dargo nodded and answered, "A cursed swamp..."
"A curse what-now...?" Record blinked, "O-okay, what exactly is at this cursed swamp?"
"From what I read, it used to be the territory of an Ogre Champion of the Demon God of the Shadows who gathered an oppressive force after the Divine War, but got killed by someone." Dargo explained, "Due to his work there, the place became cursed with... some strange creatures in it..."
She gulped at that, "So...what I'm hearing is that we'll be passing by all kinds of dangerous animals and monster-sized insects, okay, not the first time...I'll be sure to bring plenty of bug repellant," she nervously chuckled, "And this is a dense forest, right?"
Dargo only nodded.
"Okay, flying until we find it is out then, but I know where to start," Record nodded, "Alright, I'm ready to go when you are,"
"I'll go there after the mission." Dargo pointed, "I need to prepare myself for that..."
Recorder smiled, "Okay, I understand and you did mention this "other partner" of ours too, so... guess I'll see you tomorrow, then...?"
"I'll be waiting..." Dargo nodded.
She gave him a sweet smile and hug, "Don't push too hard, okay~?" with a wink, before heading towards her new mount and receiving the papers for it, mounting the butterfly after, giving it a rub before taking off to the sky with a yell, "Whoa! okay! I get it, slow dooooown!" flying over Feoh's gate with that scream with people laughing below.
Dargo sighed before calling his mount.
Feoh castle...
Guest room...
Swain took a deep breath as there was red energy around the Dark Elf, monitoring her condition, and making the right adjustments for her rebirth.
'It would seem I can set the fusion and wait until it's done.' Swain took the soul out of her body, looking at the memories, removing the parts that would be troublesome, and fusing the soul with the right demon, 'This should do it...' he put the soul back before saying, "Now, all you need to do is to wait until it's done."
"Really..." Maki stood in the back, hidden by the shadows, her voice full of dread and murder.
"She will feel strange at first, but it's normal." Swain replied, "For the coming days after her awakening, she'd need you."
"I already know!" Maki snapped, "She's the only family that I have! Of course, I'd be by her side!"
"That means, no going on pointless crusades and leaving her alone." Swain added, "With time, she'll be the same as before. Of course, she won't be a Kletzkrieg anymore, but she will have some opportunities."
"I don't need that crap! I just want my sister!" Maki yelled, black and red lightning around her.
"And you will get her," Swain sighed, "The only difference is that she'll be stronger..." he took a deep breath before adding, "Now take your mount and go back to the city, make sure that you don't shake her too much on your way back."
"Don't tell me what to do," she growled before picking the unconscious Elf and walking to an armored pitch black horse with glowing red eyes, covered by black armor, and a red aura on a black horn on its forehead, tail, and hooves.
Swain said nothing as he saw the strange horse flying away.
Meanwhile, Arcturus family manor...
Aurora sat in the family room, in comforting robes, looking over family photos when she heard footsteps, turning out to be her daughter, approaching "Ah...Alicia, good to see you up," she greeted.
"M-Mother... what happened? Why aren't we in the castle?" Alicia asked, still feeling a little bit of a daze.
"The battle is over, we've lost the city and the kingdom, but not to the black dogs or the minister no...but to Olga's army," She calmly explained.
"W-What? But how did this happen?" Alicia asked with a shocked expression, "I heard that Commander Niall was on his way, and other reinforcements were also on their way to Feoh! How-"
"ENOUGH!" her mother finally snapped, "He did arrive, but I also know what contributed to our TRUE loss! You surrendered this city before the dark army had even arrived, and not only that but then, prioritized petty grudges... Over what needed to be done..."
"They had hostages!" Alicia defended, "I had to save them!"
Her mother completely turned around, "Those nuns, right? Those that were willing to lay down their entire lives for you, just so you could make that in vain...? those hostages?"
"What kind of cold-blooded monster would have ignored them?!" Alicia demanded, "They were innocent!"
"They were fine! there were even people that saved them after, do you remember what you tried to do then?!" Aurora snapped, feeling her blood boil.
"She was a traitor! She betrayed the Holy Army and was with one of those Kletzkrieg!" Alicia tried to defend, "And with the way she insulted me before, I had to defend my honor!"
Aurora blinked at her daughter, "She...She was the traitor? That's funny child, because the only traitors I ran into, were those very knights, shoving their blades into every other noble, while the prime minister stabbed us...if it wasn't for that dark armored man, you've lost it all child!" she finalized, taking a calming breath after, "Understand, that all of this...comes from a place of disappointment...I can't rebuke your status as shield princess, otherwise, I would've done so, but if you remain one, I'll be Amazed, Alicia...Truly..." slowly shaking her head.
"Why are you saying that!?" Alicia snapped with tears coming out of her eyes, "All I did was do as father taught me! And you're treating me like I'm some sort of monster!" before running away, crying.
The former queen went to reach, but shook her head, 'No...I'm not chasing her down, she'll come around and realize the wisdom I'm telling her...I understand you wanted to be like your father, but he was him and you are you...I pray you come to understand that while under Niall,' turning back around to her family photos, eyes going low and sad.
At Feoh's Royal castle...
Olga relaxed with a cup of tea given to her by a maid before looking at the kingdom's documents.
"So much tax money... but not a single development aimed at the long ends... this is sad," she commented, noticing the various transactions and investments made by the former royal family.
There was a knock on the door...
Olga looked at the door as a Dark Blade assassin opened it.
Celestine walked in with Del and Ophilyana, as the dark blade closed the door...
"You've made yourself comfortable," The goddess complimented, walking up to a desk and taking a seat.
"It's a necessity," Olga smiled, "After all, I'm the new Lady of Feoh. It would help after the loss of the Dark Fortress..."
Celestine hummed at that, "Right, after our last attempt...Fair enough, so what's to happen here now that you have it under your command? I have yet to speak to Alicia, but from what I heard from Uncle Swain, she had surrendered that right..."
Olga sighed before giving her some scrolls and papers, "The first thing is to find an unroot the slavery ring from the kingdom, And to do that, I'd need to capture the 'Suppliers' and hand them to some people who can get answers. Of course, while doing that, I'd contact those who can help me develop this kingdom. The key is to invest in the right sectors and..." Olga continued.
"I-I see...you've been busy as well," The goddess replied with a small sweat drop, "What are your intentions for Ur? And should I be concerned?" with a playful eyebrow raise.
"For Ur, we're still trying to find if there's a way to counter the brainwashing ability of that priest." Olga sighed, we might have to use Necromancy to avoid having to fight ourselves."
"The Archbishop there, right, he's also just as good with other magic as well, including the gift I bestowed him..." Celestine slowly nodded, "I see, I'm sure you'll have things worked out...As for me, I'm still reeling a bit from all that earlier, and that boy wasn't even my worst knight," shaking her head.
Olga sighed before saying, "You need to reform your forces, take control of the military, and give command to the right people, not just nobles who pay to be well placed. And given what Greil told me, that bo- I mean girl, is way worse than you think."
"I...I'm a bit confused, why do you keep calling him a girl...? his hair isn't even long enough to be considered as such," Celestine raised an eyebrow, slightly smiling.
"I don't see anything that resembles a man in him," Olga bluntly replied, "I know women that are more manly than him... Unless I'm proven otherwise, she's a girl in my eyes."
Celestine nervously laughed, "That's...nicer than what I thought of him... Very well, I'll speak with Alicia, it's about time I...made some changes...regarding her," Eyes shadowed over at that last bit.
"If it's what I'm thinking about, then you'd better make it in a way that preserves what remains of her dignity." Olga advised, "Some people can use that against you and turn your allies into enemies."
"You speak from personal experience, don't you?" The goddess asked, "I don't intend to be rough about it, but it's something that needs to be done, for the people of Feoh most of all...if she can prove otherwise, I'll rebuke this,"
Olga smiled before saying, "You'd do well to watch your back, you don't know what humans would do to satisfy their greed and lust."
Celestine stood up, "I could say the same for you, I'm not the one coming from the mountains...I wish you the best of luck, if you need anything, feel free to ask..." turning and heading out the door.
"Do remember that there's no city in the mountains." Olga reminded with a smirk.
"Like how I kept Uncle Swain's ties to us both a secret? That won't be hard," The goddess smiled, heading out the door.
In the lands of the West...
Xunaakt and the surviving monsters were camping, using Imps and weaker Orcs as food.
"If I get my hands on Volt... I'll flay him alive!" the Orc roared.
"Chief, what should we do?" an orc ask
"We head south." Xunaakt proclaimed, "With some luck, we may find somewhere to rest."
the Orcs, Ogres, and other monsters looked between themselves before nodding, looking south.
End of chapter...
If you made it this far and past the angst bit, you're a god amongst men... Jokes aside, no omake this time, had an idea for one, but lost the motive for it...for now anyway... next chapter will be them settling in, possibly more on Rey next chapter, I know I didn't have him in this one...
Like I said before, either review or don't, up to you...see you next chapter.