The air was unusually calm in the Kingdom of Liones. Perhaps because discussion of the Ten Commandments have calmed down. Seems panic was there in some that have heard of the sudden appearances but not too much to worry the Grandmasters, Dreyfus and Hendrickson. Two men in their prime, both in age and in skill. Highly respected while also highly feared amongst the citizens, how it should be. Ever since the king was locked away in his chambers, keeping things under control had become difficult. New rulers, new laws for the people to follow. Some of them weren't to abide so easily. In Hendrickson's eyes, such insubordination was punishable by death.
Princess Veronica, Elizabeth's older sister, stepped through the castle halls. Fully clothed, prepared for however long she would have to walk. Beside her was her personal guard, Griamore, Dreyfus' beloved son. "Princess Veronica, are you sure stepping out on your own is the best option?" He asked her. "I won't be alone, I'll have you with me. As for stepping out, I can't just sit around anymore. I have to find Ellie." She stated boldly. Out of a dark corner suddenly stepped out, Hendrickson himself tracks stopping her tracks. "Stepping out you say?"
Him...Veronica had tried her hardest to avoid the grandmasters, particularly Hendrickson. "Grandmaster Hendrickson, she simply means..." Griamore started. "I'm going out to look for my sister, not matter what any holy knight says." She finished, looking Hendrickson dead in the eyes. Despite the blatant difference in stature, Veronica kept her determined demeanor. Griamore though was keeping a close watch on Hendrickson's entire body. Despite Veronica being a princess, the shift in power made Griamore fear that the Grandmaster may see this as stepping out of line...
To their surprise, Hendrickson simply smiled. "Well, then allow me to give you something to take with you on your travels." He proposed, gesturing them to follow him. The pair gave a look to each other, then reluctantly following the man. They entered a room where Hendrickson was digging through a drawer. "What's the meaning of this?" Veronica asked. "I feel it's time I let you know about the recent rumors involving your beloved sister. Apparently, she's been personally looking for the Ten Commandments." Hendrickson explained. Veronica and Griamore were taken aback. "The wanted criminals?!" Griamore asked. "Is she okay?!" Veronica added.
Hendrickson seemed to have found what he was looking for, turning around to face the pair. "From what was said, she's safe. However, I believe that she has been placed under a brainwashing spell. Perhaps by the Commandment of Pacifism or Faith." He continued. Veronica clenched her fists and looked to the ground. Not her little sister... "And what is it are you going to give me then?"
"This." Hendrickson said, revealing a necklace. The band was golden, carrying a thick purple crystal; "This is a Goddess Amber. A small but powerful tool that is used to seal evil creatures when they're within a few feet near it. If it's ever possible that you come face to face with the Ten Commandments, get as close as you can and use it."
"Grandmaster, if she were to try that, one would simply kill her the second they have the chance to. Such monsters place too much danger on her life." Griamore argued. The idea was ludicrous to him. Veronica's own thoughts were all focused on the amber in front of her. "Griamore, these are criminals who seek to destroy the Kingdom. Swift action must be taken if necessary, even when royalty is involved." Hendrickson replied simply. The thought alone had raised many doubts in the Holy Knight's mind but to his shock, the princess slowly took the necklace from Hendrickson's hand. "Whatever I have to do to help Ellie, I'll do it."
"Princess Veronica, you are Elizabeth's only hope. Please bring her back safely."
The thought of everything earlier that day had repeated in the back of Hendrickson's mind as he stepped down to the lower level of the Castle. How everything was coming together had pleased him. If Veronica truly succeeds, the danger posed by the Commandments would be extinguished and Elizabeth would be brought back to where she needed to be.
However, now he had other important matters to attend to. Below the castle, anything was barely visible with the minimal light. It could almost be confused entirely for a cavern with the rocky walls and tight air. What could be seen was the two figures with bags over their heads. Nearby was Lady Ger and Guila. "Let's begin." He exclaimed. Guila pulled off the bags, giving sight back to the revealed Jericho and Twigo. The two looked around to establish their new environment before noticing the two in front. "What...Why are you here?" Twigo called out. "Now now, Apprentice Twigo. Don't get too loud now." Lady Ger ordered. "Hmph. Conclusion, I will strangle you later." He huffed. "Hold on, I thought we were only summoned to speak to Grandmaster Hendrickson!" Jericho exclaimed. "You are."
Their attention turned to the man behind them but it was then suddenly taken by what was behind him. "What the hell is that?!" They both stammered simultaneously. It was a huge, disgusting sight. A large motionless but still monstrous red was chained up tight. It had horns, biggish lips, and a plump stomach. "This is a demon..." Hendrickson stated, pulling out a dagger to then slice a cut into the body. Blood began flowing out like a stream. Guila then stepped forward to hand the man two small glasses. Soon, the two glasses were full of the demon's blood. "Today, you two will be reborn once you have drank the blood."
"D...Drink the blood?" Jericho repeated as the glasses were handed out by Hendrickson. "Now hold on, where was such a beast even found? How have you discovered this apparent effect of the blood?" Twigo bursted out. "It was found near a small mountain. According to our research, an appearance from a demon is incredibly unusual, considering that they were all completely sealed away long ago. The blood itself we discovered gives access to magic unlike any others. Isn't that right, Guila?"
"Absolutely." The woman herself affirmed, suddenly appearing behind the two. Like a light breeze, she had moved so quickly that they didn't even notice her behind them. They both slightly jumped but the thought of taking the blood was scaring them more. Lady Ger noticed their hesitation. "Before you answer, consider those you have humiliated you before. The blood would give all the power you need." She explained; "Isn't it worth the risk?".
Jericho thought of Estarossa. How he had treated her like a common foot soldier, not at all taking her seriously. So foolish and carefree and yet so strong. Someone who needed to be exterminated as soon as humanly possible. "It's worth it, to make him pay..."
Twigo thought of Zeldris. How the Commandment of Piety had made quick work of him, sending him flying with only a powerful kick. How he had truly wanted to make the Commandment's captain suffer greatly for even daring to oppose the Holy Knights. To make him squirm beneath his boot. "No matter the risk, I want the power necessary..."
They both then chugged down every last drop of the blood. It was a revolting taste, however the effects were even worse. The glasses drop and the pain seeps through their veins. They both screamed loudly. Jericho fell to her knees, then spouting blood as she fell onto her stomach. "Oh, I see we only had one worthy out of these two." Hendrickson examined, Lady Ger affirming with a nod.
Twigo kept standing. "Conclusion, this sensation...my transformation is complete. I have gained a power of explosive..." He started before his body had began expanding. His blood bubbling, his bones crushing. "I'm exploding!" He cried out before his body bursted. Blood and organs fly everywhere.
Jericho, however, simply just opened her eyes. Pitch black eyes were now noticeable. Her transformation was now complete. "Welcome, Jericho." Guila said, reaching out her hand.
"Now you're one of us."
