[YJ] Bathhouse 1: The Men's Bath

Featuring: Kalenzo, Benkei, Jean, Leodin, Versailles, Conri, Sula

January 3, 2017

[7:17 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Yuki Jyorou Kalenzo let out a worried sigh as he walked the streets of the Freyzenese city, something was bothering him and he couldn't seem to put a finger on it. For some reason he felt dirty, as if he couldn't feel comfortable in his own clothes. Times like this called for a proper washing. With his stare drifting upwards, Kalenzo looked at the engraved wooden signs hanging down in front of each and every building. Armory? No. Tonic shop? The man shivered before shaking his head and continuing down the street. At long last, his prayers seemed to have been answered as the words "Bathhouse" etched into a dark wooden sign hung above a particularly steamy-looking building. With a smile on his face, the artist walked in the front door. The first thing he noticed was the humidity emanating from what he could only assume was the main area of the building. The occasional splash of water, the scent of flower petals being wafted through the air put the man's heart at ease as he made his way towards the changing area.

[7:22 PM] Persoon56: Benkei paced the streets worriedly as he thought back on his previous exploits, and how much of a novel of a letter he could send home. He had faced monsters, phantoms and Divine-Dragon-knows-what-else and he'd been through the ringer. As he took a walk down one street, something caught his nose. Fruit? No, not fruit, something close though, it smells so...soothing...Flowers! That's it! Following the scent through he saw it, the bathhouse, and what seemed to be a familiar figure.(edited)

[7:29 PM] Abyssal John John: Finished with yet another date Jean flew through the skies of Yuki Jyorou trying to find a certain bathouse that Hana had spoken of. Seeing the sign he had Angard land in front of it. "Sigh...I truly wish I could go in the Springs with you but I know they would never allow that...." Angard made a sad whine as she nudged Jean's Cheek. "Don't worry I'll give you a really nice bath when I get out. Hopefully I won't be long...." With a final stroke to Angard's head Jean entered the Bathhouse and was hit by wonderful aroma. "Ah it is quite a wondrous smell. I can tell my dear Hana truly does spend a lot of time here." With that Jean headed to the changing area.(edited)

[7:33 PM] REWlego: A few blocks away from the bath-house, the masked vigilante of Khlin roamed across the rooftops of Yuki Jyorou. It had been a long time since he had done this, so it felt like a sort of reversion. Afternoon was starting to turn to evening, and Leodin was ready to finish his watch. As he rounded a corner, he saw the bath-house, and decided to bathe for a bit before retiring for the day. He hopped down from the roof and walked into the changing room, seeing that a few of his comrades had chosen to do the same thing.

[7:35 PM] spikethe3rd: After a stressful day of helping out in the medic bay, Versailles stumbled to the bathouse, the thought of the warm water making him smile.

[7:42 PM] Persoon56: After he changed out of his clothes, Benkei took notice of all the other guys in the room with him, all of whom he had seen at least once during the battles he had been a part of. "Oh, well, guess it's a party then, heheh..." Benkei's laughter sounded as awkward as he felt.

[7:44 PM] REWlego: Leodin changed as well, leaving the mask on. "Suppose it it."

[7:44 PM] ColdToiletSeat: With a content look on his face, the bowman started undoing his cloak, taking care to fold his prized possession neatly before stowing it away in one of the open wooden compartments. The changing room seemed to be fairly quiet, not that Kalenzo had minded, but that didn't seem to last for very long as the lanceman named Benkei decided to break the ice. "Seems like it." Kalenzo responded, a light smirk on his face as he looked around before taking off his shirt.

[7:46 PM] REWlego: Leodin set his blade Morderrand away from everyone else's things, not wanting anything to get mixed up or stolen.

[7:47 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean sighed as he undid his jacket and took off his gauntlets. "I didn't think so many allies would converge on this place. It's a bit of a surprise." Jean instantly recognized Leodin but only every so slightly recognized Kalenzo and Benkei. Jean's attention then turned to Leodin's Mask. "You're going to keep that on even while bathing?"

[7:48 PM] Storm: Conri let out a small comfortable sigh as he relaxed in the warm waters of the bathhouse. It had been a particularly gruesome day for the wolfskin. Since arriving in the city, he had managed to pull some old strings and found a quick and simple job. But it had left his fur matted with blood, sweat, and even some tears. His ears twitched as he heard footsteps from the changing room approach. "So much for peace and quiet" he muttered under his breath.

[7:53 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I guess he is." Kalenzo answered, finally removing his shoes and pants and replacing them with a typical white towel.

[7:54 PM] spikethe3rd: "What?" Versailles blinked his tired eyes open and looked around him. Seeing Leodin, he half waved.

[7:54 PM] Persoon56: "Gonna wear his mask in the bath"

[7:54 PM] REWlego: "I still don't know all of you very well, so this mask isn't coming off." Not willingly at least.

[7:55 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Well, we can't really do anything about that now can we?" Kalenzo chimed in, looking over his shoulder as he stowed away the remainder of his clothing.

[7:55 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean shrugged. "I guess you do what you believe is best but you'll never get your dream girl with that attitude." Jean started to whistle a little tune while he took off his remaining clothes.

[7:56 PM] spikethe3rd: Hearing 'Dream Girl' Versailles looked around for Claire, confused as to why she was in the men's bath.

[7:56 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo let out a snicker at Jean's comment, turning around and looking at the other gentlemen before giving a nod and making his way into the actual bath.(edited)

[7:57 PM] Persoon56: Snickering, Benkei slipped off his tunic last. "Well, who knows, maybe she's in the ladies' section."

[7:57 PM] Persoon56: He said, completely ignorant of what was meant

[7:58 PM] REWlego: "Why don't you go look for me Jean? I'm sure you'll blend right in."

[7:59 PM] spikethe3rd: Versailles shrugged and walked past the crowd into the bath.

[8:00 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean let out a laugh. "I would love to Leodin truly I would. But we all know she is far away from the Khlinese border." Finished, Jean headed towards the bath.

[8:01 PM] REWlego: Leodin begrudgingly followed.

[8:03 PM] Persoon56: Benkei lets out a final giggle and moves his scrawny but to the bath proper.

[8:03 PM] Storm: Conri carefully moved along the seats in the bath as the noise started to enter the bath area. The first man he did not recognize, the second one seemed familiar but Conri couldn't recall. I remember shots and his face, that's it "Gentlemen" Conri said, politely nodding his head.

[8:07 PM] spikethe3rd: Versailles slides into the warm water and finally starts to wake up. "Hello!" he waves to Conri.

[8:08 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Evening." Kalenzo responded, nodding back at the wolfskin before his stare drifted to the steamy waters below. It seemed quite pleasant, the artist needed something like this to help get his mind off of the previous brawl. He cautiously dipped his toes into the water, feeling the surprisingly soothing warmth envelop his foot before stepping right on in. Dropping his towel off at the side, the male cooed as he lowered himself in. "Oh that's too good..." He commented to nobody in particular

[8:10 PM] Kwakado: "kwmm!" The reply bubbles up from beneath the water, as a familiar Dwabi's head rises up out of the center of the bath. "You speak truly, Kalen-za."

[8:11 PM] Persoon56: As Benkei steps into the water, he steps back at Sula's sudden appearance, losing his balance, and falling on his but in an upright position. "What the...where'd you come from?"

[8:12 PM] Storm: "What the hell!" Conri shouted as Sula surfaced from the water, "How long have you been there!

[8:12 PM] spikethe3rd: "Hey Sula." Versailles waves, unfazed.

[8:13 PM] REWlego: Leodin just rolls his eyes, unsurprised.

[8:14 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo tensed somewhat as Sula magically arose from the center of the water, but stayed calm nonetheless. "Oh, Sula! When did you get here?"

[8:14 PM] Kwakado: "Hu!" Sula's head rotates all the way around the room, looking at each of his allies like some kind of humanoid owl. "Kwemo, everyone! I was just practicing some, spiritual training, ha ha."

[8:14 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean sighed as threw his towel off and slowly adjusted himself into the water. Ahhhh. This feels great. I really wish I could have Angard in here. Jean looked around noticing two familiar faces one which came out from the depths. That's Conri right. I wonder if he even remembers me. Jean turned his attention to Sula. "Oh its Sula. You're still not sick right?"(edited)

[8:15 PM] Persoon56: What...what IS this guy? As Benkei caught his breath, he saw how unfazed some others were. Benkei blushed at the fact

[8:19 PM] Storm: Conri shook his head, Damn weird Dwabi's. He settled back against the seat a little bristled with the masked man in the bathhouse, but he ignored his thoughts, this was a time for relaxation. He looked around the at the men in the bathhouse, completely forgetting who Jean was. Busy night I guess(edited)

[8:19 PM] Kwakado: "No, Jean-ni. A hot spring is a wonderful cure for many poisons..." Sula smiles lazily.

[8:19 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "How... Lovely." Kalenzo commented, a lighthearted smile spreading across his face at the Dwabi's antics. Shifting around in his seat, the bowman let out a content sigh as he lowered more of his chest into the waters.

[8:21 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean shrugged. "That's good that you're recovering. Though where are you keeping Shimi? I didn't see her around the area..." Jean lowered his body into the water as well sighing as he felt all of his troubles fly away.

[8:22 PM] Persoon56: Benkei just slowly sinks into the water until it's up to his nose, letting the warmth wash over him, he let out a content stream of bubbles as his dull aches and pains began to lessen

[8:24 PM] Kwakado: "Pegasus, and hot spring....Not a good mix." Sula gives his hair a shake, randomly getting one of the men a little wet. He wasn't quite used to its current length.(edited)

[8:24 PM] REWlego: Leodin joins the rest in the water, near the edge of the group.

[8:24 PM] Kwakado: %choose Leodin Benkei Jean Kalenzo Versailles Conri

[8:24 PM] BOTAnnaBot: Conri

[8:28 PM] Storm: "WHAT THE FUCK" Conri growled, baring some fangs as he stood up. He did not appreaciate being splashed upon. He shuffled over, away from Sula, lashing his tail in the process, intending to give the strange man a taste of his own medicine.(edited)

[8:29 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean yawned. "Geez. I didn't take you as the playful type Conri."(edited)

[8:30 PM] Kwakado: "N-ahh! My face! Hahahahaha!" Sula stands up to recoil from the wolfskin's odd counterattack, exposing his chest and its serpentine tribal tattoos.

[8:30 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Oh gods, just leave me out of this... Kalenzo thought, grimacing at the splashing fight about to happen before him.

[8:30 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Please don't splash me... please don't splash me...

[8:31 PM] Persoon56: Benkei submerges his head into the water, trying to avoid the splashes

[8:33 PM] Storm: Conri sat down with a growl, eyes glaring at Jean. Most of the time he wasn't, but something about being n water, it was very hard to ignore the wolf's instinct to play in the water. He hated it. "I'm not"

[8:34 PM] spikethe3rd: "Come on gentlemen, lets just relax." Versailles sighed and closed his eyes.

[8:35 PM] Kwakado: "I could not have said it better myself!" Sula lowers back down into the water, whirling slowly around to face the monk. "Let us just relax, gentlemen."

[8:36 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean nods. "I can agree. Times like these are becoming more and more scarce for this army if I do say so myself."

[8:40 PM] REWlego: Ah, finally...

[8:41 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Yes... yes... Better to savor this moment than to simply splash it away carelessly." Kalenzo agreed, looking down at the water with idle curiosity. With a shrug, he removed his hair-tie and set it aside on top of his towel before slowly dipping his entire head in the water.

[8:42 PM] Persoon56: At this point, Benkei pops back out of the water, gasping for air.

[8:43 PM] Kwakado: "Benke-i! Ha ha! Are you alright?" Sula looks at him with a stern smile. "It is dangerous to stay under the Pela for too long, you know."

[8:45 PM] Persoon56: "Yeah, right, I know it is. That's why I'm out from being beneath it" Benkei reclines, putting his hands behind his head and sighs.

[8:46 PM] Kwakado: "It can give you cough cough-- some trouble breathing."

[8:47 PM] Abyssal John John: "Not as much trouble as you after the marathon Sula. You were a wreck afterwards." Jean then turned to Leodin. "Congrats on your win by the way."

[8:51 PM] REWlego: Leodin looks to Jean, brought away from his calm trance-like soak. "Oh uh, thanks."

[8:51 PM] ColdToiletSeat: After a moment of Kalenzo sitting under the surface, letting his hair go in all sorts of different directions, he reemerges from the water somewhat unmajestically.

[8:52 PM] Kwakado: Unlike with Benkei, Sula has no harsh words for Kalenzo's submerging. Only a dull grin.

[8:54 PM] REWlego: Leodin follows suit and submerges his head, but he turns away from the group so he can take his mask off.

[8:56 PM] Storm: Conri's ears twitch slightly as a girlish high pitched noise came from the other side of the wall. He shook his head as everyone submerged their heads. What was this a group of children copying one another. "Guess there's some women on the other side" he muttered, relaxing his tense shoulders.

[8:56 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Letting out breath after breath as he gathered his thoughts, the man took a handful of his hair and threw it back over his head. He got the brown mess out of his face, at the cost of flicking some water at a random individual.

[8:57 PM] ColdToiletSeat: %choose Leodin Benkei Jean Sula Versailles Conri

[8:57 PM] BOTAnnaBot: Benkei

[8:57 PM] spikethe3rd: "Well, I would assume there is a female bath on the otherside of that wall." Versailles pointed to the 20 ft. wall on the side of the spring.

[8:58 PM] Kwakado: "So close to here?" Sula frowns for the first time in this little meeting of men. "That sounds like it could lead to trouble....the future..."(edited)

[8:58 PM] Persoon56: "Ack! Ptooey! Careful with that mess...what's your name?" Benkei spits some water that had gotten in his mouth(edited)

[8:58 PM] Storm: "Well of course."Conri made a bit of a face at the monk, his ears twitching again, "I'm just saying it sounds a bit loud in there"

[8:59 PM] spikethe3rd: "Well the water usually comes from the same source, so it would get cold if it flowed from far away."

[8:59 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean snickered. "I would have no problem with the girls peeking. I doubt any of them are up to the task though."(edited)

[9:00 PM] spikethe3rd: "I wouldn't expect anyone to do such a rude act."

[9:00 PM] Abyssal John John: "Which is why I said I doubted any of them are up to the task. I wouldn't worry about it at all."

[9:01 PM] Kwakado: "There are some strange people in these kingdoms." Sula starts to understand the vision he received beneath the water...of a sudden intrusion from across the border.

[9:01 PM] REWlego: Leodin brings his head up, and puts his mask back on. He brushes his hand through his hair before turning to face the group again.

[9:01 PM] spikethe3rd: "I would hope no one would have such an idea" He eyed up Jean suspiciously.

[9:01 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I... sorry about." Kalenzo apologized to Benkei, scratching at the back of his head with a brief laugh. "Oh, we haven't met yet? I'm Kalenzo."

[9:04 PM] Persoon56: "Yeah, heck, I don't think I know anyone here but psycho-I mean Kalenzo." Benkei shrugs and looks around.(edited)

[9:05 PM] Persoon56: "Whoops, sorry, I meant Sula"

[9:06 PM] Kwakado: "Uu?" Sula floats back to the edge of the bath, resting his arms on the side. "Yes, I am Sula. A man of the waters and the wanderings."

[9:07 PM] Persoon56: "Well Sula, you're the only person here not a stranger to me" Benkei shifts his gaze over to the...very singular man

[9:09 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "I-" Kalenzo tried to interject at the word psycho, raising his pointed index finger out of the water before catching his breath, closing his mouth and lowering his hand back into the waters below. "...Can you at least introduce yourself to me as well?"

[9:09 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean nodded. "I'll be more then happy to introduce myself after you do my dear ally."

[9:09 PM] Kwakado: "Yes, let us all introduce ourselves again!" Sula, having been in the bath much longer than the rest of them, hoists himself up out, letting his ever-bare feet dangle into the water. He has neither towel nor robe on him.

[9:11 PM] Persoon56: "Heheh, sorry about that Kalenzo, I meant Sula, not you. My name is Benkei," He turns to everyone else, "I'm from Hoshido, huge boat trip, y'know?"

[9:11 PM] Kwakado: "Huge." The naked Dwabi nods.(edited)

[9:11 PM] spikethe3rd: Not getting up, Versailles waved. "I am Versailles, from the south."

[9:13 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo's stare drifts to Sula as he hoists himself out of the bath. He tries his hardest to avoid looking at the Dwabi's lower half before giving him a pained nod and looking back at Benkei.

[9:14 PM] Abyssal John John: "I am Jean L. Asmodeus from Gennuir. You might have seen me patrolling the skies with my beautiful Wyvern Angard or heard my name whispered lovingly by the local maidens. Its truly an honor to meet all of you."

[9:14 PM] REWlego: Leodin speaks up. "I am Leodin, but most know me as the rebel vigilante from Khlin."

[9:15 PM] Persoon56: Benkei looks flatly at Jean and smiles, "Can't say I have, Jean."

[9:15 PM] Storm: Conri rolled his eyes, "I'm annoyed and I'm from this corner of the bath"

[9:15 PM] Kwakado: "Now, Convel-i." Sula leans over. "Perhaps you are getting a little too...heated up, ha ha."

[9:16 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean shrugged. "Not everyone knows me but I can live with that." Jean then snickered at Conri's annoyance. "Perhaps you would cool down if we had some drinks with us Conri?"

[9:17 PM] Storm: "Drinks?" Conri said confused, "Oh shit. You were there weren't you?"

[9:19 PM] REWlego: Leodin gets bored of the conversation and backs away from the group, continuing to bathe on his own.

[9:19 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean gave a sly grin. "Do you not remember us sharing some shots after the battle in the bar? You were covered in the blood of your enemies, dead bodies were strewn about everywhere, many our allies were crying out in pain...we had a nice talk though."

[9:19 PM] spikethe3rd: "Leodin, It's been a while." Versaillles floated over to him.

[9:19 PM] Kwakado: "Leo---din?" Concerned, Sula floats over next to him and Versailles.

[9:20 PM] Storm: "I remember shots and waking up on the floor covered in blood and shit" Conri groaned, "Why I came here"

[9:20 PM] REWlego: "Oh, Hello Versailles. It has been a while, hasn't it."

[9:21 PM] spikethe3rd: "How are you? You still defending people?"

[9:22 PM] REWlego: "Of course. To the best of my ability at least."

[9:22 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean nodded. "It doesn't really matter. It was an interesting conversation for me anyway." Jean then turned to look at Leodin. "Hmph. He's a bit standoffish."

[9:23 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean turned to Benkei. "Hey Benkei would you mind pouring some shots. I could go for one right now."

[9:23 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo's head perks up at the mentioning of 'the bar.' Floating over to the conversation, the bowman stares at the gentlemen in the conversation. "Wait, are you talking about that bar? The one where Miss Luna's forces were ambushed?"

[9:24 PM] REWlego: Leodin hears more voices from the other side of the wall and looks over, seeing a crack in the wall... he starts moving towards it.

[9:24 PM] Persoon56: "Ummm, sure, I think I'll go do that, cool off a little" Benkei gets up and wraps his towel up quickly.

[9:24 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean nodded. "Yep that very same one indeed. I spent most of my time making sure Ariana didn't get hurt since I thought the others could do well enough without us."

[9:24 PM] spikethe3rd: "Where are you going? Leodin?"

[9:25 PM] REWlego: "Uh, I'll be right back.. hold on."

[9:25 PM] Kwakado: Sula looks to Versailles. "He seems...troubled."

[9:26 PM] spikethe3rd: "Sula, Come on. Lets see whats up." Versailles followed Leodin.

[9:27 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Ah. I remember that scene quite vividly. I believe I also saw a wyvern there with a man in red armor riding it... was that you Jean?"

[9:27 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean noticed Leodin swimming towards what seemed to be the wall. Jean just sighed. Perhaps he's more immature then I imagined. Jean turned to Kalenzo. "If the Wyvern was Black then yes that was me."

[9:28 PM] REWlego: "Hey Versailles, I don't know if you should be following me..."

[9:28 PM] spikethe3rd: "Well, I don't know what you're doing."

[9:29 PM] Kwakado: Sula's toes tingle at the thought of approaching that forboding border. Leodin was acting strangely, however, but surely no danger could come in a mere bathouse...

[9:29 PM] REWlego: He gets closer and sees an eye looking out. He immediately covers himself and whispers to the rest, "someone's watching us..."

[9:30 PM] spikethe3rd: "WHat?" Versailles half shouts.

[9:30 PM] Kwakado: "Mya-na, Versa-a!*" With a harsh whisper, Sula pulls the monk down under the water.(edited)

[9:31 PM] Storm: Conri let out a small laugh, "Let them"

[9:31 PM] REWlego: Leodin looks back and sees that the person is gone, so he breaths a sigh of relief and moves his hands away.

[9:32 PM] ColdToiletSeat: Kalenzo raised his eyebrows in surprise and crossed his arms, fascination filling his mind. "Interesting how that w- huh?!" He commented, his head snapping over to Leodin and the supposed 'peep-hole' he found.

[9:33 PM] REWlego: He tries to listen and hears a familiar voice on the other side. He whispers towards the crack. "Vivi... is that you?"

[9:33 PM] Kwakado: Meanwhile, Sula and Versailles remain submerged.

[9:34 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean ignoring the others scanned the area for Benkei. "It shouldn't take this long to get a shot. What is that boy doing?" Jean got out of the bath quickly wrapping his towel around him before heading to the bar.

[9:35 PM] REWlego: He hears the voice again, confirming it to be Vivi. He swiftly darts towards the crack to cover it up with his hands. "What the hell are you doing?"(edited)

[9:36 PM] Storm: Conri rested his arms on the edge of the bath. "If you're going to the bar Jean, mind bringing some shots back? Tonight seems like it will be interesting."

[9:36 PM] REWlego: "Why are you watching us? What did you see?!"

[9:36 PM] Abyssal John John: Jean waved back to Conri. "I shall."

[9:37 PM] ColdToiletSeat: "Hey, Jean, can you also get me some sake? I agree with our annoyed furry comrade here..."

[9:38 PM] spikethe3rd: Versailles resurfaces, gasping. "Are they gone?" He noticed Leodin blocking the hole and gave a sigh of relief.

[9:39 PM] Kwakado: Sula comes up out of the water. "Everyone, we need to go, before---" And the screen falls on top of him

CHAPTER 7 EPILOGUE: A Civil War

Featuring:  Joshua, Ellis, Luna, Ademaro


https://www.reddit.com/r/Reddit_Emblem/comments/5m5jif/team_c_story_post_chapter_7_epilogue/

[1:47 AM] Amasuro: The sunlight above was a welcome, yet unfamiliar sight as Joshua finally walked through the front door himself after leading the rest of the team through. Shielding his eyes with his arm, Joshua squinted at the general vicinity the group had found themselves in once exiting their location. They stood high off the ground, on top of what appeared to be a building made out of sturdy metals. The building itself was shaped practically, and held no significant outer decor besides a few towers, a wooden wall surrounding the facility, and a couple unmarked doors of all sizes. Around them, Joshua could only see a single, stone path snaking away from the building, and a vast series of mountains to their left side. Past that, was nothing but an unremarkable, flat grassland. “I am glad to see you unharmed, Joshua,” a surprising voice came from the side. Joshua recognized the voice all too well, but this was not the place he ever expected to hear her. “Princess Ellis,” Joshua greeted, rushing over immediately to her feet and dropping to his knees. “Please, stand, my retainer. I do not need you to commit to such frivolous motions after the ordeal you just survived,” Ellis spoke, a hand moving to gesture Joshua upwards. The first thing Joshua noticed about his liege, was that her outfit was one he had never seen before. A black dress, full of lace and ribbons, cutting off above her chest and below her knees. Her straight, long, elbow length hair now had one large ponytail sticking out the back. Done up by a large, black coloured ribbon pressed against the back of her head. Along her left hand, was a single, lace glove reaching all the way past her elbow. Joshua shook his head. Her attire wasn’t the biggest problem about this entire meeting. He quickly wondered, why is she here instead of in the capital? “Princess, I apologize for my rudeness, but…” Joshua speaks immediately as he begins to stand, “but I have to ask. Why are you here?” “A change of plans,” Ellis spoke immediately, her answer rehearsed as if the question was expected, “my free time has raised quite a lot, and I was headed to Khlin when I heard that your group had been captured.” “Your...free time? Does that mean Queen Luna succeeded?” Ellis looks away, “I have no knowledge on the whereabouts of my sister. However, I do know that Gallaran has entered a civil war.” Joshua straightened his pose immediately, “a civil war?! ...Ah, ahem, pardon my outburst, but a civil war?” “Interesting, is it not? Perhaps the needless war declaration on their neighbour tipped them over,” Ellis shrugged, looking over across the vast fields below them. Along the sides of the building, Joshua could notice several other men and women, assisting his group that had just broken out of the prison. One large, black wyvern seemed to be crying very loudly as it thrashed around on the ground, before flying towards the group. “Yes, that is why I have the free time to punish those who threaten Freyzenwald, like here,” Ellis speaks again. “You mean Khlin?” Joshua asked. “The facility you have been inside is the largest, manmade jail on the entire continent. It was famous for being built to house the leaders of the last rebellion in Khlin,” Ellis spoke, running a hand along the door Joshua had just escaped from, “today, I learned that the people responsible for your imprisonment was none other than the leaders of the Khlinese nobility. The council.” “The leaders of Khlin themselves?” “Yes. In case you were unaware of Khlin and its structure of government, the country is run by four noble families residing in the capital of Intetsu,” Ellis began, pacing around the floor as she spoke. “They are called Bluefang, Flamewing, Paleclaw, and Sableshell. The representatives of each family lead the governing council of Khlin, as you so call it. However, they are greedy, and treat their citizens poorly. This is why a rebellion was formed long ago, and ever since then, these rebels have been fighting against the council of Khlin.” Ellis paused, taking a breath as she finished her short speech. “And it seems like they’ve finally won,” Joshua spoke, hanging his head down, “the rebels were destroyed by some kind of massive machine in Kranhai.” “I did hear about that, which brings me to my next point. I believe that Gallaran gave this technology to the nobles to end the rebellion once and for all.” “Impossible! What do they have to gain?” Joshua yelled suddenly, startling Ellis. Upon noticing her face, he backs down quickly, “I, uhh, I’m sorry again for my outburst. Its just...what I saw in Kranhai. It was inhumane.” “The unfortunate side effects of war. But, then I assume you saw what this...machine is capable of then?” Ellis asked, eyeing Joshua curiously. “I do. It brings nothing but destruction.” “The nobles and Gallaran used to be allies once. It makes sense that in exchange for using this technology to snuff out the rebels forever, they would use it again to turn on our country once they are finished. In that case, even if Gallaran was busy with their war, Khlin now poses a threat. We cannot let this remain, and is why I had to come here today.” “Its dangerous here, princess. You should have just sent a messenger,” Joshua said quickly. “I can handle myself just fine. And besides, it is thankful that I arrived here, as it seems like my sister is absent. Off to Concordia, as Mana told me.” “Mana is alive?!” “Why, yes, she is doing just fine. A little frantic, as she seemed to be running around the facility trying to rescue my nephews, but fine otherwise. There is...negative news in that department as well…” Ellis’ voice trailed off. “What do you mean by that?” “We could...only find one of the children. Solrin. Pasach...I speculate might have been brought to Intetsu as a hostage.” “Ridiculous! He isn’t even a year old!” “And that is why I have made plans with the leaders of the rebellion already. Luckily, we caught a break here. One of the council’s leaders, Bluefang, was killed in the destruction of this prison. His death may be the disruption the rebels needed to take Intetsu once and for all.” “But...the rebels were killed in-” Joshua cut his words off quickly, upon remembering where another group of rebels laid. “Yes, you remember? Intetsu has been under siege for a few months now. While Kranhai might have been destroyed, those who fight under the rebellions main army still live. I will have you speak to their commander shortly, and we will push for the city in three days.” “And we intend to take the city?” “We intend to kill the remaining three leaders of the council, yes. Taking over Khlin is necessary for our survival, Joshua. I will make sure to outfit the members of your group with additional gold to fund some new gear. And, I will be assisting you in this battle. I hope you do not let me down,” Ellis looked at him, smiling sweetly. It almost seemed...unnerving. “I will not fail you, princess,” Joshua saluted, giving a final bow. In the back of his head, he had many questions. Many leads that didn’t seem to make sense. The line where Ellis mentioned that she would involve herself in the battle most of all. When did Ellis become so confident as to involve her in battle? But if the princess willed it, who was he to argue? Every member of the group has earned 2000 gold. Three days earlier. Concordia was a pretty nice city, I guess. I think father had taken me here once or twice when I was a kid. I can’t really remember. Sister always enjoyed those artsy stuff like architecture more than me, anyway. And that’s if I arrived here for a vacation. I’m definitely not on vacation today. And after making my way to the centerpiece of the city, I was escorted quickly for an audience with the governing council of Concordia. The famed neutral peacekeepers of the region of Amia, I was thankful to have finally reached the city to save my country. I was eventually guided through numerous, white coloured marble pillars before eventually reaching a large, circular room. In the center, a floor, caved downwards, overlooked by a set of tall desks where six older men sat behind, staring down into the room. Really, those were some nicely constructed desks, I’m not gonna lie. Quite a bit more refreshing than the spasm of white marble the city apparently loves using. “Queen Lunarea Rurijisa,” one of the men began to speak, “I read here that you have gathered the council because of a...request for...peace?” I nodded quickly at the man, feeling dwarfed quickly by the six council members sitting in a position so much higher than me. What an intimidating feeling!

“Well, let me introduce myself first. You may call me Ademaro Ecclenza,” the speaking man said, nodding towards me.

“Lunarea. Ah, Lunarea Rurijisa, Queen of Freyzenwald,” I responded. The air in the room almost stifling my speech, as I struggled to speak...properly. “I am confused. Is this related in any way to prince Dmitri of Ossolkef’s request?” Ademaro asked, fanning through the papers in his hand.

...Who? Am I supposed to know who that is? It sounds kinda familiar, but…

“No, sir. Unless prince Dmitri came here with concerns about Gallaran.” “Hmm...not that I know of, no. It just seemed like it, considering he arrived here with a small group about three weeks ago. So then, Queen Lunarea, what is your enquiry?”

For real, old man? Are you senile? What other war did I come to talk about?!

I coughed into my fist, “our war with Gallaran. A month ago, Gallaran declared war on my nation. I have arrived here in hopes that your nation could broker some sort of peace with them. My country has been ravaged by a separate incident and I was hoping to spare the loss of life from this war.” “Yes...my deepest condolences for the destruction of Amaterasu. But…” Ademaro’s voice trails off, as the other five members of the council begin talking quietly with each other. The concerns on their face making my heart skip a beat. Something was very, very off. ...Wait, Amaterasu wasn’t destroyed. I...I got the shield up! We lost the outside, but I saved the castle. He shouldn’t call that a destruction! “Let me ask you another question, Queen Lunarea,” Ademaro spoke up again, as the other members of the council ceased their chatter, “how did you find out about this...declaration of war from Gallaran?” “My scouts received a letter from their nation, indicating a formal declaration of war.” “And you received this letter with your own hands?” “No sir. I received this letter from my sister.” “Princess Ellis of Freyzenwald?” “Yes,” I nodded at his statement. What was he trying to suggest? The entire line of questioning confused me. My sister wouldn’t lie to me like that. But, then again, we were locked in that castle for a while according to Mana. How did sister manage to get...one of her scouts...all the way from Scathath to Amaterasu when she told me she...had no idea of the state of the rest of the...country… “Well, see here, Queen Lunarea,” Ademaro began, “our records show that there is currently no war between Gallaran and Freyzenwald. More significantly, Gallaran is currently in a civil war due to the death of their king. I do not believe they could afford to declare war after such an event.” D-death of their king? Wait, what? What?! My palms began to feel sweaty, as the open room felt like it started to constrict around my neck. This wasn’t happening. How...what did...this couldn’t… “Are you...okay, Queen Lunarea?” Another council member asked me. I could barely speak, but I swallowed the thoughts crashing through my head and tried to make a sound with my voice again. “Fine. Now, please. Can you tell me more about Gallaran? What about their king?” Ademaro shuffled the papers in his hand, “King Ethan Bertram was murdered in his castle about a month ago. The nation currently believes that prince Niko Bertram, his heir, was responsible for his death. However, a faction within the nation believes that prince Niko is innocent, and is still the rightful heir to the throne.” A month ago? That was during our election! He’s right, they couldn’t declare war on Freyzenwald like that. I nodded, “I see. My apologies, I had no idea about these events.” “That is understandable, you have been trying to defend your own nation,” Ademaro smiled at me, “I am terribly sorry for your loss.” “Yeah, ah, that was the other thing I wanted to ask. Tesamaaru Castle still stands, I do not believe I could consider that destroyed.” Ademaro blinked, setting down the papers in his hands. The other members of the council began holding their heads down in turn. My heart began beating again. If it wasn’t considered rude, or if I was still concerned about my own image, I would have screamed. Screamed at the top of my lungs, hoping this dream would end, and I would wake up in my castle once again. My husband wrapping me in his arms. “Tesamaaru Castle was destroyed three days ago. To an...unknown invasion.” Ademaro seemed like he was about to say more, and I was going to as well, but a voice coming from elsewhere snapped the conversation. A chilling, inhuman voice, that almost seemed to be sounding from the ceiling. “AnD nOW, yOu CAn enJoY tHe pAIN Of AmAteRasU FoR yOurSeLVeS!” The white marble surrounding me immediately changed from the warm, white colour to a light, purple hue, as the light outside the window began to change colours...

CHAPTER 7: Locked In

Featuring: Joshua, Levia

https://www.reddit.com/r/Reddit_Emblem/comments/5cv4d7/team_c_chapter_7/

[1:23 PM] Amasuro: “Hey! Hey! Heeeeeeeey! Let me out! Let me out, let me outletmeout!” The sharp clanging of metal woke Joshua up from his groggy state. Picking himself up slowly from the stone floor he had been resting on, Joshua took one slow look around the room he found himself confined in, allowing his eyes to adjust to its pitch black darkness. “You can’t dooooo this to meeeeeee-! Aaaaaaaah!” The female voice continued, its level of desperation rising rapidly. Joshua rubbed his head as he sat up to look at the voice's owner. “Gods, Levia, shut up. We’re locked in here for a reason,” Joshua spoke unamused, frowning at the sight of his sister banging on the only exit door. Suddenly whipping her head around, Levia rushed back towards her brother. Her panicked face forcing an angry glare. “I. Don’t. Caaaaaare what the reason is, I want out! Its...its dark and...really small! And, and, and…” Levia’s eyes suddenly go wide, as she suddenly begins furiously patting the belt around her torso, “my tome, my tome! My tooooome, they took my tome! Uaaaaagh, they took my toooooome!” “Ugh, if you scream any louder, the guards outside will probably execute us first.” “Well I could kill them first, if I had my tome!” “Yeah, that's probably why they took it from you.” Levia stamped her feet, dissatisfied with his answer as she stomped back towards the locked door, “I had such a great life with my family! And you had to take it all away from me. All of it! I’ve been thrown and tossed from jail to jail, and I wouldn’t be in this place if it wasn’t for you!” “Levia, you were a criminal. It would have happened sooner or later.” “Then why couldn’t it have been later?!” Joshua sighed, standing up shakily as he began to pace around the room. Placing his hand along the walls of the confined, square box of a room, Joshua began to frown. No beds, no furniture, nothing but four torches lining the walls. That, four walls of stone and a door. A containment cell would at least have a toilet or something like that. Do they plan to execute us that quickly? He slammed a fist against the wall, leaning his head down. The mission had been a failure, and the result was a huge loss of life and the imprisonment of the rest. All he hoped, was that queen Luna had made it out alive somehow. Hopefully Mana had gone with her, as Joshua hadn’t seen either girl since the battle of Kranhai came to its end. Ignoring his sister's cries about ‘the bowman coming for her’, Joshua leaned along the wall, trying to remember everything that happened leading up to their current situation. That machine. The Khlinese shouldn’t have access to such technology or magic needed to build such a monster, and yet it rolled through Kranhai like a hot knife through butter. True, the nobility had huge amounts of wealth, but there was no way they could have constructed something like that on their own. Were they aided by an outside source? Then the battle that came after. Whoever survived the defense against the tank retreated backwards into the heart of Kranhai. Some tried to desert their ranks after Luna had fled. Others stayed and fought until the end. Whatever the decision they made, he remembered seeing most of them in cuffs by the battle's end. Hauled away to...wherever this was, like a common war prisoner. They even arrested most of the civilians travelling with them. Including queen Luna’s very own children. After defending their location with his very life, he could only hope that the two babies were spared. Even if she survived, he doubted that she would ever forgive him if he allowed Solrin and Pasach to be killed. He was almost ashamed that he was the one that suggested this detour down into Khlin. Getting caught up in their civil war was not his intention. That said, it still confused him as to why their enemy chose to capture most of their group instead of outright killing them in battle. Especially considering the resources devoted towards taking down Levia. Did they have something planned for them? An execution this quickly didn’t make any sense, but considering the room they were in, it was all he could think of. “Joshua! Have you given up already?!” The voice behind him called, followed by a pair of stomps. Joshua quickly felt two pairs of hands grab onto his shoulders. “I’m just...I’m feeling a lot of things right now, Levia. Could you just leave me be for a moment?” Levia opened her mouth to argue, but was sharply cut off by a sudden, deep booming voice that filled the room. A voice that only spoke a single word. “Escape.” The door suddenly flew open, and three humanoid figures entered the room. Two holding spears, and one, a tome. As if on cue, the four torches lit up simultaneously, giving off a dim light. Joshua tensed up quickly, for the humans standing in front of him weren’t simple executioners. No, their eyes glowed purple, and they leaked a slight purple gas around their entire bodies. It was just like the enemies that invaded Freyzenwald. “Dammit. Get ready, Levia. We’re not going down without a fight.” “Joshua, I don’t have my tome!” “Can’t you channel anything without a tome?!” “Well...there’s this really weak fire spell I know. But-” “Then use that! They’re coming!” You awaken in a room, identical to the one above. There are two other members of the team that are trapped in the room with you, and the series of events your character undergoes is identical to the events above.

CHAPTER 6 EPILOGUE: Too Late to Evacuate

Featuring: Luna, Artemis, Mana

[12:45 AM] Amasuro:A creation built off of the nobilities complete gamble and sheer desperation to save what remained of the country they owned. What locals could only describe as ‘a monster’, the machine that plowed through the rebellion capital of Kranhai was the result of all the money and resources the leaders of Khlin had pooled over the duration of the war. Of course, pooling all such funds into a project like this cause them to be forced all the way down to the walls of the capital city, but I guess it payed off in the end, huh?

Heh, damn rebels. Apparently, they had no idea something like this was being constructed under their noses, and nobody knew where it came from. How the hell do you hide a monster of this size?

Probably got complacent. Probably didn’t expect that maybe there was a reason the nobility seemed so weak when they pushed them back? They never stopped the production of this monster, and now it crushed their home base. Soon, it will circle around and destroy the forces they have stationed outside the capital.

All because of their damn overconfidence.

Well, now doesn’t that sound familiar? ___________________________________________________________

The sharp clash of metal rang through the battlefield, as milady shoved her sword through the final crack on the side of the monster. With a loud, crashing sound, the monster slowed and lowered its canon before stopping all together.

“M-Milady?!” I called out, rushing forwards. I couldn’t believe that milady Luna’s plan had actually worked! The monster seemed to have slowed, and we made their commander retreat. I was so worried at first, but she is truly amazing!

“Hah! How do you like that, you stupid sack of metal?” Luna taunted at the fallen beast, as she gave a sharp kick to its metal walls.

“A-ah, milady, s-should you really be d-doing that?!” I called out to her, rushing to her side, “what if it w-wakes up again?” “Oh don’t be dumb, Mana. I still don’t know what the hell this thing is, but we totally kicked its a-” Luna’s words cut off sharply, as my fears turned to reality. The beast made a strange, sharp noise before its two canons began to rise up once more. “Luna watch out!” I cried, shoving her to the side. The two of us falling over onto the damaged pavement as the monster began to move slowly behind us. I felt my knee scrape against the fabric of my pants as we fell to the ground, but I ignored the initial sting. Luna rolled and recovered immediately from the fall, watching in horror as the monster began to move itself closer and closer towards the city center. I, on the other hand, shielded my face from the dust that blew towards us. Though, even with my vision impaired, I could see the panic in milady’s eyes. Like a switch just lit the fire in her body. “Damn it, Mana! We have to stop this thing now!” She seethed, preparing to draw her weapon once again. It didn’t seem like the fall hurt her at all, but my leg still remained in excruciating pain. Though, that underlying pain in her voice made me believe otherwise. But before she could advance again, an arrow landing just short of her feet caused milady to leap back a step. I quickly scrambled to my feet, only to see that Kinshi Knight still flying high above the monster. “Queen of Freyzenwald, that is as far as you go,” the woman addressed us, “your tenacity impresses me, but sadly it is not enough. I have had my fun, testing your strength, but now I must continue with my duties. Stand aside.” “Shut up! We destroyed your armies, and now we will destroy this thing too!” Luna cried, her eyes constantly darting around the side of the monster. Looking for another hole, a potential weakness, perhaps even a clue as to how this monster was built or how it functions. “Please, do you truly believe that was the extend of our military? Judging by your words, and the size of the pitiful army you brought to aid the rebellion, I am disappointed at how much you underestimated the heart of Khlin.” It dawned on me quickly. We never entered Khlin with the intention of aiding the rebellion. We were just passing by to reach Concordia! And now, we were caught in between the nobilities largest offensive push against the rebels. “There is fire in your eyes, and I have no intention of extinguishing it quite yet. If you value your life, Queen of Freyzenwald, leave your alliance with the rebels and my sight this instant,” the woman commanded once more, before turning and flying off towards the back of the tank. And that's when I noticed. The legions of soldiers, far behind the tank, seemingly just waiting for their moment to charge into the city. Were they just...toying with us this whole time? Not only did these soldiers look far better equipped than the ones we had already defeated, but their numbers far overtook our own. Milady had to have noticed them too. A low, growling sound could be heard in her direction, as she continued to glare at the monster rolling slowly past us. Likely, milady couldn’t find a weakness in the beast. “...We must go, Luna.” I tried urging her again, tugging lightly on her sleeve. Oddly enough, she still refused to budge. “Ehe...hehehahaha-! That bitch dares talk down to me?!” Luna suddenly bursted into a laugh, “she thinks I will be defeated that easily?! How stupid do you think I am? She is obviously hiding a weakness in this monster! Mana, we must return to the front of the tank and stop it once again! Then after that, we will slaughter all these idiotic so-called nobility soldiers. I don’t care how many still stand by my side, I will not lose!” “Luna snap out of it, what is the matter with you?!” I raised my voice, now yanking on her arm even harder. I couldn’t understand. Milady wasn’t the suicidal type. Long back when I first met her, she always knew when she was outmatched, and always preferred her own self preservation over the lives of others. Sacrificing her life for this city that isn’t even ours? I couldn’t understand! “You...you would abandon me too, Mana? ...Tch, whatever. I don’t need you. I don’t care what happens to me, I just need to...I need to...stop this monster,” Luna continued to speak, as if in a trance, “its too late to evacuate everyone. Everyone in the city will die. Everyone. I can’t...reach them...soon enough...ehehe...heheh…” Everything around me froze, as it all dawned on me. Milady was trying to protect somebody inside the city. Two people, to be exact. She would choose to die for her children. I bit my lip, my emotional brain trying to formulate a thought in my head as the nobility army began to approach closer to our position. Milady, meanwhile, seemed ever ready to just dash off towards her suicide mission at any point. If we had retreated from the start, we could have grabbed them and evacuated. She must know that. She has to. That’s why...she refuses to back down. “Luna. Are you worried about Solrin and Pasach?” I mustered the most emotionless, serious voice possible, but I was hoping it wouldn’t make it too obvious, “do not worry, milady. I already moved them to the ships for evacuation.”

Luna turned her head towards me sharply, her glare burning into my act, “you did? When.”

“While you were knocked out earlier,” I swallowed hard, my gaze unwavering, “did you forget?”

“I...oh.” She murmured. I saw the fire burn out of her eyes, as she began to relax. My heart ached from the lie I had crafted, but, it had to be continued. For her sake.

“Now, may I ask again. Are you ready to evacuate?” ___________________________________________________________

I don’t really know what I expected. Of course my children weren’t on the ship by the time I reached it.

Its odd. I know I should be absolutely furious at her for betraying me, and I absolutely was when I had found out the first time. But, when I saw the final look she gave me before I saw her for the last time, I know her decision hurt her more than it did me. Heh, she’s probably completely terrified of me if she still lives.

And adding another strike due to my arrogance. I wonder who will be next! Oh yeah, I don’t have anyone anymore. Well, maybe we can get into some giant naval battle or something against a giant tentacle monster, and I’ll insist that we stay even though we’re completely outmatched. You know, small stuff like that. Ah, how we escaped. Yes, I haven’t mentioned that one yet. Well, you see, once we managed to reach the dock, all the ships had fled already. Nothing remained in the area, except for a few smaller boats and some villagers still trying to desperately flee on them. I remember looking out into the city, feeling relieved that Mana had retrieved my children and brought them to safety on board a ship. There was really no way I could have reached them in time while making it back to the port safely. We had no idea where everyone had ended up. I finally gave the command to retreat shortly after Mana gave me the news, and we ran off quickly towards the port. Joshua and his sister tried rounding up the slower members of our team, while those with mounts helped with the rest. Or, they just fled, who knows. They were some good people, I do hope they still live. Even that stupid maid, I suppose. I noticed a small family beginning to paddle away towards the ships in the distance, and asked them quickly if we could hop on. The canoe wasn’t very large, and was already off the dock, so they had to pedal back to a spot closer to the seawall. It was a small jump down, but when you’re evacuating for your life, I guess you shouldn’t be picky about these sorts of things. I prepared to leap down into the boat, but hesitated as I noticed Mana lingering behind me. I called out to her, asking her what was wrong, and to hurry it up as we were holding up this poor family. But, she didn’t respond. She almost seemed like she was about to cry for some reason. I didn’t understand at that time. After a lot of urging, she finally approached closer towards me. I thought she finally decided to leave. But that’s when she told me, “I’m sorry.” And pushed me off the pier. Mana screamed at the family to paddle, before running back into the city. I...I wanted to leap back for her, but we were already too far away from the land. And I...still can’t...really swim. And those, were the consequences of my actions. If anyone can protect Solrin and Pasach, it is you, Mana. Just, please, don’t get yourself killed trying to do so. Now, as I sit on this boat headed for Concordia, I will do what only I can, and end this war between Gallaran and Freyzenwald. And it only cost me everyone that accompanied me on this journey. Please, please stay alive. And...I’m sorry.

CHAPTER 6: The Metallic Monster

Featuring: Luna, Mana

https://www.reddit.com/r/Reddit_Emblem/comments/59aakt/group_c_chapter_6/

[3:21 AM] Amasuro: “I guess I really can’t catch a break, ...can I?”

For a city aptly described as a ‘peasant shithole’ by what information I was fed by...certain sources, Kranhai was a far more thriving city than I had ever imagined. True, the buildings were actually constructed using basic or flimsy materials upon closer inspection, but the place seemed to be clean and well maintained. And considering who was apart of our little band of soldiers, the citizens of Kranhai were almost overjoyed to greet me and everyone else as we entered. I don’t really know how to break it to them that I’m unsure if I want to aid them in their fight yet, but the treatment was welcome. Nothing I’m not used to already, being Queen and all, but still welcome. ”But I let my guard down too fast.” For a city so inviting, it made sense that we’d spend at least a day here resting before setting off for Concordia, right? I mean, the port is right there, and these so called rebellious peasants already agreed to lend a ship to us. Well, I think they’re expecting a favour back from me later on, but for now its a free ship. I’ll probably entertain their requests. Eventually. The layout of the city itself reminded me of our own, actually. There was a massive, square shaped plaza in the center of the city where most important events or festivals were held. The buildings were well constructed and pleasing to look at from the outside. Everything was packed tightly together, welcoming a larger population. There was a slight smell if you focused hard enough. ...The smell part doesn’t remind me of our own city, in case you didn’t catch that. ”And it is coming closer.”

It was just too bad. Just too bad. To see it all destroyed. ”We can’t defeat that. We just...we just can’t…” ___________________________________________________________ “Milady!” Came the familiar, female cry from my side. Through the incredible ringing sound stuck in my ear, that familiar sound was very much welcome. Her small arms wrapped around one of mine as I struggled to my feet. My blurred vision quickly becoming clear again, as my sense of hearing returned. Steading my frayed mind and senses, I put a hand against my head, trying to survey my surroundings. That, or I was checking to make sure it wasn’t bleeding. With the pain I felt, I was more surprised it hadn’t split open already. “M-Milady, we have to evacuate now!” Mana urged, tugging my arm backwards, “we need to...get to the ship!” “...Is everyone else...already there…?” I struggled to say, like my throat was filled with rocks and dust. “I-I don’t know where...everyone else is-!” “Then you expect me to just...leave everyone behind?” “Milady, you almost died in that first attack! W-we can’t stay! You can’t die!” I can’t die, huh? Gee, how many times have I heard that one since this entire mess began back in the castle? Tch, everyone, they’re all the same. They treat me like some dainty Queen, holed up in her castle all day unaware of the dangers and villains of the world. They believe me to be weak. A woman who needs to be pathetic. How insulting. And coming from you especially, Mana. I would have believed you knew what I was capable of. I am Lunarea Rurijisa, the very best assassin and the best damn fighter in this entire company. I am not the leader who sits in the back, waiting for my pawns to clear the field for me. No, I am the one that clears the field herself. “Don’t be stupid, Mana. You think I would...run from this threat?” I spat angrily at her, the adrenaline kicking in before I realized what she actually said, “ ...wait, what do you mean by first attack?” “You were already struck when the city was bombarded! That’s why we’re here! M-milady, there’s no way we can defeat that...that...thing-!” “Respect me, by not underestimating what I can do,” I spoke clearly, now standing back up onto my two feet, “we’ll crush this thing, and protect the city. What is this thing you are talking about, and where is it?” Mana’s face changed for a moment, as if she tried to hold in a scream. Like she tried to tell me what an idiot I was being. Sometimes, I wished that she had just let that scream out right then and there, then maybe this would have never happened. “T-this way,” Mana spoke defeated, before running off around a building reduced to rubble nearby. My leg still hurt slightly, upon putting pressure onto it, but I dug my feet into the ground and dashed off behind her. ___________________________________________________________ A monstrosity. A creation that never should have existed. Standing not far from our position, stood what I could only describe as a massive moving building. The world’s largest galleon, rolling on wheels. Two massive cannons jutted out of the sleek, silvery sides of the contraption, as it sat perched in front of the city. The entire thing almost looked like it was made with some sort of silver-like material, but to that size? The panicked screams of Kranhai’s citizens finally began to register now in my brain, as I watched them all run past me, into the safety of the city behind. Well, that didn’t really seem to deter the metallic monster, as its two cannons fired massive explosions of fire, crashing down onto the ground. The stone floor around me had tattered and broken long ago from the multitudes of blasts from the thing. Yet before acknowledging its presence, the first words out of my mouth addressed a different inconsistency. “I thought you said you didn’t know where everyone was?” I asked, as I stared at the backs of the brave soldiers that had carried me all the way to this city. The group seemed battered, but definitely alive. Tending the wounded rebellion soldiers, fighting off whoever our enemy was (probably actual Khlinese soldiers judging by the flags), Mana certainly should have known they were here. “I-I…” Mana stuttered, her head turning away from me, “I thought that if...if you didn’t know they were fighting here, you would have agreed to...retre- milady I’m sorry for lying to you!” “So you’re that worried about me, huh? Hmph, where’s Joshua? Did he command everyone to hold this point?” “J-Joshua wanted to...free his sister. He wanted...as much help as he could. B-but…” Mana hesitated for an extended time, before finishing her words, “...you commanded everyone to hold, milady.” “What?” I was shocked. How could I not remember a command like that? Well, it didn’t matter. Hard to believe that getting hit by one of those blasts knocked me out that hard, but that just proves I am able to survive this. Every beast has its weakness, and it is up to me to find it. “Well, whatever. Come then, Mana, we can hold this point. Come on!” I yelled at Mana, before unsheathing my treasured sword. Her pleas and cries ringing on my deaf ears. No. No we can’t, you idiot. I wish I could have told myself that. Fighting a monstrosity nearly three stories tall, in a surprise assault without any information on my enemy at all. What sane person would tackle an enemy like that? Unfortunately, I’m not sane. I’m already drunk on my own arrogance.