"So she really is an Owlian?"
"Yes, Hexes, cursed, nor blessings work on her."
"But what's with that flesh armour then?"
"Who knows, must be some sick experiment by that Empress."
"Poor Owlian, I can only wonder what destruction the Owlians in this Peninsula will suffer when news of her break out. Such a shame too since this one has a very talented vessel."
Feeling someone poke my neck, I slowly wake up from my nap, I wonder how much time has pass.
(Maybe I shouldn't have closed my eyes).
"More reason why we need to bring her back. But either way is fine, after all, why should we care for those illegal immigrants? The less, the better for this fine country. Owlians are only useful if they have the martial body or at least contribute to the people."
"True, like the new Kartorega family in the Turqoise Turtle Sector, I heard their heir has become one the great chairs."
"Ah yes, how did that 13 great family conference goes? Any of the new generation caught our eyes?"
"Terrible but that boy manage to salvage the situation and calm everyone down. He's a good candidate."
"I see just one- hmm?"
Not being able to move my arm and legs as if I'm bound by chains, I blink a few times before I realize I've been blindfolded as well.
"Hey, look she's awake."
I feel something poking my head and push me to lean against a wall while I hear someone saying:
"Rise and shine, Lord Silencer. I hope you're ready for what's about to come."
Light footsteps comes in drove as I wonder who's coming. Feeling and hearing the footsteps around me backing away shouting:
"Welcome my lady!"
"Hoh? You actually captured a Silencer? Great work, Hweiying."
Hearing a familiar voice from long time ago, I won't mistake her. Sis Hua is here.
"All's in a day's work."
I hear the feather lady accepts her thanks and I hear her move away when someone walks closer to me.
"It seems like a hard press to believe what you said but let's see who's truly behind that helmet!"
I feel someone grabbing the chin of the helmet and soon,
*Rip*
"Sova!?"
A bright light flash across my eyes blinding me a bit before I slowly blink and regain my vision replying:
"Hello, Sis Hua. Kinda weird we're meeting like this again."
"Wait, y-you're actually the Silencer?"
The helmet someone rips open slowly creeps together and fix itself as I then slowly open it myself with my mind replying:
"Well, yea. Isn't my name there if I remember correctly?"
I answer back and look around as I realize there's a bunch more white robed guards in this giant room with only a single source of light. It kinda look like some secret shelter of some kind. Sis a bit awry answers,
"But... I mean... All the Silencer we found was... Haah..."
Sis Hua sighs and hides something between her finger before covering her face. She takes a sit at a chair across me asking:
"Just to be clear, do you know why Yuwei is doing this? And what did she promise you for helping?"
"I did hear she's trying to kill God or something like that, and in return she'll help me find my family."
"So you're just a pawn and figurehead then? Extracting your memories won't do any good then."
"O-Of course not! I mean, it will! I'm important to Sis! I am the Silencer and have this insignia."
I look at my shoulder which Sis Hua looks with distain saying:
"Heh, so it's with you all this time. But sadly we can't take it back without killing you so we think we can leave it in your hands."
"My lady!?"
"Technically speaking it does belong to the Phoenix Family. Taking it by force will anger the Phoenix Populace and we have people there too."
"That's..."
The feather lady grits her teeth and Sis Hua gesture then to lower their weapons and continue saying:
"Sova..."
"Y-Yea?"
"Is this the kind of life you want?"
"Huh?"
"Being use like some kind of puppet that can be thrown and used over and over?"
"What are you talking about?"
Sis Hua reach her hand out and touch my cheek saying:
"Rather then Yuwei, work for me instead."
"What!?"
"Lady Hua!? Is that what the others really think?"
"Of course not, this is my personal decision. But Sova is already a wonderful talent to have, just from the records that Rat Representative showed. And from your conversation as well, I'm sure you realize Sova's born with a once in a thousand kind of body."
Sis Hua looks at the assailant that kidnapped me as they seem to agree and nod before she turn her attention back to me and continue saying:
"Think about it Sova, you'll be sent from one battlefield to another to mediate a bloody treaty everywhere you go until she's probably done with you. I at least know you're not someone who likes to see such bloodshed since you throw yourself just to help me back then.
So join me instead, with our authority as the Heart of Jade we can easily locate your family and even help you with your endeavours right now. And at the very least, let's catch up, I do wish you can meet my little brother. And with your potential and talents, we see your future is more than bright."
"..."
"..."
I close my eyes and reach a conclusion replying:
"Sis... As much as I wish I could, I won't accept your offer."
"Sova?"
"I... If there's one thing I know so far this past month is that... I know things are never going to be so easy. Especially when it comes to what I consider family business. I'm sorry Sis Hua but I won't betray Sis Yuwei. And I don't wish to see someone I consider family fight each other."
(Alright this is it, my turn to ask).
"So tell me Sis Hua, why do you wish to stop Sis Yuwei? Maybe I can help convince her at least."
"Heh, hahaha!"
"Sis Hua?"
Sis Hua laughs till she hunch her back alongside her chair before one of her guard push her back and she leans forward asking:
"You convince the phantom phoenix? Well, I suppose this as some chance after all."
"I know I can-"
"Listen Sova, words do not work on that bitch! Do you think we'll be in this situation if it does!? That Empress you call Sister, she is trying to burn this Confederation to the ground. No, it's safe to say she's trying to destroy this world so that it can rise again from the ashes like some twisted and sick fantasy those fools think they can achieve."
Sis Hua walks behind me and then I feel something comes off and continue saying:
"And worst of all, her ambition is nothing but an empty dream. Do you realize how many innocent lives will be lost in the pursuit of her paradise? By the end of it all, not only Rubeca, but May and Aunt Palka along with all the new friends you make in this Peninsula will be dead by the end of it. Is that what you want?"
"That... Can't be true."
Then I feel my legs being freed as the guards around us put their hands near their weapons but Sis Hua gestures them to stop and then continue saying:
"Are you doubting my words? We have seen things that are beyond imaginations. Even this Confederation is no exception. In fact, her so called dreams are no different than the radical groups formed across, and I already heard more than 4 groups who spout the same goals just today in one district alone. And if there's one thing we learn about humans throughout its 7000 years of history is that, if you give them the benefit of the doubt, they will prove you fucking wrong."
(I feel like I heard that somewhere).
Sis Hua kneels and hold my shoulders from behind me saying:
"At least we can understand what those Black Tiger Triads, Heaven Destroyers, Myriad Palaces, or even the Blue Lilies are trying to do. They don't really threaten the status quo. So Sova please understand, if you won't work with me, at least please use that powers to help innocent souls trapped within the whims of supernatural beings. We have a responsibility to protect the innocent and punish the sinners as the Heart of Jade and Deity of Law."
"Wait Sis, you're the Deity of Law?"
Sis Hua softly taps my forehead replying:
"Away with your naivety by this point! Are you really realizing that now?"
"Well... I mean I never really seen one nor did anyone told me who they are."
"Hehe, well now you know."
Sis lets me go and return to her seat. She orders her guard to take a glass of drink to sip and I take deep breathe as I consider her offer again. She hands me her glass asking:
"So, let me ask again, will you join me? With a bit of dress up, I'm sure even my guards can't tell if you're a girl or a boy so we can always stick together, just like old times!"
I move my arms but away from her drink asking:
"Sorry Sis Hua, but please tell me what do you want other then joining you? I'll tell it to Sis Yuwei and maybe we can sort this out. I finally get to reunite and see you again so I don't wish to see you two fight, so tell me what do you want and I'll make sure to get it across Sis Yuwei! I am a diplomat after all, my job is to bring terms to both people."
"Haha..."
Sis Hua chuckles and walk away saying:
"Alright, we suppose you're the type that need to learn the hard way- Oh sorry, didn't mean that in a violent tone just... Since you're just being used anyways. Tell her this..."
Sis Hua's eyes glows once more like before as she then says:
"Let us be very clear. Hand over the future Sage of Enlightenment over to us, that is our only demand."
"Sage of Enlightenment?"
"We're talking about the Deity of Knowledge. Though we suppose that falls to deaf ears since you're an Owlian."
"If that's what you all want then she can show it to you."
"!?"
Hearing a familiar voice, all the guards surround Sis Hua forms a circle and runes appear at their sleeves when the walls burst open with a grand explosion while Sis Hua's guards raise some sort of barrier leaving me out. I wear my helmet again when the dust storms in.
"I should've known you wouldn't bring him to your real base of operations but the fact that the leader is here is more than enough."
From the dust and rubble silhouetted appear one after another surrounding us as sunlight pours in. From behind me, her tail sways to clear the dust ahead of her and reveal her crimson hair. Saluting she shouts:
"Heya~! We're here to save you!"
"Why can't you do it BEFORE I got captured?"
Abe appears to my side and slaps my back shouting:
"Don't sweat the small stuff! Besides who's idea was it to even let them get kidnap without a fight?"
"Well I just thought if I can meet Sis Hua maybe I can understand her motives and ask Sis to maybe solve this peacefully."
Abe slaps my back again replying:
"Haha! That's good, you're thinking like a diplomat now. But your methods are too idealistic and unsecure. Remove any maybe from your words then maybe you'll get better, people don't like uncertainties in their deals."
As the dusts settle down and I realize there's no one behind those silhouettes I wonder if it's all fake when Sis Hua who's still sitting and crossing her legs leans back on her chair saying:
"And we suppose it's like Yuwei to never take matters to her own hands. But our offer still stand, Sova... Leave and tell her that, I'll be waiting here for your return-"
"You don't have to do that."
"!?!?"
Sis Hua and her guards open their eyes wide as they turn towards the familiar voice, I too am surprised by her sudden appearance. Using the armour she wore back when she fought, an armour that looks like it's been embraced by two phoenixes on her sides and her distinguished hook swords with a wing handguard.
"Sis Yuwei?!"
Soon behind her, I could sense a group of hundreds wearing a unique armour that looks like if a bird embraced them from their right side which makes it look like a giant shield on their right shoulder and a soaring phoenix atop their helmets which kinda look silly.
(I wonder if those are what Moriz said, Yuwei's strongest fighting force, the Valiant Hearts?)
They encircle us all and point their majestic gun-halberd which makes them look like those pikeman. But seeing the situation, I stand between them shouting:
"Wait, stop! Please don't fight!"
Sis Yuwei who doesn't wear her helmet smiles replying:
"Don't worry, Sova. I heard your conversation, I'm glad you chose to stay by my side so I'll abide by your words for now at least."
"Hoh?"
Sis Hua fans her guards away which they looks worried but Sis Hua stands and walk past them ordering:
"Step aside."
Her Guards inch slowly to make a way. Sis Hua walks past me and up to Yuwei as they now stare down at each other. Sis Yuwei who's taller than Sis Hua looks down at her but Sis Hua scoffs at her saying:
"Then that makes this quick. You know what we want, Yuwei. Bring her over."
"Fufufu..."
Yuwei chuckles and disperse her right hook sword and point at herself replying:
"You're looking at her."
"Huh?"
Sis Hua looks dumbfounded and stunned which Sis Yuwei hooks her left sword behind her neck and pull her even closer but,
*Slash* *Clash* *Pierce* *Slam*
Sis Hua's guards that tried to interfere and save her were immediately subdued and stomp over by Sis Yuwei's Elite soldiers that finished them before a second pass.
"My lady!"
"Nooo!"
"Dammit! Who are these bastards!?"
I wonder what happened as I can't even comprehend what happened.
"They're your predecessors gift to the first Sage of Enlightenment, the Perpetuals. Now reborn, newly trained and decked with the strongest war gear the Theocracy can forge, officially dubbed, Agema. But I prefer to call them Valiant Hearts which has more personality, you can't recognized these "people" anymore can you?"
"..."
(Theocracy?)
Sis Yuwei bend a knee to look Sis Hua right at her eyes saying:
"But most importantly, you're looking at the next Deity of Knowledge and Sage of Enlightenment, Oh Heart of Jade."
(Huh!?!? Sis Yuwei is one of the Ansei A Jusei!?)
"That's bullshit!"
"What? Is it that hard to swallow? Is it because I pour all my divine powers to Si-Hye that you thought she was the next Sage? I suppose I truly don't have to set up so many counter measures when the "people" are so easily fooled."
"You...!"
Sis Hua grasp at Sis Yuwei's blade, glaring back at Sis Yuwei but even I can tell she's in a lack of words as Sis Yuwei continue saying:
"I'm sure you can see it, you can feel it can you? This divine energy coursing through my veins, you can sense it through your skin now that we're this close can't you? Sadly, following your history, you wouldn't capitulate so easily and serve me so willingly do you?"
"Damn straight, the people won't give up so easily, Yuwei!"
"Heh, all 3 Sages are hoping for change ever since the Black Tiger Tyrant, yet I think it's pretty safe to say the people doesn't want change and I'm here to change that. Just like what each and every one of them wish to do, the 3 sages has laid groundwork for this moment, and it's time I execute it!"
(Is this some sort of long time rivalry between the Ansei A Jusei that's never written?)
"..."
I walk over to them and pull Sis Hua's bloodied hand from Sis Yuwei's sword and away from her neck saying:
"Sis, even I can tell Sis Hua isn't a fighter... Will you let her go this time?"
"Fu... You're making hard requests Sova when I'm here for that purpose. But, I'm someone who keeps my words unlike some people above."
Sis pulls her sword away and turn her back to Sis Hua saying:
"This will be the battle that will cleave Heaven in twine. I'll let you go this time for my precious little brother's request."
(I can't help but feel Sis might already have someone with Sis Hua ready to betray her. Why do I have a feeling Sis Yuwei specialized in making people do backstabs?)
Sis Yuwei gestures her guards to let them go and soon they jump to surround Sis Hua, pushing me away. Sis Hua remains quiet and at a lost for words to all this. I can't blame her as I'm shocked by all this sudden development.
"Hold it right there!"
In the moment of silence when Sis Yuwei walks away, Sis Hua shouts and soon says:
"Don't think this is over Yuwei. We won't be able to take back the Sage but... Our mission still stands, we will stop you your takeover of the peninsula! And after that, we're going right towards your sector."
Sis Hua pulls her sleeves and walks the opposite direction before she turns to look at me and weep before she disappears alongside her white guards. The dust fully disperse as I realize we're in the middle of nowhere as I can see a sea of white.
(I suppose we're still in the peninsula... Wait!)
"Sis, you really are a Deity? One of the Ansei A Jusei?"
Sis disperse her armour replying:
"Not officially, usually you would need to be inaugurated in Heaven by the Church and 13 great families but I'm not going to do that. More importantly, what about you, Sova? Not only do you get recruiting offers everywhere you go, and now what's with your new look? Are you going full villain now?"
"Villain!? Of course not! And how should I know why, I mean this is all still mysterious to me after all."
"Then you really need to go look for Ptelophy."
"I have nothing to say to that. If she can help me with... This, I suppose it's a positive."
Seeing the situation calm, Sis' personal guard put their weapon down and form a circle while Abe approach us saying:
"Yup, positive indeed. Since you got captured after the negotiation, Kokkan who can move now is bringing his troops to occupy the remaining 2 kingdoms. The North is officially ours."
I open my visor trying to get a direct look replying:
"Huh? Wait, what does that mean?"
Abe puts her hands on her waist and looks at me with a mocking glee replying:
"It means great work. You get to go back to Silla now, silly Sova."
"But how? There's no way I can just show up infront of them, I won't have any excuse."
"Oh? What's this? Are you sticking to lying? I thought you wanna reveal the truth."
"Well, yes but- Wait, where did you heard that!?"
Before I could get an answer, Sis pulls me close to embrace me from behind as she says:
"This really is one bizarre armour. But enough of your bullying, only I'm allowed to make Sova like that."
"Sis, I'm not happy to hear that."
"Touch some wood, but Abe's right. With how it is now, you should really reveal the truth, especially before the war begins."
"So you really are going to war, Sis?"
"Some situations cannot be resolve without Conflict, even Gods must stay bound to their torment."
"Sorry what?"
Sis pats my head replying:
"Brush up on your Ethics, Mythology and History then. I can't explain you in short details, that is already simplifying it."
"Aw... Well, either way Sis do you have a plan for me? I mean..."
"Sova, I believe that from your history, you would be safe just showing up unannounced with your armour on. Or are you talking about something else? If so, yes, I have grand plans for you in the future to come... Yes, Grand... Magnificent... Plans..."
Following Moriz' advice, I try to ignore her latter rumblings replying:
"I'm talking about returning to Silla! I don't wish to have any more misunderstandings."
"Oh, then that's almost impossible when your entire appearance and circumstances is a lie. You better best show up naked if you want them to know truth."
"Like I can do that, Sis! Stop joking!"
"I wish I was, there's no way of knowing unless you try your best."
"Hey, I know you two are having a moment but shall we head back to your new place?"
Abe points toward a direction with her tail as she makes a sleeping gesture as I can only answer with,
"Huh?"
"We're smack dab in between Jusa and Goryo, right at the opposite end of Silla. You can see the Caris Ocean if you go right. This is our enemy's core territory."
"I don't know where that is but how will we leave?"
Yuwei hugs me tighter as she then waves her hand and a similar portal then before appear again saying:
"The usual way Deity's travel of course."
"Oh, I hope I don't get send astray again."
"Touch some wood, Sova. When did you learn how to sass?"
I hold Sis's hand before we enter asking:
"By the way, Sis. How is Sis Fei? Or Saya?"
"Fei... Is currently running away from home. She met up with her old partners in crime and her destination seems to be here."
"Wait, what!?"
"She's definitely looking for you so you'll meet her soon which would be quite a pain in my ass if her objective is to kidnap you. The title Phantom Phoenix suits her career better after all, but I suppose this would be a good experience on how to deal with thieves."
"Don't just drop such a bomb of information like its nothing! But, what of Saya?"
"The same, it seems she's doing whatever the Spirit Church wants her to do which is spying on you. She is the Unsung Hero's party member after all, been fighting alongside her since she was 13 apparently. Thanks to her, there seems to be many scary people watching this conflict unfold, so I am very grateful. If we're lucky we might just see the Legendary Idol Rana perform once again I suppose."
(Rana huh? And Saya too seems to have things. And I'n surprised Sis Yuwei's giving all the answers but...)
"Haah... I wonder if there's more things I never know about? Fine, one at a time! Let's go!"
I drag Sis along as she summon a portal and head in...
(Let's do this!)