The battle ended with a terrible victory. Half of the city is pretty much destroyed, from the walls and the area around the Imperial palace, leaving only the centre middle intact. While I don't know when the area becomes really quiet, it seems they have all evacuated... Or dead.
(Please don't be the latter).
From the view up here, I could still see the Idol tower standing proudly alongside the Stadium.
(I wonder if Moriz will come to our aid? No... After everything... This... All of this, I'm the one who caused it, so it should be me to fix it).
I hold Yoo-Gisa in my arms as he have been caught in my attack and is now lying unconscious beside me while Soo-Nari delights at Iseon's corpse with a malicious grin shouting:
"Woop! Woop! Victory~! I'm pretty sure you're suppose to subdue him but you guys did great anyways~!"
Seeing Soo-Nari celebrate, I can't help but notice her similar style to Miria with both the black tinted glasses and red armour but that's something I'll ask for another time. Now...
"Where were you?"
"Me~? Well you see, while you were busy killing each other, I was busy escorting the people to a safe space. While the King and the others are keen on running away, Yoo-Sui and I realize we still need the labour force you know, and bringing in foreign workers is just gonna raise even more trouble. Then, my work quintupled when Yoo-Gisa fling the Colonel out of that dungeon! Do you know how hard it is to repel their strikes with regular qi?"
Soo-Nari vanish and reappear behind me squishing my cheeks with her finger as she explained. But then she hugs me close as I feel my whole body froze as in I'm wrapped by something and she whispers to my ear saying:
"Though if there's something everyone can agree is that you did a great job saving Saria. When news return that she got decimated we pretty much panicked since there's very few people who has such potent healing let alone reviving magic. In conclusion, you did good."
She pats my head which soothes my nerves before releasing her restraints shouting:
"Anyways! The curtains here may closed but it's not over yet. In fact, this is just the beginning and the battle will get even more chaotic and devastating."
Soo-Nari carries Iseon lifeless body on her shoulders and turn away to view the horizon. Darkness has set in the city but the starry night sky brightens the ruined capital. Cold winds blows our way while Soo-Nari takes in the cold air saying:
"Also, I heard you saved my precious little princess... Do expect a private reward later."
*Wink*
Soo-Nari vanish like the mist with Iseon on tow. I fell on my ass as the soreness finally kicks in. Feeling numb head to toe, I lean over some debris and look up the sea of stars. Even though only a few days has pass, it definitely feels like decades happened.
"At least, I should be happy this civil war is over. One at a time..."
Silence sets in as it seems conflict has stopped and all the walls become silent with the night. Even so, scars of our battle still remains, Iseon's reality devouring strike is still visible across the night starry sky while Yoo-Gisa golden flames spread across the city like a huge burn mark. As I rest my eyes something clicked and hit me like a ton of bricks.
(Wait... Does that mean she's been watching- no... Listening? At me since I got flush out of the War Beast's head?)
I look at the unconscious Yoo-Gisa that had revert back to his original form and realize,
(I truly am a foreigner butting into something absolutely personal...)
Every action I take to change something seems to leave a bitter taste. The longer I stay, the more I can't stop now as I have left my mark. After the battle, the whole debacle had my armour destroyed and reverted back into the Phoenix Medallion which I hold in my hand. I grip the medallion to stop my shaking hands and swear that,
(I have to finish this before I venture further).
*Land* *Clang*
Hearing someone lands close to us, I turn and notice two familiar figures entering the scene. Bishop Junia and his Templar guard Anatolia arrives with shaking boots to look at the aftermath. Junia looks up at the tear at reality and grips his robes saying:
"This... So this is what the taboo can do. Such evil truly cannot be allowed to exist."
Anatolia grips her sword tightly replying:
"We should leave, Jun! If the Cardinal saw us trudging close to it without permission, who knows what she'll write on her report!"
"Too late about that."
" "Uwaah!" "
I start to speak as they don't seem to realize I'm here. Quickly they turn and kneel down shouting:
" "We greet your Lord Cardinal!" "
Anatolia peeks her eyes up and gasp shouting:
"Lord Cardinal! Your body!"
I shake my head replying:
"This is fine, this is normal for me..."
(Quick what do Nicole usually do when he can't find words to say... Aha!)
I slowly stand using my halberd as a clutch asking:
"And I suspect you should know what to do?"
(That's right, if you don't know, just ask!)
"O-Of course! We'll make sure to help you clean the mess and so that none of this news spread to the common folk."
"Hmm?"
I tilt my head as he speak and wonder but Junia grits his teeth and lowers his head further shouting:
"And of course, we'll bring this matter to the grave! None of the people, not even at our temple will know of this event!"
"I see... Do so then. I'm grateful to have such wonderful comrades to rely upon."
"Thank you, this is simply our duty to the Goddess!"
"Your words of praise is uneeded!"
(Great, seems I got myself some good relations. It's kinda weird how it's the opposite where the worst people I expect to get along fits easily while the one that's supposedly friendly are quite hostile to me).
I grab Yoo-Gisa by what remain of his arm and shoulder him as we walk towards the destroyed Imperial Palace. Thinking that green girl can help heal him. Also,
"I expect to have a good night rest."
"You and me both."
"Wah!"
Everyone seems to get surprised one after another as I look at Yoo-Gisa asking:
"When did you wake up?"
"Right when you carry me to your shoulders- rgh! Dammit, to think you of all people would be helping me. This is simply unbelievable... But then again, I still doubt you're the Silencer I know."
Hearing him talk as we limp across the devestated clearing where it was once the road that leads to the Imperial gates and 3 coloured river stretch, I start to break the mold by asking:
"Well, I understand why you would hate for a stranger like me to get so close to your sister but can you at least tell me where did all that... Bitterness originates?"
(I had gists and bits of understanding but it's still better to listen from the source).
"..."
"..."
We stare at each other for a while and stop at our tracks before Yoo-Gisa nudge me to move saying:
"I... I suppose it is unwarranted..."
"Huh?"
"This hatred of mine, it comes from a vision the Goddess sent me when I was 9 years old. The war of the coalition is still at full swing and there I was watching things unfold like in my dreams. Everyday I would dream of tragedies, disasters, catastrophes that could have been avoided... And as an aspiring kid who wishes to be useful to my parents I try to do things my way."
"Um... Did you tell anyone your dreams?"
Yoo-Gisa nods replying:
"Of course, the first one to know is definitely my parents, and you know what they say? They told me,
"Gisa my child! The road you wish to avoid such tragedy will be the one to set off that events! So rather than avoid it, confront and overcome it! HUM! HUM! HUM!"
Is what my dad said... I never knew what he meant until the climax of the war during the siege of this capital 8 years ago. I saw his shit eating grin as he brought mother to face off against the 7 Kings of the West, and come out Victorious. For once, the disaster of Silla losing has changed but at the cost of their lives."
"I guess your parent's amazing-"
"You're damn right they are! They're the best!"
Iseon grips my shoulder as he shouts back with a childlike grin that shows his teeths.
(Hmm... I wonder now which of the information Abe said back then coincide?)
Gisa looks up at the stars and continue saying:
"Even then I never knew what they meant as I still see things as a tragedy. In fact, I'm starting to hesitate to tell people about my future visions since then. Seeing the future change drastically, I can only wonder what to do as my Unnie will be the one to take care of me and at the time Yoo-Ah who isn't 10 years old yet... Plus our parents crippling debt because of their death.
We crashed from my dad's friends and comrades house until we encounter a hidden force behind the scene that's pulling the strings and taking advantage of our weakness to harress and suck as many money as possible from those who are suffering from the war. Can you guess who it is?"
"Wait... It can't be the Phoenix-"
"Well, you're damn right it is the Phoenix-"
"It's definitely not! Well at least it's not the same people from now!"
I grip his arm and drag him closer to shout at his face before continuing with,
"Just like how you guys can change kings and rules or whatever, The Phoenix Sector changed as well. Sis only succeed the throne like a year ago or maybe even less!"
"Huh?"
Yoo-Gisa's eyes widened in surprise at my declaration as I then continue with,
"Those phoenix people back then like uh... A decade ago and now are definitely different! In fact, Sis and the old people are enemies! I even fought her cousins that are trying to kill her and destroy our home! Also, she's only a few years older than me, you can guess that when the Coalition war is over she still can't do anything when she barely even start school."
"You... Isn't she like 40 years old or older? I definitely saw her before I went off to face you in that dream."
"Ah... Well, Sis does tend to be mistaken for her age. In fact, her teachers would mix her up as a parent instead when she is with her younger sister... So Sis looks much older in that dream of yours huh? Just know she's still 18 now and she still haven't graduated from school either."
(If what Moriz said about himself is true then Sis is the same since she comes from the same generation).
Yoo-Gisa looks away to rub his temples as if he can't put it together and smile saying:
"Heh, to hear such slander in all places... I suppose there may be things I'm definitely out of the loop and context. But it doesn't change the fact the Phoenix are still here are they not? And they are definitely sewing chaos across this peninsula."
I hang my head and acknowledge his point replying:
"That's true, I may know not what Sis is planning but I know she must have the best intentions. After all, that's why I trust and follow her."
"I'm surprised you can say that after everything. And here I thought I was hopeless when I follow the Goddess blindly."
Yoo-Gisa looks at my face closely before continue saying:
"Yes, that's right! You may not have useful information but that personal trivia and knowledge will definitely enlighten some things!"
"H-Huh?"
"I'm saying, lets exchange informations. For genuine this time."
"Oh? It wasn't genuine last time?You even slapped me."
"That's because of your bullshit. I'm sure anyone would be mad if anyone accuse the one who's been taking care of you of something bad without evidence."
He backs away and nudge me to let go before extending his remaining left arm that's still free for a shake but pulls back afterward and simply nudge my shoulders with his stump hand saying:
"No bullshit things like how my Noona is a traitor alright?"
I sigh and vanish my halberd replying:
"Fine."
"Great, of course with how much things has changed, I'm now more willing to do things according to the situation since that night. If something catches your attention tell me right away or my companions, I suppose Princess Mi-Ok would be best."
"Right."
(Hm, maybe he's not so bad after all).
"Sova? Sova!"
Hearing a familiar voice a shadow loom over and something crash near us. A familiar war beast and...
"Juha?"
Juha dismounts and embraces me shouting:
"You dumb idiot! Do you know how worried I was when I heard you left to fight alone!?"
Juha with tears welling up her eyes clenches my clothes saying:
"That stupid Oppa, what was he thinking letting you leave alone!"
"I-I'm fine and don't give him too much flack. He did come to my aid and I think you should look for him, he got fling somewhere over there protecting us."
Yoo-Gisa gives me some space as he stands on his own. Juha grasp my cheeks as she looks over my body and pale at the black cracks shouting:
"He'll be fine since he suffered worse! But you... Your wounds are definitely not fine! Look at you! Hop on, I'll carry you to a nearby medical tent."
"Don't be so hasty, Jin-Juha Ssi. Let her rest on a stretcher. Shake her too much and she'll crumble to dust."
Admiral Hwang-So soon arrives to greet us with a group of marines and medical team that's carrying stretches. Hwang-So walks over to me huffing his crystal stick saying:
"You did good kid- no, you did great. Since you saved many of my crew and help lift the siege on two fronts, I'm eternally grateful. I'll consider my grudge on you towards Yoo-Ah wiped clean so get your ass down and let them treat you!"
"R-Right!"
"Carry her carefully now, she's the guest of honour. We got a new hero to bestow."
" "Yes, we obey!" "
The two stretcher gesture me to lay down at their cushy make-shift bed. I try to ignore his remarks and take a rest, I see Yoo-Gisa nods in approval and Hwang-So folding his arms satisfied before he confronts him. Juha follows closely beside me as their figure goes further.
"Take a nap Sova, you deserve it."
"I see... I suppose I will..."
***********************************
When I open my eyes, I'm being greeted by an unknown ceiling when a familiar figure pops to my view.
"Heh, look at you, now you're the one covered in bandages. Hey! Sova Ssi's awake!"
I see Zenon shout out and rumbling footsteps comes pouring in to fill the room.
"Oh, the Hero finally woken up."
"Sova, How are you feeling now?"
"Hard to believe she survived with so much of those black cracks. Here I thought, she would stay comatosed for months-"
*Smack*
"Don't jinx it, Oppa!"
Slowly I try to move my body which feels sluggish. I see the people that are visiting me, Prince Yeon-Seyong who seem to have fully recovered, then there's Juha and Cheo, also...
"She's strong enough to square off against the Colonel alongside me, so of course she needs to be that tough."
Yoo-Gisa seems to visit as well carrying a wrapped up gift on reattached hands. Rubbing my eyes from the morning dirt, I blink a few times and stretch.
"Don't move too much, Sova. You just finally recovered so-
*Stomp* *Stomp*
"Get out of the way! I'm jumping in!"
" "Huh?" "
Hearing loud fortsteps rushing in everyone moves away for someone to jump and,
"Sova!"
Preparing for impact, I let her embrace come with open arms.
"Hum!"
Hugging her back as she bury her face on my chest she shouts:
"I miss you so much! Thank the Goddess you're safe!"
Receiving a mixed reception upon her words, Yoo-Ah finally arrives. I nod replying:
"Right, especially when Yoo-Sui keeps making us avoid each other."
"Yeah, what's up with that!? But I'm just glad you're okay! And since you're finally awake I can finally give you the meals I cooked! Wait right there, I'll be right back!"
Yoo-Ah dash away, appearing as fast as she dissapears. Yoo-Gisa who sees his little sister shows hesitation as he keeps lifting his hand up and down but lets her go. He looks at me and hands me the gift saying:
"Sigh... Anyways, here's a get well gift and enjoy your day. You're gonna be busy as all of us soon, so excuse me I need to continue my duty. And you better make sure to finish her meals, she's been making everyone in this building stuff their stomachs to not waste her meals, though I can't say it's bad when she cooks."
"O-Oh, thanks."
As I take his gift Yoo-Gisa is about to leave when Zenon follows it up shouting:
"Hey now! I thought you hated her!? What's with that gift anyways? Isn't it for your other comrades in the other rooms!?"
He looks back with flat frown replying:
"Now you're asking it? But of course, actions speaks louder than words. She proved her worth and loyalty by figthing for the capital and helping me defeat Iseon."
"Tch! Well, it's not fair you're handing out to her instead of just putting it down like the rest."
Zenon moves back and slide open a curtain showing the pile of gifts. Feeling a sense of deja Vu, Yoo-Gisa shakes his head with a smile and press his thumb on his chest saying:
"Of course, I have to show some genuine action. But either way, I'm leaving now. We need to prepare for the north."
Hearing his warning as he left the room, I look at the others that's still here asking:
"North? That's right, what happened while I'm still resting? And wait, how long have I been out?"
Zenon scracthes his head as he looks at the calender near the TV places behind the gifts. Raising 3 fingers he answers:
"Three weeks, and I suppose it's also appropriate to say, Happy New year!"
"Eh!?"
Cheo grips his hands and raise it up eagerly shouting:
"That's right, Happy new year, Sova! It's still Suwah day!"
"You're too old to celebrate like a kid, Oppa. Besides, I doubt we can celebrate normally now in this kind of situation."
"Um... I'm sorry but can anyone fill me on what happened?"
Zenon scracthes his head as he takes a sit on a chair beside my bed replying:
"Where do we even begin? Reorganizing the information we had, its hard to believe this all happened in a single month. So, lets start with after we successfully defended the capital and killed the leader of the Civil War... Case in point, we won! And in one week! This might be the fastest war in the history of this peninsula."
Juha hungs her head in despair saying:
"Won... Yes, but we pretty much lost the capital. The devestation wrought by the Colonel is simply too much. It's only thanks to the effort of Soo-Nari Nim and Yoo-Sui that stayed behind, most of the people of the city manage to survive because of her."
Zenon nods eating on of the fruits at the side table saying:
"Oh yeah, they did stay. Wait, didn't the junior princess help as well? Here I thought she was a coward, she has my respect."
Juha pinch between her eyes saying:
"Prince Yeon-Seyong nim, please don't eat the patient's meal. But yes, she did."
Zenon ignores her warning and finish the fruit and continue saying:
"Gulp, hold on, where was I? Oh right! We won, and with all the leaders of the Rebellion captured, Iseon Hyung's second in command Ri-Mi right? Decided to surrender. All in all, victory. All the traitor will be round about and detained at the most secure prison at the moment, watched by none other than the current strongest warrior, Soo-Nari nim."
"I-I see... So they're not dead?"
"We wish, but honestly we can't kill them yet. I'm not going to explain the detail political bullshit but after you disintegrated Iseon's body to dust, we got no hm... What's the good word to describe it? Right, "Trophy" to display our victory so detaining the other rebel leaders without any will to fight will lower the rebellious spirits of those who rally behind them as we settle and negotiate better conditions with our own dissatisfied people."
"Wait, what do you mean by that?"
(And the Colonel body is disintegrated? I'm pretty sure Soo-Nari brought his corpse somewhere... Wait, did she burn it?)
Confused by the explanantion, Juha sighs and continue Zenon's explanation saying:
"It means we don't want another large scale revolt happening again. The only reason the Colonel was able to rally the people is because of his title, the Guardian of Silla. Plus since he is a fallen noble, nobody actually saw him as a noble at all. Especially when he executed the nobles under his wing and distributed the wealth and most importantly food they stolen to them, they all easily rallied under his banner.
Compared to our weak King who doesn't care what happen outside the capital and the now former supreme Commander Won-Yok who could give any at all to the common folk, Iseon's a noble in name only, and is simply a better option. That's also the reason why he was able to launch an attack faster than we cpuld predict, resulting in a total defeat on Princess Mi-Ok nim's part. Simply put, the people fighting us are not fighting for some cause but out of desperation."
Cheo who's been quiet this whole time looks outside the window with worried eyes saying:
"And that's where a whole new problem begins and determine who our next enemies are."
"Hmm? Is there something outside?"
I extend my hearing sense and pick up the sound of many footsteps, breaking glass, and massive shouts...
"Are there riots out there?"
"I'm pretty sure this room is sound proof but yes."
"Wait, where are we anyway? Since Yoo-Ah's here..."
"Oh right, forgot to tell you, since the capital is pretty much destroyed, Mohyusig the second largest city and most importantly intact is now the new capital for the time being. Also, with lord Won-Yok nim retiring from the battlefield from his wounds, Fleet Admiral Hwang-So is now the leader for the entire Military might of Silla."
"Wait, what? This is too much to take in!"
Juha pats my head as to calm me down before she says:
"Well, we can tell you everything slowly, but just know as of now, I'm... Everyone's happy you're okay.