__________CHAPTER NINE_________
HATHOR
Due to the shift in balance, RHEA's officials have been called forth to discuss future possible predictions of the planet's profusing periods, the pale-haired monarch had chosen to hold the agenda at the safety and comforts of her own palace, hence summoning the planet's shittiest group of living beings is like bargaining a dicker with the personification of vice. The main topic of their agenda will solely be focused on Madeline's blood relation to RHEA's most prestigious royals, measuring if she is eligible enough to stature alongside the truth that has been trampled over by so many deceiving grudgeful lies. The details of her ascension to Zoldanga's throne are quite bleak, to say the least, hence there are two other amazons on the line-up that could possibly inherent it more than her, despite being the daughter of Grandine's firstborn child, hence I can see the two candidates breaking the firstborn conformity.
Due to everyone being incredibly busy I Hathor was the only one left to watch over Milady for today, with the matter at hand even Odette wasn't able to serve Milady today as she was sent out to a task by Queen Minea herself in accompanying Hibiki. As for the other members of the Arhianna team 2.0, they are currently preoccupied doing their own thing--Ethan is having his beauty rest, Ignatius is busy pondering the importance of her life while drinking a barrel of firewater, Nox had his second dose from Porlyusica earlier and is still locked up until the meeting concludes, Sting was stuck at the Diaz manor with his uncle temporarily watching over him hence Seigrain had a job to deal with, and lastly Jellal is accompanying/helping his mother Queen Minea at the meeting halls.
Beware that the meeting itself will consist of bullshit, therefore, most of the officiants are complete assholes with trash opinions on the subject matter at hand especially the first group of officiants that just arrived at Lireo's borders is the Council, idiots that tend to jump on problems that are out of the question and has been proceeding to ruin things for everyone for a few eras' now, they are the ones that should not be graced with immortal youth. It's quite funny actually as the reason why their group exists is for them to be backstabbed and hated by basically everyone (everyone but Raios), the second group to arrive was the Diamond Authority, whose members you've already met in the previous narrative, the only people who can be reasoned with.
The third group to arrive was RHEA's elites, Gisele, they tend to be more on the neutral side of things (in a way) and Jellal's uncle is a part of their community so that's a good thing and last the last to arrive was Evulka Veda, they only argue with the rest if talents are involved in such a large scale of things, if not they don't even give a fuck. Once everyone was present within the vicinity of the grand hall, Queen Minea nodded to Sky as she hitted her sheathed weapon down the marbled floor its sound echoing throughout the hall as a sign of this entire bullshit to begin. I warned you already mortal reading this, that this fiasco-I mean meeting is going to be annoying.
"Honestly, Queen Minea how do you expect to find someone who's spent their whole life hiding their tracks from everyone and the world?" see what I mean? they have going around like this in circles for an hour now and not a single thing has been mentioned nor muttered about Madeline becoming a possible heir of Zoldanga, as Grand Ma Doma, the Council's leader kept on arguing with the pale-haired Amazonian queen about Smoking Mirror who is, by the way, the MISSING leader of the Evulka Veda. Why did I even bother to put up with these people? the blue-haired kinou thought to himself as his thoughts began to wander off in memory of his youth who during that time was quite skeptical of Milady's introduction to them.
~
Later on, when Ultear started dating Sting she became less intense and quickly became close with Hibiki, aside from Arcana the both of them became close real quick after two weeks of her studying here at Ephedia. "My Mom made us food to eat and these are rice cakes by the way--since Dad won't be back for almost two hours, to say the least, psh adults now let's eat because I'm hungry!" Hibiki beamed, a drool of saliva dripping from the ends of his lips due to starvation, I mentally slapped myself due to his childishness the orangette has no sense of shyness, not even a little bit can be seen, not wanting to deal with any more of his yapping I decided to sit down with the rest of group to eat because I myself am in need of something to eat from training all day.
Hibiki distributed the plates to each one of us, once again Queen Thena proved that she's the best cook of Aulora, everyone munched on the nourishment provided whereupon Hibiki kept on talking with his mouth full with Arcana laughing at his dull jokes, ugh he sounds like a pig while doing that, my attention was brought out from the orangette to Ultear when she gracefully picked up one of grilled meat placing it down her plate and secondly by stabbing the hot chocolate rice cake with a fork that laid upon the carton box her lips are so rosy and plump you can tell it by just staring at her closely, I took off my gaze from her before any more rational thoughts form upon my head she's with sunrays what am I thinking?
"It is delicious..." Ultear spoke as she swallowed the rice cake did her eyes just sparkle or is it just me? "See that Hibiki? even the coldest appreciated the cooking skills of your Mother!" Larcade toasted at the same time congratulating Hibiki, the orangette just smiled at the compliment given to his beloved mother, Ultear is a breath of fresh air she's unlike any other amazon I've seen around here Lireo, and it is unsettling, to say the least. Such beauty...and yet deadly.
~
Upon reminiscing the past due to the useless meeting that was held, Jellal hated to admit it but time was being wasted in their constant arguing over the missing officiant of RHEA and it also made him realize how long he and Sting have been at each other's neck, Oh the joy! he thought to himself when he was about to reminisce another memory "Jellal!" Grand Ma Doma's booming voice with an added bonus of a flying box glass reached his senses making him grumpily look up from the table where he's been tracing circles for an hour now, it is a good thing that the box made of glass did not hit him or else he would have drained the Council leader of her pulse, everyone's attention was now on him, Queen Minea had a look on her face saying 'Speak up son!' in which the blue-haired kinou raised a brow at wondering why on RHEA should he speak up at the matter when he wasn't even involved at the happenings in Cobalt.
Queen Minea had to kick his foot under the table in order to get the sign right in which case he did, straightening his posture and clearing his throat before beginning "The real reason why you've been called here is to discuss whether or not Madeline is an eligible candidate for Zoldanga's throne." on cue Queen Minea had her servants drape all the curtains to close darkness claimed the whole entire hall, Lancel snapped his fingers together signaling the circular machine placed in the middle of the long table to activate presenting a holo photo of Madeline Alana Ixion the former lady in waiting and handmaiden of my beloved wife, Ultear. Silence remained until the table has been opened for suggestions "Why on RHEA should we favor her candidacy?" Sonite Kal a member of the Gisele was the first person to speak up.
"Well first off she is the daughter of Adeline Milkovich, who is the firstborn child of Dejah Thoris Vermilion." -Pxyar (Diamond Authority member)
"Pxyar has a point, she has a right to claim it, our homeworld conformity seals that." -Iroh Fernandez (Gisele member)
"Who is her father?" -Violet Coast (Council member)
"Dobengal Arius, the right-hand kinou of Raios Milkovich." -Queen Minea (present monarch of Lireo)
"That commoner? is her father?" -Imperial Topaz (Council member)
"I see nothing wrong with Adeline having a child with a commoner and it is understandable considering that most of us elites did not pay her no mind during the Autarchy War, but Dobengal's reputation is unacceptable." -Venus Diaz (Gisele member and aunt of Sting)
Only two Council members have spoken up, that's a good sign but we'll have to wait and see until the discussion deepens further therefore once they start to interfere too much the topic might drop off again to something unrelated. The main reason why none of them has said anything yet is that they failed to ruin Adeline's love life, like what they did to Queen Minea and Aesira Kenna in the past. Ah yes, are they now beginning to vouch for their favorites.
"Queen Evergreen is now the ruling monarch of Zoldanga, Virgo Vermilion owns that right more than Madeline." -Zula White (Evulka Veda Member)
"Virgo? Queen Evergreen's child with Hyacinth is the rightful owner, not that child she had with Raios." -Kamilla Yura (Gisele member)
"How can we possibly favor Madeline now? thanks to Faust's foolish experiments she's barely a human being." -Galaxia (Diamond Authority member)
"We cannot have an incapacitated amazon become Queen of a tribe, that's just foolish on its own." -Seigrain (Diamond Authority member)
"Porlyusica will be able to reverse what Faust did to her." -Helia (Diamond Authority member)
"You people have so much trust in that amazon!" -Peridot Neith (Council member)
"Why wouldn't we Peridot? she managed to cure Dowager Yuen's disease." -Azula (Diamond Authority)
"The Council should be disbanded for this." -Morganite Kazatarous (Gisele member)
"Excuse me? we have done far more valuable matters than you ever had!" -Magenta Vastia (Council member)
"And by valuable you mean...ruin people's lives? -Wednesday Jadeite (Gisele member)
"How dare you throw false accusations at us!" -Belladonna Nimue (Council member)
"Stay on topic please." -Seigrain (Diamond Authority member) his attempts to put a halt to their bickering, fell on deaf ears as the angered yells started to erupt, even more, this meeting is gonna take a while to finish.
"Those are pure facts and you people cannot deny that, everyone in RHEA knows it!" -Castiel Cytle (Gisele member)
"Where's your proof then?" -Geo Vasilious (Council member)
"You want proof? then allow us to scan all of your memories then!" -Andromeda Mule (Evulka Veda member)
"That is an invasion of privacy!" -Onyx Clearwater (Council member)
"Shut up Clearwater!" -Tanzanite Spinel Evans (Gisele member)
"With manners such as that, it is doubtful you're even an elite Tanzanite!" -Clete Eon (Council member)
Queen Minea placed a hand over her head on how problematic this meeting had become, she motioned for one of her servants to light up the light hence she needs to make sure that none of them have used their talents within the vicinity as the walls and floors had just been refurbished--henceforth it was the part that got demolished when Ethan made the bullet train at Lapis lighter up in the air, for them to get in Eirlys with vast haste. If anything gets destroyed again there won't be enough time to fix it again due to Melancholia descent, as it was going to arrive earlier than expected this year. Sky took notice of her monarch's distress over the officials' bickering--honestly, they are acting like uncultured swine's at this point, before Jellal could make himself comfortable in his seat, Sky hitted her sheathed weapon down the floor for the second time today making them all shut up promptly. Their silence allowed Queen Minea to take hold of the table before any of them starts a ruckus again, this meeting has been dragging on long enough and it needs to end.
"Cast all your votes via wrist chip, if you favor Madeline for stature in Zoldanga's throne if your done voting please do remain quiet." -Queen Minea
"I'll keep track of all the votes." -Glaceon Nimue (Evulka Veda member)
While the voting process kept them busy, Queen Minea turned her attention to her son Jellal, who was in deep thought despite all the fiasco that just occurred moments ago, "Is something the matter Jellal?" she asked him, the pale-haired queen wanted to place a hand on her son's should but he's quite tall and she can't reach up that high. Citizens of RHEA often wonder about it too hence both of his parents are quite small when it comes to height, whereas Jellal stands at 270 centimeters tall "Did I not raise Nox right?" a frown decorated the pale-haired Amazonian queen as she stared at her son, wanting to choose her words carefully as it is unavoidable to have someone eavesdrop on them "To the eyes of others, the answer to that question is no, you did not raise him right considering all the acts he's committed." she began "But if you ask my view in his upbringing...I'd say you raised him with proper discipline and respect." Onyx Clearwater glanced their way judgingly in the midst of casting his vote, completely irritated with what Queen Minea has told her son.
Jellal propped up his elbows on the table, intertwining his fingers together a heavy sigh accompanying it "Ultear will be better in no time." she smiled at him but the blue-haired prince remained unmoved by her reassurance, finger combing his silky locks as he leaned back on his chair asking his mother question that should never be asked in the presence of RHEA's officials "Why did you allow Raios to be RHEA's emperor in the first place?" the pale-haired monarch was but a loss for words knowing that the Council members will surely report back to Raios about it all, Jellal patiently waiting for his mother's answer not really minding if the Council spills the tea "There are questions I cannot answer all by myself-" his brows furrowed in disbelief "But you are stronger than him, especially when it comes to physical prowess--you can defeat him." upon hearing that Queen Minea can defeat their favored haltere the Council members placed their guard up in case she tries anything fuzzy to them while they are here in Lireo.
"Jellal." she began not really wanting to be in this predicament right now as the air informed her of the Council's attention on the both of them "I have no single right to challenge Raios in anything for RHEA, my loyalty resides in Lireo always remember that." she turned her attention away from him to write something down the paper as Jellal was disappointed in his mother answer but before he could speak up the pale-haired monarch slipped the piece of paper in his hands that says 'I may have no right, but his children do especially Ultear.' Queen Minea was not bluffing nor scared is she scared of Raios, hence if she did challenge him for Helium's throne she will receive a heavy punishment for meddling with his kingship over RHEA, as she was one of those few that vouched for him in the past to be Emperor in the first place, so as a precautionary measure Raios had them swore an unbreakable oath to never go against him and if they do break that oath, their governed tribe will be destroyed.
"On the topic of succession to the throne, why don't we also take the time to discuss Ultear's actions towards RHEA?" -Fryer Phantomfive (Evulka Veda member) upon hearing the name of his wife being mentioned out of the blue, Jellal gave Fryer a side-eyed glare something the officiant did not take notice of due to him being too focused on hearing the opinions of his fellow officials, despite being the chosen heir of Raios himself, Milady was not favored by the Council due to her talents capabilities.
"He's right Ultear should be put on trial, everyone in the seven tribes-well less than seven now has witnessed of her evil doings from the past up till now." -Andromeda Mule (Evulka Veda member)
"Raios's her father has exploited heinous crimes on RHEA along with her!" -Prada Kalypso (Evulka Veda member)
"She destroyed Xeris, Aulora, half of Borealis, and Calix!" -Rhodonite Zynder (Evulka Veda member)
"She does not deserve to be the Empress of RHEA!" -Imperial Topaz (Council)
"Precisely, she's a wild card." -Violet Coast (Council member)
"I say we strip her of talents-" -Onyx Clearwater (Council member)
"Even if we take away her talents, that psychopath is a pure-blooded amazon-ACHHK!" Zula White immediately clutched her chest in pain as Lireo's heir used his talents to steal the pulse out of her being, the blue-haired kinou's actions made everyone in attendance flabbergasted beyond repose "What do you think you're doing? Let Zula go this instant!" Andromeda the temporary leader of Evulka Veda stood up from her chair vastly demanding that Jellal release the grip of his talents on the official's life "It's amusing how oppressors like you can beg for mercy when you get a taste of your own medicine." the clenching his left fist made Zula drop on the floor with a loud thud her whole entire body started to hyperventilate uncontrollably, Prada and Andromeda instantly rushed over to Zula's side cradling her body in efforts to return Zula's stolen pulse back "Let her go right now!" Glaceon pointed her weapon at Jellal's neck who remained calm in his seat.
Without being affected by the blade's tip mere inches from touching his skin, he can accept the fact that they hate her to the bone but to hear them call her a psychopath irked his soul, hence no matter how hard Milady tries to bury that past behind her, it remained embedded in her legacy and he hates it "This is our last warning Your Highness, let Zula go or we will retaliate." Rhodonite threatened him "Go ahead then." the blue-haired kinou's gaze on Rhodonite started to burn holes in them, the members of Evulka Veda were confounded by his words making them stay still on their feet vacillating whether or not they should pounce on like they originally had in mind "Well? I'm waiting." Glaceon gripped her weapon, her veins bulging from it, Rhodonite caught his breath in his lungs and Fryer took a step back away from the long table. None of them dared to move, a complete contradiction of what they were dauntingly spouting earlier.
Before they knew it the voting process was completed and Jellal had lifted the grip of talents on Zula White's lifeline, Queen Minea remained at the hall to double-check every nook and cranny. Everyone left once the agenda was done whereas Zula had to be carried by her fellow Evulka Veda out of the hall for her own sake, each one of them gave Lireo's heir a hateful glare on their way out of the palace as he needed to make sure that none of them stayed lingering around the palace by accompanying them out the gates. On his way to his chambers to see Milady, making sure if she ate her fill for lunch already or not hence the last time (back when Milady was still in Helium) he didn't come to check--poison arrived instead of nourishment. Out of the blue, the blue-haired kinou was hastily pulled aside on a secluded corner by an unknown figure, getting a proper look at the person responsible for grabbing him it was none other than Azula, the leader of the Diamond Authority.
"I heard what you and Queen Minea were talking about," she said crossing her arms on her chest "Figures you'd eavesdrop on our conversation considering the current events." Jellal mocked her as she remained unhinged by his mockery, I don't blame her eavesdropping since she is one of the few people that actually hate Raios to the bone. If you may or may not know already Azula is a clone just like the rest of the Diamond Authority, her entire being is made from Helium's deceased Queen as RHEA cannot afford to lose the late Queen's undying talents, the green-haired amazon clone has helped Milady for years whenever she could necessary. Jellal up to this point still doesn't understand why on RHEA, Azula has this "care" over Milady despite her not being related to the Bersilion's--the real royal family of Helium, people who also happened to be deceased.
"How's you're wife?"
"She has a name you know, and it's Ultear."
"I cannot say her name there are rules about that and by rules- she's the daughter of Raios."
"That's the point Azula she's the daughter of Raios, as far as history says it, you are a Bersilion and she's not. So tell me why would the former royal family of Helium try to help its enemies?"
"Clearly you do not know what you're talking about Jellal. But enough with this nonsense. I'm here to tell you why Queen Minea is afraid to go against Raios and it's not just because of the oath."
"Why are you telling me this?" Jellal asked, skeptical of the sudden topic she wanted to tell him "Let's just say that it is just out of kindness." a small smiled decorated her lips upon saying it "Go on then," he told her to continue hence he deeply wants to know why "Queen Minea is frightened of Smoking Mirror. " the way Azula had said it brought upon this unknown chilling sensation down the blue-haired kinou's entire body. "The missing and probably dead Evulka Veda leader? Why would she be afraid of her? my mother is a Queen-" his words were cut off when Azula interfered him, there was a hint of both hate and fear in what she said next "She didn't become the leader of Evulkva Veda for nothing Jellal--she's the former aunt of your mother, she's the amazon responsible for murdering your grandmother and the other queens of RHEA."
After Jellal's little talk with Azula, he went straight to his chambers finding me (Hathor) to be the only one by Milady's side all this time "Where's Panaea?" he asked looking around the room for any signs of the old pinkenette physician, closing the door behind him walking towards the mattress where Milady is sleeping at "Panacea promptly returned after she ate her lunch to feed Milady, after that she left saying she's going to relax for a bit. On the topic of lunch, did you eat yours already Jellal?" he grunted as a response, picking up Milady's hand kissing the back of it lovingly. In the past, I never told Milady that she would end up with Jellal as she needs a little bit of fun in discovering her own life, after all, I am simply but a guide to her until she passes on from life and have me, be inherited by any of her descendants that could become the next time mage. I know she can be quite...more or less? no--tends to be sadistic most of the time but she does care, she taught herself how no matter how hard it was to become one.
"Don't you feel bad?" I began my question and it had Jellal look at me utterly puzzled "...that every child Milady will have after Meredy will die?" he turned his gaze away from me back to Milady, I know he doesn't want to give an answer about it all, knowing that it'd make him look like a terrible person but still answered either way "If its mine, of course, I will feel bad...but if you are talking about sunrays' child then no." I never should have asked him such things hence it only resulted in feeding his hatred towards the blonde kinou that raped Milady "What happened to you?" he kissed Milady on her forehead before heading off to his closet for a change of clothes as I remained levitating beside Milady, taking off his coat and white shirt hanging it on a different rack for later and proceeded to take off his boots placing them alongside the rest of his owned footwear. Moments later he walked out of the closet wearing a different shirt on his upper body, it was a fitted black tank top that emphasized how toned his body was.
"I grew up." was all he said no longer wanting to indulge in another of my questions about his changed personality ever since being with Milady. Believe it or not, he used to be against the idea of killing people with or without a reason saying that kind of judgment wasn't given in his hands to decide but once he was thrown into the reality of things his ideology changed to what you see today. Milady was a bad influence on him in every way possible, and he was a good influence on her--perfectly balanced, the long and awkward silence in the blue-haired kinou's chamber would definitely be deafening for someone's own good if the person(like Hibiki and Ethan) in the room wasn't Jellal, as he had long become proficient in it, to those who are complete strangers to his personality, the only emotion they will see is...a poker face.
Jellal's eyes never left Milady's sleeping figure at his bed, as he brought up the curiosity of his "Since we're gonna be here for a while," he began, leaning back into the chair on the bedside "Tell me about yourself, since I barely know why you exist." crossing his well-toned arms across his chest, I was about to speak a response but he raised his hands to stop me from what I was about to say "..aside from being Ultear's weapon." once done he gestured me to continue "I hate to disappoint you Jellal, but it's just like what you said, I'm merely just her weapon." his eyes scrutinized at my levitating glass form "I'm her husband, you can trust me." he's quite observant of my words I'll give him that "Trust, isn't really viable to this era." a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips "As the saying goes nowadays: RHEA, a planet where betrayal is no stranger." such a despondent saying only arose at the same time, Milkovich dethroned Bersilion.
"What a grim tragedy that is."
"Agreed."
"Truly."
"Quit beating around the bush. What are you, Hathor?" his husky voice demanded an answer to his curiosity.
"An artifact, whose bound to Milady."
"Bound?...how?"
"Oh, she never told you?"
"Told me what?"
"Good she didn't."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"You may be Milady's kinou and spouse, but there are some things that must be kept only between her and I."
"You're just an orb."
"That's what she said the first time we met."
Irritated with my answers to his curiosity, Jellal finger-combed his silky locks back a mannerism he displays whenever he's frustrated either with himself or something else entirely "Just answer the damn question already glass ball." the firearm strapped on his left thigh has started to contain a line-up, the magazines of his whole entire arsenal do not consist of regular bullets hence it contains human life, a pulse that defines their life on RHEA. A life that can heavily pierce a hole through my dawned glass being "You really want to know the truth?" I asked despite knowing the answer to my own question, his silence was a clear indication of it "I'll humor you this time Jellal," I began "I kept Milady sane from Raios' upbringing, without me by her side during her youth...she would have been incapacitated."
"Seconds ago you were saying that you're just a weapon and now you're telling me that you are her psychologist?"
"In a way, yes, and I am capable to do far more things than just be her psychologist as you'd like to call it."
"Like what exactly?"
"Hold RHEA's entire historical archive." Jellal tilted his head to the side to look at Milady then back at me "An artifact capable of such unimaginable things, interesting. It's a good thing Ultear didn't give you to Raios then." the past almost made me laugh "Oh, believe she almost did." I chuckled at the thought of Milady's younger self rejecting me over and over again until I said I was a gift to her by Queen Evergreen "And if she did, then none of us will still be living like this." he breathed out closing his eyes for a brief moment thinking about what he just said, "You are not wrong about that assumption." the blue-haired kinou opened his right eye staring at my glass form "Given that my wife's talent is Arc of time, that means that you can see the future then?" Jellal pointed out "Milady is the one responsible for seeing the future, my job is to simply lay it all out."
"Ultear did mention to me once, that Raios had her reverse time over and over again, once as a punishment."
"And it was twice not once, he did, and it traumatized her."
"When did it happen?"
"The first time was when she failed to impress his ego, Milady was just eight years old and...the second time was when she killed Arcana Diaz." Jellal stared up the ceiling as the memory of Xeris' downfall washed over him like a wave, it was the first time he saw what Milady was truly capable of doing for Raios' personal gain. Milady played her part well during their team's time in Ephedia--the fake role of being the weakest member whose only help in case of a dire situation is to run away from it all, similar to that of a scared lamb "Was Ultear's friendship with her genuine?" there was a hint of sadness in his tone as he asked the question regarding the past "When it was nearing the end? yes, it became genuine." Lireo's heir bit the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from frowning over the bitter-sweet sentiment "Is that the reason why Arcana tried to stop us from further attacking Ultear before she died?"
"Yes." the truthful cold answer, forced Jellal to clear his throat directing the topic back to what it originally was before any more past mishaps get tackled into the gist of it all. "Then she can also meddle with either the past? or present?" he cross-questioned "Milady can, and will always be able to meddle with both past and present, but I do not recommend it to her." Milady still needs to rehearse its application, before she can truly perform it "Why?" he asked "Time will learn to fight back if you provoke it." I answered, "Isn't your job to prevent that from happening?" Jellal promptly replied "Yes. But--" before I could finish he intervened "But what?" his tone had a whiff of venom in them as he leaned over, clasping his fist with his free hand "She needs practice is all."
"What kind of practice?"
"I'm sure you're already aware that time mages get stronger as they grow older."
"Yeah I am, Ultear told me that."
"The type of perseverance Milady needs is to be strong both physically and mentally, so that instances like this," I moved to the side indicating Milady's current state "Doesn't happen, she needs to improve on how to perfectly balance the time of her scape." I explained to the blue-haired kinou who listened attentively to all that I was spouting about, like he's about to under go an exam any minute now.
"Can she...?" he trailed off, I read his mind to know what exactly he's pinpointing at--Riona's death "Only Milady can answer that question, hence the decision is up to her." once Milady wakes up from the effects of the Meshuga Spell, the resurrection of her beloved daughter will be the first thing to be etched in her scape. Jellal mentally smiled to himself, knowing that Milady's answer to that will be a yes, our conversation went on like that with him asking questions and me answering them for him.
An hour later into the conversation we're having, "I AM BACK!!" Hibiki came barging into his best friend's chambers with a triumphed look plastered all over his face, his left arm raised proudly holding out a bag full of items Queen Minea had ordered them to purchase at Lireo's marketplace earlier today "What on RHEA is going on with your hair?" Hibiki's orange locks were tangled together with a bunch of dirt, twigs, cotton, feathers, and glitter "Our errand might be perilous but we managed to strive!" the grin on his face was starting to wear off on Jellal's stoic expression, Odette never looked so stressed in her life, as she was stood behind the orangette prince of Aulora "What happened on your task with this goof, Odette?" Jellal's husky voice made her shiver upon reminiscing the occurrences she and Hibiki went through earlier, making the handmaiden scatch her shoulder due to the lingering feeling of itchiness.
Her hair too was an utter mess, the lower ends of her uniform were filled with soot "It went fine Your Highness." the smile she presented on her face was forced as she did not want to receive a decrease in her salary by saying the truth to Milady's husband, who on the other hand did not like what came out of her mouth "Speak the truth." immediately Odette's ears flushed red "I almost died Your Highness!--please don't reduce my salary!" her outburst of pleading cries had the blue-haired kinou furrow his brows, darting his eyes between her fear-stricken being to his best friend who still has a huge grin shining on his lips "Hibiki." his towering height over the orangette did not help Odette's shivering soul "Quit endangering Ultear's handmaidens." his words pierced Odette's heart at the thought Lireo's heir showing her sympathy, her hopes became crushed in an instant when the blue-haired kinou added the following "You know she can be easily replaced." Honestly, what did she expect? he wouldn't be part of the Arhianna team if he isn't dreaded with impending sadism.
Hibiki handed Jellal the bag full of items, as the blue-haired kinou looked through it as Hibiki removed his gloves washing his hands in the bathroom before proceeding to grab a cookie from Jellal's jar stash that was placed in the far side of his chambers "Oh, that reminds me I accidentally destroyed a statue of your grandmother Jellal." the news of his grandmother's statue being destroyed made him look up from the items he's going through "You what?" a tick mark was now evident "Hehe, sorry." that sorry wouldn't be enough to fix the hundred-year-old statue and the budget in fixing it is gonna make the treasury of Lireo scream beyond repose. If only Milady was in the right state of mind, she can easily restore it back up without a hitch.
"Why did you come here to me first? instead of my mother?" the heir of Lireo asked his orange-haired friend "Cause, she'd be angry at me if I go to her first, so if I go to you first, her mood about the statue would be lessened--thanks in advance Jellal." Hibiki placed his arms behind his head giggling to himself as Jellal breathed out a heavy sigh from how he is even friends with the idiot. "Did you eat lunch already?" he asked while handing the bag back to the orangette "Yeah, while we're on the run I grabbed a lunch to go." Jellal gave Hibiki a look "I don't even want to know at this point." sealing the bag shut Hibiki yeeted it in Odette's direction, the sudden action caught her off guard almost dropping it down the floor, or else she might endure the fiasco again earlier "Bring it to Queen Minea for me Odette, please~" the orangette presented his puppy eyes and it wavered at Odette's direction leaving her defeated to face the angered monarch all by herself.
Once Milady's handmaiden was long out of earshot, Hibiki had begun taking out the things stuck in his hair using his talents whilst conversing with Jellal, "So how'd the meeting with the shitty officials go?" shaking his head around the glitter falling off it "As usual." the blue-haired kinou answered taking out the pistol from his thigh softly caressing it with his fingers "Nah, you spiced things up--congratulations for nearly killing an Evulkva Veda member by the way." Hibiki read his friend's mind with ease "Stop reading my mind." Jellal called him out on what he just did but the orangette just simply shrugged his shoulders "Nope!" chuckling to himself.
"That reminds me." Jellal began, his pistol clicked pointing it behind Hibiki directly aiming at the bird that perched on his balcony that's attempting to poop on its railings "Any luck with your father's location?" Hibiki stopped shaking his head for a moment looking up the kinou known as his friend "None still, and it's getting kinda annoying." he scratched his head taking out a twig "Just what kind of hide and sneak game is he doing?" Hibiki aggressively tugged the feather on his locks, which almost ripped out a good chunk unable to answer yet, Jellal pulled the trigger of his pistol scaring away the bird with a warning shot from his recently cleaned terrace, "You know him." Hibiki answered as he successfully removed half the things clinging onto his hair.
"You two are like two peas in a pod." Jellal said in a matter-of-fact tone "Of course we are! he's my father after all." the orangette proudly beamed "Dude, you even mastered the same talent like him." Jellal retracted his hand back, circling it around loosening the variation down a notch "Yeah, I never really knew why I did that in the first place?" Hibiki questioned himself upon why did he take up the same talent as his goof of a father "Uh, 'cause you're dumb...?" the blue-haired kinou trailed. "Ye--No! No, I'm not." he almost agreed.
"You sure about that?" Jellal sarcastically grilled his friend, while placing the pistol back on the holster strapped to his thigh "Very, and besides he's been a Luxian Anuva even before I was born, I just listened to him." while scratching his nape a piece of cotton fell on the orangette's nose, making him sneeze "Bruh, you have the free will to pick whatever talent you can master." Jellal almost laughed as he said it, "Yeah you're right I am kinda dumb." Hibiki finally admitted to himself with a straight face on "Finally acknowledged it, congratulations carrot top." Jellal poked fun at him "Ugh...don't use my own words against me." the orangette prince of Aulora groaned, tilting his head to the side.
On Odette's way towards the throne room, her palms started to sweat from what Lireo's monarch will have to say once she hears about the broken statue of her late mother, the closer her footsteps edged to her destination almost made her chicken out of fear but if she were to do that her salary will be deceased and she surely doesn't want such a thing, after all, she has two children to feed on a daily basis--children who are glad to finally eat food other than Helium's cuisine. Odette had taken them along with her when Milady had to be promptly taken to Lireo for the treatment of her disease, her significant other however cannot leave Helium hence he died a long time ago and is buried there. Most of Helium's soldiers often die before they can even serve their role to their tribe, due to Dobengal constantly using them as a walking and talking stock for his talents.
Draining them to the last drop, Odette's half isn't one of those people by the way--he died serving the throne during the siege of Calix, refugee's from RHEA's tribes have taken shelter either in Zoldanga the domain of Queen Evergreen, or here in Lireo. Standing face to face with the doors of Lireo's throne room Odette swallowed the saliva in her mouth as the guards opened the doors to her to enter, fingers tightly grasping the small bag of items "Your Majesty," she bowed down whilst greeting the pale-haired monarch who gestured for her to rise back up as she was busy going through a stack of papers "His Royal Highness Hibiki, and I have successfully procured the items you wanted." Queen Minea raised her hand in front of the green-haired handmaiden "Procure isn't really what the biome had told me, Odette." signing the paper before facing her with a sympathizing smile on her face.
Milady's handmaiden couldn't help but have tears in the corners of her eyes at the sight of Queen Minea's kind serene "I severely apologize from the bottom of my heart Queen Minea! we should have been more cautious if we had then the statue should still be intact--please don't decrease my salary!" she handed out the small bag bowing down ashamed of herself from lying as back in Helium people like her are taught to always say what the higher-ups wanted to hear not really caring whether it is factful or complete utter lies. Queen Minea's handmaiden took the bag from Odette's offering palms, noticing that some parts of it were had a few wet patches in it from the sweat forming in Odette's hands.
(A/N: Here's a chibi version of Odette Weisz, that I drew myself the other day just for this chapter. I hope you like it.)
"I accept your apology, Odette." the pale-haired monarch sincerely said to Milady's handmaiden as she tugged the string tying the small bag up, once removed she meticulously took out each item "And please do not fret too much over the statue of my late mother, it is not your fault after all." the elites' back Helium wasn't this nice to her in any way shape or form, Odette may have been staying here at Lireo for over a year now, but she hasn't really had any time to interact with anyone in the palace aside from Porlyusica and the members of the Arhianna team 2.0 "Y-yes Your Majesty," she replied looking at the way how Queen Minea analyzes the items her and Hibiki bought at Lireo's market place.
(A/N: And this one is Irina)
"Irina," the pale-haired Amazonian queen called forth her handmaiden "Kindly show Odette around the palace, and acquaint her with our staff." Queen Minea's handmaiden whose name is Irina nodded at the orders of her master, whilst Odette became flustered at the offer saying that there's no need as she has to go right back away to serving Milady whereupon Queen Minea told her to relax a bit just like Porlyusica since both Jellal and Hibiki are with Milady in the current moment no harm shall come to her lady if the two are there with her. Left with no other excuses, Irina guided Odette out of the throne room for a tour around the royal palace of Lireo."Once Ultear wakes from the effects of the Meshuga spell, Odette wouldn't be able to relax." the air floating in the room told Queen Minea "Well I do thank you for the suggestion." the pale-haired monarch now had her nose buried once again in the pile of papers requiring her approval "The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty." a hum as a response and she dive back into the importance of her work--Queenly duties.
Being a child is easier than being an adult hence responsibilities would constantly find you no matter how hard you try to pry out of his glazing eyes, Queen Minea never wanted to be the reigning monarch of Lireo in the first place but no one in her family was left to inherit it but her it was both a burden and a blessing. If Queen Minea or Minea never took up the responsibility of becoming Lireo's next monarch she would have gotten a stress free life, a life that never and doesn't have to worry about other people than her family and her own being, a life that doesn't involve being graceful and poise all the time, a life that would be under Raios' reign. If time allowed her to choose what kind of allotted span she wanted she'd still choose the stressful days of being Lireo's Queen rather than being watched by a creep.
Engrossed by her obligations, she failed to notice the passing hour on the clock. The hounding struck of it made her come to her senses as her eyes wavered over the direction of the bag of items she made Hibiki and Odette purchase, placing down the pen she's been using for a while now at the left side of the document. The absence of his mother at the dining table did not bother Lireo's heir all that much, knowing quite well how busy she is when Melancholia is about to come. Giving out a reminder to the kitchen staff to send his mother a platter of dinner once she's done with signing/approving the papers, a few hours after dinner has long passed, a certain blue-haired kinou was making his way back to his chambers from arranging his things at his study, Jellal saw Ignatius sprawled out all over the marbled floor with her curly hair covering half of her face and holding a bottle of liquor at hand. Annoyed by the lack of discipline she has,
He strode at her passed out being but when he was about to whack some senses to her drunk self but when his fingers made contact with her skin she was burning up from a high fever. Milady never rolled out any rules for both her and Ethan when it comes to whatever they wanted to do in their lives--since it is their lives with the added bonus of flat out saying that she is not the parent of those two. Jellal on the other hand did not like how Ultear did not mind that Ignatius was drinking 24/7, ever since she was old enough to have it, he carried the 28-year-old redhead in his arms without hesitation to Porlyusica's chambers "Why are you so problematic? Tch." he told himself kicking the doors open with his feet upon reaching the old pinkenette's chambers if you are wondering why the old physician does not lock her door? it's because of the fact that occurrences like this happen that's why.
Porlyusica's chambers in Lireo's palace reside inside the medical infirmary, a downgrade from her past lifestyle if you ask me, "Great another work I have to take of." Porlyusica switched off the lamp on her desk swiveling away to the bed where Jellal placed down the redhead girl, "Ignatius, Ignatius." she softly called out the redhead's name, the old pinkenette woman immediately created a link between her and Ignatius feeling where the pain in her body is residing once locating it she lifted the Ignatius hoodie up to reveal the skin on the right side of her abdomen is swollen "She's been having abdominal pains for the past week now and still managed to act like its nothing." Porlyusica breathed out gently pushing two fingers down on her abdomen "Her liver has become stiff...if she continues to down liquor, it'll barely be able to do its job." taking out a flashlight from the pocket of her coat, opening Ignatius eyes to take a look at each of them "Jaundice." was all she said before turning it off placing it back where it came from.
"Go get Hibiki, I need to speak to him about this." Jellal left once the old pinkenette has spoken after he closed the door shut Porlyusica had begun to chat down notes about Ignatius' treatment the following are: Jaundice, Drink at least eight glasses of fluids per day. Consider adding milk thistle to your routine. Opt for fruits like papaya and mango, which are rich in digestive enzymes. Eat at least 2 1/2 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit per day. Look for high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal, berries, and almonds. ARLD, abstain from drinking any type of liquor for 2 weeks. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat/seafood and limit fats. Fever, sit in a bath of lukewarm water. Wear light clothing. Avoid using extra blankets. Drink cool or room temperature water.
When Porlyusica was done chatting down her notes in a matter of minutes, she pressed the button near the phone line to have one or two of the servants come up and help her bathe Ignatius to tone down her fever, she'll make the redhead youngster drink medicine later on. Three minutes passed on and Hibiki arrived the same time the two servants did "Jellal bothered me in the middle of the night--is Ignatius okay?" the orangette immediately rushed to the redhead side pushing her curly hair back "Nothing I cant easily fix, don't worry she'll be able to jump back up if she follows all this." Porlyusica gave him the things she wrote down before he arrived "I forgot to tell you all about her well-being, sorry about that. I knew she was having problems with her liver during the time we're at Lapis collecting the flower liquid thingy for Milady's dextrose." he placed a hand on the back of his nape as Porlyusica glared at his way "You truly are Loki's son." Hibiki just let out a nervous giggle.
The next day Hibiki informed the rest about Ignatius's condition and Ethan? the little ravenette monster wasn't wavered at all, saying that she had it coming due to that non-stop bad habit of hers but deep down Hibiki knew that Ethan was worried about the redhead he likes to annoy so much--cause he read the teenaged kinou's mind. Nox practically avoided having to strike any form of conversation nor interaction with Hibiki as he remembered all the angered yells they both threw at each other when he almost choked milady to death, Sting was the last person to be informed about Ignatius' via galva from the orangette himself, as the later was busy roaming around his old home. He was now currently on his way back here at Lireo as Seigrain still needed to watch over him--it is going to last until Milady wakes from the Meshuga spell.
Ignatius had no other choice (she was forced as always) but to hang out with the little ravenette in hopes that she'd manifest his addiction with drink water instead of liquor, with Nox tagging along providing the water she needed to drink for her own good, the kitchen staff was well informed by Porlyusica on what food they should give to her while she's recovering. Ignatius, on the other hand, was not happy about how they are treating her since all she wants to do was die and be left alone, just like that one time when she allowed herself to drown but the blonde kinou--Sting just had to save her. When she first came to Helium after being sold out by her eldest sister, Ignatius thought she was either going to be thrown into prostitution or become a slave, the dried blood on her captors' clothing was saying all kinds of signs to make her feel scared beyond eternal repose. She was thrown inside a dark and grimy prison cell with the six-year-old raven-haired kinou curiously staring at her the whole entire time like she's some kind of tourist attraction of sorts.
~
Once melancholia cold comfort was over Hibiki decided to take Nox and Ignatius out to Colden, one of Lireo's cities. Sting invited himself to be their lifeguard on this trip hence the orangette is not that good when it comes to swimming--he can save himself but not someone in battling the deep unknown, the redhead wasn't all that pumped about this as all she wanted to do was lay face flat on her bed until she can't breathe and die from suffocating, Ignatius had suicidal tendencies running around her scape especially when she sees an opportunity to be deceased she'll always run straight to it with open arms. The person to blame for this manifested behavior of hers is none other than her eldest sister, the person who gave her away as payment for her unpaid debt.
"Alright, kids--and Sting, we have arrived!" Hibiki exclaimed both of his arms spread out, Ignatius looked absolutely dejected from both the natural sunlight touching her skin and Hibiki's lively personality at least Nox was interested in what this trip had to offer, "Oooh! Look it's a bird!" Sting rolled his eyes at how Hibiki is already nearing his 40's and still acts like a child. The blonde kinou purposely walked behind the three of them to keep a close eye on Ignatius as she lazily followed Hibiki and Nox up on the terrain, the redhead has been taking glances here there down on the cliff measuring whether if she would definitely die or not if she jumps off it. Once they arrived at the spot where it had a good view of the falls down below, the orangette promptly used his talents to gather up some huge leaves to provide a shade for them to rest on.
"I wanna go back home." Ignatius groaned as she angrily sat down placing a fist under her chin, her ponytail bouncing as she did "Awww come on it's not so bad here, and besides you have been cooped up in your bedroom for far too long you need a breather--hence the reason why I took you out here!" she just closed her eyes not wanting to open them anymore if she's only going to see Hibiki's joyous being. Seeing that she was being a grumpy teenager Hibiki focused his attention first on training Nox, while he gestured at Sting to watch her while he's busy, the two of them walked away from the spot where they made their little hut. "Are you really not going to have fun?" the blonde asked her as he sat down beside her under the shade "I'll have fun when I'm dead." she replied without opening her eyes, her humor made the blonde chuckle "Was there ever a time where you didn't consider suicide?"
"No," she answered plainly dreading the small talk, missing the softness of her mattress "I'm surprised that you two managed to learn something from Hibiki--did you even learn anything from viable from him?" he asked in the matter of fact tone "No." her sarcasm was thick as she recalled a few instances of Hibiki teaching her and Nox "Is that all you're going to say?" Sting baited the redhead "Ye-No...UGH! I just wanna go home!" she threw a tantrum kicking her feet on the ground, a pout etched on her lips as she grumpily crossed her arms on her chest the growling of her stomach did not help at all, upon hearing her starvation Sting got up from his seat beside her picking up one of the two baskets full of food that Nox was lugging around earlier while they were walking to where they are now.
"Here." he offered her a tuna sandwich in which she thanked him first, before munching down on it, Sting started to peel himself a tangerine to eat before striking another conversation with the redhead girl "Is it true that Milady doesn't restrict both you and Ethan? from doing whatever you want with your lives?" he questioned, confirming it with her if it was indeed true after hearing about it from Hibiki the other day "It's true and once I turn 19 I'll down every liquor I get my hands on, till I drop dead." she spoke truthfully not really minding at all if Sting judges her choices or not "That's not the most practical way to live." he placed a tangerine piece in his mouth "That's the point I don't wanna live." taking one last bite from her sandwich "Your gonna be problematic to stop one day." he played along "Then don't." she grumbled finishing her sandwich and proceed to fold the tissue paper wrapped around it "Whatever you say kid." he patted her head.
Sting gave her another one after she handed him the wrapping of the sandwich she just finished, on cue of her taking the first bite on her new sandwich Hibiki's excited yells reached both their sense of hearing as he was riding a huge gush of water Nox amplified with his talent, who is also by the way carried on Hibiki's back, they both plummeted down the river, swimming back up moments later "He's a manchild." Ignatius commented, and Sting cannot help but agree to what she just said "Couldn't have said it better myself." Hibiki levitated himself back up the spot where Sting and Ignatius are, Nox took a while to re-group with them as he picked up some soft rocks he found interesting as part of his collection. (he loves to collect rocks from places he's been in.)
When Ignatius has cooled down her irritation regarding this trip, Hibiki pulled her up on her two feet, teaching her some basic survival skills that you'll definitely need once in dire of it, the orangette also taught the same earlier to Nox, the priorities include the following: positive mental attitude, first aid, shelter, fire, signaling, water, and food. The first one Hibiki told her about was definitely not her cup of tea as the redhead wants to die--in every sense of the word, Sting cannot help but agree though hence having a positive attitude means you are more alert, have less stress, and at a lower risk of depression and other mental health problems. Anything that reduces both the risk of mental and physical illnesses is a must-have in life. The best benefit of all? A positive outlook actually makes you live longer.
"Adaptability increases your chances of succeeding, as you will find yourself trying out different things while searching for acceptable shelter. There are times we experience unexpected unpleasant situations in life. Being adaptable ensures you stay afloat when adversities of life try to sink you down." it was the very same words King Loki had told them when their team was training under the blessing of his guidance and the blonde was impressed not only did the scrawny twig of their team had a great glow up when it comes to physical appearances, he also became insightful just like his MIA old man. Considering the fact that he did not take anything seriously, now it says a lot that you should never underestimate people by how they act. After their little session was over Hibiki clasped his hands together behind the redhead "Now that done...hehe." the orangette muttered the last part under his breath, there was a mischievous glint in his eye that Ignatius failed to notice and it alerted Sting beyond repose.
Out of the blue, the orangette used his talents on Ignatius picking her up from the ground lifting her above his head promptly running at the fall's drop throwing her yelling "YOU NEED TO HAVE SOME FUN!" her eyes widened as she fell from such a high place, Sting immediately rushed over at the edge to see her body plummet down the deep waters, "Why on RHEA did you throw her off?" Sting panicked "Relax she'll be fine~" Hibiki brushed the nonexistent dust on his shoulders while the blonde stared daggers at him "She's suicidal!" he pointed out the obvious fact and it made Hibiki sweat drop on the spot "Oh, oh...oh shit." the blonde rolled his eyes at his sudden realization, the three of them looked down from above, waiting for any sign of Ignatius to come back up, a few minutes had passed and there was still no sign of her being.
Sting began to take off his shirt, making the two kinou stare at him with wide eyes "Whoa, whoa, whoa...dude!" Hibiki began while Sting shoved his freshly removed shirt at the white-haired teen to hold, he gave Hibiki another glare as he worked on removing his shoes "What are you doing?" the orangette asked like someone isn't dying "I'm going to dive in and save her idiot!" the left laces of his footwear weren't cooperating at all and it is beginning to get on his nerves knowing that Ignatius was running out of breath, he stood up on one for aggravated once it came off he threw it aside unknowingly hitting Hibiki in the process.
"Show off!" Hibiki yelled after the blonde as he did a forward dive, secretly wishing that the redhead is alright hence if they come back to Helium with a cold corpse, he would not have an easy pass with it from Milady --he'd get fired from the only job he's suitable for and that is something he doesn't want to happen especially with Raios in power he'd get his head chopped off in an instant. Ignatius was slowly sinking down and she loved it, she was lovingly welcoming death to claim her unfortunately for her a hand yanked her back up the river banks much to her disappointment, Nox used his talents to get to their side leaving Hibiki above "She's purposely not spitting out the water, take it out." Sting commanded him, there was no need for the blonde to say it actually hence that was exactly what the white-haired kinou was about to do.
When they got back to Helium, Hibiki was pleadingly clinging to Sting to not tell Milady the stunt he pulled at Colden in which he agreed to by striking a deal that the orangette should do every single task he has for the month. There was no need for them to tell Milady, cause she already knew and pretended to not know about it, as she found it amusing.
~
Despite them all knowing that all she wants in life is to pass away from it, the redhead alcoholic cannot help but be appreciative of their initiative whenever she constantly tries to die--they just won't allow it to happen. "Oi! what are you smiling about?" the teenaged ravenette pulled on her hair making her regret the sentiment she just had, a tick mark became visible on her forehead as she tried to slap away Ethan's hand off her hair but before she could the ravenette pulled her up inside down using his talents the swollen skin on her abdomen was out for everyone to see now, Nox cannot help but chuckle at the both of them and started making a big cue of ice for it "You need to drink an entire drum of water!" the annoying raven had the audacity to scold her and it pissed her off...in a good way.
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