Vexgar approached Axilas in the library, watching him idly stare at Lyn and Karina. The two of them ugly cried and wept, snorting and sniffling. He sat down beside him, offering a plate of meat. "How long have they been crying for?" "Haven't stopped. Is this meat? I thought we were running low?" "Monks brought us more." Axilas dug in without any hesitation. As he chewed the first piece, his chewing came to a slow stop. "Is this..." "Draken meat. Yes." Axilas rolled his eyes, continuing to eat. "How are the others doing?" "Fervias and Yssac and dealing with the casualties." "How many?" "Over two thousand knights and mages dead. They haven't finished counting the others." "The Mages?" "Encara is out for the count. Aerith and Soel are dealing with their partners." "Gwayn and his pitiful army?" "Licking their wounds and helping the Monks settle in." "And what about Gwyneth and the tailor?" "Interrogating our new guest of honour."
They both leaned back hearing the snorts and unsightly sound of Lyn and Karina crying. "Why are you watching this?" Vexgar whispered. "I don't want to, but Cecil told me I should be here for her." "Hmmm...Good luck with that." "No, wait don't leave me." "I'm not the one in love with her. I'm leaving." "You can't just leave me alone like this. What kind of brother would do that?" "One that's about to have sex." "You can't honestly think, that woman would honour her deal." "We'll I'm not going to find out here, now am I?" Axilas pawed at Vexgar to stay, watching him slink away. He turned back to Lyn and Karina, hearing them go quiet. "Finally, we can talk-" They broke out into another fit of uncontrollable crying. He let out an exasperated sigh, dropping his head on the table.
Aerith and Soel stood at the end of the room with furious glares, their arms crossed. Cin sat up in his bed, with his arm in a sling, and head down. Skora sat beside him, wrinkled, old and decriped. "You want to go first?" Soel asked. "No." Aerith growled. "I'm gonna let him stew for a bit." Cin gulped. Soel nodded, clearing her throat. "What the fuck Skora!?" "Where did you want me to start?" "The beginning!" "That's about two thousand years of storytelling." "Okay fuck that! Give me a summary!" Soel demanded. "Two and half thousand years ago, my father met a man named Annorak. He offered him the secret to eternal youth, in return he would serve as his general, when summoned." "And you father would be?" "You all know him as the great scholar. Sokra Pendragon." "WHAT!?" The three of them yelled. "You didn't think to mention that!?" Aerith snapped. "I wanted nothing to do with that man. A worthless father. Always seeking answers to questions, no one cared about."
"Okay shit father. Go on Skora Pendragon...?" Aerith asked. She shook her head. "That is a name he simply adopted. I don't even remember my own family name anymore." "Okay you serve this Annorak for two thousand years. Doing what exactly?" "Finding people, who were the strongest at their affinity." "What the hell for?" Aerith asked. "To free Vasha from her prison." Aerith scoffed and chuckled. "Great plan. Over two thousand years, and he hasn't made any progress." "Because he's been missing one affinity." "Yamada." They said horrified. "Why wait?" Aerith asked. "He needs Yamada to become stronger. As of right now, he's too weak to be of any use." "Then it's a good thing we're keeping him safe at the Silver City." Soel said. Aerith nodded. "Um...about that..." "Oh, what fucking now?" Aerith groaned. "Annorak has planted agents all over Jux." "Please tell me it's Gwayn. Give me a reason to kill him." Soel pleaded. "It's not him." Aerith and Soel groaned.
"It's Irina." "YOU DIDN'T THINK TO MENTION THAT!?" They yelled. "I couldn't. Annorak was still influencing me." "And now he's...?" "Gone. Without his connection, I'm now like this, until Encara heals me." "That's gonna be a while." Soel said. "I'm truly sorry. I know that you can never forgiv-" Soel took her hand. "Come on you prune. Let's get going." "Ho-ho-how can you forgive me so easily." They shrugged. "You saved our lives a few times now. You're in our good graces for now." Soel said carrying her out. "Wait, don't leave me." Cin whispered. Soel hurried out the room, closing it behind her. A wall of earth shot up sealing the door.
He winced. "You've got ten seconds to explain, how you slept through an entire fucking battle, and getting your arm broken." Aerith growled. "It better be good, because Encara couldn't find anything in your system." "I had a dream." He said happily. "A dream?" Cin looked up tearing at her. "For the first time, since the attack on Yamata. I had a dream." "You mean, your nightmare..." "It's gone. I can't hear it's voice anymore. The Ryū's voice is gone." He choked on his happiness. Aerith sighed, taking him into her arms. "Alright you dumb idiot...Enjoy your sleep, but you better wake up next time. Don't think we're gonna get another visit for Elise again." She said stroking his head. "Wait what?"
Fervias and Yssac stood on the Fourth ring, watching as Monks, Knights, Mages and Farmers, took all the resources they could from the wreckage of Kumo. "Well, looks like we're having Draken meat for a while." "Better than no meat." Yssac said. The two took a seat off the edge. "What do you plan to do after this war ends?" Yssac asked. "No idea." "Will you travel again?" Fervias scoffed. "Not a chance. Sleeping in shitty wagons, hunting for my next meal. No thank you." Yssac snickered. "What about you? Gonna go back as a Sell-sword?" "Protecting rich aristocrats and spoiled children? Never again. However I would like to fight an opponent that doesn't come back from the dead." "Mmmm, they could really stop doing that." "I can't help but wonder..." "How the fuck Elise Rosethorn is alive, why she helped us, and how she knew Gwyneth?" Yssac nodded. "Yeah...wouldn't try and think too hard about it. Not a Draken, not dealing with it." "Think I'll start adopting that mentality."
Gwyneth, Gwayn and Miranda stood in caverns, with Thanatos pinned to the wall in his pillory, with a gag in his mouth. Gwyneth wore a silk dress with her hair flowing down. "Why haven't we killed him?" Gwayn asked. "Because we need answers, dumbass." Miranda snapped. "You want to go outside?" "Why, can't fight here? Or do you need space to fly back here like a wounded bird?" Gwayn reached for his hilt. "Stop it you two. I can interrogate him alone. If you want to stay, shut up." "Yes my queen." Miranda bowed. "Yes, why are you wearing that? Are you planning to seduce him?" She blushed. "I'm out of clean clothes!" She snapped. "This is the only thing I had left." "Sure..." Gwayn rolled his eyes. "I mean if you want to achieve peace like this..." "Do you want me to get Kahu to pinch your ear again?" Miranda winced, covering her ears. Thanatos let out a muffled sound.
Gwyneth shook her head, taking out Thanatos's gag. "Explain." "My nephew, Furien Argul is a power hungry dick, and saw me as unfit to command Kal'Nar's army." "Do you always launch your old commanders into the enemy territory?" Miranda jabbed. "He was going to use the horn on me." "Okay, explain that fucking thing. I saw my dead men turn." "It's an imitation of Vasha's call." "Okay....could you...you know...fucking elaborate?" Miranda said, flicking Thanatos's forehead. "When Vasha roared, she created an army of Drakens. We replicated that roar, from finding one of her fangs."
"Where the fuck, would you have found-" "The attack on Yamata. That's why you attacked them." Gwyneth said. "Yes." "Did Begron have any other instructions? Or did he choose to take joy in killing and torturing the innocent?" Gwyneth asked clenching her fist. "It means they fought back-" Gwyneth struck Thanatos in liver. He retched feeling his ribs crack on her fist, and his body seized. She shut his mouth, drowning him in his own saliva. "HE WAS A CHILD! THEY WERE NOT A THREAT! NONE OF THEM WERE!" She lashed. Gwayn and Miranda stepped back. She released his mouth letting him gag and cough. "My brother is not that man anymore. He has-" Gwyneth struck him across the face. A few of his teeth flew out. "I don't care who Begron is now. Who he was, has caused too much pain." "To what? A bunch of weak Islanders!?" He spat.
"Careful now dumbass. I'm sure you're aware that the Forsaken Knight is an Islander." Miranda said. "One crazed Islander, who hid away in the raid-" "Yamada, was face to face with Begron. He watched your brother, rip his mother in half. Right in front of his face." Thanatos's eyes grew wide with fear and shock. "What...no..." "Yes. Begron even gave him his little speech, right before he knocked him out." Gwyneth hissed. "No, that's not possible. He died." "It is possible, and now he's on a revenge path-" "No! It's not!" Thanatos shouted. "I've heard Begron recount that night endlessly. How he faced a Eight headed serpent Draken. A woman capable of striking with fire, and how he killed that boy." "What?" Gwyneth reeled back. "You think that boy survived? Begron made sure he killed him. Slammed him into ground, till every bone in his body broke." "How is he alive then!?" Miranda snapped.
"The horn...the fang...He was awoken by Vasha's call." "And that means what?" Miranda asked. "It means, he belongs to her." "The thing stuck in the gigantic ice wall, that never melts? Whoopdie fucking do!" "Where do you think the Draken Curse comes from!?" Thanatos snapped. "It comes from her call! Her lingering poison in our world." "What does that mean for Yamada?" Gwyneth asked, clenching her fists. "He'll fall to her whispers." Gwyneth yanked Thanatos's hair up. "How!?" "It will start with nightmares, then restless sleeps, then he'll lose control of transformation-" "Gwyneth...does that sound like-" "Cin. We need to go." "I'll watch-" Miranda snatched Gwayn by the ear yanking him out. "Wish I met her sooner. This works like a charm."
Lyn buried her face into Karina's warm embrace. "I thought you were dead..." She whimpered. "I did too..." "Foreaux, he told me-" "Don't say his name. He's the monster that kept us apart." "I'm sorry, I didn't keep looking for you..." She kissed her forehead. "Don't you apologise. I could not be more proud of you right now. A Grand Knight. Defending your kingdom till your last breath." She eyed Axilas, trying his hardest to not doze off. "And dating a prince of Artaraxus?" She whispered. Lyn blushed nodding. "Aiming for the best. That's my daughter." The two giggled. "I have so many questions for you, but I have to know. How did you find out I was alive, and to come here?" Karina handed Lyn a tarot card. "I met Encara's son, the Elf and Yamada." "Are you sure it was them? Are you sure it was Yamada?" "Muscle bound Islander, that's a Forsaken Knight, and carries a gigantic sword." "Why was he at Kumo?" "It doesn't matter. Be glad he came. He revealed the truth to me, and saved my life." "I can't believe this. Gwyneth-" "Right, I must give her, his letter." "We'll go together!"
Lyn shot up to her feet, wiping her eyes. "Axilas, we're leav-" They stopped seeing him snore away gently on the table. "Let him rest. I'll thank him later." Lyn said. They passed Fervias and Yssac turning in. "Where are you two going?" Lyn asked. "Meet with Gwyneth and swap shifts." "No you won't. I'll take her shift. She needs her rest." Lyn said rushing off with Karina. The two of them looked at each confused. "Was that weird to you as well?" Fervias asked. "Extremely." They quickly followed after Lyn. "For the last time you disgusting behemoth. It was a joke!" Miranda snapped. "We all heard it. A knight honours her deals." Gwyneth said. "You shut it!" "For once I agree with Gwyneth." Vexgar snorted. The four found Vexgar, Miranda and Gwyneth about to enter Encara's chamber. Aerith and Cin following behind them.
As the four entered the room. It quickly filled to an uncomfortable atmosphere. "Gwyneth." Lyn said. "Hu-" She forced a hug onto Gwyneth. She let out a surprised squeak, jumping her bear hug. Her eyes bulged and darted to everyone staring on shocked. "Is she hugging me? What is happening?" She whispered. "Does that count as making you speechless?" Vexgar asked. Miranda turned to him frowning. "No you fucking idiot. Go stare at the blacksmith girl's tits." "I...I do not...How do you know about that?" "Everyone knew the moment you asked to get your cod piece polished, while you were still wearing it." Karina broke out into a giggle. "Everyone is seeing this right?" Gwyneth asked, still surprised. "I'm sorry for everything. I was angry at you...for no reason." "He killed my broth-" "You shush!" Lyn snapped. Vexgar recoiled back surprised. "She did what none of us, were strong enough to do. I know you can never forgive, how I behaved and-" "Lyn. I never hated you. You were right to-" "You shush!" Miranda snapped. Gwyneth jumped startled.
"She's right. Hate me." "Huh?" "Hate us all. We deserve it." Karina raised her hand. "What is happening?" "Oh right, you don't know." Miranda said. "Well, back in the day there were actually seven Grand knights. This dipshits brother." "Hendrik Xenarith, the eldest prince, and my brother." Vexgar growled. "Well, things transpired in the war with Kal'Nar. She ended up having to kill Hendrik." "So why did Lynnie hate her?" "Dumbass over there forgot the most important part." Aerith sneered. "Everyone loved Hendrik, and some were in love with Hendrik." "Oh...." "I figured she would assume." Miranda muttered. Lyn broke away from Gwyneth. The two clearing their throats. "I have news to discuss with you." She said to Gwyneth." "We have news for Cin and Aerith." Miranda said. "Well we have news for Encara." Aerith said. The room went silent, wondering how to proceed. "Can I just give you this letter?"
"For me?" Gwyneth asked. She took the letter spotting the blocky hand writing. "This is Yamada's hand writing!" "Wouldn't really call that writing, more carving." Miranda said, peeking over her shoulder. Gwyneth tucked the letter to her chest. "How-When-where-why-HUH!?" She said flustered. "Is he able to write so well?" Karina asked. "He's meant to be at the Silver City! Irina said so." "Oh, that brings us to our news." Aerith said. "Irina is a part of Skora's cult and she's meant to be grooming Yamada to become stronger, for some weird plan to free Vasha." Everyone in the room jaw's hit the floor. "And that's our show and tell." She said taking a step back. "Where is she now!?" Gwyneth snapped. "Soel is playing, hydrate the prune." Everyone but Karina groaned in disgust at Aerith. "I'll deal with her later. That doesn't explain how Yamada found his way to Kumo." Gwyneth said.
"Ul'lanna said they fought and killed a high prince, but he was gravely injured. We took them into Kumo to recover." "Then what happened to Yamada. "Right, we might as well ask right now." Fervias said calmly. "HOW THE FUCK DID KUMO FLY ACROSS THE WORLD?" He shouted. "More importantly, please touch on Elise." Karina eyed Yssac. "I'll circle back to you. Kumo was floating because of Elise. And um...Elise dragged it with her. He trained with us for a bit, before revealing the truth about Kumo, and helping me find Lyn again." Lyn took Gwyneth's hand thanking her. "How long were they with you?" "Only a few days." Miranda looked at her puzzled. "Wait, only a few days. How did you two get so clos...ohohohohohAHAHAHAH!" Miranda broke out into a mad cackle. "What is wrong with her?" Vexgar asked. "Miranda, you want to explain the joke?" Gwyneth asked. "Yamada's a mother fucker!" "What?" Lyn asked. " You're right!" Aerith said. "She's got the same face, that Gwyneth had after she had sex with Yamada the first time."
Lyn looked to Karina blushing. "What." She growled. Gwyneth winced, feeling her hand getting crushed. "Lyn...Lyn you're hurting me." "Mum, tell me they're lying." Karina brushed her behind her ear. Gwyneth fell to her knees clenching her teeth, feeling her hand get crushed. "MUM!" Lyn exclaimed. "Wow. I must respect him." Vexgar said, with Fervias and Yssac nodding along. "No! You three be quiet." Lyn snapped. "Don't know what you're so mad about. Didn't you try to fuck him as well to spite Gwyneth." Karina looked at Lyn surprised. "But I didn't!" "That's too bad, he's amazing-" Lyn covered her ears. "LALALALALA!NOT LISTENING!" "Told you to put a leash on him." Aerith said. "Enough." Encara groaned.
"What do you all want?" He said feebly. "Before we get to that. Read the letter of the motherfucker." "I'm not going to read this out loud." Gwyneth blushed. Aerith snatched the letter out of Gwyneth's hand. "Hey!" Aerith flew into the air, with Miranda restraining Gwyneth. "This hand writing is terrible." She groaned. "Let go!" "To Wyn, my breath of fresh air." "Aww, he even used your pet name." "Shut it!" Gwyneth snapped. "I'm sorry that I did not follow your orders to stay at the Silver City, but I cannot sit here while you fight. Do not worry about me and the others. We are safe. We met Lyn's mother here in Kumo. She is very sweet and loving." "In more ways than one." Yssac added with Fervias giggling. Lyn slapped him across the face. "She even showed me, my own mother...Is that some weird sexual thing?" Aerith asked. "Yamada's mum, was originally from Kumo. She was known as the Fire Fist." "Wait what!? That who Yamada's mother is?" Lyn asked. She nodded. "I know, I was equally surprised to see him there."
"Alright, we'll circle back to that." Aerith said. "I have become stronger, and I will keep becoming stronger-" "Till he kills Begron. Geez he even finds a way to put that in his letters to you." Miranda groaned. "Actually it says something else." "Oh?" "I will keep becoming stronger, till, I can be your dance partner and stand by your side." Gwyneth went beet red. "For now, I will let you be the Wyn that helps carry me." "Damn, that boy has got a way with words." "It's probably why his tongue is so good." Karina said, with Fervias and Yssac snorting. "MUM!" "Wait, there's more on this letter." Aerith said flipping to the last page. "What is it?" Gwyneth asked. "It's a plan to help us..."
"Step one. We will destroy Artaraxus, and stop their army. Step two. We will destroy Kal'Nar." "That's it!?" Miranda said. "That's the dumbest fucking plan, I've ever heard." Gwyneth shook Miranda off. "Where are those three now?" "I don't know. When Elise took off, we got separated." "DAMN IT!" "Is it the worse thing, if we let the kids go through with their plan?" Yssac asked. "Of course it is! They can't destroy Artaraxus." She snapped. "I mean, they didn't plan on making Kumo fly across the world, and save our ass. If they can do that by an accident. What's the harm in letting them actually put their minds to it?" Fervias asked. "Because Artaraxus is too large of a kingdom for three children to destroy. Even if he is a Forsaken Knight." Vexgar said proudly. "Did you not just see, what a Forsaken Knight did? She made Aerith look weaker than a baby's breath!" "Hey." She frowned at Fervias.
"He has the strongest affinity. Let's let them try." Yssac said. "Besides, there is no way for us to stop them. Or even a way to talk to them." Fervias said. Gwyneth grunted. "He truly is powerful. He defeated the strongest warriors on Kumo, without even using his sword." Karina said. "He spoke about your teachings, and how he always uses it to fight. I know my word does not mean a lot to you, but I believe Yamada will fine." Gwyneth said. "I can only believe he is safe." "Well that was fun, what news do you have for us." "Oh right. Cin did you hear Vasha's call?" Miranda asked. "Huh?" Everyone said. "Yamada was brought back by Vasha's fang. The same thing those cunts outside are using, but weaker." "How would I even know?" "Thanatos said, those awakened by it. Have nightmares, lose their sleep, control over their transformation and hear her voice." "Oh....but when would I have heard...Yamata..." "What are you saying? Cin is infected or something?" Aerith said clutching Cin.
"She's right. I slept with no nightmare of dreams." "Good..." Skora said weakly at the door. They turned to see Soel propping her up. "Vasha only calls to who she deems fit enough to fight for her. If she's no longer calling to you. It means, she found a stronger vessel." "Stronger than Cin in Fire magic?" Aerith scoffed. "It's not just magic. It's everything. I'm guessing he couldn't swing a weapon for the life of him, or move in armour." "That's deeply concerning. You're telling me there's now someone hearing Vasha, that's more powerful than Cin with Fire?" Miranda said concerned. "Yes." "Great." She groaned throwing her hands into the air. Encara sat up, heaving and huffing. "What do you all want?" "Well, we need to discuss our next plan of attack." He scanned the room. "We're missing someone." "Oh damn it. Axilas. Hang on, I'll go-" "I got it." Karina said. She leapt out of the Keep, turning into lightning and bounced to the library, bouncing back up in a flash.
She landed beside them with Axilas, looking around confused. "Where am I?" They all looked at her shocked. "That was faster than Rai." Fervias said. "Could Rai carry people with him?" Vexgar asked. "Nope." Lyn said. "That was amazing!" Gwyneth said. "Oh thank you." She blushed. "Can you fight with us?" Miranda asked. "I just got her back! I'm not losing her-" "I would be honoured to fight at your side." She bowed. "Yamada said, you were all amazingly strong. He said, when came back he would like to fight you all." "And be Wyn's new dance partner." "Don't call me that!" She yelled at Miranda blushing. "I must say, I can see, he loves you very much. I'm sorry for sleeping with him." "Eugh mum, don't say anymore." Lyn stifled her gag. "I told him it was okay, we aren't a couple." "But she definitely regrets not being one." Aerith said. "Will you two shut up!"
"Our plan?" Encara groaned weakly. All of them shuffled inside. "We've lost a fifth of our soldiers. Without Skora, the Fourth ring is just a large crumbling stone wall. You're out for the count." Aerith said. "Let's not forget they've got machines that can throw shit at us." Miranda added. "Abaddon is trying his best to repair our gear, but there's not enough materials for all of us." Gwyneth said. "Elise's attack will keep them recovering for a while, but not for long." "What can we do?" Encara asked. "Cin, will only buy so much time." "Well, I'm not gonna wait here to die. I just got my mother back." "Well unless you got a plan, all you have is run. None of us would blame you." Miranda said. "You think I'm a coward?" "I just said, no one would care." A knock on the door caught all of their attention. Kahu stood awkwardly in the door way. "Hi...sorry to interrupt, but may I suggest something?" "Go away Islander woman. This is a war meeting." Axilas said. "Hey! Don't talk to her that way." Miranda snapped.
"Who is she?" Karina asked. "We haven't met. I'm Kahu." "She raised Yamada." Gwyneth added. "OH! You're Kapuna!" She embraced Kahu to her surprise. "You did a wonderful job raising Yamada." Oh, thank you...How do you..." Miranda made a lewd gesture. "Well, I'm glad he is putting that spear to use then." Lyn gagged at Kahu's joke. "What do you have to say?" Yssac asked. "Well, Elise...I still can't believe we saw her." "Focus Islander." Vexgar growled. Miranda punched him in the groin, he fell with a whimper. "Go on." "Um...well. I saw the land, and what that floating...amazingly floating island did to the ground." "Get to the point." Axilas growled. "Well, the paths on the ground. They lead out everywhere now. If you filled them water, it would be very hard...for them to set up those machines...again....on soft ground..." She trailed off, nervous at being stared upon intensely.
"Dumb woman, where are we going to get that much water?" Axilas snapped. "Holy shit...I think she just saved us." Soel said filled with joy. "What are you on about?" "The Fork to the west. The one Yamada touched. Whenever that water touches Arcane energy it reacts violently. If I could reroute the Fork, to fill those trenches." "The slightest hint of Arcane energy, would make the ground unstable." Aerith finished her sentence. "How will we reroute the Fork, without them knowing?" Fervias asked. "He's right. Tuskdrans monitor the entire bank. If they see us, they'll blown that horn." Yssac said. "We distract them." Encara said weakly. They all turned to him confused. "With what?" They asked. He pointed to Cin. "With the second coming of Himiko." They cocked an eyebrow at him. "Cin will transform, giving us light from above. While Soel reroutes the Fork." He pointed to Gwyneth and the others. "Dig the trenches deeper."
Lastly he pointed to Karina. "I hate to ask this of you. However, you are the only fit for this job." She bowed. "I am here to serve with my daughter." "There are a few mages with your affinity here, without a proper teacher. Please teach them." "I..." "Grand Mage Karina, does have a nice ring to it." Axilas said. "But I just-" "You're a Grand Mage mum!" Lyn hugged her filled with joy. "I don't know how to teach. I only just learned how to speak again." The all cocked an eyebrow at her. "I lost my words, when I lost Lyn." "Like Kale. Yamada helped him find his words. Did he help you too?" Karina blushed. "His tongue helped me move my tongue." "AH!" Lyn screamed. "I love this woman." Vexgar said. "NO!" She shouted at Vexgar. "Wait till nightfall. Karina, may I speak with you in private please?" The others shuffled out, with Karina being left alone.
"My son...Is he okay?" Karina nodded. "Good...I'm glad he's alive." "He's become more powerful." "Has he started to court Ul'lanna yet." She shook her head giggling. "I think they're both starting to realize they love each other." "That's all I needed to know." "I should also tell you that, he has become more powerful. He will live up to your name as a king." "Thank you...but I hope to only live in his shadow. I want him to rise above me. Thank you Karina. Please, go be with your daughter. You two have a lot to bond over." She bowed at him. "I will do my best." Encara laid his head back down. "Rin...watch over him please. I'm sorry, I can't keep him safe."