THE NEXT DAY Kiyo and Abby are standing inside a circle that's one meter in diameter. Kiyo begins laying out the rules.
"Alright, the rules are simple. All you need to do Abby, is knock any part of my body outside of this circle. I will of course be trying to knock you out of the circle. No weapons allowed, and no time limit for now."
"Sounds fun." Responds Abby
"Um, what should I do?" Asks Alice
"You can referee the fight."
"Right. I'll do my best. So um are you ready Abby?"
"Yes Alice, I'm set."
"Kiyo, are you ready?"
"Yup. Start the fight anytime Alice"
"Begin."
"Heed my call and come forth my stone golem: Roxy."
"Abby you're out." Alice calls out.
"How am I out?"
"Your golem is a summons. And summons are considered a type of weapon." Explains Alice.
"I've never heard of that."
"She's right, you know." All eyes turn to see one of the Templar soldiers walking towards them.
"Who are you?" Shouts Abby from atop of Roxy's right shoulder.
"I'm Sergeant Tamaki."
"I still say I won. After all, Kiyo was knocked out of bounds just by me summoning Roxy."
"Who was knocked out of bounds?"
Abby looks up at the top of Roxy's head to see Kiyo standing there. Abby recalls Roxy begrudgingly.
"Did you need something sergeant?" Asked Kiyo.
"I'm the current healer posted here. I've come to assist Alice with her training per the Lieutenants request. If you're fine with that Kiyo."
"Go ahead. Abby and I can manage on our own."
"Ok great. Alice, let's head to a different spot and talk."
"Sure."
"Done already Leo? How sad." Kino taunts.
"...I'm…not…done…yet." Leo proclaims in between ragged breaths.
"Good. Let's keep going."
For the past two hours Leo has been attempting to land a hit on Kino with his mace or shield despite his protesting this method. But when Kino explained to him that using anything lighter would throw off his timing when it came time to react. She also pointed out that once he got the hang of it they would start increasing the weight of his mace and shield. Leo agreed with her. The pair continued on in this manner until lunch time. Then it's back to training the rest of the day.
"Hey Luna, it's lunch time, take a break and come eat!" Corym shouts up to her. Luna is walking back and forth in the air. She's seventy-five meters up. She walks two and half meters forward, turns around and walks the same distance back. Luna is standing on an air wall, one of her defensive spells she's been working on. Improving its height and thickness.
"Ok, Be right there!" Luna makes her way down by walking down a set of stairs made up of multiple air wall spells.
"How's your mana holding up Luna?"
"It's good. I've been storing it in the orb on my staff so I don't suffer from mana exhaustion. How's your mana, Corym?"
"I still have plenty. No need to worry. I would like your help with training after lunch if you're up for it?"
"Let's do it." Luna answers while holding her fist up for a bump which Corym accepts bumping his fist with hers.
Day turns to night and everyone is sitting around a small fire enjoying the cool night air at the Templar barracks.
"Corym, how'd training go for you?" Asked Kiyo.
"Pretty good. I'm as ready as I can be."
"Attention all members of The Rising Sun Party!" Shouts a young Templar soldier. "The Lieutenant has summoned you to his office."
"Well you heard him. Let's go see what's going on." Said Kiyo.
"You think he's gonna try one last time to talk us out of this?" Asked Kino.
"Won't know till we get there." Replies Leo.
One by one they each make their way to the Lieutenant's office. Seated at the table is Lieutenant Arsenio, Sergeant Tamaki, Sergeant Chris and.
"Reigget, what are you doing here?"
"Kiyo my boy. How are you?"
"I'm doing well, Reigget. Thanks for asking."
"That's wonderful to hear. As to your question. I stopped by to check on the Lieutenants mythril broadsword. It's some of my best work after all."
"Oh, and here I thought you just wanted some of the liquor sent over from the palace that I just happened to have received today." Retorts the Lieutenant.
"That too." Reigget responded with a chuckle. He then drains the cup in front of him in a couple of loud gulps and then pours himself another cup.
"Typical dwarf. You'll find any reason to drink won't you." Said Corym
"Oh cram it you long-eared varment." Reigget fires back then downs the cup again.
"Knock it off you two." Chides the Lieutenant. "Why can't dwarves and elves ever get along?"
"It's a feud older than your father the King. Older than your grandfather, the emperor. Older than…"
"Stop. I get it." Groans the Lieutenant. "I'm fully aware of the long standing feud between your races."
"You guys have an emperor?" Asked Kiyo.
"Yes. My grandfather is the current emperor. However, he's in a coma."
"So why wasn't your father named emperor then?"
"Because my grandfather still can communicate using a magical tool. My father acts as his proxy. Has been for the past thirty years now."
"So why are we here Lt?" Kino asked, changing the subject.
"Hey! That's rude Kino." Scolded Luna. "You should apologize to the Lieutenant for interrupting him."
"No, it's fine this time. We need to get back on topic for why I summoned you here. Please have a seat you two. I do apologize to the rest of you but we are short on chairs."
Everyone waves it off saying they were fine with standing.
"Now the reason I called for all of you is…"
The Lieutenant is cut off mid sentence by an overwhelming dark presence. The temperature of the room drops drastically. Teeth begin to chatter uncontrollably. Limbs begin to shake as if possessed. Breathing becomes difficult. Those standing have dropped to their hands and knees as if an invisible hand is pressing down on them. And then it just disappears like it never happened. Kiyo is the first to react.
"Kino, Corym go recon only!"
"On it!"
Lieutenant Arsenio is next to react.
"Tamaki, take your squad and check on the guild and nearby shops."
"Copy."
"Christianson, take your squad and check on Willows and the residents."
"Understood."
"Once done, meet out front of the guild for further orders. Rules of Engagement are in affect. Dismissed."
Both sergeants bolt from the room.
"Abby, did that feel familiar to you?"
"No Kiyo, I've never felt anything like that."
"Hey guys we have a problem." Corym says standing in the doorway.
"What is it?" Asks Kiyo.
"It's Scarlett. Something attacked her."
"Where."
"In a field nearby."
"Let's go!"
*
"Scarlett! Hey Scarlett, can you hear me!?"
"Ki…no."
"Yes, I'm here, just hold on. Help is coming."
"You…need…to…listen…"
"Don't speak, just wait till Alice gets here."
"She w-won't m-make it."
"No she will. I'll get her now…Hey let me go I need to go!"
"Kino, listen I want… you to harvest my parts…Turn them into items to aid you and your friends."
"Let me go! I need to get Alice!"
Tears begin streaming down Kino's cheeks. As she tries to break Scarlett's grip.
"Kino…listen, it was…Abyss. The Black Dragon Abyss is back."
Those were the last words Scarlett spoke. Her human body transforms back into its original state of a red dragon.
"Kino! Hang on, I'll heal Scarlett!"
"It's too late Alice. She's gone." Kino somberly replied.
"Are you alright sis?"
"I could have gotten Alice to her, but she wouldn't let me. Why wouldn't she let me?"
"Even though it was short, you two formed a bond. She didn't want to die alone. She wanted to go with a friend by her side." Answered Kiyo.
"So now what?" Asks Leo.
"She asked me…" Kino's words catch in her throat.
"Take your time sis. No rush."
"She asked me to have her parts harvested to aid us."
"I can handle that."
"Corym, would you teach me how?"
"Sure Kiyo."
"Are you fucking serious right now!" Shouts Alice. "Someone just died and your more worried about harvesting fucking parts! Fuck! Fuck! FUUUCCCKKK!"
Alice lets loose an animalistic scream while at the same time she pulls out a fist full of her own hair, her face red from screaming, the muscles in her neck stretch tight, tears running down her cheeks.
"Um Alice…" Kiyo cuts himself off from asking if she was alright. Just seeing her in this state he knows she's not. Kino is the first to act.
"Hey! Put me down Kino!"
"Hey guys we'll be right back." Kino tells them. "Just need to have a little chat."
"I said put me down!" Alice screams..
"Keep talking, and you could bite your tongue off." Kino's words are cold and sharp causing Alice to fall silent. Kino takes off with Alice thrown over her shoulder just as the Templars show up.
"Hey guys, what's up with Alice? Heard her yelling."
"Hey Lt. We don't know yet. Kino took her to have a chat." Kiyo tells him.
"Sir, I'll take a few men and examine the body. Maybe we can find something."
"Good. Let me know if you find anything Sergeant Tamaki."
"Do we know what happened here?"
"Just that something killed Scarlett. And Kino didn't say anything about seeing something before she left."
"So this thing is faster than Kino."
"Lieutenant!" Shouts, sergeant Tamaki.
"What is it Sergeant?"
"Sir, I'm detecting a foul rotting smell around the wounds and there appears to be black stains all over the body."
𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠? The Lieutenant racks his brain trying to remember. He was positive he's heard of this happening before but when? Then something buried deep in his subconscious rises to the surface. "Get away from the body now! Move your asses!"
Veteran soldiers like sergeant Tamaki and Chris would realize something was wrong when their commanding officer is shouting to move and they do so at once. However the other soldiers currently on the field are still in training and instead of moving they look towards the source of the shouting in confusion. One by one those men start dropping. First are the ones on top or touching the body. Next are the ones anywhere near the body.
"Sergeant Tamaki, It's miasma poisoning!" Yells the Lieutenant.
"Understood. Healing Magic: Purification!"
A white light flows out from the sergeant's hands and spreads out in all directions spanning six hundred meters from her. The light purifies and cleanses all it touches. After a few seconds it fades. Sergeant Tamaki drops to her knees panting heavily, sweat dripping from her head.
"Are you alright Tamaki?"
"Yeah. Just me a second Chris. That takes a lot out of me."
"Lieutenant, what's going on?" Asks Kiyo.
"Only one creature that we know of has used miasma as an attack. And that is…"
"The Black Dragon Abyss." Everyone looks at Corym. "I heard Scarlett tell Kino "it was Abyss he's back."
"That's not possible." Protests Abby. "Abyss was killed by the headmasters of each school at the time, and four named dragons, over three hundred years ago.
"How certain are you that Abyss is dead Abby?"
"I'm sure of it, Kiyo."
"She's right. And as proof each headmaster has a piece of equipment made from his corpse. They get handed down to the next headmaster that takes their place." Answered the Lieutenant.
"Alright then who knows necromancy magic?"
"I don't know Kiyo? Necromancy is considered a lost practice."
"Headmaster Red of the Mage School might know." Suggests Luna.
"I'll contact him right away. Thanks Luna."
"So we're dealing with an undead named dragon. But how did it disappear before Kino got here?" Asks Kiyo.
"Is it possible that whoever brought it back also aided with its escape?" Asked Leo.
"They could have used teleportation magic?" Luna chimes in. "If Abyss was in human form they wouldn't need a big teleportation circle to transport them away."
"No, upon their death a named dragon reverts back to its natural state. Just like Scarlett did." All heads turn to see Reigget walking up to the group. "Also teleportation circles are a bit outdated nowadays given the creation of the Rainbow Gate. But that doesn't mean they still aren't used."
"Listen up." Shouts the Lieutenant. "I need to report this immediately. In the meantime search this entire field for anything that might help us understand how this creature disappeared. Sergeants Tamaki and Chris are in command until I return. Members of the Rising Sun Party please help out where you can."
"Can I start harvesting Scarlett's remains?" Corym asked.
"Fine by me." Answered the Lieutenant.
"You're going to harvest? Are you even capable of doing the job elf?"
"I'm plenty capable unlike the drunken dwarf standing before me."
"Drunk? What's that? Never heard that word before." Retorts Reigget. "Tell me you long-eared varment do you have the right tools to harvest a dragon's corpse?"
*
"How did the experiment go, Loki?"
"Better than expected Boss."
"Witnesses?"
"None."
"Then proceed with the next step."
"Very well."
"Anansi, give me an update."
"He can't right now." Answered Loki.
"Why not?"
"He's with Judas right now."
"Oh, I shall wait then. There is no need to rush anything. Otherwise all of this would be for nothing. As soon as he is able I would like an update."
"I will inform him when I can."
*
"Bishop Anansi, is there any more of that wine you brought?"
"Yes Archbishop, allow me to pour you another cup."
Normally a servant or two would be present to assist with this sort of task, but tonight it's only Bishop Anansi, the Archbishop. Both men are dressed in the same dining attire. A white long sleeve shirt paired with a black doublet, brown velvet courtly pants, and a pair of black leather ankle boots. They are joined by the Archbishop's young daughter Beth. She's wearing a green and cream colored dress with black shoes.
The Archbishop had given most of the servants the rest of the night off to spend with their families. Only the chef and Sister Ann remained. So the Bishop has taken it upon himself to pour the wine for his host.
Everyone is seated at a massive black marble table that can seat fifty, even though only three people are present. Brass candlesticks with a single candle are lit and evenly spaced along the table. Each chair is made from red oak with black leather cushions. The carpet is a dark red, each window has black curtains that are currently open to allow guests a view of the ocean that can be seen off in the distance under the light of the full moon. The balcony doors are closed to keep the candles lit. But at any time anyone can open them and step out onto the massive balcony to enjoy the view or perhaps sit at the tables out there and chat with others.
"Thank you Bishop Anansi, you are too kind."
"No, thank you Archbishop for inviting me to dine with you and your lovely daughter Beth. This is your family home is it not?" Asked the Bishop.
"Yes it is. Been in the family now for about four generations."
"Papa, can I have some wine?"
"Not yet. You're too young right now. Wait until you're a grown up."
"But I want to be a grown up now." Protests Beth making a pouty face.
"Come now Beth don't rush things, you should enjoy being a child for as long as you can."
"You always say that papa."
"Your papa's right Beth. If you grow up too fast you won't be able to have all this time to play, and run around like you do now." Said the Bishop.
Beth thinks this over for a split second. "Ok what's for dessert papa?"
"A black cake, with fresh fruit."
"May I have some please?"
"Of course you may."
The Archbishop cuts a slice of black cake for Beth and sets it down in front of her. Beth digs into her cake. The Archbishop sits back down and takes a sip of wine that the Bishop had poured for him. As soon as the wine touches his tongue the wine glass slips from his hand and shatters on the floor. The Archbishop just sits there staring at Beth.
"Papa are you alright?" Beth asked.
"It seems your papa has had too much wine. Beth, would you mind finishing your cake out on the balcony?"
"Ok." Beth carefully scoots her chair back, hops off the chair and then just as carefully picks up her cake and heads to the balcony door. Bishop Anansi opens it for her and she thanks him and steps outside.
"Sister Ann, can you come in here?"
"Yes, Bishop, how can I help?"
"Please see to Beth. She's out on the balcony. I need a private word with the Archbishop."
"As you wish." Sister Ann replies then heads out onto the balcony.
"Hey! Hey! Archbishop sir, what's wrong?"
"…"
"Sir, tell me what happened?"
"I-I had a vision gifted unto me by The One True God."
"What did you see?"
"It's Beth…she's…she's… an elf." Stammers the Archbishop. "I've been raising a filthy fucking demi-human. How dare that little whore deceive me."
Bishop Anansi only smiles in satisfaction at a job well done.