Rowena Lomius stood in the dimly lit cell of the Eldoan headquarters, her cold eyes fixed on Grizz, a formidable beastfolk from the bear clan and one of the vassals of the King of Beastfolk. Grizz's defiant gaze met hers, unyielding even in chains.
Rowena stepped closer, her voice as sharp as a blade. "Grizz, one of the commanders and one of the strongest Beastfolk, also a vassal of the king. Tell us what your people are planning!"
Grizz, bound and battered, met her eyes filled with disdain. "Fuck you!!"
Rowena's eyes flashed with fury as she raised her hand, ready to unleash her wrath. But before she could act, a voice called out from the doorway.
"No, master!!!"
Rowena turned sharply to see Kelly, her trusted disciple, standing there, her expression desperate.
Rowena's face hardened. "I told you not to come here, Kelly!"
Kelly stepped forward, pleading. "Master, please don't hurt him!"
Rowena's eyes narrowed at her disciple. "It seems like what happened back then has made you soft."
"Master, I—"
Rowena cut her off, her voice rising. "Kelly, don't be stupid! Just because these beastfolk helped you in that fight doesn't mean he is innocent. Who knows what this beastfolk will do if you let him be!"
Grizz watched the exchange silently, his eyes full of defiance. He grunted, his voice rough. "You think you know everything, Eldoan. You don't know shit."
Kelly's eyes were filled with anguish. "But master, he's different. Grizz saved my life. We can't just condemn him without understanding his intentions."
Rowena's gaze flickered with frustration and an emotion buried deep beneath her stern exterior. "Kelly, our duty is to protect our people. Sentimentality has no place here."
Grizz snorted. "You think your hatred makes you strong, but it just makes you blind."
Rowena's eyes flashed with anger, her resolve unshaken. "My hatred makes me strong, Grizz. It's what drives me to protect my people from monsters like you."
Kelly tried one last time, desperation in her voice. "Master, please. We need to try a different approach."
Rowena's expression turned icy. "Enough, Kelly. Leave now. You will not change my mind."
Kelly's shoulders slumped, but she didn't back down. "No, master. I won't leave him to suffer."
Rowena's patience snapped. "Kelly, you are testing my limits." She took a step towards her, her hand raised.
Kelly stood her ground, her voice trembling but resolute. "I won't let you do this, master."
Rowena moved with blinding speed. She struck Kelly in the stomach with the heel of her hand, knocking the wind out of her. Kelly doubled over, gasping for breath, but Rowena wasn't finished. She delivered a swift blow to Kelly's neck, and her disciple crumpled to the floor, unconscious.
Rowena looked down at Kelly, her face a mask of cold determination. "You leave me no choice."
Grizz watched the scene unfold, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and respect. "You think your hatred makes you strong, but it just makes you blind."
Rowena's eyes flashed with anger, her resolve unshaken. "My hatred makes me strong, Grizz. It's what drives me to protect my people from monsters like you."
Grizz snorted. "You think you can protect them by also becoming a monster yourself?"
Rowena ignored his words, turning to face him fully. The torchlight flickered, casting eerie shadows on her face. "Doesnt matter....Now, where were we?"
Grizz's defiance remained, but there was a glint of respect in his eyes. "Do your worst, Eldoan. You'll get nothing from me."
Rowena's smile was devoid of warmth. "We'll see about that." She began to chant a spell, her hands glowing with arcane energy as the room grew colder, the air itself seeming to hold its breath in anticipation of the pain and darkness to come.
...................
Inside a dimly lit tent, Lee from the Tiger Clan, the 1st Vassal of King Regulus V, paced back and forth. The tent was cluttered with maps and documents, the heavy scent of parchment and ink lingering in the air. Lee's brow was furrowed as he stared at the maps spread across a table, his mind racing with frustration.
Lee muttered under his breath, "Tsk"
He slammed his fist onto the table, causing the maps to ripple. "Damn it, where did they capture Grizz? Where could they have taken him?"
As he continued to ruminate over the situation, the flap of the tent was lifted suddenly, and Kenjo from the Turtle Clan entered. Kenjo's presence was imposing, his very demeanor exuding strength and authority. Known for his extraordinary swordsmanship, it was said that Kenjo could split a boulder with ease and that his power was such that he could cleave a mountain in half. His reputation preceded him, and his arrival brought a significant air of seriousness to the tent.
Lee turned abruptly at the noise, his eyes narrowing as he saw Kenjo. "Kenjo, you're here."
Kenjo nodded solemnly, acknowledging Lee's presence. "Yes, I am."
Lee, his frustration simmering just below the surface, demanded, "I thought the king had given you a mission."
Kenjo's face remained stoic as he responded, "He did. I've sent a message about the current situation and what's happened with the order he gave me. I must tell you, it's a serious problem."
Lee's eyes narrowed. "So, what's the status of your mission? Did Chalu and his group do something that might have—"
Kenjo shook his head, his gaze troubled. "It's not quite like that. Chalu has become a wanted person."
Lee's surprise was evident. "What? How did that happen?"
Kenjo's sigh was heavy with concern. "I don't have all the details. I don't know exactly what Chalu and his friends did to become wanted criminals. But that's not all…"
Lee's impatience grew. "Not all? What else?"
Kenjo's expression darkened further. "There's an Eldoan who helped them escape."
Lee's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "An Eldoan? Helping Chalu? That's impossible!"
Kenjo nodded gravely. "It's true. The involvement of an Eldoan in aiding Chalu is unexpected and perplexing. I don't understand what would motivate them to act against their own kind and assist a beastfolk."
Lee's face twisted with skepticism and anger. "An Eldoan aiding a beastfolk? This must be a joke. What could possibly motivate them to do such a thing?"
Kenjo's tone was firm. "I don't have the answers yet. But the fact that an Eldoan is involved complicates the situation significantly. It suggests there might be a larger scheme at play."
Lee clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "This situation is spiraling out of control. If Eldoans are involved, it could mean a threat far greater than we anticipated. We need to figure out what's really going on."
Kenjo agreed with a nod. "Yes. We need to act quickly and gather more information. The situation is more dangerous than we thought."
Lee's expression hardened with determination. "Alright. Let's focus on finding out what's happening with Chalu and the Eldoans. We can't afford to be caught off guard by any more surprises."
Kenjo nodded and turned to leave the tent, and began to prepare for the next steps.
As Kenjo leave , Lee's thoughts were clouded with concern. "I can't reveal the situation with Grizz to Kenjo. Despite their constant bickering and clashes, Kenjo and Grizz are still friends. Sharing this might only complicate things further. It's better to handle this discreetly."
Then Lee continued to scrutinize the maps, the weight of their predicament pressing heavily upon him. The urgency of their situation drove him to seek answers and address the emerging threats with a renewed sense of resolve.
............
In the lavish throne room of King Regulus V's palace, tension crackled in the air. The room was richly decorated, with golden light from the chandeliers creating dramatic shadows on the walls. King Regulus, seated on his grand throne, looked furious and distressed.
Mandu, a young beastfolk from the elephant tribe, knelt before the king. At only 15 years old, Mandu's imposing frame was dwarfed by the grandeur of the royal setting, but his stature was not enough to shield him from the king's wrath.
King Regulus slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne, his voice booming through the chamber. "Mandu, explain to me why Chalu is in the enemy kingdom! Why has he gone to such lengths?"
Mandu, trembling with a mix of fear and determination, kept his gaze lowered. His heart raced as he struggled to maintain his composure. "I-I apologize, Your Majesty. I don't know where Chalu is or why he would end up in the enemy kingdom. He just... vanished after I woke up that morning."
The king's eyes flashed with a dangerous intensity. "Are you certain you're telling me the truth? Is there nothing you're hiding?"
Mandu's voice quivered, but he forced himself to speak clearly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I am telling the truth. I swear, I don't know what happened to Chalu."
King Regulus leaned forward, his gaze piercing. The room seemed to grow colder as his frustration reached its peak. "If you are lying to me, Mandu, you will face severe consequences. Understand?"
Mandu's throat felt dry, but he managed to nod, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-I understand, My Lord."
The king took a deep breath, his anger not yet fully dissipated. He straightened in his throne, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "You may go. But know this: if I find out you've concealed any information, there will be dire consequences."
Mandu quickly rose from his kneeling position, bowing deeply before retreating from the throne room. As he exited, his heart pounded, each step feeling like a heavy burden. He knew he had to protect Chalu, but the pressure of the king's demand weighed heavily on him.
.................
The setting was a modest yet well-maintained house nestled in a quiet corner of the town. The outside world bustled with its usual noise, but inside the house, a tense conversation unfolded. The room was dimly lit, with only a few lanterns casting shadows on the walls. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken history and unresolved feelings.
Colerio Sapher, accompanied by Damian Gothich and Darius Borne, stood in the center of the room. Colerio, the former leader of the Raven Squad, was here with a specific goal in mind—to bring back one of his old comrades. Damian, Ron's trusted confidant, walked beside Colerio with a steady, focused demeanor. Darius, a burly blacksmith with a thick beard and muscular arms, followed closely. Despite having left his blacksmithing days behind, his loyalty to Colerio was unwavering.
At the center of this gathering was Elara Moon, known by her nickname, Phantom Moon. She was a former member of the Raven Squad and an assassin renowned for her deadly skills and elusive nature. Elara had earned her nickname because of her ability to strike without warning, leaving her enemies with no chance of escape.
Elara looked up from where she stood, her face a mask of indifference. "Want some water?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of casualness that belied the underlying tension.
Colerio stepped forward, his expression serious. "Elara, we need you back."
Elara's eyes narrowed as she took in Colerio's words. "Captain, you never change. First, you abandoned us, and now you come back asking for my help?"
Colerio's voice softened slightly. "I made decisions based on what I believed was best for the group. I thought that stepping away would allow us all to live normal lives. I never anticipated that it would come to this."
Elara's anger flared. She took a step closer to Colerio, her gaze intense and filled with emotion. "That's what you thought? After everything, you think you can just waltz back into our lives and expect us to pick up where we left off? What about the lives you upended when you made your choice?"
Her eyes were not just angry but also filled with hurt and disappointment. Elara had feelings for Colerio that were never returned. He had once told her that she needed to find her own path rather than following his orders. His rejection and the way he pushed her to live on her own had left a deep scar, making his return now feel like a slap in the face.
Darius, noticing the tension between Colerio and Elara, felt a strong undercurrent of emotion. He started to step in, sensing the need to mediate. However, Damian, ever observant, placed a hand on Darius's shoulder, signaling him to hold back. Damian shook his head slightly, indicating that it was best to let Colerio and Elara have their moment without interference.
Darius hesitated for a moment but then stepped back, respecting Damian's silent advice. He watched as Colerio and Elara faced each other, knowing that resolving this personal conflict was crucial for their mission.
Elara's voice cut through the silence. "So, tell me..."
Colerio met her gaze steadily. "Elara, you know about my predicaments but I need to keep my students safe. And I need you to understand that this isn't just about me—it's about protecting them."
Elara's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and confusion. "And why should I help you? You left us behind when we needed you most."
Colerio took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "I know I can't change the past. But what I'm asking now is for help with the present. The students I'm trying to protect are in grave danger because of the current circumstances. I need someone with your skills to help me resolve this, to clear my name and ensure their safety."
Elara's gaze was fixed on Colerio, her emotions a turbulent sea of anger, regret, and unspoken affection. Her voice, when she spoke, was tinged with bitterness. "You ask for trust after everything? You think that's all it takes?"
The room fell into a tense silence as Elara considered his words. The emotional weight of their shared history was heavy, and the request was not easily given.
Colerio met her gaze with a look that was both earnest and weary. "I'm sorry for everything, Elara." Despite his usually nonchalant demeanor, there was a sincerity in his tone, a depth of emotion conveyed through his steady gaze.
Elara's shoulders slumped slightly, the fight seemingly draining from her. She sighed, her voice softening but still tinged with sadness. "I just… I just wanted to be with you, but…"
Colerio's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a deep regret. "I didn't realize the impact of my decisions, not just on the group but on you personally. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now that I was wrong."
Elara looked away, her emotions flickering across her face like a storm. "You never understood how much you meant to me, did you? You pushed us all away, and now you come back when everything is falling apart. It's like a cruel joke."
Damian and Darius stood in the background, the tension in the room palpable. Damian's eyes flicked between Colerio and Elara, sensing the emotional weight of their confrontation. Darius, though usually stoic, looked concerned, understanding the delicate nature of their reunion.
Colerio took a step closer, his voice steady but soft. "I know I can't undo the past or make up for the hurt I caused. All I can do now is ask for your help and prove that I'm willing to fight for what's right. For what matters."
Elara's gaze remained averted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not just about fighting for what's right. It's about understanding the pain, the choices made, and the trust that's been broken."
There was a long pause as the weight of her words sank in. The silence between them was heavy with unresolved emotions and the burden of the past.
Finally, Elara turned back to face Colerio, her eyes searching his. "I'll help you. Not because I forgive you or because everything is forgotten, but because there's still something worth fighting for. For those who are in danger like I promise back then."
Colerio nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Thank you, Elara. Thank you for everything"
As they prepared to leave, the past lingered in the air, but there was a glimmer of hope in the renewed alliance. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but for now, they were united by a common goal—a chance to set things right and face the trials that lay before them.
Elara's response was a curt, "Hmmp," her voice betraying none of the turmoil inside her. Despite her outward indifference, a small, guarded smile appeared on her lips. While the acknowledgment from Colerio didn't erase their painful past, it offered some comfort to her wounded heart.
To be continue
Elara Moon had a distinct Lolita style, which combined a sweet appearance with a deadly edge.
She had a petite, delicate frame, with short, jet-black hair that framed her face in soft, choppy layers. Her hair was styled in a way that highlighted her sharp, piercing eyes and gave her an air of both youthful innocence and lethal precision. Her bangs were swept to the side, revealing a pair of dark, intense eyes that seemed to hold her emotion.
She wore a dark, elegant dress with lace details and a high collar. The dress flared slightly at the skirt, allowing her to move gracefully. Her outfit was complemented by knee-high stockings and practical, polished boots.Despite her seemingly innocent appearance, every aspect of her outfit was designed with functionality in mind, allowing her to move swiftly and silently.
To be continue.