"Hmm~ Yes... you almost look perfect..."
"Master looks fine! Hurry up!!"
"I feel like he's missing something Nya~"
"Lucifer how long is this going to take." I look at Lucifer standing in front of me and inspecting the same black suit I wore to the King's funeral around three weeks ago after we came back from Azula. And I've been sitting on this chair for the past hour just watching her look me up and down and tweak my hair. "If I'm late Akane's gonna mald at me..."
"Oh relax Alek, I know just what you need..." Lucifer raises up her arm, then a sudden fire goes off on her hand before going out in a flash and revealing a red bowtie. "Here~" She leans to my level and ties it around my neck before adjusting it, then she straightens back up and motions for me to stand up.
"It burns." I stand up from the wooden chair and look at myself from the cracked body long mirror leaned against the withering wood wall in my room.
"Hmm.. mhm..mhm~.." Lucifer nods to herself as she looks me up and down while slowly circling around me.
"W-wow.." Astal looks at me with starry eyes as she's sitting on top of my desk to my right.
"Purrfect~!" Dysma's ears and tail wags as she gives me a thumbs up while she's sitting on my bed and bouncing on it.
"Wait don't bounce on that or-"
"Alek?" Himari's voice calls out from the hall as I panic from watching Dysma bounce on my bed before the door to my room opens.
"Oh, hey." I look at the simple pink dress on her. "You look nice."
Pink is a really good color.
"Oh.. t-thank you..." She fidgets with her hair before stepping into my room. "I-I heard voices and y-your bed c-creaking an-... w-wow.." Her suggestive comment gets replaced by awe as she looks at my outfit in reverence.
"It's nothing, really. I couldn't find anything to wear so I went with this... I just hope it isn't weird to wear something so depressing to a gathering of celebration and happiness or whatever.."
"N-no it still looks as good as it did at the funeral...!" She walks closer and stands in front of me before looking up, then onto my red bowtie. "I-it's so p-pretty and red..."
"You think so?" I look down at its slightly crooked angle. That damn Lucifer didn't put in the effort to adjust it right.
"Mhm..." She elevates herself on her tiptoes, then she brings up her hands onto my neck and adjusts it properly. "It's warm..." She looks up at me briefly before noticing our close proximity and backing away. "S-sorry! I-'ll go tell Akane you're r-ready..!!" She runs out of my room before shutting the door then going down the hall. "Eep!" I hear her stumble down the stairs along with a small shriek.
"Akane's here? Uh oh.."
"Isn't she a bit early, Nya~?" Dysma peeks her head from under my bed.
"Master has kept her waiting way past the time they agreed to meet you arrogant cat! It's past two hours..." Astal jumps down from the wooden ceiling boards.
"Oh I'm sure she won't min-"
*THUNK*
The wooden door to my room gets further beat up as Akane slams it open, her face of pure irritated amazement that I would keep her waiting this long. "Two hours!" She shouts with her hands on her hips, her short hazel empire dress clinging to her legs. "Just how much long-"
"You look nice."
"W-what?" Her expression takes on the form to that of someone that has witnessed a UFO passing by the night sky. "Y-you really think so..." She straightens up and twirls her finger around her blonde hair.
Easy cheesy.
You can get out of any dicey situation with women if you play your cards right.
"Well sure." I straighten up my crooked bowtie after its angle went off from Akane's sudden burst into my room, then I walk past her as I straighten Astal's necklace form around my neck and sliding Dysma's ring form down my finger. "Let's get it."
"O-oh.. right.." She follows behind me. "W-wait get what..?"
I walk down the stairs and see Himari sitting on the couch and brushing her pink hair with the same comb she always uses. "Come on, let's get it" I open the door to the outside world as I step out and look up at the starry night sky and onto the red glow around the moon.
"O-ok..!" Himari and Akane step outside behind me. "Uhm.. get what..?"
"Cake." I walk down the dimly lit streets and lead them towards the brighter inner capital.
It sure is getting pretty colder out, maybe we'll have a Halloween party later on?
Not sure if this world celebrates any kind of seasonal holiday though.
They probably celebrate day of the dead though.
Heh.
"Wait isn't day of the sword basically a day of the dea- Whoa shi-"
"Haah.. watch where you step, Alek..." Akane sighs after getting done watching me almost trip on some pebble. "Here Himari, hold my hand."
"O-okay... thank you..." They walk hand in hand, giggling to themselves as I just walk in front of them all on my lonesome.
"If you want me to come out and hold your hand you need only ask, my host..."
"That would actually be nice. I have never held a woman's hand in my life."
"Mm~ Then allow me t-... you jest, right?"
"That's depressing Nya..."
"Master you can't be serious..."
"I don't want to hear a single word out of any of you for the remainder of this night."
My companions can take their judgmental mouths and take a hike. A man's vulnerability is nothing to make fun of, for when a man's patience runs thin, the beast comes out to pl-
"Oh shi-"
"Haah.. did I not just tell you to watch where you're going?"
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*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"You guys go on inside, I gotta go report to Rin.." I lead Akane and Himari to the front gates of the academy and get ready to separate from them. I have no idea why I need to go see Rin after everything I've already done for her just yesterday. I ended up going home around 11PM because of the ridiculous amount of time that was needed to clean the giant lobby as well as polish the ceiling, the floors, the windows, the stairs, replace the potted plants, replace the red carpets with purple carpets, remove any spider webs in the corners, and then go shopping to the markets and replace the rake I broke.
The money used came out of my own pockets by the way.
"What? Does the student council really need you right now? Can't you tell them to set you free at least just for tonight? We were supposed to spend this night together..." Akane looks at me with dissatisfaction and crosses her arms to shield her exposed arms from the cold.
"Trust me I tried." I turn away and start walking around towards the courtyard. "Don't finish all the cake before I meet up with you guys, and keep your eye on Himari."
"B-bye Alek... we'll be waiting..." Himari says with a shaky voice as they both watch me disappear into the crowd approaching the gates.
"It sure is lively today, hm?"
"I can't remember the last time there was this many people in the streets of Luthran in one night..."
"That probably has to with the King's death Nya~ I've noticed a lot of people with attire from Draevak and Azula Nya~"
The walk to the Academy was probably the loudest it's ever been. As soon as we reached the inner capital, we were met with bright lights from the various golden lamps across the streets that the Kingdom brings out for this day, as well as the bright explosions in the night sky fired with sorcery that are supposed to act like fireworks. And of course, the streets just littered with hundreds upon hundreds of people celebrating and cruising around in carriages and firing more sorceries towards the sky.
"Lucifer, we're heading outside the walls in a couple of days from now."
"Oh? And what's the reason? Or dare I say... occasion?"
"You already know why."
"Hmm~ Then, why don't we go shopping for a new weapon soon?"
"B-but we're broke!"
"We won't need to go shopping because we have a fishbone addict and a ghost book ready to serve my cause."
"Nya?"
"B-b-but.. we can't use a lot of magic remember master?? Wait what did you just call me!?"
"I know you can't. Which is why you two need to figure out a way to keep your knife forms active for longer than two minutes." I walk through the groups of trees out in the darkness and get closer to the courtyard where my psycho student council president is waiting for me. "And no breaks."
"Nya!?"
"H-huh!"
"Oh you little heathen... Already utilizing your fellow little enslaved books against their will.. Very well."
"Master do you know how close to impossible that's going to be?"
"No not really. There's no other choice though, I used all I had to replace that rake I broke... which in return broke me." Imagine corporate sending you out to replace a work item you lost or else you'd lose your job, your belongings and your house. That's precisely what happened. "Unless you want me to go kill magical creatures using a stick, then that would make you more psychotic than my student council president."
"Shame on both of you!"
"O-ok ok I get it! Haah... I think I know a way to 'Train' our souls to retain a form for longer periods of time without using mana..."
"Nya...?"
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*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"Hmph. You are three minutes late." Rin looks at me emerge from the trees behind the gate around the courtyard that's behind the academy, crossing her arms as usual before she narrows her eyes. "And who are they?" Her short dark violet halter dress waves and ripples from the night wind.
"My bad." I walk over the black metal fence and step out of the grass then onto the smooth cobbled courtyard ground illuminated by a single tall bright lamp, then I look at the two familiar figures on both my sides. "They're my uh..."
"Apprentices Nya~!" Dysma shouts with enthusiasm and smiles with pride.
"W-what? No we're his uhm..." Astal has trouble racking something up in her little head.
"They're my apprentices." Let's just go with it.
I look at Rin nervously and I wait to see if she buys my lie. Surely she doesn't suspect they're two magic talking books that are being forced to take their human shapes against their will in order to train their souls to keep a different form for a longer period.
"You... you're taking apprentices?" She looks at me with genuine surprise.
I won.
"Well sure." Screw it, let's develop the lie further and see if I can evolve it. "Y'know, with the whole thing going around with the King being dead and stuff, I figured gathering more helping hands will skyrocket this Kingdom's future or whatever."
"What?" She narrows her eyes.
Crap, I may have messed up throwing in that 'Whatever' part. I need to learn to stop making such declarations without throwing that word around.
"Alright, it's simple, basically-"
"Hmph." She steps right in front of me. "You mean to tell me you gathered..." She looks at Dysma chewing a fish spine, and then onto Astal who's straightening my red bow tie. "..Two.. girls.. under your wing? Is that right?"
"Yeah that's a whoopsie by me I didn't mean to throw in that whatever par- wait what?"
"You." She towers over and looks down at me. "Just how many other women do you know?" She glares into me.
"W-.. huh?" I'm actually confused. What's got her so pissed if not for the 'Whatever' part? Was it really because I was three minutes late?
No wait, I know what to do for this part.
"You look nice."
"W-.." She takes a step back and looks at me with the same expression you'd see on someone that has witnessed a global catastrophe on the news - except her face has a slight red hue. "..You.. really think so?" She adjusts the red rose ornament on her hair.
It's just that easy.
"Hii!"
Rin's face immediately morphs into one of pure disgust as she turns around to see Yukki and Emilia stroll into the courtyard. "Hmph."
"Oh he's here! We've been waiting for three minutes y'know?" Yukki walks around the fountain in the middle and stands next to Rin, wearing a simple black jumper dress, as well as silver lily ornaments on her twin tails. "Ooo who are they~?" She looks at Dysma still chewing on fish bones and onto Astal still adjusting my red bow tie.
"They're my-"
"Apprentices Nya!" Dysma shouts with enthusiasm again, mouth full of fishbones.
"Oh my! Are you taking apprentices now Alek?" Emilia walks forward with a friendly smile and looks at Astal delivering the final touches to my bow tie. "Hello." ^ ^
"Hm? Oh, hi." Astal straightens up and returns a friendly smile.
"Fufu~ Lovely bow you have..." Emilia's elegant bright white gown shines from the ugly cathedral's light. If you told me she was an angel, I'd believe it.
Kinda weird angels haven't been sighted in a long time in this world. You'd think they'd be flying around and protecting the world from its various evils, but I guess that's just how it is.
"Y-you flatter me!" Astal scratches the back of her head and smiles nervously. "Your dress looks lovely as well! I wish I could look like you haha..."
"Oh! I have plenty in my dorm! Please, come this way!" Emilia gives a bright smile.
"O-oh but..." Astal's hand gets grabbed before she looks at me with a nervous expression. "U-uhm ok.."
"M-me too Nya..??" Dysma also gets dragged around the fountain and towards the large academy building.
I wave at them as I watch them get taken hostage by Emilia's hospitality. "Anywa- whoa..!" I get jump scared after I look back at Yukki and Rin giving me a threatening look.
"Welll? Who were those cute girls, Alek?" Yukki has her arms on her hips as she looks at me with an evil and curious smile.
"They are his new 'Apprentices' apparently." Rin gives me a dark and emotionless glare. "Just what is your relationship with them, Alek?" She crosses her arms.
"They're my apprentic-"
"Shhh..." Yukki places her finger on my lips and whispers. "Now I'm going to let you speak, and when I do, you'll give an honest answer, and not an obvious lie... Okay~?" She gives me a scary smile.
I nod, before she removes her finger and joins Rin's quiet glare, waiting for me to talk.
"...They're my apprentices."
"....."
The courtyard enters an eerie awkward silence. With the only sounds being the distant sorcery fireworks, the trees rustling, the various crickets across the empty courtyard, as well as the water flowing from the fountain.
"So, why are you wearing that? Have you returned from another funeral recently?" Rin looks at my black funeral suit in confusion.
"Uh."
"It's fine prez... it still looks good on him yeah~?" Yukki leans forward to poke at my red bow tie. "Yeeowch! Why is it so hot?!" She starts to suck on her finger.
"Hmph. Serves you right." Rin gives her an evil little condescending smile.
"So why are we here? I could be eating cake right now."
"Alright." Rin motions for us to follow her down the path back to the academy. "As you two already know, Phardwin and I have recently established a new faction within this Kingdom."
"The Pale Inquisition! Did I get it? I got it right! Right~?" Yukki beams loudly as we walk beside her down the cobbled path.
"The what?" Again with this 'Inquisition' thing? I didn't expect Rin to co-found it. It still sounds like a pain. I really hope she's not about to force me to join it, I've still got way too many plans that need my attention.
"Anyways, the purpose of its existence is to seek truth and deliver justice to 'The Order' that has been running rampant." The sound of her glossy heels clacking on the cobbled path echoes across the night. "I'll cut to the point." She stops and turns towards me and Yukki. "The Inquisition is stationed across the academy. We believe 'The Order' is going to make a move on this night, and I need you both to volunte-" She stops as she watches me walk past her.
"No thanks. I've already told you I've got no time to be doing all that." When will she take the hint?
"Alek." Rin grabs my shoulder. "The murders across the Kingdom have been growing with no sign of stopping. Many lives are at risk on this night. Are you telling me you have other 'Important' things that need your full attention?" She turns me around to look at her. "Do the lives of many mean nothing to you?" She pauses as she looks into my eyes, before resuming. "You told me you were going to give it some thought... And I need your answer here and now."
I look over at Yukki who's just watching us in silence, then back at Rin. "I did give it some thought. And I'm sorry." I walk past her and back towards the bright academy building. "What my attention is focused on right now is something huge I can't ignore, things are changing." I walk ahead alone and leave the two behind.
No but seriously though, with the way I have to hunt souls outside the Kingdom walls without my trusty great sword, things are gonna have to change real fast. I can't just go around willy nilly swinging a pair of two kitchen knives, I'll probably be facing giant creatures that will be able to swallow me whole like I'm a pill for some homeless person. I'll need a strategy.
"Fu~Fu~Fu~"
"You didn't have to burn Yukki's finger like that."
"I think you know that's not true~"
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*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
She stands there, in silent shock.
Did the new person she depended on the most just reject her request for aid?
The way he refused her with such emptiness in his gaze still lingers in her mind.
"Yukki." Rin turns to look at her with a tinge of sadness in her tone, but she's trying her best to not let it show. "I'm putting my trust in you. Don't let anything happen in this night, do you understand me?"
"Okayy~!" Yukki smiles brightly, she can see right through Rin. And she sees slight fear. "I've got it Rin-Rin, don't even worry about it kay~?" She bumps her shoulder and steps in front of her. "Now let's go have a little fun before we have to do all that Inquisition business!!"
"Very well." Rin regains her faith and walks alongside her, away from the darkness of the night and towards a brighter and more shining space.
She finds herself wondering, what did he mean by "Things are changing"? It's the same phrase he spoke to her on the rainy and gloomy day that also brought a new corpse to her eyes. Could it be possible he's found a way to counter them?
Did he really put in the thought to her request of joining the same faction she established to investigate her father's murder? The more she remembers, the more dread it brings. Her father was her hero, her protector, and her influence. Even though they had days where he mysteriously disappeared for long periods of time, he was still the one that raised her. The one that taught her of the dangers of the world all by himself, the only one that remained in her life.
This organization that stalks the shadows must be brought to its end. If it's true they are the ones responsible for the death of her father and the King, it cannot be allowed to roam the mortal plain.
The black cloaked figure that was at the site of the two assassinations fills her with trepidation.
Why did it allow her to live?
What is its purpose?
What remains certain is that this mysterious figure cloaked in black is with 'The Order.'
There's no other possible reason for the bloodshed it brought.
Her faith outweighs her fears, her spirit remains intact. And it was enough for her to establish the new faction that seeks truth and justice.
For now, time will dictate how the coming days will unfold.
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*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*
*BOOM* *BOOM*
*BOOM*
The sky gets lit up in bright multicolor as volley after volley of sorceries get fired into the clouds, spreading its celebratory light across the Kingdom in the distance.
"Now, I understand you two have your own matters that need your attention." Phardwin looks over to Mira and Draken standing in front of him as they are gathered at the top balcony of the academy, the distant fade of people muttering in the lobby echoes across the walls. "But, this day requires the entirety of the King's Will in order to ensure it goes without casualties..." He adjusts his monocle, the reflection of bright colored explosions etched on the lens.
"But of course, Phardwin!" Mira smiles at him, twirling a single purple rose on her fingers. "I was going to spend this day dusting off the Archive's bookshelves anyways. Getting to see the students celebrate and enjoy this special day that occurs once every 5 years is certainly better than repeatedly sneezing from being in such an enclosed and dark space..."
"I'll do it as long as there's booze..." Draken scratches his left ear. "Whoa, I'm just messing around.." He adjusts his tie after getting his shoulder bumped by Mira.
"Yes, I can see that." Phardwin looks off at the distant fireworks. "Hm..."
"Yes? Go on, we're here and listening, Phardwin." Mira notices the conflicted look on his face.
"I recognize that look on your face, Phardwin." Draken holsters his broad blade over his shoulder. "Still finding it hard to believe our King has met his end, ah?" He sighs. "I won't try and deceive both of you, but with Lux also being dead... and the Rune of Power now missing.. I'm uncertain where this Kingdom's wellbeing remains in the scheme of... well, everything."
"There is nothing to fear." Phardwin's expression goes back to its resolute state. "The Pale Inquisition has been established. The ones that walk the path of transgression will not go unnoticed.. or unpunished." His silver cross necklace gives a brief golden shine, before he looks up at the red glow around the moon. "The same can be said to the one that walks in death. My faith overpowers my doubts." He turns away and starts walking towards the double doors. "He will be dealt with in due time. For now, allow time to dictate the uncertain but not unpromising future." He disappears back inside.
"Well, alright then." Draken raises his quad barreled musket and hops on top of the railing. "I'll go scout out this cold night.. Haah.." He sighs to himself as he jumps onto the roof and joins a group of white robbed knights. "Catch you later." He walks off, the group of silver white robbed knights follow behind him as he leads them across the roof and disappearing from sight.
"Then, I'll do the same..." Mira steps over the railing and starts walking down towards the ground, her feet making contact with glowing purple platforms that manifest as she inches closer to the ground.
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*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"I don't like that girl Nya..."
"Mmf.. me neither *MUNCH*"
"Hey save some for me." I look at Astal taking huge bites out of her cake and onto her bright elegant white dress that has a similar design to Emilia's, and then onto Dysma with the same dress who's currently looking over at Emilia through the crowd with her tail raised up high the same way a scared cat would. "You both look nice though."
"N-nyah!?"
"R-really...?"
Easy breezy.
Now that I've earned their approval for the night, it's time to pressure them to increase the uptime of their training.
"Anyways ima need you two to keep those forms for the rest of this night."
"NYA?"
"H-huh!... *MUNCH*"
Basically, in order to increase the amount of time they can keep their dagger forms, they need to train their souls to keep a different shape and away from their normal ring and necklace forms. Think of it as a 'workout' to increase their stamina - which is why I had them create their own dagger forms for me to use as self-defense, the small sizes are less taxing for them.
And daggers are pretty frickin' cool.
And they're convenient to store.
I don't really know what the logic is for them to be able to change to their human forms without using mana. When we were on our way to the courtyard earlier, all Astal mentioned is that other than their human forms, they can only change shape to something that's smaller than a broad sword.
Also I can't use Gloom or Gospel, since using them would be the same as holding two hotdogs without ketchup. Their chambers are pretty much empty till I can find a way to restore Astal and Dysma's mana reserves and re-strengthen their souls.
Of course, I can just use the bayonets, but if I had to run around swinging two empty revolvers, I'd look retarded.
So, daggers it is.
"I told you to save me some god damn it." I feel a frown form on my face as I notice the plate of cake Astal was supposed to share with me is completely empty. "Why, Astal?"
"W-woops..." She licks her frosting coated lips.
"Glutton."
"HAG!" Astal shouts, making a group of people off in the opposite corner look at her like she's some schizophrenic girl shouting at someone that isn't even there.
"Nyahahaha~!"
"Aye, don't start. This is a peaceful space."
"H-here you go..." Himari offers me her plate as she appears behind me with Akane. "You can have it..."
"Well well well!" I instantly snag it from her hands and grip onto the silver spoon. "...Wait why do I feel guilty all of a sudden..."
"Haah.. just take it.." Akane offers me her own plate, to which I also instantly snag from her before giving back Himari's plate.
"You're too kind." With triumph, I dig into the tantalizing valley of sweet bread coated in white and red frosting and savor this victory. *SMACK!* "You best back up now." I glare over to Astal who foolishly attempted to dig her little finger into MY possession. "You've had your fill..." *MUNCH*
"Pfft.. pfthehehe~" Akane giggles to herself as she approaches Astal and Dysma with a friendly and curious expression. "Hello, are you two friends of Alek?"
"N-not exactly..." Astal looks away nervously with a shy look on her face.
"They're his apprentices!" Emilia also joins our little corner, giggling to herself as she covers her mouth. "Good evening to you, Akane." She bows politely.
"Hey Emilia, it's really packed today huh..." A look of surprise comes across her face before she looks at me. "W-wait what!? When did you start taking apprentices?!" Akane looks at me as if I'm not capable of taking apprentices, and frankly, it hurts.
"Literally today."
"D-did you want some..?" Himari offers some of her cake to Astal like the sweet little bundle of roses she is.
"R-really?!" Astal's shy tone gets replaced with gluttonous gratitude as she starts to dig into Himari's cake.
"I really like your little ears Hehe.." Akane pokes at Dysma's cat ears with curiosity.
"Nya!?" Dysma instantly jolts and quickly moves behind me. "Hissss..."
"Dysma settle down."
"A-ah! S-so you're Dysma? Thats... quite the eerie name haha.." Akane laughs nervously before offering a hand. "I'm Akane.. Akane Rosevoir...Sorry for touching you, I couldn't resist, I like cats haha.."
"Hisss..." Dysma continues to hiss at her like a rude little kitty.
"I'm Astal.. *MUNCH*"
"Chew with your mouth closed."
"Hello! I don't think we've met before." Emilia smiles as she walks over to Himari ^ ^ "I'm Emilia Goldkin, and you are?
Himari fidgets with the hem of her dress as she looks down at the exquisitely polished floor thanks to yours truly. "H-himari.. Himari Hatamai.." She bows shyly.
"I'm Lucifer~"
"Oh! Well hello there, how long have you been standing ther-... huh?" Emilia gets a confused look on her face after turning around only to see no one.
"H-huh?" Akane looks around in confusion. "Who said that?"
"I-it was probably someone from the crowd Haha..!!" Astal laughs nervously.
"B-but.. it sounded so close a-and we're the only ones in this corner.." Himari scans our little corner with an uneasy expression on her face.
"Probably a ghost Nya~" Dysma peeks from behind me smiling deviously.
"I second that notion." That damn Lucifer. I can almost hear her giggling to herself alone in that room of hers.
"So... how long have you two known Alek? And what's it like to be taken under his wing?" Akane smiles over to Astal and Dysma.
"U-uhm.. well.." Before Astal could explain, everyone in the lobby goes quiet as the bald dude from way before requests their attention, standing on the balcony in between the two long staircases.
"Ah! it's foster father!" Emilia smiles and claps her hands together.
"Welcome." He bows as four silver white robbed knights stand on his sides behind him. "I do hope you are all enjoying yourselves and are as eager as I am to indulge in yet another day where we honor the fallen.. yet the victorious." He raises his head. "Let us have a moment of silence for those that secured a future for this Kingdom...and.. for our fallen King that has led us through countless victories.. and prosperity."
The room goes silent for up to ten seconds, before he resumes.
"However, worry not, distress not, and fear not." He straightens up and joins his hands together behind him. "The fall of our King means not a defeat for our Kingdom. For as long as we of the King's Will remain walking, your peace, this Kingdom's existence, will remain engraved into the ground. It will remain engraved for generations to come. This is no day to fret over misfortune or adversity. This is a day to remind you that THIS KINGDOM WILL FIGHT ON!" He raises his voice. "THIS KINGDOM IS FAR FROM THE CLUTCHES OF TERMINATION! SO WHAT IF THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE PROMISES THE CONTINOUS AND UNPREDICTABLE SLAYING OF OUR MEN? THE KINGDOM OF LUTHRAN FIGHTS ON!" The crowd in the room cheers. "OUR SPIRITS SHALL DO THE SAME! WE ARE THE KINGDOM OF LUTHRAN." He raises his fist in the air. "THE KINGDOM DEDICATED TO GOD! AND GOD WILL FIGHT AMONGST US!" The room cheers louder. "Now, do enjoy the day of the sword, for there are many more to come! So long as your hope remains strong, so too shall the Kingdom." The room claps in unison as he bows before disappearing down a hallway, the four white knights also bow before following him out of sight.
The lobby returns to its calm ambience, everyone resumes their conversations, and the music from the various harps and other ancient instruments resumes.
"Well that sure was something." I take a bite out of my cake as I turn back to our group in the corner.
"I still can't believe the loss of the King.." Akane sighs to herself. "But it's alright." She looks over to Himari and gives her a reassuring smile. "We'll fight on! Okay?" She places her hand on her shoulder.
"Y-..yes.." Himari returns an uncertain smile.
"It's quite alright, Himari." Emilia also gently places her hand on Himari's other shoulder. "The academy and the King's Will remain, and so too shall the Kingdom's faith. After all, God really is watching us.. and you as well!" Her cross hairpin reflects the light of the chandelier above. "So try to have a good time today!" ^ ^
"O-okay..!" Himari smiles shyly, clutching her hands against her chest.
"Hmph. Naturally." Rin appears out of nowhere and joins the group. "It's only natural to remain faithful, what good will fear and anguish do?" She crosses her arms as she stands next to me.
"Oh, hey." I look over to her, but she looks away with a loud 'Hmph'.
Heck did I even do this time? I'm just eating my cake.
"Hey be nice prez!" Yukki strolls into our group holding her own plate of cake. "Hii!" She waves over to Himari. "Your hair is so pretty!! What's your name?? I'm Yukki! Has Alek told you about me?? He has hasn't he?? How do you know Alek! He's a real weird one hm?? Teeheeheehee~!"
"U-uhm.." Himari struggles to process her sudden bombardment of questions.
"Control yourself." Rin sighs to herself as she looks over to Yukki bouncing up and down in front of Himari with her usual excitement of meeting someone new. Akane and Emilia also start to ask her questions and before I know it, they're now conversing with each other, talking about their positions in the academy, about Himari's natural pink hair color, where they got their dresses, and other mundane girl things.
I look over to Astal who started to tug on my sleeve. "S-so mast- u-uh I mean.. Alek.. can I.."
"Yeah fine whatever here. Just take it." I hand her the last remaining half of my cake. This creature just can't be sated. "Take it."
"Glutton! Pufferfish! Nyahahaha~!" Dysma starts to mock and laugh at her.
"S-shuv Uvp!" Astal talks with her mouth full again.
"Have you.." Rin approaches Astal and looks down at her stuffing her face in cake. "..You have the appetite of someone that has never tasted cake in their life before.."
"Huh? How'd you know..?" Astal looks up at her nervously, a mustache of cake frosting on her top lip.
"Gluttonous gull! Nyahahaha~!!" Dysma points at Astal and starts to laugh harder to herself, her ears and tail wiggling repeatedly.
"SHUT UP FURBALLED FISHSTICK ADDICTED FLEABAG!" Astal shouts at her with a red face.
"Have you really not tasted cake before...?" Rin looks at her, eyebrow raised.
I separate from the seven now that they're in their own conversations, then I navigate around the crowded lobby, over groups of people conversing and dancing, then I approach the table on the opposite side of the lobby that has fancy glasses of various kinds of drinks and bowls of pastries. "Lucifer."
"Mhmm? Are you enjoying yourself, Alek~?"
"It's not bad I guess." I reach for a glass and look at the various people conversing, dancing, and then back to the group in the corner giggling amongst themselves.
This is the first time I've attended such a large gathering. I have never had or been invited to parties, never visited any 'Friends' or 'Families', and I have never experienced what it's like to be in a large room that is just about celebrating and hunkering down, so I'm not sure how to describe this experience.
"Yes, Alek? I know what that look on your face entails... You want to seek some of your lifetime partner's wisdom, mhm~?"
"Yeah pretty much." I take a sip of my drink.
It tastes like grape juice with a lot of sugar.
"Then, go on... ask away..."
"I need a way to gather souls more efficiently... actually no.. is there a way to strengthen the Rune of Death's power in less than.. well, ten years.." That's actually how long it took to allow it to let me do all that flashy stuff, and I have a feeling I'm only scratching the surface on its capabilities. "I want to go back to being able to run up walls and create shadow afterimages god damn it." I scratch the back of my head in frustration. "So? Any tips or tricks?"
"Ah of course.. I was waiting for you to ask me something like that for the past three weeks, my host~"
"Why didn't you just outright tell me rather than wait for me to ask you?"
"I like it when you command me..."
"But I'm not commanding you, I'm asking you..."
"You just don't get it, Alek~"
"And I don't want to, now spill."
"Is that an order~?"
"Quit making it so damn questionable and talk woman."
"FuFu~ Right... Now first, you are aware that every soul is different, yes?"
"I guess so."
"Then you know different kinds of souls offer their own amount of... 'essence' for the Rune of Death to absorb, correct?"
"Huh."
"It's very simple! When the Rune absorbs.. let's say, a human soul.. it converts it into unholy essence for you to use."
"I mean.. I know that much.."
"However, depending on if a soul is pure or tainted, the amount you get will differ. So, absorbing from that of someone that has sinned, you will gain a significant more amount than that of a clean soul - as tainted souls are already primarily made of pure unholy essence."
"So is it better to kill other humans than to just go out and kill some slimes?"
"Once again, it all depends... You gain more unholy essence from a large monster that feasted on countless souls than from one soul of a sinner - and you gain more unholy essence from a soul of a sinner than a small monster the size of a slime. Very diverse properties, hm~?"
"What a giant headache this all is. Just give me somewhere to go that you know has a lot of danger or whatever."
"Now you're starting to excite me Alek... I do know.. somewhere very special that will net you significant power in no time. Would you like me to tell you~?"
"Tell me."
"It's the place of the birth of all of the world's evils that the mortals have named... The Abyssal Hollow."
"Then we'll head over there in- Dang it, we'll talk later." I look over to Akane approaching me with a shy smile on her face. "Yo."
"Hey.." She brushes a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, then extends out her left hand. "May I have this dance...?"
I set my glass back down on the table and reach out for it. "Sure." I reach out my right hand and take hers, then I let her lead me to the middle where there are others already engaged in the art of dancing. "So.. how do you do this?" I look at her awkwardly. I hope I have the mental capacity to pay attention to everything she is about to teach me.
"Hehehe~ Don't be nervous... it's simple, you'll like it, I promise, okay?" She smiles.
"If you say so..."
"So then... first, place your feet shoulder's width apart, your left foot in front, and your right slightly behind it." She entwines her fingers with my right hand and places her other on my left shoulder. "N-now put your free hand on my waist and follow my lead.."
"Alright." I place my feet to their rightfully explained positions, then I carefully place my left hand on her waist. "Like this?"
"M-mhm...Now.. follow the rhythm, k-keep your breathing steady. Step to the side, t-then slide your right foot b-backward.. then step t-to the side again.. but with your left foot.. F-finally.. slide your left f-foot forward.. A-and keep your upper body steady to let our c-connection synchronize..."
I do as instructed and follow her movements, my eyes down on the shiny ground and onto her heels as I carefully study her steps.
"Hm..." She lets go of my right hand and moves it under my chin, then she tilts my face back up. "Keep your eyes on me..." She digs her turquoise eyes into mine with an embarrassed red face. "J-just follow the music's rhythm... don't fight it or question it.. l-let it guide you.." She entwines her left hand with my right and continues to look into me as we sway and move with the music.
I once again do as instructed as we resume our dance.
"W-whoa.." I almost trip as I try to follow her movements without the sight of her legs. "...My bad.."
"Pft.. pftehehehe~" She giggles to herself, her shy and embarrassed expression now replaced with a pure smile. "It's alright, Alek. Don't worry about perfection... Just lose yourself in the moment.. I'm having fun.." Her right hand on my shoulder shifts to my red bowtie before she starts adjusting it.
"You are?" We continue to sway and slowly follow the rhythm of the serene harps echoing across the shiny lobby.
"Mhm." She moves her right hand back onto my shoulder and grips it gently. "Let yourself flow with the music, sway your hips.. and trust me." She presses herself closer. "..And keep looking into my eyes, this is the true magic of dance.." She looks into me longingly.
I wasn't sure it was even possible, but dancing is actually pretty fun. It's like playing a team-based game, in a way. I regret not learning or trying it sooner, and I don't regret accepting her invitation. I'm glad I've got to try something new.
"I'm having fun too."
"..O-oh.." She looks away as her embarrassed red face returns. "..I.. Y-you know.. I'm not used to seeing you smile.." She looks back into my eyes. "..You should really smile more.."
"Sorry."
"Hehehe~... Don't be sorry..." Her face returns to a pure smile. "Thank you for agreeing to dance with me... I just.. really wanted to bring you a day where.. where you're not traveling or thinking of ways to stay alive.. I'm glad the Kingdom recognized your talents.. I'm glad the Kingdom started to depend on you enough to send you out to faraway places.." Her smile fades. "But don't forget... you always have people waiting for you.. a-and thinking about you.."
"Alright, sorry."
"Don't be sorry." She smiles. "..Just.. smile more, okay?"
"..Right"
"Now.. here comes our first turn, are you ready?"
"Alright." I raise up our entwined hands as I spin her around, before we reunite. "...Did I do it right?"
"T-that was perfect!" She smiles. "You've got it all down... see? I know you'd learn fast."
Before I can respond to her, something catches my eye.
I look over to the group in the corner watching us, past Rin, Yukki and Astal's menacing glares, and then onto the figure looking directly at me.
It's a red hooded person in a white doll mask.
"Alek? Are you ok?" Akane looks at me with a concerned and confused face.
"Huh? Oh, right, my bad. Just wondering around within the confines of my mind is all." I look back into Akane's eyes.
"It's no problem." She continues to lead our dance. "Did you see something or someone you know?"
"No not really I jus-" I look back over to the window and the figure is gone. "..Just thinking about the next student council assignment is all.." As we move, my gaze lingers onto another figure standing at the second floor and peeking at me over the railing.
It's Akki wearing that same smiley mask again, she just looks at me for a couple more seconds before she turns and disappears down the hall.
"...God damn it." I let go of Akane. "Hey my bad, I've gotta.. go to the bathroom."
"Huh? Oh, it's fine.. Do you know where it is? I can take you if you wan-"
"Nah it's fine, I've got it. I'm the vice president after all." I slowly separate from her. "What kind of vice president would I be if I got lost on my way to the bathroom? Don't be silly now." I start to walk out of the lobby and towards a separate hall.
"Uhm.. ok.. I'll let everyone else know, okay?" She waves at me as she watches me walk off.
"Lucifer."
"Mhm."
I exit the lobby and walk through the halls, the loud sound of the various muttering in the lobby starts to fade into a distant ambience as I roam the empty hallways, then I go up the stairs at the end of the hall and go down a separate ridiculously longer hallway. "Who the heck was that doll masked buffoon? I thought I dealt with that wacko like three years ago..." I stop. "And why is Akki here? Why can't she just buzz off. I ain't got time to be dealing with those two."
"Alek, have you noticed something about their attire?"
"Yeah, one is wearing some kind of military school uniform, and the other just has an oversized red hood over them, just like those jerks back at the alleyw-" It hit me.
"That's right, Alek. The Cult has located you, and they've come for you."
"You don't have to sound so dramatic when you say that."
"FuFu~ Sorry~"
"But why is Akki here? I don't really see her as the type to tolerate being in a group of demented hobos."
"Alek, do you remember that person we saw in Azula? The one that stole the Rune of Power?"
"Well yeah, he had the same color scheme as Akki's uniform, and the tag around his arm-" It hit me again.
"Mhm. You might be dealing with two factions, and that Akki girl must be with that person with the funny accent."
"Great, just what I needed..."
"And that's not all, Alek. I'm certain that Akki girl and that person that talks funny is with this 'Order' we've been hearing so much about, hm?"
"Great, that's EXACTLY what I needed..." I palm my face. I guess what the shizo told me about the two factions coming for me wasn't just something a schizo made up on the spot. "Alright Lucifer, change of plan- Wh-what the?!" *THUNK* I fall forward onto the ground as something pounces on me from behind.
"Hey! Who said you could leave me behind Nya!" Dysma claws at my back as she straddles my back.
"Hey get ovv him! *MUNCH* *MUNCH*" Astal catches up and pulls Dysma off me, her mouth full of cake as some frosting drips from her lips.
"The heck is your problem??" I stand back up and look over at Astal holding Dysma in a headlock. "You didn't have to pounce on me like I'm prey." I dust my shouders.
"Hrng! Let me go! HISSSS" Dysma hisses and tries to claw at Astal as she is restrained against her.
"Anyways... change of plans Lucifer. We head out to that abyssal hollow place tonight."
"H-hah!?" Astal shifts her attention from Dysma to me with a shocked look.
"Nya!?" Dysma stops spazzing around and gives me the same look.
"What?"
"W-why would you ever want to go there master??" Astal lets Dysma go and places her hands on her hips. "It's too dangerous!"
"Yeah that's why we're going." I have my hand on Dysma's forehead, stopping her as she's reaching out and trying to claw at me.
"Don't wanna, Nya!!" She gives me a defiant look. "Now where's my fishbones Nya!!"
"Calm yourselves. Alek just wants somewhere to gain power at a fast rate, right Alek~?"
"You..!" Astal approaches me and grabs onto my right hand. "I knew this was your doing! You just cant stop feeding dangerous ideas to master for your own benefit..." She squeezes my hand.
"Astal that hurts."
"Shut up!" She yells at me, which surprises me because the last time she yelled at me was way back when I first found her. "I see right through you Satan! Trying to corrupt master's head with your forbidden knowledge... I won't let you!"
"Oh my..."
"Alright Astal chill out." I pull back my hand. "This was actually my idea. I really do need somewhere to regain power." I rub my hand. "Also to try and get you and Dysma back to peak performance."
"Master you're lying! Lucifer is corrupting your-... what?" She stops and looks at me blankly.
"See, Astal? 'Master' is also thinking about you both, and he wants what's best for all of us equally~ Right, 'Master'~?"
"Huh."
"I-is that true, master?" She looks up at me with a pleading look.
"Yeah sure whatever." I smack Dysma as she tries reaching into my pockets. "I don't have fishbones, quit it, you're creeping me out."
"Grng!" She pouts at me.
"Now that we're done with our little charade, I need you both to enter knife form asap."
Astal looks up at me with reluctance. "What's the rush master? We're still training-"
*PSHRNNHG*
I grabbed onto Dysma and Astal and jumped backwards before the glass from the window next to us could stab through us after shattering in an explosion.
"W-what the!?" Astal shouts in confusion as she looks at the red hooded figure with the doll mask float and enter through the broken window.
"Finally stopped being shy and decided to see me face to face huh." I watch as it steps onto the glass shard covered floor and slowly steps towards me. "Are you gonna introduce yourself or.." I stand up and clutch onto Dysma's talon knife form.
"..." It stays silent, slowly approaching me.
"You know Astal, I'm fine with you taking your time and stuff, but I would be very happy if you changed now." I look over at Astal next to me clutching at my sleeve.
"D-don't rush me..!" She starts to glow before changing her shape and wrapping around my arm.
"Astal."
"Yes?"
"What is this."
"U-uhm.. hehe.. woops."
"...Hm.." I look down at the long thin chain I am now holding. "How do you mess up this badly?"
"You had one job, Astal."
"I-it's not my fault!! You're the one that m-made me stay in my human form for such a long time!"
"That doesn't explain how you mess up this horribly. The rude fishbone addicted kitty did a better job than you."
"Uh-huh Nya-huh~"
"Haah..." The red hooded figure lets out an audible groan.
"Yeah this is what I go through every day, this isn't actually the first time she messes up this badly." I hold out the long thin chain. "Here you can have her. Take her. Just take her."
"MASTER."
"..." The doll masked figure remains quiet as a gray aura appears around it, before the various glass shards on the ground start to float up and take on a thick black glow.
"Uh oh." I take Astal's wacky thin chain form and wrap it around Dysma's hilt. "Time to blast." I turn towards another window on my right and jump right through it, breaking it as I am now seconds from falling down two stories.
"M-master what are you-?"
I then throw Dysma's talon knife form up at the roof and grapple myself up towards it, dodging the black glass projectiles that were thrown at my previous spot.
I stand up on the roof, looking over at the bright sorcery fireworks lighting up the sky off in the distance. "The things you make me do, Astal." I dust off the small glass shards clinging to my shoulders, before I look behind me and letting out a sigh.
"Heh.. miss me?" The bald dude with the sick head tattoo from before waves at me, standing in front of a mob of about twenty other robed figures surrounding the roof, and there's a load of dead white knights spread around.
"If I said yes will you excuse my previous behavior back at the alleyways."
"Hmm..." He sets his hook sword down. "Alright, I can forgive you."
"Really?"
"Sure man, just hand over the Rune of Death that you have there and we'll call it even, yeah?" Another red hooded figure walks forward, removing his hood and revealing some dude wearing a rat skull mask.
"Ok sweet, uhh.. how do I do that?"
"Heh.. just let me cut off your hand." He raises up a bone knife that's glowing green. "That's where you have it, right?"
"Will it hurt."
"I'm already hurt.. how could you, Alek... Just kidding~ Let's kill them and take their souls~!"
"You just read my mind." I grip onto Dysma's talon knife form and spin it around my finger. "Gonna be tricky though."
"Oh but it will, now that I am here." A feminine voice calls out to me from behind before I get restrained in some kind of white silk.
"Oh god damn it." I look down at the thin strings enveloping all around my body, then onto the tall woman with magenta hair tied up in a bun as she walks into view from behind me. "So, you're the one, hm?" She looks at me with an expressionless face, and her irises are shaped like a spider web.
"Nah I'm just some dude." I try to set myself free, but the strings are so thin they start to dig onto the skin of my neck and my hands as I struggle. "Ow."
"Did you really think that would work?" She looks at me with an unamused face.
"Yeah I can't say I expected something else to happen." I stand still in defeat, blood dripping from my new cuts as the guy in the rat skull mask approaches me. "Hey, easy there buddy." He reaches for my right hand as he holds up his glowing bone knife.
"Haah.. Are we certain this boy is the one that bears the mark?" The pale woman with spider web irises gives me disgusted look. "I do indeed sense a second presence..." She leans forward and digs her dark purple irises into mine. "..But not enough to amount to anything threatening."
"Hey, I have feelings."
"Well, no matter, the second presence is enough to determine he bears death." She straightens up and raises her hand, the string protruding from her finger that's connected to my body glows, then my right hand gets raised. "Do it."
"Yeah yeah.." The guy in the rat skull mask grabs onto my right hand, then brings his bone dagger forward.
*Fwshh...*
"W-what..?" The woman backs up with a confused and surprised look as she watches the strings around my body start to slowly burn in a red flame. "I thought you said he's exhausted his power..."
"Uh well..." The guy in the rat skull mask jumps backwards and watches the strings completely burn away. "I thought he has after branding the god damn moon... looks like my observations were wrong.."
"You...'Thought'...?" She looks at him with an amused and irritated look.
"Alright, let's take things slow and get to know each other a bit, okay?" I look down at my red bow tie that's glowing red and slowly burning away, before shifting my attention back to the red hooded mob. "Actually, never mind. Let's just have at it." I grip onto the thin chain and start to spin the black talon knife around. "Woops... almost cut my finger."
"As you so wish." The woman's purple eyes start to glow, and several purple transparent glowing spider-like appendages emerge from her back.
"Ew."
"Hell yeah, it's about time I've dissected you..heheh.." The dude with the rat skull mask points his bone dagger at me as it starts to glow green. "I really can't wait to see what color the insides of the one that bears death looks like..." He starts to spin his dagger. "Tell me already... what color is your blood?"
"Heh.. let's find out." The bald man walks forward and stands in between both of them.
"What he said." I grip onto my black talon knife and assume a defensive AND offensive stance. I may not be in top condition, but I won't let that ruin my night. I've already indulged and learned dancing, ate some cake, experienced my first social gathering, and now I feel like ending the night with bang.
"M-master we can't possibly win this!"
"Oh hush, just look at him..."
"He certainly seems to be into it Nya~"
"Damn straight..." I grip onto my talon knife tighter and feel a warm and fuzzy smile growing on my face.
If anything, I feel pumped in this moment in time. And I'm pretty sure the sugar from the cake I ate and the grape juice I drank earlier has something to do with it.
I feel like I can take on god.
*FVOoOom...*
A black portal materializes in front of the three in from of me, as the person in the doll mask from earlier slowly ascends from it.
"Hm." I hear it grumble behind the shiny pale doll mask, its two pitch black eye holes looking right at me.
"Nice of you to finally join us." The bald man clutches his giant hook sword as it starts to glow red. "We were just about to cut his hand off and feed it to Thrash, heh.."
"Haah.. No, idiot. We need his hand. Go feed your demon a chicken leg or perhaps a toad.." The woman looks at the bald guy with unamused irritation.
"Hey, can we get on with it? I'm still craving more cake."
"Me too..." I look off to my right and see Akki standing right next to me.
"It did look quite appetizing, what flavor was it, hm?" That Rozelia woman is standing to my left, holding her metallic pole on her shoulders.
"I think it was just vanilla with a touch of strawberry."
"Booooring." Akki groans behind her smiley face mask.
"And why are you two back? Can't you let me off for one day?"
"My...I understand your frustration, however our superior took interest in you and requested to retrieve you." Rozelia spins her metallic pole before it splits in two, connected by a chain, almost like long nun chucks. "And he is... Ahem, quite the individual.. when he takes interest in something.. So do come with us, hm?"
"I think not." The woman with spider web irises speaks up. "That boy will be coming with us. I'm sure your 'Superior' would be more than sated receiving both of your corpses as compensation, yes?"
"Oh my! Now the arachnid fly eating pest is going to request a foolish deal worth less than the bugs crushed under my heels.. oh dear.." Rozelia covers her mouth with a smirk.
"Have no worries, I will keep your face intact after I tear all four of your limbs and piece you back together into a taxidermy statue for my little spiders to crawl on and lay their eggs into." She replies with an expressionless thin line on her lips.
"Ohmaigodd... do you two ever shut up...?" Akki raises her comically sized butcher blade and starts to tap her finger against it.
"You sure are telling me, young lady... nothin' but yap and more yap from that spider every day..." The bald guy sighs.
"Man... if only you three knew..." The guy in the rat skull mask also sighs.
"Another word from you two and I will make sure you are too afraid to sleep from the risk of me planting my eggs into your brains." The spider lady raises her voice.
"Hm." The person in the doll mask lets out an audible annoyed groan as he raises his hand towards me.
"Honestly, even I don't know why we didn't just do that from the beginning, man..." The guy in the rat skull mask sighs in amusement.
"Uh.. do what?"
"Oh dear..." Rozelia sighs, looking down at my feet.
"See ya later mister." Akki starts to wave at me.
"What are you two... oh god damn it." I look down at my feet and can now see I am slowly getting dragged down onto a black portal. "Well ain't this just a son of a bit-"
.
.
.
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"Dang it, after I got to see him again..."
"Fufu.. I knew you were interested in him, why not be more honest with yourself, hm?"
"Zip it Roze, we have more people to liquidate."
"Liquidate? Oh, surely you both don't think you're more than enough to fend off all three hundred of us..."
"Zip it spider lady, Umbra is more than enough to dumpster you and your stupid little cult. Blehh..~"
"Sticking your tongue out now, Akki? I would have thought you'd have matured a bit..."
"Heh.. 'Umbra', huh? So, you a summoner too? I'd sure like Thrash to make a new friend... One he can devour like a chicken sandwich.. Heh..Heh.."
"Shut up, man... do you see anyone else here laughing with you? C'mon.."
"Shut it, Ratkey, now make yourself useful and take care of pretty face over there."
"Oh my.. surely you don't mean me, hm? I do apologize but.. you're just not my type.."
"This is why you'll always be single, Roze.."
"Akki, be a dear and refrain from speaking any more, you wouldn't want me to tell Samfotsen to experiment on your precious Umbra, hm?"
"I'll kill you."
"FuFu.. you are so adorable..."
"Hey man.. uhh can we wrap this up? I think I see the Inquisition over there.. Wait, there's a lot of them, we might have to bounce.."
"Hm."
"What's the deal with doll face over there? Mental deficiency?"
"Oh Akki... it is quite rude to be asking such a thing.. silly little girl.."
"Don't care, didn't ask, will do it again."
"Oh dear..."
________________________________
Dr. Riffelton Samfotsen's Log 119
The acquisition of the Rune of Power has left quite the magnificent sensation to my loins! And it wouldn't have been possible without the help of the individual cloaked in black at the site of its impact onto the now dead King Luthran. The absolute fool!
I have many questions regarding their identity and their capabilities, too many that have gone unanswered even with my dear captive stone bearer, but I shall find a way to make him reveal to me his secrets.
The power of a Rune is unable to shine to its bright potential if it is not bound to the soul of an Empyrean, or to a being of pure blood such as an Elf. And it pains me so!
And yet, I have a wonderful theory that Elfs are the closest and most direct descendants to the beings that exist just up high in the heavens. Perhaps it is time for me yet to capture an elf and have them do my bidding. But locating such creature will prove to be a hindrance on my work!
I have another theory that if one were to bear all six fragments of the Requiem rune, their soul can ascend to that of a soul greater than the being that has existed since before all of creation. There is no evidence to back this claim at this time with no access to a fragment. However, since the Requiem Rune came from beyond the heavens, it is possible that its full power can transcend the laws of this world.
If I were to combine a fragment of the Requiem Rune and the Rune of Power onto the Rune of Time, perhaps my grand scheme can be put in motion? But, until I acquire a fragment, that will remain a distant objective.
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