Descendants of Time (Role-Play Act 5: Revolutionary Moment)

Cinia Pacifica · 2014-12-02T18:25:26-01:00

Update: As of Act 4, many updates to the system was done and it's revamped enough hopefully. You can check the mechanic changes in the List of Profiles doc. Some other docs have more specific information too. If you want to catch up to the story for more recent contents, we've written review posts that goes through the majority of the important story parts of the RP based on each Acts: - Act 1 Review - Act 2 Review - Act 3 Review - Act 4 Review Spoiler: A lost country. A new country. An old country. What is true? What is false? So much has happened. From the sands of time they had arose. When the four representatives of the stars gathered… The wind had brought forth with it steam. Steam that brought with it soot, as well as dirt hated by those wishing to keep up an illusion – their appearances. When the eight representatives of the stars pointed blades… The wind had brought forth with it change. Change that brought with it inventions; elaborate usage of electricity, and fuels – providing more to grasp – so that they may hold onto their delusions. When the twelve representatives of the stars clash… The wind would bring forth with it a miracle. Miracle that would bring with it a gate. Yes, the gate beyond which the infernals live. Or so the prophecy had stated. I wonder if that is worthy of the word †˜miracle.’ Four had already met. As so did the eight. The meeting of the twelve had yet to take place. People have taken this prophecy for granted. O magi – wielders of power beyond the comprehension of mundane – those who suck mana from the realms’ air – are you certain that all the horrors and tragedies are from these Descendants of Time? You people – the magicians sworn to keep the world’s balance in correct order – should you be taking up your armaments against the bearers of the Zodiac? Has conflict truly been the only possible answer? Surely, their meetings had brought forth winds that shook the status quo. Yet I am willing to believe – that all have their reasons. For good, I hope. Instead of taking up blades and staves, take a moment – at least – to put up your hands – for prayers for those who have long passed away, for the mundanes and comrades alike. Don’t they mean anything to you all? Or is the process of generations – and heirs taking up your place – simply a means to extend your ambitions and desires to continue on in the material world? My duty – was never to rally against those descendants, but to be the beacon of peace and stability. I truly wish someone qualified could take my position. However, I too, hold a selfish ambition. I wish to find the answer. The answer to what is true, and what is false. This is the best position to navigate from – for the answer. So what if the Old King had stolen countless hearts of women and left countless hearts of men to cry? So what if the Countess had terrorized masses of people? Or of the matter at which the King of Knights lost his people’s trust? Or of the incident when the voice of the Fortune Teller told of the future that none wanted to know? What of the Thunder Emperor who fought to fend off the colonists to protect his herd? What of the tale of the Heart-Breaker Queen? She now suffers the fate of being locked away in a far, far land. Haven’t we humans done wrong ourselves? Are we to cast a deaf ear to the roars of wars we ourselves fought among each other? Mage’s wars. Civil wars. World wars. I, for one, am rather tired of these. Are we magicians implying that we are allowed to shed blood – so long as we raise our blades against one another? Nay. One should simply look from various directions. Let us look for what lies beyond what was seemingly obvious. Had we all not had our own reasons? The time of steam. The timeless zone. The time of future. And the modern time… Again, what holds the truth? How do we distinguish it – from what is false? If we claim that those from the past eras are but illusions… what of the country – from the modern era that we once knew? Were they real? Had they not disappeared – sunk into the sands of time? Do they even exist anymore? It is truly a mystery – one which I wish to solve. The prophecy spoken by the father of magi claims of the coming calamities to be brought forth by the Descendants, as if paying no care to the many conflicts to come for humans. Would one not see it as mockery? Was it truly a message to the magi, or the Descendants themselves? He who held the power to peer into the future – spoke not a word for the future of man or magicians. The calamities he spoke of were to be brought forth by the warriors of time. Each meeting of a group of them – would bring about great changes. The first would take time away. The second would accelerate time. The third would reverse time. And the fourth would bring about the infernals. Through the gates of hell would darkness come forth. The differences in the described events are rather strange, and do not match up. Magicians may find it credible due to the matching occurrences. I am yet to believe it blindly, however. Far from it. The father of magi cares only for the descendants. He cared not for the mundane. He never did, yet it was addressed to us – as if to use us. It might’ve been a message for the Descendants all along. That is my conclusion on the subject. – Queen Victoria’s Memoire, 1st Entry, 1857, August. ↑Prologue↑ Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my next Role-Play (RP), the Descendants of Time RP. It was originally inspired by my old Time Warrior RP. At first, I had planned for a simple †˜reboot’ RP, but soon I came up with new ideas based around the concept of †˜Time Warriors’ itself. After which, this RP came out as a result. As such, it is not a fanfiction RP, and anyone with little experience in RPing are welcome to join. This RP may start out a little… mysterious yet normal. However, don’t make a mistake – the story is undoubtedly of a dark fantasy genre. †˜Happy’ moments may seem more scarce than it may be. If you’re looking for some of those boring happy-go-lucky high school RP; kindly switch your computer off. I’ve spent quite a lot of time preparing this RP, for at least a month now. Not everything is done, but it’s good enough for this thread to be up, so that prospective players may submit their character profiles. It’d take at least about one or two weeks before this RP officially starts. Players will still be allowed to join after the RP starts. I’d recommend one to join before it starts, regardless. So this time, I’m incorporating Ars Magica 5th edition into the mechanism of my RP. It’s not fully Ars Magica the tabletop RP game, but it is for the most part – simply tweaked and changed to suit the online RPing style more. You do not have to read the book of Ars Magica, as most of the mechanic is explained in the guidelines below. If you’re a beginner, I don’t think you have to delve into the complications. Just knowing the basic will do. Now, a little about the kinds of character available for play: Time Warriors, this time, are based on the Zodiac Signs. There are twelve kinds of Time Warriors known throughout the world as is the number of Zodiac Signs. Each has features representing their Sign, and must work towards concealing their identity, for the mages are eager to find and kill them. Albeit, Time Warriors are immortal, so they are rather hard to kill, as they’re only killable when using their Time Freeze ability. Then we have the mages. Apparent guardians of the world’s balance. Spiritual balance, to be specific. They refer to the magical dealings and undertakings as part of the †˜Magic World’, which is just a way to separate the mundanes from their activities in context. Otherwise, the Magic World consists of Magic Organizations, and other Organizations that hires mages and participates in the activities of said †˜world’. Most mages have forgotten the main purpose for which they took up this responsibility, and simply practice magecraft for other purposes. However, they do wish to hunt down the Time Warriors. They follow the Father of Magi’s prophecy which implies that Time Warriors will bring ruin to the world. Lastly, we have the mundane members of the many societies throughout the world. The mundanes do not know of the Magic World, and it is only an urban legend or rumors to them. Few mundanes often come to learn of the Magic World and the many magicians who’re a part of it. Those planning to play a mundane character – in other words, an ordinary character – should be striving for such an archetype. Finally, you have the option to start from one of three countries – England, Japan, or Russia, and they have their own settings. England is in the 19th century timeline and has a steampunk setting. Japan is in the 23rd century, and is futuristic. Russia has no sense of time at all, but has a steampunk setting too. Other countries outside these three are still living in the 21st century in the modern era. Rules: To join this RP, you must submit your character profile to me through a Private Message (PM). If you're new to RPing, give the old RP Guide a read, if you feel inconvenienced with reading so much, at least check out the Munch section, please. No spamming. Please don’t post any comments, questions, or a profile in this thread. Use PMs instead, or some other place, as RP posts will be made in this thread, after the RP starts. Write in the Third Person Format, because no one likes to be confused. We’ll be writing in a Google Doc in real time, so First Person Format may confuse other participants and readers. Make sure you have some time throughout a day to be able to write. An hour is preferable, but other participants have to be around at least. You don’t necessarily have to be around every single day. Make sure you have Skype because it will be used for communication. Character Creation: Spoiler: Write up your character profile by filling out the necessary details in the character profile sheet and send it to me via PM. If you have questions, or want to submit a draft profile with a PM for my opinions, go right ahead. So, below is technically two profiles, but merged into one due to my laziness. Basically, you must decide what kind of a character you’re going to play. There’s Time Warrior, Mage, and the Mundane, in other words, the Ordinary. Time Warrior slots are limited. Some of them are NPCs, and the rest are †˜new’. Two of the †˜old’ Time Warrior slots are already taken. Not exactly taken, but my friends are gunning for them. Throughout the profile, you’ll notice something that only applies to either Time Warriors or mages. Exclude the parts meant for the type of character you’re not going for. The character profile sheet is as follows: Basic Information: Name: Your character’s name. It’s not limited to names of a country since your character’s nationality may be from anywhere. Alias: If your character has an epithet or a nickname he goes by; it goes here. Age: Your character’s age. Time Warriors may opt to have their original age hidden here. No characters may be younger than 16 years of age. Birthday: The month and day at which your character was born. Gender: State whether your character is male or female. Nationality: Which country your character originates from. Handedness: Is your character right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous? I personally feel that everyone should not go for ambidextrous. Appearance: How your character looks. Provide an image. It may not be a screenshot from an actual anime episode, however. A fan-image that is original is most preferred. You may add any descriptions via text to make distinctions from the image. Character Type: State whether your character is a Time Warrior, Mage, or a Mundane. New or Old: State whether your Time Warrior is one of the newer ones, or the older ones. This only applies to Time Warriors. New Time Warriors have a limit of 300 years while old Time Warriors have no limit, and they must be at least 700 years old. Legends: This applies only to Time Warriors; state your character’s names of legends, achievements, and events of fame (words that defines them). All of them. Remember that you will have to write about them in your character’s background. Affiliation: Which Organization, or Magic Organization your character is affiliated with. Regardless of whether his loyalty is sincere or not. To be a part of any organization, your character must have an appropriate Flaw or Virtue for it. Country: You may pick one of the following: England, Japan, or Russia. Your character will be starting in the country that you state here, when the RP actually starts, so the character may have differing nationality. Personality: How your character acts and whatnot; the quirks of his everyday behavior. You must explain how his mind works, which includes both his demeanor and his inner mind. You must also explain the Personality Flaws that you took for your character here. The actual cause of the chosen Personality Flaws are best described in the background. Background: Your character’s backstory. In other words, his past. Explain how he had lived up to the point where the RP starts. You must include a piece of information about his origin – home, family, bits of his childhood life. You must explain here – how your character got to either England, Japan or Russia (whatever you picked above in †˜Country’), since regardless of his nationality, he must somehow get to the chosen country before the story starts. This is where you may write out why your character has the Virtues, Flaws, and the Abilities (possibly spells, if they may apply) that you chose during this process of character creation. After all, these things shapes your character’s very life. Other than that, you should sum up what your character expects of his life, and what he wants out of it – if he has it all decided, anyway… it may help me to come up with some events later. For the Time Warriors, they’ll have to write about their character’s legends too, and how the actual events differed from the legends told by the textbooks and online webpages. You have most freedom in changing whatever legend you pick for your Time Warrior. Technical Information: Zodiac Sign: This only applies to Time Warriors. State your character’s chosen Zodiac Sign. Not the one from birth, but the one your character is a Time warrior under. Statistics: Your character’s statistics, it measures your character’s general capabilities. You have 35 base Statistical points to spend on the stats listed below: Strength: Your character’s physical prowess. Your character will mostly need this for raw physical damage, or pulling off feats requiring brute strength. Dexterity: How fast your character is physically. Generally, your character would be able to use it to run away from all kinds of dangers with this, as well as outrun others. Endurance: Grants your character 30 HP per point if he is a Time Warrior, otherwise your character gains 20 HP per point. This shows how much stamina and physical tolerance your character has. Mana: It grants 20 MP per level. This is only available to the Mage type characters. Ordinary characters may or may not have it. It measures how much mana your character is able to harness from the appropriate realm to cast magic. Spirit: It grants 20 SP per level. This is only available to Time Warriors, Spirits, and those with only Supernatural Abilities (sometimes Mundanes may have this stat too). It shows how much spiritual energy your character possesses. Intelligence: Your character’s mental capabilities. The five senses all pertain to this, because your character’s brain must process information fast enough for him to react. It also encompassess memory and knowledge. Wisdom: In other words, willpower. Your character’s ability to keep things together instead of going insane and not wetting his pants. This allows your character to resist lies and befuddlement, as well as casting spells. Getting tired lowers it; if this goes down to 0, your character will faint. Charisma: Ability to charm, socialize, approach to simply speak anyone, or catch the attention of the peers with venerating aura of reverence. If it is high, the right people may just come to your character on their own. This is sometimes necessary to talk with certain kinds of people, especially the nobles of England. Luck: Obviously, your character’s luck. When there is no better way to crawl out of a dire situation; luck may be your character’s greatest salvation. However, lady luck is a fickle mistress; it is very unpredictable. The base limit of this stat is 5. If your character is a Time Warrior – you may not use any of your Stat points to boost this stat up. Instead, your character is provided a default Luck stat point (completely free stat points), which you may check in the List of Zodiac Signs below. Flaw: Write up the names of your character’s Flaws that you picked. The points may amount to 10 at maximum. Whether it is free, minor, major, or special should be informed in parenthesis. Virtues: Write up the names of your character’s Virtues that you have purchased with the points you achieved from picking Flaws. Again: whether is it free, minor, major, or special should be informed in parenthesis. Abilities: Write up all the Abilities that you purchased, including their levels just beside the names. Abilities are bought with the base Ability points provided for every characters, which is 35. More may be gained via purchasing Virtues or Flaws, but they may be restricted to particular types of Abilities that you may spend them on – Heaven’s Commandment Virtue, for instance, provides 10 Ability points, 5 of which may only be spent on Time Warrior type Abilities, while the rest may be used freely. If your character specializes in a particular Ability, put “(+1)” beside the original number of level. Keep the Abilities in order. I.e.: General, Academic, Arcane, Martial, Supernatural, Time Warrior. Specializations: Your character may specialize in 3 Abilities. State the specialized Abilities here. Arts: Your character’s Arts – this includes the Techniques and Forms – must be listed here. This only applies to Mage type characters. Certain Techniques are gained from certain Academic Abilities, while certain Forms are learned from the Lore-based Arcane Abilities. Primary Technique: It is the first Technique your character started learning magic with. The first 5 spells that he learns must be under this particular Technique, combined with the primary Form. Primary Form: It is the first Form your character started learning magic with. The first 5 spells that he learns must be under this particular Form, combined with the primary Technique. Other Techniques: Through buying and leveling up certain Academic Abilities, your character may gain access to other Techniques. Other Forms: Through buying and leveling up certain Lore-based Arcane Abilities, your character may gain access to other Abilities. Mage’s Sigil: This only applies to mages. Every mage has their own unique qualities mixed into them. Even if they all use the same spell; there will be a small difference. Someone may cast Aurum spells that blows with wind but leaves a rose scent as an aftermath, another may cast a Terram spell and the earth would be controlled in a very orderly manner. Or a mage casting an Aquam spell could cause the water to glow and turn to ice at one point regardless of her wish. There are many kinds of sigils mages have, and they become more and more apparent as a character gains more Warp Points. Equipments: Information about your equipments must be provided here. Weapon: Depending on the type of weapon your character wields, a base damage is provided. Your character may use a weapon if he has the appropriate Martial Ability to use it. Each Martial Ability is bought for each type of weaponry. Minimum base damage of any weapon is 5. You may purchase the Relic Virtue to have a mythical weapon (usually owned by Time Warriors), but you’d have to talk to me about it before picking a weapon. Otherwise, you may pick the Magical Item Virtue. Attire: Most people don’t really wear armors anyway, they happen to wear enchanted clothing instead. No Ability, Virtue or Flaw in particular is required to have an armor, and the enchanted clothing provides a default 2 Defense value but may break easily from taking damages, while the invisible armors donned by Knights and Dark Knights usually provides 5 Defense value. If you want your character’s attire to be special, pick the Magical Item Virtue (it only lets you pick one item from the list). Treasure Item(s): Usually, crafters and alchemists happen to have these as they make them. Otherwise, you’d need a Virtue that makes your character wealthy to be eligible for having at least one of them. Each social status proving your character’s wealth and power allows 1 Treasure Item. Otherwise, Magical Item Virtue lets you pick one. Confidence Score: Every characters starts with 1 score, but a Virtue, or story events may raise it. Each score raises the point limitation by 3. The limitation may be surpassed temporarily by the effects of a Flaw or a Virtue. Confidence Points: Every character starts with 3 points, but a Virtue, Flaw, or story events may raise them. They may be used to make a dice roll check pass even when they fail. However, they’re lost forever once used, and must be gained anew. There are other ways to gain them, refer to the mechanism section below. Reputation Type: State the type of Reputation and its level your character has. This may only be gained through a Virtue, Flaw, or through story events after the RP starts. Spells: List all the spells your character had learned – this is only for Mage type characters. They must be listed chronologically, but the spells from your character’s primary Art comes first, before the rest. We don’t want things to be out-of-order, especially when we have to look up what spells your character has learned later on. Please put the Technique and Form name combination over the class of spells. I.e.: Write †˜Rego Corpus Spells’ then list off all the spells of Rego Corpus that your character learned. Mages have no real limit to learning spells, but characters are limited by Magical Education and Magic Theory Abilities. List of Zodiac Signs Available: (Update: No more Time Warrior slots available.) Spoiler: This contains all the Zodiac Signs your Time Warrior character may hail from, along with some basic or useful information about them. The full information about the powers will be sent via PM to the player by me. Zodiac Signs that are not taken before the RP starts will be used to make NPCs instead. To be honest, all these Zodiacs except for Aries and Libra are being targeted by my friends already… try taking your pick, anyway. Be careful, though. Once you get the actual full information about the chosen Zodiac Sign; you may not change to another Zodiac Sign. [size=15]Aquarius:[/h] Symbol: The Water Bearer. Color: Blue. Classification: Knight. Element: Water. Physical: Cool and Balanced. Realm Affiliation: Faerie Realm. Ruling Planet: Uranus. Lucky Stone: Amethyst, +2 Luck. Time Ability: Seeing a vision of the target’s past. He must sin after using this power. Vice: Your character’s sin is taking pride in his accomplishments. He is unable to boast, nor is he allowed to make statements that distinguish between †˜positions’ of himself and another. Time Span: January 20 - February 18. [size=15]Aries:[/h] Symbol: The Ram. Color: Red. Classification: Rogue. Element: Fire. Physical: Hot and Active. Realm: Infernal Realm. Ruling Planet: Mars. Lucky Stone: Diamond, +5 Luck. Time Ability: To go to the future. He must sin after using this ability. Vice: Your character’s sin is showing rage and anger through speech and words. He may not raise his voice beyond the ordinary level of speech. Time Span: March 21 - April 19. [size=15]Taurus:[/h] Symbol: The Bull. Color: Brown. Classification: Vanguard. Element: Earth. Physical: Active and Warm. Realm: Infernal Realm. Ruling Planet: Venus. Lucky Stone: Emerald, +4 Luck. Time Ability: Aging. Your character grows older by three years despite being immortal, in an instant. This ability only works if your character sins. Vice: Your character’s sin is hatred. He is disallowed from expressing any form of hate. He is disallowed from speaking words of hatred in any way. Time Span: April 20 - May 20. [size=15]Gemini[/h] Symbol: The Twins. Colors: Sky Blue and Emerald Green. Classification: Summoner. Element: Air. Physical: Cool and Move. Realm: Infernal Realm and Divine Realm. Ruling Planet: Mercury. Lucky Stone: Aquamarine, +3 Luck. Time Ability: Your character constantly see what would happen five seconds into the future. Vice: Your character’s sin is greed. Every time he finds himself fulfilled from self-satisfaction by completing an ambition – he has sinned. This only applies if your character had to step over some other person’s feelings of any kind to accomplish it. Time Span: May 21 - June 20. [size=15]Cancer:[/h] Symbol: The Crab. Color: Silver. Classification: Assassin. Element: Water. Physical: Cool and Passive. Realm: Magical Realm. Ruling Planet: Moon. Lucky Stone: Moonstone, +2. Time Ability: Acceleration of the process of something in an object, say, a cancer, for instance. Your character must sin after using this ability. Vice: Your character’s sin is rest. She must not rest or stop to relax in any case. Even when she has nothing to do, she must find something to occupy herself. Time Span: July 21 - August 22. [size=15]Sagittarius:[/h] Symbol: The Archer. Colors: Purple. Classification: Archer. Element: Earth. Physical: Cooling. Realm: Magical Realm. Ruling: Jupiter. Lucky Stone: Turquoise, +3. Time Ability: Unwind reality – your character is able reverse the time of something. Your character must sin after using this ability. Vice: Your character’s sin is lying. She is not allowed to lie in any way, even about something trivial. She must answer any and all questions truthfully and faithfully. Time Span: November 22 - December 21. [size=15]Capricorn:[/h] Symbol: The Goat. Colors: Black. Classification: Warrior. Element: Wind Physical: Cool and Strong. Realm: Magical Realm. Ruling Planet: Earth. Lucky Stone: Garnet, +2 Luck. Time Ability: Your character may completely stop the time of something. Forever. He must sin after using this ability. Vice: Your character’s sin is food. He must not express his hunger in any way, nor he show his desire to eat. Time Span: December 22 - January 19 Character Features: Spoiler: Flaws, Virtues, and Abilities: The system of Flaws and Virtues provides features to your character that makes him or her unique after you put them all together. When you’re making a character, you should pick Flaws and Virtues, first. A minor Flaw or Virtue is worth one (1) point, while a major Flaw or Virtue is worth three (3) points.. You are limited to 10 points when taking up Flaws. The accumulated points of the Flaws you took for your character grants you the same number of points required to buy Virtues. So if you buy Flaws equivalent to 10 points, you basically gain 10 points to buy Virtues. A Flaw is defined as a kind of issue in your character’s life that is sometimes considered not preferable. However, it is not always exactly †˜bad’. Selfishes is sometimes frowned upon, but it may be endearing for parents. Kindness is often seen as a good trait to have, yet it isn’t always necessarily good for a particular person to always show kindness. You must take the Vice Flaw to play a Time Warrior. Or the Blatant Gift to play a mage A Virtue is defined as something arguably helpful or nice to have, but it can make a person’s life harder. Work, responsibilities, power. They seem nice, but they add a weight to pressure to a person, most of the time. There are times when one may wish that they weren’t particularly skilled in something. You must take the Heaven’s Commandment, and the Mythic Blood to play a Time Warrior. Or take The Gift, or the Gentle Gift, to play a mage. If you wish for your character to be an ordinary, mundane character who is going to delve into the Magic World after the story starts; do not take the Heaven’s Commandment or The Gift (or any of its variations). Instead, take a Virtue or Flaw that justifies your character having supernatural connections. I.e.: Ghost Warder, Guardian Angel, Plagued by Supernatural Entity, etc. Please note that you must pick at least one personality Flaw, and one Social statue Virtue/Flaw during the character creation process for the profile to be legitimate. After you’re done picking Flaws and Virtues – it is time to look towards the Abilities. There are 35 base Ability points provided when creating a character, but several Flaws and Virtues gives extra points, albeit in some cases they may only be spent on particular types of Abilities. You must note that Academic, Arcane, Martial, and some Supernatural Abilities are locked. To unlock them, you must take a particular Flaw or VIrtue. You will come across various Flaws or Virtues allowing you to unlock them during the process of character creation. However, to unlock the few Supernatural Abilities – your character must be a Time Warrior. To buy Abilities, you must spend Ability Points; 1 Ability point per level, up to level 4. For levels 5 or above, you will have to spend 2 Ability points per level. For levels 8 and above, you must spend 3 Ability points per level. Do not forget that certain Flaw, Virtue, or Abilities may have you specify their type in the very names. Here is the list of the Virtues, Flaws, and the Abilities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZfRWOvsSi4dOYDP-NUt5FjfouSXXDsC9VY1UMtf0-tI/edit# Abilities your character has not learned may still be used unless it is marked with a * mark. The list may go through small changes as time passes. Arts and Spells: Mages practice the Arts to be able to cast spells. An Art consists of Techniques and Forms. Only by combining a Technique and Form, can a mage cast a spell. The first Technique and Form your character learns is his primary Technique and Form, as they are the first he had studied and understood. Hence, your character’s first 5 spells must be from that particular combination of Technique and Form. A Technique arises from studies of different fields. They’re not particularly related to magic, but they do grant one knowledge and wisdom. Techniques are a set of beliefs that tries to connect with a mystical Realm. Theology, for instance, teaches the Techniques of Creo and Rego. Techniques may be gained from certain Academic Abilities. There is no limit to learning Techniques for any characters. A Form is an element. Through the studies of a particular Realm may one delve into its properties to manipulate it. By mastering a Form, one may draw the mana of its affiliated Realm to fuel a spell. The Mana stat only determines how much Mana your character is able to harness before he drains himself out. A Form may be gained from the lore-based Arcane Abilities. Here is the list of Techniques, Forms, and Spells: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rbbnHP_X3AI4dBK80Db-vFq2xMxiffEWw7bwbLtbNWs/edit# The list may go through some changes as time passes – I may add more spells… I may not, too. We’ll see. Equipments: Weapon, attire, and Treasure Items – the set of equipments possibly usable in game terms in this RP. Your character may start with any ordinary weapon and clothing, but they may be enchanted. It is possible to have a Treasure Item from the start – but your character has to be wealthy to be eligible. A weapon is obviously a tool meant to wound and kill a target. For it to contain magic, or be a mythical weapon with special properties – you must buy the Magical Item Virtue, or the Relic Virtue, respectively. Weapons usually provide a base damage, which adds a number of damage into every normal attacks your character makes with that weapon. Ordinary weapons comes with 5 base damage. A Strength roll adds more damage to it. To have an absolutely ordinary weapon, say, a sword – you simply need to have a Single/Great Weapon (Sword) Ability for it. An attire is what provides protection up to an extent to your character. Mostly from the prying eyes, however. Ordinary dresses or attire of any kind comes with 2 Defense value. These attires may break as soon as your character is hurt, however. You must pick the Magical Item Virtue or the Relic Virtue if you wish your attire to have enchantments or special protective properties. Defense rolls allows a character to gain lowered damages. A Treasure Item is an enchanted item that usually comes with various effects. They are crafted by Crafters or Alchemists, and usually has mysterious effects. You may pick one from the list if your character is wealthy in any way. The most dangerous yet commonly seen Treasure Items are ones that possesses vis, usually worn by powerful mages. Vis is raw magic that may power up spells, by the way. You may pick more with Magical Item Virtue. Those under Relic type may not be picked during character creation, unless you use the allowance from the Relic Virtue. Remember that the Relic or Magical Item Virtue may not be picked twice. To dual wield a weapon (I.e.: two identical guns on both hands), your character must have the Martial Ability Single Weapon or the Ranged Weapon Ability at the appropriate level (4 for Single Weapon or, 3 for Ranged Weapon) of that particular type of weapon (I.e.: gun.). To use two different kind of weapons at once (I.e.: sword and wand on both hands), you must pick the Multiple-Weapon Martial Ability. However, you will have to purchase Single Weapon Ability or Ranged Weapon Ability (or Great Weapon/Thrown Weapon Ability) appropriately. So if you wish to have your character fight with a sword and a wand at the same time – you’d need to buy Single Weapon (Sword) at level 1 at least, and Single Weapon (Wand) at level 1, at least. Note how this Ability had to be bought twice, but under different type of weapon. You may justify four weapons if your character is an android or a marionette (after buying appropriate Virtues) by claiming that two weapons are fitted into legs or other parts of the body, while the rest are in both arms. Of course, you’d need to invest quite the number of Ability points for them. Those who wants over four weapons should just shoot themselves. Here is the list of Weapons, Attires, and Treasure Items: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MLNCLQ3geMOHgkFGrlff7E7wTugJNVw7jEJCHz9eSV0/edit If there’s any grammar issues or major game-related issues, don’t hesitate to tell or use the comment function. Protip: Use ctrl + f to find something specific. You may use the Table of Contents add-on to navigate easier, especially for the spell list. I have the Table of Contents set up on most docs.

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Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

The air was hot and dry. Aramus clearly felt it and grumbled at having to return to this warm climate. He was undoubtedly back to the Infernal Realm in full. Back in the trials, his presence hardly existed in the Infernal Realms as the gates had their own small realm to test the passersby.

Elizabeth and Nicholas seemed to be standing in front of him speaking with each other.

“Figures I would be the last one,” Aramus mumbled in dissatisfaction as he approached the pair.

“Ah, teacher, you’re finally out!” Elizabeth said, running over to Aramus.

“You guys were both late,” Nicholas walked over too.

“F-Finally.” Aramus recoiled slightly from Elizabeth as some of the bad memories washed over him. It lasted a moment before he managed to quash it.

Elizabeth also seemed to have looked away for a moment for some reason.

“It seems like you are alright, at least,” Elizabeth said, some bits of her clothes appeared tattered on the other hand.

“I feel something strange happened in there. Got some neat tricks too. Not entirely sure how,” Aramus said, coughing into his palm to regain some composure.

“You feel? You don’t remember?” Elizabeth asked.

“I remember, it’s just… kinda hard to explain. Like a sudden understanding when I look at spells, how it works and what not,” Aramus remarked, thinking of how to explain it.

“...Exactly how long did you stay inside?” Nicholas questioned. “Your scholar here almost caught Twilight. You seemed to stay longer…”

“Ahaha, I actually got this ability after Twilight.” Laughing nervously, Aramus took a step away from Nicholas.

“So, you’re saying you’re now good at remembering magical matters?” Nicholas inquired, taking a step forward as he stared at Aramus intently.

“S-Somewhat. I learned a thing or two during my time in there,” Aramus said, not exactly liking how Nicholas was coming onto him.

“Try picturing some magical text. It should come to you like you’ve seen them thousands of times if my guess is right.”

Aramus thought back to Thor’s Might, how the words seemed to come naturally to him despite knowing nothing. “Well, it’s like my body knows how to use it. The text is all gibberish to me.”

“Probably Magic Memory. Twilight is a mysterious phenomena so I can only imagine what you saw before learning it,” Nicholas stated.

“I met Thor. The dude was cool. He even said I could find some of his stuff here,” Aramus said, calming down once Nicholas stopped advancing towards him.

“You met a live deity that no one has ever found before?” Nicholas raised his eyebrows, genuinely surprised. “That’s just… I don’t even know how to take that.”

“It really does sound… incredible.” Elizabeth nodded beside Nicholas. “The Norse deity was only described in ancient tomes, and only legends were spoken of it that can scarce be found in grimoires of Aurum.”

“The two of you didn’t encounter any of that in your trials?” Aramus said, surprised by his own luck. “We had a short conversation before he gifted me with a spell.”

“I met… people I knew, but I narrowly avoided Twilight. It’s dangerous after all,” Elizabeth replied. “I suppose I gained something too.”

“Well, I had some help from my resident spirits,” Aramus said, cheering up a little despite him getting ensnared in Twilight whilst his student didn’t. “So what now?”

“Spirits?” Before Elizabeth could continue, there was a slight tremor.

“You should know that better than anyone,” Nicholas answered, but then felt the tremor. “Go right ahead,” he stated, gesturing towards the path beside them that lead out straight after the gate. “This is where your fight will take place—for Laevateinn.”

“It seems like the rule states one person can only challenge for the relic sword,” Elizabeth said after Nicholas.

Aramus muttered a few words under his breath about stupid Infernal rules but moved onward, following the only path available to him.

The Magister surveyed the expansive room before him. The rocky walls and floors were all vividly red. On the ceiling were stars behind glass instead of rocks like usual. These stars were much like taken out of portraits drawn by children rather than real stars, evident by their five-pointed edges. It was a strange view.

Before him, there was a small set of steps to walk down to. Beyond said steps was a plain field extending to what seemed like a field enough to cover a soccer field. The field was encircled by a railing as if meant for keeping viewers separated. He could see a blade stabbed into the ground at the center. There were chains holding down this sword that seemed to be about a meter long. The chains seemed to extend all the way to the walls.

On the wall of the other side of Aramus was an extremely large device meant for viewing the stars; a telescope.

As Aramus took steps to approach the sword, he heard an echoing voice:

“Who goes there?”

The voice of a woman was heard. It was the voice of an older woman, and it carried a solemn tone.

“...A human, is it?”

“Correct. I assume you don’t get many of us around here?” Aramus replied as he surveyed the area.

“Not in the past millennium, no,” the voice answered. “Except… ahh, yes. There was a Descendant. However, they do not consider themselves human.”

“Hoh,” Aramus exclaimed in surprise. “So you’ve danced with a Descendant before?”

“Indeed, she sacrificed each of her clothes to pass the Seven Gates. The woman was bold. The host of Ishtar was a tenacious person—the host of Virgo.”

“So did you win?” Aramus asked, feeling somewhat irritated about Virgo.

“She slayed Ereshkigal and saved her fallen knight who had come for the sword in search of power… alas, a victor was never decided—for she walked back out soon after.”

“So she wasn’t interested in the sword then,” Aramus stated, looking a little puzzled.

“It doesn’t suit her elemental alignments, and her knight failed his fight. There was no justification to take the blade.”

“So you took over after Ereshkigal died?”

“I claimed it as my own. I am a stargazer, so it works. So, what about you, son of man?”

“Ah, I’m here for the blade. A certain someone has requested that I bring it back for him,” Aramus said, scratching his head. “It’s not exactly for me to use either, I suppose.”

“King Solomon… how arrogant to want my blade for a petty trial.”

Aramus couldn’t help but give a chagrinned smile. Obviously the sentiment wasn’t lost on him. “You hit the nail on the head. I don’t suppose you’ll just let me take it?”

“Would you give your precious treasure to an ant? How foolish.”

“Here I thought we were being civil,” Aramus said, shaking his head. “Right, then let’s get down to business. We can have the tea and cookies after the fight.”

“Hear your folly, human. Those weapons you people call relics were instruments granted only to the Valkyries of eld—the Descendants. They are not meant for the bugs who crave power. Leave—and you shall be spared of your measly life.”

“The Descendants can do what they want with the relics, I’m not particularly interested. However, one among them has decided to show me a little favor,” Aramus said. “Though the next time I get to see her is after I get that,” he said, pointing at Laevateinn.

“Very well. I, Asteria, shall accept your challenge,” the voice spoke after some seconds, after she couldn’t make sense of Aramus’ response. Probably because his miniscule brain and intelligence couldn’t process her words.

Soon, someone seemed to have walked out from behind the telescope. Her figure that was obscured due to the chains and the long sword now came into view as she stood behind the blade. Asteria’s size was at least three times that of Aramus’. Her attire consisted of a white toga—much like the ancient Greeks—while wearing only a necklace. Unlike the Greeks, however, the garb did not extend past her knees and stopped around her thighs. She also wore a circlet adorned with a star.

Aramus gave a short “hmm” as he sized her up. Things were not looking very good for him. Still, it wouldn’t do to give up without trying, especially when it was his life and honor on the line. With a jolt, a small vortex formed in his right hand, steadily gaining momentum as he prepared to fling it at Asteria. Just as he was about to, the orb fluctuated and burst, sending him flying a short distance backward.

At the same time, Asteria’s spell was cast after her unheard whispers, and Aramus’ previous location was where it was aimed for.

“Ouch, that smarts,” Aramus said as he tapped himself on the head. Using Vis had probably altered his mana control for it to react as such. “Sorry Asteria, I’m experiencing some technical difficulties right now,” he said as he picked himself up.

Adjusting his mana flow to compensate for the extra power from vis, Aramus fielded another sphere and it sped towards Asteria. He hadn’t a clue why she was just standing there but if she was going to, he would be more than happy to oblige her with more spells. Surprisingly, the spell smashed into her face, the explosion obscuring vision as the air burst violently. Aramus cringed.

“...For a bug you are rather inept at dealing with women. I suppose men are all like that, given that it is a battlefield, however…” Asteria grumbled to herself.

She then raised her arms up towards the stars and her lips moved in a speed that was unnatural. A disc of shimmering orange formed. It was flat, appearing to be a glowing portal of unknown origin. Spherical projectiles of flames rained down across the field the next moment.

These raining meteors of fire razed Aramus’ surroundings, and with them falling everywhere, he could hardly turn to a direction to flee to. Hurriedly chanting the first spell that came to mind, a bolt of lightning struck Asteria not a moment later. Turning, Aramus ran for his life. However, a ball of flame landed before him and he ran straight into the explosion. Rolling across the field, he found that it was burning all over the place, smoldering literally.

“Hell finally starts looking the part!” Aramus complained as he avoided another ball of flame, his attire regrettably on fire once again. Jumping from place to place, he began to chant the incantation for Parma Magica. A bit more mindful of his surroundings and Asteria, he attempted to create some distance by leaping away from her. Along his way, he started to feel his skin slowly burning from the extreme heat of the room. Asteria’s spell dramatically raised the level of temperature.

As Aramus distanced away, Asteria prayed again with her arms raised. The five-edged stars—that appeared as if taken out straight from some childish-portrait-like view on the top—shone and soon they started to fall by coming through the glass of the ceiling.

It hardly took Asteria much time to cast. Moreover, she cast another great spell right after her Tears of Helios, the Rain of Stars. It could be said that Asteria was extremely angry about a man hitting her face. However, due to the instability of her emotions, a problem stemmed. The stars were not in proper control and they started to land in completely random spots around the battlefield. The stars exploded much more loudly, covering more area. Craters would likely to decorate the plains after this battle was over.

Even as Aramus kept running, he was struck by the after-impact of a falling star and rolled past Elizabeth and Nicholas who were observing the fight. Aramus was scorched in most regions of his body. There were clear burn marks past his seared attire. There were internal ruptures, and some ribs may have broken from the impacts. Needless to say, he was in dire straits.

That unceremonious tumbling had given him enough time to finish the chant for Parma Magica and he managed to drag himself up, raising a hand to deploy the protective barrier. Just in time as another star fragment crashed nearby, the barrier crackling with lightning and jets of wind as it blocked the shockwave. Once it cleared, Aramus stared defiantly across the battlefield at Asteria; it was pretty much all he could do to stand now.

Asteria leveled her arm, pointing at Aramus, and he instantly took off from the barren ground. It was as if she held the Magister’s heart in her hand. His barrier was lifted along with him to form an oval blue shield that protected him even in mid-air. Asteria then clenched her fist.

Aramus’ heart was supposed to be shattered. However, the earring Aramus wore shined brilliantly instead, apparently warding off the effects of the spell as Aramus fell down to the ground. Instantly, his hand went to his chest, touching and feeling to see if he was alright. It didn’t need to be done since the earring had protected him but it was an instinct, one not easily quashed when faced with a brush with death. He laid back down, exhaling with relief and thanking the Queen for her protection.

His look of relief then changed to that of terror. He heard Elizabeth and Nicholas calling out to him, but their voices were for some reason distant.

Before he knew it, the battlefield was too far away for him to get back to, for his stomach was smashed with Asteria’s fist as he relaxed to experience a brief respite—the ground under him crumbled and he started to fall for an unprecedented amount of time.

Aramus coughed up blood, closing his eyes as he dropped further from the precipice. Perhaps this was the end for him, having his redemption snatched away. Even Nicholas and Elizabeth wouldn’t be able to help, wherever he was going. He didn’t want to cause more trouble for them anyway. These thoughts accompanied him on his descent.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

For a long time Aramus could only continue to fall.

At some point, it was simply strange as he kept falling. Just how far above had they gone to face Asteria? Just how far down would he go? Was there going to be that bonfire at the end of the trip? But wouldn’t he have reached it by now?

All kinds of questions swirled across his mind.

He didn’t know how much time had elapsed, but when he finally regained his consciousness, Aramus was floating in front of an impossibly large figure. Aramus’ body was surrounded by hues of red and some of his injuries were healed.

“I shall ask, mortal, would you perchance offer me details of your world?”

A voice echoed.

As Aramus’ view cleared, he witnessed someone who seemed almost as large as King Solomon, or even bigger. He sat on his throne wearing what seemed like a spartan helm, and his face was black with shadows so Aramus couldn’t make out the facial details.

All he could see were the red gleaming eyes.

In one hand the King held a staff, and with another he petted a creature comparable to a dog with three heads. The creature growled at the sight of Aramus.

Another one? Aramus thought, blinking his eyes to clear his mind and vision. Noting what was happening to him, he offered up a wry smile to the large figure.

“For what you’re doing to me, how could I refuse? Ask away.”

“Many makes contracts with me, but I cannot seem to confirm many of their deeds, you see.” The voice was that of an older man. The King was likely very old. “Have you perchance heard of anything about this person called… ah, what was it?”

A strange bird flew up to the King’s ears and seemed to whisper.

“Ah, yes. The †˜Countess.’ Have you heard anything about her, lad?”

“Ah, the †˜Countess?’ What would you like to know?” Aramus said as he floated around.

“Anything would be acceptable. We’ll simply have to see if anything you know was something I knew or not.”

“I’ll just say what I know from the beginning then. She’s one of the Descendants. I’m not exactly sure from when, but we are on opposing sides. I have met her once on occasion but have not dabbled too deeply in affairs pertaining to her. My sister happens to be associated with her however,” Aramus said bitterly.

“Hm, interesting.” The King listened and even if one would assume him to be a King of All Demons, he appeared very composed and even somewhat friendly to an extent. “Pray tell me about this meeting of yours with her.”

“The one time we did meet was after a battle among fellow Descendants. My liege, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, was attacked by one of her men prior to that fight,” Aramus said, the vampire attack vivid in his memory. “The Countess came close to blows with my Queen but ultimately left us be. She does plan to remove the rest of the Descendants from the world but I’m not sure how to feel about that.”

“So she continues to pursue that foolish dream left by her father,” the King said. He shook his head as if in pity. “I believe Queen Victoria was the Leo? To think the Saint of Summer yet lives.”

“Saint of Summer…? Yes, my Queen is still strong,” Aramus said, storing that tiny tidbit of information. “I am not entirely sure what the Countess seeks to achieve by earning the ire of the Descendants, but she is not limited to them. She does plague the magic and mundane world from time to time with her activities.”

“Haha, playing around with the mortals. She has not changed. Despite how she acts,” the King spoke as if telling a child a small secret. “She likes those mortals. Just doesn’t admit it, the Descendants are mostly a stubborn bunch.”

“Even so, I wish she would not involve the masses in her activities,” Aramus said, frowning a little. “Though I would agree with you on how Descendants are stubborn. My Queen still refuses to take a breather even though I keep raising the point. It’s vexing to see the one you serve work relentlessly,” he huffed, the frown on his face changing to one of dissatisfaction.

“There is no way for her to ignore the masses if she loves them so dearly,” the King remarked with a hearty laughter. “Ah, I see the Saint has not changed a single bit. From leading the Equestrians to being revered as a Saint in the Holy Empire of Rome… well, you cannot really bend that iron-forged will of sovereignty in a day, especially when it was made over at least two millennia. I can sympathize, if anything.”

“A man can try,” Aramus said, trying hard not to pout as he was made to feel like a child. “Someday, I will get her to take a break.”

“Good luck with that. If she retains some of her old nature, though, she might put a blade past your tiny neck for getting in her way.”

“I-I’m getting there,” Aramus said before coughing into his hand, trying to change the subject. “Is there anything else you would like to know?”

“Ah, right. We almost drifted from the topic. My bad. I wanted to hear more about that †˜sister’ of yours, and her relation to the Countess.”

“My sister is not blood-related. We were from the same orphanage but… she is currently the Representative of the Countess. Last I saw her was during the same incident with the Countess and the other Descendants. She tried to suck the blood of Her Majesty. As her retainer, my Queen comes first and foremost.” Aramus looked sad as he divulged this to the King. Since it was a meeting that probably wouldn’t happen again or with anyone else, it was probably safe to let his feelings be known.

“There is surely quite a lot of focus on your interactions by destiny. Perhaps there is a meaning in all of this. Regardless, it seems like your sister has chosen a side that is not yours, and I can only provide condolences for the tragedies to come. A Representative of the Countess, though? I honestly didn't think she’d make another one. Regardless, let it be known that both of you have joined two sides that have warred each other for more than a thousand years.”

“I can never seem to get a break,” Aramus said, scoffing and shaking his head in distress. “Just a guy trying to do his job, earn enough to eat, but I’m caught up in affairs that are way over my head. Still, given a choice, I would not have wished to raise arms against my sister. A shame.”

“If you want a break, why not simply ask for it? Better yet, you could simply look for a new job.” The King, however, smiled as he suggested it. He wasn’t serious at all. “But you wouldn’t do that, would you?”

“No, I would never. As much trouble it would bring upon me, I can’t think of leaving the service of Her Majesty,” Aramus said with conviction.

“That I was already aware of. Your loyalty was obvious from your words. There are always people gifted to the sides of Victoria and the Countess whose allegiance are exemplary. Maybe obedient to a fault. May I trouble you to ask what else you know of the Countess?”

“You give me too much credit, o King,” Aramus said before trying to rack up anything else on the Countess. “More recently, she was involved in an incident at the Academy I teach at. I was not on the scene at the time, but she and one of my fellow teachers got into an altercation.”

“Hunting as usual. That said, ever hear anything about the other Descendants?”

Aramus scratched the back of his head as he thought. For some reason it itched. “I’ve met a good number of them, maybe half or so of the twelve?”

“Haha! That is impossible to envy for any ordinary humans, but I’d be very eager to hear the stories you have of them.”

“Like I mentioned, more trouble than it’s worth. Most times I find myself scrambling for cover than actually fighting, but some of them are open for conversation. It is quite intriguing to speak to them. Let’s see, even as we speak, Virgo intends to destroy the world beginning with America,” Aramus said, raising a finger as he counted. “She almost killed me too.

“I have Sagittarius as a student but we have fought before. That ended with a lot of broken bones on my part. I owe Pisces a debt that I can never really got to repay for her aid in a matter, and then there’s Gemini.” Aramus narrowed his eyes as he vexingly breathed out the name. “Gemini.”

“And what of Gemini? I cannot tell if the one I knew ever died or not, but I have certainly heard of that one man who always had an extremely large harem of his own.”

“That’s the one.” Aramus shivered in disgust as he remembered the millions of zombie women clutching at his robe, his precious robe, dirtying it with their filth. “A troublesome foe, he wields the same element I do. That is one Descendant I wouldn’t mind fighting, if only to safeguard my Queen from his… hobby.”

“You know… I heard a confession once from Victoria that she… engaged in various †˜activities’ with Gemini. In a way, you kind of can’t protect her. Fate sure is a sad and cruel thing, mn?”

“That it is, King. It is still in me to struggle against it,” Aramus said through clenched teeth. He now felt an even greater desire to cave Hynek’s face inwards. “That will not change how I feel about Gemini at all.”

“See? Loyal to a fault. Ahem. Considering how she was, this was perhaps unavoidable. A long time ago, your liege came down to my throne to exchange information. I must say, it was a very beneficial visit.”

“And now I am in the same position. My apologies for not being able to provide as much as the one I serve.”

“Well, I do not think you were done speaking of other Descendants, were you?”

“I only have rudimentary knowledge of those I haven’t met and even then… it’s not much,” Aramus continued. “The Oracle is another… her name speaks for itself. As well as the Thunder Emperor,” he added as an afterthought, nodding.

“I know the Thunder Emperor’s tale and how he was eaten by the Hell’s Gate after fighting your liege and Gemini, but what of Oracle? This is the first time I hear tell of her.”

“She was Libra, a fortune teller and whatever she divined came true. This was only done when requested of her but I guess it was enough to earn the people's ire.”

“...Libra? Really? So did she really die…?” The King sighed and seemed to be in distress for a moment. “I do not sense a lie but I still feel the need that it will require a more proper citation in the future.” The King then seemed to have recovered from his state of disdain after a moment. “Well, all of that side, I guess you’ve told me more than enough. It is only fair that I’d pay you back in regards to your requests and desires. Pray tell—what are the things you’d like from me?”

“Hmm.” Aramus pondered for a moment, thinking of anything that could come to mind. “Great King, would you perchance have access to the relics wielded by the Thunder Emperor?”

“That I do, that I do! But why would you desire the relics so?”

“I require more than what I am able to do now to protect my Queen and country from Virgo, not to mention some protection for myself considering how often I run into Descendants,” Aramus said.

“Ah, I suppose you did mentioned Virgo and her return. That is taking some time to sink into me. I can’t quite believe that she broke her seal. However, relics were made for Descendants to use. Why would you attempt to wield such weapons that weren’t made for the likes of you?”

“Normally, I wouldn’t request such things as they are beyond me. The equipment of Thor is… a special case. I’ve received permission from him to use it, something about being a hero.”

Aramus could hardly see the face of the King, but in the momentary silence, it almost seemed as though he raised his eyebrows.

“You met Thor? Did you perchance experience the state of Twilight?”

Aramus nodded in response, tilting his head slightly as he gave his reply. “Yes King, I was embroiled in a duel with one of your subjects, Asteria, before being sent down here where you graciously healed my wounds. I had to pass through her trials before that and experienced Twilight there. Thor was more amicable than I thought he’d be,” he added with a slight shrug.

“Thor is akin to a harsh father. Especially towards its Descendant who was once called Margaret Alicia. Then I suppose he went and found a new host. As for Asteria… haha, she is a Queen in her own right and is not under me. In truth, Asteria does not hold trials, but her Seven Gates do. I suppose you overstayed the Realm inside those gates. Sloth, I’d wager.”

Aramus looked chagrinned at the King’s words. “I guess there is still much more for me to improve upon if I can get caught by those. I’m still only a human after all. Margaret Alicia… She was the one to do battle with the Countess at the academy but has recently passed on. So she was a Descendant too?”

“Well, you are only a human. You mince words too much. That is a valuable piece of information there, young man… but to think she is gone. Indeed the person was once a man who chose to adopt the appearance of his wife, but I found the action commendable. After Thor left her soul, she came to me for scripts of Supreme Spells.”

“My apologies, King. I did not mean to withhold.”

“Have you perchance considered the idea of becoming your Queen’s Representative if you desire greater power for your goals? Albeit I have never ever heard of her adopting a Representative… I suppose it is an idea nonetheless.”

“It would be overstepping my position as Magister if I asked her… but I do not dislike the idea. For now, I wish to get by without relying on her power if possible. She has aided me too many times for my liking and it’s becoming a bad trend.”

“But is she not showing preference to you by aiding you so many times? I’d think she sees something in me as worthy if she were to continually save me.”

“I do not dislike the attention but you know, as a man, there are only so many times you can be saved by a woman.” Aramus chuckled.

“And she doesn’t mince words,” the King grumbled, and his staff was lifted for only a moment. The Queen could be seen in a round bubble. It showed the time when Victoria had visited the King and conversed with him. Aramus once again offered his apologies before looking at the bubble with great intent.

“The Valhalla? Ah, that is the system developed by Odin. Likewise Zeus constructed the system of Olympia. Then there was the Akashic Records by Izanagi. These are the systems meant to supervise the world and the Valkyries, King Hades.”

Only Victoria’s face was shown, so Aramus could see something like a silver helm of war adorning her golden hair.

The voices of the King and the Queen could be heard through the bubble as it relayed a conversation that took place a long time ago.

“And I assume they are connected to the Mother Tree?”

“Of course.”

“But then…”

“Us Descendants are destined to eventually battle beyond Yggdrasil. That is why—to prolong this fate—I shall lock myself in Britain. I am sure the Countess will play her part well to slay other Descendants to do the same. How productive.” The Queen chuckled in a rather sly manner Aramus could hardly ever imagine.

The bubble burst and vanished, the King dispelled his “example.”

“Well, that’s another side of her I’ve never seen before,” Aramus said candidly. “Thank you for showing this to me.”

“You sound like a man happy to see another side of their lover.”

Aramus’s cheeks flushed a little at Hade’s words, recalling what happened in the trial of lust. “Her Majesty rarely expresses her emotions so casually or at least not that I have seen. It is enjoyable to see another facet of her that is hidden away from the public.”

“I was having a hard time believing that the Queen is completely a benevolent figure now. She was a woman who only considered her own situation in the past.”

“Maybe due to the passage of time. She has no doubt lived a long time, but I do not intend to ask her exactly how long,” Aramus replied. “That would be equivalent to asking her age. What a blunder if I did.”

“Haha! Well, I suppose I could answer her whereabouts but that would have to be an exchange of favor. Anyway, we have had quite the tangent. Are you sure you desire the relics of Thor?”

“If you would be willing, King.” Aramus nodded, looking hopeful. “To ask more would be disrespectful after what you have done for me. This request alone is worth more than what I have provided.”

“I do not think it is a large request. Unfortunately I cannot provide you the entirety of the relic collection of Thor. There are three pieces, namely the hammer, the gloves, and the belt. You’ll have to choose which one you’d like. I was given a request by Margaret Alicia to reserve as much of the relics as possible for the next of Thor’s Descendant who’d likely visit one day.”

Aramus remained pensive on his decision. “If such a request was made and agreed upon, I do not think it right for me to trespass on it. At least, for my last respects to Duchess Margaret as well.”

“It was your own request though. Are you sure?”

“If my own request for power doesn’t conflict with the one the Duchess made, I would have been more than happy. However, in this situation I will have to politely withdraw my request for the relics, o King,” Aramus said, looking as if he had swallowed a bitter pill.

“Then what would you be looking for? I’ve asked quite the amount of questions so it’d be only fair to pay back appropriately. Would you like perhaps a relic or two from me? Or something else? Perhaps you’d be interested in ancient Supreme Spells like Margaret was?”

“I seek the power to protect my Queen, her country and those I hold dear. Be it relic or spell,” Aramus said. “This one selfish request from a simple man.”

“Very well then, let me consider…”

It took quite some time for the King to consider. Few minutes had easily passed.

“Considering the circumstances… there is no better relic than this!”

Dusts of light shrouded Aramus. His form dazzled and shone with a great shine that made him close his eyes instinctively. When he opened his eyelids, his body was clad in armor. One that was invisible, yet it was there at the same time. It was mysterious. He couldn’t really see it, but he could feel it.

Aramus looked down at himself, admiring what was gifted onto him. The special property of the armor also made his mind churn, wondering how the feat was achieved. Better yet, he had a new set of clothing!

“You may have heard of tales of the armor that the Knights of the Church use. Where do you think the idea originated?”

“So it was this very armor that inspired them?”

“Indeed. This is the very first armor that was made invisible to fool the eyes of men in combat. This is the very armor that was once donned by Sigurd. Your liege was the one who gave this to me as price for a request, by the way. How very fitting.”

“Indeed it is,” Aramus replied with a grin, noting the irony. “I wonder how she’ll react when she sees me wearing this, haha. Thank you, great King for granting me this.”

“I do not know, but it can’t be bad. Maybe she’ll be proud of you. Regardless, you are welcome, but I believe you are free to making requests, just nothing too big like just now.”

“This is good, this is good,” Aramus said happily. “Though would you deign to answer another question or two that I may have?”

“Of course, I give you the liberty to ask away.”

“It concerns Virgo. Since we are to do battle with her in the coming days, would you be able to reveal some of her abilities to me? It would aid my comrades and I greatly.”

“I have no promises to conceal them, so I do not mind… but are you sure? Most mortals who learn of the abilities of the Gods and beyond lose their sanity and will to battle after learning of them.”

“If it is to protect the people then I will bear the burden. The fighting will only get fiercer in the days to come. It is best if we had an advantage even if I sacrifice a little.”

“Alright. Allow me to recount the tale where Virgo exhibited her might—because as a bearer of knowledge it is a waste to not speak of them. Virgo was known as the one who conquered most of the world around her. She was renowned for being a ruler so great that she managed to bring most of the countries of Europe together under one banner. It was impressive. Have you heard of the great tale of the Tuatha De Danann?”

“I have only heard it in passing but not in great detail but please, do enlighten me.”

“Humans say that in the Irish mythology, it is the †˜Tribe of the Gods of Dana.’ Among the †˜systems’ Alexandrina Victoria the Royal Queen mentioned—this was the final system created. It was the land upon which Yggdrasil would exist. This land had a city atop it surrounding the great Mother Tree, and the people residing it were the †˜people of Dana.’ Of course, it just so happened that Dana was Virgo herself. A long time ago, this land existed in the human world before it was sealed away along with Dana herself. Basically, it was a result of the war. Virgo had so much to control that it was eventually impossible to keep everything in proper control… and of course, there were those who hated her. Eventually the sons of man sought out an appropriate figure who’d mete out †˜judgement’ to the one who claimed that she’d rule mankind. That’s where your liege comes in, you see.”

“Ah, so that’s what Her Majesty meant when she had to seal away Virgo,” Aramus muttered.

“This was, on the other hand, a crucial moment for your Queen, for she was beginning to find the existence of humans cherishable, and she felt compelled to lend them a hand… even if Dana was an old friend of hers.”

“Her Majesty had mentioned that Virgo was sometimes less than merciful in her rule as well.”

“Well, it was her idea to rule through charisma and fear both. Thanks to this, her supporters and enemies were divided neatly as well. The battle raged for days and nights and your liege fought valiantly. In this battle the Commandment known as World Buster was used. It destroyed an entire part of what man calls Europe.”

“A part of Europe!? Is this what Virgo intends to utilize against us?” Aramus said, astounded. “The amount of lives lost will be…”

“This was her greatest weapon of fear. She indeed possesses traits to judge and punish humanity. Perhaps she is a little too extreme for her own good. Regardless, World Buster and the Divine Curtain—of your Queen—wrecked the surroundings such that the Tuatha De Denann itself took the initiative to warp out of the Realm of the human world to preserve its existence from said fear.”

“The system itself is conscious? Or was it merely constructed in that manner?” Aramus said as he mulled over it.

“It possesses a mechanic that enables it an instinct of survival. The only time this logic of survival will be forgotten is when all Descendants are gathered upon it.”

“Were all the systems mentioned earlier devised the same way?” Aramus muttered to himself.

“Each had their own creators, so no. Anyway, World Buster is an extremely dangerous Commandment that will outright deny the existence of anything tangible in a one-hundred-eighty degree arc based on where she faces. She’d likely not use it immediately in combat due to her haughty nature, but beware of its usage.”

Aramus cringed hard at the mere thought of such a weapon. “I’ll bear this in mind. Is there a condition for it to be activated or downtime of sorts?”

“None. It is simply all-destructive.”

Aramus let a sigh escape his lips. “All the Descendants I face tend to become more and more troublesome.”

“You have been lucky if you ask me. Descendants’ powers are unreasonably destructive, even to the Infernals. This isn’t even the worst she can do.”

“I guess you’re right,” Aramus said with a slow nod. “I am still alive after all. Still, why can’t they have powers that are, you know, good!? Like making it a paradise for people or something. Does it all have to be like this?”

“Oh, Virgo can do that too. Paradise, I mean.”

Aramus raised a finger, ready to comment again but he found that there was nothing. “Yeah, never mind. The Descendants are unreasonable.”

“Perhaps you are right.” The King laughed. “The Chaos Utopia is a Commandment that manipulates uncertainty itself. This means that all of the bad possibilities for the user will be halted regardless of logic and reality.”

“That is far too convenient, but if Virgo had that, how did Her Majesty win? It’s like your get out of jail card except… anytime and anyplace.”

“Who said your Queen won? She never did to begin with.”

“She succeeding in sealing Virgo away, did she not?”

“That is no victory that sings the praise of Victoria. That was a mere trickery employed to escape the outcome of the battle. Chaos Utopia was impossible for Victoria to triumph over back then.”

“We will have to find ways around that troublesome ability then. It’s not possible for us to take it head on?”

“It is probably impossible to take on. Your Queen may have prepared appropriately, for Virgo will not utilize this Commandment unless she is truly facing harm. You should prioritize ending her life before this Commandment is invoked. Otherwise, watch as humanity is wrapped in a kind of paradise they wouldn’t expect.”

“I understand. Basically the gist is to kill her before she can react. Man, that’s a tall order.”

“It’d probably fail if humans try, but what if Victoria negotiates with other Descendants? I feel like this is how your Queen will think about it.”

“We have other Descendants on our side but who knows if Virgo has her own set of allies.”

“It’d be foolish even for Virgo to fight a war alone. I doubt she is coming alone.”

“After what Her Majesty had done, I don’t think she’ll let history repeat itself. Thank you for sharing this with me.”

“Where is this battle taking place anyway?”

“Virgo had declared it to take place in America so the bulk of our forces are en route or already there.”

“I see. Then Virgo must have realized your Queen’s greatest weakness and acted upon it.”

“Weakness,” Aramus said with a frown, not exactly taking to the comment. “She cannot leave England?”

“Exactly. She will not leave England no matter what, even if it means someone is trying to destroy the world. That is how strong her resolution is. There is only one item capable of summoning Victoria, and I do not know where it is now.”

“I see… Well, I guess it’s up to us to do the impossible.”

“When Chaos Utopia reaches its apex, a new Tuatha De Denann will be born. I do not know what this exactly does aside from ensnaring humans in illusions, but I think you wouldn’t want such an abomination to form.”

“Most definitely not. So she either deletes us from existence or turns us into thralls for all eternity, both are wonderful options,” Aramus said as he threw his hands in the air.

“There are two other Commandments I have seen in action. One is the Siren’s Prayers, which summons spirits from the Faerie Realm to bolster her spiritual powers, and the other is the Maiden’s Curtain—which creates an impenetrable barrier. I call it impenetrable, but there is one way to break it—have a pure-hearted woman attack it with whatever they got.”

“I suppose this rounds out her powers?” Aramus said, looking even more tired at the mention of the latest two.

“There should be nine more, the Queen may know a few more, but I have not seen all of their battle so I doubt anyone knows what they can do… so, good luck, I suppose?”

If there had been a tangible floor instead of him floating, Aramus would’ve just collapsed to his knees. “I think we’ll need more than luck for this, but thank you for the sentiment. If I survive, perhaps I’ll come visit again.”

“Sure. Feel free to update me on the details and perhaps I’ll provide you something nice again. Haha!”

“I’ll need to find a way to get †˜here’ though,” Aramus said as he gestured to what was around him. “But yeah, I think you’ll be happy to hear some new war stories and keep yourself updated. Maybe we could swap again some time. It would be a different viewpoint from those of the Descendents anyway.”

“Hm, perhaps I shall lend you this for a matching pair to be formed,” the King said, flicking a finger towards Aramus. Over his right palm a scarlet earring formed. “Use it to come back here any time. Feel free to share the news.”

“My thanks again, great King,” Aramus offered as he looked at the accessory in his palm.

“We haven’t shared our names yet, have we? I am Hades. What about you?”

“Magic Magister Aramus Valmark, Lord Hades. It has been a great pleasure meeting and conversing with you,” Aramus said as he bowed, if one could in mid air.

“I shall remember your name. Any last words before I send you back up to Asteria’s chamber?”

“I’d like to ask about Sasha actually. She’s one of your subjects this time?”

“Umm… let’s see; she is old, but isn’t very old. I cannot say I remember her exactly. One of my subject’s daughter, I suppose?”

“Alright. I’m probably going to get into a lot of trouble for this later but I’d like to find a way to bring her out. She saved my skin just a moment ago in the trials. The least I could do is return the favor and save her from a life of boredom. She does always have this bored look on her face.”

“Hm…” Hades considered for some seconds. “While that sounds like a good idea, I do not think it’d be wise. You should reconsider this. If there is anything that can take away her boredom, it’d be having human souls for dinner.”

“Geh. I guess I’ll find some other way to pay her back then. Thanks for your time, King Hades.”

“Alright. Up you go, son of man, Einherjar of the Queen.”

With a swoosh Aramus’ body began to elevate. Going upwards, he was being sent all the way up from where he came down—to Asteria’s room.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

“It had been a day already,” Nicholas started, walking forward to face Asteria. He looked down at the gigantic hole on the ground where Asteria had punched Aramus so hard that he was sent straight down below the room. It was a pitiful yet magnificent sight back then. “He has not come back yet.”

“He is still alive… right?” Elizabeth voiced her concern, but she remained behind the railing and didn’t step down onto the plains.

“No, he lives still.” Asteria’s voice echoed from her telescope. “Besides, a day has not yet passed from our standards.”

“Even so, I implore you to accept my challenge,” Nicholas urged.

“I refuse. Until the previous challenger comes back and the battle is concluded, I shall not face anyone else.”

At this moment there was a strong noise of rumbling. The chamber quivered from an unknown energy.

“...Hades?” Asteria grumbled.

A sphere of red burst out from the hole via which Aramus was sent down a day ago. Within this sphere was Aramus—barely conscious. The oval shaped barrier that transported him all the way up to this chamber finally cracked and the Magister fell down on solid scarlet ground.

“Teacher!” Elizabeth shouted. “I… I am so glad to know you’re safe.”

Her eyes were slightly teary and it seemed like she had been extremely worried all along. On the other hand, Nicholas simply gave a nod to affirm Asteria’s claims and walked back to Elizabeth. Since Aramus was back, he’d have no reason to attempt to face the stargazer.

“Sorry to worry you.” Aramus sent a smile Elizabeth’s way, still feeling slightly woozy from the trip. Hades sure had a way with his spells.

“Go finish what you started,” Nicholas stated, smiling. “We’re tired of waiting.”

“The peanut gallery will get some snacks after this since I was delayed.” Aramus chuckled as he sallied forth, coming to a stop some distance away from Asteria. Well, far enough that she couldn’t repeat the pummeling from before.

“I see you have returned.” Asteria got up from her chair from behind her telescope.

The plains surrounding Aramus and the Queen of the Underworld had recovered mysteriously. There were no signs of the scorching heat nor were there any craters of fallen stars.

Asteria walked forward to approach Aramus as if in expectation.

“Shall we resume?”

“I suppose. Wouldn’t want to leave without giving them a good showing,” Aramus said as he indicated behind his back, looking awkwardly at Asteria as he apologised. “Sorry about the… face, I didn’t mean to. That spell isn’t exactly perfect.”

“Well, I also overreacted. We were both at fault.”

Unlike Aramus, Asteria was more baffled that a person would even employ an incomplete magic, but she didn’t voice such opinions. Over time her opinions had already changed.

“Come, that which is locked by nine locks and nine runes. By my solemnity and grace—I call upon thine form—Laevateinn!”

The chains that held down Laevateinn in the middle of the field burned away, up to the very corners—up to the walls—to which they existed. The sword flew up from the ground and flipped over to the hand of Asteria. As Asteria was about thrice the size of ordinary adult human beings, this sword only appeared to be about half her height.

“So the real fight starts now then,” Aramus muttered as he sized her up. Even if the sword was only half her size, it was more than large enough to cleave him in two. Not to mention dodging it would be a feat in and of itself.

A short incantation and an orb of wind was sent her way, this time hitting her in the gut as Aramus was mindful of her face. The spell fizzled as it hit her, the secondary burst not occurring even as it forced Asteria to take a step back.

Asteria cringed, noting the usage of the incomplete spell again as she shrugged it off. She held out her sword and straightened her arm, and traced it from the bottom to the starry sky clockwise. She then sliced the air, and black winds rampaged across the chamber abruptly.

Aramus took the brunt of this air firsthand, being rolled across the field for some time. When he finally got up, his skin were burnt off not from heat but from extreme coldness. The coldness of the wind was the coldness of death. However, he could feel his armor warding something even more perilous.

Silently thanking Hades for the relic, Aramus let loose a strong lightning bolt at Asteria. Cutting through the wind like a blade, the spell surged as it hit Asteria but it only left her smoking and looking more irritated with him.

Asteria raised her Laevateinn up towards the stars again.

The starry sky beyond the window was covered in absolute blackness, and ancient runes manifested all across the room. Aramus frowned as the phenomenon occurred. Whatever Asteria had planned definitely did not bode well for him judging from her brief but painful track record. Charging himself with magic energy through the vis, Aramus began to sprint towards her even as his form began to distort and change into lightning. The electricity crackled across his limbs as he completed the spell and streaked towards Asteria.

She didn’t seem to attempt to dodge or block his spell, not moving from her position as the magical energy burned through every inch of her body. Taking the chance, Aramus struck in a flurry of crackling electricity as he slammed into her repeatedly as Asteria tolerated the sparks running across her body.

As lightning, he didn’t know how his face even appeared, but he could imagine himself cringing. For Aramus was starting to feel piercing pain in his brain, the strain from using Thor’s Might was starting to catch up to him. However, he kept going even then. Most of his vis was depleted and it was a gamble at this point.

From his last strike, the crackling thunder finally broke her concentration and stance, making Asteria’s sword move away from the position it was supposed to be held in. There was a strange noise as though a bell was rang.

This ringing bell noise continued as strong pressure dominated the field. Even as lightning, Aramus could feel his lightning and magic being chipped away. He was sure that this strange feeling was in fact the feeling of pain as lightning due to the extreme discomfort.

A black wind seemed to be surrounding Asteria. Despite noting this, Aramus struck at her again, making her wail. The black wind then got stuck along with his lightning. It felt like an air of disease. Something that would spread plague. However, he carried on regardless. Arcing across her surroundings, he gained momentum before finally hitting at her with everything he had.

A large explosion soon followed and the lightning burst forth in all directions, piercing through the runes and the darkness formed by the sword and runes.

Subsequently, the runes vanished and Asteria dropped the sword before falling down with her face up.

Aramus turned back to human form, but he found himself laying right over her…

“That is a rather bold move for a man…” Asteria dryly commented. The man atop her only covered her upper torso barely since he was but a small being to her.

“Apologies, I didn’t intend for this to happen,” Aramus murmured as he tried to pull himself off her. The spell had cost him and it made his entire body feel sluggish. Accompanied with the mind numbing pain, he would’ve just continued to lay on top of her, but manners dictated otherwise.

“I don’t care anymore. Just take my sword—it is yours now.” Asteria gave Laevateinn a single glance before turning back to Aramus. “Take it and leave, I doubt you’d seek anything more from me.”

“Alright,” Aramus said as he slowly made his way over to the sword but offered Asteria a short glance. “What will you do now?”

“What I always do.”

“I see. I might be in the neighbourhood from time to time. Mind if I drop by? I might bring some things for you to entertain yourself with,” Aramus muttered as he walked around Laevateinn, trying to find a way to pick it up.

“...Why would you visit an old lady? Go have fun with your young maiden acquaintances.”

Asteria eventually stood up, and it appeared as though the lightning and every wound dealt to her barely amounted to anything significant. As expected of a Queen of the Underworld.

“I need to pop in for other reasons,” Aramus said, pointing down below where he had risen up from. “Since I’ll be in the neighbourhood already, why not?” He placed both hands on the hilt of the sword, grunting from the exertion of lifting it up.

“Because you’re a pain to deal with.” Asteria started walking towards her telescope. “All other visitors are, too.”

“If you put it that way then alright,” Aramus all but breathed as he struggled from the weight of the sword. Physical prowess had never been his thing and it showed. “I’ll just, huff, drop off a package or something.”

“How awfully persistent.” With this comment the Goddess was back to stargazing already.

“See you around sometime, I’ll bring you something nice,” Aramus finished as he dragged the sword back to his compatriots, pausing every now and then for a breather.

“You did it, teacher!” Elizabeth exclaimed as Aramus approached them at the large and tall gate.

“Congratulations. I honestly thought you’d not win this one, but I was proven wrong,” Nicholas admitted from beside Elizabeth.

“I couldn’t have done it without help,” he said as he looked back at Asteria’s figure. Perhaps without the sword, those demons would leave her alone. “If I didn’t, well that hole would’ve been the last you saw of me.”

“Help, you say?” Elizabeth question with a tilt of her head. “How did you even get back up from there? It seemed to go on endlessly… ”

“First, there was Solomon. Then, there was Thor. Now, it’s Hades,” Aramus said with a sagely nod of his head.

“That is… quite an adventure,” Nicholas commented.

“Indeed.” At this point, Elizabeth wasn’t even sure if Aramus had the devil’s luck or the extreme misfortune of being caught up in so many troublesome things.

“Now I just need to drag this back to Solomon and everything’ll be right as rain. Now if only it weren’t so heavy,” Aramus bemoaned.

“I see. Well, for starters, let us go back to our world. I do not think it’d be wise for us to stay any longer.” Despite his words, Nicholas noted that neither Aramus nor Elizabeth were suffering from overstaying in the Infernal Realm so far. Perhaps they were really tough and talented people.

“You bet. A round on me once we do,” Aramus agreed, wiping the sweat off his brow. He was extremely thankful for the invisible armor, even though it looked like it hadn’t activated in the previous fight.

“Well, seeing that earring I am going to guess that it’s Hades’ gift. That can lead us straight back home,” Nicholas stated.

“Oh, ok then. Beats travelling back across that sea of magma any day. It would be impossible with this,” Aramus added with a tilt of his head at the giant sword.

“What are you talking about? That earring summons forth hellfire.”

“Oh,” Aramus commented dryly, suddenly not too enthusiastic about the idea.

“Well, at least I won’t have to summon a sword to open a gateway again, I suppose… ” Somehow, Elizabeth wasn’t very enthusiastic of the idea either. She felt her usefulness drop by a landslide.

“Well here goes,” Aramus said as he directed the remainder of his vis energy into the earring. The same fire that Elizabeth had called out with her sword burst forth into existence before the three of them, flickering from time to time. “Shall we? Would’ve liked to say bye to Sasha before we left.”

“You’ll see her, considering you intend to come back,” Nicholas said in a knowing tone as he entered the hellfire.

“Really, fostering such a relation with a devil…” Elizabeth shook her head before leaving the Realm.

Before Aramus left, he heard a voice from behind.

“Say, do the stars in the human world look pretty?”

“Of course. You can see the shine of every star, provided you look hard enough.” With that, Aramus hopped into the hellfire, the all-too-familiar pain burning him again as he travelled through.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

“Good work.”

Aramus looked around. He couldn’t find Elizabeth nor Nicholas.

An ancient land stretched infinitely before him. It reminded him of the few portraits and images of Roman architecture he had seen in his life. Except everything was glowing with a luster of gold. There was shining dust floating everywhere. The sky too, was a shade of yellow. He had come to a world that was clearly not his home.

The Magic Magister turned.

There she was—clad in a vividly crimson and extravagant dress. Her blonde hair flowed all the way past her back. It almost seemed like it adorned her head like a crown. She wore a tiara. Unlike a certain sister, this was worn with absolute legitimacy.

She was his benefactor.

She was his beloved.

She was his Queen.

Aramus Valmark had once again noted that his golden earring was brightly shimmering.

“Congratulations. You have finally won back the Laevateinn, Sir Valmark. I am proud.”

“My Queen!” Aramus exclaimed, immediately dropping to a knee. “Though I managed the feat, I am saddened to say it is not without external help. Not on my power alone.”

“I am aware,” the Queen said with a knowing smile unlike her usual ones. It seemed to be mixed with a faint bit of mischief. “I was watching. All of it.”

“All of it!?” Aramus exclaimed, looking up at her from where he kneeled. “Even the… the…” He couldn’t bear to finish the sentence, feeling absolutely morbid that she had been watching everything including what occurred in the trials.

Aramus could hear the Queen clear her throat as she turned away. “...Anyway, we shall prepare a visit to King Solomon soon. I’d like to find closure to this business.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Sweat was rolling down his temple and Aramus panicked, answering her on reflex. Oh god, if she had seen that then… She cleared her throat, she only does that when… I’m doooooomed.

However, looking back to Aramus, the Queen felt rather guilty. “Oh my, you may calm yourself. I...I-It is certainly not the first time a gentleman has possessed… ahem, unique imaginations of me? I do not quite mind, and am used to these occurrences.”

His train of thought proceeded to freeze momentarily at her words before speeding up and derailing, a million thoughts racing around. Before this, his brain had probably never been so active before. Coherent speech was manageable but just barely.

“You don’t mind… You don’t mind? But, I. Ahh… Hah. So there’s hope?” he said, questioning himself as much as the Queen.

“Well, anyone would admire a pretty flower, yes? It is perfectly normal for lecherous men to think all kinds of things. Again, I am used to it.” Contrary to Aramus’ questions and mutterings, the Queen seemed to have continued from her previous sentence.

“L-lecherous. I suppose this is true,” Aramus said, looking very hollow all of a sudden. “It would be beyond me to aspire for anything further right now. Just those thoughts and dreams will suffice…”

“Oh? You don’t wish to see the real me and would rather indulge delusions?”

“Of course I wish to see the real you!” Aramus blurted before he could stop himself, bringing a hand to his mouth a moment too late as he expressed his real thoughts.

The Queen laughed. “You take a jest too far, Sir Valmark.”

“M-My apologies,” he quickly muttered, looking away from her as the shame burned his face.

In the divine land they stood upon, the Queen felt no pressure from the society or the likes. She freely laughed and jested as she pleased. Feeling no chains from humanity whatsoever, she teased the Magister. All good things must come to an end, however.

“Is seeing all you really wish to do?” the Queen murmured inaudibly with a look of melancholy as she gazed at the sky. “It seems like you have been granted my old armor. Hades is a little too kind at times like these.”

“Your set of armor, Your Majesty? Hades had mentioned you passing it on to him but I’d never imagined… Still, without Hades’ aid, I would have perished when Asteria had struck me,” Aramus said as he put a hand to his chest. “With this, I will be able to do more so that I can one day call myself worthy of you.”

“Worthy of me?”

“What you saw during the trial was not a mere delusion of mine. If I can, I would make it a reality. To be able to stand at your side as not just a Magister but… something else. Though a man like me shouldn’t be saying this, I can’t help but have such a wish.” Aramus squared himself off and answered her. Perhaps he had run his mouth a little too much but now he feared what she would say next.

“You are being a little too greedy,” the Queen remarked with a painfully forced smile. “Stop.” The Queen then looked behind Aramus.

At the same time, Aramus turned to find several blades just a few inches behind his back being held by angels.

“I bid you all to take leave.”

“But your Majesty…!!”

“He wants to defile your purity!”

The angels pleaded. Their voices sounded like echoes.

Aramus for the first time had peered upon angels so up-close. They were pristine and perfectly beautiful, more than any sculptures could be—not as much as the Queen, of course—but perhaps close. Their bodies were radiant and their eyes shone as such that their pupils were not visible. Rather, it was too bright for Aramus to figure out. A woman and two men stood behind him apparently, wanting to slay him for his bold statement.

“What purity?” the Queen smiled, making the inquiry.

The angels vanished without a trace from hearing this question. They looked frustrated.

“Even here they disapprove,” Aramus murmured sadly. “Perhaps I should not have voiced it.”

“Shall we get going?”

“Of course, My Queen,” Aramus said, rising from his position.

The Royal Queen of Britain gave a nod, and the angels materialized behind them. The angels then sung in unison. A choir it seemed. With each note, latin alphabets seemed to form and assemble in a circle. After about a minute this beautiful and sonorous singing ended, and the circle hovering in the air vertically was complete, revealing a white portal.

The Queen and Aramus then stepped inside.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

The wind blew violently. The sky was blue with some traces of cloud. Strange birds covered a large and tall figure who loomed before the pair of master and servant.

On this small planet rested a King. He who ruled over the Realm of the Faeries. For him, this small planet was but a seat—his throne. His blade was stabbed against the ground, it was evidently almost as long as himself.

When the King’s magnificent figure brimmed with life at noting the guests, the birds cawed and flapped their wings rapidly to get off him due to fear. His eyes opened and sparkled with life as he looked down at the tiny Aramus.

“...You have returned,” King Solomon said. The world around him stirred and a great breeze had passed. “Indeed, I can feel the darkness from that blade you carry.”

“Yes, King Solomon. The blade Laevateinn which I brought back, I now offer to you,” Aramus said as he bowed.

“Very well.”

The sword that was known as Laevateinn floated up from Aramus’ hands and into the air before it vanished. Likely a trick employed by Solomon.

“I shall now grant you permission to own any one of my servants. I’d ask you to choose but… I suppose you have someone in mind?”

“Yes, King. I would like to ask for she who has accompanied me throughout my time.”

“I assume you heard him, Paimon,” Solomon said, turning to someone who floated beside him. Unlike Solomon, her figure was as small as a human. Rather, she forcibly took on this form to suit her human master.

The black-skinned woman descended down to Aramus’ level on the ground. She seemed to be riding a black horse. On her hair there was a mask of bone attached as if it was an adornment. Her facial expression seemed very pleased as she offered up her feathered fan to Aramus after she dismounted and knelt down before him.

“After all you’ve done for me, you don’t have to kneel,” Aramus said as he accepted her fan with a smile. “If anything, I should be the one kneeling after how many times you’ve saved my hide. Good to have you back, partner.”

“Oh no,” Paimon rejected. “You are my Master, this is the least manner I must portray. Please use me as you see fit, I shall strive to serve.”

Aramus sighed but acceded to her demand. “Alright then, I look forward to it.”

“Now that we are formally bound by the acceptance of Lord Solomon, my powers are no longer sealed.”

“So this entire time, you weren’t performing at your best because I was unworthy. I guess that won’t be a problem anymore.”

“Yes, as long as Lord Solomon does not provide permission, we are not able to perform at our best capabilities. That shant be a problem anymore. I shall now be able to reside in your soul.”

With that said, Paimon turned into shining dust and sprinkled upon the feathered fan. The fan seemed to grow slightly longer, and its hilt changed. It seemed to have small holes now. Aramus inspected carefully to find out that it was now fancied into a flute. In a matter of moments as he gazed at it, the fan glowed and vanished. Like every relic weapon, it now resided in his soul, waiting to be summoned for when it’d be needed in the future.

“Well then, that’s reassuring considering what awaits us when we return.”

“Lord Solomon,” Queen Victoria called out. “I beseech you. Pray lock the Gates of the Fay for the duration of Virgo’s rampage.”

“Oh? So you mean to seal away the Siren’s Prayer?”

“Indeed.”

“But that would breach the rules of the Realm.”

“Please consider the idea, Lord Solomon. Virgo would likely create disruptions. The World Buster’s continued use would affect more than the nature itself, thereby causing unrest among the Faeries residing in various forests in the Realm of humanity. At worst, the World Buster Commandment may even destroy some such forests.”

“Hmm… your reasoning is fair. Very well, I shall consider.”

“I thank you.”

“Is there any news on him?”

“No, he has lain dormant since recently…”

“I see. I shall now return to my slumber. I wish for your safety and continued rule, O Queen of Britain.”

“Likewise, I extend my prayers for you, O King of the Faeries.”

After this grand exchange ended, the Queen ushered to Aramus and they walked past beyond the same portal they had used to come to the Faerie Realm. It seemed like it was open behind them all along.

Back to the Realm where the sky was a shade of yellow, the Queen sighed deeply. This sight of the Queen letting tension leave her was rare. She then turned to the Magister with a renewed smile.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw110KkTdU4&index)

“I suppose this concludes our business scheduled for today.” Business? Something she had set of her own accord without letting the Magister know, and simply sprung up on him. “It is time for us to part ways.”

“Your Majesty, my thanks for the expedited trip to King Solomon’s Realm. Again, you make time for me from your busy schedule. I do not wish to hold you up any further.”

“Oh? After those bold words comes an instant admittance to part?” the Queen jested yet again before laughing. “Well, this was partially my responsibility as well, no need to thank me.”

“Your Majesty!” Aramus pleaded as he squirmed under her teasing. “Of course I am loathe to part but… I guess both of us are needed elsewhere at the moment.”

“Indeed, I cannot remain outside for too long from England. I suppose you know this yourself.”

“Without a doubt. So as much as I would love to extend our time together, I’m afraid it will have to wait until this entire matter is settled. Perhaps I may even come back in one piece.”

“Maybe you will,” the Queen spoke nonchalantly. Her Majesty’s arm rose to the side and the angels sung to open forth a portal for Aramus. “This pathway shall lead you back to your companions. Pray send my regards to young Cavendish Bentinck and Mister Bradley.”

“That I will do. Farewell, Your Majesty,” Aramus said as he stepped through the portal.

“I do not know how to accept your feelings, however. For I am one who cannot love…”

This was heard by Aramus through a faint echo as he traversed the passage separating the Realms. Little would Aramus know that he had stayed for more than a month outside his home world.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

It had been a week since Michael went missing. There was no doubt some searching going on, but no amount of waiting helped the priest. The first few days, he was tortured by the White Lotus in the basement of her house. It was an estate, but not necessarily a large one.

There, she lived all alone.

She literally had no one else other than Michael, and seldom times Michael would hear the cries of children from the basement. Who knew what she did with them? Perhaps drink their blood.

That said, Michael’s blood was sucked by the vampire the very first night when she captured him. After that, Michael wasn’t sure if anything had happened to him. He wasn’t even sure if he was a human or a vampire.

The torture proved to be fruitless, and in the later half of the week, White Lotus decided to call upon a hypnotist. She wasn’t particularly good at these mind-controlling powers, so she could only opt to bring in a profession of that field.

As the week finally passed, Michael was already brainwashed, working for White Lotus as if it was natural as a butler. His duties involved cleaning and serving tea and food, among other things. One of the stranger duties was to offer his blood, but of course the butler himself didn’t really find it strange.

This morning, Michael served tea to White Lotus, who was on her couch. Her leg had somehow grown back thanks to the healing magic of some Infernal doctor, but it was still wrapped in bandages. She wasn’t really good at walking, yet.

“You’re so bad at this…” she commented while tasting the tea.

“I put the leaves in first, just like you wanted, Mistress,” the butler replied.

“Err… uhm, I think it’s more of a matter of tea leaves, or maybe the sugar. Might be too much of that.” Even if White Lotus understood the kind of taste she wanted, she wasn’t exactly sure the best way one could achieve it. Suffice it to say, this was likely her own particular taste in tea.

“Very well then, I will make sure the Mistress will get exactly the kind of tea she wants,” he replied, bowing and returning to the kitchen.

“I guess the chump is only good for being a guard… his cleaning doesn’t make the floors spotless either.” But him not being perfect was a good way to be amused from time to time. It wouldn’t be any fun if he was perfect. There was the prospects of training him.

“I have returned with your tea, Mistress.” He then proceeded to pouring her another cup. “I hope it is to your liking.”

The vampire’s hair wrapped around the handle of the tea cup and pulled it over to her mouth. A slurping noise was heard and the Mistress sighed as if comforted by the aroma and the hot beverage going down her throat. However, her words were anything like the way she looked.

“Not good enough. Actually, it’s worse than the last. Now it lacks sugar too much… ?”

Michael walked over in front of White Lotus, and bent over so that they were face to face, with just the teacup between them. He then proceeded to drop a sugar cube in her teacup. “How about now?”

The lady took up a spoon from somewhere on the table with her hair and attempted to mix the sugar in the tea. Was she not believing that the sugar might’ve already been mixed? Either way, she took a sip to taste it again.

“Hm, better. Not quite there yet, tea leaves… slightly need to be lower. Better luck next time, I guess.”

“I guess that’s how it is,” he replied, sighing.

The vampire’s hair patted Michael’s. “That’s fine. Not like I’m gonna trash every cup of tea for its taste. Sounds fuckin’ wasteful.”

“Language, Mistress.”

“Huh? What?”

“It doesn’t suit you.”

“...That’s the first time anyone’s said that. I really don’t get it.”

“It doesn’t suit you, Mistress. A lady with beauty such as yours shouldn’t use such crude language,” he commented dryly.

Somehow, the Mistress’ expression got a little meek instead of showing the usual irritation.

“M-Me? Beautiful? I’m just a lady with poor complexion.”

“I am incapable of lying to the Mistress. I am stating facts, as I see it.”

“E-Even if you say that…” her tone of voice grew smaller and smaller as her fingers twirled together nervously. “Everyone says I’m skinny and all…”

“That doesn’t change the fact. It is just that the Mistress has a slim build. However, if you wish for it, I shall prepare a more filling meal from now on.” He was standing with a straight back, like any butler worth his salt in London.

“Mnm… most human dishes don’t seem to sate my hunger, though,” she said, reluctant to eat more than usual. “Kinda why I ignore them. Blood tastes much better.”

“It was a suggestion based on the Mistress’ desire to be less… skinny.”

“Not quite a desire, really.” The Mistress looked down as if pitying herself. “I’m fine staying this way.”

“There was nothing that needed to be changed in the first place. The Mistress is as beautiful as the moon in a starless sky,” he replied, not even flinching with his words.

His Mistress pinched his cheek while feeling embarrassed. “Tch, you have a thing for skinny women or something?”

“I am here to serve the Mistress and her every whims and desire.” He did seem to be fazed by being pinched on the cheek.

“Oh? Then you will please me in any way, even if it involves immorality?”

“If y-you… you wish for it, Mistress.” For some reason, his head started to ache.

She grasped the flanks of Michael’s head with her soft and tender fingers. “Don’t think too much about it.”

Her expression could be described as simply adorable as she displayed her feminine charms through her rarely-portrayed expression that lacked every bit of the irritation, boredom, and perhaps indifference that she’d usually show. There was no disapproval of his being in her embrace as she sought for skinship. Her eyes made it apparent that she just wanted to be spoiled and loved perhaps like any other woman.

Michael returned his Mistress’ embrace, and as he looked at her, he saw flashes of a woman he didn’t know. A woman blonde of hair, and her warmth, her scent seemed familiar. He felt like he knew that it was him who embraced her. They were surrounded by trees and moonlight, but the air had the scent of rust and steam. Once again, his head started to ache, and it started to become unbearable. His heart pounded like a beast trying to escape its cage, and his body felt like it was about to shatter. He fell to his knees, grasping his head and breathing heavily.

“W-What… who…?” he gasped as his face twisted in pain.

“Tsk, damnit.” White Lotus’ expression contorted from seeing Michael’s look on his face from his headache. “Damnit!” she repeated. Her hair pushed the butler away in anger before she could even control herself.

When the butler looked up from the wall, she noted tears on his Mistress’ face.

“Look at me for once, for fuck’s sake…” she muttered before storming out of the room.

“L-Language...” the butler said before he blacked out.

Fallan Kamen Rider Cheeki

8 years ago

The next evening, the butler naturally served his Mistress’ dinner.

White Lotus was his Mistress. She was a skinny and slender woman who seemed rather shorter than most, and had a bad complexion. Her hair was white and her dresses were mostly white with some other colors mixed in as per the designs. She had a unique taste for tea, she liked black coffee, and she hardly ever drank soda. She ate very little. She had confidence issues in terms of looks and would often shun the need to attempt to look prettier with the assumption that her state wouldn’t improve. She feared disappointment, apparently.

All these aspects of her character were noted by the newly hired butler.

In the morning, his Mistress refused to have any breakfast, or lunch, and even ignored her usual tea times. Due to the incident yesterday, the two weren’t on good terms with each other, it seemed.

For someone who loathed wastage, anger was the only exception to the thought.

However, as evening came his Mistress grew a little more docile to his pleas and finally conceded.

“I am really glad I can finally see your face again, Mistress,” the butler said with a large smile on his face. “I was really worried that you’d end up sick if you didn’t eat. As such, I have prepared a meal for you.” In front of White Lotus was a plate consisting of a slab of steak—cooked rare it seemed, mashed potatoes, and buttered vegetables, which had a mysterious white sauce on them. Michael looked really proud of his creations, even if his hand was wrapped in bandages, so much that it was like he was wearing a glove.

A vampire, sick from not eating? “Uh… yeah…” White Lotus took up the utensils, namely the fork and knife. She cut a portion from the steak that was served to her and ate it. It was hard. Really hard. She looked over the vegetables and the potatoes and realized that they weren’t going to taste good. She used to have professional chefs cook, after all.

There was a very disapproving look looming over her facial expression. She was silent for almost a minute before she braced herself and started eating everything.

“You’re a terrible cook,” she commented.

“I thought I did well… It looked the same as with the photos the book had,” he replied, visibly saddened. “However, I am happy to see that you still ate it all, Mistress.”

White Lotus coughed and almost vomited everything she had just forced herself to eat. Holding a tissue up to her mouth, she somehow pushed the food back in.

“...You know, you don’t have to mimic the looks. Can’t you read the manuals at least?”

“I did read them, I read them all, even. I almost ran out of time to cook dinner.”

“Can you really read?” his Mistress asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Yes, Mistress.”

“Then how did you mistake mayonnaise for the sauce they portrayed?”

“Erm, it’s white.” He didn’t go out to buy ingredients because he spent most of the day trying to ask forgiveness.

“So you can’t read after all?”

“Yes, Mistress.” He sighed. Maybe she’s still mad. He started cleaning up the table. “Would you like some tea, Mistress?”

At the same time, his Mistress sighed as well.

“...Alright, bring it over.”

He returned to the kitchen with the plates and came back carrying tea. This time, he made sure to remember his Mistress’ comments from last time. He put the cup in front of her and returned to standing beside her, waiting to see if she had any more orders before he cleaned the plates.

“Mn… the taste is better than last time. I see you kept in mind my comments from yesterday.” Somehow referring to “yesterday” with a dampened mood as she looked down at the two with dismay. It didn’t taste as good when she sipped again.

Michael saw the visible change in his Mistress’ mood, and a strange urge to pat her head filled him. Before he knew what he was doing, his hand was already on top of her head, stroking her hair.

“...What are you doing?”

“You have beautiful hair, Mistress.” He didn’t stop stroking her hair.

“A...Anyway, I uh… I wanted to a-apologize for what I did yesterday. Hurting you wasn’t what I intended…” White Lotus said, looking down, her cheeks flushed crimson very slightly.

“Do not worry, Mistress. If anything, I want to apologize once more for making you cry.”

“I’m not forgiving you for that,” the Mistress said, her demeanor completely changing. “That’s entirely your fault for making a woman cry.”

“What can I do for you to forgive me, Mistress?” he pleaded.

“Even if I tell you… you’d just pretend to have headaches.”

“It seems that you are implying that I should embrace you, Mistress.”

“Hmph. So what if I am?” The Mistress got up abruptly and shook away Michael’s hand. “Anyway, I’m tired, especially because of the food,” she said, displaying her sour mood. “I’m going to bed.”

Michael caught her arm with a firm grip and pulled her into him. She spun towards him like they were dancing the waltz. Not expecting to be pulled in like this, a yelp escaped White Lotus’ lips and she was under Michael’s embrace already. He placed a hand beside hers in silence.

“Because that’s also what I wanted to do.”

The Mistress seemed to be happy somehow, as if she wanted to be spoiled all along, but a minute later she pushed Michael away and the window shattered. A knife penetrated the wall behind them.

Michael reacted immediately, skillfully throwing some forks and knives at the direction, but there was no immediate signs of a good result.

The next moment, the lights were extinguished and only the moonlight remained to illuminate the dinner table and the individuals surrounding it.

“You sure fell low, Mister Kallweit,” a familiar voice spoke.

The platinum blonde hair being caressed against the night breeze and the one and only gold eye were very nostalgic to the butler for some reason.

“Who goes there?!” he angrily asked, holding a few silverware between his fingers. “Please go to a safer spot, Mistress. I shall take care of this intruder.”

White Lotus shook her head and she stood before Michael instead, as if to protect him.

“You can’t take her on. That’s… Mary Shelley,” she said with quivering anger.

Michael twitched upon hearing her name, it sounded familiar to him. However, he couldn’t recall anything related to that name, so he shrugged the feeling off.

“I insist, Mistress. Please do not worry.”

However, it was too late when the butler attempted to face Mary again. His eyes made contact with the gold eye again.

For a moment, the surroundings changed and he saw the space and the celestial bodies, the sun, the world, and then the cross, Jesus Christ on the crucifix, and some moments later, Laura’s face.

“Do you remember who you are?” Mary asked the butler as he snapped out of the vision, and found himself beside his so-called Mistress again.

“Miss Mary? What are you doing here?” Michael asked, confused. He felt like he just woke up after sleeping for a long while, more than back when he was hospitalized in Japan. He was suddenly bombarded with stimuli, and he felt overwhelmed. As his memories started to organize themselves, he recalled the last time he was conscious, which was when he was being tortured by the White Lotus. However, he started to go past that, and he remembered serving her. “What did I..?”

“We’ll talk about that later,” Mary said before leaping over the table and striking down at White Lotus with her black sword. Of course, the vampire blocked with her hair.

“Fucking dammit!” the vampire shouted. Her hair thrashed out in every direction, wrecking the table and the cup of tea that was on it. Michael, in his condition, was only injured and pushed to the wall, while Mary avoided the tendrils gracefully.

She then dashed forward, past White Lotus and grabbed Michael by his cloth and jumped, carrying him out of the mansion in but a moment, displaying her inhuman strength and agility.

A strand of hair attempted to catch her leg but she deflected it with her sword in time.

“Are you alright?” Mary asked as they passed through the walls of the estate and left the grounds of White Lotus’ property.

“Quite.” He gritted his teeth. He was judging himself internally, an Executor who had become a vampire’s servant. He recalled being bitten too, at least once. It was the highest level of blunder he could possibly do. “I’m quite… alright. Thank you for saving me,” he said, but he knew that there was a good chance the Church would want him hunted for this blunder.

“Well, don’t blame yourself too much now. Hypnosis is something most cannot resist,” Mary said, attempting to console him.

“We are trained to not be like most… I even tried to defend her from you. What a folly,” he replied.

“That doesn’t quite separate you Executioners from most,” Mary said, as if speaking from experience. “In the end, everyone has their own vulnerabilities.”

“I will have to think about… this mess,” he replied, as he recalled the moments where the White Lotus seemed just like a shy girl. He shook his head, knowing that sympathy with the enemy would just get him killed. He attributed those thoughts as something left over from the brain washing, or at least he hoped it was.

“Well for now, we’re getting you back to the team. Don’t forget, Michael, our goal is put Claudia in her place.”

“She was there with the White Lotus. It seems like they are collaborating with each other. What happened after I got taken?”

“I think Claudia was simply invited to that auction Emilia reported,” Mary replied. “After you got taken, Emilia came to me and explained the situation. She wasn’t sure why she was supposed to come to me, but I suppose you wanted me to get you out of there.”

“Oh. Well, Lily is indeed shorter and is my partner but… I believe just saying find Lily would bring her to a florist,” he remarked as he finally calmed down.

“Jeez, and here I thought you were depending on your friends more,” Mary joked.

“One thing at a time, Miss Mary,” he joked back.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Finally, Michael was dropped off by Mary.

He was carried by her for quite some time as Mary transported him after rescuing him from White Lotus. Mary seemed to have leapt across the city for more than an hour. In fact, Michael was sure that it was probably much longer than that; maybe even twice the time had elapsed. He fell asleep on her back so he couldn’t be sure.

The hotel seemed to have barely anyone walking around it. It was likely past midnight by now.

It took some time before the priest could properly walk.

Emilia was waiting outside the entrance to the hotel, while inside Lily found them as they came in. Finding a lounge, they all sat down, especially so Michael could rest.

On that note, Mary didn’t seem to be very tired at all, unlike Michael.

“How come I am the one exhausted...” he complained, but he was feeling relieved finally seeing familiar faces again after what seemed a lifetime to him. He was trained to resist torture, but he did not expect that White Lotus would actually hire someone to wipe his mind clean. However, rather than anger, he felt sympathy towards the girl even if he wasn’t sure why.

“I am a stronger scholar than I seem,” Mary boasted, laughing. She spoke in a composed manner and smiled like she usually would.

The other two could really see why Michael was complaining. It was rather surprising for them that a teenager girl like Mary wasn’t panting despite having carted Michael all the way here from wherever White Lotus’ residence was.

“That’s just… absurd,” he commented dryly.

“That’s not a very nice thing to say to a lady, Mister Kallweit,” Mary reprimanded jokingly.

“Jokes aside, I am grateful that you arrived when you did.” He smiled at Mary. “I wouldn’t want to imagine what I might’ve done otherwise.”

“Probably serve her food?”

“Terrifying.”

“You seemed so happy cooking for her, though.”

“I am quite proud of my newfound culinary skills, of course,” he smugly declared, puffing his chest.

“You should really practice sometime,” Mary said, apparently not joking. “Culinary skills can be very useful.”

“Might as well continue on what I’ve started. Maybe learn how to cook pancakes too.” He did enjoy the taste of the ones he had back in Japan.

“That is a great idea,” Lily said, her usual indifference cracked from the sound of pancakes.

“Ah, but I’m sure that you wouldn’t want to taste his earlier inventions, Miss Lily,” Mary warned.

Michael crossed his arms and huffed. He did taste his food before serving it, and found that it was not that bad. Admittedly, he never realized how intricate the art of cooking was until he tried; he always thought that you needed the absolute minimum effort to cook, and he was wrong.

And also, she did finish my meal. Next time, I’d— “What happened at the auction afterwards, Sister?” He suddenly turned to Emily.

Emilia, who was only listening to the conversation unfold before her, now spoke. “Nothing much, I tried to pursue you but couldn’t keep up, I apologize.”

“No, no… I was saved thanks to you. What I meant was the children and the other stragglers. What happened to them?”

“Most of them could not be saved,” Emilia reported. “We came with one target in mind; a lone nun could hardly save everyone.”

“I guess so.” Michael sighed, he knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have most of the Infernal-affiliated people in one place. “At the very least, we managed to deal a heavy blow to their activities. We have a good lead in case they want to set something like that again.”

“They’d likely continue these gatherings and auctions under various venues with hidden sections. It’s something that cannot easily be halted.”

“Resources would be moved, this event would be remembered and cause fear. It would be easier to track now.” He rubbed his chin, contemplating.

“I doubt White Lotus is that careless,” Emilia said. “They likely had prepared several places for such gatherings long ago.”

“Not her. Her people.”

“Same thing.”

He sighed once more. I guess they have their own way of doing things. “Well, at least we have confirmed that Claudia was there with her.”

“That only confirms my information on her,” Mary responded. “I did not think she’d fancy an auction, though.”

“Considering the partner she had with her when Michael last fought her… I feel like she prefers to have a slave?” Lily considered. The chances seemed rather high to her, especially considering what she had heard of Claudia’s past so far.

“Sounds about right.” Michael stood up and stretched his arms.

“Huh? I honestly thought she was more of a type to fight alone. That makes me wonder what she’ll do to people she defeats now… ” Mary shuddered at the thought of Claudia enslaving those she’d take to the brink of death. Was this going to be her possible future? How terrifying.

“Considering her weapon? Probably her plaything. It would be hard to fight that weapon without knowing the extent of its abilities, too. She did mention that it was made of platinum, and it isn’t as quick as one would be wielding a sword. But I guess that’s a given, considering how unwieldy a scythe is.”

“Platinum sounds… heavy. If it has an ability of mind-control there must have been a strong magical item used in its creation… Regardless, if it is made with precious metal I can only imagine an alchemist making it,” Mary guessed.

“An… alchemist? They are very hard to come by in this time and age. However, knowing the Countess, her contacts are likely extremely broad,” Lily said.

“I happen to be an apprentice alchemist, so I suppose I am rare…?” Emilia said suddenly, raising her own brows in surprise.

“Probably,” Michael replied to Emilia. “It might not be a stretch to assume that the Countess would have contacts like that. However, if we can manage to find one that does not particularly like her...”

“I know one, but she is always in a tight spot…” Mary said while looking down. “I will try to share her contact with you at some point, however, Mister Kallweit.”

“That would be much appreciated, Miss Mary. But why do you look distressed?” he inquired.

“I suppose I happen to feel a little bad about her… and guilty, I suppose,” Mary answered. “I’d usually try to save such a person, but then she’d not be able to provide any information.”

“What is her name? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I cannot reveal just yet.”

“I… see. What do you suggest we do, then? I assume you’d also want to inform the group?” he asked as he sat down again.

“Inform the group? About what?”

“Erm, about what we have confirmed about the White Lotus and Claudia.” He paused and remembered something. “You know, I never found out what her name was, White Lotus.”

“This is mostly our little business here, and they aren’t members of the Church,” Lily responded.

“Besides, Mister Valmark doesn’t even know that you were kidnapped. He is still in California with Miss Bentinck,” Mary added.

“Oh, that’s good then. My dignity is preserved,” he joked and raised his thumb at the group.

“Well, I’m tired. So I think we should head to bed. It’s late if you haven’t noticed,” Mary suggested.

“I will stay here for a while more, I think. Good night to you, and again, thank you everyone.”

“You’re welcome, and goodnight.”

Mary then stood up and left. Lily too, seemed to have retreated after merely voicing, “Goodnight.” Emilia seemed to have not left, however.

“I wanted to apologize for… not being able to stop White Lotus from taking you away,” Emilia said.

“I never blamed you for even a second. She was a bit more than what I expected. Besides, I was the one who insisted on coming.” Michael smiled.

“No, it was still I who admitted you into this dangerous mission despite being aware of the risks,” Emilia said. “Please allow me to pay you back for this.”

“Well… if you managed to pick up my guns I would be extremely grateful.”

Emilia shook her head. “I’m afraid I couldn’t find them. I chased you for some time, and by the time I returned, the underground hall was buried by rubble.”

“Oh. At least you weren’t in there when it happened. Glad you were able to find Miss Mary too, so thanks for that.” He knew he wouldn’t be able to get a new gun in time, considering he wasn’t exactly swimming in money.

“Yes… I only realized Mary had come to America from the Church after you mentioned her. Anyway, as an alchemist: I shall craft something for you—anything. Just name it.”

“Even a talking teapot that speaks in limericks?” Michael joked. “Hmmm… I guess something to replace the gun? I doubt I can get another one anytime soon.”

“You are participating in the rumored battle against a Descendant, are you not? You’ll definitely need to prepare yourself for it. Do you use any other weapons? I remember a mention of a sword.”

“Quite right, it’s enchanted by the Church. It was useful in my last encounter with Claudia. I named it the Silver Edge!” He sounded proud of the sword.

“I shall make improvements to it if you’d allow me. I’d also make you custom guns if you fancy using them again.”

“That—I would be extremely grateful! Are you sure it’s alright with you?” Michael sounded like a kid getting a new toy, perhaps for the first time in his life.

“Of course,” Emilia said in a matter-of-factly tone. “My daggers are products on my own so I am proud to say that I am good with bladed weapons. Guns would be bit of an unknown territory, so I may end up experimenting… ”

“Well, if you don’t mind me interrupting here and there, I can help you with the gun. I did take care of the maintenance of my old ones after all.”

“That’s fine,” Emilia replied. “I’d need to consult you frequently regardless.”

“Well, for the time being I will be staying here. Unless you’d prefer another meeting place?” Michael asked.

“My atelier is around my home so…”

“Well, if you don’t mind me visiting...”

“Yes, that would be fine. It’s a little far from here, however. I hope you won’t mind the traveling.”

“I do walk around London on patrols, so I won’t mind. Where do you live? Is it a Church too?”

“Oh, no. I only used to live in convents in the past. I rented an apartment recently to enter a more mundane life.”

Michael’s eyes were as wide as platters, “H-how?! To have so much… money... ”

“Hm? Well, I have a mundane job and earn some more money from hunting…”

“Mundane work? We aren’t allowed to have one in London. What do you do?”

“I’m pretty sure anyone can? The Church wouldn’t force you to be an official priest so it is possible to lead a mundane life on the side as a.”

“I didn’t know that. What about our vows then?” He was in shock. All that time, he could’ve worked to be able to obtain better equipment and he only found out now.

“I am pretty sure that your vows doesn’t restrict you from working as a mundane? Rather, the Church itself believes that Executioners don’t have to officially act as priests or nuns—we have flexibility in that regard. I thought vows were more focused on religious terms.”

“All this time I’ve lived from what I hunted,” Michael said. “Well, in any case, where is this apartment of yours?”

Emilia took out her tablet from her habit and showed a map. Tapping on it, she marked a certain location that was south from the location of the hotel.

The two then conversed and planned about their meeting times and other details before deciding to call it a night at last.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Natsu secluded herself within her room.

A long time had passed since the members of the operation for hunting down Virgo had left for the United States of America.

The funeral rites for both her manager and Margaret Alicia passed days ago. The news about the death of her company’s members spread. The fact that the company dissolved was made official. Takashiro made an offer for her to transfer to Alice’s company officially, which presented her an opportunity to continue working as an idol. The surviving idols from the dissolved company—she wasn’t sure what happened to them after the incident of the Countess’ attack, but they weren’t given the same offer Natsu received.

Regardless, Natsu was unable to move on from the death of these two who had influenced her a lot more than she could imagine. Only after their passing could she endlessly ponder about the kind of mark they left on her life.

Especially her manager. He took care of her all throughout her career as an idol and a performer. She reminisced about the time she met her manager for the first time almost countless times now. It was in the office room of the president of the company where he called in a certain someone after Natsu assembled to hear the news. At the time, she was very inexperienced and had only entered the company through an audition. The agency itself was also quite new, but their auditions were still tough for most new performers wanting to enter the entertainment industry.

She wouldn’t boast, but Natsu was one of the most hardworking members among her peers. The amount of exasperating moments she faced from overworking her slender body were uncounted. She’d always strive for the kind of perfection the professionals were always seen displaying on television. It was as if she was attempting to scale a long wall. There were no assistance other than cheers and motivational phrases from the manager. Except that she’d imagine him saying those phrases. In reality, she simply knew that the manager was always keeping a keen eye at her from a distance. From outside the room. Only peering through the small round window in the door.

However, the fact that someone was watching her progression somehow sent a wave of comfort. She wasn’t alone—she felt.

The first time she performed on stage—her debut performance, in other words—was with a song in English, one that fused a foreign culture with that of their own. It was a rather popular hit. It was an accomplishment she’d never forget. The smile on her manager that day was unforgettable.

It was hard to move on from all these memories.

She wasn’t even sure when she fell for that man, but by that time it was likely too late. She’d see him talking to his girlfriend through his phone. Her heart would feel a form of pain she wasn’t familiar with back then. Feelings of jealousy would rush through her, and she’d feel inferior to this woman she had never met.

In the end, her manager was a professional person. Aside from work, he’d never share details about his private life.

When she participated in his funeral, she sparsely met his parents and family. They all appeared kind, but deep down she felt a kind of piercing gaze that seemed to say “it’s your fault our boy was taken from us.”

She couldn’t tell who his girlfriend was, though.

Natsu came to accept this notion as fact. It was because of her that he died—in an attempt to protect her. Perhaps they should not have moved his body from where it was when time was stopped.

Then there was Margaret Alicia. Unlike the Headmistress, Natsu had been able to get along with Alicia easily. Alicia was a strict person and she held her principles high, but she was a fair and strong-hearted individual.

She was someone Natsu respected.

The day when the recent tragic incident took place, she was the one who saved everyone from the Countess’ terror.

Yet Virgo came in but a week with the Headmistress’ face, and killed her. It was surreal, seeing all of it happen.

Even now, she wasn’t sure what really happened to the Headmistress, but she heard that she died too. Which was mysterious, because that day she saw her in the form of Virgo.

What… what should I do now?

She pondered over and over again. Even if she had told the Royal Queen of Britain that she’d partake in the fight against Virgo and support them temporarily, she herself didn’t know what she should do in the meantime. She wanted to sort out her feelings. That was why she chose to stay behind.

However, when she came back to this room, when she found solitude—she confronted her mental pain and scars once again. In this violent torrent of frustration from lack of abilities, tragedies she couldn’t stop, and the losses—she lost herself.

Days passed in depression as a result. She was almost always wrapped in her blanket. The air in her room was stale and hot. However, none of that affected her any more.

Eventually, she got off her bed and started to scribble a composition of words on paper of a notebook she flipped out on her desk.

With a listless pair of eyes, her heart poured out words that her brain processed and her hands jotted them down. She wasn’t really thinking—she was simply doing it.

She composed a song.

A song born from her grief and the tragedies she faced.

Yet it ended with a note that paved way for hope. Hope for a better future.

It was raining. The sky was darker usual. Purple lightning flashed and rumbled intensely.

This was not the Realm of the Academy.

This was the Realm of her soul.

Natsu looked down to find the familiar plain covered in lush green grass. Except that they were wet with rain now.

The one who stood before her was her Celestial Spirit of Sagittarius—Artemis.

It had been about three months since they last met.

“Storms your heart waged were fastened with fury. From revenge your fangs of fury were born. From revenge your darkness emerges,” Artemis stated with her ever soothing voice, looking down at the idol whose heart was broken, and her resolve—shattered. Even in such a storm, her voice was like a clear song that was mysteriously carried to Natsu, even though it sounded like a whisper at the same time.

Natsu was simply sitting on the ground, observing the manifestation of her heart, and the thunders raging across this gloomy sky. The chilling rain soaked her clothes and body; she felt cold and lonely despite the presence of her spirit. Was this really how she felt? Indeed, it all now made sense. Her sadness developed into something chaotic inside her.

“Sagittarius-sama…” she uttered weakly. In the intense weather, none would hear her words, she thought, yet it seemed like her spirit had heard it.

Artemis was a woman who hardly wore much except a purple garment that only covered her privates barely. There was a transparent material floating about like a cape on her back, but it hardly added up for any concealment of her figure. Her appearance and form was that of a late-teen, but her age real likely ascended beyond thousands. Her hair and pupils were as deep a green as leaves, and her belly was covered with mysterious writings in red. Likely, the inscriptions had something to do with ancient magic; someone illiterate in magic like Natsu wouldn’t know.

Natsu looked down at the back of her right hand. The symbol of Sagittarius was inscribed upon it. She wasn’t wearing a glove to cover it because she wasn’t in public.

“Why… why me? Why do I have to go through all this?!” she shouted at the spirit, digging out words from the depths of her heart. Streams of tears ran down her face and they mixed with the droplets from the rain that continually bathed her.

Artemis simply continued to cast a gaze with melancholy, not sure what to say. Even someone as wise as her was at a loss for words for once.

“What wrong did I commit! What am I being punished like this for?!” she questioned again, her voice shrilling.

“Chosen were you. Chosen by I, Artemis. It is a blunder not yours, but mine…” Artemis finally admitted.

Natsu felt a pang of pain in her heart as she heard these words. She didn’t mean to blame Sagittarius, but now that she blamed herself she felt regret from our outburst.

“No, it’s… the False Prophet, wasn’t it, Sagittarius-sama?”

“No, despite that…”

“What should I do now, Sagittarius-sama… ?” Natsu asked. She was like a lost person on the streets looking for direction.

Finally, she felt warmth. Artemis held her body with her own, her arms wrapped around her in an embrace.

“Forgive yourself.”

“Forgive… myself?”

“Indeed. Torment yourself not with those hateful words like blame. It is enough. Cease this bondage, my beloved… Kazehaya Natsu.”

“I… I…”

Natsu could hardly continue to speak, nor could she pronounce any more words. The blackless of the clouds changed, and there was a ray of sunlight streaming down through the wall of clouds in the sky.

“That’s right, I was blaming myself all along…” she realized.

Natsu could only let out the rest of her pent up emotions and start wailing. Holding Sagittarius, she cried for a long time. Letting out all her feelings, everything she had been thinking also came out. About how she despised all the incidents around her, her involvement with the government and all the changes she had to suffer ever since people found out that she was a Time Warrior.

Sagittarius accepted all of this long ago. This was Natsu—her true feelings. She had always felt her feelings for a long time and at some point, she was blaming herself for having chosen Natsu and throwing her life in turmoil.

“Sagittarius-sama… I still think Virgo shouldn’t be allowed to do as she pleases, especially with the lives of others.”

“Built your resolve, have you?”

“Yes, I will… have this song I wrote today published, then I will join Alice’s agency, and then I will officially announce my break. I don’t want to worry my fans any longer. I don’t want to look away from them any more.”

“I see. May the Sisters of Fate smile upon you.”

“I might have to depend upon you again for it… I might… fall apart again like I did this time but—I will do my utmost best!”

“Life is a collection of challenges born of hardships and respites born of achievements. Go forth, my child. Challenge the mighty and the strong, steel your heart with resolve. Mature some more; become greater and stronger. Feel free to shake the world with your wrath, cultivated by the desire for bringing justice and retribution—I shall support you, and with every trial I would grant you greater powers—so do as you please, for you are yourself, not a puppet of your country.”

Natsu gave a deep nod, her feeling of resolution welling up hearing the encouraging speech. Before she knew it, she found herself sitting on the chair in front of her desk.

There was her notebook in front of her with lyrics of a song composed. A song that would later be legendary in the history of Japan.

She took a shower, wore fresh clothes, and rushed out of her room with the page containing the lyrics.

It was time to move on.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Almost a month had passed for Kazimir ever since he received the letter from the Royal Queen of England. Kazimir was finally able to get out of Russia. Needless to say, exiting such a country wasn’t by any means easy; having to have proper documentation and a passport for identification was important. Of course, most of the documents were actually fake.

Anna also seemed to have such questionable documents with her when they departed for America. She bugged him to bring her along with him. She was too bored back at the company. Giving in, there was only one option left to Kazimir. Besides, she seemed to be a competent magi. Not that he’d know for sure; Kazimir wasn’t magic savvy.

The trip was rather long. Considering Kazimir had to travel all the way to the New World. The Magic Train had a station in Los Angeles. With his destination being in New York, he had to take a flight to there. The part about him taking a first flight and seeing many new things was a story for another time. Regardless, since the Royal Council of the Queen was backing him up in more ways than one, there were literally no problems despite his fake documentations.

Now he was finally here in New York. With Anna by his side, he faced a rather busy city in Manhattan. Him aside, Anna was extremely excited seeing this new world unfold before her. The streets were crowded, the sun was hot, the sky was clear and blue; everything was different. He hadn’t seen the clean sky for at least a few decades, or was it already a century?

Anyway, it seemed like the mages were all taking refuge in various hotels. In the Times Square was the hotel they were supposed to go to, the Wellington Hotel.

Apparently, this was where the higher authorities of the campaign were staying. Upon speaking with the woman at the reception, it turned out that their rooms were already booked for them. So they simply entered the elevator after receiving the directions, with one of the staff members guiding them.

The walls of the elevator were of course transparent with glass.

Anna was literally glued to said glass as she peeked at the city. It was already evening by the time they made it, so her eyes sparkled with the reflection of the illuminated city of New York.

“Wow… pretty!” she exclaimed. “We should just move here sometime!” she suggested.

“Hmph, too sterile,” Kazimir dismissed, despite being rather impressed by the technological marvels himself.

“At least the air isn’t mixed with soot or smoke,” Anna said in return, pouting.

“Fair point. They do seem to be in an age where Industry hasn’t completely destroyed their lands.”

“Industry destroying the lands?”

“You don’t think?” he asked her. “Steel starts off as iron deep within the ground. To obtain it, man had to gouge into the earth and leave her with scars. And to turn it into something of use, we built foundries that poison the sky with ash. The amount they must need for these. . . towers. Despite how clean their land looks, they must get their steel the same way, and that price is being paid somewhere.”

“I see a lot more concrete here than back in our homeland, though. The Soviet definitely uses them more frequently. However, I suppose you have a point,” Anna agreed. “...I’m surprised you care so much about the land, though.”

“Heh, despite my looks, I did once at a time look over the people. It would come to no surprise that I would look over the land they lived off of as well,” he answered.

“Oh, you did? Is that so?” Anna inquired. This was the first time she had heard anything about this, but Kazimir didn’t respond anymore.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

The elevator stopped and the door opened. The attendant carried the luggage and the two were now following him across the corridors, going through a set of doors.

“Then again, I don’t know much about you or your past,” she added, expressing her interest.

“I could say the same to you,” He answered, “. . . Well, I’ll at least say I was once well-acquainted with the Great Yekaterina.”

“That Catherine the Great?” Anna questioned with a gasp. Her expression visibly darkened.

“As if there was any other.” He glanced at the girl, taking note of the change in mood. “. . . And I take it she has something to do with your past as well.”

“She… she was my mother,” she said with a low tone of her voice. With that, Anna looked down, not happy in the least to hear the mention of her parent’s name.

“. . .” Kazimir walked on silently as he tried to process what he had just heard. Internally, he was battling a variety of emotions but it was not the time. “We can discuss this later,” he simply stated. The conversation wasn’t something that could be discussed so easily in a hotel corridor with a bellboy.

Finally, the two arrived at their room. A key in the form of a card was used to open the door before the luggage was carried inside. It seemed like the room had been cleaned recently so everything appeared fresh. The card for the room was handed over to Kazimir, and the door was closed after he was informed that he could simply order dinner or just go down with the lady and dine.

Anna simply sat down and stared at the city through the long window. She was silent, and her jolly mood from earlier had all but dissipated.

The long glass in place of a wall. A total body-length array of windows, they gave a nice view of the city. Seemingly, they were in a high class suite.

Kazimir stood at the entrance of the room and simply looked at Anna gazing down the cityscape. Many questions ran through his mind but before they could come, he needed to confirm one thing.

“You’re not a Descendant?”

Anna shook her head. “No, I’m a human being. Why?”

“You say you are Yekaterina’s daughter, Anna Petrovna. Yet that was centuries past, I was even there to attend her funeral. If you’re no Descendant, how are you standing here now?”

“You who worked with her don’t know? I am surprised.”

“I became. . . acquainted with her several years after your supposed death. It was not my character to speak of past things like that.”

“...What kind of a woman was my mother?”

“. . . She was strong, in leadership, wits and character,” he said simply. It was a bittersweet feeling to recall the memories. Clearing out his throat, he turned around to the door to hide his face as he battled with his old feelings.

“...I don’t like how you turn away while saying that,” Anna stated with a “hmph” as she scoffed, looking back to the window. “I was born from an experiment.”

“An experiment?” Kazimir wondered, thinking back to his time with Catherine.

“I am a human, but the experiment makes me different from the rest.” Anna took up her hand, called upon mana from the Faerie Realm and water formed as a result of magic over her palm. She manipulated it skillfully and it sliced through her forearm; Blood dripped onto the floor.

Kazimir rushed over, seeing Anna injure herself this way, and found that the blood on the floor solidified, pulsed and glowed mysteriously.

“This is… what I am.”

Kazimir looked at it with a still expression, having no honest idea what to think. In all honesty, this delved once more into the magical realm which he had been comfortable staying out of. “. . . This experiment. Exactly what was it?” he asked. Every part of his being worked against him from asking more, but he couldn’t help but go further into it.

“The creation of an immortal human being—artificially,” Anna revealed, her face turning even more grim and pale as she looked down at her own blood, now crystallized. “I was… just a disposable child, the rates of success were really low, and they kept injecting those strange drugs into me all the time.”

“Immortal.” Kazimir’s face was visibly angry, not at Anna, however, but at those responsible. It was not enough for us Descendants and Representatives to exist but these artificials as well, he cursed in his head. “Then these experiments were conducted on more than just you?”

“Yes, I believe there were more than hundreds of children. Only I survived, however…”

“I hope so,” he muttered under his breath, not wanting to sigh in relief too soon. “You were announced dead only four months after you were born. Clearly it was not actually you they brought out from the monastery. How did you live through all these years?”

“I didn’t,” Anna simply answered, shaking her head and looking further down. “I was put to sleep through some unknown mechanism. I slept all those years until three years ago when I was awakened. The Revolutionaries found a way to break my slumber, apparently. They then had me educated in all manners.”

“But you somehow ended up in the hands of the Soviets.”

“I don’t really know how that happened,there is a blank in my memories. How did you get there yourself?”

“That was a job gone south. My being there was in all honesty was due to my failure in planning,” he said bluntly, “. . . but as things are, I suppose some good came out of it.”

“I suppose. I didn’t become a lab rat again thanks to you, but maybe I should’ve just stayed asleep,” Anna said, smiling wryly.

“That isn’t a fate you can choose,” he said. “Those who know of you will be after you for your properties, they won’t let you just sleep your eternity away,” he spoke this with prior experience behind him, a visible scowl on his face as he gazed out the window.

“Then what is there that I can choose?!” Anna shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks. “...Hey, what do you think I did wrong? Did I wrong my mother in any way? Why would she do this to me…?”

“. . . I don’t know the circumstances behind you,” he dismissed bluntly. “I know your mother never did things half-heartedly or with reckless abandon and I personally don’t think she was majorly involved.” Then who? he thought to himself, drawing back to his memories, Stanislaw? Was it that damn Polak?

“Then are you saying she chose to forget about me, and leave me behind?”

“. . . In all honesty, that wouldn’t be far from the truth, whatever it may be,” Kazimir answered, looking away. “Your mother wasn’t very good with taking care of children and she treated your older brother with similar abandonment. . . “

It was tough for Kazimir to admit that to her, but he said no more. Nothing of her mother’s promiscuity and how children would’ve gotten in the way of her lifestyle. But that was beside the point. “If you want to know what to do, I can tell you that at least. Live life your own way. On your own terms and defy those who would pursue you.”

Anna wiped her tears with the back of her hand and gave a smile like none before. “Mn.” She nodded. “Thank you, and sorry about my outburst; I said some weird things.”

“It’s fine,” he dismissed. “I often had my doubts in my own journey as well.” He sighed, somewhat drawn out from this emotionally heavy moment.

“I suppose we should clean that up though,” Anna said, pointing at her solidified blood on the floor.

“Indeed, I’m certain blood isn’t something these people would be used to seeing,” he agreed and walked to the bathroom to grab something to clean it with.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

The next day, Kazimir was called up to the top floor. This was only a few floors above the room he shared with Anna. Taking the elevator, he made way for the lounge he was supposed to visit.

Anna followed closely behind Kazimir along the corridor. She seemed a little nervous, but at least she didn’t have the wrong impression regarding this meeting.

“So… I’m guessing this is where you’re meeting the higher ups? I wonder if they know about who and what you are,” Anna asked.

Normally, there weren’t many who’d know of the identities of the Descendants. Otherwise said beings wouldn’t survive and get hunted down, especially by the Royal Council.

“If Her Majesty, The Queen, is there then most likely,” he answered. “In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if she had called on other Descendants besides myself,” he added with an annoyed sigh.

“...That sounds rather interesting. I wonder if all Descendants are as cold-hearted as you.” Anna giggled at that thought dryly. That would be too sad.

“Who knows.” He shrugged. “I’ve only encountered one other Descendant and she’s pretty much as stoic as it gets. . .” He was referring to his battle against S.U.’s agent; the mention of it put him off however and it showed.

“Really, you and every other Descendants…” Anna sighed. “Even that one we met back in Soviet’s underground facility seemed weird.”

“You can say that again,” he agreed, his mood not particularly improving. “And all things considered, I would say we could be seeing her in the future. . . what a pain.” He muttered that last comment under his breath.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Anna replied. “They say Descendants are somewhat always attracted to each other regardless of what they say. Maybe it’s a matter of meeting someone around your equal?”

“Tch.” Kazimir’s mood seemed to plummet at that bit of information, his composure slowly but surely regressing to his usual mob boss demeanour. “It’s not a matter of them as a person,” he replied, “I just don’t like dealing with them.”

“Ahahaha! Did I piss you off?” Anna asked while not really expecting an answer. Somehow, from her tone, she appeared rather proud of her feat.

The two finally arrived at the set of doors to the lounge. Kazimir ignored the question and opened the door, refraining himself from kicking it open.

The lounge itself was luxurious, with the expensive-looking carpet and the furniture. The ceiling was in fact made of glass and past it, they could see the sky. It seemed like the couches were moved so as to provide space to the right side of the room, for some reason. With that said, on the right were also long windows showing the city, similar to their suite room.

As Kazimir looked at the members present inside the lounge, he noted one young girl, an older looking woman around his age, and a man well around his fourties at least. The adults were wearing expensive attire so he could discern them to be indeed high-profile, and they appeared to be English.

“Good day to you two,” both adults greeted.

“Good morning,” the younger asian said.

Kazimir said nothing back, only taking a look at the motley crew of individuals before asking, “So is this all Her Majesty the Queen has rounded up then?”

“We’re the representatives of Her Majesty, and are responsible for handling the matters,” the other man in the room answered. “She sent two Dukes and a Duchess. Unfortunately, one of the Dukes is busy and is not present.”

“This person here is an honoured guest like you,” the woman beside him added, motioning towards the young girl.

Anna whispered to Kazimir’s ear, “She has a similar aura to you.”

“Really now.” Kazimir looked skeptical at first but he remembered that looks were deceiving. He gave a heavy sigh before walking over to the girl.

“So then, you’re the Descendent we’ll be working with?” he asked, not particularly enthused. “Well, yeah, pleased to meet you.” He wasn’t.

“Pleased to meet you as well, my name is Kazehaya Natsu,” Natsu introduced herself, getting up and bowing towards him. Contrary to Kazimir, she was pleased.

“I am Duchess Frederica of Edinburgh.” The dignified-looking noble lady introduced herself. She had brown long hair, and blue pupils. She wore a silver dress.

“My name is William Henry Cavendish Bentinck.” The man introduced himself. His grey hair was fashioned as a Duke would appear in a portrait. He wore a black coat befitting his stature too. “I am a Duke from England—well, why not take a seat for starters?”

“I was going to regardless,” Kazimir scoffed, dropping down onto one of the fairly cushioned chairs. “So? Are we discussing this matter without your third man then?” he asked, fairly annoyed as it was. What was the point of this meeting if all the players weren’t present?

Anna simply stood behind Kazimir, but was welcomed to sit beside him as Frederica motioned at her with a smile.

“He claims that he isn’t good with these kind of meetings, so he went to do something else…” Frederica said. She seemed disappointed like Kazimir.

“Well, he is fine with whatever that is decided. Rather, he doesn’t seem to care… we can only move on without him,” William added after the Duchess.

“Heh, lucky bastard,” Kazimir muttered under his breath. “Then for starters regarding this operation, what do we have ready to combat against this Descendant?”

“Mainly the individuals of this room and the gathered mages,” a distinctive voice answered, and Kazimir turned towards the glass panels that were displaying the city.

Before them, mana visibly came together to form a blue figure.

She was dressed exquisitely like royalty. In fact, Kazimir was sure she was royalty. However, she appeared younger, just like the girl named Natsu.

“Your Majesty!” the Duke and Duchess exclaimed, and before they kneeled down, the Queen halted them, bidding them to relax.

“I thank you for coming all the way from Russia to attend our operation, Mister Pajari,” the ephemeral figure spoke.

“Wow! This is my first time seeing a real thought projection!” Anna whispered to herself excitedly.

“And you too, Miss Anna.” The Queen smiled to her.

Anna wanted to know how she knew the name but stayed silent.

“It is… nice to meet you again,” Natsu said, giving a bow similarly to how she did to Kazimir, but she was much more tense and nervous.

“Likewise,” the Queen said.

“Were the situation not as dire as it was, I would’ve left it to England to deal with it. I’m simply working for our mutual benefit,” Kazimir answered.

“Of course, I wouldn’t disturb an esteemed individual such as yourself if not for such a crisis,” the Queen responded with respect.

“Hmph.” He acknowledged with a simple grunt. “So? I hear this Descendant made an attempt on your life at your recent meeting.”

“Is that so?” The Queen looked at Frederica and then back to Kazimir.

“Or at the very least is related to said attempt. Not being there, I wouldn’t know the details.”

“Ah. That wasn’t a Descendant,” Frederica interrupted for correction. “It was a vampire.”

“I see,” he replied, glaring at the woman. “So no connection? Well that’s fine, then I suppose you know enough of this Descendant to know they weren’t connected to that attack.”

“In truth, however, Virgo did approach me the day after the Meet, stating her objective,” the Queen revealed. “Thus the operation.”

“Hmm.” Kazimir hummed. “Then I suppose I’ll put aside your vampire problem. More importantly, how do you plan on dealing with Virgo?”

“I assume you understand how Descendants are killed?” the Royal Queen of Britain asked, not quite seeking an answer. “Time must be stopped before dealing the final blow. The Dukes and the Duchess here are able to cast a spell that allows for such a phenomena to be created. However, it is a lengthy process and is often difficult to perform. The scale of the spell is much smaller than usually desired, too.”

“Indeed,” Frederica added after the Queen. “Last time one of the Duchesses tried—ironically, against Natsu here—it was a failed attempt. The chances are much better when another Descendant is there to cause an area-wide Time Freeze, however.”

“After that, it’s really up to us all to finish her,” Duke William stated, finishing the rudimentary explanation.

Natsu was a little off-put by the mention of the tragic incident where there was a direct attempt at taking her life. To think now she was conspiring with her murderers to put an end to her kin—a Descendant. However, she couldn’t simply forgive Virgo for murdering Margaret Alicia, either.

“So you are saying that we are the main cannons prepared against Virgo?” Natsu questioned.

“Indeed,” the Queen admitted. “While Virgo is more experienced and may be powerful, two against one is still better than nothing.”

“Basically, you just need us to wear her down till you can deal the killer blow,” Kazimir surmised. “Well that is fine and all, however, can I trust that you wouldn’t try and get rid of the both of us along with her?”

The Queen chuckled. “Rest assured, I’d never remove people from existence who save the world from a person such as Virgo. While the final blow must be dealt by any of you from this room, I do not believe the Duke and Duchess here would be able to put you two to rest after dealing with Virgo. It is a pity that I am not able to lend a hand in this operation. Regardless, in the worst case scenario, I have prepared two trump cards to play. However, they are rather dangerous for the United States of America; I’d like to reserve them.”

“Would Her Majesty the Queen need to dirty herself in actual combat, this truly would be a world crisis,” Kazimir said.

“I would gladly dirty my hands, but it is a little difficult to leave my country. Mainly due to political and mundane issues.”

“I see.” Kazimir sighed. “Well, if that is all there is to this operation then I suppose you have no objection if I act independently on this?”

“No, I shall not object, but I do hope that you would team up with Miss Kazehaya Natsu here to coordinate with her,” the Queen suggested. Albeit she figured that Kazimir may have already decided on it. “Of course, since your identity is a different matter altogether, we can only hope that you’d take care not to show your pupils to the mages when activating your Commandments.”

“Yeah, got it,” he affirmed, massaging the back of his neck. It seemed like he was tired of sitting still. “If that is all we need to discuss then I’ll be taking my leave,” he informed, taking off from his seat. “I just need to be there when the gauntlet is thrown, yes?”

“Indeed.” The Queen gave a curtsy as her form started to dissipate in the air. “My subordinates will contact you when the time comes. Until then you are free to do as you please.”

With that said, the Royal Queen of Britain was gone. The others sighed in relief as the tension left their bodies.

“Right then, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see what this America has to offer,” Kazimir declared as he swung the doors open. “Later, Japonskie,” he addressed to Natsu as he departed.

“Hey—don’t go off without me!” Anna ran over to catch up to Kazimir as they left.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

After Kazimir departed from the lounge where he had conversed with the group and the Queen, he exited the hotel and surveyed New York for the whole day. Checking out various structures, facilities, and even schools, he spent the day simply observing the mundane society. Anna followed after him and often pulled him around to various random places. Even dragging him into an arcade.

By the time the sun set she was bored, or more specifically, tired. Knowing the way already, she simply traveled back to the hotel.

Kazimir spent some more time outside alone. It somehow felt more comfortable in solitary movement. Eventually, he noted that it was getting late and that he should probably go back to the hotel. As he circled around the neighborhood, he was simply coming back in a roundabout manner.

His final stop at this moment was the Central Park of New York.

Even at this time, the park was lively. The moonlight was dim and the stars were few. Most of the natural lights of the moon and the stars were outdone by the lights of the park. The streetlights were simply far brighter here.

Kazimir sat down on the bench to relax at some point after looking around and appreciating the greenery—after all, such things were almost impossible to find back in Russia where most of mother nature was covered in snow and ice.

And yet, observing it all individually, he found himself disappointed yet again. “Sterile,” he simply said, taking note of the many fruitless trees that surrounded him. “They dedicate this plot of land to nature and fill it with decorative shrubbery.” He sighed. “Ah, what numbers could be fed were this many trees to bear fruit.” Lamenting, he shook his head in disapproval. “Truly, the future is rather destitute.”

“You still think that way, I see. I wonder, do you hate the humans?”

A very child-like voice.

Kazimir turned immediately and found someone sitting just beside him. How had he not realized it till now?

The girl was younger than the recently met Natsu, or Anna. However, something felt familiar. Perhaps it was the air around her.

She had copper-red hair and green-blue eyes. There was a disturbing feeling around her. She wore a jet black dress, similar to the Victorian era fashion, and held a parasol.

From experience Kazimir could tell—such a person was some kind of a harbinger of death. His experience as a warrior was informing him.

“You are. . . “ He paused for a moment, trying to call on whatever familiarity he felt from her. He quickly dismissed it however, his thoughts turning to her question.

“. . . In a way, I suppose I do hate what they can become,” he answered, looking out once more to the artificial skyline of towers.

“You haven’t changed much,” the child said, looking into the moon with a faint smile. “This is going to be random, but… what do you think of that Queen?”

Random indeed. Kazimir had no idea what this person was after, asking him these questions. He wasn’t even obliged to answer, he could stand and walk right now if he wanted. Yet some part of him wanted to sit and answer that. “. . . She is no Yekaterina,” he responded bluntly, crossing his arms as he leaned back more onto the bench.

“Were you looking for Yekaterina in her? Were you comparing?”

“Probably not. But I cannot help but compare regardless.”

The girl laughed.

“As usual, you are so amusing.”

“Tch, like I care to be the entertainer anymore.”

“All you have to do is be like yourself.” She laughed yet again. “Stoicness is great. I really think so.”

“And yet you seem far from that yourself.”

“I moved on from that a long time ago,” the girl said. “What did you like about Yekaterina, anyway?”

“. . . She was a free woman,” he answered. “Did as she pleased and cared little for the stiff social conventions of our time. And despite that, she accomplished so much.” Unknowingly, his fist began to clench as he went on.

“Mnm. I suppose that is true. It holds true in every sense now that you point it out.”

“It pains me to see that her efforts have gone to waste or that not one of her successors could hold a candle to her.” He sighed.

“Agreed.” The girl nodded along as Kazimir spoke. “So, what do you intend to do about all of that? Do you even intend to save Russia from its loses anymore?”

“As long as the Soviets hold back progress, the Russian people will never return to greatness,” he explained. “I will remove the inhibitor but after that, it will be up to the people to advance themselves.”

“It is influenced by a Representative at the moment. To them, I’d think Russia is a stepping-stone to their ambitions.”

“That won’t do,” he remarked. “My nation will not be exploited simply for one’s own means. Much less while I’m still around.”

“You act like many haven’t exploited that land and left it already,” the young child said, giggling to herself mischievously. “But I honestly doubt anything such as Yekaterina the Great’s reign will ever return. That golden age is long gone. That dream has ended.”

“If that dream is long gone, then the world need not be anymore. Is that what you expect me to say?” He asked her with glancing eyes.

“We think with differing mindsets, unfortunately. Unlike you, I do not think the world is merely meant for the sake of human beings to inhabit and make use of. Unlike you, I do not consider damage to nature for the sake of luxury a loatheful aspect simply because many more could be fed in exchange for it. To me, that is simply a damage to nature. Nature thus exacts revenge through hazards; it is the natural course of the world.”

“Natural, huh.” Kazimir gazed up at the sky. “What can one even define as natural?”

“You are immortal, are you not? Surely you’ll one day find the answer—if you seek it.”

He glanced at the girl with eyes of suspicion. Exactly who was this girl and what did she want? “So, did you only come here to discuss philosophy with an old phantom?”

“It is just a greeting, Grigory. You overthink much.” The girl gave a rather malicious smile as she faced the moon. “Final question: who do you think I am? I’m sure that you have been taking guesses in the mind for some time.”

Just as she said, he had been taking guesses at the girl’s identity. He sat silently with a scowl. He could only think of one person, but she was the last he wanted it to be. “. . . Even if you were,” he began, “You’re not how I remember her to be.”

“Have you awoken from your dreams, Grigory?” she asked again, despite claiming that her previous question was the last. The girl’s form rapidly changed in the next instant. Not only her face, but her clothes and her height too—transformed, revealing the very face Yekaterina once had. She held the very same smile of affection and grace she once carried. The wayward old Empress who had long left Russia. She stood up, took a few steps forward before facing Kazimir.

“Tch.” Kazimir’s expression grew darker. It really wasn’t the outcome he wanted to believe. “I suppose I have been too naive,” he remarked. “I should have just accepted it when I learnt of Anna.”

“That you were. Well, I will admit that you were an enjoyable companion to have.” The girl who turned into the woman known as Yekaterina spoke with the same face and the same voice Kazimir remembered. “I had heard that you have my daughter with you… I suppose she will be safe with you. That’s one less thing to be concerned of for now.”

“So I’m just the babysitter now, is it?” he questioned.

“What is so bad about that?” the woman questioned with a raised eyebrow. “She is helping you, isn’t she? Someone as smart as her would prove to be quite an asset for you.”

“That is besides the point,” he argued. “You have something planned, don’t you? Why leave me to be dragged behind in the dark?”

“Are you saying that you would want to be a terrorist alongside me, then?” the old Yekaterina questioned, displaying solemnity for the first time. “I left you purely because of adoration and admiration. My ambitions are far too big and unclear to the masses, for I am a villain who makes the Magic World fear my name.”

“Heh, I could care less for whatever you do in the realm of Magic,” he retorted, “but you’ve appeared before me now. You could’ve left me alone to my own affairs if I wasn’t involved.” Glaring at her, he clenched his fist. “Unless you do intend on using me sooner or later.”

“Indeed, yet it was such a rare opportunity that I could not ignore it. Suffice it to say, I hadn’t thought of using you, not more than I already had; I do not like using people against their will.”

It was a jarring sight seeing how the flesh was manipulated and changed, as Yekaterina once again returned to her previous form along with her jet black dress. She opened her parasol and it leaned against her shoulder, blocking whatever moonlight was falling on her back.

“You seem to care more about mundane matters. In most cases we would not interact. Your interest in the Magic World is limited, while mine is rather vast.”

“If you don’t intend on interacting with the mundanes, then that makes it all the more easier,” he declared, turning his back to her. “Grigory is dead. Whatever you do, as long as it does not involve me, I couldn’t care less.”

“I suppose that is convenient for the both of us.” The Blood Countess of Hungary also turned away, gazing at the moment. “A day will come when we’ll eventually have to dance to the death, but I do think that it can be prolonged for centuries to come.” Or will it come sooner than expected…? The Countess sighed. I really don’t want to fight you, of all people.

Kazimir did not respond, only stood in silence away from the woman he once loved.

Eventually, the person who was once Yekaterina disappeared with black winds and black feathers without any words.

Noticing that he was all alone once again, Kazimir simply walked back to the hotel.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Act 1 Review:

There was a stage, made with furnished wood, and decorated with a carpet and furniture atop it. When the red curtains were pulled up… the audience was surprisingly empty in the theatre.

Michael and Claudia entered the stage from the left, only to find this lonely stage and sets of seats.

Wherever did everyone go?

They could see a magical device, which seemed to be doing some form of scrying, perhaps? There was nothing on display, however. It was simply as black as the void.

Claudia, scratching at her scalp in confusion hummed at the spectacle. “Ehh, the hell is this?” she said, a single brow quirked.

“What am I doing here?” Michael took a glance towards the person he was with and realized that he was stuck in an unknown place with Claudia. “What are you doing here?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, Priest,” Claudia replied snarkily.

“We’re on a theatre stage so… we’re supposed to be actors in a play? There’s no one else here, though.”

“Huh. I was wondering about that myself.” Claudia gazed upon the void that was the theatre and tilted her head in question. “I don’t suppose you know why we were called here?”

“I have no idea. I was sleeping and woke up in here.” Michael finally noticed the strange device in front of them. “What’s that supposed to be? Is someone observing us?”

Claudia shrugged. “I think this is what people would call a camera. We’re being recorded.”

“If you were being recorded, you’d be seeing yourself instead of the pitch black display.”

Hearing this familiar voice, Claudia turned from Michael and to the other side. Where a woman just about her age walked out and casually sat down on one of the provided sofas.

“No need to look at me that way, Claudia,” the scholar from the Royal Academy said. “It has been a while.”

“Well, well, well. Long time no see,” Claudia mused to her old friend. “My, it’s been how long– a month, maybe two, Charlotte?”

“Indeed, it has been long.” Charlotte then turned to the other gentleman and gave a polite and terse bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Priest Michael Kallweit. I have heard much of your exploits.”

“I’m still confused. Who’re you supposed to be, miss?”

“Charlotte BrontÃ«.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Miss Charlotte. I’m... still lost. Where are we, exactly? Why have you brought us here?”

“Tonight heralds the beginning of many of the review shows to be held. In commemoration of the progress our story has made, we’ve decided that we’ll be doing a little look-back at the events that have taken place so far,” Charlotte answered. “You two,” she added, “are the invited guests.”

Michael faced Claudia. “Oh, I see it now. You guys are friends, huh?”

“Pretty much,” Claudia answered. “We met through a similar interest in books, believe it or not.”

“Thanks to Mary, rather than books,” Charlotte added. “You two ready? We shall begin soon.” She then ushered towards the two sofas opposite to her.

“I suppose.” Michael gave up in trying to find out the why in their current situation. Hearing Mary’s name did somehow mitigate his worries if only for a bit. He sat down on the sofa, and rested his chin on his arm.

“To be completely sure…” Claudia began as she took a seat, crossing a leg over the other. “This is a recap show? If I knew the true meaning of breaking the fourth wall, this would be it.”

“I was trying not to point that out, but I suppose that went out the window.”

Charlotte clapped as if dismissing the mention of the fourth wall. Immediately, at that.

“Anyway,” she continued, almost ignoring such a statement, “Let us begin.”

The display finally changed and it showed Mary running across the old streets of London. The sound she heard from the depths of the darkness was sweet and gentle, yet grim and ghastly all at the same time.

The voice of the steel demons.

They spoke of her golden eye, much like the few eastern shamans who whispered about the legend. The eye of the Representative. That which represented the sign of the stars. The constellation. The mark of a Descendant’s power.

The demonic creatures wanted it. However, Mary uttered a promise—a promise to save the Queen.

“This opening of the story never made sense to me,” Charlotte commented as the display paused. “You know, we hardly know anything about her, do we?”

“That eye of hers… It is a liability for everyone involved,” Michael quipped.

Claudia clicked her tongue bitterly. “A liability, he says. Mary herself is a pain in my side.”

“You did that to yourself.” Michael crossed his arms and huffed.

“Moving onwards, I think this was definitely one of the enterta—ahem, interesting events,” Charlotte said, the display changing again.

It showed Hynek on his train trip, where he was awoken by one of his many wives. Of course, knowing Hynek, the scene was making the viewers’ heartbeats rise up, with how intimate the two in the scene appeared.

Which ended in their misery when the window shattered and an ear-piercing round of machine gun fire graced the couple. The Descendant was able to live, and so did his wife, but the mood? It was ruined.

“Our storyteller has a bad habit of ruining all good things.” Charlotte laughed. “Including lovers’ good moments, and possibly even bad ones. Apparently… ”

The scene then changed to show how Alice, on the other hand, was in Tokyo, discussing with a government official how Hynek was likely being raided by the clones—assassins—created by The Society who were trying to get rid of him. Albeit, it was obvious that Hynek would not be deterred by such creations, as he slaughtered the boy that was a clone with his shackle blade.

“It’s surprising how they thought that it would work. More importantly, what is he doing on a train? Doesn’t he have a sense of decency?” He gestured with his arms to convey his feeling of irritation.

“I doubt any of the New Worlders have the type of decency you are describing, Mister Michael,” Charlotte promptly answered. “In fact, it is apparently really common, I hear…”

“Well you’re not wrong. People can, and definitely will get to the point where they just have to… do it, no matter where they are,” Claudia commented, smirking.

“Your thoughts are as lewd as ever. I wouldn’t even bet a penny if anyone thought a Bible could cure that,” Charlotte joked.

“It won’t, I tried.” Michael sighed. “They are not animals that cannot restrain themselves. They are a disgrace.”

Claudia snorted. “Again with that stick you have securely posted up your ass, Priest. Don’t knock it until you try it, as most Americans say.”

“Well, I’d like to see you try to be a decent person for once,” he scoffed.

“It seems like soon after that, Hynek is officially accepted as a civilian in Japan,” Charlotte stated. “The officials met him, as well as Alice, who did something mysterious to him. The wonders of new technology are beyond us.”

The display then changed yet again. It showed Lily and Svetlana facing many men in black. Apparently, the men were gangsters, of sorts.

The road and landscape were covered in nothing but snow, and there were trucks. These trucks were shown to be holding many orphans, homeless, and generally the poor inside.

Kazimir was the mastermind behind the human trafficking tragedy. He wanted to make money off the tragic lives of innocents.

Lily and Svetlana were then shown to have accepted an †˜S’ rank mission from the Soviet Union.

A battle ensued, and the gangsters were promptly defeated, but not before they inflicted some wounds on the pair. Of course, the girls were not without help. Weiss shot from the air with her sniper and took out some of the men with ease.

“While we were living in the city of smog and parading with frilly, pretty dresses, there were people battling in tough conditions out there,” Charlotte commented. “This was the beginning of the first duel between two Descendants.

“Haha, brutal,” Claudia chuckled. “Once again, there’s more than enough damage caused by a Descendant. Truly, they know how to run a party!”

“So that was what happened to Lily in the past. These Descendants seems to me like they cause nothing but suffering. I do wonder what purpose they serve in the bigger picture.”

As Weiss and Kazimir clashed after the location of the homeless was reported by Svetlana, Charlotte began, “I wonder, too. They were supposed to bring the world—as we know it—to an end. So maybe these are small products of the eminent end?”

The symbols in their eyes were shown. Weiss’ eyes gave away the sign of Cancer, while Kazimir showed the Taurus’ emblem.

Soon after, the screen began to show Claudia herself. She stood with her old reminiscent dress before Duke William John Frederick Powlett and her teacher Griswold. Here, Claudia made a vow.

“I want to prove that I can be of some use. I wish to assist my master, nothing more, nothing less.”

This was spoken by none other than Claudia in the past. It continued:

“I only wish to work under my Lord and of course, anyone of higher power’s names and carry out their orders. It does not matter what, I will do what you ask with high zest.”

Marveling at these words, Charlotte raised her brows and turned to the real Claudia next to her. “So, what do you have to say about that?”

“I see some uptight French cunt way over her head,” Claudia said simply, arms crossed. “Honestly, I want to literally go back and slap myself for saying something so stupid.”

“What happened to you?”

“I woke up and saw that there’s much more in life than looking up to people who’ll only let you grovel at their boot… I figured it was better being on the other side of the groveling.”

“Haha! I honestly liked the past you, more than, well, you know, whatever you got into,” Charlotte commented, but she didn’t appear to be in any way serious, as usual.

“I think I’d prefer her, too.” Michael however, was completely serious.

Then the scene changed yet again. The picture now showed Arthur and his little attendant Amrita facing a lycanthrope. With the King’s shining blade, Excalibur, it was defeated. The blade didn’t manage to, however, put an end to the rapid beast, which fled soon.

Before it did, though, the Countess appeared for the first time, snuggling up to the creature, calling it her pet. At the same time, Queen Victoria appeared in the form of a young maiden, blue and ethereal. She was an illusion—a thought image.

“Many tend to think that Queen Victoria appeared much later in Act 2, but in truth, she made a small appearance early in the story to quell a bit of a friction that was going on. Same for the Countess, of course. We still don’t know the mystery behind the lycanthropes, either.”

“That guy, is he a Descendant too? How come he failed to kill that lycanthrope?” Michael asked when he saw Arthur

“Because King Arthur is one of the laziest of the Descendants. I mean look at how he takes everything slowly and progresses slowly… he even made it a point to be lax for centuries while the history of Britain progressed further with Her Majesty,” Charlotte said.

“And I heard that he was a revered hero. Funny how one can become so lethargic after a couple thousand years,” Claudia said, hearts practically in her eyes as she saw the Countess on the display.

“The Once and Future King, huh?”

As the Countess vanished, leaving black ephemeral feathers behind, the recorded pictures then changed and it showed Michael chasing Mary.

Mary was clearly being followed, and she noticed almost immediately, for her senses were sharp. This lead the priest to a mysterious Boundary, beyond which a new world lay. Even now, none knew where it was, except for Mary.

Michael was then shown fighting an iron demon, its body only connected through electricity. With him was Iris, providing a helping hand.

“I still haven’t found how to stop those things. If felt like fighting a moving castle. It fills me with shame, but, Miss Mary had to save me and my friend that time.”

“Those things look like a bitch to stop. You wouldn’t see me fighting one of them on my own,” Claudia commented.

“They are. It hit like taking a carriage to the face.” Michael rubbed his cheek.

“Then comes one of the most famous moments in the story…”

Claudia was then shown to be battling the Countess. The form that the Countess Dracula took was different, and was that of a lady appearing to be Catherine. This was one of her disguises in the Magic World. Despite taking on a facade, she was naturally more greater and powerful than Claudia could ever be, and was taking her opponent down with ease.

Instead of using spells, Catherine only used her sword, while Claudia seemed to be running out of options despite casting actively.

Eventually, Claudia cast her forbidden spell, the Heart Shatter. Despite that, Catherine caught her leg when she appeared to have been unconscious, sending Claudia on a brief moment of disbelief.

“That was a shameful display, Claudia. You could’ve just given up instead of… acting like that,” Charlotte commented.

“Imagine if that wasn’t the Descendant Countess,” Michael scolded.

Giving her shoulders a jerk, Claudia averted her eyes from the screen with a scowl. “Don’t remind me. It wasn’t one of my proudest moments, I can tell you–ignoring the fact that I was laughing like a maniac before,” Claudia said. “I actually regret casting that spell–but then I’d be lying to myself if I knew I wouldn’t be able to become acquainted with the Countess.”

“...And then, Mary helped you out, Claudia.”

After Charlotte spoke, the display showed Mary negotiating with King Arthur, in other words, the Director of the Royal Academy. It showed Mary taking Ymir—Claudia’s weapon—so as to stop The Society from taking action over it. Who knew what turmoil Claudia would be in today if she didn’t.

“I did tell you Miss Mary is your friend, Claudia.”

“A friend who owes me an arm…” Claudia muttered.

“Which you still have. With what you’ve done you’re lucky to be even alive today.”

“Yeah, that is strange. I wonder if one of you can correct that problem sooner or later. I sure can’t do myself in; too boring.”

“And we wouldn’t want that,” Michael muttered.

“After that, we did talk an awful lot, didn’t we?” Charlotte said, ignoring the bad blood between the two guests. “Mary introduced you to me and me to you. At least the following weeks were merrier than usual.”

A smile graced Claudia’s features for a moment. “Of course. We talked about books, drank tea, ate snacks, laughed about Mary’s adamant reactions towards my personal interests; good times.”

“And we never got to figure out who that man was…”

The display showed the woman—the man. To Claudia, it still seemed like a maiden. Even to Michael, in fact.

“What man?” Michael looked at his companions, trying to see what they are looking at.

“Ah right, I remember him… or her. He looked delicious for a slender one, I’ll tell you,” Claudia mused.

“It was a man. I’m sure of it,” Charlotte said, reaffirming her belief. “But let us move on.”

The display changed to finally show Claudia meeting the Countess. This had forever changed Claudia as a result. The particular line that the Countess said about her ideology was heard:

“I care not what magecraft you employ for combat, personally. For I find great pleasure in viewing the true nature of individuals. You were only doing what you felt like, yes? That is fine; beauty lies in those who act with freedom, and are devoid of restraints.”

Thus, anyone could see Claudia’s face—in the past—brightening up tremendously. For she was won over, that very instant.

Soon, Claudia visited Catherine—no, Countess Dracula—several times before officially joining the group of terrorists, and then partaking in the ritual of becoming a Representative. Indeed she was never the same again. After becoming a vampire, her personality warped, slowly and steadily. Glimpses of these events were shown.

“And I enjoyed every moment of it,” Claudia said, smirking. She impulsively bit her lip looking deep into the moment of her transformation–the moment of her first kiss as well. Christ.

“I do recall someone telling me it was all to save the world. I think it was you?” Michael briefly glanced at the recording equipment.

“Well I was the one under your boot. I’d assume so.”

“While all this evil monstrosity was being bred, there were actually more important events going on at the same time,” Charlotte said.

The events shifted to Japan where Aramus was shown walking across the futuristic streets with Elizabeth.

“From hunting for an expensive alcohol label to gambling to flirting with your student—ooh, how romantic… ahem—to ending up almost rolling off the swings. Swings? Yes, indeed, they did not know how to use the mechanical ones. Then Aramus met the Descendant Pisces—Alice.”

Alice was then shown in the scrying surface. She was almost wordless, but she shed light on what path they were supposed to take to find their alcohol. When questioned about her identity, she pointed to a nearby advertisement portraying herself.

Aramus turned and looked back, but the woman was long gone.

Some days had passed and Aramus received a letter.

“Apparently, Natsu—in other words, Sagittarius, a Descendant—was attacked by the Europeans,” Charlotte explained. “This incited one of the largest battles in the story. As it prompted the Queen to invite skilled mages for the campaign to defeat Natsu.”

Then Aramus was shown joining the group and attending the briefing sessions. Eventually, it was a mess. Students died and Sagittarius massacred the people sent after her. Aramus and Natsu fought, with the Descendant being controlled by her spirit.

It was a bloody conflict, and no one quite won at the end. Aramus was gravely wounded and defeated, and his friend, Takeru, was also severely injured. The Duchess, Caroline, barely defeated her, only to find Alice blocking the path before putting the tragedy to an end.

“We read about this in the newspapers, too,” Charlotte added. “This was public knowledge, but none knew just how bad it was, except for the people there themselves.”

“And she would have been just as dead, if not for the Priest and that midget’s meddling,” Claudia commented.

“It was a bad idea to begin with, attacking a Descendant. Or anything involving one in general.”

“Stick around. You’ll see that I’m full of bad ideas later in Act 3.”

“I can’t believe that I am saying this but I am looking forward to it,” Michael said, sighing.

“Thankfully you weren’t the one leading the operation in Act 2, Claudia.” Charlotte laughed.

“Oh, hardy-har. I thought I handled myself rather well,” Claudia replied in jest, puffing her cheeks.

“You seem to handle yourself a lot, to be honest.” Michael smirked.

“Oh, even the Priest has jokes. Fucking clap it up, everyone.” Claudia literally began to sardonically applaud the man for that quip. It added along with the atmosphere to see that she was the only one clapping.

“Thank you, thank you! It warms my heart to see everyone appreciate my joke.” Michael waved at the non-existent audience.

For added effects, the display ended with showing Natsu shooting off her lasers, before switching to a part featuring Aramus and the others on a train.

“After all was said and done, the teacher, along with his student and her mother, and his other teacher friend, all got aboard a Magic Train to head for England,” Charlotte began. “The Queen’s Meeting was starting soon, and everyone was on their way.”

The display also showed Weiss receiving her mission from the Steel Princess. It also showed Kazimir’s Representative deciding to go to England to investigate. Claudia’s invitation letter was being prepared through a bit of plotting by the Countess while Laura received one as well.

As Aramus and the others were having a good time, guns started shooting again. With the windows shattering, the display abruptly stopped.

“Aaaand that’s it for Act 1!” Charlotte announced with a big smile. “Thank you, Mister Michael, and Claudia, for joining us!”

“Anything to relive my lowest of moments,” Claudia replied glumly.

“Glad to be here, I guess? I would prefer if you guys asked first.” Michael huffed.

“Well, why not stay around then?” Charlotte offered. “The Act 2 session will start shortly.”

“As long as we skip the parts where I failed so I can still be smug to my companion here.” Michael sat back down at the sofa.

“Ohohoho no. My worst of times were shown in this Act. We definitely have to show his,” Claudia said, furrowing her brows.

“Perhaps we will,” Charlotte said. “But I don’t know if there is much to show that bears importance. Anyway, thank you for being with me, but it is time for me to go.”

Charlotte got off her seat and waved to the two as she left from where she appeared.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Act 2 Review:

As Michael and Claudia remained seated, a man entered the stage this time.

His robe was black, but its underside showed a bright red, as red as blood. He wore a top hat, and his beard and hair were grey. He was old. However, he seemed polite and erudite.

“Good evening, you two.”

It was Bram Stoker.

“It is nice to meet you, Lady Claudia, I have heard much of you,” Bram said, smiling at Claudia with his hat taken off, before facing Michael. “And God bless you Michael, I hear you been through quite the hassle, haha. Well, partly thanks to me too!”

“You seem to be awfully lively for a dead guy,” Michael commented before standing up to hug his old friend. “It’s really nice to see you again, old man.”

Claudia nodded to the man in greeting. “Bonjour. Not only are you lively, but in too strange of a good mood as well. It’s off-putting.” She reclined into her chair and spread her legs, crossing her arms in turn.

“You blessed living folks forgot how I was then. I was always a good folk, and a jolly one too… was I not?” Bram tilted as he questioned them, as if he was bewildered himself. “Though I must say, it took too long. A whole two months of nothing between Act 1 and Act 2.”

“Well, you did introduce me to Miss Mary, and Iris to theatres. She loved watching Romeo and Juliet,” Michael contemplated.

“Which makes me wonder; how on earth are you… here at the moment, considering that you died?” Claudia would have thought she had died in her sleep and gone to some kind of Hell where she would have to sit next to Michael and… recap the last moments of her life. That was a good enough shiver to put her off this entire thing for good.

“Who knows? I was simply called upon, and here I am… I don’t know how I spent those two dreaded months knowing my death flag was erect and blowing against the winds,” Bram said, heaving a deep sigh.

“That does not make any sense at all. Maybe you got punished for leaving that heavy a burden to me. Miss Mary is quite stubborn, you know?”

“As stubborn as a vampire pinned down with a bullet abreast but still beggin’ for blood, but hey, at least you got to admit that the lass is lovely. I’m sure she is.” Bram laughed heartily as he said this.

“Very much so.” Michael recalled his first time seeing Mary, and what felt like a million butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

Rolling her eyes at the Vampire joke, Claudia chimed in. “Don’t remind me. I lost an arm pouring my heart out to her–oh wait.”

“It’s okay dear, if I could put out my life for her, you can put out more than an arm!” Bram remarked.

”Putain de Christ…”

“This is slowly becoming uncomfortable.”

“Mission accomplished! Anyway, shall we begin? Act 2 started simple. Like every other act, confirming the characters involved in the story and how they were.”

Aramus was shown visiting a library, while Weiss was shown meeting the Headmistress of the Eastern Magic Academy, Lumiere. On the other hand, Claudia received her letter from the Countess.

“The only event worth noting before the Queen’s Meeting was especially Aramus’—even if I don’t want to admit—where Queen Victoria does more than short talks,” Bram narrated.

Aramus’ audience with Queen Victoria was shown. Here, Aramus sought his redemption for stealing the fan of Paimon as a child. More importantly, they discussed how to handle Elizabeth and Claudia. A little bit was also exposed about the Queen’s benevolent heart, yet how unforgiving she could be at the same time.

“Usually I’d tease about the meeting’s outcome, but even I despised being there…” Claudia added, looking upon the man of whom she once called †˜brother’ with a scowl.

After this, the display showed Michael following Bram Stoker. Iris, as an apparition, was following Bram faster, and even then, the mysterious writer was extremely fast despite seemingly walking.

“Ah, I remember that day…” Bram’s smile faded.

“I will never forget that day.” Michael’s gaze was downcast, and his voice trembled.

“Soon after that night… I struck down Lady Iris with my paws,” Bram admitted.

The battle subsequently took place. It was a fierce conflict where Michael fought the lycanthrope—a magical creature—that was Bram. Throughout the night, throughout the city of London, in the shallow rain past which the moon graced the streets; these two fought tooth and nail against one another.

Explosions took place with grenades and much flesh was cut with claws. In the end, the man won the battle, and the savage beast—put to rest.

That night, Bram held Michael by his shoulders, and pleaded: “Mister… Kallweit… I beg of you… save… save Mary. She is acquainted… with a demon that still… haunts her…”

“I’m sorry.” Michael bowed in apology to Bram. “Rest assured that I’d do my very best to fulfill my promise to you.”

“I know you will. You’ve dealt with Mary’s stubbornness, after all,” Bram said, sighing again. “Anyway, with all that said and done, the old man left and the Queen’s Meeting started.”

Contrary to his words, the display showed a scene of Michael embracing Laura with romantic music playing in the background.

“Oops, sorry, wrong image, folks.”

Now displaying the Queen’s Meeting, the reminiscent halls were shown packed. Claudia was shown playing card games among adults and getting lucky. As fate had ordained, she eventually met Mary, quickly escalating into a trail of jokes of mockery at each other, making some people almost turn to them.

“Tell me honestly, did you really hate our lass Mary, Lady Claudia?” Bram questioned.

Claudia furrowed her brows. “Only after she tried to kill me, yes.”

“I see, well let us see how this progresses,” Bram said, and the recordings continued playing again.

Sherlock was finally on display. This was an elusive Descendant who was well aware of his own situation. He kept himself in the dark to avoid all types of issues. Usually working as an observer for The Society, he was originally tasked with watching over the Lorelei. At some point, however, he received a request from someone else, Duchess Frederica. Frederica wanted to know if the Queen was even human.

Sherlock was shown speaking with Claudia. He was curious about a number of aspects surrounding her, and it seemed like her lies were quickly noted. The video ended with Mary helping Sherlock out in his conversation with her, ironically. Indeed, Mary was only acting before Claudia.

“Ah, Mister Escott. I quite liked that man,” Claudia commented. “Haven’t seen him in a while, though. I can’t even wish him well either, considering he might count me as an enemy. Haha.”

“The… ” Michael cleared his throat, still red faced from what was shown earlier. “The plot thickens, as one might say. ”

“Who knows, I don’t think Mister Sherlock likes enemies. Making them, that is,” Bram said.

The view changed to show that Sherlock finally learned of Claudia’s situation, from none other than Duchess Frederica, who revealed that Claudia’s use of a forbidden spell was a trigger to many, many things, and people.

Soon, Claudia left for the hall to enter the ballroom, where she met Elizabeth, the daughter of Duchess Caroline. After she departed to meet all the men wanting to court her, Mary and Claudia were shown to have danced.

The court dance of the two was clumsy. Mary could hardly lead Claudia.

“I’m surprised you didn’t take dancing lessons under the Duke, lass,” Bram stated.

Claudia coughed, practically choked on nothing. Her cheeks turned red and hot with embarrassment. “Well, it never crossed my mind up until that very moment… jeez.”

“Seems to me like you would’ve enjoyed such an opportunity,” Michael observed, looking at the embarrassed Claudia.

After this dance, however, Mary’s eyes set their sights on a particular man, and from there she forgot all about Claudia, perhaps for good.

Mary’s act was over; this was apparent from the face that was portrayed in this scene. She walked over to the handsome, and taller man, and they danced. It was a picture as if made out of a fairy tale. In the display, the angle was such that Claudia could be seen cringing behind the dancing pair.

While Claudia was thinking how Mary didn’t take to her fancies, the exchange would be rather shocking:

“Your task tonight… is the extermination.”

“Yes, Master. With mine own hands, Claudia shall be eliminated.”

After this, Claudia was beckoned back to the main halls by Rose.

“I guess this is the answer,” Bram said. “Fate was never really nice, anyway. But was that so? I’d like to say: you reap what you sow.”

While Claudia’s reaction was unmoved, her hand was shaking rather feverishly while clenched into a fist. “Just… go to the next one before I throw this entire fucking sofa.”

“But I’m still sitting on it...”

“THE. ENTIRE. SOFA.”

“Could you at least leave the part I am sitting on alone?”

“ENTIRE. SOFA. MICHAEL.”

“I could settle for an armrest?”

“PRIEST. SHUT UP.”

“Tch, stingy.”

“Now, now, get off your period because the show isn’t over yet, lass,” Bram said, laughing as usual as ever.

“PERI–” Claudia truly had to stop herself right there and take a breath because she swore this old man was going to be more than a ghost.

As these emotional scenes were taking place, the gears were set to motion quite some time ago. Weiss was inside the Buckingham House with the Headmistress Lumiere, and the two came across Rose, who was breaking the magical prisms responsible for keeping the premises safe.

Eventually, Aramus came to the eyes of the public. The eyes of the higher society of London; nobles, including the middle class members. These were the mages from said social classes, and no mundanes were in any way involved. However, there were some poor mages around, just that they were here thanks to being a part of a Magic Organization.

The Magic Magister Aramus and the Duchess Caroline broke out in a contest of eating food. Caroline lost thanks to Aramus being desperate. After which, Laura approached the Queen.

“I’m going to go to the men’s room.” Michael said standing up.

“Except there is no such room.”

“Figured.”

Laura handed the Queen a letter. Of course, as everyone knew it, Laura’s chest soon burst open. Marco crawled through the flesh and blood of the knight, and with his bare hand and his sharp nails, he stabbed the Queen in public.

“I will personally deal with that vampire even if that’s the last thing I do.” Michael spoke with his voice trembling in anger.

“Pardon? That’s my boyfriend you’re talking about,” Claudia defended.

“My apologies. I will personally deal with your boyfriend even if that’s the last thing I do.”

“You’re funny. You’re a funny man.”

“Then, the curtains of merriment fell, and the horrors of the night were only just beginning,” Bram continued.

With the Queen falling due to a stab on her chest, and the vampire mysteriously disappearing, the hall was in an uproar. As Victoria was being carted away to her awaiting medics, Claudia came to thwart recovery, killing the guards and facing Aramus.

Their talk bore no fruit, except Aramus was convinced that Claudia needed to be dealt with.

Before they broke into a fight, however, two Descendants showed up to make the Magister realize that it went from bad to worse.

Hynek and Alice both came with the intention putting the Queen to rest permanently.

When Aramus felt powerless against fate, Duchess Caroline appeared to stall the raiding Descendants, and Claudia was soon gone. Probably fearing the situation, or rather, the possibility of being seen by too many people. It was in the nature of vampires to avoid public attention when their masks were taken off.

Shortly, the display showed Michael and Claudia fighting. Indeed, Claudia met Michael as soon as she made an escape through the window. Michael was emotionless, while Claudia was full of emotions, especially showing fear due to the usage of spells specialising in mental disorders.

“Oh, this is where we made acquaintances.” Michael quipped.

“Kiss my ass,” Claudia snarked.

Unable to suffer this incompetence, the Countess was finally forced to speak words, musically, to wake Claudia up. Of course, the only most safe command she could provide was retreat. Hence, Claudia ran from the battlefield, with Rose and Marco’s assistance assured after they were free.

Michael was soon found by Mary, after which he was escorted to Laura, where she was being treated in the Church. The tired priest finally lost consciousness, but the night was far from over.

Mary then left the Church for Claudia. After what they did to the Queen, there was no way Mary Shelley—no, Mary Linfield would forgive them. With her order and now this, her resolve was affirmed, and she met the Representative vampire on the cobblestone streets.

One pretended to be innocent, while the other didn’t.

“And there your arm goes,” Bram remarked, watching the display as Mary did so.

Claudia screamed and her true nature spewed forth, only disgusting the assassin that was Mary.

Marco and Rose came to her rescue, and there Claudia’s interest in him grew immensely.

“You sure there’s no restroom?”

“Absolutely, dear,” Bram responded with a sour look. Everyone wanted to run away from their miseries.

“Oh, fuck me. Might as well give some insight on this…” Claudia began, giving her neck a slight crack. “Oh wait, I don’t remember much with all my screaming. It was a hectic night I’d rather not delve too far into.”

“I think you didn’t hear your screams because you were screaming,” Michael added. “Is this that part where you cut off ties with Mary?”

“Keep talkin’, funny man. I’ll be sure to shove my foot right up your ass,” Claudia replied. “And no, the part where I cut off ties with her was when–and I repeat–she cut my arm off. So in any case, she did that for me in a figurative sense.”

“Why do you insist on shoving things up other people’s bottoms?” Michael sighed, “In a way, it was circumstances that drove you both to this point. That’s how I see it, at least.”

“After Mary and Rose fought, the other vampire too, retreated, and Mary’s curse was over, her chain leaving her neck yet again…”

While, at the same time, he had Aramus toiling through dangers for the Queen, as he barely missed feeling the steel of the Duke who raised Claudia. Caroline’s husband came to help. Unbeknownst to Aramus what he just fought.

The husband of Caroline fought Weiss, as shown on the display of magic. Defeated, and unable to stop the mysterious ritual, he fled and decided to look into different situations. He wanted to report to the Queen and other people, but in his search he came across Aramus and Agent John.

“Giving instructions to the escape passage, the two Dukes faced each other in combat. The results were unknown,” Bram stated. “Aramus arrived at the passage, but it turned out to be a dark room. While Sherlock Holmes, the legendary detective, had uncovered the identity of the Queen.”

The Queen eventually woke up, and was briefed regarding the situation.

When the two Descendants sent by Japan came, the Queen attempted to plead them to stop and leave. Indeed, none would listen to such pleas.

Eventually, Victoria had no other choice, and revealed her powers as a Descendant.

In doing so, it became apparent quite fast that it was impossible to win against her. Queen Victoria’s strength was of a different calibre—a whole different league. She defeated both Hynek and Alice single-handedly. At some point, Frederica came to confirm the information from Sherlock, and her loyalty was solidified. Serving a Descendant was better than serving some famed mage.

When Hynek and Alice made their escape, the Countess appeared. Apparently, all was said and done. The ultimate objective of the Countess was not to kill the Queen herself, but to set up the process through which the Queen could die. An elaborate scheme that only she herself knew.

Cunning, the Countess Dracula ordered her terrorist comrades to allow chaos to ensue, make the typical mages run about in search of them, while the two Descendants of Japan could easily infiltrate to assassinate the Queen.

The failure of the two Descendants, however, did not quite faze the vampire. It merely convinced her that the most suitable adversary for Victoria was perhaps she herself. Their final exchange of words were heard in particular:

“I will accomplish my objective, and I don’t care what the magicians think of it. I wouldn’t be so low as to play the face of all the magis like you. Is that your way of mocking them? Please tell me it is. After those magicians took your husband, you still side with them? Are you insane?”

“We are people unwanted in this world, Morgan. You and I both know this. However, that does not mean that we cannot make our place amongst them. That does not take away our right to live. I simply continued King Arthur’s job. I do not think the magicians ever †˜took him out.’ Arthur simply chose to wait.”

“Wait?”

“Wait till the country of Britain desires a King once more, of course. Here, in Avalon – he will one day appear, when the country will most need him. And by the time that day comes… I’ll likely have passed on, satisfied with the role I have played, cherishing what good I could achieve in my time here.”

“...You don’t mean… No, you cannot be serious, Guinevere.”

“I very much am.”

“Queen Victoria – or should I say the Final Battle Maiden? – your love for your country will certainly destroy you one day. Don’t you dare die till I take out the rest of the Descendants, you goody-two-shoes idiot.”

The Countess disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind black, ephemeral feathers in her place, and the subjects of the Queen full of unease.

Yet, the dangers were not over. The Queen soon confirmed that Japan’s possibly most dangerous weapon was only about to be put to display…

“Well, ain’t that something,” Claudia said.

“It feels as if I am watching a novel. Like… that movie Hare showed me.”

“And it only gets worse, lad,” Bram said.

The airship of Japan descended from the cloudy sky, and thus replaced the clouds with itself. Sheer in size and sheer in power, the few onlookers at the break of dawn couldn’t help but look at it with their mouths agape. This was the extent of the technology of Japan.

Chaos soon ensued, the city being razed by lasers and the innocents running for their lives. The mundanes could only pray to God. While Victoria rushed to the skies to face this nightmare born of machination.

In the end, the ancient Descendant was still the victor, as befitting her current name. The curtains to the main events were closed. Some strove to get stronger, while others decided to return whence they came from. While the true darkness of an old nemesis lurked still.

“And so… I suppose that’s that,” Bram said, heaving another sigh. “Thanks to sticking around with this old man here, folks.”

“We’ll meet again one day, old man.” Michael waved his friend goodbye.

“Adieu. Your jokes have been… tolerable for the time being,” Claudia added.

“And your jokes had been… vampire-y?” Bram’s laughter echoed across the halls. “Well, lad, farewell for now. Take care of the lass for me.”

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Act 3 Review:

“Oh, Michael… it has been a short time, but we meet again.”

Alicia sat next to Claudia and Michael now.

“I do believe we’ve met before, Claudia, but only briefly in my bout with the Countess.”

This was one of the ten Archmages who died at the hands of one who continued to dread the world. Despite all of that, however, she seemed rather relaxed, much like Bram who left earlier.

“Miss Alicia! It is great to see you again.” Michael hesitated a bit before continuing. “Your daughter, she’s… In a dark place after your death.”

Alicia’s smile weakened, but even then she was… at peace. It was hard to believe, but Alicia was much more braced to face the afterlife than it seemed.

“Of course she would be… life isn’t so easy as to keep everyone in the light. She’ll come out. One day. Maybe she’ll be bigger and stronger by then. Time will tell,” Margaret Alicia responded.

“She is your daughter, after all.” Michael smiled at the Archmage.

“I’m beginning to sense a pattern here,” Claudia began. “With you and the old man being so damned happy, I’d be crazy to think there’s actually relief in death.”

“That depends on your mindset alone. Regardless, pleased to meet you, Claudia. I have heard much about your exploits.”

“I’ve… somewhat heard of you? Apologies, dear Countess doesn’t include me in most things.”

Alicia shrugged. “I suppose you had your eyes closed when you met me. That is completely fine. Now, let us begin.”

The display once again started. “Act 3 started rather fast, mn? Compared to Act 2, anyway. This was a great leap forward in story, however, but I feel as though it was more of a bridge than anything.”

It began with Natsu enrolling in the Eastern Magic Academy in Japan. This was an academy neutral from all the external forces in the Magic World, and thus they were quite protective of Natsu. At least the staff members and its Headmistress Lumiere were.

Everyone’s lives went back to how they were. At least, they were supposed to, for the most part. While others were only getting ready to venture forth into the dread again and face the door of death once more.

Claudia came to Japan along with the Countess. The Countess always shifted from one target to another. She sensed victory even in loss, and if one operation succeed, she’d still learn from the mistakes, and carry off onto the next target. Like this, after Victoria, it was time to hunt for Sagittarius.

Meanwhile, Michael came in pursuit of Claudia. Having received further orders from the Church, it was his duty to bring an end to this vampire Representative. Lily, the informant of his mission, joined him as per the orders of the Pope. The power of the Church helped them forge passports and documents to get aboard the Magic Train for travelling. They were also given sanction by the Magic Academy for their operations in Japan.

Tsuruko was shown to have visited a shrine where she met Susanoo and unlocked her curse. She also gained his powers at the time. What she gained as a new strength is still unknown.

Svetlana started her work at the Eastern Magic Academy. She worked as a teacher and hoped to send money to her mother back in Russia. The salary for working as a Rider in Russia was apparently too low. This was natural, thanks to the harsh conditions of Russia and its economy. This was how she was reunited with Lily, thanks to the mission to exterminate Claudia.

Michael soon met Margaret Alicia, who shed light into the possible objective of the terrorists behind their charades. It was indeed a fact that BloodLuSt aimed to kill the Descendants to begin with.

Claudia, on the other hand, met Iris. Much had happened between Iris and Michael, but when Iris’ memories returned, she knew that her obedience lied to the Countess. Due to the demand, the Lachesis’ Fang was crafted for the Representative, which also demonstrated her talent as an alchemist. However, after a test run, it was revealed—as shown in the magical scrying surface—that the scythe had a will of its own. It clearly had other opinions.

“Why would Iris do that?!” Michael failed to stop himself from raising his voice.

“Ah, so you knew her. Fate is a strange thing,” Alicia commented.

“Now that’s funny. A friend of yours crafted a weapon I used on you. Small world it is,” Claudia teased.

“So that’s why that maid of hers felt off. She was working with the Countess all along. But… why is she forging weapons as terrible as that scythe of yours?”

“Because she works for the Countess?” Alicia said, as if the guess wasn’t obvious enough.

Claudia shrugged. “I mean, it’s not as bad as you think–well, then again, you’re not the one holding it most of the time. Let me tell you; it’s not a good weapon to brag about.”

“Being cut by that ghastly thing is more than enough for me. If she was—if that was her own choice then...” Michael trailed off as he recalled the brief time he was with Iris when she was a spirit.

“You never know how a situation is so much more complicated behind the front. Allegiance can be bought easily under the palms of a mastermind—like the Countess,” Alicia stated.

The display showed Natsu as she was being escorted to her venue in Shibuya, Tokyo. Alicia and Svetlana joined her. Michael and Lily were told about the route ahead of time, but it took much longer to go without a vehicle.

“Ahh, this day.” Alicia gave a wry smile. “Never had I thought I’d be fighting her again that day.”

“The Countess was beyond what I thought was the limit of power that a human can grasp,” Michael commented.

“Descendants, Michael, are indeed beyond human,” Alicia admitted.

“Why?”

“Who knows? When I was Capricorn, I did many things with it. I fought Cleopatra, I fought Macedonia’s Ruler—one who you people call Virgo—and many other villains of my time. When it came time to swap places with my wife… well, that was quite the experience,” Alicia stated.

“Are we just pieces to games you and your kind play, then?”

“Possibly? I wouldn’t say that I played †˜games,’ but I know my kin have played them so far, and done much more, if anything. We are all out for ourselves, though, and our minds are fundamentally human. Power—is a large asset. Just by having it, you’re free to a world of options for your lifestyle,” Alicia responded.

Claudia suddenly clapped once, wearing a shit-eating smirk. “Well that’s a relief, knowing that I’m one of the more stronger pieces on the Countess’ table–” Claudia stopped herself for a moment and cleared her throat. “I-I’m sorry… did you say wife?”

“Considering I took on the body, identity, and the remaining life force of my wife, yes, my dear,” Alicia answered without feeling any apparent shame. “I suppose this is a pretty sensitive topic—it sure was for me—but being dead and all, I am somehow at liberty from that feeling.”

She found herself shuffling slightly closer to Alicia for some reason only she would know. “Well, well, well, if it weren’t for you being on the wrong side of the war, I probably would have liked you. You certainly have a lot of scandals under your belt.”

“Huh… well, just to cut misunderstandings, my only reason to fight was for my students. As for the… relations that may sound interesting to you now—I was a man foremost, and a knight at that of the Church until I was exiled. Capricorns have this interesting power to become human, though.”

Claudia propped her chin onto a palm and smiled. “Even more scandalous.”

“Not that anyone knew, save for my wife. My scandal was surprisingly caused by my Supreme Spells, however.”

With such a mention killing her albeit small buzz, Claudia groaned. “Honestly, I can’t say that I’m surprised by that.”

“Unlike you, I was officially exiled. After that, I became a teacher abroad. You can figure the rest—my daughter became everything in my life.”

Sighing, Claudia sank into the sofa. “I wonder if I could do something similar to most Descendant’s–you know, as far as changing your name and identity goes. I think I have a few extra thousand years in me if I don’t die prematurely.”

“The Countess definitely did. If I tell you her real name you’d be flipping out the window the next moment.” Alicia laughed.

“Ah, her decadent name game. Dracula, Nosferatu–the list goes on and on I’m assuming. I think at this point, I just settle with calling her Catherine… or Countess out of respect. Haha.”

“I bet her real real name would be something mundane like, Holly or Latifa. That would be interesting,” Michael said as he raised his finger to emphasize his point.

The display continued with the depiction of the event.

“And so, Natsu’s life proved to be relentless in its turbulence once more,” Alicia said.

She was singing before the audience. The people were all cheering in response. This level of energy and excitement was proof of Natsu’s popularity and talent. It was a little bizarre seeing a strange-looking girl whose smile revealed her two pointy fangs, but she casually ignored it.

What could go wrong?

Abruptly followed by this train of thought was the discoloration of the world as she exited the stage. The sounds from behind stopped; the audience’s cheers didn’t die down. They simply died. More specifically, they were frozen stiff, down to their very movements and expressions, and were thus stuck as the arms of the clock stopped.

Natsu—utterly confused—faced the sharp gaze of her kin, a fellow Descendant. Natsu was not keen on the nomenclature behind the Descendants, having only learned the truth of her own nature recently. However, her instincts informed fear since she was a Descendant, and even a Descendant was not immune to the pull of the death’s door in such a place.

Claudia attempted to follow up. Her objective to remove Natsu off the face of the earth. However, before she could do the worst with her newfound platinum weapon crafted by Iris, Svetlana stepped in. As part of the job, Svetlana’s role was to protect the student. There was also the reputation of the academy to consider, but it was a larger point mostly for the Headmistress, and not for every other teacher.

A battle of words ensued rather than blows of mystical force and power, as Claudia and Svetlana engaged in all forms of berating and slander. An entirely childish debacle.

Before the Countess Dracula could raise her own arm and finger to do the trick, lo and behold, in came Margaret Alicia, an exiled Duchess of England.

Natsu ran for her life, knowing that she couldn’t let her teachers’ efforts go down in vain, only to discover that the staff members of the venue were more or less killed. Her manager was frozen in time, shocked at the grotesque sight of the corpses. She almost broke down in tears, thinking he was gone forever.

At this moment, her new friend Ame informed her that he was only frozen, and was not truly dead. Appearing at such a time, Ame was barely punctual, but definitely a great helping hand, who attempted to direct the stressed girl out of this precarious situation.

Unfortunately for them, Rose attempted to thwart the escape, but Lily appeared to keep her occupied.

On the other hand, Michael too, appeared to help Svetlana after there was a bout of words and Supreme Spells.

Claudia was not alone, either. Cosette joined the fray to help her mistress. It turned out that Cosette and Svetlana knew each other from missions back in the Soviet Union, and it wasn’t the first time they were going to clash.

With Michael blocking Claudia’s path, there was no other choice but to fight.

“You know, I wasn’t exactly aware of this fight for some time,” Alicia revealed. “I might’ve been able to provide a helping hand much earlier. Not that I hate you or anything, Claudia.”

“Huh, so that’s how I managed to reach the start of the fight. I thought I was too late when I arrived.” Michael tried his best to not snicker while Svetlana and Claudia were talking trash against each other.

“Actually, we could claim that Svetlana’s provoking comments and the ultimate result of the banter helped to buy time for your arrival. Surprisingly genius, even if not intended,” Alicia commented with a raised index finger.

“Whatever. I’ll admit that was a mistake, letting her get to me like that. Yes, I admit it; Claudia fucked up. Was that what you wanted to hear? Jeez.” Claudia crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks with irritation.

“Admittedly, we got into some sort of banter too, and I also got pissed off. Sort of.” Michael stroked his chin. “Was that a spoiler?”

The battle continued. It was mostly Claudia against Michael. Svetlana was too busy with Cosette for the most part, which also meant that her mistress wouldn’t be getting any help.

However, one would think a Representative was more than enough for a priest… but was it really the case? According to the display, experience played a great role in factoring the victor.

Claudia’s control over her new abilities were far from great. Her scythe’s ability of mind controlling was easily resisted by the iron will of the priest, and the infernal creatures summoned from her Commandment were not controlled as best as possible. This case of a mouse’s struggle against the cat left devastating destruction in its wake. As the large creatures tore through not only asphalt, but many houses and more importantly, lives.

While Michael went back to save an innocent young child, but suffering a wound in the process, the beast was killed, but two more were left.

Finally, he made way for the root of all evil that was Claudia, who was orchestrating the actions of the black creatures. Despite the attempts of her summoned apparitions, Michael defeated them, and then defeated the vampire—once again.

The exorcism burned her very heart and mind. A type of feeling that was completely new to her. One that was not welcome in the slightest. Their voices were heard:

“W-What… what is this!? What the fuck is this!? What did you do to me!?”

“...It is He who casts you out, from whose sight nothing is hidden. It is He who repels you, to whose might all things are subject. It is He who expels you, He who has prepared everlasting hellfire for you and your angels, from whose mouth shall come a sharp sword, who is coming for both the living and the dead and the world by fire. Amen.”

“Ohhh, don’t you dare give me that stupid, ham-fisted bullshit about God! The very concept of Him has absolutely nothing to do with me, but the fact that I was hunted by one of his fucking lapdogs for most of my life! I’ll be sure to shove a bible right up your ass once I’m done with you!”

“Do you not realize that it pains Miss Shelley to hunt you? Did you not think about why you are hunted? Must you always think that it is the world that wrongs you, when you are doing such atrocities yourself?! Must you rob these good people of their lives for your whims?!”

“I.. don’t care what Mary thinks. She’s made her choice, as have I. I am, and always have been hunted because of my parents. I was chased, lost my home, and my family over something I had no control over. What do you know!? ...You don’t know what the difference between me and an atrocity is.”

“What about the men whose lives you drained with your vicious fangs?! What about the attack on the Queen you and your cohorts did? Do these lives mean nothing to you?! Seek repentance, ask for forgiveness, and it shall be given to you. If you truly reject these atrocities, seek atonement! Choose to do good, and good will come to you! Why… why must things happen like this? Do you not see all this violence and destruction?”

“And do you not see that this is for a cause far larger than yours? I’m doing it for your sake, that midget’s sake, and no matter how much I loathe her—Mary’s sake, too. So what if I have to kill a few people to achieve it? All the killing will be fruitless if I don’t do the things I do.”

The display then paused.

“You know, my guess was quite right now that I look at this,” Alicia said, appearing a little proud. “That aside, though, that was quite the emotional performance.”

Michael just crossed his arms while nodding approvingly.

Claudia only clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes in response.

“That said… while you two were bickering…” Alicia smiled wryly again.

Large—very large—nails of ice protruding from the river hurled at the Countess.

It was an incredible showdown between Margaret Alicia and Countess Dracula, where the Duchess demonstrated her great array of spells. Albeit, the Countess, as an old Descendant, was always a step ahead.

When the ice glaciers attempted to hit, she simply dodged. Very agile and nimble, nothing could seem to work. Including even the thin and fast tendrils of the flower of Elysium’s Revolt spell… which was subsequently shown to be burned down as the Countess transformed into a dragon.

“Those spells are just absurd.” Michael was slackjawed from the power shown by the spells being used in the screen by Alicia and the Countess.

“You’d need at least some higher tier spells if you’d want to make a dent on a Descendant,” Alicia replied. “Normal spells hardly cut it. Unless, of course, you face one with a group of mages—all experts in their own rights.”

“I experienced this much first hand. Y-You’ll see later. Fighting a Descendant isn’t a pretty sight.”

“I, for one, am not looking forward to fighting with Virgo. Considering what happened the last time I saw her.” Michael glanced towards Alicia. “No offense.”

“Even if it’s not you, someone has to face her. Who else will prevent this cycle from repeating itself?” Alicia smiled. “Alas, no one is encouraging you to throw your life away at a conflict you’d never be ready for, either. Perhaps someone more up to the job will appear. Ironically to this statement, I did refuse to help, though.”

“I didn’t say I won’t do it—just not looking forward to it. I just don’t enjoy being part of the pavement, is all.”

“Then don’t? No one is forcing you.”

“No one has to force me. Claudia, help me here won’t you?” he said nudging Claudia, if only to change the focus of the conversation.

“Don’t put me in this. I will remain neutral.”

“It’s quite alright. No one trusts the wisdom of eld, anyway.” Alicia shrugged. “Throw your life out, no one is stopping you.”

The display continued the battle between the Countess and Margaret. At some point, it seemed like the Countess noted the danger of Claudia while battling with the Duchess, all at the same time, and went to stop the priest from taking the life of the Representative.

Alicia followed suit, and this prevented the Descendant from completely annihilating the priest.

Claudia was retrieved by Ansel—the Countess’ close aide for the operation—and was brought to safety at the same time.

The battle was over. When Cosette noticed this conclusion, she immediately retreated, leaving Svetlana to find Michael unconscious.

The Archmage and the Descendant’s fight resumed. It seemed as though a holy light caused by Alicia’s spell brought Michael’s consciousness back, and with it, the voice of a Divine Messenger. He dreamt of an empty throne momentarily.

In the end, Alicia lost, especially due to a heart problem, but the Countess no longer pursued Natsu either, for she was drained of spiritual power, too.

Speaking of Natsu, she was shown to have faced George briefly. This butler of Dracula was strong and stout. Not only did he prove to be a great challenge for Ame, the shaman of the Shrine Organization, but also for Natsu, the inexperienced Descendant.

The manager of the idol attempted to protect her as the flow of time resumed.

This was when the battle with the Archmage was still ongoing—so the battle was apparently witnessed by the mundanes.

Thus, being a mundane was already a mistake in itself, as George easily severed the manager’s head. As his head fell, Natsu’s heart was cast to darkness along with it. With great rage and anger, George was defeated by the utilization of her powers, but it was too late, for it could not be used to protect the person most precious to her.

“I know he tried and was misinformed but with that he completely failed to preserve Miss Natsu’s smile.”

After the event came to a close, everyone went back to their daily lives, while others were recuperating from their wounds from combat. Claudia was deeply depressed of her continued incompetence, while Michael contemplated his actions.

Mary then showed up, and it just so turned out that Duchess Frederica had recruited her back in England. The infamous girl of the Magic World was now onboard the struggle against Virgo.

Soon after, Lily and Michael officially signed the contracts and agreements, and thus joined Mary to fight Virgo, along with Aramus the Magic Magister. This team would only continue to grow.

“And so… my final day came.” To Alicia, it was a rather eerie feeling, watching her last day being shown like this.

Svetlana convinceed Isabelle—Alicia’s daughter—to come and see the Eastern Magic Academy. This could easily be done as the Duchess’ mansion was just behind the premises of the academy. Having so much money, such an arrangement was apparently possible for the Duchess, who even had several maids across her household.

Isabelle agreed, despite showing dismay. That day, she came to meet Michael, Lily and Natsu alongside Svetlana before the main building of the school.

Of course, Margaret Alicia was extremely happy to know that Isabelle agreed to even step outside the house. For a mother—or a father?—it could be said that the Duchess was on cloud nine. It had been years since Isabelle even took a stroll outside. This was because she was an introvert who didn’t open up to even her mother. In fact, Isabelle actively refused to address her as a mother.

In actual fact, Isabelle only knew few facts of the main story regarding the tragedy of her life. About the demon that attacked her real mother, and how her father dealt with it, she vaguely witnessed these events transpire.

Regardless, Alicia went to check for places inside the main building for crowds. Apparently, Isabelle hated a large crowd. Not with four or five people, but more like ten or higher. Scholars of the Academy usually preferred to host group studies on holidays. Since it was Sunday, it was very much possible for Isabelle to find a crowd accidentally.

After having done the inspection, she exited, finding Isabelle with some people, but was abruptly stopped by the Headmistress, who invited her to an outing for drinking alcohol.

Plainly, Alicia declined. Nothing was more important than her daughter.

However, the Headmistress—no, Virgo, had other ideas. Plunging deep into her back without warning, she seized the vital organ of the Duchess’ body—her heart—and ate it directly. In all manners, she was crazy and abnormal, and this grotesque sight was witnessed by all present; albeit they were too dumbfounded to take immediate action.

“What was that barrier? Nothing went through it. Is it some sort of a Time Warrior hocus pocus?”

As Michael asked this, the display gave reference, showing the back of Virgo’s fight hand with a glowing purple gem.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it isn’t. It even blocked the demon of Isabelle,” Alicia responded.

“I’m more interested in how Virgo managed to fool you for that long.”

The display answered Claudia’s question instead of Alicia. This backtracked a little in terms of the events shown, where Weiss was shown actively working with the Headmistress Lumiere behind the scenes, investigating Natsu and the government, even. According to these, Lumiere was in fact very close to death, with her body starting to fall to the perils of illness.

This was because Lumiere was but a clone of Virgo. She shared Virgo’s face, but none knew Virgo’s face, so the identity of Lumiere was hardly faced with prior doubt. Virgo’s only way to regain her own powers bestowed upon her clones was by eating their hearts, this was the reason behind the formation of her bad habit. She ate a bunch of clones’ hearts gathered under the basement of Buckingham House in Act 2… but why were they gathered there? No one knows.

Lumiere was dead, long before Virgo herself approached Alicia, only acting like the Headmistress briefly.

A sneer came across Claudia’s expression, huffing with interest. “Now that’s gold. No offense, but that’s something I would definitely do had I the ability to change my appearance.”

“Not that she could change her appearance—that’s your employer’s shtick—but she simply had so much time that no one knew her anymore. That was an undeniable advantage to someone who claimed that she’d attack America soon,” Alicia stated.

“But by doing this, she had revealed her face for all to see, and that’s something valuable to us who are chasing her,” Michael observed, disgusted at the Descendant’s actions.

Under the barrier erected by Virgo, both mother and daughter were locked inside, with the rest excluded as mere spectators to the unraveling tragedy.

With a vital organ gone, Alicia hardly had much time to live. No restorative magic could ever restore a brain or a heart on a short notice. It was impossible.

Virgo mocked the daughter’s love for her mother, and the demon inside her who wanted to possess the mother badly. A mere demon was no match for a powerful Descendant who was said to have lived over two millenniums—and had full control of her Commandments. Virgo’s final words were heard before she entered a portal and took leave:

“Very well. If you love this transvestite equivalent—woman wannabe—person so much, then so be it. I shall let you live so you may agonize over her demise.”

The barrier which was earlier weakened by Natsu’s attempt to break it, was finally shattered by Aramus’ new spell: Galeforce. What followed was a short emotional exchange between Alicia, Isabelle, and Svetlana. As Alicia treated Svetlana somewhat like a daughter, this was especially heartbreaking for her.

As she was an †˜older’ sister to Isabelle now, Isabelle’s future and well-being were entrusted to her as the Archmage finally passed on—knowing that she could rely on the young ones to live on with strong resolves. She also reflected upon her life, and came to realize that she could finally go on to face the afterlife unfettered—free from the shackles of life that had bound her for so long, for she had finally forgiven herself for her past mistakes.

After Alicia closed her eyes, Queen Victoria’s thought projection visited. However, she was too late to bid farewell to the exiled Duchess, but pledged that she’d one day deliver to Virgo the punishment she deserved for her crimes.

At the same time, Natsu met the Queen for the first time. She confirmed here that she wished to bring justice. She would join them to fight Virgo as well.

Time passed after the gruelling event, albeit slowly.

Svetlana joined the team of Aramus. She had also made a pact with the demon who lurked deep inside Isabelle’s soul, effectively freeing Isabelle from many burdens, and perhaps saving her.

Indeed, Isabelle did not know any of this, but it was obvious that the girl plotted to take revenge in the future, feigning ignorance to the warning of Michael after the funeral.

While the people associated with the campaign to battle Virgo left for the United States of America—where the fight would take place, Natsu stayed behind for some time. Every single day, hour, minute, and second was spent under the confines of her room where she isolated herself from the world, thinking what she wanted to do with her life aside from battling Virgo.

Everything was finally weighing her down. The death of the manager whom she deeply loved, the death of a teacher she admired, and all those people that suffered seemingly pointlessly when she was first attacked about two months ago.

By the time Sagittarius spoke with her host again, Natsu discovered that what her heart was full of was a violent storm, a manifestation of her grief. Speaking to the Celestial Spirit, however, might’ve been the counsel she was looking for.

Soon, she began to compose songs. Songs of her grief and loneliness, and they would later become the foundation of the idol’s legend.

“Your death was something that impacted everyone very much, Miss Alicia. If only we were strong enough to break Virgo’s barrier, we could’ve prevented that.” But instead of feeling down, Michael felt more determined than before. “However, we cannot change what already happened. So we will strive for a better future, one without grief and suffering; be it from the Descendants or otherwise,” he declared.

Claudia suddenly yawned, albeit loudly. “Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t help myself,” she said. “I just somehow got bored all of a sudden.”

“I will start with the Noble Diner, of course,” he continued, nodding to himself.

“Deaths can be boring. Don’t worry Claudia, I’m sure yours will be too.” Alicia laughed, then moved on with the topic as the display changed.

In America, the characters arrived and checked into their hotel. The technology in the country was definitely inferior to the futuristic country of Japan, but naturally, it was still superior to that of England. Especially in the sense that the sky was not always overcast with clouds. The country was also home to many vampires, which was why Claudia was quickly invited to a little party. One where Michael was kidnapped, but that was a story for another time.

Aramus and his team finally got together to straighten out the details, with their last joining member being Takeru, who was apparently the only friendly teacher he could seem to get along with. Aramus had also recruited Elizabeth some time before departing from the Eastern Magic Academy.

Meanwhile, Kazimir and Natsu were gathered in the suite where the thought projection of Victoria arrived to discuss the important matters, and how they would conduct their business in general.

Clearly, the Descendant of Russia was not very impressed with the arrangements. His standards as a soldier from his motherland created many dissimilarities. Especially, he was somehow not fond of the Queen… perhaps because he was comparing her too much with the Great Empress Yekaterina, his once old Queen and lover.

After all this, Aramus ventured through the Infernal Realm, having met two great Archmages. Known as the Twin Archmages, Chris and Nicholas were impressive in their own right. Once Christopher gave the permission, it was Nicholas’ turn to help, whose role was to guide the lost pair that was Aramus and his assistant, Elizabeth.

His time in the Infernal Realms proved to be some of the worst in his entire life. In the seven trials that mimicked the seven sins, he witnessed all kinds of terror. Each of them somehow related people he knew, even those he met recently. From Elizabeth melting, to his teacher and his peers berating him mentally, before his supposed children and Claudia eating him alive, and many more. He learned truly unbelievable things.

How his teacher was assassinated while he was ignoring the gazes of the nobles in shame, or how his parents were long ago separated and taken away from him when he was still an infant.

Perhaps his parents was still alive—this was the only hope he gained from the trials.

Once he made it out, he faced Asteria, the owner of the greatsword Laevateinn. His objective was to bring this sword to King Solomon, who’d then forgive him for his crime of theft, and grant him permission to keep Paimon’s Fan.

Through a tough fight and a near-death experience, he won, and the blade was later offered to the King. Queen Victoria aided him in his travels with her mysterious capability of creating magical passages.

The golden earring he gained back before he left England was something that bound his fate to his Queen, and it allowed her to monitor his actions to an extent. He’d then be sent back home, knowing that the Queen had flatly rejected his confession of love.

At the same time, Kazimir met Countess Dracula. The Countess was shown as a young child in black holding a parasol like usual, before she turned into an older looking woman. Kazimir had finally learned that his long lost Empress of Russia, Yekaterina was actually the vampire Descendant all along. It was a fact he wanted to ignore as it became more and more apparent when she spoke with her, but he had to come to terms with it.

It seemed like the Countess still valued him, and chose to let him live longer.

Now that he knew who Yekaterina really was, he confirmed why Anna was an experimented girl with abnormal blood, yet there was nothing he could do about it. In a way, he was only left with a burden that was the Countess’ biological daughter that was Anna.

Such was fate.

“And that’s that, people,” Alicia announced.

Before the display ceased to work, it did show Virgo who was standing atop the Statue of Liberty.

“Thank you, Claudia and Michael, for accompanying us through this long look-back into Act 3. It was much appreciated,” the Duchess added.

“Hey, it’s no problem at all. I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoyed this whole thing, exchanging banter between my sworn enemy and all.” She thought back to her final words and nearly choked on nothing once more. “Holy shit– what. Say what?”

“I think I was spoiled, how am I going to sleep easily now? And I too enjoyed watching what has transpired in the past acts, so I guess it was worth being kidnapped?”

“I’d be surprised if either of you retain any memories of what you saw here. I can say with certainty, though, that we may invite you both again some time in the future,” Alicia replied.

“I look forward in seeing you all again.” Michael waved at the empty audience seats.

“Please tell me you’re just being funny again,” Claudia huffed. “But yes, this was a joy. I cannot wait to do it again.”

“Farewell, Mister Michael Kallweit. On another note, however, I look forward to the events to come. After all, Virgo is…”

Both Claudia and Michael’s vision started to blur and the voice sounded far. Soon, they were back to their sleep from where their consciousness was brought from.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

(OOC: Once again, we came a long way, which is awesome. Admittedly, at this point, I think there are a lot of typos and perhaps even inconsistencies in how some characters or events were played out. Unfortunately, we just don't have that time to fine-tine every little small things. The story at its core will likely remain intact and continue to be full with tragedies and all kinds of awesome struggles for the times to come. Well, maybe. We'll see if the players can overturn these feels-y events.)

Act 4: The Time of Judgement

Spoiler:

The Lost Spells.

Long ago the humans lusted for power as though they were women in the form of convenient tools to sate earthly desires, while women desired power as though they were exquisite, luxurious jewelries. Already having forgotten their just cause—their duty of great import—to uphold the balance of the world; some humans delved into the abyss.

Long ago, the Starlight Mages were priestesses, all of whom sent fervent prayers to the Goddess Love, War, and Sex—Ishtar. Ishtar was the Goddess who dwelled into various ventures, eventually crossing the seven gates of Hell, according to legend. It was said that the priestesses eventually fought against Gilgamesh after Bull of Heaven’s death, in place of the Goddess herself. For this to be possible, the Goddess of War had granted her Incantations of War. In other words, scriptures of the Starlight spells. The Starlight spells were so compelling that even the great King Gilgamesh not defeat the priestesses completely. However, most of Uruk was also destroyed by the overwhelming strength of the stars’ energies.

The Starlight Mages were feared, but no knowledge or words were ever passed on about them. Except, the Gods found them too dangerous, and had them exiled. Where did they wander to, and did they ever pass on their knowledge of Starlight spells?

There was a time when one would claim that even Zeus was scared of a certain Goddess. The Goddess was known to exist in darkness, and one could hardly catch a glimpse of this mysterious beauty. Nyx, was in reality, was a venturer of the void. In the darkness—lone and lost—she spent time in only creating oddities. Some of these oddities were spells. Among these spells were some of the most extremely powerful and dangerous spells that were of the void. The void spells were not truly destructive, but to the naked eye it’d seem that they were. The void spells were spells that erased existences and exiled them to the void. This was precisely the root of Zeus’ fear.

However, no one knows where Nyx went at the end. Not even her children knew. Perhaps it was her fate to be forever lost in every manner possible. The remnants of the void, just like its creator, hitherto remains a mystery.

One of the first magic lineages of Europe, the Bjornaers were originally practitioners of Arts involving the Animal Form. Their efforts led to many existing spells relating to animals of various kinds, and it is thanks to their talented members that the modern magecraft were benefitted with many spells under the Form of Animal. Their love and zeal for these creatures, however, grew so strong that they decided to become them, and in no way through ordinary magic. Thus, the Heartbeast spell was born. This was, at a glance, a convenient magic for combat, and perhaps labour. A man crossing through the magical passage to transfiguration could become such powerful magical creatures that their sanity and their primal desires could not be equal as scales would in a portrait of Libra. The Bjornaers, after numerous experiments, successfully devised the spell of transformation, but repeated use and mastery over said spell brought about a man-made calamity. Villages were ravaged, kin were slaughtered, trees were cut and mages were left smitten with sheer rage.

The spells of Bjornaers lied in the hearts of their family. The only way to seal these apparent rabid beasts were to force them into the coffin—death. Since then, Bjornaers were hunted and executed.

Long ago, a certain Goddess took a decision of great weight—she chose to venture across the globe and learn all kinds of things. That was where she found an Eastern land. The early times of China—this Goddess, wore a lie upon herself. She chose to be act as a human. There, she came across the ancient arts of hand-to-hand combat that the ancestors of Chinese were developing. Intrigued—and perhaps to mete out boredom—the Goddess helped conjure the Ancient Dragon’s Lore. When she mastered her creation, she left immediately for her next venture, not turning for at least one glance back at those she left behind. The ancestors of Chinese, in the end, brought about their own end due to their excessive pride. The warrior monks boasted such power that the ancient mages of the era removed them from the annals of history simply because they could overpower the existing influential mages with the Ancient Dragon arts.

Indeed, these monks were not born as mages, but the Goddess had taught them not only magic, but an art which could potentially bring about chaos if not controlled. Purely due to concerns of political strength—rather than actual danger to life—they were eliminated.

The Saints of the Church were, in reality, the strongest warriors among the Crusaders. Indeed, Saints were employed in the battlefields—such as Saint George—and despite their wishes, they were forced to serve. The Saints were beings oft with tender hearts. However, some were tainted by human greed. The Heavenly Sacraments were brandished and the holiest human beings on earth waded through crimson-bathed grounds that was littered with corpses. After all, the reclamation of the Holy Land was of utmost import… however, in truth—as pure and just a cause as it seemed—the truth was far from it, and the blood spilled was hardly proving its worth. Despite then, the loyal Saints continued to toil under the words of the great Pope. The battles waged and eventually—the Saints were never to be seen after the Crusades.

The barbarian bouts of slaughter of kin had reached the limits of the lamenting angels. Thus, divine intervention finally took place. The Saints were put to rest eternally by their contractors—the Divine beings—themselves. One would now wonder, did they go to Heaven, or Hell? If only one thing that Saint George committed were acceptable to angels, it was battling the revered Countess Dracula, who, at the time, was carrying a different name. The story among humans, however, differs, but in reality; the Countess had the Saint running, and was undefeated—befitting her splendor as an Ancient Dragon.

When the hunt for witches began, the Roman Catholic Church knew that they weren’t performing well-enough in their pursuit for the Infernals. At the time, most of the mages controlling the Church were vastly outnumbered by the mundane Christians. The true objective of the Church—beyond spreading their message of faith and the great dominion of their religion—was to bring an end all the filth of the earth, but this was not happening, and instead innocents were being killed. Meanwhile the devils deluded humans with ease. Masters of liars; the devils made humans kill each other in the end indeed. Indeed, the witches found from the hunt by mundanes were but ordinary magus—completely permitted to practice magecraft by the Church—put to their end against their will. In fact, some mages of the Church were also executed as a result. As if for revenge, the Roman Catholic Church took a bold step, inventing spells which utilised the forces of darkness. Fight fire with fire—they believed, hence the creation of Undertakers in the Magic World.

The Undertakers were powerful and manipulated the souls of the dead to do their bidding. There was a catch, however. No great powers could be achieved without sacrifice. Upon tapping into the depths of the abyss, the abyss itself tapped onto their souls in return. The users of such evil powers had their hearts tainted, and they lost their righteous path subsequently. The Church had no choice but to eliminate them all by themselves.

– Queen Victoria’s Memoire, 6th Entry, 1859, May.

In the midst of all the wires and conduits laid one young woman. Fettered and held fastened by numerous probes, belts and chains, she was imprisoned. A capsule full of blood was connected with a tube against her wrist. This blood transfusion would forever change her future.

“Dear Cosette, this is punishment. Fault yourself for your incompetence to protect your mistress.”

“Who… who would protect that kind of a person? She is better off dying!” Cosette barely shouted. Her body frail and weak. She could hardly move.

“You act as though you are given liberty of belief—that is wrong. You are a slave bought by me and whose rights were provided to Claudia. This was but an inevitable outcome, a product of your disobedience.”

Countess Dracula clearly witnessed Cosette cringing, and looking away.

“I did came to assist… my mistress. It’s her fault for being weak—”

The fist of the Countess did not break any bones, but it did make the slave gasp for air.

“That does not matter. It is clear—according to Ansel—that you chose to ignore your mistress while you engrossed in combat with that Russian mage.”

“As I said, that was her fault!”

“And you allowed her to be humiliated… that is also a shameful display for a slave who should be defending her mistress at all times. Indeed it was her fault, but being weak is all part of a process of growth. It’s your job to realize these factors.”

“...Fine, I’ll try to keep it in mind. So will you please stop this atrocity?” Cosette said, looking up to the blood in the capsule. That was no ordinary blood. It could potentially turn her into a monster of a different caliber.

“Didn’t I say that this is punishment? This is the first stage so you won’t attain bodily changes… but be wary that if you keep failing… you understand, right?”

Tch, curse you, Claudia.

***

The gathering of the venturers in the Astral Plane was always peaceful; full with golden silence. In this empty space, all one could really see was blue light coming from afar. It was barely for luminescence. No one knew the exact body of light that was the source, either. Simply gazing at it didn’t bring into view a visible star—a sun—for instance. Otherwise, turn away from the blue and everything would simply be pitch black on the other side to a viewer.

This was the void upon which a select few could step into.

Such a mysterious place was hardly accessible to many. The spell required to open forth the Astral Portal was apparently tantamount to finding ancient scriptures in undiscovered magical tombs meant to be the latest archeological sites. Which would bring anyone to the next question: how did the present adventurers of the Astral Realm find the passage to it?

“Mind answer what this is about, dear mother?”

“Absolutely. There is a condition.”

In the void existed a single place where the adventurers of the void could gather.

It was also the perfect place to have a meeting with no eavesdroppers.

A pair sat before the bartender who seemed to be busy concocting beverages for the other customers. Of course, most of these other customers were a little far from both mother and child.

“And that would be?”

“Explain what †˜this’ is?”

Princess Louise laughed with a glass of whiskey at hand, while Queen Victoria treated herself to a glass of everclear before presenting a blooming smile to her daughter.

Neither seemed the least bit drunk.

“What else is there? You had decided to give me a †˜bodyguard’—or so he explained—and he is a heir to the House of Fane that fell some time ago… may I know what you’re plotting?”

“Ohoho, I wonder what it is.”

Now it was the Queen who laughed as the daughter drank some of her whiskey. The bartender then began to pour some more of the drink.

“You do know my plans, yes?”

“Yes, I am aware. While it was unintended, I would never permit you to go alone. There must be an overseer in place. That is my condition.”

“Oh, and how was this unintended?”

“To begin with, I never asked him to be a bodyguard. Just an observer.”

“...That speaks volumes of his character somehow.”

“Surely you do not mind?”

“Of course not. I am Louise, baggage cannot deter me, surely.”

“Now that’s my little girl.”

“That is all I wanted to know. Dear mother, I shall now take my leave. There is much to do before my departure.”

As Louise stood up, a portal beyond which the city of London was visible opened. As she stepped out, Victoria continued to drink.

What soiled Louise’s beautiful facial features was her contempt for her mother’s action. Behind the princess the portal closed and yet again—her smile made her face bloom much like a flower.

“As stubborn as ever, mother. That’s how it should be, however. Otherwise it’d be too boring of a challenge.”

***

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xznSqQBE-k)

“Hm, so this was how my loneliness felt,” Virgo stated to no one in particular.

The final fragment was absorbed moments ago. The final clone was murdered. The Descendant regained her full powers.

Fate had come to pass.

If not in a few years than perhaps a thousand years—this was how hopeful Virgo was about her lifelong objectives. She was strangely persistent and patient. While at other times she’d appear impatient and in haste. A very erratic person, one could say.

In the apartment where she dwelled for her stay in the United States of America, it could be said that she had a guest, for once. One who was uninvited.

“So you have come… Cleopatra.”

“Good evening. It has been long, Alexandrina, or should I say… sister?”

On the face of the Countess was a wide grin full of mockery. Contrary to the amusement the Countess might’ve felt, the Steel Princess continued to stare down at a glowing magic circle under her.

“Have you come to welcome me back or plot another scheme, you bloody mosquito?”

“Oh dear. That is rather rude to your sister, wouldn’t you say?” The Countess’ giggle was as devilish as usual. “Of course I came to greet my beloved sister. Why else would I be here?”

“Hmph. Sisters, is it? We were both outsiders to the throne competing for power. What kind of a sister would stab me in my very back?”

“And you claim that you did nothing in turn?” The Countess shrugged. “Well, it is long past that time. We both have dealt quite the amount of harm to each other.”

“So what is your proposal? Out with it.”

“Nothing, really. I really just came to say hi, sister.”

“I assume you hope for us to kill each other?”

“How sharp of you,” the Countess admitted, her lips stretching wider.

A blade was brandished towards her but Virgo halted her retainer from taking action.

“Hahahahaha! As expected, you are as cunning as ever.”

“There are benefits for the both of us here, I hope you understand?”

“Of course. There is mutual benefit, so I shall permit your shadowy acts to take place. I would prefer you do not get in my way, however. I like to keep things simple.”

“I am aware. Feel free to rampage. Your tyranny is a brand so unique it earned you the title of king in human history, after all.”

Leaving but black feathers in her wake, the Countess vanished from sight.

“Are you sure it is alright to let her go… ?”

“It would be a fruitless battle against her. I would rather not lay waste to my reserves. I would not underestimate the old Dragon’s Heiress, anyway.”

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

“Pray, grant me passage to the stairs leading to an eternity beyond the stars and the lone space.”

“Let there be an invitation of chaos: revelry, destruction, oppression, abolition, and endless wanton hedonism.”

Once upon a time existed warriors possessing powers that could manipulate time.

They were said to all walk their paths—for the most part—solitarily. This was true, yet untrue. People were, and are, careless. They pick words without prior notice and spread them—not knowing in full about who they speak of.

“O ruler of the skies, descend, for I beseech you to bestow upon me your wrath.”

“For the decree of the Sovereign has been given. For the words of the Sovereign are absolute.”

Truly, the communities of human beings were, for the most part, uninformed about these beings. Even the few magicians—wielders of power beyond comprehension, were as uninformed as most men that inhabited the world.

“So that your holy flames would cleanse all that is evil, so that I may purge the impurities from the Realm.”

“Hearken unto me—my loyal retainers—my beloved knights. Together we shall rule the realm; be it men, devils, beasts, or the fay—all shall fall before the might of the conqueror.”

Their powers—in reality—were beyond compare with practitioners of magecraft. Their powers—in reality—reigned supreme even over nature itself.

Why? One may soon learn…

“O heavens, aid me!”

“Let the legitimacy of my reign be known!”

This is the tale of a meeting between two Descendants of Time, about how two friends had to fight each other. Forced, their blades clashed eventually.

***

When the mundane Kings’ pleas had reached the Witch of Germania, she was hardly surprised.

The leaders’ words were surely the most notable ones, but there were others. People from the Indian subcontinent’s clans, Romans, Arabs, and more. Thousands of people were undoubtedly fearing the coming reign of Alexandrina the Great.

The Queen of Macedonia was a figure so great and influential, that it was unthinkable to people that she was a woman. All the descriptions that passed from person to person, all the tales and stories and legends told; only made people believe that the sovereign figure was actually a male figure. This confusion would only escalate further in the future.

The Witch who originated from the Goths was unlike any other. Her people called her the Saint of Summer, for she could make the clouds reveal the sun in the sky. This was the miracle she was able to demonstrate, they say.

This Saint was often called a witch by the people who were thwarted away from the Germanic Tribes time and time again.

How did all these pleading voices lead to the Saint? Indeed, all the magicians approached referred to these strange Descendants as someone they could not match up to. Of course, the mundanes could not quite comprehend the type of difficult terms the magicians would use while conversing. However, a ray of hope was delivered at the mention of †˜Descendants’. The wording revealed that there was more than one.

Whatever Alexandrina the Great was—surely, someone like her would be on equal footing with her. Thus, a long search for such a being started as the great conqueror left for the campaign to fight and conquer the inhabitants of would-be India.

Upon her return, however, the Queen of Macedonia found out that a certain Saint was awaiting her… with armies apparently comprised from an unbelievable revolt. This battle never made it to the annals of history. The victor chose to keep it buried in darkness. However, it was a notable event to the Magic World and was indeed recorded by the magicians… to some extent.

“Never had I thought this day would come, Saint.”

“I had an inkling of this future, Dana. This was inevitable, it seems.”

“Regardless of what my people say of me now… I shall still fight. Even if it is you.”

“I expect no less. You, who gifted the Irish the tools of war and led the people of Tuatha would surely not fall back out of mere friendship… or kinship, for that matter.”

“Indeed. Come, to live is but to fight, and to fight is the true path deciding a victor—a conqueror. I shall demonstrate to you—my senior—why I am known as Alexandrina the Great!”

The sword the monarch held on the left was blowing with sharp wind. The sword the monarch held on the right was shining with the light of the sun. Brandishing these weapons that would one day be referred to as relics, Dana dashed forth to face the Witch in melee combat.

The Witch employed a spear to meet with Dana’s weapons. The blade of this spear displayed its splendor in every moment with its golden radiance.

The songs of resounding steel sung across the battlefield, a land full of corpses and fires. The land was made barren by the destructive forces of the two Descendants alone.

No one would believe that there were houses in the area. That was how devastating the Descendants were. They knew no sense of restraint when facing one another.

“I demand the Gates of the Fay to open forth, and grant life to the priestesses of eld. Maidens, each of you who know not of love, but of war and carnage. Each of you who treat seduction as but a weapon—come. My Sirens—I command thee, fulfil thy destiny. For me shall ye sing and for me shall ye call forth—the calamity the primordials feared so!”

Singing this verse, Dana struck once more with her swords.

There were women gathering. All wore ancient garbs, appearing to be priestesses. They appeared to be apparitions, for the Saint could see the stars of the dusk sky behind them. The sirens circled the battlefield, and were at least a hundred meters away from the pair of Descendants.

Another clash of steel, this time initiated by the Saint, and the Sirens began to sing.

Their song carried unnaturally far. This was hardly a daunting matter to the apparent Goth witch. As one would expect from the Commandment of a Descendant.

A second had passed and the Saint stabbed the gleaming spear against the earth, her back almost bending. This was the compelling force attempting to draw the witch into the sky.

The sirens’ songs had called forth the faeries of the wind. Drawing upon air that mixed with the spiritual energy from Dana, the result was the black hurricane. At the center of these vortices, one Descendant was struggling, while the other was approaching with leisurely steps.

“As expected of the Battle Maiden… you live up to your name.”

Despite the whirling great winds, both the swords of the conqueror were stabbed into the earth beside her. While the tip of the lance was embedded into the navel of the sovereign.

A single horizontal slash followed by a piercing strike. The speed was so deadly fast that even Dana couldn’t avoid it at such a distance. Indeed, she underestimate the witch, her senior peer, thinking the hurricane had put her at a considerable disadvantage.

Unlike ordinary hurricanes, this was designed to make it most suffering to stay in its center. This was thanks to an extremely consolidated collection of spiritual energy locked within the walls of revolving wind, made evident by the bouts of sparks occurring in the surroundings of the two.

The Queen, however, smiled. The swords flew back to Dana’s palms as she outstretched her arms. Subsequently, her blades mauled the Saint through her chest and tainted her white garb.

Despite these wounds, the battle continued. The conclusion was yet far from view. In fact, the few barely-living soldiers saw one of the rarest of unimaginable events taking place on earth, as the duo clashed again as if they were completely unwounded.

These soldiers, of course, were the few maguses Dana had among her army, and among them were her greatest knights.

In this colorless world—where time met its state of cessation—only very few could confirm the end with their own eyes, aside from the Monarch and the Saint.

Out came the Saint from the hurricane. Her winged back put the few pairs of eyes adaze. The battlefield was graced by her angelic feathers.

Momentarily, the kingdom’s ruler too, took off to the heavens in chase of the fluttering angel as the vortex ended. The Queen was not one to lose in a race so easily.

Clang!

“With the majesty of the Goddess of Tuatha—I command thee—Fragarach, have the wind submit to your whims. In consequence, your winds shall become my stairs—my passage to the heavens beyond!”

As she prayed to her left sword, Dana landed on air itself. This platform, of course, was without any true form; it was as though she was flying. In a way, perhaps, one could say she was indeed flying.

This was followed by another dash. With her shining blade thrust forward—she lunged at the Saint of Summer.

Instead of a collision of steel, there was a clear-cut stab.

Then a noise.

Flesh seemingly ripped, but instead of blood, feathers flocked out into the air, almost like cotton escaping from a pillow cut into two. Due to the flames cloaking the sword, the feathers burned as they fell towards the ground.

With a swoosh, a blade cut horizontally. The arc was swift, clear, and deadly fast—zipping past the neck of the Macedonian Sovereign.

The lance was swung.

“Oh, no—”

The Saint gasped. Indeed, she noticed the voices of the priestesses only now.

She looked down at Dana—a blade of wind had extended from her sword, Fragarach, stabbing her—without fully turning.

“Not so fast.”

The illusion of Siren’s Call was first experienced on this day, and the Saint would some day beseech King Solomon to place a seal on the Gates of the Fay to temporarily lock away this Commandment in the future.

Dana swiveled with the blade’s windy tip extending out from the Saint’s back. Pitifully, the Saint spun with the wind and her adversary, before Dana stopped and sent her all the way down to the ground.

The earth crackled in all directions; it seemed as though a spiderweb had formed from Dana’s aerial view.

“The higher you fly, the greater your fall is, Saint.”

Continuing to stand on the wind, the Ruler of the kingdom raised her sword up to the sky. It burned like the sun itself.

The clouds coiled and turned. Rings formed, and these circles of clouds heralded the beginning of the end.

“In my name, I invoke the wrath of the Goddess who breaks all chains keeping her bound as obstacles. Otherworldly concerns be damned—be it Heaven or Earth—none stands before the path of the victor, none stands before the path of the conqueror!”

From the sky fell a bright bolt. This pillar was erected upon the earth. The Saint could only stare below before the ground under her burst open with a massive explosion. The force dug deep and the crater was large. There was smoke wherever the Saint looked, and flames. She wasn’t sure if even the men of Dana were alive or not.

However, this was not over. As soon as the Saint realized this, she leapt off high into the air. The force of the Goddess of War returned, and soon the earth on the crater burst out once again; the large pillar of light had been absorbed into the soils earlier, only to come back out now for a second shot at the target, and the area along with it.

In the timeless world, Babylon was surely decimated. Completely, at that. This was confirmed from the aerial view the Saint had of the region as she once more flexed her angelic wings.

Not for long could the tyrant of Macedonia show her smug smile unfazed, however. Blood gashed and the clothes, too, soiled. A cut was formed on her flanks and the Saint demonstrated true superiority in the air.

She was so fast that Dana could hardly follow her with the naked eye. One horizontal slash blocked, two struck. Two vertical blows blocked, four running through the precious flesh of the ruler.

If one were still watching from afar, they’d think a shooting star was curving every now and then to assault Dana at extremely high speeds, as the Saint was indeed burning with a shimmering flash.

It wasn’t as though Dana was not able to at least time a counter, but rather, she couldn’t. Her blade—shining like the sun—visibly crossed the visage of the Saint, and sliced nothing but thin air. It was as though she swung her prized sword against a ghost.

***

At the very end, beyond the conclusion of the fateful battle that shook the spirit of the earth itself, and brought great destruction—Dana found herself laid across the earth she so tormented relentlessly. The light of her utopia shone itself brightly, with three of her finest remaining Representatives slowly losing their lustre across the skies.

Her efforts were for naught. She could not triumph against the elder Descendant of Time.

“Indeed, this is the pinnacle of impenetrable defense… I shall admit, Dana—you are truly deserving of the title of †˜Great’. As an adversary, you have earned my utmost respect.”

“...This isn’t over yet. One day… one day I shall avenge humanity for this travesty of a ploy that they played against me. If they wanted my rule to end—they should’ve faced me themselves, those cowardly bastards.”

“You must be aware—as am I—only a Descendant sympathetic to their concerns could actually face you.”

“Well, whatever the case, if I were to affirm to one fact today, it’d be that you were a worthy adversary. I enjoyed every moments facing you… much like the time I faced him… ”

“He who drinks deep of the earth… is it? Regardless, I shall confess that you were indeed worthy. There are very few even among my kin who drive me into such a corner that I have to cast the Wrath of Sovereignty.”

“Wrath of Sovereign… by the by, what do you intend to do now? Surely you can’t be contemplating on providing a live body a burial?”

“Perhaps I am.”

“Oh?”

“I shall have you sealed—Dana—just like Tuatha.”

“You dare to make a mockery of my creation, Saint? Even if it is you…”

“It is the only rational solution. If you cannot be killed, you will have to be sealed. For the sake of peace, if that is what must be done—is shall be done, Dana.”

“Very well. You are the victor, Saint. Do as you please. Don’t think, though, that I won’t attempt to break out and come back.”

“I would hope not, but perhaps we’ll reminisce this moment again when that time comes.”

“You sound confident… are you certain that you won’t die?”

“Me? Die…?”

For the first time, the Saint laughed, so much that it sounded eerie to even Dana, the Goddess of Tuatha.

“What is so funny…?”

“I—who am of the Heavens—would experience such a mundane end so fast? I think not.” The Saint of Summer—the one who’d come to call herself Guinevere in the future, before subsequently taking on the name Victoria—pointed her relic lance at the face of Dana. “The promise of the Father of the Sun is yet to be delivered. Until then, I am to wander the lands of the earth as his vessel… be it you or Cleopatra, I shall emerge as the victor in this battle against destiny.”

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

In the apartment where Virgo resided, Weiss had finally awakened. Her slumber elapsed for almost a month after the upgrades were implemented on her. It seemed like her body was shut off for a considerable time. She felt drowsy and it felt a little hard to move after so long as she awoke.

“How do you feel?” was the first question she heard after a minute.

Looking to the left, Weiss found the Steel Princess—her employer—wearing only a silver nightgown. She soon found herself was placed over a bed made of steel with a magic circle scribbled under it. This was the bed where she was operated on, and went over various upgrades to the mechanical aspects of her body. As an android, these maintenances were given, but this time it came along with an upgrade supposed to make her stronger than before. After all this time, what could her Mistress possibly improve? One could only wonder.

“I feel…” Weiss shook her head, sitting up straight before facing her employer. “A sudden surge of power like I’ve never felt before. I guess it’s been long since I got switched off.”

“T’was twenty-eight days. You might’ve taken longer before,” the Steel Princess stated, but her voice wasn’t robotic like before; she sounded more human than ever. Her metallic claws remained the same but Weiss couldn’t feel the very same employer as before. “If you’re hungry we can get something to eat.”

Weiss’ eyes widen after hearing the Princess’ voice. “When did—actually, nevermind.”

“Hm? Something the matter, young soldier?”

With how she worded her sentence, it was like a King talking to a soldier rather than the way it was in the past, where it was like an employer to an assassin.

“N-No, It’s nothing ma’am.” Weiss stood up wobbly. She then stretched her arms and legs. “I guess I need to drink something to sink all of this in,” said Weiss.

“It’s still morning but… alcohol? Perhaps wine, albeit it’s weak. Right now, that’s all we have aside from water.”

The Steel Princess smiled as she suggested it. Her air of charisma was something Weiss couldn’t remember feeling from her employer before.

“W-Water is fine, ma’am.” Weiss sighed. After all these decades, this is the strangest acid trip I’ve ever had.

“Is something the matter? You seem distressed,” Virgo said, carefully examining Weiss’ countenance. “Or is my true self that frighteningly different?”

“Yes, ma’am. Pardon my rudeness but it’s like I’m no longer talking to an emotionless person but rather a living human being.” Weiss sighed again and continued, “Are you still the same person that employed me, ma’am?” Weiss then knelt down and lowered her head.

“I am not a human being,” the Steel Princess said, apparently offended by the statement. “But I was once human and my personality and emotions returned as I consumed the hearts of my clones. I am now who I was originally,” she explained. “So, no, I am not the same person who hired you. I have changed, but my original objectives and notions haven’t changed.”

“I see.” Weiss stroked her chest in relief.

“By the way, I found out where the Duke is; that man called Powlett, or Agent John as The Society calls him.”

Weiss twitched and clenched her right hand. “Finally, he will die by your rifle if not by my own two hands!” She shivered with excitement.

“...Anyway, he’s in California, and he’ll be boarding an airplane soon.” Virgo divulged the information, then turned away. “Feel free to ambush him in the plane. I’m sure it’ll be harder to escape from there.”

A fight in a plane… I’ll have him go down in flames this time. Weiss stood up and bowed. “Thank you, ma’am! I shall go right away.” She looked around and found her rifle right in the corner of the room.

“...What happened to getting water?”

“I can drink as I go. For now I must go to get my revenge!”

“Alright, good luck.”

“Thank you ma’am!”

The Steel Princess shrugged, seeing the visage of Weiss running off already. I guess I can send some help later.

Cinia Pacifica Ojou-sama Writer

8 years ago

Svetlana was on the rooftop of the Hotel Edison. She held her temple, and was barely able to walk.

Recently, she spent her days battling with emotions. All kinds of hateful emotions spiralled within the confines of her mind. The bloodlust for revenge coursed strongly through her veins. It was difficult to keep herself in check. She could only praise Isabelle at the corner of her mind for how strong she was in staying sane, and realized what she might’ve been going through all this time.

Svetlana’s eyes flickered black for a moment, almost letting out a bloodcurdling yell from insanity, but she blinked and found herself to be normal again. Panting, she fell to her knees and looked down. Beads of sweat dropped.

It took five minutes for her to calm down, and her mind was starting to come clean of the evil thoughts. Just as she thought it’d be alright, she roared with her eyes turning again.

“Give yourself to me…” A voice of a woman whispered to her in her mind with a tempting tone.

A pat on the shoulder, and she woke up from what felt like a nightmare.

“Are you alright?”

Svetlana looked up to find a lady before her, her platinum hair being caressed gently by the passing breeze. A person seemingly younger than her despite the difference in physique—around eighteen—her right eye was a bright golden, while the left eye was a blue like the sky.

Her name was Mary Shelley.

She met her before deciding to join the team to fight Virgo. There were many teams made for the campaign and she wanted to join Lily’s group, thus she came so far. However, it seemed like Mary could somehow see what was inside her. This was inconvenient to her, seeing as how having a demonic entity inside her would be seen as committing taboo in the Magic World, but Mary didn’t seemed to report it.

“I’m fine,” Svetlana answered after giving Mary only a glance.

“Is it hard to hold it back?” Mary asked. She ignored what seemed like Svetlana’s attempt at ignoring her, and pursued the matter regardless out of care, giving a smile, noting the drops of sweat on the floor. “You don’t have to act tough.”

“Why does it matter to you? I already said I’m fine,” Svetlana said with a glare.

“Do you want me to help with your demon? I can make it less painful for some time.”

“How so exactly?”

“You’ll know when it happens.”

“Why should I trust you on this anyway? I just met you recently.”

“We are on the same team now. You will have to trust me and I will have to do the same here and there, is that not true?”

“I suppose. Alright, but you better not try anything funny.”

“Very well, simply look into my golden eye.”

After Mary told her so, Svetlana took the risk and peered deeply into her golden eye. It felt like she was being lied to for a moment, but after about five seconds, her mind convulsed. There was something like a pulse all throughout her body. There were strange visions, like the holy cross or Jesus Christ, or the stars and celestial objects. She wasn’t sure what to make of anything before it all ended in an instant.

Svetlana then looked down at herself. She actually felt much better. Her mood didn’t change, but the demon’s grasp was almost completely gone. Likely, this was temporary as Mary herself suggested, but it was better than nothing.

“Feeling better?” Mary asked.

“Yes, but what happened?”

Mary got up, letting go of Svetlana’s shoulders. “Just a little trick of mine.”

“You can’t just leave me with an explanation like that. That was no trick. Exactly what did you do?”

“Well, why not come here at least and take a seat,” Mary suggested, going over to a clipart bench and sitting down. “It looks weird talking while being on the floor like that,” she joked, laughing.

“Fine,” Svetlana said, sitting beside her.

“I just happen to have this power with my eye. Nothing special. As I said, I am a clairvoyant.”

“That seems more special to me. Considering it can suppress the demon.”

“Only for a while. Nothing that great to me. I would wager your power to be much more capable in the long-term. If you master it, that is,” Mary said, looking up to the sky.

“Hmph. Well it made me feel better, so thank you.”

“Why did you take up such a power? As you may know, it would be dangerous if the Magic World takes notice.”

“I need to get stronger. I can’t forgive Virgo for what she did. I also couldn’t let this monster continue to live within Isabelle. I prefer it to be within me than her.”

“I see. Just be careful. You don’t want it to come out when others are around. I do not think much of the teammates will mind, but strangers likely may report it.”

“I know. I only intend to use it once I find Virgo.”

“Hopefully with the little charm I cast you’ll succeed in keeping it in check,” Mary said with a wink.

“I suppose we’ll see.”

Mary got off the seat and stretched her arms and yawned. “I suppose I shall just get some breakfast now. Want to join me?”

“Okay,” Svetlana simply said as she followed.

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