Descendants of Time (Role-Play Act 5: Revolutionary Moment)
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Three days after the incident which sent waves across the Magic World, the situation that took place in the futuristic Japan was being covered up in the public by the media. With lies and made-up stories, the damages made to the particular area where Sagittarius and the European mages fought were being explained away. At such a time, Natsu had already made swift recovery – thanks to the government’s special treatments provided – and was already back to work. Alice too, resumed her life like usual. Tsuruko, in the mean time, worked to hone her skills and knowledge back in the academy. She’d continue to accompany Alice every night, but they were uneventful ever since the big incident that had passed.
However, contrary to the belief regarding those uneventful days, Alice had sent Tsuruko a letter all the way from Tokyo. It was a straight-forward message providing an address, and that she should be there as soon as school ended. Tsuruko found it to be too sudden, but as a dutiful miko, it was inappropriate for her to have any further opinion on the matter, thus she obediently made way for the directed premises in Tokyo.
Tsuruko was undoubtedly late – or so she felt – as the aforementioned building was quite far from the academy. Even if the academy was located amidst Tokyo – of which the gateway are the Boundaries – there was no way to come faster than her legs could carry her. She found herself panting heavily by the time she made it. Sweat-drenched as she was, she took a moment to catch her breath and compose herself. The location was an apartment complex. However, it was not Alice’s, since the area was not the same as the one she was in previously when she woke up on her place.
“You’re late,” she heard a familiar voice speak as soon as she entered. The door was indeed open, just as the letter had mentioned. She felt the need to knock beforehand due to her manners. There were two familiar faces sitting across a table in the living room of the apartment: one was Alice, the other was Hynek. The latter was a man she met at the big party event that she participated in alongside Alice. However, there was another person across the table, and this was a person she hadn’t met before, but he seemed like an important person. Clad in black suit and a tie, he seemed dignified as a civil servant, and an important man to the country. In fact, he seemed familiar somehow. Had she seen him before on television, a long time ago?
It seemed as though Hynek eyed her very curiously for a moment, but perhaps she was imagining it. “Ah, I see that you’re here at last, Miss Tsuruko. We’ve been waiting. Come, take a seat,” he said, politely and with respect.
“If you would allow me to,” Tsuruko said in kind, but inside, she wanted to have a seat, running directly from school having tired her legs. Finding a spot before the table, she dusted the floor of with her sleeve before sitting down. Greeting Hynek and happily gesturing a hello towards Alice, she proceeded to face the familiar man with her firm smile. “Please excuse me for being so late.” She bowed. “I am Tsuruko of the Fuyuo family. It is an honour to meet you, Mister…”
“A pleasure to meet you,” the familiar man answered, sending a card out from his pocket before slipping it towards her on the table. “Kazuya Takashiro is my name, I am a government official.”
“So… Takashiro-sama, then. Greetings again.” She lowered her head. Taking brief moments to look at each of them, she then again wore her unassuming expression before proceeding: “I have received instructions that have called upon me here, but no further detail,” she explained. “What task needs undertaking?”
“Well, now that you are here, I suppose I can answer that question now,” Takashiro said. The man wore a typical smile as any official would. A smile that none could easily read. “Alice-sama, if you would begin.”
Alice took out a gadget Tsuruko was familiar with, but wasn’t proficient with: a phone. It’s large screen showed a detailed map that sent away a blue hue to the corners of the room. The map had particularly showed the country of England.
“I have been given the mission to infiltrate England and make my way for London. A week from now this mission shall begin. I have requested your enlistment into this mission, Tsuruko,” Alice said with her monotone voice, the final sentence articulated as she faced Tsuruko. “Hynek-san was invited to this task – which he has graciously accepted – as he has been to London before. His Organization would be backing us up there.”
“You know I would definitely follow you till my life is lost,” Tsuruko explained, “but what would I have to do with my family here, and what of my family shrine?” She was ready to learn new things, but she had a hard time contemplating what she had to give up in order to take up this task. She didn’t have a choice, of course, she’d sworn her life to the Shrine.
“...What about your family, what is the issue?” Alice asked. Seemingly confused, she gave the government official a glance, who gave a shrug. Hynek seemed rather lost too.
“I do not think we are going there for too long, so do not be worried about that, Tsuruko,” Hynek said, after making a guess mentally.
“Has my father been informed? He needs to prepare for my absence of my duties at home,” Tsuruko said. “He would be very worried, for I have not ventured outside Japan in my life.”
“You would not have received the letter without his approval,” Alice mentioned, clarifying for Tsuruko.
“I am more curious about your duties back home, as I was informed that your current life revolves around the academy and escorting Alice-sama,” Takashiro said, a little dumbfounded.
“They are,” she said. “I thought I might have to return to my family shrine in case of any sudden emergences.”
“...Emergencies, you say? What could be more important than missions from the government itself?” Alice asked, more than just confused. Even if she could understand that the Shrine had its own complicated affairs, Tsuruko’s explanation was hardly helping the matter.
“Rather… I don’t think that’s actually an issue, especially considering that your father permitted Alice’s request, which means that he’d likely be able to get someone else for any sort of emergency,” Takashiro said, apparently sure of his conjecture. “The Shrine is a very large Organization, they hardly have a shortage of people.”
“Oh…” Tsuruko stopped a while to contemplate. “It seems my worries are left useless then. If all is settled here, then I have no qualms about going.”
“I see,” Hynek said. “It’ll be nice to have you around,” he added, smiling. “But I’d like to know, Alice, what are we going there for?”
“Your mission is simple,” Takashiro spoke in Alice’s stead. “Get the Queen’s head.”
“Really…” Hynek said, grimacing. He really didn’t want to hurt a lady, but if it was for the sake of his girls and their future, he’d have to do it. He’d have to live with the choice… unless he could figure out a personal compromise. He could also find an opportunity to find a Duchess; this mission would be well worth the visit to England, despite the risks involved with him being a Descendant of Time. “Well, I suppose I have to for my side of the deal.”
“All of you will have to maintain discretion as it is a covert operation, since all you have to do is assassinate the one at the top of the enginized country. She is considered to be a powerful magi, so it’d be a relief for us if she is gone before the war resumes in full scale,” Takashiro said informatively. “If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask.”
Having being taught little of England’s history, atmosphere and environment, and from her understanding, Tsuruko had a lot of questions indeed. Again, she wasn’t one to question the motives of the Shrine. “Pardon me, but who is this Queen...?”
“...Um, pardon?” Takashiro uttered, his mouth open agape. “You do not know who the Queen of England is?”
“Calm down,” Alice coolly said. “Her knowledge as a sheltered child is limited in certain areas. Tsuruko, she is known as Queen Victoria, a high-calibre magi in the Magic World who has many vis on her in the form of accessories, and she is – to the mundanes – the governor and Queen of the country. She is the leading figure of the entire Magic World as her Royal Council controls the Magic World to the best of their abilities. I suppose you have studied this in class, but it is from said council that the Rules of the Magic World came from.”
“Oh, her…” Tsuruko wondered how exactly she would fare against her and her possible goonies. “Another thing, how will we get there, and undetected?” She raised a brow.
“Disguises, I believe,” Hynek said, raising a finger. “I think in your case you should have to not wear those traditional clothes and you’ll be fine, Miss Tsuruko.”
“Indeed, and you can take the Magic Train and then take a flight from any country from there. It’s not so hard to get to England,” Takashiro said. “Detection is no issue as long as the disguises are consistently maintained.”
“...I see.” Tsuruko was hesitant to her answer, as she wasn’t used to wearing garb other than her own. She fumbled where she was sitting for a bit, but she didn’t let them catch her thoughts. “Please excuse me for I am new to all of this. Staying in Japan all my life has made me yearn for outside adventures and I am very much pleased to undertake this venture.”
“I am glad to hear that.” Takashiro smiled. “From ventures like these you’re sure to grow into a more experienced warrior. Well, I’d hope so, at least.”
“But I suppose there is more to this operation…?” Alice inquired.
“Indeed. Have you ever heard of the Queen’s Meeting?” Takashiro asked back.
“The event where they revise the rules of the Magic World?” Hynek asked. He had heard of this event before. How could he not have? He had to send a member to said event every year when he was busy, or he’d go himself to eye the Duchess and make his move, and try to win over more prospective members to enlarge his Organization.
“Yes, you got that right, Hynek-san. This event is massive, and the Queen is said to make an appearance at this event every year. We’ll take this opportunity to catch her off-guard – hopefully – and get rid of her for good. We’re sending out two Time Warriors for a single mage, so we are quite confident that it should be more than enough to defeat her, but I suppose more than one Time Warrior is an insurance for her guards, if you happen to be caught in the act.” This was a pretty risky move for Japan itself, as it was something akin to sending out two national treasures, but Japan could be somewhat confident considering they had Natsu. As long as they’d have a Time Warrior they’d be able to maintain supremacy over the entire combined forces of Europe, and that was why they could afford to take the risk.
“Where will I need to be in this operation?” Tsuruko awaited her instructions. And…. two Time Warriors?”
“Well, extra pairs of hands are always a positive addition in combat, and in times of… other needs,” Hynek claimed with a charming smile.
“I wouldn’t disagree. Even if it’s Time Warriors, I’m sure that non-Time Warriors – or well, human beings for that matter – would surely come in handy,” Takeshiro said. I mean, a spoiled king and an idol would want someone who doesn’t have their nose too high up into the sky… he thought, and continued speaking: “Oh, I suppose you weren’t informed? Well, I wouldn’t be surprised. You may know that Alice is a Time Warrior, but Hynek – who recently joined the citizenry of Japan – is also a Time Warrior.”
“Frankly, I believe you’ll be running quite a lot of errands for us,” Alice added, facing Tsuruko again. “That sword and that spirit, however, may be more handy than you believe, in terms of combat.”
The realization of Hynek being a Time Warrior didn’t hit too hard compared to when Alice had introduced herself as one. Too many out-of-her-world things Tsuruko had seen, and she’d learnt that she still had many things that she had yet to see, so this wouldn’t come as a surprise; and two, she now wondered about how many more of such Time Warriors were out there, told or untold. “Hm.” She looked half-surprised. “Do all the Time Warriors share the same purpose?”
“Hm, what would you think the purpose would be, were we to share one?” Hynek asked, curious of what Tsuruko thought before asking the question.
“I’m... not really too sure myself either, but may it be to seek peace among chaos?” Tsuruko said what she had on the top of her mind without thinking. “U-um, I mean, I wasn’t familiar with these Time Warriors until I entered the school, never mind getting an opportunity to meet one so soon, so I have yet to… understand them, if you will...”
“To be honest, Tsuruko, I don’t think the Time Warriors share a common goal,” Hynek stated, confident in his words. “We have our own priorities, ideas, beliefs, and so on. In all honesty, this is likely the first time in history that Time Warriors have banded like this together under the banner of a country, and three of them, at that. Japan certainly is lucky,” Hynek said, and then thought, And so am I.
Tsuruko nodded. “I see, it seems I still have much more to learn about Time Warriors… I only can hope the other nine are not our enemies. I must thank you for being so patient with me.” She bowed towards Hynek. She then started again, “Am I to assist you?”
“We are all going to work as a team, Tsuruko,” Hynek said, smiling. Takashiro nodded alongside Hynek.
It didn’t seem like much, but the atmosphere lightened Tsuruko up a little. “Thank you for having me...!” She hid her smile by bowing to the three.
“The trip will be in some days,” Alice finally mentioned, continuing with the original topic. “Hone your skills while you may, Tsuruko, we’ll need every bit of strength for this.”
“I shall!” Tsuruko gave a firm tone while psyching herself up on the inside. “I will definitely intensify my training.”
However, contrary to the belief regarding those uneventful days, Alice had sent Tsuruko a letter all the way from Tokyo. It was a straight-forward message providing an address, and that she should be there as soon as school ended. Tsuruko found it to be too sudden, but as a dutiful miko, it was inappropriate for her to have any further opinion on the matter, thus she obediently made way for the directed premises in Tokyo.
Tsuruko was undoubtedly late – or so she felt – as the aforementioned building was quite far from the academy. Even if the academy was located amidst Tokyo – of which the gateway are the Boundaries – there was no way to come faster than her legs could carry her. She found herself panting heavily by the time she made it. Sweat-drenched as she was, she took a moment to catch her breath and compose herself. The location was an apartment complex. However, it was not Alice’s, since the area was not the same as the one she was in previously when she woke up on her place.
“You’re late,” she heard a familiar voice speak as soon as she entered. The door was indeed open, just as the letter had mentioned. She felt the need to knock beforehand due to her manners. There were two familiar faces sitting across a table in the living room of the apartment: one was Alice, the other was Hynek. The latter was a man she met at the big party event that she participated in alongside Alice. However, there was another person across the table, and this was a person she hadn’t met before, but he seemed like an important person. Clad in black suit and a tie, he seemed dignified as a civil servant, and an important man to the country. In fact, he seemed familiar somehow. Had she seen him before on television, a long time ago?
It seemed as though Hynek eyed her very curiously for a moment, but perhaps she was imagining it. “Ah, I see that you’re here at last, Miss Tsuruko. We’ve been waiting. Come, take a seat,” he said, politely and with respect.
“If you would allow me to,” Tsuruko said in kind, but inside, she wanted to have a seat, running directly from school having tired her legs. Finding a spot before the table, she dusted the floor of with her sleeve before sitting down. Greeting Hynek and happily gesturing a hello towards Alice, she proceeded to face the familiar man with her firm smile. “Please excuse me for being so late.” She bowed. “I am Tsuruko of the Fuyuo family. It is an honour to meet you, Mister…”
“A pleasure to meet you,” the familiar man answered, sending a card out from his pocket before slipping it towards her on the table. “Kazuya Takashiro is my name, I am a government official.”
“So… Takashiro-sama, then. Greetings again.” She lowered her head. Taking brief moments to look at each of them, she then again wore her unassuming expression before proceeding: “I have received instructions that have called upon me here, but no further detail,” she explained. “What task needs undertaking?”
“Well, now that you are here, I suppose I can answer that question now,” Takashiro said. The man wore a typical smile as any official would. A smile that none could easily read. “Alice-sama, if you would begin.”
Alice took out a gadget Tsuruko was familiar with, but wasn’t proficient with: a phone. It’s large screen showed a detailed map that sent away a blue hue to the corners of the room. The map had particularly showed the country of England.
“I have been given the mission to infiltrate England and make my way for London. A week from now this mission shall begin. I have requested your enlistment into this mission, Tsuruko,” Alice said with her monotone voice, the final sentence articulated as she faced Tsuruko. “Hynek-san was invited to this task – which he has graciously accepted – as he has been to London before. His Organization would be backing us up there.”
“You know I would definitely follow you till my life is lost,” Tsuruko explained, “but what would I have to do with my family here, and what of my family shrine?” She was ready to learn new things, but she had a hard time contemplating what she had to give up in order to take up this task. She didn’t have a choice, of course, she’d sworn her life to the Shrine.
“...What about your family, what is the issue?” Alice asked. Seemingly confused, she gave the government official a glance, who gave a shrug. Hynek seemed rather lost too.
“I do not think we are going there for too long, so do not be worried about that, Tsuruko,” Hynek said, after making a guess mentally.
“Has my father been informed? He needs to prepare for my absence of my duties at home,” Tsuruko said. “He would be very worried, for I have not ventured outside Japan in my life.”
“You would not have received the letter without his approval,” Alice mentioned, clarifying for Tsuruko.
“I am more curious about your duties back home, as I was informed that your current life revolves around the academy and escorting Alice-sama,” Takashiro said, a little dumbfounded.
“They are,” she said. “I thought I might have to return to my family shrine in case of any sudden emergences.”
“...Emergencies, you say? What could be more important than missions from the government itself?” Alice asked, more than just confused. Even if she could understand that the Shrine had its own complicated affairs, Tsuruko’s explanation was hardly helping the matter.
“Rather… I don’t think that’s actually an issue, especially considering that your father permitted Alice’s request, which means that he’d likely be able to get someone else for any sort of emergency,” Takashiro said, apparently sure of his conjecture. “The Shrine is a very large Organization, they hardly have a shortage of people.”
“Oh…” Tsuruko stopped a while to contemplate. “It seems my worries are left useless then. If all is settled here, then I have no qualms about going.”
“I see,” Hynek said. “It’ll be nice to have you around,” he added, smiling. “But I’d like to know, Alice, what are we going there for?”
“Your mission is simple,” Takashiro spoke in Alice’s stead. “Get the Queen’s head.”
“Really…” Hynek said, grimacing. He really didn’t want to hurt a lady, but if it was for the sake of his girls and their future, he’d have to do it. He’d have to live with the choice… unless he could figure out a personal compromise. He could also find an opportunity to find a Duchess; this mission would be well worth the visit to England, despite the risks involved with him being a Descendant of Time. “Well, I suppose I have to for my side of the deal.”
“All of you will have to maintain discretion as it is a covert operation, since all you have to do is assassinate the one at the top of the enginized country. She is considered to be a powerful magi, so it’d be a relief for us if she is gone before the war resumes in full scale,” Takashiro said informatively. “If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask.”
Having being taught little of England’s history, atmosphere and environment, and from her understanding, Tsuruko had a lot of questions indeed. Again, she wasn’t one to question the motives of the Shrine. “Pardon me, but who is this Queen...?”
“...Um, pardon?” Takashiro uttered, his mouth open agape. “You do not know who the Queen of England is?”
“Calm down,” Alice coolly said. “Her knowledge as a sheltered child is limited in certain areas. Tsuruko, she is known as Queen Victoria, a high-calibre magi in the Magic World who has many vis on her in the form of accessories, and she is – to the mundanes – the governor and Queen of the country. She is the leading figure of the entire Magic World as her Royal Council controls the Magic World to the best of their abilities. I suppose you have studied this in class, but it is from said council that the Rules of the Magic World came from.”
“Oh, her…” Tsuruko wondered how exactly she would fare against her and her possible goonies. “Another thing, how will we get there, and undetected?” She raised a brow.
“Disguises, I believe,” Hynek said, raising a finger. “I think in your case you should have to not wear those traditional clothes and you’ll be fine, Miss Tsuruko.”
“Indeed, and you can take the Magic Train and then take a flight from any country from there. It’s not so hard to get to England,” Takashiro said. “Detection is no issue as long as the disguises are consistently maintained.”
“...I see.” Tsuruko was hesitant to her answer, as she wasn’t used to wearing garb other than her own. She fumbled where she was sitting for a bit, but she didn’t let them catch her thoughts. “Please excuse me for I am new to all of this. Staying in Japan all my life has made me yearn for outside adventures and I am very much pleased to undertake this venture.”
“I am glad to hear that.” Takashiro smiled. “From ventures like these you’re sure to grow into a more experienced warrior. Well, I’d hope so, at least.”
“But I suppose there is more to this operation…?” Alice inquired.
“Indeed. Have you ever heard of the Queen’s Meeting?” Takashiro asked back.
“The event where they revise the rules of the Magic World?” Hynek asked. He had heard of this event before. How could he not have? He had to send a member to said event every year when he was busy, or he’d go himself to eye the Duchess and make his move, and try to win over more prospective members to enlarge his Organization.
“Yes, you got that right, Hynek-san. This event is massive, and the Queen is said to make an appearance at this event every year. We’ll take this opportunity to catch her off-guard – hopefully – and get rid of her for good. We’re sending out two Time Warriors for a single mage, so we are quite confident that it should be more than enough to defeat her, but I suppose more than one Time Warrior is an insurance for her guards, if you happen to be caught in the act.” This was a pretty risky move for Japan itself, as it was something akin to sending out two national treasures, but Japan could be somewhat confident considering they had Natsu. As long as they’d have a Time Warrior they’d be able to maintain supremacy over the entire combined forces of Europe, and that was why they could afford to take the risk.
“Where will I need to be in this operation?” Tsuruko awaited her instructions. And…. two Time Warriors?”
“Well, extra pairs of hands are always a positive addition in combat, and in times of… other needs,” Hynek claimed with a charming smile.
“I wouldn’t disagree. Even if it’s Time Warriors, I’m sure that non-Time Warriors – or well, human beings for that matter – would surely come in handy,” Takeshiro said. I mean, a spoiled king and an idol would want someone who doesn’t have their nose too high up into the sky… he thought, and continued speaking: “Oh, I suppose you weren’t informed? Well, I wouldn’t be surprised. You may know that Alice is a Time Warrior, but Hynek – who recently joined the citizenry of Japan – is also a Time Warrior.”
“Frankly, I believe you’ll be running quite a lot of errands for us,” Alice added, facing Tsuruko again. “That sword and that spirit, however, may be more handy than you believe, in terms of combat.”
The realization of Hynek being a Time Warrior didn’t hit too hard compared to when Alice had introduced herself as one. Too many out-of-her-world things Tsuruko had seen, and she’d learnt that she still had many things that she had yet to see, so this wouldn’t come as a surprise; and two, she now wondered about how many more of such Time Warriors were out there, told or untold. “Hm.” She looked half-surprised. “Do all the Time Warriors share the same purpose?”
“Hm, what would you think the purpose would be, were we to share one?” Hynek asked, curious of what Tsuruko thought before asking the question.
“I’m... not really too sure myself either, but may it be to seek peace among chaos?” Tsuruko said what she had on the top of her mind without thinking. “U-um, I mean, I wasn’t familiar with these Time Warriors until I entered the school, never mind getting an opportunity to meet one so soon, so I have yet to… understand them, if you will...”
“To be honest, Tsuruko, I don’t think the Time Warriors share a common goal,” Hynek stated, confident in his words. “We have our own priorities, ideas, beliefs, and so on. In all honesty, this is likely the first time in history that Time Warriors have banded like this together under the banner of a country, and three of them, at that. Japan certainly is lucky,” Hynek said, and then thought, And so am I.
Tsuruko nodded. “I see, it seems I still have much more to learn about Time Warriors… I only can hope the other nine are not our enemies. I must thank you for being so patient with me.” She bowed towards Hynek. She then started again, “Am I to assist you?”
“We are all going to work as a team, Tsuruko,” Hynek said, smiling. Takashiro nodded alongside Hynek.
It didn’t seem like much, but the atmosphere lightened Tsuruko up a little. “Thank you for having me...!” She hid her smile by bowing to the three.
“The trip will be in some days,” Alice finally mentioned, continuing with the original topic. “Hone your skills while you may, Tsuruko, we’ll need every bit of strength for this.”
“I shall!” Tsuruko gave a firm tone while psyching herself up on the inside. “I will definitely intensify my training.”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Steam escaped from the top of the Magic Train as it roared, signalling the moment of departure that was soon to come, and the beginning of a new adventure. The passengers of the Magic World boarded it hastily, not wanting to be late. The Magic Train was big and large, and it was hosted by a special train station constructed by the magi. The stations of the Magic Trains were one of the many neutral locations, and so the Japanese never attacked it. They would have a use for it themselves too, after all. The train was more or less like any other train in terms of appearances and its contents; some compartment for passengers, one where dining takes place, some other for cargoes and goods meant to be transported, and lastly there was the high-class sections reserved by the more wealthy individuals.
Elizabeth, Duchess, Aramus, and Takeru happened to be in a said high-class section afforded by the Duchess within the Magic Train.
“This was the last available V.I.P room I could afford,” the Duchess begun, “Who would’ve thought it was the season for rich people to travel? I thought I wouldn’t have to rush with the bookings.”
“We could make do without V.I.P just fine, no?” Takeru said, not sure if something bad would’ve happened if they couldn’t get this room. Despite coming from a rich family, Takeru was actually looking forward to not being in a reserved special seat.
“Esteemed individuals such as ourselves should not be joining the shady members of the Magic World on the other cars,” the Duchess answered, shaking her head, almost sounding like a protective mother.
Aramus merely hummed to himself. If not for the Duchess’ goodwill, he would definitely be on a non-reserved seat, crammed somewhere way in the back amongst the masses instead of here. Magister or not, he was poor.
“I mean, look, teacher can hum like this peacefully without receiving some stranger’s ire along the way,” Elizabeth said to support her mother, gesturing towards Aramus. “Reserved rooms are full of wonders.”
“...I suppose so,” Takeru conceded, chuckling weakly in defeat.
“That aside,” Elizabeth said, putting the newspaper on the table before them. “Our operation appeared on the newspapers published by The Times,” she said, sounding excited. Indeed, the Duchess’ glory rose even further thanks to this, they also mentioned Aramus and Takeru as partaking Magic Magisters. Aramus and Takeru – the two sitting opposite to the Duchess and her daughter – peered in and found a picture of an area in ruins – or so it seemed to them – over the article.
“I didn’t think anyone would have the time to take a picture in all that chaos…” Takeru commented, baffled. However, he was forgetting about all those students who were hiding most of the time, and were only taking peeks from across the alleys.
“The press will find a way I suppose, although I am quite surprised that they did decide to include my name,” Aramus said honestly.
“That simply means that they approve of your contributions, Mister Valmark,” the Duchess promptly responded, a smile showing that she was glad his name was mentioned. “The best part is that the leader of Team A is blamed for his actions here,” she said, pointing at a particular paragraph of the article. Around this part, the aforementioned person’s figure was portrayed with an image.
“Mother, it says that you personally went and placed the charges for the students that died on combat, is this true?” Elizabeth asked.
“Of course, why would I not? I shall see him at the Magic Court, certainly,” Caroline said, bursting with anger.
Aramus smiled cruelly, glad to see that the one responsible for this mess had gotten his just desserts. His secretary however… Oh well, perhaps Aramus would see both of them in Court. That would be a good day.
“You seem happy, Aramus,” Takeru said, “You must’ve really despised them, not that I didn’t, but I do feel a little bad for the two that tagged along with that chump.”
“Well, I hold that man responsible but for the others that were aiding him, how could they just stand by and send my students into such a situation?” Aramus replied, huffing in disapproval. “They were the future of our country and they get thrown away, just like that.”
“True, those were some of England’s finest students invited personally by the Queen,” Takeru said, a little disappointed, “Our faction in disapproval of the Japanese Government did not approve of these atrocious acts, either.”
“Indeed,” the Duchess spoke up, “I will definitely not forgive this man for wasting so many lives. In the end, it was us adults who took care of the matter. Children were simply not needed. The Queen did not have to invite students to respect that pathetic man’s wishes.”
Aramus let out a heavy sigh. “But what’s done is done. Nothing will bring those children back. For one man’s attempt at glory, we paid a heavy price. I hope I may receive a personal audience with the Queen when we arrive though.”
“Hm? A personal audience, for?” The Duchess inquired, curious.
“That does make me curious,” Takeru said, “I am hoping to find an opportunity to speak with her myself, however.”
”Just a few things I need to speak to her about regarding the Time Warriors but don’t tell anyone.” Making hushing motions, Aramus tried to play down whatever he was intending to do.
“Did Sagittarius say something?” Takeru asked, but figured that Aramus didn’t wanted to talk about it, yet his curiosity got the better of him.
Hanging his head, Aramus gave out a quiet “Yes.”
The Duchess remembered her recent conversation with Aramus, and considered if it had a connection with it or not, but she concluded that she’d say nothing more regarding the matter.
“Anyway,” Elizabeth said, trying to steer the conversation from something Aramus was attempting to avoid, “Where do you two plan to stay during your stay in England? You could always come over to our manor.”
Aramus watched the Duchess for a reaction at her daughter’s question, telling himself that Ellie was doing this out of goodwill. “Well, I would like to pay my orphanage a visit but I haven’t made any plans for accommodations. Perhaps the orphanage itself or…” It was challenging to find an excuse but Aramus realised that he indeed had not enough money to stay anywhere but at a place that would put up with him.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” Takeru said, politely attempting to refuse an offer too kind.
“Oh, you wouldn’t want to live in a dirty old orphanage, would you?” the Duchess said, somehow skeptical of the idea. “We have plenty of rooms to have guests.”
“Then, I’ll accept your kind offer. Thank you very much, Duchess, Elizabeth,” Aramus lowered his head in thanks, face pensive but mind racing with a million thoughts. Most of them leading nowhere as he panicked but there were a few more rational ones, it would be bad if word got out that he was boarding at the Duchess’ place as a guest.
“I suppose I’ll have to accept too, then,” Takeru said. He’d rather go with the offer then end up feeling lonely someplace else. He wanted to comment on how Aramus takes up offers too easily by the wealthy, but decided against it. Since he himself considered letting Aramus stay with him in a high-class hotel.
“Then that is settled,” Elizabeth exclaimed, her hands clapping. As she said that, her smile broke as she looked to the right thoughtlessly.
Before Aramus knew it, he heard an ear-splitting noise. In the next moment, shards of glass from the window danced across the air as a stranger broke in abruptly. The figure was seemingly a teenager donning a black shirt, pants and a coat, he held a machine gun with both his arms, and aimed it towards the four people inside the room.
Wordlessly, and without hesitation, the boy opened fire. Another ear-piercing noise took place. The four leapt off and moved out, agile, avoiding the bullets.
The boy then leveled his armament towards Elizabeth – who in turn cringed – but Takeru punched the intruder’s cheek so hard from the other side, that he was knocked back to the window. The boy immediately pulled himself up and jumped back – going out through the window – almost as if he was hardly hurt. He seemed to have caught something and went over to the roof.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?” the Duchess immediately rushed over to her daughter, gravely concerned.
“Yes, mother, more importantly, that person ran away...”
“Well, no point staying here now. If they came here directly, they must’ve known we were on board. We should move to eliminate the threat,” Aramus said, though he noted Elizabeth’s concern.
“Let us pursue this threat,” the Duchess said, “But I wouldn’t want Elizabeth to go out, he was pointing the gun at her,” she added, not wanting Elizabeth exposed to further danger.
“There goes whatever plans I had for a nap.” Aramus said glumly, looking at the ruined seats and glass littering the reserved room. “They’ll suffer. For it to be ruined like this, my one and only time in a reserved car...”
“We can get these cleaned, and us magicians have no problem getting a window fixed,” the Duchess said, trying to bring Aramus back down to earth.
“Alright, then let us be off to taking down that kid,” Takeru said. “I suppose Elizabeth stays here?”
“Yes,” the Duchess said, it’d be much safer than a place where there was no walls or ceiling, she thought.
Hence, the three Magic Magisters left through the window in pursuit of the intruder.
Elizabeth then turned towards the door of the room. “I know you’re there,” she said, a dark expression was afloat her face – the lustre of innocence she usually carried in her pupils absent – one that she never showed to her teachers, peers, or her mother.
“I hope you enjoyed our welcoming gesture. We like to be flashy sometimes, you see,” a voice spoke, even though Elizabeth had never opened the door.
“That was in poor taste, sending that clone in such a manner. There were numerous ways to send a signal to beckon my presence,” Elizabeth replied.
“Very well. We only wished to entertain you, but we shall keep it peaceful next time. Now, on to the matter at hand…”
Elizabeth, Duchess, Aramus, and Takeru happened to be in a said high-class section afforded by the Duchess within the Magic Train.
“This was the last available V.I.P room I could afford,” the Duchess begun, “Who would’ve thought it was the season for rich people to travel? I thought I wouldn’t have to rush with the bookings.”
“We could make do without V.I.P just fine, no?” Takeru said, not sure if something bad would’ve happened if they couldn’t get this room. Despite coming from a rich family, Takeru was actually looking forward to not being in a reserved special seat.
“Esteemed individuals such as ourselves should not be joining the shady members of the Magic World on the other cars,” the Duchess answered, shaking her head, almost sounding like a protective mother.
Aramus merely hummed to himself. If not for the Duchess’ goodwill, he would definitely be on a non-reserved seat, crammed somewhere way in the back amongst the masses instead of here. Magister or not, he was poor.
“I mean, look, teacher can hum like this peacefully without receiving some stranger’s ire along the way,” Elizabeth said to support her mother, gesturing towards Aramus. “Reserved rooms are full of wonders.”
“...I suppose so,” Takeru conceded, chuckling weakly in defeat.
“That aside,” Elizabeth said, putting the newspaper on the table before them. “Our operation appeared on the newspapers published by The Times,” she said, sounding excited. Indeed, the Duchess’ glory rose even further thanks to this, they also mentioned Aramus and Takeru as partaking Magic Magisters. Aramus and Takeru – the two sitting opposite to the Duchess and her daughter – peered in and found a picture of an area in ruins – or so it seemed to them – over the article.
“I didn’t think anyone would have the time to take a picture in all that chaos…” Takeru commented, baffled. However, he was forgetting about all those students who were hiding most of the time, and were only taking peeks from across the alleys.
“The press will find a way I suppose, although I am quite surprised that they did decide to include my name,” Aramus said honestly.
“That simply means that they approve of your contributions, Mister Valmark,” the Duchess promptly responded, a smile showing that she was glad his name was mentioned. “The best part is that the leader of Team A is blamed for his actions here,” she said, pointing at a particular paragraph of the article. Around this part, the aforementioned person’s figure was portrayed with an image.
“Mother, it says that you personally went and placed the charges for the students that died on combat, is this true?” Elizabeth asked.
“Of course, why would I not? I shall see him at the Magic Court, certainly,” Caroline said, bursting with anger.
Aramus smiled cruelly, glad to see that the one responsible for this mess had gotten his just desserts. His secretary however… Oh well, perhaps Aramus would see both of them in Court. That would be a good day.
“You seem happy, Aramus,” Takeru said, “You must’ve really despised them, not that I didn’t, but I do feel a little bad for the two that tagged along with that chump.”
“Well, I hold that man responsible but for the others that were aiding him, how could they just stand by and send my students into such a situation?” Aramus replied, huffing in disapproval. “They were the future of our country and they get thrown away, just like that.”
“True, those were some of England’s finest students invited personally by the Queen,” Takeru said, a little disappointed, “Our faction in disapproval of the Japanese Government did not approve of these atrocious acts, either.”
“Indeed,” the Duchess spoke up, “I will definitely not forgive this man for wasting so many lives. In the end, it was us adults who took care of the matter. Children were simply not needed. The Queen did not have to invite students to respect that pathetic man’s wishes.”
Aramus let out a heavy sigh. “But what’s done is done. Nothing will bring those children back. For one man’s attempt at glory, we paid a heavy price. I hope I may receive a personal audience with the Queen when we arrive though.”
“Hm? A personal audience, for?” The Duchess inquired, curious.
“That does make me curious,” Takeru said, “I am hoping to find an opportunity to speak with her myself, however.”
”Just a few things I need to speak to her about regarding the Time Warriors but don’t tell anyone.” Making hushing motions, Aramus tried to play down whatever he was intending to do.
“Did Sagittarius say something?” Takeru asked, but figured that Aramus didn’t wanted to talk about it, yet his curiosity got the better of him.
Hanging his head, Aramus gave out a quiet “Yes.”
The Duchess remembered her recent conversation with Aramus, and considered if it had a connection with it or not, but she concluded that she’d say nothing more regarding the matter.
“Anyway,” Elizabeth said, trying to steer the conversation from something Aramus was attempting to avoid, “Where do you two plan to stay during your stay in England? You could always come over to our manor.”
Aramus watched the Duchess for a reaction at her daughter’s question, telling himself that Ellie was doing this out of goodwill. “Well, I would like to pay my orphanage a visit but I haven’t made any plans for accommodations. Perhaps the orphanage itself or…” It was challenging to find an excuse but Aramus realised that he indeed had not enough money to stay anywhere but at a place that would put up with him.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” Takeru said, politely attempting to refuse an offer too kind.
“Oh, you wouldn’t want to live in a dirty old orphanage, would you?” the Duchess said, somehow skeptical of the idea. “We have plenty of rooms to have guests.”
“Then, I’ll accept your kind offer. Thank you very much, Duchess, Elizabeth,” Aramus lowered his head in thanks, face pensive but mind racing with a million thoughts. Most of them leading nowhere as he panicked but there were a few more rational ones, it would be bad if word got out that he was boarding at the Duchess’ place as a guest.
“I suppose I’ll have to accept too, then,” Takeru said. He’d rather go with the offer then end up feeling lonely someplace else. He wanted to comment on how Aramus takes up offers too easily by the wealthy, but decided against it. Since he himself considered letting Aramus stay with him in a high-class hotel.
“Then that is settled,” Elizabeth exclaimed, her hands clapping. As she said that, her smile broke as she looked to the right thoughtlessly.
Before Aramus knew it, he heard an ear-splitting noise. In the next moment, shards of glass from the window danced across the air as a stranger broke in abruptly. The figure was seemingly a teenager donning a black shirt, pants and a coat, he held a machine gun with both his arms, and aimed it towards the four people inside the room.
Wordlessly, and without hesitation, the boy opened fire. Another ear-piercing noise took place. The four leapt off and moved out, agile, avoiding the bullets.
The boy then leveled his armament towards Elizabeth – who in turn cringed – but Takeru punched the intruder’s cheek so hard from the other side, that he was knocked back to the window. The boy immediately pulled himself up and jumped back – going out through the window – almost as if he was hardly hurt. He seemed to have caught something and went over to the roof.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?” the Duchess immediately rushed over to her daughter, gravely concerned.
“Yes, mother, more importantly, that person ran away...”
“Well, no point staying here now. If they came here directly, they must’ve known we were on board. We should move to eliminate the threat,” Aramus said, though he noted Elizabeth’s concern.
“Let us pursue this threat,” the Duchess said, “But I wouldn’t want Elizabeth to go out, he was pointing the gun at her,” she added, not wanting Elizabeth exposed to further danger.
“There goes whatever plans I had for a nap.” Aramus said glumly, looking at the ruined seats and glass littering the reserved room. “They’ll suffer. For it to be ruined like this, my one and only time in a reserved car...”
“We can get these cleaned, and us magicians have no problem getting a window fixed,” the Duchess said, trying to bring Aramus back down to earth.
“Alright, then let us be off to taking down that kid,” Takeru said. “I suppose Elizabeth stays here?”
“Yes,” the Duchess said, it’d be much safer than a place where there was no walls or ceiling, she thought.
Hence, the three Magic Magisters left through the window in pursuit of the intruder.
Elizabeth then turned towards the door of the room. “I know you’re there,” she said, a dark expression was afloat her face – the lustre of innocence she usually carried in her pupils absent – one that she never showed to her teachers, peers, or her mother.
“I hope you enjoyed our welcoming gesture. We like to be flashy sometimes, you see,” a voice spoke, even though Elizabeth had never opened the door.
“That was in poor taste, sending that clone in such a manner. There were numerous ways to send a signal to beckon my presence,” Elizabeth replied.
“Very well. We only wished to entertain you, but we shall keep it peaceful next time. Now, on to the matter at hand…”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Aramus, Takeru and the Duchess were now atop the train, looking around for their target. The wind was strong and they’d likely have trouble conversing with each other.
“Careful, we have more than one here!” Takeru shouted, alarming the two beside him. The three entered battle stance immediately upon arrival.
A few seconds passed, and a loud noise occurred, before gunshots took place. Aramus and the Duchess moved away nimbly, while Takeru simply withstood the bullets, a smirk on his face. The bullets fell off from his coat, much less penetrated.
“You won’t beat me that easily today,” Takeru said, who would’ve thought his coat would deflect bullets of all things? He chanted, beckoning mana from the Dominion Realm, and his pupils glowed blue. “Aramus, there’s one to your right, straddling on the wall. Madame Duchess, another behind you, between the two compartments of the train,” he said, finding the figures through his Aural Vision. “They have some kind of a magical ward on them, but I doubt they are anything that could withstand what we may dish out.”
Aramus strode forward, his robe fluttering wildly against the oncoming wind yet none of it seemed to deter him. This was his primary element and it was time to make use of it. Pulling Paimon’s fan out from within his raiment, he entered a series of katas and howling wind seemed to part ways around him.
Aramus danced with the current, gathering whatever he could muster into one powerful gust and sent it towards his target, the compressed air acting like a javelin as it tore forward like there was no resistance. He could then see his target get flushed out from the side of the train and carried away into the air before he crashed against a tree and was soon gone from sight.
The Duchess backflipped and landed behind the person hiding in-between the compartments. Soon, Aramus could see a similar-looking boy getting carried away by the wind in similar fashion compared to the one he dealt with, except that he had large ice shards sticking out from all over his body. The strange part of this ordeal was that the one he took out looked exactly the same as the boy who attacked them earlier, same for the Duchess’ target.
Takeru dashed forward against the wind and crushed the head of his target who seemed to be hiding between the compartments in front of him, and – like the other two – tossed him out of the train.
“Something is going quite wrong here,” he said, coming back to the two other Magic Magisters. “They all have the same face and clothes.”
“We’ve been duped,” Aramus said, temper flaring. This magic was not dissimilar to his but compared to it, these clones were skillfully created. “These were to lure us away. Elizabeth is in danger.”
The Duchess gasped. “...Of course, why did I not consider such a possibility?” the Duchess realised, grimacing. “Hurry, back to the room.”
The three nodded to each other and rushed back to where they came from. There was a man cleaning up the glass shards on the floor, tables and the seats, while Elizabeth was standing a somewhat far from the man, waiting for things to be cleaned apparently.
“You’re all back,” Elizabeth said, sounding relieved, “Were the threats taken care of?”
“Sorry about the mess,” the man apologised, “It seems like our trains gets these intrusions these days… and we can’t really find a way to stop them either. They always find a way to board in through ridiculous methods somehow,” the cleaner bowed his head to the Duchess and the others, taking up all the shards of glass on a tray of some kind before raising his hand towards the window. The shards flew back from the tray and affixed themselves to the window, apparently good as new.
“Please press the emergency button if anything else happens. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” the man then left the room. It was strange how such a grave situation was treated like an everyday thing casually in the Magic World.
The Duchess heaved a heavy sigh, relieved, she immediately went and hugged Elizabeth. “I thought you were in danger, daughter. Thank God!”
Likewise, Aramus let himself relax a little upon seeing that his student was fine yet something nagged at him. He would brood over this later, now looking at his cushioned seat with unhidden desire.
Takeru sat down and relaxed. “Strange. This is just strange,” he said, finding himself repeating his words.
“Apparently this isn’t anything new, someone on his way to Tokyo had this incident happen to him as well recently,” the Duchess said. “I wonder if this is a terrorism of some kind. What I don’t understand is why they’d target us, or my daughter, for that matter.”
“I don’t think they were here for us Magisters. Not many can best three at once, especially after reading the newspaper. Even if they wanted to take us out of the picture; destroying the train would be another option rather than coming at us head on like the clones did,” Aramus pondered, clutching his chin in thought. “They must have had another objective.”
“Hmm, indeed. I wonder if there is more of them hiding on this train somewhere,” the Duchess thought out loud.
“Perhaps we should investigate?” Takeru suggested. “But considering that it has all but calmed down for now, and has been known to be happening for a while, I’m not sure whether we should really take action or not.”
“I will. You can’t provoke the hornets nest and not get a reaction. I’ll ask the train staff later about the details regarding this,” Aramus replied, though he was more puzzled about the incident than actually feeling like subjugating whoever was responsible. If anything, he wanted to pry more information out.
“Let us hope you figure something out, then,” the Duchess said, giving a nod.
Elizabeth picked back up her newspaper and placed it over the table, getting all casual again. “Well, I think we can all just relax now that the threat is gone, yes? There’s so many more interesting things published here that I want to show to everyone.”
“You sure relax a lot faster than us, daughter,” the Duchess commented with a wry smile.
“Thank you for the compliment, mother,” Elizabeth said, beaming in response.
Aramus frowned but decided to lay back in his seat, the plush material massaging his body in all the right places. He let loose a contented sigh as the muscles in his body relaxed, tension ebbing away.
“Hmm, it seems like London had an incident where a Lycanthrope attacked,” Elizabeth said, continuing on with her article-reading.
“Ahh, I remember this incident,” Caroline said, reminiscing about the time this was reported. “My assistance wasn’t required apparently, but it was dangerously close to Her Majesty’s mansion, so I was quite concerned.”
“Close to the Majesty’s home, really?” Takeru asked, surprised.
“Mhm. They say that this is a sign of someone plotting things, like an assassination, no one can say for sure, though,” the Duchess replied.
Aramus cracked open an eyelid at the mention of †˜Her Majesty’ and †˜Assassination’. Life just wouldn’t throw him a bone and he grumbled under his breath, something about †˜bad luck’ and †˜disturb someone else’.
“...Well, putting that aside, I suppose it is lunch time. Shall we, ladies and gentleman?” Takeru suggested.
Now the other eyelid joined its compatriot, Aramus rising faster than anyone else. Now this was something he could do with pleasure! His eyes sparkled, already imagining what was being served in the dining car as opposed to the cheap bentou boxes he would’ve otherwise had. Words were not needed to convey his eagerness.
The Duchess was the second to rise up, almost just as fast. “Finally,” she said. “On to the dining department we go.” The Duchess marched away before Elizabeth could even take her attention out of her newspapers.
Aramus followed behind in step, forming a †˜party’ with the Duchess. “Yes, milady.” He added jokingly, though his smile was genuine when he looked over at Elizabeth. “Aren’t you coming?”
“Let me just finish this article, I do not prefer to leave things half-done,” Elizabeth said, not quite zealous about food.
“Don’t take too long, we might not leave anything behind,” Aramus added with a laugh.
Takeru shrugged and followed after. “Now, it wouldn't do me any good if I stick around here while you hungry people finish everything, would it?”
As the three left Elizabeth continued reading, sighing. “They’re too obsessed with food sometimes,” she commented.
“I see they are finally gone,” a voice spoke again, but Elizabeth didn’t react to it with surprise. “What will you do?”
“I shall take up your request, so please, stop sneaking around and eavesdropping; it is rude,” Elizabeth replied, cool and calm.
“As you wish. We will await for the good news in Venice. Good luck on your mission.”
Elizabeth then felt the presence disappear.
“If only I was not a noble…”
“Careful, we have more than one here!” Takeru shouted, alarming the two beside him. The three entered battle stance immediately upon arrival.
A few seconds passed, and a loud noise occurred, before gunshots took place. Aramus and the Duchess moved away nimbly, while Takeru simply withstood the bullets, a smirk on his face. The bullets fell off from his coat, much less penetrated.
“You won’t beat me that easily today,” Takeru said, who would’ve thought his coat would deflect bullets of all things? He chanted, beckoning mana from the Dominion Realm, and his pupils glowed blue. “Aramus, there’s one to your right, straddling on the wall. Madame Duchess, another behind you, between the two compartments of the train,” he said, finding the figures through his Aural Vision. “They have some kind of a magical ward on them, but I doubt they are anything that could withstand what we may dish out.”
Aramus strode forward, his robe fluttering wildly against the oncoming wind yet none of it seemed to deter him. This was his primary element and it was time to make use of it. Pulling Paimon’s fan out from within his raiment, he entered a series of katas and howling wind seemed to part ways around him.
Aramus danced with the current, gathering whatever he could muster into one powerful gust and sent it towards his target, the compressed air acting like a javelin as it tore forward like there was no resistance. He could then see his target get flushed out from the side of the train and carried away into the air before he crashed against a tree and was soon gone from sight.
The Duchess backflipped and landed behind the person hiding in-between the compartments. Soon, Aramus could see a similar-looking boy getting carried away by the wind in similar fashion compared to the one he dealt with, except that he had large ice shards sticking out from all over his body. The strange part of this ordeal was that the one he took out looked exactly the same as the boy who attacked them earlier, same for the Duchess’ target.
Takeru dashed forward against the wind and crushed the head of his target who seemed to be hiding between the compartments in front of him, and – like the other two – tossed him out of the train.
“Something is going quite wrong here,” he said, coming back to the two other Magic Magisters. “They all have the same face and clothes.”
“We’ve been duped,” Aramus said, temper flaring. This magic was not dissimilar to his but compared to it, these clones were skillfully created. “These were to lure us away. Elizabeth is in danger.”
The Duchess gasped. “...Of course, why did I not consider such a possibility?” the Duchess realised, grimacing. “Hurry, back to the room.”
The three nodded to each other and rushed back to where they came from. There was a man cleaning up the glass shards on the floor, tables and the seats, while Elizabeth was standing a somewhat far from the man, waiting for things to be cleaned apparently.
“You’re all back,” Elizabeth said, sounding relieved, “Were the threats taken care of?”
“Sorry about the mess,” the man apologised, “It seems like our trains gets these intrusions these days… and we can’t really find a way to stop them either. They always find a way to board in through ridiculous methods somehow,” the cleaner bowed his head to the Duchess and the others, taking up all the shards of glass on a tray of some kind before raising his hand towards the window. The shards flew back from the tray and affixed themselves to the window, apparently good as new.
“Please press the emergency button if anything else happens. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” the man then left the room. It was strange how such a grave situation was treated like an everyday thing casually in the Magic World.
The Duchess heaved a heavy sigh, relieved, she immediately went and hugged Elizabeth. “I thought you were in danger, daughter. Thank God!”
Likewise, Aramus let himself relax a little upon seeing that his student was fine yet something nagged at him. He would brood over this later, now looking at his cushioned seat with unhidden desire.
Takeru sat down and relaxed. “Strange. This is just strange,” he said, finding himself repeating his words.
“Apparently this isn’t anything new, someone on his way to Tokyo had this incident happen to him as well recently,” the Duchess said. “I wonder if this is a terrorism of some kind. What I don’t understand is why they’d target us, or my daughter, for that matter.”
“I don’t think they were here for us Magisters. Not many can best three at once, especially after reading the newspaper. Even if they wanted to take us out of the picture; destroying the train would be another option rather than coming at us head on like the clones did,” Aramus pondered, clutching his chin in thought. “They must have had another objective.”
“Hmm, indeed. I wonder if there is more of them hiding on this train somewhere,” the Duchess thought out loud.
“Perhaps we should investigate?” Takeru suggested. “But considering that it has all but calmed down for now, and has been known to be happening for a while, I’m not sure whether we should really take action or not.”
“I will. You can’t provoke the hornets nest and not get a reaction. I’ll ask the train staff later about the details regarding this,” Aramus replied, though he was more puzzled about the incident than actually feeling like subjugating whoever was responsible. If anything, he wanted to pry more information out.
“Let us hope you figure something out, then,” the Duchess said, giving a nod.
Elizabeth picked back up her newspaper and placed it over the table, getting all casual again. “Well, I think we can all just relax now that the threat is gone, yes? There’s so many more interesting things published here that I want to show to everyone.”
“You sure relax a lot faster than us, daughter,” the Duchess commented with a wry smile.
“Thank you for the compliment, mother,” Elizabeth said, beaming in response.
Aramus frowned but decided to lay back in his seat, the plush material massaging his body in all the right places. He let loose a contented sigh as the muscles in his body relaxed, tension ebbing away.
“Hmm, it seems like London had an incident where a Lycanthrope attacked,” Elizabeth said, continuing on with her article-reading.
“Ahh, I remember this incident,” Caroline said, reminiscing about the time this was reported. “My assistance wasn’t required apparently, but it was dangerously close to Her Majesty’s mansion, so I was quite concerned.”
“Close to the Majesty’s home, really?” Takeru asked, surprised.
“Mhm. They say that this is a sign of someone plotting things, like an assassination, no one can say for sure, though,” the Duchess replied.
Aramus cracked open an eyelid at the mention of †˜Her Majesty’ and †˜Assassination’. Life just wouldn’t throw him a bone and he grumbled under his breath, something about †˜bad luck’ and †˜disturb someone else’.
“...Well, putting that aside, I suppose it is lunch time. Shall we, ladies and gentleman?” Takeru suggested.
Now the other eyelid joined its compatriot, Aramus rising faster than anyone else. Now this was something he could do with pleasure! His eyes sparkled, already imagining what was being served in the dining car as opposed to the cheap bentou boxes he would’ve otherwise had. Words were not needed to convey his eagerness.
The Duchess was the second to rise up, almost just as fast. “Finally,” she said. “On to the dining department we go.” The Duchess marched away before Elizabeth could even take her attention out of her newspapers.
Aramus followed behind in step, forming a †˜party’ with the Duchess. “Yes, milady.” He added jokingly, though his smile was genuine when he looked over at Elizabeth. “Aren’t you coming?”
“Let me just finish this article, I do not prefer to leave things half-done,” Elizabeth said, not quite zealous about food.
“Don’t take too long, we might not leave anything behind,” Aramus added with a laugh.
Takeru shrugged and followed after. “Now, it wouldn't do me any good if I stick around here while you hungry people finish everything, would it?”
As the three left Elizabeth continued reading, sighing. “They’re too obsessed with food sometimes,” she commented.
“I see they are finally gone,” a voice spoke again, but Elizabeth didn’t react to it with surprise. “What will you do?”
“I shall take up your request, so please, stop sneaking around and eavesdropping; it is rude,” Elizabeth replied, cool and calm.
“As you wish. We will await for the good news in Venice. Good luck on your mission.”
Elizabeth then felt the presence disappear.
“If only I was not a noble…”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Meanwhile, Tsuruko found herself in a different reserved V.I.P room of the Magic Train. With Hynek, his wife and assistant Felix, Alice, and herself, the atmosphere was rather… strange. Tsuruko could see Felix snuggling Hynek from the side, a woman she only saw once back in the party. Unlike the time in the party, Felix’s dress seemed rather indecent to her, as most of it seemed to be loosely fit in place with her cleavage revealing. Alice seemed to not care about what they did, but Hynek tried to maintain a polite and civil face before losing his composure and indulging her.
Tsuruko sat still. She absolutely wasn’t one to strike up a conversation with people not yet well known like Hynek, and she also wasn’t sure of making conversation with Alice, since the recent exchanges between Alice and Hynek gave the impression that they would only talk about serious things. She sighed. Being in a carriage with two Time Warriors was stressful in its own way. She wondered what Felix was doing, too. She behaved like any other pet nuzzling against its owner, and wondered if Hynek were the least bothered by this.
“Shameless, are they not?” Alice commented, apparently speaking with Tsuruko, as she faced the window.
Hynek, however, kept his cool and smiled. “Well, we are human, nothing wrong with following our instincts?”
“Master Tamas, just forget them for now and…” Felix’s voice trailed away, her eyes were even more adorable than any pet a man could have.
Finally Hynek made got up from his seat. “We’ll be back…” he said, holding Felix’s hand and pulling her out of the room. As soon as the two left silence returned to the room.
“I suppose this was to happen sooner or later,” Alice said, still sounding as emotionless as ever, yet she commented on things almost like any human would.
“...’This’?” Tsuruko tilted her head, almost putting that question with intent. She was just curious, after all.
“...I suppose you are still a child. Never mind.”
“Ah. Pardon me…” Although inside Tsuruko was still feeling inquisitive, she didn’t want to further press on it. A chill of silence went by the room, and, hollow as any train would be, the howl of the wind practically begged for someone to break this silence. Keeping her head down, “So, um, Alice-sama… how have recent days fared you?”
“Same as usual, I suppose. Work was my only priority as an idol,” Alice said, “Albeit I took a partial leave due to this mission, thus I needed to attend the press for the announcement.”
Tsuruko knew herself that she would have to know about Alice’s world as an idol, considering that she would be with her most of the time, and there had to come a time that she would have asked this anyway, so she might as well: “What do †˜idols’ do?” She can only base from her understanding that they needed to perform in a large crowd.
“We entertain the crowds, advertise products for companies if we are popular enough, among other things. Idols are more or less involved in most aspects considering media and entertainment,” Alice answered. “However, there are only a few in each of the districts who are truly loved by the people.”
“Then, are you liked by your district? Or… how would you know, rather?” Tsuruko expressed interest towards learning of this… †˜world’. With every explanation Alice gave, she had more questions.
“I believe so, according to the top list, which was formed from the votes casted by the viewers and fans alike,” Alice answered. “The top list is always there to show us idols who is attempting to overtake our positions, or who we must overcome to be at the top.” She wasn't sure what else to say, it's like Tsuruko hadn't seen her in television before. Many popular places in Tokyo already portrayed Alice in various advertisements, how could Tsuruko not see them?
“Ooh, so it’s like…. a battlefield of sorts, then?”
For once, Alice chuckled, finding this comparison funny. “It is competitive, I believe. We idols perform on stage to †˜battle’ among each other sometimes, I suppose,” she seemed to be acting more and more like her idol-self as Tsuruko spoke to her more about the profession. “I wouldn’t call it the kind of fighting you know of, but I suppose everything has its own way to determining winners.”
“Sounds brutal, to do battle in front of thousands,” Tsuruko continued, “Do you like this kind of stuff?”
“Brutal? I do not think so in the slightest, but I find it fun indeed,” Alice said, smiling, “As an idol there is no greater joy than gaining the opportunity to perform before thousands of spectators.”
“I see,” Tsuruko beamed. “I think it’s a good thing, so long as you’re enjoying it! I, for one, could never display myself like that. Such confidence you have, Alice-sama,” Tsuruko wondered how she managed being in view of so many people and still able to keep calm.
“Well, we all have trouble presenting ourselves before the audience. I believe every idols feels the excitement and nervousness at the same time. It takes courage to display oneself and get over the stage fright.”
“Ah. One day I hope to get to see you during one of your battles,” Tsuruko smiled.
“I may reserve a ticket for you if you are really interested,” Alice offered.
“If you would be so kind,” Tsuruko bowed, “I would appreciate it greatly.” She wondered what exactly to expect were she to view Alice during one of her displays.
“Then that settles it,” Alice said, then turned her head towards the window. “Something is… taking place,” her eyes gave away a blue hue as she spoke.
“Is something the matter?” asked a curious Tsuruko, facing Alice.
“Infiltration,” Alice said, her monotone voice back. “Detecting several anomalous figures across the train. However, we are not targeted.”
“...Then who?” Tsuruko automatically assumed it to be one of the people that attacked Alice beforehand, but it seemed strange that they, or Alice herself, wasn’t being targeted.
“...I am not certain. I do not have data on all the passengers on board. It seems like we have a very broad assortment of people, however. Even those who’d get targeted by terrorists or some kind of an Organization.”
“Speaking of which, what of Hynek-sama?” Tsuruko mentioned the possibility of him being the victim of target.
“He went in a different direction with his assistant,” Alice answered, “Even if he were to be targeted, he would be able to take care of himself.”
“Then, will we be concerning ourselves with this bunch?”
“I suppose there is no reason to, it seems like most of them were eliminated just now.”
“...By whom?” Tsuruko furrowed a brow.
“...Again, I do not have enough data on the passengers.”
“Ah. My apologies.” Part of Tsuruko wanted to investigate, or rather, observe what had happened, but she had to stay with Alice whenever possible in case something had happened. It was her duty, after all.
“Anyway, it is almost lunch time, why don’t you go ahead to the dining section?” Alice suggested.
“Very well. Are you coming as well?” Tsuruko got up from her seat, extending a hand towards Alice.
“No, I do not intend to eat,” Alice answered. “Please go on your own.”
“Ah… Okay then. I will be sure to be quick,” Tsuruko promised, as she exit the room, looked at a nearby guide and followed the way to the dining hall.
Tsuruko sat still. She absolutely wasn’t one to strike up a conversation with people not yet well known like Hynek, and she also wasn’t sure of making conversation with Alice, since the recent exchanges between Alice and Hynek gave the impression that they would only talk about serious things. She sighed. Being in a carriage with two Time Warriors was stressful in its own way. She wondered what Felix was doing, too. She behaved like any other pet nuzzling against its owner, and wondered if Hynek were the least bothered by this.
“Shameless, are they not?” Alice commented, apparently speaking with Tsuruko, as she faced the window.
Hynek, however, kept his cool and smiled. “Well, we are human, nothing wrong with following our instincts?”
“Master Tamas, just forget them for now and…” Felix’s voice trailed away, her eyes were even more adorable than any pet a man could have.
Finally Hynek made got up from his seat. “We’ll be back…” he said, holding Felix’s hand and pulling her out of the room. As soon as the two left silence returned to the room.
“I suppose this was to happen sooner or later,” Alice said, still sounding as emotionless as ever, yet she commented on things almost like any human would.
“...’This’?” Tsuruko tilted her head, almost putting that question with intent. She was just curious, after all.
“...I suppose you are still a child. Never mind.”
“Ah. Pardon me…” Although inside Tsuruko was still feeling inquisitive, she didn’t want to further press on it. A chill of silence went by the room, and, hollow as any train would be, the howl of the wind practically begged for someone to break this silence. Keeping her head down, “So, um, Alice-sama… how have recent days fared you?”
“Same as usual, I suppose. Work was my only priority as an idol,” Alice said, “Albeit I took a partial leave due to this mission, thus I needed to attend the press for the announcement.”
Tsuruko knew herself that she would have to know about Alice’s world as an idol, considering that she would be with her most of the time, and there had to come a time that she would have asked this anyway, so she might as well: “What do †˜idols’ do?” She can only base from her understanding that they needed to perform in a large crowd.
“We entertain the crowds, advertise products for companies if we are popular enough, among other things. Idols are more or less involved in most aspects considering media and entertainment,” Alice answered. “However, there are only a few in each of the districts who are truly loved by the people.”
“Then, are you liked by your district? Or… how would you know, rather?” Tsuruko expressed interest towards learning of this… †˜world’. With every explanation Alice gave, she had more questions.
“I believe so, according to the top list, which was formed from the votes casted by the viewers and fans alike,” Alice answered. “The top list is always there to show us idols who is attempting to overtake our positions, or who we must overcome to be at the top.” She wasn't sure what else to say, it's like Tsuruko hadn't seen her in television before. Many popular places in Tokyo already portrayed Alice in various advertisements, how could Tsuruko not see them?
“Ooh, so it’s like…. a battlefield of sorts, then?”
For once, Alice chuckled, finding this comparison funny. “It is competitive, I believe. We idols perform on stage to †˜battle’ among each other sometimes, I suppose,” she seemed to be acting more and more like her idol-self as Tsuruko spoke to her more about the profession. “I wouldn’t call it the kind of fighting you know of, but I suppose everything has its own way to determining winners.”
“Sounds brutal, to do battle in front of thousands,” Tsuruko continued, “Do you like this kind of stuff?”
“Brutal? I do not think so in the slightest, but I find it fun indeed,” Alice said, smiling, “As an idol there is no greater joy than gaining the opportunity to perform before thousands of spectators.”
“I see,” Tsuruko beamed. “I think it’s a good thing, so long as you’re enjoying it! I, for one, could never display myself like that. Such confidence you have, Alice-sama,” Tsuruko wondered how she managed being in view of so many people and still able to keep calm.
“Well, we all have trouble presenting ourselves before the audience. I believe every idols feels the excitement and nervousness at the same time. It takes courage to display oneself and get over the stage fright.”
“Ah. One day I hope to get to see you during one of your battles,” Tsuruko smiled.
“I may reserve a ticket for you if you are really interested,” Alice offered.
“If you would be so kind,” Tsuruko bowed, “I would appreciate it greatly.” She wondered what exactly to expect were she to view Alice during one of her displays.
“Then that settles it,” Alice said, then turned her head towards the window. “Something is… taking place,” her eyes gave away a blue hue as she spoke.
“Is something the matter?” asked a curious Tsuruko, facing Alice.
“Infiltration,” Alice said, her monotone voice back. “Detecting several anomalous figures across the train. However, we are not targeted.”
“...Then who?” Tsuruko automatically assumed it to be one of the people that attacked Alice beforehand, but it seemed strange that they, or Alice herself, wasn’t being targeted.
“...I am not certain. I do not have data on all the passengers on board. It seems like we have a very broad assortment of people, however. Even those who’d get targeted by terrorists or some kind of an Organization.”
“Speaking of which, what of Hynek-sama?” Tsuruko mentioned the possibility of him being the victim of target.
“He went in a different direction with his assistant,” Alice answered, “Even if he were to be targeted, he would be able to take care of himself.”
“Then, will we be concerning ourselves with this bunch?”
“I suppose there is no reason to, it seems like most of them were eliminated just now.”
“...By whom?” Tsuruko furrowed a brow.
“...Again, I do not have enough data on the passengers.”
“Ah. My apologies.” Part of Tsuruko wanted to investigate, or rather, observe what had happened, but she had to stay with Alice whenever possible in case something had happened. It was her duty, after all.
“Anyway, it is almost lunch time, why don’t you go ahead to the dining section?” Alice suggested.
“Very well. Are you coming as well?” Tsuruko got up from her seat, extending a hand towards Alice.
“No, I do not intend to eat,” Alice answered. “Please go on your own.”
“Ah… Okay then. I will be sure to be quick,” Tsuruko promised, as she exit the room, looked at a nearby guide and followed the way to the dining hall.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
The Duchess and Aramus rushed all the way to the dining section. Upon their entry, they were greeted with a sublime aroma of food wafting across the air. Their tensions and worries were casted into the air then and there, as they found themselves a table and took their seats. Takeru joined moments after, but he didn’t seemed to be as liberated as the two. Elizabeth appeared about five minutes later to join the trio.
“So, I hear they serve everyone with a four course meal,” Elizabeth begun, “Would we be able to even finish all the food provided?” she asked, unsure of her own appetite. Despite having three people over, she still remembered her time alone with Aramus in a restaurant, and it somehow brought a smile to her face.
Aramus looked between the Duchess and Takeru, tilting his head in confusion at her question. “Actually, I think a four course meal might not be enough for us.”
“Indeed, why don’t we order a six course meal instead?” Caroline suggested, agreeing with Aramus.
“You underestimate these food titans, Elizabeth,” Takeru said with a snide smile.
“Ahaha…” Elizabeth chuckled weakly, “Well, I… I suppose I could pass off the leftovers to you, teacher,” she said, facing Aramus, a bit of blood flowed up to her cheeks as she spoke. The thought of her spoons touching with her food… it already made her realise what she was intending, but she couldn’t help herself.
“I’ll be happy to.” Aramus replied smiling, overjoyed at the thought of a six course meal and having extras in the form of leftovers. Many people would call it a bad form of manners but when a chance like this presented itself, to hell with appearances. You take it! This would’ve been a perfect day without the previous intrusion. Aramus thought, a bit sore but nothing good food wouldn’t fix.
The Duchess narrowed her eyes and watched Elizabeth suspiciously, before she shifted her view to Aramus. “No, I will be taking her share. You take Takeru’s food,” the Duchess finally said, not making it easy for Aramus. “I’m sure Takeru would have lesser leftovers for you,” she added with a grin.
Aramus clicked his tongue in mock annoyance but gave in, feigning hurt at the Duchess’ actions. “Lesser leftovers… Yes, I should order something ala carte besides the set meal…” He mumbled, glancing between Takeru and Elizabeth before his eyes lit up. “Elizabeth, you have to eat more, you’re still growing!”
Elizabeth knitted her eyebrows, glaring at Aramus. “So, basically, you want me to get fat?” her temper was rising by the moment as she asked.
At such a time, a familiar face entered within Aramus’ sight. The miko from the Eastern Magic Academy, Tsuruko, was here, looking around for a vacant table. Moreover, she was alone.
Aramus who was just about to reply with a raised finger paused, wondering why she was here. Alone.
Tsuruko glanced around, locating a seat when a glint shone in her eye. It took a moment and a rough shaking of the head before she confirmed she wasn’t being delusional. Needless to say, she was taken aback. Again?! Those two! Wondering if it was mere luck, or lack of it, she automatically tried to face her back towards them, but her garments were all too recognisable.
As his student turned away from him, Aramus felt a tiny stab of pain at being ignored. “Hmm,” he mused, now actually reconsidering whether or not to call out to her. He was beat to the punch by his favourite student.
“Miss Tsuruko,” Elizabeth beckoned, waving to her, “I do not know why you are here alone, but if you aren’t waiting on anyone, why don’t you join us?”
“...! I, uh…” stuck between confusion and disbelief, Tsuruko had considered the option of declining them, but looking around, she hadn’t found a single seat available due to the peak lunch hour, and plus, she didn’t want to ruin any impressions on her by turning down an invitation so soon. “I-I guess…” Moving towards the group, she spotted an unfamiliar face, one that she’d not seen yet. Before any questions came to her mind about her identity, she bowed, “...Please allow me to take a seat.”
“Yes, please,” Elizabeth said, observing Tsuruko now taking the sixth and final seat across the table. “Please allow me to introduce my mother to you,” she said, continuing, “Here is my mother, Caroline Cavendish Bentinck, an esteemed Duchess of England,” she introduced, motioning towards her mother before facing back towards her, “and Mother, this here is my classmate from the Eastern Magic Academy, Miss Fuyuoshinriku no Tsuruko.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” the Duchess politely greeted, a slight yet gracious bow with her head as she spoke. That attire… unmistakably a shaman… is this a ploy of fate?
“A-Ah, it is an honour meeting you as well,” Tsuruko smiled, replying the Duchess’ gesture with a bow of her own. She was surprised that she was Elizabeth’s mother, and more so a Duchess of England- wait, England? isn’t that… Having this thought in her head, she almost wanted to take leave to tell Alice.
“So she is Elizabeth’s classmate, then that means she’s your student, Aramus?” Takeru questioned.
“Yup, that she is.” Aramus replied, waving at Tsuruko in greeting. “Haven’t seen you around in class lately, are you alright?”
Turning to address her teacher, Tsuruko spoke, “Ah, Valmark-sensei… My deepest apologies for not attending classes recently, I have been… busy, to say the least…”
“No issue. Make sure you’re at least doing self study to keep up with the rest of the class.” Really, sometimes he wondered if the school was too lenient on students or if this was the case in all the magic academies.
“I definitely will,” Tsuruko gave a sharp nod. She almost wanted to question her teacher and Elizabeth about why Tsuruko saw them together twice now, but that would have given away that she was there when they were in the city. She bore a mild feeling towards Elizabeth, as she could never forget the match where she got bested in. “...And I still have to return that muffin, I’m guessing.”
“Yes. Better polish those baking skills too.” Although he was grinning, Aramus took the matter of food seriously. It still irritated him that he lost a muffin to a blinding spell. “I’ll leave the flavour to you but make it sweet, not savoury!”
“...Understood.” Tsuruko never made it clear to her teacher that she hadn’t been practicing with the oven lately, and the fact that she herself didn’t like sweet things only added to the chance a totally different concoction could spawn out from her doing. Nevertheless, she figured she would try anyway.
“And I’m Mikaido Takeru,” Takeru finally said to Tsuruko, “A fellow Magic Magister as Aramus-sensei here, I was an exchange student in England’s Royal Academy, where I became a Magic Magister, and later went back to Japan and graduated, then became a teacher. I teach what we mages call the old languages, otherwise known as the Dead Languages, some subjects under Philosophy, and my specialty is the lore of Dominion. I suppose you haven’t seen much of me due to my differing fields. Regardless, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He had heard of Tsuruko before, as she entered the academy and became a scholar, and had heard of her progress, which wasn’t very impressive, much to his disappointment. He kept an eye on her specifically because she was allowed into the academy through the influence of the Shrine Organization.
“Ah, likewise, Mikaido-sensei,” Tsuruko bowed towards Takeru. Tsuruko knew herself somewhat acquainted with the Dead Languages as well as the Dominion Lore, but she had never had the chance of learning it under Takeru’s teachings. “I hope someday I can have the honour of being your student.”
“I hope so too,” Takeru answered, giving his trademark smile.
“Now,” Elizabeth begun, “Do we go with four course meal or six course meal as mother had suggested?” she asked, apparently it was a big deal now.
“With more people comes more portions. Definitely the six course meal.” Aramus declared.
“Indeed,” the Duchess nodded alongside Aramus.
“I suppose so…” Elizabeth replied, having somewhat expected this answer.
“So, I hear they serve everyone with a four course meal,” Elizabeth begun, “Would we be able to even finish all the food provided?” she asked, unsure of her own appetite. Despite having three people over, she still remembered her time alone with Aramus in a restaurant, and it somehow brought a smile to her face.
Aramus looked between the Duchess and Takeru, tilting his head in confusion at her question. “Actually, I think a four course meal might not be enough for us.”
“Indeed, why don’t we order a six course meal instead?” Caroline suggested, agreeing with Aramus.
“You underestimate these food titans, Elizabeth,” Takeru said with a snide smile.
“Ahaha…” Elizabeth chuckled weakly, “Well, I… I suppose I could pass off the leftovers to you, teacher,” she said, facing Aramus, a bit of blood flowed up to her cheeks as she spoke. The thought of her spoons touching with her food… it already made her realise what she was intending, but she couldn’t help herself.
“I’ll be happy to.” Aramus replied smiling, overjoyed at the thought of a six course meal and having extras in the form of leftovers. Many people would call it a bad form of manners but when a chance like this presented itself, to hell with appearances. You take it! This would’ve been a perfect day without the previous intrusion. Aramus thought, a bit sore but nothing good food wouldn’t fix.
The Duchess narrowed her eyes and watched Elizabeth suspiciously, before she shifted her view to Aramus. “No, I will be taking her share. You take Takeru’s food,” the Duchess finally said, not making it easy for Aramus. “I’m sure Takeru would have lesser leftovers for you,” she added with a grin.
Aramus clicked his tongue in mock annoyance but gave in, feigning hurt at the Duchess’ actions. “Lesser leftovers… Yes, I should order something ala carte besides the set meal…” He mumbled, glancing between Takeru and Elizabeth before his eyes lit up. “Elizabeth, you have to eat more, you’re still growing!”
Elizabeth knitted her eyebrows, glaring at Aramus. “So, basically, you want me to get fat?” her temper was rising by the moment as she asked.
At such a time, a familiar face entered within Aramus’ sight. The miko from the Eastern Magic Academy, Tsuruko, was here, looking around for a vacant table. Moreover, she was alone.
Aramus who was just about to reply with a raised finger paused, wondering why she was here. Alone.
Tsuruko glanced around, locating a seat when a glint shone in her eye. It took a moment and a rough shaking of the head before she confirmed she wasn’t being delusional. Needless to say, she was taken aback. Again?! Those two! Wondering if it was mere luck, or lack of it, she automatically tried to face her back towards them, but her garments were all too recognisable.
As his student turned away from him, Aramus felt a tiny stab of pain at being ignored. “Hmm,” he mused, now actually reconsidering whether or not to call out to her. He was beat to the punch by his favourite student.
“Miss Tsuruko,” Elizabeth beckoned, waving to her, “I do not know why you are here alone, but if you aren’t waiting on anyone, why don’t you join us?”
“...! I, uh…” stuck between confusion and disbelief, Tsuruko had considered the option of declining them, but looking around, she hadn’t found a single seat available due to the peak lunch hour, and plus, she didn’t want to ruin any impressions on her by turning down an invitation so soon. “I-I guess…” Moving towards the group, she spotted an unfamiliar face, one that she’d not seen yet. Before any questions came to her mind about her identity, she bowed, “...Please allow me to take a seat.”
“Yes, please,” Elizabeth said, observing Tsuruko now taking the sixth and final seat across the table. “Please allow me to introduce my mother to you,” she said, continuing, “Here is my mother, Caroline Cavendish Bentinck, an esteemed Duchess of England,” she introduced, motioning towards her mother before facing back towards her, “and Mother, this here is my classmate from the Eastern Magic Academy, Miss Fuyuoshinriku no Tsuruko.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” the Duchess politely greeted, a slight yet gracious bow with her head as she spoke. That attire… unmistakably a shaman… is this a ploy of fate?
“A-Ah, it is an honour meeting you as well,” Tsuruko smiled, replying the Duchess’ gesture with a bow of her own. She was surprised that she was Elizabeth’s mother, and more so a Duchess of England- wait, England? isn’t that… Having this thought in her head, she almost wanted to take leave to tell Alice.
“So she is Elizabeth’s classmate, then that means she’s your student, Aramus?” Takeru questioned.
“Yup, that she is.” Aramus replied, waving at Tsuruko in greeting. “Haven’t seen you around in class lately, are you alright?”
Turning to address her teacher, Tsuruko spoke, “Ah, Valmark-sensei… My deepest apologies for not attending classes recently, I have been… busy, to say the least…”
“No issue. Make sure you’re at least doing self study to keep up with the rest of the class.” Really, sometimes he wondered if the school was too lenient on students or if this was the case in all the magic academies.
“I definitely will,” Tsuruko gave a sharp nod. She almost wanted to question her teacher and Elizabeth about why Tsuruko saw them together twice now, but that would have given away that she was there when they were in the city. She bore a mild feeling towards Elizabeth, as she could never forget the match where she got bested in. “...And I still have to return that muffin, I’m guessing.”
“Yes. Better polish those baking skills too.” Although he was grinning, Aramus took the matter of food seriously. It still irritated him that he lost a muffin to a blinding spell. “I’ll leave the flavour to you but make it sweet, not savoury!”
“...Understood.” Tsuruko never made it clear to her teacher that she hadn’t been practicing with the oven lately, and the fact that she herself didn’t like sweet things only added to the chance a totally different concoction could spawn out from her doing. Nevertheless, she figured she would try anyway.
“And I’m Mikaido Takeru,” Takeru finally said to Tsuruko, “A fellow Magic Magister as Aramus-sensei here, I was an exchange student in England’s Royal Academy, where I became a Magic Magister, and later went back to Japan and graduated, then became a teacher. I teach what we mages call the old languages, otherwise known as the Dead Languages, some subjects under Philosophy, and my specialty is the lore of Dominion. I suppose you haven’t seen much of me due to my differing fields. Regardless, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He had heard of Tsuruko before, as she entered the academy and became a scholar, and had heard of her progress, which wasn’t very impressive, much to his disappointment. He kept an eye on her specifically because she was allowed into the academy through the influence of the Shrine Organization.
“Ah, likewise, Mikaido-sensei,” Tsuruko bowed towards Takeru. Tsuruko knew herself somewhat acquainted with the Dead Languages as well as the Dominion Lore, but she had never had the chance of learning it under Takeru’s teachings. “I hope someday I can have the honour of being your student.”
“I hope so too,” Takeru answered, giving his trademark smile.
“Now,” Elizabeth begun, “Do we go with four course meal or six course meal as mother had suggested?” she asked, apparently it was a big deal now.
“With more people comes more portions. Definitely the six course meal.” Aramus declared.
“Indeed,” the Duchess nodded alongside Aramus.
“I suppose so…” Elizabeth replied, having somewhat expected this answer.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Aramus and the others had parted ways with Tsuruko, and hadn’t met her since then. The group had just finished dinner and was on their way back to their room. The Duchess noted some of the train staff speaking with each other in hushed tone, and it seemed like they were tense.
“Is something the matter?” the Duchess inquired, making way to the staff members out of curiosity. She couldn’t let go of the incident this morning, either. It was strange. Too strange, and it hardly attracted any attention, to the point that someone simply came to give a half-hearted apology and leave as if they were apologising for simply providing a broken cup for tea accidentally.
“Oh! The Duchess! It’s alright. We got this under control!”
“Psst, idiot, what are you saying,” the other man jabbed lightly at the more surprised member of the staff. “Miss, nothing is going on. Please go back to your room.”
“Mister Takeru,” the Duchess called, and simply walked back to Aramus and Elizabeth. Takeru went ahead, beckoning the two to follow him for a moment.
Aramus and the others then heard a loud thump, and Takeru soon came back.
“So, turns out that the driver of this train is dead, and they aren’t sure how or what happened,” Takeru informed. “This is serious.”
“Turns out something is indeed going on. This sounds bad,” the Duchess responded.
Aramus sighed as all hopes of him relaxing evaporated into thin air. “Let’s get to it then. The terrorists won’t be waiting for us to make a decision. I’ll head to the front to investigate how the driver was killed.”
“Alright,” the Duchess said, “I’ll go with you,” she said, going to Aramus, “Elizabeth, and Takeru, you guys stay in the room. Just to be safe.”
“But mother…!” Elizabeth cried out in protest.
“Your mother is right, please come with me,” Takeru said.
The two soon left, with Takeru giving a reassuring nod and Elizabeth going reluctantly.
The Duchess then faced Aramus. “Shall we?”
In the front room of the driver. They found a lot of blood, but the corpse was nowhere to be seen. Was it carried out? There were two of the employees trying to figure out how to control the train.
“What are you people doing here?! Go back, this is not the place for passengers,” one of the men said, but their words fell on deaf ears.
“Calm down, we’re here to help,” the Duchess said.
Aramus nodded in agreement. “I understand your desire to adhere to protocol but can you really afford that in this situation?”
“Oh who are we kidding? We can’t even figure this out, and there’s a murder on our hands,” the man finally conceded. “We’ll provide whatever information we have, for God’s sake, whoever that’s going around killing people has to be taken off this train somehow.”
“We will help. How about you tell us how the driver was killed, or where his corpse is now?” the Duchess inquired.
“Truth be told, we just assumed that he is dead. No one knows where his corpse is,” the man answered.
The other person beside him spoke. “We only saw blood and this room empty and thought he died. He is in fact missing.”
“I suppose anyone would make that assumption,” the Duchess uttered, looking at all the blood on the floor. “Let’s go search for the culprit, we’re gonna have to scour this place.”
The two then moved on to checking out the train.
After about thirty minutes, the Duchess was rather irritated. “And at a time like this a pair does something… so shameless…” she said. On the final compartment, beyond the door to what seemed like a small lookout with a railing, two were apparently having the time of their life. Little did she knew that she was acquainted one of them.
The Duchess turned around and left, “We go to the roof.”
Here, under the curtains of the night, Aramus and Duchess witnessed glints of steel under the darkness.
“Something is going on,” she whispered. It wasn’t as much as a whisper in reality, but in the heavy air current outside the train it was as good as a whisper to Aramus. There were two figures standing before them, and another person far ahead, facing this apparent pair.
Aramus’ eyes adjusted to the darkness soon enough, and it seemed both the people in close vicinity are people he recognised. The taller figure was undoubtedly someone who met back in the park in futuristic Japan when the mechanical swings went out of control. The other person was… the shaman of the Shrine Organization – Tsuruko. She held a blade, which he assumed was her relic weapon, a fabled sword.
The person on the other side seemed to wore a kind of dress that left her legs bare. She held what seemed like a knife. It seemed like a… chinese dress? But he wasn’t sure.
“Do you see anything, Mister Aramus? My eyes… are yet to adjust, I believe,” the Duchess inquired.
“Three targets straight ahead, my student and an… acquaintance against a lady wearing an oriental outfit. Could be an enemy of the Shrine if Tsuruko is taking action. Your orders?” Aramus said, crouching down close to the roof.
“The Shrine is an enemy, but I’ve been meaning to keep it peaceful with your student. I do not wish to dabble much here. Let us observe,” the Duchess answered. “I think I can see them now… that garb… it is so eye-catching.”
Aramus had made himself comfortable as soon as the Duchess gave the order, seated on the roof as he observed the confrontation. “Indeed, very eye-catching. This is a good chance for me to note my student’s progress as well.”
The Duchess shrugged, seeing Aramus so calm and composed made her feel like sighing into the air before she herself sat down. “Wait, that other person… could it be… how could I forget? God be good. That is Pisces right there!”
“Oh, you.. Wait, that’s Pisces!?” Turning around to face the Duchess, a look of confusion adorned Aramus’s features. “I’ve met her before but…” He trailed off, composing himself and went back to observing the fight.
“You met her?! So she knows us both then,” the Duchess exclaimed. “I know for a fact that this is the third time I am seeing her. First being on the war, and second before I was about to take down Artemis the other day, and now here…”
“It seems she has a habit of popping up whenever there is trouble,” noted Aramus. “Well, now that my student and her are working together, this is going to be quite the challenge.”
“I just hope they aren’t making way for our homeland,” the Duchess said, solemn. “I can’t beat her. Her powers are a different kind of a monster.”
“We’ll have to worry about that later I guess. Staying up here too long would also be detrimental as the train is still driverless,” Aramus mused. “But with Time Warriors, it is always prudent to assume the worst case scenario.”
“We should probably not stay here too long indeed. I cannot imagine what will take place if she locates us,” the Duchess said, wary of Pisces. “Considering the case, however, I cannot imagine Pisces murdering the driver. It may be the person on the other side holding a dagger.”
“I’ll assume my student has already informed her of our presence. In the event one of us needs to stay, I will do so. Our Majesty cannot afford to lose you. I, on the other hand… Well, at least I can say I’m here doing a practical evaluation of my student if she does inquire why I’m observing.” Aramus chuckled weakly, not exactly liking what he would have to do to ensure homeland security.
“Oh hush, you,” the Duchess said, “Neither would Her Majesty want to lose you, a Magister. If we go, we both go down. Let us observe as planned. If they reach our country as a result then so be it, it’d be better than dying. We already know that neither of us can defeat that monstrosity.”
Aramus merely remained silent, intending to carry out his duty to his last breath. Despite feeling a bit happy at the Duchess’ kind words, he knew that losing her would be a larger blow to Her Majesty than if he died. The Duchess commanded more prestige and power than him, not to mention Elizabeth. The choice was obvious if one had to pick.
“Yet sometimes, we struggle nonetheless,” Aramus sighed. “At this point, there is no use running if the enemy is at our gates.”
“A difficult matter this is…” The Duchess concluded.
The unidentified woman attacked soon enough, before the two spectators in the back noticed, and there was a clang loud enough for everyone to hear as Tsuruko’s sword collided with the dagger. The two vied for supremacy in a contest of strength. The two’s blades then clashed a few times as they exchanged blows before Tsuruko pushed the stranger back with her strength. She then charged and attacked, injuring her opponent. The opponent staggered, surprised of Tsuruko’s strength before backing away, observing her movements.
Not giving the opponent any chance to rest, Tsuruko produced another quick strike on her aggressor. With a clang of their blades and a fight for strength as before, Tsuruko eventually knocked her opponent back and used the moment where she was gaining back her footing as an opportunity to make a clean hit.
The woman lunged but Tsuruko nimbly parried, what she didn’t notice, however, was that it was something of a feint as she kicked her on her gut in the next moment, and charged with her knife on her chest, making a clean slash on Tsuruko before she darted backwards, and jumped off to the air, disappearing into the darkness of the night.
“Augh… not again...” Tsuruko moaned slightly. “What am I going to tell her now that I can’t defend myself against some kind of lowly whelp?”
“Tell her that you drove her away?” Alice answered in Tsuruko’s stead, approaching her, apparently having overheard her talking to herself somehow. “You have room for improvement, but that was good enough. She retreated knowing that she did not wanted to risk gaining more injuries,” she added. “And she wasn’t any lowly whelp either, she was a professional assassin.”
“...I thought she wasn’t going for the two of us?”
“She was after us, but possibly gave up, or will wait for a better time. Now that she has an injury, I doubt she hopes to take my head,” Alice stated to Tsuruko.
“Let’s hope s- ouch.” As much as Tsuruko wanted to remain calm and capable, the wound on the side of her chest burned in mellow pain.
“Let us leave and go back to our room. I shall treat your wounds,” Alice said, beckoning Tsuruko to the door they came through earlier that lied between the two compartments of the train below.
Tsuruko followed Alice. “I’ll be in your care again, then...” she wondered when she would stop being so careless and make for a decent bodyguard.
Meanwhile, the Duchess beckoned for Aramus’ attention. “We’re going down now. She might be our culprit. Let’s go after her.”
“Understood.” Aramus felt it was a somewhat lacklustre showing. Tsuruko obviously had the skills, she just lacked proper experience in a fight. “Would’ve liked to say hi at least.” He added under his breath.
“Is something the matter?” the Duchess inquired, making way to the staff members out of curiosity. She couldn’t let go of the incident this morning, either. It was strange. Too strange, and it hardly attracted any attention, to the point that someone simply came to give a half-hearted apology and leave as if they were apologising for simply providing a broken cup for tea accidentally.
“Oh! The Duchess! It’s alright. We got this under control!”
“Psst, idiot, what are you saying,” the other man jabbed lightly at the more surprised member of the staff. “Miss, nothing is going on. Please go back to your room.”
“Mister Takeru,” the Duchess called, and simply walked back to Aramus and Elizabeth. Takeru went ahead, beckoning the two to follow him for a moment.
Aramus and the others then heard a loud thump, and Takeru soon came back.
“So, turns out that the driver of this train is dead, and they aren’t sure how or what happened,” Takeru informed. “This is serious.”
“Turns out something is indeed going on. This sounds bad,” the Duchess responded.
Aramus sighed as all hopes of him relaxing evaporated into thin air. “Let’s get to it then. The terrorists won’t be waiting for us to make a decision. I’ll head to the front to investigate how the driver was killed.”
“Alright,” the Duchess said, “I’ll go with you,” she said, going to Aramus, “Elizabeth, and Takeru, you guys stay in the room. Just to be safe.”
“But mother…!” Elizabeth cried out in protest.
“Your mother is right, please come with me,” Takeru said.
The two soon left, with Takeru giving a reassuring nod and Elizabeth going reluctantly.
The Duchess then faced Aramus. “Shall we?”
In the front room of the driver. They found a lot of blood, but the corpse was nowhere to be seen. Was it carried out? There were two of the employees trying to figure out how to control the train.
“What are you people doing here?! Go back, this is not the place for passengers,” one of the men said, but their words fell on deaf ears.
“Calm down, we’re here to help,” the Duchess said.
Aramus nodded in agreement. “I understand your desire to adhere to protocol but can you really afford that in this situation?”
“Oh who are we kidding? We can’t even figure this out, and there’s a murder on our hands,” the man finally conceded. “We’ll provide whatever information we have, for God’s sake, whoever that’s going around killing people has to be taken off this train somehow.”
“We will help. How about you tell us how the driver was killed, or where his corpse is now?” the Duchess inquired.
“Truth be told, we just assumed that he is dead. No one knows where his corpse is,” the man answered.
The other person beside him spoke. “We only saw blood and this room empty and thought he died. He is in fact missing.”
“I suppose anyone would make that assumption,” the Duchess uttered, looking at all the blood on the floor. “Let’s go search for the culprit, we’re gonna have to scour this place.”
The two then moved on to checking out the train.
After about thirty minutes, the Duchess was rather irritated. “And at a time like this a pair does something… so shameless…” she said. On the final compartment, beyond the door to what seemed like a small lookout with a railing, two were apparently having the time of their life. Little did she knew that she was acquainted one of them.
The Duchess turned around and left, “We go to the roof.”
Here, under the curtains of the night, Aramus and Duchess witnessed glints of steel under the darkness.
“Something is going on,” she whispered. It wasn’t as much as a whisper in reality, but in the heavy air current outside the train it was as good as a whisper to Aramus. There were two figures standing before them, and another person far ahead, facing this apparent pair.
Aramus’ eyes adjusted to the darkness soon enough, and it seemed both the people in close vicinity are people he recognised. The taller figure was undoubtedly someone who met back in the park in futuristic Japan when the mechanical swings went out of control. The other person was… the shaman of the Shrine Organization – Tsuruko. She held a blade, which he assumed was her relic weapon, a fabled sword.
The person on the other side seemed to wore a kind of dress that left her legs bare. She held what seemed like a knife. It seemed like a… chinese dress? But he wasn’t sure.
“Do you see anything, Mister Aramus? My eyes… are yet to adjust, I believe,” the Duchess inquired.
“Three targets straight ahead, my student and an… acquaintance against a lady wearing an oriental outfit. Could be an enemy of the Shrine if Tsuruko is taking action. Your orders?” Aramus said, crouching down close to the roof.
“The Shrine is an enemy, but I’ve been meaning to keep it peaceful with your student. I do not wish to dabble much here. Let us observe,” the Duchess answered. “I think I can see them now… that garb… it is so eye-catching.”
Aramus had made himself comfortable as soon as the Duchess gave the order, seated on the roof as he observed the confrontation. “Indeed, very eye-catching. This is a good chance for me to note my student’s progress as well.”
The Duchess shrugged, seeing Aramus so calm and composed made her feel like sighing into the air before she herself sat down. “Wait, that other person… could it be… how could I forget? God be good. That is Pisces right there!”
“Oh, you.. Wait, that’s Pisces!?” Turning around to face the Duchess, a look of confusion adorned Aramus’s features. “I’ve met her before but…” He trailed off, composing himself and went back to observing the fight.
“You met her?! So she knows us both then,” the Duchess exclaimed. “I know for a fact that this is the third time I am seeing her. First being on the war, and second before I was about to take down Artemis the other day, and now here…”
“It seems she has a habit of popping up whenever there is trouble,” noted Aramus. “Well, now that my student and her are working together, this is going to be quite the challenge.”
“I just hope they aren’t making way for our homeland,” the Duchess said, solemn. “I can’t beat her. Her powers are a different kind of a monster.”
“We’ll have to worry about that later I guess. Staying up here too long would also be detrimental as the train is still driverless,” Aramus mused. “But with Time Warriors, it is always prudent to assume the worst case scenario.”
“We should probably not stay here too long indeed. I cannot imagine what will take place if she locates us,” the Duchess said, wary of Pisces. “Considering the case, however, I cannot imagine Pisces murdering the driver. It may be the person on the other side holding a dagger.”
“I’ll assume my student has already informed her of our presence. In the event one of us needs to stay, I will do so. Our Majesty cannot afford to lose you. I, on the other hand… Well, at least I can say I’m here doing a practical evaluation of my student if she does inquire why I’m observing.” Aramus chuckled weakly, not exactly liking what he would have to do to ensure homeland security.
“Oh hush, you,” the Duchess said, “Neither would Her Majesty want to lose you, a Magister. If we go, we both go down. Let us observe as planned. If they reach our country as a result then so be it, it’d be better than dying. We already know that neither of us can defeat that monstrosity.”
Aramus merely remained silent, intending to carry out his duty to his last breath. Despite feeling a bit happy at the Duchess’ kind words, he knew that losing her would be a larger blow to Her Majesty than if he died. The Duchess commanded more prestige and power than him, not to mention Elizabeth. The choice was obvious if one had to pick.
“Yet sometimes, we struggle nonetheless,” Aramus sighed. “At this point, there is no use running if the enemy is at our gates.”
“A difficult matter this is…” The Duchess concluded.
The unidentified woman attacked soon enough, before the two spectators in the back noticed, and there was a clang loud enough for everyone to hear as Tsuruko’s sword collided with the dagger. The two vied for supremacy in a contest of strength. The two’s blades then clashed a few times as they exchanged blows before Tsuruko pushed the stranger back with her strength. She then charged and attacked, injuring her opponent. The opponent staggered, surprised of Tsuruko’s strength before backing away, observing her movements.
Not giving the opponent any chance to rest, Tsuruko produced another quick strike on her aggressor. With a clang of their blades and a fight for strength as before, Tsuruko eventually knocked her opponent back and used the moment where she was gaining back her footing as an opportunity to make a clean hit.
The woman lunged but Tsuruko nimbly parried, what she didn’t notice, however, was that it was something of a feint as she kicked her on her gut in the next moment, and charged with her knife on her chest, making a clean slash on Tsuruko before she darted backwards, and jumped off to the air, disappearing into the darkness of the night.
“Augh… not again...” Tsuruko moaned slightly. “What am I going to tell her now that I can’t defend myself against some kind of lowly whelp?”
“Tell her that you drove her away?” Alice answered in Tsuruko’s stead, approaching her, apparently having overheard her talking to herself somehow. “You have room for improvement, but that was good enough. She retreated knowing that she did not wanted to risk gaining more injuries,” she added. “And she wasn’t any lowly whelp either, she was a professional assassin.”
“...I thought she wasn’t going for the two of us?”
“She was after us, but possibly gave up, or will wait for a better time. Now that she has an injury, I doubt she hopes to take my head,” Alice stated to Tsuruko.
“Let’s hope s- ouch.” As much as Tsuruko wanted to remain calm and capable, the wound on the side of her chest burned in mellow pain.
“Let us leave and go back to our room. I shall treat your wounds,” Alice said, beckoning Tsuruko to the door they came through earlier that lied between the two compartments of the train below.
Tsuruko followed Alice. “I’ll be in your care again, then...” she wondered when she would stop being so careless and make for a decent bodyguard.
Meanwhile, the Duchess beckoned for Aramus’ attention. “We’re going down now. She might be our culprit. Let’s go after her.”
“Understood.” Aramus felt it was a somewhat lacklustre showing. Tsuruko obviously had the skills, she just lacked proper experience in a fight. “Would’ve liked to say hi at least.” He added under his breath.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
The Duchess and Aramus scoured the train for this apparent culprit throughout the train, but they couldn’t find anything again. It was frustrating. The Duchess finally suggested checking back to their room to see if everything was alright, and this was when they got the biggest shocker.
Aramus and the Duchess found their apparent culprit sitting and relaxing with a cup of tea from Elizabeth, while she was talking with Takeru.
“...What?” the Duchess uttered, dumbfounded. The red chinese dress was exactly as it seemed in the darkness. There was no doubt in her mind.
Aramus fell back into his seat with a plop, wanting very much to plant his face into his palm. “Tea is the best drink after a fight, isn’t it.” He said grimly.
“Hm? What do you mean, teacher?” Elizabeth asked, confused.
“Is something wrong, you two?” Takeru asked, bewildered too.
“What are you guys doing letting an assassin into our room and having tea with her?!” the Duchess shouted, pure rage decorating her face.
“Huh? What’s going on?” Takeru asked again, as if none of the Duchess’ words were heard.
“Calm down you two,” the lady in chinese dress spoke. “I’m on your side. What’s the fuss about?”
“I think so too,” Takeru added after her, “She is my old friend. Granted I did not know how she knew about us being here, but she seemed to be injured when she came knocking on our door, so I helped her out.”
The Duchess sighed and took a seat. “...Seriously, now? So, how exactly are you on our side?”
“I was hired by Mikaido’s dad here and attacked Pisces and her runt… who was hanging around with a relic of wind, unexpectedly enough. I did my job and tried to help England, what’s the issue now?”
“That you killed the driver?” the Duchess said, trying to remind her of something she may have done earlier. Whatever reason she may have had, killing the driver was likely a very bad idea.
“The driver? What?” the chinese lady said, confused. “Is the driver really dead? How will we get to China then?”
“...Don’t ask me that,” the Duchess said, her palm meeting her forehead.
Elizabeth and Takeru listened to the exchange between the two and more or less understood the current situation, but they were too relaxed to be on the edge now, especially with Elizabeth’s tea.
“And so, we’re back to square one except that we may have a pissed off Time Warrior on our hands. This day couldn’t get any better.” Aramus sighed, looking extremely tired. “Elizabeth, do you have any more of that tea? I think I could use a cup myself.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth beamed as she replied, already in the process of setting up cups full of tea for her mother and her teacher. Soon, she handed the two the tea they wanted.
“Tell me about it, we still do not know who killed the driver. At this rate, we probably won’t know at all. The trail is going cold, and we couldn’t find a thing in the train,” the Duchess stated, taking a sip of the tea, it was very refreshing, rejuvenating, even. Things were indeed not looking good for them.
“I’ll go ask †˜her’ whether she knows anything.” Taking a sip from the tea to calm his frayed nerves, Aramus let the warm liquid sooth his body. “As usual, this is good tea.”
“...You cannot be serious. That is dangerous, Mister Valmark,” the Duchess warned, clearly against the idea.
“And that is why I am going. I do not believe she harbours ill intentions, especially since she didn’t end me the last time. Perhaps she didn’t know I was a Magister but unless you’ve got any other ideas, I’ll be going after I finish this wondrous cup of tea,” Aramus said, smiling.
The Duchess sighed. “Fine, do as you please,” she said, giving up on stopping Aramus, “but be careful.”
“Be careful…” Elizabeth said too, but she seemed a few times more worried than her mother.
Aramus nodded as he drank more of the tea but stared sternly at the asian woman. “And you, at least think twice before you decide to attack someone that powerful.”
“No? Tell that to Mikaido’s dad,” the chinese said, “He told me to attack regardless of the situation or whoever Pisces is. Don’t ask me why. He just did,” she said in her defense.
Aramus and the Duchess found their apparent culprit sitting and relaxing with a cup of tea from Elizabeth, while she was talking with Takeru.
“...What?” the Duchess uttered, dumbfounded. The red chinese dress was exactly as it seemed in the darkness. There was no doubt in her mind.
Aramus fell back into his seat with a plop, wanting very much to plant his face into his palm. “Tea is the best drink after a fight, isn’t it.” He said grimly.
“Hm? What do you mean, teacher?” Elizabeth asked, confused.
“Is something wrong, you two?” Takeru asked, bewildered too.
“What are you guys doing letting an assassin into our room and having tea with her?!” the Duchess shouted, pure rage decorating her face.
“Huh? What’s going on?” Takeru asked again, as if none of the Duchess’ words were heard.
“Calm down you two,” the lady in chinese dress spoke. “I’m on your side. What’s the fuss about?”
“I think so too,” Takeru added after her, “She is my old friend. Granted I did not know how she knew about us being here, but she seemed to be injured when she came knocking on our door, so I helped her out.”
The Duchess sighed and took a seat. “...Seriously, now? So, how exactly are you on our side?”
“I was hired by Mikaido’s dad here and attacked Pisces and her runt… who was hanging around with a relic of wind, unexpectedly enough. I did my job and tried to help England, what’s the issue now?”
“That you killed the driver?” the Duchess said, trying to remind her of something she may have done earlier. Whatever reason she may have had, killing the driver was likely a very bad idea.
“The driver? What?” the chinese lady said, confused. “Is the driver really dead? How will we get to China then?”
“...Don’t ask me that,” the Duchess said, her palm meeting her forehead.
Elizabeth and Takeru listened to the exchange between the two and more or less understood the current situation, but they were too relaxed to be on the edge now, especially with Elizabeth’s tea.
“And so, we’re back to square one except that we may have a pissed off Time Warrior on our hands. This day couldn’t get any better.” Aramus sighed, looking extremely tired. “Elizabeth, do you have any more of that tea? I think I could use a cup myself.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth beamed as she replied, already in the process of setting up cups full of tea for her mother and her teacher. Soon, she handed the two the tea they wanted.
“Tell me about it, we still do not know who killed the driver. At this rate, we probably won’t know at all. The trail is going cold, and we couldn’t find a thing in the train,” the Duchess stated, taking a sip of the tea, it was very refreshing, rejuvenating, even. Things were indeed not looking good for them.
“I’ll go ask †˜her’ whether she knows anything.” Taking a sip from the tea to calm his frayed nerves, Aramus let the warm liquid sooth his body. “As usual, this is good tea.”
“...You cannot be serious. That is dangerous, Mister Valmark,” the Duchess warned, clearly against the idea.
“And that is why I am going. I do not believe she harbours ill intentions, especially since she didn’t end me the last time. Perhaps she didn’t know I was a Magister but unless you’ve got any other ideas, I’ll be going after I finish this wondrous cup of tea,” Aramus said, smiling.
The Duchess sighed. “Fine, do as you please,” she said, giving up on stopping Aramus, “but be careful.”
“Be careful…” Elizabeth said too, but she seemed a few times more worried than her mother.
Aramus nodded as he drank more of the tea but stared sternly at the asian woman. “And you, at least think twice before you decide to attack someone that powerful.”
“No? Tell that to Mikaido’s dad,” the chinese said, “He told me to attack regardless of the situation or whoever Pisces is. Don’t ask me why. He just did,” she said in her defense.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
After going through a few of the reserved rooms, Aramus finally came across the person she was seeking, Pisces. One would rather call her the host of Pisces, but the Magic World treated the host and the spirit as one sometimes. Pisces wore a deep blue dress, full-sleeved, with a long skirt. Her face was expressionless and she looked at Aramus with indifference.
Tsuruko was laying on Pisces’ lap, with her injury seemingly treated now, and all she needed to do was recover in time. Tsuruko was thankful for Alice for treating her wounds, and she took this time to rest. Seeing her teacher come into the room however, she would suspect he came regarding the recent event. She listened in on their conversation, waiting for her mind to find some answers among it.
“What do you need from me, Aramus Valmark?” Alice asked, her voice monotone.
“Just dropping by to say hi. You wouldn’t happen to know who spirited away our train driver, would you? We’re in a bit of a pinch because of that.” Aramus said, scratching his cheek nervously. He looked at Tsuruko lying on Alice’s lap for a moment, suddenly thinking of a pet cat. No good, he couldn’t get distracted now.
“I do not know,” Alice answered, “I have only learned of the driver’s disappearance now.”
“I see. Would you be able to lend a helping hand as to look for him?”
“My data on the passengers are sparse,” Alice said, “Only information I received was an ambush that took place in your room. Aside from that, there were anomalies from the train eliminated. Without any data as lead, I may not be able to track the suspect. The assassin was intending to defeat me, or at least wound your student here – in which case she was successful – but that was it. Considering logically, I doubt she is behind the disappearance of the driver.” Some of the information she gave now conflicted with the answers she gave to Tsuruko earlier. Perhaps she did not wanted to divulge the details to her, for some unknown reason.
“It may be that we have another faction at play here. Somehow, only our room was targeted by those gunmen and an assassin was sent against you. Perhaps they were trying to instigate us against each other.” A shot in the dark but there were too many pieces missing from the puzzle.
“Doubtful,” Alice stated, “The Society’s killing clones were sent by the Security Branch to remove the following threat: Caroline Cavendish Bentinck, a loyal follower of Queen Victoria. Whereas in my case, the Anti-Japanese Government sent an assassin in order to check my stance throughout my travel. The latter was a wise decision,” she evaluated. “As they may have ascertained, I intend not to fight. Your student has to engage in every case. Either way, I believe your guess is far from the truth.”
“At least one of us seems to be on top of things,” answered Aramus. “All these things happening at the same time… Never mind. I understand you do not wish to be disturbed so I’ll take my leave right now, though please excuse me if I do return bearing more information. I thank you again, for now and that time you saved me from the swing.” Aramus bowed ever so slightly, a smile of mirth for Pisces.
“I may provide a helping hand for the missing driver, however,” Alice offered before Aramus left. “I can drive the train.”
Aramus bowed once again. “It would be immensely helpful if you were to do so. Unfortunately, with my talents I am unable to do much in this situation and as such, have to rely on others for help.”
“I do not blame you for taking a more reasonable approach,” Alice said, carefully getting off her seat and letting Tsuruko’s head drop on the seat now. “However, I will help on the condition that you safeguard me from any hindrances. I believe there is merit in us helping each other in this situation. Neither of us would want to go off-course, yes?”
“It is as you say.” Aramus trembled, imagining the effects of being late to the Queen’s Meeting. No doubt he would bring shame upon all those present. “I will gladly offer my services if not just us, but all the passengers of this train reach their destination safely.”
“As long as I drive as it should be driven, there should be no issues,” Alice stated. “Tsuruko, do not move around, and no, do not get up,” she said, noting Tsuruko’s thought process.
“I– ugh... understand. Do not hesitate to contact me should you require my assistance.” She laid on the seat, seemingly lazy to get up – or not wanting the pain of doing so – she shut her eyelids for a moment. She wasn’t in any worse condition as she was when she first got heavily wounded, but this time, her teacher seemed more than capable enough of protecting Alice. She knew that she had to get up sooner or later, but for now, it seemed like she was not needed.
Alice gave a small smile. “Good girl,” she said, leaving the room.
Aramus made to follow but remembering something, he turned back to the prone Tsuruko. “Oh yes, Tsuruko. Regarding your fight just now, I would rate that a six upon ten. Your inexperience led to a hit from your opponent but otherwise, your swordplay was good as usual. Also, as a woman, do not attempt to use strength to win. You should play to your strengths and focus on your agility to score hits, clashing swords against such an opponent would be to your detriment.”
Tsuruko did not know her teacher was watching her fight, would she have known she could’ve at least try to use some of her techniques. She was about to counteract her teacher’s words by detailing the small space of the grounds of which she fought in, but realised it wasn’t an excuse, if anything. She noted her teacher’s concern in his words. “...I’ll do my best next time, sensei. I am grateful for your words.” She gave a weak smile before shutting her eyes again.
“Nonetheless, good effort. I see you have been doing some training of your own but for now, get some rest. I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.” Aramus said, leaving the room and Tsuruko on her own. Finding Alice waiting outside for him, he offered an apology for keeping her waiting.
“It seems like my decision to allow you and the Duchess observe paid off,” Alice commented before they started walking towards the front driver room of the train.
Aramus laughed at her words but he was not about to engage in a fight that there was no chance of winning. “I may not look like it but I’m averse to starting these kind of fights. No point throwing my life away so easily. I should inform the Duchess of our intentions, lest she comes for me in my absence.”
“Go do that then,” Alice replied, “I will head for the control room. We may meet there. However, please do not bring the Duchess with you.”
Nodding, Aramus headed towards the shared room, slumping forward with a sigh as he entered. “I need a pay raise. Or more food.”
Tsuruko was laying on Pisces’ lap, with her injury seemingly treated now, and all she needed to do was recover in time. Tsuruko was thankful for Alice for treating her wounds, and she took this time to rest. Seeing her teacher come into the room however, she would suspect he came regarding the recent event. She listened in on their conversation, waiting for her mind to find some answers among it.
“What do you need from me, Aramus Valmark?” Alice asked, her voice monotone.
“Just dropping by to say hi. You wouldn’t happen to know who spirited away our train driver, would you? We’re in a bit of a pinch because of that.” Aramus said, scratching his cheek nervously. He looked at Tsuruko lying on Alice’s lap for a moment, suddenly thinking of a pet cat. No good, he couldn’t get distracted now.
“I do not know,” Alice answered, “I have only learned of the driver’s disappearance now.”
“I see. Would you be able to lend a helping hand as to look for him?”
“My data on the passengers are sparse,” Alice said, “Only information I received was an ambush that took place in your room. Aside from that, there were anomalies from the train eliminated. Without any data as lead, I may not be able to track the suspect. The assassin was intending to defeat me, or at least wound your student here – in which case she was successful – but that was it. Considering logically, I doubt she is behind the disappearance of the driver.” Some of the information she gave now conflicted with the answers she gave to Tsuruko earlier. Perhaps she did not wanted to divulge the details to her, for some unknown reason.
“It may be that we have another faction at play here. Somehow, only our room was targeted by those gunmen and an assassin was sent against you. Perhaps they were trying to instigate us against each other.” A shot in the dark but there were too many pieces missing from the puzzle.
“Doubtful,” Alice stated, “The Society’s killing clones were sent by the Security Branch to remove the following threat: Caroline Cavendish Bentinck, a loyal follower of Queen Victoria. Whereas in my case, the Anti-Japanese Government sent an assassin in order to check my stance throughout my travel. The latter was a wise decision,” she evaluated. “As they may have ascertained, I intend not to fight. Your student has to engage in every case. Either way, I believe your guess is far from the truth.”
“At least one of us seems to be on top of things,” answered Aramus. “All these things happening at the same time… Never mind. I understand you do not wish to be disturbed so I’ll take my leave right now, though please excuse me if I do return bearing more information. I thank you again, for now and that time you saved me from the swing.” Aramus bowed ever so slightly, a smile of mirth for Pisces.
“I may provide a helping hand for the missing driver, however,” Alice offered before Aramus left. “I can drive the train.”
Aramus bowed once again. “It would be immensely helpful if you were to do so. Unfortunately, with my talents I am unable to do much in this situation and as such, have to rely on others for help.”
“I do not blame you for taking a more reasonable approach,” Alice said, carefully getting off her seat and letting Tsuruko’s head drop on the seat now. “However, I will help on the condition that you safeguard me from any hindrances. I believe there is merit in us helping each other in this situation. Neither of us would want to go off-course, yes?”
“It is as you say.” Aramus trembled, imagining the effects of being late to the Queen’s Meeting. No doubt he would bring shame upon all those present. “I will gladly offer my services if not just us, but all the passengers of this train reach their destination safely.”
“As long as I drive as it should be driven, there should be no issues,” Alice stated. “Tsuruko, do not move around, and no, do not get up,” she said, noting Tsuruko’s thought process.
“I– ugh... understand. Do not hesitate to contact me should you require my assistance.” She laid on the seat, seemingly lazy to get up – or not wanting the pain of doing so – she shut her eyelids for a moment. She wasn’t in any worse condition as she was when she first got heavily wounded, but this time, her teacher seemed more than capable enough of protecting Alice. She knew that she had to get up sooner or later, but for now, it seemed like she was not needed.
Alice gave a small smile. “Good girl,” she said, leaving the room.
Aramus made to follow but remembering something, he turned back to the prone Tsuruko. “Oh yes, Tsuruko. Regarding your fight just now, I would rate that a six upon ten. Your inexperience led to a hit from your opponent but otherwise, your swordplay was good as usual. Also, as a woman, do not attempt to use strength to win. You should play to your strengths and focus on your agility to score hits, clashing swords against such an opponent would be to your detriment.”
Tsuruko did not know her teacher was watching her fight, would she have known she could’ve at least try to use some of her techniques. She was about to counteract her teacher’s words by detailing the small space of the grounds of which she fought in, but realised it wasn’t an excuse, if anything. She noted her teacher’s concern in his words. “...I’ll do my best next time, sensei. I am grateful for your words.” She gave a weak smile before shutting her eyes again.
“Nonetheless, good effort. I see you have been doing some training of your own but for now, get some rest. I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.” Aramus said, leaving the room and Tsuruko on her own. Finding Alice waiting outside for him, he offered an apology for keeping her waiting.
“It seems like my decision to allow you and the Duchess observe paid off,” Alice commented before they started walking towards the front driver room of the train.
Aramus laughed at her words but he was not about to engage in a fight that there was no chance of winning. “I may not look like it but I’m averse to starting these kind of fights. No point throwing my life away so easily. I should inform the Duchess of our intentions, lest she comes for me in my absence.”
“Go do that then,” Alice replied, “I will head for the control room. We may meet there. However, please do not bring the Duchess with you.”
Nodding, Aramus headed towards the shared room, slumping forward with a sigh as he entered. “I need a pay raise. Or more food.”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
“Teacher, are you alright?” was the first thing Aramus heard as he entered the room. Elizabeth ran over to inspect Aramus, and he seemed to be just fine.
The Duchess stood up. “So, what happened there? It didn’t seemed like she lashed out and attacked for any reason.”
“We had a nice chat but I’ll probably need some comfort food for awhile. She didn’t know anything about our missing driver when questioned but we came to an agreement and now, I have to escort her to the front of the train.” Aramus quickly grabbed a pack of biscuits from where he had stashed them earlier, eating to reduce some of his stress. “I’ll explain later but for now, you can rest easy. We have a driver again!”
“Uh, um, what?” the chinese lady tried to make sense of Armaus’ words. “So… she is gonna drive now?”
“Seems like it…” Takeru said, it was hard to make heads or tails of what Aramus said as he hastily got himself some biscuits.
“I suppose she has grasp of some knowledge of driving the train,” the Duchess thought out loud. “I guess she doesn’t want us there if you’re telling us to rest easy here?”
Aramus nodded, too busy munching to answer her verbally. After a few moments of chewing and a sip of tea later followed by a relieved “Ahhhh~”, Aramus was ready to go but looked extremely conflicted. “Well, it’s not nice to keep a Time Warrior waiting so I’ll be going now. Have a good rest in my stead.” He said, looking very forlorn at giving up his beloved seat.
The Duchess shrugged. “If you say so.”
The Duchess stood up. “So, what happened there? It didn’t seemed like she lashed out and attacked for any reason.”
“We had a nice chat but I’ll probably need some comfort food for awhile. She didn’t know anything about our missing driver when questioned but we came to an agreement and now, I have to escort her to the front of the train.” Aramus quickly grabbed a pack of biscuits from where he had stashed them earlier, eating to reduce some of his stress. “I’ll explain later but for now, you can rest easy. We have a driver again!”
“Uh, um, what?” the chinese lady tried to make sense of Armaus’ words. “So… she is gonna drive now?”
“Seems like it…” Takeru said, it was hard to make heads or tails of what Aramus said as he hastily got himself some biscuits.
“I suppose she has grasp of some knowledge of driving the train,” the Duchess thought out loud. “I guess she doesn’t want us there if you’re telling us to rest easy here?”
Aramus nodded, too busy munching to answer her verbally. After a few moments of chewing and a sip of tea later followed by a relieved “Ahhhh~”, Aramus was ready to go but looked extremely conflicted. “Well, it’s not nice to keep a Time Warrior waiting so I’ll be going now. Have a good rest in my stead.” He said, looking very forlorn at giving up his beloved seat.
The Duchess shrugged. “If you say so.”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Alice was waiting in the corridor before Aramus arrived, and the two soon walked into the control room. When the two arrived into the scene, there were still two of those men from earlier trying to figure out how to drive the train. The blood remained there like before. Aramus explained that the other person who came with him would drive. The men were suspicious considering how Alice looked – beautiful and dignified and all – but had to accept what he said, since they couldn’t get the job done.
Alice’s eyes glowed blue as she stood before the controls, she looked intently for some seconds before touching the panel, and something seemed to have changed.
“With this, the Magic Train will now be under my jurisdiction temporarily,” Alice uttered, apparently to no one in particular as she faced the trail ahead.
Nodding, Aramus shooed the two men out of the control room, telling them they could keep things under control. Once he was certain that no one would be around, he turned back to address Alice. “Pisces… Or I suppose you go by Alice in this age. Would you entertain one more selfish request of mine?”
“And that would be?” Alice asked, not turning to Aramus even for a moment.
“When the three of us left to deal with the intruders, those clones... Did the one we left behind come into contact with anyone… or anything?” Aramus furrowed his brow, not exactly anticipating the answer and yet he needed to know. If anyone knew, the one before him would.
“...The weight of this request is tall. How do you intend to pay me for the answer?” Alice asked, “On another note, someone changed the entire route of this train. We are essentially being taken to the wrong direction.”
“I am but a humble man, insignificant when compared to one such as yourself. All I can offer is my word to not enter battle with yourself, unless I hear it from the Her Majesty herself. It’s not much but your actions today have placed me in your debt, whether I like it or not. Also, having spoken to another of your kind, I understand that sometimes… you want to be left in peace.” Aramus said, bowing from the hip.
Alice cast a glance as Aramus begged for information, and decided to comply. “Very well, if what they say is true, I doubt your Queen would order you to partake in a fruitless conflict,” she stated, confident on the chances of victory. “The Society’s Security Branch 1108 was activated with the following command: diversion. The objective was to lure away the Caroline Cavendish Bentinck, as well as the two Magic Magisters traveling with Elizabeth Cavendish Bentinck in account of a †˜meeting’. Agent Raven from The Society contacted Elizabeth Cavendish Bentinck, and commanded her to eliminate a certain figure, who may be found in Venice.”
As they say, curiosity killed the cat and Aramus bit his lip in frustration. “Thank you very much for this information.” He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as his heart sank further. “I am grateful yet sometimes, there are things better left not known. Such are the lives we lead.”
“Additionally, I may as well let you know that her target is but a child, younger than herself,” Alice added. “She has to retrieve a blood sample from said child after committing murder, and deliver it to Agent Raven.”
Aramus kept his peace on this subject, instead focusing on the other point Alice raised. “And this will all happen in Italy so I can presume that The Society is responsible for changing our course to meet their own ends. How I dislike all this shadowy work.”
“Our course is indeed deterred, hence the flight will be missed. The next earliest flight available will lead to Italy, Venice, and the next Magic Train scheduled to leave for England is also from Venice,” Alice stated.
“Convenient,” Aramus scoffed sarcastically. “Well, now that we’re going to Venice, will you be staying there to enjoy yourself? After all this sleuthing, I think I could use a day or two to unwind.”
“Enjoy? ...That is an impossibility,” Alice answered, “With about 174 Organizations having caught the rumor, 34 Organizations mobilizing, and The Society confirming me boarding this train, I must state that I am to remain vigilant.”
“T-those are some pretty precise numbers… Well, if it makes you any… less stressed, there’s one less Magister to worry about. You also mentioned something about a rumour? Three Magisters and a Time Warrior travelling on the same train to Venice together?” Slightly taken aback by the number that she had given, Aramus could only smile sheepishly upon bringing up something he considered a bad topic.
“To China instead, because that is our destination at the moment. With the alteration we will not be coming to Beijing as scheduled, however,” Alice said, “The Society wins yet again. Now they are the only pursuers that can truly keep track of her travels.”
“Here I am, learning new things about my country… bad things at that, from one of my supposed enemies. Indeed, we are all being played for fools. I’ll try and keep Elizabeth from going down that path, even if it means stopping her myself.” Aramus sighed again, the bad habit was making itself known a lot today, and looked around the control room to distract himself.
“I would not recommend interfering with Elizabeth’s actions and objectives,” Alice replied, offering an unexpected advice. “In that case you will be altering her conditions.”
“It is still most troubling for me, not only as one of Her Loyal Subjects but also as a teacher of hers. A child her age should not be an assassin,” Aramus reasoned in reply.
“Aramus Valmark, you sound idealistic, and perhaps childish. There are much younger assassins in this world, trained by the very European Alliance you are under,” Alice begun, continuing to elaborate, “She is not harming an English, and she may hold greater obligations to her masters in The Society than we may know. No one kills a child without reason, if they hold even a speck of humanity in them… I am certain. If you deter her, you will not be questioned, but instead, she will indeed be questioned regarding her integrity. What guarantee is there in the possibility that you won’t be placing any more burden than what she is carrying already?”
“Someone always has to do the dirty work, I get that. It’s not something I’m unfamiliar with anyway. Compared to my previous job, dealing with angsty teenagers and their hormonal problems is a much more desirable profession. There is not much I can do for others except to impart my knowledge unto them and occasionally, shoulder their burden alongside them. It might not make a difference but there is no knowing without trying,” Aramus stated.
Indeed he felt it was a lofty dream, to be able to live the simple life everyday without having to worry, to have three meals ready for you and a bed to sleep in, a place to call home. Sure, his own situation wasn’t the best right now and although not forced to be an assassin, there was still hardship in his younger years. It was due to someone's intervention that he had ended up in the spot he held right now and if he could do the same, why not?
“That does not change the probabilities that you may worsen Elizabeth Cavendish Bentinck’s conditions,” Alice stated, disagreeing with Aramus, “how idealistic indeed,” she added as if confirming her view on Aramus.
“Sometimes, I wish I was but a mundane. Ignorance is bliss, they say,” Alice said, apparently speaking without a given question “It was already near confirmed before I matured that I would be a Time Warrior, thus my future was lost from my grasp.”
“You and me both, Alice. S’not like I wanted the Magister position, if anything I would’ve been happier keeping a low profile but both of us are pawns on fate’s chessboard, planted in positions neither would’ve liked.,” Aramus laughed loudly at that, fancy a Time Warrior in a similar position. He felt nostalgic, reminiscing about his days in the Royal Academy, getting into scuffles and the matches with his mentor. Simpler times. “But that’s why right now, I try and enjoy myself. Don’t get too caught up in whatever power plays or whichever faction ruled the roost, just live the simple life though it looks like I don’t have a choice now.
Alice closed her eyes. “I hear the voice of your heart… you worry… too much. You are eventually going to get caught up in many things,” it was evident that Alice’s eyes stopped glowing when her eyelids were opened. “I suppose you could still alter your way of living to lead to an even better life, unlike me. Pray tell, have you ever heard of the legend of Odin’s Curse?”
Aramus perked up at the mention of Odin, listening to Alice intently. “Now if there’s a method to reduce the amount of worrying I do, please teach me. It would be extremely helpful and no, I have not. Sounds like something good to kill time with so let’s hear it.”
“A long time ago, it was said that Odin had twelve daughters. Each with differing symbols,” Alice begun, “Valkyries, they were called. They were equipped with a lance, and a shield. They were provided the blessings of the spirits. They were tasked with slaying the Infernals from the Gates of Babylon. One day, however, one of Odin’s daughter did something she was not supposed to – she fell in love.”
“Odin, furious, punished his daughter and put her in deep sleep. Thus, she was the sleeping beauty’. The man whom she fell for eventually kissed her, and woke her up. Odin was defeated and the Sleeping Beauty was freed. However, when the Ragnarok came, the Sleeping Beauty was missing, and the Valkyries were defeated as the humans fled for their lives instead of taking up blades and staves to fight alongside them. The Sleeping Beauty was the final Valkyrie who survived as she left with her beloved, while the rest perished.”
“Thus, Odin cursed the world, his surviving daughter, and the selfish and self-centered humans that inhabited it; so that the spirits would choose particular people they find fit to become their hosts, but instead of saving the world from Ragnarok, the hosts would bring about the Ragnarok themselves… is how the legend went,” Alice said, finally finishing.
“That’s a really dismal story,” replied Aramus, face scrunching a little in distaste. “So it’s all one sick joke cast upon all of us by the old man Odin, huh.”
“There is more to the tale, but the records are lost and time may have altered this story to what I have thus recited,” Alice stated, unsure of how true her story was, “However, I certainly have the ancient blood of Valkyrie. That was how they confirmed that I’d become a Time Warrior.”
“Must’ve had different types of Valkyries if we have Time Warriors popping up all over the world. Say, as a Time Warrior, have you been around for relatively long?” Aramus inquired, honestly interested to know exactly how long Alice had lived.
“Considering human lifespans, I would state it long,” Alice answered.
“That’s rather vague.” Slipping into one of the chairs in the control room, Aramus lamented that it would never be as good as the one back in their shared cabin. “You don’t look like you enjoy being a Time Warrior but what does the spirit inside have to say about all this?”
“I am not obligated to provide an appropriate answer to that question,” Alice said, not wanting to tell how long she may have actually lived. “A normal life.”
“Your spirit thinks this is normal?” Aramus said, raising an eyebrow apprehensively. “Then again, I suppose Sagittarius did say she wanted a similar thing. Funny how you are given time eternal to make it happen yet it doesn’t make one happy. I probably wouldn’t mind living that long, it’s whether I get the chance to. My prospects at a regular, peaceful life are disappearing by the second.”
“A normal life of a human is what they wish for. Alas, that was not meant to be,” Alice said, shaking her head. “The spirits have varying opinions, but it is not like they do not understand my situation.”
“At least you have one that sympathises with you, I can hardly imagine if you were picked by one that didn’t. What do you want to do then?” Aramus asked, though he felt that at this point, he was prying more than making small talk.
“I want to remain the idol that I’ve managed to become, and I will support my country all the same, for that is my role,” Alice answered. “There is nothing more to it.”
“Ahhhh, idol.. Like that huge display of you in Tokyo? It must be difficult balancing those two roles, especially since you’re probably in the public eye half the time. Can’t say the same for myself, I’d prefer to just remain an unknown existence.” Aramus shook his head in spite of himself. With his recent contribution to the fight against Sagittarius, there would be more public scrutiny on him, something he definitely did not want or need yet here was an eternal being that strove to be in the limelight. “Well, so long as you enjoy what you do, it’s fine. I must say the… gap between that image and your current self surprised me greatly.”
“Perhaps it is difficult, but it is nothing new anymore. I have adapted,” Alice said, somehow sounding proud despite her monotone voice. “The… gap, you say?” she asked, turning to Aramus fully with curiosity.
“True, I suppose it’s the same for me.” Aramus nodded in understanding, thinking of how to properly explain the †˜gap’ to Alice. “It’s something I picked up recently after becoming a teacher and trying to find methods to reach out to the young ones. There are these things called anime that Japan produces, something that isn’t on my homelands’ shores. Naturally, there are an abundance of… cute characters or characters that do cute or loveable things. They call that †˜moe’. That is what I felt from your poster, if a foreigner could call it that.”
Aramus looked Alice over again, the image still contrasting with what he had seen in Tokyo. “And having met the real you, who is miles away from the image portrayed, that is the †˜gap’. Some people love it and call it †˜gap-moe’ but I’ll bet your fans don’t get to see this side of you, huh?”
“I suppose there was such an anomalous behavior in human which led to the creation of such labels,” Alice said, apparently calling humans strange, she wondered if it was alright for her to show such a gap to her fans, however. “Aside from work, I am simply a marionette, and remain as such… there is no reason to act as though who I previously were anymore. I suppose my fans would likely not see this part of me for the times to come.”
“Do you need a reason to enjoy oneself? I can’t say much about the bigger things such as fame or prestige but it’s the little things in life that bring me greater satisfaction. You say I worry too much but sometimes, it feels as though I’ve got no worries at all.” Aramus shrugged his shoulders, not exactly agreeing with Alice’s viewpoint. “You might be immortal now but you were once human, some part of that must have carried over.”
Now it felt like he was counselling one of his students, not that he had ever received any requests for counselling but it was always a start. That and the fact that he didn’t really know much about idols. “Maybe some of your fans might not like that you’ve got another part but isn’t that what we are? It’s not as if people are a single shade, we’re diverse. It would… also make me happy that you were going the extra mile to make me, the fan, feel better. You can’t and don’t have to always please everyone, just those few that you consider important to you would be a start. As an idol, you wouldn’t be in that position without being loved by your fans, right?”
“That is a travesty of an idea. Why should I divert my image just to portray an emotionless shell of myself to my fans? My fans are content with the facet of my old personality and I am thankful for it,” Alice stated, seemingly irritated by Aramus’ views. “And you do not have worries? Petty lies, Aramus Valmark. I can hear everything from your soul. You are willing to run away from public eyes because you feel that your reputation is bad. You are almost always afraid of being recognized for who you are, how would you assume that you are in any position to judge and lecture me? Get off your high horse.”
“Hah, you got me on that one regarding my reputation. I couldn't care less about myself, I only fear for the people I hold dear. That's why this reputation is a necessary evil.” Like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Aramus looked quite chagrined at himself. “But I digress, sometimes there are things best left hidden.”
“It is all the same. Your fear for others being considered bad due to being with you, worries are worries, regardless of whether it is for yourself or not.”
The Magister †˜hmm'd’ in thought, not exactly agreeing or disagreeing. She had a point though, he had spent more time worrying for others than for himself. “I need a vacation.” He muttered.
Alice’s eyes glowed blue as she stood before the controls, she looked intently for some seconds before touching the panel, and something seemed to have changed.
“With this, the Magic Train will now be under my jurisdiction temporarily,” Alice uttered, apparently to no one in particular as she faced the trail ahead.
Nodding, Aramus shooed the two men out of the control room, telling them they could keep things under control. Once he was certain that no one would be around, he turned back to address Alice. “Pisces… Or I suppose you go by Alice in this age. Would you entertain one more selfish request of mine?”
“And that would be?” Alice asked, not turning to Aramus even for a moment.
“When the three of us left to deal with the intruders, those clones... Did the one we left behind come into contact with anyone… or anything?” Aramus furrowed his brow, not exactly anticipating the answer and yet he needed to know. If anyone knew, the one before him would.
“...The weight of this request is tall. How do you intend to pay me for the answer?” Alice asked, “On another note, someone changed the entire route of this train. We are essentially being taken to the wrong direction.”
“I am but a humble man, insignificant when compared to one such as yourself. All I can offer is my word to not enter battle with yourself, unless I hear it from the Her Majesty herself. It’s not much but your actions today have placed me in your debt, whether I like it or not. Also, having spoken to another of your kind, I understand that sometimes… you want to be left in peace.” Aramus said, bowing from the hip.
Alice cast a glance as Aramus begged for information, and decided to comply. “Very well, if what they say is true, I doubt your Queen would order you to partake in a fruitless conflict,” she stated, confident on the chances of victory. “The Society’s Security Branch 1108 was activated with the following command: diversion. The objective was to lure away the Caroline Cavendish Bentinck, as well as the two Magic Magisters traveling with Elizabeth Cavendish Bentinck in account of a †˜meeting’. Agent Raven from The Society contacted Elizabeth Cavendish Bentinck, and commanded her to eliminate a certain figure, who may be found in Venice.”
As they say, curiosity killed the cat and Aramus bit his lip in frustration. “Thank you very much for this information.” He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as his heart sank further. “I am grateful yet sometimes, there are things better left not known. Such are the lives we lead.”
“Additionally, I may as well let you know that her target is but a child, younger than herself,” Alice added. “She has to retrieve a blood sample from said child after committing murder, and deliver it to Agent Raven.”
Aramus kept his peace on this subject, instead focusing on the other point Alice raised. “And this will all happen in Italy so I can presume that The Society is responsible for changing our course to meet their own ends. How I dislike all this shadowy work.”
“Our course is indeed deterred, hence the flight will be missed. The next earliest flight available will lead to Italy, Venice, and the next Magic Train scheduled to leave for England is also from Venice,” Alice stated.
“Convenient,” Aramus scoffed sarcastically. “Well, now that we’re going to Venice, will you be staying there to enjoy yourself? After all this sleuthing, I think I could use a day or two to unwind.”
“Enjoy? ...That is an impossibility,” Alice answered, “With about 174 Organizations having caught the rumor, 34 Organizations mobilizing, and The Society confirming me boarding this train, I must state that I am to remain vigilant.”
“T-those are some pretty precise numbers… Well, if it makes you any… less stressed, there’s one less Magister to worry about. You also mentioned something about a rumour? Three Magisters and a Time Warrior travelling on the same train to Venice together?” Slightly taken aback by the number that she had given, Aramus could only smile sheepishly upon bringing up something he considered a bad topic.
“To China instead, because that is our destination at the moment. With the alteration we will not be coming to Beijing as scheduled, however,” Alice said, “The Society wins yet again. Now they are the only pursuers that can truly keep track of her travels.”
“Here I am, learning new things about my country… bad things at that, from one of my supposed enemies. Indeed, we are all being played for fools. I’ll try and keep Elizabeth from going down that path, even if it means stopping her myself.” Aramus sighed again, the bad habit was making itself known a lot today, and looked around the control room to distract himself.
“I would not recommend interfering with Elizabeth’s actions and objectives,” Alice replied, offering an unexpected advice. “In that case you will be altering her conditions.”
“It is still most troubling for me, not only as one of Her Loyal Subjects but also as a teacher of hers. A child her age should not be an assassin,” Aramus reasoned in reply.
“Aramus Valmark, you sound idealistic, and perhaps childish. There are much younger assassins in this world, trained by the very European Alliance you are under,” Alice begun, continuing to elaborate, “She is not harming an English, and she may hold greater obligations to her masters in The Society than we may know. No one kills a child without reason, if they hold even a speck of humanity in them… I am certain. If you deter her, you will not be questioned, but instead, she will indeed be questioned regarding her integrity. What guarantee is there in the possibility that you won’t be placing any more burden than what she is carrying already?”
“Someone always has to do the dirty work, I get that. It’s not something I’m unfamiliar with anyway. Compared to my previous job, dealing with angsty teenagers and their hormonal problems is a much more desirable profession. There is not much I can do for others except to impart my knowledge unto them and occasionally, shoulder their burden alongside them. It might not make a difference but there is no knowing without trying,” Aramus stated.
Indeed he felt it was a lofty dream, to be able to live the simple life everyday without having to worry, to have three meals ready for you and a bed to sleep in, a place to call home. Sure, his own situation wasn’t the best right now and although not forced to be an assassin, there was still hardship in his younger years. It was due to someone's intervention that he had ended up in the spot he held right now and if he could do the same, why not?
“That does not change the probabilities that you may worsen Elizabeth Cavendish Bentinck’s conditions,” Alice stated, disagreeing with Aramus, “how idealistic indeed,” she added as if confirming her view on Aramus.
“Sometimes, I wish I was but a mundane. Ignorance is bliss, they say,” Alice said, apparently speaking without a given question “It was already near confirmed before I matured that I would be a Time Warrior, thus my future was lost from my grasp.”
“You and me both, Alice. S’not like I wanted the Magister position, if anything I would’ve been happier keeping a low profile but both of us are pawns on fate’s chessboard, planted in positions neither would’ve liked.,” Aramus laughed loudly at that, fancy a Time Warrior in a similar position. He felt nostalgic, reminiscing about his days in the Royal Academy, getting into scuffles and the matches with his mentor. Simpler times. “But that’s why right now, I try and enjoy myself. Don’t get too caught up in whatever power plays or whichever faction ruled the roost, just live the simple life though it looks like I don’t have a choice now.
Alice closed her eyes. “I hear the voice of your heart… you worry… too much. You are eventually going to get caught up in many things,” it was evident that Alice’s eyes stopped glowing when her eyelids were opened. “I suppose you could still alter your way of living to lead to an even better life, unlike me. Pray tell, have you ever heard of the legend of Odin’s Curse?”
Aramus perked up at the mention of Odin, listening to Alice intently. “Now if there’s a method to reduce the amount of worrying I do, please teach me. It would be extremely helpful and no, I have not. Sounds like something good to kill time with so let’s hear it.”
“A long time ago, it was said that Odin had twelve daughters. Each with differing symbols,” Alice begun, “Valkyries, they were called. They were equipped with a lance, and a shield. They were provided the blessings of the spirits. They were tasked with slaying the Infernals from the Gates of Babylon. One day, however, one of Odin’s daughter did something she was not supposed to – she fell in love.”
“Odin, furious, punished his daughter and put her in deep sleep. Thus, she was the sleeping beauty’. The man whom she fell for eventually kissed her, and woke her up. Odin was defeated and the Sleeping Beauty was freed. However, when the Ragnarok came, the Sleeping Beauty was missing, and the Valkyries were defeated as the humans fled for their lives instead of taking up blades and staves to fight alongside them. The Sleeping Beauty was the final Valkyrie who survived as she left with her beloved, while the rest perished.”
“Thus, Odin cursed the world, his surviving daughter, and the selfish and self-centered humans that inhabited it; so that the spirits would choose particular people they find fit to become their hosts, but instead of saving the world from Ragnarok, the hosts would bring about the Ragnarok themselves… is how the legend went,” Alice said, finally finishing.
“That’s a really dismal story,” replied Aramus, face scrunching a little in distaste. “So it’s all one sick joke cast upon all of us by the old man Odin, huh.”
“There is more to the tale, but the records are lost and time may have altered this story to what I have thus recited,” Alice stated, unsure of how true her story was, “However, I certainly have the ancient blood of Valkyrie. That was how they confirmed that I’d become a Time Warrior.”
“Must’ve had different types of Valkyries if we have Time Warriors popping up all over the world. Say, as a Time Warrior, have you been around for relatively long?” Aramus inquired, honestly interested to know exactly how long Alice had lived.
“Considering human lifespans, I would state it long,” Alice answered.
“That’s rather vague.” Slipping into one of the chairs in the control room, Aramus lamented that it would never be as good as the one back in their shared cabin. “You don’t look like you enjoy being a Time Warrior but what does the spirit inside have to say about all this?”
“I am not obligated to provide an appropriate answer to that question,” Alice said, not wanting to tell how long she may have actually lived. “A normal life.”
“Your spirit thinks this is normal?” Aramus said, raising an eyebrow apprehensively. “Then again, I suppose Sagittarius did say she wanted a similar thing. Funny how you are given time eternal to make it happen yet it doesn’t make one happy. I probably wouldn’t mind living that long, it’s whether I get the chance to. My prospects at a regular, peaceful life are disappearing by the second.”
“A normal life of a human is what they wish for. Alas, that was not meant to be,” Alice said, shaking her head. “The spirits have varying opinions, but it is not like they do not understand my situation.”
“At least you have one that sympathises with you, I can hardly imagine if you were picked by one that didn’t. What do you want to do then?” Aramus asked, though he felt that at this point, he was prying more than making small talk.
“I want to remain the idol that I’ve managed to become, and I will support my country all the same, for that is my role,” Alice answered. “There is nothing more to it.”
“Ahhhh, idol.. Like that huge display of you in Tokyo? It must be difficult balancing those two roles, especially since you’re probably in the public eye half the time. Can’t say the same for myself, I’d prefer to just remain an unknown existence.” Aramus shook his head in spite of himself. With his recent contribution to the fight against Sagittarius, there would be more public scrutiny on him, something he definitely did not want or need yet here was an eternal being that strove to be in the limelight. “Well, so long as you enjoy what you do, it’s fine. I must say the… gap between that image and your current self surprised me greatly.”
“Perhaps it is difficult, but it is nothing new anymore. I have adapted,” Alice said, somehow sounding proud despite her monotone voice. “The… gap, you say?” she asked, turning to Aramus fully with curiosity.
“True, I suppose it’s the same for me.” Aramus nodded in understanding, thinking of how to properly explain the †˜gap’ to Alice. “It’s something I picked up recently after becoming a teacher and trying to find methods to reach out to the young ones. There are these things called anime that Japan produces, something that isn’t on my homelands’ shores. Naturally, there are an abundance of… cute characters or characters that do cute or loveable things. They call that †˜moe’. That is what I felt from your poster, if a foreigner could call it that.”
Aramus looked Alice over again, the image still contrasting with what he had seen in Tokyo. “And having met the real you, who is miles away from the image portrayed, that is the †˜gap’. Some people love it and call it †˜gap-moe’ but I’ll bet your fans don’t get to see this side of you, huh?”
“I suppose there was such an anomalous behavior in human which led to the creation of such labels,” Alice said, apparently calling humans strange, she wondered if it was alright for her to show such a gap to her fans, however. “Aside from work, I am simply a marionette, and remain as such… there is no reason to act as though who I previously were anymore. I suppose my fans would likely not see this part of me for the times to come.”
“Do you need a reason to enjoy oneself? I can’t say much about the bigger things such as fame or prestige but it’s the little things in life that bring me greater satisfaction. You say I worry too much but sometimes, it feels as though I’ve got no worries at all.” Aramus shrugged his shoulders, not exactly agreeing with Alice’s viewpoint. “You might be immortal now but you were once human, some part of that must have carried over.”
Now it felt like he was counselling one of his students, not that he had ever received any requests for counselling but it was always a start. That and the fact that he didn’t really know much about idols. “Maybe some of your fans might not like that you’ve got another part but isn’t that what we are? It’s not as if people are a single shade, we’re diverse. It would… also make me happy that you were going the extra mile to make me, the fan, feel better. You can’t and don’t have to always please everyone, just those few that you consider important to you would be a start. As an idol, you wouldn’t be in that position without being loved by your fans, right?”
“That is a travesty of an idea. Why should I divert my image just to portray an emotionless shell of myself to my fans? My fans are content with the facet of my old personality and I am thankful for it,” Alice stated, seemingly irritated by Aramus’ views. “And you do not have worries? Petty lies, Aramus Valmark. I can hear everything from your soul. You are willing to run away from public eyes because you feel that your reputation is bad. You are almost always afraid of being recognized for who you are, how would you assume that you are in any position to judge and lecture me? Get off your high horse.”
“Hah, you got me on that one regarding my reputation. I couldn't care less about myself, I only fear for the people I hold dear. That's why this reputation is a necessary evil.” Like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Aramus looked quite chagrined at himself. “But I digress, sometimes there are things best left hidden.”
“It is all the same. Your fear for others being considered bad due to being with you, worries are worries, regardless of whether it is for yourself or not.”
The Magister †˜hmm'd’ in thought, not exactly agreeing or disagreeing. She had a point though, he had spent more time worrying for others than for himself. “I need a vacation.” He muttered.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
On the northern Veneto region of Italy stood the capital city of Venice, apparently built on more than a hundred islands, and Aramus happened to find himself in this beautiful city after taking leave of the airport with his group. The air was cleaner, the view was better, and the people were not hiding under their masks, Aramus couldn’t be happier.
“Ahh,” Caroline took in the air of the city. “This is so much better. I do not mean to offend Beijing or its inhabitants, but I’d prefer to live here if I were to choose from either China or Italy.”
“Agreed,” Takeru nodded, stretching his body, glad to be free of the aeroplane. He had been sitting for too long and was now feeling sore from it.
“I want a spa, it’s so tiresome to travel for this long,” the Chinese lady commented, still traveling with the group. She seemed to be going to England for her own reasons, and tagged along with the others.
“What a beautiful city!” Elizabeth commented, her eyes sparkling, taking in the marvelous view before her.
Torn between trying to keep up his image or indulge, Aramus settled for agreeing enthusiastically with what everyone before him had said. “A large improvement indeed. The smog from before is incomparable.” He took a deep breath, the salty sea breeze filling his lungs and refreshing him.
“I’ll be heading to the hotel and getting ourselves rooms booked for our stay here,” Takeru said, “We got only a day on this marvelous place. So perhaps you guys should just sight-see as I take care of things.”
“I’ll come along, they can probably offer spa after the arrangements are dealt with,” the Chinese lady said, giggling happily at the thought of getting to relax further, joining Takeru.
“I have to go find some associates of mine from the Royal Council,” Caroline said, “Mister Valmark, I leave Elizabeth to you for the time being. I am guessing that she’d love to take in the sights and landmarks more.”
Aramus’ head darted to the Duchess upon hearing those words, stunned.
“I am implying that I am placing my trust on you, kind sir. Understand what these words mean, please,” Caroline said, “I shall be off, daughter, take care.”
“I’ll send the coordinates and information through mail to you all when the bookings are finalised,” Takeru said, “We’ll be off now.”
Soon, Takeru and the exotic lady went their own way, and so did the Duchess. Aramus and Elizabeth were left alone in the central area of the city.
“Oh, my. Seems… like we are alone together today,” Elizabeth uttered, shy, looking down, “What shall we do?”
“What do you want to do?” Aramus questioned in reply, “There’s so much to see, so much to do. We could eat, travel the canals in a gondola or take a water taxi to explore the larger parts of Venice. Any would be good in my opinion. Maybe we could visit the Grand Canal or the Doge’s palace?”
“I never really… knew much about Venice. Only that it is a beautiful place – which I have gotten to confirm today – would you have any recommendations, teacher?”
“I only know of a few places and one day should be sufficient. Let’s go!” Walking eagerly to a nearby gondola pier, Aramus whistled. Gondolas were common all over Venice due to their popularity amongst tourists. Taking a water taxi would have been faster but he felt the scenic route would be more enjoyable. Sure enough, one boat could be seen heading towards their location and Aramus waved Elizabeth over. “Come, come. We have much to see but first, we eat.”
“I suppose you could not wait any longer for the food of Venice,” Elizabeth said, chuckling as she ran over.
The two soon boarded the gondola and the two were soon experiencing the ride over water. The cheerful ferryman was more than happy to oblige both of them and Aramus requested for them to be taken through the Grand Canal to a place called the Doge’s Palace. As usual, the Grand Canal was crowded. Filled with various other ferrymen and water taxis plus the occasional water bus, it was not something either of them had witnessed before. Compared to the neon lights and the sounds of Tokyo, Aramus found he appreciated this more.
Aramus found Elizabeth looking in almost every direction with glee. Her eyes sparkling much more than before. The young lady of the house of Cavendish Bentinck had hardly been in any other countries than Japan or England, her last visit abroad were only to France and China for the travels she experienced when she departed from England for Tokyo.
“Who would’ve thought a river would be the replacement of a road? This place is simply magnificent!” she exclaimed, praising the place. “So, where are we going to get our lunch?”
Aramus smirked, searching for something before turning back at the ferryman and nodding. “We’re eating there.” He pointed at a humongous ship just at the edge of the canal. The nearby vessels looked tiny in comparison and there was a steady stream of them coming and going from the boat. “That’s the Doge’s personal ship or so they say. We’re going on board.”
“Doge’s… personal ship?” Elizabeth repeated the words Aramus spoke, “This? Whoever it is, they must fancy ships beyond an ordinary level,” she commented, following after Aramus into the vessel.
“The Doge is the elected leader of Venice. As a sign of that, he gets the largest ship in these waters by far,” He explained. “His palace is right next to it but… I doubt it can compare to Her Majesty's. So lunch will be on the boat and then, we will tour the palace.”
“I see, I look forward to it,” Elizabeth said, her hands joining for a merry clap, apparently looking forward to the tour. “I must agree, it would probably not compare to Her Majesty’s mansion. I have once seen it, – if we exclude the structures of Tokyo – it was by far the largest establishment I had seen.”
“The structures of Tokyo hold a different kind of charm from that of our Majesty’s. They do not have the same grandeur,” Aramus said sagely. As they neared the Doge’s boat, the ferryman brought them into its shadow and both could only gape as the vessel loomed over them like a giant. Soon enough, they were tethered and both teacher and student stood on the deck of the largest ship in the canal. They then continued to the section that contained the restaurant Aramus was anticipating, and soon enough, the aroma rushed into his nostrils, and he was happy to have been born into this world.
Taking their respective seats, Elizabeth looked over the menu. “I see… quite a lot of seafood,” she noted. “What shall we have? I am rather uncertain.”
“Why don’t we ask the waiter? Apart from that, squid ink is a local delicacy I suppose,” Aramus said, waving a maitre’d over. A sharply dressed one responded, weaving through the tables with practiced ease.
“Good afternoon, Signore. How may I assist?”
“Good afternoon, I was wondering if you had any local dishes to recommend? My partner and I are not familiar with Venice so we would like to hear from one of the locals regarding this,” Aramus said, indicating Elizabeth and himself.
“Ah, Signore, then might I recommend our catch of the day? Baked monkfish in tomato garlic sauce, fresh from the local waters. We also have grilled octopus dressed with lemon and olive oil and finally, a lobster set, from soup to pasta. For travellers such as yourself and Senorita, might I also suggest the squid ink pasta? It is popular amongst the tourists.” The maitre’d said, smiling at both as he listed the options.
“...I must confess, my poor little heart is not ready for squid ink or octopus,” Elizabeth said, feeling ashamed at herself for having to divulge this in front of the waiter. “I’d simply go with the lobster set, however. What about you, teacher?”
“I shall have an order of baked monkfish. Do you have anything less adventurous than squid ink or the grilled octopus?” Aramus inquired, trying to remember what little he knew about Italian cuisine.
“Calamari, Signore. For the Senorita, that is a dish of lightly battered octopus and squid, sliced into bite size pieces. It it served with tomato puree on the side.”
Aramus looked at his student expectantly, hoping to indulge in more gluttony.
“O-Oh, my. I suppose I have misunderstood. Pardon my lack of knowledge of delicacies,” Elizabeth said, even more taken aback. “I believe I can go with it.”
“Well, it’s alright if you don’t. I’ll order one side of calamari, if you feel up for it then try and see if you like it,” Aramus reassured her. Not everyone was as adventurous as he was with food. The maitre’d repeated their order before heading off to the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone again.
“It is rather embarrassing when you’re not informed about food,” Elizabeth stated, her face still red. “I wish I’d have done more research on the modern worlders. I only ever interacted with the old and the futuristic, and have not interacted with what was left behind in between.”
“It is no problem at all. I enjoy reading and learning about them but never really have the chance to visit another country… It still amazes me how our world is so convoluted. We can enjoy so many different things at the same time,” Aramus commented, trying to ease away Elizabeth’s troubles. “Sometimes, you just want to let loose. Besides, the menu in most of Italy changes far too often to keep track of.”
“I see,” Elizabeth responded. “Perhaps I’ll look into different things some other time. I cannot quite calm down enough here to research, and I will not find the internet on England, so I have to wait till we get back to Tokyo,” she said.
Aramus nodded and the two made small talk, taking in the scenery of Venice and basically enjoying themselves until the waiter came back with their food. The smell was amazing and absolutely mouth-watering to Aramus, barely able to contain himself when faced with true authentic Italian fare. The antipasti looked glorious, calamari battered and fried to a golden brown, the monkfish looked absolutely delicious with the sauce drizzled all over. He was sure it tasted as good as it looked.
He began eating with gusto, pausing occasionally to let out a cry of delight. The food was being consumed at a slower rate than what Elizabeth was used to seeing, Aramus finding the time to savour his meal instead of trying to eat it all at once.
Elizabeth watched as Aramus ate with what seemed to be beyond gluttonous pleasure, which somehow made her feel happy. She soon ate silently – her usage of the silverware hardly making any noise – the lobster set that was provided before her, neatly cutting her portions just so she could eat them one by one. As soon as the food landed on her tongue, and the taste was experienced, she started consuming faster. She was surprised to learn that she finished her food faster than Aramus.
“I see you appreciate Italian food even more than I do. Go on, try the calamari. You’ll like it.” Aramus smiled after a mouthful of heaven. Watching his student eat with such joy made him feel a sense of satisfaction, it was the first time she had eaten that way in front of him.
Elizabeth gulped at the sight of the calamari. For the first time, she felt as though she could sympathise with her teacher’s want for food. “Here I go,” she said, bracing herself. Her fork was soon stabbed against the ring-like pieces of octopus, and dipped into her mouth before a look of delight came afloat her countenance.
Aramus’ smile grew wider in response. Another had fallen.
Elizabeth soon finished, wiping her lips with a tissue. “Excuse me, I’ll be heading to the washroom,” she said, getting up, and taking leave. Aramus could see her stop to ask a waiter for directions before she proceeded to the washroom.
“Ahh,” Caroline took in the air of the city. “This is so much better. I do not mean to offend Beijing or its inhabitants, but I’d prefer to live here if I were to choose from either China or Italy.”
“Agreed,” Takeru nodded, stretching his body, glad to be free of the aeroplane. He had been sitting for too long and was now feeling sore from it.
“I want a spa, it’s so tiresome to travel for this long,” the Chinese lady commented, still traveling with the group. She seemed to be going to England for her own reasons, and tagged along with the others.
“What a beautiful city!” Elizabeth commented, her eyes sparkling, taking in the marvelous view before her.
Torn between trying to keep up his image or indulge, Aramus settled for agreeing enthusiastically with what everyone before him had said. “A large improvement indeed. The smog from before is incomparable.” He took a deep breath, the salty sea breeze filling his lungs and refreshing him.
“I’ll be heading to the hotel and getting ourselves rooms booked for our stay here,” Takeru said, “We got only a day on this marvelous place. So perhaps you guys should just sight-see as I take care of things.”
“I’ll come along, they can probably offer spa after the arrangements are dealt with,” the Chinese lady said, giggling happily at the thought of getting to relax further, joining Takeru.
“I have to go find some associates of mine from the Royal Council,” Caroline said, “Mister Valmark, I leave Elizabeth to you for the time being. I am guessing that she’d love to take in the sights and landmarks more.”
Aramus’ head darted to the Duchess upon hearing those words, stunned.
“I am implying that I am placing my trust on you, kind sir. Understand what these words mean, please,” Caroline said, “I shall be off, daughter, take care.”
“I’ll send the coordinates and information through mail to you all when the bookings are finalised,” Takeru said, “We’ll be off now.”
Soon, Takeru and the exotic lady went their own way, and so did the Duchess. Aramus and Elizabeth were left alone in the central area of the city.
“Oh, my. Seems… like we are alone together today,” Elizabeth uttered, shy, looking down, “What shall we do?”
“What do you want to do?” Aramus questioned in reply, “There’s so much to see, so much to do. We could eat, travel the canals in a gondola or take a water taxi to explore the larger parts of Venice. Any would be good in my opinion. Maybe we could visit the Grand Canal or the Doge’s palace?”
“I never really… knew much about Venice. Only that it is a beautiful place – which I have gotten to confirm today – would you have any recommendations, teacher?”
“I only know of a few places and one day should be sufficient. Let’s go!” Walking eagerly to a nearby gondola pier, Aramus whistled. Gondolas were common all over Venice due to their popularity amongst tourists. Taking a water taxi would have been faster but he felt the scenic route would be more enjoyable. Sure enough, one boat could be seen heading towards their location and Aramus waved Elizabeth over. “Come, come. We have much to see but first, we eat.”
“I suppose you could not wait any longer for the food of Venice,” Elizabeth said, chuckling as she ran over.
The two soon boarded the gondola and the two were soon experiencing the ride over water. The cheerful ferryman was more than happy to oblige both of them and Aramus requested for them to be taken through the Grand Canal to a place called the Doge’s Palace. As usual, the Grand Canal was crowded. Filled with various other ferrymen and water taxis plus the occasional water bus, it was not something either of them had witnessed before. Compared to the neon lights and the sounds of Tokyo, Aramus found he appreciated this more.
Aramus found Elizabeth looking in almost every direction with glee. Her eyes sparkling much more than before. The young lady of the house of Cavendish Bentinck had hardly been in any other countries than Japan or England, her last visit abroad were only to France and China for the travels she experienced when she departed from England for Tokyo.
“Who would’ve thought a river would be the replacement of a road? This place is simply magnificent!” she exclaimed, praising the place. “So, where are we going to get our lunch?”
Aramus smirked, searching for something before turning back at the ferryman and nodding. “We’re eating there.” He pointed at a humongous ship just at the edge of the canal. The nearby vessels looked tiny in comparison and there was a steady stream of them coming and going from the boat. “That’s the Doge’s personal ship or so they say. We’re going on board.”
“Doge’s… personal ship?” Elizabeth repeated the words Aramus spoke, “This? Whoever it is, they must fancy ships beyond an ordinary level,” she commented, following after Aramus into the vessel.
“The Doge is the elected leader of Venice. As a sign of that, he gets the largest ship in these waters by far,” He explained. “His palace is right next to it but… I doubt it can compare to Her Majesty's. So lunch will be on the boat and then, we will tour the palace.”
“I see, I look forward to it,” Elizabeth said, her hands joining for a merry clap, apparently looking forward to the tour. “I must agree, it would probably not compare to Her Majesty’s mansion. I have once seen it, – if we exclude the structures of Tokyo – it was by far the largest establishment I had seen.”
“The structures of Tokyo hold a different kind of charm from that of our Majesty’s. They do not have the same grandeur,” Aramus said sagely. As they neared the Doge’s boat, the ferryman brought them into its shadow and both could only gape as the vessel loomed over them like a giant. Soon enough, they were tethered and both teacher and student stood on the deck of the largest ship in the canal. They then continued to the section that contained the restaurant Aramus was anticipating, and soon enough, the aroma rushed into his nostrils, and he was happy to have been born into this world.
Taking their respective seats, Elizabeth looked over the menu. “I see… quite a lot of seafood,” she noted. “What shall we have? I am rather uncertain.”
“Why don’t we ask the waiter? Apart from that, squid ink is a local delicacy I suppose,” Aramus said, waving a maitre’d over. A sharply dressed one responded, weaving through the tables with practiced ease.
“Good afternoon, Signore. How may I assist?”
“Good afternoon, I was wondering if you had any local dishes to recommend? My partner and I are not familiar with Venice so we would like to hear from one of the locals regarding this,” Aramus said, indicating Elizabeth and himself.
“Ah, Signore, then might I recommend our catch of the day? Baked monkfish in tomato garlic sauce, fresh from the local waters. We also have grilled octopus dressed with lemon and olive oil and finally, a lobster set, from soup to pasta. For travellers such as yourself and Senorita, might I also suggest the squid ink pasta? It is popular amongst the tourists.” The maitre’d said, smiling at both as he listed the options.
“...I must confess, my poor little heart is not ready for squid ink or octopus,” Elizabeth said, feeling ashamed at herself for having to divulge this in front of the waiter. “I’d simply go with the lobster set, however. What about you, teacher?”
“I shall have an order of baked monkfish. Do you have anything less adventurous than squid ink or the grilled octopus?” Aramus inquired, trying to remember what little he knew about Italian cuisine.
“Calamari, Signore. For the Senorita, that is a dish of lightly battered octopus and squid, sliced into bite size pieces. It it served with tomato puree on the side.”
Aramus looked at his student expectantly, hoping to indulge in more gluttony.
“O-Oh, my. I suppose I have misunderstood. Pardon my lack of knowledge of delicacies,” Elizabeth said, even more taken aback. “I believe I can go with it.”
“Well, it’s alright if you don’t. I’ll order one side of calamari, if you feel up for it then try and see if you like it,” Aramus reassured her. Not everyone was as adventurous as he was with food. The maitre’d repeated their order before heading off to the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone again.
“It is rather embarrassing when you’re not informed about food,” Elizabeth stated, her face still red. “I wish I’d have done more research on the modern worlders. I only ever interacted with the old and the futuristic, and have not interacted with what was left behind in between.”
“It is no problem at all. I enjoy reading and learning about them but never really have the chance to visit another country… It still amazes me how our world is so convoluted. We can enjoy so many different things at the same time,” Aramus commented, trying to ease away Elizabeth’s troubles. “Sometimes, you just want to let loose. Besides, the menu in most of Italy changes far too often to keep track of.”
“I see,” Elizabeth responded. “Perhaps I’ll look into different things some other time. I cannot quite calm down enough here to research, and I will not find the internet on England, so I have to wait till we get back to Tokyo,” she said.
Aramus nodded and the two made small talk, taking in the scenery of Venice and basically enjoying themselves until the waiter came back with their food. The smell was amazing and absolutely mouth-watering to Aramus, barely able to contain himself when faced with true authentic Italian fare. The antipasti looked glorious, calamari battered and fried to a golden brown, the monkfish looked absolutely delicious with the sauce drizzled all over. He was sure it tasted as good as it looked.
He began eating with gusto, pausing occasionally to let out a cry of delight. The food was being consumed at a slower rate than what Elizabeth was used to seeing, Aramus finding the time to savour his meal instead of trying to eat it all at once.
Elizabeth watched as Aramus ate with what seemed to be beyond gluttonous pleasure, which somehow made her feel happy. She soon ate silently – her usage of the silverware hardly making any noise – the lobster set that was provided before her, neatly cutting her portions just so she could eat them one by one. As soon as the food landed on her tongue, and the taste was experienced, she started consuming faster. She was surprised to learn that she finished her food faster than Aramus.
“I see you appreciate Italian food even more than I do. Go on, try the calamari. You’ll like it.” Aramus smiled after a mouthful of heaven. Watching his student eat with such joy made him feel a sense of satisfaction, it was the first time she had eaten that way in front of him.
Elizabeth gulped at the sight of the calamari. For the first time, she felt as though she could sympathise with her teacher’s want for food. “Here I go,” she said, bracing herself. Her fork was soon stabbed against the ring-like pieces of octopus, and dipped into her mouth before a look of delight came afloat her countenance.
Aramus’ smile grew wider in response. Another had fallen.
Elizabeth soon finished, wiping her lips with a tissue. “Excuse me, I’ll be heading to the washroom,” she said, getting up, and taking leave. Aramus could see her stop to ask a waiter for directions before she proceeded to the washroom.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Aramus paused in his eating, setting down his utensils with a soft clink. With the atmosphere as it were, it was hard to imagine that he had been through a terrorist attack and nearly lost his life not too long ago. He lamented that peaceful days would be scarcer as time went by. He then looked around, it seemed like Elizabeth was taking her sweet time in the washroom.
Before long, he heard some noises of people screaming. Aramus got up, alert, since it was just as he had feared; the ever-so-familiar noises of the gunshots were next to be heard. He looked to the window on the left, and thankfully, no one was there, but when he turned to the right, someone was holding the gun towards him.
“And there we have it! There we have it!” He yelled furiously, throwing his napkin onto the ground in anger. “What problem do you people have with me having a good time once in awhile!?”
The boy – or clone, as Alice put it – had a different face and blue hair. This change in facial appearance made Aramus wonder if he was truly a clone, however he was expressionless, and did not answer before he opened fire toward him, which resulted in another ear-piercing round of noises. People panicked and began to run away, but the gun was never moved away to a different target, so Aramus couldn’t get away in all the things that were going on.
Aramus flung himself out of the way, keeping track of the barrel’s direction. So long as he moved out of the barrel’s path, he was safe from getting turned into a pincushion. Weaving nimbly through the shower of bullets, he closed in on the boy and tackled him, slamming him down against the ground. Aramus then leapt back, feeling a killer’s intent, and he was right to trust his instincts when another one of such clone opened fire. Looking at the new boy, he was exactly the same as the one he tackled, who was already straightening himself up from floor. It was two against one now.
A gust whipped up around him as Aramus brought out Paimon’s fan but even whilst using it, it took longer than he anticipated due to some unlucky mishaps. The clones themselves weren't particularly dangerous but there were also other people to be aware of, not to mention fighting on the Doge’s boat would be cause for concern. The worst was when he actually slipped on some food in an attempt to dodge a hail of bullets, landing him flat on his back and turning his foul mood even worse.
With the clones done and dealt with, Aramus looked about, and he finally noticed; he hadn’t seen Elizabeth in a while. Did she escape along with the other customers of the ship?
Aramus ran a hand over his face in frustration as Alice’s words came back to him. Picking up one last morsel of calamari, he popped it into his mouth and headed off the boat. No point hanging around here anymore, people were starting to gather around. Taking one last look at the two clones on the ground, he gave his hand a flick, sending them flying into the canal with his blast of wind. “Assholes. Least I don’t have to pay for what I ate.”
He had to find Elizabeth before she committed the atrocity. Following the crowd and disembarking the ship in a hurry, Aramus noted the time taken to deal with the two clones and snagged a local map from one of the various storefronts, checking to see how far Elizabeth could have potentially travelled in that time. Folding the map closed, Aramus ducked into a side street and made his way onto the rooftops of Venice, using handholds and the venetian architecture to raise himself to a higher vantage point.
Since most of Venice was separated by canals, Elizabeth wouldn't have much choice but to use a water taxi or something similar if she wanted to travel quickly. Aramus began to run, periodically looking down into the various canals to see if she had indeed taken a boat. Before long, he found himself looking down at the Rialto bridge, somewhere he had wanted to take Elizabeth. Crouching, he searched the landmark for any sign of her but sighed when there was none.
Clicking his tongue in irritation, he turned back and headed down another canal leading in the opposite direction. This time, he would travel off the beaten path. Perhaps she would be in one of the quieter neighbourhoods. Aramus doubted his student was the kind to kill a child near a populated area. A church bell could be heard, its loud ringing echoing off the narrow canal wars and he paused to take a breather.
Drawing out the map, it read Santa Maria church judging by its relative position, he couldn’t be sure with Italian. Again, nothing. A little compulsion from his ever present companion however, persuaded him to check out its interior and he found himself before its doors. He opened the door, creaking as it moved and entered. Afternoon light streamed in through stained glass windows and one could see the dust in the air. It reminded him of the orphanage somehow.
Wooden pews were arranged in neat rows directly facing the altar. Although the church was small, it seemed to have a decent following or at least the alms collected were sufficient as the equipment used was more intricately designed. Various candle holders dotted the sides of the church, unlit. He ran a hand over the prayer books on a nearby table, their covers worn with age and use. The altar itself was fairly normal, a beam of light from behind it casting a glow on the stone slab. A bible lay on a cloth, the altar cloth draped neatly over most of the stone, and there was someone standing right before the altar.
The figure held something, or rather, someone. Aramus did not wanted to believe the shape of the familiar silhouette he was witnessing. The sight of deep, crimson blood on the floor was clear, and his mind wanted to deny the scene before him.
Elizabeth was there before him, crouched with a young boy on her arms. A bloodstained boy. There was a large wound on the boy’s chest. Elizabeth’s expression was hardly visible as she faced against the rays of the sun.
He was too late. Aramus walked up to the altar, heart sinking with each step. The sound of his boots against the stone floor were loud, echoing in the silence of the church until he was able to see the boy’s visage.
The girl looked crestfallen herself, having done the deed she never thought she would. Her tears shone from the sparse lights of the sun that befell her. Eventually, she looked up, her dark expression stained with her tears finally visible to Aramus.
“I see you caught up,” she said, her voice dry, “Are you here to laugh at me? For having to sink so low as to do such a deed?”
Gone was the laidback teacher she knew, in his place was someone else entirely. A frown was all he had as Aramus regarded her. “Why would I laugh? Does this look like a laughing matter?”
“A more distasteful matter, I would suppose,” Elizabeth said, pulling herself up. A blade formed before her as she moved her hand before her chest. Taking hold of it, the large blade was ignited with flames, and it cleaved through the body of the child that lied in front of her. Moments later, the flames eradicated the body completely, leaving nothing but ashes behind.
“What’s distasteful is my inability to stop you.” Aramus said as he waved a hand, the ash scattering upon the winds and carried away from the two of them. He walked off the side of the church and called to Elizabeth. “Come.”
“I am sorry, but I cannot do that,” Elizabeth said, turning towards the altar. A shadow stood in front of her before Aramus knew it. “Please go on ahead.”
“You intend to make this day more unpleasant than it already is.” Aramus said just loudly enough for her to hear, lighting a candle for the deceased boy. It would ensure a vigil later, all he could do for the poor soul.
Elizabeth raised her left arm, and touched the shadow. The blackness spread out to reveal a portal, and it enveloped her; sucking her in. Right then and there, Elizabeth disappeared, leaving the shadow behind.
With a scowl and against his better judgement, Aramus stalked into the portal.
“Here is the blood, as requested,” Elizabeth’s voice was heard, as Aramus struggled to make things out in the darkness.
“I see you have performed well. Good girl,” a different voice praised her, handing her something in a pouch. “With this your mission is complete. You are free to return till we next contact you.”
“Would it be possible to not contact me throughout my stay in London?” Elizabeth asked.
“Hmm… you are a participant of the Queen’s Meeting, I suppose. So, it is possible. However, depending on the circumstances, we may have to assign you a new task,” the voice answered.
“Then, about them…?”
“As usual, they will be taken care of.”
“I see,” Elizabeth said, with a graceful bow, one that was ruined by her countenance, “then I shall take leave.”
“Very well. Remember our contract, and remember what occurred… Till we meet again,” the figure in black robes – or so it seemed to Aramus – turned into black water and dissolved into the air. From his view, the room was black and there were hardly any interiors he could make out the details of. Only Elizabeth and the robed man was seen, until he disappeared and left Elizabeth alone with Aramus.
Elizabeth turned and found Aramus. Wordlessly, she crossed by him, finding the black space behind through which he came through, and took leave. He sighed, following behind her. Once both were back in the church, Aramus spoke. “Was that your first?”
“...”
Aramus let loose another sigh. “I’ll take that as a yes. Best be prepared then, I doubt you’ll only be getting children.”
“...This was hardly the first,” Elizabeth finally answered, but she didn’t sound anything like the usual Elizabeth Aramus knew. “I am sorry that we weren’t able to go to the Doge’s Palace.”
“Hmm, well it won’t be the last either. You’ve already embarked on this path, I don’t need to lecture you about it. Though I didn’t expect my classes to be used for this. Now, come.” Aramus followed her out into the open, a bitter taste in his mouth.
Before long, he heard some noises of people screaming. Aramus got up, alert, since it was just as he had feared; the ever-so-familiar noises of the gunshots were next to be heard. He looked to the window on the left, and thankfully, no one was there, but when he turned to the right, someone was holding the gun towards him.
“And there we have it! There we have it!” He yelled furiously, throwing his napkin onto the ground in anger. “What problem do you people have with me having a good time once in awhile!?”
The boy – or clone, as Alice put it – had a different face and blue hair. This change in facial appearance made Aramus wonder if he was truly a clone, however he was expressionless, and did not answer before he opened fire toward him, which resulted in another ear-piercing round of noises. People panicked and began to run away, but the gun was never moved away to a different target, so Aramus couldn’t get away in all the things that were going on.
Aramus flung himself out of the way, keeping track of the barrel’s direction. So long as he moved out of the barrel’s path, he was safe from getting turned into a pincushion. Weaving nimbly through the shower of bullets, he closed in on the boy and tackled him, slamming him down against the ground. Aramus then leapt back, feeling a killer’s intent, and he was right to trust his instincts when another one of such clone opened fire. Looking at the new boy, he was exactly the same as the one he tackled, who was already straightening himself up from floor. It was two against one now.
A gust whipped up around him as Aramus brought out Paimon’s fan but even whilst using it, it took longer than he anticipated due to some unlucky mishaps. The clones themselves weren't particularly dangerous but there were also other people to be aware of, not to mention fighting on the Doge’s boat would be cause for concern. The worst was when he actually slipped on some food in an attempt to dodge a hail of bullets, landing him flat on his back and turning his foul mood even worse.
With the clones done and dealt with, Aramus looked about, and he finally noticed; he hadn’t seen Elizabeth in a while. Did she escape along with the other customers of the ship?
Aramus ran a hand over his face in frustration as Alice’s words came back to him. Picking up one last morsel of calamari, he popped it into his mouth and headed off the boat. No point hanging around here anymore, people were starting to gather around. Taking one last look at the two clones on the ground, he gave his hand a flick, sending them flying into the canal with his blast of wind. “Assholes. Least I don’t have to pay for what I ate.”
He had to find Elizabeth before she committed the atrocity. Following the crowd and disembarking the ship in a hurry, Aramus noted the time taken to deal with the two clones and snagged a local map from one of the various storefronts, checking to see how far Elizabeth could have potentially travelled in that time. Folding the map closed, Aramus ducked into a side street and made his way onto the rooftops of Venice, using handholds and the venetian architecture to raise himself to a higher vantage point.
Since most of Venice was separated by canals, Elizabeth wouldn't have much choice but to use a water taxi or something similar if she wanted to travel quickly. Aramus began to run, periodically looking down into the various canals to see if she had indeed taken a boat. Before long, he found himself looking down at the Rialto bridge, somewhere he had wanted to take Elizabeth. Crouching, he searched the landmark for any sign of her but sighed when there was none.
Clicking his tongue in irritation, he turned back and headed down another canal leading in the opposite direction. This time, he would travel off the beaten path. Perhaps she would be in one of the quieter neighbourhoods. Aramus doubted his student was the kind to kill a child near a populated area. A church bell could be heard, its loud ringing echoing off the narrow canal wars and he paused to take a breather.
Drawing out the map, it read Santa Maria church judging by its relative position, he couldn’t be sure with Italian. Again, nothing. A little compulsion from his ever present companion however, persuaded him to check out its interior and he found himself before its doors. He opened the door, creaking as it moved and entered. Afternoon light streamed in through stained glass windows and one could see the dust in the air. It reminded him of the orphanage somehow.
Wooden pews were arranged in neat rows directly facing the altar. Although the church was small, it seemed to have a decent following or at least the alms collected were sufficient as the equipment used was more intricately designed. Various candle holders dotted the sides of the church, unlit. He ran a hand over the prayer books on a nearby table, their covers worn with age and use. The altar itself was fairly normal, a beam of light from behind it casting a glow on the stone slab. A bible lay on a cloth, the altar cloth draped neatly over most of the stone, and there was someone standing right before the altar.
The figure held something, or rather, someone. Aramus did not wanted to believe the shape of the familiar silhouette he was witnessing. The sight of deep, crimson blood on the floor was clear, and his mind wanted to deny the scene before him.
Elizabeth was there before him, crouched with a young boy on her arms. A bloodstained boy. There was a large wound on the boy’s chest. Elizabeth’s expression was hardly visible as she faced against the rays of the sun.
He was too late. Aramus walked up to the altar, heart sinking with each step. The sound of his boots against the stone floor were loud, echoing in the silence of the church until he was able to see the boy’s visage.
The girl looked crestfallen herself, having done the deed she never thought she would. Her tears shone from the sparse lights of the sun that befell her. Eventually, she looked up, her dark expression stained with her tears finally visible to Aramus.
“I see you caught up,” she said, her voice dry, “Are you here to laugh at me? For having to sink so low as to do such a deed?”
Gone was the laidback teacher she knew, in his place was someone else entirely. A frown was all he had as Aramus regarded her. “Why would I laugh? Does this look like a laughing matter?”
“A more distasteful matter, I would suppose,” Elizabeth said, pulling herself up. A blade formed before her as she moved her hand before her chest. Taking hold of it, the large blade was ignited with flames, and it cleaved through the body of the child that lied in front of her. Moments later, the flames eradicated the body completely, leaving nothing but ashes behind.
“What’s distasteful is my inability to stop you.” Aramus said as he waved a hand, the ash scattering upon the winds and carried away from the two of them. He walked off the side of the church and called to Elizabeth. “Come.”
“I am sorry, but I cannot do that,” Elizabeth said, turning towards the altar. A shadow stood in front of her before Aramus knew it. “Please go on ahead.”
“You intend to make this day more unpleasant than it already is.” Aramus said just loudly enough for her to hear, lighting a candle for the deceased boy. It would ensure a vigil later, all he could do for the poor soul.
Elizabeth raised her left arm, and touched the shadow. The blackness spread out to reveal a portal, and it enveloped her; sucking her in. Right then and there, Elizabeth disappeared, leaving the shadow behind.
With a scowl and against his better judgement, Aramus stalked into the portal.
“Here is the blood, as requested,” Elizabeth’s voice was heard, as Aramus struggled to make things out in the darkness.
“I see you have performed well. Good girl,” a different voice praised her, handing her something in a pouch. “With this your mission is complete. You are free to return till we next contact you.”
“Would it be possible to not contact me throughout my stay in London?” Elizabeth asked.
“Hmm… you are a participant of the Queen’s Meeting, I suppose. So, it is possible. However, depending on the circumstances, we may have to assign you a new task,” the voice answered.
“Then, about them…?”
“As usual, they will be taken care of.”
“I see,” Elizabeth said, with a graceful bow, one that was ruined by her countenance, “then I shall take leave.”
“Very well. Remember our contract, and remember what occurred… Till we meet again,” the figure in black robes – or so it seemed to Aramus – turned into black water and dissolved into the air. From his view, the room was black and there were hardly any interiors he could make out the details of. Only Elizabeth and the robed man was seen, until he disappeared and left Elizabeth alone with Aramus.
Elizabeth turned and found Aramus. Wordlessly, she crossed by him, finding the black space behind through which he came through, and took leave. He sighed, following behind her. Once both were back in the church, Aramus spoke. “Was that your first?”
“...”
Aramus let loose another sigh. “I’ll take that as a yes. Best be prepared then, I doubt you’ll only be getting children.”
“...This was hardly the first,” Elizabeth finally answered, but she didn’t sound anything like the usual Elizabeth Aramus knew. “I am sorry that we weren’t able to go to the Doge’s Palace.”
“Hmm, well it won’t be the last either. You’ve already embarked on this path, I don’t need to lecture you about it. Though I didn’t expect my classes to be used for this. Now, come.” Aramus followed her out into the open, a bitter taste in his mouth.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
((OOC: Oh my God, we finally reached this part of the RP. You thought this was dying? Well, I thought the same, honestly. Anyway, if anyone is still reading this thread, there's much more awesomeness to come in this ride.))
Act 2 - The Rise of the Queen (Part 1)
The birds were singing songs; twittering. Their voices crossed the window, and into the room – full with lavish decorations – of which almost every entrances were sealed. The recipient of the voice was none other than the owner of the castle. She was dressed in a royal red and gorgeous victorian dress. However, it wasn’t for anyone to see, other than the measly number of maidservants who’d seldom be able to lay a glance upon the one who brought about Britain its glory. Glory that would be lost in the coming years of history.
She found in the chirping birds kindred spirits. They were, to her, companions who’d bring about a spec of lively feeling every morning. For she was a bird herself. Indeed, a bird in a cage. However, she was different from these creatures. In shape and form, only in metaphor could she connect herself to them. She couldn’t fly, she couldn’t travel great distances, she couldn’t sing as they could, nor could relish the freedom their lives were blessed with.
The Queen couldn’t even step out of the door unless she was required for any particular events. Her eyes were – almost always – stuck to parchments and letters. Various documents were always sent to her. Reports, requests, messages; the contents varied. For she had nothing to do, all she could do was read. Read, learn, and understand the context and meaning of the texts, and perhaps analyse. She’d sign on them if she’d need to, or she’d articulate a response on paper if she’d felt the necessity to do so, and then move on to the next.
This was how the apparent †˜bird in the cage’ spent her days in the castle. Due to the tight security employed by the protective magus of the Royal Council – which she herself thought was wise – her days would pass by with her idling and reading in a spacious room. Sometimes she’d find herself listlessly looking towards the window, towards the place where the birds lied somewhere, towards the scenary of her city where her people lived.
How envious she was of her people. How lucky they were to not be born as a privileged member. However, that was precisely the reason she wanted to protect their peaceful lives.
“Bored, I presume?”
The so-called †˜bird’ looked to the corner – to the lingering being overflowing with darkness. She needn’t attempt to look through the black veil. From the tone itself, the woman who stood atop the Higher Places of Britain had already ascertained that her visitor was grinning mischievously. Her happiness had almost made her jealous, rekindling her feelings from her earlier reverie. At the same time, she wondered how a woman like her was so happy. She imagined what fulfilled her.
No matter how she thought about it, she could only categorise it as a mystery.
“Good day to you. Welcome to my humble abode,” the Queen greeted. A polite smile and a courteous bow was given away without any second thoughts.
“You haven’t changed a bit since I’ve last seen you – what was it, a hundred years ago? – how boring,” the voice said, sounding a little irritated.
“Why not take a seat?” the Queen offered, motioning her hand towards the seat opposite to her table that was in the center of the room. It was a round table with four chairs on four sides. The person engulfed in blackness sat as directed without making a single noise. The Queen poured tea from the teapot that lied over the table, some distance away from her stacks of paper that she had now moved aside to face her visitor.
“Do you always stay here?”
“Indeed I do.”
“Why?”
“Because it is my home?”
“I find it suffocating. I know not how you’re able to stay here always.”
“I apologise if it is not to your liking.”
“Will you stop talking like that?”
“...How else am I supposed to respond?” the Queen seemed bewildered, tilting her head.
“Never mind,” the visitor sighed, as if giving up, but it seemed that her brows were knit regardless.
“So, how may I help you today? Is it my head that you desire?”
“I wish,” the voice said, as if mocking her, eyeing her accessories.
The jewelries that the Queen wore dazzled despite the fact that the sun never showered its rays on the country. They only glimmered from the candle set over the table so that the Queen may read or write. They were the true sentinels of the Queen, for they invoked fear upon assassins due to the amount of magic they held just by being adorned.
“Then your purpose for the visit is?”
“I simply came to laugh at you.”
“My, you must have a lot of time, then.”
“The Queen’s Meeting…”
“Yes?”
“It seems that you will have guests that would be a handful in the event.”
“I mind not, it is a pleasure to attend such an occasion.”
“Please, I am hoping that you will entertain me.”
“I shall try my hardest to live up to your expectations.”
“Really, can you? Hadn’t your blade – or should I say wand? – not gone rusty now?”
“If you so desire, I am foreign not to the ideas of providing a demonstration.”
There it was, the grin she felt when her visitor first spoke, except that the feeling was much more intense than before.
“Sure, why not? Everyone loves a sneak-peek to their much-awaited show.”
“Very well.”
“Hahahahaha!! Marvelous, to think you’d go so far! A wonderful display indeed.” the voice laughed and remarked loudly, the eyes of the visitor held a glimmer that showed the Queen that this person was truly happy – from the bottom of her heart.
The room was set astir with flames left and right, the carpets and the decorations burned ceaselessly. The two stood across the room. As the chairs and table were burned to ash, they had no choice but to relocate.
The weapon was wordlessly lifted – facing the ceiling – and the darkness of the visitor fell low, as if retreating away.
“Are you so bored that you wish to face me now? Aren’t you a little hasty?”
“O eternal father of the skies, pray bestow upon me…”
“...Have you gone mad?” the voice questioned, terrified; her expression was seemingly distinct compared to how it was a moment ago. The darkness cloaked the figure it revolved, as if protecting it.
“I am only entertaining a guest.”
Her words were soon followed by an ear-piercingly loud explosion that shook the walls of the castle before they crumbled and collapsed.
“The preparations are ready,” the lady with platinum hair said. “All should go according to your plan.”
“Good, Mary, good! At long last, we have come to this point,” a man said. A wheel spun eternally behind him, and stars rotated above his head. He was the very definition of a fantastical being. “Now I may enjoy the party in my own manner. Ah, but I forget, what of the Countess’ new toy?”
“Last seen in Ritz Hotel, Master,” Mary answered, her voice was dry and she didn’t seemed to be delighted unlike the other man in the room. “We are unable to observe her due to her current location inside the hotel.”
“All we need to assume is that she is no longer human,” he said, “The newer ones are easier to get rid of.”
“Yes, but-”
“Get rid of that filthy existence, and this is an order, girl.”
“Can we really not spare her, there is no confirmation yet!”
“...Are you deaf? Must I repeat myself?”
“...No, Master, it shall be done.”
“Good. All shall we well as long as you listen. I hear the Duchess Caroline is coming back soon, and with Aramus Valmark no less… don’t you believe this is a perfect opportunity for a most touching reunion?”
“You…”
“Anger wouldn’t do well for your position,” the man said with a big smile.
“Your wish is my command,” Mary looked down and cringed as she obeyed. She then left the room.
“Heh, the air changes with every passing day,” the man spoke to no one in particular, “I feel your descent, Virgo. How you decide to judge the peasants… I simply cannot wait to see it.”
Spoiler:
Act 2 - The Rise of the Queen (Part 1)
The birds were singing songs; twittering. Their voices crossed the window, and into the room – full with lavish decorations – of which almost every entrances were sealed. The recipient of the voice was none other than the owner of the castle. She was dressed in a royal red and gorgeous victorian dress. However, it wasn’t for anyone to see, other than the measly number of maidservants who’d seldom be able to lay a glance upon the one who brought about Britain its glory. Glory that would be lost in the coming years of history.
She found in the chirping birds kindred spirits. They were, to her, companions who’d bring about a spec of lively feeling every morning. For she was a bird herself. Indeed, a bird in a cage. However, she was different from these creatures. In shape and form, only in metaphor could she connect herself to them. She couldn’t fly, she couldn’t travel great distances, she couldn’t sing as they could, nor could relish the freedom their lives were blessed with.
The Queen couldn’t even step out of the door unless she was required for any particular events. Her eyes were – almost always – stuck to parchments and letters. Various documents were always sent to her. Reports, requests, messages; the contents varied. For she had nothing to do, all she could do was read. Read, learn, and understand the context and meaning of the texts, and perhaps analyse. She’d sign on them if she’d need to, or she’d articulate a response on paper if she’d felt the necessity to do so, and then move on to the next.
This was how the apparent †˜bird in the cage’ spent her days in the castle. Due to the tight security employed by the protective magus of the Royal Council – which she herself thought was wise – her days would pass by with her idling and reading in a spacious room. Sometimes she’d find herself listlessly looking towards the window, towards the place where the birds lied somewhere, towards the scenary of her city where her people lived.
How envious she was of her people. How lucky they were to not be born as a privileged member. However, that was precisely the reason she wanted to protect their peaceful lives.
“Bored, I presume?”
The so-called †˜bird’ looked to the corner – to the lingering being overflowing with darkness. She needn’t attempt to look through the black veil. From the tone itself, the woman who stood atop the Higher Places of Britain had already ascertained that her visitor was grinning mischievously. Her happiness had almost made her jealous, rekindling her feelings from her earlier reverie. At the same time, she wondered how a woman like her was so happy. She imagined what fulfilled her.
No matter how she thought about it, she could only categorise it as a mystery.
“Good day to you. Welcome to my humble abode,” the Queen greeted. A polite smile and a courteous bow was given away without any second thoughts.
“You haven’t changed a bit since I’ve last seen you – what was it, a hundred years ago? – how boring,” the voice said, sounding a little irritated.
“Why not take a seat?” the Queen offered, motioning her hand towards the seat opposite to her table that was in the center of the room. It was a round table with four chairs on four sides. The person engulfed in blackness sat as directed without making a single noise. The Queen poured tea from the teapot that lied over the table, some distance away from her stacks of paper that she had now moved aside to face her visitor.
“Do you always stay here?”
“Indeed I do.”
“Why?”
“Because it is my home?”
“I find it suffocating. I know not how you’re able to stay here always.”
“I apologise if it is not to your liking.”
“Will you stop talking like that?”
“...How else am I supposed to respond?” the Queen seemed bewildered, tilting her head.
“Never mind,” the visitor sighed, as if giving up, but it seemed that her brows were knit regardless.
“So, how may I help you today? Is it my head that you desire?”
“I wish,” the voice said, as if mocking her, eyeing her accessories.
The jewelries that the Queen wore dazzled despite the fact that the sun never showered its rays on the country. They only glimmered from the candle set over the table so that the Queen may read or write. They were the true sentinels of the Queen, for they invoked fear upon assassins due to the amount of magic they held just by being adorned.
“Then your purpose for the visit is?”
“I simply came to laugh at you.”
“My, you must have a lot of time, then.”
“The Queen’s Meeting…”
“Yes?”
“It seems that you will have guests that would be a handful in the event.”
“I mind not, it is a pleasure to attend such an occasion.”
“Please, I am hoping that you will entertain me.”
“I shall try my hardest to live up to your expectations.”
“Really, can you? Hadn’t your blade – or should I say wand? – not gone rusty now?”
“If you so desire, I am foreign not to the ideas of providing a demonstration.”
There it was, the grin she felt when her visitor first spoke, except that the feeling was much more intense than before.
“Sure, why not? Everyone loves a sneak-peek to their much-awaited show.”
“Very well.”
***
“Hahahahaha!! Marvelous, to think you’d go so far! A wonderful display indeed.” the voice laughed and remarked loudly, the eyes of the visitor held a glimmer that showed the Queen that this person was truly happy – from the bottom of her heart.
The room was set astir with flames left and right, the carpets and the decorations burned ceaselessly. The two stood across the room. As the chairs and table were burned to ash, they had no choice but to relocate.
The weapon was wordlessly lifted – facing the ceiling – and the darkness of the visitor fell low, as if retreating away.
“Are you so bored that you wish to face me now? Aren’t you a little hasty?”
“O eternal father of the skies, pray bestow upon me…”
“...Have you gone mad?” the voice questioned, terrified; her expression was seemingly distinct compared to how it was a moment ago. The darkness cloaked the figure it revolved, as if protecting it.
“I am only entertaining a guest.”
Her words were soon followed by an ear-piercingly loud explosion that shook the walls of the castle before they crumbled and collapsed.
***
“The preparations are ready,” the lady with platinum hair said. “All should go according to your plan.”
“Good, Mary, good! At long last, we have come to this point,” a man said. A wheel spun eternally behind him, and stars rotated above his head. He was the very definition of a fantastical being. “Now I may enjoy the party in my own manner. Ah, but I forget, what of the Countess’ new toy?”
“Last seen in Ritz Hotel, Master,” Mary answered, her voice was dry and she didn’t seemed to be delighted unlike the other man in the room. “We are unable to observe her due to her current location inside the hotel.”
“All we need to assume is that she is no longer human,” he said, “The newer ones are easier to get rid of.”
“Yes, but-”
“Get rid of that filthy existence, and this is an order, girl.”
“Can we really not spare her, there is no confirmation yet!”
“...Are you deaf? Must I repeat myself?”
“...No, Master, it shall be done.”
“Good. All shall we well as long as you listen. I hear the Duchess Caroline is coming back soon, and with Aramus Valmark no less… don’t you believe this is a perfect opportunity for a most touching reunion?”
“You…”
“Anger wouldn’t do well for your position,” the man said with a big smile.
“Your wish is my command,” Mary looked down and cringed as she obeyed. She then left the room.
“Heh, the air changes with every passing day,” the man spoke to no one in particular, “I feel your descent, Virgo. How you decide to judge the peasants… I simply cannot wait to see it.”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Once upon a time existed warriors possessing powers that could manipulate time.
They were said to all walk their paths – for 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. Truly, the communities of human beings were, for the most part, uninformed about these beings.
Their powers – in reality – were beyond compare with practitioners of magecraft. Their powers – in reality – reigned supremacy even over nature itself.
Why? One may soon learn…
This is the tale of the first meeting between four of twelve of the Descendants of Time.
“My, how opportune an event I’ve stumbled upon tonight.”
“Who are you two?”
“My name is Hynek Tamas, and you are?” asked Hynek with a slight bow.
In amidst Rome, 85 AD. Stood three figures worth fearing across the globe. The colosseum was a fine stage for them to meet. Concrete and stone was what their establishment was made of. At the time – it was the best possible structure. Indeed, it could last for many, many centuries.
In such a glorious stage fate brought together the wise Summer’s Saint, the fabled Thunder Emperor, and the once-old Pharaoh Hynek.
“I am known as the Saint of Summer, but my name is Ignacia, Mister Hynek, and...” the proclaimed saint who spoke cordially gave a small bow of her head as she clasped her hands together before her stomach. Strange sense of manners. She knew it herself. Yet she followed it, almost religiously. It was as if she was dyed in red; her dress was a beautiful crimson clad in pieces of armor. As if having come from a far, foreign land. In fact, she did come from a faraway land.
“Thunder Emperor…” the other – who wore simple white clothes like any other Roman would – man answered. His gray hair and strong built gave an impression of a fearsome and overwhelming man. However, the two before him were just as extraordinary as him.
“Yes, I am aware of you, Thunder Emperor,” the saint finished.
“Oh? Are we all going by our special titles? I was left out of the loop. You may refer to me as Lord Aphrodisia.” said Hynek with a wink to Ignacia.
“Well, they are only names bestowed upon us by the humans,” the Saint stated. “Aphrodisia, if I may ask; have you, too, come for sightseeing?” She asked, particularly not caring about the meaning behind Hynek’s title, as if not fearing a man’s… instincts, at all.
“I suppose you could say that,” said Hynek with a smirk. “I also come on business.”
“I see,” the Saint answered tersely before she let her eyelids rest over her pupils. “To sleep, I assume?” She boldly asked. “Exotic experience is all about the added novelty, I believe.”
Hynek grinned at Ignacia. “Would you like to have such an experience, yourself?” asked Hynek. “I promise I won’t disappoint.”
“Who knows,” the Saint placed a finger tip just under her lips with a mischievous smile. “A true gentleman would rather find out then ask, yes?”
“Scoundrels… you dare mock our women?” Thunder Emperor said, his temper flaring. Black thunder swirled around him. His expression was a mix of terror and pure rage. A black-and-white wave launched forth; painting the world colorless. Time was frozen. Rome was frozen. The people were frozen. Except for the three. “I will not allow such a savage man like you touch my citizens.”
“Quite the opposite, I had a great time with your women,” answered Hynek looking around at the time-stopped landscape. “Now here, I am nothing if not a gentleman. Any touch I gave was asked for. Savagery is not the way to a woman’s heart.”
The Saint laughed.
The King mocked.
And the Emperor leered.
This would give rise to an event that would forever change the world.
“Oh dear, here comes Mister Domitian’s renowned temper,” the Saint stated, pleased from the brilliant sight of lightning.
The sky was cloudy and thunder soon roared. Even as time was stopped, nature apparently lived. Yes, only here. Only because of the emperor who ruled over electricity.
“Thunder with no rain, it’s like a pastry with no sugar,” commented Hynek. “I’d be mad as well.” Hynek could tell that the ruler of this city was on the last of his fuse however. “If it pleases you, I will do my best to hold back my...urges. While in your city at least.”
“Shut up. You’ve already touched them… I will remove the filth from my city,” the agitated emperor gave his verdict. A flash of lightning burst forth in all directions with a magnificent force. Hynek and Ignacia calmly jumped back; dodging the destructive power.
“Isn’t he flashy?” the Saint scoffed.
“Are we to resort to violence then?” said Hynek with a smile. A bright light flashed and a long white and gold coat appeared on his figure. Adjusting the tie on it, his relic weapon flashed from his chest and clamped onto his right arm. A golden wrist blade that shined as the flashes of lightning went off in the sky. “Trust me, this man doesn’t know flashy.”
“No, I shall reserve the word Mister Pretty Face for you, instead,” the Saint laughed as she replied. She drew her right-arm up towards the sky – a spear formed with a red and white light; as if crafting it out of thin air – it was a magnificent sight. She gave it a spun as she held her weapon – all ready for combat.
“I shall judge you filths! Prepare yourselves!” With such a proclamation – the fight begun. The Thunder Emperor seemed very anxious and impatient at the same time. A hammer formed under his fist, and it soon clashed with the stone floor; forming cracks. Pillars of blazing light showed themselves – before accumulating into the sky, and resulting in five orbs of lightning that floated across the air up in the sky, just under the dark clouds.
“Oh? That is quite the surprise,” the smile waned and a serious expression entered the fray. Saint of Summer was truly astonished, mysteriously enough. “For that hammer to be here… a marvelous relic, indeed,” she spoke with a smug face.
“Perhaps it can join the other weapons of conquered foes in my trophy room.” answered Hynek. “But I suppose I shouldn’t go underestimating him just yet.” Hynek looked at the orbs suspiciously as a gentle wind swirled about his relic. He began to pace around the emperor waiting for a chance to strike.
As Hynek paced around, the Saint begun a silent walk towards the Emperor. The Emperor smiled. It was a contorted expression. He was happy – from the bottom of his heart.
Lightning showered down from the skies. Thunder fell unto the orbs; making them larger, before the orbs rained waves of lightning down into the entire colosseum – shattering the concrete and stones mercilessly.
Hynek was protected by the spirits, while the lightning passed through the saint, as if she was an ephemeral ghost. Hynek increased the power of his wind on his wrist blade as it whistled loudly. Dashing in, he spun once before slashing through the Emperor. The wind dispersed in a loud screech that left the thunderous man deafened. Indeed was he – for the howls of the wind were louder than he could imagine. The Thunder Emperor was more shocked than further angered, but before he could make a move – he felt a very strong stinging feeling.
When he looked down, he found a crimson object.
A brightly shining golden lance draped in clear noble fluid was found crossed cleanly through his bare chest; Ignacia had stabbed him through his heart from behind him.
What Hynek saw behind the pained expression of the Thunder Emperor – whose lightning around him began to calm – was a face showing nothing but pity. Hynek looked up to him in shock. He hadn’t planned to kill this man today. He even took proper care to avoid vitals. Backing away he looked to Ignacia.
“Did we need to kill him?” asked Hynek.
“Almost,” Ignacia answered.
The Emperor roared, and the thunder sprang out. Hynek was confident that he’d be unscathed and smiled as the electricity washed by his attire. What he did not expect was for him to go blind due to the bright flash of light.
“Damnit!” Hynek exclaimed as he tried to cover his eyes. He had seen it coming, but was still too slow to react. Jumping away from him before he could be hit with another of the Emperor’s wrathful attacks, Hynek tried to regain his vision.
After some seconds, he could finally feel his vision returning. When Hynek opened his eyes however… he was utterly confused.
Hynek was greeted by a completely different environment.
Was the colosseum a wreck now? Was the area completely demolished? Was it bathing in lightning still? Was it witnessing the death of the Thunder Emperor?
Nay.
It was simply gone.
Hynek looked around, and noticed silver floor. There was hardly any light to support his vision that his pupils extracted for him to witness this new place. He could feel with his foot that the floor under him was definitely not concrete, but something much harder… and smoother, was it marble? He wondered. He narrowed his eyes as he looked forward… there, he found a pair of gates after his eyes begun to adjust with the lack of light.
The gates that were closed shut. They weren’t wide in breadth, but certainly long in length. Dark, grim, imposing, and strangely slim-looking. The doors allowed a peek of what lied inside as it opened; exposing an inch between the gates.
What he witnessed was a darkish red light. What lied beyond was beyond even his comprehension. However, his instincts told him not to approach it.
Spellbound, he couldn’t take his eyes off the gates, and for some reason unknown, he started to take steps towards it.
Click, clack, click, clack.
He heard echoes, but marched onwards, as if hypnotized by a superior power.
Suddenly, he could feel something from behind the gates. His instincts thought it was a blade, but his body would not move. It refused to listen, and Hynek came to his senses – he realized that he was doing things he shouldn’t. Regardless, even as his mind had thawed out from the ice, his body didn’t. His pupils turned to every possible corners of his eyes frantically, looking for something. Something that could perhaps save him. There was an old saying that when you meet the eyes of the caster – you can escape even the deadliest of witchcraft.
Hynek could not find anything. He begun to panic. His past begun to flash into his mind. He could feel it. He could feel the door to death drawing ever closer. Each steps felt as though they took an eternity to pass. Sweat rushed down his face as he approached it further.
Click, clack, click, clack.
Echoes were no longer reaching his ears, as he was starting to catch what lied beyond that red slid between the doors.It was horror itself. Dread, terror, and crimson redness of blood filled the air beyond it. It was truly – the gates of hell. There was no way he’d want to go beyond it.
Click, clack, click, clack.
His hand was drawn forward, and his fingers were inches away from the opening to the supposed Realm of the Infernals. Hynek – an immortal – felt fear, perhaps for the first time in his entire life.
Just as he thought all was over for him. Light greeted him.
Yes, light.
To his surprise, it came from behind, as the door was made visible due to the illumination. Carvings of black dragons were etched all over the door, as if they danced across it.
A hand rested over his shoulder. That figure – his possible savior – was a person overflowing with light. It was as if she was the angel, who descended into the pits of hell.
“Well, aren’t you careless,” a familiar voice spoke, and Hynek immediately turned to find Ignacia – the Saint of Summer – just behind him.
Unlike before, she was glowing with a mysterious light.
“You should be able to move now,” she added, as she took her hand off, “Mister Hynek.”
“What in heaven's name was that?!” Exclaimed Hynek, feeling his heartbeat return to normal. That entire time it felt as if he was not breathing.
“Beyond this lies the world of ruin and oblivion – the Realm of the Infernals,” Ignacia answered.
“Have you not heard of the prophecy?” She asked, apparently unfazed by this situation. Just who was she?
“What you see is known as – the Gate of Tartarus.”
“Why are we being shown this?” asked Hynek still slightly catching his breath. “Did the Emperor send us here?”
“Shown? We are here,” Ignacia said. “To be honest, I am just as clueless as you are, we should not be brought here unless all of us Descendants of gathered,” she added informatively, stating why she was confused. “I can… hear something,” the Saint turned, and she found the Thunder Emperor, standing behind them.
The Emperor held his hammer, and stood with a crazed look on his face, as if he was tortured, and was suffering from excruciating pain. Ignacia looked down to his chest, to find the grim hole, staining the rest of his body. The culprit – her spear – was long gone, and the Emperor was indeed suffering from his wound even now. After all, she completely took out his heart. Even then, he was standing. Remarkable feat impossible for a human, clearly.
Ignacia raised a hand before Hynek, and they soon backed away, while facing the mad Descendant; they moved out of the way.
The Emperor spoke not a word, he looked listlessly at the slit between the gates.
Something… moved. Hynek and Ignacia’s eyes immediately turned towards the gates.
“Run!” She exclaimed. Hynek and herself sprinted forth and took good distance, as the gates opened.
A ghastly noise rang out, and the roars of the dead could be heard from beyond the Gates of Tartarus. Red haze spilled forth, and crimson fleshy tentacles spawned forth.
Soon, they grabbed the arms, legs, limbs, and the Emperor’s body. There was no doubt that they held so tightly, that he could never escape, even with his powers – the noise of tightening was rather loud. Unrealistically, even so.
Ignacia simply looked away, as the Thunder Emperor was pulled beyond the gates. The moment he was pulled away was rather speedy – as if the scene was fast-forwarded – and it truly looked like something out of a cheap and shady †˜horror flick’ as one would claim in the far future. The doors immediately closed loudly – the mist stopped oozing out – as if having a satisfying meal.
Screams barely made their way out of the door. It was the screams of the poor Emperor. What followed were noises of flesh, meat, muscles and organs behind torn apart.
As Ignacia opened her eyes, she found Hynek beside her. What was different, was that they were greeted by the colosseum at long last. It was not shattered or wrecked, but was instead the way it was before the fight, with its color back.
Ignacia sighed. It was a long, and unrestrained sigh of relief unbecoming of a lady. “Turns out it is game over for those who enters before the gathering of all Descendants. Either that, or the prophecy is a lie, and every one of us are being lured to death with pretty words,” she guessed.
“From what I see here it more likely is the latter,” answered Hynek.
“Perhaps,” the Saint replied, with a jerk of her shoulders. “Unfortunately, I am the kind of person who cannot be satisfied from curiosity unless proof is provided. I shall one day learn the truth, one way or the other. Of course, I have no death wish.”
“Then for now I think that we can both agree to be rid of this place,” suggested Hynek. “I wish to be as far away from that gate as possible until we understand how it works.”
“Agreed,” Ignacia nodded, finally showing a smile again. “I was rather… tensed by all this. Say, why don’t we have some fun, for just this one night? I will take your offer up from earlier.” A rather mischievous smile arose from her yet again as she offered without a second thought.
“I do suppose one night couldn’t hurt,” answered Hynek with a knowing gaze. “Anything I can do to ease the mind of such a lovely lady,” Hynek took her hand and pressed his lips against her fingers.
“Well, let us do to a… better place, and we can take our sweet time finding a proper solution. I am sure an esteemed gentleman would be able to meet the requests of a demanding lady?”
“I can think of a few places we could go. Rome is a more interesting place than most people think, and it's an interesting place to begin with,” joked Hynek.
“Very well then, lead the way,” Ignacia responded, not really taking the joke too well.
The two soon left the desolate place known as the colosseum, soon to have their fun night.
Ignacia turned an eye to the top of the colosseum as the view was sinking behind the two after exiting it, while Hynek gazed forward – excited – and she witnessed a dark figure soon vanished into the air. She sighed, and faced forward again, rebuilding her usual charming smile.
And that was how the tale of the never-known history came to an end.
They were said to all walk their paths – for 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. Truly, the communities of human beings were, for the most part, uninformed about these beings.
Their powers – in reality – were beyond compare with practitioners of magecraft. Their powers – in reality – reigned supremacy even over nature itself.
Why? One may soon learn…
This is the tale of the first meeting between four of twelve of the Descendants of Time.
***
“My, how opportune an event I’ve stumbled upon tonight.”
“Who are you two?”
“My name is Hynek Tamas, and you are?” asked Hynek with a slight bow.
In amidst Rome, 85 AD. Stood three figures worth fearing across the globe. The colosseum was a fine stage for them to meet. Concrete and stone was what their establishment was made of. At the time – it was the best possible structure. Indeed, it could last for many, many centuries.
In such a glorious stage fate brought together the wise Summer’s Saint, the fabled Thunder Emperor, and the once-old Pharaoh Hynek.
“I am known as the Saint of Summer, but my name is Ignacia, Mister Hynek, and...” the proclaimed saint who spoke cordially gave a small bow of her head as she clasped her hands together before her stomach. Strange sense of manners. She knew it herself. Yet she followed it, almost religiously. It was as if she was dyed in red; her dress was a beautiful crimson clad in pieces of armor. As if having come from a far, foreign land. In fact, she did come from a faraway land.
“Thunder Emperor…” the other – who wore simple white clothes like any other Roman would – man answered. His gray hair and strong built gave an impression of a fearsome and overwhelming man. However, the two before him were just as extraordinary as him.
“Yes, I am aware of you, Thunder Emperor,” the saint finished.
“Oh? Are we all going by our special titles? I was left out of the loop. You may refer to me as Lord Aphrodisia.” said Hynek with a wink to Ignacia.
“Well, they are only names bestowed upon us by the humans,” the Saint stated. “Aphrodisia, if I may ask; have you, too, come for sightseeing?” She asked, particularly not caring about the meaning behind Hynek’s title, as if not fearing a man’s… instincts, at all.
“I suppose you could say that,” said Hynek with a smirk. “I also come on business.”
“I see,” the Saint answered tersely before she let her eyelids rest over her pupils. “To sleep, I assume?” She boldly asked. “Exotic experience is all about the added novelty, I believe.”
Hynek grinned at Ignacia. “Would you like to have such an experience, yourself?” asked Hynek. “I promise I won’t disappoint.”
“Who knows,” the Saint placed a finger tip just under her lips with a mischievous smile. “A true gentleman would rather find out then ask, yes?”
“Scoundrels… you dare mock our women?” Thunder Emperor said, his temper flaring. Black thunder swirled around him. His expression was a mix of terror and pure rage. A black-and-white wave launched forth; painting the world colorless. Time was frozen. Rome was frozen. The people were frozen. Except for the three. “I will not allow such a savage man like you touch my citizens.”
“Quite the opposite, I had a great time with your women,” answered Hynek looking around at the time-stopped landscape. “Now here, I am nothing if not a gentleman. Any touch I gave was asked for. Savagery is not the way to a woman’s heart.”
The Saint laughed.
The King mocked.
And the Emperor leered.
This would give rise to an event that would forever change the world.
“Oh dear, here comes Mister Domitian’s renowned temper,” the Saint stated, pleased from the brilliant sight of lightning.
The sky was cloudy and thunder soon roared. Even as time was stopped, nature apparently lived. Yes, only here. Only because of the emperor who ruled over electricity.
“Thunder with no rain, it’s like a pastry with no sugar,” commented Hynek. “I’d be mad as well.” Hynek could tell that the ruler of this city was on the last of his fuse however. “If it pleases you, I will do my best to hold back my...urges. While in your city at least.”
“Shut up. You’ve already touched them… I will remove the filth from my city,” the agitated emperor gave his verdict. A flash of lightning burst forth in all directions with a magnificent force. Hynek and Ignacia calmly jumped back; dodging the destructive power.
“Isn’t he flashy?” the Saint scoffed.
“Are we to resort to violence then?” said Hynek with a smile. A bright light flashed and a long white and gold coat appeared on his figure. Adjusting the tie on it, his relic weapon flashed from his chest and clamped onto his right arm. A golden wrist blade that shined as the flashes of lightning went off in the sky. “Trust me, this man doesn’t know flashy.”
“No, I shall reserve the word Mister Pretty Face for you, instead,” the Saint laughed as she replied. She drew her right-arm up towards the sky – a spear formed with a red and white light; as if crafting it out of thin air – it was a magnificent sight. She gave it a spun as she held her weapon – all ready for combat.
“I shall judge you filths! Prepare yourselves!” With such a proclamation – the fight begun. The Thunder Emperor seemed very anxious and impatient at the same time. A hammer formed under his fist, and it soon clashed with the stone floor; forming cracks. Pillars of blazing light showed themselves – before accumulating into the sky, and resulting in five orbs of lightning that floated across the air up in the sky, just under the dark clouds.
“Oh? That is quite the surprise,” the smile waned and a serious expression entered the fray. Saint of Summer was truly astonished, mysteriously enough. “For that hammer to be here… a marvelous relic, indeed,” she spoke with a smug face.
“Perhaps it can join the other weapons of conquered foes in my trophy room.” answered Hynek. “But I suppose I shouldn’t go underestimating him just yet.” Hynek looked at the orbs suspiciously as a gentle wind swirled about his relic. He began to pace around the emperor waiting for a chance to strike.
As Hynek paced around, the Saint begun a silent walk towards the Emperor. The Emperor smiled. It was a contorted expression. He was happy – from the bottom of his heart.
Lightning showered down from the skies. Thunder fell unto the orbs; making them larger, before the orbs rained waves of lightning down into the entire colosseum – shattering the concrete and stones mercilessly.
Hynek was protected by the spirits, while the lightning passed through the saint, as if she was an ephemeral ghost. Hynek increased the power of his wind on his wrist blade as it whistled loudly. Dashing in, he spun once before slashing through the Emperor. The wind dispersed in a loud screech that left the thunderous man deafened. Indeed was he – for the howls of the wind were louder than he could imagine. The Thunder Emperor was more shocked than further angered, but before he could make a move – he felt a very strong stinging feeling.
When he looked down, he found a crimson object.
A brightly shining golden lance draped in clear noble fluid was found crossed cleanly through his bare chest; Ignacia had stabbed him through his heart from behind him.
What Hynek saw behind the pained expression of the Thunder Emperor – whose lightning around him began to calm – was a face showing nothing but pity. Hynek looked up to him in shock. He hadn’t planned to kill this man today. He even took proper care to avoid vitals. Backing away he looked to Ignacia.
“Did we need to kill him?” asked Hynek.
“Almost,” Ignacia answered.
The Emperor roared, and the thunder sprang out. Hynek was confident that he’d be unscathed and smiled as the electricity washed by his attire. What he did not expect was for him to go blind due to the bright flash of light.
“Damnit!” Hynek exclaimed as he tried to cover his eyes. He had seen it coming, but was still too slow to react. Jumping away from him before he could be hit with another of the Emperor’s wrathful attacks, Hynek tried to regain his vision.
After some seconds, he could finally feel his vision returning. When Hynek opened his eyes however… he was utterly confused.
Hynek was greeted by a completely different environment.
Was the colosseum a wreck now? Was the area completely demolished? Was it bathing in lightning still? Was it witnessing the death of the Thunder Emperor?
Nay.
It was simply gone.
Hynek looked around, and noticed silver floor. There was hardly any light to support his vision that his pupils extracted for him to witness this new place. He could feel with his foot that the floor under him was definitely not concrete, but something much harder… and smoother, was it marble? He wondered. He narrowed his eyes as he looked forward… there, he found a pair of gates after his eyes begun to adjust with the lack of light.
The gates that were closed shut. They weren’t wide in breadth, but certainly long in length. Dark, grim, imposing, and strangely slim-looking. The doors allowed a peek of what lied inside as it opened; exposing an inch between the gates.
What he witnessed was a darkish red light. What lied beyond was beyond even his comprehension. However, his instincts told him not to approach it.
Spellbound, he couldn’t take his eyes off the gates, and for some reason unknown, he started to take steps towards it.
Click, clack, click, clack.
He heard echoes, but marched onwards, as if hypnotized by a superior power.
Suddenly, he could feel something from behind the gates. His instincts thought it was a blade, but his body would not move. It refused to listen, and Hynek came to his senses – he realized that he was doing things he shouldn’t. Regardless, even as his mind had thawed out from the ice, his body didn’t. His pupils turned to every possible corners of his eyes frantically, looking for something. Something that could perhaps save him. There was an old saying that when you meet the eyes of the caster – you can escape even the deadliest of witchcraft.
Hynek could not find anything. He begun to panic. His past begun to flash into his mind. He could feel it. He could feel the door to death drawing ever closer. Each steps felt as though they took an eternity to pass. Sweat rushed down his face as he approached it further.
Click, clack, click, clack.
Echoes were no longer reaching his ears, as he was starting to catch what lied beyond that red slid between the doors.It was horror itself. Dread, terror, and crimson redness of blood filled the air beyond it. It was truly – the gates of hell. There was no way he’d want to go beyond it.
Click, clack, click, clack.
His hand was drawn forward, and his fingers were inches away from the opening to the supposed Realm of the Infernals. Hynek – an immortal – felt fear, perhaps for the first time in his entire life.
Just as he thought all was over for him. Light greeted him.
Yes, light.
To his surprise, it came from behind, as the door was made visible due to the illumination. Carvings of black dragons were etched all over the door, as if they danced across it.
A hand rested over his shoulder. That figure – his possible savior – was a person overflowing with light. It was as if she was the angel, who descended into the pits of hell.
“Well, aren’t you careless,” a familiar voice spoke, and Hynek immediately turned to find Ignacia – the Saint of Summer – just behind him.
Unlike before, she was glowing with a mysterious light.
“You should be able to move now,” she added, as she took her hand off, “Mister Hynek.”
“What in heaven's name was that?!” Exclaimed Hynek, feeling his heartbeat return to normal. That entire time it felt as if he was not breathing.
“Beyond this lies the world of ruin and oblivion – the Realm of the Infernals,” Ignacia answered.
“Have you not heard of the prophecy?” She asked, apparently unfazed by this situation. Just who was she?
“What you see is known as – the Gate of Tartarus.”
“Why are we being shown this?” asked Hynek still slightly catching his breath. “Did the Emperor send us here?”
“Shown? We are here,” Ignacia said. “To be honest, I am just as clueless as you are, we should not be brought here unless all of us Descendants of gathered,” she added informatively, stating why she was confused. “I can… hear something,” the Saint turned, and she found the Thunder Emperor, standing behind them.
The Emperor held his hammer, and stood with a crazed look on his face, as if he was tortured, and was suffering from excruciating pain. Ignacia looked down to his chest, to find the grim hole, staining the rest of his body. The culprit – her spear – was long gone, and the Emperor was indeed suffering from his wound even now. After all, she completely took out his heart. Even then, he was standing. Remarkable feat impossible for a human, clearly.
Ignacia raised a hand before Hynek, and they soon backed away, while facing the mad Descendant; they moved out of the way.
The Emperor spoke not a word, he looked listlessly at the slit between the gates.
Something… moved. Hynek and Ignacia’s eyes immediately turned towards the gates.
“Run!” She exclaimed. Hynek and herself sprinted forth and took good distance, as the gates opened.
A ghastly noise rang out, and the roars of the dead could be heard from beyond the Gates of Tartarus. Red haze spilled forth, and crimson fleshy tentacles spawned forth.
Soon, they grabbed the arms, legs, limbs, and the Emperor’s body. There was no doubt that they held so tightly, that he could never escape, even with his powers – the noise of tightening was rather loud. Unrealistically, even so.
Ignacia simply looked away, as the Thunder Emperor was pulled beyond the gates. The moment he was pulled away was rather speedy – as if the scene was fast-forwarded – and it truly looked like something out of a cheap and shady †˜horror flick’ as one would claim in the far future. The doors immediately closed loudly – the mist stopped oozing out – as if having a satisfying meal.
Screams barely made their way out of the door. It was the screams of the poor Emperor. What followed were noises of flesh, meat, muscles and organs behind torn apart.
As Ignacia opened her eyes, she found Hynek beside her. What was different, was that they were greeted by the colosseum at long last. It was not shattered or wrecked, but was instead the way it was before the fight, with its color back.
Ignacia sighed. It was a long, and unrestrained sigh of relief unbecoming of a lady. “Turns out it is game over for those who enters before the gathering of all Descendants. Either that, or the prophecy is a lie, and every one of us are being lured to death with pretty words,” she guessed.
“From what I see here it more likely is the latter,” answered Hynek.
“Perhaps,” the Saint replied, with a jerk of her shoulders. “Unfortunately, I am the kind of person who cannot be satisfied from curiosity unless proof is provided. I shall one day learn the truth, one way or the other. Of course, I have no death wish.”
“Then for now I think that we can both agree to be rid of this place,” suggested Hynek. “I wish to be as far away from that gate as possible until we understand how it works.”
“Agreed,” Ignacia nodded, finally showing a smile again. “I was rather… tensed by all this. Say, why don’t we have some fun, for just this one night? I will take your offer up from earlier.” A rather mischievous smile arose from her yet again as she offered without a second thought.
“I do suppose one night couldn’t hurt,” answered Hynek with a knowing gaze. “Anything I can do to ease the mind of such a lovely lady,” Hynek took her hand and pressed his lips against her fingers.
“Well, let us do to a… better place, and we can take our sweet time finding a proper solution. I am sure an esteemed gentleman would be able to meet the requests of a demanding lady?”
“I can think of a few places we could go. Rome is a more interesting place than most people think, and it's an interesting place to begin with,” joked Hynek.
“Very well then, lead the way,” Ignacia responded, not really taking the joke too well.
The two soon left the desolate place known as the colosseum, soon to have their fun night.
Ignacia turned an eye to the top of the colosseum as the view was sinking behind the two after exiting it, while Hynek gazed forward – excited – and she witnessed a dark figure soon vanished into the air. She sighed, and faced forward again, rebuilding her usual charming smile.
And that was how the tale of the never-known history came to an end.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Claudia’s eyelids parted ways, finding the interior design she had been getting familiar with for almost two weeks now. Before said two weeks, she never thought that she’d live in such a luxurious room. The services of the Ritz Hotel were top-notch to say the least, and with Cosette here, it almost felt as though her lifelong desires were all but fulfilled.
Cosette seemed to have woken up earlier and taken a shower while Claudia was asleep. Her blonde hair was still drying, the towel getting soaked with water, making it evident to Claudia – after she woke up – that Cosette had been up for some time. Cosette’s countenance seemed as unreadable as ever; she was cold and silent. Just as Claudia desired when she made a contract with her newfound mistress, the Countess.
“Up already?” Claudia said, shaking the grogginess from her eyes. She lifted herself from the bed sheets and threw herself into a long stretch before gazing out of the window – not even caring for the fact that she was in the nude. “I would start the day with breakfast, but I have to say, Cosette, I am rather full from last night.” A smirk graced her features from the obvious innuendo. She let her hair loose, allowing it to fall down from the small of her back, to the bit of her calves.
“Yes, my Lady, I woke up an hour prior to your awakening. Good morning,” Cosette replied. Her voice made her indifference more evident. Whether it was an act or not, Claudia did not know. “Shall I not order breakfast? You are to make way for Mistress Countess’ room when you are ready.”
Placing her tiara – the one she often wore so prudently – on top of her head, Claudia hummed. “I see. Two weeks and she finally has something in store, curious. Well, breakfast would have to wait, then. I do not want to keep the Countess waiting,” she said, picking up her clothes that were so simply tossed aside along the floor and hampered them in her arms.
Cosette walked up to Claudia, and took the clothes from her arms. She then helped Claudia dress up; putting the purple skirt neatly in place and tying the ribbon behind her back before putting on the white shirt for her and buttoning it up. All the while she carefully checked if whether she was doing it properly or not. She did not want her Lady to be uncomfortable in any way, as it would be her fault if that were the case. Cosette then gingerly tied her choker across her neck, and soon had her slender legs don the long black stockings. Finally, she took out a pair of polished shoes and helped Claudia put them on, and tied the laces for her. However, Cosette wasn’t done until she’d tended to her Lady’s hair. Combing the hair and straightening it out of the awful bed hair was also a part of her job.
Seeing this flattered Claudia. Rather, it made her blush a little. “My, what a lady,” she said, delivering a half-lidded smile. “You did not have to do that for me, you know. I am more than capable of dressing myself.”
“No, that will not do, a Lady’s dressing must be catered for by her servant, otherwise I would be a poor servant,” Cosette replied.
Claudia sighed. “I suppose there’s no convincing you otherwise, then,” she said. “I think you are doing fine as servant so far. Provided if you allow me to take you like before, I may consider keeping you permanently.” The girl chuckled, but pouted when she saw that Cosette wasn’t amused. “That was a joke, laugh with me sometime.”
“...This and that are different, I would never concede to you in such a manner,” Cosette said, dripping with some form of anger she tried to contain within herself desperately. “Please pardon me, my Lady, for I am not familiar with many jokes.”
“Pity,” Claudia said, now looking disappointed. Regardless, she chose to ignore the woman’s previous statement, as it would stir Claudia further to tear into her. “No matter, the Countess is probably waiting on me. Would you like to accompany me, or stay here?”
“That is not my decision to make, you must decide whether I should accompany you or not, my Lady,” Cosette answered, sounding as respectful as possible, contrary to her outright refusal earlier.
Claudia huffed once more, sighing something in her native tongue under her breath. “Alright, alright. You are welcome to join me, since you are so inclined for me to decide for you,” she said, gesturing her servant to follow as she pushed through the door.
Cosette seemed to have woken up earlier and taken a shower while Claudia was asleep. Her blonde hair was still drying, the towel getting soaked with water, making it evident to Claudia – after she woke up – that Cosette had been up for some time. Cosette’s countenance seemed as unreadable as ever; she was cold and silent. Just as Claudia desired when she made a contract with her newfound mistress, the Countess.
“Up already?” Claudia said, shaking the grogginess from her eyes. She lifted herself from the bed sheets and threw herself into a long stretch before gazing out of the window – not even caring for the fact that she was in the nude. “I would start the day with breakfast, but I have to say, Cosette, I am rather full from last night.” A smirk graced her features from the obvious innuendo. She let her hair loose, allowing it to fall down from the small of her back, to the bit of her calves.
“Yes, my Lady, I woke up an hour prior to your awakening. Good morning,” Cosette replied. Her voice made her indifference more evident. Whether it was an act or not, Claudia did not know. “Shall I not order breakfast? You are to make way for Mistress Countess’ room when you are ready.”
Placing her tiara – the one she often wore so prudently – on top of her head, Claudia hummed. “I see. Two weeks and she finally has something in store, curious. Well, breakfast would have to wait, then. I do not want to keep the Countess waiting,” she said, picking up her clothes that were so simply tossed aside along the floor and hampered them in her arms.
Cosette walked up to Claudia, and took the clothes from her arms. She then helped Claudia dress up; putting the purple skirt neatly in place and tying the ribbon behind her back before putting on the white shirt for her and buttoning it up. All the while she carefully checked if whether she was doing it properly or not. She did not want her Lady to be uncomfortable in any way, as it would be her fault if that were the case. Cosette then gingerly tied her choker across her neck, and soon had her slender legs don the long black stockings. Finally, she took out a pair of polished shoes and helped Claudia put them on, and tied the laces for her. However, Cosette wasn’t done until she’d tended to her Lady’s hair. Combing the hair and straightening it out of the awful bed hair was also a part of her job.
Seeing this flattered Claudia. Rather, it made her blush a little. “My, what a lady,” she said, delivering a half-lidded smile. “You did not have to do that for me, you know. I am more than capable of dressing myself.”
“No, that will not do, a Lady’s dressing must be catered for by her servant, otherwise I would be a poor servant,” Cosette replied.
Claudia sighed. “I suppose there’s no convincing you otherwise, then,” she said. “I think you are doing fine as servant so far. Provided if you allow me to take you like before, I may consider keeping you permanently.” The girl chuckled, but pouted when she saw that Cosette wasn’t amused. “That was a joke, laugh with me sometime.”
“...This and that are different, I would never concede to you in such a manner,” Cosette said, dripping with some form of anger she tried to contain within herself desperately. “Please pardon me, my Lady, for I am not familiar with many jokes.”
“Pity,” Claudia said, now looking disappointed. Regardless, she chose to ignore the woman’s previous statement, as it would stir Claudia further to tear into her. “No matter, the Countess is probably waiting on me. Would you like to accompany me, or stay here?”
“That is not my decision to make, you must decide whether I should accompany you or not, my Lady,” Cosette answered, sounding as respectful as possible, contrary to her outright refusal earlier.
Claudia huffed once more, sighing something in her native tongue under her breath. “Alright, alright. You are welcome to join me, since you are so inclined for me to decide for you,” she said, gesturing her servant to follow as she pushed through the door.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
The door to the Countess’ room was opened by George after Cosette knocked in Claudia’s place, and the two came in to find two gentlemen and a lady they hadn’t met before. Among these new faces sat Catherine, enjoying a glass of wine – or was it blood? – as she conversed with them. The atmosphere was full with merriment and vivacity, and they were all engaged in a topic about scandals in the High Places.
“Good day to you, my dear,” the Countess greeted as Claudia and her servant came in. “How do you do? We were just talking about you earlier.”
“I am well, thank you,” Claudia replied, smiling. “But on the topic of myself, of what topic, may I ask?” she asked, curious.
“Why, the topic of your struggles and hardship before coming to us, of course,” Catherine promptly answered. “It is a wonderful tale, I must say. From the diabolics to slavers to being the Duke’s maid and then to us. Quite a string of lifelong events, would you not agree?”
“Indeed, more strenuous than anything,” Claudia added. “Moreover, I am curious as to who your friends are, Countess.”
“Well, why not join us? Here, take a seat,” Catherine offered. There was some space beside the other lady who sat on a sofa, toward which Catherine motioned.
As Claudia did as she was told and made herself comfortable, the Countess introduced her companions. “The one beside you is Rose Nevill, and on the other hand,” Catherine referred to the two gentlemen on the other side, “we have Ansil and Marco.”
The three bowed their heads facing Claudia for but a moment before making their greetings in the very order their names were given out.
“Good day, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“You’re our latest comrade? I welcome you to our cause.”
“A pity it wasn’t me – the diner of nobles – who drank your blood. Nonetheless, welcome! I commend your bravery to join us like this. Nobody had done it like that for centuries.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you all.” Claudia bowed in return. “Speaking of… there are different ways of sucking someone’s blood? The Countess failed to mention that small detail…” The girl bat an eye at Catherine and smiled as vaguely as she could.
“Because that is for you to figure out,” Rose answered before Catherine could think up a cordial reply. “The Countess would only give advice if asked. Otherwise, it is up to us to experiment and learn the pleasures of sucking blood on our own, or anything related to our way to living, for that matter.”
“Indeed,” Marco agreed, nodding. “Only you can know how you’d want to enjoy your meal.”
“Huh, I never thought of it that way. You will have to excuse me, I am still getting used to the lifestyle of a vampire,” Claudia said, scratching the back of her head.
“That is alright, my dear. Take your time,” the Countess finally replied. “No one is asking you to rush to get familiarised with the way we live.”
“True,” Claudia added. “With that said, I’m assuming you all aren’t here for just a friendly conversation with the Countess, no?”
“We gathered here at Milady's summons, for there is an operation we must help succeed,” Rose answered.
“The tasks will apparently be shared between us, but even we don’t know what they are except our Mistress here,” Marco answered. “I’m curious, to be honest, but we were waiting on you.”
“My, how kind of you all. The Duke would have never waited on me, either that or he wouldn’t include me in any of his endeavors at all,” Claudia said. “I would say this is a definite nice change from my past line of work.”
“You were a maid and a Dark Knight hired for specific work, but in our case things are different… you are a comrade to us, my dear, we’d never leave you to unending luxury while we toil with hard work. Everyone is expected to make their own contributions, which I believe, you’d happily be obliged to do,” the Countess said, as if reminding her, then clapped her hands. “Now, let us get down to business. We’re going to be performing the operation on the event known as Queen’s Meeting. I believe we all know what that is?”
“I’ve heard of this meeting, but to no avail, nothing to catch my ear,” Claudia inquired, realising she had been out of it for these past few weeks. “Do remind me of this event? I seemed to have forgotten the contents of the festivities.”
Everyone looked at the Countess, who in turn shrugged as if saying she didn’t know everything regarding what went on in the minds of others. “My dear, the Queen’s Meeting is held every year and is one of the largest events to take place in the Magic World. It is where the magicians revise the rules. New rules may be established via suggestions, which are then debated for and against among said magicians. In the end, the suggested rules must receive the majority vote if they are to see the light of day.”
“A ball hosted by the Queen takes place, and it is open to all the visitors!” Rose exclaimed as she spoke of the ball in high regards. “It is a spectacular event.”
“Not to mention there’s great food… in more ways than one,” Marco added, apparently imagining all the nobles that would attend.
“I think there were lotteries and gambles too… it’s a strange mix of a lot of things, honestly,” Ansel said, feeling somewhat interested in gambling.
Claudia hummed. “It certainly sounds like a grand affair, and knowing the Countess she has devised a plan for us to attend this event?” she asked, knowing Catherine and her tendency to have such connections. It was unmistakable she would be able to accomplish so.
“Indeed, you are looking at them now,” Catherine said. Looking down at the table before them, there were a few letters atop it. “We’re going to use these letters to enter as guests.”
“Splendid. As proactive as always, Catherine,” Claudia admired with an impressed expression.
“Take your respective letter lest you forget, ladies and gentlemen,” Catherine said, and then everyone started picking out their respective letters with their names on it. Rose handed Claudia her letter, however, Claudia’s full name was missing. The letter only described Claudia as simply Claudia.
“That was fast,” Ansel said. “I thought it’d take longer to bribe the nobles in charge of this.”
“It was of no difficulty for me, as they invited us on their own accord, I wouldn’t consider bribery as a method,” Catherine responded.
Glancing down at the letter Claudia wondered why her name, in all it’s entirety was omitted from the letter. “Was an error made?” she asked herself. “Catherine, could you explain the altering of my name?” she asked with a quirked eyebrow. Perhaps her pride would not allow her to have it changed or altered on a document of some sort.
“Ah, that is because your family were diabolists. Did you know that the Duke omitted the rest of your name in similar fashion for your admission in the Royal Academy?” Catherine said.
With that, the girl’s face tightened. Hearing of her family and that the Duke had done the same thing as the nobles simply angered her. “...I see, I figured my family’s name would have traveled far, no doubt.” Claudia grimaced with a click of her tongue. “And I suppose the Church would be after me if you had used my name, then, yes?”
“I fear they are already investigating matters regarding you,” Catherine answered. “Granted, the Duke meant no harm in the alteration, it was a means of protection. Regardless, do not be surprised if you are attacked. They are not publicly branding you as a heretic, but eventually they would want to be rid of you.”
“But I’ve no business with their ilk, why hunt me now, after all these years?” Claudia complained with a darkened glare creeping along her features. “Typical of the Church, a group of bigots, that’s what they are. It’s fine, I will not hesitate to defend myself if – no, pardon – when it comes to that. And I will slaughter the lot of them.” As she said this, Claudia cracked the knuckle of her index finger on her right hand. She now had a habit of cracking her right index finger, ever since she became a vampire. Things were slowly changing for the girl.
“Because it came to their attention that you used a forbidden spell,” Rose subsequently answered, “and, if you are suspected to be a vampire now, all the more reason, for the Church has always been our nemesis.”
“So they knew I was still alive, even before I casted the spell?” Claudia asked, hoping their answer to disprove her assumption.
“They had suspicions, but had little ground to take action, I believe,” Ansel said. “Right now though, the rumour of the forbidden magic is enough for them to do something about it. That said, if you have any questions about the Church, I’m the guy for them. I investigate them often on behest of our Mistress.”
“I will keep that in mind, thank you,” Claudia replied. Ansel would definitely prove helpful when evading the Church, that’s for sure. She cracked her index finger knuckle once more, now in a bitter mood from dwelling on this subject. What a horrible habit, she thought to herself.
“Now, back to our original topic, the operation,” Catherine began, speaking grandly. “Each of you must fulfill a role. However, since I am so magnanimous, I shall provide you all with options, and you all must decide how you will contribute to the operation by yourselves.”
“What irony,” Marco stated, laughing. In return he saw their Mistress giving a most mischievous expression that revealed one of her sharp fangs.
“If you’d be so kind, then, let us know of these roles?” Rose asked, seemingly curious.
“So, we need someone to cause a commotion in the party. This is an important role meant for distraction,” the Countess said, wondering who’d decide to do this. “This also means that those who already possesses a public face may not take up this responsibility.”
“Indeed,” Marco said, “So it falls to either me, Ansel, or George.”
“No, George has already been assigned to his task. He will not be chancing to take up any of the assignments I shall offer today,” the Countess promptly elaborated.
“I see,” Ansel said, pondering, “I feel like this is perfect for me. Marco is more of an assassin.”
“Then I guess you can do that,” Marco said, smirking. “I look forward to your show.”
“The second role I offer is… the deactivation of the magical defense system,” the Countess said. “There will be several red ruby stone across the premises, and they will project a protective magic all across the place. They may project something akin to a beam of magical energy if we attempt to escape for any reason.”
“Detection of magic is my forte,” Rose said. “I shall take care of them.” She then raised her hand forward to show a red ring. “This thing can lead me to various places one wouldn’t want anyone to find, after all.”
“Next would be the role of assassinating the Queen herself,” the Countess said, “A public assassination, who’s in?”
“...I am very much tempted to do this,” Marco said. He seemed overly excited at the idea of killing the Queen herself.
The Countess shrugged. “Claudia is also good with weapons, so I shall leave it to you two decide,” she said, then added, “The final role is the assassination of the personal guards who try to take the Queen away to treat her after the assassination takes place.”
“Sounds fun…” Claudia uttered, wearing a darkened smile. “They all sound so fun, I don't know which one to pick. Marco, a proposition, if you would?”
“How about this, then, fair lady: I strike at the Queen, then we both raid her attendees while they are carting her away. Mayhap we can feast on royal blood after that. Sounds glorious, don’t you think?”
“That sounds just splendid,” Claudia said, smile becoming wider as she became more dazed at the thought of killing and causing others pain. “As long as I get to step on the ones who get in my way…”
“Who knows, you may come across those meddling Church members along the way,” Marco said, smirking along with Claudia. “Maybe you can cleave them in two for me, that would be a show worth the watch.”
Claudia chuckled. “I would be delighted to. It will be good practice after so long. With that said, I still lack a sword, Countess. One cannot commit regicide empty handed,” she joked.
“I suppose it slipped my mind considering we were training you to control your newly awakened powers. My apologies, dear,” the Countess said, giving a bow. “Why don’t we take you to our favourite shop today? I’d have some business to commit to after this meeting, but perhaps George may escort you, or anyone else here.”
Claudia was conflicted, as everyone here seemed so interesting. “Mnm, I suppose Marco could accompany me. I don't mind,” the girl said, coming to a conclusion.
“Hah! You won’t regret it, fair lady,” Marco exclaimed, roaring with laughter.
Claudia couldn't help but smile at the man's brutish nature. It appealed to her somehow. "Fair lady, hmm? My, I knew you were interesting the moment I saw you," she said.
“To be fair, everyone here is fairly interesting,” Marco said, then clicked his tongue. “That said, if you happen to find this guy called Michael, cut him to pieces for me.”
“That sure came out of nowhere,” Ansel commented. “Although it was me who identified him, give me some credit, would you?”
“I couldn’t indulge is that broad’s blood, of course it’d come out of nowhere. It’s still bugging me,” Marco replied.
“It’s been two weeks and you’re still on it?” Rose asked, somehow not surprised despite asking. “You’ve been telling us to cut him up for you, but are you sure you don’t want to cut him up yourself?”
“I don’t really care, as long as someone teaches him where he belongs,” Marco said, apparently very sure of his feelings to the matter.
“This Michael, what did he do to get you so riled up?” Claudia spoke up, curious.
“I was in a battle with Mary,” Marco began, telling the tale of a night about two weeks ago. “Some pricks pried their way into the Realm that we were located in, and interrupted us. He had a delicious-looking lady with him, but he got in the way when I got to bite her. Not only that, Mary got away because of him...”
“You… fought Mary?” Claudia beamed, almost with disbelief. She was conflicted with that. Granted, despite her being a part of a ruthless terrorist group bent upon London’s destruction, part of the girl still saw Mary as a friend. Claudia sighed, dropping the question entirely. “What was she doing there, anyways?”
“Not really sure, I went there for a different reason but caught her scent, and raided them,” Marco answered. “Mary has quality blood, I just know it.”
“Well she certainly has a good head on her shoulders,” Claudia agreed.
“That she does,” Marco said, nodding.
“Well, she is certainly a strange one, popping around the Boundary Realms,” Ansel said. “Like the other day…”
Claudia quirked an eyebrow. “The Boundary Realms? Now, why would she be wandering around those parts? It appears Miss Shelly is a bit more quaint than I thought.”
“No idea, this isn’t the first time, but the umpteenth time, and she seems to hunt for something. We don’t know what,” Marco answered.
“Strange,” Claudia said, placing a hand on her chin. “Perhaps that will come to light when the moment calls for it. Later, I speculate.”
“One day,” Marco said.
“She is not important to our concerns for now,” Catherine finally stated. “For now, I would recommend ignoring her, Marco.”
“Fiiiine, her scent just happened to be too alluring…”
“Good day to you, my dear,” the Countess greeted as Claudia and her servant came in. “How do you do? We were just talking about you earlier.”
“I am well, thank you,” Claudia replied, smiling. “But on the topic of myself, of what topic, may I ask?” she asked, curious.
“Why, the topic of your struggles and hardship before coming to us, of course,” Catherine promptly answered. “It is a wonderful tale, I must say. From the diabolics to slavers to being the Duke’s maid and then to us. Quite a string of lifelong events, would you not agree?”
“Indeed, more strenuous than anything,” Claudia added. “Moreover, I am curious as to who your friends are, Countess.”
“Well, why not join us? Here, take a seat,” Catherine offered. There was some space beside the other lady who sat on a sofa, toward which Catherine motioned.
As Claudia did as she was told and made herself comfortable, the Countess introduced her companions. “The one beside you is Rose Nevill, and on the other hand,” Catherine referred to the two gentlemen on the other side, “we have Ansil and Marco.”
The three bowed their heads facing Claudia for but a moment before making their greetings in the very order their names were given out.
“Good day, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
“You’re our latest comrade? I welcome you to our cause.”
“A pity it wasn’t me – the diner of nobles – who drank your blood. Nonetheless, welcome! I commend your bravery to join us like this. Nobody had done it like that for centuries.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you all.” Claudia bowed in return. “Speaking of… there are different ways of sucking someone’s blood? The Countess failed to mention that small detail…” The girl bat an eye at Catherine and smiled as vaguely as she could.
“Because that is for you to figure out,” Rose answered before Catherine could think up a cordial reply. “The Countess would only give advice if asked. Otherwise, it is up to us to experiment and learn the pleasures of sucking blood on our own, or anything related to our way to living, for that matter.”
“Indeed,” Marco agreed, nodding. “Only you can know how you’d want to enjoy your meal.”
“Huh, I never thought of it that way. You will have to excuse me, I am still getting used to the lifestyle of a vampire,” Claudia said, scratching the back of her head.
“That is alright, my dear. Take your time,” the Countess finally replied. “No one is asking you to rush to get familiarised with the way we live.”
“True,” Claudia added. “With that said, I’m assuming you all aren’t here for just a friendly conversation with the Countess, no?”
“We gathered here at Milady's summons, for there is an operation we must help succeed,” Rose answered.
“The tasks will apparently be shared between us, but even we don’t know what they are except our Mistress here,” Marco answered. “I’m curious, to be honest, but we were waiting on you.”
“My, how kind of you all. The Duke would have never waited on me, either that or he wouldn’t include me in any of his endeavors at all,” Claudia said. “I would say this is a definite nice change from my past line of work.”
“You were a maid and a Dark Knight hired for specific work, but in our case things are different… you are a comrade to us, my dear, we’d never leave you to unending luxury while we toil with hard work. Everyone is expected to make their own contributions, which I believe, you’d happily be obliged to do,” the Countess said, as if reminding her, then clapped her hands. “Now, let us get down to business. We’re going to be performing the operation on the event known as Queen’s Meeting. I believe we all know what that is?”
“I’ve heard of this meeting, but to no avail, nothing to catch my ear,” Claudia inquired, realising she had been out of it for these past few weeks. “Do remind me of this event? I seemed to have forgotten the contents of the festivities.”
Everyone looked at the Countess, who in turn shrugged as if saying she didn’t know everything regarding what went on in the minds of others. “My dear, the Queen’s Meeting is held every year and is one of the largest events to take place in the Magic World. It is where the magicians revise the rules. New rules may be established via suggestions, which are then debated for and against among said magicians. In the end, the suggested rules must receive the majority vote if they are to see the light of day.”
“A ball hosted by the Queen takes place, and it is open to all the visitors!” Rose exclaimed as she spoke of the ball in high regards. “It is a spectacular event.”
“Not to mention there’s great food… in more ways than one,” Marco added, apparently imagining all the nobles that would attend.
“I think there were lotteries and gambles too… it’s a strange mix of a lot of things, honestly,” Ansel said, feeling somewhat interested in gambling.
Claudia hummed. “It certainly sounds like a grand affair, and knowing the Countess she has devised a plan for us to attend this event?” she asked, knowing Catherine and her tendency to have such connections. It was unmistakable she would be able to accomplish so.
“Indeed, you are looking at them now,” Catherine said. Looking down at the table before them, there were a few letters atop it. “We’re going to use these letters to enter as guests.”
“Splendid. As proactive as always, Catherine,” Claudia admired with an impressed expression.
“Take your respective letter lest you forget, ladies and gentlemen,” Catherine said, and then everyone started picking out their respective letters with their names on it. Rose handed Claudia her letter, however, Claudia’s full name was missing. The letter only described Claudia as simply Claudia.
“That was fast,” Ansel said. “I thought it’d take longer to bribe the nobles in charge of this.”
“It was of no difficulty for me, as they invited us on their own accord, I wouldn’t consider bribery as a method,” Catherine responded.
Glancing down at the letter Claudia wondered why her name, in all it’s entirety was omitted from the letter. “Was an error made?” she asked herself. “Catherine, could you explain the altering of my name?” she asked with a quirked eyebrow. Perhaps her pride would not allow her to have it changed or altered on a document of some sort.
“Ah, that is because your family were diabolists. Did you know that the Duke omitted the rest of your name in similar fashion for your admission in the Royal Academy?” Catherine said.
With that, the girl’s face tightened. Hearing of her family and that the Duke had done the same thing as the nobles simply angered her. “...I see, I figured my family’s name would have traveled far, no doubt.” Claudia grimaced with a click of her tongue. “And I suppose the Church would be after me if you had used my name, then, yes?”
“I fear they are already investigating matters regarding you,” Catherine answered. “Granted, the Duke meant no harm in the alteration, it was a means of protection. Regardless, do not be surprised if you are attacked. They are not publicly branding you as a heretic, but eventually they would want to be rid of you.”
“But I’ve no business with their ilk, why hunt me now, after all these years?” Claudia complained with a darkened glare creeping along her features. “Typical of the Church, a group of bigots, that’s what they are. It’s fine, I will not hesitate to defend myself if – no, pardon – when it comes to that. And I will slaughter the lot of them.” As she said this, Claudia cracked the knuckle of her index finger on her right hand. She now had a habit of cracking her right index finger, ever since she became a vampire. Things were slowly changing for the girl.
“Because it came to their attention that you used a forbidden spell,” Rose subsequently answered, “and, if you are suspected to be a vampire now, all the more reason, for the Church has always been our nemesis.”
“So they knew I was still alive, even before I casted the spell?” Claudia asked, hoping their answer to disprove her assumption.
“They had suspicions, but had little ground to take action, I believe,” Ansel said. “Right now though, the rumour of the forbidden magic is enough for them to do something about it. That said, if you have any questions about the Church, I’m the guy for them. I investigate them often on behest of our Mistress.”
“I will keep that in mind, thank you,” Claudia replied. Ansel would definitely prove helpful when evading the Church, that’s for sure. She cracked her index finger knuckle once more, now in a bitter mood from dwelling on this subject. What a horrible habit, she thought to herself.
“Now, back to our original topic, the operation,” Catherine began, speaking grandly. “Each of you must fulfill a role. However, since I am so magnanimous, I shall provide you all with options, and you all must decide how you will contribute to the operation by yourselves.”
“What irony,” Marco stated, laughing. In return he saw their Mistress giving a most mischievous expression that revealed one of her sharp fangs.
“If you’d be so kind, then, let us know of these roles?” Rose asked, seemingly curious.
“So, we need someone to cause a commotion in the party. This is an important role meant for distraction,” the Countess said, wondering who’d decide to do this. “This also means that those who already possesses a public face may not take up this responsibility.”
“Indeed,” Marco said, “So it falls to either me, Ansel, or George.”
“No, George has already been assigned to his task. He will not be chancing to take up any of the assignments I shall offer today,” the Countess promptly elaborated.
“I see,” Ansel said, pondering, “I feel like this is perfect for me. Marco is more of an assassin.”
“Then I guess you can do that,” Marco said, smirking. “I look forward to your show.”
“The second role I offer is… the deactivation of the magical defense system,” the Countess said. “There will be several red ruby stone across the premises, and they will project a protective magic all across the place. They may project something akin to a beam of magical energy if we attempt to escape for any reason.”
“Detection of magic is my forte,” Rose said. “I shall take care of them.” She then raised her hand forward to show a red ring. “This thing can lead me to various places one wouldn’t want anyone to find, after all.”
“Next would be the role of assassinating the Queen herself,” the Countess said, “A public assassination, who’s in?”
“...I am very much tempted to do this,” Marco said. He seemed overly excited at the idea of killing the Queen herself.
The Countess shrugged. “Claudia is also good with weapons, so I shall leave it to you two decide,” she said, then added, “The final role is the assassination of the personal guards who try to take the Queen away to treat her after the assassination takes place.”
“Sounds fun…” Claudia uttered, wearing a darkened smile. “They all sound so fun, I don't know which one to pick. Marco, a proposition, if you would?”
“How about this, then, fair lady: I strike at the Queen, then we both raid her attendees while they are carting her away. Mayhap we can feast on royal blood after that. Sounds glorious, don’t you think?”
“That sounds just splendid,” Claudia said, smile becoming wider as she became more dazed at the thought of killing and causing others pain. “As long as I get to step on the ones who get in my way…”
“Who knows, you may come across those meddling Church members along the way,” Marco said, smirking along with Claudia. “Maybe you can cleave them in two for me, that would be a show worth the watch.”
Claudia chuckled. “I would be delighted to. It will be good practice after so long. With that said, I still lack a sword, Countess. One cannot commit regicide empty handed,” she joked.
“I suppose it slipped my mind considering we were training you to control your newly awakened powers. My apologies, dear,” the Countess said, giving a bow. “Why don’t we take you to our favourite shop today? I’d have some business to commit to after this meeting, but perhaps George may escort you, or anyone else here.”
Claudia was conflicted, as everyone here seemed so interesting. “Mnm, I suppose Marco could accompany me. I don't mind,” the girl said, coming to a conclusion.
“Hah! You won’t regret it, fair lady,” Marco exclaimed, roaring with laughter.
Claudia couldn't help but smile at the man's brutish nature. It appealed to her somehow. "Fair lady, hmm? My, I knew you were interesting the moment I saw you," she said.
“To be fair, everyone here is fairly interesting,” Marco said, then clicked his tongue. “That said, if you happen to find this guy called Michael, cut him to pieces for me.”
“That sure came out of nowhere,” Ansel commented. “Although it was me who identified him, give me some credit, would you?”
“I couldn’t indulge is that broad’s blood, of course it’d come out of nowhere. It’s still bugging me,” Marco replied.
“It’s been two weeks and you’re still on it?” Rose asked, somehow not surprised despite asking. “You’ve been telling us to cut him up for you, but are you sure you don’t want to cut him up yourself?”
“I don’t really care, as long as someone teaches him where he belongs,” Marco said, apparently very sure of his feelings to the matter.
“This Michael, what did he do to get you so riled up?” Claudia spoke up, curious.
“I was in a battle with Mary,” Marco began, telling the tale of a night about two weeks ago. “Some pricks pried their way into the Realm that we were located in, and interrupted us. He had a delicious-looking lady with him, but he got in the way when I got to bite her. Not only that, Mary got away because of him...”
“You… fought Mary?” Claudia beamed, almost with disbelief. She was conflicted with that. Granted, despite her being a part of a ruthless terrorist group bent upon London’s destruction, part of the girl still saw Mary as a friend. Claudia sighed, dropping the question entirely. “What was she doing there, anyways?”
“Not really sure, I went there for a different reason but caught her scent, and raided them,” Marco answered. “Mary has quality blood, I just know it.”
“Well she certainly has a good head on her shoulders,” Claudia agreed.
“That she does,” Marco said, nodding.
“Well, she is certainly a strange one, popping around the Boundary Realms,” Ansel said. “Like the other day…”
Claudia quirked an eyebrow. “The Boundary Realms? Now, why would she be wandering around those parts? It appears Miss Shelly is a bit more quaint than I thought.”
“No idea, this isn’t the first time, but the umpteenth time, and she seems to hunt for something. We don’t know what,” Marco answered.
“Strange,” Claudia said, placing a hand on her chin. “Perhaps that will come to light when the moment calls for it. Later, I speculate.”
“One day,” Marco said.
“She is not important to our concerns for now,” Catherine finally stated. “For now, I would recommend ignoring her, Marco.”
“Fiiiine, her scent just happened to be too alluring…”
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Steel burned and howled over the fire before it was taken out and hammered. The loud noise of the bashing was a little disconcerting to Claudia. The room was alight with the blazing flame on the fireplace while Claudia and Marco watched the blacksmith do his work.
Somewhere beyond East End, Claudia had traveled with Marco aboard a carriage – apparently one nobles would often travel in – and had arrived at what seemed like an ordinary house. There was a servant who opened the door, and led the pair to the basement where they witnessed the sight of a crafter hard at work.
“It has been long,” Marco said, giving a bow to the old man before them.
“Been awhile, lad,” the blacksmith said, not even giving a glance. “Who’s the lass beside you?”
“She is a new comrade, her name is Claudia,” Marco said, introducing Claudia to the old man. “Claudia, this man here is Simon. We are going to get you one of his swords.”
Giving a small bow, Claudia greeted the man. “Bonjour. It is good of you to do me the kindness of making a new blade for me,” she said.
“Kindness? I wouldn’t call it as such, I work for my penny, no more, no less,” Simon replied, a little grumpy. “Well, what kind of a sword may you be looking for? I made some through the Bessemer process. I hear young’uns can’t get enough of the modern styles.”
“Well, I’ve grown accustomed to my old sword, but…” Claudia said to herself. “...Have you ever made a scythe before, Monsieur?” she asked, setting aside the thought of using such a gratuitous weapon as that old Ymir. She needed something that would suit her better – a clean slate as one would say.
“Not often, but I have made a few before,” Simon answered. “All of you lunatics sure have different requests each time. Last time they wanted a freakin’ rose made of steel for a wand!”
Claudia’s eyebrow twitched at the word lunatic, but she tossed it aside. “A steel rose for a wand? Now that is something you would not usually see someone use in battle. Regardless, there is such a thing as the concept of flashiness, something I never bothered to question,” Claudia replied. “I find it interesting, that people would go as far as to look unique in a fight. It makes a name for themselves, and it has the ones fallen by their hand remember that one thing as they curse their last breath...”
“Pardon, fair lady, but you haven’t seen much,” Marco said from beside Claudia. “There are many nobles spending countless pennies for the sake of looking unique. Only rarely do they come with any special effects.”
Claudia chuckled. “Well I suppose that is true as well. Still, being unique isn’t always a bad thing either. Why, my old sword had a skull carved onto it, as crude as that sounds.”
“Besides,” Marco said, “the rose wand was Lady Rose’s commission.”
“That was likely an Infernal item,” Simon said. “Crude? I’d call it spooky instead.”
Claudia hummed. “Quite. Now, about my request. Are you able to fulfill it? Even a blacksmith working in the slums could do something so trivial as a scythe.” she said.
“Get off your high horse, you already had the answer,” Simon snarled, not liking Claudia’s attitude.
Claudia only chuckled into her palm and turned her gaze elsewhere. That sudden reaction was simply delightful to her for some reason. She held a mischievous smirk the whole time she was there.
Ufufu, what a high-strung man… she thought.
“...Marco, tell this rude lass that I’m not working for her,” Simon finally said after taking a moment to sigh. “Vampires or not, I don’t care. I work for my penny, but anyone who dares to make fun of me isn’t getting anything regardless of how bottomless their purse is.”
Claudia turned back to the man with a now deadpan expression, cracking her index finger. “Oh, did I hurt your feelings? If that is the case, then I apologize wholeheartedly as I meant no harm,” she explained, turning her gaze once more. A sensitive blacksmith, too? Goodness…
“You don’t sound least bit apologetic, lunatic,.”
Marco palmed his forehead as he watched Claudia respond to Simon’s reply. “Really? Don’t flip back and forth like that. We all have our pride. Fair lady, you must control yourself more.” He then turned to the blacksmith and gave a bow.
“I apologise,” he said. “We’ll make an order elsewhere. Let’s go,” he said, taking leave of the room. Claudia followed after subsequently, leaving the house.
Somewhere beyond East End, Claudia had traveled with Marco aboard a carriage – apparently one nobles would often travel in – and had arrived at what seemed like an ordinary house. There was a servant who opened the door, and led the pair to the basement where they witnessed the sight of a crafter hard at work.
“It has been long,” Marco said, giving a bow to the old man before them.
“Been awhile, lad,” the blacksmith said, not even giving a glance. “Who’s the lass beside you?”
“She is a new comrade, her name is Claudia,” Marco said, introducing Claudia to the old man. “Claudia, this man here is Simon. We are going to get you one of his swords.”
Giving a small bow, Claudia greeted the man. “Bonjour. It is good of you to do me the kindness of making a new blade for me,” she said.
“Kindness? I wouldn’t call it as such, I work for my penny, no more, no less,” Simon replied, a little grumpy. “Well, what kind of a sword may you be looking for? I made some through the Bessemer process. I hear young’uns can’t get enough of the modern styles.”
“Well, I’ve grown accustomed to my old sword, but…” Claudia said to herself. “...Have you ever made a scythe before, Monsieur?” she asked, setting aside the thought of using such a gratuitous weapon as that old Ymir. She needed something that would suit her better – a clean slate as one would say.
“Not often, but I have made a few before,” Simon answered. “All of you lunatics sure have different requests each time. Last time they wanted a freakin’ rose made of steel for a wand!”
Claudia’s eyebrow twitched at the word lunatic, but she tossed it aside. “A steel rose for a wand? Now that is something you would not usually see someone use in battle. Regardless, there is such a thing as the concept of flashiness, something I never bothered to question,” Claudia replied. “I find it interesting, that people would go as far as to look unique in a fight. It makes a name for themselves, and it has the ones fallen by their hand remember that one thing as they curse their last breath...”
“Pardon, fair lady, but you haven’t seen much,” Marco said from beside Claudia. “There are many nobles spending countless pennies for the sake of looking unique. Only rarely do they come with any special effects.”
Claudia chuckled. “Well I suppose that is true as well. Still, being unique isn’t always a bad thing either. Why, my old sword had a skull carved onto it, as crude as that sounds.”
“Besides,” Marco said, “the rose wand was Lady Rose’s commission.”
“That was likely an Infernal item,” Simon said. “Crude? I’d call it spooky instead.”
Claudia hummed. “Quite. Now, about my request. Are you able to fulfill it? Even a blacksmith working in the slums could do something so trivial as a scythe.” she said.
“Get off your high horse, you already had the answer,” Simon snarled, not liking Claudia’s attitude.
Claudia only chuckled into her palm and turned her gaze elsewhere. That sudden reaction was simply delightful to her for some reason. She held a mischievous smirk the whole time she was there.
Ufufu, what a high-strung man… she thought.
“...Marco, tell this rude lass that I’m not working for her,” Simon finally said after taking a moment to sigh. “Vampires or not, I don’t care. I work for my penny, but anyone who dares to make fun of me isn’t getting anything regardless of how bottomless their purse is.”
Claudia turned back to the man with a now deadpan expression, cracking her index finger. “Oh, did I hurt your feelings? If that is the case, then I apologize wholeheartedly as I meant no harm,” she explained, turning her gaze once more. A sensitive blacksmith, too? Goodness…
“You don’t sound least bit apologetic, lunatic,.”
Marco palmed his forehead as he watched Claudia respond to Simon’s reply. “Really? Don’t flip back and forth like that. We all have our pride. Fair lady, you must control yourself more.” He then turned to the blacksmith and gave a bow.
“I apologise,” he said. “We’ll make an order elsewhere. Let’s go,” he said, taking leave of the room. Claudia followed after subsequently, leaving the house.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Steel clashed against wind, and it felt as it could cut apart the wall of air before reaching the weathered cloak, and then the bare flesh.
Aramus was in the basement of the Cavendish Bentinck’s manor. Something Caroline – the Duchess – claimed to be her humble abode. Even though it was a basement not used often, it was relatively clean. Despite learning Elizabeth’s dark secret, she seemed to be treating him as she normally did back in the academy, for the past two weeks. They hadn’t spoken regarding her matters, as Aramus ignored it, just as she did herself, and it seemed like Elizabeth would indeed go out on her own without escorts wordlessly, making her mother worry often.
Ever since that day in the church of Santa Maria, Aramus hadn’t seen the greatsword she brandished to burn the child’s corpse to ashes. Instead, she’d take up a simple-looking sword. Nothing too fancy, but it was elegant in its own fashion – with the house’s insignia decorating the hilt – and seemed to be made out of high-quality materials.
“Without magic, your wind is almost impeccable, teacher,” Elizabeth commented, heaving a sigh. She found herself panting, but still holding her sword with her stance. If it were any ordinary person, they’d have dropped to the floor to rest, but a true lady like Elizabeth was different. Anything that may make her appear unladylike would simply never happen, unless someone forcibly bent her will.
“I’d very much like to request another spar, teacher. This time with your fan, if that would be acceptable,” Elizabeth said.
“Very well.” Drawing his fan, Aramus made ready to spar with Elizabeth once again. As soon as she was ready to begin, a quick flick of his wrist sent a blade of wind sailing at her.
Elizabeth noted her teacher’s acceptance, sheathed her sword, and raised her arm before a reminiscent blade materialised.
“En garde.”
Aramus’ wind collided with the flames summoned forth by Elizabeth’s newly brought-forth weapon, which instead fanned the flames brighter before she returned his blow – now in the form of flames – back at him.
Bringing a condensed wall of air, the heat nonetheless pushed him back a step as it battered against his defences. The heat was overwhelming. Beads of sweat began to roll down his brow. Gathering mana within his hand, Aramus released a bolt of lightning as soon as the flames washed away. It streaked towards Elizabeth, crackling with energy. However, it was faced with a beam of fire that Elizabeth decided to counter with. It seemed like the two poured similar amounts of mana into their spells, so they cancelled themselves out eventually after a small burst of energy.
Elizabeth placed her right foot forward as she took a stance taught to her from her very childhood. With her sword almost at eye-level, she only took a moment to check each other’s positions before dashing forward towards her teacher with the sword set straight for a clean thrust.
Aramus raised an eyebrow, gathering the surrounding air to form a blade around his fan. Not meant to be used for close combat, he had to think of ways to be creative with his fan. Whatever magic he had probably wouldn’t last against his student’s flame sword. As Elizabeth drew within striking range, he angled it such that the fan would deflect her sword just enough for him to dodge under it. He weaved past, robe billowing as they reversed positions. Elizabeth gave a graceful spin and the flares given off her weapon danced, burning away the blades of air that surrounded her. Giving a thrust, the windy blade of Aramus’ fan and his student’s sword clashed.
Dispersing the air around his fan, Elizabeth pitched forward from the lack of resistance. Before she could recover, Aramus used the very same air to propel her upwards with a sharp thrust of his hand. He was content to let her float up there but upon seeing her ready another flame spear, Aramus sighed and flicked his hand again, slamming her into the ceiling. He sincerely hoped no one on the ground floor would notice. The impact jarred her enough to send the spear far away from its intended target.
Elizabeth fell down, and she barely recovered by stabbing her sword onto the floor for a landing. She seemed tired before she gave a respectable bow.
“Thank you for your time,” she said, restraining herself from panting. “It was a wonderful spar, I did not think a spell often employed by my mother would be the medicine to my undoing.”
“No problem,” Aramus replied, a smirk forming on his face. “Make use of whatever is available to you. Terrain is one option. You did well, your flames were too much for this little fan to handle head on.” He moved to help her. Her back must’ve been bruising right about now.
“I will be fine, teacher,” Elizabeth said, declining any further help he could offer. There was a smile somehow telling him that getting any closer to her wouldn’t be necessary. “I have much more to learn, and shall remember your words for the battles to come.”
“I’m not having any of that,” Aramus replied, ignoring her words and propping her up. “Let's get that looked at, get some cream applied to it so that it doesn’t bruise too much. Experience is something that will come naturally, provided you survive. Don’t worry too much.”
“Our maids here are often taught healing spells so I am completely fine; please do not worry, teacher,” Elizabeth replied, adamant. “I will be good as new soon.”
Yet this was not enough to dissuade her teacher who just continued as if she hadn’t said anything. “Yes, yes. Now let’s go. You won’t be the one getting a glare from the master of this house, now hush.”
“...Very well, since you insist.” Now the smile changed to something of a defeated expression, and Elizabeth complied with her teacher’s guidance.
“Now you know how I feel when I get lectured.” Aramus chuckled, happy at her obedience. “I hope no one in the manor felt that impact…”
“This basement was designed for practices and spars, so it has endured countless blows. I am sure that even if someone caught the noise of impact, they wouldn’t pay any mind to it, since it was always like that whenever my mother and I fought,” Elizabeth said, looking back to her past fondly.
Reassured by the news, Aramus now had one less thing to worry about. Now that their spar was over, he could probably start on his other endeavours.
Aramus was in the basement of the Cavendish Bentinck’s manor. Something Caroline – the Duchess – claimed to be her humble abode. Even though it was a basement not used often, it was relatively clean. Despite learning Elizabeth’s dark secret, she seemed to be treating him as she normally did back in the academy, for the past two weeks. They hadn’t spoken regarding her matters, as Aramus ignored it, just as she did herself, and it seemed like Elizabeth would indeed go out on her own without escorts wordlessly, making her mother worry often.
Ever since that day in the church of Santa Maria, Aramus hadn’t seen the greatsword she brandished to burn the child’s corpse to ashes. Instead, she’d take up a simple-looking sword. Nothing too fancy, but it was elegant in its own fashion – with the house’s insignia decorating the hilt – and seemed to be made out of high-quality materials.
“Without magic, your wind is almost impeccable, teacher,” Elizabeth commented, heaving a sigh. She found herself panting, but still holding her sword with her stance. If it were any ordinary person, they’d have dropped to the floor to rest, but a true lady like Elizabeth was different. Anything that may make her appear unladylike would simply never happen, unless someone forcibly bent her will.
“I’d very much like to request another spar, teacher. This time with your fan, if that would be acceptable,” Elizabeth said.
“Very well.” Drawing his fan, Aramus made ready to spar with Elizabeth once again. As soon as she was ready to begin, a quick flick of his wrist sent a blade of wind sailing at her.
Elizabeth noted her teacher’s acceptance, sheathed her sword, and raised her arm before a reminiscent blade materialised.
“En garde.”
Aramus’ wind collided with the flames summoned forth by Elizabeth’s newly brought-forth weapon, which instead fanned the flames brighter before she returned his blow – now in the form of flames – back at him.
Bringing a condensed wall of air, the heat nonetheless pushed him back a step as it battered against his defences. The heat was overwhelming. Beads of sweat began to roll down his brow. Gathering mana within his hand, Aramus released a bolt of lightning as soon as the flames washed away. It streaked towards Elizabeth, crackling with energy. However, it was faced with a beam of fire that Elizabeth decided to counter with. It seemed like the two poured similar amounts of mana into their spells, so they cancelled themselves out eventually after a small burst of energy.
Elizabeth placed her right foot forward as she took a stance taught to her from her very childhood. With her sword almost at eye-level, she only took a moment to check each other’s positions before dashing forward towards her teacher with the sword set straight for a clean thrust.
Aramus raised an eyebrow, gathering the surrounding air to form a blade around his fan. Not meant to be used for close combat, he had to think of ways to be creative with his fan. Whatever magic he had probably wouldn’t last against his student’s flame sword. As Elizabeth drew within striking range, he angled it such that the fan would deflect her sword just enough for him to dodge under it. He weaved past, robe billowing as they reversed positions. Elizabeth gave a graceful spin and the flares given off her weapon danced, burning away the blades of air that surrounded her. Giving a thrust, the windy blade of Aramus’ fan and his student’s sword clashed.
Dispersing the air around his fan, Elizabeth pitched forward from the lack of resistance. Before she could recover, Aramus used the very same air to propel her upwards with a sharp thrust of his hand. He was content to let her float up there but upon seeing her ready another flame spear, Aramus sighed and flicked his hand again, slamming her into the ceiling. He sincerely hoped no one on the ground floor would notice. The impact jarred her enough to send the spear far away from its intended target.
Elizabeth fell down, and she barely recovered by stabbing her sword onto the floor for a landing. She seemed tired before she gave a respectable bow.
“Thank you for your time,” she said, restraining herself from panting. “It was a wonderful spar, I did not think a spell often employed by my mother would be the medicine to my undoing.”
“No problem,” Aramus replied, a smirk forming on his face. “Make use of whatever is available to you. Terrain is one option. You did well, your flames were too much for this little fan to handle head on.” He moved to help her. Her back must’ve been bruising right about now.
“I will be fine, teacher,” Elizabeth said, declining any further help he could offer. There was a smile somehow telling him that getting any closer to her wouldn’t be necessary. “I have much more to learn, and shall remember your words for the battles to come.”
“I’m not having any of that,” Aramus replied, ignoring her words and propping her up. “Let's get that looked at, get some cream applied to it so that it doesn’t bruise too much. Experience is something that will come naturally, provided you survive. Don’t worry too much.”
“Our maids here are often taught healing spells so I am completely fine; please do not worry, teacher,” Elizabeth replied, adamant. “I will be good as new soon.”
Yet this was not enough to dissuade her teacher who just continued as if she hadn’t said anything. “Yes, yes. Now let’s go. You won’t be the one getting a glare from the master of this house, now hush.”
“...Very well, since you insist.” Now the smile changed to something of a defeated expression, and Elizabeth complied with her teacher’s guidance.
“Now you know how I feel when I get lectured.” Aramus chuckled, happy at her obedience. “I hope no one in the manor felt that impact…”
“This basement was designed for practices and spars, so it has endured countless blows. I am sure that even if someone caught the noise of impact, they wouldn’t pay any mind to it, since it was always like that whenever my mother and I fought,” Elizabeth said, looking back to her past fondly.
Reassured by the news, Aramus now had one less thing to worry about. Now that their spar was over, he could probably start on his other endeavours.
0
Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
In the London Borough of Camden’s area, Bloomsbury – a central area of London – stood the British Museum, which basically laid between the Euston Road and Holborn. This was a famed museum which held a notable man’s—Sir Hans Sloane’s—collection, which gave rise to the establishment Aramus had traveled to, as the premises held a department known to be a part of the British Library. This particular department had a secret pathway to a staircase leading underground, which the mundanes were unaware of, and Aramus traveled the path leading down to find a different face of said library. Here, all kinds of books and tomes of magic were stored for the magicians of London.
Aramus did not come with only his wallet. He was given a letter from an associate of the Royal Council. This was a letter he couldn’t open carelessly in the public, as this was from a very important Magic Organization that controlled the Magic World essentially. As he arrived after the lunch hour, the place often called the Magic Library was sparsely populated. Turning left and right, he could hardly see many individuals, save for a few studious individuals likely from the Royal Academy. Some adults laid about across tables quite a distance away, apparently engaged with their books. He didn’t know if they were here to research like him, but it was probably the case.
Aramus simply went to look around for his own space and read his letter in peace. He collected a pile of books before sitting down in a corner he found comfortable, and then he took the letter out. Unlike his previous letter, it did not have the unmistakable seal of the Queen. Meaning that this letter was not specifically written by Her Majesty. It was a work request, as usual. He tore it open, taking a good look at its contents and once he did, some of his fears came true. Information from the Royal Council accompanied a monochrome picture of Claudia, an elimination order. Aramus sighed deeply.
Aramus then checked the pile of books he had gathered. Skimming over the titles, he noted that some were not exactly relevant to what he was looking for and went in search of more. Since most of the volumes were arranged by whatever information they held, it made his job a lot easier than looking around randomly in a library as large as this.
Walking in between the aisles and shelves, there was a particular shelf that held a book that caught his interest and he slid a rolling ladder over, climbing up to retrieve it. Apparently, the books here didn’t see much use as there was a fine layer of dust on the covers. Thumbing over those available, it took a little more force than was usually necessary to pull it out as it was wedged tight between the others. Aramus only had time to breathe “No…” in disbelief as the rest of the shelf came with it, sending him down in a shower of paper and dust.
It was suffocating, and Aramus had a hard time taking the next breath as he poked his head out from the heap of books that laid over him after he fell from the ladder. Dust danced in the air and he sneezed due to it, the noise echoing down the halls.
When he looked around, it was a wonderful mess. Aramus sighed. Having to clean all this up would certainly take more time than he’d want it to. He cursed a certain spirit that brought him bad luck like this all the time. When he started collecting the books, there was one particular book that was found open. It caught his eye with a certain word he had heard before, which was in a large font reading †˜the legend’. Aramus picked it up. It spoke of an old tale of a curse made by Odin. That’s when he realised that he had hit the jackpot. By some fortune – and some misfortune – he had come across something that may have a clue. Putting the books back in a hurry, Aramus rushed back to his desk, and placed the book down on the table and inspected it.
He read the tale, which Alice once recited almost two weeks ago. It was a glum story about how the Valkyries fell against the Infernals when Ragnarok took place, and Odin cursed humanity, for their warriors did not aid their protectors and instead abandoned them to their fate. This was a story Aramus already knew. He continued reading the book. It spoke of tales he could hardly understand. Half the contents were unreadable simply because they were so old that the text had somehow rubbed off the pages. The text followed a very old style of English too, so it was harder to make sense of it. What Aramus figured was that this book kept records on certain deities.
There were two pages on Odin. One detailed the god’s tale of the curse, and the other contained something he hadn’t heard from Alice. Odin was referred to as the king who ruled the world but was a member of the Dominion who was sent to aid mankind, and combat the Infernals who were prophesied to come from the gates of hell. He was only referred to as a god because he was a divine being from the heavens, but was otherwise not a real deity. There was an illustration of an older-looking man sitting on his throne at the end of the page. The text cut-off to the next page, beginning a sentence that was supposed to describe something else. When Aramus turned the page, he discovered that the next page was torn off, not by an accident, but likely intentionally by someone.
Just when he had a good lead, this had to happen. It was already hard enough as it was to try and find some information on Descendants without meeting one in person, or going through some archaic tomes that he couldn’t possibly understand without going to someone else for assistance. Well, if someone had torn out the page then this book must have led somewhere.
He soon stumbled upon descriptions on Artemis. Most of said descriptions were of the goddess most people knew in the current world, but described in its own style. What the rest of the world didn’t know was that the supposed goddess was apparently fooled, and her †˜maiden’ lost her chastity to Zeus. Ever since, Artemis was written to be never the same, and overprotective of her followers. Additionally, he learned that when Artemis attacked Zeus out of sheer rage, it was Athena who defeated her.
Aramus chuckled at this, it was so like her. That said, things were getting more complicated. Exactly which Descendants corresponded to Zeus and Athena? At least now he knew that there was some dissent amongst their ranks. The only thing he failed to find was anything on the last Valkyrie, the one who had deserted their ranks with her lover. There wasn’t a single mention of her in the books he went through.
Aramus did not come with only his wallet. He was given a letter from an associate of the Royal Council. This was a letter he couldn’t open carelessly in the public, as this was from a very important Magic Organization that controlled the Magic World essentially. As he arrived after the lunch hour, the place often called the Magic Library was sparsely populated. Turning left and right, he could hardly see many individuals, save for a few studious individuals likely from the Royal Academy. Some adults laid about across tables quite a distance away, apparently engaged with their books. He didn’t know if they were here to research like him, but it was probably the case.
Aramus simply went to look around for his own space and read his letter in peace. He collected a pile of books before sitting down in a corner he found comfortable, and then he took the letter out. Unlike his previous letter, it did not have the unmistakable seal of the Queen. Meaning that this letter was not specifically written by Her Majesty. It was a work request, as usual. He tore it open, taking a good look at its contents and once he did, some of his fears came true. Information from the Royal Council accompanied a monochrome picture of Claudia, an elimination order. Aramus sighed deeply.
Aramus then checked the pile of books he had gathered. Skimming over the titles, he noted that some were not exactly relevant to what he was looking for and went in search of more. Since most of the volumes were arranged by whatever information they held, it made his job a lot easier than looking around randomly in a library as large as this.
Walking in between the aisles and shelves, there was a particular shelf that held a book that caught his interest and he slid a rolling ladder over, climbing up to retrieve it. Apparently, the books here didn’t see much use as there was a fine layer of dust on the covers. Thumbing over those available, it took a little more force than was usually necessary to pull it out as it was wedged tight between the others. Aramus only had time to breathe “No…” in disbelief as the rest of the shelf came with it, sending him down in a shower of paper and dust.
It was suffocating, and Aramus had a hard time taking the next breath as he poked his head out from the heap of books that laid over him after he fell from the ladder. Dust danced in the air and he sneezed due to it, the noise echoing down the halls.
When he looked around, it was a wonderful mess. Aramus sighed. Having to clean all this up would certainly take more time than he’d want it to. He cursed a certain spirit that brought him bad luck like this all the time. When he started collecting the books, there was one particular book that was found open. It caught his eye with a certain word he had heard before, which was in a large font reading †˜the legend’. Aramus picked it up. It spoke of an old tale of a curse made by Odin. That’s when he realised that he had hit the jackpot. By some fortune – and some misfortune – he had come across something that may have a clue. Putting the books back in a hurry, Aramus rushed back to his desk, and placed the book down on the table and inspected it.
He read the tale, which Alice once recited almost two weeks ago. It was a glum story about how the Valkyries fell against the Infernals when Ragnarok took place, and Odin cursed humanity, for their warriors did not aid their protectors and instead abandoned them to their fate. This was a story Aramus already knew. He continued reading the book. It spoke of tales he could hardly understand. Half the contents were unreadable simply because they were so old that the text had somehow rubbed off the pages. The text followed a very old style of English too, so it was harder to make sense of it. What Aramus figured was that this book kept records on certain deities.
There were two pages on Odin. One detailed the god’s tale of the curse, and the other contained something he hadn’t heard from Alice. Odin was referred to as the king who ruled the world but was a member of the Dominion who was sent to aid mankind, and combat the Infernals who were prophesied to come from the gates of hell. He was only referred to as a god because he was a divine being from the heavens, but was otherwise not a real deity. There was an illustration of an older-looking man sitting on his throne at the end of the page. The text cut-off to the next page, beginning a sentence that was supposed to describe something else. When Aramus turned the page, he discovered that the next page was torn off, not by an accident, but likely intentionally by someone.
Just when he had a good lead, this had to happen. It was already hard enough as it was to try and find some information on Descendants without meeting one in person, or going through some archaic tomes that he couldn’t possibly understand without going to someone else for assistance. Well, if someone had torn out the page then this book must have led somewhere.
He soon stumbled upon descriptions on Artemis. Most of said descriptions were of the goddess most people knew in the current world, but described in its own style. What the rest of the world didn’t know was that the supposed goddess was apparently fooled, and her †˜maiden’ lost her chastity to Zeus. Ever since, Artemis was written to be never the same, and overprotective of her followers. Additionally, he learned that when Artemis attacked Zeus out of sheer rage, it was Athena who defeated her.
Aramus chuckled at this, it was so like her. That said, things were getting more complicated. Exactly which Descendants corresponded to Zeus and Athena? At least now he knew that there was some dissent amongst their ranks. The only thing he failed to find was anything on the last Valkyrie, the one who had deserted their ranks with her lover. There wasn’t a single mention of her in the books he went through.
0
Fallan
Kamen Rider Cheeki
(BGM)
Under the curtain of the night, Michael found himself running impatiently toward his quarry; the same person he had ignored for a long time due to fate’s eventful distractions. There was a drizzle taking place, and the moon was vaguely visible across the sky. Iris flew about, keeping an eye out as she kept herself fairly high off the streets. She was still under Michael’s view, however. Ever since a report came to Laura regarding a certain cloaked figure, spotted around a certain area in Thames, Michael had but no choice to return to hunting his original target, the cloaked vampire.
“I see someone with a cloak far ahead,” Iris reported. She seemed to have narrowed her eyes as her sight fell on what seemed like a man with a jet black cloak, just like the report Laura received. They strolled across the street – past the bridge – at a fast pace. However, he seemed familiar to her somehow. Having only caught a glimpse of the man once before, she couldn’t be sure if it was the very same figure she witnessed the night she was shot.
“How far is he?” Michael asked as he increased his pace. The roads were a bit slippery due to the drizzle, and each of his steps released a splashing sound, but he had a bigger worry of his prey slipping away again rather than it noticing it was being followed.
“Fiftee- no, make that thirty meters… or not… how is running that fast?!” Iris exclaimed. Half-way through her report it seemed like their target was moving at an incredible speed.
“What? Are you sure- can you try to get closer to him? I’ll follow you as best as I can. Don’t lose him!”
“Alright! I’m on it!” Iris said, bursting off from somewhere above Michael, and following after the target beyond the bridge.
Michael sped after Iris. A spiritual apparition like her couldn’t be pursued by his pair of legs, but he wasn’t about to give up because of that. It was – in the end – his very first mission. Running, Michael could feel the adrenaline in his body rush into him. He almost stumbled and fell but recovered, the cloaked figure his sole focus. Crossing Engine Lights and several houses, he could see a familiar establishment ahead of himself – the theatre. Above such streets, Iris was seen much ahead of him, and ahead of her, the spec of black that she was after.
However, adrenaline and energy, and even focus, all had their limits. Michael stopped beside a pole of an Engine Light to catch his breath, resting a hand against said pole. At such a moment, a howl could be heard. It sounded nothing like a dog’s, but a wolf’s. What followed was the screech of a girl. Trying to ignore the burning sensation in his legs, Michael sprinted towards the direction of the voice. He felt like he was trudging through mud rather than sprinting, but it was the best he could do given that he ran all the way up to this point. Sucking in another breath of air, he shook those thoughts out of his head and focused on reaching his destination faster. He drew his gun as he came near, preparing for the worst.
Iris was on the ground when Michael arrived, and behind her stood the cloaked figure, looking upwards, facing the moon in the night sky. Iris’ body vanished into the air as particles of mana flew out of her form. Michael assumed that she went back to her main body.
Michael raised his gun, flicking the selector to automatic as he did it.
“Hey, mutt,” he said with a loud voice as he squeezed the trigger. The burst of continuous gunshots rang through Michael’s ears as he maintained his aim with the hopes of ending his prey in a single burst.
The figure turned, slowly. After taking the hits Michael was surprised that the cloaked figure didn’t fall and die there and then. The expression and the face of his long sought-out prey came to light.
It was Bram Stoker.
Obviously, having seen the familiar cloak and the bright red of its underside, Michael already knew the truth. However, his crazed face did not make sense to him. How could he make such a face at all?
Bullets of silver were made to hurt and injure – or rather, kill – vampires.
“Mister… Kallweit?” Bram said, almost as if confused. “I was going home to… write, yes, write!” he exclaimed, as if reminding himself. “Where… am I?”
“I’m afraid… I can’t let you go home, Mister Stoker. Not just yet,” Michael said, loading a new magazine into his gun. Michael felt completely focused, ready to kill the prey in front of him; yet somewhere in his mind, he felt some sort of a twisted friendship with the writer. Does he know I’m the one who tried to shoot him before? Why did he do… all that, then? He took a deep breath as he continued. “By the order of the Holy Catholic Church, you are sentenced to death. Suffer eternal damnation in the afterlife, heretic.”
“...Catholic Church…? Heretic? What are you talking about…? Ugh,” as soon as Bram questioned, he felt a strong headache. Holding his own skull tightly, the old man stumbled across the pavement; a noise all-too-familiar beckoning him. The cries of the steel demons, the call of the moon, and the songs of the dreadful vampires all awoke a monster deep inside the frail writer.
(BGM)
A sharp and loud monstrous roar was heard by Michael from the old man before he leered with his bloodshot red eyes at the priest. His fangs were proof to the priest that Bram was something akin to a vampire. Bram’s skin soon turned dark and fur grew along with his size at a tremendous rate. His clothes ripped apart before he knew it, and the beast– no, the lycanthrope was at least twice the size of Michael. With a howl the beast stomped the ground, making cracks form and dust dance across the watery air.
Me and my big mouth.
Knowing that he couldn’t possibly outrun the beast, Michael opted to fight in close quarters, stowing away his gun as he prepared to unsheathe his gunblade. The lycanthrope charged, apparently in a fit of rage with claws that gleamed with a green hue under the faint moonlight, and so did Michael. Said claws tore through his shoulder before Michael’s blade cut through the skin of the beast’s chest, reaping out crimson blood. Before he could perform an ideal finishing move by shooting at the heretical creature’s face, he foresaw a tackle coming, but a mortal could only do so much. His figure rolled across the wet stone pavement before he could pull himself up to view at the lycanthrope’s black and grizzly visage. Bram Stoker was a towering monster who blocked the view of the moon and cloudy dark sky as he approached the priest in his crazed state.
Panting, Michael chanted. He chanted in desperation of keeping himself safe so that he could borrow mana from the Dominion Realm. Combining the knowledge from the technique of Creo and the Form of Mentem, Michael chanted the verses to shape the effects of his magic. His form glowed silver and the mana overpowered him, and as soon as the spell was complete he looked deeply in the beast’s eyes, which made it take a step back. The silver light made the creature shudder and fear Michael’s presence. Whether it was because of the silver light or the effects, Michael did not know, but it was a good opportunity for him. Hence, he picked up his gunblade once again and charged. However, an ear-piercing howl made him realise that his belief was an error on his part, and he took a bash to his face. At the same time, the lycanthrope paid the price for its violent attack when Michael slashed at his chest desperately before he was pushed away yet again.
Bram felt something like a sting and looked down at his legs, feeling a burning sensation before he cried from an intense pain. Michael smirked in response. As if getting much more serious than before, the crimson eyes of the his prey turned brighter. Fearing that Bram was preparing a dangerous spell, Michael attempted his spell once again. Drawing mana from the Dominion Realm while chanting and praying for God’s aid, the shimmering silver glow emanated from him once again. This time, it was brighter, and his prey was stepping back again, hinting his fear as soon as their eyes met. He supplied grotesque imaginations which were imprinted in the beast’s mind as he looked into Bram’s shining red pupils.
There was a groan moments later, and Bram seemed to cower. Michael felt that he was successful. However, he couldn’t risk approaching the creature carelessly like the last time and get pushed back. Michael held up his gun and resumed shooting repeatedly; hands, legs, chest, stomach. The bullets pierced various regions of the monster’s body, and he could hear a burning noise as the holy bullets worked their magic. All the while Bram was under an illusion, watching himself getting minced to pieces by an executor with a large axe. Through pure rage and a rebellious feeling, Bram Stoker – who lost his sanity as a lycanthrope – swung his arms around blindly, thinking Michael was in close-range. When he felt his claws tearing through only air, he charged straight and slashed at Michael through his chest, making blood gush out from him much more than before. The priest was hardly able to take out his gunblade and make a cut at the arm of his prey as he took the strike in full.
Michael stumbled to maintain his balance, but found that Bram caught up to him in no time, leaving no room to flee as there was the wall of a house just behind his back. Cringing, Michael shot with his gunblade to keep the beast at bay, which made it halt for but a second. Pulling the pin off with his teeth, he threw a grenade at the monster and ran for his dear life. The wall of the house be damned, he thought before he jumped towards the street and rolled away, unsure if he took enough distance.
A loud explosion took place, and the wind shook violently. Michael looked back to find a fiery beast gazing at him despite the flames surrounding him. A howl was all he needed to know that Bram was far from done.
Michael instinctively broke into a dash. He didn’t make way for the lycanthrope, but the direction opposite to him. The Scotland Yard officers – as well as the residents of the area – would come to check out what was causing all the noise. Perhaps it wasn’t so good an idea to use his grenade, but at least his prey was burning and suffering – albeit due to the rain the fires wouldn’t last long – however frantic and desperate it seemed while chasing him.It was a good chance for him to load the magazines on his guns too. After a good distance was taken, Michael stopped to face his opponent. Before he could ponder his next step, the beast’s claws sliced through through the air horizontally, which he survived by ducking on reflex. He sidestepped Bram and pulled the trigger at him at the same time, and this was precisely the reason why his aim was off and the bullets missed their marks.
The two’s struggle of life and death then continued, as the lycanthrope tried to bite and dined on Michael’s flesh and blood, while Michael pulled the trigger of his gun God knew how many times. The fangs of the beast missed every time by what seemed like the distance akin to a hair’s worth of length, while the bullets more or less pierced through the muscles of his prey. Eventually, Michael made an erroneous move, and an arm connected, sending him flying across the pavement, and in that moment he pulled the trigger mid-air, and – to his surprise – the bullet pierced through Bram’s left eye and burst out from the back of his head.
The groans of a dying werewolf were heard, and Bram knelt down on the ground. Black wind seemed to be escaping from him as his figure was shrinking.
Michael slowly walked towards Bram’s kneeling figure, his gun still raised and pointed at him only holstering when he saw how bad the damage his bullet had done to Bram. As the adrenaline faded, his wounds started to ache and the burning sensation contrasted with the coldness that pierced through him. He knelt beside Bram Stoker, a part of him feeling sorry for the writer he met that night on the theatre who also introduced him to Mary. Nonetheless, he understood that Bram was the same man he had chased and almost killed the night he shot Iris. In the end that was all they were, predator and prey.
After his body shrank, Bram Stoker was back to his original form, now bare naked. The wound on his eye remained and blood leaked through the eye socket and the injury on the back of his skull.
“Mister… Kallweit…” he called out, he moved his fidgeting hand toward Michael slowly before he grabbed his shoulder.
“I beg of you… save… save Mary. She is acquainted… with a demon that still… !” he said, coughing blood, somehow forcing words out, “Haunts her…” and with those words, Bram’s hand left the priest’s shoulder and fell back to the wet pavement. Bram’s eyes lost their light and life, and his body ceased to function altogether.
Michael successfully accomplished his mission. The cloaked man – Bram Stoker – had passed away.
“Well, I’d try. So try to…” Michael cut himself off, knowing what awaited the man in the afterlife. Instead, he recalled the man’s last words and reflected on them. He would really like to save Mary if given the choice, but seeing how far they were apart in terms of strength didn’t exactly give him a boost of confidence. He stood up as he spoke. “I’ll do it, old man, even if she gets angry again. I promise you this.” He then carried Bram’s body to a less public area before praying, pleading for God to forgive and accept the old man, one last time before disappearing through the rooftops.
Under the curtain of the night, Michael found himself running impatiently toward his quarry; the same person he had ignored for a long time due to fate’s eventful distractions. There was a drizzle taking place, and the moon was vaguely visible across the sky. Iris flew about, keeping an eye out as she kept herself fairly high off the streets. She was still under Michael’s view, however. Ever since a report came to Laura regarding a certain cloaked figure, spotted around a certain area in Thames, Michael had but no choice to return to hunting his original target, the cloaked vampire.
“I see someone with a cloak far ahead,” Iris reported. She seemed to have narrowed her eyes as her sight fell on what seemed like a man with a jet black cloak, just like the report Laura received. They strolled across the street – past the bridge – at a fast pace. However, he seemed familiar to her somehow. Having only caught a glimpse of the man once before, she couldn’t be sure if it was the very same figure she witnessed the night she was shot.
“How far is he?” Michael asked as he increased his pace. The roads were a bit slippery due to the drizzle, and each of his steps released a splashing sound, but he had a bigger worry of his prey slipping away again rather than it noticing it was being followed.
“Fiftee- no, make that thirty meters… or not… how is running that fast?!” Iris exclaimed. Half-way through her report it seemed like their target was moving at an incredible speed.
“What? Are you sure- can you try to get closer to him? I’ll follow you as best as I can. Don’t lose him!”
“Alright! I’m on it!” Iris said, bursting off from somewhere above Michael, and following after the target beyond the bridge.
Michael sped after Iris. A spiritual apparition like her couldn’t be pursued by his pair of legs, but he wasn’t about to give up because of that. It was – in the end – his very first mission. Running, Michael could feel the adrenaline in his body rush into him. He almost stumbled and fell but recovered, the cloaked figure his sole focus. Crossing Engine Lights and several houses, he could see a familiar establishment ahead of himself – the theatre. Above such streets, Iris was seen much ahead of him, and ahead of her, the spec of black that she was after.
However, adrenaline and energy, and even focus, all had their limits. Michael stopped beside a pole of an Engine Light to catch his breath, resting a hand against said pole. At such a moment, a howl could be heard. It sounded nothing like a dog’s, but a wolf’s. What followed was the screech of a girl. Trying to ignore the burning sensation in his legs, Michael sprinted towards the direction of the voice. He felt like he was trudging through mud rather than sprinting, but it was the best he could do given that he ran all the way up to this point. Sucking in another breath of air, he shook those thoughts out of his head and focused on reaching his destination faster. He drew his gun as he came near, preparing for the worst.
Iris was on the ground when Michael arrived, and behind her stood the cloaked figure, looking upwards, facing the moon in the night sky. Iris’ body vanished into the air as particles of mana flew out of her form. Michael assumed that she went back to her main body.
Michael raised his gun, flicking the selector to automatic as he did it.
“Hey, mutt,” he said with a loud voice as he squeezed the trigger. The burst of continuous gunshots rang through Michael’s ears as he maintained his aim with the hopes of ending his prey in a single burst.
The figure turned, slowly. After taking the hits Michael was surprised that the cloaked figure didn’t fall and die there and then. The expression and the face of his long sought-out prey came to light.
It was Bram Stoker.
Obviously, having seen the familiar cloak and the bright red of its underside, Michael already knew the truth. However, his crazed face did not make sense to him. How could he make such a face at all?
Bullets of silver were made to hurt and injure – or rather, kill – vampires.
“Mister… Kallweit?” Bram said, almost as if confused. “I was going home to… write, yes, write!” he exclaimed, as if reminding himself. “Where… am I?”
“I’m afraid… I can’t let you go home, Mister Stoker. Not just yet,” Michael said, loading a new magazine into his gun. Michael felt completely focused, ready to kill the prey in front of him; yet somewhere in his mind, he felt some sort of a twisted friendship with the writer. Does he know I’m the one who tried to shoot him before? Why did he do… all that, then? He took a deep breath as he continued. “By the order of the Holy Catholic Church, you are sentenced to death. Suffer eternal damnation in the afterlife, heretic.”
“...Catholic Church…? Heretic? What are you talking about…? Ugh,” as soon as Bram questioned, he felt a strong headache. Holding his own skull tightly, the old man stumbled across the pavement; a noise all-too-familiar beckoning him. The cries of the steel demons, the call of the moon, and the songs of the dreadful vampires all awoke a monster deep inside the frail writer.
(BGM)
A sharp and loud monstrous roar was heard by Michael from the old man before he leered with his bloodshot red eyes at the priest. His fangs were proof to the priest that Bram was something akin to a vampire. Bram’s skin soon turned dark and fur grew along with his size at a tremendous rate. His clothes ripped apart before he knew it, and the beast– no, the lycanthrope was at least twice the size of Michael. With a howl the beast stomped the ground, making cracks form and dust dance across the watery air.
Me and my big mouth.
Knowing that he couldn’t possibly outrun the beast, Michael opted to fight in close quarters, stowing away his gun as he prepared to unsheathe his gunblade. The lycanthrope charged, apparently in a fit of rage with claws that gleamed with a green hue under the faint moonlight, and so did Michael. Said claws tore through his shoulder before Michael’s blade cut through the skin of the beast’s chest, reaping out crimson blood. Before he could perform an ideal finishing move by shooting at the heretical creature’s face, he foresaw a tackle coming, but a mortal could only do so much. His figure rolled across the wet stone pavement before he could pull himself up to view at the lycanthrope’s black and grizzly visage. Bram Stoker was a towering monster who blocked the view of the moon and cloudy dark sky as he approached the priest in his crazed state.
Panting, Michael chanted. He chanted in desperation of keeping himself safe so that he could borrow mana from the Dominion Realm. Combining the knowledge from the technique of Creo and the Form of Mentem, Michael chanted the verses to shape the effects of his magic. His form glowed silver and the mana overpowered him, and as soon as the spell was complete he looked deeply in the beast’s eyes, which made it take a step back. The silver light made the creature shudder and fear Michael’s presence. Whether it was because of the silver light or the effects, Michael did not know, but it was a good opportunity for him. Hence, he picked up his gunblade once again and charged. However, an ear-piercing howl made him realise that his belief was an error on his part, and he took a bash to his face. At the same time, the lycanthrope paid the price for its violent attack when Michael slashed at his chest desperately before he was pushed away yet again.
Bram felt something like a sting and looked down at his legs, feeling a burning sensation before he cried from an intense pain. Michael smirked in response. As if getting much more serious than before, the crimson eyes of the his prey turned brighter. Fearing that Bram was preparing a dangerous spell, Michael attempted his spell once again. Drawing mana from the Dominion Realm while chanting and praying for God’s aid, the shimmering silver glow emanated from him once again. This time, it was brighter, and his prey was stepping back again, hinting his fear as soon as their eyes met. He supplied grotesque imaginations which were imprinted in the beast’s mind as he looked into Bram’s shining red pupils.
There was a groan moments later, and Bram seemed to cower. Michael felt that he was successful. However, he couldn’t risk approaching the creature carelessly like the last time and get pushed back. Michael held up his gun and resumed shooting repeatedly; hands, legs, chest, stomach. The bullets pierced various regions of the monster’s body, and he could hear a burning noise as the holy bullets worked their magic. All the while Bram was under an illusion, watching himself getting minced to pieces by an executor with a large axe. Through pure rage and a rebellious feeling, Bram Stoker – who lost his sanity as a lycanthrope – swung his arms around blindly, thinking Michael was in close-range. When he felt his claws tearing through only air, he charged straight and slashed at Michael through his chest, making blood gush out from him much more than before. The priest was hardly able to take out his gunblade and make a cut at the arm of his prey as he took the strike in full.
Michael stumbled to maintain his balance, but found that Bram caught up to him in no time, leaving no room to flee as there was the wall of a house just behind his back. Cringing, Michael shot with his gunblade to keep the beast at bay, which made it halt for but a second. Pulling the pin off with his teeth, he threw a grenade at the monster and ran for his dear life. The wall of the house be damned, he thought before he jumped towards the street and rolled away, unsure if he took enough distance.
A loud explosion took place, and the wind shook violently. Michael looked back to find a fiery beast gazing at him despite the flames surrounding him. A howl was all he needed to know that Bram was far from done.
Michael instinctively broke into a dash. He didn’t make way for the lycanthrope, but the direction opposite to him. The Scotland Yard officers – as well as the residents of the area – would come to check out what was causing all the noise. Perhaps it wasn’t so good an idea to use his grenade, but at least his prey was burning and suffering – albeit due to the rain the fires wouldn’t last long – however frantic and desperate it seemed while chasing him.It was a good chance for him to load the magazines on his guns too. After a good distance was taken, Michael stopped to face his opponent. Before he could ponder his next step, the beast’s claws sliced through through the air horizontally, which he survived by ducking on reflex. He sidestepped Bram and pulled the trigger at him at the same time, and this was precisely the reason why his aim was off and the bullets missed their marks.
The two’s struggle of life and death then continued, as the lycanthrope tried to bite and dined on Michael’s flesh and blood, while Michael pulled the trigger of his gun God knew how many times. The fangs of the beast missed every time by what seemed like the distance akin to a hair’s worth of length, while the bullets more or less pierced through the muscles of his prey. Eventually, Michael made an erroneous move, and an arm connected, sending him flying across the pavement, and in that moment he pulled the trigger mid-air, and – to his surprise – the bullet pierced through Bram’s left eye and burst out from the back of his head.
The groans of a dying werewolf were heard, and Bram knelt down on the ground. Black wind seemed to be escaping from him as his figure was shrinking.
Michael slowly walked towards Bram’s kneeling figure, his gun still raised and pointed at him only holstering when he saw how bad the damage his bullet had done to Bram. As the adrenaline faded, his wounds started to ache and the burning sensation contrasted with the coldness that pierced through him. He knelt beside Bram Stoker, a part of him feeling sorry for the writer he met that night on the theatre who also introduced him to Mary. Nonetheless, he understood that Bram was the same man he had chased and almost killed the night he shot Iris. In the end that was all they were, predator and prey.
After his body shrank, Bram Stoker was back to his original form, now bare naked. The wound on his eye remained and blood leaked through the eye socket and the injury on the back of his skull.
“Mister… Kallweit…” he called out, he moved his fidgeting hand toward Michael slowly before he grabbed his shoulder.
“I beg of you… save… save Mary. She is acquainted… with a demon that still… !” he said, coughing blood, somehow forcing words out, “Haunts her…” and with those words, Bram’s hand left the priest’s shoulder and fell back to the wet pavement. Bram’s eyes lost their light and life, and his body ceased to function altogether.
Michael successfully accomplished his mission. The cloaked man – Bram Stoker – had passed away.
“Well, I’d try. So try to…” Michael cut himself off, knowing what awaited the man in the afterlife. Instead, he recalled the man’s last words and reflected on them. He would really like to save Mary if given the choice, but seeing how far they were apart in terms of strength didn’t exactly give him a boost of confidence. He stood up as he spoke. “I’ll do it, old man, even if she gets angry again. I promise you this.” He then carried Bram’s body to a less public area before praying, pleading for God to forgive and accept the old man, one last time before disappearing through the rooftops.