This is supposedly a spin off elementary version of "Legends Awakening"
I know it's not good to start the next book but it's just a spin off of this series.
There is one more book to the Akardos/Fonaxe saga and I'll post it soon.
For now, enjoy. :)
The story you're about to read will have the following pairs:
Marco/Kelli (The main one… for now!)
Sokara/Corasta (Deal with it! Whoever disagrees will get an axe to the head.)
Koshka/Rikkert
Dakota/Vigur
Laurel/Gylex
Maline/Sobek
Senpai/Lansu
Jade/Demiri
Tenaki/Robion
Snugjack/Goose
Segarus/Vivienne
The sky was tinted shades of blood red and midnight violet. On the back of the Titan Hydra Dragon Garuga, there stood the Shepherds on mechanical ground, continuing the battle against Garuga and his Garugi forces. As the Shepherds kept the Garugis at bay, two of the Shepherds were face to face with Garuga himself. The Exalt Sokara and his trusted dracoknight/tactician, Marco.
"...I AM...GARUGA... I AM...DESPAIR..." The Titan Hydra Dragon spoke, his monotone spine chilling voice brought the other Shepherds to tingle in fear except for the only two brave enought to withstand his booming voice laced with depravity.
Garuga turned his eight heads locking on to Marco, "...RETURN TO ME... COME... WE ARE ONE...AND THE SAME..."
Marco could barely utter a word as he came face-to-face with the Titan Hydra Dragon that could be considered his doppelganger.
"I come to end you, Garuga!" The Exalt shouted at the top of his lungs, maintaining his balance on the hydra's back.
Garuga only laughed that caused most of the Shepherds to cover thier ears from the sudden explosion of humor "… ARROGANT MORTAL… I AM THE END!"
"Your end has come!" Sokara proclaimed as he rushed towards Garuga with the newly exalted Ragnarok and begins striking Garuga.
Garuga could only chuckle as one of the heads to his mechanical titan body summons several dark spikes. Both Sokara and Marco barely dodged the spikes, but not without a few wounds.
"Here's how it's done!" Marco exclaimed as his blade Creventis strikes Static Storm at Garuga, slightly weakening him.
"IS… THAT… ALL?" Garuga wasn't impressed one bit. Despite being weakened, he re-gained his energy thanks to the chip hidden underneath his back and summoned more several dark spikes.
"AUGH!" Sokara and Marco both yelled in pain as they failed to dodge the spikes in time.
Now all three of them were weakened. The Shepherd healers couldn't come to their aid as the other Shepherds fought to keep the Garugi at bay.
"Gods… hngh…" Sokara could barely stand up from the pain, his body being glued to the hydra's G'ravity field while splutters of electrcity jolted around them in excitement.
"No… ugh…" Marco was on the same page with Sokara, the rest of his body feeling nothing but the hilt of Creventis held tight on his right hand.
"THIS… ENDS… HERE!" Garuga boomed in rage as he begins summoning the dark spikes. This one will end them for good.
But thanks to the sparks of electrcity that re-fueled Creventis into a healthy glowing green sword, the dracoknight felt his body jolt back to life and stood up with ease, giving Garuga to hideously double take at his enemy's revival.
"Time to tip the scales!" Marco, refusing to give up, switches to his Holy Blitz tome and, with all his might, casts the bolts of lightning striking Garuga.
"...NNGH...AAAAUGHHH..." Just like an average man getting struck by lightning, caused Garuga to fall into a near death finale. All the remaining Garugi have started dying, leaving the Shepherds free and the healers free to heal Sokara and Marco.
Now fully healed, Sokara saw his chance.
"This is it!" Sokara readies Ragnarok, about to strike and put Garuga back to 'shut down', some bits of stray magic drags him back. Sokara tries to run back, but a magical barrier blocks his way.
Heartbeating in fear, Sokara begins scanning beyond the barrier. Through the storm infested sky, he later spots Marco's signature lime green cape.
Sokara couldn't believe his eyes. "Marco?! Wait, what-"
"…WHAT …WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Garuga is in disbelief, all of his 16 red orbs were perishing in difficulty to find the dracoknight.
"For once, I'm glad you and I are the same. Now I can give my life to protect those I care for..." Marco smirked as he pulled out a Holy Blitz tome.
"…YOU WOULD… NOT DARE!" Garuga yelled, thrashing his eight heads around while aimlessly throwing dark spikes at the air.
"I would and I will. The evils you would visit on this world are unthinkable... In some way, I-we share the blame. It's only right we meet our end together!" Marco declared, the projectiles miraculously didn't touch him despite Garuga built to be a perfect dragon archer.
And with that, Marco lifts Creventis above his head. Lightning begins to strike the blade, sparks emitting from every inch of the divine sword. With the blade now large and sparked with electrical energy, Rubio begins to slam it down towards Garuga.
"Checkmate!"
"…NOOOOOOO!" Garuga yelled as the electrical energy rapidly descends closer to him.
"NOOOOOOO! Marco!" Sokara yelled. Helpless, he was unable to do anything to stop it.
SLAM!
The blade makes direct contact with Garuga, and the Titan Hydra dragon starts to fade by shutting down.
The magic barrier slowly fades as well and Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds rush to Marco.
"Marco, what have you done?" Sokara spoke to the tactician, not sure on what he should feel.
"I'm sorry…" Marco didn't know what to say, eagerly staring at the mechanical statue of a dead Garuga. "This is what must be done."
And with that, Marco begins to fade. As he fades, Rubio looks back to Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds, smiles at them and says to them, "Good-bye. May we see each other again someday."
As quickly as Garuga disappeared from the foot of the sloping Efux Rise, Marco disappears as well.
A/N: Oh gods! That battle! I gotta say, a lot of people have said that writing battles were hard, they weren't kidding! I apologize if the battle was somewhat well・"meh-ish," I did the best I could.
Also, I'm well aware on how Marco actually kills Garuga. I finished the game like 5 times! I just felt that the way the game portrayed it was so boring. So, I apologize・
Anyway, this is just the prologue. *gasp* Hopefully, the story will satisfy you guys.
Until next time, BYE!
2: A Tearful Re-unionA/N: Hello everybody! I'm back with the REAL chapter 1. I hope you all found the prologue entertaining.
Now, without any more shenanigans, let's get this show on the road!
4 Months after Garuga's defeat.
"Sokara," A light pitched voice of a 10 year old girl began, "We have to do something."
The man lying on the ground slowly opened his eyes.
"What do you propose we do, Koshka?" The man known as Sokara asked, the girl gave out a hearteous shrug as the two leaned in close to study the sleeping man's face.
"Um. Uh, I don't know" The little girl, known as Koshka replied.
The man's eyes have fully opened, catching the attention of Sokara and Koshka.
"I see you're awake now." Sokara stated.
"Hey there " The little blonde haired brat greeted with a soft voice.
The man just grunted and nodded his head, warding off his peaceful nap.
"There are better places to take a nap, than in the ground you know." Sokara spoke as he held his right hand out. "Give me your hand."
The man reached out and grabbed Sokara's hand.
The captain of the Delyran Shepherds helped to hoist him up with comfort.
"Welcome back. It's over now¡ Marco."
Marco just smiled back in response, feeling fresh as ever to finally get rid of his nightmares from that mechanical Hydra that terrorized his inferior dreams.
"Come on, we've got a lot of catching up to do. You'd be surprised on how much has changed since you left." Sokara announced as they led him back to the castle in Delyrus.
"Sounds good to me." Marco nodded as he followed them back to the Valored Halidom of Divine Flames.
A/N: Oh no, I destroyed the ending dialogue! What have I done?! But seriously though, I had to do it. There was NO way I was gonna have Marco be reintroduced to Koshka, ok?
Back at Delyrus, specifically at the Shepherd's Garrison, it was a tearful reunion for Marco as he is welcomed back with open (literally) arms.
After quite possibly, the longest reunion ever, the Shepherds later told of how some of them have decided to get married. Of course, Marco was happy for them but was definitely surprised that a couple of them have gotten married. Some of them included Sobek with Maline, especially considering the history that Snapperhook had with Maline and her family.
Segarus and Vivienne also surprised Marco, considering that Vivienne once had, a rather unhealthy obsession with Rubio.
The biggest surprise of all was Yirien. Yes Yirien, the man who wouldn't be caught DEAD with a woman near him. It was even more surprising when you consider that said woman was Elek. Almost everyone knew of her "secret" rush on Sokara. The one who didn't know? Sokara himself.
"Heh. Guess a LOT has happened." Marco said, trying to remember everything that had been told to him.
"There's still one however, who hasn't yet." Sokara said, almost dropping a hint there.
"What?" Marco asked, feeling perplexed. "One? I know that Laurel decided to go on a journey."
Rubio was surprised that everybody actually remembered Laurel for once.
Marco just stood there, scratching his head, trying to figure out who that person was.
Sokara just chuckled at his friend, who was actually stumped on this mysterious Shepherd.
Sokara was about to lighten the load on Marco's shoulders (figuratively speaking of course), and tell him, when suddenly, a voice called out.
"H-Hello?" A female voice called. "I heard noise, so I just wanted to make sure th-"
The girl slowly stopped talking when she realized what the cause was.
Standing across the room from her, was a man, the same man who helped her with her theatre dilemma. The same man who helped her build a theatre, albeit, rather, er, uh tiny. The same man who promised to help her achieve her dream as husband and wife. The same man who proposed to her. The same man who she admitted that she was in love with for a long time, and wished she had the courage to tell him sooner.
A/N: Wow, that's a lot of "The same man who" phrase. Hehe...
"M-Marco?" She asked, barely finding the words.
Marco closed his eyes, a soft smile on his face, nodded slightly, opened his eyes again, waved his right hand at her, and spoke.
"Hey Kelli, it's been a long time, huh?" He began walking towards her.
Kelli could barely believe what she was seeing. She was there at the battle against Garuga. She was forced to watch him sacrifice himself. She remembered her reaction perfectly. Mixed with emotions of hurt and disbelief, among others, she remembered crying on Sokara's shoulder and later, in her quarters at the garrison. And yet, here he was, back from the dead, walking toward her.
The moment Marco was within arm's reach, Kelli just threw herself on him, arms wrapped around him, and just cried. Two hands touched her head, slowly moving down to her neck, then to her back, putting her into an embrace.
"I, I never thought I would ever see you again." Kelli said, struggling to speak.
"It's- It's alright. I'm here now." Marco replied. He too was trying to fight his tears. "I'm not- I'm not going anywhere this time."
2 Months later
"I need this here!" A voice called out. "No! Not there! I said put that over there! gods!"
Marco suddenly dropped on a chair. Massaging his temples, he groaned rather loudly.
Sokara had just happened to walk into the room, when he saw his friend sitting.
"Marco." He chuckled to the dracoknight/tactician. "Take it easy. I know you want to plan your own wedding. But remember, you need to be alive at your own wedding."
Marco sighed as if he lost his hope on Kelli. "I know. But, I want everything to be absolutely perfect."
He paused to take a deep breath. "I mean, six months ago, I disappeared in front of everybody. Then, just two months back, I came back from the dead."
Sokara just put a hand on the tactician's shoulder. "Relax. Just take things nice and slow. Now, you should get on over to the bedroom. I've arranged for the royal tailor to make you a suit for your wedding."
"What?" Rubio asked confused.
"You didn't think you'd get married in your cloak or your armor, right?" Sokara spoke, pointing to Marco's famed cloak over his dracoknight armor. "If you did, Laurel would surely kill you."
Marco shuddered. He remembered how Laurel was to these things. Two weeks back, he decided to ask Laurel to help him learn about the aristocratic life. Needless to say, it pretty much made facing Garuga a walk in the park.
"Sure, I'll get to it." Marco then walked off, still shaking after the mere thought of facing Laurel's wrath again.
Sokara smiled as his friend tiredly walks over to the bedroom. "Now then, let's see what needs to be done."
A/N: Oh gods this chapter! You have no idea on how many times I had to rewrite this chapter, specifically on how to re-introduce Kelli to Marco again.
Also, about the wedding preparation, I decided to omit Kelli's preparation. The reason for that is because I actually typed it already, but realized it wasn't really worth mentioning. Long story short: Kelli has no problem with her dress along with Corasta and Laurel helping her. That makes one of them lucky.
Ok, I know this is going veeeeery slow, but I don't want to rush things or I'm gonna have one hell of a disaster on my hands.
Next chapter (hopefully it won't be as annoying as writing this chapter): Wedding and children and other weird stuff I may concoct. Oh joy...
3: Someone NewHey everybody! I just got reviews (Actually not, just starting now)! Ok, maybe a little criticism, but who cares?! They seem to enjoy it anyway.
Marco's build (in case you guys were curious):
Build: 1
Hair: 1
Face: 1
Hair Color: 1
Voice: 1
(Yup, I'm so creative…)
So, welcome to this chapter.
2 more Months later
A/N: Yeah… Expect a lot of timeskips in this story.
"I do." Marco replied confidently with no hesitation.
As for the Shepherds who have gathered around in the Castle Hall to silently weep with joy at the exciting moment of truth, they could already see that Rubio was nervously sweating like crazy while keeping his shaky almond brown eyes locked on to the emerald green along with a heart beating gulp.
"You may now kiss the bride." Euriki confirmed with a calm smile as he gently closed The Holy Book of Solaris.
And with that, Marco removed Kelli's veil and gave her a long and passionate kiss.
All the Shepherds cheered for the newlyweds. Including Vivienne. (Guess Segarus was perfect enough for her. Who knew.)
At the reception, while visually speaking, Marco and Kelli's wedding and reception weren't as grand as Sokara and Corasta's wedding. The fact that Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds helped was all that mattered.
1 Year Later
Marco was nervously pacing back and forth in the living room, clearly with a lot in mind.
"Will you calm down and take a seat?" Sokara asked his clearly nervous friend. "I haven't seen you this nervous since you asked Maline to help you learn the ways of the aristocrat."
Marco did what Marco told him and decided to take a seat.
"Can you blame me? I'm nervous like crazy." Marco admitted, salty tears framing his hesitant face.
"Marco, you came up with strategies that left us with little injuries and no casualties. You sacrificed yourself against Garuga. You've been in countless life or death situations, but Kelli giving birth drives you insane." Sokara told him, feeling rather frustrated.
A second passed by as the dracoknight dawned on his future of parenting.
"Sokara," Marco began with a hesitant exhale "What if, I'm not good enough?"
The exalt raised an eyebrow in hot concern as he turned around with crossed arms, "Beg your pardon?"
"I meant, what if, I don't end up a good father?" Marco confessed, his body still as a rock found near the Abandoned Forts.
Sokara gave out a quiet smile and merely placed a hand on the tactician's shoulder. "Marco, my parents were barely around. Yet, look at how I turned out. Eleanore's doing fine, right? I'm sure you'll become a great father."
The helpful advice caused Marco to smile at him, and turned his head towards the door. "Should we go in and check what's happening?"
"You've got nothing to worry about. With Corasta and Koshka in there, I wouldn't worry one bit."
Well, that statement did the opposite to Marco. Koshka had given birth to her son (Galen), just one month ago. Corasta on the other hand however, was a bit of a, uh… klutz. Only Marco could imagine what the clumsy Delyran Pegasus Knight might've done in there.
Marco was just about to barge in to check, when the door swung open and Koshka appeared on the doorway.
Despite looking exhausted, a soft smile was still able to form. "You can come in now. I get the feeling that someone wants to see you."
Just as Rubio was about to enter, Corasta suddenly appeared, walking out clearly exhausted. "I need some water."
The Pegasus Knight barely took three steps, before she tripped and fell flat on her face. She quickly stood up, and hastily walks out as if nothing had happened.
With that out of the way, Marco began walking to the bedroom, ignoring the nervous feelings of his legs and rapidly beating heart. Koshka was giving her the look that said "Relax, you'll be fine."
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Marco began entering the bedroom.
Laying on a rather fancy bed framed with purple and gold ivy leaves patterning the silky fabric (No doubt given by Sokara), Kelli laid there, cradling a small, white bundle in her arms.
Marco had no way of telling what the baby looked like from where he was standing.
One step forward caused his clumsy hand to knock over a pair of wooden horse toys crafted by the skilled Delyran workers.
The sound of a bell ringing against the teal colored mosiac tiles has got to be worth it.
Kelli caught the noise, looked up at the cause, and smiled brightly "Marco."
The stage dancer was still clearly tired from what she had just gone through.
Taking that as a sign of relief, Marco calmly picked up the wooden horses and placed them back on the nightstand. The baby caught the cute moment between his parents and let out a joyful sound. The dracoknight hurried to the bedside and sat down beside her and took a look at the bundle inside, while a hand was place on her shoulder.
It was a no brainer that the baby was a boy. After all, they have seen Eryeth as well as the other children when they went back in time to change the past years ago. The baby had Marco's jet black hair, same as the Eryeth from the future had. Though it was only for a brief moment, the baby's eyes opened just enough to see that he had Eryeth's green eyes.
"Well, I guess we don't have to worry about naming him right?" Marco jokingly said, feeling glad to skip the first step of 'Birth'.
Kelli, while not exactly in the mood for a joke, had to agree. A light chuckle escaped from her mouth. "Eryeth it is then…"
Rubio nodded with a proud exhaling smile. "Welcome to the world again, Eryeth."
The last part was murmured though.
The couple watched their baby for a few minutes, until Sokara's voice made its way into the bedroom, "Can we come in yet? Seriously, I'm sweating out here… gods!"
"All right," Marco replied with a laugh in between, "Come in and meet Eryeth again."
A/N: Ok, nevermind what I said last chapter, this one was more painful to write! *shudder*
This chapter was actually supposed to be the REAL chapter 1 until I decided last minute to change it.
Also, I'm not really sure on Eryeth's eye color. It looks gray on his portrait, so let's go with that.
As to what Sokara said, remember between Chapters 11 and 12, Sokara's wife mentions that Eleanore could be wet-nursed as it is a Delyran tradition or something. Also, Koshka's Locktouch support level C with Marco mentions that Koshka never really knew her parents. So there!
Next Chapter: Shenanigans and more part 2.
4: Holidays and ShadowsHello again!
Sorry for a bit of wait. Had to study like an idiot for exams and other school related stuff *shudder*.
And also, another Hell of a Chapter to write
Anyway, with a few days off for study time (not to mention a "few" breaks in between), I got to write this. Think of this as a bit of a side story while I try to get my school work done.
3 Years Later (Specifically Christmas.)
Christmas has finally arrived, and as expected, all the Shepherds have decided to gather in order to celebrate the Holidays together. This time however, it was decided that because of Marco's return, it was to be celebrated at his house which he managed to find shortly after Eryeth's birth.
Steps were heard going down the stairs of the two-story house. It was none other than Sokara, who had just finished checking on the children upstairs.
"So, how are the kids?" His wife, Corasta asked, placing her concerned arms on her husband's shoulders.
"They're doing fine. The house helpers have little to no problems with them. Marco sure knows how to pick." Sokara re-assured her while pondering on his friend's future.
Yes, a house helper, two in fact. Rubio was able to find them shortly after Eryeth was born. Mostly due to the fact that both Marco and Kelli always needed to be somewhere.
"Kelli, you really shouldn't be doing any work here." Jade the little pegasus knight glanced up at her with wide concerened brown eyes. "Just leave them to us."
"Don't worry Jade," she assured with a hearteous smile "Marco's not here anyway."
The remark caused all of the Shepherds to have a good laugh.
Yes, Rubio always had problems working with Kelli, especially during her pregnancy time. The stage dancer was already four months pregnant with her second child- this time a girl (Reuben)- and Marco made sure that she had zero work, no matter what. Of course, Kelli always found ways to help around the house.
Speaking of Marco, the door opened, catching everyone's attention. It was the tactician himself that had appeared, wearing his signature Gudorian cloak over his dracoknight armor, and the legendary celtic blade Creventis strapped on his belt.
"Speak of the devil…" Sobek murmured, which earned him a chuckle from Gylex and Rikkert, but a quick whack on the face and a glare from Maline.
"Marco!" the Mercenary of Aprelux called out. "We were just talkin' 'bout you."
"Let me guess…" Marco spoke with a look that said 'I heard everything,' "Kelli's working again?"
The look on Gylex and much to everyone else's face were pretty much what Rubio expected.
"The hell you knew that?" Dakota asked in her usual tone. (The Author swears that this woman had no emotions whatsoever.)
"Not really obvious at this point you know." Marco paused for a while as he hung Creventis on a hook by the door.
"I see you still carry that sword around," Sokara smirked to the tactician as he returned a playful glare.
Marco chuckled as he took his seat next to Kelli, "Hey, you never know when something or someone decided to show their ugly head around here."
Sokara merely rolled his eyes at the statement. "You got nothing to worry about at this point. The Siren count has dramatically dropped since that dastard of a Hydra was completely gone."
"Well, it's the thought that counts."
"Marco!" A voice called out. Rubio knew that voice from anywhere.
Marco turned to the direction of the voice, and was greeted by a hug from Kelli. The dracoknight then moved his hand from her back, to her stomach, slightly rubbing it, greeted by a kick from his unborn daughter.
"I'll take the kick as a sign that she's doing good." Marco commented as if it sounded extremely awkward to him.
"Relax, I've already consulted Euriki for the 5th time this month, she's doing fine." Kelli said reassuringly while feeling relaxed towards the tiny massage.
Marco had a laugh at that one. "Well… You never know."
Kelli just rolled her eyes in response.
This was pretty much how it went whenever Marco got home from doing his countless errands.
"Now that Little Marco's here..." Vigur started, while balancing his Tholex Indson bow between his hands, "I hate to be rude, but I sure am hungry."
"I agree with the Vigur," Gylex replied, dangersously impaling his axe on the wooden table with a sudden thick THWACK! "How's 'bout we eat already? Gauwill has to keep up his energy after all. "
The rest of the Shepherds jumped back from the instant strike, feeling laughter arousing around the table.
"Well, the food's about ready now, so we can start already." Senpai announced, walking out the kitchen with the last of the prepared meal, only to halt dead at the tomahawk as thier 'prepared meal' "What in Solaris?"
Her murmur of awkwardness caused Gylex to feel embarrassed from the family moment and pick out the blade as if it was a rare flower. "Call it family moments?"
With everyone's laughter settled down, Euriki led a prayer and they started dinner.
Unbeknownst to The Shepherds, who were talking and laughing to themselves, a figure was perched on the trees, wearing a long red cloak, clothes similar to that of an assassin. A mask made to look like a firebirds's beak was strapped around the newcomer's smirking face, hi-tech goggles spotting out his prey.
"So that's 'Delyra's famed Tactician' and The Shepherds eh?" The figure spoke in a mysterious tone. "Master will most definitely be pleased when she finds out about this."
And just as swift as an assassin is, he left without anyone noticing.
A/N: What's this? An unknown enemy? Ooh, Things have gotten a LOT more interesting.
I have no idea if KvD celebrate Christmas, heck, any occasion for that matter, but whatever.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Until then, BYE!
5: SolariaHello Everyone! Welcome to the new Chapter!
Oh my god! The previous days have been MFing HELL!
Schoolwork, Family and other crap have been driving me crazy and keeping me busy!
Anyway, let the chapter, commence!
Also, this chapter will mainly focus on the unknown scout's kingdom. Be prepared to meet someone new!
Location: Island North of the Ruins of Era
As the Scout darted his way across the kingdoms of Delyrus, Gudora, and Kagia, he finally made his way back to his homeland.
Solaria.
Solaria was located north of the Ruins of Era. At first glance, Solaria may look peaceful, but in reality, Solaria was a country that made Kagia look like a peaceful nation by comparison.
Though Solaria was never touched during the war, its people didn't take any chances. Since the Titan war was declared years ago, they've been training the inhabitants through various warfare, its ruler issued a law were its people would begin training from a very young age- at earliest five years.
Because war was its main issue, living a good life was like lottery. You needed pure luck and praying. The ones lucky enough to live in peace were of course, its ruler and family, nobles and often but rarely, the slums if they've been blessed by the dragon of divine flames, Solaris.
The Scout made his way to the castle. The guards blocked his way, but let him passed when he showed his mark.
The Mark was simple really. It's symbol was two swords crossing each other in sun spiked into six flaming protutions, with the word 'war' circling around it numerous times.
The Scout eventually made his way to the throne room. Removing his goggles and mask, he slightly bowed, "Greetings, Queen Rayne."
The queen just nodded at the greeting with a disinterested smile, stood up from her throne and studied her spy.
Rayne was a tall and slender woman with long waist, golden brown hair whose beauty rivaled that of former Delyran Exalt Arcturakos herself, or as a few would say, former Fonaxi general, Mig'ron.
Her crown was vaguely similar to the headdress worn by the Gudorian Valkyries, but was fancier and adorned with jewels. She wore an elaborate, long sleeved red gown. The gown's collar, sleeves, and bottom were decorated with fur... fur from all the wondering bears that populated the untamed wilds of Solaria. A long, flowing, black cape hung from her back. Her shoulders were protected by spiked pauldrons. Gold, short heeled, sandals decorated with a small amethyst were on her feet. Numerous rings and bracelets adorned her fingers and hands. A gold brace wrapped around her upper right arm.
"I see you've returned." Her voice was calm, yet seductive as she drilled her 'unfriendly' look to her poor scout who was merely begging for mercy. "I trust that you were able to find the famed Tactician of Delyra? Or must I punish you like the rest that have come back without luck?"
Her statement spoke truth. Many times has she sent scouts to locate Marco, all have ended with utter failure. All that have failed were punished severely.
The scout smiled in confidence, "Why, yes."
His answer caught the queen's attention, who before that, was thinking of ways to punish the scout for his failure. "He's located in Delyrus. He seems to be living with the new Exalt, Sokara."
Hearing the statement caused her anger to rise. Whipping around with an alarmed concern, she continued to gaze at her quivering servant.
"He's in Delyrus you say?" Her calm voice has changed to a tone that made Sargon's voice sound calm. The Scout merely nodded with a gulp.
Rayne made her way down to the scout, left hand tightly gripping her staff. It was a mere second before she slapped him hard with the end of the staff, gem meeting his cheek with a distressed yelp.
"Idiot!" She yelled with snarl. "We've been searching in Delyrus for many years. Why is it now that you fools have only spotted him?"
The scout nursed his cheek while feeling tears rolling down his face. "Your highness, they say that he had just returned four months after the war."
"How is this possible?" she demanded with an empty stare at her throne. "As far as we would all know, these could be just rumors created by the Shepherds to prevent him from being hunted down."
The orb on her staff began glowing a crimson red.
"You do remember the story of Garuga, right?"
Rayne remembered the story very well. She remembered the statement on how Garuga could only be permanently killed by someone of 'his own hands'. The facts about Marco being the perfect vessel for Garuga had spread fast.
'Of course,'
The very thought of it made her head hurt. Rayne had never taken to account that Garuga would sacrifice himself. After all, there were rumors that despite being the perfect vessel for Garuga, the Exalt Sokara tried to stop him from doing it. Her thoughts were interrupted by her scout's sudden question.
"With all due respects your majesty, but is there any reason you have an interest with the Tactician?"
Rayne merely began walking down a hallway. She then gestured the scout to start following her "Your question will be answered once we arrive underground."
The scout immediately obeyed with a worried glance, and began following her.
As they reached the end of the hallway, Rayne then pulled down one of the walled candleholders. The wall suddenly groaned open to reveal a hidden staircase that chilled thier hearts. The scout stood there, shell-shocked towards the whole labyrinth he's refuged. He may have been a loyal member of Solaria for a long time, but he's never seen this kind of passage before.
Rayne and her scout continued walking down the staircase. They bothered not to utter out a single word as Rayne's staff started glowing, illuminating the staircase, revealing an all 'too familiar' area.
"The prison cells, what interest could he possibly want here?" the scout puckered out his question as if it was raided by thier enemies.
Rayne merely chuckled as she guided the orb's light deep beneath the howling hallway of the underground. "Oh, I just thought someone here would like to meet him."
The two suddenly halted in front of one of the cells. Through the meshed iron gate was a young man sitting crosslegged against the wall, a bored look on his face elaborated his years of staying in this cursed place.
The man had big white spiky hair with silver streaks and a red bandana adorning his neck. A knee-length, purple ombre, hooded cloak hung from his shoulders. He wore a strapless, black bustier. He wore brown, fingerless gloves and armbands, with a brown handkerchief wrapped around his right arm, similar to the one worn by Sobek, hides a mark, which he refuses to show to anyone. He wore tight fitting, beige jeans with a red sash wrapped around it and another belt pouch on his left thigh along with knee-length, strapped boots.
Leaning against the walls of the cell was a silver sword, hilt tinted red and shaped slightly into a dragon's wing, while the blade reflected the sun's light, the two forged points on the lower section of the blade allowed it to slice through enemies such as Sirens very easily.
Sol.
The teen had just woken up from his peaceful day dream, when he heard someone or, it should be said, two people arrived in front of his cell.
"How's the little sun doing in his cell?" Rayne spoke mockingly, giving out those puppy eyes to annoy her prey.
His blue eyes weren't impressed as a tiny snarl escaped his throat. "How sweet, you actually called me by my weapon. Normally, you'd call me thief, rat, and brat among other things."
Rayne paid no attention to her statement as she placed her gloved hands on the rusted mesh.
"Might I ask what powerful sorcery caused you to go down here to my level?" Blaze mockingly asked.
Rayne just chuckled. "I thought you'd like to know that we- I mean my scout here, has found someone important."
"And who might that be, another suitor who probably won't last here for one hour?" Blaze snickered, showing no fear towards the great Solarian queen.
The scout started a small chuckle, but stopped when Rayne glared at him.
Ignoring his tease, Rayne aptly brought out a bigger smile. "Forgive me. The words came out wrong. What I mean to say is that he found..."
She paused for a brief moment, then continued, smile growing bigger. "Your father."
Blaze was in shock by what he had just heard. It never occured to him about any word that escaped from his mother's smile.
"I'll give you a while to process what you've just heard." Rayne and her scout headed back up the staircase, her laugh echoing through the walls of the prison.
Blaze just sat there. Numbed. Motionless, eyes widened with shock.
Then a trembling mumble.
"My father. Is… Alive?"
A/N: Whoa! What a twist! Marco, you sly dog!
Forgive for the names! You have no idea on how hard it is to make up names that sound good.
So, who is Blaze? What is Queen Rayne's plan? How will Marco's life change when he finds out about Blaze? Find out, in the following chapters.
6: AerinA/N: Hello Everybody! Welcome to this chapter.
This and the next few chapters will focus on Blaze's story. From how Marco and her mother met to meeting the Shepherd Children. All ending on how she was captured.
1 year after the fall of the Mad King Garea
Peace had just been restored to Delyrus, and a LOT of things had happened. For one thing, it had just been announced that the new Exalt Sokara had just gotten married to Delyra's new queen, Corasta.
As a result of the newly attained peace, the Shepherds that have joined have decided to temporarily return to their homes, promising to return when they're needed again.
Marco was no exception to the rule.
Rubio had requested time off from the Shepherds in order to travel around Delyra, wanting to study the recent Siren attacks that have plagued the other areas.
"Are you sure you don't need any companions for this?" The Exalt panickingly asked while concern laced his chestnut brown eyes. "I could request Galen and a few of Delyra's best soldiers to accompany you."
"You've nothing to worry about." Marco stood up reassuringly as he paced around the room in deep thought. "I'm pretty sure it's nothing that I can't handle."
"Well, alright then." Sokara huffed with sigh. Though, it was pretty obvious that the exalt still had his doubts.
"Stay safe," Corasta wrapped her arms around the dracoknight in a tight hug, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
With his stuff fully packed, including food, water and a few tomes and weapons, as well as Marco's newly forged keris dagger called Dawnbreaker; Rubio bid good-bye to Sokara and Corasta, heading off south west over the bright green plains streaking with sun's horizon.
A/N: Dawnbreaker will be explained at the end of the chapter.
As the city of Delyrus grew smaller, Marco began wondering on if he should've gotten at least one companion. Specifically Kelli.
Flashback start
The Shepherds had met Kelli back in The Midmire Ruins. She came there looking for King Ascald, fearing that something had happened to him. After learning that Ascald was alive and well, the dancer decides to escort them back to Kagia via carriages.
While preparing for the battle against Garea which they learned from a scout had resided at a desert known as the Shadow Wastes, Kelli decided to volunteer for the cause. To which Ascald added by saying that her dances causes troops to work twice as hard, causing her to blush madly.
This was also the time she met Marco, or rather, the other way around.
Kelli was just busy counting spare Graxgeni coins on a nearby hill, when Marco suddenly appeared. Originally, Rubio was looking for her in order to do some training to prepare her for the battle. Of course, questions about her secret sta-I mean bag of Graxgeni caused her to blush redder than a tomato. Ultimately, the conversation ended with Kelli's coins rolling down the hill.
Flashback end
Marco was just thinking about that memory, when he heard a woman cry for help near Knem Forest. Acting instantly, Rubio headed to the opening where the Shepherds camped out for the night before the Sirens arrived.
The cry came from a young woman with long, medium length black hair covered by a purple bandana. Her clothing consisting of a simple blue strapped dress and simple brown boots suggests that she was foreign around Delyra.
The woman was surrounded by a Thief and a Fighter, locking thier weapons aggressively at the helpless woman. Marco was shocked on who, or it should be said, what they really were: Sirens.
Acting instantly, Marco unsheathed his Dawnbreaker blade, chanted some spells, and loaded it with an Etheregra Tome. Once loaded, Marco swiftly ran to the hoard of Sirens and began attacking them. The Etheregra that was loaded onto the Dawnbreaker caused the blade to add an additional burn effect, sealing death to any of its victims.
A/N: Wow… I made that last part sound like Segarus wrote it. Hehe…
With the Sirens dead, Marco immediately rushed to the woman, applying vulnerary Draxgill potion to any of the wounds she had sustained.
The woman looked at her rescuer with a relieved inhale, "Thank… you…"
Then, her eyes slowly closed.
Rubio was worried for her. Though the vulnerary Drax Gill healed most of her wounds, there wasn't enough to fully heal her. They were very far from Delyrus. Euriki took a leave from the Shepherds, but didn't mention where he was going. Worst of all, Marco had no knowledge of healing. He kind of blamed himself for that one, the Shepherd often, if not, always relied on Koshka, Maline, and lately Euriki on healing.
Marco had no choice but to rush to the nearest city, carrying this unknown woman to the infirmary.
As he waited for the medics to treat the woman, Rubio was praying nonstop for her to get better. For her to open her eyes maybe, just maybe he could be able to bring her home.
After a few minutes, one of the medics approached Marco with a smile of good sign, "She's better already. You may come in to see her. She should be waking up anytime soon."
He thanked the medic with a relieved smile and entered the room. After a quick scan, the dracoknight immediately spotted the traveler, and headed towards her.
She was lying on one of the many cots, though she was the only one there. Ever since peace was attained, the injuries and casualties have been greatly lessened. Either by coincidence or whatever, her eyes opened. She was met with Marco's gentle smile.
"Hey. Are you doing well?" the dracoknight whispered with amusing concern, laying a hand against her palm.
"I'm… doing alright." She said weakly, an exhale of laughter escaping her throat. The wounds that Marco couldn't heal were now faint scars but, she was still weak from the treatment.
"You gave me quite a shock back there, luckily I was able to help you in time, or who knows what could've happened." Rubio mused while blinking in deep sympathy.
The statement made her blush slightly red.
"Once again, I'd just like to… thank you… uh… I must apologize but, might I ask what your name is?" the woman kindly asked.
The tactitican rubbed the back of his neck slightly. "Sorry, the name's Marco Rubio. And you?"
"Marco… That's a nice name. My name is Aerin." she replied with a string of joy lacing the end of her sentence. The name 'Marco' struck her with wonder.
"By any chance, if you don't mind me asking, are you Marco, the famed Tactician of Delyra?" she asked, her condition was getting better.
Well, that statement took him back a bit. Marco knew he was popular, but he didn't think he was THAT well known.
"Why yes. Yes I am. Is there anything wrong?" He admitted, with a hint of blush caking his cheeks.
"Oh! Nothing," Aerin replied, embarrassed "It's just that, I heard quite a lot of things about you."
"Really now?," Marco raised an eyebrow with interest, "What kind of things?"
And so, Rubio began telling Aerin about the things he has done. From the time he was accepted into Sokara's band of Shepherds to how he was able to lead the Shepherds to victory against former king Garea, therefore avenging Exalt Arcturakos.
Marco just sat there on the next cot, shocked at how many things have been recorded about him and the rest of the Shepherds. He then reached out to the spare clothes draped by the wooden tray cart that were handed to him by the nurse as she headed out.
"Here, you should change out of that, and into these." The dracoknight solely advised, handing Aerin the clothes. "I'll give you some privacy."
He then headed out to the entrance of the infirmary with a whistle.
After a few minutes, Aerin emerged from the infirmary, and Marco led her out.
Rubio didn't expect her to appear wearing a long, brown hooded robe.
"We should definitely get you better clothes." he pointed out towards her War Cleric outfit.
"I was thinking the same thing." Aerin hummed with a chuckle as they both began to head over to Delyrus.
After a quick trip to the market, Marco and Aerin left the marketplace. Aerin's new outfit was a cerise dress similar to that of a War Cleric, minus the headdress, gauntlets and crinoline.
"I got to say, you look good in that outfit." Rubio broke the silence after they bustled past the noisy market stalls.
Aerin blushed at his statement while feeling the material with her frail but energetic fingers, "You really think so?"
Marco merely nodded in agreement.
A few minutes have passed, and Aerin decided to ask Marco:
"Marco, I just want to ask," the tactician turned his head to her with a concerned 'hm?', "What were you doing before you found me?"
Exhaling with a confident smile, the dracoknight placed his hands behind his head as he elaborated his session, "I was planning to investigate the cause of the recent Siren attacks."
"Siren?" Boots halted on the cobblestone floor, Aerin turned to him with a confused look, hacking the word in deep thought as if it was forbidden to say.
Creating no total harm towards her, Marco began explaining to Aerin about the Sirens, and how they came to be.
"Let me get this straight, Sirens are reanimated corpses of fallen warriors who came here by some portal in the sky?" Aerin titled her head as she glanced at the expert for support.
Marco nodded in silence.
"Ugh… My head hurts…" Aerin stumbled into pain, massaging her temples.
Marco chuckled as he placed his gloved hand behind her back "Don't worry; I had a hard time believing in it as well."
The two eventually stopped at a fork on the road that led to Regna Kagia, the third district of Akardos. A rusted wooden sign told them that Arena Kagia wasn't too far away considering that taking the left path got them trekking to the city of Aragary.
"The path on the left leads to Port Aragary. I'm sure there's a boat somewhere that can sail you home." Marco informed, pointing to the foggy horizon just past the silhouetted city. "I guess. This is good-bye."
Aerin hesitated for a while, tears almost lacing her blue eyes. "Marco. If you don't mind, I'd like to come with you."
"What?" Rubio shockingly exclaimed at what she said. "Are you sure? You realize the Sirens won't hesitate to kill you."
Aerin merely laughed as she re-settled her final words "I may not look like it, but I know how to fight."
"You do?" Marco raised an eyebrow at that one. The tactician didn't want to look rude, but at the thought of Aerin, she didn't seem like the type to fight.
"Back from where I come from, they prepare us like mad incase the war shows up to us." Aerin informed, her bright brown hair gleaming under the sun.
"Ok then…" Marco smirked playfully as an idea struck his mind. He flipped open his pack, revealing an assortment of weapons. "Take your pick."
Aerin took her desicion wisely with a careful hum, her hands gliding over every texture of each blade. It was then that her fingers halted on metallic blade framed in ceramic bone and then picked up an Rigormortis Axe, wielding it with ease. "I was trained to be a War Cleric. Why do you think I picked this outfit?"
Marco was speechless for a while, and then exhaled a calm sigh. "That sounds legit for woman to say that. I really hate to waste daylight. Let's get going."
And with that, the two headed off past the foggy path towards the distant sound of the ship's tinkling bell.
A/N: Whoa! This chapter took too long! I would've added more, but I have a word limit here.
Well, we've met Blaze's mother, Aerin.
As for Dawnbreaker, I actually forged a Dawnbreaker sword and named it that the same thing. xD
The sword can absorb magic where the trigger can add more damage, Tomes will add more damage. Badass, I know.
Also, I added the Dawnbreaker sword, even though you can't obtain it yet at this point in the game. Because, Iron weapons just won't cut it for our Dracoknight/Tactician. (That and I grind like crazy in between chapters. The children need their Lethality and Galeforce.)
Next Chapter: Traveling, meeting the Shepherd Children and Capture.
7: BlazeA/N: Hello everybody! Welcome to the new chapter.
Now that I've introduced Blaze's Mother Aerin, I feel that I should give her Roster/Barrack entry:
Name: Aerin
A mysterious young woman found by Marco. She hails from a mysterious country that specializes in warfare. The most terrifying in battle. Born on July 31st.
Blaze's roster entry will come when he's introduced to the Shepherds in the present timeline.
4 months after Marco & Aerin meet
Though Rubio never found any clues on how the Sirens continually keep popping up, all was not wasted as he was able to spend time with Aerin. The two weren't exactly lovers, but anytime they passed a village to resupply or rest for the night, what the passersby would think was the exact opposite.
True to her words, Aerin proved to be a capable fighter. Marco even thought of introducing her to the Shepherds. But when he brought it up to her, she thanked him for the offer, but politely declined, stating that she would rather prefer to train back at her homeland.
As they were finishing up the investigation, one of the Delyran messengers (because Kellamus was the best at it after her honored death from the Durenian bandits) was able to track down Marco and deliver him the following message quoting:
"Sire, Exalt Sokara and Queen Corasta request that you head on back to Castle Delyrus immediately."
The messenger came with an escort carriage (Obviously under the orders of Exalt Sokara) to accompany him home.
As Marco knew that he had no choice but to head back to Delyrus, he knew that it also meant parting ways with Aerin.
Rubio requested to the messenger that he'd go back on his own. The messenger insisted, but Marco was stern. Left without any other choice, the messenger and the carriage returned to Delyrus without him.
Port Aragary
After being led to the ship that would bring Aerin back home to Solaria, the two shared a tearful good-bye.
"I guess this is farewell, huh?" Marco held his breath, clearly trying to hold back his tears.
"Don't say that." Aerin assured with her calm smile. "Who knows? We might be able to see each other again."
A brief pause spouted between the two.
"Well, just in case," Marco began digging into his pocket, pulling out a brown handkerchief, designed to look like a tome. "Here... to uh, remember me by my name. Sorry, it's all I can give for now."
Marco rubbed the back of his head, feeling proud to let go of his belonging as a gift to someone he met.
Aerin however, held it tightly around her hand as if she lost someone in battle. "Well, it's the thought that counts anyway. I mean, you pretty much helped me get back on my feet."
Just then, a small sound of single monotone bell ringed through out the air as the captain called out "All aboard! Last chance for those headed to Solaria!"
"Well, guess I better get going." Aerin suddenly kissed Marco on the lips followed by an exhaling hug. "Thank you for everything. And good-bye."
And with that, Aerin boarded the creaking ship, and it sailed off through the heavy fog. Rubio continuously waved good-bye, until the ship vanished into thin air.
As Marco walked backed to Delyrus, he murmured to himself with a satisfied smile, "Hopefully, we WILL meet again."
5 Months later
Solaria
"You're pregnant?" Aerin's mother gasped, shocked at what the doctor had just told them.
Aerin too, was startled at the realization. She should've known. All those pains and the sudden cravings should've made it obvious.
"How did this happen?" Her mother asked in a frustrated tone, walking around the table to re-arrange some decorative objects around the house.
"I don't. I don't really know…" It was a struggle for Aerin just to get the words out as dust reflected her vision from the sweeps her mother was doing.
"You don't know?!" Her mother babbled out her steaming rage. At this point, her head was close to exploding. "How could you not know that you could've been spending time with some unknown man?"
Though Aerin knew what she said. In truth, she actually knew how: Delyra's famed tactician, Marco. Ever since she decided to start traveling with him, they have been getting closer. Never have the two considered themselves lovers, but the townspeople in the cities have thought otherwise.
She knew she had to tell her mother the truth someday. But with the risk of Marco possibly being sentenced to death because of this possible scandal, she couldn't. Thinking quickly, she told this to her mother.
"I didn't know because, I was knocked unconscious. Yes! The people that kidnapped me could've done this. If only I could remember who they were…"
Whether it was pure luck or Solaris's blessing, her mother believed her story, but said this at a response:
"Well, I suppose that could be a possibility… But, nonetheless, if you want no scandal in your hands, then you must get rid of the child as soon as you can."
"Wh-What?!" Aerin felt intensely shocked by her decision. Get rid of the child? But, that would mean aborting!
"But mother!" She pleaded with slow tears, "There has to be another way."
"I'm sorry…" She apologized with no clear hint of emotion change, "But, my mind is made up."
"Well, if you want the child gone, then kill me as well." Aerin said begged confidently.
Her mother grew impatiently stern at this, "Now Aerin, this is getting ridiculous. Imagine what would happen if the entire country- No, all of Delyra were to find out about this."
Now her voice changed from stern to pleading.
"I'm sorry… But, MY mind is made up!" She mockingly said, dropping the cloth beside the wicker basket to stride off into the living room in rage..
Suddenly, a new voice interrupted the two. "There shall be no killing of any child in this house!"
The voice came from an old man, whose arms were covered with scars, scars that came from the brutal training of the country.
"Grandfather! You heard everything?" Aerin gasped softly as silence accompanied his slow steps supported by his cane.
The man slowly made his way into the living room, sat down on one of the puffy chairs and sighed roughly, "Oh, I've heard just enough."
He then turned his attention to Aerin's mother "Elma, you should be ashamed of yourself! Neither I nor your mother had once decided to get rid of a child. Regardless of whom the father was."
"But father," Elma cried softly, bitter sadness lacing her heart, "Even though the child is to be your future great-grandchild, the child is the son of a man whose ichor isn't pure. I simply refuse to let the child live."
"Neither were you Elma, neither were you." The man shook his head, slowly glancing downward at the scratched wooden floor.
"Father. But, I don't understand." To say, Elma in disbelief was an complete understatement.
"I grew up a thief in these areas." His voice began to struggle word by word. "I stole from the rich just to help my family. I constantly escaped from the guards, just so my family would live another day."
Both Aerin and Elma just stood there, speechless.
"Believe me, I'm not proud of my past actions. But without it, I would've never met your mother; you wouldn't have been born." He then looked up to the two girls, a smile of re-occuring joy lifted both of thier hearts.
"You may berate me and Aerin all you want, but please. Just please let the child live." He was close to crying at this point.
Elma hesitated for a while, "All right then… I'll let the child live."
She then turned to Aerin, who gave out a shuffling cough, "Aerin, I hope you can forgive me…"
Aerin walked up to her mother, and hugged her. "Oh mother, of course I can."
Her grandfather just sat there, happily eyeing the two while keeping a close look at Aerin's large stomach.
4 Months later,
A cry was heard in Aerin's bedroom. It was clear that Aerin had already given birth.
"It's a boy." The midwife declared. She carefully cleaned the newborn, before wrapping her up in a smeared cotton rag and giving her to Aerin.
Though Aerin was weak from her ordeal, she was carefully holding her child, who had a whole head of white hair and silver streaks. She then noticed something on her child's right arm.
The child had a birthmark. The mark was a purple chaos star. It was eerily familiar to the 'Mark of Garuga'.
Both her grandfather and mother came in just as the midwife finished cleaning up. Both were smiling as their eyes layed on to the newborn child.
"Now that's a beautiful baby if I ever saw one." Her grandfather said, an exhale of laughter escaping his throat.
'Why did I ever think of forcing her to kill such a beautiful child?' Elma thought to herself in repentance. She then shrugged off the thought and asked, "Well Aerin dear, have you decided on the name yet?"
Aerin smiled at both her grandfather and mother, and then turned to her child, "I have mother."
His white hair resembled closely to the divine flames of Solaris. His hands were capable to wield any weapon under his will. His little feet were stealthy to jolt out a quick and silent attack on his enemies. His heart was blazing with fire.
"How 'bout...Blaze?" As if to reply to her mother, the baby let out a small babble. "I guess that's a yes then."
Her grandfather and mother moved closer to Aerin to see the newest addition to the family.
A/N: Well, that's another chapter done.
I did mention abortion in this chapter. Please tell me this can still be rated T?
Originally, Aerin was supposed to die in this chapter giving birth, but I've decided on something better, so she lives. YAY!
Also, just to make this clear, Blaze's birthmark IS NOT the Mark of Garuga.
Next chapter: The meeting with Eleanore and hopefully we'll be getting back to the present timeline. :D
8: The ShepherdChildrenA/N: Hey! A new chapter has arrived!
I'd just like to thank the people who liked my fic! Love ya guys! I know it's late but… Better late than never… I suppose
This chapter will focus on Blaze's life when Garuga attacks and meeting the Shepherd children, all leading to his eventual capture.
Without anymore dilly-dally, shilly-shallies (See what I did there?) Let the next chapter commence!
Timeskip montage
As the years went by, Blaze's life living with his mother, grandmother and great-grandfather have been happy. Never did the young boy regret any second of it.
At five years of age, his great-grandfather passed away of old age. Like any five-year old in that scenario, he was filled with sadness, but he eventually went past that. What always surprised his mother and grandmother was that, never once did he ask on who or where his father was. Why that particular question never crossed his mind, they'll never know.
Of course, living in Solaria meant that like everybody else, he was forced to do continuous warfare training. Much to the shock of everyone, his mother included, Blaze proved to be well adapt at wielding the various weaponry whether it be bows to swords or even tomes (that were difficult to master even to those who trained with tomes for years).
Meanwhile, at the Ruins of Era
The Shepherds had just recruited Reuben, Marco and Kelli's daughter, and were just about to leave when one particular was a bit behind. His eyes locked into the island just north of the ruins.
"Marco," The Dancer called out to him, walking to him with Sokara in tow.
"Is there something you're not telling us?" Sokara asked the Tactician, feeling annoyed and miffed towards the draping low dracoknight.
Marco hesitated for a moment with a hint of sadness, "No. I-It's nothing."
"It doesn't sound like it." Sokara doubted with a friendly tone, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Whatever it is, we can talk about it later if you want…"
With almond brown eyes locked, staring into the ground, Marco replied straightforwardly "No. It's nothing any of you should worry about."
With that, Rubio started walking swiftly back to the other Shepherds, leaving Sokara and Kelli behind.
"D-do you think he'll be ok?" Kelli asked, glancing at Sokara with a concerned look on her face.
"I can only hope so." Sokara replied, both of them staring at the horizon in silence.
Back at Solaria and yet another timeskip
Eventually, as the years went by, Blaze grew up into a fine young teen. He was now a master at the Thief class, receiving many praises from her friends and his mother. His grandmother later passed away sometime after this event.
This part of the chapter happens in the bad future
Despite the happy moments in his life, there was one event that would change his life forever: GARUGA.
As Sirens attacked every inch of Akardos, Fonaxe and even Solaria, everybody tries desperately fight back, but they fail and many are killed. At this very moment, Blaze and Aerin are desperately trying to escape. Luckily, their training has prepared them for this moment. Sirens ranging from Myrmidions and Snipers disintegrate into nothing as sword and axe blades, as well as the occasional arrow slice into them.
Things were about to turn brighter when...
SLASH!
A Stormtip lance pierces Aerin's chest. Blaze looks back at the attacker, and sees a Siren Falcon Knight pulling back it's lance, ready to strike Blaze. But the Thief was already a few steps ahead, unsheathing his blade Sol. Slashing the Falcon Knight with ease, it disintegrates into nothing as he huffs out in victory.
Sheathing it back, Blaze rushes back to his mother, only to see her gasping for air. Unfortunately, like his father Marco, Blaze had no healing capabilities. As such, he was forced to watch his mother die.
Aerin weakly turned to her son, "Here… take this… with you…"
She then handed Blaze her red bandana etched with the a sun logo.
Blaze couldn't believe what he was witnessing. "Mother, please. Don't… Don't die. Not now!"
Aerin then reached into her pocket, removing the brown, tome designed handkerchief that Rubio gave her many years ago. "Here… Find… Marco…"
"Marco? Who is he? Why did you mention him?" Blaze was on the verge of crying. It didn't help that the name 'Marco' was adding to his dilemma.
"He's… your…" Her voice was getting weaker and weaker by the minute, "…father…" and with her final breath, she passed away.
The phrase froze him like ice. "F-Father?"
Blaze would've stayed, but heard the moaning cries of multiple Sirens were limping towards his direction.
Thinking quickly, Blaze tied the red bandana around his neck, concealed his birthmark using his supposed father's handkerchief, bid one last good-bye to his mother, and ran off into the forest.
Hours have passed, and Blaze has no idea on where he was going. Every time he stops for a rest, he is instantly back running again due to the deathly moans of the Sirens. After a few more minutes, Blaze runs into a familiar group.
The group consists of thirteen people that were the same age as him, save for one. The leader was a young woman with long, flowing, brown hair and a yellow crown-like headband shaped into a Glacus Owl. Said young woman immediately unsheathed Ragnarok, and held it up to his neck.
"Hey! Take it easy would you!" Blaze yelled to her, raising his arms like a helpless bystander "I'm not one of the Sirens!"
The girl slowly sheathed Ragnarok, a look of doubt immediately switched to a calm gaze and politely asked him, "I can see you're not, But I would like an explanation on who are you, and what your business is."
Before he could reveal his identity, Blaze looked closely at the girl's companions. There was a girl with the same brown hair as their leader, but was tied into pigtails. Two of her companions, boys to be exact, had the same shade of blonde hair as his silver streaks; but one of them, specifically the one whose right hand was twitching uncontrollably, had a lighter shade.
Once he had a clear vision of her interrogator's companions, he explained to them on what had happened to him and that he was looking for Marco. When he finished, all of them whipped up thier confused looks.
After a few moments of silence, one of them, specifically the one with an Serkel earring, approached him.
"You say that you're looking for your father, Marco?" the myrmidion inquired with an brow raised in interest.
"Uh… yeah," Blaze sarcastically elaborated, "I thought that was pretty obvious when I explained everything."
Without warning, the boy quickly unsheathed his Oathbreaker, and like the one before, held it up to his neck. The sudden movement of the Thief's back arching backwards felt like he was trapped in a game of Limbo.
"What the hell's your problem?!" Blaze yelled, unsheathing Sol as the blade counter striked it's opposing weapon with a satisfied Clang!
"My problem is that Marco is our father!" he yelled, pointing to a girl with pink hair, wearing Rubio's signature cloak.
"Wait," Blaze stood up, Sol still held up high above the ground, "Are you telling me, that you two are my-"
The boy wearing glasses and a tall scientific mage hat interrupted with a clear of his throat, "I believe the term you're looking for, is step-siblings."
"That's impossible…" The brown-haired girl blinked in confusion as her strong tone of confidence brought her to a whisper of perplexing truth.
"Marco only married the dancer Kelli." A small girl with dark purple hair continued, eagerly balancing a Riffin Turne bow between her hands.
A few moments of silence clouded thier surroundings as the Thief practically decided to break it with a shake of his head in awestruck confusion.
"Ok, this is weird." Blaze spoke out, "Look, I also have a hard time believing this. But all I know is that when my mother died a few hours back, she told me to look for Kelli, who she mentioned is my father. How that happened? I'll never know."
Just as the girl with purple armor and olive green hair was about to speak, an all too familiar moaning was heard.
"Sirens." thier leader cleverly scanned the forest for any limping shapes heading thier way.
Just then, a boy with the mask and a Drakowing yelled, "Eleanore, we can't stay here!"
"We'll deal with this later." Eleanore called out with re-assurance.
"You." Turning to Blaze, she held out a hand, "You're coming with us. I still have a few questions to ask."
Nodding, Blaze followed Eleanore and the others.
After yet, a few more minutes of running, the group eventually found an abandoned fort just beyond the hills of Delyra. After a scan by Ridgar and Cillia confirmed that no Sirens are nearby, the group headed inside.
Once inside the dusty atmosphere with sun filtering through the stone framed 'windows', Eleanore and the others once again interrogate Blaze.
"Look, I had no idea! Ok!?" Blaze explained for the ninth time. "All my mother said before this disaster was that she travelled with a man who helped her years back. And apparently, she never mentioned that this 'man's' name was actually Marco."
After again, a few more minutes of explaining on Blaze's part, Eleanore and the others began understanding more and more, and just like that, they accepted Blaze like a true member of the Shepherd family.
"So… I guess that makes you two my half-siblings huh?" Blaze's tone took in the hint of obviousness, eagerly pointing to Eryeth and Reuben.
"Technically, three of us would be your half-siblings." Reuben informed sadly, her brown eyes stared to the ground as if she found floor engraved treasure.
"Three? Who's the other one?" Blaze asked, counting on his fingers with a perplexed gaze.
Looking around, the Thief couldn't see anyone who would've been the other one. That is, until he saw Galen, who had the same silver streaks on his blonde hair he had.
"Wait, don't tell me…" Blaze said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You mean Mr. Sword Twitch here is also my half-brother?"
"'Oy! What's wrong with being related to me?" Galen angrily asked, feeling tempted to battle his opponent with his Oathbreaker blade.
"Oh gawds! Haven't you ever considered that stupid gimmick about your 'Sword hand'" Larendalle yelled, adding air quotes in between, "Maybe if you didn't do that, we-"
"Actually," Eleanore interrupted with a sigh that caught most of their attention, "There were actually fourteen of us. Reuben had a twin brother named Marcus."
"What happened to him then?" Blaze asked, concern lacing his sapphire blue eyes.
"As we were harshly escaping the Sirens, we decided to take a little break." Eleanore meekly informed, standing beside Galen who simply used Oathbreaker as a supporting cane.
The youngest of the Shepherds, Oriel, continued the talk, "As we were discussing on where to go next, some of them actually ambushed us."
Then Edelin, "After said ambush, we tried our very best to fight the undead horde."
Then Egelard, "One of them, a Paladin, was able to ambush Marcus from behind and…"
"Damn bloke managed to kill 'im!" Inari continued, "Tried my best to heal 'im actually, but I was too late."
"Oh… I'm sorry. I didn't know." Blaze said, sapphire eyes staring into the ground in silence.
"It's not your fault, Blaze." Eleanore sighed with sympathy, comforting him. "You didn't know."
Blaze just smiled back at her, feeling his courage to fight again.
"So, what's your plan?" The Sol wielder asked, tempted to pull out his blade again.
"Well," Eleanore started as she pulled out an aged map of Solara, using an ink tipped feather pen to mark their location on Akardos, "According to Edelin's calculations, there's a realm south of Delyra that will lead us into the past. If we manage to get through it, we'd be able to change it, and prevent this from happening."
After circling their destination destined to accomplish their future, Eleanore dropped the feather pen on the wooden table and smiled at Blaze, "You should help us out. The more help, the better."
"I'm sorry." Blaze answered while revealing his emotions, "I fear that if I reveal myself, it might be catastrophic, especially to Marco. I'll reveal myself to him when the time's right."
"I understand your decision. We'll keep your presence a secret." After a few pats on his shoulder, Eleanore then turned to the others, "Right?"
The others nodded in response.
"Lunaria!" The Pegasus Knight, Cillia cried out, "Sirens are here and fast approaching!"
"Everybody, let's move out and head to the portal!" Eleanore cried out as she pulled out Ragnarok and stepped foot for the exit of the fort.
Everybody nodded, and headed out of the abandoned building.
Blaze felt the presence of a portal that materialized right before the group, lettering of Seivati rotating clockwise around the swirl.
As the light blue circle of glowing aura came into view, Eleanore announced, "Everyone, there's the portal! Whatever you do, stay low until we find our parents again!"
Kendora then turned to Blaze, holding her hand out, "Hey, good luck out there. Hope to see you soon."
Blaze nodded as he shook it, "Same to you."
And with that, all the children leaped into the portal, leaving Blaze to feel joyous and overwhelmed to meet the future generation of the Shepherds he knew all along.
Blaze landed roughly on the floor.
Traveling through a portal was not quite his ride especially when it launched him like lightning to the other side.
When he regained himself, he looked up and saw that he was indeed back in the past. It was quiet except for crickets that ringed his ears alive. His mind told him to unsheathe Sol just in case for any danger that surrounded him but it was too late to act quickly. He gasped at two Solarian guards pointing their lances at him.
"Oh crap…"
A/N: Well, that's another ridiculously long chapter done. I apologize for skipping some conversation and the simplicity on how Blaze was captured.
Also, how does one make Edelin speak? Seriously, I had a tough time trying to write his dialogue.
Also, the order of the kids from oldest to youngest in the story (Including Blaze and Marcus): Eleanore Kendora (Pretty obvious) - Blaze – Edelin – Ridgar – Inari – Larendalle - Alys - Galen – Eryeth – Cillia - Yiraloth – Egelard – Reuben/Reu - Oriel.
Next chapter: I may continue the capture, and back to the present timeline! (finally!)
9: Failed EscapeA/N: Hello once again! Welcome to a new chapter!
Today's chapter will focus on how Blaze escapes, and eventually gets captured. What? You thought he'd get caught that easily? Yeah right! Hopefully by the end of this one, we'll be getting back to the present.
Yep, I'm also getting tired of this time travel stuff…
"You there," One of the guards gruffly pointed his spear to him, "Where did you come from?"
It took a while for Blaze to come up with a perfect excuse as his thoughts made him ignore the guard's question.
'Seriously, of all the places I end up in, I end up back in my hometown and the first thing they do to me is to put me in prison. Sheesh, talk about welcome home. Hopefully, Eleanore and the others are doing fine.'
"Excuse me! Did you not hear his question?" The other guard persisted in a harsh tone, lance still pointing to his forehead.
Blaze slyly smiled as he kept his cool on these guards. "Guys, take it easy with those lances. Isn't it obvious that I'm just testing my skills after training? After all, the entire country trains itself for the war."
Despite Blaze making a valid point, the guards weren't convinced one bit.
"Sorry bud, but flattery won't get you anywhere." The guard informed, using his spear to stand up against himself.
'Damn it! Well, it was worth a shot.'
"Well, that's too bad then." And without warning, Blaze darted off with a smirk towards the hallways. "Sorry boys! Gotta run! Can't really stay in prison now, can I?"
His voice echoed into the distance, leaving traces of sarcasm and bravery etched on the cold stone walls.
The guards hastily yelled out thier report as they ran after thier prey on the loose, "All guards, stay on high alert! We've got a runner on the loose!"
"Oh great, my first time back to my home, and there's already a warrant for my arrest. Better stay low for now." Blaze thought to himself as he crouched low behind the tall grass that spouted around his home, the evening lights guiding his path away from the city.
Later that night, Blaze spots guards patrolling every inch of the city. Now he knew that they were on high alert.
'I gotta find someplace to stay. I stay out here, there's no doubt I'll get caught.' He thought to himself as he stealthily dashes for a safe space, feeling confident that no guard would greet him there with welcoming re-capture.
Sitting down behind a nearby house, he reaches into his pack, and touches something soft.
Giving out a sigh, he felt the silk entwine between his fingers, his mind telling him that it was just another useless cloth he used for hunting.
Instead, he finds something that is more worth than a standard battle ribbon. Pulling it out, he finds out that it was his mother's red bandanna.
He remembered that he stuffed it into his pack, shortly after clearing up the mishap with Eleanore and the others.
Tears began forming, but he refused to let them flow into 'Mother,' embroidered in gold Seivati .Though his mother was alive in this time, his mother from HIS timeline was dead.
Thinking about it made him touch his covered right arm. Blaze remembered that he still needed to find Marco. His father. He slowly unraveled it, showing his birthmark. Yet another memory began flashing back to him.
Flashback start
"That's a rather peculiar birthmark you 'ave there." One of the trainers said to a younger version of himself.
Another trainer approached him, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that was the Mark of Garuga."
"Mark of Garuga, what's that?" His younger self asked, placing Sol behind his back.
"Garuga was a Titan Hydra Dragon that was feared by many who tried to destroy Delyra almost a thousand years ago." One of the trainers explained with a friendly look and an uncaring tone.
"Luckily, the first Exalt along with the Dragon of Divine Flames, Solaris were able to defeat him and put him in a long slumber." The other trainer explained, a smile of glee brought the young boy to wonder about Delyra's history.
"That sounds terrible…" Blaze slowly murmured as he drew lines on the sandy ground with the tip of his Sol blade.
"Aye, it was. Though his followers, known as the Garugi formed Gudora, were in dying mischievous hopes of reviving their fallen master. If that mark of yers was the Mark itself, that would've meant that you would've had Garuga inside of you."
Flashback finish
The memory would've continued, had he not been interrupted by a voice.
"Excuse me, but, what are you doing out here?"
Blaze looked for the source of the soft and kind noise, and was shocked on who the voice belonged to:
His Mother.
The very thought of seeing his mother, younger and well, alive, rendered him speechless.
"Don't worry, I understand. Anybody on the streets who was offered help would be speechless." Aerin's voice was a sweet as ever. Blaze had forgotten how she sounded like. "Now, why don't you stay in my house for the night? The streets of Solaria are quite dangerous at night."
"But wait," Blaze started, "what about those who live with you? Would it be ok for them that you allowed a total stranger to stay at your house?"
Aerin merely smiled, eyeing the silk cloth held in her son's hands, "You've nothing to worry about, my mother and grandfather wouldn't mind at all. After all, you're not the first person."
Satisfied with his mother's answer, Blaze immediately got on his feet, stuffed his mother's bandanna into his pack, and followed her home.
"If you don't mind, May I ask your name?" Aerin asked as the two took thier seats opposite from the wooden table.
Familiar surroundings caused the Thief to blink at the sun-lit surface, "You may call me Blaze."
"Lovely name. I must say." Aerin held her hand on Blaze's palm, waiting for the odd silence to disperse from her son.
After a promised good night with his now living relatives, Blaze was just deep in thought, when a knock on the door snapped him out of it. Opening the door, the guest was none other than his mother from the past.
"I hope you don't mind, but I just came in to check if you were ok." Aerin said, striding in with heavy concern lacing her mid 30's face.
"Don't worry about me. I'm ok." Blaze replied, sitting crosslegged on his bed, chin on knuckles as if he was meditating.
"You don't sound okay to me. Would you like to talk about it?" Aerin exhaled while sitting on the edge of his bed, her hand patting his back in deep consideration.
"Why do you care on whatever I'm feeling? Both of us are total strangers to each other anyway." Blue sapphire eyes studied the swinging lamp tilting left and right, a faulty indecent in the ceiling where rats were left to lurk around in curiosity.
Aerin merely smiled, placing her hands on her hips, "Well, Judging from the way I found you were acting back there on the streets, it seemed that you lost something very near and dear to you."
'Damn. She's good, no doubt about it.' Blaze thought to himself. "Well… Since you seem persistent…"
It took him a while to gather up the words, as the mere thought of it was making his tears fall. "I lost my mother."
Aerin was taken back by what she had just heard, "I-I'm sorry. I didn't know. Oh dear, I wish I didn't ask…"
A gloved hand was placed on his shoulder, "It's not your fault, you had no idea. At least I was able to see her again."
"Huh, I-I don't understand. Didn't you say she was dead?" at this point, Aerin's emotions were at conflict right now.
"I think it would make more sense if I show you this." Blaze reached into his pack, and pulled out the purple bandanna. The moment Aerin saw it; he immediately dug deep into her dress pocket and pulled out HER bandanna.
Both bandannas were the same shade of red. Minus the obvious aging in Blaze's, every detail, from the hundreds of loose string and creases were identical, and in the exact same place.
"But… how? This is a family heirloom. Each bandana has a unique pattern. My family's the only one to have a red sun in the middle. If you have this, then…" Aerin reached for the nearest chair, and plopped down. Blaze immediately went to her.
"I have a son?" Aerin kept repeating to herself. "But, I'm not even married yet, nor do I have plans to. Not yet anyway."
"I'm sorry if I just blurted it out to you; I should've said it a little slower." Blaze apologized, feeling overboard with sadness drowning in his heart.
Without warning however, the Thief was suddenly held in the arms of his mother. Though to Blaze, this past version of his mother couldn't replace his deceased one, he couldn't help with the tears falling down his from his Sapphire orbs.
The reunion was short lived. However, when a knock on the front door quickly got their attention. Heartbeating in fear, Blaze advised his mother not to answer it but it was too late for him to stop her.
Aerin quickly got to the door to answer it. Fortunately, both his mother and grandfather were fast asleep at this point. As soon the door was opened, he was revolted to see that the person was none other than a Solarian guard.
"Excuse me ma'am, I don't mean to intrude, but several eyewitnesses have stated that you brought in a suspect. Perhaps you wouldn't mind us checking around your house?" The guard explained, glancing around in deep interest as if he wanted to loot every valuable set on the mantlepiece shelf just above the fireplace.
Aerin knew exactly who the guard was talking about. "I'm sorry, but there isn't anything suspicious here, but you're welcome to check around. I only request that you keep it quiet. My mother and grandfather would like to rest in peace."
"Very well then. At your request." The guard steadily entered the house, and began inspecting. Just out the corner of her eye, Aerin spotted Blaze.
"Get out of here for now." Aerin urgently mouthed, being cautious not to grab the guard's attention.
Blaze held his breath as he understood it perfectly, and stealthily headed out of the door. Just as he was about to leave, the Thief whispered to her, "I'm sorry. I must leave for now. I don't want to cause you anymore trouble."
"I understand," Aerin gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "Take care… my son."
As he escaped, Blaze couldn't help, but look back at his mother. He knew she was an outlaw; any other person would've given someone up to the law, regardless if they were related or not. Yet, she let him escape. But he had no time to think, he had to focus on outwit them, at least for now.
At least, that was his plan until he found himself surrounded by numerous guards and their many trained wolves.
'Of course…' he thought to himself, 'The guard inspecting was just used as bait. Giving time for any convict to escape. It was just a matter of bringing other guards out to surround the area, guaranteeing capture to any convict who took the bait.'
"Damn it…" He whispered to himself as slowly backed away from the snarling wolves.
"You've got quite the guts to run away from us like that. I must admit though, you lasted longer than most other convicts out here." One of the guards chuckled as arms wrapped around a thrashing Blaze who yelled in return, "Let me go!"
"It'd be easy to kill you now, but I'm pretty sure we've someone back at the castle who'd want to meet ya…"
A/N: And that wraps Blaze's past! Holy crap! This took longer than expected.
Anyway, I must apologize on the lack of information on some parts, like the bandanna. I like to keep things simple, until they become relevant to the story, which explains on why I only described the bandanna now.
Next chapter: Back to the present (Finally!). How will Blaze and Aerin affect Sokara, Kelli and the rest of The Shepherds, especially Marco?
10: The Rulers' NewsHey everybody, and welcome back to a new chapter!
Unfortunately, my laptop is still broken, so I'm forced to write a few of the chapters on my T-Rex of a computer… oh joy!
Anyway! Enough of that, let's get this started with a trip back to the present timeline.
2 years later
Rubio was just standing in the middle of a grassy plain, with Dawnbreaker in hand, when suddenly:
"Marco, it's so good to see you again…" A calm voice kindly caught his ears from behind.
The dracoknight recognized that voice. Turning around, he saw a familiar looking girl, wearing a purple bandanna.
Marco couldn't believe who he was face to face with.
"Aerin, is… it… really you?" His face was on the verge of crying as he slowly walked towards her.
Aerin gently wiped his tears with her hand, "It's ok. You don't have anything to worry about."
"I-I never thought that I would ever see you again." The clink of armor got both of engaged into a hug as the tactician's ears foresighted danger arriving in thier direction.
Unfortunately, the peace wouldn't last long as two Sirens, a Great Knight and a Trickster suddenly appeared with a grotesque moans and dull bladed swords and axes.
"Oh gods." Marco inhaled danger surrounding them. He immediately turned to Aerin, whose face was blooming with confidence.
"Don't worry about me this time." Aerin assured as she pulled out her Rigormortis axe, the blade gleaming under the sun, "I can fight, remember?"
Convinced, Marco and Aerin separated, and attacked the Sirens. Luckily, Marco's time with the Shepherds have caused his skills to improve greatly, and with a single slash, the Siren Great Knight falls and disintegrates.
Looking towards the War Cleric, Marco sees that Aerin too has easily dispatched the Siren Trickster. Spotting Marco, she gives him a quick smile when suddenly, a Frenzy Lance stabs through her abdomen. Removing the lance was a Siren Falcon Knight, greedy moans accompanying his dirty victory. Marco's heart freezes in heartbroken fear as her body falls motionless to the ground, ichor splattered on the grass including her Rigormotis axe.
"Oh gods… No!" Marco yelled with a shaky exhale as rage started growing in him. He could've sworn that the Siren was smiling at its work. "You'll pay for this… With your life!"
With his anger building up, and ichor boiling, Rubio quickly rushes towards the Siren, Dawnbreaker tightly gripped. The blade's tip had just touched the Siren when…
"Marco! Oh gods! What're you doing?!" A man's voice called out.
Rubio quickly pulled Dawnbreaker back, blinking perplexed at the only Exalt on the scene, "Sokara?!"
Back to reality
It turns out, it was just a nightmare. Marco's eyes jolted open, and revealed that he was not on a bright grassy plain, but in his bedroom. Standing by him, was the Exalt himself, Sokara. However, he wasn't alone. Behind him was his wife, Corasta, and a few of the Shepherds who have chosen to reside by Castle Delyrus.
What shocked Sokara and the others however- and much to the dracoknight's horror- was that Marco had Dawnbreaker gripped, with the tip lodged into something dangerously soft. Slowly, looking to his other side, Rubio was horrified to learn that the tip was actually poking into Kelli's neck.
Without even thinking, Marco quickly pulls the blade out, and tosses it to the floor in hyperventilation. Dawnbreaker's tip started tinting where it landed with ichor.
The dracoknight hastily got out of his bed, and proceeded to head out the room, using his hand to make a way for him through the Shepherds.
"Marco, wait…" Sokara called out, feeling that his friend was confused over something that wasn;t supposed to happen in the past. "Oh gods, something's wrong, I can feel it."
The exalt then turned to the Kagian battlemage, "Euriki, please. You know what to do."
The Delyran healer nodded, and proceeded to aid Kelli.
Making his way past the Shepherds, Sokara faced Corasta, "Aid Euriki. I don't think he can do this alone."
"You've got nothing to worry about." the Pegasus Knight assured. "You should try to help Marco."
"Right." Sokara nodded in understanding, and headed out of the bedroom.
As he was heading out of the door, a small voice brought his bravery back to sympathy.
"Uncle… Stormfang…"
Sokara immediately stopped in his tracks, and glanced back. He was definitely surprised to see that the voice came from none other, than Eryeth, who was woken up from the commotion.
Sokara slowly walked to the five-year old, kneeling down and calmly ran a hand through his purple hair. "Eryeth, what are you doing out here? You should be in bed."
Tears were forming in the young boy's eyes. "Is mother gonna be… alright?"
At last, the boy couldn't take it anymore, and soon enough, the tears began falling.
Sokara was taken back by the child's question. The longer it took for him to answer, the more the tears were falling.
"Of course she will. Knowing your mother, this isn't the worse she's felt." the exalt said, wiping the tears from the boy's eyes.
"Why would father… do such a thing?" Eryeth's tiny voice eventually calmed out his sobs as he stared at the exalt with a patient reply.
To say Sokara was having a hard time, was an understatement. Sure... being an Exalt, as well as a father in between was difficult, if not stressful. This was the first time however; he was dealing with his best friend accidentally stabbing his wife.
"If I know your father," He replied, clearly trying his best, "I'm sure he loves your mother very much, and would never try to hurt her."
Slowly, the tears eventually disappeared. Sokara was still crying, but not as much as before. "P-promise?"
"I promise." Sokara smiled, seeing now that the child has finally stopped crying. "Now, get back to bed. It's still too early for you to be awake."
Eryeth smiled at him, and went back to his bedroom.
Standing back up, Sokara went out to look for Marco, knowing exactly where to go.
Meanwhile
Marco was perched on a rock jutting out from a hill, the very same hill where he proposed to Kelli six years prior. His thoughts were filled about Aerin. Is she ok? Is she alive? What has become of her? His thoughts would've continued however, had he not felt a sudden sharp pain on his left arm.
Slowly rolling his sleeve back, he was shocked to see a purple, bruise-like scar marking on his left arm.
He would've investigated a little bit longer, had he not have heard the familiar voice of the Exalt, calling for out him.
"There you are!" Sokara exclaimed, relieved to have found him. "What happened back there? Is everything alright? Do you want to talk about it?"
"There isn't anything wrong." Marco shakily sighed, struggling for a decent reply. "I- I don't want to talk about it."
Sokara didn't like the answer he was given.
"Marco, we need to talk about this." He was trying his best not to suddenly burst in anger. After all, it was only 3AM. "It isn't right to keep things locked up."
Marco didn't seem convinced. "I already told you, I'm not interested."
He too, was trying his best not to suddenly burst into anger.
Sokara placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "Listen, I wouldn't do this if it's making you uncomfortable. I'm only doing this because, I can only imagine what would happen if it continued."
Marco knew exactly what the Exalt meant. Knowing that any further resistance would lead into a full scale vocal war that would wake up half of Delyra, he decided he had to tell Sokara about everything.
After listening and a few questions later, Sokara finally understood everything.
"Uh huh…" the exalt crossed his arms, finding the hint of doubtness hidden in his friend. "I see. But, why were you so obsessed with keeping it to yourself?"
"I just… I just didn't know how you and the others would react. Especially Kelli..." Marco murmered, impaling Dawnbreaker into the grassy ground just beside the rock. The force of it was so smooth, it felt like stabbing a kitchen knife into a watermelon. That's how sharp and agile Rubio's weapon was made out of.
"You didn't have to worry about anything, Marco." A familiar timid voice floated from behind thier backs.
Rubio and Sokara immediately turned around and saw Kelli and Corasta climbing up the hill. The dancer's wound was now a faint scar.
"You. You heard everything?" Marco spluttered into surprise. "How much did you hear?"
"From the beginning. Corasta stopped me, telling me that the two of you were probably busy." Kelli informed while inching near to the dracoknight. "Why did you decide to hide this from us?"
"I just didn't want you to think that I had feelings for someone else." Tears were starting to form as he held his hands tightly around the dancer's.
"Oh Marco," Kelli said, wiping his tears away. "I would never think that. I'd understand. You know I would."
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for hiding all of this from all of you." the tactician apologized, keeping his voice from breaking into repetitive shudders, "Especially, you Kelli."
"I don't know about you two," Sokara yawned while giving out a light stretch. "But we should probably be getting back to sleep. We're going to need all of the energy for tomorrow."
With that statement, the four headed back to their respective homes. Kelli grasped Marco's left arm, and felt something wet.
"Goodness, the sweat on your arm's like a lake." Considering it seeped through his metallic armor, Kelli giggled at the sight of dew like drops racing down the metal attire.
"Sorry about that," Marco re-assured with embarrassment, hand behind his head. 'Good thing she didn't think of looking further'
Later that afternoon
The day was going by normally. Kelli and Marco were spending some time with their children. Not to mention with the house helps, a great additional help to cleaning around the house, when suddenly a knock was heard on the door.
Marco proceeded to the banging door. Whoever was ringing the bell like that seriously had to get a life. Opening it, he was surprised to see that it was Vigur on his horse with a caravan attached.
"Marco. Urgent news from rulers Ascald and Hardo!" Vigur said, panting heavily while raising up a letter in view.
"Vigur. Relax, have a drink." Rubio chuckled, as he gestured towards to one of the helpers, and she immediately brought a glass for Vigur, who drank like a camel.
"Marco, who's at the door-Vigur?" Kelli asked in surprise, the sight of the clumsy romantic skyguard got him to nod in silence while gulping down the remains of the water.
"Hey Kelli. How's- Oh, what am I saying?! Marco, Kelli, the Rulers have requested all the Shepherds to meet at Kagia. It's urgent." Vigur eagerly played with his thumbs, showing his out his nervous self when he was claimed as Delyran messenger for a week.
"We certainly can't keep them waiting." Marco gladly accepted the offer as he started to walk towards the caravan and halt himself at the only blonde female. "Just give us a few minutes and… Dakota?"
Just by the side of the caravan was the other Delyran skyguard, Vigur's wife. Sporting her gruesome look along with the blonde hair, glasses, and braces, she was just sharpening her trusty lance, Thunderstorm as if she didn't care what was happening around Solara.
"Well, what the hell are you two lovebirds waiting for?" Dakota snorted, placing Thunderstorm vertical against the seats to provide more room. "Come on. Hurry up! Y'know the Rulers aren't exactly the most patient of all of the damn people out there."
Knowing Dakota with her impatient behaviour, the two headed into the house, and immediately got themselves ready.
"Still the same old Dakota." Kelli murmured, just enough for Marco to hear, to which he just chuckled.
A few minutes later, Rubio and Kelli boarded the caravan. After one last good-bye to their children and instructions for the helpers, the caravan departed to Regna Kagia.
A/N: And another chapter finished! Woo!
Ok, a few things I should explain. First off, Marco's mysterious illness. Don't worry, it'll come soon enough. Just a little hint: It has to do with Marco being almost the same as Garuga.
Also, yes, you can survive from a blade wound. Not a doctor or Medical student, but you can. I don't know how, so don't ask.
Next Chapter: What do Ascald and Hardo have to say? Also, the Shepherds are BACK!
11: An Issued ChallengeA/N: Hello Everybody!
Time once again for a new chapter. I know it's a little early for me to be updating, but since I have some free time, I thought, why not…
Anyway, let's get this show on the road!
After about 2-3 hours, the caravan has finally reached Regna Kagia. Dakota and Vigur allowed Marco and Kelli to get off, so they can park the caravan beside a trusty inn.
Once inside the garrison, Marco couldn't help, but feel some nostalgia. All those memories from conducting numerous strategies, to the various training exercises (mostly by Galen) immediately sent him to cloud nine.
Kelli on the other hand, though she joined the Shepherds a little late, also felt a sense of nostalgia, mostly from living in Kagia.
One thing they can agree on: No matter what has been achieved, Kagia still favors fighting.
"Feels great to be back… doesn't it huh?" Kelli slyly asked, wrapping her arms around the dracoknight's.
"One can say that." Marco replied with a smile as he stared ahead in deep thought towards the large building even bigger than in Delyra.
After being led by a Soldier, the two finally made it to the garrison, and the welcoming faces of their pass comrades. The two separated for a while to catch up with their friends.
"Feathers, I heard about your little problem this morning." The Whippersnapper loving thief that was Sobek told the Tactician, idly covering his fingers with the wrappers he stashed from the Ruby Fox in Crodantis.
"Little Marco!" bellowed Gylex as he swung Gauwill, narrowly missing an inch of the tactician's precious jet black hair, "So, how's it been since this morning?"
Marco was either at a loss right now or he frantically jumped in shock towards the sudden dangerous greeting from the mercenary, "Seriously, we haven't seen each other within a few years, and your first question is about the little incident this morning?"
"Take it easy Feathers," Sobek laughed as he started to drop the wrappers like leaves to the ground, "You didn't forget that when things like this happen, it spreads faster than Axey here losing well, his axe…"
"Hey!" Gylex bellowed out in a frustrated tone, "The Pegasus doesn't always lose his axe! I uh… Just misplace it. That's all."
Marco and Sobek just rolled their eyes at the statement, finding it annoying.
Meanwhile, on Kelli's part
"How's that wound of yours?" Senpai asked the Dancer as she sat on the edge of the row, thoughts about Marco dancing through her head.
"Uh…" Kelli struggled to reply.
"You're not hurt, are you darling?"Maline asked as she placed her hand against the dancer's back.
Again, Kelli struggled for a good reply.
"Hey!" A high-pitched voice called out.
The three looked to the direction of the voice, and found that it came from none other than Koshka, who was rushing towards them.
"Take it easy with the questions, would ya?" Koshka said to them. Kelli felt relieved that Sokara's little sister helped her… For once.
"Without me anyway…" the little sister of Sokara finished.
Nevermind…
Kelli, despite turning redder by the second, decided to speak up.
"It's not that bad anyway." To say Kelli was getting flustered, is an understatement. "It's barely noticeable anyway…"
At that point, Sokara entered with Ascald and Hardo. Everyone took this as a sign to get seated already.
A/N: Yeesh, I'm treating this like a classroom.
"I suppose you all are wonderin' why I called of ya here?" Hardo's familiar booming voice echoed throughout the room.
"Enough with the questions, oaf!" Ascald retorted, crossing his arms on the podium. "Our scouts have captured a spy from a fairly unheard country."
"Excuse me Rulers," Galen said as he raised his Oathbreaker blade in substitution for his twitching hand, "Pardon me for interrupting, but if your scouts have captured a spy, why would there be a reason to call all of us here?"
"Believe us. We would've taken care of 'em already." Hardo replied. "However, he had something that would probably be of interest."
"Guards!" Ascald called out, "Bring him in."
As if on queue, two Soldiers entered the room. With them, was a hooded figure with a beak-like mask, dressed like an Assassin. The soldiers saluted them in respect, and then left with out a word.
"Well then, remove yer hood and tell 'em what ya told us earlier." Hardo commanded, making Ascald intently study the newcomer.
The figure obeyed, and removed his hood, revealing disheveled, dirty blond hair. He then removed his beak-like mask, revealing a small beard.
"The name's Zane. I come from a land known as Solaria."
A/N: I couldn't think of a better name for him ok. Lay off me! Also, he's the same one from Chapter 4.
The mention of that name caused Marco to suddenly react negatively, but none of the Shepherds noticed.
"I've been sent on behalf of my queen, not to spy as your khan claims, but to send a message…" the scout choose his words carefully as he stared at the two men in concentrating worry.
He then pauses to scan the room for a while, until he spots Marco sitting between Lansu and Jade.
'Excellent, he's here…'
"She says she wants to test one of you in battle." Zane continued, pointing a finger randomly around the room until...
"What does she need to test one of us for?" Sokara asked him with a demanding gaze.
"She says she heard so much about the famed Shepherds of Delyra, and wanted to see for herself." Zane purred like a inquisitive cat who practiced trickery on his feline friends.
"Well then," Sokara stated as he held his breath in bravery. "We shall train as much as we-"
"I must apologize to you, Lord Sokara." Zane interrupted with a smirk. "And to you too, Rulers Ascald and Hardo."
Both Hardo and Ascald were confused on what they just heard. It seemed as if the newcomer's challenge sounded like a blasphemous offer that blazed the whole continent of Akardos alive.
"Whatever must you apologize for?" Hardo asked in puzzled tone as he glanced at Ascald for support.
"I'm afraid, that I didn't tell the whole story. I just remembered something just now." Zane lied, keeping his true anxiety absent from the meeting.
Unfortunately, this time around, Sobek wasn't able to detect whether or not, Zane was lying.
"And what is it then?" Ascald asked with impatience lacing his calm tone. "Spit it out now!"
"My queen stated that she specifically wanted to test the skills of…"
He paused slightly.
"Him…" He finished, pointing to, who else, but Marco.
All eyes have now turned to Rubio.
"Me?" the dracoknight pointed to himself. To say he was confused was an understatement.
"Yes," Zane nodded. "Though she hears stories of Delyra's famed Shepherds, she's heard more of the equally famed Tactician, and she wants to see if you have more skills other than just calling orders."
When Zane finished his statement, Marco's mind began flying around through storms of Tempest spells.
'Seriously, who does she think she is? Thinking I just sit there, and tell everybody what to do? Please, I've sacrificed way too much. I'm pretty sure she doesn't even do much, being queen and all.'
For some reason, Sokara could tell that Marco was about to burst in anger. Thinking quickly, he started to calm down the awkward atmosphere.
"Now, now… I'm sure anybody would make that mistake. Hehe…" Sokara tried to explain with a trace of nervousness lacing his voice. He did a secret gesture behind his back, specifically for the Shepherds. A hand gesture that means 'Restrain him before it's too late…'
All the Shepherds understood, and started readying themselves to restrain their hothead of a Tactician.
True, Marco was often shown to be calm majority of the time. Unfortunately however, there were times when Rubio's anger would get the better of him.
As if on queue, the dracoknight began unleashing his venomous voice:
"Now listen here," Marco's brown eyes locked onto Zane's with rage, "I don't know who your queen is, or what she was thinking that time. But let me tell you this right now…"
Rubio's breathing was getting heavier, and heavier.
'Oh gods, please don't…' Sokara silently prayed.
"I am no slacker. I've killed more Sirens, more than the longest living Roiskinsian…" Marco was getting angrier, and angrier. "You tell her that I accept her challenge."
Suddenly without warning, Marco suddenly unsheathed Sunshine Creventis (Keris Dagger), and placed it dangerously close to Zane's face, causing him to sweat like crazy.
"Marco. I know your offended right now, but please don't do anything foolish." Sokara pleaded, trying to suggest him to stop his dangerous acts.
"Also, tell her that she too should prove that she's more than a queen. I want her to bring her best weaponry. Got it?" Marco finished with a calm snarl, the tip of the blade still poking at his chest.
Zane gulped, and nodded slowly with caution. Marco then finally sheathed Sunshine Creventis, allowing Sokara and the others to finally calm down.
"Will do…" Zane bowed down with respect. "Rulers Ascald and Hardo, if you don't mind, I must be leaving. After all, I've to give the answer to my queen. Once I give her the message, we'll be here in about, three weeks time."
Ascald and Hardo nodded to his request. "Guards, escort Zane to Port Aragary."
The guards nodded, and led Zane out. Once that was done, Sokara turned to Marco, with a clearly aggrivated look on his face.
"What the hell was that about?!" Sokara countered in a dismayed frustrated tone. "What were you thinking? Are you purposely trying to instigate another war?"
Marco opened his mouth to reply, but was interjected before he could even say a single word.
"Look, I know what he said was offending, but you didn't need to threaten to kill him!" Hardo began with a disapproving snort.
Ascald intercepted with a calm signal, "All right, We can all agree that what Marco did was foolish. But right now, Rubio's got some training to do. So Hardo and I have decided to bring back a familiar recruit to help him. One who trains like no other."
The ruler of West Kagia clapped his hands as the door opened and everyone turned towards the silhouette, "Reima, you can come on in now."
The shadows revealed a tall man wearing a tattered, red cape dressed in Divine Hero armor and holding the famed sword, Stormbringer.
"Reima, haven't seen you in six years." Sokara greeted, the Exalt was surprised to see him again. After the war, Reima vanished without a trace. Not one of the Shepherds knew where he went.
"Well, I was just training. Hoping to see more strength and probably travel to a place where the Divine Hero, Leo's legend held more meaning. However, when Ascald and Hardo contacted me about this, I decided to hold it of for now." Reima explained, sheathing Stormbringer behind his back.
"Well, looks like it's settled then." Hardo chuckled. "Reima, you are to help train Marco for the next three weeks. Think you can handle that?"
"Heh! No training's too tough for me." He then turned to Marco, "Well, once you get settled in, we'll start training immediately. Sound good to you?"
He then held his hand out.
Marco held his own hand out, and shook Reima's "Whenever you're ready."
Back at Solaria
Zane entered the castle and immediately headed to a laboratory (for KvD standards of course!) and found Rayne, who was tending to a mysterious floating object that was being tended by scientists.
"So, did he agree to the fight?" She said, as if sensing his arrival.
"He took it all right." Zane replied, chuckling.
"Excellent. Do me a favor, would you? Tell a certain prisoner, that I'll be having a special match with his father."
Zane agreed, and headed to the dungeon.
Rayne then held the object in her hands. A pristined crystal orb began to glow purple which suddenly floated above her open palm.
"Hear that? Looks like you'll be able to see some action after all…"
Rayne then started laughed maniacally through the echoing walls of the castle.
A/N: And another chapter… finished!
So, what you guys think? Good enough?
As for Marco's attitude, I kinda changed it a bit. I'll admit, all these fics about Marco being calm, is getting repetitive. I decided that Marco should have at least some anger management problems. Hope none of you mind.
Also, Reima has returned. My reason why, is because, out of all the Spotpass characters, He's the one who isn't dead. Plus, admit it, Reima's f***ing awesome! Also, I wanted to bring someone who isn't part of the usual cast of Shepherds.
Next Chapter: Training sessions, and An Escape plan. Also please R&R and bye!
12: Planning AheadA/N: Hey everybody!
I apologize greatly for the long delay! I've just been very busy as of late!
Anyway, with that out of the way, let the chapter commence!
Two weeks later
"Hiyaah!" Marco yelled, as he thrusted his training sword to Reima.
"Come on! Is that all?" Reima asked with a smirk as he easily dodged the strike and threw a practice axe lunging with speed.
"Not even close…" Marco replied, easily dodging as well. He began charging towards Reima.
The sound of wood clashing the Divine Hero's shield was the result of bringing up a dust cloud around them, the cloud that showed integrity of skilled swordsmanship and agile bravery.
"Try this on for size!" Reima chuckled, thrusting his sword towards him.
Rubio was able to react in time, and countered it with a swift strike.
Meanwhile, as the two trained for their lives, the rest of the Shepherds were perched on the training stands of the Dueling Grounds, watching the match.
"Damn. I've never seen Marco take training so seriously before." Dakota quietly commented, as she sharpened her Thunderstorm lance (Geez, what does this woman do all day!?).
"Marco sure has been affected big time, hasn't he, Sokara?" Koshka piped up with glee, only for her to look around in search of her big brother. "Sokara?"
The Exalt was lost in thought to hear his little sister. His chestnut eyes were sparked in deep interest and confidence in his only trusty tactician.
"Hey! Solara to Sokara!" The sudden rise in Koshka's voice shook Sokara (as well as the rest of the Shepherds.)
"Huh? Uh… Yeah, he has hasn't he?" Sokara jumped to attention, trying to stutter out a reply.
Koshka just groaned loudly while placing her hands on her forehead. "Hey! Were you even listening?!"
"Sorry. I just couldn't help but wonder about Marco's mysterious opponent. I mean, we've never seen her before. Not to mention, that none of us have an idea on her weapon." Sokara blinked out his perplexed words as if he wasn't ready for the sudden strike from Garuga yet.
"True…" Lansu huffed with a relaxed tone lacing his calm posture. "Let's just hope that whatever she's planning, Marco's prepared."
Meanwhile at Solaria.
"How's it doing?" Rayne asked one of the scientists.
"It's doing fine, just as we expected." One of them replied, removing his goggles to remove the cloth draped over the mysterious thing.
And true to his word, the orb flowing inside the chamber was glowing a Eruption Rune red, sparks emitting from it.
"Five generations." She muttered to herself, persisting the orb from any further sparking.
"Sorry?" the scientist was too engrossed into his recent reports of his mistress's project, he completely didn't catch her words.
"For five generations, we've tried to craft the ultimate weapon. One that would rival any future weaponry. And we've done it." The smile on her face grew darker and darker as it stretched into a rivaling smirk. "Yes. And all it took was the staff's orb. The one that's been passed for generations."
Meanwhile, Castle Solaria prison
'Damn…' Blaze thought to himself. 'That damn queen's going to face father in a week. There's no doubt that old witch's going to try something else. I've got to get out of here. FAST.'
"Lunch time, you sorry excuse for a maggot!" One of the guards said, holding a platter of food that oddly looked to be a horse's out going meal from yesterday.
It looked too hideous to even stare at it, the Thief practically ignored his mid-day supper and stared through the mesh of the iron bars.
'I have an idea…' Blaze thought with a smirk.
Standing up from the sore posture he was forced to sit, the action of being face to face caught the guard's attention.
"Ya better not try anything foolish boy." He carefully warned to him, "You've caused quite the ruckus ten years ago. You remember that?"
How could Blaze forget? His first trip back in the past, and he ends up with a ten year stay in prison, possibly more. Blaze could only hope that Eleanore and the others got luckier.
"Oh please," He mocked non-chantley as he played around with a toothpick between his fingers. "I've been here for ten years now. I'm as quiet as a fly…"
The guard just rolled his eyes, and entered gruffly his cell. The moment he placed his meal on the floor, Blaze wrapped his legs around the guard's arms and tugged quickly, causing him to fall to the ground, and land with a dull sounding thud!
"Why I oughta…" the guard murmured while struggling to stand up and take revenge with his lance.
"Shut the hell up, and give me the key so I can escape?" Blaze jokingly smirked as the guard unhooked the ring from his belt and handed the clinking sets of metal to his open palm. "Sure. Why not."
The Thief quickly unlocked his shackles, and quickly locked the guard up in his place.
"Finally, my arms can breathe again. You have no idea how painful it is when your arms have been cuffed for nearly ten years." Blaze huffed out a sigh as his mind took in the next step of his escape plan.
"Guards! We have an escaped priso-" The guard tried to yell for help but was silenced by a swift kick to the head, knocking him unconscious.
"Now, now…" He said, crouching down while putting a finger on his unconscious lip, "Wouldn't want to cause a ruckus now, do we?"
Escaping the castle was no easy task. Guards patrolled literally every corner. Luckily, Blaze trained to be a thief, so getting past the guards took little to no problems. Of course, caution still needed to be kept in mind, no matter whatever class you were.
Later that night, back in Regna Kagia
Suppertime had just concluded the evening night over the third district in Akardos. All the Shepherds were doing their assigned tasks. Vigur, Kelli and Goose were busy cleaning up the mess hall.
"So Kelli," the Paladin asked, "Do you think Marco will be fine when the battle starts?"
"'Ey Vigur," the farm boy interrupted, straightening his pot on his head, "Why ya gotta ask 'er a question like that?"
"Goose, I don't mind being asked about it…" The dancer calmly said, struggling to find an answer.
"'Sides. If we all know Marco, I'm sure 'e's going to find a way to win this one." Goose assured, being careful not to walk over the puddle of water strained from a homemade mop currently held in Kelli's hands.
"Well, you never know. I mean, remember what Zane said 2 weeks back? The queen is going to have a weapon none of us have ever seen before…" Vigur reminded, squeezing the rag in a tight swirl that the amount of water was absorbed from the mop.
"Well… Let's just hope for the best…" Kelli re-assured with a bright smile that could almost make the dracoknight suddenly switch moods to a happy dragon.
Meanwhile, at the Kagian Training grounds.
"Tempest!" Marco yelled, striking a wooden training dummy with his tome, which resulted in the dummy reduced to a pile of unrecognizable ash.
"Marco!" The Exalt called out with joy, "I think it's time to take a break from this training. After all, you still got a week."
Sokara slowly began walking towards the Tactician, who tossed the burnt dummy to the pile used for campfires.
"No taking a chance." Marco replied with a snort of agreement, "I want to show them that Rubio is no slacker. Divine Creventis!"
He finished by striking another dummy with his Keris Dagger.
A/N: Yeah, Yeah. I made it evolve from Sunshine to Divine, just like Ragnarok.
Sokara placed a hand on the Tactician's shoulder while watching the spark emit flames slicing through the helpless sack of hay, "Listen, I know you've a lot to prove."
He paused for a brief moment then returned to his confidence look, "But let's face it. You keep training like this; you'll be in no condition to fight."
Marco was just about to strike at yet another dummy when he realized Sokara was right, making him lower the Keris Dagger in slow realization.
A/N: Sheesh, how many Training Dummies does Rubio need?!
"You're right. I got too caught up with this, that I forgot about my own well being." Sheathing back his Keris Dagger, Marco stared at empty weaponry rack, feeling odd that there was someone else eavesdropping on their conversation beside the two of them.
"There we go." Sokara said, patting the Tactician's back in praise. "Now, promise me that you'll take the week of, all right?"
"Sure. But, what about Reima?" Marco reminded, the thought of the Divine Hero randomly popped into his amnesiac mind.
"Not to worry, I've already discussed this with him. He said that even the mightiest of warriors need to rest some time." Sokara assured as he started to walk to wards the exit gates of the Grounds.
"Well, better get cleaned up, and get to bed…" And with that, Marco walked off, unaware of the invisible precense stepping out of the sandy ground.
Once he was alone, Sokara called out, "Ok Segarus, you can change me back now before Sokara wakes up from that sleeping curse."
Turns out, it was actually Corasta in Sokara's body.
From behind the weapon rack, the Gudorian Dark Mage suddenly popped out, "Wow, who knew Lil' Marco would've fallen for a trick like this, especially when you consider how you almost failed there for a second. Nya ha ha!"
"Well, Reima did say all that. But let's face it; He wouldn't have believed me unless it came from Sokara."
Segarus was busy poking at the two burnt dummies, watching the fireflies hover over the scarred objects, "Aww, too bad these weren't Sirens, imagine the ichor!"
"Uh, Segarus? Anytime now…" Corasta/Sokara urgently reminded.
"Oh, right. Sorry. Nya ha ha!"
Back at Solaria
As Blaze was nearing escape, he overhears Rayne talking to Zane, along with some soldiers through the window of a seperate meeting room.
"Now, do you remember the plan?" Rayne waited for a perfect answer from Zane while tapping her fingers aganst the royale table.
"You've got nothing to worry about." Zane reassured, "Once Marco has been knocked out, they'll swoop in, and this 'ere Assassin will take care of the Tactician, right?"
"This is almost too easy. Heh!" The Assassin exclaimed through his firebird mask as he and Zane gave each other a knuckle high five.
"Excellent…" Rayne said, satisfied with her outstanding plan to over throw Solara. "With the Tactician out of the picture, taking down the rest of the Shepherds will be almost too easy."
She finished with a maniacal laugh.
'Oh gods! I've got to get back to Regna Kagia, And fast!' Blaze said, and stealthily, but quickly he headed for the docks.
A/N: And another chapter finished! Whew!
I actually had another scene where Marco talks to Elmeri about some sort of training machine to help him. I couldn't fit it into the story, so I replaced it with Corasta/Sokara and Segarus!
Well, I've added a lot of stuff for this round. Let me just say, that I will never let Goose have more than one line again! I had a hard time making him talk without giving offense to any farm people out there, or those who grew up on a farm. If you did get offended, I apologize.
Also, forgive me for Blaze's escape. I re-did it like Solaris knows how many times… *shudder*
Also, also. It looks like there's a plan to assassinate Marco! This will probably end up very bad, or will be averted. Find out in the following chapters!
Next chapter: The fight is on! It's Dracoknight/Tactician Marco, vs Solaria's Queen Rayne! Until next chapter, see ya!
13: Let the Battle Begin!A/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to this chapter! This chapter includes the battle between Marco and Rayne!
I just wanna say thanks to Goodralisk for pointing out the little error I made. If I made any errors whatsoever, don't hesitate to correct me so I don't look like an idiot… And leave a review while you're at it. That helps too!
Without any further ado, let the chapter commence!
One Week Later
Arena Kagia
Like how one would describe a modern day concert of the biggest band alive, Arena Kagia was packed with people from all around Akardos and Fonaxe, wanting to see what they claim:
'The Fight of the Millennia'
In one of the rooms, the Dracoknight/Tactician Marco was getting ready. He was wearing his famed Valor of Divine Hope tactician robe.
"Choose carefully there, ok?" Sokara reminded, gesturing his hands to a set of weapons laid out on the table for free picks.
"Don't worry, when will my swords and tomes ever let me down?" Rubio assured with a chuckle, grabbing Dawnbreaker and his Keris Dagger, as well as a few tomes.
"Just remember. You're going up against an unexpected weapon out there." Sokara held his breath as he placed his hand on Marco's arm before he could pick up a miniature version of Demiri's Knightfall, "Swords and tomes aren't enough."
"True…" Marco answered, breaking free from the axe and heaved out a short sigh, "But, what's a weapon… without skill?"
"Stormfang 'ere has a point, Marco," Reima crossed his arms while striding in with an advising look, "I've faced many weapons in the past, and I still need to be cautious. One wrong move and it could be my last."
"All right. I'll be careful out there." Marco replied hesitantly that voiced his bravery. "You two should head to the stands. I'll see you after the fight."
And with that, Sokara and Reima headed back.
Five minutes later, Kelli appeared, looking heavily concerned for her husband who simply prepared himself for Delyra's sake.
"Be careful out there… ok?" The dancer exhaled in worry as she wrapped her arms around him.
Marco immediately stopped what he was doing. He turned around and saw his wife Kelli, with the same concerned look she had the past three weeks. Tears were slowly flowing.
"Don't worry, I will…" the dracoknight assured as he wiped her tears with his hand.
"Promise me you'll be careful out there… ok?"
"Look, I-"
"PLEASE PROMISE!" She yelled, rage lacing with fear worry made his heart skip a beat.
Marco was thrown off by her sudden outburst. Rarely did Rubio, heck anyone ever hear Kelli raise her voice. When she does however, it's never a good sign.
"We-I've already lost you once… six years ago…" Once again, her tears were flowing down. "Don't make any of us relieve that pain again…"
This time, Marco knew she was serious, and what she meant.
Flashback to the battle against Garuga
Marco had just formed a magic barrier to prevent any of the other Shepherds from interfering. As Rubio was readying his Creventis, he could hear Kelli's pleas to Sokara.
"Stormfang! Do something!" Kelli pleaded, kneeling down while glancing up at him with tears.
"I'm trying!" Sokara yelled as he slashed the barrier with Ragnarok. "But, whatever Marco used, its hard stuff!"
Kelli then turned to Koshka rather in a hurry, "What about the Rescue staves?"
Koshka groaned as her staff began glowing, but ultimately faded. "It's not working! It's blocking magic as well!"
"Don't even think about asking for air travel…" Senpai immediately said after that. "The barrier has sealed us off…"
Lightning immediately started surrounding the blade.
"Checkmate!" Marco proclaimed, as he quickly lowered the blade.
As Garuga knew his defeat had come, so did most of the Shepherds.
SLAM!
As both Garuga and the barrier begin faded into nothing, Rubio spun his blade, and rested it on his back…
"Good-bye… and good riddance."
The Shepherds began rushing to the charred dracoknight.
"Marco, what have you done?" Sokara asked, his emotions conflicting.
"I'm sorry… This is what must be done." He slowly began to fade.
"Marco! Oh gods… no!" Kelli cried out, rushing to the tactician, only to touch nothing. Seeing Rubio fading was like a walk in a nightmare.
"Good-bye. May we see each other again someday."
Flashback end
Marco struggled to speak as he held her tightly in her arms. "I'll… try… I promise…"
Despite not being content with his answer, she simply nodded.
Two Kagian guards suddenly appeared and surrounded them.
"Excuse us…" one of them began with a stern voice, "But all visitors must head back to the stands. The battle is about to begin."
Marco simply nodded as he gave out a last kiss on her forehead. "I'll do my best to stay alive. I promise."
Kelli smiled in response and walked to one of the guards, who escorted her back to the stands.
"Let's go sir." The guard instructed.
Marco obliged, grabbing his weapons and headed off towards the gates that led to the middle of the Arena.
After navigating through the Arena's tunnels, they were finally at the arena gates. Marco could hear the crowds roaring with excitement. Looking around, Marco couldn't see Sokara or the rest of the Shepherds anywhere. Hardo's voice suddenly drowned the crowd's voices.
"Welcome one and all to today's match!" Hardo began with his booming yells as usual. "Today's match is unlike any other. It'll uniquely feature two forces so strong; it'll make the previous matches held here seem like nothing!"
Ascald immediately took over. "Introducing the competitors, on my right first, you know him as the famed Dracoknight and Tactician of Delyra; give it up for…"
"Marco!" Hardo interrupted, to which Ascald just shot him a dirty look.
The gates slowly opened, and Marco slowly walked out, his ears being assaulted from the roaring cheer of the crowds. Looking around, he sees that Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds were actually above him, cheering for him… Well, almost all of them. He suddenly spotted Elmeri walking around the stands, selling some merchandise like she always does.
"And the second competitor, on my left, hailing from a mysterious country known as Solaria, where she is the reigning queen, give it up for…"
"Queen Rayne!" Hardo once again interrupted. "Godsdamnit you oaf!"
The left gate slowly opened, and Rayne began walking out. Everybody in the arena was shocked to see the queen walk out holding just a staff.
A/N: Why did part sound like some boxing/MMA/wrestling tournament?
Her normal red gown was changed for a sleeveless, black, shin-length dress. The chest area was decorated with silver feathers. Her heeled sandals were replaced with gray, heeled-boots with spikes adorned at the tip. In place of her crown, she wore a gold headdress decorated with curved horns.
The spectators immediately murmured their puzzled opinions.
"Is she really going to fight in that?"
"I don't know, why is she only using a staff?"
"Now listen up!" Hardo continued, "I want a good clean fight! Only use the weapons you've brought with you. No outside weapons. The winner will be declared, when one is unable to continue."
Ascald took over, "Let the battle… BEGIN!"
A/N: Again, another boxing/MMA/wrestling-like moment.
Zoomed out with the crowd accompanying the start of the epic rivalry known to Divine history.
First move, first strike.
A motto that the dracoknight learned from Robion, a skilled Kagian fighter and good friend of Kelli's.
Following the instincts of the word play, Marco immediately unsheathed Divine Creventis, and began running towards Rayne, the blade flaming green.
However, time didn't occur to Rubio as he was completely unaware of her trickery in battle.
Rayne gave out an evil smirk and simply removed the orb from her staff. To everyone's shocking silence, as well as halting Marco dead on his tracks, the orb began floating around her, and started glowing dark green..
"I see you're shocked." Rayne started with a playful pun, "Hopefully, you'll still have time to react…"
The orb flashed, and a sword similar to Oblivion materialized, and started lunging towards Rubio.
Marco barely dodged the attack as a yell along with a thump to his knees brought him to stand up in difficulty. 'What the hell was that? No matter, I'll find a way…'
Sokara and the others were speechless as well.
Rubio steadied his breathing as he locked eyes with the only queen who was deemed to be his opponent. He ultimately knew that time was going to stop him again, but effortlessly made no move.
"To think that was just another Beast or Drakostone… I stand corrected." Sokara quietly commented while crossing his arms with disapproving look towards the tactician's mistake.
"I hope that whatever Marco has planned, he'll think of it… and fast!" Rikkert panicked.
Knowing he had little freedom to move around, Marco quickly switched for the Keris Dagger. 'Very well, if I can't fight it directly, some range will do.'
Rubio aimed the blade, and lime green lightning began flowing from it with speed.
Rayne easily dodged it by the orb's sudden teleportation, which absorbed the attack.
The only opponent in his sight was a dust cloud that formed in front of his face.
'Gods… seriously? Will anything work?'
"Sokara…" Koshka began with a worried tone, "Tell me Marco has SOMETHING planned…"
"Oh… Of course he does…" Sokara struggled to let go of the fact that this newcomer had even greater power than him.
"What… uuggh! Again?! Seriously?!" Marco struggled to defend himself from the constant attacks sprouting random directions.
Dust cloud after dust cloud, every spell attack on this feisty queen seemed to be playing around with his mind. He then scanned the arena carefully and set his mind on plan B.
'Let's try the direct approach again…'
Marco then switched back to his Creventis, which began glowing with fire energy. He started running, mindful of the orb's attempt to change.
'The boy sure has confidence, but is also rather rash…' Rayne thought to herself as she heartlessly snapped her finger.
The orb changed back to a sword, and she began walking closer to Marco, where both swords clashed.
"So boy, did you prepare for this?" She asked, an uncaring tone brought her to voice his reflected bravery.
"It may not be what I'm expecting, but I'll see this through… no matter what!" Rubio snarled as he fought hard against the floating blade attempting to dominate him backwards.
"I admire your confidence… But it's not the only thing you'll need." Without warning, she teleported to the other end, yet leaving another dust cloud in his wake.
'Teleporting?! What else…' At this point, Rubio was growing frustrated. There had to be another tactic his damned amnesiac mind could think of.
"Only Sirens have the ability to Transflux! How in Solaria can she be at the same level as our enemies?" Robion eluded his thoughts out loud. "She's more kneen to Marco than I ever thought…"
'Let's try some tomes, shall we?' Marco loaded a Chaos Rain tome to the Keris Dagger, the blade emitting out a red glow. Pointing it towards the clear sunny sky, the elemental Arcane spell shot out a pillar of red blazes towards the blue.
Rayne shook her head from side to side in laughing disbelief, "Are you so foolish enough to waste out a perfect attack like that?"
"No, but I'm foolish enough to defend myself from you!" Marco countered back with a confident smirk.
A red orange mass began forming, and meteors started raining down in speed. One by one, the meteors exploded around the arena as if the ground was getting carpet bombed. Rayne however, was caught off guard by some of them, and part of her and her dress was singed.
"Damn… Oh well, it doesn't matter…" Rayne said, almost unaffected by the outcome.
Eventually, the mass began to die down, and thick smoke was left in its wake, fogging up the entire arena floor.
"I can't see anything!" Kelli said, worried on what could happen under that thick fog.
"Would the arena still be left standing after that?" Sokara asked, fanning away the prudent odor similar to a campfire in Knem Forest.
"Hmph…" Lansu just huffed, keeping himself normal throughout the smoke that infiltrated the stands. "Arena Kagia has endured much worse."
"You don't need worrying over yourself." Robion added as his vision spotted out the dracoknight through the smoke. "Hardo prepared for this over the years."
Back at the Arena grounds, Marco was having difficulty seeing, but a smile was plastered on his face.
"I must say, you're quite clever." Rayne said to herself in between coughs.
'Now, where are you?' Marco scanned for a while, and spotted the dark green glow of the orb. 'Gotcha…'
Marco hastily switched to his Keris Dagger, and Lightning began surrounding the blade.
"Look! Over there!" One of the spectators said, spotting the lighting blade.
Everyone was astonished to see the blade of lightning poking out of the smoke.
"He's doing it like he did six years ago." Demiri analyzed as his gaze never left the tactician.
"Let's hope it works like it did…" Tealgra added with worry as little dragon wings spouted out of her ears in which the uncontrollable flapping revealed the nerving moment of truth.
"Checkmate!" Marco proclaimed as he lowered the blade into the ground, lime green lightning striking across the sandy surface towards the vile queen.
"Just what I expected…" Rayne smirked to herself. Almost immediately, she waved her hand about and suddenly…
"What the hell?!" A spectator exclaimed in a surprised tone as the lines halted a good 3 ft away from her.
"It stopped in midair." Another said in awe.
"Why would he do that?"
The smoke eventually cleared, and to everyone's shock, everything surrounding the dracoknight has been frozen. The blade was still surrounded by lightning, but remained still like static. Almost like a statue.
Rayne chuckled to herself as she walked closer to Marco. His face, which was gleaming with strong confidence, was frozen in rage and urgency to break free.
"Foolish boy…" Rayne started with a hissing mock as she touched the fizzing blade. Surprisingly, no part of her skin was affected.
"I told you not to get too confident." Her orb suddenly hovered on top of his head, and spawned several yellow orbs around Rubio. While it twirled lower to the ground, it immediately turned into a circle of flames that conjured up from under his feet.
"And now, you'll pay the consequences."
As soon as she was far enough, time immediately began moving again for Marco.
SLAM!
Right upon impact, the lightning explodes, and clears up. Rubio was shocked to see that it hit nothing, instead feel several orbs surrounding him.
Before Marco even has time to react, Rayne immediately waves a hand around and under her vigilant command, the orbs begin exploding one by one. Each emitting jolts of lightning that shock Rubio's body. Worse than Molten Strom.
"What the hell?!" Sokara jumped to attention with a yell. To say Stormfang and the Shepherds were shocked, was a complete understatement.
As soon as the orbs are finished, Marco was severely weakened. Despite this, he struggled to lift his sword up.
"I admire your confidence boy… But learn when to… QUIT!" Rayne crossed her arms, and quickly separates them. At the same time, the circle of flames explodes, engulfing Rubio in it.
"Ngghh… Aaagghh!" The sheer yell of agony and urgent help brought the dracoknight to bear his ground for the final moment of truth.
Everyone can only look in shock as the flames engulf and close in violently on the helpless tactician like a wild tornado on a stormy day. Suddenly, something shoots out of the flames, spinning around with a fizzing sound. It was the Keris Dagger, which eventually stabs the ground, the last few sparks of lightning slowly die out.
By the sidelines, Blaze who was watching a good distance away from the Shepherds could only cry out to himself. Standing up, he spluttered out his agitated words "Father! Oh gods no!"
A/N: Well, that's another exhausting chapter done! This may actually be the longest one yet! Oh look, a cliffhanger!
Also, I still have a hard time writing battles… UGH! What is it with me and battles! Please tell me that it was good enough. xP
The flashback was actually the prologue with a different dialogue. That was actually supposed to be original script. Unfortunately, I jinxed it up, and wrote what you saw instead. I didn't want to change the prologue, so I decided to hold it until it was needed.
Next Chapter: The conclusion of the battle. Will Marco live or die? Until next time!
14: The AftermathA/N: Hello everybody!
After a few shenanigans here and there, I've finally been able to get on my computer again, and start this chapter! *Shoots confetti*
Today's chapter is a continuation of last chapter, and possibly, a race to keep Marco alive! Will he live? Or, will he die? As always, Read and review. It helps a lot.
After an agonizing view, the flames finally die down. For a moment, Marco looked like he still had energy. Alas, after a very short while, Marco eventually collapsed with a soft moan.
"Oh gods! Marco!" Sokara yelled. Without even thinking, he desperately jumped down from the stands, and began running towards the defeated dracoknight.
"Hold yourself Exalt." Rayne warned with a stern gaze as Stormfang continued his urgent need for Rubio's emergency.
When Sokara refused to listen, the orb conjured a magic barrier, slamming Stormfang in the process.
"Damn you!" The Exalt cursed, slowly but surely, getting up with a hazy mind, "What is the meaning of this?"
"Your Tactician is not dead…" She and Sokara looked towards Marco who weakly moaned, still lying helplessly on the ground.
"Choose to believe or not, but that was only HALF of the orb's power. Had I used it all, your Tactician would be nothing more than a half-burnt corpse." Rayne explained as she 'sheathed' her staff which simply shimmered out of her hands.
The crowd began speaking amongst themselves.
"Half her power?"
"How the hell's that even possible?"
"With such a power of that devastation, it seems unlikely." Laurel said, holding her book next to the Arena grounds from her point of view, calculating the precision of the attack according to her drawings.
"Damn… I'd hate to be on the receiving end that…" Dakota huffed as she sheathed Thunderstorm and shook her head in uncaring sympathy.
"It seems that I too have only seen half of his power." Rayne waved her hand, and Marco was lifted off the ground, sending him over to Sokara.
"Here is your Tactician. When he awakes, tell him that he needs to ease up on his confidence… And that I want to see more of this." She then gestured for her guards to lead her out.
"Pray that he doesn't disappoint me yet again." She finished as she headed out of the arena.
Later, at the Shepherds' Kagia camp
Euriki had just finished offering prayers. He was one of the few Shepherds who chose to stay just incase any subliminal accidents tended to happen at the worst. So, to say that he was surprised to see Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds return with a barely conscious Marco was a death tolling understatement.
"Quick, get a cot ready!" He immediately ordered with urgency.
Like wolves chasing down prey, the cot was prepared, along with some medical supplies on a wooden cart.
"Koshka, Senpai, Maline, remain with me so we can aid Macro." Euriki ordered as he grabbed a few viles and pocketed the herbs for healing. Finding the rest of the Shepherds watching the urgent scene like it was a rush at the market stalls, he pointed at everyone of them, "The rest of you need to remain outside."
The others began protesting until Sokara spoke up.
"All right. I know we all want to make sure Marco will be fine. But with all of us there, it'll be impossible for our dracoknight to get any treatment." The exalt assured with a smile that looked more to be like a yell of attention.
The others eventually stopped their clamors of worry, and decided to get back to their designated quarters. All except for one…
"I can't leave Marco…" The Dancer spoke up with a strong tears lacing her worried voice.
"Kelli please, I know you're concerned about Marco, everyone is. But please, just for now-" Sokara began, feeling that Kelli could lash back with a yell that could shake the whole camp into a mess.
"Stormfang. I REFUSE to leave him, especially not after a fight like that." Kelli protested, calm and straightforward than like how she was supposed to respond.
Sokara blinked as silence gripped the two them together. Sighing, the exalt sat down and accompanied his silent thoughts on the ground below him. He was about to break the silence with his opinions about the dracoknight when the Kagian battlemage hurried in to grab their attention.
Euriki interrupted with point, "I'll give exception to her. After all, Kelli IS Marco's wife…"
Sokara exhaled in difficulty as almond brown spotted the only silver female with a smile "Thank you, Euriki."
"In a sense, he is correct. But how would it ever occur to me if one of the strings have been wounded from the Wedding Band?" Kelli walked over to her drawer decorated in Flower and Ribbon stencils, pulling out a gold and green Wedding band embroided in fine silk. Written on the fabric were "Marco and Kelli- Dancing for Divine Love" in Seivati. Holding the Band around her tightened fingers, she began to continue with a worried sigh that gripped her heart, "In the palms of the scripted fate, I believe in you more much more. There is something between us all. Something that keeps us together, like Invisible ties connecting us. Giving us strength. We forged these ties. We strengthened them. If we preserve them, or break them. It will be our choices, not some destiny."
Just as sand could easily pour from a fist so did the Band twirling through the air like a skating leaf on an Autumn day. Kelli stood in silence as the exalt frowned at the heavy moment of worry.
"Well, if Euriki says it's fine, very well then." Sokara exhaled as he left to check on the others.
Shepherd's Medical Tent
"All right, we'll need to remove his robe and armor." Euriki instructed as the others nodded in follow up.
Marco muffled with a moan as if he got gagged by some Durenian bandits. Laying down right after a intense battle was not an easy thing to go through.
Slowly, they removed his signature cloak and his metallic armor, but nothing could prepare them for the sight that was underneath.
The absolute majority of Marco's skin was a bright red with blisters scattered about. Most of them had already popped from the removal. Luckily, none of his skin had been charred. Bruises have also surfaced, along with a few wounds here and there.
"Senpai, hold him down for me. I need to apply some Draxgella on the blisters." Euriki instructed, opening up a bottle of fresh Draxgella leaves from a glass bottle.
The skilled battlemage of Delyra gently grabbed Marco's arms, as Euriki began applying the herbs.
The moment the Draxgella made contact to his skin, Rubio began yelling in pain. He began thrashing about, sending blankets and bed sheets launching from the surface of the cot.
Luckily, Nimbus was walking by as he caught the emergency as if the tactician was being tortured in a fancy chamber.
"Nimbus, we need some help. I need you to hold his legs down." Euriki instructed. Nimbus, relieved that he was actually noticed even after all these years, hastily went in and held his legs down.
Whilst at the background, sitting 3 cots away from her husband, Kelli was being comforted by Koshka and Maline.
After a few minutes, all the blisters have begun subsiding thanks to the leaves which released a prudent odor to replenish the red dots into a fading rash.
Despite the commotion, Koshka noticed the familiar bruise on his left arm.
"Ew… What is this?" Koshka asked, disgusted by its unusual appearance, "This doesn't look like any bruise I've ever seen."
"It's probably just any regular bruise, Koshka" Euriki informed while switching bottles to Mountain Root, "It'll subside after the Mend gets to work. Which reminds me…"
"Koshka, Maline, I need your help with the Mend Staves. Marco's too bruised up for one Mend staff to work." Euriki instructed as he began to apply the liquid herb on a soft cloth.
Nodding, Koshka and Maline both readied their Mend staves.
"Senpai, Nimbus, hold Marco down. The wounds will cause some irritation, and he needs to be still." Euriki added. As he was about to begin, he noticed that Kelli had a worried look on her face.
"Don't worry, I can assure you that Marco will be fine, now kindly stay back." Euriki assured to the Dancer.
Kelli obliged with a silent gasp and nodded slowly in understatement.
"On my mark, we will lift the staves… Go." Euriki instructed as he gave way for the three.
Euriki, Koshka and Maline lifted their Mend staves, and a bright blue light flashed for a brief moment, then as quickly as it appeared, it vanished.
As predicted, Marco began yelling in pain, and thrashed about, gritting teeth accompanying his fierce battle against the pain that subdued his body like a virus. Luckily, Senpai and Nimbus were able to hold him down as if he was dearly possessed by some ghost from Island of the Lost Souls.
Eventually, all the bruises and wounds have eventually disappeared, with red dots leaving small scars in its places. However, all but one remained.
"What?! This one's still here!" Koshka remarked with gaping surprise, pointing to the bruise on Rubio's arm.
"Don't worry, the larger the bruise, the longer it usually takes." Euriki once again assured.
"I see our work here is done. You all can go ahead, I'll just do some last checking, as well as cleaning up." Despite being offered help, Euriki politely declined. Marco on the other hand, fell unconscious due to his deflated state on pain and agony.
Euriki inspected the dracoknight to make sure he had no further injuries, but later noticed that his right leg has been injured. Working gently, he wrapped the leg up, cleaned up the supplies and left the Medical tent.
One week later
After a week of being unconscious, Marco slowly began to wake up. It took a while, but he eventually got to sit up after some struggling. He then noticed Euriki, cleaning the Medical cart from accidental liquid vile spills.
"I see you're awake now, Marco." The Battlemage and priest of Kagia smiled while lobbing the set of empty viles in a basket.
"Good to… see you too. How long… was I out?" Marco asked hazily, feeling a bit weak to the core of his body.
"One week actually. To be completely honest, you woke up sooner than expected." Euriki informed with a smile, wheeling the cart to one end of the tent, ears open for Rubio's pondering reply.
"Good to know…" Marco sarcastically answered instead. His tone went back to being serious. "Anything happen while I was out?"
"Oh nothing really, unless you count the constant checking on you by the others a problem…" The Kagian Battlemage jokingly chuckled, swiping the cloth to strain out it's contents.
The Tactician scanned his surroundings, and noticed two missing things. "Uh, Euriki? Where's my Keris Dagger and Dawnbreaker?"
"Sokara had them sent to one of Elmeri's sisters." Euriki informed. "They were badly damaged during the fight. Luckily you opted to write down the specifications of each weapon. You should have them back in about a week."
"Before I forget, you should head on to the Dining tent. We have guests, guests I'm pretty sure, you would want to meet." Euriki added with a calm gaze, standing beside the tactician to help him up.
"Sure. That'll be nice." Marco proceeded to swing his leg out of the cot, when he felt a sharp pain on his foot. He instantly put his foot back on the cot in embarrassing pain.
"Oh, right. I forgot to mention that you broke your foot during the fight as well. Here," Euriki then handed Rubio a homemade crutch crafted from raw Kagian wood. "That should accompany your travel."
"Thanks Riki. What would we do without you?" Marco pondered out loud as he made his way out of the tent.
A/N: And that wraps up this chapter!
Yeah, not the kind of chapter you'd expect but, like I said before, I like to take things nice and slow, so as not to have a big mess on my hands.
Also, I added Senpai in the chapter. She was originally supposed to take part of Battlemage and healing. Why? She's a Mystic Knight in my file, meaning healer. Lances and Healing magic remember? I changed it at the last minute.
Next chapter: Who are the mysterious guests? Friend or foe? Find out next time! BYE!
15: Family Re-unionHello everybody and welcome to the newest chapter!
Once again, I apologize for the slow down of the story last chapter. Like I said before, I like to take things nice and slow so I don't have a big mess on my hands.
This chapter will focus on the mysterious guests, and eventually, next chapter will have action (hopefully). As always, read and review, it helps.
Slowly but surely, Marco hobbled his way to the dining tent. As he gripped tightly on the handles of his homemade crutch, he couldn't help but think on who the guests possibly were. Was it Lady Elni who decided to visit the Shepherds after all these years, who of course HAD to be accompanied by Sevalia?
Or were they the various citizens, coming from across the sea and land just to see the Shepherds?
Eventually, he made his way to he dining tent. When he saw who the guests were, he couldn't help but smile at the sight:
Turns out, the mysterious guests were none other than the Shepherds' children. He somewhat recalled Sokara telling him on what happened to them after the Titan Hydra war. The children apparently decided to go on journeys of their own. Some telling them, others decided to keep it a secret… for some reason. But now, they're here, each doing their own little thing with their parents.
Inari and Maline were in one corner, sipping on some Moon Tangerine tea together, while Sobek was drinking some hot chocolate. Seems innocent enough, until Maline turned her back for a moment, and Sobek and Inari were able to sneak a few sugar cubes in their tea.
Yiraloth was still jumpy as ever. Strange, when considering that the war was already over. Robion and Tenaki were having a hard time to make him stay still with soft and stern whispers to maintain his trembling behavior. Perhaps Yiraloth saw a spider or something.
Galen and Rikkert were having a friendly arm wrestling match, while Koshka was cheering them on. Obviously Galen started it, considering how Rikkert was never the type to do something like that. Galen looked close to victory, until a 'coincidental' gust of wind was blown into the golden haired myrmidion's eyes, stunning him for a bit, allowing Rikkert to win with a victory yell.
Vigur was obviously having some extra helpings, while Dakota was once again ratting him down. Alys, who wanted to take no part in this, decided to admire her armor. That is until, when Vigur and Dakota were doing tug-of-war with a muffin, which then flew into Alys's shield, that earned the Paladins an earful from their daughter. Surprisingly, Dakota didn't stand her ground.
Lansu and Senpai were spending time with Larendalle. Though, it looked like Larendalle was more interested with her present younger self. Makes sense, considering how Lansu and Senpai both lived in Kagia since the war ended.
Egelard was shaking at the sight of her parents with vials of dark magic. The look on both Segarus and Vivienne's faces were so intimidating, Marco could've sworn he saw some dark aura emitting from them.
Demiri and Jade were busy looking over some new recruits for both the cavaliers and Drakowing/Griffon riders. While not making it look obvious, Robion seemed interested, as seen with the glint in his eyes, and a small smile forming on his confident face.
Laurel and Edelin were experimenting with some wind and lightning magic. They apparently have been doing it for a while, as a makeshift thundercloud has already formed. Gylex on the other hand, was at awe at what his wife and son had created, until it started striking small jolts of lightning at him, much to the amusement of the two scholars.
Tealgra, Goose, and Snugjack were having fun like children, considering how the duo were having a little tea party, much to their daughter Oriel's dismay, and to younger Oriel's delight. Marco had a feeling that younger Oriel would've been there, as Oriel was one of the last of the children to be born.
The royal family on the other hand, were wrapped up in doing different fancy things. Queen Corasta and Princess Cillia were doing another one of their 'flower fortunes'. Apparently, it's been happening for a while, as they've already plucked of a significant amount of petals until both hands were immersly batched up with endless petals that flooded the tent floor. Sokara and Eleanore were at the other end of the tent, doing a little sparring fights with both of their Ragnaroks. One would worry that they might break something (specifically Sokara), but they were surprisingly able to keep things intact around them. Maybe things have cha-
CLANG!
Nevermind… Apparently Sokara managed to knock down a ceramic pot handcrafted from Wenoxi clay, earning him a glare from not only his wife, but his DAUGHTERS as well. Guess some things never change…
It took a while for Marco to find HIS family, when he finally saw them at one end, talking with each other. They didn't seem to be bothered by what happened a week ago. Reuben turned her head for a while, then:
"FATHER!"
This caught the attention of ALL the Shepherds, not only just his family. When they saw the cause, all couldn't help but smile, then eventually went back to their business.
Reuben, forgetting her father's injury, poured out her intense excitement and tackled him to the ground as if they were little kids. Luckily Marco was able prevent both him and Reuben from crashing into the ground with the help of a side swipe and a a hand ruffling her hair in laughter.
"Father! It's so good to see you again." Reuben exclaimed, holding him in a tight embrace.
"Good… to see you… too." Rubio was gasping for breath. "Reuben, too… Tight. Cant… breathe."
"Oh, right. Sorry dad…" Reuben unleashed her embarrassing smile then let go of him.
"Father, good to see you again," Eryeth greeted as he walked up to him. "How's your leg?"
"It still hurts, but its fine…" Marco was still regaining his breath thanks to his son's anaconda hugs. "So, what've you and the others been up to? Have you been flirting with girls again?"
Eryeth blushed at this statement, while Reuben couldn't help, but snicker at her brother's embarrassment.
"I haven't!" Eryeth exclaimed, feeling flustered about the sudden topic he adored the most. To which Marco just raised a suspicious brow and chuckled softly.
"Ok, maybe a little. But, I'll have you know, that I've been traveling around the continent, bringing joy to others." Eryeth said, trying to explain to Rubio about his dazzling adventures against the Sirens and meeting new people north of Delyra.
"Specifically girls…" Reuben murmured to herself with a snicker.
Eryeth caught his sister's mocking reply, "I heard that!"
Reuben just rolled her eyes in response with a soft laugh.
"Anyway," Marco softly said, changing the topic. "What brings you and the rest of the others here?"
"Oh, nothing really," Eryeth started, flicking a Nerado across the table. The coin rolled a few feet towards Tenaki's cup of coffee, the foxy fursona lacked sleep after his reasearch on the Sirens, "We just wanted to visit our families for old times sake. None of us knew about the fight you had a week ago, to be honest. We just found out when we came two days ago."
"I see…"
As the three were talking, Marco eventually spotted Kelli, carrying a small bundle with in her arms. Rubio immediately knew what, or it should be said who she was carrying, judging from the small tuft of jet black hair, with a few pink highlights peeping out.
"Wait, you brought Marcus here? But for whatever reason?" Marco asked, confused as to why Kelli would bring their younger son here, especially without his knowledge.
"Well, when the children came here, I decided to go home for a while and bring Marcus with me. After all, we wanted the whole family here anyway. Well, technically anyway." Kelli blushed as Marcus cooed in curiosity.
Marco knew exactly what she meant. When they recruited Reuben six years ago, two days later, Eryeth and Reuben decided to tell them about future Marcus, Reuben's twin brother who was unable to make it back, as he was accidentally killed.
Fast forward five years, when Kelli gave birth, both he and Kelli were surprised when she gave birth to TWINS. At first, Marco was busy trying to wonder how it happened. Until Kelli suddenly recalled what Eryeth and Reuben told them, years ago.
"But still, he should at least stay home. Who knows what dangers he might possibly face here?" Marco worriedly said while pacing around in stumping throughts eradicating his mind.
"Don't worry," Kelli assured with a re-assuring smile, "Lansu and Senpai allowed Marcus and Oriel to stay at their house for the time being, until we get back." She quietly exhaled as she gestured towards Future Oriel, holding her present self.
"Well, as long as he's safe. I don't want Eryeth and Reuben to lose Marcus again." Rubio replied with confidence lacing his stern voice.
Eryeth then interrupted with a nod of disagreement, "Come on now. Now isn't the time to worry. We should be having a good time right now."
"I guess we should be, right?" Kelli faced her low faced husband while making him glance up with a smile.
As if to reply, Marcus gave out a small laugh.
"Well, let's get going then…" Reuben said, as she followed her mother and siblings back to where they were seated.
Marco however, had a pondering thought in his head as if he realized something in need:
'Yeah, we should be having a good time right now. But still, I get the feeling that something's not right. Maybe I SHOULD relax for now. But, I'll need to stay alert.'
"Father!" Reuben called out for his attention, a wave got the dracoknight smiling with a hand held up in return.
"All right, I'm coming." Marco then hobbled his way towards to where his family was seated.
And Rubio was right to stay alert. From a nearby abandoned quarry, Zane and a few other hooded men were spying on the camp.
"Oh come on!" One of them yelled in deep boredom as he sheathed his Iron lance, being careful not to loose his footing from the thin branch.
"We've been spying on them for a damn week now! We're supposed to have killed Marco by now." ranted another, feeling visibly irritated.
"Patience you idiots," Zane assured with a cautious hiss, "We can't strike in broad daylight. Besides, there are a lot of guards patrolling right now."
"I assure you, that we'll strike at dawn. I happen to know that dawn is when most of the guards patrolling at night get exhausted." He continued with a clever scan that recorded most of the Shepherd footage.
Another guard grunted with a chuckle, "You better! If Queen Rayne finds out that we haven't assassinated him yet, she'll kill us!"
"We'll strike at dawn. I promise by the time the sun's fully up, he'll be dead." A sinister smile then grew on Zane's face.
Meanwhile, on a nearby tree, Blaze was spying on THEM, feeling the tension of Rayne's plans growing clear before his sapphire eyes. He let out his killer smile as he continued to watch both parties at once.
"With me around, he won't be."
A/N: Well, that's another chapter done!
I got to say, I loved writing this chapter, especially the parts about the Shepherds and their children. I love it when I'm able to write about my favourite ships! (Uh, pairings! Not actual ships, like Titanic or something like that. Relax, I'm joking!)
Next Chapter: An Assassination attempt. Blaze reveals himself. As always, read and review! Until then, BYE!
16: Another Future Child?Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter! I just realized that I accidentally changed Marco's leg injury into his foot! Funny thing is that I actually sprained my foot when I wrote the last chapter. I was doing some PE exercises, when I tripped and sprained my foot.
I'll fix that, as well as a few other errors I may have done.
Today's chapter: An assassination attempt. Blaze reveals himself! As always Read and Review!
Later that Night
All the Shepherds have turned in for the night, while a few Kagian guards patrolled the area. Because the children have returned, extra tents have been pitched for them.
Why couldn't they sleep with their parents? It's simple really. The sleeping tents could only accommodate two people and obviously, bringing in a third one (or two, in Sokara and Corasta, and Marco and Kelli's cases), would've made it too crowded.
As Kelli promised Marco, Young Marcus was brought to Lansu and Senpai's house along with both Present Larendalle and Oriel. Their housekeep was more than welcome to take care of a few extra children.
Later at Dawn
Two Kagian guards that were patrolling the camp had a little conversation from their constant boredom that tired off their minds and boots.
"How on Solara did we get stuck with this job again?" A Kagian guard asked with a dejected sigh, swinging his lance like a pendulum.
"Well, take your pick," Another chuckled wildly out of the blue as he halted his pacing and peered towards the starry night sky. "Would you rather guard The Shepherds all night? Or would ya rather stand guard with Rulers Ascald and Hardo, and hear them argue with each other all day?"
"Well, you DO have a valid point right there." He admitted with a nod of his head as if he was satisfied with his partner's reply.
"Still, these are the Shepherds for cryin' out loud! They can guard themselves with their eyes shut, and one hand tied behind their backs!"
"Quit yer whining!" His companion shushed, visibly irritated. "Just be glad we're gettin' paid!"
After a while, it suddenly became silent except for the eerie hoots and the piercing rustles that sounded nearby a tree in the Kagian forests.
"Well, aren't ya goin' to say someth-" The guard snapped in dismay as the last words faltered into heartbeating silence. Slowly turning around, the guard realized why it suddenly became silent.
Standing in front of him, was a burly assassin with the mark: Two crossing swords with the word "WAR" circling around it.
"Oh gods, INTRUD-" He never finished his cry of alarm as he was struck down by the assassin's Killing Edge lance.
By the shadows, Zane was signaling the others to head out. Swift yet quietly, the others then charged towards the camp, using the surrounding trees as a cover up to hide their identity from the Shepherds.
Luckily, in one of the tents, Tenaki was able to detect them, as he slept in a makeshift nest in his and Robion's tent.
"'Oy! What is with all that noise? Tenaki is having trouble sleeping!" The Sell Sword Lion Knight murmured with an slow start, having woken up from the rustling, only to see Tenaki transform into his Fursona Fox form, Vulpecula Nova.
"Hurry and wake the others!" Tenaki told his teammate as he gripped Firefox in readiness, "I smell trouble…"
Robion wasn't convinced, and took a peek out of his tent. Despite the lit torches pitched around the grounds, Robion was able to spot a shadowy figure dart past the surrounding trees. Realizing that Tenaki was right, Robion unleashed his Striker blade Hawkus and immediately yelled a warning, "Oy! Please wake up now! We've got company, and they don't seem to be the good kind!"
Robion's warning echoed throughout the camp, and as soon as it hit every tent, it shook everyone awake, and immediately they got thier weapons ready to fight.
"Damn it!" yelled one of the assassins, frustrated that they have been caught on sight.
"Relax…" Another assured while flicking out his greedy smile behind his firebird mask, "Our main priority is Marco. If anyone gets in our way, we cut 'em down as well!"
Sokara had charged just past a frightened Tenaki, when he was stopped by the fursona catching up to him in a flash, "Stormfang! These man-spawns are after Marco! He's vulnerable at this point!"
Sokara understood, and instructed Snapperhook to keep Rubio out of it. Nodding quickly, Sobek hastily ran toward Marco's tent, making it just in time to stop him.
"Sorry, no can do Feathers." Sobek stopped the Tactician as he sat back down on the cot as if feeling insulted.
"What! You can't expect me to just sit here!" the dracoknight helplessly protested, giving Sobek his wildest look.
"You're in no condition to fight! You'll just get killed out there." Sobek tried to convince Rubio to stay but the dracoknight still denied his injuries and needlessly felt urged to help the Shepherds out.
Just to make matters more pleasing, Kelli entered the tent with heavy concern.
"Marco, please. Just this once…" The dancer pleaded, clasping her finger around his hands.
Marco hesitated for a while before finally giving in, "Argh… Damn it! Fine…"
"You better…" Kelli's tone started getting darker. With that, Sobek and Kelli ran of to aid the others.
As soon, as majority of the Shepherds and Kagian guards have passed his tent, Marco quickly prepared himself.
"Sorry… but, I'm not letting any of you get killed under my watch…" Rubio said to himself, completely ignoring Sokara's favour of keeping him to rest until his damn injuries were faded away.
Gripping his crutch, Marco reached out for Dawnbreaker and his Keris Dagger. Not feeling the familiar hilts of his blades, he quickly remembered that his weapons were still being repaired. Muttering some curse words, he then decided to reach for one of Kelli's Killing Edges. Marco then picked up a green colored tome and chanted some Dragon Charge magic, and a strong gust of wind blew him quickly past the tents and into the battle, skewering an Assassin in the process.
"Marco, what the hell are you doing?!" Sokara yelled to the Tactician as he slashed one of them in the chest.
"Sorry, but no one's getting hurt on my watch!" Rubio activated the spell once again, and flew past them.
"Damn it Marco!" Sokara cursed, as he slashed another one in the waist.
From the shadows, Zane and another assassin, a burly one at that, were watching from the shadows.
"There he is. You know what to do…" Zane instructed him, who just nodded and with a drop down from the branches, he chased after him.
Marco immediately spotted the exalt and stopped the magic. Though he struggled for a bit, Rubio managed to find a position were he was able to grip the Edge, while staying balanced by his crutch.
"The name's Grock insect!" The burly man introduced himself as he spotted his only injured prey alone from the rest of Sokara's band. The man was at least 7 feet tall, and was heavily built. He was wearing the standard Assassin outfit, with the addition of the Firebird beak mask that he and his fellow bandits were wearing. He also had a few scars around his arms.
"We call ourselves 'The PackHunters'. We've been tasked by our Queen Rayne to kill you, as well as anyone who'd get in our way. And what do you know? The prey has let himself out."
A/N: Not the best name I know. So sue me, but I hard time thinking of a good name!
The laugh of mockery got Rubio to clutch the Edge while his right hand held tight around his crutch which helped balance his whole body in place.
"I don't care on who the hell you clowns are!" A furious Marco snarled. "But, if you're going to hurt my friends just to get to me…"
He paused for a while.
"I'M RIGHT HERE!" Rubio declared.
"Very well then, insect…" Grock smirked as he clicked his blade case open. "Hope you had a nice life…"
Grock then swung a Firestorm Warblade sword towards Marco, who despite having a broken leg, was able to dodge the swing, and counter attack it with his Edge towards Grock, who barely dodges it, and ended up getting slashed by his lip.
Feeling a tiny sting, it didn't bother Grock so much as he merely chuckled, licking his wound in the process, "Well, looks like I'll be getting a challenge after all. I'm gonna enjoy this."
He then swung his blade again.
Rubio skillfully dodged the swing but ended up tripping. Not like Corasta, but still… He clenched his foot in pain.
As Marco was trying to recover after the harsh accidental fall, he saw Grock sing his blade up again, and…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SLASH!
Rubio wasn't able to dodge in time, and gets slashed on the left side of his face. Ichor spills from the wound, and stains a part of the ground, as well as covering part of his face.
"Damn it! I can barely see! These injuries won't end, do they?" Marco struggled in whispering exhales, as he desperately tried to wipe the ichor off of his face, staining his sleeve in the process.
"Aw, what a shame. You won't be able to see the slash that will end your pitiful life, as well as see the beginning of the end of your fellow Shepherds." Grock mocked (hey, that rhymed. Hehe) as he raised his blade up once again, and...
"LETHALITY!" A voice this time, a male called out. The distraction caused Grock to stop his final finish to the tactician heavily scarred with ichor.
Rubio's vision was blocked by the majority of ichor splattered on his face, but he wasn't deaf. 'Damn it, not another one. I guess, this IS the end. Sorry Sokara. Sorry Kelli. Sorry everyone. I should've listened.'
As Marco prepared for the final slash, he heard Grock yell in pain. With the little vision he had left, he saw ichor spilling out of Grock's chest. The burly assassin eventually collapsed on the floor, his body remaining lifeless.
The momentum of the attack caused the boy's hood to fall back, revealing short white hair and silver streaks.
As Marco took a good look at his savior, his thoughts began flying about. 'Heh. That's funny. He has the same white hair as Aerin, and he has the same silver streaks I do... Oh wait.'
"That should take care of that brute…" Blaze smirked, as he spun Sol around and rested it on his back. He then turned to Marco, whose wound has ceased to ooze, but ichor still remained on his face. "Oh gods…"
Blaze then took a Vulnerary River Lavender vile out of his pack, and applied it to Marco's cheek drenched in red.
At that very moment, Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds have arrived. The moment the startled exalt saw Rubio, he immediately unsheathed his Ragnarok as an advanced warning.
"You've some nerve to attack him." He fiercely exclaimed in a calm and confident voice, the tip of the legendary blade was held a good foot away from the enigmatic Thief.
"Whoa! Hold it right there." Blaze assured, raising his hands while steadily backing away from the dracoknight, not even on the verge of touching his weapon. "In case you haven't noticed, I saved his life."
He then pointed to Grock's lifeless body, now surrounded by a pool of ichor.
"I was just healing his wound," He then moved Rubio to show Sokara and the others his face. The wound, has now closed up, leaving a scar in its place. "However, as you can see, I'm no healer, so a little help would be nice."
Eleanore and the other children soon arrived, when they saw the scene as some recognizable emergency, everyone, especially Lunaria were deeply distressed in shock.
Blaze then turned to Eleanore, sapphire locking on chestnut brown, "Kendora, it's been a while, so good to see you again."
"Wait, only one person calls me by my surname 'Kendora'…" The young princess mouthed out loud, feeling a bit stunned from her sudden realization.
"Wait, you know him?" Sokara knitted his eyebrows together in a perplexing twist. To say that he and the rest of the Shepherds were confused, was an understatement.
"Well… This is shocking turn of events…" Marco slowly murmured. "Say, does anyone feel light, or is it just me?"
After a few seconds, Rubio eventually faints.
By the shadows, Zane had been silently inspecting their fight from a good distance away. His impressed smile fell upon the only Blaze himself currently helping Marco on his feet, "So, the little rat finally escaped, and found his daddy… Rayne would LOVE to hear this."
He and the remaining PackHunters then stealthily left.
A/N: And another chapter done!
I gotta admit, I once again had a hard time writing this. Because, battle yeah *groan*
Marco can't seem to have a chapter where he DOESN'T get hurt! Poor guy, he now has a scar! But, understand me, I thought the idea of a scar for the Avatar was badass as f*ck! Unfortunately, its only restricted to M!Rubio build 3 (Booo!). So I thought, why not give it to Build 1 Marco? Hope you guys don't mind.
I wanted to submit this yesterday, but I went to an amazing concert last Saturday, and rested the whole day yesterday. So it was rescheduled to today. Hope you don't mind.
Next Chapter: Sokara and the Shepherds learn about Blaze, Eleanore and the others have a LOT of explaining to do. Until next time, BYE!
17: The Remnant of GarugaHey everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
Today's chapter will focus on the aftermath of the battle last chapter. Oh, and we finally learn the truth about Marco's mysterious ailment.
As I promised chapters ago, here is Blaze's bio:
Name: Blaze
Aerin's future son. He may appear innocent and kind, but he's more likely to lash out than be friendly, especially when it's about his height. He's most likely to unsheathe his blade, Sol very often when there's trouble. Born on April 19. (His birthday)
As always, read and review.
3 days later
"Sokara, do you think he's okay?"
'Wait, what? Was that Koshka?'
"With something like that like that, I highly doubt it…" Sokara answered with a sigh.
"You can't be serious!" Koshka argued to her brother.
'Yep, it's definitely her…'
Marco eventually woke up to the candle lights placed in the infirmary room. He could see that he was back at the garrison in Delyrus. Surrounding him were Koshka and Sokara.
"What… happened? Why are we… back here?" A weak Rubio asked, feeling his mind hazy from last night's camp attack.
"Well, the raid destroyed the camp. While the place is being cleaned up, and disposed of all the corpses, we decided to go back here for the meantime." The Exalt explained, crossing his arms like he usually does when elaborating his plans or thoughts with a smirk.
"By the way, how long was I out this time?" Marco asked, sitting up like a frightened chipmunk, his vision adjusting to his surroundings in his room.
"Only three days this time." Koshka informed with a sympathetic reply.
"Well, that's good to know. I suppose it's better tha- Agh!" Rubio suddenly felt pain on his head. Moving his hand towards it, he then touched the scar.
"Oh crap. That means this is real." He then buried his face in his hands, "As if I've been injured enough…"
"That's not the only thing you have." A stern Sokara added while giving him the chuckle.
"What? What on earth are you talking about?" A confused Marco asked, feeling hesitant to find out his problems drenched in sweat.
"I'm talking about this." Sokara then pointed to Rubio's left arm, where his bruise was imprinted a week ago.
"That's just a bruise Sokara." Marco dumbfoundedly blurted out, confusion lacing his calm voice.
"Not from what Euriki told us." Sokara replied straightforwardly.
"That's no ordinary bruise. At first, Euriki thought it was a bruise from your battle a week ago. But, when it didn't disappear while the others did, Euriki then realized it was no ordinary bruise." Koshka explained, sitting down next to him.
"Marco, what the hell?!" Sokara was already yelling at this point, feeling annoyed with a huff. "You promised not to hide anymore things from us. And yet, here we are right now, and we've just found out about that. That. THING just now!"
He angrily pointed to Rubio's arm, the mark bothering not to reflect back in aggression.
"Sokara, I-"
"No! I don't want to hear whatever excuse you're going to cook up this time! Stop Marco. Just. Stop." Sokara then dropped down on a chair, massaging his temples while exhaling in difficulty.
Marco remained still while fighting his troubled thoughts in his head. It seemed this mark may have been caused by Rayne herself. Either way, it wasn't going to harm him intensely, there had to be a cure for it no matter how quickly it grows into some critical point of danger against the tactician.
The door suddenly opened, and as if to make things worse, Kelli enters the room.
'Oh good. Just what I need.'
"Marco," Kelli began to walk over to him, calmly pointing towards the irregular shaped mark, "Mind telling us what that thing on your arm is?"
Before Rubio could even open his mouth, the Shepherd scholar, Laurel entered the room dressed in a mage robe and several notepads and books held in her arms.
"Perhaps I could provide the necessary information regarding the pigment on our Tactician's left bicep." Setting them down on the desk, she cleared her throat and flipped her notepad open, a hand drawn diagram of the mark sketched exactly like the one on his arm.
"Well Laurel, please do…" Sokara sat down, his chestnut eyes intently gazing between the healer and her patient. His voice still had that hint of annoyance.
"Very well. From the various researches that I've conducted, I have come to the conclusion that the bruise has a relation to Marco's former connections with Garuga." Laurel elaborated while holding up a magnifying glass close to the scarred surface of Rubio's arm.
"What? Garuga!? How does that even make any sense?" Koshka suddenly blurted out as if the world was coming to an end.
"I was getting to that point." An annoyed Laurel held up her hand to silence the young teen. She wrote down the specifications of the size of the mark and continued, "If any of you recall what happened six years ago, Rubio sacrificed himself in order to secure our futures."
The thought was still fresh in their minds, and being reminded of it wasn't helping them one bit.
"Then, four months after said event, he was found coincidentally on the very same field he was first found. This time, no longer having Garuga's mark on his right hand. Because of said observation, it was merely assumed that Marco no longer has the Titan Hydra Dragon's ichor inside of him."
The scholar paused for a while, blinking in thought while the other Shepherds urged her to patiently continue.
"We assumed wrong."
To say that the statement surprised them was an understatement.
"Let us not forget Marco's origins. Because Rubio was deemed a successful vessel, he has Garuga's ichor inside of him." Laurel dipped drops of Sun Dill from a vile near Euriki's herb cart and gently dabbed the cloth on the mark.
The fiery after effect caused Rubio to yelp in distress but effortlessly continued to scream like he did after the Kagian Arena match against Rayne.
Calming down with a gulp, Marco decided to break the silence after Laurel disposed the cloth in a basket filled with empty viles.
"Laurel, where exactly are you going with this?" The Tactician curiously asked out the blue, feeling helpless that viles were not part of Euriki's healing list.
"Patience. I'm getting to the point. To make my explanation shorter to a point where all of you can easily understand it, Marco's suicidal sacrifice only removed around 97% of his original bloodline."
"You mean Garuga's ichor is still inside of him?!" Koshka spluttered out loud, shocked on what she had just heard.
"Your expression of worry is not needed at the slightest." Laurel assured while finishing off her additional notes in her pad. "As Rubio has around 3% of Garuga's ichor left inside of him, its only hazard is that it will hinder Marco a few times."
Kelli bit her lip as she suddenly laced out her perplexed thoughts, "But, what about Eryeth and Reuben… and Marcus. Oh gods…"
The dancer suddenly collapsed on the dracoknight's lap, a few tears flowing out while clutching a piece of his lime green cape torn from his armor.
"As I have stated before, an expression of worry is not needed. As your children were born after the war, they have not inherited the ailment. Had they been born during the war like Eleanore was, they would've been affected by it. However, even the chance of being born with the ailment is rather slim." Laurel informed while gazing at the dancer with a calm expression.
Kelli then breathed a sigh of whispering relief. "Oh thank Solaris."
"Well, that's good to know…" Sokara's voice slowly became calm again as he stood up, glancing sympathetically at Marco's restless body. Unconscious... but still alive. It was a good sign for most of the Shepherds whenever they were injured from a Gudorian brigand attack or an infesting Siren battle.
"There is something that is rather interesting about Marco's ailment." Laurel spoke up again, flipping her notepad shut and switching to her scholastic encyclopedias. She then wore a glove on her right hand while halting at page 1775 written in Delyran numerals.
"Watch what happens when even the slightest amount of pressure is added to it…"
Laurel then lightly touched Rubio's arm with her pointer, and slowly retracted it. To everyone's disgust (specifically Marco's), a slime-like trail suddenly formed, seeping like tree sap across his skin before falling into the cloth clovers of his cot.
Koshka was trying her hardest to make sure her lunch wouldn't make a second appearance.
At that moment, Vigur entered the room, holding a tray of food.
"Hey, does anybody want so- Oh dear Solaris, what the hell is that?!" Vigur quickly covered his mouth, and immediately placed the tray on a nearby table, before quickly leaving to hurl out in disgust.
"What kind of ailment is this?" Marco blurted out, looking horrified while gazing intently at the slime building up around the mark "Laurel, please tell me there's some kind of cure for this…"
Laurel removed her glove, wiping the excess off with her handkerchief. "From I'm afraid there isn't any known cure for this as of now. You're actually the first case. As you are the only known perfect vessel."
"Well that's good to know." Marco sarcastically sighed. Laying his head back against the pillow with a thump, he silently studied the ceiling as he brought his brows to a worrying state "Well, since it'll only hinder me from time to time, I wouldn't worry much about it."
"I shall be excusing myself out of the room now. I need to clean some of my research papers that I must've left in my quarters." Laurel then excused herself as she left the room.
"Well, that's one problem taken cared of." Sokara spoke after a few minutes of silence have passed.
"What do you mean one problem?" Rubio suspiciously asked, facing him with an incredulous look.
"There's still the matter about your savior." Sokara added, his hand playing with the Hero's Band that he lost before Garuga ascended out of Efux Rise.
"Oh her, its no big deal. He just saved me from a possible death." Rubio laid back down again while crossing his arms behind his back.
"A possible death YOU stubbornly put yourself into." Sokara's voice steamed into rage as he straightforwardly lashed at him with blames conflicted on the dracoknight that troubled him for days. "I gave orders for you to stay put. You even promised Kelli that you would stay. But, what did you do? You disobeyed my orders, broke yet ANOTHER promise, and almost got yourself killed!"
"They would've killed all of you had I not intervened." Marco reminded softly with an annoyed blank stare to the ceiling. "Yeah, funny thing about that. You should know not to send Sobek of all people to make me stay. You told him about them wanting to kill me. Which of course, Snapperhook relayed to me."
"Oh, sorry. My bad…" Sokara sarcastically replied, whirling around with an annoyed tone. "Perhaps I forgot one little detail."
"And what would that be?" Marco challenged, sitting up while strongly urged to pull out Dawnbreaker.
"When I interrogated him, he stated that he overheard their plans."
The exalt then paused for a brief moment.
"And mentioned him in relation to you, as your son."
"What!? How'd you find out?" Rubio asked, surprised at the sudden reveal. To say Kelli and Koshka were shocked, was an understatement, although they watched the argument in shell shocking silence.
"Well, it went a little something like this…"
A/N: Another chapter done!
Sorry! Another cliffhanger! I apologize. I wanted to get the explanation about Marco's sickness out already.
I have to say, writing Laurel's dialogue was kind of fun. I originally had her explain it to all the Shepherds, but rewrote it, so Rubio would be involved. Hopefully it's not TOO confusing.
Next Chapter: Blaze explains it all! Until next time, bye!
18: HeirloomsHey everybody!
I apologize for the long wait! I was supposed to do it days ago, but I had a lot of things to do! *cough*school*cough*. Also, I went to an amazing Halloween Party with my friends! For the record, I was dressed as Koshka. Yes, Koshka herself from Knights vs Dragons!
Anyway, here's this update's chapter! It'll focus on Blaze's reveal as Marco's other son. As always, Read and Review.
Flashback to two days ago
"I'm sorry, but who did you say you were again?" the Exalt asked a mysterious young woman.
Sokara was in his special room in the Shepherds' Garrison. With him was his daughter Eleanore, as well his other daughter Cillia, along with Marco's own children, Eryeth and Reuben. Also with them, was Marco's other child: A young boy who revealed himself as 'Blaze'.
"Father, please…" the young princess tried her best to explain the situation.
The situation you ask? Two days ago, when the Shepherds' Kagian camp was attacked, and Marco once again put himself in danger. The tactician almost died, had it not been for a mysterious young man. Eleanore and the others immediately recognized the boy, prompting Sokara to question his daughter.
"Like I said before," The boy said, interrupting Kendora. "My name is Blaze. Although you would never believe me, I am Marco's son."
Blaze's expression didn't change one bit.
"You say you're Marco's son?" Sokara asked him, knitting his eyebrows as if he knew him for a long time. The Solarian Thief just nodded in honest response.
"How can that happen?" Sokara pondered his thought out loud while breaking into short paces around the garrison, "As far as I'm concerned, Marco is married to Kelli, our respected Dancer from Kagia."
"Wait, you mean that red-haired woman whose shy is beyond belief?" Blaze questioned in realization.
"Yes, how'd you know that?" Sokara exhaled, raising a brow while turning to face him.
"I read it in the books." Blaze explained his findings. The others looked at him questioningly.
"Oh right, I forgot." The Thief realized the reason. "You do realize that you Shepherds have left quite the legacy, even after only a few years. Of course, that was back in the future, or a few years from now in this timeline."
"We're getting off topic here." Sokara pitched off Blaze, trying to put things back on the right path. "Can you prove that you are Rubio's other child, and not some feisty spy trying to cause us some trouble? After all were drowned in issues after what happened at Arena Kagia."
"I have this." Blaze pointed to his right arm that was wrapped by his brown handkerchief. "Unfortunately, we'll need for him to regain consciousness first."
Sokara wasn't convinced as he dumbfoundedly stared at the dish rag, "You really think that piece of cloth can prove your relation to Marco?"
"I was hoping to." Blaze replied, playing with the tightened knots on the band, "From what my alternate mother told me, Marco said that this was unique to him. This is the only one of it's kind. But, like I said, he needs to be awake to know this."
"Anything else you have?" Sokara persisted rather in a hurry.
"I also have this," Blaze unraveled his handkerchief, revealing his birthmark: A purple spiked Chaos star.
"Wait, what?" both Eryeth and Reuben were astonished on what they saw.
"But that…" Eryeth rolled up his left sleeve, revealing a similar mark on his shoulder.
"How'd we never…" Reuben removed her cloak, also revealing a similar mark on her neck.
"It's like the Brand of the Exalt…" Sokara analyzed his knowledge on the mark. "Well, it's definitely NOT the Mark of Garuga."
"Wait, what does that mean father?" Eleanore asked in confusion.
Flashback seven years ago
The dracoknight was just getting ready, when Sokara walked in to his tent to discuss about their next move. He unintentionally walked in to find a shirtless Marco in front of the cracked mirror, tending some wounds from a tiny Siren attack.
"Uh… Marco, what's that on your upper back?" Sokara asked in concern, the sight of a purple shape covering his light toned surface.
"Wait, you mean the scary cross shield? That's how Krotos knew I was his kid." Rubio replied, ditching the cloth after a few herb inputs thanks to Euriki.
"You mean, like the Brand of the Exalt?" Sokara was on the verge of gulping with a nod and relating the hierarchy stuff of the Royal Nagas in connection to the Garugi cults.
"Yup. He said something like 'It's parallel to the 'Brand of the Exalt.' It confirms that you are my son and a vessel for Garuga.'"
"So basically, if you ever have a kid, they might have the chance of getting it?"
"Pretty much…"
Sokara just sat there in shock. It didn't last long however as he remembered as to why he came in the first place.
"Anyway, Marco, I was hoping we could discuss about our next move…" Sokara smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh sure. What is it about?"
Flashback end
"How come none of us ever saw it before?" Eleanore questioned, the bizarre thought of birthmarks really ran like wildfire through out Delyra. Even faster than a skilled messenger on foot.
"Well, I guess we were just good at hiding it…" Eryeth sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"If that doesn't convince you, I can also save your life…"
The thief paused for a while.
"Right now…"
"What?" to say Sokara was surprised, was an understatement.
Before anyone could even react, Blaze quickly reaches into his sash, revealing a concealed pack of knives. He hastily reaches for one of them, and flings it, just inches from Sokara's ear and into an open window, the spinning blade impaling into a charging assassin's neck as if to mute his battle cry.
"Sneaky little dastard…" Blaze smirked, feeling proud of his assassination skills.
Eryeth only whistled in surprise, while the others glanced at Blaze with a double take at his agile movements.
"Convinced yet?" Blaze asked, while using another one of his knives to pick his teeth nonchantley.
Back to the present
"He has the mark?" Rubio asked in sudden splutter, wildly staring at the band. "Also, what did he mean by 'handkerchief'?"
As if to answer his question, the Thief entered the room.
"You'll find out now." Blaze unraveled his handkerchief, and tossed it to Marco, who instinctively caught it.
The dracoknight took a good look at it. All of a sudden, it all made sense.
The handkerchief was brown, divided into four, and no, I don't mean creases. Each section had a different element on it:
The top-left had a Fire symbol.
The top-right had a Lightning symbol.
The lower-left had a Wind symbol.
The lower-right had a Dark symbol.
A fancy, golden, embroidered stitch on the bottom, which read ''Maruko Rubius" in Seivati.
"No, this can't be…" Marco softly spoke, backing away while letting the cloth flutter into his son's open hands.
"What, what is it?" Kelli asked in concern. She too was getting curious on the mysterious object.
"This was a family heirloom." Marco started with a shaky start. "It reminded me of my mother, before she died. I gave it to her… As a reminder of me."
Koshka, who had also been paying attention, spoke up, "Her? Who is she? Marco, is there anything you aren't telling us?"
Sokara snuck closer to his sister, and then whispered to her what Rubio had told him, just a month prior.
A few minutes of silence
"After all these years, I've finally met my father…" Blaze spoke softly to himself.
Marco took a glance at Kelli, who surprisingly, wasn't showing any signs of anger. "You're not mad… Are you?"
"Why would I be?" Kelli answered back, tilting her head in a puzzled fashion, "You had no idea anyway. It's not like it was intentional. After all, if Eryeth and Reuben accepted him, I don't see why we shouldn't."
Marco then gestured Blaze to come closer, who was hesitant at first, eventually decided to go closer, feeling his father for the first time.
Meanwhile back at Solaria
"Your majesty," Zane started, kneeling in front of Rayne, "I must apologize, but we failed to kill Marco. Also, the boy escaped."
Readying himself for Rayne to slap him, Zane was surprised to see that his humble queen just stood there, with a silent smile on her face.
"To be honest with you, I never planned for Marco to be killed." To say Zane was awestruck, was an understatement. Rayne chuckled as she waved her staff around, the hologramed circle displaying a sword "But, surely, there was at least one blade that made contact with him, am I not correct?"
"Well yes… It was the blade of Grock, who has been struck down by that pesky little rat." Zane informed, deliberately suggesting with a kneel and a worried look.
"Just bring the blade. And make sure that not a single drop is gone." Rayne commanded, twirling the staff to cancel out the projection of the weapon.
"But, whatever for?" Zed asked in hesitancy. He was confused as ever.
"I'm afraid that is only for my knowledge for now. But, don't you worry, you'll find out in due time. As will everyone else. Especially that other boy…" Rayne then stood up from her throne, and walked off without a single word.
A/N: And, another chapter done!
A lot of things I need to explain: One thing is Blaze's birthmark. I kinda made it something like the 'Brand of the Exalt'. I honestly can't remember why I did that, it just came to me. Hope you don't mind.
Second, Marco's handkerchief. I know, I know. I didn't quite explain last time we saw it, but like I said before, I don't reveal much about anything until it becomes relevant to the story. Rubio is Marco's last name (For those of you who don't know about US politics, I based him off of the Floridian senator!), which I decided to make his last name. Also, the symbols are the magic tomes (As if you didn't know any of that yet).
Third, Rayne's plan. Well, I'm still working on that. But, the ichor will be important… Just wait…
Next Chapter: Marco's interactions with the Shepherd children. Until next time, BYE!
19: Short TemperA/N: Hello everybody!
First of all, I wanna thank those that have favorite, followed and/or reviewed my story! The story's getting more popular little by little!
Anyway, this update's chapter will focus on Blaze's interaction with the Shepherds, specifically Eryeth and Reuben. As always, Read and Review.
It's been three days since Blaze was introduced to the Shepherds. Although initial reactions were not as welcoming as it was years ago, nonetheless, Blaze was still welcomed.
"Damn, Delyra is bigger than I thought." Blaze was in awe at the famed city.
Ever since the war concluded, life began blooming with life again. The streets were paved with stall after stall selling various goods and merchandise. People from around continents Akardos and Fonaxe were spotted in every corner of the city. Plazas filled with young children frolicking about. It was a scene none ever thought of seeing again.
"Believe me, you ain't seen nothing yet." Eryeth replied, picking an apple off the stands while flicking a Nerado in the glass jar without the shopkeeper's notice.
Blaze was touring the city with his half-siblings, Eryeth and Reuben. They then came across a group of people crowding around something.
Turns out, that something was an arm wrestling competition, where a burly man had just pinned his opponent, who was somewhat smaller than him.
"Step right up folks!" A tall man with a partially shaved beard called out. "Win the match against the current champion, and get the prize money of 10,000 Nerado! Entrance is free to those who think they can win! Anyone care to try?"
"I'd like to volunteer!" Blaze called out in excitement and bravery. The spectators took one inquisitive look at Blaze, and erupted in arousing laughter.
"Sorry silver rat. I can't allow a shrimp like you to join. This is for the serious warriors only! Ha ha ha!" the host belly laughed, clearly failing to notice Blaze's rage building up in him.
Blaze suddenly exploded with anger, and started charging towards the table. "I'M NOT A SHRIMP!"
Luckily, Eryeth was able to restrain him in time.
"Now now, let's not make a scene here…" Reuben just chuckled with a calm soothing voice. Blaze snorted and simply crossed his arms in defeat.
"Thanks for the help." The host mocked with a tiny chuckle, "Just be sure to tell his daddy that he raised a pipsqueak. Ha ha ha!"
Reuben's expression suddenly became the same anger Blaze had, "Eryeth, let go of him…"
"Uh… ok…" Eryeth shuddered as he freed Blaze to resume his fired up revenge.
"Since you're persistent, I'll give you a chance." the host allowed the Thief to come up on stage and sit across face to face with a burly looking man twice the size of his height.
Blaze then took his place, and locked arms with the man.
"Don't think I'm going easy on ya, just because you're a teen." The man mocked in a deep vicious voice that later ended up in laughter.
"Oh, I don't need it." Blaze just smirked in response. "Only fools who laugh like you just before an arm wrestling match is deemed to spiral themselves into a devastating loss."
"Ready. Set. Go!"
The match started, and it looked like the man was close to winning, until an evil smirk was shown on the Thief's face.
WHAM!
Before anyone could react, Blaze used Galen's blow trick into his eyes and suddenly slammed the man's arm, pinning him with speed until smashing a part of the table in the process. Everyone had dumbfounded looks on their faces as the plaza fell silent.
"I thought you said you weren't gonna go easy on me." Blaze then started walking away with a laugh, "I'll take that."
The Sol wielder grabbed the money from the host, who still had that dumbfounded look on his face.
"Come on, anyone of you want anything? My treat…" Blaze asked Eryeth and Reuben, who were still in disbelief.
"Remind me never to piss him off…" Eryeth sighed glumly as they entered an open space with a Pegasus fountain running in the middle.
After a few minutes, the trio were in a carriage that roamed around one of the plazas.
"You're right, riding in a carriage IS relaxing. Great idea Reuben." Blaze chuckled, laying back while crossing his arms behind his head, a strand of hay balanced between his teeth.
"Well, after that little skirmish, I think a good rest is in order." Reuben replied, feeling a flock of pigeons fly above their heads.
The driver interjected their conversation, "I don't mean to interrupt, but have you heard what happened lately?"
"What do you mean?" Eryeth asked, hoping Blaze would stand up attentive to the news.
"I mean that the Shepherds have recruited a new member. Heard he's pretty strong too. As he was able to take out an assassin." the driver chucked the left reign, ordering the horses to take a sharp right down the smooth tiny steps.
Blaze signaled for the two to quiet down before they could mention his presence. "You don't say. So, he must be pretty tall then."
"Nah, heard he's pretty short. You know, like a dwarf or something." the driver chuckled with a nod.
Once again, Blaze's sapphire eyes jolted open and the angered look returned on his face again.
"Not again…" Eryeth and Reuben glumly sighed as they braced themselves for what was to happen next.
Cue to the scene outside the carriage, where its rocking like there's an earthquake, and the horse freaks out.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SHORT! WHO RAISED YOU ANYWAY?! WHY I OUGHTA-HEY! DON'T YOU DARE RUN AWAY FROM ME!"
"Blaze, please! Don't do anything stupid!" Eryeth called out, with Reuben behind him.
After a few minutes, the trio were sitting on a bench, well not all. Eryeth was facing Blaze and yelling about what happened earlier because causing a ruckus out in town was not a good idea to spend their day. Reuben on the other hand, was busy apologizing to the now traumatized carriage driver.
"What's your problem?!" an unusually angry Eryeth asked, "You nearly killed a guy had I not intervened!"
Blaze just huffed with annoyance, "Not my fault he called me short."
"Still! Someone calling you short doesn't give you the right to kill anyone! What would they think of the Shepherds when that happens?" Eryeth finished with raised arms in the air.
"Hey! I know how to control myself!" Blaze snapped back, "I wouldn't kill him even if the mood struck me."
"You haven't answered my question yet. What's the problem with you and being short anyway?"
"Nothing. I refuse to talk about it."
"We're going to at one point or another." Eryeth reminded.
"Well, let's hope that never happens then!" Blaze immediately left.
"Can't avoid that forever." Eryeth rolled his eyes.
"Hey!" Reuben called out, "What happened?"
"He's just being stubborn. We should follow him. Who knows what he'll do if we don't…"
As Blaze was walking alone, he murmured to himself, feeling left out in anger.
"The nerve of that guy! Who gave him the right to poke into my life, and demand to know about my past?"
Blaze's problem with being short was a recurring problem in his life. As his family lived in the slums, finding a good meal was very difficult. As a result, he was somewhat malnourished, as he was still able to be fed.
During his training days, compared to the rest of his fellow trainees, he was actually the smallest. He could still hear the voices.
Flashback
"Hah! You're so short!"
"Really? you?! You'd be lucky to survive the first few minutes! Har har!"
"Just give up while you still can! You'll never last long here, especially with us!"
End
Surprisingly, compared to that time, he was able to control himself, and use that as a motivation to prove them wrong. The outcome made him one of the strongest. What made his attitude change?
"Now that I think about it, I should've at least told him a little about it, maybe not now anyway."
"Blaze, wait up!" Reuben called out.
The caught up to him by the Pegasus fountain. The flock of birds launched off as soon as the two arrived breathlessly towards him.
"So, have you calmed down yet?" Eryeth asked hopefully while eyeing Reuben taking a short drink out of the horse's mouth.
Hands in pockets, Blaze just nodded with an uncaring nod, "Yeah. I guess I just needed to blow of some steam."
"Let's just forget about it for now?" Eryeth held a hand out, "After all, the day's still young."
"Sure," Blaze shook his hand in agreement.
Meanwhile at the Shepherds' Garrison
Marco was still at his old quarters. He was busy researching some texts about his mysterious sickness, now known as 'Tendratudo'. As he realized that there was nothing about it. He angrily slammed his fists on his desk, causing his neatly stacked books to fall to the floor.
'Damn it! Looks like I won't be able fix this anytime soon.'
Sokara and Kelli coincidentally entered his quarters, to see a frustrated dracoknight, with books scattered about.
"Marco! What the hell happened in here?" Sokara asked, rushing towards to the Tactician, while avoiding the heap of books littered around.
"Just… trying to find a way to… fix this damn sickness!" Rubio struggled to speak, sweat framing his concentrated face as if he just took a 100 question exam on Garuga's plans. "There… has to be… a way… somehow!"
Sokara just sighed, feeling deflated on the topic, "We just need to be patient. We can't fix this now, but, we'll find a way. We always do."
"How can you be sure?" Marco angrily asked, "There's nothing in the books."
"Marco please, calm down. You need some time off the books for now." Kelli said softly, concern lacing her green eyes. "Why don't we go to the city?"
Rubio hesitated for a moment before accepting the offer.
A nice walk in the evening lights was a great stress reliever.
"Sure… I guess that's nice."
Later that night
Marco suddenly woke up all sweaty, his hair was flat. Like how he used to style his hair, before he decided to add a few spikes. Looking at the sundial, it was only 11PM. It was at this point that he knew he was going to lose it, if he didn't do anything about it.
With his stuff packed, he proceeded to head towards the stables.
Upon his arrival, the horses immediately thrashed about, thinking it was an intruder. Rubio hastily calmed them down, which he was able to.
After carefully selecting a black mustang (The horse, NOT the car!), Marco carefully placed his stuff in the side saddle bags, and rode off. Luckily, he remembered to leave a note on his bed.
His thoughts suddenly began flowing out. 'Sorry Sokara, Kelli, and the rest. I won't be able to rest well, until I'm able to fix this mess. Blaze, it looks like we'll just have to catch up later.'
As the night passes, so does Marco into the sandy heart of the Wenoxi night.
A/N: And another chapter done!
I've got to say, this chapter was waaayy to fun to right. Also, you might see some references to Fullmetal Alchemist. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I just started re watching both anime series, and rereading the Manga, and I forgot how much I f*ng love the anime!
Also, first Chapter with musical accompaniment! (Not really.) I've been wanting to do that for a long while now! I just couldn't find good songs to fit in.
A few things I need to explain:
Marco's flat hairstyle is hair style #1, in case none of you understood it.
Rubio's sickness, 'Tendratudo' is a combination of the words Tenebris, Draco, and Aegritudo. The words are Latin for Dark, Dragon and Sickness respectively. I had another name in mind, but I've since forgotten it, after a few busy days.
Blaze's past will be explored more into, in the following chapters.
Next Chapter: Where's Marco headed to? How will Sokara react? Find out next chapter! Until next time, BYE!
20: Flashback SacrificesHello everybody!
Once again, I've been having a very busy week, but do not worry! Despite the combined efforts of both school and family, I was able to prevail, and find time to write this fic. YEAH!
This update's chapter will focus on Marco's 'disappearance' from the Shepherds. As always, Read and Review. It helps!
"What do you mean he's gone?!" Sokara asked and yelled at the same time. Shocking to find the tactician RARELY departed away from the Shepherds considering he stuck to the Exalt most of the time, Stormfang was clearly in deep troubling thoughts that eradicated his mind.
"Well, when I came in to his quarters to deliver his breakfast, Rubio was long gone." Vigur explained, setting the tray slowly on the table while gazing in sympathy at two pieces of Kagian bread, Apreluxian berry spread and a glass of Delyran milk from Goose's farm located in the Southtown.
"However, he DID leave this note…" The skyguard then handed Sokara the note, the convincing brown eyebrows knotted in sheer interest.
The exalt unfolded the letter, and began reading it:
Dear Sokara,
I know you're probably going to kill me when I get back, but please understand this. Even though I stated that my illness won't be a bother me, I've decided either way that I'm going to need a cure for this sooner or later. Even though Laurel stated that there's no known cure for this, I'm going to try, even if it kills me… Well, hopefully not.
Tell Kelli, Eryeth, and Reuben not to worry about me. I've brought everything I needed for this journey. Believe me; the last thing I want is for them to worry about me. Even though my leg still isn't close to healing, I'll take extra precaution.
P.S.: Don't look for me. I don't want any of you to get in the line of any possible danger that I might encounter.
P.S.S.: Whoever owns the Black Mustang Horse, tell them I'll take good care of it.
Until Then,
Marco
After he finished reading the letter, Sokara leaned back in his chair, and massaged his temples.
"Stormfang, even though it would be against what Marco said, perhaps I shall bring a few of us to track down the dracoknight, and bring him back." Demiri suggested, Knightfall strapped by his side.
"No." Sokara answered with confidence lacing his bravery, "Even if you DID bring him back, there's no doubt that he'll find a way to get out again."
"Were there any witnesses when he left?" After a short pause, Sokara turned to Demiri once again.
"I'm afraid not Stormfang. No one was on duty that night."
"Great… The one time we don't have guards…" The Exalt grumbled as if he took out a whole band of Sirens.
"I could go after him Grizzlypaws…" Sobek volunteered, arriving in with some whippersnappers.
"No Sobek. Even though you're skills as a thief is excellent, Marco would eventually spot you in no time at all." Sokara set his chin on his knuckles, swaying in his swivel chair from side to side in thought.
"And why do you say that, Grizzlypaws?"
"Because to put it bluntly: you smell like a walking sugar fruit workplace." Sokara flatly answered as if proving his point.
Snapperhook began smelling himself, before shrugging at the smell.
"Well then Stormfang, what would you suggest then?" The Guardian Dueler spoke up in concern.
Sokara just sat there for a while before letting out a confused sigh. After a few minutes, the exalt sat up with a tiring face.
"I say we just let him be for now." The fact that Sokara just said those words made him cringe.
"Stormfang, are you sure about your decision?" Demiri asked, surprised at Sokara's decision.
The Shepherds present,(besides the obvious Koshka and Demiri, along with their respected spouse Corasta, Rikkert and Jade,) namely: Vigur, Dakota, Sobek, Gylex, Kelli and Senpai (implying anyone noticed her…) were surprised (okay, maybe surprised is a BIT of an understatement), at the Exalt's sudden decision.
"The hell! Did I just hear that right?!" Dakota exclaimed, almost catching Thunderstorm's tip tangled in Vigur's hair.
"'Ey Sokara, are you alright there?" Gylex asked in joyful concern. But then the smiles fell and frowns were raised.
"Stormfang, you can't be serious about this decision…" Kelli said, obviously she was not at all pleased with his decision. Even more than the others.
"I know all of you weren't expecting that decision," Sokara began, "But listen to me: This isn't the first time Rubio's done something like this. Remember the great lengths he did just to make sure the future would end up bright?"
Flashback montage
Shadow Wastes
"Ok, Corasta drop me now!" Marco called out as Zaphira whined in annoyance.
"Are you sure about this? We may be on top of him, but THIS is suicide!" Corasta protested over the loud beating wings from the Pegasus hovering over their target.
"It's the only way Sokara can land a hit on Garea! Now drop me NOW!" Rubio yelled in rage.
Carrion Isle
"Marco, this is stupid and you know it!" Jade called out in worry.
Once again, Rubio was planning to drop from a flying mount; Solaris knows how many feet in the air.
"Relax! A little distraction is all that is needed to make sure that Siren Chief won't be able to see Sokara coming." Marco assured while peering down at the foggy clouds that led past the Divine Dragon grounds all the way to the Vesper Highlands in Fonaxe.
After hesitating for a moment, Jade replied. "Alright. But, if you get killed, I'll have Kaldrak eat you!"
"Will keep that in mind!" Rubio smiled, as he jumped off the Drakowing screeching in startles.
The Monster Sea
"On my mark, all of you leave the ship, so I can set them on fire."
"Marco, you better make sure you make it out alive!" Sokara threatened as they braced themselves for the jump, leaving Rubio's Dawnbreaker blade leave out an Arcane glow.
"No worries there." the dracoknight smiled in relaxing joy as he set the ship ablaze.
Law's End
"Damn it Rubio! Are you sure we should face both sides?" Sokara asked, surprised by the Tactician's decision.
"That dracoknight has really gone insane now." Robion commented with a sneering huff.
"To think Marco couldn't have gotten more brainless than those man-spawn… I stand corrected." Tenaki shrugged while sheathing back Firefox.
"Of course!" Rubio once again assured, "Just stay in the woods, and we'll be fine!"
"You better hope that you're right."
Outside Castle Gudora
"Go ahead Eleanore, do what you must…" Marco said to a tear-eyed Eleanore. He'd just accepted the princess's judgment to kill him.
"Don't make this hard!" Eleanore yelled as she raised Ragnarok high above her head. "Even though I'm doing this for the greater good, it just doesn't feel right somehow."
"Lunaria, I'm giving you the permission… Just do it." Marco was getting teary-eyed himself.
Kendora hesitated for a moment before posing Ragnarok's tip towards the dracoknight's chest.
"Godspeed, Rubio."
Cue Sokara running, and putting a stop to it.
Just outside Efux Rise
"Marco, you can't be serious!"
"Sorry Sokara, I've made my decision." the dracoknight replied, raising Creventis ablazed green.
"No! Absolutely not! Not even if Arcturakos was still alive!" the exalt cried in agony.
"SOKARA!" Rubio yelled angrily, attracting the attention of the others. "This is one life… Compared to the millions out there… INCLUDING ALL OF YOU!"
"STOP IT!" Sokara returned his rage, slamming his fists into the table. "You're one of us! Then, now and forever will be! Promise me Marco. Promise me you won't do this!"
A few seconds of silence.
"Not happening. My mind's made up, and you're not changing it one bit." Marco then stood up, and walked away.
"Marco…" Sokara faltered slowly as he vanished from thin air.
Green flames flared the Dracoknight's path up the slope to the The Worthy Volcano.
Garuga
"Sorry Sokara, but I'm doing this for all of you!" Marco said, as he readied Creventis.
"Rubio, Nooooo!" Sokara yelled, still trying to slash the magic barrier with his Ragnarok.
Flashback end
"If I know him, I'm sure he's doing this for all of us."
A short pause…
"For now, all we can do is wait patiently until he comes back… hopefully without any problems." Sokara said, the last part however, was said silently.
Meanwhile, in a desert oasis close to Port Wenox
By the famed large oasis, Marco and the Mustang were just resting. Well, one of them anyway. The dracoknight was once again deep in thought while the horse snorted in pleasure to whatever it was dreaming about.
Ignoring the sun's blazing heat that aimed over the vast sandy grounds, Marco's almond eyes squinted in difficulty towards his pack lying next to him. Flipping it open, he brought out a bottle of water to quench his thirst he was dying for ever since he departed from Delyra.
Traveling West of Delyra should have taken his hopes up into searching up a cure for his Dark Dragon Sickness or in Nagian terms, Tendratudo.
His research notes should give him a clue.
Taking out one of his tomes, he opened up to the last page of Dragon Ray and studied his own handwriting of Seivati scribbled across the inner flap of the hardcover spellbook.
'Damn it! I've been searching for hours! Is there not a cure for this? No! I mustn't give up yet… I promised not to come back without a solution…"
"AGGH!"
Sweat framing his concentrated face, Rubio suddenly felt a sharp pain on his left arm. Almost dropping the wind tome to the sandy ground, he clutched his arm and felt the pain rising into a major needle attack. It was his illness that was causing the sharp repetitive stings eradicating his upper left arm.
Feeling heavily numbed, Marco's vision suddenly blurred. His footsteps suddenly felt like gelatin (implying they've already been invented).
"No... Must... get... Out of here..." Marco weakly exhaled, his head spinning around, the repeated shape of the black horse in orbit to his mind.
Suddenly after a few seconds, he finally fainted (Again!) with sand blown across his body like Sokara did after his battle against Krotos in the Shadow Wastes.
A few minutes later, two people riding on horses came upon him as if Solaris granted the tactician a miracle out of the blue.
"Momma! Look over there." A young girl called out in surprise, pointing to Marco's unconscious body as if he was proclaimed as long lost treasure from the Mist Ocean.
"Why? What's over-" With the horse eagerly clopping towards the motionless figure, the woman immediately held her hand to her mouth in alarm, "Oh gods! Quick! We should get him out of this desert, and into a safe area."
As quickly as the thirst quenching Wenoxi camels traveled for the oasis, the two galloped over prepared him for transport (Why did I make Rubio be like some precious cargo or something?), the older girl looked at him out of curiosity, and was shocked to see on who it was.
"No… it can't be! Marco?!"
A/N: And another chapter finished!
Looks like Marco has once again, put himself in another situation where he's once again unconscious. He really needs to stop that habit!
Also, the flashbacks. They're various chapters in Legends Awakening with a bit of a modified dialogue. Hope none of you mind the changes…
Who are the mysterious mother and daughter duo? They seem to be friends… Or are they?! Find out, Next Chapter!
21: Living Once MoreA/N: Hello everybody!
Once again, quite a busy week I've had lately, but luckily, I've managed to fight through it, and deliver to you this update's chapter.
Today's chapter will focus on Marco's mysterious saviors and we'll finally learn on what Rubio's ichor was used for, as well as a bit of the Shepherds.
As always, Read and review. It helps!
Two Days Later
"Nggh… Gah…" the dracoknight moaned hazily. Slowly but surely, his almond brown eyes opened in curiosity, currently his vision assaulted by the ceiling light swaying eerily above him. Glancing at his surroundings, he realized that he was taken into a small house nestled south of an unknown island still not revealed to the Shepherds yet.
The house was simple really. It was a lot less fancier that his house near Castle Delyrus. In fact, it reminded Rubio of those inns he stayed at many years ago. But still, it had pretty much everything that would make it qualify as a good place to stay.
As he was viewing his surroundings, he spotted the figure of a person. Based on her general look, the figure was a female. She wasn't exactly a tall one. Heck, she was a little shorter than Marco, but around the same height as Kelli. Rubio's eyes were still a bit blurry from having just woken up though.
By the time his vision cleared, he was finally able to see the distinguished looks of the two. The tall one in particular had a purple bandanna.
'Hey, that one has a purple bandanna. Almost like… Aerin… Oh damn.'
At that very moment, the tall figure looked behind her, and just smiled. After which, she then spoke.
"Marco, it's been a while hasn't it? Hope you still recognize me."
For a few minutes, Rubio didn't say anything. He was frozen, frozen with emotions of shock and disbelief. A while was too much of an understatement however. It's been exactly almost nine years since they last met.
Eventually, after at least around five, maybe six minutes, Marco was finally able to get a few words out of his mouth.
"Aerin? No way… It… It can't be." he slowly stuttered, his shell shocked eyes fixed agaze on his long time recruiter.
Aerin just smiled in response as she sat down next to him at the edge of the bed, expression of kind sarcasm laced her blooming voice. "So, you DO remember me."
After a few more minutes, a voice called out from above the stairs. "Mama! Is the guy still awake yet? Is he ok?"
It sounded light male to Marco although his amnesiac mind refused to let him collect his memories on the people he knew in the past.
"It seems that someone's been making sure you stay awake." Aerin chuckled, softly running a hand through his jet black hair. Never did any of the Shepherds except for Kelli attempt to make this hand gesture of comfort and kindness.
To say, Marco was stunningly puzzled by this was an understatement, perhaps a bit more. Nonetheless, when the owner of the voice came, his perplexed look however soon turned into shock.
The figure was a small boy. He looked about the same height and age as present Eleanore, but had obvious differences. For one thing, this young boy had silver hair with platinum streaks and not brown hair. His hair was also shorter than Lunaria's.
It didn't take Rubio long on who this young boy was.
'Wait, is that… The present version of Blaze? Oh geez…'
Meanwhile Back at Solaria.
At the castle laboratory, the ichor that had been gathered from Grock's blade was being dropped unto a mysterious object cradled in a vile.
At that moment, Rayne started walking in, a caring smile dispersed on her face while her staff created gold pulses on the ground in sync to every step she took.
"I assume that the finishing touches are being added, am I not correct?" Raising an eyebrow in deep concern, she waited patiently for a reply from one of her trusted scientists.
"Yes, your highness," One of them replied, currently scribbling down the formula of the ichor on the blade and dropping them to the strings of tubes interlacing the vile from every direction, "Is there any reason you wanted the Tactician's ichor? You've never told us anything, except on what we had to do."
Rayne smirked as the high moon caught her attention through the glass ceiling of the lab, "You'll see soon enough. It seems that we've talked long enough. I assume it's already completed?"
"Yes your highness. Do you wish to try it out?" The scientist gradually stepped out of the way to allow the queen to inspect his research.
Rayne just nodded in response as she quietly continued to play with her plan.
Later, in a secluded area of the castle, Rayne was using her famed orb. Since the battle against Marco at Arena Kagia, the orb has been infamous for not only being the first time a staff has been used as a weapon, but also the first orb that has the ability to turn into a wide array of weaponry.
At that moment, Zane entered in his usual Assassin outfit, hoping to see updates announced from his noble queen.
"So, will I finally get to see this secret weapon in action?" he smirked, standing against the wall with his arms crossed.
"I believe now is the time." Rayne's cold tone brought Zane's spine tingling in nervousness as he kept his cool and carefully watched his queen chant an ancient Solarian spell.
"O aeternae tenebris titan hydra draco, surge!" Rayne chanted in Seivati and Eiltese combined that it sounded like Seivatese in Zane's perplexed mind.
Without wasting anymore time, the orb suddenly started glowing Extortion Blast red, and a stream of Vortex purple energy began flowing from it. Slowly, the streams began crossing each other, and a shape began forming.
The shape seemed reptilian in appearance, almost like a dragon. Emerging from the shape were three pairs of leather bat-like wings, each wing looked torn, as if it was reincarnated from a zombie. Its long, serpentine-like tail ended with two, long spikes.
It's eight heads waved around like Medusa's snakes ready for it's prey while each snout was like that of a crocodile with two curving horns, and two pairs of eyes. It's mouth was lined with rows of dagger-like teeth.
"I… LIVE ONCE MORE! MUHAHAHAHA!" The Titan Hydra dragon said in a deep and menacing voice while thunder cackled behind the hydrian silhouette.
"What the hell?!" Zane yelled in heartbeating astonishment. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He then turned to Rayne with a shaky face, who just smiled at the results. "You resurrected the Titan Hydra Garuga? I thought-"
"Thought that Garuga would never be able to live again?" Rayne finished with an impressed smirk as she walked over to the lab set, studying the orb which was flickering red and purple all over like a crystal in a pool of water. "Well, you thought wrong."
"H-how? How did this happen?" Zane was on the verge of quitting as a Spy/Assassin for Solaria.
"It's simple really." She began with an uncaring tone and a wistful smile, "Marco's ichor still had a part of Garuga's ichor left in him. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to gather some of the ichor, thanks to Sokara's interference."
She paused for a moment.
"So, I decided to send the PackHunters, Specifically Grock to attack the camp, so I can get the ichor."
"Wait, you mean Grock knew about this?" Zane still felt astonished to believe every word she stood correct.
Rayne simply nodded in fake sympathy, "Absolutely. In fact, he was willing to sacrifice his life just so the ichor could be obtained."
"I see it now. But wait, won't Garuga be able to destroy everything, including us?"
"No. This Garuga here is different from the one six years ago. It doesn't have a mind of it's own."
"You mean it's simply a-"
"Puppet?" Whirling around with a wicked chuckle, Rayne nodded in silence. "Yes. That's basically what it is now. It just follows orders. Also, you may have noticed that this Garuga is different from the one those many years ago."
"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that." Zane exhaled in understanding and stood his ground.
"Like I said, this Garuga isn't the same one. It's ichor isn't pure like it was before. As a result, it's ichor has been fused with ichor from other Roskinsians." Rayne gave out a disinterested 'hmpf' and carefully poked her finger towards the purple ichor seeping from the metallic spikes snapped in two. "Unfortunately, its power requires the entire orb's power. As a result, the orb is no longer usable."
"Well, what are you planning to use now?"
"I've had a special lance created, as well as a sword." Rayne answered, walking over to a purple and gold vault decorated in heraldic Lion silhouettes and proudly pulled out a silver rod which didn't resemble either a double edged blade or a crystal flaming lance.
With his queen inspecting the new weapon forged from one of the Hydra's metallic spikes, Zane decided to break the silence, "So, what're you going to do with the new Garuga for the meantime?"
A stray tip from another large spike the size of Gylex's hand snapped in two as Rayne calmly placed the deactivated rod back into the vault. Turning to her spy, she eerily glared at him as if he was banished from Solaria for an eternity, "It can revert back to the orb for now."
Rayne then made a set of hand gestures, allowing Garuga to slowly turn back into the orb, shocking Zane in the process.
"When the time comes, Garuga will once again be unleashed." She then left the room, her laughs echoing around the lab.
Zed took one hard glance at the orb. It was glowing a ichor red, before reverting back into its natural purple tone, hence Blaze's faviourite color.
"I get the feeling that this won't end well…"
Later that night, at the Shepherds' Garrison
"Any sign of Marco yet?" Kelli worriedly asked as she approached the lieutenant standing next to the pitched tents in heavy concern.
"No, I'm afraid nothing yet Milady." Demiri answered as he lowered his binoculars and exasperated a sigh of defeat. The Guardian Dueler was apparently on lookout just in case Rubio had returned. It had been more than 3 days since the Shepherds scoured around Akardos in search of the dracoknight. Still unknown to them about Blaze's home location, they decided to extend their search limits way past the Halidom and across the northern kingdom of Kagia but messengers and trusted citizens arrived back breathlessly to report their failed sightings of the tactician.
That's when the exalt established a plan that had been immediately issued. Ever since Marco was able to slip out without any witnesses, Sokara had ordered that a few Delyran guards are to patrol the Garrison and surrounding areas to prevent another breakout.
A few of the Shepherds have also taken turns to look out in case Marco returns.
Kelli slightly blushed at the thought of Demiri addressing her in the polite way. "Demiri, I'm okay with just being called 'Kelli'. Thanks for the update. I really wish Marco would get back soon. It's been two days already."
"Let us not forget, Rubio is a fighter. I'm sure that there's no problem that the dracoknight can't handle." The Guardian Dueler assured, a sigh got him sitting down with his Knightfall axe held tightly on his lap.
Flames reflected their vision as it challenged Kelli's tears.
"I hope you're right about that. I just… I just have a bad feeling…"
Back to Marco and Aerin
It was just after dinner, and present Blaze has already gone to sleep. Marco and Aerin were just having a small chat at the dinner table.
"I find it hard to believe that after all these years, Blaze simply accepted that you're his father. Other children would've probably yelled in dismay." Aerin chuckled halfheartedly, re-setting some wooden tea saucers from their scattered and randomized locations.
"I'm just as surprised as you are. He must probably get it from you…" Marco joked with light exhaling smile while keeping his gaze on Aerin.
"Am I really like that now?" With her hands feeling her face, Marco surely deadpanned on her appearance. She didn't change one bit except for numerous battle scars that freckled her lovely cheeks.
Some bravery from the past and strangely from the future seemed to keep her alive with the help of her bravery even when the dracoknight was not present.
"Oh please, whatever challenge there was, you were always up for it. Remember the Siren attacks years ago?" Rubio reminded her with a bright smile, placing a hand on her palm.
Just by the sight of it made her sigh as if she wanted this evening to be over already.
"Well, I guess you're right about that one." Aerin chuckled, blinking at the deep blue chinaware settled on the shelf for decorative display.
After a few minutes of silence, the tactician decided to break it with an exasperated sigh, "If you don't mind me asking, what're your plans now? I mean obviously you can't live in this inn forever."
Aerin's eyes clouded in deep concern as Rubio bit back a silent grunt and nodded according to her in agreement.
"I haven't really thought about that. We've recently moved out of Solaria, and have been moving from place to place for quite sometime now." Aerin said sadly, then the smiles raised in silence.
Marco stared at the surface of the table, the bread crumb giving out it's tiny perplexing shape that hid among the tattered Rose print on the cloth.
Was he really hiding among the Shepherds now? Sokara and the others would most likely doubt his location since they have never visited it. But the outskirts from Solaria's main city should have not been a huge issue for them.
Whatever it took, he had to get back to Delyra fast.
But with Aerin accompanying him through the evening, it was well worth a shot to hear about her son now grown up into an energetic and stealthy thief with a heart to keep his family well protected from enemies sprouting around Akardos.
And the Shepherds were not going to blame his schedule, just for one night.
Aerin tilted her head as her hands toiled with a string, a string that belonged to her bandanna before it was given to her son before her death, "Blaze may look and appear strong, but he probably misses staying in one place. I do constantly feel sorry for him."
"Sorry for suddenly bringing that up." Rubio apologized, glancing at the clock as if he was late for training. 1 PM was a perfect excuse for him.
"There's no need, you had no idea." Aerin assured, calming down his concern and need to depart from her house.
"Say, I've got an idea. Why don't you move into Delyra? There are a few vacant houses I'm sure you'd be able to live in." the dracoknight smiled while he held out a hand.
The tight shake was well worth it too as Rubio seized out a whistle of urgency.
Aerin gasped at Marco's offer, delighted to gain her potential energy back to herself. "Are you sure it's ok? I mean you are married after all, right?"
"Don't worry about it." Rubio assured with a chuckle after nursing his hand, currently sore from Aerin's hyper handshake, "I'll take the heat. I'm used to it after all. So, what do you say?"
"I guess it can work." Aerin stood up as Marco followed after, guiding him through the kitchen doorway and towards the staircase.
"Very well then. First thing tomorrow, we head back to Delyra." Marco slung his satchel around his shoulder as he bid a goodnight. Aerin smiled and headed back to the kitchen with mustered concern, grabbing the remains of silverware from the table while getting things ready for the next day.
Meanwhile, Marco changed out of his dracoknight armor and tactician robe into sleepwear kindly lended from the inn. Catching the satchel to swirl around the wooden hangar rack overhead by the door, Rubio decided to lay down against the bed while his fingers played around with the pages to his Dragon Ray tome, his thoughts jumbled in a sea of worry about his 'injury' on his left arm. After scanning his notes scribbled in Sevati, a heavy yawn got him interrupting his possible re-conjured memories on Euriki's healing tips.
Glancing around, there was no possible way for him to snatch an array of Draxgella leaves from the inn's vase on the nightstand as decor, attempting to magically zap this mark into it's long known disappearance.
Eye twitching uncomfortably, Marco let out a roar of agony as he swung his arm across the pillow, sending the green colored wind tome to clatter against the maple hardwood floor with a flurry of rustling pages and hard thumps.
A single peek, and dust accumulated on the edges of the spelltome while the cover glowed gold for few seconds then dispersed back to normal.
Aside from his troubled thoughts about his Tendratudo, Rubio smiled on the bright side that Aerin was going to walk him home after getting rescued from the desert oasis near Wenox.
One glance at the moon caused his almond orbs to hide from Solaria's evening light.
A/N: And another chapter finished!
So, how do you like the sudden twist in the ichor's usage? Normally, ichor is often used for spells or such in KvD's history, but I've decided to use it to revive a fallen villain. Hope none of you mind.
The result: Garuga Lives once more!
Next chapter: Back to Delyra! Looks like Marco should prepare himself for the ass-whooping he's going to get!
Until next time, BYE!
22: Inner MonolougeA/N: Hello everybody!
I apologize for the lateness for the chapter. I actually had a break from school for the meantime, but unfortunately, I had a pretty difficult time writing this. Also, I recently got FFX/2 Remaster as a gift and I've been playing the f*k out of it for a while now.
With the difficulty of writing this, I've decided that the best way to write this was through Marco's POV. Something I've wanted to try for a while. Also, thank you FFX for giving me the idea of monologuing this chapter.
So, without further ado, let this update's chapter commence.
Marco's POV
After we've rested for the night, we finally decided to head back to Delyrus. During the way there, Aerin couldn't stop talking about finally moving in to what she called 'The City of Magic'. I'm not entirely sure what she meant by that though. I've lived there for a long time now, and the only 'magic' I've seen there were either the tomes me and the other spell casters used, or some of those cheap, street magic performed at the plaza for 5 Nerado a day.
For ten years, I've been living in Delyrus since the day Sokara, Koshka and an always stern Demiri introduced me to the Shepherds. It still kind of blows my mind until now, that all that happened when I was still seventeen, Koshka was fifteen, and Sokara was nineteen. Demiri never bothered to tell any of us about his age, but his mannerism and personality made me assume he was at least twenty-two at that time.
Now I'm twenty-seven, married and have three kids- two of which I've met during the course of those ten years. Now, I have another son from this woman I've met a year after settling in Delyrus.
After what seemed like about four- maybe five hours, we've finally made it to Delyrus. After searching for about three hours, me and Aerin finally found the perfect home for her.
It was smaller than my house, that's for sure. It makes sense now that I think about it. After all, Sokara pretty much helped me with mine.
And before you call me lazy, I literally searched every inch of Delyrus, and I've found none. I couldn't live in the castle forever you know. I was pretty much close to giving up, until Sokara offered a hand, figuratively speaking of course. I tried rejecting his offer, but Stormfang was persistent.
In the end, I finally gave in. Me and Sokara supervised the construction. We made sure that no shortcuts were made. After living in the castle for around six months more, the house was finally finished, and me and Kelli moved out of the castle, and into our very own, along with the present Eryeth.
I could go into more detail about this, but I'm kinda getting of track here, so let's go back, shall we?
Her home was a few blocks away from the marketplace. She really didn't mind being honest, which kinda surprised me. A LOT of people who've moved here over the years often chose to move near the marketplace. I guess they saw the marketplace as some kind of tourist attraction. I don't really blame them though, Delyrus has goods that can only be found here, as well as the 'Famous Shepherds'.
After finally letting her settle in, Aerin thanked me for her help, and I left to get back home. But not before getting a tearful embrace from her.
As I was heading back, I made a mental note to avoid the streets where the other Shepherds lived. Believe me; the last thing I wanted was for them to find out. I'm just thankful Lansu decided to move back to Kagia, once he got married. Trust me, whenever he found out about someone doing something stupid, he can lash out a pretty painful lesson, or at least that's what I've heard, and believe me, I'm not willing to find out.
Other people I'm worried about were Dakota and Maline. Dakota... well she can give quite the pounding. All you needed to do was ask the various Ruffians and Sirens we've encountered.
Maline on the other hand would just give you a lecture… A lecture that'll give you a headache for a long time. I maybe smart as well, but even I can't understand those big words she says from time to time.
And I'm of topic again, aren't I?
After passing through many roads and stalls, I eventually made it back. Solaris knows about the earfuls and possibly butt whooping I'm going to get… In fact, I can just hear it now:
"Where the hell have you been?! Have you got any idea on how idiotic and suicidal you're little expedition could've been? You could've gotten yourself killed! Honestly, with your attitude lately, you're making Rikkert an adult by comparison."
After that little scenario played in my head, I sighed, and I decided to go home for the meantime. I may sound like a coward, but even I know that doing that would've sent me to an early grave, and honestly I wouldn't mind getting killed by Eleanore if I was given the chance again.
Normal POV
As nightfall began gathering over the city, Kelli eventually decided to head home for the meantime as well. For the past few days, she had been at the castle, constantly getting comforted by Sokara, Koshka and Jade as of late ever since Marco decided to go on his little journey.
Luckily for her, the castle maids were more than welcome to help take care of present Eryeth, Reuben and Marcus while she stayed at the castle.
Little did she know, that she was going to get a surprise but not for a lifetime, but maybe for a few days, weeks maybe?
"Miss Kelli, it's good to see you back again." One of the househelps greeted the moment the door was opened for her.
"Thank-you." Kelli greeted back with a flustered smile, her cheeks feeling red in either tiredness or embarrassment, "Do you mind helping the children to bed, while I prepare myself for the night?"
The househelps nodded without hesitation, and led the children back to their rooms.
As she opened the door to her and Marco's room, she let out a sigh of silent frustration, 'Damn, it's been so quiet lately.'
She then opened the sleek purple and gold wardrobe and took out a white, long sleeved night gown, with some teal ribbon laces decorating the neckline.
As she was getting ready to remove her top, Kelli couldn't help but feel that she was being watched. The Dancer then turned her head for a while, and noticed Marco looking at her with a dumbfounded look on his face, with a half-eaten slice of pie lovingly baked by Corasta.
A few seconds later:
(What? seemed funny enough for this scene…)
Kelli then screamed, catching the attention of anyone within a five mile radius across Akardos.
Fearing Kelli was in danger, the two househelps rushed to her room. However, nothing could've prepared them for what they were about to see.
In the room was Kelli, covering her top, which seemed pretty pointless, considering how her top was just a white shirt which showed part of her *ahem* chest, with gold lining. While Marco, on the other hand was desperately trying to calm the situation down. Obviously, he was failing.
"Master Rubio?" One of them gasped in shock.
"When did he get back home?" the other inquired with a diffident brow.
Kelli, deciding not to make the situation get any more awkward, just raised a hand up to silence them, letting them know that everything was under control.
The two immediately got the message, and quietly left under her favour.
After that little scene, Kelli then slowly turned her head to Marco's direction, who just gave a weird sound, almost like a startling kind of squeak.
After a while, Kelli finally sighed while wrapping her arms around his shoulders, head resting against his chest while her eyes blanked out her thoughts on his disappearance. An exhaling whisper of worry and concern bit back the dracoknight in tiny startles of surprise, "I really missed you…"
"Yeah, I missed you too…" Rubio blushed red as he decided to stay with Kelli and not interrupt their stagnant hug.
After what seemed to be like a happy reunion soon turned to Rubio getting a big slap on his face by Kelli.
"Don't ever do that again!" Kelli angrily shrieked as tears were slowly forming on her worried face.
After rubbing his cheeks sore from the sudden slap, Marco then walked over to Kelli, hoping to comfort her again.
"Kelli, you know me very well. I only left just so I can fix this illness." His calm voice mustered his wife to re-gain her happiness and secluding joy.
"I know that!" Kelli instead replied with a rough tone that knocked Marco backwards from the edge of their bed, "I just wished that you let us know properly, instead of just taking of in the middle of the night, and leaving nothing but a note behind."
This time, the stoic tears were really flowing like a waterfall.
"My reasoning may sound stupid, but I just didn't want any of you to get involved in this."
Marco hesitated while he paused for a while.
"This is my problem, and mine alone. The last thing I want is to get any of you in danger again… especially with the children being here already."
Marco's POV
It was silent for a while. During that moment, I thought back to what I had said. I probably should've worded it out better, but that was the truth. A few of the problems in the past were my doing, and they've at least gotten hurt.
Garuga, the Bad Future, Krotos... they were somehow my doing. I was Garuga in another world. The Bad Future was MY doing. Krotos caused trouble for myself and The Shepherds because of me. Since then, I vowed to make sure that whatever trouble I've faced was for me and myself alone.
After that long silence, Kelli decided that we would talk about it tomorrow. For now, we should get to sleep.
A/N: And another chapter done!
For the record, Kelli WASN'T nude! So don't go reporting this because of nudity. Honestly, people these days...
For Marco's age, Koshka is stated to be fifteen, while Sokara is nineteen. I decided to make Marco in-between their ages, so I decided on seventeen. For the record, I'm actually older than Sokara, so don't think I made Marco seventeen because of my age. How much older than Sokara, I ain't telling!
Hope you all enjoyed the 'Monologue chapter'! I may or may not do this again, we'll see.
Until next time, BYE!
23: Hot Spring ShinanegansA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to this update's chapter.
For this chapter, let's check back on what happened to the Shepherd children during the last two chapters.
So, let the chapter commence!
Meanwhile
As all these events happened, all the children were acting like, well… children. What do I mean by that? Well, let's see then.
"Are you sure this'll be safe?!" Yiraloth asked in curiosity as he was glancing down the deep well of the geyser spring, feeling intriguingly relaxed at the bubbles blobbing in repetitive pops from the rim of the crater. "What if I drown in the water or something?"
"Will ya quit yer whinin' and live a little, ya coward!" Inari scolded with an annoyed glare, feeling helpless and warm against the realm's 'superb' atmosphere.
All the children were visiting the famed Constellation Gate located south of Akardos, specifically the one with the hot springs near the Strowok Lagoon. It seems the Hot Spring Scramble seemed to give the children a friendly welcome even though they completed their mission to replenish every Siren from the steaming grounds.
The pink cherry trees that lined the overhead grassy cliff were now tempered by the calm steams below, relinquishing a hazy fog that spread across the large lake in the bottom of the realm.
"B-But, I deserve to live as much as any of you!" Yiraloth whined in an unfair tone, keeping his tiny dragonwings from spouting out of his ears in order to show the nervous flapping.
"Yiraloth, the depth of the body of liquid is approximately two feet deep." The young scholar, Edelin explained with a dumbfounded look as he cleaned his glasses with the edge of his mage robe, no thanks to the fog. "The chance of drowning in that depth is highly unlikely."
"Oh Solaris! Is he always this jumpy?!" An annoyed Blaze asked, hopping from rock to rock to collect some Angel Bark, Pearl Spice, and Sun Dill leaves for himself just in case he was wounded from a Siren attack. The sight of it would make Euriki jealous but well heartedly proud for SOME shepherd trying to bring up some smarts for himself during 'survival' time.
"There've been better days…" Oriel shrugged, carefully face to face with the angry steam that almost lifted her dragon/girl shrieking hybrid self off of the charming ground.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Yiraloth angrily squeaked in surprise, carefully hopping from place to place with his tiny dragon wings, evading the short flares the ground was attuned to.
As Egelard and Oriel were about to converse, four figures suddenly came into view from where the cherry trees were perched on the cliff, shifting all the children's attention up towards them.
"Whoa, what happened to the four of you?" Reuben asked incredulously as she was staring at her purple haired brother in awestruck wonder along with Larendalle, Galen and Eleanore.
The four of them were wearing a yukata, but they all obtained a unique design:
Galen's yukata was similarly designed after his Myrmidion outfit but was silk black with golden dragons lining the sleeves and had a red ribbon lacing his waist.
Eryeth's yukata was a bluish-gray with turquoise flowers on the sleeve and had a white ribbon loosely knotted a tiny inch just above his waist.
Eleanore's yukata was sea-blue, decorated with the iconic Brand of The Exalt on the sleeves and on the pocket patches, the royal gold ribbon with her name in Seivati neatly tied around her waist as if it shone brightly to present that she was the leader of the Spa brigade.
Larendalle's yukata had reddish-purple colored on one side, and whitish-pink on the other. Her left sleeve was decorated with small pink flowers and had a light brown ribbon tied exactly like Lunaria's.
What left most of the group shell shocked, was that each of them had their hair dyed a midnight brown, a destined color to the Stormfang heritage.
With his mind laughing at the sight before him, Blaze approached them for a while. After a few seconds, he began to snicker uncontrollably.
"Oi! What's so amusing?" Galen snarled playfully, the others shrugged with no clue off of their silky shoulders.
"Forgive me, I'm a little curious, so I hope none of you mind me asking. What happened to the four of you? Were all of you caught in an explosion of brown in a paint shop or something?" Blaze's snicker then slowly turned into a chuckle, and then a really good laugh.
"Gawds! I wish it was!" Larendalle growled in frustration, "One of those Elmeri ladies brought us to that building."
The scholaristic mage explained, pointing to a large cottage at the other end beyond the high cliffs.
Measuring the distance between the foot of the Lagoon way up to the iconic bathhouse seemed like a pain in the neck to trek up there. Larendalle ignored everyone's complaints until Blaze brought up the idea of a herb reward he collected a while ago and proudly presented the item to anyone who seemed brave enough to scramble their way up the cliff without getting painfully thrown off by the jagged wall's raging jet steams.
Nobody accepted Blaze's challenge until Galen's sword hand twitched uncontrollably as if he was excited for his first time.
The thief rolled his eyes and bid a good luck to the myrmidion knight, the blonde haired Royal joyfully swung Oathbreaker while getting a headstart.
The other children adapted the odd silence except for the certain mage who simply gave out an quaint glare to everyone of them in return.
"It was going fine, until she started applying one of those weird Soka Roots. It was cold, yet for some reason... it burns." The four shuddered as they were reminded of the cold yet burning feeling.
"Why in the world did I let that Bloke accept my challenge?" Blaze admitted his mistake with a sighing facepalm.
"Well, that explains the hair color…" Alys murmured while glancing at the Thief in concern, "And your careless challenges to let one of our best fighters to climb the cliff alone."
"But why are the four of you wearing that outfit of all things?" Cillia asked while raising a perplexed eyebrow, finding the yukatas to be extraordinary foreign back in Delyra.
"No clue," Eryeth shrugged solemnly as he brought up the talk of the mysterious merchant, "She said that it was famous in this part of the realm apparently."
Before they attempted to follow Galen (who was long gone after Blaze's mistaking challenge), the children were suddenly interrupted by multiple scary moanings.
"Bwaaargh…"
"Grraaauughhh…"
The limping shapes popped into view between the cherry trees and even emerged out of the spring geyser holes of the grounds, creating a surprise attack for the children stranded in between the Lagoon and the cliff.
"Eleanore, Sirens!" Ridgar called out as he hopped on Kaldrak, a kick and the harness of reigns got the Drakowing screeching ominously at the Skeletal Nightwalkers in what looked like his brand new meal.
"*sigh*, so much for a relaxing day…" Eleanore glumly sighed as she switched positions and unsheathed Ragnarok, the blade glinting under the sunlight in effect of battle preparation, "Alright Shepherds, let's get this job done!"
The rest of the children, then began heading off… Well, almost all of them.
As Eleanore, Larendalle, Galen and Eryeth were about to charge towards the Siren horde, they were suddenly stopped by Ridgar and Edelin mounted on a hovering Kaldrak blocking their way.
"I'm sorry, but the four of you must remain inside." Ridgar ordered with a stern tone, the others have now gotten confused looks slapped on their faces.
"What, Gawds! You've got to be joking right?" Larendalle exclaimed in unfared complaint.
"Why on Solara should we stay?- Whoa!" Eryeth asked as he pulled out Ashrune, the double bladed dragon long sword felt unbalanced in his hands. To say that he, along with the other three were confused, was an understatement.
"Unfortunately, your outfits were not tailored for any kinds of combat." Edelin explained, straightening his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Should any of you try to fight in your current state, your outfits will only cause you a lot of hindrance, and possibly lead you all in a terrible situation."
"Very well then. We shall stay behind." Eleanore answered with a trusting smirk. She then turned to the others for support, "Right?"
The three groaned simultaneously, and hesitated for a while, watching in blank curiosity as the other Shepherds fought hard against the Sirens.
"Fine…"
"Very well then…"
"Sure, I guess…"
The scholar and the masked Drakowing Rider then left them alone.
Feeling intrigued to join them, Blaze disbanded to help this time as his voice suddenly called out with a laugh, "Hey! If it makes any of you feel better, I'll bring back a Siren Hand as a souvenir! Hahahaha!"
"Oh sure, rub salt on the wound, why don't ya!" Galen called out angrily as his mocking tone got the thief to double take at his height. That damn myrmidion already reached the top in a flash! It was as if he was enjoying the clouds underneath a glass dome protecting the Spa realm.
Silence for a few seconds then pursued around the remaining children.
"So, what do any of you want to do while we wait?" Eryeth asked in glee.
The others groaned and tapped their foot against the grassy cliff in boredom.
After a tough battle against the Sirens, one of the Elmeri sisters offered the children a full-service stay at the Spring Dawn Resort & Spa.
Just like any other spa, the glass windows gave out the lavish backdrop view of the foggy Lagoon while craters of spa pools dotted around the relaxing room. Additional yukatas, glass bottles of mineral stones with ribboned lids, a huge Ganban'yoku stone for display (the children once snagged the precious item for one of Euriki's trusted healing practices), towels draped over several fine racks shaped from wood, and finally steam inhaling ventilators to get rid of excessive fog that might leave cloudy marks on the enormous glass windows. Not to mention, flowers storked in vases varying from Echo Cotton, Fanged Poinsetta, Hidden Ginger, Ash Mint, Angel Lily, and Pixy Fluxroot were lined up against the warm wall cascaded with nature paintings above while the others (Ancestor Lotus, Sugar Goldenglow, Orchid Wild Rose, and Glowing Pine) neatly settled around the crater in itty bitty petals.
As the children were getting ready to relax in the hot spring framed in light oak at the rim and floor, Eleanore, Larendalle, Galen and Eryeth have finally changed back to their regular clothes with Elmeri presenting a little scheme concocted in a separate room for her visitors.
"Finally!" A relieved Elmeri burst in joy as she proudly lined the children up against the wall, the background holding a banner that read 'Delyra's best kiddies!' in Seivati.
Seriously, everything had to be in Seivati because that was the national language of Akardos except for English...wherever in Solaris's name that came from.
"After that crazy Siren shenanigan, I can finally commence… Operation: Smallcloth Jackpot." Without warning, Elmeri smirked then reached into her yukata, and took out a green tome with a camera embossed on the cover.
"This is a momentous occasion! With the Shepherd Children here, and this little Snapshot Tome me and my sisters created, all I have to do is sneak up to them and… CLICK! I get not only rare photos of the Shepherds in their smallclothes, but also the best jackpot anyone can ever get!" the merchant brightly smiled while adjusting the opened book against the meshed backboard of the metallic stand.
It looked like Elmeri was the conductor for her 'band' of Shepherd Children preparing them for a garrulous concert.
If that really happened, then the kids would really get fired up for some merchant butt whooping on the poor girl.
After a few minutes or so, Elmeri rubber her hands in excitement as she perfectly leveled the makeshift lens of her Snapshot camera tome and slowly informed, "Ah, but enough of this, time to get to work!"
After taking "rare" and "genuine" photos of the Shepherd Children, Elmeri had just one more target, and said target had just entered the changing room.
"Now, all I've got to do is get a photo of this last one, and I get enough gold Nerado to last me for more than one lifetime!" The merchant's excitement hissed out.
Elmeri paused for a while. Her shattered moment caused her to study her newcomer with an interested squint.
"And to make this one more valuable, I'll get this sheep without his fleece. Knock, knock, is anyone indecent? Cause if you are, I'm coming in." That unfortunate Shepherd was none other than Blaze, who was just in the middle of taking off his robe.
"…Finally, I've been dying for a nice, hot bath. Now, if I can just slip this off and…" It was at that moment that Blaze spotted the merchant behind him with surprise, "Oh, hello other Elmeri. Are you going to bathe before entering the springs as well? If you are, then you might want to take off your little outfit."
"Looks like I came in at the right moment. I can see it now: The newest Shepherd, ready for some bathing action!" Blaze could've sworn that he saw Elmeri's eyes twinkle and turn into a bar of gold. "Now, just pretend I'm not here, and just go about your business."
"Wait, what?" squeaked Blaze as he fired up in revenge. But before he could pull out a blade of any kind (minus Ragnarok, Creventis, Firefox, Oathbreaker, Ashrune, and Striker.), Elmeri interrupted him with a vigorous flash from her tome.
"Oh, that's right, I'm not here to bathe and join you, I just came to record this moment. Now hold still, so the photo won't be blurred." a careful moment told Blaze to constantly pose every second, making it hard for the merchant to capture him crystal clear. Then the sarcasm dipped off his mouth as he pretended to act surprised, finding Elmeri a suspicious woman spotlighting on the Shepherds.
"What the?! You're here to spy aren't you? Oh, that's just low... even for you!" To say, Blaze was furious was an understatement.
"And what are you going to do about it, hmm?" Elmeri taunted with a smirk, "Don't forget, you're not so bluff in the buff."
"Don't make me laugh!" Blaze declared with a complaint as he kicked up a bucket and hurled a good amount of water on Elmeri with a satisfying splash.
"Gah! You splashed my tome you little pipsqueak! Wanna play dirty? All right then… Ready to get gouged!" Elmeri retaliated by splashing water back at Blaze with another bucket near her.
"*hack!**cough!* Who're you calling a pipsqueak?! Breaking my Limits!" the Thief countered in revenge, grabbing endless stacks of water buckets near the wooden towel rack and lobbed the buckets at her, efficiently catching her head and body with the metallic pails themselves.
"*Gurgle* Pfffft! Not bad, shorty… But that was just the beginning. Here's a freebie!" Elmeri grinned wickedly as she kicked up a bucket and using her right foot, she roundhouse kicked Blaze on the cheek, the contact of metal and cold skin really flared red.
This time, blue fire blazed his Sapphire eyes in rage, "Rargh! Don't call me little, you peeping jerk!"
Blaze then unsheathed a concealed Keris Dagger similar to Senpai's, and aimed it at Elmeri.
"I won't be defeated!" the merchant proudly revealed her defenseless pose as her snapshot Tome failed to blind the Thief red-handed while Static Storm flared towards the merchant in speed.
ZAP!
Cra-kash!
The resulting lightning spell created a hole through one of the walls, knocking over a shelf full of folded yukatas that belonged to the resort.
The Shepherd children blinked in awkward silence as their hearts skipped in an unsettling beat.
"Game set…" Blaze finished with a smirk as he threw his dagger in the air, caught it and placed it back inside his robe.
As the Thief turned around after his victorious taunt, he then noticed the Shepherd Children, all of whom were giving Blaze the questioning looks, even though none of them bothered to speak until now.
"Oh, don't mind me! There was a surviving Siren. But don't worry, I took care of it!" Blaze lied, anxiously hiding his recent battle against a feisty merchant.
It was at that moment that everyone heard a moaning sound, revealing a dazed Elmeri, who was caught in the debris. Raising her head to re-settle her blurred vision back to normal, she was too weak to utter a single word as her head pathetically fell back again with a dull thump against the debris of dusty splintering oak panels, wooden rack bits and tattered silk yukatas, all of them jumbled into a heap of a Spa mess.
"Oh Elmeri, I didn't see you there! Hope you don't mind, but there was a Siren, but don't worry, I took care of it. Ha… ha… ha… Say, can anyone get a healer and check her out?" Blaze kneeled down to sarcastically comfort the merchant, even though the Shepherd children were still distraught in heavy silence.
"You… are… so dead… later." Elmeri moaned her last words before falling unconscious.
"Hey, don't blame me. There was a Siren." Blaze covered with a nervous killer smile, raising his hands as if he was caught from looting a bag of Nerado while stepping backwards in awkwardness.
A/N: And another chapter finished!
I'm sorry, I really, REALLY wanted to put some of the Constellation Realms into the storyline, but I was to impatient to add the adult characters so I decided to do it with the children instead.
Also about Eleanore, Larendalle, Galen and Eryeth not being allowed to participate, I've always found it weird on how if anyone's a Swordmaster or Blade Dancer, they wear a yukata and fight. So, I decided to omit them from fighting… That and I wanted to add some humor. Hope none of you mind.
The italic words in Blaze's lines in his and Elmeri's conversation were meant to be what I wanted as his Critical lines if he was in the game (he is) and not my OC… *grumblesonhowitisn'tfairthatmyOCisforcedtobenon-existent,andcanonlyexstinmystory* (NOT!) xD
Anyway, Hope you'll enjoyed this chapter. And I've got another chapter with the children planned. :)
24: Amphitheatre PlaysA/N: Hello Everybody!
I apologize for the veeery long wait! School just has a very bad habit of giving me homework non-stop *groan*, and I've only been able to write this in parts…
Anyway, back to the good stuff, recently, the story has reached over 10,000 views (I wish)! Holy s***! Thank you guys so much! It really means a lot to me know that despite not having many reviews, likes and follows, you guys still find the time to read the story. Again, thank-you guys so much.
This update's chapter: The children watch a rather exaggerated story of the Shepherds.
Delyrus Amphitheater
A full day after the hot-spring scramble madness, the children returned from the Constellation Gate (the portal kindly spat them out near a hayfield located close to Goose's southtown village) and made their way towards Delyrus's Amphitheater east of Knem forest. Word on the street was that a play featuring the famed 'In Theatrali Artes Solis' was to take place.
The play's title you ask?
'Shepherds'
No really, that's it… That's... That's the title.
As soon as the citizens have heard of a play about the Shepherds, crowds by the thousands have gathered to the kingdom to watch the play.
"I didn't realize there'd be this many…" Alys murmured quietly as she observed the crowds, feeling content that her parents were going to be at least assigned with the right roles.
"Don't be so daft!" Larendalle scolded with a sigh, "It's about our parents for crying out loud! Of course there'd be this many!"
Alys then tuned to Larendalle, who just shrugged.
Just across them, Yiraloth's tiny dragon wings shivered in nervousness. "Oh! There're so many people! Do we really have to watch? What if I suffocate from the lack of air?"
Inari just whacked Yiraloth on the back of his head, "Do ya have to panic at everythin'? Sheesh! You're makin' me go mad…"
"Hey, calm down. There's no need for arguments now." Galen said triumphantly, crossing his arms to wistfully think about his parents accomplishing the outgoing play, "A story about our dear parents on this day should be a day of happiness and glory."
"Overkill much?" Oriel inquired with a quiet mutter. The young teal colored Roskinsian just groaned with a roll of her eyes and a tiny flap of her wings.
"Come on now, don't tell me today shouldn't be a happy day?" Galen defended with an outbursting tone of sarcastic joy, "Right Eryeth? Today should be- er, Eryeth?"
The blonde haired Myrmidion looked around for a while, until he saw Eryeth studying the laminated poster of the play in deep thought. He seemed to be enthralled by the eye-catching fonts on the poster.
The poster was decorated with a border of hues in orange and yellow flames framing every corner. On the top of the poster written in gold, fancy lettering was the word 'Shepherds' with the distinctive emblem, which was a light blue dragon that closely resembled Solaris was placed underneath. Below it was a painting of Sokara's signature Ragnarok, with the hole in the middle of the Triquetra glowing in urgency. Directly below it, also written with gold fancy lettering was the theater troupe name, In Theatrali Artes Solis.
'Hmm… 'Solis…' sounds like Solil. That sounds like a nice name. I shall use it for my future daughter one day.' Eryeth's thoughts suddenly yelped and leaped in terror when he felt a hand touch his shoulder.
"Agh! Was that really necessary?" Eryeth snapped back angrily, lavender eyes never left his diminutive gaze on the only spotlight of the children.
"Sorry there…" Galen apologized, trying to muster up some heated trouble between the two, "You just weren't paying attention. What were you looking at anyway?"
"Oh, just looking at the words and aimlessly thinking of something so inspiring. It could be a wonderful name for my future daughter." Eryeth explained as if his dreams were not far away, not at least if they take the Constellation Gate into the Future to make it come acutely true.
A few seconds later, the other children burst out laughing non-stop. Hand on hilt, the purple haired mercenary hesitated in silence and made a quick decision to whip out Ashrune. But the sight of the blue 'Twin Dragons of Varg' could make the other children to either continue their uncontrollable laughter or shriek with a urgent warning that no weapons were allowed among the stands unless it was used by the actors on stage.
"Hey, what's so funny?!" a flustered Eryeth asked, feeling his cheeks heat up from his accidental thought slipped out loud.
"Hahaha! You? With a kid and a wife? Pfft! Like that'll ever happen!" Galen continued his laughing fit uncontrollably like Blaze did when he made fun of their dyed brown hair in the Hot Spring Scramble 2.0.
"What's next? Larendalle actually becoming calm for once!" Galen was close to rolling on the floor due to intense laughter.
Larendalle immediately stopped gaffing and turned up a growl on her friend, "What was that?!"
After a while, Eleanore and Blaze eventually returned from the entrance gates (a total fee of 1 Nerado each sounded like a Mega deal to all of the people arriving from both continents to sustain their leisure entertainment), both male and female swordsmen took their seats beside the children. Blinking in perplexed awkwardness, the thief inhaled the silence as Eleanore held her mouth agape while raising a suspicious eyebrow along with a palm held out in 'What in the world is going on?'
"What'd I miss that's so funny?" Blaze broke the silence around the third middle row of the theatre, seeing as how he and Eleanore were greeted with the laughter of the other children.
"Uh… NOTHING!" Eryeth quickly yelled as he hid his inner thoughts full of blanding dark humor. His face flared red from embarrassment, but not as much as his mother Kelli though…
"Anyway, did you get the tickets?" With the clear of her throat, Larendalle kindly asked for their entrance tool.
"Sure did." Blaze assured with a smirk, waving a handful in the air. Eleanore followed after, having found a rather smeared one after it was lost by a crying boy, his mother rudefully denied the fee and with a yell and a tug on the arm and they walked away. Perhaps they came from the poorest area in around Durene or Solaria seeing that they were tan skinned which was unusual in Delyra.
"Alright then, let's go in… quickly!" Eryeth ordered, as he pushed the children to the front seats of the amphitheater for the best view.
After a few minutes, when everyone had settled in, a short, chubby man wearing a suit appeared on stage, smiling brightly at the audience.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages! The performers of In Theatrali Artes Solis would like to thank each and every one of you for welcoming us to your beloved country."
The crowd just gave a small round of applause and eagerly died down to listen into the host's announcement.
"Thank-you all so much, all of you are too kind. Now then, I believe I've wasted enough time. Without any further ado, the theater troupe of In Theatrali Artes Solis present to you 'Shepherds'! Dim the lights, and enjoy the show.
Note: For this chapter, the letter 'A' will be placed before the name to signify that he/she's actually an actor. Ex: ASokara. And comments made by the children will be italicized.
The moment the actors that were supposed to play Sokara, Koshka, and Demiri came out, the children would immediately know that they were in for one heck of a play.
ASokara was almost similar to the real one, but his Brand of The Exalt was on his left shoulder, instead of his right. A fact that almost everyone deliberately missed.
AKoshka was shorter than ASokara like she should be, but had messier tufts of blonde and a white handkerchief over her head, as opposed to the orchid-like headdress the real Koshka had.
ADemiri was bulkier and wore dark blue armor instead of light blue. His tie was larger and went over his armor. A false identity that the children noticed in seconds.
"*groan* Sokaraa! We've been walking for hours!" AKoshka 'whined' in frustration, her blue eyes wildly staring at the Delyran plains which in reality turned out to be the awestruck audience, "Can't we at least take a short break first?"
"Come on now milady," ADemiri assured with an amateur smile "A little hardship builds character."
"Easy for you to say, Demiri!" AKoshka continued to 'whine' with a lash. "You work like there's no tomorrow. Of course you'd say something like tha-WAUUGH!"
AKoshka then tripped over something rather soft and hard in between. Considering the bare skin of his babyish face and the protective dracoknight armor tickled by the 'grass'.
"Mother doesn't whine like that." Galen hissed in disappointment, insulted on how his mother was portrayed.
"Koshka!" ASokara yelled in concern as he caught up to his little sister, "Are you all right?"
AKoshka then pushed herself up, dusting off her dress in a tempered mood, "Oh, I'm okay. I just tripped over somethi- Oh my gods!"
AKoshka gasped softly in surprise and took a good look at what she tripped over. Surprise turned overboard for the trio as she actually tripped over a person.
"Sokara, we have to do something…"
"What do you propose we do?"
"Um. Uh… I don't know…"
AMarco eventually opened his eyes, feeling dazed from the flood light that acted as the glaring 'sun'.
"I see you're awake now." ASokara greeted with a friendly smile.
"Hey there…" AKoshka rather said in a unruly way. Still, the mock-up smile was worth it even though the children could tell it was purely fake.
"There are better places to take a nap than on the ground you know… Give me your hand." ASokara asked in deep concern.
AMarco's head was stumped by the numerous questions hitting his amnesiac mind. What to say?
"Are you all right?" ASokara asked, feeling miffed about his silent response.
"Y-Yeah… I'm okay… Sokara." AMarco exhaled in a feminine voice. Whoops! Turns out the AMarco actor was actually a woman… my bad.
ARubio's hood fell off, revealing a young woman, obviously wearing a short maroon wig that lacked Marco's signature jet black hair.
The audience clamored in synced surprise as they clapped at the newcomer's appearance.
"They made father… a woman!?" Reuben cried out in horror. Eryeth and Blaze immediately covered her mouth, so the rest of her words were inaudible.
"Wait, you know who I am?" ASokara suspiciously raised an eyebrow, feeling scanty that this line was rather said wrong and it might have been accidentally improved just for the director's sake.
"What? That's strange. I can't seem to remember my name though." AMarco chuckled, scratching 'his' head in a rather horribly portrayed way.
"Stormfang, are you sure we should trust this person? For all we know, he could be a spy." ADemiri pointed out in a rather gruff tone almost like quixotic old Roskinsian.
"Wow, even in the past, your father's so stoic, huh Rid-OW!" Galen was greeted with a punch from the masked Drakowing Rider.
"Shut-up!" Ridgar hissed, cracking his knuckles from the relaxing reflex he just taught to the stubborn and loud-mouthed Myrmidion knight.
"Demiri." ASokara sternly said, diffident to find his words until the hand gesture from the director found his memorized words from the script. "Um, we've no clue ye-" A shriek then interrupted his words.
Quickly turning towards his sister's yell, he quickly unsheathed Ragnarok, a sword made out of carbonate polyester boards that was used for cheap Plexiglas frames forged and imported from Aprelux and Aragary. The bear hilts rather felt like frowning instead of lashing aggressively and the Brand of the Exalt on the pommel of the blade looked like it was spray painted oddly in the middle, the Triquetra horribly paralleled along with the 'wings of Solaris'. The brown Celtic knots that ran down the strip of gold was now misaligned, running off track down the shoulder of the blade instead of reaching the tip. The pristine appearance that gave out it's eternal crystal shine, was dulled out into a rusty silver, the blade's disability to cut through anything tough including air units.
"SOKARA!" AKoshka yelled for his attention, "The village over there, it's burning!"
She then pointed to a stagehand, who was near a small campfire, flapping a small towel about while blowing the smoke west.
"We should hurry!" ASokara declared with a hasty tone as the trio dashed off towards the heated scene.
Let's skip a few scenes. Shall we?
After a few 'broken' scenes, including the four helping the nearby city, AMarco finally remembered "his" name. ASokara, AKoshka, ADemiri and ARubio speared and ate some bear meat, a scene with ASiren, whose actors were fake limping and making irritating moans.
ADakota who kept swearing in literally every sentence she made was fond to be proud of her lines.
"Mother doesn't curse THAT much." Alys sneered in annoyance.
AVigur, who was portrayed as a hopeless romantic skyguard much to the amusement of the citizens was now portrayed as a clumsy skyguard like the real Corasta.
Elsewhere
Vigur suddenly shuddered at the imagery of the present.
"What's wrong Duke Vigur?" Jade asked as she was giving Kaldrak a bath, the drakowing currently in a bubble bath meditation.
"I've no slight clue Jade, but I feel something's not right…" Vigur assured, pacing around in worried steps.
Back to the play, at the "Shepherds' Garrison."
"Ta-da! Here we are! The Shepherds' Garrison!" AKoshka happily declared, touring AMarco around the interior.
It was rather messy. As if 10 Corasta clones might have heaped the place up into a blanding mess. Paperwork was oddly shuffled into a smearing tangle while the desk held a stack of Delyran apples grown from the southtown. Countless Scholaristic books, spelltomes, and encyclopedias stacked themselves over the bookcase, towering in numerous page rips and creases everywhere. The Dragon of Divine Flames statue Solaris, was a cut out in cardboard and placed at an awkward angle just outside the Garrison.
"Koshka darling! Are you all right?" A shrill voice asked, eeping the shock out of AKoshka.
The shrill voice belong to AMaline, who was portrayed with a replica of her signature parasol, curls decorating literally every inch of her brown hair and a large, white bow on the side of her hair, as opposed to the usual two the real one normally has.
"Ma?" Inari said in astonishment, "What've those blokes done to ya?!"
After AKoshka reassured AMaline, to which the latter just glared at her, AGylex walked in with a refreshed attitude.
AGylex was still muscular like his counterpart, but his scarlet hair was flatter, with only a few spikes, and lacking Gylex's signature armguard.
"Whoa," AGylex said in a surfer-bro-like accent, "Is this our new tactician? I betcha he can't do this… *BBBEEELLLCCCHHH!*"
AGylex's belch almost sounded authentic as AMaline fanned away the obnoxious behaviour.
"How disgusting Gyelx! You shouldn't be so uncivilized, especially in front of new people…" AMaline then stormed away furiously off the stage.
"I know father isn't exactly courteous, but he definitely is no slob." Edelin just closed his eyes, while he adjusted his hat.
"I trust everything is fine." ASokara said, walking in with a confident smile. Even though it looked genuine, it seemed the director was unhappy about him for one single bit.
Before anyone could answer, ACorasta rushed towards them in hurry.
ACorasta was still virtually the same, but lacked the winged Pegasi-hairclips, and had shorter light blonde hair than usual.
"Captain! Thank goodness you're all-WHOA!"
*CRASH!*
As expected, ACorasta tripped, sending a set of blades whooshing off of the weaponry rack and dangerously impaling against the white wooden painted wall, scarring the other actors traumatized for life.
"Huh?! Corasta, are you all right? Is it those boots again?" ASokara asked with convincing concern. Sarcasm laced his words as the director yet (again!) face palmed towards his natural role.
"Uh… no! I mean… oh forget it!" ACorasta then stood up, and walked away, feeling embarrassed by the whole latter of acting but not before tripping…
Again!
"Mother doesn't trip that much…" Cillia murmured with a huff.
"Anyway, I came hear to announce that we're headed to Regna Kagia. We'll be requiring the aid of the Kagian ruler on our journey." ASokara explained cautiously, noting in his mind not to make another grave mistake. "Now then, we'll be preparing everything we need for the night, then in the next morning, we move out!"
After a few more scenes which included an Siren fight looked to be like a clumsy failure.
ASobek, who was portrayed as always mentioning his hunger, was constantly saying "I'm so average. What can I do?"
"Hey! Father isn't like that, I'll have you know!" Alys was on the verge of anger.
ALaurel, who was portrayed as an obsessive braniac, constantly blabbered 'Big Words' in the form of random gibberish.
"Surely, Mother would never approve of this atrocity." Edelin glared at the actress who dared insult his mother.
Of course, all the portrayal of the Shepherds were well received by the audience who just laughed, and applauded, too poor to notice their actual portrayal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will have a short intermission for about five minutes." the host came up on stage as he bowed down then left respectively.
Since the whole play was indeed a serious amateur mess, it sadly wasn't sponsored by the Royal family of Delyrus (aka the REAL Shepherds) since some wanted to see how Delyran citizens would best re-enact the Emblem of Eternal Ends, a period that ended the war between Delyra and Gudora along with the side story help from the continent of Fonaxe. No Sirens spured to disturb the peace that inhales in Akardos as Solaris and Garuga have agreed in a pact that no war will ever occur after this period.
Even The Shepherd Heist, a group of Fonaxi bandits that posed as the Shepherds of Solaris tried to migrate to Akardos and instigated tiny troubles for Sokara and his army, could act better than the randomly selected Delyran citizens chosen for the play.
"What in Solaris's name did we just watch?" Eleanore shook her head from side to side, feeling dumbstruck at the idea based on the famed heroes of the Halidom.
All the other children were just silent.
A/N: And another chapter done!
Yeah, I'm sorry! This and the last chapter were basically more of a filler, while I think on how I can actually progress the story a little.
I kind of like to thank 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' for the inspiration for this chapter. The episode where they attend the play was one of my favorite episodes!
Also, KvD: Swords of Fate reference! See if you can spot it!
Also, "In Theatrali Artes Solis" is Latin for "The Theatric arts for the Sun". Or at least, that's what Google Translate says…
By the way, I don't hate any of the characters, I love them all! Even the ones who people normally hate like Maline, Laurel, Corasta, Gylex and Vigur. The character I do hate? Zo'an and Sargon… May those two die a horrible f*king death!
I may or may not continue the play. If enough people like it, I may continue it. Who knows…
Until next chapter, BYE!
25: Figure(ine) it out!Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
Once again, I must apologize for the delay in the chapter. My college has a bad habit of dumping extra schoolwork up my a** and of course, I needed to prioritize the important stuff.
Today's chapter will finally put the story back on track. I really wanted to continue the last chapter, but I decided… Nah (hehe). I may continue it as a separate ridiculous story, I may not.
So, without any further distractions, let Chapter 25 commence!
The following day
"So, found anything about your sickness yet, I presume?" The Exalt asked in concern while crossing his arms with a smirk.
In front of him, Marco was just staring back, feeling demoralized about his answer. The two were seated in Sokara's office, no… really, just the two of them.
"I wish I did." was Rubio's only answer, a worried sigh etched his face framing light salty tears.
"I thought so." Sokara dropped the smirk as he leaned forward and shuffled some paperwork before setting it neatly on the desk next to a vintage Delyran compass hued in brown leathers and needles.
A snowdome display of Solara slowly turned with time, syncing in with the dracoknight's banned silence. Portrayed flat according to his densed tranquility, Rubio swore that the Inferior lines of the map rose towards the ceiling of the dome, adapting the hemisphere of the glass enclave.
After a few seconds of staring contest, the Exalt spoke again, this time with a serious and confident tone. "You know Marco, I really wish that you would take more consideration into your decisions. I may not understand your status right now, nor will I ever, but believe me, I've been in a lot of pressure as well. Heck, even more than you have."
"Oh really?" Rubio didn't exactly believe Sokara's words as sarcasm dipped from his mouth. Doubt flooded his heart as the exalt tried again with a different approach.
"Really. I mean, between being the Exalt for the last seven years, a father to Eleanore AND Cillia, not to mention the numerous amounts of paperwork I need to do, life as an Exalt is no walk in the plaza." Sokara explained with sincerity, chestnut screwing into almond brown with a sober hiss.
"True... But, what exactly are you trying to say to me?" A chuckle slapped his head nodding from side to side as Marco didn't quite understand what Sokara was elaborating.
The snowdome of Solara came to a halt as time stood still. Eyeing an unique band colored in gold silk and embroided "Stormfang/Ragnarok/Solaris= One victory." in Seivati, the exalt's personal item seemed to hang from an angling lamp, awkwardly beaming on one of the pages of the Letters of Delirium. Rubio gestured Sokara to continue while spotting out Sobek's faviourite board game, Devolution tucked between a set of binders binded by royal ropes.
"All I'm saying is that despite things right now not being easy, it's still possible to do these tasks. You just need to remember that you're not alone. I was able to overcome my trials with Corasta, Koshka, Demiri and… you as well, Marco." Sokara finished with a sympathetic sigh, gazing in silence as the Solara snowdome came alive again with several tiny clicks.
"I'll try to keep that in mind." Rubio smirked as he stood up, followed by the exalt.
"What's that supposed to mean?" a surprised Sokara asked, scooting the chair just a few inches forward until it almost ripped through the royal carpet.
"Relax, it's just a little jest… maybe." Marco called back with re-assurance while leaving him alone stumped over the dracoknight's answer. That last part however was in his thoughts.
Just as the tactician was heading back to his home, he was stopped by Elmeri, and I mean the REAL Elmeri, not one of her many identical sisters scattered around the Constellation Realms.
"Marco!" The red-headed saleswoman/Shepherd called out, her voice raised over the boisterous market stalls, "So glad I finally found you."
Blinking off the sudden surprise, Rubio pushed through the crowd with a kind 'excuse me' and approached her cart full of weapons and a notepad strapped to the side that held all the written specifications, "Elmeri? What brings you here all the way to Delyrus?"
"Why am I here? Splendid! I'm only to bring back your weapons!" Elmeri chucked out a damaged Keris Dagger, picking out the gems from the scratched hilt as if they were cherries from the Shield of Solaris Tree.
Just at the sight of refurbished blades and arrows got Rubio to completely forget about his personal brands. His swords were badly damaged during his Arena match against Rayne a few weeks back, now a month. He recalled Euriki mentioning that to him when he regained his consciousness.
"Oh for the heck of Solaris, you wanted the real reason of approaching me. Well, here it is!" Elmeri then reached into her cart, and pulled out the Dawnbreaker and the Divine Creventis. Both swords looked like they were newly forged, like the day when Marco first got them.
"Well, what do you think? Just like how they used to be, like those many years ago." the merchant beamed brightly in concern as Marco stared at them in reverence.
The celtic pattern on the blade seemed pristine in the same way of Ragnarok as the hilts didn't show excessive wear and tear. All colors shone brightly, especially Divine Creventis, the gold wavy blade seem to gleam under the sun, hence the pun of the Floridian hilts on his original Creventis. And the rooster feathers linked with a ball chain seemed to stay intact and soft around the dracoknight's fingers as Dawnbreaker radiated green in pleasure.
Rubio experimented their condition as he swung both his swords for a little while, unleashing some swordplay moves that Sokara and Eleanore kindly taught him. Both felt like how they used to be.
"Amazing job Elmeri." Marco remarked with an unbelievable nod. Elmeri just blushed from the statement, feeling proud of her daily job. His intentions brought his hands to bring out a few Nerado coins from his satchel. "So, how much is this going to cost me this time around?"
"Don't worry about that. It's on the house." Elmeri replied as she rang up the free sale (a ring sounded inaudibly close to Marco) and politely waited for her farewell with the tactician.
With both swords sheathed on his back, Rubio paused for a while before growing skeptic with the merchant. A split second later, his hands gripped the cart crossly before facing her with a disturbed snarl, "All right! Who are you, and what have you done to the other Elemri?"
Elmeri just giggled slightly while waving an Insanity Feather in front of his annoyed face, "Relax. Just consider it a little thanks from saving my numerous sisters-slash-cousin's butts multiple times back then."
The intending answer surely got Marco to ignore her cart full of items (considering the Domination Tome looked really addicting for his use against this blabbermouthing lady) nonetheless was completely unaware that his son had taken down her sisters in sweet victory Hot Spring style.
With Elmeri shoving 3 Tome of Storms, an Insanity Feather, 1 (F) Lightning Cube, Boots of Grace, a really expensive Robes of Arcane Resist (it was considered useless since Marco was already wearing one over his dracoknight armor), and finally a rare Fuse tome 'Solar Storm' into his shaky arms, Marco muffled up a tiny squeak of "Elmeri...too...much...stuff!"
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading off to the marketplace. I heard that there are more people than normal, especially considering that the holidays are nearing, and I obviously want to take advantage of that. Until then, bye for now!" Without wasting any more time, Elmeri hastily made her way down to the marketplace, mindful to keep her goods in the cart and away from the passersby.
After that little encounter, and getting his weapons back, Marco eventually decided to head home with some 'grocery shopping'.
What would Kelli's reaction spur up with if she saw her husband coming back with a bunch of battle only items?
Elsewhere
The children had just exited the noisy Amphitheater after evaluating the cheap production the Delyran citizens managed to establish. The memories of that well exaggerated play of the story of the Shepherds would well be burnt into their minds for a long time.
"Thank Solaris that nightmare is finally over." A relieved Eleanore rubber her hands against her tiring face as the group walked over to Delyrus, the sun lowering down over the noon horizon that laced Falcon Claw Road.
"I can't believe they exaggerated father into a mage who was TOO sensitive about his height…" Galen laughed while swinging Oathbreaker like a cane.
The Myrmidion knight could remember it well:
When the scene where ARikkert saved AMaline from ASilvermoon/Aegis (who had darker skin, and lacked her face makeup) came and one of the AFighter spoke about ARikkert's height, ARikkert had this to say:
"Don't worry about it boys, he's just a short mage who can't do anythin'! Har har!" The AFighter snazzily laughed to the ADrakowing Rider and AMage.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A MOUSY LITTLE PIPSQUEAK?!" ARikkert caterwauled, balling his fists while pulling out a Rain of Despair tome. Or that's how it would look like hadn't the wind type spellbook be made out of cheap covers moored by spiraling cords of leather used for horse reigns.
"You should consider yourself lucky!" Eryeth yelled while standing up from the crowd, "At least YOUR parents were portrayed with their corresponding gender! Honestly, when I saw the scene where mother and father met, I thought I was gonna pull my eyes out! I don't even WANT to know on why they decided to make father a woman."
The children then turned around to see Egelard who was aggravatingly glaring at the Amphitheater. It seemed a nervous gulp sounded from all of them as they then knew what was going to happen next.
"YOU INSOLENT FOOLS! HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY MOTHER WITH YOU'RE BUFFOONERY!" his tiny shriek turned into a devious ear-killing scream, grabbing the attention of the Delyran newbie mage actor but intended to ignore the crowd interference.
AVivienne was depicted with almost an unhealthy obsession with AMarco. So much that it made the REAL Vivienne's earlier obsession with Rubio true to the tame.
"I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! ESPECIALLY FOR THAT INSULTING SCENE!" Egelard continued to rant as Oriel and Eryeth held him down like an arrested Gudorian bandit.
What scene you ask? Why this was the one:
"All right, I need Vivienne, Nimbus, Gylex and Euruki to take out the group on the left." AMarco announced, pointing at the group with stern smirk.
"Aw!" AVivienne pouted, feeling left out while heartbroken, "Why can't I be with you instead?"
AMarco suddenly made a convincing cringe, and slowly backed away as AVivienne romantically begged at 'him' with big puppy-dog eyes.
"Yikes! Uh…what the hell?! No way! You've got to be kidding! You're the last person I'd let you near me. What makes you think I would in the first place?!" ARubio gulped as he hooked a sweaty finger around his metallic collar guard, a hand shielding over his startled eyes as AVivenne walked forward with a lovely conciliatory purr.
AVivenne then decided to slowly tug at her chestpiece, causing AMarco to freak out but caused AGylex and ASobek (as well as some of the male audience members) to holler out in perverting cheer.
"Gyah! What do you think you're doing?! You can't change my mind by lowering your chestpiece!" Heavily hyperventilating, AMarco tripped backwards with a thud, causing the crowd to whistle and roar at the real entertainment. Scrambling across the marble floor etched with Pegasi coat of arms, his shaky swallow kept his revolting gaze on the Crestan queen of dark spells.
AVivenne then quickly changed strategy, by lowering her skirt with a slow start.
"Agh! Not even if you lower your skirt a little!" AMarco yelled in affliction as 'he' covered 'his' eyes. "Damn it! I won't give in to temptation! A person like me would never give in to temptation!"
"Really? Care to explain why you're peeking a little through your fingers then?" AKoshka sassily asked, penetrating her staff from knocking over a grail of whippersnappers stocked by the secretive Snapperhook.
"Uh, Egelard…" Inari started with a cold tingle running down his spine as if something felt horrible.
"WHAT?! WHAT IS IT COULD YOU POSSibly… Oh! Sorry Inari…" Egelard apologized as she shifted back to her 'calm' perosna.
"Look, let's just ignore them, and pretend that play never happened, ok?" Blaze spoke up with a tiring sigh, silver white brows furrowed into concentration towards the ground.
The children agreed in unison.
As the group was walking through the plaza stringed to life by lights over the evening night of Delyra, a village boy rushed past them in a haste with his mother desperately trying to catch up.
"Hurry momma! They're gonna run out of them if we don't hurry!" the boy deliberately panted as he dashed for the market stand illuminating the walls of hand woven rugs, glass jars, crafted canes and the shelf that hit top seller gifts for Delyrus and the other districts over Akardos.
"Tim! Please slow down for a while!" Tim's mother breathlessly huffed, as she tried to catch up to the boy currently hypnotized by the objects on shelf for display.
"I wonder what that's about?" Egelard eagerly asked, a conceiving eyebrow got the rest of the children to shrug in return.
After finally tracking the mother and son to where they were headed, they soon came across the stand that was selling figurines. Not just figurines mind you, but figurines of each and every one of the Shepherds.
The figurines were hand-carved from oak, and each piece was so eerily accurate, one could've sworn that the carvers used the Shepherds themselves.
Each piece was hand painted down to the last detail. From Sokara's Brand of the Exalt to each individual feather on Corasta and Jade's Pegasus. Each figurine was standing on a base, painted with the color corresponding to their hair.
E.g. The Koshka and Maline figurines were on a yellow platform, while Lansu was on a black platform.
After squeezing their way past through the crowd, the children finally took a glance at the figurines, and were spelled in awe.
Eleanore felt curious and picked up a Sokara figurine, feeling intrigued on how accurate the figure was constructed. From the Brand being on the right of his arm to the unsheathed Ragnarok, every detail was worked into it that lasted for maybe 3 days.
"Ah, I see you've found interest in the figurine of Stormfang 'imself. 'E's only 250 Ni'rado." The merchant informed with a smile, patiently waiting for Kendora to make her final decision.
Eleanore didn't pay any attention to the merchant as she examined it with an interested eyebrow, along with a Corasta figurine saddled on her pegasus, Zaphira while her Dawn Omega lance was lashed out in battle.
At least the production of the play seemed like a piece of junk according to the Shepherd children while the figurines were a best selling attention grabber for the holidays.
It seemed Delyra did have some spice into advertisements.
A/N: And that ends this update's chapter!
I put in a reference to both Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist. Can you spot it?
Also, there was originally an additional scene where Marco would've bumped into Lansu, Senpai and Present Larendalle. I couldn't quite work it into the story, so I scrapped it.
Also another thing, am I really the ONLY person who saw Rikkert as a somewhat reference to Edward Elric? I mean both are small, and hate being called that. How did no one notice that?
As for the figurine scene, I've wanted to do that since the Hot-Spring chapter. Unfortunately, I couldn't fit it in that time, so I put it on hold.
Also, my Laptop is fixed, WOOO!
Also, also, did you catch that holiday hint? Will I make another Christmas chapter? Maybe.
Until the next chapter, see ya!
26: The Black FeatherHello everybody!
I apologize once again for the long delay. School and a very strong rain shower have been preventing me from accessing the computer for the past few days.
So, before those two things hinder me once again, let's get this update's chapter on the road!
One week after Marco's return
The children have returned back to their respective families, following the trip to the Hot-Spring realm and the messed-up play they've watched (which they agreed to never speak of again).
Blaze on the other hand? Well, this is what happened to him:
Blaze's POV
After the events that we've just witnessed, Eleanore eventually decided that we should head home. The others agreed to her decision.
As for me on the other hand, I pretty much had nowhere to go. I was sure my "mother" was still alive, considering on how Lunaria and the others were able to prevent the bad future from happening.
I was able to pretty much avoid any conversation that would concern on where I would stay, but I was caught off-guard by Eleanore.
Normal POV
"So, you've any idea on where you're going to stay for the meantime?" Eleanore asked with a concerning smirk, sitting down at the edge of her bed.
This was Lunaria's room, a sea of brown feathers drenched the blue paint splash of her royal wall as if blue and brown seemed like a conceding color combination to the Stormfang heritage at least. A studious black bookshelf covered part of the wallpaper design, currently sitting opposite of her canopy bed, curtains draped over the covers sporting a majestic snow owl. A set of Glacus jewelry hung elegantly on a miniature tripod, surfacing the nightstand with engraved with Pegasus shaped pegs.
The last decorative piece that trailed the Thief's sapphire eyebrows around in awe were labels of navy blue and gold ivy leaves stretching around the corners between the ceiling and the upper walls, a specialty that was never placed in Sokara and Corasta's room.
Blaze huffed indignantly as he crossed his arms, "To be honest with you Kendora, I haven't got the slightest clue."
"Hmm… why don't you stay with Eryeth and Reuben? I mean, you ARE their brother after all." Eleanore suggested, flicking the blade case to Analogue Ragnarok vertical against her dresser.
More Owls with blue, brown and gold splashed behind them.
"Yeah, I AM their brother…" Blaze spoke, slightly turning his head to find the princess tampering her hair with a brush while her ears were active, "But remember. I'm only their brother due to Marco."
Eleanore nodded with a slight mustered smile, while nodding for Blaze to continue. The Thief found her still attentive since it was obvious the two of them were in her room and none of the others bothered to interject with heavy concern.
"Besides, Father, Eryeth and Reuben have accepted me. But, what about… her…" Blaze faltered with an awkward start, catching the princess's attention while she whirled to face him with an inquisitive gaze.
"Her?" Eleanore inquired with a puzzled brow raised in concern, glancing at Blaze questioningly. "Oh! You mean Aunt Kelli."
Blaze just nodded in sincere agreement.
"Don't worry about it," Eleanore assured with a smile, setting her brush on the nightstand while tying her brown strands into a neat ponytail, "Aunt Kelli would only get angry if it was something reckless. Trust me, I speak from experience."
The mention of Kelli made Blaze feel better. Sitting up with a confident smirk, he approached her with calm tone, "Thanks, Kendora…"
Blaze's POV
Now that I think about it, I think it WAS a good idea that Eleanore and I had that conversation. However, even with that conversation, I still needed to be cautious… Just to be on the safe side.
I decided to take a different path from what Eryeth and Reuben took. They questioned me of course. I told them that I would just do something... something that was only deemed my concern. Eryeth tried to protest, but Reuben felt like I was right in my decision. Honestly, I swear that Reuben got more of the brains than Eryeth would ever have.
Normal POV
That something Blaze wanted to do was a bit of training. The Thief decided that he would train in secret without letting the Garrison guards break out into a search patrol for a missing Shepherd. So, he decided to head out to Knem forest west of Delyrus.
Later that night
Blaze was just busy practicing some sword slashes on the wall of an abandoned fort, currently effacing the cursed words graffitied in Seivati.
That's right. Keep Delyra clean from these Gudorian brigands. Blaze contemplated with a clean strike to the beak shaped symbol, the letter 'T' was now sliced into two irregular mining axes.
About to move on to the next slang phrase, he carefully held Sol high above his head before a sudden rustle caught his attention with curiosity. Sapphire eyes focused on the dashing figure before it settled before him with a motionless stare.
As if on instinct, Blaze hastily turned around, his hand still gripping Sol.
"Hey now, do you really want to do that?" A sly male voice asked him with a smirk.
Blaze immediately knew who he was talking to.
"Zane?!" Blaze exclaimed. To say he was surprised is an understatement. "What the hell do you want?"
"What? Can't I see my favorite prison escapee?" Zane said with a smirk, a stray Killer Edge lance hung beside him.
"Oh, how sweet…" Blaze sarcastically declared in an uncaring tone, willing the assassin to converse without any blades unleashed. Unfortunately, the thief was the first one to unsheathe his blade in advance warning, "Now tell me!"
Moving Sol closer to his chest, he sneered deep into his face "What is it that you really want?"
"I came with a warning." Zane simply stuck out his words like a piece of gum.
Blaze immediately stepped back in astonishment, but he still kept his red winged blade up. "What warning?"
Zane took a few seconds to gather himself up before walking towards his rival, "Garuga is back. And he's stronger than before."
As if one cue, Blaze forcefully kicked Zane on the chest, sending him back a tiny bit. He then quickly ran up to him, pinning him with the hilt of his Sol blade before he could even stand up. "You're lying! Now, cut this nonsense and tell the truth now!"
"I had the feeling that you wouldn't have believed me, so here…"
Blaze glared at Zane questioningly as he reached into his pocket, and pulled out something in surprise. Once Blaze caught a glimpse of the object, the thief could only retaliate back in shock.
The object in question was one of Garuga's bladed neck feathers. It was metallic black as the night sky. Just like how Blaze remembered seeing it back in his original future.
Blaze quickly snatched the feather, still mindful of keeping his sword hilt on Zane. "How… how is this possible? When Garuga was destroyed, all remains of him vanished. The only thing that remained was his skeleton."
"Queen Rayne. That's how." Zane started with a straightforward smirk, "If you remember that little invasion we did a few days back."
Being reminded of that just made Blaze glare at him.
"Anyway," Zane continued with an uncaring tone. "Grock managed to wound Marco…"
Another glare from Blaze.
"And Rayne used the ichor that was shed to remake Garuga." Zane finished, feeling a heavy air of silence cloud between the two.
"And you're telling me this… why exactly?" Blaze huffed while slowly he started withdrawing his blade.
"Because, even I know that nothing good would come from this." Zane elaborated as he was slowly standing himself up, thanks to the Edge lance he used. "Be honest, would you think that I would rush all this way if I thought nothing had or would come from this?"
"You do have a point there... Only someone daft and psychotic would think that nothing bad would come from this." The very thought of Zane being right made him hurl a little in his mouth.
"Still, is that all you wanted to do? Not stab me in the back so I wouldn't be able to tell Sokara, father and anyone else?" Blaze questioned, growing visibly annoyed as the tip of Sol created a rough line across the dirt.
Zane noticed the quiet swing and shook his head in silent laughter, "Nope. Not at all… Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back. As for the feather, you can keep it. You might need it."
And with that, the Solarian spy immediately took off into the forest, and disappeared.
Blaze's POV
As I stood there, watching him disappear into the thickness of the forest, I couldn't help but look into the feather at the same time.
I mean, think about it… He claims this to be a reincarnated Garuga's feather? For all I know, this could be just a trap. A trap that she concocted in order to draw the Shepherds in, and kill them of one by one.
However, I then realized that Zane was a TERRIBLE liar. No, really. Zane couldn't lie to save his life.
So, without hesitation, I halted my training for the meantime, gently placed the feather in my pack, and rushed back to Eryeth and Reuben's house.
I had to get this information to Marco…. And fast.
A/N: And another chapter is finished!
I originally decided to make this whole chapter in Blaze's POV, but it turns out that it wouldn't work, so I made part of it his POV.
About the part where Garuga disappears completely, was my idea. I don't think the game ever mentions that there's no trace of Garuga left, so I decided to put it in. Hope none of you mind.
Anyway guys, until next chapter, BYE!
27: Confirmed MatchA/N: Hello everybody!
No, you're not dreaming, I'm updating early for once.
The reason I'm doing this, is because though I normally update every week (or every 5 days), next week will be a holiday special chapter. That and I'm going to take a break from Dec. 25 maybe Jan. 3ish… Hey! Even internet writers need to take a break y'know!
So, enjoy two chapter updates. One now, the other next week.
The next day…
All the Shepherds were gathered at the garrison hall. Why were they there you ask? Well… The reason why is because when Blaze finally got home the night before, he carried with him a black feather in hand, and claimed it to be Garuga's feather.
The moment he said this information, Marco was quick to bring this to Sokara, who in turn called for the Shepherd Scholar, Laurel. It WAS originally suppose to be just Sokara, Marco and Laurel. However, news of Garuga's potential return has spread far and wide, reaching areas from as close as Gudora, to as far as Graxalon and Estria, the latter of which was just putting the finishing touches to the once crippled city.
What's the situation now you ask? Well, let's see shall we?
Shepherd's Garrison
Like I said, ALL the Shepherds were just there at the hall, with majority of them by a door that lead to Laurel's (Now Edelin's as well) research lab. Each and everyone of them was just there. Some were sitting, some were standing. None chose to talk to one another. Heck, no one even dared to say a word.
After what seemed like an eternity, the door to the lab creaked as it opened, revealing Laurel, whose expressions remained the same as ever.
"Well Laurel, what have you found out about it?" Sokara insisted with a calm gaze while crossing his arms like he usually does.
The other Shepherds moved closer as well, highly intrigued to dig out the situation.
"Well…" The Scholar started, setting down a special notepad that held all of the written specifications to each item, "I'm afraid that I must confirm the suspicion that each and every one of us share... This feather is in fact Garuga's feather…"
The Shepherds' reaction were expected from a certain scholar/mage: Pure shock and fear.
"That's impossible! We all saw Garuga disappear right before our very eyes!" a shocked Koshka commented as if she just failed Garuga's 100 question exam on his deprevitated plans.
Brown curls stood static as she held her breath, green eyes in search for the diagram sketched into the mage's notepad.
"Gosh darn! How in tarnation is that even possible?!" Goose exclaimed in sync with Koshka, the country bumpkin seemed to raise his bucket from his eyes just an inch to study the detailed feather.
"Unfortunately, I have no data on how this came about." Laurel shook her head, tapping the pen feather against her notepad, blobs of ink covering up some of the numbers and letters in Seivati, "However, the feather isn't exactly a pure Garuga feather."
"The hell?!" Dakota spluttered in a mixture of uncaring rage and grief fizzing from her lance.
Vigur noticed the irregular 'partner to weapon' behaviour and chose not to comment on the pissed off scene.
"Simply say, my research has shown that Garuga's ichor only adds up to approximately 60%. The other 40% come from the Roskinsians of ages past." Laurel explained, balancing a weighing scale between her fingers. The vile that held human ichor rose higher in weight while the vile that held the Roskinsian ichor dropped an inch.
"But, that leaves one question…" Sokara pondered with a hard gaze on the demonstrative tool, "How'd the researcher even get a hold of Garuga's ichor in the first place?"
"I have a theory. But it involves Marco's scar…" Laurel stated, snapping on some gloves while signaling the dracoknight to raise his sleeve.
All the Shepherds turned their heads towards Rubio, who just stood there, stunned with a gulp from what he had just heard.
Without waiting for a signal so she can start explaining, Laurel started:
"If any of you recall what happened a month back, our stay at the Kagian camp was halted when a group of Thieves and Assassins, while it resulted with no casualties and very few injuries on our side."
Laurel paused for a while…
"Unfortunately, Marco was one of the VERY few who got injured… Specifically, to his face."
Rubio then slowly began turning his face to his right, so no one could see his tiny makeshift scar that was embedded invisible beyond his cheeks.
"So, what you're saying Laurel…" Marco hesitantly started, still staring away from the Shepherds and to his right, "Is that even though only a small portion of my ichor was spilt, it was enough to resurrect Garuga?"
"Almost…" Laurel confirmed with a quick nod. Picking up a dropper, she carefully let the tip inhale a part of the dark puddle that stained his arm and dispensed the evidence in a tiny vile for reference, "As I said before, your ichor, has only 3% of your original Garugi bloodline. How that 3% made 60% of this new Garuga? I still need to research that. Speaking of which… if the lot of you can let me be for a while, I must return to my research. There's still much to be done."
Laurel then walked back into her lab, and closed the door.
Later that day
As soon as Laurel confirmed that the feather was almost identical to Garuga, the Shepherds decided that for the first time in nearly six years, they are to train, in order to face the Titan Hydra Dragon once again.
"Damn… that's a lot to take in…" Dakota spoke with a disturbed huff as she stabbed a training dummy with her training lance.
It seems Thunderstorm was out of her hands for once.
"To think that our troubles with Garuga have passed, I guess not everything had disappeared…" Koshka said, her hands keeping her axe up. A careless swing then got the blade to impale the dummy's face in two. A bundle of fresh hay burst open, scaring Koshka back to her feet, evidently leaping into Corasta's Omega lance.
"Whoa there, Kosh!" the Pegasus Knight clumsily dropped her lance aside as she aided Sokara's sister to stand up after the heedless fall.
"I guess yesterday was my last peaceful cup of tea…" Gylex sighed as he nocked an arrow into a training bow, clearly bored towards their progress in fighting not going so well.
Elsewhere
The children were situated on another part of the training field located near the Constellation Gate. They were just informed about the feather a few minutes ago.
"All that effort… For nothing…" Eleanore said in defeat as the blade of Ragnarok transpierced the ground.
"Gawds… To think we were given the chance to live in peace again." Larendalle complained, slamming a Nightmare tome shut as if defeated in a friendly battle.
"For once, my Sword Hand's twitching with fear, and not for justice. How odd…" Galen faltered with a sigh as he just sat there on the ground, speculating in silence at the rigid grassy ground.
"Well… I guess we've got no choice then…" Alys started with a confident tone, catching the rest of the children's attention, "We've got to train once more so we can take him down… This time for good!"
The olive green-haired General then grabbed a training spear, and proceeded to train solo.
Elsewhere, elsewhere
Marco was inside the Garrison. He was just sitting there absentmindedly by the dining hall, lost in thought when the Shepherds' personal chef, Chef Doris happened to just walk by. While the Shepherds took turns in the kitchen majority of the time, Doris was number one in the kitchen, something that she takes with great pride while spicing up a delicious 5 star catering meal for the whole family.
"Marco, I heard the news. I'm so sorry that all of you have to face this again…" Doris clutched her chef hat as she strided in slowly towards him, the intimidating furrowed brows now leaned into a frown.
"Your apology isn't necessary anyway, Doris. It's not your fault." Rubio assured with a concentrated smile towards the table.
A wooden keychain of his personal blade, Creventis was tampered between his notioned fingers, a wedding gift from Delyra's best wood crafters. It was eerily crafted the same way as the Shepherd figurines out of oak, each detail gave away it's superior appearance.
"If only I had skills in fighting, then I would join all of you! But, alas! I don't have the skills necessary. I feel so useless." Sighing, Doris sounded almost as if she was scolding herself. She quietly took a seat beside him, trying her best not to fall into tears.
The dracoknight noticed her disheartening feelings and decided to comfort her fast.
"Hey! Don't ever say that. Fighter or not, you're still reliable to us. Don't ever forget that." Marco's smile turned into a twinkle of understandment, the chef laughed half heartedly in exuberance.
"*sniff* Ah, Marco, you always did KNOW what to say!" After thanking the tactician with a bright hug, Doris then headed back into the kitchen.
Marco then stood up, and began walking out, feeling refreshed from his overboarded depression but not before once again, feeling a sting of pain on his left arm. It was his Tendratudo acting up again.
Bearing the needle stings, he was walking down the hall without mustering up a painful muffle, silence gripped every corner of the hall as a large suit of armor began hopping in glee while eagerly following him in quietude.
Then it stopped just as Marco whipped around with a suspicious face framed in hesitant sweat.
"Uh.. Marco," The suit of armor casually started.
With a startled leap, Rubio began looking around, his body trembling towards the mysterious floating voice. "Nimbus? Where the heck are you?"
Nimbus just sighed while shifting closer to him. "Uh… I'm right beside you."
Marco sheepishly rubbed the back of his head to show careless embarrassment. "Oh, right, sorry…."
'Note to myself: Keep a better eye on Nimbus's movement.'
Nimbus just shrugged while taking off his helmet. The white curls looked rather lavish as Rubio patiently waited for his question, "So, what's the strategy this time?"
"Pardon me?" the dracoknight tweaked his ear as if he needed to adjust his hearing more often.
"I mean, how we're supposed to beat Garuga this time?"
Marco just crossed his arms, feeling heavily contemplated while he looked unto the floor. "To be honest, I don't even know anymore. I don't even think we can win this time…"
"What? But, how can you even say that?" To say Nimbus was shocked, is an understatement.
"I wish that was easy to answer…"
"I'm sorry." Nimbus apologized while dropping his helmet to the floor, "I'm not going to force it out of you if you feel uncomfortable. I'll just take my leave now."
The Speed Cavalier then took off.
Marco's POV
For a long time, I was silent. I was thinking so much about this. I was so deep into thought, that I didn't even notice Nimbus leave… or maybe he just disappeared again. I don't know.
I really didn't even know what to think of this. I took all of Laurel's words into thought. This Garuga wasn't the same as the one before. Wouldn't that mean that the strategy that I once used to kill Garuga wouldn't work again?
I even had this theory that maybe; THIS Garuga's the one that would lead into the bad future… Nah. That's impossible. The Garuga from six years ago was 100% me. This one wasn't.
Normal POV
Rubio would've continued his thoughts, until his thought were interrupted by Kelli's arrival.
"Marco, is there anything wrong?" Kelli asked in concern as she strode over to the edge of their bad and sat down, green eyes searching for his low mooded face.
Dismissing his current thoughts, Marco sighed while tampering with the Creventis keychain. "Nothing much. Just wondering on how we can beat this 'new' Garuga this time."
Kelli just nodded while suggesting with a protective hug, "You should calm down for a while. How about we head on over to the town with the children for a while?"
"You're strangely calm about this." Rubio observed with an inquired brow. Kelli pulled back, feeling a heavy air of silence spiraling around them. "But, won't be unfair for the others training right now?"
Kelli just giggled at Marco's comment. "Don't worry; I've already spoken to Sokara about this. He said that you SHOULD calm down for the meantime."
The Dancer assured while taking out a slice of pie baked by Corasta, the irresistible smell of peach tickled the dracoknight's nose in wistful pleasure.
Marco hesitated for a while before grabbing the slice. "Well, if you say so."
"Very well then. I'll go ahead to the house, and get the children. You should change first. After all, you can't go to town looking for that." Before the dracoknight can muffle through his mouth full with pie, Kelli then bid him a kiss to the cheek and a farewell, leaving him alone while walking back to their house alone.
'Same old Kelli… Hope she never changes.' Marco thought to himself, setting the plate down on his nightstand as he began walking towards his Garrison quarters.
A/N: And done!
So there you have it folks! I'm confirming this right now, The Shepherds are facing Garuga once more (soon)!
By the way, I got a message from a reader asking why I decided to resurrect Garuga. The reason why I'm doing this is because I felt like Rayne (The main one for the story) wasn't good enough. Plus, think about it: A lot of movie and video game sequels more or less bring back a past villain. Regardless if they're dead or not.
Also, I added wwwaaaayyy too much for this chapter. Like I said in the beginning, next week's update will be Christmas special, and I'm gonna take a break from Dec. 25 – Jan. 3ish. That and it'll give me a little more time to make the new chapter progress the story a little.
Until the update after the Christmas special, BYE!
28: Holiday SpecialHello everybody!
Advanced Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! (Besides, I don't celebrate Christmas. Go read Jeremiah chapter 10 to know why.) xD
This update will once again be a filler chapter (Boo!), but since it's the holidays, this'll be a Christmas Special. So… yay I guess?
Also, a little note: This happens before Blaze is introduced and Marco's battle in Kagia, thus also before the Children return. Sorry about that. I'll explain that at the end of the chapter.
Christmas day
Christmas has once again come upon Delyra. The gray pavements have been turned into a fresh blanket of the whitest snow one could've ever seen.
Lakes and rivers have frozen up. So frozen in fact, that one could easily walk and stand on it with ease, without the aid of a boat.
The marketplace was as crowded as ever. People from Delyra and beyond Graxalon and Cresta have come to the area for (very) last minute gift shopping. The hottest item on everyone's list right now, you ask? Wooden figurines representing the Shepherds themselves.
Plazas were filled with groups of either children, adults or mixes of the two groups singing carols. Carols so lovely, one would've thought they were in the heavens above.
Families were gathered in their respective household. Whether they lived in the biggest of houses or the dirtiest of the slums (No offense to those who live in the slums),none of that mattered. So long as they were together.
Speaking of families, why don't we check on a certain family, or two? How about eleven?
Tenaki, Robion and Yiraloth
Tenaki and Robion were at their home near Gudora. The two, along with their half-human, half-Roskinsian son Yiraloth were having a carrot mea (along with some meat, as per Robion's request). Creamy carrot soup, roasted boar with woodland berries, the most delectable carrot cake and a pitcher, filled with freshly squeezed carrot juice. The sight of so many carrot foods was enough to make Present Yiraloth ALMOST pass out from joy.
Sobek, Maline and Inari
The noble roads of Themis just beyond Gate Rirporis that stretched between the borders of Delyra, Gudora, and Kagia.
Maline, along with her family and her son Inari were having a banquet. A banquet almost fit for kings for on the table was the juiciest turkey garnished with only the most exotic of herbs. Bottles of the best imported wine stood there on a tray, accompanied with foot tall glasses.
Where was Sobek you ask? Having his normally olive green outfit exchanged with red clothing fitted to his sweet personality. Humiliated he was, but hey! It pleased Maline along with their son Inari.
Lansu, Senpai and Larendalle
Unlike Delyra which was covered with snow, winter time in Kagia was when all the snow thawed, replacing it with the warmth of the sun, only to be cool at night.
While most of the food was already placed out on the table, Senpai was still in the kitchen, trying to decorate a beautiful, red velvet cake. Lansu on the other hand, was spending some father-daughter time with Larendalle, who had already opened a few of her presents: A lovely, red dress with a black bow on its back.
Vigur, Dakota and Alys
Vigur was slaving away in the kitchen. Since Dakota's cooking skills were… um… er… interesting, Vigur decided to use his old family recipes to whip up something that could at least stay in their middle for a couple of hours.
Dakota and Alys decided to go out to the front, to do a little training. Though one would question why they'd do that especially when the day was considered the coldest, Dakota (along with their daughter) would just laugh at your face, claiming that training in the cold were just what they needed to get stronger.
Gylex, Laurel and Edelin
Gylex was outside, chopping some wood for the fireplace, once again without his shirt. The only thing covering his top you ask? Only his famed armguard and his prized steel collar, whose chains just clashed with each other when a superior swing from Gauwill was penetrated into the dewy laced log splintered into random chunks of brown and white.
Never to stray away from the papers regardless of the day, Laurel along with her son were already deciding on what scientific field they were going to tackle for the following year.
Goose, Tealgra, Snugjack and Oriel
Because of the snow, the fields were empty, and undetectable. The various cattle and poultry were in the barns, where they could make all the noise they wanted, and no one could yell.
Goose was at his own home in Terabia. With him were his mother, his Roskinsian wife Tealgra, and their few months old son and daughter, Snugjack and Oriel. While his mother was in the kitchen, turning the newly slaughter cow and chicken (eh?) into a feast, he was with his wife and daughter, having a little fun, playing a little game of duck, duck dragon.
Segarus, Vivenne and Egelard
Egelard was still quivering. Why was she shaking you ask? Because her parents were holding some vials of dark magic. Turns out Egelard's shudder was unnecessary. As when Segarus accidentally dropped one, turns out the vials were made to turn their eerily scary house into a Christmas Wonderland.
Demiri, Jade and Ridgar
Though Demiri's duties were mostly at castle Delyrus, Sokara has granted him and his wife to take a break for the holidays.
Despite being given a break, Demiri still did some paperwork, paperwork showing each new recruit for the cavaliers.. He never did like taking a break, even when Koshka showed him how to do it the proper way.
Though it looked like nothing could stop him, Jade came in, with young Ridgar, who carried with him a homemade Drakowing plushie (named Kaldrak) his mother had made for him and given just now. The sight of the two made were enough to make Demiri pause his work and spend time with his wife and son.
The Royal Family
Sokara, Corasta, Eleanore and Cillia.
Koshka, Rikkert and Galen.
As for castle Delyrus, the royals were having a wonderful dinner, made by only the finest chefs that the Castle had hired led by Doris.
Well most of them anyway. The moment the children were done, they tried to rush outside to play in the snow. It was granted eventually after say fifteen minutes, which was when the four were finally done, to which they all headed outside so the children could finally have fun in the snow.
Sargon
Normally, Sargon would be enjoying a majestic feast. Nowadays, the Fonaxi General has decided to do some charitable work.
Unfortunately, most of the people still hated him for abandoning them many years back, but there were still a vast number who appreciated his help, and welcomed him with open hearts.
Nimbus
The unnoticeable Speed Cavalier/Knight received an invite from his brother's family, to which he accepted.
By the time he arrived, his brother welcomed him and he was happy to know that he was now an uncle to his brother's newborn son, who was named 'Callum' in honor of the man who fought against the Titan Hydra Dragon.
Euriki
As Euriki was priest and a healer, as well as the owner of an orphanage, he spent the holidays with them, as well as the various helpers.
What made his holidays special was not because of the food, nor the presents he received from the children... but from the numerous wide smiles that the children and helpers had as they celebrated.
Marco, Kelli, Eryeth and Reuben
Last but not the least, was the Dracoknight/Tactician himself, Marco Rubio.
He and his wife, the dancer Kelli were just by the fireplace. Present Eryeth was perched on the hearth rug by the fire, stacking Alphabet blocks with his one year-old twin siblings Reuben and Marcus.
Their parents on the other hand, were fast asleep, cuddling against each other on an armchair, covered by a dark red wool blanket.
Why do you all ask?
Only because their two helpers, Elizabeth and Taryn were granted a holiday break. This left the Tactician and the Dancer to do all the work. Though the two helpers tried to protest, Marco insisted, as they've done a lot of work and they deserved the break.
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
Marco was walking to his room with a casual hum, a hand to the knob startled his ears as the door was chained with a bronze padlock.
"What the… why is it closed?" he mustered outloud, using the tip of his Creventis keychain to unlock the makeshift clasp.
"Marco!" a female voice called out. The dracoknight raised an inquisitive brow as he turned around to see Tealgra slam into him with never ending joy.
"Hey!" the Roskinsian greeted hyperly as he eagerly eyed the wooden keychain being tampered around the tactician's hands, "What're you doing here?"
Rubio could only stare back in appalling confusion.
"Marco!" Kelli called out while running towards the two, "Didn't you receive the message?"
"Huh? What message?" the dracoknight spluttered in skepticism, almond brown wildly studying the concerning emerald green.
Kelli then reached into her pocket with a giggle, removing her cellphone. "This one…"
Marco read the message:
Hey everybody!
Just want to let you all know that we'll be taking a break for the holidays.
Have a Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year.
R. Ward
Rubio could only look dumbfounded as his words rose into hesitancy. "Huh?!"
"Don't worry everyone," Kelli assured with a smile as she dislodged her phone back into her pocket but then retrieved it quickly to catch another call.
"Wait, who're you talking to? Hello…" the tactician shook his head as he reeled back in startled leap after Kelli shushed him with a flap of her hand.
"KvD: Legends Awakening (Blaze) will resume after New Year." Kelli finished the call, an intimidating smile now wide across her face.
"Don't miss it!" Tealgra added as she zipped away down the hall.
Marco then scrutinized around in neurotic exhales. "Wait! Hey!"
A/N: And that wraps up the holiday special chapter!
Sorry I'm a day late. I had a Christmas Eve party with my family that lasted until around 4AM. I did a lot of preparing along with my mother and siblings. After that party, we had lunch out at the WORST restaurant in the city! Yeah… what a way to spend the holidays… *groan*
As for the chapter, I originally did like what I did at I think chapter 3 I think, but didn't want to repeat it again, so I made it into drabbles on how they spent Christmas. I also added the ones who I normally leave single.
Also, Tactician's Guide to Shepherds was just something silly I came up with after I started rewatching Bleach. That and the story needed a fourth wall break somewhere. At least in my opinion anyway.
Yes, I will take a break until around Jan. 3. So, until then.
Until then, BYE!
29: Blaze's stats (New Year's Special)A/N: Happy New Year everyone!
I know, I know. I said that I'd resume sometime after Jan. 3, but I thought about giving a New Year's special, so I'm cheating for now.
New Year's special: If Blaze was a real playable character in KvD: Legends Awakening (Don't worry, he is!).
Name: Blaze
Class: Thief (Has promoted to Assassin in the story)
Roster Description:
Aerin's future son. He may appear innocent and kind, but he's more likely to lash out than be friendly, especially when it's about his height. The most likely to unsheathe a blade (Sol) often. Born on April 19.
Help Description:
An enigmatic thief with height issues.
Event tiles:
"Hey! Free goodies! Mine!" (Item)
"Live to fight! Fight to survive! That's my motto!" (Exp)
"A training a day, keeps the injuries away." (Weapon Exp)
Dual Support:
"Ready… Go!"
"Here we go!"
"Ready?"
"Come on! Come on! Come on!"
"It's showtime!"
"It's a good day to die!"
"Battle, commence!"
"Say your prayers."
"Ready when you are!"
Dual Strike:
"How about this?"
"How's that?"
"Fly away!"
"See me?"
"Game over!"
Dual Guard:
"Too close!"
"Watch your back!"
Critical:
"Don't make me laugh!"
"Breaking my limits!"
"I won't be defeated!"
"Game set!"
Defeated Enemy:
"Hey! Did you hurt yourself?"
"Moment of victory… I love it!"
"Alright! Feeling good!"
"I can fight so long as I survive…"
"Why don't you come back, when you're stronger?"
Partner Defeated Enemy:
"Thanks… I guess…"
"Over already? Oh well…"
"What about my strike?"
Damaged by Enemy:
"That hurt!"
Defeated by Enemy:
"What? This can't be…"
Death/Retreat:
"No… Not yet…" (Before recruitment) Classic
"How can it… end like this?" (After recruitment) Classic
"No! I can't die… Not yet. I'm sorry, but I'm out." (Retreat after recruitment) Casual
Level up:
"Not even a bulge, really?" (0-1 stat)
"Good enough, I guess…" (2-3 stat)
"Now we're talkin'!" (4-5 stat)
"Now that's what I call a level up!" (6+ stat)
"Now I KNOW I'm strong enough!" (0-1 stat. Most capped up.)
Class sets:
Thief – Assassin/Trickster
Mercenary – Hero/Bow Knight
Myrmidion – Swordsmaster/Assassin
Pegasus Knight – Mystic Knight/Dark Flier
Bride – None
Supports:
(None)
Romance:
Galen
Eryeth
Inari
Ridgar
Edelin
Yiraloth
Male Reuben
Other Supports:
Aerin
Blaze's Grandfather
Eleanore Kendora
Larendalle
Male Marco (Can be his father)
Female Marco
Female Reuben (generic and sister)
Voice Actor:
Japanese: Maaya Sakamoto
English: Colleen Clinkenbeard
Finally decided!
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
"I'm curious Marco," Koshka started with an awkward gaze, "Exactly how long are you still planning on wearing that?"
"Wait, what?!" A surprised Rubio felt started as he whipped around to find Sokara's little sister leaning against her Omega lance, "What're you talking about?"
Sokara then came up to the duo, feeling impressed about the new attire, "Marco, haven't you heard? You're scripted with a new outfit."
He then threw the Dracoknight's new attire at him.
Marco took one look at his garment before holding his mouth agape, "WAIT?! What's wrong with my current one?!"
"Starting next chapter: The story continues! Marco has a new outfit!" Snugjack the baby fursona excitedly exclaims while trying his best to snatch the keychain Creventis.
"What are you talking about?!" were the only words that Rubio could blurt out as he swatted away the fox's paws in annoyance.
A/N: And it's done!
Once again, a Happy New Year to you all!
For those of you wondering why I did this, I got inspired from another story (which I can't remember the title, so don't ask me!). And I kinda wished other authors who made OC children would do. But it's their children, so… no pressure guys!
For the romantic supports, the reason I didn't put M!Rubio as a romance is because – wait for it – I HATE HOW THEY MADE THE CHILDREN POSSIBLE SPOUSES FOR MARCO! Ew, no! F*k it! F*k it! F*k it! I also hate on how it's both popular AND loved…
For her V/As, I pretty much picked my favorite female V/As! I would've picked Laura Bailey or Stephanie Sheh (with her Orihime/Hinata/Kyrie voice), but they already voice Eleanore and Vivenne/Alys respectively, so… I picked my next favorite.
Also yes! Marco has a new outfit. I hinted this in chapter 24. Also, I probably shouldn't have done this... But it's my story, so HA!
Once again, Happy New Year, and I'll see you in the next chapter. BYE!
30: Conversation on the ShipA/N: Hello everybody!
Happy 2016 to you all! I hope all of you had a wonderful 2015! (Not really!) xD
I apologize for the delay. I've been having a very hectic schedule.
Also, my brother had an overnight trip, and brought my laptop AND didn't return until 12:00 MIDNIGHT. Then, he brought it to my sister's house to download some movies… Geez… why can't he just buy the DVD itself? He's earning money anyway…
Alright, that's enough ranting. Let's get this show on the road!
One month later
After preparations were complete, the Shepherds along with the future children headed off.
Where were they headed you ask?
Well, they were headed to Solaria, in hopes of stopping Garuga's second coming. But first, they had to trek their way to Port Aragary, with carabaos pulling the caravans containing their supplies and weaponry. Ok… some of them were marching. The others were on their respective mounts.
"Never thought we'd be doing this again." Marco exhaled in joy as he marched like he was a lead conductor for the Delyran marching band.
Rubio was walking alongside the Exalt, feeling proud with his new outfit:
His cloak was still virtually the same, except it no longer had a hood. It stretched longer now until at least two inches above his ankle. He was also wearing a black pauldron on his left shoulder. The pauldron had the Floridian Triquetra logo design on the front, the same one on the back of his cloak and the chestplate of his armor/lime green cape. It was attached on his armor with the use of a leather strap that went around his left sleeve.
His dracoknight armor was a simple, high collar, metallic silver with a scaly texture. Its lime green sleeves rode down until his elbow. He wore black, pants with a chain wrapped around his upper right pant leg; with another one on his lower left pant leg. His brown boots were replaced with metallic silver black buckled combat boots with four, short but harmless spikes at the toe area.
His gloves are still black and flaming green, but are now fingerless. His belt was virtually the same, but with the addition of another belt going across from it. Another chain is wrapped around it.
On Rubio's back was a double sword sheath, with one bigger than the other. Obviously it was for his Dawnbreaker and Divine Creventis (Keris Dagger).
"Neither did I." Sokara answered back with a potent smile, the group inching closer to the city of Aragary.
Just then, a figure appeared in front of them, making Sokara instinctively pull out his Ragnarok, ready to strike.
That is until he saw the mark on his armband, which was the Brand of the Exalt, to which he sheathed Ragnarok to an upstarted friendly manner.
"Sire," The scout informed precautionary, "The pathway shows no hazard. We'll be able to make it to Port Aragary safely."
"Alright, no need for the update. We know how to get there." Sokara smirked in assurance, crossing his arms while the carabos snorted in glee behind him.
"Thank-you. You may go back." The scout bowed in respect before he left.
Let's skip the walking, as not much really happens.
Port Aragary
"Well, would you look at that!" Hardo boomed in laughter as the two rulers of Kagia stood at the foot of the port, just in time to watch the Shepherds arriving with caravans.
"Never thought I'd see that many familiar faces again." Ascald chuckled, feeling content that the Kagia-Delyra friendly alliance pact had been tied eternal.
The two Rulers spotted Sokara and the Shepherds making their way to the port, just past the rigid stony ruins that layered beyond the harbor.
"Ah, Rulers Ascald and Hardo, good to see that you two are here." Sokara greeted the duo with a respected bow and a clever smirk.
The latter made Koshka cringe with a moody huff but nevertheless bothered to show it out.
"How's 'bout we skip the introductions. Why are you and the Shepherds here anyways?" Hardo asked with a scrutinized squint. Either to say he was disturbed by the heat that fell over Spring time in Kagia or he was rather astonished to the point of Rubio's new tactician robe.
The Robes of Arcane Eternal.
"We just need to use your ships. Apparently Garuga is located on an island known as 'Solaria'." Sokara explained to the two, helpfully pointing out their destination north of Akardos.
"So, you're planning to stop Garuga once again?" Ascald started with a perplexed demand. The other Shepherds held down their patience as the west ruler continued, "Say no more. We've got a ship ready anyway. I had a feeling you'd be coming here soon."
"Wait," Marco halted him while fazed at the sight of them rejecting from the Shepherds to travel around the Monster Sea, "You're not going with us?"
"As much as we'd like to kick Garuga's ass once more, there's preparation that needs to be done in all throughout Delyra." Hardo explained casually without making any rebuff statements to Ascald.
"Very well then. Perhaps you could take care of the carabaos while we're gone?" Sokara favoured, pointing to the horned-cattle, both of which were still connected to the caravans.
"You mean those things? We don't see why not." Ascald shrugged, staring at the two cattle as if they just came from the Southtown in Delyra.
"By the way, where'd you get those bulls anyway? I don't think I've seen anything like those before." Hardo inquired dramatically, raising a brow to the one in the middle curiously sniffing the ground for grass.
"The castle received them as a gift from a king and his wife when they visited Delyra." Sokara explained while joining their gazes on the cute horned creatures, "Apparently they came from a country south-east from Delyra."
"Wenox, I see. Very well. They're in good hands." Hardo assured, patting one on the back as it raised it's head to lick the east ruler's cheek in glee.
45 Minutes Later
The ship that the Shepherds were riding, named 'The Norfolk Fighter' has finally set sailed.
Usually, hence it's name 'The Monster Sea', the Aragarian fishermen and marine workers feared of the legend of a snake-like sea creature that plundered the bottom and unleash a surprise attack on the fishermen and bystanders on boat. Wood flipped over. Water splashed everywhere. Hooks from wooden fishing poles were now riding the sea beast as they were devoured in seconds. Nothing could stop Lebdar slumbering in the underwater deep as the Shepherds discovered this body of water while crossing over to Fonaxe for the first time to seek help from Sargon. Defending was all that mattered to the serpentine creature as it abandoned the fight while retreating back to its cave, leaving something in its wake. Rising to the surface and glinting under the sun.
An Aetheral Cloak.
The dracoknight dared not to re-conjure the memories of their battle against Lebdar by taking out its neatly folded piece and gazing at the lavish silk radiating in reflection against the sun.
On Deck
"Never thought we'd be on a boat again…" Eleanore sighed as she stood by the railings, almond brown studying the vast horizon layered beyond the circle of Solara.
"Must be a good feeling for you to ride one again then?" Sokara joked, clicking the blade case to Ragnarok shut as he joined her by his side.
"Yes." Eleanore confirmed with a smile, blinking in deep thought towards the sun's ray beaming through the foggy clouds, "I almost forgot this feeling. Then again, nearly seven years have passed hasn't it?"
Sokara just chuckled softly as he returned his hand against the railing, a nod of sarcastic joy firing up in him again, "It has. Hasn't it?"
He then placed a hand on his future daughter's arm, opposite to where the Brand of the Exalt was supposed to be if she had it on her arm instead of her cheek just below her left eye.
Meanwhile in one of the ship's cabins
"Ugh… I don't feel so good…" Blaze groggily complained as he leaned on the cabin's window. With his hands clutched to his stomach while his back slid against the wall, he heard the door click open but bothered not to notice who his visitor was.
"What's… the matter with you?" A soft female voice purred in concern as the owner of the voice stepped forward out of the shadows.
Blaze stood up and leaned back, instinctively turning to the source of the voice, and was surprised to see that it came from none other than Kelli.
"Huh? Oh… uh… Kelli is it?" Blaze awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck as if he suddenly forgot the names of each Shepherd, "It's nothing really… just a little seasick that's all. Heh… heh…"
"Uh… ok…" Kelli then blushed a little, feeling on the same page of embarrassment as the Thief.
After a few awkward minutes of silence
"Say… uh, Kelli," Blaze started with a blank stare to the wooden ceiling beams above, "Ever since I came, we've never really got the chance to talk."
"We haven't, have we?" The Dancer blinked in perplexing tranquility, steps drawn nearer to the Thief as she patiently waited for his reply.
Blaze shook his head as he took out the wooden keychain version of Sol, an identical wooden clipper similar to Marco's Creventis, "I guess we never did."
The heavy air of tranquility infiltrated the room as the Thief absentmindedly drew tally marks against the ship's aged walls, splinters revealing tiny ants coming into bay. Kelli decided not to shriek audibly towards her fear as conducting insects active around an old Aragarian boat creaking with age since 1775 seemed like a perfect adaptation for the little critters.
After tipping an helpless ant over with his keychain Sol after trying to climb towards the ceiling beams, Blaze gave up on the tiny creatures and broke the silence.
"I got to be honest though, I thought you'd have a hard time accepting seeing me around. Especially when you consider that I'm Marco's son with another woman."
Kelli was stunned for a moment. This was news to her but very well she tried her best to let go of it with a huge force she attempted to perform mentally. "Well… I DID have a hard time at first. But, eventually I did."
Blaze just raised an eyebrow in awe, "Wait, you mean just like that?"
The Sol wielder emphasized his point by swiping his hand across the air, snapping a finger in the process.
Kelli just closed her eyes for a moment before inhaling it all in, "Something like that. But, to be honest, knowing my husband, Marco would never do anything like this on purpose."
A short pause filled between the two of them except for the ghostly creaking that occurred every five seconds.
Kelli continued with a difficult sigh as if she was opaque on the topic, "Marco's a good man. Sure, he may be reckless and at times stupid, but he has always put others before him. I was foolish to think he'd do something like this."
Tears started streaming down her face a bit.
Blaze just stood there. He had no idea what to say. Even when he did, he had no idea whether it was appropriate or not. So, he just said this:
"Uh… Kelli… I've no idea what to say… but I personally think that it's g-ACK!"
Blaze suddenly found himself being hugged by the dancer. The sudden mood change had got to be worth it.
"Say no more…" Kelli was practically crying at this point, feeling overwhelmed and joyous. "I just feel so stupid that I even had those thoughts in my head the first time I saw you."
"T-thank-you… for… accepting me…" Blaze, too was crying, feeling relieved that he was finally accepted into the family.
After a while
"I hope we're not interrupting anything." A male voice that sounded like a womanizer floated from the doorway.
The two froze from their hug pose, delighted to see Eryeth, Reuben and Marco. The three had cheerful smiles on their faces.
Kelli suddenly turned a bright shade of red.
"Eep! Marco! Eryeth! Reuben! When did you three get here? How much of it did you hear?" To say Kelli exclaiming in embarrassment was an understatement.
Rubio just chuckled, swinging Dawnbreaker sheathed behind his back, "The whole time actually. And we heard it all. Reuben here just stopped me."
The tactician placed a hand over the pink-haired child's head, ruffling her hair in glee as she just giggled slightly.
"Sneaky little…" Blaze murmured to himself while keeping his sapphire eyes locked on Eryeth.
"We actually wanted to check on you two, when Eryeth heard the two of you, and Reuben stopped me just before I could get any closer." Marco explained with a chuckle, his cheerful smile got the Thief to return his smile.
Just across the room, a female worker with a purple bandanna who was carrying some items just arrived in concern. "Good to see that they're getting along. I knew that Marco was a good man."
Turns out, the female worker was none other than Aerin. She was assigned to work on the ship just to help the Shepherds start their journey towards Solaria. Luckily, Aerin had the initiative to hire a house help to take care of the Present Blaze.
Just before anyone could say anything else, the ship suddenly shook in violent course of loud waves barraging against the hull. It sounded like water slamming against wood but it was greater than liquid dominating the face of the KvD world.
The loud thump shook the ship again, this time titling the vessel 20 degrees to the right. Everyone present on the ship had to sustain their balance and keep themselves from tumbling over.
"Whoa! What in Solaris's name is that?!" Koshka squeaked in alarm as she tumbled out of the room.
"It seems that we've encountered some rough waves!" Vigur speculated, hands clutching on a helpful pole that held the stairs intact.
"Oh, I do pray that we won't get into any serious harm." Euriki prayed, his legs skillfully wrapped around one of the table legs infused to the ship's floor, his hands clasped together as if begging for a miracle from the dragon of Divine Flames.
Before anyone else could holler out for help, a cabin boy rushed down the steps, his breathless voice caught the Shepherds' attention as they braced themselves for his important message.
"I'm afraid it's even worse! We've encountered a vicious sea monster! You might want to take a look for yourself! But PLEASE! Please be cautious!"
"Euriki!" Marco started, step by step, he carefully balanced himself against the wall while staggering in difficulty towards the stairs that led to the upper deck, "Take care of him! I'll see what the cause is!"
Rubio hastily rushed to the surface of the deck. Once he got there, nothing could've prepare him for the sight he was about to see.
"That's no sea monster... but it's DEFINITELY a monster." the dracoknight reported in a tiny astonished voice.
The creature had long curved horns jutting from the edge of its jaws. Six crimson-blue eyes focused on his fresh prey on the Aragarian seas. A crocodile-like head and six giant bat-like fins accompanying its snake-like body.
It's voluminous head stared deadly in greed at the tiny vessel as the rest of it's eel-like body slithered into an arc, breaking the surface as it came back up again.
A vicious low threatening growl stood the Shepherds to remain silent in pure distress.
"LEBDAR?!"
A/N: And chapter end!
Finally! Blaze and Kelli have spoken to each other for the first time!
I gotta be honest though, I've been wanting them to talk to each other since I introduce Blaze to the Shepherds, but I've been having trouble when to put it, so I held on to it.
Also, Aerin's here as well. I assure you that Aerin will reveal herself to the Shepherds next chapter. I added her because I suddenly remembered that I forgot about her, so I did a rewrite.
Also, as mentioned, Marco's got a new outfit. Hope you like it. If I wasn't so shy about showing my artwork, I'd show it as the new cover page…
Before you complain about me putting Lebdar in the scene, remember: This Lebdar is different from the game. I know Garuga isn't amphibious as I decided to make him appear at the wayyy end of this story, but like I typed when I re-introduced him, he's made from other Roskinsians as well. Now, I have no idea if Roskinsians are aquatic or not (Heck! No one knows!). But, since Roskinsians somehow resemble Leafy Sea Dragons, I thought it'd be fun to make up some aquatic Roskinsians. (Sapphire Games Ltd: Do it!)
Next Chapter: A sea battle! Aerin's reveal!
Until next time, BYE!
31: OverboardA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter update!
While things have been a bit busy in school lately, I've still managed to find a lot of time to type up the chapter.
However, I must apologize for the delay. My cousin recently passed away, so I had to put the chapter writing on hold for the while.
This Update's Chapter: A Battle Aboard the Ship
"Fire the harpoons!" The Captain shouted in a gruff voice. The captain was an old man dressed in gray, with a scar on his face and chest. Despite his elderly look, his facial hair was still dark brown, showing no signs of graying.
"Aye Captain!" Two cabin boys saluted as they rushed to the harpoons near the ship's bow.
Lebdar's sight followed the boys in pure enmity as they loaded up several harpoons in place.
"Wait!" Marco hastily yelled at the top of his lungs, "Don't strike it down!"
The tactician was rushing as fast as he could to stop the two cabin boys.
Too late! The moment Rubio had gotten the last of his words out, the duo have already pressed the trigger.
The harpoons shot out in speed, and sailed through the water. As the two spears neared their target, one of them got caught in the crashing waves, while the other disappeared way beyond the deep.
'Thank Solaris…' Marco thought to himself. He was relieved to find that one of them failed to reach its target.
'Now, if only the other one cou-' Rubio thought. Just then his almond brown orbs widened in alarm as one of the cabin boys launched another harpoon. He suddenly yelled in distress, "NO!"
CHUNK!
The remaining harpoon manages to stab and embed itself in Lebdar's neck, the result of it making him roar in agony.
"GRRROOOAAARRRR!"
The sea monster suddenly lifts itself from the water, revealing it's now zombified head. Most of the skin was peeling away, revealing bones and emitting a very rancid odor. It's orbs were blank white, reflecting like pearls against the surface of the ocean. Fins...torn into a thousand spikes, penetrating the rest of sea-life swimming through it.
"Gods! What the hell!" Were the only words Sokara could blurt out in ludicrous disgust as seagulls rushed in to dine on the rotten fish impaled in the spikes on Lebdar's snake-like body.
The Exalt then turned to the tactician to cajole him out of his frozen thoughts, "Well Marco, any ideas?"
There was no answer as Rubio just felt stunningly hypnotized at the newly revived Lebdar.
'No. This. This can't be. How are you still alive? What kind of dark magic is this? ' Marco exhaled his thoughts to himself. He would've continued his deliberation had he not received a violent shake by the Exalt.
"Marco! What's the matter with you?!" Sokara scolded, snapping the tactician into reality. The birds on Lebdar's spine felt startled as they took off with cries of fright across the sea.
The dracoknight still didn't respond nor say a single word.
"Come on! Snap out of it!" Sokara yelled in heavy solicitude. He then found the next best thing and figuratively slapped Rubio across the face.
"Ow!" Marco yelped, rubbing his sore face from the sudden after-stings. "I'm Sorry… I just. I just have a lot on my mind right now."
"Marco, I understand." Sokara spoke authoritatively as a sober glare dipped off his usual tone, "We can discuss this later. Right now, what do you suggest we do?"
Rubio then cleared his throat, eyeing the rest of the Shepherds to challenge the creature with their weapons, "All right! Lebdar's too far for direct attacks! So, anyone who can use magic and ranged weaponry, aim at it carefully, and fire. Anyone who can't, stay out of range. Healers, use Physic so you can heal without getting in range."
After mere seconds, barrages of Eruption Rune (Fire), Tempest (Lightning), Dragon Nova (Wind), Mystic Storm (Dark), as well as quivers full of arrows begin emerging from the ship, and bombard the sea monster wailing a piercing deathly scream.
"GRRROOOAAARRR!"
Lebdar roared in pain as it thrashed wildly around the boat, the little wooden vessel moving inches away from the helpless monster. After a while, it tended to calm down while ichor splintered beyond it's fins. A Split second later, it opened its jaws wide and a breath of dark spikes hurtle in speed for the ship.
SHINK! SHINK! SHINK!
The spikes then stab the wood, impaling tiny holes into the weak tree material. Luckily, everyone out on the open deck were able to dodge the projectiles in time.
Everything seemed relatively fine, until a zombified spiked tail began rapidly ascending from the ocean depths. It didn't take anyone two seconds to realize what was going to happen next.
"Brace yourselves!" Sokara yelled as everybody huddled for the middle of the cabin.
As the tail began to rapidly descend, everyone started to brace tightly against the cabin. Suddenly…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SLASH!
The Shepherds, along with the ship's crew hesitated for a while. They then suddenly realized that nothing had happened. That was until, they heard the resurrected Sea Dragon roar in pain.
Everybody slowly swiped their awestruck attention to their only saviour on the scene, and were astonished to see a young woman in a cerise War Cleric dress and a purple bandanna, impaling a Nethersbane Axe against the dragon's tail.
What was even more shocking is when you consider on how the woman was able to hold it up using just a fertile axe that once belonged to an Apreluxean soldier.
Both Marco and Blaze immediately recognized the woman, but didn't bother to yell out her identity.
The woman then took a peek towards the Shepherds with relatively calm order, "A little help here? I can't hold this thing forever!"
Sokara nodded and began unsheathing Ragnarok and charged. A second later he stopped dead in his tracks when he faltered at the sight of Marco quickly unsheathing his Dawnbreaker, and running towards the woman.
"IGNIS!" Rubio yelled in sheer fury. His blade suddenly lit on fire, and with a graceful jump from the railing, he slashed part of it's voluminous tail. It would've ended there, but Blaze suddenly appeared from the air, and stabbed the remains of the tail from above. The painful result gave Lebdar immediately retracting it, and disappearing into the ocean with a final whine of defeat.
As Marco sheathed the blade, the woman looked at her helper.
"Marco, is that you?" Lavender eyes blinked in awe as she came forward with an exhaling hug.
"Aerin? Eh…" The hug surely got Rubio speechless as he silently kept the pose.
"Mother? No way…" The blade of Sol clanged against the wooden floor as the thief stuttered in astonishment.
"Wait, you two know her?" Sokara asked with an inquired brow. To say he and the rest of the Shepherds were confused is an understatement. Way too much…
"Uh…" Marco nervously started while keeping a sweaty gaze on his son. Blaze was reticent and hid his face, hoping no one would see him.
Before Marco could utter another word, the ship began rocking violently again.
"Gods! What now?!" Sokara demanded somberly. He was once again struggling to stay on his two feet.
The creaking intensified as the Shepherds held onto anything stationary from the deck, clinging onto safety as the underwater shadow submerged deep below and swam for the bottom of the damaged hull.
"Captain!" A crew member called from the crow's nest in urgency, "'E's right below us!"
Either by coincidence or not, Lebdar began thrashing the ship about, sending everyone off balance.
A ferocious bite sent chunks of wood spiraling through the watery abyss as the Shepherds on top slowly felt the ship starting to heavily descend.
Unfortunately, one of them was thrown waaay off balance. Care to guess? Anyone? All right, fine! Geez…
"GAH!" Rubio yelled, as he stumbles about, finally going over one of the railings. Luckily, Marco was able to keep his grip.
The vessel was stood vertical, 70% of the hull now eaten away by the sea. A large opening allowed water to rush through each of the rooms, flooding the staircase that led to the upper deck.
"Marco!" Kelli yelled. She then rushed to where the tactician had fallen, while making sure to avoid everyone else including the gallon of water that burst out of the cabin doors and washed the Shepherds overboard.
"*pant*… *pant*… Man, I've gotten a lot of bad luck lately, haven't I?" the dracoknight nervously chuckled as his strong hands gripped the railing while he kept Kelli to cling onto his leg with both arms.
"Not funny…" Kelli huffed with an unamused expression as her lightweight body acrobatically spun through the air and landed neatly on her kneeled feet and hands on the deck. Rubio was stunned to even ask her about the amazing recover but decided to focus on his survival on the wrecked ship, "All right, let's get you up…"
Nodding with a confident smile, Marco then reached his hand out. "Tha-"
CRASH! SPLASH!
With just a mere centimeter between both of their hands, the ship suddenly started shaking violently. The force of Lebdar's fin-spiked tail against the rest of the ship caused Rubio to lose his grip, and fall into the water.
"Damn! Kelli!"
SPLASH!
"Marco!"
With her last second shriek left behind, Kelli hastily turned around for immediate help. "Sokara! Eryeth! Reuben! Everyone! Marco's fallen overboard!"
In the waters
Due to the violent raging waves, Rubio was having a hard time getting himself up to the surface.
'Damn it! I've gotta get back up to the surface. If only the waves weren't so damn violent…'
Jerking his legs and arms wildly like Lebdar, he kept his breath underwater when suddenly, a large piece of wood appears just inches from his face.
'Crap! I've gotta get out of here… QUICKLY! Sorry everyone… If I stay here, I'll die.'
With his mind made up, Marco then grabs the piece of wood and quickly swims away from the mere vessel destruction. It was not long before the captain greeted him with a lifeless stare while his body descended to the deep, a heart stricken leg absent from his once known jovial cheers.
All aboard! Last chance for those who are headed for Solaria!
Followed by the captain, were the two cabin boys that took care of the harpoons, the pointy sea weapon impaled in their bodies after taking their lives away from the sea monster's sudden attack.
Bubbles escaped his throat as Marco was speechless about the marine workers that kindly aided their journey.
'May Solaris bless them in their new home.'
After a few minutes of swimming, Rubio was finally able to get back up to the surface. Calm waves laced the horizon blue as he decides to take a heartbeating gaze back, nothing could prepare him for what he was about to see.
The battleship known as 'The Norfolk Fighter' was no longer a ship. And by that, I mean that the vessel was slowly sinking. Fire was shown on the ship's bow mast, and there was no sign of life anywhere, not even Lebdar could be seen.
"What?! No! This. This can't be! Kelli! Sokara! Anyone! Can you hear me? Hello?! Is anyone still a-ack!" Rubio yelled, bobbing up and down to the calm waves of the sea. A split second later that is, until the waves grew violent and raged towards him.
"Ah!" the yelp in effect caused him to slam into a rock formation, causing him to slowly lose consciousness.
"Lebdar...Garuga… Rayne… I'll… get… you… for... this... ugghh..." Those were Marco's last words before he finally lost consciousness.
A/N: And another chapter done!
Ok, show of hands, who saw this coming?
I must apologize if the chapter's somewhat confusing… like I've said earlier in the chapter, it's been a little hectic for me, so I kinda forgot where I finished…
Next Chapter: Marco's Stranded? Will he see anyone again?
Until next chapter, BYE!
32: Aerin's statsA/N: Hello everybody!
I must apologize, I'm having a bit of a hard time progressing the story, so I'll delay the story continuation for the while…
To make up for it (hopefully) here's a filler chapter (BOOO!).
This one is basically if Aerin was an actual character (She is!).
Name: Aerin
Class: Cleric (Has promoted to War Cleric for the story.)
Roster Description:
A Mysterious young woman found by Marco. She hails from a mysterious country that specializes in warfare. The most terrifying in battle. Born on July 31.
Help Description:
A kind and caring young woman who shouldn't be taken lightly.
Event Tiles:
"What's this? An unclaimed item? Better put it to good use then." (item)
"*pant*… I've done some good training now haven't I?" (Exp)
"I feel like I can wield better items now!" (Weapon Exp)
Dual Support:
"Let's go!"
"Don't worry…"
"I'm with you!"
"You can count on me!"
"Let's do this!"
"This is getting old…"
"Together now…"
"Give it all you got!"
"Let's make this quick."
Dual Strike:
"I'll fight too!"
"Forgot about me?"
"Stings, huh?"
"Bulls-eye!"
"Can't run!"
Dual Guard:
"Pay attention!"
"That was close!"
Critical:
"This decides it!"
"Enjoy the view!"
"I must apologize!"
"No chance!"
Defeated Enemy:
"Points for trying…"
"Hopefully this means more success…"
"One more win for me!"
"That was a challenging trial."
"I'm just glad it's over."
Partner defeated Enemy:
"We won… because of you."
"As long as everyone is safe…"
"Hopefully… I get to do it next…"
Defeated by Enemy:
"Don't let it… end…"
Death/Retreat:
"How can I be… so careless? I-I'm so sorry… but, I must retreat… Good luck to you all…" (Retreat/Classic)
"This… isn't how it was supposed to go. I' sorry… I must get out of here." (Retreat/Casual)
Level up:
"Really? I thought I did better…" (0-1 stat)
"Not bad, I guess…" (2-3 stat)
"Can't really complain now, can I?" (4-5 stat)
"Whoa! What a stat boost!" (6+ stat)
"Well, I guess I've reached my limit." (0-1 stat. Most capped up.)
Class set:
Cleric –War Cleric/Sage
Pegasus Knight – Dark Flier/Mystic Knight
Drakowing Rider – Drakowing Lord/Griffon Rider
Cavalier – Valkyrie/War Cleric
Bride – None
Supports:
(None)
Romance:
The Avatar, Marco (Male)
Demiri
Vigur
Gendembi
Gylex
Nimbus
Goose
Lansu
Rikkert
Sobek
Robion
Euriki
Segarus
Reima ('Cause screw you!)
Other Supports:
The Avatar (Female)
Corasta
Vivienne
Kelli
Sevalia
Blaze
Reuben (Only if Aerin is her mother.)
Confession:
*Cue CG artwork of Aerin mouth covered by her left hand, while her right hand is being held by both of the Male Avatar's (Marco's) hands, blushing slightly*
"Who would've thought I would find love during this war? I will prove to you that you've made the right decision."
Voice Actress:
Japanese: Romi Park
English: Natalie Lander (With her Terra Branford voice from Final Fantasy Dissidia.)
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
As the Shepherds were meandering their way to Port Aragary, they decided to take a little break.
It was silent and peaceful… however, it didn't last long for this happened:
"Oh, COME ON!" A male voice yelled with a complaint.
The male in question, who was Galen, was slamming his sword hard against a boulder, crying out:
"Darn it! Darn it! Darn it! Darn it! Break! Break I tell you! I hate you! I hate you! Break darn it! AGH!"
This would've continued, had an annoyed Blaze not gotten fed up.
"Knock it off would ya!" Blaze yelled, throwing a pebble to the back of his head, "What's the matter with you anyway, Galen?"
Galen quickly turned to face him, visibly irritated from the sneaky pebble attack. "The matter with me is that Oathbreaker is not working properly again!"
Galen then glared at his sword, the tip of it still pristine from numerous swings. "Stupid thing! I praise it day in and day out, and it still refuses to cooperate! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it!"
He then swung his blade around furiously. "I'll never work with this sword again! Even if it was the last sword in existence!"
Blaze just had an dumbfounded look in his face. "What are you saying? That made no sense whatsoever."
Galen just growled at him, feeling insulted from the thief and proud of his sword abuse.
"Now Yegdrion here, knows what I want, thus functions like it should. It's completely opposite to yours." Blaze explained as he adored his curved bladed-sword.
Galen just stood there with a blank expression. "Wow. You are such a jerk. You tell me that when I talk to my sword, I'm an idiot. Yet here you are, talking about YOUR sword like its normal. I say you're a bigger fool than me."
Blaze's sapphire eyes suddenly raged open.
A mere millisecond later...
"What was that Galen?! I dare you to say that once more!" the thief challenged as he swung Yegdrion in readiness.
"Fine! I will!" the myrmidion knight countered with a rude tone, positioning Oathbreaker in parallel to his opponent's blade.
Marco was just peacefully reading a book under a tree. The time that he was supposed to face his peace eventually broke it out with an irritated sigh. That was until he heard the children's bickering. After about one measly second, he got visibly pissed off, then stood up to diatribe the two shut.
"Argh… Will you two kids knock it off and behave yourselves?! Or I'll send you both packing home!" Rubio scolded with a glare and a verbal yell. Within a millisecond, they quieted down.
"Honestly… Can't those kids act more like adults?" Marco shook his head in sympathy then sat back down.
Too be continued…
A/N: And done!
Yeah… I felt the need to do this after I did Blaze's stats during New Year. Hope none of you mind.
As for the end segment, it was really longer, but I've added too much already.
Next Chapter (The actual update): Castaway: Knights vs. Dragons style!
Until then, BYE!
33: Re-united (Partly, anyway)A/N: Hello everybody!
I seriously apologize for the very long delay!
First off, like I said last chapter, my week was extremely busy. Between schoolwork, family, friends and other stuff, I barely have enough time to breathe! (Um! Don't take that literally by the way. You know what I mean!)
Also, typing this chapter was extremely troublesome. I try this, nope! It sounds stupid! I try that, it came out horrible! So constant rewrites have given me difficulty as well.
Anyway, I have a lot more free time, so let's get this show on the road!
After nearly twelve hours
"Ugh… What... the… hell…" Rubio groggily exhaled as he finally woke up to the sun's rays beaming over his squinted eyes.
It's been twelve hours since the dracoknight fell overboard, and witness the ship sink with his very own eyes. Or at least, that's what he remembered anyway. What was still fresh from his mind, despite being unconscious was that Lebdar was the cause of it.
"Damn that stupid sea dragon…" Marco cursed to himself, as he slowly lifted himself up.
Rubio then slowly scanned his surroundings. Pristine crystal sand as gold as Galen's honey blonde hair stretched down around the island, a few palm trees spouted above his head to provide him with cool shade. An abandoned tree house sat mere miles away from him, the darkened window peeping back at him with a cold glare.
'Gosh, now this must be Florida in another world!'
Standing up with difficulty, he brushed off the additional sand clinging to his armor and cape, aimlessly walking towards the hidden tree house. After looking a bit far to the right, he noticed two oddly shaped stick-like objects impaled in the sandy hill just before him. Glinting out a shine and despite it being near sunset, the Tactician moved closer as his heart leaped into a summersalt.
Thanks to his amnesiac mind, he suddenly recognized the two objects:
The Dawnbreaker and Keris Dagger.
With a bit of relief restored, Marco picked his weapons up in awe. After examining the two blades with a careful concerned stare, the dracoknight nodded in silence to see that they only had a few scratches on them, he then placed them back on his sword sheaths.
With his weapons retrieved back, Rubio knew that his next objective was to find Sokara and the other Shepherds, as well as survive in the process.
That Night
Luckily for Marco, he had managed to capture a rabbit in a makeshift trap, as well as spear some fish thanks to Kelli's Killer Edge lance. After a quick spark of conjuring up a fire, and cooking his delicious catches with his Eruption Rune tome, he decided to sleep up in the trees.
Pine trees centered in the middle just beyond a tiny forest that overlooked the sandy edge of the island.
Why the trees you ask? Well according to Rubio's instincts, he felt that some of the fiercer types of wildlife were most active at night. Turns out his instincts were right, as a rustle from a nearby bush woke Marco up. Looking around in hesitancy, he noticed a large grizzly bear making its way to where the dracoknight sat near the crackling fire.
The bear carefully sniffed around the hearth, it's mind noting itself not to inch closer to the dangerous flame.
Holding his breath, not daring to make even the slightest of noise, Marco just observed the bear from the tree with a small-lit flame from a spare Arcane tome he had brought with him.
After observing the bear for a while, his nervousness became a sigh of relief when the bear just ate some of the leftover fish, then carried on with its business. After the bear left, Rubio then re-assumed his slumber.
The Next Morning
After Marco slowly made his way down the tree, he then decided that it was finally time to hunt for the remainder of the Shepherds.
After a few hours of searching, Rubio had found no leads on where the Shepherds might be. He looked about ready to take a break for a while, until he heard a woman's scream. It didn't take two seconds for Marco to quickly unsheathe Dawnbreaker and rushed towards the direction of the urgent scream.
Once the woman came into vision, he knew who it was immediately.
It was Kelli, who was fending off against a black bear. Apparently, she lost her sword in the shipwreck, and looked like she had witnessed better days.
WAAAYY better days.
Her right arm, left leg and part of her chest had a few wounds, and her Dancer ribbon had a few rips here and there. Kelli also looked like she was getting exhausted.
"Kelli!" Marco yelled for attention. His yell caused the bear to halt for a while, bearing its eyes locked on to the tactician; Kelli on the other hand, wildly interpreted for the source, and was relieved to see Rubio with his Dawnbreaker unsheathed. The next thing the duo knew, Marco was already charging towards the bear in sheer revenge.
"Get away from my wife, you bastard! IGNIS!" The Dawnbreaker blade then flared in flames as Rubio charged towards the bear.
A mere inch before the blade stabbed the bear, Marco then yelled again.
"Lethality!"
The blade immersely cut through the bear like it was butter, burning whatever it sliced in the process, as well as spewing ichor.
Too Graphic? I'm sorry…
After the bear collapsed in defeat, Marco placed Dawnbreaker back on it's blade case. He then turned his direction towards Kelli, who was sitting by a boulder, feeling joyous and traumatized at the same time.
"Hey," Rubio started with forgotten smile and an amicable hug. "Nice to see you again huh?"
Kelli didn't utter a word, as she rushed towards the dracoknight, locking her husband in a tight embrace.
Despite her tears, Kelli still managed to choke out her copious levity. "Thank… goodness you're alive. I-we thought you were gone for good."
"Don't stress yourself." Marco whimsical smile turned into a salutary exhaling exuberance. "I'm just glad you're alive as well…"
Unfortunately for the couple, their reunion was short-lived as numerous soft moans were heard nearby. As the moans grew closer, Rubio was already starting to once again, unsheathe his Dawnbreaker, clearly cognizant of the danger that was present around them.
The moans were revealed to belong to Sirens. A few of them in fact. Almost like a small battalion.
"Oh great… Sirens…" Marco murmured to himself in vitriolic sigh. He then turned to his wife, feeling immutable to stay unharmed. "Kelli, stay behind me. You're in no condition to fight."
Kelli understood and backed away in caution.
One by one, the Sirens started charging towards the two, only to get peerlessly slashed and killed by Rubio. After a while however, Marco was soon starting to become overwhelmed by the numbers. Despite still being able to hold his own competency, he still received a few gashes from a few of them, a Gaurang blade held up high from the voracious Nightwalker.
'Damn it. I can't keep this up any longer. If only I got even a little help.' Marco deliberated to himself, as he became exhausted with swings of Dawnbreaker colliding against a Cometfell blade.
Behind the dracoknight, keeping herself hidden, Kelli could only recapitulate her vitriolic thoughts. 'Oh… Why did I have to lose my sword? I want to help Marco so badly. If only there was some help…'
Ever heard of the saying "Ask and you shall receive?"
Well, as luck would have it, a blue icy fire-like substance emerged from the sky, relinquishing almost all of them in it's wake while it clouded around the dracoknight's surroundings. The result of the miraculous substance created great piles of smoke, as Rubio slashed the last one, almost inhaling the blessing granted by Solaris.
As the smoke dispersed from it's wake, Marco peered through the fog and reveal a small, foxy silhouette with pointy ears twitching in bravery. As the last specks of smoke had finally disappeared, the figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing it to be Snugjack. Breathing a sigh of relief, Rubio then slowly unsheathed the Dawnbreaker again.
Snugjack looked at his surroundings for a moment.
Usually fursonas such as the baby ones were prone to grow into a burst of excitement and interact with those in a state of hypering madness.
When he saw the familiar figures of Marco and Kelli, he started charging towards them in gasping joy.
"Marco! You're okay! I'm so glad you're alive!" Snugjack exultantly exclaimed, as he locked Rubio in a VERY tight hug, almost suffocating him in contract as Kelli just stared in bewilderment.
"I was so worried about you!" the baby Fursona cried un-noticeably as he was still continuing his anaconda of a hug. This time, Marco was really suffocating. It was at this point that Kelli took action to pry them apart.
"Wait a minute Snugjack! You're hurting poor Marco!" Kelli frantically caterwauled, her strength caused a failure of infraction upon the duo snapped together. Unfortunately for her, the cute devil fursona was too overjoyed at seeing Rubio who was already gasping for air at this point and completely ignored her.
"Snug...jack!" Marco heaved in difficulty as he had sustained a few wounds, and that's not a good thing.
"YOU'RE GONNA KILL HIM!" Kelli was practically yelling at this point as her emerald green eyes simply swayed from the tactician to fox fursona thingy, hoping that this whole silly thing would finally end.
Snugjack finally heard the Dancer and stopped, glancing at Marco intimid with curiousity, who just slowly dropped to the ground.
Considering their heights were sustainingly hilarious, the baby fursona grew excited again and clutched onto his waist like a python contracting it's prey.
"MARCO! DON'T DIE!" Snugjack had once again locked him in a tight hug, as Rubio was gasping for air.
Rolling around on the floor would have been an excellent option since that way the fursona had no guts to cling onto his body like superglue.
"SNUGJACK! YOU'RE DOING IT AGAIN!" Kelli yelled frantically as her hands blazed with fire and was about to roughly yank the baby fox away from his wicked grip.
Snugjack hastily responded, and released Marco. This time, the dracoknight took a DEEP breath before standing up with a wobble, his contracting waist muscles really sore to the point.
"*gasp* Ok, Snugjack…" Marco started with a heavy inhale. "Do you have any idea where Sokara and the others are? *gasp*"
Having been reminded of why he came, Snugjack frantically waved his arms around in glee. "That's right! Sokara and the others set up a camp not too far from here!"
He plainly informed, as he pointed a claw opposite to where they stood.
His light voice of provocation caused the dracoknight's right eye to twitch uncomfortably, deeming to skin this dog demon apart with his Dawnbreaker blade.
"Great. Is it okay if you can fly us there?" the air of maturity and joy caused Marco to chuckle, feeling intimidated while staring at the woods ahead of them.
"Uh.. sorry, no can do…" a new voice said as sophisticated hands gripped the excited fursona, rubbing the back of her head in a negligent tone.
Rubio frowned at the decision, the Roskinsian huffed and pulled something out, "What? Why not?"
"Well… you know that Divine Mist breath attack that I used to help you? That was the last use of my Dragonstone, and…" Tealgra enthusiastically dug into her pocket, and brought out her Dragonstone which already had sustained too much cracks in it. "If I utilize anymore of it, it'll shatter."
"Well, that leaves only one option then." Marco then grabbed hold of Kelli then placed her over his right shoulder, while he grabbed Snugjack with his left arm, attempting to follow Teagra in her Roskinsian form.
The bright teal haired girl raised her Dragonstone, lucky enough to have withdrawn from suffering cracks. Both Rubio and Kelli shielded thier eyes protectively from the green colored bubble manifesting a strong beam before a fully built canaray yellow leafy sea dragon twisted acrobatically into the air like a professional ice skater, lime green wings spread out while unleashing a soft roar. Majestically notioned for creating a swimming motion etc. hovering from side to side, Tealgra flipped backwards with a giggle before setting course to their destination.
"Wait!" Kelli started, raising a hand to halt him from the run.
"Huh? Is there anything wrong?" Rubio inquired while shifting around to balance the god awful weights on his strong shoulders.
"Well it's just… um… I'm heavy!" Kelli spoke with a indecisive laugh.
Rubio just shook his head with an assuring smile. "Ah relax; you're not as heavy as you think."
"GAH!"
Turns out, Rubio's scream in pain was caused by Snugjack, who just whacked him where the sun doesn't shine.
Teeth gritting for a heavy moment, Marco blazed down to the devilish fursona, with an annoyed look on his face. "You… little...demonic...pipsqueak... What… the… hell?"
Snugjack just had a disapproving look on his face. "Marco! That's not how you speak to a fox."
"Just wait until Tenaki arrives- Don't you know there are rules when speaking about certain topics? Whatever she weighs, you always tell her she's light as air. EVEN IF SHE'S A WHALE!" the tactician ranted with a pissed off tone.
"Please stop… You're making me feel worse." Kelli spoke, embarrassingly immutable.
Slowly, Rubio regained himself, and started the trek towards camp as Tealgra gave directions, ignoring the greedy look of Snugjack wanting to mess with him whole heartlessly.
A/N: And that's the end of that chapter!
Yeah, I know I put a lot there. But, think of that as a way to make it up for delaying the story.
Also, I'm not entirely sure if it's legal to advertise another story here, but also part of the delay is that I just published a Bleach story. It's still fairly new, but I highly recommend that you check it out if you have the time.
Until next chapter, BYE!
34: Broken and ShatteredA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
Now, luckily things have gotten a little slower for me, so I have more time to update my stories. The only thing that prevents me from doing it fast is because it's kinda hard to do that when you have THREE on going stories!
Anyways, welcome to this chapter.
After nearly six hours of trekking, Marco, Kelli, Tealgra and Snugjack still haven't reached the campsite. Not to mention that it was almost getting dark.
"Tealgra, are you sure we're going in the right direction?" Kelli halted her steps, feeling a weird sensation running down her spine. Apparently she was still on Marco's shoulder.
"Of course we are!" Snugjack exclaimed, annoyed by the question he was just asked. "I'm just having a bit of trouble remembering. That's all."
AT this point, the baby fursona was in front of the duo, stepping out of the way to reveal a path that led to nothing in general apparently.
'Oh, we ARE lost…' Rubio gazed ahead in thought, feeling the rush of cool air blend in around them.
"You know, I think we should rest for the night, and continue our trek tomorrow." Marco exhaled as he gently lowered Kelli. The dancer muttered a 'thanks' as she kissed him on the cheek and patiently waited beside him with a smile. The dracoknight then proceeded to start a fire with an Arcane tome. "Alright. I've already set up the fire. I'll go see if I can find something for us to eat. Unfortunately, none of you can use tomes, so here…"
Marco then handed his concealed Keris Dagger to Kelli, glaring at the wavy blade in an unassailable expression. "You can use this for now."
Before the Dancer could even protest, Rubio had already headed off, leaving the flame crackling in pleasure due to it's sparkling wake.
Meanwhile, just a few hundred yards away
"Demiri, any sign of Tealgra and Snugjack yet?" Sokara asked in heavy concern, his chestnut brown eyes studying the darkhearted branches while the Guardian Dueler grunted and lowered his binoculars with a frown.
"No. I'm afraid not Stormfang. Shall I send some of our scouts to look for them?" Demiri suggested, pointing to a group already kicked in the mood to sleep.
"No." Sokara answered flatly as his sight settled on a certain fursona currently yawning after cradling Firefox back in his sheathing blade case. 'Perhaps we should've sent Tenaki instead…'
Back to Marco's campsite
After almost an hour, Rubio had finally returned with a heap of an athletic rabbit and a small basket of river fish that rode the current north from the island.
It was well considered that islands rarely inhabited rivers but if Solara's land formation decided to establish a rarity of an unusual piece slicing water through the small ground of sand and forest, Kagia would've claimed this as a special training island for their militaristic commandeers.
After cooking dinner, Kelli and Tealgra fell asleep to the chorus of crickets and eerie hoots of owls echoing around the forest. Marco and Snugjack on the other hand, were still awake. The dracoknight pondered with a perplexed gaze at his Dawnbreaker blade which he unsheathed, and placed it on a nearby boulder, just an arm's reach away from him. Ignoring the baby fusona's whispering rants behind his back, Rubio intently stared at his weapon as if it reminded him of the very critical past that bound his family apart.
Exhaling with a tiny smirk, the dracoknight studied the rooster feathers dancing along with the howling wind, "Heh… to think you were destroyed in Eryeth's and Reuben's future…"
Flashback start
Seven years ago
"Father, is it ok if I tell you something else?" Reuben stuttered as she poked her head in to her parents' tent, adapting to the warm scent of peach waxing from the blissing candle stirred their parents awake with a tired moan. The effect snapped Marco to reality while Kelli had already fallen asleep.
"Sure. Just remember to keep it down. Your mother's sleeping." Marco hazily smiled then gestured to Reuben, signifying her to step in. She then proceeded to head into the tent, the colors of gold and purple ivy leaves warmed her heart into a calm feeling. With her breath held agape, Reuben reached for the edge and sat down beside the bedpost, inching away from Kelli's barefeet.
"Now, is there any reason you wanted to talk to me?" Rubio beamed in amicable glee, his stagnant daughter turned to stone as she carefully stuttered out her surreptitious words.
"Well, it's about your Dawnbreaker…" Reuben softly hesitated, locking her eyes towards said sword, which was propped up against a chair. Fortunately, Rubio was able to hear it and give out a salutary sigh.
"What about the Breaker…?" Marco inquired with a brow raised in puzzled awe, the immutable inanimate weapon slowly radiated green as if it sensed it's owner in close proximity.
Reuben was struggling to speak as her heart rose into a vacillated affinity. "It… uh… got destroyed in the future…"
"Really now… How exactly?" Rubio gave out a ponderous chuckle as the fledgling hilt never ceased to wear out like a hackneyed Toothpick blade that Goose clumsily owned.
"Well…" Reuben started as the ivy leaves on the tent cloth accompanied her to a foggy screen switch.
Another Flashback start
Eleanore's original future
"Alright. Eryeth, Reuben, Marcus… Be good, ok? Your mother and I need to go out to fight for a while…" Rubio placed Dawnbreaker on his shoulder while smirking at each one of them in turn. They all gave out a vigorous nod and cheers where left behind as the brave dracoknight headed out of the house, closing the door behind him.
Tranquility gripped each corner of the versatile house as all three of the kids shifted closer to each other, feeling potent about being home alone.
The ticking clock eeirly aided their silence as the black haired girl muffled out a trepidating whine.
"Brother… Will they be fine?" A young Reuben lightly asked her oldest brother, currently staring at the moonlit window, insipid about the stars absent from the sky.
"Of course they will!" Eryeth ludicrously exclaimed, almost insulted by what his sister said. "What makes you say that?!"
"Because Aunt Corasta said the same thing to Eleanore and Cillia, and look what happened…" Marcus elaborated, remembering the day when only Corasta's Pegasus, Shiida (What happened to Zaphira!?) arrived in return, bringing back only the Pegasus knight's ring and her trusty lance.
Eryeth was just about to interject, until he realized that Marcus was telling the truth, and he immediately zipped his mouth in solitude. "Let's just hope so…"
Three days later
A knock was heard on the wooden door, prompting Eryeth to rush in from the boiling pot of tea and half heartedly creak it ajar, hoping to see his parents with exuberating hugs. Much to his commiserated sadness, it was only a Delyran soldier, drenched from the rain, who brought with him a few things: Marco's Robes of Arcane Eternal cloak, both his and Kelli's wedding rings, Kelli's ribbon with one of its rings left garbled and an object wrapped in a ichor-drenched cloth.
Sorrow and grief were impossible to supplant these weapons since it possessed a heroic meaning now infracted into tragic despodincy.
"I'm very sorry… Your parents… They… lost their lives. Their last wish was for you three to have these…" The soldier silently choked back, trying to keep his tears from falling.
He then gently placed the objects on the hearth rug, before quickly leaving with a cloth to his eyes puffed red and clear.
Eryeth was suddenly joined by his young siblings as he began to slowly unwrapped the cloth, revealing it to be the Dawnbreaker.
The Dawnbreaker was broken in two: The blade and its hilt.
The blade was stained with ichor while the barrel had cracks in it. The rooster feathers that were attached to the chain at the hilt were gone, and the trigger was detached. The once proud weapon that could rival Sokara's Ragnarok was no more… nothing more than pieces of broken metal.
"Break the Sword to Pieces!" the Siren Chief harshly growled as Gaurang held high above his voracious head was the last vision of Rubio's life.
As Eryeth just stared at what remained of his parents. Heartbroken, tears were flowing out as he held Reuben and Marcus protectively close to him.
Flashback End
Back to the previous flashback
"Father… I… I am so… sorry…" Reuben then threw herself into her father's arms, crying furiously.
The sudden sting of regret appalled the tactician as he held his breath and decided to tighten his hug.
"Don't worry sweetie… it wasn't your fault…" Marco exhaled with a smile as he calmed his daughter down where only light sobs were heard and her face was tear free.
Kelli meanwhile, was half-awake when she heard all this. A small tear began flowing down her cheek.
Flashback End
"Reuben… Eryeth…. Don't worry. We'll be back soon enough." Marco elaborated his thoughts as he slowly drifted to sleep.
The next morning
Rubio, Kelli, Tealgra and Snugjack once again set off to look for Sokara's camp.
After what seemed like an eternity (actually only about three to four hours), Kelli eventually spotted some smoke that snaked north ahead of them.
Once the trio made it closer, there were relieved to see that it was the exalt's camp.
"Sokara!" Rubio called out, catching the attention of the exalt, as well as the rest of the Shepherds.
"Marco!" Sokara returned the greeting of exuberance as he gestured to the Kagian battlemage with a signal. "Euriki, assemble your team of healers, and see if they need any help."
Euriki nodded quickly, and gestured for his team to take care for the Roskinsian and baby fursona.
As Marco and the others were being tended, he noticed a familiar woman in a War Cleric dress, wearing a purple bandanna. Her bright brown hair gleamed under the sun as her brown eyes blinked in deep thought, studying the island's vast horizon. Metallic steps across the rustling grass caught her ears as she blinked in surprise towards her only Delyran celebrity. "Hey… good to see you again… Aerin…"
"Good to see you too… Marco" Aerin just smiled back with a short exhale. It was at that point that Rubio noticed Sokara behind her glistening ears radiating red in joy.
"So, this is the famous Aerin you told me about." Sokara started with a short stretch as he held out a hand. "I can't wait to hear the rest of this story…"
His immutable smirk never changed as Koshka and Blaze walked up beside the Exalt to confront with tomorrow's plans.
Marco just sighed wistfully as he slowly drifted to sleep.
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
As Senpai was performing her patrolling along with Sobek, a sound of dissonance from the nearby bushes caught the duo's attention, along with a couple of meager voices.
"Shut up will ya!" Larendalle exclaimed, wrapping her hand around the mysterious creature's mouth as it writhed against her arm in turbulence.
"'Oy Laren! Do ya really have to be like that to the poor dog?!" Inari scolded, showing sympathy to the furry mutt as the female priest lousily pouted with a light glare until a pebble was thrown towards the back of her head.
"Hey! Don't get angry at me!" The black-haired Mercenary/Hero snapped, dispersing the pebble in return to her rival until Senpai interjected the argument. "Blame this thing for not shutting up!"
"Larendalle," the Kagian battlemage started with a calm tone as she gave up with a sigh, lobbing the pebble near pile of wood. "What's going o-oh my…"
Senpai and Sobek found themselves face to face with Larendalle and Inari, the former Mercenary was holding a small puppy in her arms.
"What's going on here?" A deep voice asked in curiosity. The four turned to the direction of the voice, seeing Lansu approaching them, the stern face of his really got him feeling heavily concerned for some suspicious object looted from The Ruby Fox in Crodantis.
Once Lansu zoomed closer, he held his breath in awe and walked closer to the intimid puppy. He then grabbed it from his daughter's arms, a tiny yelp from the puppy fazed the dynast's eyes in amicable surprise.
"Uh… wait Lansu!" Senpai protested in embarrassment as Larendalle, Inari and Sobek just stared morose at the silly elder now studying a soft 4 legged velvety creature.
"Dog eh…" Lansu started with a cold brusqued tone.
Seconds later
"How amazing! I LOVE DOGS!" Lansu proclaimed with a squeal, endlessly hugging the whining dog in glee.
"What the…" Larendalle started with a dumbfounded tone.
"Hell…" Inari finished with an awkward blink.
"Lansu, dear." Senpai started nervously, a little worried about her husband. "What are you talking about?"
"Dogs show loyalty! They follow orders without question! Be a jerk to them, and they don't complain or ask for anything else! I see great future between man and canine!" the dynast ranted as if he was proud with his best friend curiously napping at his nose.
"Huh… never thought I'd ever see this side of Sword'su" Snapperhook shrugged as he popped another piece of Whippersnapper candy in his mouth.
"How I salute thee loyal canine!" Lansu sang as if he wanted the whole world to listen to his voice. He then let out a triumphant laugh, "HA HA HA HA!"
"I'm… gonna find a place to vomit…" Larendalle quietly signaled to her fellow Shepherd members then stealthily left.
A/N: And we're clear!
First off! I added the part about the Dawnbreaker because I never actually gave the explanation as to why we don't see Eryeth or Reuben with a Parallel Dawnbreaker. So there.
Second! For Lansu and the dog, I just found out that Lansu shares his voice actor with Roy F***ing Mustang! So, I decided to add this. Considering Lansu is a gynophobe, I couldn't do the TINY MINISKIRTS! scene, so I used the dog scene instead. I REGRET NOTHING!
Like I said before, I currently have three stories ongoing including this one. Check 'em out if you have the time, and I will see you in the next chapter. BYE!
35: Beginning of the EndA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
First off, Happy Chinese New Year for those of you who celebrate it!
Second, I apologize for the lateness. I went on a vacation for the weekend, and I got EXTREMELY tired, so I wasn't able to write much.
Anyways, let's get this chapter started!
"Bwahahaha!" The Mad King, Garea laughed viciously among the arena crowds as the Shepherds seeked heated revenge. "What are you going to do now, princey? Your precious Exalt is dead!"
"DAMN YOU, GAREA!" Sokara cursed at the top of his lungs. Garea just heard sweet music, and continued laughing.
"No! Arc, WHY?!" Koshka cried, as her eyes stayed lock on her sister's body, motionless from the fall.
Suddenly, Rulers Ascald and Hardo arrived beside the arena stands.
"Hey! Better get moving unless any of you want to be next!" Hardo boomed out while swinging a Thunder forged Crescent axe that sure was to rival Dakota's Thunderstorm in mere seconds of show off.
"Marco! I need you to- Wait, Marco! You idiot!" Ascald tried to call back, but his words halted into skipping beat when he saw the Tactician charging towards Garea, with his Dawnbreaker unsheathed and bursting in flames.
"GAREA!" Marco called out with anger blazing in his almond brown eyes. "You bastard! If Lady Arcturakos will die here… SO SHOULD YOU! IGNIS!"
"Wait! Marco! You fool!" Hardo called out, being sure that his verbal instincts would surely stop his last minute attack.
Rubio ignored the cries of the Shepherds and just continued his angered charge. Metal against sand, step by step, he suddenly felt the earth shake violently as dust clouds trailed behind his dash.
"What the hell?!" Marco cursed as his vision of Arcturakos standing in front of him began to fade.
"Hey! Snap out of it!" Another voice called out in urgency.
Back to Reality
"Wake up, darn it!"
As it turns out once again, Marco had been dreaming. Dreaming of the day Arcturakos sacrificed herself. The memory of said event was still clear in his memory. He remembered his rage towards Garea. That battle, where both he and Sokara simultaneously slashed Garea right across his chest. The sense of satisfaction when the Mad King breathed in his final defeat, before being drenched in his own ichor.
"Gah! Sokara… what! What happened?!" Marco spluttered into hesitancy, having been violently awakened.
Sokara felt miffed as he crossed his arms while leaning against the wall in disappointment, "It seemed that you were having a nightmare. Care telling me what was it about?"
"It's. It's nothing… just a memory, that's all." Rubio hesitantly mumbled, trying to sound normal. Wiping additional sweat off of his heated face, Marco sighed as if he really failed the Shepherds to take out their last enemy on Solara and simply stare at the wet creases on his blanket. A tentative spot of dew marked the calendar of his nightmares. How many more days to go until the Dracoknight was nightmare free? Talk to the tome.
"Ok then…" Sokara shook his head, not realizing what the memory was actually about. Instead, he decided a different approach with his tactician. "Anyway, There's someone I'd like you to meet. She claims that she knows you."
The exalt then opened the tent flap, revealing it to be Aerin from Solaria. The effect of her lovely smile and her slender figure caused Rubio's eyes to widen in sudden awe, rendering him speechless on the point.
"Hello Marco, it's good that we are able to meet again." Aerin greeted, slowly striding in while Rigormortis was strapped on her back. Gods, it was as if she battled numerous Sirens and nevertheless came back scathed in anyway! The dracoknight was at a loss for words at this point.
To say, Marco was at a loss for words was a complete understatement.
"A loss for words I see…" Aerin chuckled, sitting down beside him to lovingly run her hand on his cheek. Again, something that Sokara (ew.) or the rest of the Shepherds would not commence if it was Kelli as an exception. "Can't really say, I blame you to be honest."
Rubio tried (emphasize on TRIED) to string the correct words together. The sudden outburst of squeaks brought her attention on him. "Wait! Hold on! It's not… that."
Marco then pushed his two pointers together.
"It's… just that… uh… how did you even meet… us?..." the dracoknight asked in sheer perplexity, with the last part having a sense of regret.
Aerin once again chuckled as the rings to her weapon belt chimed again in heartous joy. "I needed to earn some cash, so I decided to get a job. Believe me, it wasn't easy. Some said that they weren't interested, while others said that I was lacking something… what it was, they never explained."
Aerin paused for a brief moment, inhaling her silence between Sokara and Rubio. A creature of some kind scuttled past their feet before taking cover under the tactician's bed. Kelli would definitely shriek if a spider came to greet them.
"Too be honest, I was close to giving up, until I came across Rulers Ascald and Hardo. I'm not exactly sure why a lot of people have said that Kagia is nothing but a 'bunch of seafaring idiots', but it seemed that I've caught them on a good day, since when I asked for a job, they agreed, so they assigned me to work in the ports. It just so happened that on one of those days, I was assigned to the crew where you were."
Marco then turned to Sokara with an incredulous gaze. "Say, I'm just curious, what did Kelli say when she found out?"
"Kelli was unsurprisingly calm when she found out. She has no hard feelings about this." Sokara replied with a smirk while eyeing the ruby orb impaled in the Rigormortis's ceramic frame.
"Really?" a confused Rubio pinched back. Just to accompany his confusion with a scratch to his jet black hair, the dracoknight shifted in bed and sat up like an attentive chipmunk, "I thought she was gonna yell at me, or something like that… guess I though wrong."
Aerin sighed while Sokara fared his gaze to the ground. Just be talking about Kelli's feelings made them fall into the same page as the Kagian dancer.
"Anyways," Marco changed the subject, with something else in mind. "Where are we and what's the plan now?"
Before Sokara could mention his plans straightforwardly, Aerin volunteered to announce it. "Well… while it IS true that we are on an island, it's not just some uninhabited island."
"What do you mean by that?" Sokara asked in deep urgency, stunned and amazed by what Aerin just said.
"It means that we are actually in the outskirts of Solaria. Ever noticed that the island has an abundance of wildlife other than Akardos or Fonaxe? That's because wildlife are much more common due to many areas of Solaria being untouched, resulting in numerous wildlife. The people just kill those that are within known territory."
"Well, now that we know where we are," Sokara turned to his only trusted tactician, his smirk attempting to wipe out his buddy's worried gaze. "What's the strategy Marco?"
"Hmm… I say we have some of the scouts out, find the nearest, quietest and safest way in." Rubio then turned to Aerin with a shaky sigh. "Where exactly is the main area of Solaris located?"
Aerin looked thoughtful for a moment before halting her pacing with a mere shake of her head. "Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure about that."
"Well, we can't just send our scouts out there blind." Sokara stirred up a sigh as his hope was drowning in the tactician. "What's the plan now Marco?"
"Too be honest, that's actually the only way we'll find civilization. All we need to do is just make sure our scouts are prepared." Rubio shrugged as if his answer just solved Solara's Great Reduction on it's wildlife.
"Well, if that's the only way, I guess I'd better give it a shot." Sokara spoke up with bravery, striking a pose as if sparring his Ragnarok into a friendly swordplay.
Meanwhile
As the trio were discussing amongst themselves, unknown to them, a Solarian scout was spying on them behind the shadowed branches.
"Well, well, well… Seems like some shepherds and a few sheep have arrived… I'm sure someone's going to love this." The scout smirked, before stealthily leaving the leaves rustling silently in their wake.
Castle Solaria
"Milady," A well attuned soldier walked in with a confident report. "I've received word from one of our scouts that the Shepherds are here."
"Really now?" Rayne spoke coldly as she disbanded her 'moon watching' and swiftly glared at her spy. "I'm not really surprised that they'd be heading here, as well as survive Lebdar's attack."
"What do you suggest we do? Shall I send a small battalion towards them?" the soldier swung his lance left and right like a pendilium while awaiting his command from the vile queen.
"No. Just send Zane, along with a few escorts to them. I'm sure we can just talk this out. However, if they hesitate, you know what to do…" Rayne's voice sounded more and more sinister as she ended her sentence.
"Very well…" The soldier then headed off.
"So, it seems that I get a new assignment, huh?" Zane smirked, walking towards them.
Rayne felt calmly overwhelmed at the sight of her trusted spy entering in, "You seem a bit excited. I'm not surprised, especially considering that neither the two of us have appeared in quite a few chapters."
*CRACK!*
"What the heck was that?" Zane asked in sudden urgency, wildly glancing around, hoping to find out where the sound came from.
The vault where the special weapon held, right to the lab set where they used Grock's ichor to fuse with Marco's. It was explainable as to what might have caused that sound.
Rayne just waved a hand as she shook her head in sympathy. "Oh, don't mind that. Just set your mind on the necessary preparations needed for your visit with the Shepherds."
"Very well then…" Zane decided to leave his mistress alone then left without a word.
With a few minutes of silence spiraling into the lab, Rayne then took a concentrated glance at her staff, which was now a lance, with a tip glowing in mysterious energy.
"Not to worry now. You'll get your chance at some ichor soon enough. Now, I shall go fetch a friend from the ocean." Rayne's hiss of satisfaction rung through the air as she walked off, while the lancehead continued to eerily glow from Extrotion Blast red to Vortex purple.
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
"What the heck happened here!?" Galen startled himself with a jump while examining a pile of shattered glass that laid harmlessly on one of the Delyran fields.
It was certain times like this that Delyra would at least receive a number of strange incidents such as this one (rather let any UFO's invade the Southtown and heartlessly snag one of Goose's cattle)
"How the heck should I know?!" Larendalle threw her hands up in the air as if she was frustrated with the world. For once her temper would run course with Egelard's fine persona.
"Well, whatever the cause was, it must've been big, considering how a pane of glass this huge managed to shatter with no one barely around… and we're in an open-wide plain." Blaze added with a chuckle, curiously tampering one of the pieces with Sol's tip.
"Ah, whatever the cause, I'm sure it's nothing really big…" Galen then walked off, heading back to camp with a non-chanted shrug.
"Hey! Wait for me, will ya!" Larendalle called out, rushing to Galen while throwing frustration to his back.
Blaze on the other hand, decided to study the sharp mess glistening under the sun. 'Hmm… I get the feeling that something's not right. Maybe I'm just imagining things again.'
"Hey! Blaze! Hurry up why don't ya!" Larendalle called out to the thief, the silver haired Sol wielder looked up to assure them he's got time.
"Right… coming!" Blaze then rushed off as well.
Everything was relatively calm- say for the glass which pretty much was sun-bathing around the grassy plains and the trees and birds dancing to the wind.
Unknown to all of them, a small fissure of vortex suddenly appeared, sucking everything in…
.
.
.
THE FOURTH WALL HAS BEEN BROKEN…
A/N: And we're clear!
That's right, we're actually nearing the end of the story. I'm not saying good-bye just yet, because there's still a few more chapters that need to be done.
For the Arcturakos thing, I wanted to put that in the story, bu when you're talking about a POST GAME story, it's either a flashback or a dream. I simply went with the latter.
Also, before any of you ask, yes, I did put a 4TH wall break in there. Sorry, NOT!
Until Next Chapter, BYE!
36: Child Paralouge 1A/N: Hello Everybody!
Happy Valentine's Day to all you couples out there! While for the singles out there (me included), Happy Singles' day!
Anyways, While I COULD make a love-shot for this, I decided to do the prologues when the children were recruited.
It's gonna be another filler unfortunately, so enjoy!
"Eleanore," Marco eagerly inquired, heading to where the future Royal was.
"Yes Marco?" the brown haired princess cross-paced in her room before sitting down to re-arrange her Glacus jewlery.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you mention that there were more of you who came back from the future?" the dracoknight blinked in deep concern at the mention of the future. Oh gods, how would it be like if time fast forwarded into a mess?
"Yes. There ARE more of us." Kendora confirmed while running her brush down her hair with smooth swings. "Unfortunately, all of us got separated when we went through the portal."
"I see…" Rubio crossed his arms while emitting out a sigh. He curiously studied her frame by frame. "Do you have any ideas on where they might me?"
"Not really. But, I know someone who does." the future Delyran princess had a glint in her eyes. Setting the brush down against her nightstand table, she flicked up her blade case with the kick her of her feet and strapped it to her belt like a female Delyran soldier ready for combat.
"That's good to know. Do you know where he or she might be?" Marco asked in high concern, attempting not to smirk like Sokara does 24/7 whenever a deal was agreed between the two of them.
"I've got a pretty good idea. But, we might want to recruit her brother first." Eleanore smirked while propping up her Glacus tiara on her forehead with a click.
"Very well then, you know where he is?" the dracoknight eagerly followed her out of her room.
Lunaria just nodded with assurance before placing her mask on.
The Volgate
"This is a gate?" Sokara was in dumbfounded awe as he stared into the landmark. "It looks more like a tunnel system."
The hole looked rather gaping than narrow. Brick framed the structure stark white like Floridian limerock while moss aged it's curling paths at the foot of the entrance and around it. No wonder after it's use during tiny wars that were settled between Yirien's half of Fonaxe and Sargon's half of 'Funaxe', the Volgate managed to still stay alive after it's first preservation from the Estrian citizens. Some people believed that's where the dragon of divine flames was supposed to await their return when Solara was completely in ruins. To say, the Volgate was like a second heaven to them is a complete understandment.
"Well, it WAS a gate, until the Fonaxi Army started invading, so they made it into a tunneling system, in hopes to confuse them. It didn't work apparently, considering on how we have an army heading towards us right now." Marco informed, as he pointed Dawnbreaker to the fleet of Mystic Knights, Dark Flyers and Griffon Riders heading towards them.
Sokara then turned to his daughter with a nervous start. "So, any idea where he might be?"
Before Eleanore could talk battle, Rubio interrupted with Static Storm fizzing towards the said person. "Found him."
Sokara and Eleanore turned to see Marco with a young man wearing brown armor, while his midnight blue hair was fizzed from the shock.
"Eryeth?"
"My, how my luck has turned." Eryeth coughed out with a clumsy start then rushed towards Eleanore with gasp of affection, suddenly grabbing her hand. "First, a little 'Buttercup', now you Kendora. I'm having the best fortune right now."
"Hey!" Sokara interrupted with a complaint, feeling urged to point Ragnarok at this two timed womanizer. "Who are you, and why are you flirting with my daughter?"
Eleanore took over with blush to her cheeks as she chuckled with a nervous start. "Father, there's no need for tiny fights now. This is Eryeth, Rubio's son."
"Wait. WHAT?!" Marco suddenly yelled in disbelief.
Sokara lowered his blade as he studied the newcomer with his indecisive hum, "Well, that explains the similar hair color, and why he was surprised to see Kelli."
"Eryeth, what are you doing here?" Eleanore questioned the younger teen. So much for the royal blue.
"Well, I've met my sweet 'buttercup', so I came to defeat six enemies, so she'll notice me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off!" Before anyone could stop him, Eryeth took off like a rocket.
'Exactly which parent did he get that personality of his?' Marco asked himself, keeping a note to make sure he doesn't raise his apparent future son the same way.
Ruins of Era
"Ugh… where am I?" A young girl with pink hair spoke as she walked around the dungeon. "Where are Eleanore and Eryeth?"
"YOU'RE FINISHED!"
KRA-KASH!
"Wait a minute, that phrase… It can't be! FATHER!" The girl then rushed to the source of the sound.
"So Eryeth, you say that your sister Reuben is here?" Marco inquired, as he zapped another Siren with Solar Storm, leaving his enemy blazing for help.
"This where I saw her land, before I lost consciousness…" Eryeth explained as he slashed a Siren Griffon Rider with his Ashrune blade. Marco wished he could question him where he received such an extraordinary blade but nevertheless decided to rival it down with his Dawnbreaker.
They were close to a stony room that held the Lavender Spring when the pink haired girl suddenly spotted two familiar figures.
"FATHER!" Reuben yelled in deep joy, before slamming head first into Marco, knocking him into the water.
SPLASH!
"There she is!" Eryeth pointed with a gasp.
"So I noticed…" Rubio grumbled with a smile as he struggled against the water while stepping out of the fountain, his cape drenched in flowing lavender.
After the battle, and obtaining Solaris's Tear of Flames
"So, Reuben…" Marco started, feeling refreshed not to have been drenched wet anymore. "Eleanore claims that you know where the rest of your companions are."
Reuben eagerly nodded her head as they paced around the field in search of something. "Yup! I saw where all of them land, and took note of their coordinates. Just ask me, and we'll find them in no time at all."
"Very good Reuben. Now, how's about you and me rest for now?" Eryeth struggled to keep his laughs as they both reached their makeshift camp.
Reuben gave out an uncaring nod, but sped past him to her tent, which she shares with her brother.
As Marco followed the painstaking journey on foot, Sokara playfully jabbed him on his shoulder.
"Seems like you and Kelli get busy…" Stormfang chuckled to his own joke, as to which Rubio didn't bother to show his evasive mood.
"Shut up Sokara…"
Grell Forest
"You know, I'm kinda confused on how your daughter can mistake a criminal like him for you?" Rubio's eyebrow inquired into numourous questions that sure got the Exalt off of his bat.
"Well, Eleanore did say she was born after I was killed right? Plus, all the portraits were destroyed." Sokara defended himself from getting splintered by a Eagle Buckthorn tree.
"That actually makes sense to be honest."
After a few minutes of battling
"Excuse me, but aren't you one o-" Sokara tried with an honest tone that surely will get Gudorians scouring for his role as Exalt.
"Stop talking right now! How can I be sure you're no imposter?" Cillia fiercely questioned while her lance was tipping for his chest in advanced warning.
"Um, let's see, both of us have brown hair, and I have the Brand of the Exalt on my shoulder." Sokara replied with a sarcastic smirk.
"Nice try! Anyone could've easily dyed their hair brown, and had the Exalt's Mark painted on them!" Cillia countered back while re-swinging her lance in attempt to knock Ragnarok out his hands.
"Sheesh. Eleanore wasn't ki-" Sokara was once again interrupted as he heard the lance clang to the ground in superb results.
"Wait! Kendora's here?! Then that means, Oh Father! I've missed you SOOOO MUUCCCHHHH!" Cillia yelled with tears while giving him a bear hug.
"Ack! My ears…" Sokara placed a finger in his ear, rubbing it vigorously while keeping himself away from getting hugged by his second daughter.
"Wait a minute!" Cillia suddenly became serious again, her indesisve eyes glaring into his. "If you're my REAL father, you would've given me a big hug, and call me his 'pega-pony princess'!"
"Wait, WHAT?! Did I actually say that in the future?" the exalt inquired with a scoffing choke.
"You'll say it RIGHT NOW if you're the real Sokara!" Cillia honestly elaborated with a yell of exuberance.
Sokara felt tears rush down his cheeks as he shakily hugged his daughter. "It's… good to see… you… my… pega-pony princess…"
The last words made Stormfang want to gag.
When the exalt finished his daughter hugging session, he slowly turned his head back, only to see the Shepherds break down in non-stop laughter. Even the 'ever so stern' Demiri and Lansu couldn't help, but snicker.
Marco slowly leaned towards Elmeri with an awkward whisper. "You got that all recorded didn't you?"
Elmeri just smirked while holding up her notepad. "Oh you bet I did!"
Why'd you ask?
"Can I have a copy of that? I'll pay any amount you want." Rubio negotiated with a grin.
"DEAL!"
"Oh, Sokara… I will NEVER let you live this down." Marco inquired to himself with an evil smile.
Meanwhile
"Kill me now…" Sokara murmured to himself, turning various shaded of red.
Mercenary Fortress
"So, we're apparently looking for a girl with two, long pigtails?" Senpai asked while Shiida zipped from place to place, in search of thier next recruiter.
"Yep." Jade confirmed while keeping her Pegasus Knight helmet in view with the horizon. "She apparently has the same black hair as her father."
The Estrian Rider then glanced over to Lansu, who was madly brooding to himself.
"Great, a daughter… As if I didn't have enough women in my life…" Lansu mumbled as if he was heavily intoxicated with Kagian mead.
"Oh relax. I'm sure you'll love her." Senpai giggled, as she leaned closer to her husband who seemed to agree without notice to the topic's discussion.
The trio was then suddenly interrupted by a shriek. Turning to the direction where it came from, they saw a young woman fitting the description, yelling at Eleanore and Reuben.
"It's about time the two of you made it here! Do you have any idea on how much time I've been spending, trying to survive on my own?!"
"Oh my…" Were the only words Corasta could muster as she hopped on Zaphira, kicking the pegasus into flight.
"Well, she's definitely not lacking anything in the personality department…" Jade observed while continuing to study thier newcomer.
"Yep." Senpai stared in surprise.
"Ah, forget it!" Larendalle finished with a snap as she faced the two with a menacing glare. "Listen. I've got a friend in there. DON'T YOU DARE KILL HIM! GOT IT?!"
Eleanore just nodded with assurance. "We'll make sure of that…"
Her head was still ringing.
Reuben however, seemed to have forgotten everything when she turned to Senpai and Lansu's direction. "Hey Dale! Look! We have a present for you."
Larendalle then turned to where Reuben was pointing. When she saw what her 'present' was, it just made her mood turn worse. "Are you kidding me right now?"
"Oh come on, is that any way to act? I'm sure you're excited anyway!" Reuben teased with a giggle.
Larendalle hid her blushing face. "Oh SHUT UP!"
The Mercenary then stormed into the fortress.
"Huh, her personality reminds me of that play I saw after we defeated Garea." Marco observed from a distance, feeling satisfied about their snap hunt.
Meanwhile, Senpai, Jade and Corasta were just staring in speechless awe, while Lansu had a small grin on his face. "Hehe, I'm starting to like her…"
Solar Shrine Ruins
"Of course there had to be Brigands everywhere… It makes perfect sense." Rubio sarcastically crossed his arms as hollers were heard in every direction.
"While we're at it, why don't we go protect the trapped villagers?" Sokara suggested while pointing to a bunch of helpless people trapped in a cage.
"Well, seems like someone has the same idea." Sobek reasoned, pointing to a man wearing black, with an orange mohawk standing innocently on rocky cleft, towering his surroundings below him.
"Wait a minute, that's Inari!" Larendalle started with a yelp as they continued to watch him keep himself alive like an idiot over the hoards of Sirens closing in around him.
"How's he gonna protect them? He can't fight!" Eryeth questioned straightforwardly while tempted to whip out Ashrune.
"He's gonna get himself killed… What a moron…" Larendalle facepalmed, murmuring the last part.
"Not if we help him! Let's go Shepherds!" Sokara commanded with Ragnarok held high above his head.
"Maline, Sobek, Reuben!" Marco glanced around in urgency while stirring up a command. "Go now and protect Inari!"
Inari was close to death when suddenly interrupted by the sound of horse hooves. "Wait a minute, MA?!"
"Excuse me, but who are you?" Maline questioned with an inquired eyebrow. To say, the mother-son introduction was glamy as ever.
"I'm Inari, your future kid!" the orange haired priest whirled around with a complaint.
"Did you really just call me 'Ma'? I thought my future self would've taught you better grammar than that." Maline crossed her arms while giving her son an unfaring mood.
Inari just facepalmed. "Really Ma? You're seriously gonna give me a damn lecture on grammar now?!"
"Now, now. There's never a bad time for a lecture." Maline winked while feeling the air around them spiral into two.
"Huh. This is actually going better that I thought." Reuben observed with a frown.
"What do you mean exactly?" Cillia raised a questioning brow as she felt heart struck at the sight of HER FATHER not doing the samething.
"I mean, I thought maybe I don't know, she'd have whacked him with her staff right now…" Reuben pushed her pointers together, when Inari suddenly yelped in pain. He was whacked from not having proper posture. "And there it is."
A/N: And we're done!
Yeah, I've wanted to do that for a long time now!
Of course, considering that I only added part of them, there will be a part two!
So many jokes like 'pega-pony princess' and Larendalle's 'Tsundere' personality have been plaguing my head for a while, and I wanted to do this so badly!
Don't worry, the story will actually continue. Maybe after a few chapters, this'll continue.
Until then, BYE!
37: KrolisA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome back to the REAL chapter update.
Yeah, I'm kinda fast this time, considering how I don't really have much to do, so let's get this started!
As Sokara, Marco and Aerin were discussing on how to find a way to Solaria, Demiri arrived on Taragon, bearing some news after the stallion skidded to a halt infront of them.
"Stormfang, someone has arrived, wishing to speak with you." Demiri announced with a tiring pant as if he just came back from dead training. "Shall I let them in?"
Sokara simply nodded at the offer to which Demiri swiftly left the tent. Out of the shadows and stepped into the light was a full fledged Solarian Assassin. With the Guardian Dueler being replaced by Zane, Rayne's confident spy was well accompanied by two others, both of them wearing a lion helmet.
"Zane? What the hell do you want, and was it really necessary to bring a few of your allies with you?" Marco growled, growing a little skeptic.
The Solarian Assassin chuckled half-heartedly and raised his hands to show some body language to calm his raging nerves down, "Hey, it's just for my own safety Rubio."
"I assure you we won't attack unless you do." Sokara assured with a sober warning. The Delyran league weren't completely aware of their arrival in Solaria due to the fact that Rayne's castle was located northwest of this location. "Anyway, I'm pretty sure you didn't come here to talk about your escorts."
"Right about that one, Exalt. I'm here in behalf of Queen Rayne. She wishes to arrange a talk with both you and Marco." Zane informed straightforwardly. The two guards behind him shuffled out a cough before standing confidently strong with their lances towering high above their heads.
Before Sokara could speak up, Marco interjected with a growl. "And why the hell should we?"
"Marco…" Sokara warned with a panicked voice.
"How do we know that she isn't planning this as an excuse to lure us, and kill us herself?!" Rubio's tone was getting angrier with each word. His right hand tempted to draw him a lucky strike with Dawnbreaker.
"Please don't start this again…" Sokara sighed with a hesitant voice as he swiftly lowered the dracoknight's blade down.
"If it makes you feel better, you can bring your own escorts, preferably one of your most powerful ones." Zane suggested with a cold smirk. Feeling visibly irritated by the Exalt's own favoured expression for the Shepherds caused Sokara on the brink of pulling out Ragnarok, too.
"No. It would not make me feel better." Marco replied, placing a fast hand on the exalt's blade case. A speedy excuse for not instigating any sparring fights between their enemies. "However, you can tell her that we'll be there, but make sure to tell her…"
"Rubio… I swear if you do or say anything…" Sokara tried to threaten him with a sober glare, but was fruitfully ignored by his tactician.
"…If she tries anything that she'll regret…" Marco's almond eyes screwed up a serious gaze on Zane, placing a hand on his Dawnbreaker. "…She'll be the first in this place that'll get to taste my blade…" (Shut up!)
Zane however wasn't really moved by Rubio's words. A tiny chuckle of laughter caught the two Shepherds into a flinch. "Sure. I'll let her know. But not to worry, I assure you that this'll all be a civilized confrontation."
"Somehow I don't think that's going to be the case…" Aerin murmured to herself.
"Until then Sokara and Marco. May we meet again…" Zane and his escorts bowed down respectfully, before leaving with a swift walk towards Castle Solaria.
As soon as the henchmen left, Sokara turned his irritated gaze to the dracoknight, with a clearly furious look on his face. "What on Solara were you thinking?! Are you really trying to start another war here?!"
"Hey! There's something not right and you know it!" Marco countered himself from spurring up any swordplay against his prince of a friend.
"Yes, I know there's something wrong in all this." Sokara replied, calming himself from deep frustration. Sometimes, he couldn't handle anger tolerance like Rubio and was actually close to popping a vein. "But still, was it really necessary to threaten him by attempting to draw your blade?!"
"It was just to make sure that they get the message, that's all..." Rubio exhaled with a hint of regret when he finished that sentence.
"I don't care! It still wasn't necessary to do that." A frustrated Sokara finished, throwing his hands up in the air like Larendalle when she tried to attune to Egelard's persona. "Anyway, you and I have to prepare ourselves. We' have a talk with the queen tomorrow… no thanks to you."
Marco, feeling stagnant about his hard necked feelings of rage and sorrow, brisked himself to stare at Sokara's brown cape as the exalt departed his walk from the tent.
A few minutes later, Aerin decided to leave the tent as well. Heaving a sigh, her sad eyes slightly felt stung from the small argument whipped out earlier, "I think I'll prepare myself as well…"
The Next Day
With the help of an escort who was tasked to bring them to the castle, Sokara, Marco, Zane and Aerin soon made their way to Solaria's main city: Krolis.
Krolis, according to the escort, was located in the heart of Solaria, surrounded by an approximately, twelve-foot, deep moat inhabited by alligators. There were no guardrails on the bridge, therefore anyone who had the misfortune to fall in, was doomed to become a meal for them. On how Marco pondered about the long tailed, round snouted, reptiles living in Florida was no match for these burly looking, ichor hungry, wingless dragons- Provided that no condemned prisoner was sent there first.
Upon entering the city, the four were greeted with Pickering stares from the residents. The escort could feel that the intense gazes were somehow making the four uncomfortable, so she decided that she had to explain to them.
"I can tell that the stares are making you all feel agonized. Not to worry, Krolis doesn't receive too many visitors."
"And why is that milady?" Demiri asked, growing tempted to skin one the gators alive with Knightfall.
"It's because, while Solaria does get visited by the piers, majority of them often choose to stay at the seaside town known as Faucagatan." The escort explained, pointing ahead at a harbor near where they stood. Seagulls called the air while fishermen tossed nets in their wooden canoes, hoping to catch a good amount of fish with their skilled hands and ropes. Rubio shivered in reminder to his other hometown, Florida. The only missing 'points of interest' were the music thumping bars, sports stadiums, and the occasional Everglades.
"Thank-you for the information, lady… er… uh… I'm sorry; I didn't get your name." Sokara kindly asked with a smirk.
The escort just chuckled while brisking their walk around the city. "The name's Giya, my dear Exalt."
"Thank-you Giya." Sokara thanked, blushing in embarrassment towards the slim frame of her body in battle ready armour. Not heavy like Grock's brute Warlord armour but thin metal frames of aquamarine blue with light lime tribal lines trailing her shoulders all the way to her boots. Her black hair whipped around, the tip of her ponytail flicked as if it was assigned as her potential weapon.
An Espada sword hung behind her back like a thin hockey stick case. It seems for once she disregarded the traditional blade cases which most blade wielders occasionally favour and look more sporty like Rubio with two forged tree sticks behind his back.
While Sokara, Demiri, Aerin and Giya continued to converse about danger coming ahead, the dracoknight tactician was busy observing Krolis.
The city was divided into two halves: The upper half, and obviously the lower half, resulting to an odd placement of its residences. The upper half consisted of the cleaner and more organized homes, somewhat resembling the many townhouses and royal villas back in Delyrus. One of the few things that Marco noticed was that the closer they were getting to the castle, the houses got lavish and studious.
The lower half, which was noticeable thanks to the bridges they passed, were the slums. So hidden by the bridges, that the residents would've probably lived their entire lives without seeing the sun. That probably would've never been the case, as torches virtually lit every part of the lower half.
Perhaps what was surprising the most, was that there seemed to be no visible way for the lower half to access the upper half, and vice-versa. That was until the dracoknight took a quick glance over the bridge, revealing indents resembling a ladder on the boardwalk.
Giya's voice interrupted his observation. "Well, we're here. Castle Solaria, located in the heart of Krolis."
"Halt!" One of the guards said, blocking the way with his Hatchet lance. "What do these people want, Giya?"
"Relax Forn." Giya assured with a calm glance to the gruff huffing brute. "Zane informed them yesterday. They have an arranged a meeting with the queen. I'm sure you'd let them in now, right?"
"Very well then." Forn sighed. He then lowered his lance, allowing for them to pass. "My apologies…"
When the five entered the castle, Marco almost leaked in the lower half of his dracoknight armour. It was almost as if the Grand Hall competed against Delyra's Grand Hall. Arcturakos would faint on the spot if she saw the murals on these Solarian walls of their castle. Every herb and plant- you name it- was beautifully struck the marble walls, giving the room a faint but fruity smell. Feeling Rayne absent from her throne, Giya turned to the four with a hesitant start. "Wait right here, I'll inform the queen of your arrival."
Giya respectfully walked off in search of the higher icon of Solaria.
"I gotta say, I never would've thought that I'd go to another castle besides Delyrus's." Marco softly chuckled, twisting his legs firmly in a tight regret of drinking too much Fonaxi mead with Sobek on a drunk evening night.
"Neither have I." Sokara replied back, feeling lightly concerned about the dracoknight. "You alright there, Marco?"
"Blame Sobek." Rubio blew out a painful sigh before impatiently tapping his leg and gritting his teeth. "You know how he is with Whippersnappers and the Fonaxi mead."
The dracoknight merely lied on the spot and hid the feeling of shock in his heart towards the walls of the Grand Hall luring him to a light nap. But thankfully all of the Shepherds took a tiny sip of Vulrenary River Lavender to ward off of unnecessary effects such as Sleep wafting from walls, an effect created by the Garugi to send over Sirens dressed as painters to lure Delyra into a long deep slumber. At least Marco felt happy that he wasn't the mayor of New York before he left Aquila.
"Exalt Sokara." Giya's boots echoed around the hall, the sound averting their heads to the escort. "The queen will see you all now. Just proceed ahead, and enter the room on the left."
Sokara thanked Giya with full heart. He also considered getting her into a relationship but Corasta and Koshka wouldn't approve of polygamy if that ever was elected legal in Akardos and Fonaxe. Giya slightly blushed red, whisking a "Take care my fellow Delyrans." before exiting the castle.
Boots shuffled against the stone floor hued with maroon red and lime green as Marco felt teetered across Sokara's farewell with the Solarian escort.
"So, you finally thought of sparring out love with each other. Naga Parthia! I can finally see it now! Ragnarok and Espada, metal against metal! Clinging to each other in affection! One swing up, Two swings down! Eventually both of you struck in the heart against each other in bed!"
"Rubio. I don't wanna hear love in relation to battle." Sokara sighed, feeling visibly annoyed while Aerin stifled a short chuckle. "Honestly, you're starting to sound like Vigur now. I was just hoping if having a second wife would be a dream come true."
Rubio shrugged, "You're the exalt. You can try to surpass the suggestion to the Delyran council if that's what the citizens are fond of."
Stormfang held his mouth in preparation to reply but the trio halted in front of a lavish purple door blazoned with gold ivy leaves, the same pattern gulfing Rubio and Kelli's tent when they camped out near the Longfort in Kagia. Meeting Room was written out in Sevati then underneath it Eltise, a set of celtic knots framing the words like the tactician's heart locked behind bars.
Feeling confident and nervous, Sokara turned to Rubio with a suppressed hold of his breath. "Ready? It's time now."
Marco just nodded in response, feeling on the same page as the exalt.
And with that, the four then entered the room as if they were sucked into a spiral void of darkness.
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
Shepherds' Weaponry Guide: Marco's Dawnbreaker
A large silver blade attached to a green curved hilt with an interesting design.
The hilt is designed with a trigger, allowing the blade to have the special ability to use magic, so long as it was loaded with magic beforehand. Rubio prefers to load it with Arcane type Tomes.
The blade also seems to have a celtic knot on each end of the hilt, while the pointed finish has a carving of an 'R' on the end, while a chain with rooster feathers is attached to the blade's handle.
"Despite all these aspects, I still think that the Dawnbreaker is just an oversized kitchen knife."
"What was that Sokara?!" Marco angrily whipped around with a playful growl.
"You heard me," Sokara smirked while arms crossed. "Without your sword's shooting ability, it's just a large kitchen knife."
There was sincerity lacing his uncaring tone as Rubio countered back with another logical excuse.
"Oh yeah?! Well your blade isn't even unique at all!" Marco snapped back. "I hear that there are rumors that a second Ragnarok is in existence somewhere."
"That's just a legend!" Sokara defended, his voice almost adapting Eleanore's tone of bravery and discipline.
"Why don't we ask Lady Elni then? I'm sure she'll have a good story to tell." Marco burst out a laugh, thinking how he would easily use Dragon Charge to blast off towards the top of the Divine Mast while Sokara would climb the torture steps.
"WHY YOU!" Sokara roared in rage then lunged towards Rubio, thus ensuing a rough cat fight.
"BOYS!" Two female voices called out in sync. "Are you two fighting again?!"
Turns out, the voices came from Corasta and Kelli, Sokara and Marco's respective spouse.
"Uh… NO! Not at all!" Rubio lied while his face framed salty tears.
"You are a terrible liar Marco..." Kelli's voice got uncharacteristically scary. The dracoknight shriveled, his eyes turning to tiny dots while a huge frown was plastered on his face, looking like some sort of cartoon stick figure who had no sense of life.
"Psst. Marco, temporary truce?" Sokara whispered cautiously as they both glanced at their wives with suppressing fear.
"Uh… sure. Why not?"
The two then hastily left, while Corasta and Kelli chased after them.
A/N: And we're clear!
Yep, Solaria's a bigger place than what I described. Like I said before, I only leave these details out until they're needed.
Krolis aka the Bellspout city is a combination of the words bellum and spatium, which are latin for war and area respectively.
Faucagatan is a combination of the words Faucibus and Karagatan, Latin and Filipino for dock and ocean respectively.
Also, TGtS had a weaponry guide mostly because I never actually gave the Dawnbreaker a proper description.
As for the two Ragnarok thing, that was a reference to the Shadow Regalia (Naga Regalia) chapters in Destiny Akardos. In DA, to reach the chapter where you go to the Divine Mast tower, You must have Elni slain, and the Ragnarok lost… Or you can just give Elni the Ragnarok, and have her killed.
When that is done, Solaris will give you a weaker version of the Ragnarok (The game can sometime glitch in and give you the Naga Agila). You can then simply use the Autumn Staff and revive her, thus getting another Ragnarok.
In the Infinite Regalia (Data Regalia) chapters of Legends Awakening, I believe you have to defeat the 12 Shepherd Children in their Data selves using Rubio. Once you get past Data Eleanore Kendora, you get prized with the Naga Ragnarok, a rare Ragnarok blade that looks identical to the Analouge and Brave version. It surprisingly has stronger stats than the Naga Agila and was never mentioned in the game. I think that feature is available in the Wii U remake.
THE MORE YOU KNOW! Or, if you did, well… whatever!
Anyways, until the next chapter, BYE!
38: Child Paralogue 2
A/N: Hello Everybody!
Welcome to the continuation of the last filler chapter, where we continue the child recruitment chapter.
Three Days Later
"So Reuben," Eleanore started with a light stretch to her arms. She walked up to the Mystic Knight and confidently gazed down at her with a warm smile. "Who's accounted for?"
Reuben flipped through her notepad until a scribbled list caught her widening eyes. "Let's see now… You, me, our siblings, Larendalle and Inari. So that makes six of us now, and we've still got a long way to go…"
"There're still seven of us left." Eleanore sighed with a sense of dissatisfaction. She broke off her glance from Reuben and stood up to peer through the crack between tent flaps. "We need to find everyone."
"Hope I'm not interrupting." Marco chuckled, entering the tent with a flashy grin. "But, I've just received complaints from a village that rival armies are about to start a war. They say one of the soldiers is a Roskinsian."
"Roskinsian... That's Yiraloth!" Eleanore snapped herself in urgent realization as she prepared her blade case strapped to her hip.
"Well then, let's go!" Rubio signaled as the Shepherd Children bounded off.
(Yep, same as its sister paralogue)
Law's End
"Get ready boys! After this fight, we dine on horse meat, courtesy of the Riders of Dawn!" Gyral called out to his men with a hearty laugh. Gyral's men just shouted in unison and raised thier weapons in the air as if their leader had just been elected dictator of Fonaxe.
"Looks like we be needin new armor…" Dalen interrupted the opposite group falling silent. "But, we'll get them soon, thanks to our friends, the Stonewall Knights!"
"What a stupid argument." Sokara sighed at thier stupidity. He calmly glanced at the tactician for his only backup plan. "So Marco, who should we side up with. Er, Rubio?"
Silence spiraled the two as the dracoknight's almond eyes glinted dastardly at the bickering men. "Neither."
"Damn it Marco!" Sokara yelled in frustration. "Are you sure we should face both sides?!"
"Yup, it's confirmed that the dracoknight's gone insane now." Robion shook his head with a chuckle while sheathing back Hawkus.
"To think Rubio couldn't have gotten more brainless than those man-spawn… I stand corrected." Tenaki shrugged with a sigh.
"Of course!" Marco assured as if presenting the Shepherds with something new he'd discovered recently. "Just stay in the woods, and we'll be fine!"
"You better hope you're right." Sokara then turned to his daughter. "Now then, where's your friend?"
Eleanore never got the chance to answer, as Reuben suddenly dashed like a rocket across the fields. "Bunny, bunny, bunny!"
"Reuben! What're you doing?!" Eryeth tried to call towards his sister. For 20 years of his life, he'd never witnessed his sibling acting this crazy for once. Or she could easily mistake a fursona fox for a Roskinsian hybrid.
The answer was soon revealed, when Reuben crashed into a young Roskinsian into the flowering patch. "Reuben, stay away from me! PLEASE!"
"Fluffy bunny!" Reuben spoke in manner like a child with a teddy bear. "Yay! Your dragon ears are still soft!"
Reuben then started tugging them with her fingers, wide eyed in curiousity at the fluffy scales on his delicate ears.
"Welp, we found your son Yiraloth." Marco chuckled in sheer surprise as he mentioned to the Roskinsian Mystic Knight with a point of his Keris Dagger.
"Should we… stop them or something?" Sokara suggested with a perplexed brow raised in confusion, a gesture to the latter of pulling out Ragnarok, even if the scene before him was not so dangerous looking as it should be.
"Hmph. The Roskinsians are a strong race. I doubt Marco's daughter could do that much." Lansu hmphed like a grumpy old man who dosen't attune himself into social life. The group then heard Yiraloth start crying.
"Wah! Mommy! Where are you?! Get this sadistic fox away from me!" the dragon/boy continued to wail, scaly fists ominously rubbing his eyes filled with hysterical tears.
"Although, I'm not always right…" Tenaki blew a petal off of his muzzle.
Manor of Lost Souls
"Of all the places Oriel chose…" Larendalle emitted out a sigh while she pinched the bridge of her nose.
The haunted manor was located on a tiny island east north of Crodantis and south of Regna Kagia, flourished with stories of spirits from the dead Delyran, Crodantian, and Kagian soldiers from the first Hydra war. Sometimes, Sirens also prowled the place, viciously drawing graffiti in Seivati on the stone aged walls such as Make Peace, Kill Arc or Long live Garuga and Augh! Where in the world is my horsey!? and other blasphemy scribbled between creives and moss.
Water tinkered the echoes of the foggy hallways as blue was the only light source in the manor.
Reuben, on the other hand, was in total awe at the faint letters on the wall. Aside from words, Hieroglyphics would have told a much scarier story. "Cool! It reminds me of the books I read."
"Of course you would…" Without warning, the collapsed wall meters away from them suddenly rebuilt itself, while another section collapsed.
"Can we get outta here? I'm scaared!" Yiraloth whined, dragon ears shivering to the fact that ghosts were his number one fear.
"Oh shut up, will ya?!" Inari scolded with a huff. A fur wrapped Gilew axe shut the little Roskinsian's mouth up. Yiraloth adapted a disatisfied sigh while her eyelids lowered halfway in casual annoyance. Seconds later, a young girl's scream suddenly made Inari jump in fear as well.
"You were saying?" the orange haired priest trembled in the little Roskinsian's arms. The little dragon/boy was eventually squashed under his weight, leaving a accordian-shaped Yiraloth bobbing up and down in defeat.
"Eeek! Ghost!" Both Kelli and Koshka suddenly held each other, the fog spiraling the presence in view. Out of the shadows came the clumsy Delyran Pegasus Knight.
"For once, I agree with Yiraloth. Let's go… now!" Corasta grabbed their hands and made a breakneck flight through light blue halogened by the eerie stone walls.
"Oh for heaven's sake, there's no such thing as ghosts…" Rubio massaged his temples as the rest of the Shepherds followed Sokara's spouse to an empty dead end.
"Hey there. Are you Marco?!" A female voice asked, causing the tactician to jump, and emit a girlish scream.
"Gah! GHOST!" Rubio suddenly landed in Sokara's arms. The exalt simply dropped the Tactician with a dissatisfied gaze. Marco inhaled his fear and assured them with a clumsy smile, "I'm okay!"
"Hey! What're you doing here?" Tealgra suddenly asked, velvety claw pointing to a girl wearing a vivid white dress and a studious red cape. "This isn't a safe place. Now go! We're looking for a Roskinsian girl like you."
"'Er Tealgra…" Goose tapped her shoulder with a nervous start. "I think this is the one we're lookin' fer."
"Really? Yay! We found her!" Tealgra fist pumped then kneeled down to scoot closer to the tiny girl, currently hooded and kneeled back against the wall, "So, what's your name?"
"Nah." Oriel replied with a shake of her head, her oversized hoodie flapping against her tiny identity.
"Aw. Why won't you tell us?" Tealgra pouted, oblivious of Nah meant 'no' in Seivati.
"Nah! It's Oriel! O-R-I-E-L!" Oriel flipped out in frustration, yanking her hoodie to reveal herself. Tiny girl face features along with dragon ears, pointy teeth, and two tiny wings spouting behind her back. Yup, folks. That is pure Id (Roskinsian).
"Who gave you such a stupid name?" Tealgra blew a smoke ring in bewilderment, raising a disoriented brow.
"You did!" Oriel exclaimed, her dragon wings flapping madly like a butterfly's.
'How did me an' Tealgra think up a name like that?' Goose thought to himself, as he removed his pot, scratching his head.
Dueling Grounds
As the Shepherds entered an abandoned fortress, they were immediately attacked. Sobek swung a Dark Cherry Sword against his assailant. "So, is Alys really here?"
"Snapperhook! Get your sorry butt out here, and fight like a true warrior!" Alys called out angrily.
"That's her alright…" Eleanore sighed with a smile.
Vigur immediately dashed to the direction where the battle cry came from, immediately spotting a girl with olive-green hair, wearing purple armor. "My goodness. Why on earth is she attacking all those brigands all by herself?"
"Well, she takes her training seriously after her mother…" Kendora informed, studying Alys's battle tactics with her Riffin Turne bow. All the speed in each arrow and staunching aims was a well worthy recruitment to the Shepherd Children.
"Why? Is there anything wrong?" Dakota asked as she stormed into the fortress, only to be attacked by a General. Before Vigur and Sokara could catch her, Dakota immediately rammed her Thunderstorm Lance to his face, killing him instantly. "Means she's tough! Like her mom."
As the Shepherds killed more of Cassius's men, they finally reached Alys, panting in the middle of fallen Sirens.
"Alys, there you are!" Eleanore called out while the Shepherds ran ahead to embrace her.
"Eleanore… Mom and dad? What're you doing here? Ah, whatever, Hi mom, hi dad. Sorry I can't talk. Too busy killing people!" Alys informed quickly then took off in hot pursuit to finish off her enemies.
Vigur just chuckled at the sight of his daughter as a battle-ready drama warrior and glanced at Dakota with a hesitating comment. "Yup. She's our kid all right."
Instead, Dakota wasn't in the mood to lash out her battle-ready warrior glare. The blonde Skyguard just had a big grin on her face, braces blinding a band of Sirens collapsing with a deadly moan around a confused Alys. "Hell yeah she is!"
Drakowing Valley
"The Drakowing Rider is in Drakowing Valley…" Larendalle spoke, then halted to realize that she uttered the same word two times. "How shocking…"
"Should've been obvious." Eryeth flinged Ashrune around like Galen would do with his Oathbreaker. The two reached a mounted rock piercing skywards from the ground where Kendora stood, watching over the valley as if Garuga admitted his defeat there. "Eleanore, what happened?"
The famed princess suddenly became frustrated, cracking a tally mark on the stone in response to Ragnarok's swing. As said in the stats, it can immersley cut through anything, including concrete. "Oh give me a break! I was trying to save our family!"
"Calm the flowers down, Kendora…" Eryeth playfully punched her arm, "It's just a blooming jest!"
Eleanore replied by simply huffing. "So, any idea where he is?"
"Brooding on a mountain, I'm afraid." Larendalle helpfully answered, pointing her Diamond lance towards another enormous rock jutting out of the ground. "Hhh! There he is!"
The pointed end of the lance almost caught Kendora's brown hair tangled into a royal mess.
"Was that really necessary Dale?" the Great Shepherd/Princess sighed as she casually- strand by strand- undid the knots from the Mercenary's lance. Red blushed across her cheeks as Larendalle stuttered out an apology.
"Actually, yes." Alys smiled slyly, pointing to a nearby mountain, where a dark brown-haired man could be seen. "That's what he's actually doing."
"I'll get him!" Cillia called out, riding Shiida as the pegasus neighed and indignantly hoofed a storm of grass petals around them. The winged horse flew up to said mountain as the rest of them stood in silence, blinking in perplexity.
Larendalle broke the silence with a moody groan, "That guy needs a hobby."
"He appearantly sews with a mask on." Eleanore chuckled.
"He does, does he?" Larendalle's eyes suddenly twinkled at the appearance of this unknown recruiter. "Guess I know where to bring my clothes the next time I accidentally tear them."
"You called?" Ridgar asked, flying down to them. The drakowing he rode was huge, scary, and playful. Its glistening green scales glinted under the sunlight, making them look like roof palettes. A forking tongue of a loud screech barricaded their ears into more awkward silence. With one flap of his wings, Ridgar calmed the drakowing down, "Whoa there Kaldrak! Have some Gemoyotes for later! Right now, this is your valley and we have some company."
"What the… How'd you convince him, Sis?" Eleanore raised an eyebrow as Ridgar slid down the creature's wing.
"It's a long story." Larendalle sighed, hoping for any signs of Jade across the green plains.
"He's definitely Demiri's son." Sokara whispered to Marco. The dracoknight timidly agreed with a shake of his head.
"And Jade's too." Rubio whispered back, chuckling.
"I'm sorry. I didn't catch that. Would you mind repeating it?" The duo then turned to Jade, who had a devious grin, and wicked stare.
"Nothing! We said nothing!" Marco defended with a blush to his cheeks while Sokara shivered uncomfortably.
Desert Oasis near Port Wenox
"Of all the places Edelin chose… IT HAD TO BE A STUPID DESERT?!" Larendalle yelled, sand slapping her cheeks while the wind howled ominously west from Wenox.
"I highly doubt that the heat will hinder the pursuit of knowledge." Laurel adjusted her glasses as she pulled out an item Tome.
"Excuse me?"
"I think she means is, that a little heat wouldn't stop him." Gylex chuckled, spinning Gauwill like a basketball.
"Well, there is the fabled Solitary Village." Inari pointed out, creasing the map into two halves. "I'm betting that's the reason why he's 'ere."
"Inari! What was that about betting? That is not how one should act." Maline scolded out to her son who simply regretted his awful mistake.
"Take it easy, Twinkles. I'm sure he's just kidding…" Sobek defended while flicking Whippersnappers from his Talonstrike bow.
"Now, where is he?" Eleanore wondered, glancing around in search of the mage.
"Allow me…" Larendalle pushed Lunaria aside. The princess was able to hold her balance from the hideous push and closely listen in to Dale's strategy.
Larendalle then cleared her throat. "EDELIN! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! I'M SWEATING OUT HERE! YOU BETTER GET OUT SOON, OR I'LL USE YOUR HAT AS A TOWEL!"
As if to answer her question, a man with glasses, wearing a pointed mage hat appeared from the southwest village.
"I can't believe that actually worked." Eleanore stared in speechless awe.
"Astounding." Laurel removed her notepad, and began jotting down some notes. "The shrill sound of her voice was most effective. I must study it."
"Shall I lead you to him?" Eleanore kindly offered, a tear of embarrassment appeared static on her forehead.
"Just lead the way!" Gylex brightly answered. The trio then left to meet Edelin.
A/N: And done!
Sorry, I still have Galen and Egelard left. I kinda decided to leave them for last, since they're kinda long.
Also, some of the dialogue from Yiraloth's recruitment was recycled from Chapter 19.
Until Then, BYE!
39: Child Paralogue FinalA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the last part of the 'Child's Paralogue' Trilogy.
Yes, it's another filler. Sorry! You'll learn the reason why at the end.
Two Days Later
"Darn. There's still two more out there." Eleanore sighed, visibly annoyed at the list of checkmarks that scrathed her mind.
"We've looked everywhere." Reuben flipped through her notepad, ninching her eyebrows into a perplexed stare at the last two names tarnished across canary yellow. "Where else could they be?"
As if to answer by miracle, Rubio entered the tent AGAIN, this time gasping with great affliction towards his genius tactician mind.
"I've just received reports of a village ramshackled with sages are under attack." Marco informed, lightly gazing at the two women as if he found them alert from day one. "One of the helpers is a young man wearing black and yellow dragon scales, screaming about something called 'Oathbreaker…'"
"We have to go now! That's Galen!" Kendora left her breath wisping away as they rushed out of the tent in full distress.
Yes, still the same accompaniment like its sister paralogues.
Westray Village
"Hey Kendora," Koshka called out, spotting the swords princess standing a foot away from the visible village beyond the green plains hazed lightly with a layer of fog. "I'm just curious, since Sokara has two children, do I have any?"
"You have a son named Galen, although he's…" Eleanore started to explain, finding the question too substantial to answer, but was quickly cut off by Koshka's sudden gasp.
"Say no more! I want to see it for myself!" Koshka then rushed off excitedly towards the high Spantle Tor which landmarked the middle of the village.
While the bell rung to life with it's lively chimes, Eleanore sighed in relief while taking their duties casually easy, "Guess Aunt Stormfang will just have to find out himself…"
Later
"Ack! Can anyone help me?" Koshka yelled in distressed fear as sounds of Gaurang and a Bel Kolhardis axe thwacked against the ground in vicious warning. Sokara's little sister was helplessly cornered by two Myrmidions, ultimately wishing that she brought her Dawn Omega II lance with her.
"Halt Fiend! No one shall hurt the mother of the great Knight! Delyra 775!" A heroic and confident voice sounded behind the two enemies. They suddenly turned around in hot pursuit to cope with their new host while Koshka gazed at the lithe slim figure of her son.
Tufts of honey blonde hair stuffed underneath his Dragon Helmet, visible behind his neck and shoulders while black and yellow dragon scales as his fully fledged armor protected him from his enemies at all costs. Two Serkel rings, one for his cautiously alert ear and the other for his trusty blade, Oathbreaker. Unfortunately, the black dragon blade was minutely absent from his hand and instead decided to wield a White Diamond Sword secretly looted from a fallen Athecean guard. With all it's fame and glory throughout Fonaxe, the White Diamond Sword shook in urge and synced its power to his twitching right hand. He proudly called his Imaginary Friend with a puppy bark, feeling consent that Mr. Sword Twitch would also volunteer in his grand fights against his enemies.
It was no brainer that Galen then charged forward, Mr. Sword Twitch taking over his swing. Slashing both Myrmidions with ease never felt this satisfying to his heart currently fired up with justice.
"Hey, thanks a lot for the- OH MY!" Koshka suddenly yelled out in gasping horror.
The two second silence turned to perplexing gazes towards the outer area of the village where a young Shepherd mage stood, too small to have such a snotty head.
"Koshka! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Rikkert called out with Sokara following him just behind.
"Look at his arm!" Koshka's blue eyes widened as large as saucers, pointing at Galen's right arm.
Sleeve tucked away in embarrassment, the Mark of Solaris appeared on his arm as if it was a miracle wound, the triquetra radiating green in pleasure, "He has the Brand of the Exalt!"
"Whoops… Should've shown it to you earlier…" Galen sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, feeling helplessly embarrassed by his own mother.
Without warning, Koshka then locked Galen in a very tight hug, causing to knock over his dragon helmet in the process. "What a relief! I can finally proudly say that I am a Royal after all!"
"Wow… She's taking this family heritage way too seriously…" Rikkert softly whispered to himself, stroking the cover to his Rain of Despair tome as if he wanted to pry them apart using wind magic.
"Welcome to my world…" Sokara simply facepalmed while nodding his head from side to side.
Hurrah, the family just got larger by physical recruitment. It was no wonder Solaris was satisfied with the whole substantial happenings.
Meanwhile, Galen was still struggling to get away from his mother's anaconda of a hug. "Mother… please let go of me… I need to find the Legendary Blade known as Oathbreaker! It's right here in this very village!"
Unfortunately for him, the Myrmidion Knight was ignored as Koshka continued to hug her son.
At the corner of his eye, Galen could see Eryeth, Inari and Yiraloth snickering, later resulting into an arousing fit of laughter.
"This… is… so… embarrassing!" Galen hung his head in defeat, an anime tear of embarrassment held static against his forehead.
Kidnapper's Keep
"Now let's see, if I were Egelard, where would I be?" Eleanore mused herself out loud, climbing up the stairs to the castle that strikingly resembled the Ruins of Era.
"Probably crying in some corner somewhere." Larendalle 'answered', using her Diamond Lance to make the ice rocks stick up like fur on a Static Stormed horse.
"Was that really called for, Larendalle?" Eleanore scolded, feeling visibly annoyed by the Mercenary's flawing tone. It seems that Larendalle felt unhappy to recruit for their friends even if it was a Nerado scavenger hunt.
"Well it's true! Don't you remember that she also had this… something like a… split personality?" Now Larendalle was on the verge of embarrassment and total throughput of sarcasm lacing her 'Dakota like' tone.
"Really?" Cillia questioned with a dumbfounded glance. "I don't recall her ever having anything like that…"
Larendalle just facepalmed with an irritated sigh. "Are you daft?! You seriously don't have any memory of that? It occurred so much, that it was considered normal after a while."
"Ok!" Eleanore yelled for sheer attention. The others fell silent as if they were being treated in a classroom. "We are not here to argue… We are HERE to find Egelard. Now, where could she b-"
"Hey guys! Look what I found!" Reuben called out. With the tip of her archer's hat (Similar to Link's hat from Zelda) bobbing vertically in the dusty air, she spotted something visibly shining in twinkles, radiating its reflection as if they were SOS lights.
Held in her left hand was a silky ribbon weighing down the medallion with a bow and arrow embossed on the center. "Can I keep it? It looks so shiny!"
Suddenly, without warning, an unexplained twinkle from the dark followed by an arrow landing inches from her feet, struck the ground in speed, startling the shrieking Mystic Knight with an astonished jump.
"ICHOR AND THUNDER! UNHAND MY MEDALLION, AND GIVE IT BACK, YOU CUR! OR RISK GETTING SHOT BY ANOTHER ARROW!" The battle cry came from a girl with white hair, wearing a green female archer's outfit. The girl had an angered look on her face as she hooked an Ichond Aler bow behind her back, walking menacingly towards the group with a gruesome glare.
"Egelard! Calm down! It's us!" Reuben frantically yelled, squabbling hands in urge to hold onto either Kendora or Larendalle's head as plan B backup.
"FOOLISH HUMAN! YOUR WORDS WILL DO NO THING TO STO- Reuben?! Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!" Egelard suddenly fell to her knees, and apologized furiously.
"So that's what you meant by split personality." Cillia observed with an interested nod. Larendalle just facepalmed.
The atmosphere suddenly became darker. With thier gulps of fear sounding in front of the archer, Eleanore bravely stepped forward, a hint of bravery lacing her confident tone, "Excuse me, but who are you?"
Egelard suddenly reverted back to her 'Rage' personality. "I AM THE NIGHTMARE OF ALL FLYERS! I BRING DESTRUCTION TO THOSE WHO CAN'T REACH ME! I-"
"Just say it already, or risk getting hexed by me." Vivenne threatened, a Relium tome already in hand. Since when did the Crestan mage arrive with the Shepherd Children on their recruitment hunt? It was one mystery that Segarus was to solve without any lack of dead people or blood. Her voice was becoming scarier and scarier.
"I am your daughter Egelard…" the intrepid archer suddenly reverted back to her 'Calm' personality.
"Well, the army just got more interesting…" Sokara sarcastically commented out of the blue.
"YAY! More fun then!" Segarus joyfully threw his arms up while Argos, his spy crow flapped in disappointment above him.
"Oh gods…" Vivienne guessed that she was wrong for once.
!BONUS!
Underground Prison
"Ok! Seriously…" He started, startling everyone, especially the children, who were confident that another one of their allies would make it back alive.
"What is it Rubio?" Sokara asked, furrowing a brow of curiosity. Unfortunately for him, he was ignored as Marco turned his attention towards the children.
"What is it with you kids, and choosing to hide in abandoned places like these?" he argued while waving his hands as if all of the Shepherd Children belonged to him and a good rant to their ears felt like it was worth to do.
"It's the best place to hide father." Eryeth defended without a cause. The other children nodded in sheer agreement.
"Well, tell that to the Siren and enemy commanders we killed." Larendalle broke up the silence as if she just came back from training.
Elsewhere
"All right boys." Lorna turned to her group with a wickering smile. "This abandoned prison is ripe for the picking. Now… Start grabbing things, and let's get out of here."
Lorna's band of mercenaries simply agreed in unison, and began scouring the place, looting anything that could be of value.
At the corner of her eye, Lorna spotted Blaze's purple cloak. Simply smirking, she added with hiss of reminder, "And while you're at it, look for the little rat who managed to escape from us as well…"
Blaze immediately emerged from the pillar, feeling enraged from the insult. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A PIPSQUEAK SO SMALL, HE CAN SWIM IN A POT OF WATER, YOU JERK?!"
Lorna simply chuckled and gave out a nod to signal to her assassins. "There he is boys, after him!"
The thief immediately realized his mistake. "Aw, crap…"
Without hesitating, Blaze once again, darted off down the long stony hallways of the underground.
As luck would have it for the thief, the Shepherds heard his rant from a few miles away.
"Wait, that voice… could it be?" Eleanore began, the clink of armor halted the others to wonder about her curiosity.
If at least one child was recruited: (Galen takes priority.)
"Yup, there's no doubt about it…" Galen sarcastically pulled out Oathbreaker and swung it around before stabbing the ground with a sigh. "Y'll find another one wandering around Fonaxe before Sargon takes it in as a valuable piece of his army."
"There's only one person who could make a shriek that loud… especially if it's about his height…" Reuben added with a perplexed tone.
After a while
'Finally safe. Now, if I can just…' Blaze's breathing slowly softened as he found a clear path towards the exit. Unfortunately, the extended cylinder of light shrinked into an extended beam as shadows suddenly took form of a bulky brute. Glancing up with a nervous smile, Blaze realized he suddenly bumped into an enemy General.
"Finally found ya!" The General grinned, holding the Sol wielder up by the back of his robe. "Lady Lorna, I finally found the little boy. Bwahahaha!"
The General suddenly felt a swift kick to his face. "DON'T CALL ME LITTLE, YOU JERK!"
Dropped to the ground with a staunch landing pose, Blaze then finished the General with a slash on his exposed arm.
"Blaze!" A voice echoed out of the exit.
Turning towards the sound with curiosity, he found the Shepherds standing on the highledge of the dragon topknots jutted from the Divine Dragon Grounds.
"Kendora? OVER HERE!" Blaze called out with an excited yell.
Eleanore eventually found him, with Aerin, Sokara and Marco behind her, the four walking around the topknots to meet them on foot. "There you are."
"Hey thanks Lun-" Blaze asked with joy, then halted dead in his tracks when he saw Aerin with an un-recognized glare. "Is that Mother?"
'Wow… He IS a bit on the short side.' Rubio thought to himself.
Blaze shot a murderous gaze to Rubio. "WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT ME BEING SHORT?!"
His yell echoed throughout the entire Grounds, shocking everyone present, including the red aura lines that flared through the topknots in astonishing distress.
"How the heck did he hear that?" the dracoknight questioned in disbelief. "I thought it…"
Eleanore simply chuckled nervously to get things moving along. "Well, when you're sensitive about your height, you can hear thought…"
Lunaria finished, by putting her two pointers together.
Blaze just glared in disappointment at the brown-haired princess.
A/N: And done!
Yep! I actually put Galen and Egelard's paralogues in another chapter as a way to hide Blaze's paralogue.
Before you flip out on me, I know I introduced Blaze after the main story, shut up! This is an 'If Blaze and Aerin were actual characters, and not just OCs'.
Also, I must apologize. I'm just having a REALLY hard time writing up the next chapter. Hopefully, by the end of this week or next week, the real chapter will come out.
Until then BYE!
40: ReasonsHello everybody!
After suffering a MAJOR writer's block, I'm happy to announce, that I can finally continue the main story!
Also, the end note will contain something important.
The room that the four entered was not like any room that they've ever used for confrontations and meetings.
In the center of the room was a table made of pure marble, approximately 9 ft long, 45 inches wide; standing at least 2 ft tall. It was decorated with a simple, dark red tablecloth with gold lining. Surprisingly, despite the room containing a table, no chairs were visible.
Two Generals and an Assassin were the only people present.
The back of the room had a pair of stained glass mosaic windows, both depicting a similar design, minus the fact that they're mirrored images of each other: A medieval lion.
"Glad to see you could make it, my dear Exalt." A voice seductively purred out, catching the attention of the four.
Suddenly, without warning, a bluish-white portal appeared on the ground, while being accompanied by sparks of light, as a trio of white rings descends to the circle, bringing with them Queen Rayne, who was wearing her battle outfit: The same outfit that she used against her battle against Rubio back in Arena Kagia. The only difference, was that she wasn't wearing her crown, nor a horned headpiece, allowing her golden-brown hair to flow freely.
"I was afraid you might not make it." Her voice was calm, yet sounded seductive during some parts.
"I'm afraid we didn't come here for an attendance check." Sokara began, trying his best not to fall into Rubio's rage persona. "We are here to discuss with you about something."
"Very well Exalt." Rayne then made a small gesture with her right ice blue gloved hand. After a flash of light, chairs began to materialize in a flurry of cold sparks. "How about we take a seat? After all, we shouldn't discuss while standing up now, should we?"
Each chair was made of pure mahogany, with maroon seat and back cushions embroidered with the same medieval lion that was seen on the windows.
"Now then Exalt." Rayne began was she and the others had already taken their seat. "What is it that you would like to discuss with me?"
An odd silence dispersed around her guests as a glance of consideration kindly waited for a reply.
Before Sokara could begin, Marco once again, interjected with a direct sober hiss at the queen. "I think you know very damn well why we're here. We're here because you apparently created a new version of Garuga."
With Sokara's hands lightly pushing him back to his seat, Rubio's voice was getting fiercer and fiercer. "We want to know how and why you would recreate the same monstrosity that had once plagued our lands."
Thankfully, Dawnbreaker was not concealed in front of the queen's calm vision.
Rayne just chuckled after hearing the reason why. "It seems that playing the game would no longer work. Very well, I shall tell all."
A brief pause spiraled around them. The wall mounted clock in Seivati numerals softly timed the tranquility before the Solarian queen briefly exhaled in sole reasoning.
"I wasn't able to create Garuga myself. However, it was made with the help of scientists from Krolis. Science here in Solaria is more advanced than both Akardos and Fonaxe."
"One of our research teams held an expedition to Garuga's skeleton in Gudora. The reason why was to simply study the Titan Hydra that once plagued the lands. During the expedition, it was discovered that the bones still contained some… how can I say… salvageable parts of it."
"Once a few samples were brought back, they began working on ways to resurrect the dragon back to it's flesh and ichor state without even including the Titan armor you faced the second time. Unfortunately, the specimen lacked gaps, so they had to be filled up. To work a way around this, they filled the gaps using specimens from fallen Roskinsians. Despite all these, there were still some gaps that needed to be filled. After some more research, it was discovered that it needed one more thing: Ichor. We managed to find a ichor source from its supposed vessel: you, my dear Marco."
"And to obtain it, you needed to have a direct confrontation with me." Rubio began, almond eyes drilling aggressively into light brown. "Which means that the fight we had months ago-."
"-Was a failed attempt, since the Exalt managed to interfere before one of my Thieves could obtain a sample." Rayne stated with rude sincerity.
One of the guards switched poses from holding his Hatchet Lance too long and decided to rest it against the wall. Rayne, noticing the rash rules of royal guarding, ordered him to resume clinging the lance against himself. A gulp of excuse would surely sentence him to punishment if there was disobedience present around the castle.
"Sorry for the interruption but my guards seem to lack siesta the past few weeks. Does your fine tactician here have something to add?"
"No milady." Sokara nodded in hesitancy, trying his best to be on the same page as Rayne's seductive mood. He returned to the topic, "The Assassin raid the week after, where Marco obtained his scar…"
"Was when we managed to obtain the ichor sample we needed." Rayne confirmed while eyeing Rubio glaring at her in smothering fierceness.
Sokara's trusty tactician could not converge the queen's words of nonsense propaganda. Veins rippled across his forehead as he balled his hands in steaming rage. Teeth gritted in near crack crisis while almond brown venomously leered at her soul.
The dracoknight suddenly slammed his fists on the table, creating an efficient crack in the marble stone. "Damn it! What the hell were you thinking, trying to resurrect that… that… THING?!"
Without warning, the tactician suddenly unsheathed his Dawnbreaker, causing the Generals and the Assassin to unsheathe their own weapons.
Meanwhile
"Wonder what's taking them so long…" Koshka sighed dejectedly as she polished her Spring healing staff, eyeing curiously at bystanders passing by the castle.
"Ah, they're probably just having a very long confrontation. Don't have to worry about them like its hell y'know." Dakota stated in her usual uncaring tone, being careful not to strike lightning on someone innocent among the crowd.
"Hmph. Whatever the cause, they'd better not be doing anything foolish." Lansu just huffed while keeping his eloquent gaze at the door.
After a few seconds, a group of Assassins suddenly appeared before the Shepherds, making a surprise visit from behind.
"What the hell do you bastards want?" Dakota unsheathed her Thunderstorm Lance, unaware of their weapons as Sol and Keris daggers locked onto their tricky hands.
Without even replying, one of the groups of Assassins just threw a batch of smoke balls in close proximity to where the Shepherds innocently stood.
"What in the-" Dakota never finished her sentence, as drowsy swirls spun around her head.
"What's going o-" Kelli too was getting dizzy by the disturbing scent of sulfur tickling their noses to sleep.
One by one, each of the Shepherds suddenly collapsed. The last one to collapse was Blaze as he began to lose consciousness. His slit eyelids could see that the Assassins were wearing masks, and began approaching each of the fallen Shepherds and mounts.
"Gods… This… can't be…" were the last words Blaze could muster before he too blacked-out.
"Marco, what the hell are you doing?!" Sokara was once again panicking. The exalt never sweated out of sheer fear of horror lacing his heart. This must have been his first time that Rubio was on the verge of flaming the whole castle apart after Rayne and her commandres.
"I'm gonna end the cause of all this right here and now!" Rubio snarled aggressively. The Dawnbreaker was still pointed to Rayne's face. His fingers were already on the trigger of the blade, ready to end her death.
"Really now? You've asked two questions, yet, I've only answered one of them. Wouldn't you want to know the reason as to why I had Garuga resurrected?" Rayne stifled out a chuckle as the two of them felt suddenly bewildered.
"I don't need to know the reason." Marco firmly warned. "After all, it's pretty much obvious at this point… You're doing this to do what Krotos and Garuga were trying to do seven years ago: You want to end us, and bring the world to ruin."
Rayne rolled her eyes sarcastically as an soft laugh escaped her throat, "Oh, how I hate it when they already figure it out, before I even had the chance to say it. It's such a shame really."
"Just as I suspected…" the door to the meeting room interrupted the group as a Guardian Dueler broke in while holding Knightfall against many Hatchet lances in sight.
Sokara then turned to Demiri in surprise and orders. "Demiri, you and Aerin head back to camp. Warn everyone of this right now."
"I'm afraid that won't be necessary." Rayne stated. Right out of the open vault and laced around her ice blue gloved fingers was her trusty lance forged from one of Garuga's fangs. The tip suddenly began to glow a bright white as if Solaris created a false miracle to save them from this ultimate mess.
Rubio, Sokara, Demiri and Aerin suddenly felt stiff.
Ragnarok, Dawnbreaker, Knightfall, and Rigormortis suddenly clanged to the ground in prevention of any fights.
Their limbs suddenly began to fade.
"Stormfang!" Demiri tried to limp to Sokara, but he couldn't move even if the slightest effort was strongly put though.
"Agh!" To them, their limbs disappearing was like being amputated after gruesome war.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Sokara yelled out in frustration, arm trying to reach for his Ragnarok, but the Great Bear Sword decided to disconnect it's proximity from it's chosen wielder. Rather odd in this kind of distressing situation, the bear hilts were glowing red! It was as if Solaris was trying to pressure depravity on poor Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds!
Aerin gave up on her axe while Demiri still struggled to reach Sokara from the feeling of separating themselves.
The one who entirely could not handle the static torture was Marco Rubio. Teeth gritted in difficulty while his forehead was in need of towels right now, he tried to place his hand on one of his tomes pocketed deep into his tactician robe but the effect of the static prevention rivaled his maximum body strength to even catch a dust particle out of the blue.
"You said you wanted to see your comrades right?" Rayne sarcastically asked with false concern. "I'm simply bringing you to them myself."
"DAMN YOU!" Rubio's scream tore through the room, causing his friends to listen in by force while the queen enjoyed her entertainment.
After a few more seconds of agonizing pain, the four finally disappeared. Inhaling the silence except for the wall mounted clock ticking in repetitive clicks, Rayne then gestured to the Generals and the Assassins.
"Now then, shall we head on off to the mainland?"
The trio nodded, as they followed her out.
"Queen Rayne, where are Sokara and the others?" Giya demanded in worry as the royal retainer arrived back in. She received no response whatsoever. Instead, she faced an empty throne. A chilling sensation ran down her heart as she pulled out Espada. But the blade was absent from her back as her breathing steadied into heavy fear. Stepping backwards, she felt someone tap on her shoulder.
Turning around, she found a Solarian Assassin playfully swinging Espada around.
"Oh, don't worry…" He reassured with a wicked smile. "They were sent back to their comrades."
Too be continued…
A/N: And we're clear!
Oh yes, s*** is about to get serious now!
Now, as for the important thing I said. I was thinking of making either a prologue to the series (basically the main game of Legends Awakening with a few of the dialogue changed), or a side series. I've put a poll as to which of the two you want, or do you think the story is good (or bad) enough, therefore neither are necessary. I'll announce the results when the story ends. If there are no votes, then obviously I won't make it.
Of course, the characters are not dead. They're still alive. You'll find out what happened to them Next chapter.
Thank-you all for reading, and I will see you in the next chapter… BYE!
41: Labyrinth PrisonA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
Well… that's it. Nothing much to really say anyway, so… here we go!
After what felt like hours of stiff hard necked movement, Rubio finally regained consciousness and mobility.
As vision slowly came back, Marco realized that he had woken up in a shivering pitch-black room. Well, not really pitch-black, considering that there was a tiny wall mounted torch into the distance, but it didn't really help much as it barely lit his surroundings.
"Sokara! Demiri! Aerin!" Marco tried calling out to them, but not receiving any answer except for his own voice that echoed back in solemn grief. "Hello?!"
Still no answer through out the cold crisp air.
Knowing very well that he couldn't stay where he was, Rubio decided to search the area but not before lighting up a small flame with his Arcane Tome. What was he using to hold the fire you ask? With his glove.
After a couple of minutes have passed, Marco was beginning to suspect that he wasn't alone. His theory was proven correct however, as he heard a familiar moan.
Being lit by his small flame was an ordinary Siren limping his way, but not the ordinary Siren that Marco encountered many years ago. This Siren was female, but had a familiar looking face that instantly brought horror to the Tactician's face… Kelli's face.
"Kelli… What the hell did they do to you?!" Rubio was practically paralyzed with fear, as his mind began to race, thinking on what horror that Kelli, along with the rest of the Shepherds had faced while they were absent.
As soon as Siren-Kelli began to swing her Nightbane sword, a voice was heard, interrupting the strike echoing through the walls.
"Your end has come!" A glowing, golden blade suddenly emerged from the darkness, slicing Siren-Kelli's waist. Once dissipated into the stony floor, Rubio looked up to his panting saviour. It was Sokara, his chestnut eyes sober with a dull stare.
"Marco! Come with me now! Follow Ragnarok's glow!" Before Rubio could question about the Shepherds, Sokara ordered as he quickly grabbed the tactician's hand and towed him away in hot pursuit. "There are more coming, so you'd better hurry."
Without even having a second thought, Rubio immediately followed the exalt.
The stone floor didn't even give any chance to change in texture as the two of them aimlessly ran through the dark, save for Ragnarok being a good substitution for a handy flashlight.
"Sokara." Marco spluttered in puzzled exhales. "What the hell's going on?! Was that really Kelli? Where are we?"
"It's not her, Marco." Sokara replied while signaling the tactician to raise his Arcane tome in view. One swing from Ragnarok got the remaining torches to guide their way. "For some reason, the Sirens lurking in this area resemble those closest to you. How? I don't even know. As for your question on where we are, I've no idea. I thought this was a prison, but it doesn't look or seem like this is the best way to strike them in sight. We just have to keep going."
The dracoknight simply nodded in response.
After a few more minutes, Sokara and Marco ended up in a dead end. A rigid gray wall stared back at them, some of the bricks sticking out as if Solaris presented them with an alternate clue to exit. Both of them failed to notice that this hall had a glowing pedestal that dimly radiated in far proximity to where they stood.
"Damn." Sokara cursed while slashing Ragnarok against the wall. "Dead end…"
As if to worsen their luck, more moans and groans were attracted to the Shing! sounded from the blade. This time, the Sirens resembled Vigur, Ascald, Sobek and Sevalia.
Thinking fast, Rubio turned to Sokara. "Stormfang. We need to step on the Pedestal. I get the feeling that it'll take us somewhere."
Rarely did Rubio call him by his surname as only Demiri does, the exalt found it rather odd of the dracoknight to be addressing him by that title. Not wanting to face the Sirens, Sokara side glanced and in a sweep of his vision, he spotted the glowing pedestal.
"C'mon. The faster we get out of here, the better for them to get locked behind." Sokara yanked the yelping dracoknight's hand as they both stepped onto the pedestal. After a second, the two were suddenly surrounded by a glowing light, which quickly teleported them to the other side of the wall.
The room they were teleported to was a room that somewhat resembled a horse stable that could've been used as a restroom, considering the disturbing smell that wafted from the sides.
"Gods, we should've stayed and fought the Sirens instead..." Sokara lightly complained, pinching his nose while using his right hand as a fan. Though it was useless, the odor was too strong to go through their hands and into their nostrils.
"Well, there's a hidden door slab anyway, so we don't have to last long here either." Marco brightly snapped his finger as he walked towards the door, opening it to reveal a semi-lit pathway. Finding his tactician better than a genius bloodhound, Sokara quickly ran out the room while Rubio followed, failing to keep laughter in.
As the two inhaled the cold air of silence while walking down the pathway, another voice called out to them. "Stormfang! Marco! Over here. Just a little further."
"Demiri! We're on our way!" Both Sokara and Marco ran towards the origin of Demiri's call, which came from a room that contained the rest of the Shepherds.
"Demiri! Everyone! Thank the gods you're all safe." Sokara then sat himself on the ground, feeling exhausted from escaping on foot with his buddy. "Demiri, how'd you get here anyway?"
"Well Stormfang…"
Flashback start
"Lady Aerin, are you alright?" Demiri asked in concern as he slowly grasped Aerin's waist to make her stand up.
"Not to worry Demiri, and please just call me Aerin. I never really liked the whole 'Lady' title." Feeling a little light headed, Aerin regained her strength as she reassured with a kind hearted smile. "I'm ok. See? Not a scratch on me."
Aerin then did a small twirl to show that she had no physical injury or wound, save for a few tears on her dress, and some dirt on her limbs.
"Right… Very well then." Demiri wasn't really convinced but didn't bother with it, as there were more important things to take care of.
"Where are we anyway?" the Guardian Dueler asked in hurry, as he looked around the room they ended up in.
"We're in Castle Solaria prison." Aerin replied, using the Ruby orb from her Rigormortis axe to bounce like a laser light against the walls.
"What? It doesn't really resemble any prison I'm used to." Demiri felt himself stung with panic and guilt as his vision dashed to the dancing laser from her axe.
Red. A solitary color bound to attract Sirens very easily. A grief mistake that's very well unaware of Aerin's tactics of guiding herself and Demiri through the walls of the prison.
"Oh, it is. You see, unlike most prisons, Solaria prison is built like a labyrinth. Some areas are pitch-black, while some are only partially lit. The reason for this is so that the prisoners here will be forced to live in conditions where little to no light is available." Aerin explained, dashing towards the laser's light of accommodation. Demiri wondered about, still trying to find a way around the poorly-lit area, even though he was completely aware of Aerin's laser.
"Another feature they added here is that like a labyrinth, there are various creatures lurking around here… namely Sirens." The red dot halted at the side walls where Aerin slowed down from her breakneck flight through the halls and felt miffed about their mistake.
The mention of the word "Sirens" was enough to make Demiri freeze, staring motionlessly at the static red dot, "Wait, did you say Sirens?"
"Yes I did." Aerin replied, not realizing that saying the word 'Sirens' was pretty much a sin to Demiri… Actually, most of the Shepherds now that I think about it…
"However, we must be cautious… These Sirens aren't exactly like the ones you're used to, as they have the special ability to mimic the look of those closest to you, just by your scent. Luckily, they only patrol around certain areas."
Demiri's mind flew into a storm of puzzling awe towards Aerin's well educated topic on their enemies, "How exactly do you know all this?"
"My grandfather was once imprisoned here for theft a couple of years ago." She softly spoke, but just loud enough for Demiri to hear. Turning towards him with the kind brown eyes, a warm smile soothed his heart, "That's how I know all this. He would always mention on how he would see me and my mother roaming down the halls, only to realize that they're actually Sirens."
Aerin paused for a brief moment before letting hesitancy rush through her body like lightning.
"To think that he spent the first few years of my childhood here, and witnessing all that. You could really see the look of torture on his face when he was finally released after almost ten years." A tear started to fall, but Aerin prevented herself from falling into sorrow.
"I had no idea… Please, forgive me for asking such a thing." Demiri lessened his repentance of asking questions and stood up to retrieve her axe.
Aerin simply smiled, as she grabbed Rigormortis from a kind Demiri and started walking towards one of the pathways.
"Now then… Demiri." Aerin called to the Guardian Dueler. "I believe it's about time that we head off and find the others- as well as Sokara and Marco in the process. Though, I feel it would be best if I lead the way, don't you agree?"
Demiri simply nodded in assurance, and followed Aerin towards the same dead end that Sokara and Rubio were to be trapped a few minutes ahead.
After a while, Aerin and Demiri came upon a glowing pedestal. At first, Aerin actually forgot what it was, but smiled upon remembering it.
"Demiri, step on the pedestal with me." Aerin ordered, the Guardian Dueler flinched in nervousness.
"Um… very well…" Demiri hesitantly stepped on the pedestal the same time Aerin did. Once they both stood still, the same glowing light Sokara and Rubio witnessed surrounded them, and they were instantly transported to a new room.
"By Solaris, what on earth was that?" Demiri was dizzy and felt nauseous from the two second ride.
"It's a transport pedestal. The guards used it to safely travel across areas without going through the labyrinth and facing the Sirens. Shall we continue?"
After a few more twist and turns, as well as more transport pedestals, they finally reached a room which led to where the rest of the Shepherds were.
A couple of moans were short enough to take the Sirens down faster than Koshka knitting up her first 'cloth armor'.
"Demiri!" Corasta called out in joy as hugs were perused between the two. "Thank Solaris the two of you are safe!"
"Lady Corasta! Has Sokara and Marco arrived yet?" Demiri exhaled as they soon let go of each other.
"Unfortunately no…" Koshka started with worry as silence spiraled the 5 second tranquility. "We haven't seen them yet. Oh, where could they be?"
"Mother!" Blaze called out in sheer excitement as he rushed to Aerin with a full fledged hug. Not as torturous as Koshka did with Galen but similar.
"Father…" Ridgar called out in revilement, while still keeping his monotonous tone. A hug of clinking armour lasted five seconds before a short Pegasus Knight bounded over in jovial gasps.
"Demiri. Thank goodness you're safe." Jade murmured into his arms as she approached her husband. "Oh my, look at yourself. Your armor is all dirty, and you have bruises all over yourself."
Jade then gestured to the Kagian cleric who was busy combining Wolf Saffron and Glowing Pine with a vile. "Euriki dear, I hope I'm not interrupting but could you please take care of Demiri and Aerin's wounds?"
Without hesitation, Euriki approached the duo, Mend Staff at ready.
"Oh… where could they be?" Kelli softly spoke to herself with worrying tears slowly running down her cheeks. She was staring at the empty passage before her. "Sokara… Marco… Please stay safe."
"Father…" Eryeth and Reuben finished thier line as if they just lost him in a Siren attack.
Flashback end
A/N: And we're clear!
*Whew!* that took long enough.
I am so sorry for the delay. I had to constantly rewrite this chapter, as some parts felt of, and/or were just plain terrible.
Yeah, I kinda skipped out the last part. If I did, it'd just end up being nonsensical crap, so I just sped it up.
Anyways, thanks so much for being patient, and I'll see you next chapter! BYE!
42: Jail Break!A/N: Hello everybody!
Once again welcome to the newest chapter!
Anyways, I've got nothing better to say, so let's get going!
"There's got to be a way out of here somehow." Rubio spoke, as he walked around the cell, hoping to find some sort of door. The re-union of the Shepherds was gladly outlived with another dead end.
Hurrah for Solaria's complicated dungeons created by a crafty Siren architect.
"Marco, you've circled the entire cell about ten times now and haven't seen anything that would resemble a door." Sokara soberly reminded him with a dumbfounded glare. "I doubt you'll find an entrance after your eleventh try."
"Shut it Sokara." An obviously frustrated Rubio pounded the hilt of his Dawnbreaker against the rough bricks of the sturdy wall. "There has to be a way out. There always is."
"DAMN IT!" Marco's yell of frustration echoed through the cell, the guards standing outside could have sworn that it might have been a crazy Siren who failed to fit into life. Growing impatient, he slashed the wall with his Dawn Divinity blade. "Isn't. There. Any. Damn. Exit… ANYWHERE?!"
*Click*
*Bang!*
*Fwoosh*
What sounds were those you ask?
Why, only Rubio being frustrated enough to use his Dawnbreaker's shooting ability to try to burn down the wall.
"DAMN IT!" The cursing meant that the dracoknight failed miserably and sat down after the exhausting work of effacing a wall open.
"Marco…" Jade started in annoyance as she placed a hand on the tactician, face buried in his hands of failure.
"What…" *SMACK!* Rubio suddenly found himself on the receiving end of the Pegasus Knights's slap. "ACK! What the hell was that for?!"
"Is this really how you're going to act just because you can't find a way out?!" Jade scolded in a mid level tone, catching the attention of the others. "The Marco I remembered those many years ago, wouldn't let even the smallest of problems get to him."
Rubio tried protesting… emphasis on TRIED, but Jade cut him off with her signature 'Death Glare'. "If you're saying what I think you were gonna say, then you are wrong. After all, the old Marco would've looked a bit harder."
Jade then started walking back to Kaldrak, the drakowing glancing sympathetically at him. "I hope that whatever I said, would at least knock some sense into you…"
Rubio just huffed, but took Jade's words into account. He then glanced around at the ceiling.
After a while, Marco spotted an indent on the wall. After zooming in a bit closer, he then realized it was a rusted vent.
A vent large enough to fit a human.
"THAT'S IT!" the dracoknight crossly proclaimed, catching the attention of the others.
"Marco! What? What did you see?" Sokara whipped around to find his tactician smiling slyly towards the upper right corner of the wall.
"Our grand miracle to home." Marco finished with sarcasm and joy lacing at the end of his sentence. "That vent is large enough to fit one of us. But who can I send?"
Seconds Later
"Ok, can anyone tell me why out of all of the people here, I'm the one who has to explore the this tiny tunnel?" Blaze asked through frustration as he crawled his way through the vent.
"You're the only one small enough to fit in there." Rubio responded, while glancing timidly through the dark hole from the Shepherds' side.
"What about Oriel? She's smaller than me!" the scanty echo countered back. Blaze was obviously trying his best to get out of the situation.
"Oriel has the tendency to transform into a dragon, even without the use of a Drakostone. Plus, you're the only one of the children fit enough for the ability to 'Locktouch'. "
"That is complete bull-"
"Excuse-me!" Aerin interrupted while climbing next to Rubio. "Blaze! Who taught you that kind of language?!"
Her harsh complaint caught Blaze's mind spiraling into an ear bleed.
"SORRY!" the thief apologized with a blunt manner of sarcasm before continuing on.
Minutes Later
"This is so stupid…" Blaze grumbled to himself, thinking of taking a rest (while trying his best) not to breathe into the awful stench collected from all of the cells. "I have to crawl all the way here just to find an exit, and unlock the door. Then again, it is for a good cause. So, I guess I should be thankful that I'm small enough to fit through here."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"AAGGGHH! DID I JUST CALL MYSELF SMALL?! DAMN IT!"
Some Time Later
"Gods. How long is this vent anyway? I've been crawling here for minutes now. Where's that darn exit?!" Blaze softly complained to himself. Since he took a short break in the middle, he continued a few meters ahead until he spotted some light arranged horizontally between the shafts. "FINALLY!"
Once he got there, Blaze hastily unscrewed the vent's screws, and finally crawled out, only to realize that the drop was nearly twenty-feet long. Luckily for him, he was able to grasp one of the indents on the wall, allowing him to safely drop to the ground.
"Ugh… my clothes…" Blaze grumbled, as he saw that his clothes were smeared with dirt while his hands had some bits of rusty stain on them, most likely from the screws he removed.
"Now then... to open the cell. Let's see, I came from that direction, so I should just go back there." Blaze then set himself in a light jog towards his destination.
Meanwhile Back in the Cell
"You think he's ok?" Sokara asked in concern while halting his paces around the floor.
"I hope he is. There's no telling what's on the other side." Rubio sighed in deep resentment as he resumed his pacing.
It was only 20 minutes after they sent Blaze through the vent and they found no sign of the thief returning with a prized item from the building.
A key to all of the cells.
"Well, he only has to find a bulge near the walls." Aerin added with kindness, causing Marco and Sokara to glance at her with raised perplexed eyebrows.
Aerin took notice, and began explaining without falling into embarrassment. "Oh, I forgot to mention… Doors can only be seen and opened from the outside. All Blaze has to do is find a bulge resembling a door."
*Cue a comical scene where both Sokara and Rubio suddenly turn to stone, with a small crack forming on their head.*
Back to Blaze
Remembering that Sirens could be prowling about, Blaze decided to travel by using the platforms that were hanging above. How odd that the platforms were coincidentally constructed like that. Almost as if it came out from another universe or something… Oh well!
Good thing too, considering that a few Sirens were doing exactly what Blaze predicted. He made a mental note to remind Sokara and the others about it… If he could survive that is.
As he was making his fourth jump, he lost his grip and fell to the ground, attracting the attention of five Sirens maybe? (A/N: I don't know. I didn't count!)
As Aerin stated, the five Sirens then began to morph shape into something grotesque. To Blaze's horror, they finished transforming to Eleanore, Marco, Aerin, his grandmother, and great-grandfather.
"Oh gods…" Normally, Blaze would've unsheathed his Sol blade, and Slice n' Dice the Sirens. This time however, Blaze was paralyzed with fear. How could things like these even exist was the question that was racing through his mind.
'Mother wasn't kidding when she said this to us back in the cell.' It was at that moment that SKendora swung her blade, which Blaze barely dodged. He sustained a small gash across his right arm but was satisfied to see part of his sleeve hanging loose from his robe.
"I gotta get back, and unlock the door. FAST!" Blaze quickly got up to his feet, and rushed off, leaving SKendora moaning for him to come back.
After a few minutes of rushing while still being pursued by the Sirens, Blaze eventually came up against a large bulge on a wall. As he rushed closer, the bulge resembled more of a door, and next to it was a lock mechanism.
'That must be it then. But first, I have to get rid of them, but how? I got an idea…'
Blaze then grabbed hold of the bulge, and threw himself up. Before he did however, he dug into his sash, revealing a smoke bomb.
"Hey, you foul moaning lumps of the undead! Wanna piece of me? Eat this!" With the ball starting to sizzle after a good shake, Blaze then lobbed the ball like a baseball pitcher, causing the puff of smoke to leak explosively as soon as it bombarded the ground. To his luck, the Sirens got caught in the smoke and began to cough with great difficulty.
'Can't believe that actually worked. Now, to dispose of them!'
Blaze then silently leaped to the ground. Despite the cold hearted walls being very few with dimming torches, Blaze could still make up the shapes of the Sirens. Once he spotted all of them, he immediately unsheathed Sol, and proceeded to slash them.
Once the smoke had dispersed, all the Sirens that were there have now disintegrated into the floor.
"Alright! Feeling good!" Blaze celebrated by doing a backflip, then threw his sword in the air, before he caught it, and sheathed it again.
"Good to know that you've made it back in one piece." A voice called out from behind the bulge. Blaze glanced back to see Sokara's unsatisfied face.
"Now, if you're done celebrating, mind unlocking the door, and getting us out now?" Marco kindly bothered.
"Oh, right… sorry!" the thief ran an anime tear of embarrassment down his forehead before kneeling down to level his sight with the lock.
As Blaze studied the lock mechanism, he chuckled as to how easy it was to unlock. After fiddling with the switches for a few seconds, the bulge slowly creaked open, revealing the locked Sheep in there.
"All right." Sokara started as he neared towards Blaze. Ragnarok sheathed out, the thief wondered how that would have been his first place prize if he was listed with a weapon of choice. "Now that we've gotten out of there, let's go Shepherds. We have some unfinished business left to take care of."
But seeing how red and white matched his style of play, Blaze realized the dragon wing shaped sword has chosen him in lead role of the thief class.
Without any further silence, the exalt signaled their final escape, "Now, let's move!"
As the Shepherds finally stepped into the light, whistles and dances of joy caused the group to have a tiny re-union. But it didn't last long as they were completely unaware of a figure was watching them from one of the higher platforms.
Hidden by the diverse foilage of greenery, the mysterious female decided to spy on them, feeling unrelieved to see Giya joining them as well.
"So, they did get out after all? I must say, they truly are something else." The figure then stealthily left while the skies slowly turned ichor orange.
A/N: And done!
Here we are! Nearing the end, although there are still a few more chapters in the works.
FMA reference alert! Can you spot it?
Who's the mysterious figure you ask? I dunno! Find out in future chapters.
Anyways, I've got nothing to explain here, so I'll see you all next chapter! BYE!
43: Special! Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!A/N: Hello everybody!
Happy Easter! (Not really...)
I must apologize for this chapter, as it's another filler chapter. BOOOO!
For this filler, we've hadn't had a 'Tactician's Guide to Shepherds' in a while. You know, those little things at the end of some chapters.
So, in celebration of Easter, here's my present to you all!
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
After the death of Mad King Garea
"Marco." Sokara started thoughtfully while swaying his glass of Delyran wine around in a white grape whirlpool. "Since we've defeated Garea, I was thinking that it's about time that I got married."
"That's great Sokara. Who's the lucky woman?" Rubio asked with a chuckle as he poured over some paperwork. No more homework for him due to the amount of Sirens appearing throughout Akardos. Instead, the dracoknight has been re-arranging some important documents for Locktouch Supports neatly settled on the exalt's cherry desk.
"I was thinking about marrying Kelli." Stormfang replied with a sarcastic tone to confirm his decision. As soon as he finished, he was suddenly hit on the head by a speeding quill. "Ack! What was that for?!"
Nursing his sore forehead, Sokara countered back in demanding perplexion as Rubio brought up a sober glare towards his royal friend.
"Take a look at this." Marco hissed while sliding one of the Support papers towards Sokara, which displayed all Shepherds with arrows connecting to each other, along with either "C", "B" or "A".
Sokara sported an "A" with Corasta, "B" with Maline, "C" with Dakota, while Kelli's was empty.
"What the hell is this?!" the exalt meekly squeaked in sheer surprise and demand as his chestnut eyes drilled in dissatisfaction into the empty box.
Marco swore at any moment that white leaf was going to stick to Sokara's face like sarinade glue.
"This shows on how much we get along with each other." Rubio explained brightly, feeling necessarily scanty to not fall into his rage mood like Egelard. "As you can see, You get along the most with Corasta. So, if you want to marry and have a happily ever after life, then it has to be Corasta!"
Sokara immediately ripped the paper off of his face, revealing a death glare similar to Jade's. "That's preposterous! I can marry whoever I want!"
"Sokara." Marco started calmly while feeling hesitant. "You and I have met Kelli just two days ago. You've only spoken to her once, and that was when she danced in order for you to get closer to Garea. Also, of all the aforementioned girls, who was the one who A. Rescued you from the Kagian Patrol, and B. Actually looked for you once we finally killed Garea?"
"Now that you mentioned it, I have grown quite fond of Corasta. Very well then…" Sokara gave up with a tiring sigh and stood up from his office chair, leaving the navy blue leather to spin like a malfunctioned merry go round. "I shall ask Corasta for her hand in marriage."
Sokara then left the office with the paper still glued to his pissed off face.
Marco on the other hand, was wearing a satisfied look on his smile. "Heh heh heh… Looks like 'Call me Maybe' won't be existing in my file after all."
Pulling out an extra copy of the paper that Sokara took with him in silent frustration, Rubio then slyly crossed out Kelli's face from Sokara's supports.
TGtS!
"Hey, look over there." Sokara began in unfamiliar gazes, pointing to an army that was walking about the Crodantian plain near the North Road. "What do you suggest we do?"
"Shall I scout the area Stormfang?" Demiri kindly offered, sliding off of Taragon to get a better view. The horse simply respected his owner's farewell from it's muscular saddled back and eagerly hoofed the ground as if it found 'easy to spot' Nerado glinting under the vague sun.
Sokara never got the chance to answer as said army was starting to march over to them. As they stifled closer, Sokara, Marco, Demiri and Koshka couldn't believe what they were seeing as the army resembled themselves.
"I can't be the only one who's seeing this right?" Koshka asked in awkward confusion as she was face to face with a look-alike of herself.
Each Shepherd were face to face with their look-alike. Neither of them stuttered a word, neither of them even brought out any communication… Well, save for Rubio anyway, who's look-alike was a woman.
The woman was around the same size as him, wore practically the same clothing as Marco, save for the fact that her outfit (Ether tactician robe with gold lining the sleeves and back, along with white pants and brown skim furred boots.) was made for a woman. She had rusty black hair, which was dual braided into ponytails swishing down her front shoulders, and braided bangs parted to the right side of her face.
"Wait a minute!" Rubio started in panicking demand, suddenly evasive to break the perplexing silence. "How come all of you look the same, while mine is a woman?!"
"Easy for you to say kid!" F!Rubio countered back with a smirk as a full fledged Keris Dagger was strapped by her side. It was easy to establish on the side of weaponry that both of them wielded different blades. But since Dawnbreaker was arguably the substitution for a Keris Dagger, it would be considered a duo shared stat since both blades could absorb magic very easily.
"Hey! Who're you calling a kid?!" Marco angrily fretted, tempted to whip out his Dawnbreaker into a salutary spar with his female counterpart. "I'm 20 years old. Thank you very much!"
Both Rubios glared at each other in outrage. Marco swung his Dawnbreaker flaming green while the blade was loaded with Dragon Nova. F!Rubio's Keris Dagger took in Mystic Storm, the blade glowing purple like herself. The other Shepherds could muster out in deep awkward silence that either tacticians could shoot lightning bolts at each other, even through the type of magic chosen was played out differently.
Before they could strike each other with a deadly blow, a certain guardian dueler magically froze them in mid air with a kind cough and question.
"Excuse me miss." Demiri started while Rubio felt dissatisfied about their pausing fray. "May I ask your name?"
Time resumed as both of them dropped to the ground. Rubio suffered with minor injuries while a light moan was obscured his throat. F!Rubio on the other hand felt unscathed from the fall and stooped to her feet as if she didn't feel any kind of pain at all.
"Very well. My name's Marciella Rubino! Marco with a 'IELLA'." Marciella brightly responded while shaking Demiri's hand in swinging catapults.
"Really?! Marco with a 'IELLA'?" Sokara took in some beverage of weird moments as he simply shrugged to Rubio's female clone, save for Callum's female clone which turned out his to be HIS DAUGHTER FROM THE FUTURE.
"Your parents must really love you…" Marco rubbed his right arm as he glared at the jet black haired female weirdo of a tactician, woe to the returning wince to his arm caused by Rubino's dissatisfied stare.
"We technically have the same parents you dim witted idiot from the Southtown!" Marciella snapped to Rubio, feeling scanty that Goose was for once absent from his country insult.
"Before this argument gets any worse." Sokara kindly broke the fight, the tacticians stared at the exalt as if he was an interrupter to their sibling life. Well, Marciella felt jovial to inhale the exalt's respect to her staunching figure while Rubio twitched in silent awkwardness, deeply wishing to have a dark heart to work for Krotos again and finish the exalt off for being such a royal dunce sometimes. "May I ask, if you're married, then to whom out of all of the Shepherds here?"
"Sokara!" Corasta started with a yell, waving the Support paper in the air from earlier. Her urgency to grab his attention was fully disregarded as the exalt patiently waited for her reply.
Marciella just ignored Corasta and huffed in teen frustration. "That's a weird question to ask. Nonetheless, I shall answer it."
She proceeded to raise her Keris Dagger diagonally skywards, very much like Leo with his Stormbringer blade. "I AM married... to the Divine Hero's descendant, Reima."
The last part of her stage dialogue was laced with soft sincerity and affection as Marcella calmly sheathed her Dagger back to her hip.
Sokara, and the other Shepherds, save for Rubio all reacted joyfully to the realization, while Marco simply facepalmed at her stupidity.
"YES! Finally! Someone who has a brain in their head!" Rubio sarcastically blew in sarcastic joy, gladly volunteering to break up the tranquility.
"Uh… What?" Marciella then turned to Marco as if she felt either offended or concerned to her brother's astounding remark. "Was it something I said?"
Rubio then waved the Support paper infront of her face, "Yes. We've actually encountered about seven more within the past few months. Let's just say that the results were horrible."
Flashback
A/N: 'M' will be Marco, while 'R' will be Reuben, while 'P' before a name (eg PMarco) means they're the 'spotpass' version.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Eleanore."
R: "Mother's mother was Corasta"
P!Sokara and P!Corasta stare angrily at P!Marco, while P!Marciella just shrugs.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Inari!"
R: "Mother's father is Sobek."
P!Maline tightens her grip on her parasol while Snapperhook slowly reaches into his pocket, revealing a kitchen knife.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Egelard!"
R: "Mother's father is Robion."
P!Vivenne angrily curses at P!Marco, while P!Robion cracks his knuckles, save for Hawkus finally absent from his hands.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Eryeth!"
R: "Father's father is Gendembi."
P!Kelli simply blushes redder than a tomato, while P!Gendembi comforts her.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Larendalle!"
R: "Mother's father is Lansu."
P!Lansu sharpens his sword, the reflection from the blade bringing up the imagery of a killer dynast from Athecea.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Oriel!"
R: "Mother's father is Goose."
Goose buries his face into his pot, while P!Tealgra stealthily reaches for her Drakostone.
M: "Hi! I'm married to Ridgar!"
R: "Father's father is Demiri."
P!Demiri and P!Jade Death Stare P!Marco.
Flashback ends
"They wouldn't stop following me for weeks… EVEN THOUGH I'M ALREADY ENGAGED!" Rubio yelled out in sheer rage to ensure that his Shepherd friends heard him from a good foot away.
"I'm sorry that you had to endure this." Marciella placed a hand on Marco's shoulder but was quickly slapped away by the dracoknight's grief of frustration running through his mind.
TGtS!
On a battlefield while fighting a bunch of Sirens, Sokara decides to start a conversation with Rubio.
A conversation so easy going that they were entirely ignoring the Sirens too stupid enough to be fighting against themselves.
"I can understand that our swords get brittle and dull after a while, but how do Magic items break as if they are so fragile?" Sokara stared at his Ragnarok in perplexing gazes, completely noticing that the Magnum Ursus (Great Bear in Seivati) blade never dulled out at all.
"Take a look for yourself." Marco pointed to Segarus as a foreign demonstration wielding an Unholy Flash Tome.
"I'm gonna kill you!" Segarus then fired his Tome to a Siren Death Knight. Clouds of shivering darkness engulfed his target, the loud wails of getting hopelessly lost through a forest immediately vanished away. Upon seeing that his opponent survived, he fired it again.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" *BAM!*
As Segarus chanted the spell, pages flew out as fast as a surprise box, while the book combusted in purple flames.
*Segarus's Unholy Flash tome broke*
TGtS!
"Let's eat!" Marco, Sokara, Sobek, Sevalia and Vigur declared at the Shepherds Dining hall as they dug into their food.
"Boy Foxyy, your cooking is delish!" Snapperhook snazzily declared like a modern street teenager kickstarted into life, as he ate a grilled fish seasoned with thyme.
"Oh, you're too kind." Tenaki blushed with an uncaring roll of his eyes. The fursona gladly invited the Shepherds to his restaurant known as The Ruby Fox in Crodantis to have a full fledged buffet after their victory over an army of Death Siren Knights invading the continent. It seemed Segarus was forced to fight with his Oculus blade right after his Unholy Flash tome broke into flames.
"You know, I just realized." Sevalia started while craving lightly on a steaming bowl of Oshu Fruit Ramen. "I've tried everyone's cooking, save for Dakota's ridiculous mess."
"You haven't?" Sokara questioned with an eyebrow raised in awkward concern. Needless to say, the fire tomato to his Grindamia sandwich fell into a SPLAT suicide against the ceramic plate. "What a coincidence. Neither have I."
"We should ask furry Redhead sometime." Sobek agreed while taking in a swig of Cherry Blossom Wine.
"Ya might not want to do that…" Tenaki softly spoke as he awkwardly stopped eating. Sevalia respectfully halted her ramen twirling as she ditched her Naga chopsticks with a clear of her throat.
"Really, why is that?" Rubio asked, picking at his teeth to get rid off the green culprit that was hiding in his Dragon Lettuce sandwich. Seconds later, he and the rest stopped eating to stare at an embarrassed fox with a Mage PawPaw sub stuffed into his jaws.
The fursona just turned blue as he remembered Seared porkchop with peanutbutter, Fried Chicken with orange sauce, Corn and beet soup, garnished with spring onions, and Carrot Cake with sour cream, garnished with garlic, all of the delicate meals tarnished in a steaming red oven about to burst into a feral blow.
The Shepherds blinked in awkward confusion as concrete rubble piled around their tables.
"Uh, call that fancy cooking?"
TGtS!
Rikkert was perched in his tent taking a nap, evident by his hat covering his face. Suddenly, Nimbus appeared just by his tent, the flap revealing a grinning Speed Cavalier.
"Rikkert! Rikkert! You're needed right n-OOF!" Nimbus was suddenly tackled by Koshka, the little War Cleric placed her hand around the fidgeting boy.
"Koshka!" Nimbus muffled though her hand in deep distress. "What was that for? Rikkert is being called right now!"
Koshka simply hushed Nimbus with a cautious warning. "Shush! Rikkert's trying to sleep. He apparently read in one of Marco's books that sleeping more makes you grow taller."
Eyes widened, Nimbus reacted in whammy awe, "What?!"
Rikkert: 125.2728 centimeters tall.
Koshka: 155.448 centimeters tall
Nimbus: 219.456 centimeters tall
"Guess I sleep too much then…" Nimbus hung his head in defeat.
Tactician's Guide to Shepherds!
Rubio was just resting by the Shepherd's Pavilion when he was suddenly shook awake by a mysterious figure. When Marco turned to see the culprit, he could see that it was none other than a grinning Koshka, hands hidden behind her back.
"What the!? Koshka? What was that about? Couldn't you see I was trying to sleep?!" To say, Marco was frustrated is an understatement.
Koshka just playfully pouted while blowing out sarcasm. "It's not my fault that you overslept again! The next scene is about to be filmed."
"What?! How come I'm always the last to know about these odd interruptions?!" Rubio hastily got out of the sofa and strided into the changing room.
Koshka then turned to the camera with a bright smile etched on her war cleric face. "Next Chapter: We get back on track! See you all 'til then!"
"Wait! Was that recording the entire time?! KOSHKA!" Marco yelled in sheer convulsion from inside the changing room.
A/N: And we're clear!
So, how was that?
Explanation time!
TGtS 1 – Sokara's support was very accurate to my playthrough as M!Marco. Sorry to shippers of SokaraxKelli (Not really!), I don't like the pairing. Never had, Never will. I just don't like how it was place smackdab in the start of the chapter where Sokara gets MARRIED right after his first victory against Garea. Give Kelli in the Midmire Ruins chapter, I wouldn't mind. Plus, Eryeth kinda looks hideous with Sokara's brown spiky hair. JUST SAYING! NOT! He originally has midnight blue hair for some strange appearant reason although black and pink do not equal to blue! Sapphire Games Ltd. LEARN YOUR COLOURS NEXT TIME!
TGtS 2 – Yet another Legends Awakening pairing I don't like. Marcox*InsertChild'sNameHere*! REALLY?! They couldn't give us Arcturakos having supports with her siblings and potential niece and nephew, as well as Garea. Give more support options for Sokara and Corasta. Let Reima and Sokara have a talk about the legends of Leo and Stormfang, but they'd let Rubio commit pedophilia! I'm sorry! But that's what it is! I hate how they let Reuben be 3rd gen, and they let it pass on to Swords of Fate! Also, the pairings in the flashback are pairings I did in the F!Marco file. Yes, SokaraxCorasta, SobekxMaline, SenpaixLansu and DemirixJade will forever by my OTPs for them! Deal with it! Also, Marciella's look was what I actually used for my F!Marco run. Except the name of course! I just didn't want to think of one, so I just used Marco's name, and simply added IELLA at the end.
TGtS 3 – Basic Knights vs Dragons joke on how Tomes break.
TGtS 4 – A playful jab about Dakota's horrendous cooking skills. Seriously, she makes Tenaki's cooking look delicious! (I like Tenaki by the way. He's way too hated. T_T) *Has no clue that Dakota is right behind me, with her Thunderstorm Lance*
TGtS 5 – A playful jab about Rikkert's height. By the way, I just made up their heights. Whether this is real or not, I don't know.
TGtS 6 – The TGtS for the chapter (TGtSeption!) Yes, the story will get back on track next chapter.
Until then, Happy Easter (not really), and I'll see you all next time. BYE!
44: Marco's Dillemma and CasagarA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome back to the newest update!
That's all I have to say, so let's get this started!
After escaping Krolis prison, The Shepherds finally returned to their camp, only to find it destroyed, with majority of their belongings either destroyed or stolen. What horrified most of them was the disturbing odor that wafted from the patrol guards' corpses… all twenty of them laid there, motionless and dead.
"Look at this place." Demiri began with a shaky sympathetic start. He kneeled down to retrieve a Killer Lance from a gruff patrol guard. "It's like a tornado demolished the campsite…"
"Those Bastards…" Dakota cursed under her breath, as she and a couple of the Shepherds glanced around in distress to see if anything was salvageable.
"Hard to believe this happened when we were gone…" Rubio softly spoke in sympathy as a corpse of a guard stared back at him.
Sokara decided to step up, Ragnarok pushing away the guard's hand back to his chest. "Alright Shepherds. We obviously can't stay here any longer. So, gather up anything that can still be of use, and let's get back to Delyra before trouble arrives."
As the Shepherds tended to the camp, Sokara came up to Marco, who was trying to see if any of his paperwork was still salvageable.
"So, what do you suggest we do from here?" the exalt exhaled in tiring conclusion to his efforts of several Kagian guards failing to protect their wrecked camp.
"Honestly, at this point: I'm not entirely sure anymore." Marco shrugged as he sorted the surviving paperwork and stuffed them into his satchel. Plain as it seemed, it was a wonder on how the cracked mirror was still angled upright, unscathed from the attack. "Is it… still even possible to stop their plan at any point?"
Sokara simply placed a hand on the Tactician's shoulder. A less painful way to feel hoplessness rush through him. "Rubio, come on. Surely there must be at least one way."
The dracoknight simply huffed in reply.
"Dilly-dally, shilly-shally…"
Jolted in tiny sparks of shock towards the voices floating behind their backs, Sokara and Marco turned around to see Kelli with Aerin just nearby.
Rubio simply glanced at his wife before staring back to the ground, hoping to receive any yells and tears barked towards his face.
"Dilly-dally, shilly-shally." Kelli calmly said once again. At that rate, Marco glanced up with a perplexed eyebrow before neurotic exhales overtook his stoic stance.
"I think what your wife means is, that you should stop wasting time, and get your ass off the floor." Aerin 'translated.', kindly pounding Rigormortis upside down while using it like a support stand.
Marco still remained silent.
Sokara then stood up, breaking up the prolonged tranquility. "Ok. We'll leave you alone for now. Just remember that we'll move out in a couple of minutes."
The exalt and Kelli then left Marco and Aerin, to take care of their personal business.
The wind howled across the Kagian plains as the burnt remains of the tent flapped ominously through the current of air.
The unsettling silence suddenly dispersed as blades of grass were crunched underfoot by Rubio's metallic boots, inching closer to his speculated 'spouse'.
"Is this really how you're going to be from now on?" Aerin brought up her worried brown eyes into his, the feeling of concern lightly taken by his longevity of troubled thoughts flowing though the tactician's head.
"Hmm…" Rubio blinked uncomfortably. Even though he was titled for the dracoknight class, rarely did he ride a drakowing like Ridgar did and never did he present anyone with a beast unit with him. It was just only him, his armor, and his two personal blades.
Aerin just shook her head, trying once again to snap him out of his thoughts.
"Come on Marco. Almost ten years ago, you were fearless, strong, and had always been able to think quickly." Rigormortis dug deep into the ground as Aerin sighed. "What happened to that?"
"What if… I fail again?" Rubio softly exhaled, feeling troubled to think about their number one named enemy. A titan hydra doppelganger dragon.
"Hmm?"
"What if I fail again?!" Marco released his temporary rage, this time loud enough for practically everyone to hear. Stems of lavender danced through the evening night as the river near Solaria flowed through with tiny bubbles were the only thing heard.
Aerin raised a questioning brow. "What do you mean exactly?"
"I mean Garuga is alive once more. What if this is the one that leads to the world's destruction? What if I can't control myself this time, and kill everyone? That's what I mean!" Marco finished in frustration. It was not long that he felt his left arm enter into a sting of pain once more. "Ack! Darn it!"
"What if? You're basing this on a 'What if'?!" Aerin lightly facepalmed before tending his left arm very carefully. She slowly brought it resting to his side before Rubio once again calmed down. "Ugghh… Marco. You're not even sure on what's going to happen, yet you've convinced yourself that you'll end up killing everyone."
"You don't even know yourself if it won't happen!" Rubio defended softly, throwing his hands up like Larendalle.
"You're correct about that." Aerin mused with a kind tone. "I myself don't even know if it will happen. Hell, I don't even have a slight clue, but if I were in your place, I wouldn't be sitting here, thinking about something based on a 'What if'. Instead, I'd be thinking of ways to fix this."
It was at this point, that Aerin walked off.
After salvaging some supplies (Which were unsurprisingly few), as well as burying the bodies of the fallen guards (led in prayer by Euriki), Sokara's voice began to grab attention. "Shepherds, let's move out. We'll catch the next ship back to Delyra."
Sokara then turned to Rubio, feeling miffed about his tactician. "Hopefully whatever Aerin said, gets to your head…"
"Don't worry. It has." The dracoknight replied with difficulty. Beads of sweat trailed down his forehead as Marco inhaled grief and silent rage within his heart. How in the world was the vessel of the Titan Hydra able to face that horrible monster he sacrificed himself along with? It was more than a walk in the park for sure. More like a walk in a nightmare.
"Well, you'll get more than enough time to think of a way." Seconds passed by as Sokara quietly walked off the camp grounds, leaving the tactician to stare up at the stars in speculation.
Faucagatan Port
"I'm sorry Lord Sokara, all the ships are sailing out now. The next one departing back to Delyra will be tomorrow morning." The shipyard consultant informed as the Shepherds uneasily stood beside the sun beamed dock.
Rubio was well aware of his mood distraction and decided to study the horizon in deep thought. Trying his best to temporarily ignore Sokara's concern on himself, Marco thought about Garuga over his family. But as Kelli comforted him with words of quixotic advice, he was well worth to disregard his worries for once. Home was all there is to it and he couldn't wait to be back in the Shepherd's Pavilion. A cup of steaming Moon Tangerine tea blissfully scenting the room in a peachy tinkle while he could finally take his worries away from him. And potently without Sokara or the others nosing into his privacy of jumbled thoughts.
"Very well then. We'll be back first thing tomorrow morning." Sokara smirked and shook hands, walking back to his gang. "Shepherds, looks like we won't be getting back today…"
Koshka merely rolled her eyes when her brother came back with horrible news such as this.
The exalt then turned to Aerin, her face blooming with kind joy. "Is there anywhere we can temporarily stay for now?"
Aerin looked thoughtful for a while. After scanning several inns occupied by guest travelers abroad the Regna Kagian district, she finally gave in with a slow nod. "Not really. Because most people choose to stay here, there's barely enough room for visitors, so most of them decide to sleep on the outskirts, or go to the next city, but it's a little far from here."
"There's another place?" Sokara asked, surprised about Solaria's third location.
Aerin simply nodded, pointing ahead at the sun lit buildings just behind the castle. "Yes. The place is called Casagar. It's just east from here."
Aerin then pointed to a pathway through some houses that led directly to Solaria's main plaza.
"Very well then. Shepherds? Let's go." With that, they moved out once again.
Casagar
"This place is bigger than I thought." Koshka said, as she saw Lejogar, a smaller town that was con-joined with the newly announced location from Aerin.
Casagar is one of the lesser-known places of Solaria. Compared to Krolis, Casagar is a combination between its upper class and lower class housing. The only difference was that, there was no separation between them. One street would have all slums, or regular, or a combination of the two.
Compared to Faucagatan, Casagar was clearly the better of the two. More spaces to reside in. More services for both residents and visitor alike, including armories, eateries, markets, medical facilities and most importantly, inns as well as enough residential homes.
Unlike Faucagatan however, Casagar was much farther from Krolis, and has a stricter security system, but not like that of Solaria. No, really… guards were stationed... pretty much everywhere. Some were even carrying weapons, whereas in Krolis, Faucagatan, and even Delyra, guards didn't even carry much. Well, I guess that's what happens when it comes to a VERY populated area (not to mention a harsh ruler).
"All right," Sokara started as the group halted next to the plaza's fountain. It was fancy like Delyra's except it sported a rampant lion statue instead of a Pegasus. "Let's do a quick restock for the convoy as well as finding a place to sleep. Unfortunately, because of how many we are, we're going to have to separate."
"Ah." Aerin held up her finger in signal of kind interruption. "No need for that. Casagar is well prepared... in case an entire army should ever need to stay here."
She then pointed to a large cream colored building labeled 'Hukcitus' that was just a few meters away from them. The walls of the building rather had an antique, abandoned appearance. Dark grim seeped down the walls while the roof was currently renovated with steel imported from Aprelux. As they trudged towards the entrance, a rickety sign in lavish metal read Hukcitus Army Inn.
"The building is reserved for armies only. Luckily, the place doesn't really receive much visitors." Aerin toyed with her leather strap to Rigormortis's handle while eagerly waiting for their decision. It seemed that she really loved her weapon. A scanty thought that made Rubio chuckle audibly but disregarded it right away.
"How do you know all of these facilities anyway, Bandanna?" Sobek suddenly asked while popping a piece of candy into his mouth. Thank Solaris that Whippersnappers were out of his hands for once.
Aerin ignored the nickname Snapperhook gave her. With a fruity chuckle and her cheeks running red, she brightly responded with a smile, "I worked in numerous jobs when I still lived here. Living here is difficult."
"Very well then." Sokara shook hands with her before entering in. "It was a grand to tour around Solaria with you. Poor Giya. I really don't trust Queen Rayne when she is in control of her royal retainer. Like I have Demiri here with me. May we meet again, Aerin. Shepherds, let's go."
The Next Day
(Sorry, I had a hard time writing what would happen inbetween.)
Faucagatan Port
"Glad to see you've come back already, Lord Sokara." The shipyard consultant greeted once the Shepherds arrived fresh on the dock. "I'll assume you're here for the ships."
"Yes. Is there one available already?"
"Yes Stormfang. It just arrived." The consultant confirmed as he pointed towards a studious steel vessel named The Dragon Rider, ready to be set sail back to Delyra. "Just follow the second path, and you'll see the ship. Approximately 500 Nerado give or take."
"Thank-you." Sokara then paid the Nerado required.
Once the the currency was paid, The Shepherds boarded the boat. Steam flared from the dragon's jaws as Rubio set one foot on the mast head and stared at the evening horizon ahead of him.
It was a long way but they were finally getting closer to home.
A/N: And done!
Yeah, sorry… I really wanted to add more about Casagar, but I couldn't make it work with the storyline...
Also, I finally get to use 'Dilly-dally, Shilly Shally'! I used it in chapter 7 I think, I was gonna use it later, but I count 27 chapters + 9 fillers as later
Casagar is a combination of Casa and Lugar, Spanish and Filipino for home and place respectively
Hukcitus is a combination of Hukbo and Exercitus, Filipino and Latin for army respectively
Anyways, see you all next chapter! Bye!
45: This is it!A/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
Compared to the Shepherds' voyage to Solaria a couple of weeks back, the voyage back to Port Aragary was calm. Not a single creature from the ocean posed a threat to them (including Lebdar), unless you count the occasional leap from a pod of dolphins or rarely the appearance of a whale just so it can spray water, showering those who were on the deck in the process or just a combination of both.
After seven hours at sea, the Dragon Rider had finally docked at Port Aragary.
After the ship was roped onto the piered pillars, the Shepherds had gotten off, feeling refreshed to finally see their home continent unscathed from recent Sirens reported by Tenaki (who generously stayed home to take over the Nightwalker count.) They expected Rulers Ascald and Hardo to greet them with joy, but instead by Akuras.
Now, while a lot of people might think that Akuras was a great warrior or something like that, he is no man. Nor is he a woman. He is actually a mighty griffin.
Akuras was larger than the average gryphon, much, MUCH larger; At least twice as large as the average griffin. Unlike most griffins, he had the ability to talk; an ability no one knew existed, until he was unintentionally attacked during a Siren raid a couple of years back. Scars on his wings, legs, and tail show that he's been through so much abuse throughout the years he had been held prisoner.
After the Rulers learned about Akuras' ability to talk, they decided to make him a messenger between them and the Exalt.
"Exalt Sokara," Akuras started, sighing in defeat while giving his feathery wings tucking back to his mighty lion body. "I must apologize on being the one who greets you on your trip back home, but I bring urgent ill news."
"Continue Akuras." Demiri softly gestured for the mighty griffin to continue.
The griffin just let out an distressed caw! before continuing. "A war had broken out in Delyra. About a couple hundred of civilians and countless soldiers have already perished in the war."
Akuras' information placed the Shepherds in shock.
"What?!" Sokara started, grinding the Ragnarok's tip deep through the wood. "We must join this war, and stop it immediately before anymore civilians and soldiers lose their lives."
It was at that point that Sokara remembered something important. Pulling out the famed golden blade, the exalt merely sighed and kept his gaze leveled with the Griffin. Akuras showed no fear with the Delyran prince. He patiently waited for Sokara's worried reply.
"Akuras, what about the children? Where are they!?"
The mere mention of the word 'children' was enough to leave the mothers in the Shepherds to fear the worst.
"There is no need to worry about them, Stormfang. All the children have been safely brought to an area far from the battle, south-east near the Constellation Gate from here. I can escort you and the others to them if you'd like." Akuras informed while spreading his wings in preparation of flight.
All the Shepherd mothers inhaled a sigh of relief once they learned that their children are safe, and away from the war.
Sokara then turned to the Shepherds, feeling urgently drought from the chaos. "Alright, Shepherds, we've no time to rest right now. We need to head to Delyra immediately, and stop this war. Anyone who wishes to go and check on the children is free to follow Akuras. Let's go!"
With that statement clear, all the Shepherds marched towards Delyra by foot. Only Euriki decided to stay and follow Akuras to where the children were currently staying.
Once the Shepherds had made it to Delyra, they found that Akuras' words couldn't have been further away from the truth.
Soldiers, war beasts, and civilians lay motionless, while the surviving ones tried to flee and cowered away from the dreadful chaos, or continued fighting the war. Various buildings burned, or crumbled down from the flames that lit the city from afar. The pavements were tinted red. Red from the ichor of soldiers who risked their lives, or the civilians who were unfortunate enough not to make it out of the battlefield in time. The weapons that were used to slay them still layed, embedded on their skin, and stained with ichor.
"This looks awful…" Sokara observed with an quick scan. However, the exalt was not going to make his crude mistake like he did when Garea avenged Arcturakos into her final farewell. Sensing Rubio standing right next to him, he brought up his sober gaze, "So, how do you plan on this?"
Rubio simply scanned the area with a sympathetic sigh. He then hit his mind with all his tactic plans reserved for later, "Simple, we take them all out, avoid getting killed, and put an end to this all."
"Sounds like a plan." Sokara nodded once before he turned to the Shepherds. "Alright, let's end this. FOR DELYRA!"
The Shepherds then charged into battle like a mighty stallion stampede.
Elsewhere
As Queen Rayne was silently directing the assault, footsteps sounded behind her back as Zane suddenly came up to her, bearing some backlashing news.
"Your majesty," Zane started with a confident voice, hoping to receive no staff on the cheek. "The Shepherds have escaped the prison cells, and they're here right now, ultimately imputing a stop to the war."
"Impossible!" Rayne tightened her grip around her staff as she whirled around with seductive eyes glaring into her spy. "How'd they escape?!"
As Zane began to open his mouth again, Rayne immediately stopped him with a harsh bark. "Never mind that! Stop them at once. NOW! We cannot let them allocate the plan to resurrect the fallen one."
The Solarian Assassin flinched when Akardos's greatest enemy was mentioned out loud, "Wait, I though you already did that by resurrecting the Titan Hydra dragon, Garuga?"
"Garuga needs to rest for a long period of time after it has been summoned." Rayne spoke with a menacing tone while glaring into the light that floored the main hall of Castle Solaria. "Now go. Go, and stop them! Garuga needs more time to rest… and do it by any means necessary..."
Zane simply nodded and dashed off, but was suddenly stopped by Rayne's voice.
"Your majesty, what? Did something come up?" he nervously turned around to find his queen humble before him with a smile of fake forgiveness.
"Yes." Rayne said with a soft purr, placing her staff close to her chest. "How is our troops in the south-east doing? I do hope they don't starve."
Zane inhaled silence as he simply smirked in response. "You've nothing to worry about. I'm sure they won't have trouble finding food anytime soon…"
Elsewhere
Delyran Survivor Refuge Center
"We've arrived Sir Euriki." Akuras stated as he landed in front of a small building with the Kagian War cleric on his back.
Euriki slid off his saddle and bowed before the helpful griffin, "Thank-you for your help Akuras. Now, you must get back to the others before-"
A sudden howl interrupted the battlemage's words.
Euriki and Akuras quickly turned to the forest surrounding the building. The forest was dense and covered with foliage so thick; you couldn't see anything beyond the first layer of trees. But not thick enough for a shadow that was spotted running between trees. As if a 2.0 version of Knem Forest was suddenly dispatched around the abandoned building similar to Huckitus Inn.
As Euriki and Akuras challenged for the shadow to reappear, a figure suddenly leaped, and attacked Akuras. The figure turned out to be a wolf, an Alpha that was twice the size of a normal one. The wolf had armor protecting its head and back, while bracers strapped its legs.
After struggling for a couple seconds, Akuras finally threw the wolf with his hind lion legs after he slashed its neck with a Soest Lance. Unfortunately, that didn't matter as more wolves appeared in seconds, surrounding not just them, but the center as well.
Suddenly, three of the wolves suddenly lunged towards Akuras and Euriki with yelping barks. As the two were just inches away from sinking their sharp as knives canines into their flesh, a stray arrow struck one into the neck, while a spinning Sea Glass Axe lunged itself into the second one's head, while a figure slashed the third.
"SUBMIT!" The voice, a male called out like Sargon's conqueror tone. All three wolves suddenly fell to the ground, dying instantly.
"Glad we made it just in time!" A male voice boomed out. The short shaggy hair and jolly laugh gave away his staunch appearance.
"Are you two alright?" The second voice, another male's this time asked in hurry. Lithe and more confident gave away his important concern on his fellow friends.
"Rulers Ascald and Hardo!" Akuras called out in surprise. It was no brainer that the Shepherds completely forgot about them since they took care of the war before Sokara's band of misfits came back to avenge the chaos from the mysterious cause distorting Delyra's peace.
"Euriki, Akuras, hope you two are ready, because we've got a center to protect, and a bunch of wolves that need to be dispatched." Ascald said, as he removed his axe from the wolf's head.
"Princess Sevalia of Athecea!" Euriki called out to the Blademaster Princess. Black silk hair fell forward as Sevalia hugged the battlemage in deep re-union. However, time was short as Sevalia pulled back with an exhale, "Aye, the war has begun dynasties ago. I'm afraid my brother was long dead by the hands of that cruel Sargon. He would have fancied his fighting alongside with me but I now carry his name on his blade. His soul is still powering Arendsii and I can feel it with my heart. Come, my friends. The fate of Solaris has not been bestowed upon his death. He is still alive!"
A/N: And we're clear!
Finally I got this chapter finished! Hooray! *throws confetti*
Anyways, I've got a lot of explaining to do.
First off: Since my last update, I wasn't able to do regular updates since I had an event coming up that time, which prevented me from accessing my laptop, and finishing this chapter. Even when my event had finally finished after the first week of May, I was too exhausted to continue, so I apologize very deeply for that.
Second: After my event wrapped up, I was going through a very tough time. My father had a big operation (what the operation was, is for family only), so I put of writing for the meantime. Also, as for myself, I was going through a tough time, with college, which has just finished, a VERY severe case of writer's block, and worse was a very big depression I was going through. I didn't let anyone know through updates, since I don't like wasting chapters for personal updates, nor do I want any of the people who read my story to worry too much. Sorry for that.
As for my story, we're finally reaching the end. The Final Battle is coming, and a lot more, more or less three chapters left.
So, until the next update, BYE! :)
46: A Suicidal PlanA/N: Hello everybody!
Welcome to the newest chapter!
Also, a new character will join our Shepherds! I know it's a little late to introduce a new recruit, but the game does it, so I can too! You might recognize him/her from a previous chapter…
Well, I've got nothing else to say, so let's get this show on the road!
As The Rulers, along with Sevalia and Akuras fought the wolves surrounding the center, Euriki was busy bringing all the survivors of the battle to the upper floors, while fending off any wolf that managed to slip past.
"I haven't felt this much excitement in years!" Ascald declared in harmony, as he slashed a wolf in the stomach with his Twisted Golden Axe.
"So have I!" Hardo declared, swiping his Nieles axe at another wolf. It was shocking at how the sturdy the wood was considering any Rank E axe would been broken down to bits just like Segarus's Unholy Flash tome.
"While I admire your excitement for battling again," Sevalia started, while dodging a wolf's paw. "I can't help but wonder how Exalt Sokara and the others are doing."
"I do wonder as well." Akuras agreed, kicking a yelping wolf with his hind lion legs. "Lady Sevalia, if you don't mind me asking, but what about Lady Elni? If I'm not mistaken, are you not her guardian? Or was it retainer?"
Neatly placing Arendsii between her face, Sevalia smirked towards the griffin. "Lady Elni hasn't really required my aid ever since I've been restoring Athecea to its former glory."
"I see…" Akuras nodded while taking down wolves, fur by fur.
Back In Delyra
As for Sokara and the others, their battle has been anything but easy. It was a fully fledged task that any tiny child in the junior Shepherds would have ranked it successful.
As Koshka, Maline, Inari, and pretty much anyone who could use a staff were bringing all the escaping civilians to safety, a good handful were still being mercilessly killed by Rayne's forces.
"Damn it!" Sokara cursed, as he slashed a mercenary's chest. Pulling it out in fast paced strikes, the Great Bear Sword favoured it's next host. A deadly Troubadour. "We still can't save everybody."
"Well, we've got to keep trying anyway…" Rubio responded, while firing Eruption Rune at a Gryphon Rider. The guy endlessly screamed to his death while the creature flew off in distressed free will.
"I know I enjoy a good battle here and now," Reima began. His Stormbringer blade radiated in deep pleasure as cracks were splintering the ground. Fully stabbed, a circle of Arcane stretched outwards towards several enemy Freelancers. "But this is too much. Even for me..."
Elsewhere
"Of all the things that have happened lately," Lansu grumbled as he disarmed a Paladin with a Blazeguard sword. "I get stuck with the psycho dark mages…"
It was at that very moment that Lansu suddenly felt a gush of ichor pour from his nose. "What the hell…"
"Hey, what was with the weird curse, hon?" Segarus asked in uncaring affection, while firing Restoresio at a Drakowing Rider. The guy leaped off of the wyvern and the dark magic caught the creature in masses of purple clouds instead.
"It was that damned Swordsman." Vivienne hissed in depravity while spotting out an enemy that resembled a class similar to her's. "How dare he insult us like that…"
The mage of Cresta then took out her rage on a Sorcerer using Extortion Blast. Flaming for help, the random tome wielder fell to his blazing death.
'How the hell did she hear that?' Lansu thought to himself, as he wiped the remaining ichor off of his nose. He still wished of a little Drax Gill potion by his side.
Just near Lansu, Sobek couldn't help but snicker and pop a sugar candy in his mouth… Only to just spit it out just a millisecond later. "Eugh! Liquorice, I hate liquorice."
Back to Vivienne, the mage just giggled malevolently. "Don't think I didn't hear you candy boy…"
Elsewhere, elsewhere
"Blades of Seals!" Galen declared with valiant pride, as he killed a Knight with his newly forged Oathbreaker. The Serkel Earring clinked in pleasure according his swings as Mr. Sword Twitch gladly served his grand spars of swordplay.
"Oh gods! Are you still doing that 'til now, Galen?" Larendalle pushed a Soldier away from her White Diamond sword.
"And what's the problem with that?" Galen sneered playfully as he switched to his Cometfell blade to attack a Drakowing Lord. "It strikes fear in those who can't see the Vanguard Dawn. Cosmic Strike! Hiya!"
As Galen brought down the Rider, the drakowing screeched in urgency and sulked away in deep fear.
"Some things never change…" Larendalle shook her head in annoyance.
"Just ignore him…" Ridgar raised his Dark Ravager axe, as he and Future Kaldrak slammed against another Drakowing Lord.
Nearby
"So Eleanore," Eryeth began as Ashrune struggled against a stray Drakoslayer. "I was thinking," *dodge* "After we beat them all," *dodge* "We could go out for a lovely meal later."
"Eryeth, of all the times you scheduled your dates, this is one of the worst times to ask that!" Lunaria scolded, while defending herself against a Blademaster. Her enemy unit swung Sol but thankfully Analogue Ragnarok knocked the blade from his hands. The Blademaster gulped and begged for his final words before falling flat against the ground.
"How the hell am I related to you anyway?!" Blaze angrily retaliated while attacking a Berserker.
Dusk's Edge slammed against Sol but the dragon wing sword decided to overpower the Midnight axe with successful ease. The Beserker decided to flee away in distress, leaving his axe behind.
"Well…" Reuben began with a distraught kindness, but was immediately shushed by Blaze.
"That was a rhetorical question!" The Thief snapped as he dealt the finishing blow to the fleeing Berserker. Pushing him off his axe, there was no time to celebrate. What Blaze didn't notice however was that he slammed against a weak building, collapsing it in the process.
"Look out!" Cillia warned as she shoved Blaze out of the way… a little too much, as Blaze's body weight hard enough to slam against the Blademaster, knocking him to the ground. With one last final breath, he allowed Eleanore to finish him off with a strike to the stomach.
Blaze was about to snap at the brown-haired Owl Knight in annoyance until he saw the building collapse, burying the Berserker in the process. "Thanks… I guess…"
Blaze stood up, wiping the dust off of his clothes. Cillia simply giggled in response.
Somewhere on the enemies' side
As Rayne was carefully scanning the battlefield, she noticed that Sokara and the Shepherds have arrived, meters away from where she was standing. "So, they have escaped after all. I shouldn't really be surprised at this point."
She then reached into her belt pockets, pulling out Garuga's orb. A small smile was pasted on her face as the orb began to glow in a steady Dragon Nova green. "I guess now is the time."
As silent as the evening night, she held out the orb infront of the silver moon, and chanted the ancient spell. As the spell was being chanted, a dark purple aura began surrounding her as her eyes radiated Etheregra red. As she continued her chant, Garuga's familiar shape began emerging from the orb. The moment Garuga had fully emerged from the orb; he let out his signature ear-piercing, spine chilling, fear inducing roar. He then swiftly flew off with mighty whoosh!
Back To Sokara, Marco and Reima
"We've fought a lot of them, but we haven't even laid a dent on the army." Rubio impaled Dawnbreaker on the ground as he wiped his sweat off of his forehead. It seems the battle did go well under any means of interruption, save for the Floridian sun glazing it's absence over Delyra.
Sokara glance around in miffed concern, seeing many civilians getting rescued, while just as many were being killed. "Gods, if we don't do anything soon, we could lose half the city."
"Well, what do you suppose we do now?" Reima took out a Vulnerary Draxgella to heal his wounds. The soft blue liquid immediately depreciated the red gash across his arm back to a pale color.
Marco suddenly picked up his blade as if he suddenly struck up an idea. "There's only one way…"
"And what is it?" Sokara asked rather in a hurry, suddenly regretting his question soon after.
With Dawnbreaker neatly placed between his smirking face, Rubio felt the blade flaming green, "We stop Rayne. NOW."
"Absolutely not!" Sokara swung Ragnarok lightly against the glowing blade, lowering it down beside the tactician's hip. "That's suicide. How do you plan on doing it?"
Rubio was about to respond, when an all too familiar roar interrupted him. It lasted 5 seconds through the storm clouds gathered above thier heads while purple tongues of lightning flickered about.
"No. It can't be him…" Sokara dreaded as his chestnut eyes stared in utter silence towards the rocky valley far beyond the path from Efux Rise.
"Why now of all times?" Corasta began, placing a hand on her chest while gripping her Dawn Omega lance close to Koshka. The little Cleric silently weeped as she bravely held her tears close to her cheeks.
"Ok…" Rubio switched plans, hoping to see the Shepherds all prepared for his tactical agenda. "New strategy: We stop the reincarnated Garuga, then stop Rayne."
"And how do we do that this time?" Sokara threw his discouraged arms slapping against his hips as he drilled up an unsatisfied glare to his tactician. "If you recall six years ago, Solaris teleported us to Garuga's back. There's no possible way for us to do it now."
It was at that very moment that Demiri rode up to them with Kelli and Aerin riding with him. "Stormfang, forgive me for interrupting, but it seems we've gained a new ally."
He then moved aside to show to them a young woman on Gendembi's sorrel stallion, Taragon.
The woman was of average height; about 5'5 and had chest-length, chestnut brown hair. Her clothing suggests that she's a Valkyrie knight, though her outfit was a forest green, lacked the headdress and her sleeves were shoulder-length as opposed to long sleeves that was typical to the outfit, and lacked the shoulder pads.
"Giya?" Heart held in stuttering shock, Sokara couldn't believe his 'second' wife already present with his litenuant, "What're you doing here."
"Forgive me Lord Sokara." Giya respectfully bowed her head. "I had no idea that Queen Rayne was planning on attacking Delyra. I was forced to join the army because of the threat made by Zorn, the General of the Army."
Sokara looked hesitant for a moment. He was debating whether Giya was announcing truth or not. After a few more seconds of consideration, he finally gave it in with a light smirk. "Very well, Giya. We're always happy to accept new members for the Shepherds."
Giya bowed her head again before shaking hands with the exalt. "Thank-you Lord Sokara. You will not regret your decision."
"Sokara," Marco began with a hesitant gulp.
The Exalt shifted his attention to the tactician. "I think I know a solution to beat Garuga again."
As Rubio said this, his eyes twinkled with confidence.
"Really…" To say, Sokara didn't like the sound of Marco's plan is an understatement. A BIG understatement. "Very well then. Let's hear it."
"We get to higher ground."
Sokara and the rest of the Shepherds present at the location (Which included himself, Demiri, Corasta, Kelli, Aerin, and the newly joined Giya) dumbfoundedly stared at the Tactician as if he has officially lost his mind.
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Sokara asked, crossing his arms while glancing at Koshka who finally finished her weeping and carefully listened in.
"Some of the buildings may be close to collapsing, but they seem sturdy enough for one of us to get all the way to the top floor, and bring us straight to Garuga." Rubio explained, pointing ahead at the tallest one, still resistant from the storm clouds. "And I'll volunteer to take the skies against the dragon."
"That could work…" Demiri began while blinking up at the dark hearted weather, "But how do you expect to get all the way up there?"
He then pointed to where Garuga was. The Hydra dragon was high up in the sky, far too high from Delyra's highest building that was still standing. Exactly where Rubio predicted where it would be.
The tactician then brought out a green colored wind tome, the cover embossing a light green sword pointed downwards.
"Supractis is strong enough to launch me up there. Combine that with the Dawnbreaker, it's sure to bring me up to him." Marco explained, as he began to unsheathe the Dawnbreaker. The blade then 'green linked' with the tome, satisfactory to have made a successful connection.
Sokara was once again hesitant. Who could blame him anyway? The plan sounded too stupid to actually work. Only if Solaris returned with her only divine move of transporting the Shepherds behind the Titan Hydra's back electrifying in jolting sparks.
Silence spiraled around them as Sokara exhaled his final words of sober advice, "But, if it fails, you'll get killed."
"Please reconsider your plans, Marco." A worried Kelli pleaded, ditching her Killer Edge lance to the ground while stepping forward to hug him. Pulling back, her tears brought him into deep tranquility, "That's a big gamble."
"I agree." Aerin simply nodded, glancing hesitantly at the others. "Surely there are other ways to take care of this problem without risking your life."
Rubio shook his head in urgency as if the Shepherds were proven wrong to this point."I did the calculations. There's no other way. No arrow or spell can reach it. Not from here on the ground, nor on the highest peak of Delyrus."
For a couple minutes, no one bothered to stutter out a word. That was until Sokara decided to break the silence.
"Well, there seems to be no other way, so very well Marco. If that's what must be done, so be it."
Shaking the exalt's hand, Rubio nodded in response. "Thank-you, Sokara."
He then glanced up to see Garuga firing his spiky breath, roaring indignantly after each burst against the wooden cottages.
"I better get going… All of you must take care in rescuing any remaining civilian, as well as eliminating the enemy." Rubio left his words lacing in exhales.
As Marco was about to leave, a hand stopped him. Looking back, he saw that it was his wife, Kelli who stopped him. The irresistable worried expression drowned his heart into bravery.
"Hey," Kelli started while inhaling her tears. "Stay safe ok? And make sure you come back alive, ok?"
"I'll try. I can't promise though…"
"You should. I want Eryeth, Reuben and Marcus to grow up with both their parents around."
The dracoknight chuckled in response."Hey, that's my li-mrph!"
With 'line' interrupted, Rubio suddenly found himself being kissed by his wife. After 3 seconds, they both pulled back and stared at each other in heavy solitude.
"Right. I WILL promise to come back alive." As soon as he and Kelli finished, Marco then dashed off to stop the Hydra Dragon of Eternal Shadows once more.
Hopefully for good.
A/N: And we're done.
Well, this chapter was surprisingly longer than expected. Well then again, this is what happens when you've a lot to add…
Also, yes. I dare add a new character THIS late in the game. I decided on using Giya, since I didn't give her a proper description in her debut chapter. If you guys are wondering, if she was ever a unit, she'd be like Elmeri, Elni, Arcturakos and Sevalia. As in: Only able to form a support with the Male Avatar.
Next Chapter: We go back to The Rulers, Sevalia, Euriki and Akuras and see how their battle's doing. Until then, BYE!
47: The Wolf WhispererA/N: Hello everybody, and welcome to the newest chapter.
In this update's chapter, we head back to the Survivor Center, and see how it's holding up.
Back at the Delyran Survivor Refuge Center
The Rulers, Lady Sevalia and Akuras were still fighting to keep the wolves from attacking any surviving Delyrans, while Euriki was inside the Center itself, preventing any of the wolves that managed to slip through from attacking any of the survivors.
"By the gods, where are these things coming from?" An irritated Ascald exasperated as he struck down a wolf with his Laysm Axe. The rubber material to the handle apparently bounced off to another yelping wolf, prompting him to switch to his Sea Glass Axe.
"Wish I knew too." Hardo responded with a gruff sigh. He efficiently swung his Rattle Lance, causing the chains to dance like a flute possessed Cobra. "The reinforcements we brought are starting to wear down."
He then saw one of his Fighters, who was laying motionless on the ground. The great canine snack was devoured by a wolf, while another one, a Soldier was struck by not one, but two of the wolves, pinning him down with voracious growls and urgent yelps.
"There can't be these many wolves." Akuras began in disappointment lacing his distressed voice. "Not a lot of wolves can be found anywhere within Akardos and Fonaxe."
"Really now?" Sevalia questioned with doubt. As she was beginning to wonder, these wolves sustained coyote features including the tufts of redwood fur patched on their forelegs and hind legs. Listening to thier hysterical yelps mixed in with their aggressive growls lurched Akuras's wings into discomfort. "But the question is… where are they all coming from?"
A deep, masculine voice answered her inquiry. "Perhaps I can provide you with an answer for your question."
A tall man, about 6'5 walked to them. He was muscular like a gym attendant. Grey eyes, deep black hair, with a portion that partially covered his right eye and his skin was tan. His armor had a wolf motif, and was dominated by purple, and had black outlines. His helmet was designed like a wolf's head. The head was designed in such a way that it almost looked like it was devouring his own head, and the eyes were a menacing, ichor red, while its ears was designed to look more like a pair of horns than ears. His cape was also purple, but was designed to mimic a wolf's tail, and was connected by a black chain. His boots were made of leather and had spikes on the toe area.
"Who are you and what do you know about these wolves?" Hardo's sarcasm started to nock an arrow, and deliberatly locked it to the humble stranger.
"My, my. Is this how you greet someone you just met? How rude…" The man halted his calm trek just a few feet away from them.
"Excuse-me!" Akuras snapped in dramatic annoyance. "But I believe my superior asked you a question. It would be wise if you answered it."
"So sorry," The man sarcastically apologized, raising his helmet for a better view of his commandeers. "My name is Lupis."
The Wolf Whisperer paused for a while.
"And the wolves that are fighting you right now are my pets. So, if you mind, would you please stop killing them, and allow them to feast on you?" Lupis explained with killer sympathy.
"Lupis huh?" Hardo began with an uncaring chuckle of joy. "Sorry, but we're not planning on letting your dogs kill us, nor the civilians here, so we'll just have to kill 'em, before they can kill us."
Lupis just huffed. "Very well then, I guess I'll just have to kill you all then."
A short pause spiraled around them as the Wolf Whisperer signaled his canine commandeers from any further attacking. The wild dogs simply bit back a snarl but not too aggressive.
"By the way…" Lupis began again with mild sincerity. "These aren't just any ordinary wolves mind you. Nor are they just dogs. They are wolves genetically infused with the resurrected Garuga's ichor. We like to call them: Gemoyotes."
"Gemoyotes huh?" Hardo started. "Well, I'll just call 'em dead."
He then slashed another one with his Nethersbane Axe.
Lupis then began walking towards them "Very well then, have it your way."
He then unsheathed a silver hilted sword similar in appearance to an oversized knife, but its blade was deep purple, and had a somewhat wavy blade, like that of an ocean's waves, but was serrated.
Fortunately for Lupis, Hardo was too distracted by the incoming Gemoyote to see Lupis approaching towards him. Ascald and Akuras were too distracted by the Gemoyotes as well. While Lupis lifted his blade up and swung it down, he had the deep intention of decapitating the West-Ruler. As the blade was a mere inch from doing just that, a pink blade intervined and struck it, stopping it dead in its tracks. Hardo noticed the disruption of the attack, and left without any more problems. Looking towards who wielded the blade, Lupis saw that it was none other than Sevalia, the princess of Athecea.
"You…" Lupis turned his attention to the Swordsmaster (mistress?). "You must be Sevalia, princess of Athecea."
He then eyed the pink blade that Sevalia was holding. "And that must be Arendsii, the blade that once belonged to former Athecean king, Yirien."
"Aye! A person like you is not permitted to say even a syllable of his name." Sevalia gripped Arendsii tighter, and then charged towards Lupis in speed.
"Well then, since the two of us are the ones dueling right now, how's 'bout we move to a more secluded area to prevent others from interfering?" Lupis then left the center, with Sevalia just behind him. The two respectfully walked away from the Rulers and the Griffin, eventually ending in up another empty area of the forest, coincidentally with enough space with no Gemoyotes in sight.
"Now then…" Lupis began, striking Lobulong into the ground as if the soil was made out of butter. "Since we're the only ones here, I'll tell you two little secrets of mine…"
Sevalia just kept her hawk vision trained on him, to make sure he didn't do anything to decieve her.
"Number one, is my blade. The blade has a name. It's called Lobulong." He then kneeled down and glided his hand across the blunt side of purple. "It was actually a gift from the queen herself. I simply modified the blade to have its edges serrated… with her permission of course."
He then paused for a while.
"My next secret is about the wolves." Lupis killer smiled when he realized he caught Sevalia's attention. "The wolves are actually under my control. You see, I developed a bond with wolves when I was young after my parents abandoned me for no reason when I was a child."
Another pause.
"Choosing not to stay near my home, I ran to the forest, where I encountered a wolf pack. The leader of the pack fought me, bought I fought back and managed to kill it. It was from that point that the wolves decided to follow me."
Once more, another pause.
"Basically, to finish those wolves, you must annihilate me!" Kicking his sword back into his hands, Lupis roared with a menacing finish and then charged towards a stance Sevalia.
And thus, a hardcore swordfight erupted between the two. Steel clashed against steel as both Lobulong and Arendsii repeatedly struck each other. The grass under their feet detached as they rushed back and forth towards each other. Droplet after droplet of sweat beaded down their heads, and dispered to the ground.
"You must be very bold," *CLANG!* "For telling me on how to stop the hounds." Sevalia smirked as she fought. "Tell me!" *CLANG!* "What compelled you to say it?" *CLANG!*
"It was only fair." Lupis replied in a low reasoned tone. "Since I know," *CLANG!* "How to kill you and anyone else who stood in my way," *CLANG!* "It seemed only fair to tell you how to kill me."
"At the cost of your own life?!" Sevalia spoke in disbelief. She then afflicted her Counter pose, blocking off Lobulong's strike.
"I may be opposing against you," *CLANG!* "But I fight fair…"
Lupis then struck the ground with his blade, causing the splintering soil to charge for her swift boots in sync to her graceful swordplay. Verily dodging the curving quake, she landed on her feet, crouching while one hand took the ground while the other supported Arendsii held mid-air.
"Was it fair for you to send your Gemoyote hounds against innocent people?! Was it fair to attack Ruler Hardo while he was distracted?! Tell me! Have any of your actions today in any way, be considered fair?!" At this point, Sevalia was fuming with rage, something she wasn't familiar with. She felt the same vexation when Sargon tried to condemn Athecea in his hands, causing Yirien to fight for his own life.
"True, that some of my actions cannot be considered fair…" Lupis admitted with a false exhale. Pulling out Lobulong, the purple blade radiated in deep distress. "But, on a one-on-one battle, I see it too myself that I fight fair."
"You have no clue on what fairness is! Regardless of what you think!" Sevalia yelled out as she rushed towards Lupis. Her fast paced steps brought the Blademaster to dodge the killer swing. However, there was no time for Lupis to react. Having no choice, Sevalia grew agitated and made her final decision. "Your arrogance is equal to Sargon when he was conqueror of Fonaxe. I cannot handle your meeks of likeliness and humble tone. You speak death upon my brother and this is what I must do. Take revenge for hurting my fellow friends!"
Arendsii gleamed under the sun as Sevalia lashed out her yell and pierced Lupis to his final farewell.
Back at the Center
"What in the…" Ascald questioned as he observed that the wolves slowly began to stop attacking, and corhently flee the area, their armor falling out their lithe and agile bodies.
"Lady Sevalia…" Akuras inhaled silence as he suddenly remembered the princess. "She must've found a way to stop the control of the wolves…"
"Bless you, Princess…" Euriki softly said as the crowds of surviving Delyrans cheered as the wolves began evacuating the forest.
Back to Sevalia and Lupis
"Gods… damn… you…" Lupis weakly exasperated, as he felt Arendsii being slowly withdrawed from his chest then out of his back. Agony flowed through his masculine body as he struggled to stand. His limbs felt like gelatin as he weakly got back to his feet. So weak, that he had to use his sword just to prop himself up.
"I see… you didn't hesitate… to stop me." Lupis couldn't help but chuckle, even at the face of death. "Was it… to save… your friends? Or was it… for those frightened civilians in the center?"
"I did it for both causes." Sevalia answered efficiently, as she wiped her deceased brother's blade with a clean silk robe. "To ease the troubles of my friends, as well to save the civilians who have suffered too much from your queen's assault… civilians which happen to involve the children of my comrades… comrades who have slowly become members of my family; after the death of my brother Yirien."
She finished her sentence by sheathing back Arendsii. Sunlight filtered through the trees as the rays focused on a peaceful farewell in Knem Forest.
"I… see. It seems that you were right… I have… no honor... as a fighter. Thank… you Lady Sevalia… for correcting my wrong perceptions…" Lupis then closed his eyes in farewell, fell on his knees the ground, and laid there in final defeat.
"Good-bye… Lupis." Sevalia closed her eyes, feeling a silent vigil upon her newly met rival. "Thank-you for being one of the very few opponents I have faced, that have admitted their wrongdoings…"
After saying those words, Sevalia opened her eyes again. Birds flew from branch to branch, chirping in broad daylight as the slim rail of amber light and stroked the far horizon, casting red orange spokes across Lupis' motionless body. Walking away in silence, she heard a lone wolf pup approach his body, and decided to lay there next to him.
A/N: And done!
Well, that about wraps up The Rescue Center Arc. (If it can even be called that)
All that remains is defeating Garuga 2.0, and fighting Rayne and her army.
Lupis' name is just a play on Lupus, Latin for Wolf.
Lobulong is a combination of Lobo and Alulong, Filipino/Spanish and Filipino for "Wolf" and "Howl" respectively.
Until Next Chapter, BYE!
48: Of Dragons and Chained SnakesA/N: Hello everybody! Welcome to the newest chapter!
Happy Father's Day to all my (and other writers') father! Enjoy this day!
In this chapter, we head back to Delyrus, and see how Marco's plan for the skies ends up. So, let's go!
After the wolf attack on the Delyran Survivor Refuge Center has ceased, Euriki, Rulers Ascald and Hardo, Lady Sevalia and Akuras cleaned up the wolf and army reinforcements' corpses, and took care for the Survivors in the center, as well as wait for any coming survivors.
Back to Delyrus
Marco was busy putting his plan to action. As he ran to the tallest, still-standing building, he was being rushed by Rayne's forces. But even with the never-ending soldiers charging towards them, Rubio was still too powerful for them, as slash after slash with his Dawnbreaker ended their life.
'Almost there… just a little further…' the dracoknight speculated to himself, as he switched weapons between defending and dodging against the Pack Hunters.
'I'm finally here. Here goes nothing!' Marco glanced up towards the tower in the distance and was only a few feet away from his destination.
The Tactician sheathed his Dawnbreaker behind him, and leaped to the highest window he could grasp. While he could've just as easily rushed in and rushed up the stairs, he wanted to finish Garuga as soon as he could, so he decided to leap up towards the windows.
Snowflakes of crackling dust poured past his feet as he held his breath at the outstanding height he was able to jump from. He was merely 7 feet above ground, the mere distance in the air was enough to make a Pegasus knight fall unconscious at the jump.
A few more climbs later, he had finally reached the highest point of the building: The famed Laboratory of Delyran Technology.
The highest peak resembled a 360 degree watchtower with windows towering over the city of Delyra. Sporting a dark green roof spiraling down the brick frame of the cylinder shaped mast, this place almost felt like someone could easily jump off to their final farewell. But Marco was too oblivious to copy Arcturakos's pressured grief.
'This is it… It's now… OR NEVER!' He then removed an emerald gold-embossed tome with the symbol of a sword on it, and loaded it to the Dawnbreaker.
"To the winds… SUPRACTIS!" A cyclone of strong winds began to emerge from the blade's barrel, and started to launch Rubio towards the roof.
Back to the surface
"Is that… Marco?" Koshka squinted her eyes in stunning realization as she pointed to the lab's peak, where the cyclone formed.
"It is…" Sokara confirmed with slow nod, feeling impressed at Rubio's tactical skills at flying mid air. "This is the first time I've actually seen Supractis in action. He's been saving it for the right occasion…"
'In all the time I've been alive, never would I have though that I would ever see the legendary Supractis in action…' Giya thought to herself with a smile. She was in awe at the sight… until she felt something large tackle her.
The Royal retainer could not hold in her yelp and was ruthlessly pushed over, rolling across the floor like a worthless rag doll.
Moaning at the blurry sight of the figure, she was too stunned to react with weak Who are you?
"Giya! You are a traitor to your own people!" A gruesome voice yelled out to her.
The rest of the Shepherds turned to face Giya's attacker, and knew exactly who her attacker was: A tall man, roughly 7'1, wearing General Armor, but his shield was lined with spikes, and seemed to connect to his arm. Despite the size difference between the shield and the wielder, the man was able to carry it around like it was a plush toy.
As for the man himself, he had light skin, deep-brown eyes, and scars that ran across his right cheek and forehead. His short hair was dirty-blond, and it connected to his gruff beard.
"Zorn! How, how did you know where I was?!" To say, Giya was surprised, is an understatement. She took in a difficult inhale but sealed her mouth shut from any confronting any more with this brute.
"Don't act foolish with me woman! You know DAMN well what you did!" Zorn slammed his shield to the ground. The contact of metal against cobblestone rung across the narrow pathways, sending some of the Shepherds' spines tingling in fear.
"Hey!" Aerin rushed to Giya's aid, raising her Dark Cherry Axe in defense against Zorn, who easily towered over the both of them. His cruel glare at the two seemed as if the ladies just shrunk in embarrassment.
"Why, if it isn't another member of my beloved country, who chose to betray us, and side with the enemy. Aerin, was it?" Zorn slowly studied his retainer with a greedy look and a playful chuckle.
The mere thought of her name struck her heart like lightning, "How. How do you know my name?!"
"It's not hard to forget the name of the mother of one of Solaria's most famous prisoner… especially if it was I, myself who caught him, and threw him to prison." It was at that moment that Blaze and the others rushed up to the trio. Sol unsheathed, Zorn scowled silently at the Thief. "Speak of the devil…"
"Yo, Zorn," Blaze sarcastically smirked. "So glad to see an old, yet idiotic face again. Especially after all these years."
The derisive laugh didn't seem to consider Zorn one bit. Instead, he continued with a more voracious tone, squaring up on him with a glare, "Isn't it a little foolish for you to go out here, and confront us all by yourself? Then again, there's only so much room in the thick-headed skull of yours."
"Don't patronize me sun boy. In case you have forgotten, my blade is the only thing I need." He then reached to his back, and removed a large- and I mean a LARGE blade that dwarfed even Marco's Dawnbreaker. The blade could be compared to a large, flat, dreidel-like lance that was segmented like a snake and shined like newly polished armor. "I hope you still remember my blade: Ketenente."
"I'm sorry," Eleanore began with fake apology. She stepped up to him as if they just met on the first day. "But, what could be so good about a blade like that?"
"I'm glad you asked." Zorn sarcastically chuckled. "Allow me to demonstrate."
The Brute then swung his arm back and quickly lashed it. To everyone's surprise, the blade immediately separated, revealing it to be MUCH longer than any other blade anyone has witnessed. It reminded everyone about the movements of a serpent.
"Ketenente was specially built with a strong chain in it. Because of that, it can reach distances similar to an arrow that was shot by a skilled archer." Once his blade retracted back and he noticed the look of his opponents, Zorn let out a hearty laugh. "Does anyone else want to try to get closer to me, and land a strike?"
Back To Marco
As he flew up the skies to where Garuga was, Rubio's anger began to boil. After a few more seconds in the skies, Marco finally landed on veering ground that actually was Garuga's back. Save the excitement of sparks hopping across the smooth ice-like metal body had been replaced with a grotesque slime that bubbled around his boots while releasing an unpleasant odor.
"MUHAHAHA… WHY, IF IT ISN'T MARCO. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I'VE FELT THOSE FEET OF YOURS LAND ON MY BACK…" the dragon roared in exuberant laughter, his hysterical cries ripping across Delyra in sarcastic joy.
"I've come to end you Garuga!" Rubio declared with a proud yell. It was yet another challenge for Marco. Garuga's back was not 'static' as planet Solara. It was a mover for his dancing boots. Where ever Garuga moved, the tactician had to latch on his top knots to sustain his balance.
"REALLY NOW? WE HAVEN'T MET IN ALMOST A DECADE, AND THIS IS HOW YOU GREET AN OLD FRIEND? I FEEL SO OFFENDED…." Garuga sighed with fake sympathy as if he just felt hurt from his words.
"We were never friends, you bastard of a dragon!" Marco crossly yelled with each word venomous. "You killed my friends in another future. You took form of Lebdar's body and killed a loyal Aragarian captain, as well as his loyal crew members, and you dare say to me that you feel offended?!"
Dawnbreaker fizzing with Holy Blitz, he then drove his blade to the dragon's back. A Lightning Tome summon circle outstretched across the grotesque surface before the slime dissipated against the sparks.
"GYAAAA!" The dragon roared in torment agony, as the large blade seeped unto his back like an alcoholic herb applied to an inferior wound. One of the Hydra's heads then locked onto Marco with great greed, "YOU DIRTY LITTLE… HUMAN!"
He then brought his spiked-tail up and slammed it down. Unfortunately for him, Rubio was able to dodge the hurtling tail in time and it caught a vintage cottage instead. The Tactician landed on the spine of Garuga's tail, flying past the wooden rumble infused with smoke.
Ignoring the sweat from his forehead, Rubio challenged with a smirk, "If you think you can use those old party tricks against me, you've got another thing coming!"
Meanwhile, back on the surface
"What's the matter Shepherds?" Zorn taunted in stoic tenderness as his blade swung around, while the Shepherds dodged about. "You can't find a way across my blade?"
He was right.
No matter what angle the Shepherds tried, Ketenente's ability prevented anyone from getting close. It was almost as if his sword was cross forged with an elastic whip. Something the Kagian back-up learned the hard way, as they felt the blade strike against them from the side of their body, killing them instantly.
It was even worse, when you consider that the blade could even attack above it, as Senpai, Corasta and Cillia tried an aerial strike, only for the neighing Pegasi to immediately back-out as the blade neared them. Even arrows and magic found themselves suddenly struck back as Gylex and Egelard, plus magic casters like Segarus and Reuben would learn the hard way.
Even heavily armed Knights, Generals and Guardian Duelers found out that their newly forged swords was no match as the blade glided through the armor like they were made of butter.
'It's not possible. None of our attempted attacks can find a way through it.' Sokara thought to himself in difficulty as he and the rest of the Shepherds backed out, trying to find ways to penetrate the snake-like blade.
Lucky for Reuben, the Mystic Knight was able to study the mechanics of the serpentine blade. After the blade swung more, she began to notice something that caught her eye. What caught her eye you ask?
As the chains that held the blade together twisted, bended and stretched, the chains would often show signs of getting close to fragmenting, the tiny hooks creaking in the process. That's it!
"Uncle Sokara!" The pinkette called out to the Exalt. "I think I know how to penetrate the blade!"
Sokara whipped around to face Rubio's youngest daughter with a concerning smile, "Really now? Then let's hear it."
Reuben then elaborated to the Exalt her observations. When Reuben finished in whispering caution, Sokara observed the blade's movement.
It was almost as if the snake was about to break free from the blade's hilt.
After confirming Reuben's observation, Sokara turned back to the Tactician's daughter.
"Right." Cognizant nods caught Sokara to exhale in deep bravery. "Let's see if the plan works."
He then rushed away from the Shepherds and halted a few feet away from the striking tip of the chain.
"Hey Zorn!" Sokara snapped out, catching the attention of the armored man as well as the Shepherds. The Exalt's smirk caught Zorn into an inferior growl. "Come on and hit me with your best shot."
He then rushed towards the General, Ragnarok held high above his head.
"Stormfang!" Demiri yelled out in urgent warning.
"Sokara, no!" Corasta called out to her husband with worry.
"Captain! Wait!" Senpai exclaimed.
"Father! Wait!" Eleanore called out as well.
"Daddy, no! You'll die, and I'll lose my greatest hero!" They youngest Royal, Cillia vociferated in slow tears.
The sweet voice of the young girl froze Sokara as the exalt swung his cautious gaze to the little Pegasus Knight. Dropping her Rose Lance to the ground, she couldn't afford to lose her father against one enemy brute.
Zorn on the other hand, found the father/daughter moment to be too unworthy for this duel and simply let out another heartless laugh. "Exalt Sokara… you're making this too easy."
As expected, he then swung his blade towards the Exalt.
The explainable speed in the chain got Sokara dead in time, Ragnarok held beside his dauntless stare.
'This is it…' As the blade inched closer and closer towards him, Sokara immediately leaped up like Rubio did and swung Ragnarok (which evolved into the Brave version) with all his potency towards the chains.
"I will NOT Fail!"
With all his might, he swung Ragnarok down, and struck the chains, rupturing it in the process while separating the mighty blade.
"No! This. This isn't possible!" Zorn yelled out in disbelief, as the rest of the Shepherds (specifically Corasta, Eleanore and Cillia) cheered out.
Ketenente snapped in half like a slicing two sticks into one clean mess. The chains of the snake were lying near rim of the patched Hazel Chervil tree while the hilt rested against Zorn's motionless boots. Without warning while frozen with explainable shock, the general perked his head up to the fierce yell.
"Your end has COME!"
Sokara charged towards Zorn for the final finale of the duel. With a mighty pierce as if Ragnarok was a lance, the Great Bear blade slashed THROUGH the armor, wounding Zorn in the process. His aching inhale caused him to slowly collapse in slow respires.
"No… This. This can't be! Lady Rayne… For. Forgive me…" And with his last breath, Zorn finally laid on the ground in final defeat.
"Father!" Eleanore called out, rushing to her father. Sokara caught his daughter into deep concern. Brows ninched in astonishment and triumph, she carefully eyed the hilt to Kerentente. "How, how did you find a way?"
Sokara simply leered a warmhearted smile while walking to his youngest daughter. "You can all thank this young tactician here for saving this fight."
Placing a hand on the pink-haired girl, Reuben giggled in bravery. "It was her observation that allowed a clean strike."
The girl in question simply continued to giggle in response.
Upon the mention of his sister, Eryeth chuckled in nods. "That's my little sister for you."
Kelli rushed to her daughter with great tribute. "That was very smart of you. Mother's so proud of you."
She then hugged her daughter.
"Aw thanks, mother." Reuben hugged back with tears of smile.
It was at that point that they heard a stray yell across the city not far away from the Technology Lab. It sounded like someone plummeting to thier final farewell. A mere thought of horrid turn of events that Sokara dared not to think about even if he was informed that his elder sister was alive and feeling strong.
Looking to the source, the Shepherds could see, to their horror, Rubio plummeting from the foggy sky.
"ENJOY THE FALL, BOY! MUHAHAHAHA!" The Hydra dragon just roared in maniacal laughter through the dull gray clouds that layered above the tower.
"Marco!" Sokara yelled in urgent fear then immediately advanced to the Kagian battlemage. "Senpai, Marco's in need of help. NOW!"
"You don't even need to tell me twice." Senpai tugged at the reigns, making Shiida neigh in bravery as the Pegasus immediately flew off towards the Tactician.
A/N: And we're clear!
Sorry about that. I almost forgot about Zorn, until I checked my notes, then realized that I forgot about Zorn, so I had to rewrite the chapter. Hope you guys don't mind
Ketenente is a combination of Keten and Serpente, Dutch and Spanish for Chain and Serpent respectively.
Also, for the last chapter, as well as this chapter, and the final few chapter(s)
Until next Chapter, Bye!
49: Vs GarugaA/N: Hello everybody, and welcome to the newest chapter!
Well, I've got nothing else to say, so let's get this chapter started!
Meanwhile, on Garuga's back
Garuga had just slammed his tail down, which Rubio managed to dodge. The dragon didn't seemed to be satisfied with a hoard of bricks piling his view.
"Is that all you got Garuga?!" Marco taunted with an insipid smirk. The dracoknight felt his Dawnbreaker radiating in green flames, the blade's sudden reflection to the Hydra's seeping slime. "I've seen all your tricks. They're not going to work this time."
"OH YOU HUMANS ARE ALL THE SAME…" Garuga sighed savagely in annoyance as all 16 eyes focused on his ant sized enemy currently tickering his haunted back. "YOU ACT LIKE YOU'VE SEEN IT ALL… BUT I'VE GOT A FEW MORE TRICKS LEFT IN ME…"
Garuga's tail swung again, this time with movement similar to that of a pendulum. The dracoknight however was not able to dodge this time, thus he was flung back dangerously close to the edge of Garuga's draconic body.
"I'll admit…" Marco started, as he got back on his feet, wiping ichor that stained the side of his lip. "You did catch me by surprise that time… but…."
He then switched for his Keris Dagger. The hydra flinched at the sight of the weapon but nevertheless cared about it's powerful pricks. "How 'bout I give you a bit of nostalgia?"
He once again stabbed at Garuga's side with great defying pressure. As much as the Hydra shrieked like a baby getting a syringe, Garuga swung his tail once more- this time out of random instinct- and successfully knocked Rubio off of him.
Marco caught his breath as he suddenly latched onto the scaly wing. The sudden recover was noted into the Hydra's mind as Garuga turned to face him with a greedy look, "TRYING TO GIVE ME A SHOCK ARE YOU? WELL… IT AIN'T GONNA WORK THIS TIME!"
Wings lifted, Garuga thrusted them down with full force, sending Rubio like a shooting star to the ground.
"HAVE A NICE FALL… MARCO!"
Sorry, couldn't resist the pun...
As Rubio began to descend closer and closer to the ground with great speed, his mind triggered wild with thoughts about his family: Kelli, Eryeth, Reuben and Marcus. And most importantly his promise to Kelli by coming back alive. Looks like he broke that promise he knew he shouldn't break.
Another thought came to his mind about his 'accidental' family: Aerin and Blaze. He felt guilty about Blaze living majority of his life so far without a father figure. How miserable he must've been, seeing and knowing that his friends have lived at least a couple years of their lives with their father. He on the other hand, only saw his father, himself, only a couple weeks back. Even then, Blaze and him only spoke once…
He could actually remember that very scene play out right now. As he falls…
Flashback start
Five days before the Shepherds left for Port Aragary
Marco was just trekking at the outskirts of the camp, finally free of the leg crutch that he was forced to use just that morning. As he was walking about, he noticed a figure perched on a tree, staring at the horizon like an eagle. As he shifted closer, he noticed that the figure was none other than his son, Blaze.
"Hey!" Rubio called out, catching the Assassin's attention, causing sun boy to look down to him with a blank 'hm'?. "Want to get down from there and unto the ground for a while?"
Blaze simply glared back to the horizon, shaking his head in the process. "No thanks. I prefer being up in the trees."
His statement caused Marco's curiosity to rise a bit. "Really now. And why is that?"
Blaze huffed slightly. He had always hated being asked questions, regardless who was asking. "If you must know, I just prefer it here. It… it… it's just more relaxing here that's all. It gives me a break from being with others."
Rubio just raised a brow. The moment where a family splits up, a heart splits up also. "A break from the others? I thought you'd WANT some company. Especially when you consider from what hell of a future you came from."
"Everybody needs a break from being with others every once in a while… no matter your history." Blankly replying, he then leaned his back against the trunk in comfort.
"True." Marco admitted, his expression entering into conception. "Even though you make a very valid point, how about I join you for a while? It'd be a good chance to know about my other future son."
Though it wasn't visible to the dracoknight, a soft smile formed. "Sure I'd like that."
Taking his answer with exuberant joy, Rubio then started climbing the tree.
Flashback end
Marco could only wish that he and Blaze could've talked at least a bit more.
Feeling the air gradually lessen around his weight, he then closed his eyes, preparing for a bone-breaking thud to end his life. As he was waiting for his finale, he suddenly heard a Pegasus neigh, feeling feathers flying across his skin, while long, silky mane brushed against him like cat's fur on his arms.
Wait a minute…
Marco slowly opened his eyes, seeing Senpai and her Pegasus, Shiida helping him from his ground breaking early death. "Senpai?"
Senpai slowly turned to face him with a smile. A smile that was not too friendly but joyous at the same time "Glad to know I made it just in time. Hold on."
"Wait, Senpai." Marco began in utter puzzlement, upon realizing that Senpai was transporting him back to the ground. "Don't bring me to the ground. I need to get back there."
The Kagian Battlemage ignored his exhausted appearance, instead she was focusing on bringing him back down. "Sorry Rubio. Captain's orders."
'Damn it Sokara!' Marco silently cursed in his thoughts and to the exalt himself.
Back to the ground
"Look! There they are!" Koshka pointed in surprise, upon spotting Senpai and Marco on Shiida, the peagsus landing neatly with her hooves clopping the cobblestone in glee.
As soon as Rubio tiredly got off Shiida, he made his way towards Sokara, who was preparing himself for the dracoknight's spluttering argument.
"Sokara, what the hell?! I need to get back up there, and you ordered for Senpai to bring me back down here!" Rubio glared at the exalt who aptly wore his smirk.
"Marco," Sokara started with a relaxed sober tone. "It was the best thing to do. You get back up there; you're going to fall down again, repeating this rescue once more."
"Well, what do you suggest now?" Rubio broke the silence with an agitated throw of hands.
Sokara didn't take his pissed off compliments too lightly, "We approach this from another angle."
"How?!" Rubio felt like he was turning into Larendalle now. Or even worse... Egelard.
Before the Exalt could answer, the air around them started getting chilly and warm. The sky darkened by a large mass. A sinister laugh echoed throughout the storm clouds flickering out tongues of purple lightning, striking fear to everyone who heard it.
"HOW MANY MORE ATTEMPTS MUST I MAKE BEFORE YOU DIE FOR GOOD?!"
"There you go." Sokara replied in obviousness, earning him a punch from the dracoknight to his left shoulder.
"WHY IF IT ISN'T EXALT STORMFANG. MY... IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME HASN'T IT?"
No one uttered a single word.
"SPEECHLESS HUH? WELL, I'D BE THE SAME WAY TOO… IF I HAVEN'T SEEN FAMILIAR FACES IN A VERY LONG TIME…" The dragon then noticed Blaze, Aerin and Giya standing beside the Shepherds. "WHAT'S THIS? YOU'VE MADE SOME NEW FRIENDS? THAT'S GOOD."
Rubio then rushed in front of the trio, unsheathing the Dawnbreaker in front of his 8 faces. "Get your damn filthy self away from them!"
Garuga flinched nonchalantly as if he was bitten back by Solaris's Voice. "VERY WELL THEN… AT LEAST YOU'RE GIVING ME THE CHANCE TO FINISH THE JOB OF KILLING YOU."
He then opened his mouth as clouds of darkness began to gather around his jaws. At the same time, Rubio loaded his Dawnbreaker blade with Extortion Blast.
"Marco, wait!" Sokara called out in urgency upon spotting the tactician's action.
Too late.
The moment Garuga fired Expiration, Rubio fires Extortion Blast as well. Purple and green beams flared towards each other, colliding into a spectacular explosion.
The bombarding effect caused the other Shepherds to use their arms and shield out the smoke.
Marco then used the smoke as a guided way to find Garuga's outline. As soon as he found the serpentine hydra body, he then rushed towards the smoke cloud.
"Father!" Eryeth, Reuben and Blaze yelled at the same time.
"AAAUGHHH! DAMN YOU!"
Direct hit!
Garuga immediately retreated back to the sky.
Marco then ran out of the smoke, and with a graceful jump, he landed efficiently towards the brown haired exalt. "Sokara, now's my chance! Get everyone to the highest area they can find that are close to each other! I've an idea."
He then paused for a while, trying to regain his breath from running and jumping a lot like a stunt actor.
"But leave a few of them as well. After all, we still need to fight off the forces, and rescue any remaining civilians."
The exalt looked hesitant for a moment, but decided to place his plan into action. He then barked the order to the Shepherds. As how Sokara reacted, they all looked hesitant for a moment, but decided to just follow the order.
As soon as the rest of the Shepherds have claimed a position on the rain matted tower, Sokara then turned to Rubio with usual advice.
"All right Marco… now tell me, what exactly it is that you're planning this time?"
"My plan is…" the dracoknight began, humming deeply in consideration towards the storm clouds, "That you throw me towards the sky…"
"What?!" To say, Sokara was surprised, is a BIG understatement.
"You throw me to the sky, then they'll launch me up to the sky as well. As soon as I reach the last person, I'll activate Supractis once again."
"Marco. It's riskier now. Garuga knows that you'll come for him. What if he kills you before you make it?" An obvious Stormfang relaxed, his widened eyes from panic now turned into a calm sober gaze.
Rubio just smiled at the Exalt. "Then it's a chance that I'll just have to take…"
"All right then." Sokara then kneeled down on the cobblestone with hands in front of him. "Ready when you are…"
The dracoknight just nodded in response as he stepped on the Exalt's arms.
"Ready? Remember… ANYTHING CAN CHANGE!" With an exuberant yell, Sokara proudly threw Marco towards the storm clouds.
As Rubio was launched to the sky, Sobek managed to spot the tactician from the first floor of the tower.
"So that's Feathers's plan huh? Alrighty then… if that's what he wants…" The thief successfully managed to grab Marco's hand, then launched him up. "Piece of Cake!"
Then Tenaki, who was in his Vulpecula Knight form at the time, managed to grab Marco with his legs. "For Wenox and the Ruby Fox!" He then launched him with a kick from his back legs.
Nimbus used his General shield like a catapult to launch Rubio, "They gotta notice this!"
Gylex had a few words to say before he launched the dracoknight higher, "That's enough back-talk!"
After Marco was launched, he added in low caution, "From Garuga's sorry mouth!"
Shepherd Elmeri was busy counting profits from her spare Sacculus… even when there was a second Titan war going haywire. "Cha-Ching!"
Flicking the Nerado in mid air slow motion, Marco caught it as a good luck charm.
Villager-turned Shepherd Goose was just as surprised as anyone else when he saw Rubio flying towards him, but decided to help him anyway. "Git ready!"
With the flick of his hackneyed Toothpick sword, he launched Rubio towards the little Pegasus Knight on a flapping Drakowing.
Jade along with Kaldrak spotted him and helped Marco, despite both having a thought on giving the dracoknight a good smack on the head later. "If you don't mind!" Kaldrak growled afterwards.
Gendembi used his Riffin Turne bow as a launcher for the Tactician. "One for the Bards... Adieu!"
Dakota launched Marco, also with half of mind to kick Rubio's sorry ass later. "To hell with him!"
Robion used all his strength despite his Hawkus blade glinted in readiness to help his friend. "Strike swiftly, aim true!"
Tealgra allowed Marco to ride up her Roskinsian back, all the way to her head, before using her icy breath to launch him higher. "You have to crush him!" After he was launched, Tealgra added with a mutter. "That stupid bully!"
Senpai, who was still riding Shiida, helped as well, once again following Captain Sokara's orders. "You can do this!"
Vivienne had a bit of a starstruck moment when she felt Rubio's exposed fingertips before launching him. She was more than happy to help him, only giggled maniacally.
Reima launched him with determination, as Stormbringer began to shine like it had once did. "For the Blue Flame!"
Corasta used her Dawn Omega Lance as a rod for Rubio to grab, before she quickly lifted it up. "FOR DELYRA!"
Aerin then launched him up, but not before the two of them smiled at each other and shared a small kiss. "This decides it!"
Last but not the least, was the Tactician's wife herself, Kelli who used her ribbon to launch Marco up but not before the two of them shared a kiss together for good luck as well as the two of them being married. "Let this be over!"
With the last launch, Rubio used Supractis once more.
Gusts of Cyclone winds thrusted Rubio higher towards the dark storm clouds where Garuga would be waiting.
As Sokara had predicted, Garuga had anticipated the dracoknight going up once more against him. He felt that his third chance was what he needed to finish him once and for all. After all, third time's the charm right? He hoped he was right as he filled his mouth once more filled with dark energy.
'This is it Marco. You HAVE to survive this! For Sokara. For Kelli. For Eryeth, Reuben and Marcus. For Aerin and Blaze!'
"I… WILL… MAKE IT… AND SURVIVE!"
It was at that very moment, that Rubio had entered the ball of darkness just as it rushed itself towards him. He only hoped that he would be able to survive, so he closed his eyes, as the Shepherds could only hope and pray…
A/N: And we're clear!
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NOPE! JUST KIDDING! GOTCHA! Did I fool any of you? Yes? Oh yeah! No? Oh well, it was worth a shot.
Marco suddenly opened his eyes, and to his shock- it was as if he entered a trance like dream. In the distance, he saw Lady Arcturakos in her usual exalt outfit, radiating in motherly pleasure. So this is how it felt like meeting Solaris directly through Arc's body. A true divine moment. She started reaching her hand out to him. How? She was dead. He saw her die right in front of his very eyes, almost ten years ago.
"How…" Rubio flinched at the sight of her smiling but nevertheless suppressed his shock towards the former exalt. Joy and exuberance filled his heart as Marco accepted her appearance.
Arcturakos simply giggled in response. Not like Jade or Cillia but more motherly like Solaris and fatherly like Naga.
"I… am always… with you. And Sokara as well…" The deceased Exalt then grabbed Rubio's hand, and to his shock, both herself and Marco felt their skin touch before emitting the holographic Brand of the Exalt to glow on the dracoknight's glove.
"May Nagara and Solaris bless you with their divine power. The Shepherds of Delyra and Akrados still have hope in you. Time is short but you must finish him off without any slumber. Ite nunc, Rubio!"
Arcturakos then launched Marco far enough to completely break through the ball of darkness, much to his, Garuga's and everyone of the Shepherds' shock.
"NO! HOW CAN IT BE!" Growing disappointed, Garuga's rude awakening turned to be a sucker punch in the head. Crocodile jaws dropped in utter silence, the dragon braced himself for the next attack.
Rubio then stabbed Garuga's head with the Dawnbreaker, Extortion Blast loaded once more, and began running towards Garuga's backside before all 8 heads thrashed in defeat.
"AAAUGHHH!"
"You're finished Garuga!" Marco declared with a shaky yell, as he just kept charging, Dawnbreaker still ridden deep into Garuga's back, scraping at the Hydra's scaly surface. The obnoxious slime withered into green hell as flames snaked across the Titan dragon like a thirsty dog in need of water.
"DAMN… YOU!"
"TIME TO TIP THE SCALES!" Rubio yelled in sheer fury as he drove the blade into his spine, the fire magic creating a massive summon circle outstretching the large serpentine shape. An explosion of agony bursted into the sky like a 4th of July firework. Green and Purple emblazoning across the Storm clouds. Still helpless against the attack, Marco maintained the violent quaking skull of Garuga disbanding in enormous puffs of thick smoke.
"NGH… AAAUUUGGGHHH!" Garuga felt the last of the dracoknight and his blade finishing up to his tail, before the burst of flames had finally stopped and Marco had jumped down. Luckily, Senpai once again made it just in time to help Marco… this time, with a more appreciative response.
As Senpai and Rubio flew back to the ground, The Hydra Dragon of Eternal Shadows could only roar in pain as he slowly descended to the ground, only for him to disintegrate to dust. His black feathers slowly fell to the ground like harmless rain drops. No slumbers for the Titan this time.
Rayne on the other hand, who had watched the whole thing was not the least bit considered at the one thing that she forced her scientist to revive, has finally died.
"Typical." Rayne simply closed her eyes, her seductive lips forming into a silent smirk. "If you want something done, you have to do it yourself. Very well then…"
The Solarian queen then concentrated for a moment, before gray, demonic, feathered wings sprouted from her back like torn Gargoyle wings. A pair of forward facing horns grew from her head, and her eyes started glowing red like Rubio's Extortion Blast.
"Hope you're ready… BOY…"
A/N: And we're clear. No seriously… we are!
Well how was the chapter folks? This is actually one of, if not, longest chapter in the story.
I actually debated on who Rubio would've faced first, but eventually decided that Rayne's the true antagonist of the story, so Garuga was fought first.
Also, yes, before you guys ask, Marco's final assault against Garuga was based on Advent Children's fight with Bahamut. I'm so sorry. I tried numerous times, but felt Advent Children did it best. But hey! Critical lines cameo... so there's that.
Also also, Marco and Blaze's conversation was actually a deleted part from an earlier chapter (I can't remember anymore) that couldn't fit, so I saved it.
As for Rayne's demon form, well… I considered giving her a dragon form, but I felt the dragon antagonist thing from the series itself is overdone already. Also, it's my story, so HA!
Next Chapter: The Finale! Dracoknight/Tactician Marco Rubio vs. Demon Rayne! It's now, or never! Until the final chapter, BYE!
50: Finale! Part 1 (Vs Rayne)A/N: Hello everybody!
This is it! The Finale is finally here!
Anyway, let's get the final chapter under way!
As Rubio and Senpai made their way back to the ground, The Titan Hydra Dragon, Garuga slowly disintegrated, the feathers around his 8 necks slowly fluttering to the ground like a massive raining of event flyers. Only his screams of pain and agony were the only thing that truly signified his death.
Whether it was a complete coincidence or it was merely the result of the Hydra Dragon's death, the rain began to pour like a Miracle Flood. Slowly but surely, the rains doused the flames that had spread throughout the city, causing the numerous Arcane Spells that have been casted by spellcasters from both the Delyran army and Solarian forces.
"I never thought I'd be glad to see the rains again." Kohska speculated the sight in front of her.
A true beauty of Mother Solara.
"Neither did I, Koshka…" Sokara spoke in slow nods, agreeing with his little sister.
"Look! Over there!" Snugjack yelled, excitedly pointing to Marco and Senpai as they finally landed on the ground, Shiida letting out a neigh in the process.
"Glad to know you made it back alive." Sokara smirked with an insipid smile. Feeling heavily flustered with exhaustion and light bravery lingering his heart, the Tactician slid off the Pegasus's saddle with ease. "Who would've thought that plan of yours would actually work."
Marco simply chuckled in response while staring wide-eyed at the feathers descending slow motion wise. "I told you my plan would work."
The city lights and the Delyran evening sky would have made the Shepherds' victory a much greater leap of their celebration hadn't one tiny sting disrupted the moment of exuberant achievement.
Before anyone else could say a word, Rubio's left arm started to radiate in urgency, much to the shock and amazement of the others.
"Marco, what's happening to your arm?!" Bewildered at the uncommon moment, Koshka questioned in disbelief as she stared at the fading mark beginning to vanish like vapor.
Rubio quickly rolled up his sleeve, and much to his surprise, his Tendratudo started fading. With one last purple glow as an inferior goodbye, his arm was as clear and pale as well any of his friends' skin.
"What?" The dracoknight could only splutter out a bolt from the blue; much more than anyone else. Fingers slowly gliding over the space where it once marked his suffering had now disappeared into farewell. "How is it disappearing just like that?"
The Shepherd Scholar, Laurel started to candidate the mark. Placing her notepad visible for everyone to see, she cleared her throat like a professional consultant and started to read her notes tarnished across canary yellow. "Perhaps I could provide an explanation that can provide reason. However, the reason is only theoretical."
"Very well." Sokara gestured for her to begin. Crossed arms and a smirk were the only features to the exalt.
Laurel took this as a signal to begin her evaluation. "My hypothesis is because of how Tendratudo is somewhat connected to Garuga, the demise of the Hydra Dragon of Eternal Shadows could likely connect it to its disappearance. Very much like how Callum finished off the Shadow Dragon Rhagra to his disappearance."
The others could only ogle in distorted turmoil. Thank Solaris that they didn't bring the ALaurel along from that crappy Shepherds play. Otherwise blabbermouthed jargon would be her recitement of her well established written notes.
"Meaning…" Giya asked in slow kindness. Her ponytail brushed against the hilt of Espada but the others decided not to digest the tiny disturbance. She was just as oddly confused as anyone else.
"Unfortunately," Laurel began again but not before she adjusted her glasses. "I cannot provide any reasonable explanation. Like I have said only mere seconds before, it is only theoretical. Therefore I cannot truly give any reasonable explanation, until further research is conducted."
Just a few paces from Laurel, Sobek leaned towards the scholar's husband Gylex. Whippersnappers coated his mouth like a grotesque rabid. "How do you live with Specs chattering about like that all the time?"
"You get used to it." Gylex answered in quiet exuberance, chuckling in response.
Just as everyone was ready to leave, a voice began to speak from the cliff jutted above the cobblestone of the city. Her voice purred into motherly concern. "Are you forgetting that you all have one more problem left?"
Everyone turned to see Queen Rayne of Solaria, but she was no longer the beautiful seductive woman dressed in blue pearls and diamond crowns. Instead, she was more of a demon-like humanoid. Sporting gray, demonic feathered wings on her back, a pair of forward-facing horns and glowing red eyes. Gripped in her hands was a long lance. The lance's bladed tip was shaped into various design spikes along with an all seeing eye centered in the middle. The rod was long enough to rival that of a katana, and was glowing. The seared end was shaped into a standard diamond like any other standard lance.
"What in hell's name is that?" Dakota shook her head from side to side, finding the monstrous being in front of them too hard to digest.
"Rayne…" Rubio softly said under his breath.
"Marco…" Rayne called out nonchalantly, but in a voice loud enough for him to hear. "You destroyed my reincarnated Hydra dragon. Therefore, I will end you as well."
"Not with us around you won't!" Blaze lashed back angrily. Before anyone could stop him, he rushed to protect his father, Sol unsheathed in the process. However, he would not be able to do this as Rayne simply waved a hand about, causing a strong gust of air to push him back.
The effect of a Solarian Assassin rolling in repetitive thumps caused Blaze to lift his head up in slow agony.
"None of you are to interfere! This battle is between me and Marco alone." Rayne's bullet tattered wings efficiently took a beat as the Shepherds felt the air around them spiral into mysterious darkness.
"Exactly what I was thinking!" Rubio growled impatiently, once again unsheathing Dawnbreaker.
"But Marco…" Kelli protested in urgency, feeling agonized to pull him back. The dancer almost lost her dying hope on her tactician in the Titan war. It was not going to happen again in the Solar War.
"No." the dracoknight replied, eyes locked on the now demon queen. "You'll get lacerated like Blaze. It's better for all of you to stay back. For now, you Shepherds must focus on getting everyone to safety, and OUT of this area."
"Father!" Reuben called out in tears. "I won't. I refuse to leave you!"
She then began to run towards her father, her dying wish of keeping the tactician sentimental. Even though she was Mystic Knight by default, her Summer Staff won't affect his reputation of being alive.
"Reuben!" Eryeth held his sister back, protectively wrapping his arms around the fidgeting Mystic Knight. "Don't. Like what father said, you'll just get hurt."
"Now then…" Rayne started again with a cold tone brisking her draconic frame. "If there won't be any more interference… You are coming with me!" Without warning, she stabbed Marco with her lance, right through his chest.
The agonizing one second sight got the Shepherds to inhale in deep revoltion. Reuben hastily snapped the image of her stabbed father well burnt into her mind. The Mystic Knight shook her head like a thrashing wild horse. Eyes screwed shut in deep daunting dismay, she jolted awake to the sound of disappearance.
Before anyone even knew what happened next, Rayne flew off, leaving a puff of purple and gray dust in her wake.
"Marco!" Aerin shrieked in disbelief as her heart trembled into a numbed beat. The silence was too much to inhale after Rubio's disappearance with Rayne.
Sokara only growled in lack of conviction. The bear hilts of Ragnarok started glowing navy blue and gold, a destined color of the Divine Dragon, Naga. "It's no use now. We have to take care of rescuing any other trapped civilian through this mess of Garugi feathers."
"Very well Stormfang." Demiri started with Knightfall raised above his shoulder. Even if Solaris was not present to help Rubio succeed against Rayne, there was really nothing that the Shepherds nor the dragon of divine flames could out wittingly succor to this dreadful battle. "Everyone, there's nothing else we can do now. They're long gone."
While every one of the Shepherds wanted to disagree, they knew that what Demiri said was truth, so they (hesitantly) agreed, and ran off to help any surviving Delyrans.
Elsewhere
"You… Bastard!" Rubio cursed inadiqautly, as he dangled from the tip of the lance, while Rayne stood on the top of a tower.
When Marco tried to push himself off the lance, he desperately tried to ignore the pain of the lance's blade. There was no use since the more he writhed, the more the rod desired his blissful stay. Part of the lance's blade that Rubio has yet to touch suddenly separated, clamping the dracoknight, the 5 spikes drenched in ichor prevented his static movement.
"Urk! What… kind of… weapon is this? Gah!" Drops of ichor dripped one by one on the ground next to his metallic boots.
Rayne softly chuckled in response. "My weapon is a special kind of lance. You can call it Rokonkoma. As you may have guessed, Rokonkoma's special ability is that anyone who has been stabbed by the lance tries to escape. Any portion that hasn't been touch immediately separates, locking them in place, preventing any means of escape."
Rubio was desperately trying to elude his staggering painful death. While he knew it was worthless, Marco still tried to push himself back, only for his spine to experience more and more of the agony as the blade found itself deeper into his back.
"You do realize escape is futile at this point, right?" Rayne taunted with a seductive smirk, her cold glare deepening right into his transpierced heart.
"I… don't care…" Marco responded with a harsh tone that synced with his gritting teeth. Sweat framed his forehead as the tactician's respires grew heavier and heavier like an exhausted horse from training. "I'll escape… there's… always a way… out of… these things."
"I've said this before, I admire your confidence in trying to get out of any situation you've found yourself in. But you always were stubborn on knowing when to quit." With the lance lacking any grip from her devious hands, Rayne used her orb to let the lance float in mid air while the queen walked around him, taunting his static body with a sympathetic nod.
Marco ignored her words of scoffing sorrow as he was still struggling to find a way out of the lance. The blades held his back like hawk talons surveying behind him.
Rayne took notice of his awful mistake. "Are you STILL trying to escape? Are you not used to this kind of pain? After all, how many times have you been stabbed numerous times back in the days of war against Gudora and Fonaxe? I suggest that you just give up. I'm pretty sure your friends and family have all accepted the painful truth."
She paused to glance at Rubio, who had finally ceased to continue struggling. Losing hope and the hard necked energy he used, his body was now hanging at the end like a heavy weight set on a wooden flagpole. Seemingly lifeless on the lance, Rubio's eyes rolled skywards, his vision pearl white. The ichor has since stopped flowing from his heart as well. His hand however, still gripped the Dawnbreaker blade, one of the hilt rings latched onto the fabric of his glove.
"What's this? You've finally suspended into death. I guess I was wrong about you after all. You DO know when it's time to quit."
In Marco's thoughts
'Is this really the end? Have I truly have seen the last of my family… and friends?'
He suddenly remembered his friends' faces as they saw him suddenly struck with the lance. The look of shock and disbelief constantly plagued his thoughts as voices called out his name.
His family: Kelli, Eryeth, Reuben, Aerin and Blaze. He remembered the look on their faces. Their faces rushing with agony, sadness and rage as they saw the man who loved them deeply was pierced by the Clamp and Kill lance as ichor dripped from the blade.
Aerin and Blaze especially. He didn't spend nearly as much time with them as he did with his own. While true to the fact they were never even close to being considered his real family, he knew that. THEY knew that but Marco still considered them a part of not just his family, but the Shepherds as well.
What he would give to see them again was about to be destined with The Voice.
"Rubio… Wake up." A female voice called out. Solaris? Lady Elni? Arcturakos? But how? He and Rayne were alone. No one else is with them. Where was this female voice coming from? Before any more questions could be asked, a memory started.
Memory Start
The dracoknight suddenly found himself at his studious home, jolted awake in sweat on his lavish purple and gold bed- no. His and Kelli's bed. The pink haired dancer timidly stared at him with a soft smile.
"Wake up already." Kelli tousled his jet black hair in spikes of a mess. She wasn't alone however, as held in her arms was at the time, a three –year old Eryeth.
"Daddy… wake-up!" Young Eryeth started with a baffled laugh. "Come on! Wake-up so we can play."
A cry suddenly interrupted the trio as Rubio began to jump out in distressed fear.
"Oh dear…" Kelli simply shook her head, as she began to stand up, turning to Marco while tending to his clumsy bowtie. "Honey, please watch over Eryeth for a while. Reuben and Marcus are being fussy again."
Rubio simply sighed and turned to Eryeth, who simply smiled back at him with wide midnight blue eyes. Yet, the hair was inexplicably unexplained on how blue yet combined from black and pink, a stagnant hug just overwhelmed the dracoknight into a long forgotton re-union.
"All right Eryeth, let's go downstairs." Marco smiled as Eryeth simply cheered for joy. Climbing down the oak paneled concrete steps layered with a royal purple carpet was the last sound of a true family moment.
Memory end
He suddenly realized something: His family was what kept him going. He lived to bring them joy and happiness. The mere thought of him dying and leaving his family behind in porrage- all thanks to Rayne- was enough to make his ichor boil in resentment.
Back to the duo
Rubio's arms began moving again, this time gripping the lance once more while dropping Dawnbreaker in the process. However, instead of pushing himself back, he pulled himself towards where Rayne was gripping the lance, murmuring something in Seivati that no one, not even himself could understand.
"Nulla fugae ratio potest. Etiam sine Titan Hydra draco."
"What? How is this… possible?" Rayne held her gaze shaken in disbelief as she slowly lose grip of her lance, the rod swinging lightly in sync with Rubio's staggering paces. "You were dead just seconds ago."
"Gratias ad mea eiusque pastores egerunt, in gentem meam clavem potestatis per destined mei notam et sursum."
Marco still murmured the words as he pulled himself closer, and closer. As soon as he was literally arms' reach from Rayne, his eyes suddenly shot open, chestnut brown turned into Celtic green. He then raised his palm towards Rayne as a sigil in the shape of the Branded Exalt logo began forming from his right hand.
"For… my… Family!" A burst of valored divine flames suddenly shot from his hand, exploding into a feral blow between him and Rayne, causing the latter to lose her grip on the lance. Soon, Rubio was finally able to stand on his own two feet, albeit without a bit of struggling as he finally pulled himself from the last bit of the lance that was still lodged inside of him.
He bent down to grip his Dawnbreaker as well as the lance, discarding it to Rayne in the process. With his right hand the sigil still formed, he placed it on his chest as a burst of Arcane seared the wound shut.
After Rubio was finally able to stand without any more struggles, he positioned himself, Dawnbreaker in front of him. "Now then… Where were we?"
The smirk got Rayne to stand up as well, Rokonkoma gripped tightly in her right hand. "Glad to know that this fight will not end prematurely."
Back to the Shepherds
As Sokara and the others escorted any surviving Delyrans out of the battle-ravaged city, Kelli walked up to the brown haired Exalt in deep concern lacing her vivid emerald eyes.
"Sokara, do you think… he'll be okay?" her outstretched palm rested on his pauldron lacing his left shoulder.
"I know he will." Sokara answered in confidence, insipid about Rubio's ingenious tactics against the Solarian queen.
"What makes you say that Stormfang?" Demiri asked as well, Knightfall strapped his side.
"He will survive." Sokara speculated in deep consideration. "If I know Marco very well, he's a fighter. He knows very well that he must return."
A brief pause.
"Because he has us." The exalt then soberly glanced to the rest of the Shepherds who were helping about. "His family… and his friends."
Back to Marco and Rayne
Both weapons clashed, as Rayne and Rubio continued fighting their final battle. Both were finding ways on how they can find a way to get past the other's defense and strike the other until only one was left standing in cruel victory.
"I'm amazed that you're still able to keep fighting at this point, even when you've lost a lot of ichor." Rayne quietly commented with a seductive gaze at her long time rival. Dawnbreaker clashed against the lance head of Rokonkoma, the snake eye glaring at Rubio as if it wanted to impenitently strike him in half.
"You'll be surprised on what can be done, when you want to see your family again." Rubio smirked as he dodged the upper swing and countered it with a swift strike. Did Rayne even obtain a family through her life as queen in Solaria? It was one mystery that none of the Sheperds or even Zane could decode.
The Snake eye to Ronkonkoma fired a purple beam similar to Garuga's Expiration. Rubio swung Dawnbreaker around him like a 360 degree circle on sand until the effect created a green barrier that lasted 3 seconds before fading off.
"Prespostourous!" Rayne bickered back in disbelief as the beam deflected towards the skies. "Tell me boy, do you still remember this old trick of mine?"
She waved a hand gesture mid air and the space around Marco gradually slowed down.
'You're little time magic…' Rubio smirked to himself as he saw that his movement began slowing down greatly. 'How could anyone forget this strange magic of yours… especially when it's the kind that crippled me for a couple months.'
While Marco slowed down, Rayne was moving at a much faster pace, allowing her to strike the dracoknight's shoulder. Marco was a mere five seconds late of blocking it with his Dawnbreaker.
'Damn it… How am I supposed to get out of this effect?' For a while, Rubio flinched from the sudden string as he planned to himself how he could get out of the time magic. While he was in heavy speculation, Rayne was flying back, preparing herself to strike Marco once more.
After a while, Rubio suddenly had an idea. 'Maybe this could work. It's a huge gamble, but anything's better than getting stabbed again.'
Slowly (literally), Marco stabbed Dawnbreaker to the ground, and pressed the trigger. Just as Rayne was a mere second from stabbing the dracoknight once more to his stomach, a wind magic summon circle outstretched across the sandy floor, trembling the small pebbles as if there was an earthquake.
A strong gust of wind propelled Rubio out of the area, suddenly regaining back his speed.
Before Rayne even knew what happened next, Marco suddenly came from behind, a gust of wind still trailing behind him."Still forgetting my instincts of magic?"
Dawnbreaker struck Rayne through her left wing, efficiently breaking it off. The demon queen screeched in agony before lacing her growl towards her enemy.
'Damn it! He used Supractis!'
The gust of wind finally dispersed as Rubio loaded Elemental Bolt into the Dawnbreaker. With his hand just needing a single twitch to press the trigger, Marco smirked towards the horrified Rayne.
"Now then. Since we're showing each other old tricks, remember this one? However, I had to modify it to present this just for you."
Without warning, Rubio suddenly clicked the trigger. A large bolt of lightning stormed out from the silver blade, the bolts slowly forming into the shape of the dragon of divine flames, Solaris.
"Time to Tip the Scales! ELEMENTAL BOLT!"
Rubio lashed his palm out while the holographic Brand of the Exalt shimmered in drastic effect behind the lightning spell attack.
"No! I cannot die!" Rayne shrieked in disbelief, easily not giving up in her defeat. Unfortunately, the lightning shaped Solaris was not going to stop her from her trickery.
"TIME!" This time (hehe!), a visible wave of red circles shot out, speeding towards Divine Exalt Marco Rubio.
A/N: And we're clear
I know, I said that there would only be one more chapter, instead of a cliffhanger, but I felt this was the best way.
I just didn't want to add to much, so I decided to separate them aka Deathly Hallows, Breaking Dawn and Mockingjay.
But on the bright side, the second part is actually halfway done. Just give me until maybe June 30.
Translation of Rubio's Seivati:
"No means of escape is possible. Even without the titan hydra dragon."
"Thanks to my family and the Shepherds, the key of my revival destined my power through the Brand of the Exalt."
Rayne's new lance, Rokonkoma is a combination of Rokkon and Koma. Japanese for Lock and Clamp respectively. And also a location in New York.
Until the Final, final chapter, BYE!
51: Finale! Part 2 (The End)A/N: Hello Everybody!
This is it! The final chapter!
Once again, I'd like to thank all those who reviewed, favorited, and followed the story. As well as a big good riddance to those that have favorited and followed, but ultimately decided "Nah!"
Anyways, let's get the final over with.
KRA-KASSHH!
The resulting attacks collided with each other, leaving a combination of smoke and an explosion in its wake.
As the smoke gradually cleared, the two combatants, Rubio and Rayne just stood there. Both were breathing in rapid respires, feeling heavily exhausted from the heat. Both of their weapons were held by one hand, battle damaged.
Rayne's Ronkonkoma was snapped into two, the snake eye radiating purple after it's devastated appearance. The Dawnbreaker must have sustained a numerous smoke scars and chipped spikes on the blade itself. The trigger was still intact and luckily unscathed from the feral explosion of the two magic attacks. The ball chain along with the rooster feathers have seared away from it's hilt, unknown of the weapon's charm long gone into disappearance.
Marco's cloak along with his lime green cape was torn at the ends, along with part of his sleeves right underneath his charred forest green pauldrons. His armor was burnt in the middle, as a result of him searing his wound shut, while the ichor surrounding it had already dried up like shriveled cactus without water.
Rayne on the other hand, looked far worse. Her feathered gargoyle wings were scorched, leaving only a considerable portion that was still good enough for her to at least fly a bit. Her dress was scorched and torn as well. Majority of her exposed skin was burnt and ichor was slowly dripping from her arms.
After a short while, Rayne suddenly collapsed to her knees. A sign of defeat that foretold Marco's victory didn't however last any longer. With Rokonkoma standing straight, she used it to prop her upper body up to her staggering feet.
"Looks like… you… HAVE… learned a lot since… then…" The moment she finished her sentence, she glanced at Rubio with a sober glare, who was also on the verge of collapsing.
"I'm afraid… that my time… is up now…" Eyes seared shut as if in a heavenly dream, her body then slowly began to disappear in a shimmering glaze of purple.
"Just stay… where you and Garuga belong…" Rubio began, stumbling towards her while breathing heavily. "In… my memories… and away… from my family… and friends…"
Rayne simply chuckled lightly. "A memory… is something… I will never be… as will Garuga…"
As soon as she said the last of her sentence, she finally faded into shimmers of purple, gone for good. The only thing that remained of her was a line of gray feathers. Even her lance that was supposed to rival against any weapon disappeared into the wind.
Whether by coincidence or by faulty weather, the rain finally concluded the Solar War, and the brightness of the sun began shining again.
A flock of doves soared past the Delyran Lab with a chorus of sounds, the sound of flapping wings against the air caused Rubio to stoop down to study both feathers from a vile queen and a titan dragon.
They both felt similar in size and texture as well as smoked in the same color. Gray and Black. Nothing about a day without two of the greatest battles ever yet throughout Akardos.
Feeling hazed while drool laced against the feathers he picked up, Marco looked up for just a short while, before he finally collapsed. But not before saying: "The sun… never looked more beautiful…"
One Month Later
Rubio slowly began to rouse from his unconscious coma. As he slowly sat up on his bed, he timidly glanced around like a hesitant chipmunk. Glad to see that he wasn't in the Shepherds' Medical Tent otherwise Euriki would have to tend him 24/7. He was at home. As the sunlight bathed the bedroom bright, he tilted his head towards his Dawnbreaker propped against a chair, shining like newly forged steel as the rooster feathers slowly danced in the wind thanks to the open window.
When he finally stood up, and slowly tip-toed his way to the stairs, he was suddenly greeted in yelping shock by one of his househelps, Elizabeth.
"Sir Rubio!" Elizabeth's cheeks heated in embarrassment as she bowed respectfully. "I'm sorry. I just came to wake you, in case you were still sleeping."
Marco simply raised a hand to Elizabeth with a kind chuckle. "There's no need to apologize. Just go back down, and enjoy yourself."
"But sir…" Sweatdropping in neurotic exhales, Elizabeth re-positioned her expression into a more attentive like.
The dracoknight waved a hand again, this time in dismissal. "No need…"
The moment Marco finally climbed down the carpeted stairs framed in marble layered with oak, he made his way to the kitchen where he was greeted with a familiar sight.
Seated as he expected, was his family gathered around for dinner. Kelli, his wife. Eryeth, his son and eldest child Reuben and Marcus, his fraternal twin children, and the middle and youngest respectively. Reuben's older version were there as well.
The newest additions were Aerin, the present-Blaze, and Blaze's older version as well.
"Daddy!" Present-Reuben called out, as she rushed to her father, who joyfully picked her up in exuberant yells.
"Glad you're finally awake…" Kelli smiled lightheartedly, slowly inviting her husband to his superior weakness. A batch of homemade peach and key lime pies. "And just in time too…"
Rubio aimidly smiled as he joined his family at the table.
Musical Accompaniment: Locktouch Support Theme (Everyone else's Support theme) – Knights vs. Dragons: Legends Awakening
Dracoknight Rubio's Final Narration.
It's been a full month since the war had concluded. While it's been three and a half weeks since I've reawakened.
Luckily for me, I was able to recover properly without any problems glazing through me like Rayne's Ronkonkoma did. Though, my seared wound still needs a couple more months before it can finally disappear.
I was told a lot of things:
For one, I was rescued by Corasta after she noticed a massive explosion take place near the Dueling Grounds. She noted how only my Dawnbreaker could produce such impressive strength like that. Save for my spelltomes, too. Just in case.
Second, Zane- along with any surviving Solarian commanders were arrested, and sent to jail. Zane actually tried to kill me after I collapsed. Luckily for me, Corasta managed to stop him after Shiida decided to slam into him with that beautiful neigh of hers. I made a mental note to repay her someday in either Nerados or hopefully as Sokara said, a second spouse. Just for the emergencies.
According to Sokara, some of the representatives of Solaria arrived to Castle Delyrus for a conducted meeting. According to them, they decided that the Exalt should rule over them, along with the rest of Akardos. Boy, am I lucky that I'm not titled exalt like Stormfang here does. Ruling over a WHOLE continent and an island just ABOVE it? Sounds feral but best to the cause of peace and security. Sokara happily agreed… with my help that is.
Speaking of Solaria, I've heard things have gotten better there. The place looks vividly nicer and more beautiful, and life has definitely gotten better for those living there and visiting the area.
Eryeth, Galen, and Larendalle have departed for a journey… At least that's what Lunaria told me. Wherever they journeyed to, I've no idea. Eleanore also left as well… Hopefully, wherever they went too, I just hope that they'll come back home safely.
Aerin and Blaze have become frequent visitors to my place. While they still live and take care of their own inn… That I helped find by the way. They felt that they should connect more with me, as well as my family. So far, it's been good. Aerin and Kelli have become very close friends, while Eryeth, Reuben and Marcus have accepted Blaze like... well… a brother… actually more like a very good friend, but they pretty much act like siblings in general.
As for me, well... life's doing fine for me as well. I haven't used Dawnbreaker since the final battle. I still prolonged Creventis to return to me, but hey. Dawnbreaker seemed like a good substituting Hero for my hands. Although, I still shoot a few shots here and there for old time's sake, or have a friendly spar with Sokara. He too misses swinging Ragnarok, so he brought up that me and him should spar every once in a while.
Music End
Fin…
A/N: And that's a wrap!
Yes, my story has officially concluded.
A third spin off title will be written where it will be only concerned with Marco and the Shepherd Children.
Until next time, BYE!
52: Concluding NoteHey guys! It's me Falco276 here!
Thanks for 1,000 views (or almost to a 1,000) on this story! Without you guys, I would have never made this series! Yeah, 52 chapters worth of pure fantasy excitement and action packed battle scenes was enough to place you guys in a motivated reading mood for my next story! Don't worry it will come soon!
So you can either go to my profile and check out:
1.) Family Visit (one shot)
2.) The Enigmatic Thief: Blaze (Support conveys)
3.) Eagerly wait for my next book to arrive.
I have major announcements to make! *Clears throat*
1.) This is the only book that is completed in the series. It's funny on how I completed book 2 but I didn't take time for the Original KvD: Legends Awakening story. It is posted on my Fiction Press so look under my profile for the first three chapters. I'm still working on the missing chapters without a script and twisting some scenes around. Starting this week, I will be heavily focused on the first book with only includes a maximum of 28 chapters. The paralogue and Xenologue chapters will be avaliable on Knights vs Dragons Wiki!
Also that includes with the script chapters to this story too.
2.) As stated above, the Knights vs Dragons Wiki is officially opened! It is under construction so don't expect 950+ articles to be posted there in a flash. I'm just not finished with the character designs, road maps, and other special features.
3.) I will be coming back to this story to make minor corrections. Some of you may have pointed out some spelling errors or missing words from the story. The reason I could give away is beacause I have posted this story on numourous websites and it's not finished on Spark A Tale, Inkitt, Archive of our Own, and finally Wattpad. Don't worry on this one, I promise.
Until then, happy reading, favouriting, reviewing, whatever it is you like to do!
Until next time!
Falco276 out!
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