Forlorn Skies

[DoubleZeta]

Here's the first part of my story. I hope you guys would like it! Parts of the story would be made clear as the story goes on.

Review here: http://otaku-streamers.com/community/showthread.php?t=793


Episode 1: Melody of Oblivion (segment 1)

"Tick, tock, tick, tock..." hummed a girl with light red hair, as the old grandfather clock continued to swing it's pendulum back and forth.

A look of boredom can be seen in her bloodshot colored eyes as she sat on top of the table, facing the clock as she had her feet go back and forth to the beat of the clock's ticking.

"A little more till it's midnight and it's time to go out~" sang the girl as it was five minutes till midnight, "Soon enough..."

A malicious grin appeared on her face and soon a blood curdling laugh followed. It was midnight and she jumped off the table to proceed upstairs. She slowly ascended the stairs, silently as to not wake up the others who were sleeping. It was only a matter of time that she reached the second floor. She proceeded towards the second floor hallway. The hallway was dark and cold, there was a peaceful glow on the far end of the corridor. This was it... the thing that she desires most is somewhere behind that door. Suddenly, a knocking sound can be heard and the closer she was to the door, the stronger it gets.

The knocking sound continued and then suddenly a female voice blared throughout the room, "Warren! Warren Vendrasyl! Wake up already! The children are waiting!"

A dark brown haired man of about thirty five to thirty six years of age, awoke to his wife's voice.

He sat up from bed and called back, "Just a moment Beezel... I'm not yet fully awake, for crying out loud."

The door opened and a lady with blood red hair came in, "Isn't this day special Warren? Frankly you are aware that it's your father's birthday and surely enough your brother David is already there at this time! It's 10 in the morning! And you say Ymirians are much punctual than us humans!"

"Okay okay! you don't have to rub it in... People from earth are better than us from Ymir" Replied Warren, as he went up to proceed downstairs, "Still you haven't considered that you are in Ymir and not in Earth."

"Warren Vendrasyl! Are you implying something with that!?" Threatened beezel as her cerulean blue eyes stared at Warren's gray ones, "Pack up or we'll be late for our flight."

As soon as Beezel left for the first floor. Warren, disturbed by his dream last night. Hastily entered the room at the end of the second floor corridor.

"Would it be possible that Archnadius might get stolen?" said Warren to himself as he stared at his grandfather's memento, "To think that this sword has gone through many hardships... Would I take the blame if ever this sword falls to the wrong hands?"

Soon enough a rough voice came from the sword, "Obviously it might happen. Judging how disgusting this bloodline is now. I wouldn't wonder if another fool of a vendrasyl tried to bring false honor to the clan. That's the way it has been, always hungry for fame and fortune you children of my masters."

A dark shadow appeared in front of Warren and took the form of a knight clad in black armor.

"Still unhappy that you weren't able to fulfill your role that master Helmont gave you, eh Devourer?" mocked Warren, as he eyed the vengeful familiar, "Your original purpose was to guard the vendrasyls, but it looks like after Caramel has given up the Archnadius you started to rebel against us. Very much grateful that the original four were already released by the Archnadius right? If ever Grimlock, Leviatitan and the others were still there... They should've silenced you already."

The devourer vanished into thin air and before his presence disappeared, he said, "Seems like there is no need for the vendrasyl's anymore. They've already done their role and are no longer to be valued. Let us just enjoy our lives as it is and I pray you vendrasyl's won't do anything as to make me reap the fruits of your sins again. You wouldn't want your children to live a life like that of Christian Vendrasyl the second, right?"

"That would never happen... Surely, the vendrasyl's had learned their mistakes" Warren turned his back on the Archnadius and as he left the room, he locked the door shut... never to let anyone took hold of the Archnadius ever again.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 1: Melody of Oblivion (segment 2)

Warren hurried down the stairs as he finished packing things up. Once he was halfway along the stairways, he saw the others also busy with their things.

"Finally!" exclaimed Beezel as she approached Warren, "Come on, hurry up and get Red from his room."

"Red?" asked Warren in confusion, "What's wrong with Red? Is that boy still sleeping?" Warren placed his bags on the sofa as he ascended the stairs once again.

As he slowly went upstairs, their eldest son Leonel, came out of his room carrying his bags.

Warren noticed him and inquired as soon as possible, "Leonel, What's wrong with your younger brother? Your mother asked me to get him off of his bed."

"Ah right, Red..." sighed Leonel as he dropped his bags for a moment, "As usual, disabled by sickness. Well, it serves him right for having a thick skull. I already told him not to go out yesterday and he still went outside to the rain, and now he's whining that he's having difficulty in breathing. He can't really go anywhere with his frail body and a thick head to go with it."

Warren scratched his head in slight annoyance and continued to walk, "As if, you weren't that hyper-active when you were also his age. I'll go ahead and carry him downstairs. Also, tell your younger sister Cremona to behave herself once we get there."

Leonel picked up his bags and continued downstairs. Warren, standing in front of Red's door. Knocked on it before he entered, "Up your bed sleepy head! Don't let your mother's temper get on you. Anyways, your grandfather and your grandmother might feel bad if you children won't come."

"Spare the sermons Dad..." replied Red, facing down to his pillow as he lay there perfectly still, "I'll stand up if I really can..."

Warren approached his sick son and lent him a hand, "I know you can't move too much today. Come on, I'll bring you downstairs. I don't want father to get angry at me also, won't I?"

Warren took Red up and hastily carried him downstairs. This time, Cremona was already sitting on the sofa. Fully dressed and ready to go. She saw her father and quickly asked him a question, "Daddy! I can't wait to see grandma and grandpa! Do you think they'll like to see me too?"

"What kind of a question is that? Surely, Grandma Elle and Grandpa Christian would be happy to see you" smiled Warren to Cremona as he placed Red down on the sofa, "Okay Beezel, the kids are ready."

Soon enough, the whole family was of to go to Azmarion. Who knows what surprises await them there, but surely enough... There would be changes... not only in Warren's and Beezel's life, but also to their children.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 1: Melody of Oblivion (segment 3)

"Technically you're just getting paranoid again" comforted Elle to Christian, "I agree that the stress on life just got doubled when you received them back, but please don't let it get in conflict with who you are now."

Elle gave a gentle pat on Christian's back as he held his head in pain. Seems that a lot of things were troubling him. It had been days since he started feeling strange and unexplained stuff. Elle, felt that it has something to do with his age or maybe a tad worse scenario... The memories were not fitting well with each other...

"Elle..." called Christian as he rested his back on the chair and looked out the window, "Please leave me for a while."

Elle felt much worried with what she heard and just agreed to what Christian wanted, "If you wish so... but once you're okay. Can you go out of the room to see your grandchildren?"

Christian did not reply and Elle, sensing that he was serious, left the room as soon as possible. Christian continued looking at the sky and had his mind floating all that time. He was very much puzzled and disappointed at that time that he can't even feel that it's his birthday. Surely he feels bad about what was happening and just can't react with.

"I am different than the two before me..." He whispered to himself as he passed down to a short nap, "Maybe all of this would vanish after I wake up again."

Meanwhile, Warren and his family had reached their destination and was happily greeted by Elle. "You're late again as always Warren!" exclaimed Elle as she mentioned them to come in, "They're all inside by now and your family is always the last one to arrive anyways."

Cremona ran inside as soon as Elle said this and Leonel walked slowly and silently ahead of his parents.

"That girl of yours is very much hyper-active ain't she Beezel?" asked Elle as she walked alonside Warren and Beezel.

"Oh Cremona!" apologized Beezel, "I'm sorry if she's quite of a bother to you..."

"No, it doesn't bother me at all," smiled Elle as they entered inside the main hall, "She's a little bit like your husband when he was young so I'm quite used to it by now."

Inside the main hall, much of the Vendrasyl family was present. Simply put that the Asher's were quite busy and were understandably absent. Elle felt nostalgic upon seeing the family together in one place again.

Amidst the chatting, a knight came in the main hall and called for Elle, "Your highness... The king... erm... your husband called for you."

"Please rephrase from using that word again if you may," adviced Elle as she excused herself from the others, "excuse me for a while, the birthday celebrant might just be feeling well by now."

Enough said, the knight went out the hall along with Elle. Everyone was left in a serious fit of confusion upon what they heard... highness...

A man of the same age as Warren approached them and greeted, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking brother?"

It was David, Warren's twin brother and also his partner in crime when they were still young. Nothing much changed with his appearance ever since then. He still looked a lot like Warren, aside the fact that he is just wearing square-rimmed glasses. There weren't frankly any much difference.

"I guess our hunch was correct then David..." replied Warren as he faced Beezel, "The reason why they gave the house to us... might just be resolved today."

Another blonde haired lady just like Elle came to the scene and asked the twin brothers, "What might my younger brothers be thinking again this time? Can you count me in with your plans?"

It was their older sister, Kelly. As if brought back to the past, David and Warren replied in chorus, "Not a single thought of it!"

Then both of them laughed at their older sister and greeted, "It's so long since we've seen you. Where's your husband?"

"Still making fun of me, you two..." sighed Kelly as she saw Cremona, "He's quite busy and can't make it along with us. Oh, who might this girl be?"

"She's my daughter" replied Warren with a smile on his face, "Where's your children? I've heard that Cyril's been doing great in his adventuring career."

Kelly called Cremona towards their direction and gave her a pat on the head, "She's such a cute little girl. Anyways, David, Warren, I think you should go check up on your kids. Maybe they knew anything about Cyril."

Kelly left the two brothers with a smile on her face as she approached Beezel, Ristine and Caramel. David and Warren then looked for Leonel and Christine, as to receive a clue about where Cyril is currently at. A very surprising event was about to churn up as the two fathers find out about what their teenagers were currently planning and another adventure might just present itself to the Vendrasyls.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 1: Melody of Oblivion (segment 4)

"Think of it, Leonel, Christine!" invited Cyril to the two, "We leave tonight. So be sure to pack your things up! We'll go on an adventure."

David and Warren overheard their conversation as they kept distance, to further their eaves-dropping on their teenager's plans. Leonel looked much game to go along with Cyril and have an adventure story of his own. While Christine was still in doubt to go along with her cousins.

"I'll feel miserable if I lie to Mom and Dad" replied Christine with a weary face, "Shouldn't we just tell them about it?"

With such a remark, Cyril and Leonel both exclaimed, "Are you nuts!? Your mother wouldn't allow you and uncle David might punish us!"

"But..." sighed Christine, still much in doubt if she'll tag along, "If I go with you two... I'll just become dead weight because of my uselessness."

"That won't happen!" disagreed Leonel as he stood up from his seat, "You're a great alchemist! You can always help from sidelines!"

Then upon hearing such words, Christine despaired much more than earlier and lowered down her head.

Cyril sighed at this and stared at Leonel, "There you go again... Shouldn't you think it would be better if you just leave the matter to me? You know you're not quite good with words."

As the three talked about their scheduled adventure. David and Warren discussed their actions about the so called "plan".

"I'm fine with Leonel. He's already at the right age to go" suggested Warren with a confident smile, "But, what about your daughter? Would you be fine with their plan?"

A cool breeze entered the place, as David kept silent in considering what he will do in Christine's case. Also, the mother's kept busy talking about their children and their husbands. Most noticeable was Red, whom was still lying down on the sofa... burning hot with fever and constant whining. Elle also came back to the scene and was obviously looking for someone.

"She'll be fine" answered David giving a confident smile too, "I'll just ignore that she left. So that she will think that I do not know about her doings. It would be better if she won't worry about us, don't you think?"

Warren gave a thumbs up at this, believing that it would be just if they don't stick their nose up in the teenagers decisions. Elle then approached the two and said, "Warren, your father calls you. He says he wants to talk to you about something."

"Dad?" asked Warren in surprise, "What might he be telling me now? Am I in for scolding again?"

"I guess not dear" smiled Elle as she continued to go see Red, "It has something to do with why the house was left in your care."

Wasting no time, Warren hastily went out of the hall and in to the stairs. Walking fast but silently, as not to annoy his father with noise. He went in front of the door and knocked, "Dad? Mom said you called for me?"

A quick response came from inside, "Come in. There's no need to knock in the first place. Obviously I called for you and so I expect that you were the one to come in."

Warren opened the door and was able to see his father again after a few years. Not much has changed in him, still the same old looks that for now bothered them. Does his parents never grow old?

"What is it that you want to talk about Dad?" asked Warren, curious to know the secrets that his parents hid so far from them, "Is it about me getting late again?"

"It's not that Warren..." answered Christian as he stood up from his seat to approach him, "It's about the Archnadius."

The weather was perfectly fine that day, but as soon as Christian said the sword's name... A lightning bolt flashed by, followed by a booming sound created by thunder after it. Christian turned around and closed the window as winds blew restless and carried rain water inside the room.

"Did you have the dream too? Dad?" questioned Warren grimly, "Am I right?"

"Yes..." Sighed Christian as the storm continued churning, "Keep it well hidden, or if you can't hide it... just lock it away. It has been bothering me for days now. You can see the consequences in it right? I believe that it is time to let it go... The Archnadius has already done it's purpose."

"Don't worry Dad" assured Warren to his father, "I've already done it before you can say it, but judging from your looks... It's not the only thing that bothers you."

The winds blew calmer than earlier. It was just a brief storm and although the rain stopped pouring already, the sky was still dark and gloomy.

"You really wish to know stuff Warren" said Christian, trying to be much truthful to his son, "I believe you wanted to know why we gave the house to you?"

"Yes please, if you may" pleaded Warren as he stood there waiting for the long held truth.

Christian smiled as he turned around to face him, "Anyways, there's no particular reason why it was given to you. All I can tell you, is why we left midgard."

"Oh... then there weren't any special reason why I received the house" laughed Warren at his self, "And I thought I was special. Well Dad, what was your reason for leaving midgard?"

"It wasn't my reason either... but to put it simply, it was your mother's reason" explained Christian as he took up Elle's picture, "A queen should never be away from her kingdom."

"Queen?" asked Warren, still the confusion resides in him, "What do you mean by that Dad?"

"Your mother, if put to a shorter statement, is a long lost royalty of Azmarion. Which no one knew about, even her" said Christian placing the picture back to it's place, "The Rosewood family was the Azmarion royal family. She didn't knew about it, because of her father, Aldrin Rosewood, running away to midgard... away from his duties as the prince. In midgard, your grandfather met your grandmother, Keira, half-sister of the mermaid queen. Which explains your mother's mermaid lineage. Growing up in Midgard, which at that time... still doesn't know this kingdom. She came to believe that her family was just one of the ordinary family names in midgard, which isn't that completely true. Later on, we found out about it. Azmarion, still much in unrest about not having a king. The council of elders asked your mother and I to lead the kingdom."

"I seem to be having a hard time digesting the facts Dad" commented Warren as he tried to grip the idea, "That means... you left the house and midgard, because duty calls?"

"Seems like that" smiled Christian as he continued, "My problem comes with that decision. I do not want to be called king or have responsibilities as such. Which made the council to reconsider having your mother marry someone else to be the king."

Warren then exclaimed with a sly grin, "And so you exterminated the council!?"

"no, no! I didn't put it that way... but I might consider it sometime soon" replied Christian quickly, then he shouted, "Where did you get that impression! You think I'll kill someone because of... Yeah... maybe you're right."

The two kept a little moment of laughing and grinning at the idea and then Warren continued, "So what did you do about the problem?"

"I forged the kingdom's history codex" smiled Christian as he went to the door and opened it, "Turned the history from patriarchal rule to matriarchal and placed complete control to the queen. The council of elders, you ask?"

"You changed their scope of power?" asked Warren with a follow up question, "to what?"

"Charged them to the kingdom's... er... "queendom's" waste disposal management" laughed Christian with a jerkish fit of maniacal vileness, "I wouldn't let anyone go in our way right? We've waited decades to be with each other again right?"

As Warren heard this, his eyes grew large on what his father said, "Dad, I know you're just 2 or more decades married to Mom? Why do you sound like you've been away for an eternity?"

"The heart isn't always as old as the body Warren (I think it's quite a century or so now?)" smiled Christian as they went down to the main hall, "I might be older than how I look like. Well, we should be going down to the party. Since I already made the situation clear, we'll be seeing a feast fit for a king on the table soon enough, and I wouldn't want to break my promise to Elle. She'll surely get worried of it."

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 2: The way with tragedies (segment 1)

"Is the boy awake already?" asked the senior doctor to the boarders.

The place was similar to those of hospital wards. except the fact that it was a room filled with more than five beds. A band of trainees flocked around a single bed, as if trying to look after someone or something.

"Doctor! I think he's awake now!" alarmed one of the boys, "Hey man! Wake up! What were you thinking floating along the sea like that?"

The red haired boy took a glance on the people surrounding him and with a loud voice he yelled, "Where am I! What happened to the others?"

"Based by your actions, I suggest that you had been on a ship-wrecked voyage?" commented a blonde guy carrying a rather heavy sword, "I'm Rick Bloodgeyser. Captain second-class of the Cayr'nian white swords."

"White swords... Cayr'na..." whispered the red-haired boy to himself, "Am I in ples' crucix?"

"Yup, that's right kid" agreed Rick as he pointed to the far left side of the room, "Your sword is quite heavy kid. I sense that it's quite special and I guess you're a soldier or warrior of some sort. Why not try signing up for the White Swords?"

"I... I still need to find my cousins!" said the red-haired boy and he tried to stand up.

A sharp pain drove on his side and he felt that there must be a broken ribcage or something from the accident. Due to the jolt of pain, he sprang back to bed and despaired much.

"Seems that you'll be staying here for a few days, What's your name boy?" questioned Rick as he called the boys in, "The whole division's here to welcome you."

"Vendrasyl... Leonel Vendrasyl" introduced the red-haired boy.

"Welcome to the crew then! I suggest we introduce you to the testing commission and later, the female division" said Rick and the others introduced their selves too.

The White Swords organization accepted Leonel, believing that the Archnadius' shifts were white magic of some sort. Leonel passed the test easily and the Archnadius covered up for his magical side.

Although, not everyone liked him that much... and specially... the White Swords female division. Although, they don't have any reason to hate him. It was just because Ms. Kyrie Arienne thought Leonel was some sort of lowly attention seeker and the whole division just got infected by her... "crankiness", or so they say.

Soon, Leonel was able to roam the corridors and by any chance of luck... (or misfortune) He crossed paths with Kyrie. Being much silenced upon seeing our mischief-maker in Angel's clothing. Leonel was petrified on his tracks as Kyrie passed by him.

How could he not look at Kyrie's beauty? Was he caught up in love at first sight? Surely enough... Kyrie too... felt that she was caught in "hate at first sight?" at Leonel.

And as she passed by she whispered to him, "Go have a life somewhere else!"

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 2: The way with tragedies (segment 2)

Early morning in the White Swords female division headquarters. Kyrie was walking along towards the captain's office. Her long light brown hair swaying along with the breeze. Still having a heavy feeling on her eyelids. She yawned while she kept her sword, Magistera, close to her.

While she walked along the hallways. She stared outside the windows, while still buttoning her white swords uniform and saw some of the recruits training hard on their own. A smile came up to her seeing her subordinates were indeed busy in training. Then as she passed by the intersection that leads to the Male division headquarters, she saw Leonel.

"You're still following me?" said Kyrie to Leonel, a sure fit of un-liking can be traced from her voice.

"Actually... I'm not following you... I... I mean we just crossed paths again..." stammered Leonel as Kyrie gave a scrutinizing look at him, "Maybe it's desti..."

"Destiny!? You call this destiny!? I'd better be off scrubbing floors! Shoo! Go away!" shouted Kyrie as she turned around to the corner and ran away fast.

Then when she saw the coast was clear... She yelled in a frustrated manner, "What a JERK!"

Captain Rick saw Kyrie as she did this rather embarrassing gesture...

"Arienne? What are you doing there?" asked Captain Rick, while Kyrie straightened herself and tried to act natural.

"Oh, captain... I didn't notice you were there..." greeted Kyrie as she leaned closer to whisper something, "Did you see that?"

"Pretty much indeed, I believe you are referring to Leonel with that?" answered Captain Rick with a grim look in his face, "Arienne? Why do you hate the new guy so much? or in this case... Why do you hate every new recruit in the order? It's not that I believe your other superior officers, who say you were a delinquent in the academy before you entered the order. I just noticed that you hate them... or so you say, then after a few months of working together with them... you learn to accept their personalities. Can't you try at least being nice to Leonel for once?"

"I'm sorry Captain... but I can't fool myself to like other people I surely don't like at all and that jerk is not one of the exceptions! If you have nothing more to say, I would get going now" bade Kyrie farewell as she left the Captain wondering about why she hates Leonel so much.

Kyrie kept her pace, moving slowly towards the Captain's office. Not a single aura can be felt from outside the office. It has always been like that. In which makes her wonder...

"The captain must be lonely... to think that people rarely notice her..."

She knocked gently on the door and a soft voice replied, "Come in."

She opened the door and quickly entered the room to see Captain Liz waiting for her intently. She is already 26 years old and people still wonder why she still hasn't married yet. Though she has looks and a nice personality... people rarely see her along with men.

"A pleasant morning Arienne" greeted the Captain, as she removed her braids and glasses, "You won't mind right?"

"Yes, Captain!" answered Kyrie, respect was noticeable in her tone of speech, "What is it you want to talk about, Captain?"

"Yes, yes, I've called you because of some major issues that the order needs to face" narrated Captain Liz, handing out a letter to Kyrie, "Tomorrow, a representative from a foreign kingdom would visit Cayr'na. They say he is the master knight of that said kingdom and would like to see the status of our kingdom. This is a brilliant opportunity to get in good terms with other kingdoms around the world. I would like you to attend to a duel between the two divisions. You might not wonder why your superior chose you to be the representative of the female divison right?"

Kyrie nodded and understood that this was for the honor of Cayr'na and of the Arienne lineage. A smile etched on her face as she was about to get the spotlight again, but a thought came to her and she asked, "Captain? Who will be my opponent?"

Captain Liz gave a wide smile to Kyrie and sudden bursts of laughter upon the thought of it, "You might have wondered when you saw Captain second class, Rick Bloodgeyser came out of my office right?"

"Oh no! Don't tell me he's my opponent!" worried Kyrie as Captain Liz laughed more at her remark.

"Silly, I wouldn't allow a match like that" comforted Captain Liz as she took out a file folder and started reading it, "So far, the male division still hasn't chosen their 7th seated official. I asked Rick if he can propose someone, whom he thinks might match you skills in battle. He told me that he'll send the new recruit to fight you and if his skills are worthy enough, he would be the 7th seated officer of the male division. This would be a nice way to resolve your problem with the new recruit, Leonel Vendrasyl."

She silently agreed to this notion and assured that she would bring the victory for the female division. Deep inside, Kyrie feels so happy about the decision. She can feel neither nervous nor afraid of what might happen. It would be a fit warning she can give to Leonel for him to stay away from her.

The day came for the battle to be held. The representative took his place on the audience, but people were sent to confusion on the question... why did the representative cover his face with his helm, when he heard the surname, "Vendrasyl"?

The left side was quite in tension, as Captain Rick and the other male division members gave Leonel some last pieces of advice before he goes head on. While on the right side of the arena, Kyrie sat down on a chair. Crossed arms and with a confident smile on her face as the other female division members cheered for her.

"Remember Leonel, She's one tough cookie! Never let your guard down!" adviced Captain Rick, "Also, if she raises her shield up. Don't expect her to be always in defensive mode, She can use her shield as a cannon. Remember that and never forget!"

"Should I really beat her up?" asked Leonel, being much confused if he would fight with full power or restrain it.

A guy with long blonde haired approached Leonel and said to him in a tough voice, "Stand up and face me!"

Leonel quickly stood up and faced the guy, "Yes sir! What is it!?"

The blonde guy was wearing clothes that resembled that of a nobleman and was surely someone with high position. He posed in front of the crowd momentarily and stars might also have appeared, if only the author wasn't so cheap with special effects, "I am Leon Zild the III, son of Leon Zild the II and Grandson of Leon Zild the I! 3rd seated official of the male division! I expect you to win this competition for your name nearly sounds like mine!"

He went on again posing different poses, which all the more made him look quite stupid for some and cool for some other girls on the other side of the arena, "Don't take Arienne too lightly! She's a spoiled brat who needs a decent share of spanking! So, Leonel... what you may call it, blabla surname! Give it your best shot!"

Leonel tried to escape the long boring lecture by heading on to the center of the arena. The whole crowd cheering for the two sides and before the match started Leon Zild shouted one last piece of advice to Leonel, "Embarrassing her by raising her skirt up in front of the audience would do nothing to her! Remember that! Someone as LEWD as HER wouldn't mind!... Aughhh..."

"Just shut up already Leon!" yelled the other seated officers as they pound him down to the seats, "Never mind what he said!"

The representative, clad in heavy armor, asked Captain Liz as the two were readying themselves, "Tell me, the boy is just new here isn't he? Isn't it that much of a handicap to let that girl fight him? She looks much respected in this kingdom of yours. Can you justify this?"

Captain Liz gave a smile to the representative as she always does when talking to people, "I believe I can answer that question of yours. I praise your ability to notice people so quickly. Yes, that girl is Kyrie Arienne, eldest daughter of the honorable Arienne clan of white mages. She has shown much promise as a white mage and also a warrior. Which I believe her parents are really proud of. While the boy is Leonel Vendrasyl, although I don't have enough information about him. His superiors have high expectations for him."

The representative nodded in agreement to what she said and faced her, "As my instincts tell me. I can see clearly in you that you are of 26 years of age and still hasn't married yet. I see you hold your position in great zeal, I praise your ability to stay single" commented the representative with a slight glint of heavy breathing from inside the helm. The words pierced quite effortlessly through Captain Liz, though she ignored it even if it was quite annoying.

Meanwhile, in the center of the arena. Kyrie took time to talk to her opponent before the match starts.

"This is what I call destiny, don't you think?" grinned Kyrie as she readied her sword and shield, "My destiny to humiliate you!"

"Though you are quite harsh on me, I feel that you're not that bad at all" replied Leonel to Kyrie's words earlier, "I respect you as you are, but can you consider the both of us as equals just for this day?"

Kyrie stared to her side with a loud, "Hmpf... in your dreams. You expect an Arienne to have you as an equal? You surely are not from Cayr'na! The more I can think about it, you might just be a spy from Flumragia. Vendrasyl surnames can be heard there, but not here in Cayr'na."

"Seems like a lot of tension indeed" side-noted the representative as he watched closely.

The match officially started as the signal was fired and both of them held their swords ready. Kyrie played it rather defensively and so did Leonel. Neither did the other attack nor the other also. She kept a steady gaze on Leonel, while Leonel on the other hand... stared at Kyrie adoring her looks.

It didn't took that much time for Kyrie to notice Leonel's floating mind and she focused her shield towards Leonel. Kyrie started casting on the shield and then, six other copies of her shield encircled around and focused like a satellite towards Leonel. A bright blue light emanated from the shield and zoomed out in lines towards the other six copies. The copied reflected the light and formed a six pointed star in their formation.

Leonel opened his mouth in awe for the lights as three circles made from the bright blue light encased the six pointed star and runes appeared on the gap between each circle. This was the trademark magic-circle of the Arienne family and people already knew that this was Kyrie's most powerful offensive white magic, the Nirvana. It seemed that the match was soon over as the circle gained in on details.

The shields fired out an intense beam of blue light and was about to incinerate Leonel. A triumphant smile appeared upon Kyrie's face as the light surged towards Leonel. There was no stopping it and only a miracle could save him from defeat.

Then from out of the blue. Leonel raised the Archnadius and skillfully deflected the beam diagonally towards the sky, "Sorry, I didn't mean to." Said Leonel sincerely, but it sounded much more of an insult to Kyrie's perception.

"How did he..." said Kyrie in disbelief, she clenched her fists and quickly casted her buff magic on her. Hot-headedly, she lunged at Leonel with her sword.

The tides turned so fast with just one swift maneuver. The crowd was restless upon seeing such power. Was this some new reinforcement magic that only Leonel knows of so far. A magic strong enough to deflect the lights of heaven?

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 2: The way with tragedies (segment 3)

Leonel parried Kyrie's attack with much ease and also hit Kyrie away from him. The movement was slow and weak, yet Kyrie was sent by inches away.

"You're not cheating me are you?" asked Kyrie, being much annoyed on how Leonel is able deflect all her attacks so far.

Leonel tried to approach her but Kyrie pointed her sword at him, "Sorry, was that too much?"

"The nerve you got to insult me still!" Kyrie ran some place away from Leonel. Unknowing that Leonel has no real intention to fight her seriously. While she was keeping her distance. She started casting several low-caliber buffs on her sword and waited for Leonel to strike.

"Does Arienne really believe she can beat Leonel with just apprentice magic?" said Captain Rick to his sub-ordinates as they watched from afar. Judging by the situation, the viewers really think that Kyrie's pride was in the way. Never accepting defeat... so, she uses apprentice magic to make people believe that she just gave Leonel a handicap.

From behind Captain Rick, an oblivious aura came up to them and when Captain Rick turned around. A sarcastic greeting kicked up on his face, "Rick, Rick, Rick... Such feeble-mindedness in an intelligent person's place. Do you really think that low of an arienne?"

Rick replied with a grim resentment to the person who greeted him, "Still thinking so high of yourself Elizier? There's no wonder Kyrie's been up to no good in your supervision."

The female division's highest officer, Elizier Reinbach, stared offended at Rick and pointed her spear at him, "Don't talk to me like you're someone, Loser!"

Kyrie stood up nicely and taunted Leonel to attack. Though, Leonel remained glued to his place. The people watched closely, for they felt that this match would soon come to an end.

Suddenly, without Leonel's consent... The Archnadius pulled him off towards Kyrie to mount a massive strike, finalizing the match. Kyrie already anticipated an attack like this and was able to dodge... with great speed as the Archnadius left a fissure on the ground.

"I have to say, your new recruit has great capabilities. Though, it stands no chance against the Valkyrie's chain" commented Elizier as she stood a few meters away from Rick. There seemed to be a great disturbance in the place where they stood at, that even the birds strayed away from the place.

Rick replied with rude words and the usual grim look at his arch-nemesis, "Another of those tall tales you make for your sub-ordinates?" Elizier tried not to laugh at what Rick said. She sat somewhere close-by and combed her hair, "This would have to be your most ignorant remark so far. Don't tell me you don't read your files? Kyrie's magic pawns even your strongest spells. It's her natural ability to increase magical quantities through repeated usage, that is... The Valkyrie's chain."

Kyrie slashed repeatedly at Leonel. After upgrading her sword's strength and magical capability to a very imbalanced level. She was now able to stand one on one with Leonel. Each strike sends the Archnadius off-track and Leonel... off his balance.

A burning rage was fueling on at Kyrie. The swords clanged together, creating solid clashing sounds and sparks flew all over the place. "Why won't you just lie down to the ground where you fit in!" said Kyrie to Leonel as she tried to push Leonel off guard.

"I told you! I'm not gonna hurt you!" replied Leonel as he pushed back, "Why won't you believe me?"

"It's because! You're not Eumil!" Yelled kyrie as she slashed horizontally with great force. The words resounded on Leonel's mind... and the Archnadius' core reacted to his emotion and a blue light shone from it.

"The Chronicle blade..." said the Representative in awe. Captain Liz asked the representative on why he said those words, "The Chronicle Blade? Might I ask about what you mentioned?"

The Representative held Captain Liz's hands and shook them, "I congratulate you for having such sub-ordinates. I have seen the end of this match and would like to meet those two personally." With this, the representative of Azmarion stood up from his seat and slowly descended to the arena. Captain Liz was a bit shaken with what happened and looked somewhere else. Trying to hide a blushing face.

Leonel, filled with the unexplained feeling he had earlier... gave a clean strike at Kyrie's sword and it flew out of the place. Terror climbed up on Kyrie's spine as she felt the tremendous surge of magic that bursted out from Leonel's sword.

After a short pause, Kyrie was seen kneeling on the ground. Clutching her left arm that appears to be wounded and Leonel... Staring down to the ground. Grinding his teeth in an unexplained rage.

The representative approached the two of them and said, "That was a great battle. Although I can clearly say that it was sort of biased on one side. Mr. Vendrasyl, Ms. Arienne, you've done great. I would like to fight the two of you right here, right now."

The crowd became rowdy and the male division started rejoicing on this wonderful victory, though the female division lost this match. They appeared to be unshaken and continued to watch.

"You said something Elizier?" mocked Rick as he went on towards his division. Elizier remained silent and smiled at this, "It's not a smashing victory you'll see. You guys just made Kyrie angry. We'll see much more matches soon after this and I vow that this would be the only match you guys have won."

As Rick went a few meters away from Elizier. Leon approached him and said, "You saw it right?"

"Yes, I saw it clearly..." replied Rick as he went closer to the arena, "I already knew of the Valkyrie's chain for so long. I just wanted to annoy Elizier to heighten her fall. Kyrie did something wrong... am I right Doctor?"

The doctor of the male division asnwered, he was the same one who treated Leonel when he was washed ashore there, "The sword absorbed the Chain's power and converted it to activate that attack. We could put it that Ms. Arienne destroyed herself with her own magic."

"It's good that we have that power in our side..." said Rick as he watched what was happening in the middle of the arena, "It would be terrifying if it wasn't."

"I'm sorry... I think I'll pass..." replied Leonel grimly to the offer of the representative.

Kyrie stood up slowly and healed her wound. "I would accept the offer... to raise my pride off from the ground after that defeat..." accepted Kyrie as she snapped her fingers and the Magistera came to her, "Also, to show this coward how to stand up after falling."

Leonel's mind phased out and in as he rested himself on the side of the arena. Captain Rick approached him with the other male division officers, "Good job there Vendrasyl!"

"As I've expected! The name Leonel sure is close to that of mine!" said Leon as he congratulated Leonel, "I told you that you can beat her!"

"I'm impressed with your determination. If that was me, I should have just slept the day off" complimented the representative. Without further discussion, the representative dashed forward and pulled out his sword. He kept it low on the ground and was aiming for a vertical attack from below.

As soon as Kyrie saw this, a flashback from her past turned the Valkyrie's chain to overdrive. A loud shriek focused everyone's attention to the center and were surprised that a huge circle, that one used for the Nirvana, was already cast as fast as a split second and ravaged through the representative's direction.

Leonel upon seeing this, stood up from his side of the field to approach Kyrie. "Kyrie! Are you okay!?" called out Leonel as he ran as fast as he can to approach them.

Kyrie was trembling and was obviously quite shaken on what she just used. Leonel approached her and shook her up, "What's wrong? Are you ok?"

She got to her senses and slapped Leonel silly on the face, "I'm fine retard! Go check up on the representative!" Kyrie stood up and ran alongside Leonel towards the direction of the representative. Captain Liz also ran off towards the place.

They arrived to where the guy was blown off by the blast. Captain Liz knelt down beside him and asked, "Mr. representative... are you alright?". The representative's helm flew off and as Leonel saw him... he stammered, "G... Gran... Grandfather!?"

The representative sat up and smiled at Leonel, "I'm fine thank you. So how's my ran-away grandson doing?" He stood up and patted Leonel on the head. It was confirmed... the representative was Christian Vendrasyl.

"Grandson? Grandfather? What's the meaning of this?" asked Kyrie, getting much dizzy on what she was experiencing. Christian took up his sword and sheathed it back, "That was quite a spell you used on me. Are you sure you had no intention of killing me?"

Christian smiled at Kyrie even before she can reply, "I saw it. You don't need to apologize. Well, Captain, that ends my visit here. I would say that I'm very happy of what has happened here. I would tell my wife to co... erm... the Queen... to come visit the place herself and properly sign the treaty as soon as possible."

"Pardon me... Mr. Vendrasyl?" asked Captain Liz, "You said that your wife was the Queen?"

"Yes, you heard that correctly" answered Christian as he dusted the dirt off his armor. Then Kyrie and Captain Liz both replied, "Then you're the KING? We're sorry we didn't know. Please forgive our insolence!"

"Well, it's okay... The word King does not really exist in Azmarion. I'm the general of the army."

The day ended nicely, even though Kyrie Arienne lost some of her resentment on Leonel Vendrasyl. This was proof that everything was just beginning and there are still events yet to come between this two...

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 3: The council of Demons (segment 1)

It was Midnight and some sounds resembling the clip-clopping of horses hooves rained the stony paths far inside the forests of Prontera. A man astrode on a pale flaming horse passed by the trees and monsters that lay deep asleep in that particular forest.

There was nothing to be heard except him and his horse. The moon shined across the place. It was full and the clouds are clear from the skies. He continued past the ruins of what seemed like a forgotten temple of some god and vanished in to the darkness.

It was silent inside, just like how it was outside. As he passed by some unlit torches, they lit themselves up like phantoms appearing from nowhere. The overgrowth shoved themselves to the side and an old wooden gate opened up for the man.

"There seems to be some problem, master" greeted the man to the huge figure standing in front of him, "It has something to do with the wraiths... and some little issues about the succubi in Geffenia."

"You've arrived just in time" replied the huge figure as he stepped up to the light, "I already knew the reason about the Wraiths behaviors... and you say the Succubi and Incubi are joining their ranks?"

A huge goat-like demon, it was the Baphomet and surely enough the swordsman was the Doppelganger. A puzzled look showed up on the Doppelganger's face and replied to his master, "Master, this is a different matter... I do not refer to the succubi and incubi... just one succubus that got dropped from her rank."

"The lesser demons are beginning to lose their minds I see?" Said the Baphomet grimly, "It is our fault we destroyed him... and now... the order is taking actions..."

"The order?" asked the Doppelganger with wide eyes from surprise, "What's that?"

"A cult that existed for so long that neither it's own members remember when it started" answered a female voice from behind the Doppelganger.

"Moony? I see... I'm not the only one summoned here I believe" thought the Doppelganger as the Moonlight Flower came to the scene to participate in the discussion.

"It's awfully nice to see you Doppel," greeted the Moonlight Flower, then shifting her gaze to the Baphomet, "Father, the assembly would be ready soon. Uncle would be here soon enough."

There was an awkward thing to be noticed with the Moonlight Flower that time. She was wearing normal clothes... that of a human being and a little girl along with her, clinging to her side.

"What we're you saying about that succubus again Doppel?" continued the Baphomet as he gazed steadily to the moon.

"It was due to her being unable to do her purpose, that her prey felt pity on her and did her work for her. It might just be due to her personality... Sheesh... saying that a succubus like her has no real purpose... She really wanted to die. Anyways, I've sealed her power up and decided to give her a cursed ruby. She's practically along with that acolyte who felt pity on her" narrated the Doppelganger and now slightly curious on what the Moonlight Flower had been up to lately, "Catherine, who is she?"

The child hid behind Moonlight as the Doppelganger stared at their direction. The Moonlight flower, comforting the young girl to remove her fears, replied to him, "My daughter of course."

A slight shock went on through his non-existent spine and he said to himself, "The last person they would think to continue his or her own lineage... might just be me..."

A loud bang caught their attention as someone entered through the gate. Catherine, or the Moonlight Flower, greeted the person who entered, "Uncle, you're fairly late today."

A faint sound of metal clanging echoed through the place as the person walked inside. The Baphomet then said to this particular person, "It's been 80 years or so since we last saw each other... Vendrasyl..."

A man clad in heavy armor appeared in front of them, removing his helm slowly as he replied, "It is a fat chance that I even remembered you guys... Living three different lives have a great impact on my mentality as you can see. A pleasure to be back to my old self again."

"How is Cleo?" asked the Baphomet a worried look traceable in his visage. The man named Vendrasyl sat on a chair beside the Doppelganger. Placing his sword beside the chair and closed his eyes to rest for a bit.

"I am sorry to say that she might not be able to remember you. Us being reincarnated into another life... doesn't mean that we share the same memories as our past lives" replied the armored man, "You might ask why I remember?"

"Uncle..." called Catherine, aslo worried of what she heard from the man, "She might not be able remember me also?"

"Yes... Life is cruel... to think she might not be able to remember her own daughter. Cleo has her own life now" smiled the man.

"Then why?" followed up Catherine, showing signs of being deeply hurt, "Why is Christian Vendrasyl able to remember us if Cleo can not?"

"It's enough that I know she is fine" announced the Baphomet, walking over towards the center of the place, "It seems that one of your unfinished businesses had come back to a much sinister plan Christian. I can blame you for dying so early, you had the chance to spare your life before."

"I see that this is not a warm reunion. I might just implement that I can still help in this fight. Though the Archnadius is gone... I have at least a hundred or so years of experience by now" said Christian truthfully as he looked up to the moon, "How serious is it this time?"

"The so called "order" has come to dominate the whole world" entered Doppel, answering for his master to spare him of talking, "I've never liked you before in the first place. Though I have a debt to pay to your children."

"I didn't ask you to like me or believe in me in the first place, right?" asked Christian, looking much annoyed with the manner of speech done on him, "Like it or not, we have the same enemy. Be glad enough that your previous master have killed me via my own student."

"Stop it!" yelled Catherine as she went on between the two, "We did not call you to settle your past disputes! Uncle, you're a different person now than who you we're before. Do not let the dead go over your living self!"

The two looked troubled enough and stopped their quarrel to focus on the disaster at hand. "They will use it against us..." concluded Christian, "They will use the Archnadius against us..."

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 3: The council of Demons (segment 2)

"Arienne, open the door. You're not crying in your room again aren't you?" knocked Elizier from outside.

Kyrie opened the door, still wiping her tears as Elizier came in, "I'm sorry Captain... I didn't mean to..."

Elizier walked along the room heading towards the direction of the windows and shoved the curtains away. The sunlight entered Kyrie's room, which has been shrouded in darkness before she came in. She turned around, looking serious as she sat down a chair beside Kyrie's bed.

"We'll be practicing novice magic next week, try not to use your advanced ones in battle" said Elizier, taking up reading glasses from her pocket.

Kyrie sat beside her bed, taking time to listen to her "teacher" as she watched her closely. Elizier Reinbach, was also a blonde haired person just like Rick of the male division. Long blonde hair, the strands of which are slightly curled and had the back part of her hair tied to a bun. Her clothing does not show any signs of her being a high-ranked military official. Her clothes looked much like a teacher's uniform. Which undeniably, is near truth for she is a part-time teacher at the academy.

"But, Captain... shouldn't I be practicing my advanced magic rather than novice magic?" asked Kyrie, trying to signal a scheme she just thought of.

Elizier gave a sharp stare at her and lectured her, "Kyrie Arienne! You saw what happened when you used your Nirvana spell on him, right? He just deflected it away with his sword, but then look at what happened when the chain got overridden. You blasted his grandfather out by meters!"

"But he wasn't hurt at all..." replied Kyrie grimly as she stared away from loss of self-esteem, "Am I that weak?"

Elizier took out a letter from her pocket and handed it to Kyrie, "We saw this letter addressed to Leonel Vendrasyl. Kindly read it and let's see what you think."

Kyrie took the letter and pulled out the message from inside the envelop. The letter read like this:

"Dear Mr. Leonel Vendrasyl.

We have sent this letter to you to warn you that your life is currently in danger. Please refrain from getting too close to persons you do not know that much. We are currently checking out your current location, hidden, as not to arouse any suspicions on your current state. Please do not be alarmed too much.

-The council of Demons."

A mild shock came upon Kyrie as she read the words, "The council of Demons" and she said to Elizier, "Captain! This is..."

"Intriguing isn't it?" asked Elizier with a sly smile on her face, "I believe we have a demon in our custody."

A huge smile appeared on Kyrie's face and she started laughing maniacally. She stood up and took the Magistera from the side of her bed. She set sights to the door and was about to leave, "Thank you for the information, Captain. I guess I have to welcome the new male division 7th seat. hehehe..."

"Where are you going Arienne?" questioned Elizier as she followed Kyrie outside her room, "Let me in on what you're planning."

"To the kitchen of course" said Kyrie skipping merrily off towards the female division's kitchen.

As Kyrie disappeared by the next corner of the hallway. Elizier then laughed at what Kyrie said, "I guess I better get ready to be scolded by Captain Liz again... She's at it again..."

She turned around and started on her way towards the academy thinking to herself, "I wonder what she'll cook this time?"

Dashing past corridors and people, Kyrie reached the female division's kitchen and without even asking for permission she went towards the fridge. Taking out everything she needs, to cook tuna casserole. She started preparing the ingredients and one of the curious kitchen staff approached her.

"Umm... Miss Arienne? What are you doing?" asked the kitchen personel as he tried to make the impression that Kyrie was trespassing.

Kyrie ignored him and continued cooking, after mixing all the ingredients inside the pan. She faced the kitchen personel and commanded him, "Get me a nice bottle of laxative!"

The guys eyes nearly dropped like balls to the ground as he heard what Kyrie said, "Um... Laxative!?"

"Do I need to make you taste this soon after I finish it? huh?" asked Kyrie, threatening the poor kitchen personel up.

The guy ran to the shelves and scrammed to get a bottle of laxative. Trembling and sweating profusely, trying not to make a mistake in order to save his life from the dreaded tuna casserole. "Miss Arienne... here's the laxative..." handed the kitchen personel as he slid away from Kyrie, "Might I ask miss Arienne?"

"Yes, what is it?" asked Kyrie, taking time measuring the exact amount to place on the dish.

"Who'll you give this dish to?" questioned the kitchen personel, feeling sorry for the poor person who'll receive the dreaded food.

Kyrie started laughing like cuckoo and poured the whole content of the laxative in the dish, "You'll see later! Hahahahaha! I'll have my revenge!"

Moments later, everyone in the male division quarters were celebrating like crazy. Most of them shouting out the words, "We are the champions of the world! and we'll keep on fighting till the end! We are the champions..." Leonel was floating amidst all the congratulations he's receiving from his co-workers and a little celebration was reserved later in the evening.

The festivity was good, perhaps for some moody people such as the male division's 4th seated member. Who hated the idea of rejoicing in a single victory that's not done by him or just didn't find any reason to celebrate.

Everything was set, the place was ready to sprawl with hilarity and noise for the next few hours. Nearly everyone in the organization was there. Even some people from the female division came to the occasion and Kyrie was not one of the exception.

Currently walking around the place and greeting people, Leonel then saw Kyrie. Roses started to bloom in his vision as he saw Kyrie approaching him. He felt immeasurable happiness, seeing that Kyrie was holding something... a gift for him perhaps.

Nervously, Leonel approached Kyrie and greeted her, "Erm... Kyrie, it's nice of you to come by. I'm sorry about yesterday... believe me... I didn't mean..."

Kyrie smiled at Leonel, cutting Leonel's lines as he was completely awestruck by the fact that she smiled at him, "It's okay silly. Here's a gift for you. Hehehe... hope you enjoy it."

"Really?" asked Leonel, still doubtful if he is awake, "Thank you. It's very nice of you, even though you seem to treat me like I'm a big jerk or something... I'm glad to know you're not angry."

"Yes, yes, I'm not angry. See you later then" bade Kyrie farewell with a devilish grin on her face as she turned around to exit Leonel's presence.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 3: The council of Demons (segment 3)

It was early that morning in Cayr'na. Two familiar souls continued to walk towards a certain destination coming from different directions. One coming from the left and one from the right of the the office door. It was Kyrie and Leonel, being called in for disciplinary measurements.

"Good morning Kyrie..." greeted Leonel as Kyrie gave her the usual annoyed look, "Thanks for the dish yesterday... although it kinda sent me spiraling to the comfort room for hours. Don't worry it tastes nice..."

Kyrie felt much annoyed with this and replied to him hitting her head to express her extreme frustration, "Are you half-stupid or something!? I used laxative on that dish! Can't you see how much I HATE you? So, are you going to say this meeting is Destiny again huh? Well, for your information, We're called here by the Captain's command and not DESTINY! You big jerk!"

She turned her stare away from Leonel, just like the usual and started to ignore him once again. Leonel on the other hand, still hoping that her feelings for him would change, still didn't lose hope and ignored the harsh words. Thinking to himself, "I heard that mom hated my father when they first met. Though they ended up with each other. There's no big deal here, this is just natural..."

Kyrie opened the door to the office and slammed it shut in front of Leonel. She entered without even asking permission first, as to show Captain Liz of her protest with this meeting. Silently she stood somewhere in front Captain Liz' desk and then Leonel followed inside.

"Sorry I'm late Captain" apologized Leonel, standing opposite Kyrie's position and trying to keep a good distance as not to further infuriate her.

Captain Liz took out some papers, sitting straight on her chair she started, "Kyrie Arienne... when will you ever change your personality? I've received reports from Captain Rick about your little laxative prank on the male division. Don't say that I believe Leon Zild about you being a delinquent at the academy before... but shouldn't you at least accept Leonel even a bit?"

"Captain, I have the right to express my annoyance with someone right? I would be plastic if I said that I like him even a little" defended Kyrie, giving a sharp stare at Leonel. Her blood boiling at his common carefree look that deeply reminds her of someone.

Soon enough, the doors opened once again and two blonde people came in to the office. It was Captain Rick and Elizier, keeping distance from each other as they always did.

"I believe that it's all Elizier's plan to do this to the male division! She's been the one responsible for Kyrie's actions for the past few months right?" accused Rick as he pointed his broadsword at Elizier.

"The nerve of you to accuse me like that!? If it's a fight you want, I won't back down" replied Elizier returning the gesture at Rick by readying her spear and pointing it at him also.

Captain Liz took out more papers and slammed her fists on her desk, "Stop it you two! You're nearly as immature as your sub-ordinates here! You think I don't know of your own personal disputes? Here, have a look at these reports about the two of you!"

Rick and Elizier went to the desk to look at the reports aforesaid by Captain Liz. Still keeping distance from each other as they approached the desk from both sides. They both took a file out and started reading, exactly synchronized as if they were a pair of gears in a clock.

"The hell! You've been teaching the kids at the academy on how big a jerk I am!?" yelled Rick as he slammed the paper back to the desk, "This is an outrage! You..."

"I see... you're such a feeble minded imbecile. Secretly having me spied at and showing the public of my normal day to day life! You're no worse than a peeping tom!" argued Elizier as she took out her glasses, wore it and turned around towards Kyrie's side, "Your brain could not possibly think of an intelligent way of embarrassing other people."

"Elizier Reinbach! there's no such way as an intelligent way of embarrassing other people and so I've decided... I'll return the partnership missions program as to finally settle this disputes." announced Captain Liz taking out papers and signing them as soon as possible.

Rick stood aside along with Leonel, Kyrie and Elizier at the other side. A huge smile appeared on the two Captains faces and they both said at the same time, "I do agree about that!"

"There's no need to mingle with this mindless male division jerks anymore. As the partnerships would just be done on every division" lectured Elizier, crossed arms and then fixed her glasses as to give an intellectual look on herself.

"We have no problem with that, right Leonel?" boasted Rick as he laughed at Elizier, "You'll see! We'll use you guys as mops on the floor soon enough!"

"Who said to you that the groupings would be by Division?" barged in Captain Liz as she finished signing the papers, "The partnerships would be boy to girl according to their rank. Congratulations you four, Elizier, your partner would be Rick from now on and Leonel, Kyrie. I hope you'll do well, because your first missions would be tomorrow. The four of you will go as an exorcism team to rid an old mansion of ghosts. This ends this meeting, dismiss."

The three were left speechless, with Leonel as an exception, with the announcement. They're stuck with each other as a team. While Leonel on the other hand is rejoicing silently at this wondrous opportunity.

[DoubleZeta]

episode 4: The Rival Game (segment 1)

The early morning breeze was cold and crisp as Leonel walked around the place. Lately, his dreams started to go bizarre... most noticeable, was those dreams about a young red headed girl. He was troubled by it... the fact that his father, Warren Vendrasyl and also his grandfather, Christian... was also having such dreams.

Different assumptions zoomed past in and out of his mind. The dreams being associated with the Archnadius, has made him quite vigilant in keeping it safe in hand.

"I can feel that something terrible is going to happen" thought Leonel to himself, passing by some slightly frosted light posts, "Well, Christmas is approaching soon. Was it a nice decision to leave home at this time of year?"

He kept on asking himself, whether or not it was worth sacrificing the Christmas season. Then, his answer came as he passed by the church. The mass was about finished at that time. The closing song was being sung by the chorale and Leonel was turned light-headed as he heard such an angelic voice singing. He sat outside the church, listening to the wondrous harmony as a little rain of snow showered above him.

"I'm surprised to see you here" greeted a familiar female voice from behind her, "What might you be doing here?"

Leonel stood as soon as he saw the blonde haired girl talking to her, "Oh... Captain Elizier... I was just listening to the song. I'm sorry if I may be a bother. I'll leave as soon as possible."

"Wait a minute, I guess there's no need for formalities here" smiled Elizier, putting on her glasses to get a better look at Leonel, "You really do look like him, but I believe you're here to listen to Kyrie? Am I right?"

"Pardon me Capt..." Leonel was about to ask a question when Elizier cut her off. "Just call me Elizier, You're not one of my subordinates so I'll let you call me by my name" smiled Elizier as she took out a small diary, "Of course, not all of you from the male division are smart and well mannered. For example, your captain. Isn't he like that?"

"Um... why are you telling me all these stuff?" questioned Leonel, scratching his head in confusion, "What's this supposed to mean... I'm sorry about my manner of speech but I really don't mean to offend."

"I know that you're confused about all these stuff I'm telling you but wouldn't you like to know a little more about Kyrie?" said Elizier with a devilish grin on her face as she showed Kyrie's diary to Leonel, "Being partners, you should need to know why your partner is acting that way. Know her past and you'll be damn proud to thank me for showing you this. All it takes for you to read this... Is to say yes to my earlier question. About the female division being better than the male division. Come on, it's not that hard to say."

"If this is a kind of blackmail... It's a fairly nice one..." murmured Leonel, trying to resist the inevitable. Though luck was on his side that day and Captain Rick suddenly came to the scene.

"What might you be doing to my subordinate Elizier?" said Rick grimly, readying up his sword to bash Elizier if she showed aggression.

"Calm down you imbecile, I was just greeting Leonel here" lied Elizier as she threw the diary gently towards Leonel, "I'll wait for your answer, just think of it while you're reading that. I'm sorry that I can't make your acquaintance with him around. I can't let myself get infected of his... "barbaric ways". I'll see you around later."

Elizier exited the scene leaving the two there. Leonel, having his eyes stuck on the diary, didn't notice what Captain Rick was just about to say to him, "Barbaric eh? Then she's the tyrant who'll soon be taken down by the common people. I need to warn you about going near that snake. People say she's like a bottle of narcotics, only good in the beginning and dastardly at the end. You can do whatever you like today, we don't need to practice for such an easy mission. I'll get going now, just don't let your guard down later."

The place was enveloped in silence as the Leonel was left alone with the diary and by this time, the mass was finished and people are starting to go home. The sun was now rising, but the place didn't lit up that much already. The sound of footsteps echoed from inside the church... nearing his direction and by the nick of time, he was able to hide the diary somewhere else. Exactly as Kyrie came out along with Elizier.

Kyrie threw a book to Leonel, he caught it and looked at the title. It was written in a foreign language... Flumragian, as it seems. Then Kyrie approached him, being much uneasy to talk to him, she somehow managed to do so.

"Read that book before 9 in the morning..." said Kyrie but her eyes did not meet that of Leonel's, "Captain told me that you don't know how to exorcise ghosts yet... So, you should know. Don't think that I'm being nice to you or something, it's just for the mission's sake."

Kyrie then went past him, Elizier giving him a thumbs up as she passed by him also. He was speechless for a while, then it came to him and he said out loud, "Wait! I can't read this! It's a different language!"

Kyrie's head nearly steamed like a locomotive upon hearing this and with one swift turn. She threw a steel cased book towards Leonel's head and ran towards him kicked him to the ground and stepped on him, she said angrily, "Do I even need to teach you how to read!? What are you? Retarded?"

"Awww... wait, I'm not from flumragia! I'm from Midgard! It's obvious I can't read this!" said Leonel raising his head to stare at them, "Stop it! Aww... Oh... wait..."

"Don't look up! Kyrie! Kyrie! You're wearing a miniskirt! Act more feminine!" warned Elizier as she tried restraining Kyrie up.

Kyrie fumed up even more as he saw Leonel raise up his head. She clenched her fists and closed her eyes. After a brief moment, Leonel said weakly, "Oh no..."

"You PERVERT!" yelled Kyrie as she gave a solid stomp on Leonel's head, she didn't stop at this and repeatedly stomped on him, "Take this! and This! and This! You won't see any other thing after seeing that! I'll make your eyes pop out from their sockets YOU PERVERT!"

"Kyrie don't kill him yet! It's not his fault! You'll still need him for later..." said Elizier, but then... Kyrie didn't pay attention as she was furiously stomping up Leonel, "KYRIE ARIENNE! STOP IT!"

Kyrie stopped as she saw Elizier fuming and staring at her sharply. Leonel stood up slowly, clutching his head that was slightly bleeding. Maybe it was because of the steel cased book or because of Kyrie's snow boots. Kyrie stood meekly and bowed down on apology to Elizier, "Sorry, Captain... I was just carried by my emotion..."

Leonel then noticed the steel cased book that Kyrie threw at him. He shouted out happily as he read the book's title, "It's a crusader's bible! Written in midgardian! Can I borrow this instead!"

Elizier and Kyrie were surprised at what he said. Kyrie picked up the book that was an heirloom in their family, "So you're telling me that this book... My ancestor's heirloom is written in midgardian?"

"Yes, that's a steel cased bible. Pretty heavy and can also be used as a weapon, can I see that for a while? Just to see if I'm right" lectured Leonel as she took the book from Kyrie's hands, "Let's see... It should have the owner's name etched at the back. Along with a dedication... Hmmm... Here it is!"

"What does it say?" asked the two girls as they stuck themselves closer to see what Leonel was doing, "My great, great, great grandmother of some sort is named Gabrielle Valentine. I've already seen her name etched at the back but I don't see any dedication."

Leonel then tapped the back cover three times and the etched letters transformed themselves like magic. It was written in a rune-like language, the midgardian language and it wasn't that much longer than expected. Kyrie followed up a question upon what it says.

Leonel started to read it, "My dedication to the people of rune-midgard, as a crusader I vow to uphold justice in my shield and sword. To all of my friends, I thank thee... I shall do my best in memory of my master... Christian Vendrasyl..."

Elizier reacted quickly and asked Leonel, "Isn't your grandfather named Christian Vendrasyl?" Kyrie was puzzled too by what she learned about her ancestors and she did push Leonel to tell them about this so called "Christian Vendrasyl".

"Actually, my grandfather is Christian Vendrasyl III. The one noted on this book might be Christian I and that was a very long time ago..." smiled Leonel and based on what he saw... The two might just be lighting up to him. It was only a matter of time... till everything is revealed.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 4: The Rival Game (segment 2)



"I guess you're fine now" noted someone who looked like a nurse, "It's just a small case of internal bleeding and a cracked cranium. No need to worry, you still have exactly 31 hours and 42 minutes before you'll die. Don't worry it's not that bad!"

"You shouldn't threaten him Adianne" advised Elizier as she stared at Leonel who's eyes were wide as plates at what he heard.

"I'm going to die?" asked Leonel as he sat motionlessly at his chair, "Internal bleeding and a cracked skull?"

Elizier smiled at him and notioned him to stand up, "Never mind my second in command. She's quite... let me say this... umm..."

Meanwhile, Adianne was sorting out papers and handed them to Elizier. She was the female division's medical officer and the second in command at the same time. She looks much normal and Leonel doesn't expect much to see about the female division's second in command. She was taller than Elizier, but seemed a little younger than her.

"I've finished your reports for you. Likewise, I expect this boy to visit the female division clinic more often" She smiled gently at Leonel, as if giving him a reason not to be afraid, "I know doctor Roentgen is a good doctor, but please bear with me. I need some test subjects."

"Adianne! I told you to stop threatening him!" warned Elizier as she reviewed the reports, "He's different from the ones at his division."

"Oh, but I'm not threatening him Elizier. I rarely get fascinated with males rather than this one. There's something special about him I can tell," added Adianne as a deadly stare zoomed out from her to Leonel.

Elizier went closer to Leonel and whispered to him silently, "She's also our division's mad scientist if you ask me, but I guess Kyrie would be spared from her if you serve as the "new" test subject. She's quite cuckoo but Adianne is really a nice person."

"I'll try to keep that in mind Captain... erm..." bade Leonel goodbye as he went out of the clinic, "I'm sorry, I need to be going now to the departure point."

"It's okay, I'll catch up with you people" waved Elizier, as soon as Leonel shut the door closed. Elizier faced Adianne and waited for her response.

Adianne took out a clipboard and with a sly grin she started reading it to Elizier, "We have a very strange life form here Elizier. Kehehe... that boy isn't like us at all. This is fascinating... kehehe... If ever the male division poses a threat to us. Using their new "ACE", we already have a reason to have him kicked out from the organization. I know it's unlikely for us to play this dirty... but we better be aware with that boy..."

Elizier's face was serious as they talked about this issue. A silent terror can be felt with the aura around them and Elizier was trembling like crazy.

"Yes Adianne... I can feel that too..." sighed Elizier as she felt bitter with what's going on so far.

"But you better get going now. Kyrie should be there by now... Oh yeah, Rick's also part of this mission right?" asked Adianne as she took out a hairclip and clipped her hair. She sat down on her chair and took out a mirror, "That's one huge dead weight to the mission eh? That Captain? And you might as well hurry going there, you might not want to see your precious Arienne... kehehe... PREGNANT! AHAHAHAH!"

"Stop joking like that Adianne! Kyrie would really feel creeped out with your jokes!" yelled Elizier, marching out angrily from the clinic, "Don't say that joke again or I'll stab you with my spear!"

"Come on Elizier! It's normal for a female specie to give birth! I thought you studied biology? You can't expect anything else from me but medical jokes!" defended Adianne as she stared at herself on the mirror, "Do I need to cut my hair? Orange doesn't look much nice id it's long flowing... Maybe I'll dye my hair black? or maybe not?"

A few hours later, Leonel's first mission as part of the White Swords has finally started. Though it seemed much easy for the two Captains... exorcising ghosts and stuff. They really did underestimate the ghosts that they'll be encountering. The group reached the place in just a few hours of walking. Though it could have been toned down to just 2 and a half hours or so... Leonel just couldn't walk that much fast... from carrying Elizier's and Kyrie's stuff.

"You look like a personal assistant Leonel" commented Rick as he walked behind Leonel, "Just drop those two's belongings and let them carry it themselves. I know you're just being a gentleman but this is silly."

Meanwhile, Kyrie and Elizier just chit-chatted the time before they reached the mansion and talked about some stuff. Kyrie confessed something to Elizier, and it made Elizier feel a little happy about it, "You know Captain... I've finally found out that treating Leonel as a rival isn't necessary. He just doesn't cut for it."

"I'm glad that you've finally accepted him" said Elizier readying up her spear for some action, "I'd like to see you hanging out with him more, I presume."

"Heck! No! I've just decided to treat him like a normal weakling! I'm not treating him like a human being unless he's proved it already!" after this, Kyrie walked slightly faster as to gain a little more distance away from the others.

"And there I thought she's finally lighting up to the poor guy, never mind... she'll get to her senses some other day from now" Elizier then stopped walking and turned around to announce something, "We're here. I hope you'd get lost Rick, that would be hilarious."

"You wish" replied Rick grimly as he stared at Elizier, "And do you mind taking your bags from my sub-ordinate? We're not your maids or butlers! Shouldn't you be the ones carrying these stuff?"

Rick took up Elizier's stuff and threw them to her. Knocking her down by the force of the throw. Elizier took her bag and quickly stood up, "Why you! You lowly... grrr... I'm annoyed to have you as a partner!"

"Don't you think I am!?" shouted Rick as he pulled out his sword to bash Elizier down, "Who's fault was it that Captain Liz made this set-up? Wasn't it your sub-ordinate!?"

"If you weren't that stupid then there won't be any problems!" replied Elizier with the same ferocity in her voice, "Let's get this on!"

Leonel and Kyrie just stared at the two as they quarreled about stuff. They followed their superiors with eyes and soon enough... their eyes met. Kyrie looked away as soon as possible, a blush can be seen from her cheeks. While Leonel was his usual self and continued staring at her.

"That's it! We're going in!" Yelled Rick and Elizier both at the same time, "Don't imitate me!" They continued shouting out stuff in complete synchronization without them noticing it. In frustration, the two Captain's barged in the door and as they stepped inside. A huge anchor suddenly fell from mid-air. The two, noticing this, jumped to the sides to avoid getting squashed.

"Where did that come from?" said Rick as he saw the anchor vanish in front of them.

"We're fighting ghosts stupid! Of course things would just pop out!" yelled Elizier in annoyane, she stood up and dusted her clothes, "Kyrie, let's start preparing."

"Oh, so I'm the one who's stupid now eh?" Rick stood up also and readied his sword, "Come on Leonel, let's not stay here doing nothing."

The two parties split up inside the mansion as they were about to fight some unexpected enemies. Though they were strong enough for ghosts... this pair was surely different from your normal everyday ghosts.

"Look Wraith! We have visitors!" said a female ghost to a male ghost who was floating nearby, "I wonder why they're here?"

"This would be fun! These people wouldn't really expect ghosts in the afternoon right! AHAHAHA! But they're wrong!" laughed the male ghost as he held the female one's hands, "So my Rhia? Shall we start?"

"What else is there to do, Wraith? So I guess I agree then..." said the female ghost meekly, "Let's begin."

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 4: The Rival Game (segment 3)



Several blood thirsty creatures came out from nowhere and the four were now separated from each other. Chaos was rampant along the place and there was nothing else to do but to fight for survival. Leonel held the Archnadius carefully as he ran along the second floor corridors. Some giant man-eating brains were following him, or so they looked like brains with hundreds of eyes.

As he approached the end of the corridors, a dozen more of these creatures appeared and were surrounding Elizier. For some unknown reasons, Elizier was shaking like crazy and was slowly retreating to a dead end. She can't even hold her spear properly anymore and she was halfway to tears.

"Why!? Why won't they vanish!?" said Elizier, much stress can be heard in her voice as she continued stabbing the incoming monsters but it does nothing to them at all, "Are these monsters immortal... This isn't happening... not happening at all! Don't come near me!!!"

Elizier broke down on the middle as the monsters surrounded her. She knelt down there, crying and losing herself. Leonel took no time watching this scene and charged at the creatures. Slashing them to pieces and repelling all of them.

"Captain! Are you ok?" asked Leonel as he finished the last monster off, "They're gone now."

"Why can't I destroy them? It's as if that everytime I stab them or slash at them... they... multiply..." said Elizier, recovering from her dilemma and following Leonel. There was something quite fishy about everything. How these monsters can only be killed by Leonel. Suspicion arises from Elizier’s thoughts though she wants to save it for later. The important thing to do currently is look for the others.

Beams of light surged from each corner of the place. Then after a few seconds, other types of beams erupted from the other side. They were outnumbered in all aspects that can be seen… from manpower to reinforcements.

“To hell with these monsters, I can’t even slice them into two with my sword” murmured Rick in annoyance. As he retreated away from the main staircase and up into the second floor where he met Elizier and Leonel.

“Captain are you doing fine?” asked Leonel as sweat slowly dripped from his forehead, “It seems that there are certain types of monsters going after us… but I can’t seem to have a different one.”

“Be glad you don’t have your greatest fear chasing over you!” said Rick grimly, “And I curse my parents for giving me stories about monsters. They seem to prove that my imagination is really superb.”

A jet-black monster came out from the wall beside them and leapt out to slash at them. Rick bashed it away with his broadsword but it recoiled and continued to charge. These monsters weren’t that much slimy or gross than the ones after Elizier. These ones… are rather skilled to the bones and act more like professional assasins.

“You fear assasins?” laughed Elizier as she watched Rick acting so nervous and careful as he zoomed past the staircase, “Monster assasins… how… unoriginal.”

“Just shut up for once Elizier! These types of monsters are much more terrifying than those that creep out from underneath your bed! They can kill you literally!” boomed Rick in anger as he tried to shake off the monsters, “What type of monsters are chasing you anyways!?”

As they reached the other side of the second floor corridors, the monsters that chased Elizier showed up blocking their path. The assassin monsters then trapped them up from both directions and as soon as this happened. Elizier’s fear came up on her again and started acting frantic.

“Leon… Le… Leonel… do something…” begged Elizier as she hid behind Leonel and Rick.

“So where’s your pride now huh?” mocked Rick as he too was feeling a bit… scared at the thought of death, “If this continues… I wonder what Arienne’s doing right now…”

As Leonel heard this, a dreaded scene came up on his mind and he was sent into a silent rage. Without further notice, he ran towards the huge crowd of monsters. The Archnadius shining like a star in the night with his fit of rage.

He was nearing the brain-like monsters when a sudden force repelled him and knocked him back. He stood up again and charged to the other direction, but then again, the mysterious force blocked him and he was sent flying back to where he was earlier.

“Come on! Work with me!” yelled Leonel in frustration as he punched the floor, “What’s wrong with this place! DAMN IT!”

His voice echoed across the place and a loud explosion can be heard from both sides. They were caught in awe as the assassin monsters got torn apart by two whirling swords held by someone clad in armor. While the other side that contained the brain-like monsters, were sent into panic as a gigantic spider ravaged through them.

“The hell… is this Leonel’s greatest fear?” commented Rick as he didn’t notice Elizier clinging to him tightly, “Don’t tell me it’s going after us too!”

It was only a matter of seconds when the monsters were all obliterated. The two creatures went towards Leonel’s direction and waited for him to stand up.

“Who are you two?” asked Leonel as he stood up holding the Archnadius with both hands, “Why did you destroy all those monsters? Aren’t you supposed to be their comrades?”

“You called for us master?” replied the one clad in armor, it’s wings made from blades and it stood majestically in front of them, “Should we introduce ourselves?”

The two stopped cowering like kids and quickly turned away from each other. They seemed much like a grown up Leonel and Kyrie as they seemed. Soon enough, they focused their attention to what Leonel was currently at.

The one clad in armor removed its helm, exposing a young lady underneath it. She was fair but not that much beautiful, “I am the blade angel, Zercilia at you command. I was once the primary familiar of your two predecessors. If you want to use my power, the shift passwords are Berserker Helix.”

“I am the Velvet widow, a spider familiar as you can see” said the huge spider, then in a blink of an eye it morphed to it’s human form and added, “Craya if you may like to call me.”

It was another female familiar and she looked much like a harmless teenager, though her looks were quite an irony for her real nature. The blade angel wore her helm as soon as possible, not even giving her master a glimpse of how she looks like. Craya on the other hand, seemed much delighted to meet her new master.

“I give my services for a little fee” said Craya happily as she spun around the place getting herself dizzy, “I’ll do anything for a huge amount of food. If ever you would require aid, I wouldn’t hesitate to help but I need to eat something… or someone soon afterwards! It’s Spider Helix if you might ask, but then again… I believe you already know that.”

A little smile can be seen on Leonel’s face as he added a question, “Are you the only two familiars?”

“We’re actually f…” Craya was about to finish when Zercilia stopped her and replied, “Three, including the Devourer.”

“I… I see…anyways…” Leonel was about to thank them when he saw that they vanished in thin air, “Well, nevermind… we need to help Kyrie!”

As he said these, he didn’t notice that Rick and Elizier were already a few meters ahead of him and he ran faster to cope up with the two. They reached the dining hall shortly after and inside; they saw Kyrie roughing it out with the main enemies.

“This is quite surprising! This girl was able to destroy my Rhia’s minions” commented the male ghost as he floated around, commentating as if this was a sport, “What can you say about this Rhia?”

“You’re giving me a hard time sending you two to the other world…” said Kyrie as she was obviously exhausted with this fight.

Rhia spent no time listening to Kyrie at all and sent the chains floating around her to entangle Kyrie. Kyrie jumped backwards and slashed at the chains to redirect it. It was successful and Kyrie threw out a pulse of holy magic at Rhia.

The holy magic passed through Rhia, as if ignoring her ghostly qualities. Everyone’s jaws nearly fell to the ground at what they saw. This was a pair of ghosts immune to holy magic.

“AHAHAHAHA! Look at them! They don’t even know that holy magic is useless against us! AHAHAHA!” laughed Wraith as he flew towards Rhia, “Oh look here Rhia! A vendrasyl has come into account! I wonder if he has some useless familiars with him! AHAHAHA!”

Kyrie gave a sharp stare at Leonel when she heard this and approached him slowly, “What are these two ghosts talking about you? Vendrasyl?”

Elizier and Rick also stared at him, as if having suspicions with him. Leonel was getting sweaty in nervousness and then… the Archnadius’ core flashed like crazy and a huge blinding light covered the place.

They quickly turned around and saw a black-haired man in heavy black armor strangling Wraith’s neck.

“And who might you be calling useless you damned second generation familiar!” said the man grimly as his eyes burned in rage, “Do you think you can slip through with this insult!?”

Rhia bound the man in chains and threw him away from Wraith. The armored person hit the wall near Leonel’s position and he said, “So you’re the useless master? Move the happy up and shut that bastard up. Do I always get the useless vendrasyls for a master?”

“Who are you anyways? And if you are my familiar…” asked Leonel as he pulled the Archnadius ready, “Why are you even commanding me?”

“It is because you need to fight! I do not intend to hang around a worthless piece of trash! Especially your good for nothing grandfather!” argued the man, “Devourer Helix, use it if you may! Just don’t lose!”

He vanished from the scene without even saying anything more. Kyrie, Elizier and Rick were all caught in confusion but this didn’t stop Kyrie from doing something about these ghosts.

Kyrie threw a luminous chain that extended from the Magistera. It coiled around Rhia and a very strange phenomenon happened. Rhia floated gently towards Kyrie and as Leonel saw this, he went to Kyrie’s aid but was stopped when Rhia started talking.

“Yes Mistress, what is it you want me to do?” asked Rhia meekly as if under a spell.

“What the!? What’re you doing to my Rhia!” yelled Wraith as he zoomed past towards Kyrie. Leonel slashed at him with the Archnadius and he halted as he saw the sword burning in white flames.

“It’s not nice having to use my secret weapon… but there’s no other choice. Rhia is it?” asked Kyrie as Rhia nodded, “Let’s use your powers for the Magistera.”

Rhia dissipated in thin air and entered the Magistera. This was possible due to the structure of the vendrasyl familiars. Which were originally created to serve under the vendrasyls. They too were given an auxiliary function that enables them to fuse themselves to weapons and other stuff.

The Magistera changed in form, its normal appearance was swapped with a pink colored metal blade that has a luminous ghostly glow on it with several small chains floating around it.

“Am I seeing things? Their swords changed in form!?” said Rick as he and Elizier stood there in awe, “Hit me, I think I’m dreaming.” Elizier punched him squarely in the face and he was knocked out for the time being. “There, awake now?” said Elizier as she pinned her eyes to Kyrie.

Blades appeared from nowhere and aimed towards Kyrie and Leonel. The Magistera reacted to the attacks and emitted a blurred pink aura. The blades stopped and floated there like balloons. The Archnadius was different from its original form; it changed into a solid black broad sword engulfed in white flames earlier.

“Unbelievable, for a normal girl to manipulate a vendrasyl’s familiar? She might just be even better than you!” exclaimed Zabriel from the sword, “But enough with that! We need to punish this bastard of a familiar!”

“All right then! Devourer Helix! Let’s go!” Leonel dashed to attack Wraith; the ghost familiar dodged it and was obviously having a hard time. “This can’t be true at all!” yelled Wraith, summoning guillotines, anchors and blades to slash at Leonel. Leonel thrust his sword towards Wraith, burning down the anchors and blades with much ease as the devouring flames of sin emanated from his sword.

“A second generation familiar like you is no match for me! Burn to your well deserved demise! Foolish piece of crap!” added Zabriel as Leonel did a direct hit towards Wraith. Wraith writhed in pain as the flames slowly burned him up; he knelt down and rolled over the ground to extinguish the flames, “Is it this hard to fight without Rhia around… I won’t lose to you first generation familiars! I won’t vanish until I get revenge at the Sand Tyrant!”

Wraith stood up in rage and was about to attack again when a chain extended from behind him. It was Kyrie who caught him up, he was immobile and Leonel was about to slice him into two. “Wait a minute!” commanded Zabriel to Leonel, “So you speak to me of getting revenge at the Sand Tyrant eh? Ahahaha… How foolish to think that you we’re one of those exiled! You’re lower than a second generation familiar then! Ahahaha! The two of you are part of the failed experiments!”

“Will you just shut up? You’re as annoying as you’re master!” said Kyrie, getting back to her annoying self again, “I don’t know anything about what you’re talking about! If these two are familiars then we might as well sent them to the capital. Our job here is to exorcise ghosts and not to settle disputes between you so called “vendrasyls”. You, can you at least make your familiar to silence himself?”

The Archnadius shifted back to its normal from and Zabriel came out. “You have the nerve to talk to me like that?” said Zabriel threateningly, “From where does your pride come from. It does not seem to be of importance to me?”

Kyrie let Rhia loose from her control and dashed towards Zabriel to bash him up with the Magistera. She was halfway to slicing Zabriel when Leonel held her hands, “We’re done here, just let it slip away.”

Kyrie quickly took her hands away from Leonel and faced somewhere else, “I’ll let you slide for now… You saved me after all… but don’t think you’re welcome or anything. You’re not better than me!”

“AARRGHHH! Why does he always appear to be better than me! I can’t stand this anymore!” thought Kyrie to herself in mild annoyance.

Rhia floated towards Leonel and knelt down before him, “Please forgive Wraith… I shall take punishment for his actions… Master.”

“Please rise, I do not intend on punishing anyone… I just wanted to protect…” Leonel was cut short as he saw Kyrie’s eyes burning in rage at what he was about to say, “I just want to protect this house from being wrecked… that’s all… eh…”

Upon seeing this, Wraith flew beside Rhia and knelt down too, “Master take me as a familiar! We can be of use to you!”

“Just what the hell are you two thinking!? I won’t let you slide with that insult! I’ll erase you two from history now!” said Zabriel, readying his sword to send the two familiars to the recycle bin. “Wait! There won’t be any deleting today! I’ll take them in as familiars!” added Leonel as Kyrie kicked the door open to leave the place.

“We’re thankful for your consideration Master! So, what’ll be our first task?” asked Wraith as he and Rhia reverted back to familiar form. Wraith turned out to be a quill pen and Rhia, an ink bottle.

“This is crazy” murmured Zabriel as he vanished in thin air. The group then went back to normal consciousness and was readying to return to the capital. Rick was knocked out for the whole time that the events happened. Elizier on the other hand wasn’t that quite bothered by what she saw. Perhaps it was something she expected to happen, but not quite the exact one she planned.

Kyrie… on the other hand, was much more annoyed at the fact that Leonel was someone a bit better than her, as so she thinks, for him to have a familiar even before she does. That wasn’t the only fact that bothered her… it was the fact that Leonel’s familiars were special and a tad much better than normal ones. She can tell, after using Rhia’s powers… and Rhia was just a second rate familiar.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 5: The siege of Azmarion (segment 1)

Christian walked high and mighty along the castle courtyard with a big smile etched in his face. He was glad to return to Azmarion, back to his beloved Queen, Elle Rosewood. The morning sun was still low; his dark-green armor reflected the light as his sub-ordinates chit-chatted along the way.

“Have you heard the latest news?” murmured a young female knight to another knight, “They say the general is…”

Christian heard this and so he went nearer to them and asked, “What is it about the General, eh?”

The two stood up straight and saluted at him, “Sir! We’ve heard news that the council wishes to see you, Sir!”

“The council of the elders’ ei… I wonder what those old people are up to?” thought Christian and he smiled at the two, “There’s no need for formalities. I’m but a simple diplomat every time I come home from a trip.”

The air was humid; the snow wasn’t that much thick in these parts of Azmarion. Yet, Christian felt an inhuman chill up his spine as he entered through the main entrance. As usual, no one came to greet him… as he often wishes when he comes home.

Wasting no time, he smirked at the sceneries happening behind the main door and passed by. Threading lightly as he always does, towards the central hallway up ahead. He went between the two staircases that lead to the second floor corridors. Entering through the middle of the main lobby where he saw one of his officers.

“General, it’s nice for you to come so early. Exactly timed, the Queen is waiting for you in the court of elders” reported the officer, as he stepped aside.

“You’ve done well Geoffrey, Azmarion would be proud of what you’ve… nevermind what I said…” said Christian grimly as he saw the huge commotion up ahead.

Geoffrey seemed much troubled at what his superior officer was feeling. It seemed that the grim that suddenly took hold of Christian was contagious. Christian clutched on his helmet tightly and threw it somewhere to the side. It was just like wood thrown into the fire, Christian’s temper boosted up like crazy.

“Another one of these meeting sessions… Won’t they ever learn?” said Christian as he passed through the crowd.

Queen Elle sat somewhere on the highest part of the court room. All the twenty-four elders of Azmarion’s seats were lined up just beneath the highest balcony. It was customary for the one being prosecuted to be in the pit-like floor of the court. They we’re to stare up towards the audience as a court session were in hand.

Queen Elle didn’t have enough time to properly greet her husband when the elders cut her off. “General Christian De Sanfares Vendrasyl! You might know by now on why the court of elders has called you again!” announced the one to the far right side of the prosecuting side.

“Before I speak of anything else your honors… Might I ask who among you twenty-four elders are part of the prosecution?” asked Christian as he stood there in the middle of the pit. The doors closed behind him and the audience started to fill in.

All the twenty-four elders raised their hands and Christian sighed with annoyance. “You guys always persecute me do you? Haven’t we settled this before? I thought that the Queen was of the highest authority in Azmarion?” defended Christian as he stated his point towards the elders.

“Your mischievous behavior will not fool us once again! Your accomplices have all turned against you! How can you defend yourself about the fact that you forged the kingdoms sacred laws!” yelled another one of the elders and the whole crowd was sent to unrest.

Christian was silenced by these words and he smiled at the elders, “So, I was caught then… I guess I can argue no longer.”

Nearly all the people in the court room were whispering words about what they all heard. Christian was guilty of the crime and he does not deny it. The doors opened once again and soldiers came in to arrest him.

“General Christian Vendrasyl! You are hereby sentenced by death through public beheading! You will be taken in to the dungeons to say your final prayers” announced one of the elders and the guards came near him.

Elle stood up from her seat to give her protest with the given decision, “Your honors! My husband might have any explanation to this! Please take back your decision and let’s hear his side of the story!”

“Your highness, what ever his reasons are, this can be branded as treason!” explained the eldest among them, “He can not be trusted at all! I suggest you marry another man and have him as king!”

Christian called Elle’s attention and said these words before he does something foolish “Don’t worry about me Elle. I assure you that I’ll be back for you and these people will know what would happen when I am not around, but for now… farewell my beloved wife!”

After saying these words Christian pulled out the Talaria and started slashing his way through the guards. Everyone was alarmed with this, Christian was escaping from Azmarion. He ran towards the main hallway, trying to take the whole guards’ squad to think that he may be doing something foolish.

“Come on follow me you slugs! Where was that training I gave you people?” mocked Christian as he passed through them and waited for them to follow him. They soon tailed him and as they reached the archway that was between the two stairs that lead to the second floor hallways. Christian took out a portable rocket launcher, obviously something given to him by his daughter-in-law Beezel.

The rocket zoomed past through the air and hit the archway. It exploded and left the archway to crumble down blocking the path. With this, Geoffrey, one of Christian’s high ranking officers, said to the team, “The General is testing us, he wants us to think that he’s doing foolish stuff and so he believes we’ll try catching him through conventional ways. These kinds of situation require thinking the same as him…”

The guards nodded as they understood the plan. They were to do something foolish as to try and meddle with Christian’s plans. “He’ll take another route to the airship ports. So we need to set up an ambush that won’t be suspected at all” commanded Geoffrey as he ordered one man to take a different path than them.

As the plan came into play, the team pursued Christian as quickly as possible. Following Christian to make it look like they we’re really fooled. They we’re threading the main road and Christian ran towards the airship ports without any sign of changing course.

“Sooner or later he’ll enter through some sub-street here. Our men would be waiting for the ambush in those places so keep an eye on him!” reminded Geoffrey as Christian sprinted past another archway.

“Sir, it’s another archway! It’s the welcome sign to the marketplace! Should we change our route and not follow him? He might shoot that archway down to delay us again!” suggested a guard to Geoffrey.

They kept on running and followed Christian without any sign of a plan. “That’s exactly what he wants us to think! When we change our route, he’ll just continue running straight!” Then all of a sudden, the archway fell down in front of them. They were stupefied with what Christian did and Geoffrey yelled to the troops on the other side of the blockage, "Everyone! Get out of hiding! Follow the General and don't let him escape to the ports!"

The other guards came out from hiding and continued the chase. Christian was already smiling like a jackal with the thought of an easy escape. "That's a very nice way of getting to the enemy! Think like them but don't let it be too obvious!" lectured Christian as he jumped aboard the next airship to leave Azmarion, "You guys followed me as if you're not thinking of a plan. I'm so glad you guys did my example. I'll leave Azmarion in your care guys... just don't wait until I destroy it myself."

The ship flew as fast as it can and left the guards on the open ground. Perhaps they were just too trusting with Christians ideals and they were blinded by their own trainer. Christian stood up from the side of the airship and went on to the captain's deck. The people aboard the airship was in panic and terror at what they saw... a fugitive was riding the same airship as them. "Captain, it's nice meeting you again" greeted Christian as the crew bowed down in respect to him, "The people seem to be worried. Please tell them that no harm would be done to them as I'll be dropping down on midgard." "General Vendrasyl..." asked the captain of the airship as he gave the ship's command to another crewman, "We will silence ourselves for the sake of the kingdom... We will do our best to take you to midgard as fast as possible! All crewmen get back to your posts and tell the passengers that nothing bad is going to happen! We will arrive at Prontera tomorrow morning and I don't want any delay!"

The sky cleared up as the airship zoomed past the territories of Azmarion. Christian smiled at the favorable situation, his plan was just going on as planned.

Meanwhile, at Azmarion, an old friend arrived to visit Christian. There was no warm welcome for the whole kingdom was in turmoil for what happened. A huge spaceship, most noticeably that of inknown origin landed on the Azmarion castle's grounds and this man who visited, was Zack Braveheart.

"It's quite not like him to ignore visitors. Where the hell'd that Christian go?" thought Zack as he was surprised to see Christian's wife going to their direction to welcome them. "It's fairly nice of you to visit Mr. Braveheart..." greeted Elle, trying to be optimistic though quite saddened, "But, I'm sorry Christian is not here today..." "I think something is wrong here. That Christian? Not here at a time like this?" exclaimed Zack, as a transmission from an unknown place tried to break in through the Rosewood's systems, "Hm? Excuse me for a bit."

There was a lot of static and buzzing sounds from the transmission and then a voice blared through the speakers, "Zack! It's me Christian." "What the hell are you thinking not being here when you're the one who asked me to come?!" protested Zack as he showed much annoyance on Christian's actions. "If ever Elle asks you about anything... just agree with it and I'll let you in on the situation tomorrow" replied Christian then he cut off the transmission.

There was nothing Zack can do with it. He was caught in Christian's schemes again and what came to him was a really strange surprise. As soon as he came out to talk with Elle again. Christian's request came into play already. There was a rather fishy aura with the place and Zack was caught off-guard when these words came from Elle, "Mr. Zack, I want you to be the King of Azmarion..."

Zack was struck dumb "Heh, for a moment there I thought you asked me to become the kings of Azmarion. You're serious aren't you?" refused Zack as Elle came closer to him and whispered, "Just say yes for my sake and Christian's..."

The commotion ended up with an arrangement for tomorrow's wedding ceremony. Zack wasn't hesitant with the thought of it when Elle explained everything to him. A simple disguise to not let the elders force Elle into another marriage while she waits for Christian to return.

"You're starting these things again Christian! When will you ever stop deceiving nations?" scolded a brown haired sage by the name of Alice Asher. Christian seated along the long table of the royal court of Midgard with an annoying smile on his face as he replied to her, "Alice, kindly spare me the trouble of being troubled by you again. Perhaps, Remrick doesn't see anything wrong with this. Am I right cousin?"

"The two of you will never change at all Christian!" commented a pink-haired lady, she was the current queen of midgard, Remrick Asher's wife, "You two always think of everything as a simple game! What will the citizens of Azmarion think with this? Midgard is about to invade them?" "If the two of you are so offended by the thought of it, Cherry... Alice... I might suggest that Christian shouldn't take the army then" decided Remrick as he stared at Christian and signaled something to him, "I've gathered the roughest bandits and criminals of Midgard. Would they suffice to your needs?"

A shrill laugh bursted out from Christian and he replied, "HAHA! That's more than enough for me your highness! So pardon me Cherry, Alice, I have a wedding to stop tomorrow!"

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 5: The siege of Azmarion (segment 2)

The whole of Azmarion was woken up by the sound of dragons roaring and flying past above the Azmarion castle. If this wasn't enough ruckus for the day. There were some people astride on the dragons and started raining bombs on the capital city. The newly assigned general of the Azmarion army awoke from her sleep and ordered all of her men to stand guard and defend the city. It was surely what people feared for so long... Christian Vendrasyl was a great general... if not by talent, he really is sly and manipulative. These traits was what made other nations and rebels fear the Azmarion army and with news of him vanishing from the scene. It was only one hell of an invasion that would be happening to Azmarion.

The newly assigned General, Lady Therese Azmara went on to the top of the watching towers and asked for a negotiation with the enemy leader. The top most watching tower was a wide one and seemed much as a helipad. A white moon dragon landed on the other side of the tower and there, a man clad in heavy black armor descended.

"State your name... or alias if you may, and your purpose on why you are attacking. I only give this last chance to you for you might already know how fearsome Azmarion is!" demanded Therese as the man clad in armor stopped a few meters away from her. "Are we in a place to talk like this? You aren't Christian Vendrasyl I presume? One of his lackeys I suppose?" mocked the enemy leader, pulling out an old rusted broadsword and stabbed it to the floor, "I am the scourge of Azmarion and I came here to purge this land and rule it with an iron fist! You, are just a single pebble blocking an open doorway! Should you surrender now, I'll reconsider having your Queen as a provincial ruler."

Therese drew her shield and rapier and lunged at the man, "How dare you speak like that to our Queen!" The enemy General side-stepped and bashed hard on Therese's hands. The broadsword was surely so dull that it just bruised her hand and did not cut it. She let go of her rapier and clutched her right hand from pain. "You are weak. State to me the method by which you think you can beat me?" taunted the man, his voice diluted by the echoing of steel from his helmet, "Speechless? Then I shall destroy everything and take this country. You should be ashamed of yourself!"

He rode the white moon dragon and went on to their camp just outside the capital and expected to see his commanders waiting for him. "What do you think about those commanding officers we have huh?" said one of the scoundrels employed by this armored person. "It would have been better if my commanding officer was one of those two hot ass ladies! It sucks to have a kid for a boss!" replied some drunk person to the one who asked earlier, "I'll just have to make due with all the stuff I can steal from that palace. It's the reason I joined this in the first place ahahaha!"

He entered through the tent and was greeted by three noticeable figures. The one to the left was a young red-headed boy with eyes that looked unamused what so ever and was wearing a brown cloak all over him. He seemed as if he came from the deserts and stared at the man with not that much emotion in him. The one in the middle was a young teenage girl with long moonlight silver hair. She looked much like a paladin and seemed to be sleeping at that moment. To her right was a lady of twenty or so years old, wearing what seemed like a mercenary's outfit and had blonde hair highlighted with red.

"Should we get on with it master? I want to finish this already... mom is waiting for me" said the boy as he showed much eagerness to return home. "I don't get the point of hiring these good for nothing men? I can burn all of those pitiful cupcakes to ashes in one whole hour" protested the mercenary, "Don't tell me you do not wish to get rid of all those enemies?" "The queen should be spared and taken hostage, am I right?" asked the armored person to the one who was sleeping, "I just called you people to cause some distraction as I continue with what I really intend to do."

The paladin awoke from the noise and slowly opened her gray eyes and latched them on one clad in armor, "Then we should go finish this... I'm terribly alarmed with the stares those men give me..." "I know your complaints and we shall do so as planned... or maybe not? We'll attack now!" ordered the person clad in armor as he went outside and alarmed his men, "Stand up! It's time we get to business!"

Therese came rushing in towards the court of elders along with the pursuit squad assigned to capture Christian when he tried to escape. The elders heeded their call and asked them, "What is it that you have to bother a sacred meeting?" Geoffrey, one of Christian's pursuit squad leader and also one of his captains stood up to them and yelled, "To hell be with you people! This is all your fault! If you weren't so stubborn on insisting to have a king and drove general Christian away then this shouldn't have happened! What chance do you think we have against that unknown white flying object!? Set aside those dragons!?"

Therese knelt down in front of everyone and started crying. "Your highness... Queen Elle..." cried Therese as Elle asked her to stand up and face her, "Your highness... I am not fit to receive your gentle words... I give up the title of General... It is only General Christian who is worthy of this position! Please your highness! Help us in protecting Azmarion... I beg of you!"

"Well, thats your cue Elle! Better make Christian proud!" smiled Zack as he whispered to a tiny radio he had kept, "Go shoot a laser to the top most tower!" Elle heard Zack murmuring some things and she came and asked him, "What was that you said earlier?" "Oh nothing! It's not as if I'm commanding some weapon of mass destruction to incinerate the whole castle! I'm just requesting back-up from the Rosewood... as you know... I've sent it flying for some personal business... eheheh... forget what I said..."

"Very well then, I expect your help Mr. Braveheart" said Elle as she went down to the troops and commanded them outside, "We shall protect this kingdom with our lives!" Zack then followed them outside without any other remark and the last one to leave the room was Geoffrey. Before he left the court of the elders he said this threat to them as he turned around, "When this is all over... I'll make sure that all of you are executed!"

"Be careful with what you are saying young man! You do not know who you are dealing with" said the one of the council members as the battle outside started to heat up. The enemy commander was riding one of the white moon dragons and had a long bow in his hand as he shot down the kingdom's mages and stopped them from casting their spells. The whole castle was being surrounded by the three of the enemy's commanders. The front was assigned to the teenage paladin, the right was to the red haired boy and the left was to the mercenary girl.

Smoke covered the battle field on the left side of the castle as the mercenary girl lead the charge. She was a mage of some sort as she seemed to be blasting everything with fireballs that does not need incantations at all. It was rather suspicious for the fireballs were more powerful than properly cast fireballs. Everyone who dare opposed her flaming fury either got turned to ash or incinerated to ash... whether that made a difference or not... does not matter. For even friend or foe isn't spared from her fireballs. They started to have problems when they had reached the left wall. They have no other means of entering it and so they just continued causing havoc outside.

"I don't need to command you... just crush everyone..." said the red haired boy as he slowly walked towards the right wall. Ignoring the battle that was roaring beside him. If ever anyone was to hit him, he gets on and pummels them with punches unbelievably strong for his age. The Azmarion forces seem to be well beaten up in this side of the fray and were absolutely having a hard time as the boy slowly pounds the wall down with unbelievable strength.

"The mages are all incapacitated it's time I move in!" thought the armored person as he entered through the towers and went straight in to the main hallway.

The front was heavily guarded as it seemed much that the troops assaulting it can not fight properly against them. There seems to be a lack in the teenage girl commanding them. Therese and Geoffrey kept their stand to protect the entrance in here. Fighting valiantly against the horde of scoundrels that try to invade the castle. This was when Geoffrey finally get the chance to strike at the enemy's commander and he lunged at her with his sword.

"I knew that you were only hired to partake in this war! You are not needed to..." Geoffrey was silenced as soon as he saw the paladin's face and he stuttered, "Queen... Elle..."

The paladin's helm flew off from the attack and her identity was revealed to everyone and she was of a great resemblance to the Queen. She was taken off balance by the attack and was lying down on the ground as Geoffrey's sword hung in mid-air halting the final blow.

"Go! Leave this place! The queen needs you inside! I'll handle everything from here..." said the paladin girl, as Geoffrey slowly helped her stand up, "Master Christian bids you to do so! Go now!"

Geoffrey wasted no time and ran towards the castle. As soon as the scoundrels she commanded saw her, their sights aimed at her and upon noticing her weakness... tried to get her instead. "We shouldn't be pushing ourselves too hard at all! Let's just take this girl and leave! Who would've thought she's of great resemblance to the queen!" said one of her men and they held her restrained as she tried to break free, "Heheheh... She's enough compensation for our pay! We're free from jail after all! Let's just take her and start our bandit's group again. Hehehe..."

There was nothing she can do with this situation but to scream for help. No matter how skilled she was at battle, there's no way she can escape from such restraint. The white moon dragons heard her screams and they all dived down from the air and ravaged the place to get to her. Therese and her troops saw the commotion and took this time to retreat and close the gates to shut the enemy outside. They were to help defend the east wall which was already breached by the enemy troops.

Meanwhile, the soldiers inside were having a tough time fending of the enemy leader. He was no ordinary swordsman, he has knowledge of both light and dark magic at the same time. With every strike of his sword, it was either some of them were purged by holy flames or turned to stone by curses and hexes.

"I wish to fight your Queen! Where is she?" asked the enemy leader as he pulled up a soldier from the floor, "answer me where she is and you'll live to tell the tale!"

"Why would I forsake my country? Go find her yourself, bastard!" mocked the soldier and the armored person threw him to the floor and shot him with a dampf flinte.

"A dampf flinte is a firearm that grows in strength as it's owner does. Sad to say that people really pay attention only to Einbroch's manufactures than that of Hodemimes" lectured the enemy leader as he passed by the incapacitated soldiers.

It was only a matter of time that he reached the throne room. He kicked open the door and was surprised when a barrage of magic petals showered down on him. It was Queen Elle, pointing her long sword, the Crystal Flash at him and was surrounded by a magic circle.

"That technique you used on me now was a signature move from the Rosewood clan of Azmarion am I right?" questioned the armored man, "It is called the Petal Barrage if I'm not mistaken?"

"How do you know so much from my lineage? Tell me your name!" said Elle, there was a rather different tone in her voice than the usual. She was more aggressive with her words than what she would normally say. It was traceable that she was serious in her tone of speech, "I would never let you take Azmarion! For the honor of my husband and my country!"

"That makes me wonder? Where should my damned teacher be at this moment?" stated the armored man calmly as he stabbed his sword the floor, "It seems that the news is true. Was he... executed already? Hahahah! This makes me so happy!"

Elle shot another of her magic at the person and was surprised that it did no effect on him again, "How... why? You're not harmed by my magic even after expressing such evil..."

"It's futile to resist your majesty! I seemed to have researched everything there is to know about you couple! It's shame I don't get to use this on your husband!" he took out a small piece of orihalcon from his armor and showed it to Elle, "I believe he has a trauma over this piece of stone."

"You should leave at once!" said Elle as she came rushing forward to stab the sword at the enemy. The armored person smoothly slid to his side and took hold of Elle's hand and held her by the waist.

"It is futile your highness... I suggest you to sleep... for now..." whispered the armored person as he casted sleep on Elle. Sending her to the world of dreams. Exactly timed, his three commanders came in with good news. "We've decimated their forces master... They're pillaging the city right now" reported the teenage paladin and the armored person patted her on the head. "Go change your clothes and we'll execute those who harassed you. Take the queen with you... I'll just have to go settle some unfinished business" ordered the armored man as he went on to the hallways again.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 5: The siege of Azmarion (segment 3)

The armored person bashed open the door to the court of the elders. The elders were prepared if this ever happened and some soldiers were ready to defend them.

"This is as far as you go scoundrel! You might have beaten those weak soldiers but you're no match for the elite" warned one of the elders as they sat comfortably at their chairs.

"The elite you say? Then they must be loyal!" said the armored person as he stood there and stabbed his sword to the floor, "This is getting interesting the longer it gets!"

"Of course they are loyal to the kingdom! They wouldn't be elite if it wasn't for the queen's grace on them!" added another one of the elders as she smiled in triumph.

"Oh, that reminds me! About your queen" said the armored person with emphasis to the word "Queen", "I believe she's being taken hostage over there! If you guys really are loyal then I suggest you leave this bunch of old geezers and go ahead and save her! Don't worry, I have mercy so go ahead and go past over me and save her."

With this words spoken, the guards quickly ran outside and went to save queen Elle. The armored person watched them as they quickly left the room and commented, "They really are loyal, then. Well, let's get down to business! Geoffrey!"

Geoffrey entered the room with a menacing grin on his face and said, "I told you you'll all get executed when this commotion ends!"

The council of elders were sent to panic as they saw Geoffrey enter the room under command of the enemy.

"You traitor! It was you who planned this all along!" said one of the elders, "You agreed to help Christian Vendrasyl forge the documents so that you may have him thrown out of the kingdom! We should have known!"

"Yes, it was really nice playing with your minds. I never thought it would go this smoothly" laughed Geoffrey as he pulled out the Talaria, "It's nice of General Christian to leave his sword to me. Isn't he that stupid as to trust me with his wife's well being?"

"It feels so great to have my revenge on this country! After being thrown away like trash, I finally get to have my revenge" said the armored person as he clenched his fist in front of the elders, "Too bad, Vendrasyl isn't here to taste my wrath!"

"It is time I execute you all! My best regards to you people when you visit hell!" exclaimed Geoffrey as the whole place turned into blur. Screams and the sound of flesh being sliced echoed through the place and the fall of Azmarion is finally finalized.

It was a dreaded outcome for Azmarion... the last remaining forces of Azmarion lost hope as soon as they were taken in to the dungeon and saw their beloved queen bound in chains in the very first cell. It was as if all life was drained from them as they saw their queen weeping in her cell. The first meeting would soon be held by the invaders to finalize their plans for Azmarion and also the things they need to do to protect their place in the palace as the whole of the country would soon come and try to retake their kingdom.

It was the three commanders whom guarded the Queen's cell and when they were called upstairs, left their posts. This was a perfect time for some of the other evil entities to strike. Not all of the hired bandits and scoundrels were after the money and power. Some of them were there just to take a good grip on their lust for the queen. These entities barged in to the cell where the Queen was chained and were about to do some things to her.

Through some luck, Elle was saved from being molested when the enemy leader, the armored person came in and stuck his blade above their shoulders. "Prisoners of war are to be treated with the rules of war. Have I given you permission as to touch her? I guess not?" threatened the armored person as he shoved them aside, "Begone. you filthy scum! Be contented with your payment!"

He knelt in front of Elle and tidied up her clothes as Elle asked him, "Why are you being nice to me if you so hate my husband that much!?" She was indeed in agony, the feeling that Christian was gone really sank on her and she can say that there was no more point in living if ever Christian did not come back.

"Indeed, I do hate him. Shouldn't you wonder how much pain it would deal him if I take you in as my wife? I guess you know... Rest for the meantime and soon all of this would end" advised the armored person as he turned his back on Elle and locked the cell with five different locks.

Elle just closed her eyes, hoping that when she wakes up... Christian would be there to save her. "Master what would we do with those molesters?" asked the mercenary girl as they walked silently to the throne room. There was silence for a moment and after they reached the top of the stairs, he paused and replied, "Among these worthless piece of scum I've hired... those people annoy me the most. Find it fit to deal them the pain they need to suffer, especially on you Talaria... and to her... of course..."

The two girls nodded with this and dismissed from the scene to come down and punish those aforementioned. It took only a few minutes for those to be slain by the hands of the two girls. The red haired boy did no part with this punishment what so ever for he left as soon as it was finished.

Hours passed as Elle slept on her cell. She was awakened when she felt someone trying to wake her up. "Your highness! Wake up! He's returned! He really came back!"

Elle did not wish to believe it at first, but as she opened her eyes... she saw Christian slowly walking towards her along with Zack. She was so overcome by happiness that she nearly forgot she had chains on her and she stood up to run to his husband's side. "Christian! You came for me! I... I was really scared..." cried Elle as Christian caressed her hair.

"I'm sorry I came late..." apologized Christian as he gave a thumbs up to Zack and Geoffrey, "Well done Geoffrey, you're finally getting the hang of it and Zack... thanks again... you saved my butt."

"No need to thank me. Glad I was able to help" said Zack as he unshackled Elle from the wall, "About those bastards? What should we do with them?"

"About the leader, General Christian already ordered me to get rid of him" reported Geoffrey as he took out the guy's weapon, "Took me some time to get a good hit at him."

"Well, I suggest we send these men to the Midgardian jails. They should be more than a replacement for those fugitives I hired to help save Azmarion. I would be much happier to give them a place in the unpopulated parts of Azmarion. It's compensation for their help in saving Azmarion" said Christian as something bothered him as he said these words, "Well, I guess you need to take a rest Elle... You've been through a lot of things..."

Elle did not speak anymore and just continued clinging to Christian as she missed him so much in that short time they weren't together. Christian took Elle to their room and came out to have a talk with Zack and the others. Christian made sure that Elle was asleep already as he assembled the others.

The two girls earlier were present and there seemed no tension between them and the others. Christian started the talk and thanked them, "Zack, thanks again for going on with my schemes. Geoffrey, I know it's been tough being a traitor twice in a week but I'm glad you went on with it. Xrianne, Talaria... bring my regards to Dusty. He seemed to leave even before I thanked him... Sorry about what happened Talaria... I wasn't there to help you..."

"It's alright with me master Christian. My friends saved me after all" smiled Talaria as she shifted back into her familiar form and went out to call her dragon friends.

"Thanks to you dragons also, Couldn't have done it without you guys" thanked Christian as he faced all of them.

"So Christian, what made you do this?" asked Zack as he stared at the desolate place outside the balcony, "I mean it might be too rough just to get rid of those elders."

"I may be right of wrong Zack," said Christian as he stared up to the stars and felt the breeze flew past him, "but never remove from your mind that I'll kill anyone who gets in my love for Elle."

"I know. I figured out as much" said Zack and looked out the balcony again

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 6: Eumil's visit (segment 1)



"I summon forth my familiar... my other worldly helper... my fated familiar who shall be with me for all eternity! Hear your masters words! Come to me!" chanted Kyrie, as she kept herself in her room and tried casting the summon spell but then stop it before it is finished. She looked rather busy... driven by her jealousy from Leonel's familiars. She tried using the Valkyrie's chain to have a better result with her familiar.

She was trying her nineteenth try at it when a bird flew by over her window. She ignored it and continued to chant the spell for summoning. The bird rested on the window. It pecked on the glass as if knocking for Kyrie to open it. With this little disturbance, Kyrie, whom was known for being quite hot-headed. Forgot that she was just about to cancel the spell and continued it to give way to open the window for the bird.

A flash of light came from the place and Kyrie hit her head with her palm as soon as she learned what she's done. Kyrie felt sad for what happened and was nervous about her familiar, "Please God... let it be something better than Leonel's..."

A solid black furred cat appeared from the middle of the room. Kyrie stared at it with her eyes wide and her mouth open in awe.

"My... it's an astral cat..." thought Kyrie to herself, it didn't quite sink in to her yet and when she's finally back to herself, she shouted out loud, "My familiar is an astral cat! Thank God! It's just like princess Xania's pet! An astral cat! A heavenly being!"

She then rushed to the window to open it for the bird. It was a white dove, though not literally, for it was really a Serix. A bird known for it's ability to disguise itself and warp to places in the blink of an eye.

"What might my younger sister be sending her familiar to me today?" asked Kyrie to the bird in front of her, "Can you at least tell me what's on the message so that I don't need to read it?"

"Absolutely not, what's the purpose of tying a message on me if you won't read it? Perhaps you already know that master Aielle only sends me when it's only minutes away from the said date" replied the bird as Kyrie took the message and read it.

"Dear Kyrie, I know it's quite much, but I've sent Eumil to go to the capital. He has some business to do there and so, I've asked him to give my magic book to you. I wish I could also come there but I'm currently busy here in our island. Eumil also told me that we'll be moving on to Fordre next year. So we'll be able to visit you regularly. Your younger sister, Aielle" read Kyrie, as she flung herself to her bed and her familiar approached her, "He'll be coming today eh? Better ready myself..."

"You should come here more often Leonel! I need to keep track of that crack in your skull" smiled Adianne, as she held the results of Leonel's check up, "You're free to have check ups here in the female divisions clinic. I'm sure that Captain Elizier won't mind it. You're also a very nice little boy, I really do like making pranks on you... hehehe..."

"Uhmm... well... Ms. Adianne... I guess I have to be going now" bade Leonel farewell as he scratched his head bashfully from the female division's hospitality to him.

"It has to be that rumor about a monster in the nearby woods, right?" asked Adianne, sorting up the files from all of Leonel's check ups, "You shouldn't focus too much on monster hunting. The White Swords aren't monster hunters after all. Though I know it bothers you, don't worry I won't tell anyone else. Just be careful so we can still continue exams on you. That was a joke nevermind. hehehe."

"Thanks again... I feel something strange will happen today" murmured Leonel, picking up his stuff and exiting the room to go out.

"Seriously, this boy is somewhat strange... rather, is he human?" thought Adianne to herself as she checked every single result of Leonel's check ups, "He's far more... better..."

Meanwhile, outside the building, a man with dark-red hair and a dastardly looking stare was walking along the road. He was calmly walking along the road, a jet-black broadsword hung on his back and he was wearing normal clothing. A white shirt, brown pants, traveler's shoes, and a long manteau-like traveller's cloak with the sword's scabbard flung diagonally across from the left shoulder down to his right. He looked rather bored, yet a great deal of pride can be noticeable in him.

A huge grin showed up on him as he saw a little boy playing outside. "Hey kid!" called the man, "You know where the White Swords headquarters is located?"

The boy replied an unamused stare at him and said, "You're already here mister."

He looked to his left to see a sign saying, "The White Swords of Cayr'na". He returned his sights to the boy and said, "Oh, I saw that... Now SCRAM! or I'll cut you into two!"

"Jeez, not even saying thank you" said the boy as he left the place, "Sucker."

"The hell is wrong with that kid?" exclaimed the man as he wasted no time and entered the building. As he was climbing up to the stairs outside the building, Leonel passed by and descended downstairs, running towards the capital's gates. "So there he is then... haha..." smiled the man as his face darkened with malice.

He passed by through the main lobby. It was a spacious place lined by marble tiles, the paint on the walls were also white and there was a fairly nice amount of sunlight entering from the huge windows. Quickly he passed on to the first segment of the place and into the waiting room. There were several people, all of which are taking requests to be done. Whether it was for personal problems or on a rather larger scale. The receptionists were all busy and the man did not take time to bother them more. He went straight on inside and saw the person waiting for him.

"It's been a while" greeted the man as he gave a cheery greeting to the one in front of him, "Kyrie."

A huge smile came up from Kyrie's face as she saw him and ran to his side, at least to give him a hug or something. As she held on to him, she was about to give him a kiss when the man stopped her. "Wait a MINUTE! Kyrie! Control yourself!" said the man as he pushed Kyrie aside, "Stay true to your words! It was your idea to give me to your sister... suffer for it then."

Kyrie stood there as if she was a statue broken by a hammer blow and she shyly replied, "I'm sorry Eumil... So then, while you're here... Uhm... Uh... Can I ask a favor from you?"

"What's with you all of a sudden?" questioned Eumil, raising his brows with Kyrie's actions, "Is it just me or are you a girl now?"

Kyrie hit him on the head and yelled at him, "Don't joke me around! It's not funny you jerk!"

There was silence for a moment and the two stared at each other seriously. "Hmm... I guess nothing's changed at all hahahaha!" laughed Eumil along with Kyrie. Though they looked much like fools, laughing like that in public... the people seemed to have ignored them. A certain nostalgic feeling gushed up on them. A certain feeling of love from each other... here he was... Eumil Forhayn, the god slayer...

"Lets sit somewhere else, it's quite tiring standing up right?" suggested Kyrie as Eumil walked beside her, "It's been a year since it was last like this right?"

Eumil was silent as he followed Kyrie to a table near one of the huge windows. Kyrie sat down on a chair and he pat her on the head, "Don't tell me you're regretting it? You look so happy today... yet deep inside, you'll cry again after I leave. What's happening to you Kyrie? Seems that you're not well at all."

A deep silence entered the place. Tears started falling down, like rain drops falling from a gloomy sky. The place darkened accordingly, it was as if the sun covered itself for a while as this was happening. The astral cat that Kyrie summoned earlier started rubbing itself on her. Even such beings can feel an intense sense of sadness, it was true... of all decisions Kyrie made. Giving Eumil to Aielle was the one she regrets the most. Giving away her one true love to her sister who loved the same man twice as harder than what she's done so far.

"I... I wa..." Kyrie was about to speak up but was cut shortly by Eumils remark. "After all of this is over, you'll be able to smile again. I promise that" said Eumil, sitting down opposite Kyrie's chair and started, "So what's this favor you ask of me?"

The place brightened up again, as if all was just a joke. Kyrie could not grasp the idea, earlier there was a heavy aura then it shifted suddenly to a happy sensation. A sense of readiness can be traced in Eumil's actions. Flexing his fists as if he already knew what Kyrie wanted.

"You see... there's been someone bugging me..." started Kyrie, looking down to the table just like some shy girl. "You want me to kill this guy?" smiled Eumil as he pulled out his sword. A chilling breeze entered Kyrie, as if her life was being drained out. This sword was Genocide... an ill fated weapon, know to close friends as Eumil's dark side. He who was born to a family of dark mages, raised up to be a mage but ended up having no magic at all. The sword was himself and he himself was the sword. "You brought that thing..." worried Kyrie as she saw the sword's core reacting like crazy to the situation.

"It's been a while since you last called me out" said Horis to Eumil through his mind, "It seems that she doesn't even wanted that person killed? So what's your choice then?" "A simple yes would have it done Kyrie" says Eumil, looking at her sincerely and Kyrie gave a menacing grin.

"So, shall we go ahead and kill him? He's part of a demon council after all! HAHAHAHA!" Laughed Kyrie, Eumil laughed too but then added, "Seriously... we can't kill him."

"Yes, I know. I was just expressing myself!" chuckled Kyrie as Eumil sheathed his sword, "We got Horis there right?"

"Don't tell me this is just a joke? This isn't funny at all" echoed Horis back to Eumil, as he hit the sword to the floor. "Just shut up will you? I guess Aielle's kindness starts rubbing in on me! Ahahaha" laughed Eumil hysterically as he tried not to fall off from his chair, "She's quite... more loveable than you after all! AHAHAHA! Joke!"

"Yes, yes I know! My younger sister's the angel and I'm the normal little girl" replied Kyrie she was happy to say these stuff as always. Aielle has been the good girl ever since and Kyrie's not bothered by it at all. Perhaps, she's gave up her loved one just to give way to her younger sisters feelings. "You know I don't like the word angel at all" said Eumil as he stood up to leave, "Seriously."

"Sorry" apologized Kyrie as she knew that word was really forbidden in Eumil's presence, "Shall we get going to where he is?"

"I've been dying to meet that person!" agreed Eumil as they went on to where Leonel went.

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 6: Eumil's visit (segment 2)

Leonel was deep inside the Selpine forest. Searching the place for clues about the so called monster attacking everyone that passed by through it. He held the Archnadius ready if ever it was to attack him all of a sudden. The place was darkened by the huge trees that covered the forest. There were no lifeforms to be spotted except himself and the utter silence of the place was enough to give a chill up your spine.

Wraith and Rhia came out from the Archnadius, trying to help their master with his search. "Yo Master! It would be easy if you just sit down there and have our minions do the job!" suggested Wraith as he floated beside Leonel's left. "I need to do this on my own Wraith. Thanks for the suggestion anyways" thanked Leonel as he continued to go deeper into the forest. Wraith and Rhia continued floating beside him, Rhia was rather silent as usual. She was obviously in deep thought, if ever she was not ghost-like. She would've bumped a tree by now, but she just goes through it.

"Wraith..." called Rhia as a nice soft blush appeared on her face. "What is it Rhia? Anything you want to do?" asked Wraith as he flew towards Rhia's side, "It's okay. Is something wrong?" "This place is a nice place to live in..." murmured Rhia, having Wraith relieved and happy at the same time. "Let's just hope the situation doesn't get worse" whispered Wraith as the two continued following Leonel.

After a few minutes of walking, Leonel finally reached a pile of bones. It was obvious that these bones were just new. Judging by their looks, these were human bones and are obviously eaten by the monster. "This is it! These are the victims... now where could that monster be" exclaimed Leonel as he scanned the place for the monster.

A rustling sound can be heard from the bushes behind him and he stood ready for an attack. Everything happened in a blink of an eye, a figure lunged out from the bushes towards Leonel. In response, he attacked too and gave a strike at the figure that sprang up. Leonel gave force to deal a bashing attack. The figure was thrown away to the ground and Leonel stopped as he saw the so called figure.

"Christine!" said Leonel, surprised to see his cousin at a place like that, "It's you... Where's Cyril? Are you okay?" Christine stood up and picked up the old rusty axe she carried that flew away from Leonel's attack.

"Leonel" replied Christine as she brushed off the dirt on her clothes, "What might you be doing here. Set that aside, now that I saw you. I might as well ask you about something." "I'm looking for the monster terrorizing this place. Aren't you on your own adventure now?" asked Leonel, trying to entertain Christine for an answer about Cyril's whereabouts.

"You went in this trip for adventure right Leonel? You're not with Cyril's plans right?" asked Christine, weariness traceable in her face. She picked up her square-rimmed glasses and wore them again. "Cyril's plans?" questioned Leonel, puzzled with what Christine was saying to him, "What's this all about? Of course I tagged along for an adventure of my own."

Christine lowered down her battle axe and started narrating, "The night when the ship sank. I blasted a hole on the hull and threw acid bombs on the engine. I thought everything was fine... but then I ended up waking along with Cyril. I was glad to know you were at least drifted away from us."

"Wait a minute... what are you saying..." said Leonel, terrified with what he heard, "You wanted to kill the two of us?"

"It's not like that at all..." defended Christine as she looked away, "I've learned Cyril's true intentions about taking me here... In fact... He never wanted to take you along... just me..."

"Then what might Cyril be planning? Don't tell me he's..." Leonel was about to finish his words when Christine halted her, "I learned that he wanted to look for his father. He needed my alchemy to create something using materials from Rhapsodia to help him look for his father. That's why I destroyed the ship... at least to be separated from him... and now, I've found you... I can't stall Cyril much longer. Please Leonel! Cyril must not see his father! I don't want the vendrasyls be torn again..."

Leonel sensed that Christine had a heavy reason to stall Cyril from meeting his father. Though he does not know the real details, he did agree to help. "You have me on your side then. Though I do not know why it's so much of an bad idea for Cyril to see his father. I'll help stall him if I see him" smiled Leonel, clearing up Christine's face from worries as he withdrew the Archnadius, "At least help me look for the monster in here."

"Thank you Leonel, but might I ask... who're these two?" asked Christine, pointing to Wraith and Rhia, "Aren't they the ones you're looking for?"

"Ah, no... They're Archnadius familiars, I've just acquired them" said Leonel, looking at the two who seemed offended by Christine's words, "I think you two need to rest for now." The two nodded and entered the Archnadius. They really did not want to make the situation any worse than it was.

"You didn't go change your outfit after the incident huh Leonel?" asked Christine, looking at Leonel's clothes which were still the ones he had when they left. Meanwhile, Christine's clothes weren't the ones she wore before. She's not wearing the Alchemist uniform now, and settled for a different attire. They took their time chit-chatting and Leonel, unaware that Kyrie and Eumil had already arrived as they were talking to each other.

Eumil and Kyrie were hidden behind bushes. She wasn't there earlier and misunderstood Leonel's talk with Christine. As she was hidden behind the bushes, she didn't notice herself through some unexplained anger that she was clenching her fist. Eumil did notice this and found out that he was really correct.

"Yeah, I guess so! You look beautiful in your clothes" Leonel's talk with Christine was halted as a beam of light passed by in between them. He stared to his left, surprised to see Kyrie, burning in anger as she held her shield up. The beam of light that passed just right now was a beam from Kyrie's Nirvana spell. "Kyrie... what are you..."

"What am I doing here!?" replied Kyrie, she was fuming from anger and she drew the Magistera out, "I should be the one asking you why you're here talking to some girl!"

Eumil then lunged out from behind Leonel and grabbed him by the collar. Eumil threw him to a tree nearby and pinned him there by choking him to the tree bark. "Should I finish him now Kyrie?" asked Eumil, as he stared fiercely towards Leonel's eyes, "Whoever hurts Kyrie is my enemy!"

"Who the hell are you?" asked Leonel as he turned his sights towards Kyrie, "Hey, Kyrie what's with all of this? Are you trying to kill me or what!? I didn't do anything wrong to you!"

"Silence you jerk... Yes Eumil! Go ahead and kill that bastard!" ordered Kyrie, gritting her teeth in anger for Leonel, "Do it!"

Christine was surprised with all of this, but she knew the fact that Leonel was in danger in Eumil's hands. She transmuted the old rusty axe to it's original form. Lightning bolts jolted out from the Battle Axe and she rushed to chop down Eumil. Eumil let go of Leonel as Christine approached him and her blocked the axe's chop with the broad part of his sword. Sparks flew and the sound of metal clanging can be heard. Leonel took this opportunity to pull out the Archnadius and summon Wraith and Rhia for a helix change. Kyrie threw the same chain she used on Rhia as soon as she saw the poltergeist come out from the Archnadius.

"Kyrie! Stop this already!" begged Leonel as Rhia struggled from the magic chain's control. "This is the Snow Princess' chains... an artifact that I took from the snowy mountains of Forscythia. Once someone has been bound by these chains... they will obey what ever the owner wishes to" explained Kyrie as she pulled Rhia towards her and fusing her to the magistera. The same pink-bladed long sword appeared and Wraith said in anger, "You did that to my Rhia twice! I swear there won't be a third time!"

[DoubleZeta]

Episode 6: Eumil's visit (segment 3)

Christine kept Eumil busy as Leonel tried to talk Kyrie out of it. "Kyrie! Stop this!" said Leonel as he called Wraith back in to the Archnadius, "This isn't funny anymore." "How dare you..." replied Kyrie, she was still angry about everything and she stood ready, "After I tried my best to accept you... This... THIS!"

"It seems I won't be bothering you with that guy Kyrie" said Eumil as he released the fang like guards of the genocide. Kyrie and Leonel stopped their talk and Kyrie, was alarmed the most as she saw Eumil release the genocide. "Wait Eumil! We're not here to kill anyone! Don't do that!" warned Kyrie as she went forward to stop Eumil, "Stop that! No!"

Eumil shoved Kyrie aside as she came near. She was sent to the ground with the force of the shove and Leonel was sent into a silent fury at what he saw. "Here in front of me is a descendant of god. That makes her a demi-goddess... they deserve nothing but death!" a dark aura covered the place as a phoenix covered in black flames arose from above Eumil. A shockwave churned out from the appearance of the dark entity and Christine knelt down with it's sheer force.

Leonel took no delay as he shifted the Archnadius into the Devourer Helix. The flames of the Devourer Helix fumed up like hell from Leonel's emotions and he jumped from behind Eumil to shatter him to pieces. "I thought you said that anyone who hurts Kyrie is your enemy!?" yelled Leonel, his blood curdling in anger, "You want to kill my cousin!? and the worse of all! You hurt Kyrie!"

Kyrie shrunk down in shame as she heard what Leonel said. Though she does not want to show it... she became angry as she saw Leonel talking to some other girl. Which she mistook for a girl with no connection to Leonel, but in fact... it was just a cousin's talk that she heard that made her jealous. She knelt there, crying in shame and embarrassment.

Eumil turned to his back quickly and parried the strike from Leonel's sword. A powerful force boomed up from the place and the birds flew away from the place. Christine charged at Eumil, trying to help her cousin by dealing damage to Eumil. The fang guards were still floating there around Eumil. There were no movements with the fang guards but as soon as Christine went closer, they zoomed away fast and sliced at her.

Leonel and Eumil continued to push each other with their swords. Neither one of them showed signs of breaking, but as soon as Leonel heard Christine's screams he flinched and Eumil gave a straight punch to his face. He was knocked down to the ground as he saw the fang shaped pieces of metal slicing at Christine. The ten blades kept zooming around her like bees and sliced at her clothes and body as they passed by. There were several cuts already as the blades were as intense as wolves tearing their prey to shreds.

Eumil raised the Genocide and aimed for a sure kill blow on Christine. Leonel was lying down on the ground and was about to stand up when a voice boomed from their side.

"Stop it! Please!" yelled Kyrie, tears dropping out like waterfalls from her eyes as Eumil and the fang guards stopped. Leonel also stopped, not from Kyrie's request but in terror of what he saw.

"Kyrie..." called Eumil and Leonel, "Behind you..." Christine fainted shortly after this and Kyrie slowly turned back. As soon as she came face to face with the huge creature. She gulped and with a real girl like voice she screamed, "EEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!" Eumil took no time standing there and he picked up Christine to run away. Leonel stood up too and rushed towards Kyrie to carry her away.

Eumil and Leonel started running as the gigantic spider started to chase them. Kyrie held on to Leonel as tightly as she could as soon as Leonel had lifted her. "What the hell is that thing!" yelled Eumil as he ran behind Leonel, "How the hell is that thing even existing!?"

"I've been looking for the monster rumored to be eating the passers by of this forest! Then you guys came barging in and attacking like crazy!" explained Leonel as he jumped over a huge root.

"Tell us that even before these stuff happen okay! You big jerk!" said Kyrie as she continued hitting Leonel on the chest, "Don't ever do this again! Ever! Ever!" Kyrie seemed much calmer after saying this as she continued clinging on to Leonel. Trees were uprooted as the gigantic spider ran after them. There was a nice smile on Kyrie's face, Leonel does not notice this as he was running away for their lives. Eumil did manage to notice this again and then smiled along with a suggestion, "My sword can only harm people... But I guess hitting this huge spider as hard as we could would somehow deal some pain to it right?"

Leonel nodded with the suggestion and counted to three. At the count of two, they both dropped the two girls and pulled out their swords to face the spider. They readied their swords and with Leonel about to say the word three, released their swords powers. Eumil releasing the fang guards and Leonel, the Devourer Helix. "Three!" shouted Leonel and both slashed at the huge spider.

"Nightmare Crescent!" yelled Eumil, along with the slash the fang guards followed and stabbed themselves to the spider. "Devourer Helix! Death Strike!" Leonel dealt the finishing blow and the spider was shocked to the ground. A burning wound appeared on the place where the Death Strike hit the spider and soon it vanished into thin air.

Eumil and Leonel knelt down on the ground from exhaustation and congratulated each other. "That was some nice attack you did there..." praised Eumil as he sealed the Genocide back to the scabbard. "Thanks... yours aren't bad either" returned Leonel as he un-shifted the Archnadius, "Don't even try killing my cousin or you'll taste a share of that attack."

"No need to worry now" replied Eumil panting hard as he used the scabbard as a leaning post, "That's all an act to see whether Kyrie would react to you. I guess my work for Kyrie is done."

"What!? You didn't plan to kill her?" asked Leonel is surprise, "But it was as if..." Eumil knelt up and smiled at the situation, "I guess I'll have to spare your cousin. She's not from this place after all... gods that are not from this continent are better off than normal people for me. So I'll spare her."

"But, I won't spare you two!" said Kyrie as she hit the two on the head, "Who ever told you to drop the two of us!? You jerks!"

All ended well... for now as Kyrie's feelings for Leonel started to bloom with the help Eumil. Though it was a joyful reunion for people... some things still lurk in the darkness and it was only a matter of time till chaos hits their lives.