Vrondi's capital gates were open to all those with citizenship badges. Whether one came by sky or portal all would be checked for their badges. Unlike other nations Vrondi was strict and did not accept bribes. The Taxis were also involved in guarding the city as well as parts of the Aion. Angelic being floating above made the magical city even more majestic. Many of them dropping the petals of flowers as confetti. Raining multicolored fragrances on the guests and citizens below. Most rejoiced to this even those not used to the surface such as the Lassa who found their inability to breathe air not hindering their fascination with the visual spectacle of it all.

The beggars were pushed off the streets. Despite them being citizens fallen on hard times they were second class and were mostly traveling around the small cluster of homes by the river south east of the castle and the main events. This was to seclude them away from the royals of the different nations. He was an older man who was partially drunk given his half empty glass bottle. The liquid inside was a crystal blue yet bubbled at the top. His sight was a common one. The poor were getting rich from the loose and deep pockets of royals from across the lands. Who went about in the streets.

Within the castle a show was wrapping up. The elite royals, those with close ties to the current kings and queens, were enjoying themselves in the King of Vrondi's castle halls. Within A fine snow white gloved hand was raised as a Vrondi Royal whom sat near the King stood up. He stepped out before his fellow royals of Sol blood and lowered his hand as the applause dimmed. It was a moment of silence as all royals were aware of social norms in such gatherings. Though a few still chatted under their breath. "It is an honor to have you all here this morning and it is a great pleasure and honor to present my King Vrondi to speak to you all!" He gestured with his hands as he spoke. Finishing with a gentle bow as he stepped aside and took his seat as Vrondi began to rise from his own. The King stepped to the front of the slightly elevated position. Though he was known to often make his way suspended in air.

He paused while in front of the small crowd of royals with the clusters of their kingdoms of origin being behind them closer in proximity to the walls and balconies. He turned his head to look at the entire groups of royals around the room before speaking. "It is my honor to have you all here as guests in my home. I thank the beautiful Luxia for her performance. I can tell you all are concerned with the recent events and take it with the upmost importance. As such I will delay our meeting no longer. I humbly ask that those who hold their title as rightful King or Queen of their respective Kingdoms to join me within the hall of ordinance." Vrondi turned his body and lifted his hand and a wide door opened as vines pulled on it. The opened door led to another room with a single long table with many seat.

"About time." Said Magnixx who began to walk in first with a single warrior by his side. A dragon knight with a large blade by his side and gauntlets seemingly forged by dragon scales. They entered the room and Magnixx took a seat close to the end of the table near the high chair at the end. Next was Queen Allo who walked elegantly to the room with a tall and sleek armored dragoon, spear in hand, walking next to her. She glanced at the other royals with a gentle smile. "I hope this goes well.." She said with a bit of a snicker as she looked over Magnixx and his sudden entry. She sat near the middle. Next was the Queen of Tearia, Tydra Nept. She had a hold up with her choice. Only one guardian could accompany them as they entered and her two choices were bickering. She laid a hand on their shoulders. "Sorry but Adrian seems more clear headed right now." She let out a playful tongue before strolling off swaying her dangling jewels and long dress frills with her hips with each step as Adrian walked near her. She sat closer but horizontal from Allo.

Last was Sleeth Mythue. He sluggishly walked his slender form across the stone white floors toward the room. Next to him was a veiled woman with a sphere in her hand. Many rumored her to be his sister. But few talked to or knew about the Mythue family. As the Nayu lord stepped into the room the lighting within the banquet hall grew brighter. Sleeth and his companion took a seat near the end of the table of the opposite side of everyone. King Vrondi stood and watched as they entered the hall and nodded with a pleased expression once the door was closed. "Now do not let our absence hinder your pleasures. There are many more shows to be had here and much more delicacies to try! Such as the golden mushroom! If only I still had a stomach..." The crowd let out a laugh as he did chuckling loudly. He then faded away with a gentle smile. Reanimating within the room to have a long discussion in private with the other kings and queens.

------------------



As the day went on those in Nero were congregating around the sweet aroma of fresh blood and other cuisines and decorations. Music played softly in the background within but little was happening beyond a filing in of patrons. After a while the castle gates were closed and the large halls and endless rooms within the kings royal castle was free to be flames by guests but there were many guards to hold off entry to many of these places. The main room where every royal and special patron resided was the banquet hall.

The patrons all also wore masks. As their attire was mostly in black or red they fit the dim lighting of candles and the eerie chill in the air. The sound of chatter grew more loudly as Nero Royals began to fill the place out. Soon it was the appearance of over several dozen Therosi red hooded figures who entered that caused silence. They brought with them items wrapped in black cloth. They were elongated and wide. They dropped the items on the ground in the center and unraveled them. There before the Nero Royals were four young seraphim. Each whimpered in fear as they were bare and were covered by merely the cloth that wrapped them.

"Bidding starts at twenty thousand." Spoke a hooded figure who stood out from the rest. He had white hair dangling from inside his hood. While the others were presumed balled by the way some took down their hood and showed identical balled heads. They also brought in large metallic barrels of red liquid. Pouring them into a fountain soon a fountain of red began to shoot up and splash into itself. Royals took glasses and scooped drinks from the fountain and cheered while clanging then together.

Others began to observe the seraphim and make bids. The music grew louder and many began to enjoy themselves more and more. The 47 Dolofon being in attendance were dressed in masquerade and eyed the Therosi. There were many decorations within these halls, one in particular was of the Kings likeness behind his throne seat within the banquet hall. Some joked about sitting there but none approached it.

@13org
It was her words that made him seem to freeze. Her confessed love for him and the dizzying chemicals firing through both their minds. Exciting aromas to draw in the urges easily picked up on by Nayu warriors of heightened senses. Despite his tears of blood he smiled softly. Instinctively cupping her chin and lifting her face further into the light that broke through the ceiling that covered the kingdom. It shined on the glistening beads of sweat on Lila's face. Was she nervous? A testament that her feelings were true.

"Then stay with me. Forever." His piercing golden eyes peered into hers as they developed sight. Making contact he knew when her pupils dilated. In that moment, when she could see his face clearly and her eyes spoke to her pleasure. He kissed her. Firmly placing his lips in a hug against hers. Their privacy was scarce yet some could see the two behind the curtains on the balcony over the dark kingdom of Nero. Two royal bloods of Nayu heritage finding first love.

(Time Stamp)
10:00 AM

Mason Drake

Mason knew what tonight was; the blood banquet , nobles from all over Nero would be here to bid on seraph slaves. There had already been four slaves brought up to the stage, and Mason was going to be next. He could only hope that the burns that covered his body and wings (though healing rather well, and quickly) would deter any wealthier buyers from purchasing him, meaning those who WOULD purchase him, would likely lack the means to properly contain him, Mason could escape this wretched city, once and for all.

It was unlikely that his owners would have him 'perform' tonight, as there were too many important individuals whose lives would be put at risk by such a specticle. His future owners would be none the wiser to his strength, at least not until it was too late. He just had to bide his time, waiting, hoping, that the sub-par flavor of his blood would preserve him through the night.



Deep inside, Mason smiled; his path to freedom, had finally begun.

As festivities filled the streets with laughter and barks of glee, Constance arrived with foreign feelings infecting her. She looked down at the little girl holding her hand. "Where did you say she was? Which kitchen is it?" Constance asked. The girl looked around, finally pointing at the gargantuan fortress in the center of the city. The corner they were standing on seemed to darken, as Constance's eyes seemed to waver a bit. What was she going to do, just go up, knock three times, and tell them "I need to get to the kitchen?"

"My momma's a good cook," The girl assured. Constance offered a small smile. "Oh yeah? Does she make food for the guards?"
"Naa, the King!"
Constance looked down, eyes wide.
"Yaa, she's awesome. She's been gone a few days though," She added. "We always hang out on the festival." Constance pursed her lips. She already promised the kiddo they would find her...

She carried the girl now, as they wound around the streets. People were rejoicing around them still, and Constance gave polite smiles to all of them if they looked at her. She might've looked a bit strange in all her armor with a shield and halberd on her back, and a kid on her hip, but a promise was a promise. Something seemed to pull her towards the castle, and it wasn't the girl's mom. It gave the feeling of watching one of her siblings getting lost in the tunnels, even getting hurt, or just being in danger. Looking up at the castle as it rose above the streets, she knew she had to get in.

Smoke and decadent smells poured out of a few widows on the eastern side of the keep. Bums seemed to be hanging around the grounds of the whole citadel, wanting to get some gold coins from officials, but they sat here especially, like dogs waiting for meat to be thrown in a cage. The snake around her neck had been sleeping up until now. Whether that was from the smell of food or the sense of danger, who knew. The two heads seemed to be on guard, whichever it was. The homeless seemed to look at her as if she were a piece of that meat about to be chucked to the wind, but she tried not to acknowledge any fear. An iron gate was barred the one entrance into a small courtyard it seemed. She put the girl down, who gazed on curiously at what she was about to do. Looking, and assuring to herself no guards were nearby, she attempted to find some strength deep within herself, and tried to bend the bars.

@Guy0fV4lor

Mercy was thinly dished out to the seraphim slaves. Their kind given a look one gives an ox or a sheep. Something of value. It was not cold like the air in these stone walls. Instead it was a feign of mercy. Generally contemptible beings seldom alike in taste to men and women. Yet royalty all the same. They kept their horrors elegant, perfumed, and tasteful. The pain seraphim suffered here was kept to a minimum. Outward displays of harm was only to be done in private or in necessary circumstances. To not dirty the floors with slave blood, every drop can be sold.

So the young ones were first. A few but their clothes were well kept and their variety of angelic traits shined. Their pure white colors, eyes and tender flesh made some of the Nayu royals mouths to visibly water. It was a spectacle as they raised their bids. It went very high. No need to wonder why they chose to go with the young first. Despite how attention grabbing the bids were brief. Only two seraphim children to sell, sold to Nayu royals who took them by hand rather than by chain. Likely to groom such children for future purposes.

Finally came the bidding for the slightly older seraphim. A few women and men of various teenage ages were all that was there. Lined up side by side. It was only a matter of time until they were all sold. The women were selling first and for more. Their seraphim traits were diluted visibly and thus some complained of the quality. Though even despite this these women and men were fair. The young Mason Drake being among them. He was being bid on currently. A woman masked in a red and black veil waved to the young man with a black folding fan. "Five thousand!" She shouted. The bid did not rise. It seemed he was being sold to her.

@13org

"Lila. We are starting.. Get Ready!"

@geurls

The bars gave but not without a sound. Luckily the sounds of various musicians wanting to play throughout the streets was filling up the ears of everyone around. The bars were blocking an open window next to the waste disposing pit near the kitchen. These halls were dimly lit with flame candles and let to various rooms all of which were mostly empty save for stored food. The kitchen, which led to the banquet hall was down the hall several dozen feet to the left. To the other end of the hall was an unknown aura. As the snooping traveler dropped into this hall from a few dozen feet upwards she would feel this aura calling out to her.

The dark door at the end of the hall began to give off a sliver of light. It opened slowly and soon a being was standing within the doorway looking at Constance with a displeased expression. His hair was a light blue and his eyes as well. His clothes were simple, a white shirt and brown pants with well designed steel blue boots. From behind him slowly came out two wings just as blue and light as his hair and eyes.
"Welcome. Are you a friend of the king?" He moved very slowly, hardly at all. But behind him was a blade.

As this happened a sound could be heard from a closed room near the banquet hall. It was the sound of a horn being blown as if over a pasture in the beckoning of war. It was hardly anytime at all. The wooden door so finely decorated and kept as a relic over the centuries was blown open, splinters flying about. The horn grew louder as the bright lights of the white feathers held on the backs of seraphim warriors, armored and equipped with shining blades and shields. The blood quickly flowed. The slits of flying crimson fell not from a royals cup but from their abdomen. The screeches came immediately after. Several seraphim knights exploded out of this room and began slaughtering royals without mercy or discrimination.

Seraphim slaves were being freed immediately. Their chains being broken and a blade thrust in their hands. A circle was formed around these slaves. "Fight!" One shouted looking at Mason from beneath his helmet.

Duplicate post- deleted

Mason Drake

Waiting to be delivered to his new mistress, Mason was both estatic, and shocked, to find seraphim knights breaking his chains, before shoving a blade in his hand. For a moment, Mason was paralyzed; what was happening??!?!!?

Mason's trance abruptly ended with one word; "Fight!" His eyes lighting up, Mason planned to do exactly that. Staying close to his new saviors, he prepared to fight back against whatever his now former oppressors planned to throw at him.

Looking about, he saw that many of the other free slaves seemed incredible fearful; in no shape to fight. Swallowing, "I've always wanted to become a hero, if I ever want to truly become one, I have to start now" Mason thought. Raising his sword high above his head, amongst all of his fear, he mustered as strong a battle cry as he could muster:

The girl slipped in after Constance, clutching her leg as they went about the hall. Constance tensed up, trying to hide the girl at the sight of the angelic being down the side of the passageway. Was this who she was being pulled towards, a person from her storybooks? "Friend of the King?" Who was friends with the King? Simply allies, a tool. One has to put their people first, always be on guard. Every leader was pretty much like that, right? He was the person who tried to protect her. She thought back to her siblings, with the rampant dragons and thieves... Though she didn't have time to answer.

Like a trumpet from the heavens, something in the other side of the keep sounded. She looked back, and it seemed like the citadel started to shake- or it was just her legs quaking. Screams echoed. She looked to the mythical being. "What is the meaning of this?" She barked, as she quickly got her shield and halberd out, starting to back up. "How do I save them?" She cried, just as the girl started to actually cry. Constance looked down, an expression of horror on her face. The girl was running into the kitchen. Constance had no time for the seraph.

She bolted after the girl, crashing her shoulders into corners. Flying beings were tumbling out over her head, their wings like lashes against her skin. "Please! Come back here!" She bellowed, though she doubted she'd be able to hear it. The seraphs she was told of... If they are to cause screams of agony like this...

Her eyes fell on her black hair, and she charged. She fell to her knees, sliding in the blood, to get in front of the girl. Putting her shield down, she pulled the girl by the scruff of her dress. She was wailing, her cries of trauma filling the air more than any other. "MOM! MOMMA!"

Constance didn't realize herself crying too.

Lila Moriarty

^{@Rai @13org}

Lila was trembling with anxiety. It was the first time she had used that word... The first time in her entire life that she even said that to anyone... Everything was so confusing for her at that moment. All those colors, all those details and all those feelings swirling inside her head... That painful, burning sensation on her chest as she waited for his answer for what it looked like hours... But before she could say anything more, she heard Anui's voice once more as he spoke with her.

"Then stay with me. Forever." Anui said, embracing her in a kiss.

The second his lips touched her, Lila felt her body trembling as she kissed him back passionately. The burning sensation on her chest disappeared as she felt tears rolling down her face. That wasn't a dream, it was really happening. She knew they weren't alone and behind them probably there were other royals watching, but she didn't cared about that. The beast that previously would never show her delicate side to anyone or immediately kill those who saw her in a moment of weakness, now had completely opened her heart to Anui.

After a long kiss, Lila gently put her hand on his cheek, caressing him.
"From today onwards, you are mine, Anui, and I am yours." Lila said, tears of happiness rolling down her face.

"I will not fight for anyone or anything other than our safety and to ensure we will be able to be together. I won't serve neither the Nayu nor the Seraphim. I don't care about what others will think, about what Mirror and the other Seraphim will say..." Lila said in a torrent of words, trying to put in words all the things she was feeling at that moment as she hugged him tightly.

It was hard for her to put what she was feeling in words. For someone who lived being a weapon until now, repressing her emotions, all those unknown feelings were like a storm on her head. Not even Lila herself knew what she was feeling right now. She wanted to be together with Anui, but at the same time, she didn't want to be used again. She was tired of being just a weapon, she wanted to be herself. She was more than just an assassin or a weapon to be used.

"I will be always by your side." Lila said, with a smile on her face as she softly kissed Anui. She just wanted that moment to last forever, but a very familiar scent and sounds interrupted her. It was the smell of fresh blood being spilled, of swords, of flesh and screams of pain and agony... Sounds she was already incredibly familiar with as a familiar voice echoed through her mind.

"Lila. We are starting.. Get Ready!" Mirror's voice, echoed on the back of Lila's mind.

"No!! Why is this happening?" Lila said, looking around, still disoriented by her new ability to see.

"Why it has to be like this...?" Lila said, falling on her knees.

"Wherever I go, nothing but blood and death follow me..." She mumbled to herself looking to Anui then to the shadows moving in a chaotic dance behind the curtains that were between them and the blood bath that was happening on the hall.

Why did Mirror and the other Seraphim had to do that to her? Why did they have to try to ruin and take away the only good things that happened in her life! On that moment, she wanted to go there and simply kill every single one of those responsible for such chaos, even though she was still confused with her senses mixing with one another and all the wild emotions, she still wanted all that to stop. Was she not allowed to experience those emotions? Was she doomed to be nothing more than a weapon her entire life?

As those thoughts started to appear on her mind, putting even more emotional stress on Lila, who was already overwhelmed, she was reaching a critical point... She hated them... Those who made her like this, those who shaped her like a weapon, those who were trying to make her become just a weapon once more...

---

Sophia

^{@Rai @13org}

When Sophia said for Vulcan to hold himself, she was serious. The second she lifted from the ground, Vulcan would feel that even though she was lacking in brute strength and toughness compared to other dragons, she was on entire different level regarding agility and speed. Albeit Sophia could simply conjure a portal there, it was so long since she opened her wings like that and had the opportunity of flying at full speed. It was no surprise that only a few hours after she departed from the Great Library they were already arriving on Vrondi's capital.

"We're here, Vulcan." Sophia said, slowing down a bit as she flew over the city, completely ignoring the angelic beings floating above the city, the guards or even all the stuff about showing the citizenship badges, she had no time to lose with such trivial matters, there were much more pressing issues to be communicated to them other than some nonsense about citizenship. Well... That and after living for so long secluded in that mountain, she wasn't that familiar with all those rules.

Landing right in front of the castle, Sophia gently grabbed Vulcan with her tail, putting him on the ground next to her as she waited for someone to greet them, still in her dragon form.

"Maybe we should give them something to remember who exactly I am? After all... Just like you said, not many remember my true power." Sophia said in a serious tone, nodding her head in disappointment as she remembered her previous meetings with royals, kings and other descended who had too much power on their hands, back on the day where they tried to take the library for themselves.

"...They never respected anything other than power..." Sophia said to herself, letting out part of her oppressive primal magic aura. Although she was suppressing most part of it in order to not cause any major problems, the pressure coming from her was enough for anyone in the city to feel that she was seriously powerful. But despite that small display of power, Sophia's expression and posture were, in the most part, calm and serene, albeit it was obvious that she was alert and didn't completely trust the people there. She was already tricked and deceived by other kings and queens once. She would not make the same mistake twice.

"Lay down your arms! I came to offer you my aid. Dark and grim times are ahead of us. An enemy much more powerful than you all have ever faced grows stronger by the second as we speak. Something needs to be done quickly." Sophia said in a roar as guards and other seraphim started approaching her with weapons in hand, loud enough to make sure that every single person inside and outside the castle heard her as she opened her wings in an imposing posture.

"I am Sophia, the Dragon of Knowledge, master of the Great Library and Keeper of Knowledge." She said, closing her wings as she returned to a more tranquil posture, although still in her dragon form.

"I have pressing matters to discuss." She completed, in a very, very serious tone.

"Is this enough to make them remember who I am?" Sophia asked in a much lower tone of voice, turning to Vulcan.

The invisible barrier that was made up of mental prowess and divine magic kept a reconnaissance on what entered and left the sanctuary city. It was not the first time a dragon had entered the territory of the kingdom from foreign lands. One even so massive a royal hall was made on its back. However none displayed an aura of such magnitude as Sophia. Vulcan, the fist of Fotia, holding on tight. Beard violently swaying in the wind as he appeared unfazed by the intense speeds.

"Power comes in many forms. Perhaps this can be an opportunity to teach them all that."
People pointed in awe and some even in fear as the dragon Sophia's shadow loomed over them. Heading to the castle was a risk. Vulcan did not protest. He merely observed the crowds as they rolled past below. The various colors, perfumes falling from the sky and angelic children freely moving about was quite the sight. It seemed to slightly move Vulcan as his face smiled, eyes cheeks and all. This pleasurable moment was short lived as immediately upon landing Sophia and him were surrounded by Vrondi guards. Their spears were glowing with a pure light. A spell meant to increase their piercing acuteness.

Sophia spoke.
"Lay down your arms! I came to offer you my aid. Dark and grim times are ahead of us. An enemy much more powerful than you all have ever faced grows stronger by the second as we speak. Something needs to be done quickly."

Vulcan stepped down from Sophia's back with a single jump. Landing with a strange grace to his size. Yet still lifting the dust from the grass below. "And I am Vulcan, the Fist of Fotia! I have asked for her help in the name of Fotia!" The guards did not lay down their arms. Yet their spiking combined auras began to settle down. A few people in the forming crowd behind the barrier of guards shouted Vulcans name. It was obvious those in Fotia had been visiting and many vouched openly in awe of his appearance. He crossed his arms and merely listened as Sophia spoke from there on. Nodding in his agreement.

"Is this enough to make them remember who I am?"

Sophia asked, confiding in Vulcan. "It was just fine. Sophia, Guardian of Knowledge. Some call the hoarding dragon of knowledge. I welcome you.. To my home. We haven't much time to waste." A voice that uttered from a forming light. The light took the form of King Vrondi. His details came into their sight and his flesh seemed like liquid metals as they held firm a smooth yet solid form. "But first you might want to slip into something more slimming. No offense." Vrondi smiled. His own aura seemed weak. Yet another stronger aura sat inside the meeting room.

The doors opened allowing Sophia in her smaller form to enter with Vulcan. The body of Vrondi would simply wave as they walked inside. Only to vanish a second after. They would be hastily led to the meeting room past the guests enjoying a fiery display of talent by Fotian fire dancers with exotic drums being rapidly beaten. Entering into the door the two would see Vrondi and the other kings and queens sitting at the long stone table.

@13org
-------------------


Anui held Lila's lips with his with a gentle expression on a seldom content face. Lila's words visibly held his desire. His piercing golden yellow eyes not swaying as they looked into hers. Even as they kissed his eyes remained fixated. "And I will never hurt you.." After he spoke these words he began to linger into her face as she did his. Enjoying her surprise as she looked around the room to enjoy the soft lit colors for the first time. It was to his delight to give this gift to a worthy Nayu cursed with blindness.

He then heard the low bellow of a horn and his heart dropped. He knew from the stories of how the Aion would blow a war horn before battle. An act of righteousness, allowing their foes a moment to flee. But all it does is paralyze when combined with an ambush. A senseless act. "We must-" He looked to Lila. Sensing her distress he came behind her fallen body and placed his arms around her. Kneeling as he did so he spoke softly yet sternly. "It pains me to have given you such a curse. For this I apologize deeply. I will not let a soul harm you." And so he held her tightly, holding an ebony blade up before them. Even as the bodies of his fellow royals were slain.

@geurls

The hall Constance escaped from began to rapidly grow colder. Frost began to form on the stone walls. Then a cold gust of air engulfed the banquet hall. The seraphim was walking through this hall, his body seemingly unaffected by the cold. Even as his breathe gave out a smog of warmth from inside of him. This man held a rose made of ice. His attire was now similar to a royal seraphim. Blue leathers with white sewed into beautiful patterns. "I am Mirror. Current acting Leader of the Aion." He turned to Constance and the young girl. "We will not harm those too innocent to know what is right or wrong. We will reclaim the fortitude of the seraphim bloodline. For your freedom brothers and sisters! Fight with us if you stand by the side of the Divine's will. Or perish in Chaos." His voice was loud and elegant yet held a stiff assertion.

Ice was summoned within Mirror's hands as a broad sword and a shield. It formed with a slow cackle of ice hardening together to take their shape. Nero guards began to fly out of the shadows. Their black daggers in hand. A few others, clear members of the Dolofon, began to defend themselves as best they could. The room became chaotic. A dash of blood fell toward Constance and Mirror's wing intercepted its path. His icy cold feathers fell near the two girls. "I swear on my honor and my life. I will not let this child be harmed." He looked at them with piercing blue eyes that held a honest determination in them.

@Guy0fV4lor

It was not long until the Nero guards and Therosi red robed slavers charged the small band of slaves and Aion knights. It was a bloody battle from the start. The Nero guards fought in the shadows and close. The Therosi fought with crossbows and blood affecting magic. Their mages chanting in their corners in an attempt to focus their spells from a distance. As they attempted this arrows of the soul pierced their skulls. A swift seraphim darting about would pick off foes as he flew across the room. The advantage of flight giving the Aion a slight edge.

"Fly!" They shouted. As they defended the slaves, attempting to give them time to begin to fly up. Perhaps something waited for them above. One robed slaver was stabbed in succession multiple times. Yet he continued. This particular slaver was rather large. Able to push a few seraphim knights before going for a slave. Mason. His blade was large despite being one handed. It went for his head from above like a hammer.

Above was a portal slowly forming with light escaping its surface.

---

Nero

So far, everything was going according to plan. Dremmick was able to sell off the two seriphim children to the Therosi, even though the Therosi sold the kids at double what they paid him. When it came time for the buyers to take the children and go pay, Dremmick, who disguised himself as a Therosi assassin with his own old assassin gear, guided the buyers down a hell to make the transaction. However, when Dremmick had the person step inside a room for the transaction, only a muffled outcry could be made out as he murdered the buyer, and took that money as well. As for the child, he commanded the kid to stay put as he would be right back and not to make a sound. Sure enough, he was able to trick the second buyer just the same, killing them and their personal escort in the process. So now, he had the money he was paid, and the money the Therosi was going to be paid. A smirk touched the corners of his lips as he thought about it. It takes some serious bargaining to be paid for selling someone into slavery and then payed for releasing them all in the same day.

Dremmick knew of the Aion lurking about, he could see it in the eyes of the crowd, they were the few people in the crowd that bore a face of disgust for this whole business, something Dremmick had to learn to hide while he was here. He had a feeling that they would show up to a big event like this, with talk of this somewhat important vile of seraphim blood being around or whatnot. One of the children spoke up as they sat alone in the room with Dremmick and a few dead bodies. "Wh...What are you going to do with us," the braver of the two asked as Dremmick tossed his disguise away revealing his regular clothes. A look of shock came over the children as they recognized the person as the one who sold them in the first place.

"Simple," Dremmick started, "I found you two wandering around after your family was killed by the Therosi, so I figured the easiest and fastest way to get you out of Nero was to bring you to sell on the day the Aion would most likely show up. Not to mention make some gold while I'm at it. I didn't tell you because I needed you to think it was real. The Aion should make their presence known before any Therosi get suspicious enough to come in here. When the fighting starts, I'll guide you two to them so that you can hitch a ride back to 'civilized' society."

"You...you mean you don't want our blood," the other kid asked timidly. "Hell no," Dremmick responded quickly, "Now shut up so I can listen for the-" and that is when Dremmick heard the horn signalling the attack. "That's our que."

Dremmick put his hood up and ushered the children from the room. He may be returning the children to the Aion, but due to his bloodlines and the simple location of this fight, he could easily be seen as an enemy, especially since Dremmick didn't mind killing a seraphim knight if they tried to kill him. All Dremmick wanted to do right now is send the kids off and get out of here. When they arrived to where the fighting was, Dremmick saw that a wall of fighting slaves and seraphim knights formed between the fleeing slaves and Therosi. Dremmick shoved the kids toward the fleeing slaves and they started running to escape as well. As for Dremmick, who was now on his own, he started to look for the best way out of this madhouse.

Mason Drake

Though the seraphim knights were at first able to hold off the tide of slavers, Neroan guards, and Therosi, it was clear that they would soon be overrun. Suddenly, one of the seraph knights shouted to the band of slaves, "Fly!" Looking up, Mason saw a portal of light beginning to form, his heart soared as a smile spread across his face; his freedom was at hand. Spreading his angelic wings, Mason readied himself to take flight.

Without warning, despair struck. A shadow appeared above Mason; blocking some of the portal's light. The seraphim knights had let a large slaver through, and that shadow, was his sword. Horrified, Mason's heart rate skyrocketed, "No, no, no, no," Mason thought, "I'm so close, th-this can't happen... I'm so close, I-I-I....No, I won't be stopped, I WILL BE FREE!"

Mason knew he couldn't avoid the blade, his only way out alive would be to block it; or kill the man. There was no way he could ever hope to block this slaver's blade, and it was unlikely Mason could kill the man fast enough with the sword given to him... He was going to have to use magic. Since there were so many allies around him, there was only one spell Mason could use without putting them at risk.

Swallowing, Mason dropped his sword, his hands igniting into claws of black flame. He lunged at his attacker, aiming to destroy the sword with one hand, and go for the slaver's throat with the other, screaming:

Constance's breathing was heavy and hard, blood stained all in her light hair as she looked at the seraphim in front of her. As the girl cried in her lap, Constance looked at him in dismay. Anger formed on her tongue.

"Do you think violence stops violence? If you cared about anyone you wouldn't engage in such heinous acts as this! Many don't have a choice to be here! You.. you..." Her voice became raspy as a choked sob formed in her throat. She became much quieter as the cold grew in. She felt trapped. Next to her were slavers and killers, and she felt like she couldn't tell who from who.

Brothers and sisters? Was... Was she related to these people? Thoughts invaded her mind. Would her siblings- her actual be capable of something like this? She connected her eyes with Mirror's. "You can gain nothing from a bloody sword unless it is in defense. No one should be stolen away from their families like the seraphim, but do you not realize you are doing this for all of these people here?"

The cold was pushing in more. The tears on the girl's face were frozen when they hit the ground. The chaos around Constance seemed calm, for some odd reason. "I only ally you for her," She said. A sting on her cheek brought things back to reality, as she turned sharply towards where it came as crimson fell across her face. She hunkered down, scooping up the girl into the curve of her large shield. "Mirror!" She yelled out, hoping he trusted her enough to save the girl as she tried to created a body block from anyone who could attack her from her exposed back.

@Jollan

Shields were dropped to defend the children as they frantically tried to run between the legs of Therosi and Nero enemies. The seraphim struck down those who went for them. Then formed a wall around the children. "Onto my shoulders!" They cried. Bending at the knees to allow the young ones to plop up on their back. A few of these knights made ways to the ceiling above. Wings spreading and gusts carrying pure white feathers into the air. The portal was now formed, spiraling in a neon glow of blue and white. Emitting like a cloud particles of light like snow on the Gaias mountain tops.

Out they went, narrowly so. Weapons thrown at their bodies being deflected by their shields. Only a few were injured. Thankfully each child made it through the portal in an immediate fashion. Nayu Royals began to run behind the wall of Nero guards that were swarming in from the main gate that gave entry to this hall. The seraphim platoon was being outnumbered and very quickly.

@Guy0fV4lor

As this happened the burning hand of the seraphim Mason came towards the Therosi's blade. The bloodied metal sheered through the air and as it did Mason came at him. His hand collided where he intended to hit. A mysterious darkness that turned his blade to mush upon impact had turned the Therosi enemies momentum off guard. He scoffed like one would make when their throat was slit. His body then fell back with a loud wet sound as he hit the ground. Blood pouring from his mouth, eyes and throat and a pool of crimson rapidly forming under him.

Yet the swarm of enemies grew and a seraphim knight guarding close to Mason was struck by a crimson blade in the side of his neck. "Escape!" Their wings in unison expanded and a gust of wind tossed back a few of the Nero guards before they began to fly upwards to the portal. Shield holding seraphim deflecting what projectiles they could as they rose, still forming a circle around the slaves to escape through the portal above.

@geurls

"Do you think violence stops violence? If you cared about anyone you wouldn't engage in such heinous acts as this! Many don't have a choice to be here! You.. you..."

"I know full well what I do. I know those who reside here by choice are the ones I kill. The ones here that transgress against seraphim kind." He looked over to the growing number of enemies and sighed. Closing his eyes. The cold starting to form around him as icicles. They then shot out of him and hit multiple people who were surrounding them. Their cries of agony being heard from all angles. This he did only once. Returning to a solid demeanor and his attention back to the child.

"You can gain nothing from a bloody sword unless it is in defense. No one should be stolen away from their families like the seraphim, but do you not realize you are doing this for all of these people here?" Spoke Constance.

Mirror did not greet her words with a respectable look. He only kept eyes on the enemies who may surround them. Fortunately few saw him as a threat since it was only him and Constance. However as the bodies of those he injured earlier began to be found in the chaos Nero soldiers who began to come in as elite guards began to notice them. "These people began the war. They have none to blame but their own sick desires. This child will grow like my Lila, to be a soldier for good. I promise that."

He turned swiftly to a shadow behind Constance. In an instant his blade deflected a Nero soldier garbed in all black. Ice formed on the soldier's weapon and soon Mirror's blade was against his chest giving a open wound to him. The wound flowed with blood at first before freezing into him and immobilizing the man on the floor. Mirror finished him with a rose made of ice to his throat. Laying there his blood flowed into the rose making it slowly turn red. "I only ally you for her," Constance spoke. Mirror nodded in agreement.

"Mirror!
A smirk formed on his face. Feeling confident in his abilities with clear reason. A path of ice forming in front of him as he stepped. The feet of those before him down several meters were frozen to the ground. "That's our path. Head to the portal. I'll handle the rest..." After speaking his body nearly blurred as it began to slide down the path and strike with a single slash those who were in his path. Blood flowing in spouts over the reflecting ice. A blade of blood forming in Mirror's hand from the enemies as he cleared their way.

He created a staircase to the portal above. Using a stored up blast of frost that engulfed several Nero soldiers and immobilized those close by. This allowed those who did not fly to escape through the portal.



In the land of Vrondi, within its capital city was a portal opened to a healing center owned by the Taxis. Here the Aion casters kept the portal open. They held various items, beds, and spells at the ready. Once the children escaped through the portal, though dazed as they were. Immediate checkups on their well being commenced. It was a race against time for most cases of wounded. A seraphim knight badly injured by a poison dagger tossed at his thigh.

There were Taxis knights, warriors of light and the healing order at the ready as well. In case things went awry. It would be noted that those who wish to do harm to fleeing slaves were worthy of the Taxis might. Especially if it was brought upon their territory.

---

Dremmick was just about to sneak out when he saw a portal start to open up. 'That would sure beat sneaking my way out of the country,' he thought. He would have to run as soon as he went through the portal, however, if he had a bargaining chip, it might make it easier should he be caught. He scanned across the great hall and saw a number of bodies both seraphim and Nero soldiers. At that moment, he had an idea, he needed to get the fallen seraphim back on their feet, though he didn't have time to apply field medicine, and he could then use them as his bargaining chips.

Dremmick drew his sword breaker and pulled his hood down enough to shield his eyes from any of the seraphim. With a short quiet chant, he summoned up his necromancy magic, making his right arm glow a pale gray color. He then made his way into the fray, hopefully taking the Nero by surprise, since he was coming from behind them in the first place. He would start with the few archers, since they would be a pain while trying to run. His plan was to use his sword breaker to catch or deflect blades, and use his necromancy to rip the life force out of the warriors, which would make his arm glow more the more he collected. As he would fight, he would replenish the life force of those fallen, as long as their bodies were enough in tact enough to move, just enough so that they could escape, because he didn't have enough time to fully heal all of them. After telling them to move for the portal, he would then disperse the remaining gathered life force, removing the glow from his arm, and escape with them. Hopefully, then, he may be able to slip away from the chaos at the other end of the portal. Hopefully seeing their fallen comrades alive and well enough to make it to medical treatment should keep them busy enough for him to slip out noticed.

Constance grit her teeth, holding her ground as some advanced before her. As she hunched her shoulders, ready to take a blow, she looked at the girl wide-eyed in fear. "It's ok... Everything will be fine." Hearing Mirror's words, she nodded. Looking towards the portal, she looked back at the girl. "Run, run as fast as you can. I'll make a distraction, ok Odel...?"

Odelia. The girl looked so much like her whenever they heard dragons in the forest. Odelia always had a gaze of wisdom and courage, far more than Constance had had at her age. The girl had streaks from where her tears had gone, but now stepped up to her role.

Wiping her bloodied cheek, she nodded to her one last time. "I... I'll come through the portal once everyone is safe." God, she looked so much like Odelia. Pangs reminded her of her siblings, her home, and the fact she was their only protection. Not much like she could slip out of this, even if she wanted to. Standing quickly, she already her the girl's feet pattering through the blood. Game time.

She bolted the opposite way, trying to knock back anyone trying to go after the girl, skidding to a stop and she saw an opportunity. Her lip was bleeding from biting it so hard. Unclasping her boot in one swift movement, she grabbed the biggest rock she could find in a quarter of a second. Willing something deep inside of her as she saw she shimmer of the city of light from the corner of her eye, she threw the rock towards the enchanting chandelier swaying furiously above them all. Just before she though it would hit, she tried to release some strange solar fusion she felt like butterflies in her stomach upon that medium sized rock. Before she could even see if it hit the chains or not, she was under her shield, bracing for impact.

Mason Drake

---

Mason's mind was back on the portal before the slaver's body even hit the ground, he NEEDED to reach that portal, it was his only hope. Once again, he spread his wings; ready to take off towards the portal, but out of the corner of his eye, Mason saw something that made him hesitate. A seraphim knight had fallen to the ground, as an arrow had broken their wing. Whether the knight was a man or woman, Mason couldn't tell, and frankly, he didn't care. Rushing over to the knight, he swiftly threw them over his shoulder, and took off into the air; there was no time to waste. Much to Mason's dismay, the knight's armor was incredibly heavy, "I'm not going to make it..." he thought frantically, his life flashed before his eyes; one of torment, and pain... Was he satisfied dying here? If he dropped the knight... surely he could make it.... "A hero would never sacrifice others to save themself..."

Summoning all his will, and all his strength, Mason forced himself to reach the portal. As he entered the portal's light... He suddenly found himself in.... A medical center? Exhausted, Mason dropped the knight from his shoulder, suddenly realizing the horrible pain in his hands. The spell he used had taken it's toll, as it always did. The once pale, calloused skin on his hands now resembled something of crumbling charcoal. Mason sat there, staring at his hands. He was finally free, if this was the price than so be it... HE WAS FREE!!! Falling on his back, he reveled in awe of what he had just accomplished, "This the beginning of great things..." he thought, for now, he was free.

With the slaves through the portal was beginning to close. The spiral that made its surface akin to an illusory glimpse into the infinite universes began to slow. Its brimming presence waning. The number of remaining seraphim grew smaller. Soon there were few there but the strongest. Mirror remained, fighting many foes with his spectacular abilities. Ice forming into various weapons and striking foes down with a flurry of speed to counter their own. Ice forming within the surrounding area more and more. However as stronger seraphim showed so did stronger Nero elites.

A Nero Royal, clear Nayu in dress and demeanor. Wearing a mask. Stood among these people. He merely watched as if entertained. A seraphim beneath his boot. "A great culling is upon us." He spoke with a chuckle. A glass of blood in his hand as he leisurely sipped from it. "It's our turn to infiltrate.." A shadow emerged from beneath him. His shadow moved on its own vanishing beneath the shadow of one of those combating the Nero guards and Therosi slavers.

@geurls

A portion of this giant chandelier exploded upon impact with the stone. It rocked to the side from the strike dropping shrapnel below. It gave a sparkling flare to the battle waging within. This also caused one of the few light sources in this place to give out. Allowing the Nero guards complete shadow vanishing within the room. This caught Mirror by surprise as a black blade struck his left wing. He smiled however. His wing reforming instantly as if made of ice and sentient on its own.

"Somethings missing... LILA! WHERE ARE YOU!?" Shouted Mirror. As he did this a surge of frost whirled around him and froze many of the stalking enemies who lurked in the shadows. He then leaped into the air taking flight with a stream of frost escaping his feet. He made sure the young Nayu girl that was with Constance made it through the portal. She was met with care immediately despite her obvious differing heritage from the seraphim they aimed to save.

@13org

Anui's ears perked upwards. He was steadfast watching the curtains for anyone who may enter. But his ears picked up the sound of someone calling for Lila. Anui closed his eyes. Again he heard the shouting for Lila. He could tell from sound alone that this person was air born and was fighting against the odds. This was not one of his people, a Nero Royal. He released the blade and it vanished into a billow of darkness. He then stood to his feet, leaving his right hand on Lila's shoulder as he walked around to her front. Returning to a kneel to meet her eye to eye.

"Lila. Why does this man who slaughters our people call out your name? Does he have a grudge against you my dear?" His hand reached out besides them. A ebony blade forming in his hand once again. "If so. I will not let him leave here alive to threaten you another day." He awaited her answer with his tender yet cold expressionless face. Always prepared to take action with the upmost significance.



@Guy0fV4lor
Upon entering the white stone walls of the healing center, decorated with beautiful wild vegetation, those who came from the portal began to be placed on soft beds of dried grass on wooden planks. Healing mages wearing white or the near bare attire that Sol in Vrondi typically wear began casting regenerative, and curing spells. Manipulating the flesh to reject any possible poison and heal itself. Liquid medicine was poured into their mouths. Remedies made from potent plants bred in Vrondi's territory. A drink to put pain out of ones mind and feel a heavenly pleasure.

This was done to Mason the clearly injured seraphim ex slave. Along with others of his kind who were laid out besides him. The drink would be sweet like juice yet feel like warm alcohol. A healer who wore little else but vegetation to cover her most delicate parts hovered her hands over him after administering the drink. She spoke soft words like a enchanting whisper into his ear as she did this to lull him away from his pain as his wounds attempted to heal. She also wrote down on a paper with a stick and ink various notes on his condition.

@Jollan
Dremmick was a presumed enemy by the seraphim for sure. However his approach caught the Therosi archers by surprise. Once grabbed he screamed a curse before succumbing to Dremmick's necromancy. The Aion warrior the dragon blooded man then selflessly helped provided backup for Dremmick. This luckily was a workable strategy. As he healed more seraphim more began to trust him. Allowing him into their defensive line. So once they began to escape they held onto him, as he was clearly flightless.

Once through the portal Dremmick was immediately checked on by a healer. One wearing all white who was a clear Sol in blood. "Now now. Let us check you." She said despite Dremmick's protest of being unharmed. He was sat down on a grass bed and as he was a seraphim knight approached him. "You helped save my friend back there. I couldn't help but notice you're not an Aion. Regardless you made the right choice in helping us. What's your name?" Taxis guards remained at the entrance with their shields blocking the exit. This was a security measure, all was confined in this room. Even those outside could not get in.

Word was spreading of the success of the Aion already. Freeing slaves from the mouths of hungry Nero royals. It was a beautiful story for those who heard. This mixed with the festivities currently going on made many curious and want to see. But the Taxis headquarters was very well protected. Unlike the usual as its mainly used as a healing center. For those waiting to exit there were many waiting to greet them and congratulate them and share their stories. Some wrote for papers in various territories.

Shit, shit, shit. Seraphims probably couldn’t see in the dark very well, or at all. Only a few things clattered on her shield from the chandelier. Stumbling back as something hit her lucking armored knee, she grit her teeth. She smashed the back, ignoring them after that. Oh...

Before she could think out an idea fully, she heard a moan of a seraphim, while she felt people closing in on her. Taking a sharp breath in, she proceeded with her very, very stupid plan.

Grabbing the a side of her shield like a frisbee, she sparked the room with light for one second to spot the chains, she used the battling twilight energies inside of her to throw the frisbee-shield at the chains. Like throwing a tree at an anthill.

She dove at the seraphim, hiding him under her, as she held her head down as low as possible from the possible impact- but with her luck, it wouldn’t work, of course. All of this within fractions of a second, though it felt like hours to her.

---

Admittedly, Dremmick didn't expect the other seraphim to pick him up and fly him through the portal, he expected to just climb up to it from the path that Mirror made. It only seemed to get worse after he went through the portal, however. On the other side, it was not a camp, it was a room surrounding him in stone walls, a medical center by the looks of it, and only one way out. Not too long after coming throught the portal, a Sol healer made their way to him insisting that he needed to be medically checked.

"Now, now, let us check you."

Knowing where he most likely was, it would not be a good idea for his draconian traits or even much worse his cursed arm under his bandages to be seen by anyone here. Slit pupils may rarely slide, but a tail, horns, and a necromancer arm that he can also channel blood magic through? Nope, that wouldn't do any good at all. He doubted he could take on a whole garrison who also had their own magic, even if he somehow did, it may be too costly. "I assure you, that it is quite unnecessary. I am perfectly fine and can mend myself if I need to. You have many more of your own people with more serious wounds than my lack thereof to attend to."

It was at this point a knight came up to him. "You helped save my friend back there. I couldn't help but notice you're not an Aion. Regardless you made the right choice in helping us," he started. 'Well, that remains to be seen,' Dremmick thought to himself. "What is your name?" the knight asked. Dremmick never gave his last name to anybody he didn't know personally, so he would usually say that he only had one name. Necromancy is seen as something of pure evil to most, and his family name was made a public example those years ago. "My name is Dremmick, nothing more, and your name?" he asked in response to being asked for his own name. After the knight's response he continued, "I am to assume that I am somewhere in Vrondi?" He figured that as long as he was going to be asked questions, he may as well ask his own.