---

Dremmick followed as they chased after Mason to the cave. On the way, Dremmick noticed Constance's horse was in rough shape, but he didn't have any life energy to mend it at the moment, he would have to come across some later. As they dismounted, instead of directly following Constance, he went over to the horse for a moment and instead he took out some shriveled garlic from his pouch and chewed on it a bit before placing it on the wound like a salve, acting as an antibiotic to keep it from getting infected. He then quickly turned around and followed after the others.

When Dremmick made it to the top with Constance, he immediately recognized the smell as a type of gas. "You fool! Back up, out of the gas!" he yelled, grabbing Constance by the shoulder and pulling her back. "Wait here, and cover your face, do not breath in until after the gas is clear." He went back into the cave taking a deep breath before doing so, disappearing into the thick smog. Once inside he made a thin barrier around himself like a second layer of crimson skin, enclosing his face. He then drew out his fire dagger anstruck it on the stone wall, igniting the dagger and the gas around them in a flaming explosion that knocked him back and burn the crimson skin. He shed it all as he stood up and turned to Constance, who he could see now at the entrance. "C'mon, between your screaming and the explosion, if they are still here they will know we are coming."

Dremmick continued on into the cave until he ended up catching up to the others, noticing two women, one being old and behind a barrier and the other being the Tyro girl from the bar, confirming his suspicions. But he found it odd that a Tyro would cause that poison smog. But then he saw it, two large and pissed off basilisk in the room as well. He looked over to see Mason and got an idea. "Mason, I'll explain later, but let me see your arm. Trust me on this, quickly!"

If Mason offers his arm, Dremmick would draw his knife, "I'm just going to make a small cut, try not to freak out." he would pull out a tiny shot sized jar from his back pouch and start to collect blood from Mason. "Constance, protect us as I draw this and when I'm done collecting this, you and Mason need to hold off the basilisks for just a moment. Do you understand?" His voice was unwavering and very forceful, less a request and more of a command, eyes wide and concentrating on the things around him. "With any luck you two will survive this."

After collecting, if Mason let him do it, Dremmick would step away and start drawing a design on the ground with the blood, pulling out three pieces of paper and then redrawing the pattern on each one as well. When finished, Dremmick would try to hand Mason and Constance their own piece of paper and one for himself. "Get on of these on each of the basilisk, and it should paralyze them shortly. NOW GO!"

He would then turn to Siiga and stand off with her, "That was your gang of cutthroats waiting at the river wasn't it? Nice kitten by the way, almost thought it was going to be a real challenge." Dremick would circle Siiga as he talked, watching her movements for any sign of fight.

Shit, the knights were here! No time to fuck around, Siiga had to protect this old lady before they did her any harm! Pulling the mask up around her face to protect her from the gas, Siiga drew her sword, a cruel and wicked looking blade, and held it defensively

"If you made it here, that means Stretch and his boys are either dead or ran away," she sighed. "I always gotta do everything myself, don't I?"

RIP in pepperoni, you magnificent bastards. A waste of skin and bone, the lot of you, but good friends and good people. They wouldn't be missed by the world in general, but they would be by Siiga. Her smile was twinged with sadness. No more jokes. No more drinking games. No more robbing rich bastards who pissed themselves when their guards were subdued. It was like an era of her life had passed by without her realising it. She never even said goodbye.

"But we're not dead, not all of us. I'm still here! So have you got the guts to finish the job, or am I gonna have to clean your blood out my coat tonight!?"

The older boy wanted to engage her, but Siiga wouldn't give him the privilege. From what she'd just witnessed, those scraps of paper had some kind of spell on them. Siiga didn't know what those spells were, but they couldn't be good for her and hers. They needed to go. Then, they had to die.

"Not a cat person, huh? Maybe you prefer dogs?" As she spoke, Siiga waved her free hand roughly in his direction. Maybe he would flinch, maybe he wouldn't. But surely everyone would give pause at the sound of a low growl reverberating around the chamber. Behind Dremmick, two snarling wolves stepped into the light, drooling lava as the assessed their target. Siiga didn't even need to tell them what they had to do, but she said it anyway. "KILL!"

The wolves would prove more of a challenge than the lion. For one, there was two of them, and they knew pack tactics. If Dremmick focused on attacking one, the other would surely savage him. Hopefully it would get the younger lad's attention and he would come to help. Siiga sheathed her sword for now. Her only immediate threat was...

In a single bound, Constance would find her path suddenly blocked by the bandit. She grinned behind her mask and reached out, grabbing the poor girl and drawing her in close to her chest. "May I have this dance?" she taunted, one hand wrapping around Connie's waist and the other grabbing her hand, stopping her from using the paper. With a reckless swing and a trained grace, she took the girl through an impromptu waltz. Somehow avoiding stepping on her toes with those heavy boots of hers, Siiga swayed her back and forth like they were the only two in the world.

Eventually, she took the poor girl for a dip. Green eyes met red, and at some point of the dance, Siiga's mask had slipped down, revealing her face. There was a quiet, tense couple of seconds, letting Constance drink in her captor's face.

"You're lips look lonely" came a breathy, husky whisper. "Maybe they'd like to meet mine"

And like that, Siiga went in for the kill. She pressed her lips against Connie's and kissed her with all the passion of a young lover. At the same time, she snaked her hand into hers, trying to wrestle the paper from her.

Lila Moriarty

^{@Rai @13org}

As Anui started talking, Lila simply stood there, silently hearing his words. She knew deep down inside that she wasn't quite herself right now, things were still confusing to her. In only a few hours, she was given not only vision, but a new life, a new purpose as well. But all of that changed when she saw Anui's face. She wasn't used to all those emotions, but it was clear that Anui was very hurt by her outburst. She couldn't help herself but to snap after so many things happened, her life literally was turned upside down in only a few hours. People she thought were allies turned to be her enemies, strangers turned out to be her allies instead...
Without knowing how to apologize and too embarrassed by her actions, she choose to simply be quiet and listen as Anui continued talking.

It was only on that moment, that Lila finally stopped talking and thinking about all that, the moment she lowered her gaze to avoid looking to Anui, too embarrassed to say anything, that she realized how beautiful that cave was. Not only the tree had a light of it's own, but the fishes were also shining underneath the boat. All that combined gave that cave a calming, almost mystical feel to it.

After a good amount of time passed with Lila saying nothing, just hearing Anui and looking at the beautiful scenery around her, her expression slowly changed. All the chaotic mix of emotions was finally subsiding. After such a harsh shock, she was finally in control of her own emotions once more.

When Anui started to talk about the tree and how he went there when he was younger, Lila couldn't help but give a discreet smile. She had just realized how well Anui could read her, even in the chaotic state she was in a few moments ago. Even though they had just met each other, Anui understood her, something that no one had ever tried to do before. Even Mirror, who only tried to 'tame her blood' never tried to understand how she felt about things. Besides that, there were more similarities between them. Even though their past was so different, it was also incredibly similar in a certain way. Both of them were troubled by what they were and their position on this world, their purpose. But now things have changed not only for him, but for Lila as well. When he gently grabbed her hand, kissing the back of her hand as he walked her to the boat, she finally looked at him once more. With a tranquil, but warm smile and a peaceful expression, she answered him.

"Nothing I do or make can change my true nature. I may be still a girl, but I'm also an assassin. I was born and raised as a weapon." Lila said, with a soft voice, almost whispering, as if she feared to break the tranquility and calm aura that place had.

"But I never had a purpose. I didn't know who I was..." She said, smiling to him.

"I am Lila Moriarty. And I will reclaim what I have lost." Lila said with a serious expression.

She knew nothing about the royalty nor even how to be and act as a royal. She was unfit for the nobility, at least on her eyes. But there was one thing she was born and raised to do. One thing she knew very well... To Kill...

"I can't flee from nor change what I am, Anui... I don't know how to be or how to act as a Royal. I don't know anything about politics... But there is one thing I excel in. To kill..." Lila said with a soft voice, almost like if she was accepting that side of her.

"I'm still learning how to be 'Lila Moriarty'... I'm still learning how to 'control' all the emotions and new aspects of me I never knew before, but deep down inside, the weapon I am will never cease to exist and the blood I've spilled will always be there." She continued. In her voice, there was no regret or sadness. She had truly accepted that side of her. Normally, it would be shocking to hear a girl like her speaking about such things with such a tranquil expression, but those words Lila said meant a lot.

Although she was still a weapon, she was not only that... Anui had shown that to her.

"Don't worry. It's in my nature, engraved in my body, in my muscles and reflexes. I am and will always be a weapon... But you also showed me that there is much more about me that I don't know myself." She said, looking to the tree on the middle of the lake, with a distant expression.

"Help me to find out who I am, Anui. Help me to learn, to know who 'Lila Moriarty' would have been if the Moriarty were still alive. I want to know who were the responsible for taking me from my family, but I also want you to teach me how to be a royal so I can be with you..." She said, with a serious expression.

"I'm still uncertain about many things, including about who I, Lila Moriarty, really am, but of one thing I'm sure. Wherever you go, I will be by your side..." She said, looking to his eyes, before looking down for a moment. It was obvious that it was still hard for her to put in words everything she was feeling. After a long silence, she looked at him again.

"I... I know I'm a mess right now... I'm sorry if I hurt you with my words... It's still... hard for me to tell you everything I'm feeling..." She said, in a low tone, struggling to say those words.

---

Sophia

^{@Rai @13org}

Queen Allo's words, although serious, were true and Sophia understood that. The situation that they were facing really needed to be dealt with as soon as possible... But that didn't mean Sophia wouldn't be happy if Queen Allo came to her after that. It was just how Sophia was. There was a reason why the monks in the temple often said she was like a big mother due to the way she treated not only the other monks, but the young appendices as well, even playing with them, but at the same time, there is a reason why they said that there is nothing more fearsome than an angry mother trying to defend it's children...

"I agree, Queen Allo. There are indeed more pressing matters at this moment..." Sophia said, with a neutral expression but giving her a very discreet smile before she turned to King Vrondi again, letting her know that if Allo wanted to search for her after the meeting she would have no problems with it.

Going back to more serious things, when Sophia heard King Vrondi saying that the armor was made with the scales of the dragon god, even Sophia froze for a second... Did he really meant that dragon god? Even for Sophia, who was the Dragon of Knowledge, information about the dragon god was still scarce and elusive... Not much was known about him.

Sophia didn't try to hide her surprise when she heard King Vrondi.

"The Dragon God..." She repeated, with a mix of curiosity and alarm on her expression.

"Even for me, finding information about the dragon god and the ancient gods are... scarce... " She said, lost in her own thoughts.
"This can prove to be a problem..." Sophia said. But even though it was evident that she was surprised by that, there was still curiosity and excitement in her voice. Sophia loved knowledge... Having the opportunity to obtain that knowledge, which proved to be so hard and elusive was indeed exciting for her.

But before she could say anything more, a phrase King Vrondi said surprised her even more than the matter about the Dragon God and the ancient gods... As soon as King Vrondi finished talking, both Magnixx and Queen Allo also expressed their desire to send some men of their own. Even though Vrondi didn't accept, claiming that the force he was sending through the lands to search for that seer was made of many different kingdoms, just the fact that not only Allo and Magnixx, but even Tydra had no qualms in working together was simply surprising. It was certainly not like the old kings and queens...

"The band I sent out are formed from all over this land. They will be the beginning of the new allied forces. With each of your agreement they will fly a banner under all of our names. To assemble exceptional talent across the land. With this we will begin the first step to unified power!" King Vrondi's voice echoed through the hall, followed by Magnixx, Tydra and Allo clapping, Sophia couldn't help but let out a satisfied and proud smile.

"Have they really changed so much from the old kings and queens?" Sophia thought to herself. Different kings and queens, different powers and different nations joining forces like brothers and sisters to fight against a common enemy... The thought of kings and queens joining their forces, living in peace and harmony as brothers and sisters surely brought a smile to Sophia's face... That was until she saw Sleeth's frown in the corner of the room...

"In the face of a common enemy, Kings and Queens of different nations joining forces..." Sophia said to herself, with a discreet satisfied smile on her face.

Mason Drake

---

@Brithwyr@Jollan@Rai@Geurls
Unfortunately for Mason, the woman with the scythe had no interest in diplomacy, and immediately attack. Time suddenly appeared to stand still around Mason as he witnessed the woman's tattoos glow as her pupils became slits.

For but a few moments, something deep within Mason stirred… What was this? A green gas covered his eyes, followed with a searing pain. Everything happened so fast, suddenly Dremmick and Constance were there, the gas seemed to disappate… Why did Dremmick need Mason's blood?

A paper with a symbol on it was thrust into Mason's hand, something about stunning?

………..

Suddenly the world came back to Mason, though he couldn't see the scythe lady, the bandit had set two flaming wolves on Dremmick, and was now attacking Constance!

”Watch out Constance!”

Lunging forward, Mason swung at the bandit with Stonefang…. only to fall flat on his face right at her feet.

He had to save his friends!

His hand shot out, firmly gripping around the bandit’s ankle, the small paper Dremmick had given him pressed hard into their skin.

”Knock her out!!!” Mason yelled.

---

Dremmick heard the wolves approaching, but upon hearing Siiga's pun about being a dog person, it actually made his head cock back in disgust. He shook his head as he quickly assessed the situation. Two lava wolves, an old lady, and two random basilisks watching the scenario unfold. He didn't think that they belonged to the old lady, however, they very well could and are just sitting idly by like the the old lady in her bubble, but that still means that there is a possibility of more people here somewhere.

He would just have to deal with that when the time comes, until then, he had a plan. He ran away from his seal on the ground, quickly glancing up to find a part of the ceiling that was still secure enough for later. As he started running the two wolves took off after him, He got close to the cave wall on his right and held out his hand, a crimson trail being painted on the wall a short distance. When the wolves chasing him were just in the right place, Dremmick slid to a stop and spun around, slicing his hand through the air. At that the crimson on the walls of the cave lifted off and shot forward as a long razor sharp blade, cleaving one of the wolves in two, creating a fiery explosion that dissipated the blade. Bursting through the smoke and fire, however, the other wolf pounced and landed on Dremmick, pinning him down. Dremmick tilted his head to dodge the lava dripping from its maw, feeling the warmth and hearing the sizzle as it his the ground Its paws were resting on his arms, claws digging in and keeping them down as it growled. Dremmick's eyes narrowed in defiance, and just as the wolf was about to go in for the kill, a thick spike erupted from under Dremmick's leather cheast piece, out of his right pec and throguh his clothes, knocking the monster off of him. He rolled and jumped to his feet in time to see the beast coming back for him, though this time he could face it directly. Since he lost his rope dart in the river, Dremmick decided to improvise, a crimson chain fell from his right hands. Next time the creature advanced, Dremmick swung the chain, wrapping it around its neck. The wolf tried to shake it off, but to no avail, Dremmick jerked back on the chain, the part around the neck became akin to a bladed ring, taking the head off the beast, and just like it's partner, it blew up in a fiery fashion, thowing Dremmick back a few feet as he was caught up in it without any protection.

With what little blood Dremmick had left to function with, he tried to stand up, coughing up blood as he did. The explosion did a number on him and he could tell he didn't have much left in him to continue at this pace. He could make out some shouting coming from somewhere, ears still ringing. He turned to see Mason holding on to Siiga's leg, and nodded. Dremmick held his arma out as a chain once again shot out of it, this time, however, the more of the chain that came out, the more slack his body got. He started to feel a bit faded as the chain struck home, the point he spotted earlier. He then withdrew the cahin, though insted of bringing it to him, he pulled himself towards the end of the chain, swinging over back to the ritual seal. While in midair, Dremmick yanked the crimson chain out from the ceiling and withdrew the rest of his blood from it, giving motion back to the parts of his body that were limp just moments before. The landing wasn't graceful, as it was more or less tumbling into place. Dremmick then stood up in the circle and concentrated, finishing the ritual to paralyze the bandit leader. He only hoped that they would take advantage of this opprotunity to kill the woman before she could cause them any more problems. As he held his ground in the seal to uphold the ritual, He scanned the area again, looking for additional bandits or what not, and keeping an eye on the basilisks and old woman. He gritted his teeth as he came to a decision. with his left hand, as his right was preoccupied with the ritual, he reached back in his pouch and drew out Mirror's potion. "I swear, if this is poison I'm haunting your ass," he mumbled right before he downed it.

For a moment he didn't feel anything, but as most potions are, it would take a second to kick in. The feeling started as a cool daft, and then it got harder and harder to move as sheets of ice seemed to cover him. "Oh, that son of a b-," within seconds this ice had built up to encase him, forming a thick barrier of ice that protected and healed him, however paralyzing him in the process until it was finished.

@Jollan @Guy0fV4lor @Rai


The poison must've gotten to her. Everything happened in a large blur. The paper, the snakes, the wolves, the kiss… Her cheeks were bright red, her lips parted, as she looked up at the woman in an entranced confusion. The second she felt a fight in her hand, though, reality slapped her. Her grip tightened like a venus flytrap around it the paper, unsure of what it did, tensing up. She pulled her way out from underneath the woman, her ribcage a lock around her thumping heart. Hisses… Loud, approaching hisses. And someone trying to not allow her to stop those hisses. Who was more dangerous?

As she questioned her impending doom with a lightheaded stumble, she hit into something cold. As her hand touched it, her eyes went wide. Turning, she saw a giant snake. No- These were called basilisks. Though, it didn’t seem hostile, for some reason. With her frenzied breathing from the situation, she watched as it slithered on by… The hisses returned, though they were not from the basilisks. Looking down, her companion championed on her neck. A scaly truce. Though… It turned towards Mason.

Looking back, Dremmick looked incredibly weak as the larger basilisk advanced on him. Mason was getting up like the creaky way a grandparent should with blood all over his face. Running forwards, she dragged Mason by his arm, and slid infront of the bottle-chugging Dremmick with her shield, Mason pushed behind her. As the basilisk lunged, a clang fell across the room, and with that, Ganymede’s return.

High heels clicked loudly, seeming to come from everywhere with the echoes. Putting a hand under Siiga’s frozen jaw, she inspected her. Looking into her non-paralyzed eyes, she sighed. The red eyes fit her, cute. ”Aww. What a shame. Was looking forward to your abilities, my warrior…” Ganymede turned, tilting her head. “Who sent you, though?” The armored lady was pretty cute too, and that seraphim’s wings were very elegant, though the bloody nose didn’t fit his handsome face. And they had an iceblock, too. Maybe the armor was sweaty? Oh, no. That edgy one. His arm was pretty hideous, and she didn’t get a shot at his face yet. When her basilisks got their frozen mouse, she wouldn’t get a good look either, so she’d have to take a peek before that.

Constance grunted as the basilisk came at her again. Oh god-- Big scythes and little ladies didn’t work well together unless she was some powerhouse or some bullshit. The smaller basilisk started circling around them. “Now you’re asking that question, after trying to kill us!?” Gany nodded in response, waltzing closer to the gang. After taking a quick survey of them, she turned around. “Well… The poison was only able to daze you, I made sure of it. They just had a meal, so they probably won’t kill you. So you guys can just sit there.” Donning a smile, she winked.

A cackle bounced around the room. Shooting off, she was suddenly on the wall, with a tiny little ledge beneath her. She grabbed something off her side- like a rock?- and threw it towards the center at the old lady. In an instant, she was already on her shoulder. Raising her scythe with a glee like no other painted on her face, she went to dig it into her ugly, veiny, wrinkly neck. She should’ve used some basilisk-egg goo, it would really help with the crows feet.

@Jollan @Guy0fV4lor @Rai


Ganymede laughed, blood coming from the corner of her mouth spraying out a bit. Perfect. Good test, it was. Spreading her arms, her scythe vanished in a gust of air.

”Skir ashi mj voous, She sang, her voice clear as water on the lip of a wine glass. She flashed her doe eyes, nearing Siiga frozen in time. The basilisks turned towards her, their attention on their snacks slowly dispersing.

“Bours ver querv Gup vaaseur,” Came now. Constance looked at the basilisks as they started to turn away. Back to her friends, she was ready to grab them the second an opening came through. Her breathing was heavy, almost tired, as she watched vigilantly.

“Knys ir mj tyem,” Rang, with the basilisks slowing their circling. They still surrounded them, but now stopped. Constance blinked hard, just as she spotted something. The space between their tails. She’d have to charge through, but it was possible. Turning to Mason, she held out her hand to help him up.

“Vuef mien surkur skir.”

Constance fell to her knees, her shield clattering to the ground just like the Basilisk’s heads. What was happening? She gingerly looked up to Ganymede, now in line with the one that kissed her. Gany reached down, going to pry the paper off her leg.

An enchantment… Every time she reached for her shield, it seemed to get further away. Her drunkard-like attempts at standing up were futile. Everything turned into clouds, ready for her to rest her head. “Pluu…. rs…” She whispered, probably too quiet for anyone to hear. Curse her Nayu ears… Everything was amplified, not that she’d be able to withstand it with Sol ears either. She clenched her fists. Not here, not now… Please…

Ganymede continued to hum the tune of the song, putting a hand over Siiga’s ears. The perpetuated sounds into everyone’s heads was still strong. Would that shield come down? Who knew. Worth the attempt. Plus, she hoped to get the Tyro back without the paper, as she bent forwards to try and take the paper off, hoping the the lullaby would make it weak. One could dream, just like her basilisks and those incapacitated.

---

Anui's eyes turned to the gentle waters as he pushed them closer to the small shore that led to the tree. He relaxed a bit when they reached halfway. Sitting in the middle of the dark waters. The creeping stalagmites above were illuminated by the stirring fish. Their illumination giving light to the outer rims of the boat. Anui moved the waters and a gentle wave chased the illumination away. Yet their slow advancement made new lights emerge from the gentle creatures below.

"I am Lila Moriarty. And I will reclaim what I have lost."

Anui returned his gaze to her as she spoke those words. He nodded with a smile. His eyes beheld her like a jewel in flame. He wanted this from her. He wanted to know what the others would think of a true Moriarty being alive and well. He knew his legacy wouldn't be tainted by her. But what he saw in her gave him inspiration to change things. No longer would the Aion, Vrondi or any other power trample on their lives. He wanted to spread the gifts of Nero across the lands and learn from others to change their own land for the better and reclaim the surface from the Basilisks. Damning any plans their current king may have.

"Don't worry. It's in my nature, engraved in my body, in my muscles and reflexes. I am and will always be a weapon... But you also showed me that there is much more about me that I don't know myself."

Anui looked at her with widened eyes as she spoke of her time as a death dealer. He had forgotten how dangerous she was given her tender girly outbreak. Though he understood why she was this way. He felt her hidden strength when they danced, her reflexes, her firmness, it made sense. He let out a small chuckle looking to the side as he did as if reminiscing. "I felt it. When we danced I could feel that you were just as physically capable as me. Indeed it was a revelation... to your true nature. It was what drew my desires even closer... to you."

He looked Lila in the eyes when she was done. They had neared the shore now and the dancing lights grew dimmer as the light of the tree grew brighter. He shook his head to silently. "Do not worry." He let her go on but he held a firm gaze on her as she let her desires be known. As they began to meld with his he felt a sense of renewed value. The blood of the fallen would not be for nothing. Their lost seats of power will be scooped up by Anui and Lila to create what he saw was coming in her eyes.

"Help me to find out who I am, Anui. Help me to learn, to know who 'Lila Moriarty' would have been if the Moriarty were still alive. I want to know who were the responsible for taking me from my family, but I also want you to teach me how to be a royal so I can be with you..."

He nodded once more. This time closing his eyes briefly at the thought of teaching her how to be one of them. He detested this idea at first. But it made sense. She had to fake being like someone else to be closer to him. Yet he did not want her to become like those who surrounded him. All they did was continue the status quo. To feast on the blood of innocent seraphim and horde their discoveries and talents to themselves. No one would know what it felt to be a part of an orchestra, or to hold a book if not for the Nayu of Nero. He wished to continue this ascension from the dark unknown and connect with the rest of the world.

Reaching the shore Anui did nothing but take his hands off of the paddles that steered their way. He rested now and let Lila's watery eyes do so as well. Letting her finish and soaking in her words by visibly sitting there looking at her intently. He wanted her to know he was listening. For he wanted her to listen when the time came. All she said was taken with earnest attention, that was how a true Nero royal does for another. Especially one they claim to love.

"I... I know I'm a mess right now... I'm sorry if I hurt you with my words... It's still... hard for me to tell you everything I'm feeling..."

Anui gripped his chest. He felt it. A twinge of pain from the resistance he knows he will face for this. But forward he had to go. The only thing keeping him assured was his eyes. No other had his ability to restore sight in such a flawless manner. It was a highly sought after trait. But he did not know if he could keep Lila by his side while she was an outsider, one who killed her own despite not knowing. He had to tread carefully now or risk getting her killed.

He took her hand. Gently holding hers he felt the coolness from her skin. The blood flow was a desirable thing for a Nayu to observe even on another. He saw how healthy she was and wondered how the Aion kept her so. Feeding her their own kind came to mind and he figured she got some of the purest seraphim blood they had to offer to keep her optimal. He lifted her gently as he stepped off of the boat and onto the damp stone path that led up a grassy patch the tree sat in. It radiated with a pure white. "Let us make a pact under the dark, before the light, an eternal one like night and day. To return you to your true path and to show our people a better path. Your people soon the citizens of Nero, no, the entire land, will be. I promise to become King and to make you my Queen."

Anui bit into his bare hand. Drawing blood. He offered Lila her own tender hand to her mouth to do the same. Together they would draw their blood into each others mouths as he directed. "A pact of blood. A true marriage of old, the ways of the ancient Nayu. None can break a private ceremony between two who have chosen to share blood inside." He leaned in, resting his face against her willing head. His nose caressing her red hair before drawing her chin in to mix the remaining blood in their mouths with a gentle kiss. A shimmering droplet of blood running down both of their chins. Anui briefly drew away to whisper words that would vibrate Lila's ear drums with a tickling sensual sensation. "And if you carried my child. None could protest your right to be by my side." He looked her in the eyes after saying this. His eye lids lowered, oozing with a passionate desire.

---

---

Vrondi's representation of what was happening ceased. Combining the projected light into an orb and returning to his body. Melding with his aura of pure light. He dimmed it down once complete. He looked at Sophia who was the most surprised by this. The others could only ponder what this all meant since these legends and tales were far before their time and they were seldom historical scholars on the entire history of all the lands. This was to say the least. Vrondi however seemed to know quite a lot given his age, and one that was his elder to not know about the Dragon God soon caught a few of them by surprise.

"Even for me, finding information about the dragon god and the ancient gods are... scarce... "

Allo, Magnixx and Tydra looked at each other with mixed looks. Allo seemed more confident. Magnixx seemed a bit confused but intrigued. While Tydra was only intrigued and intently seemed to want to listen for more. Sleeth was just as he was before, sitting with no particular interest in his demeanor. He did not seem to be pleased about being here yet the matters were enough to keep him from leaving. Or so it seemed. A silence fell over the room as Sophia spoke up more.

They eventually looked back to Vrondi who kept his kingly arms folded and stood above the table with what seemed to be a basic map with pieces on it sitting below him. He looked down at it. "There are various organized forces to defend your respective lands. All assembled by yourselves or those under you. But what I offer now will be a seed. Once they return we can proceed to recruit others to their cause." As he spoke he moved the pieces as if assembling the forces across the land himself. Magnixx motioned for his dragon slayer to speak with him silently. He leaned down and he talked to him silently before returning. "As said before. I am willing to offer forces. Besides how are we to know a true Fotian, a Tyro is in that group?"

Vrondi looked to Magnixx and smiled without a care. "Oh.. I saw a Tyro at the bar. I sent her and her band of men along with some of the Aion. Though I think she may have been a bandit..." As he said that last part he placed a finger on his chin and looked up in thought. Recollecting like an old man what may have just transpired. Magnixx raised a brow in disbelief. Tydra sighed in frustration but spoke up right after. "I'm afraid I may have to spare someone capable to join this unified group." She lowered her shelled fan from her face which she covered half of it from her nose down with. It seemed like a royal quirk, but in reality she was hiding her excessive painted face, with jewels and shells and all sorts of elegant and beautiful aquatic accessories and colors.

Sleeth turned his head at the sound of the Aion. Allo agreed with Tydra however and Vrondi laughed heatedly despite being scolded by Magnixx. "What if she steals the relic!? What makes you so sure!?" Vrondi waved his hand as if it were not an issue. "We have Aion knights on the job. There's no doubt they will succeed my friend." This made Sleeth nearly hiss. Yet he kept himself contained. His veiled escort touched his arm. He looked at her and then at the orb. Inside he saw it. The blood of the fallen Nero royals who the Aion had just slain. He saw it through her crystal ball on her lap she sat with discreetly. Sleeth's teeth now clinched he saw with claws nearly baring into his own flesh from anger. None knew his brewing hatred in that room.

"With the ability to see into the past we can see first hand for sure, Sophia, how the ancient Gods were defeated. The Divine have given us, their descended the ability to wield divinity. You know this. Without a doubt this will aid us in defeating Nuxta. What we need to discuss further is where Nuxta has come from." Vrondi lifted his hand once again and light showed an angelic being with wings out stretched in a dazzling display. "The Divine have left us long ago. But not entirely. Their early offspring, the first ones. Their kinship to Chaos and Divinity is unparalleled. They Ascended to greater beings and joined the Divine, leaving behind their offspring who eventually became the various bloodlines we know today." The light displayed the generations that went by of people before a single descendant of this current era was made.

"I believe Nuxta is one of the first children of the Divine. Returned to claim ownership of our souls as a god of death. It was rumored, during the war of the chaotic and the divine that a Divine knight of the Dusk would claim the souls of fallen dragons. Turning it into power and crowning the darkness as his own domain. A dark seraphim. He left long ago. But he is back. What he has been doing is collecting souls. No longer dragon souls this time. He seeks to Ascend, perhaps for power, for his own personal gains. Or maybe he truly believes he will be forcing a better order on us. Vrondi let the light shift into a silvery grey light when revealing the reaping angel of death Nuxta claimed to be.

"Once the armor is removed he will still be a formidable foe with ancient knowledge of magic and other realms. Once a descendant not very far from us at birth he now wields tremendous power I would assume. The weakness he portrayed at the earlier battles, one of a cult leader, was merely a show to get closer to what he wanted." Vrondi shook his head. Things were on a razors edge and he legitimately seemed concerned. @13org

Mason Drake

---

@Jollan@Rai@geurls@Brithwyr
The world around Mason seemed to move so fast, Dremmick became encased in ice, the scythe girl seemed to phase about the room, attempting to kill the old lady, only to be thrown back.

As the Oro girl's scythe dissapeared, an intoxicating song began to escape her lips. Mason felt his mind slowly slipping from his grasp. What was this? Rising to his feet like a puppet controlled by inivisible strings, he began to stumble toward the strange warrior.

As he drew closer to her, something once again stirred deep with Mason, followed by an incredible headache. Dropping his sword, and falling to his knees in agony, his hands shakily raised to his head, gripping the sides until his knuckles turned white. IT HAD TO STOP. Slowly, Mason's fingers slid into his ears, driving harder, and further until blood ran down his cheeks. The world turned silent. For the moment, he was free.

Looking about, he realized that the song was not only affecting him, but his friends as well. Even worse, the Tyro bandit was moments from being set free. It was a gamble, but there was only one option; clenching his eyes shut for but a moment, he cast the only spell he dared risk . When they opened once more, his green eyes had been replaced with those akin to that of a shark, those in the room would find themselves rapidly being robbed of their senses, until finally.... Nothing.

Though Smother was perhaps his most proficient spell, he still had far to go. As the world disappeared from the others, so too, did it disappear from Mason; who quickly snatched up his sword before his sight had left him. As the world went dark, bodies became whispy white shapes, though Mason had heard that seraphim had the ability to see souls, he'd never been able to do it before. He slowly began to crawl toward the enemies, knowing that without his sense of touch, trying to stand would be a fool's errand. As he got within reach of his foes, Mason shifted onto his knees, ignited his sword, and swung his blade three times, once at the base of each basilisk's head, and once at the hand of the Oro.

---

Lynn Spent what seemed like hours with the rest of the escort outside of the grand hall. Since the kings and queens were only allowed to take in one guardian, this left the rest of the escort to mostly keep to themselves. Lynn was one of the only ones in the escort that could walk on land, the others kept to their advanced vehicles so that they could move around, but this kept them away from a great deal of any of the festivities. Lynn, however, just rode on her staff to keep up with the vehicles and would instead walk through the town. She was highly anxious being out in the world for the first time. Most of the Escort were just waiting in the spot that they dropped off their queen. Lynn, however was floating about on her staff, trying to see what was going on over in the town square in the distance.

"Lynn," someone called out to her, one of guards in the escort, "you know you can go out there right? You aren't combat personnel, so you should go and enjoy yourself. This is your first time out here after all." Lynn's eyes grew wide as she heard this. "O-oh! Thanks! I shouldn't be gone too long!" She didnt hesitate for a moment after as she flew off to the square.

When she arrived, she couldn't believe her eyes. the sight was beutiful! people everywhere showing off their trades and skills, drinking and laughing, festival games, and performances of all kinds lined the streets with an accent of a light shower of petals. She busied herself with visiting all the different stands, taking a peak in each one looking for anything of interest. While she didn find a lot, however, she didn't have much money on her to buy anything, especially not in Vrondi currency. In fact, there was a beutiful ankle bracelt that she had found that she had really set her eyes on at one of the stands. It was a nice silvery chain with a few teal colored jewels in it that the vendor described as something that would attract true love. "But with a body like that miss I doubt you would need this little trinket," the jewler chuckled, "but I garuntee this would make your search for love all the easier!"

Again, wide eyed and naive, Lynn looked at it in wonder. She looked up to the vendor this time with a worried face, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't have enough money to purchase this," she started. The jewelers face turned red, as he was sure from his many books what would be coming next. "But I promise I'll be right back to purchase it so please don't sell it yet!" she said as she flew off, leaving the vendor a little flustered.

She found an open spot close to where all the performers were lined up doing their own thing. She made a bubble of water and tossed a coin in it to mark it as somewhat of a tip jar and stood behind it. She took a couple seconds to warm up, but after that, she just started singing. Her voice was beutiful and carried well, singing songs native to her lands, or waters in her regard. It started attracting more andd more people until it seemed like a growning crowd was forming around her. A bit nervous of the crowd, she pushed on, her voice only waivering out of the initial shock of the crowd.

She couldn't remember ever singing for a crowd this large before and it only semed to keep growing, seriphim making somewhat of a balcony level flying in to watch as well. A few tips here and there were being tossed into the water bubble, but it wasn't until she had finished that money and roses seemed to start flying in, a majority missing the bubble all together. Never had she had so many people in one place cheering for her singing before. Maybe it was because it was a festival, she wasn't sure. She had plenty of money from that song, though she couldn't leave everyone after her first song, as they seemed to be waiting for more. Inevitably, it seemed like she was stuck there to entertain for a while. She turned a little red as she continued but continued still, no longer for money, but for the enjoyment of singing. In all honesty, she had forgotten about the ankle bracelet.

---

"-itch!" Dremmick said finishing his sentence from earlier as was released from the ice. He felt better than ever..... just in time for all of his senses to go numb. 'You have got to be friggin kidding me,' he thought to himself. In response to his senses being repressed, Dremmick guarded himself with a barrier that went all around him and waited it out. From his last memory he remembered roundabout where the bandit leader was. When his senses were released, his barrier instantly drop, coming back to his hand as he punched forward again, sending a wicked spear of crimson towards Siiga, right on target in the center of her chest, going completely through. With the bandit leader down, Dremmick would be allowed to move freely to fight Ganymede. It happened the instant they regained their bearings, before many could respond. In the shock of it he would walk up to the bandit, admittedly envious of the girl. Even though she was a bandit and dying, she had people she cared for and in some way cared about her. Something he hadn't had in a long time. He approached the body, his face dark as he retrieved the spear and dismissed it into mist which withdrew to his arm. She was even younger than he was, this kill didn't feel right. This kill...may have been unnecessary. Dremmick shook his head, it had to be done. "May you obtain the rest you deserve, and all the drinks you can muster, young bandit." He recalled her challenge to him asking if he would finish the job, seems like he did.

Dremmick Looked over to his two temporary companions... a cold, hardened stare, Draconic eyes evident and glowing as he looked up to Ganymede. He took a deep breath and held contact with her eyes from under his hood, his eyes being the only thing visible beyond the muffler and hood. He just registered that he could hear her song. He pulled down only his hood and lifted his right hand to each ear, clotting both as to ignore the song. His vivid green eyes narrowed as he focused in on Ganymede, and took on a ready stance, his intentions clear. A red mist hovering about his right arm.

@Jollan @Guy0fV4lor @Rai


All she could offer to the dead bandit was a frown. Such a waste of time. Gany smirked now, looking at Dremmick, stepping over her body. She didn’t matter to her. Daring him with her eyes, she walked over calmly to the orb, walking backwards to face him the whole time. Summoning her scythe, she pushed weight into the gold ring at the end, and shattered the ball like it was china. Glass shards flew in many different directions, but she didn’t seem to mind. Infact, she was reveling in it. Magic essence seeped out onto the floors, and she quickly got out of it. She didn’t want to stain her shoes, afterall.

She snickered to herself, nearly doubling over. Any swing Dremmick would take now would be like a tickle, with his petty attempt to stop her. “Your evil will never prevail- your 'king’ will never win with such a horrendous cause. I will at least give you guys a fitting death- because you aren't the coward he is.” She barked, swinging her scythe in a show to be behind her back. “Sure, I’d love to have more fun, but the grown-ups have places to be,” She spoke, mockingly flashing her eyes. A hyena-grin made its way to her lips. Jumping back out to a fighting stance, she took out in a dead run to the lady, as rocks shifted on her limp body, going to put her in a position to readily expose her tender chest, with a weak attempt of a heart of a hero living inside. Such vile and malicious people should not try to play god, it was such a dishonor to the real ones trying to salvage the good on this world.

---

Shards of glass went flying by, causing a few cuts, Dremmick tilted his head as one grazed his cheek. He began to walk forward as he spoke, "Vrondi is no king of mine. He is simply a means to an end. You on the other hand, are just another annoyance in my way." Dremmick surged forward toward the old lady to intercept Ganymede, using a crimson chain to pull himself in faster. When he got there, he picked up the old woman and using the chain again, zipped back over to Connie and dropped the old woman next to her. He then moved in to engage Ganymede. Mid run he took a swig of the oil from his panacea and drew the old fire dagger, not yet lit, in is left hand. He left his right hand free for his blood magic. As he moved in the bandages exploded off his arm as it turned into a large crimson arm with a large razor sharp clawed hand. This time however, it had a faint silvery glow to it alongside the red mist.

Mason Drake

---

@Jollan@Rai@geurls
As all but his hearing returned, Mason realized with horror that his blade he no effect. Looking up, he saw a spear of blood shoot through the bandit, "Dremmick!!! How could you?!?!?!?!?!? She wasn't a threat!!!" he screamed, clearly shock by the display of brutality. Even more appalling, was how the Oro girl reacted, saying something that Mason couldn't hear, she clearly seemed to disregard the death of the very person that fought alongside them, instead turning and lunging forward in an attempt to kill the now incapacitated old woman as Mason looked on in horror. At the last moment, a red chain wrapped about the limp body of the all-seer, before yanking her out of the way.

Though his lack of mercy was repulsive, Dremmick had saved the old lady from the scythe wielding oro. As he breathed a sigh of relief, a sudden thought hit Mason, if the enemy only wanted the lady... They could be drawn away from his comrades!!!

His blade exploding with a black flame, he drove his weapon through the head of the smaller basilisk, before running toward Dremmick and grabbing the old lady.

"I got her!" he shouted to his comrades as he threw the unconscious woman over his shoulder. Running forward, Mason ripped his sword out of the freshly slain serpent, quickly sheathing it as he shot out through the hole in the ceiling.

@Jollan @Guy0fV4lor @Rai


Constance blinked back to life, then quickly pushed herself up, panting. Her mind felt like someone opened up a hole in her skull and decided to make scrambled eggs out of her brain. What was going on? What were people talking about? It was a different language to her.

She stood up, still dazed, stumbling, before finding her footing. Her mind reorientated everything, and she saw what was going on. The old lady lie beside her. “Mason! Get her out of here!”She yelled, hoping her numb mouth was making the right sounds. She grabbed her shield-finally being capable to reach it- and held her stand in front of the old lady, willing Mason to get out of there. If he could pick her up, that was.

Ganymede snarled. She made a short and deep “Ugh,” before changing directions. In a show of her markings flashing, she had a long chain in her hand. At the end, a small but sharp barbed-sword. Her main opponent was trying to distract her, but she wasn’t as dumb as they were. She continued to Constance, taking a huge leap in the air with a gust of wind, launching the chain with a deadly throw to the heart of the lady.

Constance’s eyes widened, and she dove to protect her. It skimmed on her shield just barely, and imbed itself inches from where the old lady lie. Constance didn’t have time for a breather though. Ganymede was coming with a downward slash. Yelping, she reached up, and caught the blade between her shield and her sword. Sparks flew. They both were strong, but who was stronger?

Luckily for the gang, it was Constance. Pushing forwards, Ganymede stumbled back, her face in dismay. She was about to lunge again when she fell to her knees, screaming in agony. Constance looked behind her, and a basilisk was bleeding everywhere- but Mason was up in the air. The smaller basilisk was dead. Blood filled the floors, partly from Ganymede's own mouth. She looked up, her eyes purely white, though it could be sensed she was looking at Mason.

She stands, scales nearly covering her whole body. She held herself like they were choking her, in addition to the snake coiling around her tightly. Imbued with another voice, this one deeper and that of a royal, it filled the air like nothing else. “WHO DARES KILL ONE OF MY CHILDREN?!” Wind stirred around the room, building up to vortex-like winds, as Ilya woke up, pain in his eyes, blood from his mouth. Rocks were thrown everywhere, some as big as Ganymede herself. Ganymede starts to get picked off the ground, not being thrown around from the tornado, but out of levitation.

Constance held herself, wind slashing at her face. The moss on the ground started to grow around her feet, letting her move, but keeping her on the ground. She tried to trudge forwards, towards Ganymede, though it would take her a while.

In the meantime, Ganymede has locked on. She slashes her scythe downwards, aiming a slice of wind at Mason, trying to get blurred winds to push him violently against the wall.

---

Dremmick, seeing that Ganymede was going after Mason instead, changed his tactics. Instead of confronting Ganymede, he dashed back to the seal he had prepared earlier. If she was distracted enough, she may not notice this coming but, if she did, he would have the chance to counter her. If not though, she would be paralyzed long enough to deal with her. His crimson arm then shot forward, blood seal forming on its hand on the way to her to paralyze her. The faint glow on is arm only went as far as his actual arm and didn't stretch with the crimson claw.