[IC] God's Shattering [Concluded]

[Lonewolf685]

Lorelai

The passing book was absorbed with an inquisitive eye, Lorelai enthralled to be reading the works of her superior. If she weren't among such a diverse company and pressed for time she'd have taken it back to her room for some light reading, but as it was she could only commit the important facts to memory before passing it on. Lorelai moved from where she had been to stand beside Eleonor's chair as she was always intended to. Perhaps she may have failed in her original task of preserving Eleonor peaceful convalescence, but when faced with the prospect of a grand adventure to save the world beside her the knight Asgard, Lorelai couldn't fault the turn events too harshly.

Though she was rather uncertain how to feel knowing the Imperator's true name. It almost felt sacrilegious, like learning that your God also went by the name Jerry. It was surreal in a disconcerting way.

"If you'd allow me the honor Sir Asgard, but I've taken the liberty of determining the best grouping of our available forces. As it is we can't send anyone outside this room to pursue the relics, so we will be limited to three groups of three at present." Lorelai said with her gaze roaming over the assembled personage. What they had was nothing to scoff at, Měihóu's diatribe aside.

"After careful consideration of all personalities, skills, and a need to balance former rebels with Imperials, the first team shall be comprised of Lady Fei, Lord Jessi, and Chen." Lorelai paused, almost certain a few eyes would widen before boring into her for the choice given what happened not a few hours prior. She could only hope Asgard didn't take umbrage that her general didn't recommend she travel with her daughter and inevitable son-in-law. "The Lord and Lady are far too effective a pair to break up, and are...already aware of Chen's abilities to an extent that we need not be concerned over. And as Lord Jessi and Chen so helpfully provided, you both possess skills and assets that may prove useful in securing the nearest Relic."

"Team two shall be comprised of General Titania, Axon, and Měihóu. My reasoning being that you bear the widest set of skills between all three of you, and that between Axon's knowledge and Titania's unblemished record and rank, you will have a greater chance at getting close to Yggdrasil if you hope to claim his relic. General Titania has had no prior involvement to any of this conspiracy or our party except in the last hour, so our adversaries should be none the wiser to her intentions. She can bring Měihóu and Axon anywhere she wishes, while their knowledge and skill will solve what rank or force can not." This was a far less controversial grouping given they had little bad blood between each other except for Titania shooting Měihóu in the teeth, but Lorelai didn't see any lasting animosity coming from that.

"The final team is rather obvious now, consisting of the Knight Asgard, Lady Solanne, and myself. Having the Luxonne sisters cooperating seemed to me the greatest use of their talents." Her gaze flickered to Asgard, once more recalling the longing with which she contemplated reuniting with her estranged sibling. Reasoning be damned, Lorelai wouldn't deny her the family she deserved. "I myself am obligated guard and serve my Knight Asgard in all things, so it behooves me to remain by her side in this coming expedition." Lorelai had no selfish motivation for this whatsoever. "As for our objective I would sooner leave that to the discretion of Lady Solanne or Sir Asgard, as the Crimson Knight did literally write the book on this. While I hold no great skill with puzzles, Asgard does have a friendship with Antonia which may facilitate acquiring her relic, and more important than that, recovering her relic may spare her from Yggdrasil's own search for the relics."

The Abyssal Knight was about to retire from her speech and continue looming over Eleonor like a contented gargoyle when she recalled there was in fact a tenth member of their party. She must have blocked her out when she turned into a cat and named the Imperator, but now Lorelai had to address the cat in the room. She reached down and lifted the feline to rest around her neck, one finger idly rubbing beneath her chin. Rebel or not, Lorelai was always going to be an animal person. "And, well I didn't account for Si so unless Asgard has a suggestion I would let her choose which team to follow. Lady Fei's team may be pursuing an Elf, so her magic may be beneficial, though anyone would benefit from an additional paw."

Lorelai nuzzled the soft fur of the cat with her cheek while trying, and failing, to remain stone faced and professional.

[BlueAjah]

Fei

As everyone entered the chateau, Fei made sure to stay near Jessi’s side, their precious moment still lingering inside her mind. She was acting like a silly school girl obsessed with her first kiss, but she didn’t really care. It was a moment she would remember forever. The Fei a year ago would have scoffed at the idea of even thinking about romance. How had she changed in such a short amount of time? It was all very strange. All Fei knew was that for once, she felt like she belonged, and that was all that mattered.

The atmosphere around the chateau soon grew serious, and Fei felt herself stand a little straighter and become focused on the topic at hand. Silly thoughts about love would have to be on standby for the moment. Eleonor went on to apologize to the group, promising Fei she would answer any questions she had, something she intended to follow up on. Fei loved her mother more than anyone, but the time had come for her to learn the truth. She nodded slightly at her request to refrain from putting herself in danger, although she felt it impossible to avoid danger as the daughter of the Asgard.

So it seemed another adventure was enstored for Fei’s future. Although the words Eleonor spoke of sounded outrageous and treason, Fei believed every word. It was still hard to believe how broken the Imperium was. Growing up, she had worshipped both her mother and the Imperium supporting her. Now, she didn’t know what to make of it. Perhaps everything that had happened would be remembered forever in history? She wondered what people a hundred years in the future would think of her and everything that had happened. It was a curious thing. Many people went toward Eleonor’s large book about all the relics, but Fei simply stayed back. She wasn’t sure she could concerte holding something of her mother’s past.

One of the Librarian fools they had captured spoke up, wasting valuable time by whining about how weak she was. “Is whining the only thing you know how to do? We’ll have already found a relic by the time you shut up. Why don’t you use the time you have to complain to train?” Fei nipped at the woman, annoyed at her stupidity. They were on an important mission, there was no time for such behavior. Even Fei knew that.

Lorelei continued the conversation by separating the group into teams to take on the different relics. Why she thought she had right to make such decisions was beyond Fei. It was obvious that Fei and Jessi would stay together, but why did she think Chen belonged in their group? Especially because of what had happened within the forest. While she would prefer her mother over an ignorant librarian, it would be rather awkward if she was with them. Had it been up to Fei, Jessi and her would be going alone. They worked the best together, and someone like Chen would simply get in the way. But, Fei kept quiet about the decisions as there was nothing she could do to change. If Chen tired anything funny, this time Fei wouldn’t hold back.

@everyone

[TheWendil]

~Solanne~

---

It was a short trip back to her sister’s residence and after a “chat” with the Crimson Knight, things had settled down once more. Solanne stood at the entrance to the Chateau with crossed arms, leaning back lazily. She didn’t need to be up front and center to hear what Eleonor was saying and besides, the mark on her face was another reminder that she didn’t feel like talking anyway.

She was honestly surprised Fei hadn’t said a thing about the obvious red mark but maybe that was a good thing. She didn’t need another family member angry with her. Besides, she knew full well Fei didn’t like her anyway, probably even hated her. Which was fine. Just an indication Solanne needed to stay out of her way and only intervene when she did something stupid again.

Musing on these thoughts, she didn’t need to see the lexicon of information Eleonor was handing out. The Crimson Hound had her own source of information for these kind of things and it wasn’t like she hadn’t paid attention in school with Eleonor. Mention of the Librarian working with Emilia and Yggdrasil was new however and brought a frown to Solanne’s face.

Maybe she should send one of her buddies to handle the doll user. After all, that was a safer option than trying to let Fei handle her pointless vendetta. But she would talk to Eleonor in private again before making that decision and unleashing the Red-Eyed Ghost.

Next up were teams that were drawn together to collect the last remaining Legend Relics. No surprise that the teams were managed by the Crimson Knight’s General Lorelai, who had placed herself with the Luxonne twins. Which was fine, though it might be a bit awkward considering their last interaction with each other.

“Now wait just a minute here Lorelai!” said the booming voice of Titania, who had tried to remain calm throughout all of this. “Secret plans? Mutiny within the Imperium? Have you gone mad! I know Lady Asgard was captured by Emilia but where is there proof that Yggdrasil was involved? And what about these…these rebel scum! You expect them to not betray us, even if all of these conspiracies were true? What’s stopping me from going to report all of you to the Jester, no, the Imperator herself right now?”

She was hysterical and for good reason. After all, the General had just had her entire world flipped around by words and supposed theories. To think the Imperium was this corrupt? No! Never! How could it be? How, when it was carefully guided by their Divine Grace, the Imperator?

---

@floodtalon, @The 42nd Gecko, @BlueAjah, @FrozenPhoenix, @Awesomoman64, @Lonewolf685, @KoL

[The 42nd Gecko]

Měihóu Niángniang

Current Appearance

Měihóu's body language was unimpressed by Axon, and irritated by Fei. If training was the only factor to strength, I could have ended the fight by throwing Arcadia at the palace.

"She's right, I'm totally planning on betraying you guys later. I mean, the end of the world and Truth are important, but when we beat it, nothing's going to have changed. The reasons that the majority of the Librarians rebelled for, aka, Freedom, will still be the same, and the reason that most of the Imperium stands for, Order, will still be the same. Though some significant parts of both sides are fighting a shadow war within a shadow war, the reasons the grunts on both sides were fighting will be completely unchanged. The fight will continue, unless beating up the great beast will spread rainbow friendship magic everywhere to make all social, economic, and political reasons to fight disappear."

"So, thanks for the compliments, blondie, but this is probably going to end with you gouging my heart out or me smacking you unconscious, if we aren't both smushed by the great beast."

[FrozenPhoenix]

Axon once again watched and listened as agreements and disagreements were made and vocalized, though at Titania's words he turn to speak to her directly, "I know it's a lot to take in, but trust us, if not me. I used to work for Yggdrasil before I found out that he was in fact a right proper bastard. I near agree about the possible betrayal, but what's stopping us from betraying them and stabbing them in the back? I'm faithful to the Imperium so at least take stock in knowing you can trust me."

He didn't really take offense to the team composition seeing as Lorelai set herself up with familiar faces, and her love. Same for Fei and Jessi being together. It just so happened that Axon was one of the "misfit" names that got put into an odd team. Titania seemed... well for lack of a better team, like an overly aggressive fight seeker. Měihóu on the other hand seemed to be more of a passive sort, but also a possible realist which would be welcome type. Time would tell though...

Turning back to face Lorelai, "So we'll be after Yggdrasil then. Can't wait to see all my old friends again. Should be quiet the reunion. I must say though, you don't want me on your team Lorelai? Is this becuase of the cute comment?"

[Awesomoman64]

Jessi

As Lorelai spoke her suggested teams Jessi was both joyed and angered by the team suggested for him. He was glad to know he wasn’t the only one who felt he and Fei were such a great team, and after what happened only a few moments ago, he wasn’t ready to leave her side anytime soon. But putting them with Chen, the same guy who had just tried to harm Fei? That was just asking for trouble. Jessi’s eyes narrowed at the librarian sending the message ”I’ll be watching you.

Hostile glares would have wait for later as both Měihóu and Titania began protesting this plan each for their own reasons. Axon made an attempt to convince Titania of their cause explaining how he had learned things from the inside. Jessi decided he would help the spy out with his own testimonial. ”I’ve seen it too, General. While in Exilia, Fei…*ahem* I mean The princess and I were attacked by a knight named Tegonay. He not only attempted to kill Lady Asgard, but claimed to do so under the orders of Yggdrasil. Had it not been for the intervention of the Jester, some of us might not be standing here today.”

Jessi hoped mentioning the Jesters involvement would help prove their point while keeping attention off his slip up. It was improper to refer to anyone of such high noble status by just their name and Jessi had never made that mistake before. But when even briefly thinking of Fei brought his mind back to their kiss in the forest, it was difficult to stay professional.

@BlueAjah@TheWindel@KoL@The 42nd Gecko@Lonewolf685@FrozenPhoenix@floodtalon

[TheWendil]

The temple didn’t feel exactly welcoming, which Tori supposed was somewhat odd for an apparent place of worship. Additionally, the architecture was dissimilar to other ruins she had encountered on the floating isles before, albeit they were often in a state of either complete ruin or been made into a nest for the flying creatures, the airborne beasts that can chase away any of the oddities. There were some buildings that seemed to have been made of similar stone, but they were usually the ones that had the more bloodthirsty beasts taking up residence. As the temple sealed up behind the group Tori sighed under her breath and as a test activated her Tome’s ability and found that she couldn’t phase through the wall.

An abnormal frequency? A super dense material? Or magical interference, not allowing the passing of even spirits? Curious keeping up with the rest of the group, Tori was lost in her thoughts when the strange sound caught her attention. As she went to look everyone bolted and deciding to not be left behind, she followed suit. She was about to see what was chasing them, but the twins did say to not look back and Tori decided it might be wise to listen. After all, in so many novels it is such a drab joke that the character is told not to look back, does and is somehow brutalized by that knowledge.

“Fine, if I can’t look back. Tell me, would carrying you up higher be of any help? Or is it too large?” Tori could hear the abnormal scuttling nipping at her heels, pushing her on to pick up the pace while trying to keep the twins and Alex in sight

“Other question. I fly faster than run. Think I can out pace it that way?” regardless of questions Tori wasn’t especially used to running so she elected to stop asking in favour of staying ahead of whatever creature or beast was chasing them, breathing somewhat shallow, half tempted to take flight regardless, but the twins' mother would never forgive Tori for leaving them.

---

@KoL, @Flamelord

[KoL]

"I see, then it appears that most of us agree to it. Those who don't are free to walk away, but know that, the time may come when you regret this decision. As for the fate of the captured Librarians? Consider them as pardoned as long as they remain under custody of those assigned to take care of them, under my word as the Imperial Justice. Until this predicament is solved, a mutual cease fire would be our best chance to achieve success." Asgard said before getting back to her feet.

"Now, please excuse me, but I have preparations to finish. The command of any non-urgent issue shall be handed to Lorelai, while I'm away. Fei, if you still want to talk, I'll be on my bedroom." The Crimson Knight said before retiring. That had been a far too exhaustive day, no... far too exhaustive months, finally Eleonor faced the hardest challenge of her life time, opening herself to Fei, she needed a time to prepare before she could do that but, there was no way Eleonor could leave for this mission that could very well cost her life without solving this one last hanging thread.

Meanwhile Si simply rubbed against Lorelai's lap, cuddling comfortably on the knight's warm thighs. If there was a a thing that any Librarian that was aware of Si's existence knew, was that the fairy was far too lazy to bother with pretty much anything else other than resting and reading, despite her immense power and knowledge, being easily on par with an Imperial General or maybe even a Knight of Ragnarok.

* * *

Back on the Arcadian Ruins, the things looked dire for the exploration party, as Tori seemed like that she was missing some critical points about how to navigate in a dungeon. "There's a problem, Tori..." Liena began to say as they concentrated on running to the Sun path, only to be followed by Siena, "We're in a dungeon, there's a thing called ceiling right above us and, if you go too fast, you'll smash your face against something. Believe me, that kinda hurts... whoa!" Siena gasped just as she barely avoided tripping on a loose tile, pretty much as a testament of the truth of their words.

Anyway, just as the group crossed the door marked with the Sun symbol, it locked behind them in a way similar to the entrance of the temple, sealing them away from whatever was trying to eat them . This time however, the group was faced not with one more stone corridor, but with a sudden vertigo as they were suddenly teleported from the dark stone room that laid beyond the door to a place so brightly illuminated their eyes would hurt for a bit before adapting to the glare.

The scenario suddenly changed to a room that looked like it was made of solid light, the floor was covered with twenty five sun, stars and moon patterned tiles distributed in five rolls of five columns each, they seemed to flicker on and off of existence (seemingly) changing positions at random. On the far side of the 'entrance' there was a glowing tile that looked like some kind of portal (probably back to the temple, if they were lucky).

However, the one feature that made even Linea and Siena silent, was the scenery outside of the translucent room, the vast, pitch black void of space, completely devoid of any form of life or matter... emptiness everywhere you looked, except for one big, actually one humongous, detail. Right bellow their feet, the golden, pulsating surface of the thermonuclear ball of plasma known as the Sun, or at least a very much alike star.

Where the hell could they be? Either way, it was best to find a way out of here fast, before they got cooked alive by the absurd heat, but... how?

---

@floodtalon, @FrozenPhoenix, @BlueAjah, @TheWindel, @The 42nd Gecko, @Awesomoman64, @Lonewolf685, @Flamelord.

[The 42nd Gecko]

Měihóu Niángniang

Current Appearance

Měihóu then displayed some of Axon's aforementioned "energy", jumping up from the table, and declaring loudly with one raised hand. "Alright, Team Only Axon's Sold on This, go!"

Měihóu lowered head, hand, and voice, letting her figners fall onto her chin to stroke an imaginary beard."Hmm... OASOT.. That oa combo at the start, don't like it. Maybe Team Totally Gonna Get Killed by Yggdrasil? Nope, even worse. Can't even start to pronounce it."

"Perhaps Team Good Odds Two Of Us Are Already Plotting Betrayal? GOTOUAAPB, opposite problem as last time, too many vowels." She glances to Titania as she says the name.

"Team The World Relies on Axon Completing this Alone? Oh, that abbreviates to TWROACTA, that's almost pronounceable, maybe one more, then we'll go back to OASOT."

"Mmmn, nope, nevermind couldn't come up with anything good about Axon being on a team with two gals. OASOT it is. Well then, ready to go?" Měihóu begins walking towards the door.

@TheWindel@FrozenPhoenix

[Lonewolf685]

Lorelai

The Abyssal Knight, for all her dedication to Imperium and Lady Eleonor, was also a lover of animals to her very core. So she would be reticent to admit that she had been rather enamored with the shapeshifting feline upon her lap, finger working away to stroke between the ears and along Si's jaws in an almost hypnotic dance until she was roused by Eleonor's words. Hastily recalling what complaint Titania had raised, Lorelai turned to address the other general in the room while her fingers continued their work. "As Asgard, Lord Jessi, and Axon have provided, there is ample reason for you to trust in what we have to say, and we could not afford to turn aside the help of these former Librarians without hampering ourselves with depleted forces. However, to reassure all of us, the groups have been divided so there are two Imperials to each Librarian so no one shall need fear treachery except from those we know hunt. If you hold any doubt in Yggdrasil's duplicity then you need only join Axon and Meihou to find the truth for yourself."

Next her gaze turned towards Axon with a coy look. "Not at all. This is merely the best allocation of skills for the task at hand, and is not influenced by personal concerns at all."

As amusing as it may have been to rebuke the debonair operative or lounge upon the chair with cat in hand, the Abyssal Knight found her attention drawn upon the retreating form of Eleonor as she retired to her room. Her parting words had been directed towards Fei, but she could not help but think on Eleonor saying the same to her before she ran off into the woods. Lorelai didn't regret her actions as they kept Fei in safe hands and allowed this group to form, but she regretted missing the opportunity to meet with her idol in a more private setting.

"If anyone has need of me, please tell it to Si or the nearest mai- Solanne." Lorelai abruptly said as she found a maid approaching Solanne with an offered saucer and tea cup. Only there was no tea, but honey. Rich, sticky, smothering honey. "For the time being, accept nothing offered explicitly to you until I have a conversation with the staff. They are...upset with the state you have left their lady." That she offered not a word in reprimand to this action spoke to her opinion, shoeing the maid away to be more clever in their next attempt at revenge. She heard whispers it would involve flooding Solanne's room with strawberries without disturbing her sleep, but she'd believe that when she sees it. Lady Fei, if you don't mind I'd like to speak with your mother. Excuse me.

Lorelai left Si curled up atop the chair, still warm from being sat upon so the Fey should find it pleasing for a time. Her feet swiftly carried the knight down the halls and along Eleonor's footsteps till she arrived at the ladies door. She wrapped her knuckles gently upon the door and asked, "Lady Eleonor. Pardon the intrusion, but their was something that required your attention. May I come in?"

[Flamelord]

While Alex had hoped that the primary danger would be getting to the temple in the first place, it was rapidly becoming apparent that inside was just as dangerous, if not moreso, than the outside was. Not that he was a stranger to fortified interiors or something like that, but the excessive zeal to which it had been presented was more than a bit much for him. It was becoming rapidly apparent that he was just along for the ride now.

Well, if he was just along for the ride then he might as well make the most of it. Tori seemed to want to do the same, even if it was in her annoyingly smug manner as always. At least he didn't have to worry about her flying or something, as the twins rapidly pointed out the flaw in that particular plan. Which left them, well, running.

At last their destination came into sight, and with a burst of speed they were all through. The door slammed shut behind them to seal off whatever danger had been rapidly approaching, giving them a moment of peace before they were suddenly somewhere else, an aloft place with a lot of pictures of suns, stars, and moons randomly flickering in and out of existence, a portal on the other side 9he hoped) and a stupid amount of heat.

Humming to himself for a moment, Alex considered things before voicing his opinion. "Well, this is nice. I guess they left us a puzzle." Good thing he didn't get vertigo really, that was for sure. And it could have been worse. Most of the places he broke into didn't even leave a safe option of getting through. You just had to make those yourself.

Leaning over, he glanced down at the sun before looking at the tiles. "What do you bet that if you step in the wrong spot it drops you down there," he offered then. "We just need to figure out what the safe way is." At that he glanced over at Siena and Linea, drawing on them in this time of crisis. "You guys are the experts here. I don't suppose you have some tidbit of knowledge stored away that could help us out."

@KoL@McFazzer

[TheWendil]

~Solanne~

---

The monkey chick was starting to get on Titania’s nerves though Solanne couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at her antics. Certainly that would prove to be an interesting team, assuming they would be able to get along well. Still, at least the General was willing to listen as she took heed of Axon’s words before turning to Lorelai for a deeper confirmation.

But before the Crimson General could speak, the boy accompanying Lady Fei earlier, Jessi by what she had heard, spoke up. Just mentioning Tegonay’s betrayal was enough to make her give cause for concern and she narrowed her eyes. So that knight had ended up betraying them too? Well, at least the Jester of the Court could still be relied upon in these dark times.

“Alright fine, I get the picture already,” Titania grumbled, still reeling from the fact that corruption was steeping the Imperium to its core. “I will give my services then to this cause for General Lorelai’s jurisdiction as well as the accounts recounted on this day. We leave immediately because one more word out of the monkey will end with her choking a bullet this time,” she continued, already motioning for her team to move out and head towards the door.

Solanne moved to the side and out of her way, thankful Titania didn’t question her presence here. If she took a moment to notice, she might have arrested the Crimson Hound right then and there but time was of the essence. And it would take more than enough time getting back to the Imperium anyway.

“Shall I assume you two have a plan of sorts? The trite idea of me acting as a guard for the “captured prisoners” perhaps?” Titania said to both Axon and Měihóu. If they were taking public transportation to the capital, then some kind of strategy would need to be implemented.

Right then. The other two teams were left to deploy whenever they wanted, though it was recommended they didn’t dally for too long. Solanne saw her sister go and wanted to at least say a few words to her but that was impeded by a random maid coming up to her with a bowl of honey. The Crimson Hound stared at the saucer before putting a deadpan look on the maid…and then trailing her gaze over to where Lorelai was. Sneaky bitch.

Declining the offer, Solanne followed after Lorelai into Eleonor’s private room. After all, this was her little sister so like hell she could move around freely in the house if she wanted. Finding a good place to lean on lazily, the Crimson Hound crossed her arms and took in the sight of both the Abyssal Knight and the Crimson Knight.

“So who are you supposed to be again?” she asked to Lorelai. “Elly, where’d you pick up this one?”

---

@floodtalon, @The 42nd Gecko, @BlueAjah, @FrozenPhoenix, @Awesomoman64, @Lonewolf685, @KoL

[BlueAjah]

Fei

As everyone voiced their opinions on the teams, Fei stayed silent. She felt as though, while many were reluctant to work with the librarians, herself included, the groups decided would be the final decision. Crossing her arms, she waited for the mingling to finish so they could begin their quests. The relics weren’t getting any closer. Despite her best efforts, Fei’s face turned pink as Jessi corrected himself for referring to her as Fei. Surely he had a right to call her by her name in public now? It was beyond embarrassing that he had brought attention to his mistake. Fei made a mental note to speak to him about the matter later.

When Eleonor rose to her feet, Fei followed in suit. It was time to put to rest all of the troubling thoughts swarming in her mind and learn about her family tree. Fei took a step toward her mother’s room, but hesitated. So much had happened in just one day, she could barely keep up. Would the information she was about to learn be frightening? Her mother had kept everything from her for a reason.. It was silly to think she had just risked her life not too long ago to find the one person she believed could tell her some bits of truth. Of course her bit of hesitation allowed Lorelai to go after her mother. Fei stood back, shocked. What did this maid think she had over Fei? She was Eleonor’s daughter, Lorelai was just a maid.

“Excuse me?” Fei called out, furious as what was happening. And then, Sol preceded to follow after Eleonor as well. “What the hell??” Fei was left to a room full of librarians, strangers, and Jessi. She wasn’t really sure how to take the situation. Should she barge into her mother’s quarters and demand the two leave them alone? Their conversation was not something she wished the two to hear.

Whatever. Fei had enough of confusing matters for the day, she would just leave.There would come a time when she could speak with her mother alone. Making eye contact with both Chen and Jessi, Fei walked out of the summer home. She sighed once more and snuck one last look at the chateau, drawing every inch of the place within her mind. A strange feeling passed over her, and she suddenly thought when she returned to the place, she’d be a completely different Fei. Slightly smiling, she looked forward to the time this thought would come true.

@floodtalon, @The 42nd Gecko, @FrozenPhoenix, @Awesomoman64, @Lonewolf685, @KoL, @TheWindel

[Flood]

Chen Chideta

---

Chen listened to the team assignments and nodded as he was placed on a team with Fei and Jessi. He grabbed his Legend Relic off the table and stowed it away in a hidden pocket. "We will return with the Legend Relic." He stated, as if it were an absolute fact rather than a claim.

Jessi glared at Chen, likely because he was associated with The Librarian, but Chen ignored it. He did hope that Jessi could get over his prejudices quickly though, otherwise working together would be difficult. Fei made eye contact with Chen and began to walk out of the home. Chen took that as his cue to leave.

Chen followed Fei out and stayed silent for a moment. "I hope we can put the past behind us, it would be highly disadvantageous if we let former allegiances cloud our judgement after all." Chen said stiffly as he looked everywhere but at Fei. This was the closest he was going to get to saying 'Sorry for holding you hostage, even if you told me to.'

@BlueAjah@Awesomoman64

[Awesomoman64]

Jessi

With the meeting adjourned, Jessi figured he would wait outside for Fei while she had her talk with her mother. Unfortunately that much needed heart to heart would have to wait as poor Fei was talkblocked by Lorelai and Sol stealing Eleonor’s attention. He could almost feel her frustration as she glanced at him as she walked out the door. Jessi couldn’t help but get a sense of deja vu as he watched Fei once more leave the chateau upset. For a split second he wondered if she would dash off again as well.

The team met just outside where Chen was the first the speak voicing his hope that they could put their differences behind them. Though still uneasy about being shoved into this alliance, he was starting to feel Chen was the best one to be stuck with. Though Jessi had yet to see him in any real combat to gauge his skill, he was still open to working with them and offering any assistance he could. Not to mention if he did try anything, Fei was still protected by the Jester and Jessi felt he was more than capable of taking him on.

Either way, Jessi decided if this was to work they had to at least be willing to try and work with him. ”As long as no one here is planning any more kidnappings then I’m willing to work with you. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to trust you just yet.” Jessi spoke the first part with a playful tone as he didn’t want Fei to think he was still mad about what happened earlier, but made sure he got his point across with his final statement.

@BlueAjah@floodtalon

[FrozenPhoenix]

Axon watched as Měihóu made a mockery... or maybe it was flattery of him? With her it was honestly hard to tell and with her antics riling up a few people, he'd take this moment to butt out and let nature take it's course. Though quickly his little band of misfits started to navigate towards the door with a rather irate and questionably antagonistic attitude. Though before he could go after to join them already rethinking his original enthusiasm for working together, he watched as Lady Asgard spoke to Fei about speaking with her finally before walking out. However, before Fei could even take a set both Solanne and Lorelai followed and only one thought passed through his head.

Watching his teammates head out the door he went the opposite way after Asgard as Fei stormed out of the room, much to Axon's suspicions. Ignoring any obstacle he walked into Eleanor's room and addressed he instantly and in a tone he hadn't taken with her before. It was almost serious, but also... solemn in a sense, "Eleanor. What the Hell was that? You offered your child a chance to explain what I can only assume from the way things have been, a lifetime of lies. But before you even give her a moment to take that chance you let these two barge in and not only steal what may have been the first heart-to-heart moment you've had with your child, but you drive her out to once again face danger and Hell knowing that she still doesn't have a single answer... Call me what you will reprimand me, I don't care. I'm already labeled a traitor to the Imperium, but even this traitor knows that family is what is important. Don't make the same mistakes I did..." He started hard and heavy near attacking Eleanor with his words, but when he said 'mistakes' anybody looking for it would see his eyes glass, like he was about to shed a tear. A strong and powerful turn of emotion from his stern words to sounding almost as if he couldn't go on. However, the moment only lasted for a few seconds before he blinked it almost completely gone and started to speak again refusing to let anybody in the room have a single word, "She's your damn daughter and if you can't stop being Asgard for a single moment she won't be your daughter for much longer, or worse... I can't tell you what to do, but I'm telling you as somebody who's already traveled the road you are on. Go to her... before it's too late..."

When he finished he gave no courtesies or respects and simply turned back and left not caring to hear a single word any of them had to say. It didn't matter what she did or what they thought. Sometimes, one must tell what needs to be said regardless of if it's heeded or not...

[KoL]

~Asgard~

Asgard no, Eleonor, couldn't understand how the simple wish to talk to and ease Fei's doubts turned into such a mess. The Crimson Knight observed as her daughter went out of their residence, once more without having the chance to know what Eleonor should have told her a long time ago. The causes of such a situation, were none other than Lorelai and Solanne coming to meet Eleonor at the worst possible timing, she couldn't fault them but, if they just did it a moment or two later all of this wouldn't have happened.

However, the proverbial last drop on Eleonor's bucket was Axon of all people coming to lecture her in the most rude and improper way before stomping away like a spoiled child. The Imperial agent would feel his heart failing, a heart attack coming out of the blue with enough intensity to drop him to the floor would be succeeded by Asgard walking calmly out of her room toward him, who barely had the time to leave the chateau's premises, without saying a single word to either Solanne or Lorelai. Seeing Eleonor this furious was indeed a rare occurrence and Solanne would be the only one to ever know of it prior to this moment. After all, even the most pathetic doormats can avenge themselves by getting you a shock when you touch the knob, right?

"What right do you have to talk like this to me? Do you even know what Fei and I have went by through this life? Now that she's back to her right mind, I trust Fei for anything however, what do you know about trust?" Asgard grabbed Axon by the collar, lifting him off the ground with a single arm, with ease, until their eyes were leveled. The cold, impassive glare that Asgard usually kept the whole time, now tainted with fury, after being made a fool for too long. Asgard summoned her tome in its sword form, the wicked blade was pressed against Axon's throat, a mere scratch and death by bleeding was certain, as she continued, "Do you think you can trick me? That I don't know who you are really working for, even though she made a point of smearing you with the smell of her poisons? The only reason you aren't on a cell right now is because it's easier to control a wild dog when you keep it under your gaze. Do not. Test. Me. Again."

As Eleonor dropped Axon to the ground unceremoniously, he would find that his heart resumed beating at a stable rhythm, free of the Crimson Knight's dreaded blood magic. "I'm sorry," Eleonor apologized for Lorelai and Solanne as she came to meet them again, "either way, I think we have been delayed for long enough. If there's something you still want to tell me, you can do so on the road. Our mission can't be the last one to get accomplished, right?" Eleonor said in a brighter than usual tone, perhaps letting out some steam helped ease her burden, after all. Only time would tell if that was a good thing or not, though.

* * *

Meanwhile, Fei's group would soon find that they had a stowaway among them, in the form of a certain feline fairy that had sneaked inside of Jessi's traveling gear and was now snuggled comfortably within the knight's backpack, taking a nap. Probably the only telltale signs of her presence being the couple extra kilograms she weighted on this form as well as the soft jiggling of her bell.

"Zzzz..." Sí continued to sleep, unperturbed by the world's state fo affairs.

---

@floodtalon, @FrozenPhoenix, @BlueAjah, @TheWindel, @The 42nd Gecko, @Awesomoman64, @Lonewolf685, @Flamelord.

*: As usual I'll give a bit more time before posting again for Arcadia, to see if Fazzer will come up with a reply.

[TheWendil]

~One Hour Earlier~

---

Getting back to Eleonor's Chateu was easy, frighteningly so. It was what Solanne was going to do next that was the difficult part and not something she was really looking forward to. Once everyone else had gotten settled and Lorelai was busy managing Imperial and Rebel, Solanne had made sure to lock the door to Eleonor's room in assurance that they would be alone. Like hell she was going to let the maid talk about this to Asgard, as biased as she was, and she was already pissed at Fei for doing what she did. But none of it could be rectified until she heard what her sister had to say.

"I assume you already heard what happened and what Fei tried to do?" Solanne asked, expression stoic as she looked over at where Eleonor sat. So far so good, if only because she was keeping the whirlwind of emotions she had under control. Time to see what would happen between the sisters reunited. Solanne just wished this could have been met on better grounds and times.

Eleonor waited for everyone's return on her room, reading her same usual book, one that she read for Fei when she was a child, many times over. In fact, Eleonor knew the tale by heart, but it wasn't something that she could talk about to anyone. Either way, the first one to come to Eleonor was none other than Solanne, which caused the Crimson Knight to have a smile on her face for the first time in a long while, though something about it was... wrong. Forced, maybe?

When Solanne didn't even stopped to greet Eleonor before commenting about Fei's actions, which Eleonor was more or less aware of as of now, Eleonor only reply was, "Yes, I have heard that, I'll talk with Fei in a few moments, but first there's so many things to do. The fate of countless lives are dependent on what shall be decided in a few minutes. Anyway, how have you been, Sol? I missed you so much you can barely imagine."

"I missed you too Elly," Solanne said with a twitching smile of her own. It disturbed and annoyed her how Eleonor didn't seem much responsive of Fei's actions so she tried again with, "You did hear what she tried to do, right? Make herself a hostage to get closer to Emilia? Emilia Warovia? Y'know, the princess that almost killed both you and her? And you're not concerned about this....why?" She tried to keep her voice managable and calm but her eyes betrayed how she was really feeling about this.

"I even had a dream about us... how we parted, a few nights ago. Perhaps this is fate that we meet again?" Eleonor said, still not giving Solanne a direct answer. She laid her book over a nearby table and walked up to Solanne, hugging her in a tight embrace, "Every day I did my job as Asgard, I hoped that you would not get captured, I would never be able to harm you, Sol even if she would. You and Fei are the most important person in the world for me the only ones I can't ever let Asgard raise a hand against."

"That so," Solanne muttered, gripped in Eleonor's embrace. "If that's the case, why aren't you more-"

"And yes, I'm aware of what Fei did, I know the consequences, but... what can I do? I'm the reason she's like that, I can't simply go and tell her the truth. You.. no, no one knows about that. If I tell her Fei will be destroyed, the image of the mother she has in her mind will be forever undone. I fear that if that happens, I'll lose her forever." Eleonor tightened her hug on Solanne, almost to the point of rubbing herself against her sister's erm, assets. There was something wrong with her, that was for sure, but what?

"Y-You what? Are you a complete idiot Elly?!?" Solanne said with wide eyes and brimming anger in her voice. "You've always been a bit dense, I get that, but are you seriously thinking that's the best possible outcome? Elly, Fei almost got herself killed doing something stupid because you won't tell her the goddamn truth. Whatever image she has of her "dear mother" apparently isn't strong enough if she has to go around pulling crap like that! You almost lost her forever just now!"

"Wha- what do you want me to do, Sol? Do you even know what I'm keeping away from her? It's not easy for me either, to have to meet Fei's expectations. I'm a human too, you know? Do you have any idea of how heavy is the weight I carry, the deaths of so many persons and everyone... Fei thinking of me as a hero because of that when I'm nothing but a heartless executor that can't even care if I hang a man, burn a woman at the stake, or behead children and old men alike? It's easy for you all to judge..." Eleonor pretty much pushed Solanne against the door, pinning her sister with a surprisingly strong grip, considering her current child-like features. "Why have you abandoned me in first place? You knew I needed you, you are the only one I needed, Sol and you left me behind!" Eleonor forced her face close to Solanne's, placing a leg between her sister's for better leverage. The eyes of the Crimson Knight were a swirl of emotions but one thing was certain, Eleonor wasn't in her best state of mind now.

"But you're not a hero Elly. You just admitted that now. Stop pretending to be and just be honest with Fei-hey!" Solanne said as she was suddenly forced back against the door. In that moment, gone was the sister she knew so well, replaced by the maddening gaze of Asgard, the Crimson Knight. Gone was the woman who had fought and bled for her daugher, standing in her place as the one who had committed the monstrous acts now described in Eleonor's own words. Solanne stared up at her twin, struggling in her grip but finding Eleonor's strength was far greater than she remembered. Yet her words only made her growl, eyes flaring as her hair lit up in flames. Perhaps Eleonor would see her own daughter reflected in Solanne's stature, the Crimson Beast within barking to get out and tear Asgard in two.

"I left because I didn't agree with your stupid Imperium," she snarled, teeth bared and almost resembling animal-like canines. "You can either accept that or become my enemy too little sister because the fact of the matter is that your precious Imperium is only making this world more shattered. You said it yourself. You're no saint Asgard. You're a murderer! Like Fei would ever want that for a mother!"

"Do you even know how I came to be, Sol? How the weak, day dreamer girl you left behind became this monster you speak of? Or even how Fei came to to be? It was all your fault, I never even asked for Fei to be born in first place, but I tried my best to raise her to be proud and happy, even if all she was fed with were lies." Asgard pinned Solanne further, reaching for Solanne's bust with a hand, while she summoned a dagger made of blood to pin her sister's sleeve. "If you are really interested to know, I was forced upon by my first commander on the Imperial Army, no... raped is the right word. Do you even think I don't know how rotten the Imperium is, when I've been working day and night to make it a better place, even if I have to fill an ocean of blood to do so? Or..." Eleonor squeezed her sister's bust slowly, taking her time to feel Solanne's reactions, read the very flow of blood running through the Crimson Hound's veins. "Is it that you just don't care? You'll never understand it when your own life and family are all happy and united, or do you think I don't know of that witch you are'married' to. Was I really so bad? Perhaps I should remember you what the pain for witchcraft is, Sol?"

Asgard's actions were only proving Solanne's point and scarily so. The Crimson Hound could only stare deep into the face of madness, unflinching but mortified at her sister's words. She had heard rumors that Eleonor had been so unrightfully taken and now here it was confirmed in all its unholy glory. She shook her head slowly, like a child in shame being rectified, as if that would silence her sister's hurtful words. The guilt of the past seeped into her heart, only interrupted by a pain in her chest that made her gasp and struggle harder with snarls. But what was worse were those last haunting words that made all of Solanne's fire burn out as if doused by a great tide. She stared up at her sister, unbelieving and then questioning if she would really do that, eyes brimming with real fear now.

"What's it, Sol? That's all you had in yourself? And then you dare question me about how I raised Fei? You and that Sage, Witch, you belong to an assassin organization, you are Outlaws as dangerous and wanted as the Librarians but only the high Echelons of the Imperium even know about your existence. Maybe that's the limit of your fighting spirit? Everyone has a breaking point after all." Asgard pushed herself against Solanne, getting close enough to feel the lingering heat on her sister's body, the warmth of the Crimson Hound's flames. She was now close enough that Solanne could feel Asgard's breath on her skin and the nearly sickening smell of blood coming from Asgard's hair being the only thing Solanne could smell now, as her sister pushed a hand under Solanne's jacket, before saying her last stinging words. "Even if I raised my daughter to be like she's, at least it's better than raising her among thieves and killers, right? It would be so very easy to get her and punish in place of both of you, after all, don't you think that it was a foolish move to let your daughter attend to the same academy as we did? Or you thought I would never notice her there?"

A crack strong enough to shake the house would serve as Solanne's answer to all of this. Eleonor would be flung to the wall and maybe burning; honestly, Solanne didn't care. A fist engulfed in fire so potent it could take away any moisture in the air had made direct contact with the Crimson Knight's cheek, the Crimson Hound standing up with a deathly glare. She moved before Eleonor could react, not caring if her attire was ripped as she held Eleonor to the wall with one hand and lifting her up, the other poised to meet with her face again.

"Speak about her like that and I'll punch harder Elly," Solanne said with a vicious grin. "That was a love tap. Don't make me have to remind you why I was top of the class. Now then, we can do this the easy way or the way that ends up with you getting more than just a few bruises. Next time you see Fei you're going to explain everything to her. Got it? No more secrets, no more lies, and no more bullshit. After that's settled, I have some...proposals I'd like to speak with you about regarding our puppet friend. That all understood?" she asked with eyes near burning holes into Eleonor's vision.

Eleonor's answer wouldn't come until later, though, since for the time being, the Crimson Knight had been knocked out by her sister. Eleonor barely had time to nod, acknowledging Solanne's words before she passed out, at least this had the effect of bringing back a shred of sanity to Eleonor, which would come in handy later, when she needed to discuss the very fate of the world with the ones that even now where gathering on the living room.

[The 42nd Gecko]

Měihóu Niángniang

Current Appearance

In response to Titania's threat, Měihóu made the ever traditional "lips zipped shut" gesture. In response to the question about the old prisoner ruse, Měihóu opened her staff, revealing the scroll inside, which had these words in this black brushstrokes upon it, ~Nope, nothing so hackneyed, watch this.~

Měihóu twirled her staff-scroll around herself, momentarily obscuring herself from vision before revealing... Nothing. Měihóu seemed to be entirely gone. As the staff-scroll fell to the ground, half unrolled, words upon it read, ~Taaadaaaaa, just like magic! Anyway, just say my name or hit me against something really hard, and I'll show up. If you think a giant staff is a poor choice of items to surreptitiously carry, just name an item you'd prefer me to transform into instead. I can go as small as a slightly oversized needle, but that's my limit. I can also do people. Or small animals. But I don't see any pockets on your outfit, Titania, so I figure you didn't want a sugar glider in your pants.~

The staff scroll then bounced up into the air, twirled a bit, and Měihóu was back. And her scroll now read, ~Gee, and I thought I was good at alienating people.~ as she faced the whole Axon fiasco currently occuring.

@TheWindel@FrozenPhoenix

[TheWendil]

Axon could only watch as his heart was stopped and he was rendered helpless by the overwhelming might of a Knight of Ragnarok. It was pointless to resist and with what he had said... Bringing his problems into her life was hardly the proper thing to do. As she spoke and threatened his life, claiming to know his story and using it as leverage to turn him away again. But perhaps she was right, what was he to know of trust? His entire life had been spent spying, lying, and not trusting to quiet literally everybody save the one man he thought had the best interests in mind for the Imperium. Though having all of that stolen from him was hardly what he needed.

He continued to sit on the ground for a few moments in sullen silence before he started to get up saying to Asgard. "You're right. I don't know your life and I don't know what happened with Fei. I only know how she was born and what became of it because of that. Your child is your own and mine is my own. I wasted my chance and life." Once done he brushed the dust off of himself and looked over at the group with a hollow look on his visage.

"I wasted my chance and now she is using me for it. I don't work for her, like you I was enslaved and used, but unlike you I can't escape it. I don't have anybody to cut my strings and set me free." He continued before staying quiet and keeping his peace. His life was a lie and though she was abusive of her power, he wasn't better.

"You clearly don't understand anything, but I'm not going to bother to tell you dead men need no explanations, keep pushing your luck and that's what you'll be, within a very short order." Not even the mention to Axon's true motivation did much to move Asgard beyond a dispassionate glare she trained at him. "Do you think your words move me somehow? Have you any idea of how many have cried on their knees in front on me before? I've seen much more than you can ever hope to tolerate and carry a weight infinitely heavier, you won't get sympathy from me like that."

"If you want to prove yourself useful, get back to your feet and follow through your word. Maybe you'll find what you look for." As she said so, Asgard walked away, not even turning to assert of Axon's state. It wasn't like she had any sympathy for the spy, but he was an element that could be invaluable in avoiding the end of the world, so the Crimson Knight gave him one last chance of proving that he had any worth on him as she too went to do her part on this coming finale.

From Solanne's perspective, events were played just a little differently. Initially, she was very close to punch Axon through the wall after his little display in the bedroom and was near about to do just that. However, fate was indeed ironic as her sister was the one to react first. Solanne could only watch as Eleonor, no, Asgard, gave what was perhaps them most terrifying death threat she could muster. As Eleonor said her due , Solanne continued to stare at the sight of those two. Axon was either a brave soul or completely stupid for aggravating Asgard...but at least things seemed to be cooling down. Still, she had to make sure and so with a sigh, the Crimson Hound walked out of the chateu and kept herself at bay just in case a fight did break out between these two.

"So that's it... just another face. Of the hundreds you've executed I'm just another. Regardless of guilt, regardless of truth. Who I am ruins what I have to say. Tell me, how did it feel for you when you lost your freedom, lost your ability to act on your own, because something tells me it's close to what I'm feeling. The weight you carry is something I don't know, but you also don't know the weight I carry." He said, scowling at Asgard. "If I can't even be afforded a chance to speak then I can't be afforded a chance to help." With that he started to wait, watching for her reaction before he either found a chance to speak his intent or left.

The Crimson Hound also waited for her sister's reaction. The more he spoke, the more she had to agree with Axon given her own background. Did she not say the same thing to Eleonor back then when she had left the Imperium herself? Still, she was not going to intervene if there wasn't a reason to do so because that might fan the flames. And Solanne knew a thing or two about fanning flames. So she continued to keep a careful eye on Eleonor all the same while giving a nod to Axon.

"Again you are mistaken." Asgard stopped to listen to Axon one last time before going back to her obligations. "Well, not on everything, dispatching you would not mar my consciousness in the least. Speak what you have to say, but be quick, we don't have the luxury of time. Let us see what your 'help' can accomplish." Asgard crossed her arm under her bust and faced Axon with a disinterested expression as she waited for him to spew whatever sad dog tale he had to say.

"I don't see the point in telling you my tale. It would just waste time. You gave Fei a chance to speak to you and then when it came down to tacts it fell apart. She needs an answer and by the look of things she needs it soon. So for all of our sakes go to her." He said, turning away to see Solanne before turning away heading for the exit once again, "My team needs me." Was all he said before he calmly began to walk out of the room to meet up with his soon to be companions.

Asgard's reaction was inappropriate, but so was his initial statement. Regardless her methods are at the end of the day her's and if she doesn't choose to listen then it doesn't matter what she does with her child or what her child decides to do with her...

Heading outside his face quickly changed back to his jovial expression and he ran out to meet with the two women he'd be traveling with, speaking up to say, "Sorry about the delay. Let's get going."

---

@The 42nd Gecko, @KoL