S2:CH6

"The chaos seemed very intense. But at the same time, fully planned and well executed."

A Town Watch soldier reported to Lucille, as they both looked at the issue at hand. Thomas was very reluctant to help, but knew that he could not do anything.The Red Blood Regiment was about to return to Ravena in any day now. But this is her sister that they're talking about. She needed more help than ever.

"Don't worry kid. We'll find her." A town watch soldier said.

-----

"Mister Osiris, they're ready."

The sound coming from Lady Dawn Sitia from the Sovereign University of Vendeaux was heard as she greeted Kindred at the doors of the academy. She was wearing a simple, yet elegant dress, infused with Karthusian and Ravenian design. Her fashion sense after all, was considered to be 'more lavish' than the average Karthusian. Kindred greeted her as well with a handshake. As they both held hands, Kindred responded.

"Well I suppose to hope that I could teach Porthosian Philosophy without getting them off the topic. Have you received my letters?"

"Well yes Mr. Osiris. I find it enjoyable that you've volunteered to help the University. It's a rare sight to see a fellow intellectual in such a.... physical field."

Kindred laughed a bit. Karthusians do indeed value intelligence over strength, and they have a reputation to look down upon jobs that do not require certain analytical skills or any mental fortitude. While smiling, the general replied...

"Please, call me Kindred. Not all soldiers are dumb milady, with all due respect. And I would even show it to you if you'd like. I heard Karthusians value men with intellect."

Lady Dawn then looked at him in a bit of surprise, as Kindred's smirk is seen. They would both laugh at this however, as Dawn would reply by saying...

"Oh please. It is like I have the time for this matter. Although I appreciate your offer."

Along with this However, Kindred saw Durinus - a member of the White Knights. They should be in the castle protecting the Royal Family, but they were in the lecture for some reason? This was not supposed to be their regiment's job, but Kindred asked kept on thinking.

"Alright, today, we will talk about Vesuvius of Porthos, and how his Philosophy changed how we think of our solutions and problems. Open your notebooks and texts to page 67, and we shall be talking about Artifex Rationalitate, or the 'Artist of Rationality' by Vesuvius Pericles himself, and how irrationality leads to chaos and destruction."

The students continually listened, and one of their known scholars, Ms. Vivian, was intently listening, raised her hand, then asked a question...

"But didn't Vesuvius continually questioned how rationality leads to equal destruction as well?"

Kindred was surprised, but was glad to find very intelligent students in the field. He smiled, and said...

"Yes, too much rationality leads to too little compassion, while an absence of rationality with too much compassion, leads to utter naivety and recklessness." The general said. "It's a conundrum that the philosopher had for quite some time. And we will tackle it on future lessons. But for now, let's talk about why Vesuvius said rationality is important."

Kindred began to teach and explain why having an objective mind keeps us away from being clouded by societal traditions and norms, that some may see as hindrances. talking about rationality as a universal attitude in order to strive for peace, and better solutions. Then proceeded to talk how rationality can be used to go against the values mentioned earlier. Thomas was also there. He was sad, but he decided to listen. He may have not understood much of the lecture, but he understood the lecture on the importance of rationality.

And that gave him an idea...

Kindred then directly said while Uri scattered to run towards his bleeding comrade. Kindred looked in shock as the arm was swollen, while Uri's magical healing magic stopped the wound for a bit. "Bring him to the infirmary. Tiffany can take care of the rest from there." The red general said.

Kindred then called on General Kyle to follow him as they were about to assault this camp, along with some other members like Sir Pericard and Lady Ailyn. As they moved, they arrived at a camp full of wooden spikes and watchtowers. And as they approached, they laid low. There they set up their plan while scouting the area so that they can have a coordinated attack on the base.

-------

Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Uri carried Jim and put him in one of the beds, where Tiffany was there to treat him. It was a while since he saw Tiffany. But she was not as active anymore in the field as she was now handling the patients in the infirmary more. And as Uri greeted her and had some small conversation after, he went out to go back to his post. There he saw Morticia moving out of the castle, and into the town, seeming to be looking for something. But then he also saw 2 other people who seemed to be following her, jumping from building to building. He thought about it for some time.

Maybe it's the Black Valkyrie? No, it can't be. They do not usually spy on our comrades unless they made a grave mistake, in which the Red Blood Regiment would immediately take action. But if it wasn't the Black Valkyries, then...

Oh no...

The field medic ran and followed her for a while. Until they stopped when she was called by a person, who had petals floating around her head, with a fashion sense similar to that of Vontur, but more colorful, and with a cap that was unbeknownst to him. There also seemed to be a man with her, in a similar style of fashion. But he seemed to only be in the background as the 2 people who were speaking were the ones that were on the center stage. Uri looked up and saw the grey skies forming, signalling that it was about to rain. As he laid low to know who these new people were, the 2 girls' conversation was then interrupted by an arrow missing the petalled woman by only a slight margin.

A charge by a small squad of Aeryth members was then seen coming from the people. 3 eagles transformed into humans and held Morticia. Livestocked animals began to jump out of the sides to transform and attack the other woman. The man accompanying him was interupted by another 3 warriors running towards him with axes. Uri then quickly moved towards the fight to try to keep the enemies off Morticia. 

The Clan members saw Uri and fired their arrows at him. 4 enemies quickly attacked the girl. But it seemed that she was too skilled and quickly killed one before it even took a stance to strike. For her vantage point, only 3 people remained. They then ran towards Uri who was horrified to fight 4 people at once.

"Come on! He's not who we came for!" one member said.

Two of the 4 members fell back to focus on the petalled girl, the man, and Morticia. But the others were really persistent. Uri then used a small flame spell to distract the first attacker. He knew, even at this stage, he wasn't prepared to fight two at once.

As the second attacker slashed left, he jumped back and used his staff to hit the man on the head. And as the first attacker dealt with the fire, he then used his sword to slash him again. Uri would use this moment to lunge forward to dodge both of their attacks. He then casted a smokescreen in order to blind the two. And as one would emerge from it, Uri would already be there to strike him using dark magic. However, he stopped.

This would be the first time, in his life in Karthus that he would use, in his time at the Red Blood Regiment, the arts of dark magic. As the rebel rubbed his eyes while coughing to clear some smoke, he was met with a staff pointed at him, turning black. He looked at Uri, who was very hesitant. He was a bit confused, but anger englufed his judgement. He suddenly moved and shouted "He's on me!" which made Uri act quick and execute him. The rebel's head exploded and his head turned to sudden black ash. Uri's eyes would widen at the shock of his action. But then a sharp sound filled the air. An arrow then flew out of the smoke. Time suddenly stopped for him, and he realized he couldn't breathe. There was a sudden painful sting in his neck, and as he grasped it, he stumbled upon a hard wooden shaft. He then instinctly used his healing magic in an attempt to heal himself, but it was no use.

He struggled to breathe and even move as he couldn't do anything to remove the arrow stuck through his neck. As the smoke cleared, a rebel holding a bow and arrow appeared. He then put his bow along his back, before unsheathing his sword. As the rebel moved towards him, Uri heard some silent running steps  towards his position. It was coming from the nearby bushes. Before he closed his eyes, he then saw the same person who was with Morticia, with a blade, quickly lunging towards the enemy and slicing the rebel's torso clean. Uri would not close his eyes. But he stopped moving, just after this warrior came to him.

"A brave one." She said.

Morticia looked around, and the fox was right. The only way to escape is to buy time to see more of her options. "Now." The fox said. "I know the ways of this wretched army of yours. I know their ways of trying to oppress the weak, while keeping the Magrins in power. However, you are the adviser of the general, so you have knowledge of the innocents you slaughter."

Morticia was shocked. She didn't know what her enemy was talking about. It was as if they lived in completely different worlds. From her point of view, she thought that it was the Clan of Aeryth killing the innocents. But now, she is hearing something different? The fox then continued, and what she said shocked Morticia. "Along with my mother, who you decided to kidnap." 

“I didn’t… I didn’t do any of this. LET ME GO!” 

Morticia shouted straight at her captor’s face. Ebony however, was surprised at how mad Morticia was. As Ebony walked over to Morticia, who was still hoisted down on the ground, she smiled looking at how much impact the situation had on Mort’. Ebony pulled out her dagger, pointing it at Morticia's throat. Only to rip apart Morticia's scarf and throw it away. In the corner of her eyes however, she saw the eye-catching amethyst stone at the edge of the dagger’s handle. She then looked Ebony straight in her eyes. Not showing fear, rather showing anger and disappointment.

“You say one more word, and this will be your throat”

Letting out a scoff, “You’re gonna regret this. Every. Single. Part. Of this.” Morticia said, struggling to speak as she was filled with drowsiness. One of the shapeshifters that earlier dragged her, soon came walking towards her, his hood darkening his face, but his body spoke anger. Before Morticia could even lift her head up, she saw the shadow covering her. It was another shapeshifter towering over her. The shapeshifter raised up his leg and soon kicked her torso with so much strength. Regardless of how fatigued Morticia was, those shapeshifters would never show mercy. To them, she was just another scum that enabled genocide against their kind. To Morticia,  that’s not what had happened back in Ravena. Ebony on the other hand, just didn’t like how the shapeshifter took action.

“How can you be so foolish. I told you, do not hurt her. Go guard the entrance for goodness’ sake.”

She shook her head in disappointment, and rather chose for him to stay away from Morticia. She had already suffered enough. Ebony looked back at Morticia, who was still in pain from the comrade’s kick. All of a sudden, the fox and some of the shapeshifters who were inside the cave heard noises of weapons clashing and cries of soldiers coming from the entrance of the cave. They moved off to check upon what was happening. Morticia looked at this but didn't know what was going on, she rather cared about escaping this living hell. All she could do was resist against the ropes, which didn't help. Not at all, in fact, it caused Morticia to get more exhausted and irritated than she already was. She lifted her head, looking at how the area was getting cleared from the shapeshifters. As she rested her head back down, she let out a whisper.

"Why don't you believe me..."

Meanwhile, at the cave's entrance, Ebony approached the two figures. The two who just made their way through a group of shapeshifters that were guarding the entrance, with no scratch whatsoever. It only took a few seconds for the fox lady to know who it was. The girl was named Tana, also known as The Evangel. And accompanying her was Ray. The woman and man were known in some parts of Selyria. And now they were here, in front of Ebony. 

Tana attempted to scan the area, in search of Morticia, whom she had no sight of. Ebony however, looking at the two, manifested fear throughout her body. She readied herself for combat, but gained something else in return.

"You're troubled, aren't you?" Tana asked, her soothing voice echoing through the cave.

"W-What?" Ebony stutters a tiny bit, angered and stressed out in the pickle she finds herself in.

"I know you are. Deep inside you're scared, because you know I'm the one that Chrysalia spoke of." 

Ebony glared, narrowing her eyes at Tana's own. She knew how powerful these people were. And it would be stupid enough to try to stop 2 people who killed an entire squad by themselves.

"Ebony." Tana spoke, having overheard Ebony's name being mentioned in the forest earlier.

"What."

Tana neared her collectedly, while Ray watched the both of them closely. 

"Relax. I didn't come here to enact my revenge on you. When I see a troubled soul, I reach out to comfort."

Ebony glanced down at the floor, "Y-You. . Aren't going to fight me?"

"Why would I? You're not deserving of death, no matter the sins you've made."

The two continued to talk for quite some time, before Tana left. Ray preferably made sure to stay and watch upon Ebony to make sure she doesn't do anything funny. As the fox was distracted , thinking about what the Eva' had told her, Ray quickly formed into a black puddle. (THE BOLD TEXT IS RETCONNED)

In the meantime, Tana had made her way into the forests, in an attempt to get the leader of the Aeryth clan and get back to the cave. However, the woman never returned. But another woman seemed to replace her. And her name would be known as Mythril.

As Mythril made her way into the dark and quiet forests, arriving to where she kept Ichikari tied up. As she took her, tied up to a wagon that she took hold of, Ichikari was still fallen unconscious. 

The woman made her way back into the cave, sensing her cephei (her weapon) was still there. Leaving Ichikari near the entrance, she walked inside, not seeing anyone in the cave. She walked around, observing the area. It took her a while to find where the shapeshifters kept Morticia tied up.

------- 

Morticia shuffled about, attempting to dislodge herself from the ropes binding her down in a seated position, yet she failed to do so as Ebony had tightened the ropes a little too hard for comfort. 

Yet, something strange happened. . The feeling of immense anger and annoyance was replaced with a melancholic confusion, and a peaceful silence, as more tears drooled down her face, and Morticia saw a hooded figure tower above herself. 

"Hi there..." 

The cloaked individual spoke up, a feminine voice echoing through the cave, with their face obscured by the harsh shadows her hood gave. A faint sparkle of electricity giving away a more mysterious feel to them. Morticia looked on, with an intense feel of relief at this person, though she wasn’t sure if they were trustworthy, all she wanted was her scarf back, because it meant the world to her.

Her emotional lips let out a scoff in disgust, as her eyes spotted the half-torn scarf in the hooded individual’s grip. She tried holding on from losing herself, wanting to scream bloody murder at this intimidating stranger gently holding her scarf, as she attempted to release herself but failing as usual. However she felt a warm embrace of affection as she felt the scarf wrapping around her neck once again. 

More tears drooled down her face as a result, she couldn't hold them in. Yet all she felt was the soft touch of the Evangel's fingers running down against her face, wiping away her tears in an attempt of clearing her mind from all the frustration the situation brought.

"Relax."

Soft-spoken, and caring, with each moment dragging by, Mythril gave Morticia a glance into her light blue eyes. Mythril's own shining a bright azure blue hue. The Eldritch Horror infront of her gave Morticia a reassuring smile, breaking eye contact momentarily to glance elsewhere. Upon glancing back, and with a quick motion of her fingers, the ropes hoisting Morticia to the pillar were released though Mort' fell into the Eva's arms, too weakened to do much at all. Mythril accepted this graciously, wrapping her own arms tightly around Morticia's torso and arms into a bear hug, as she arose onto her feet.

Morticia feeling too comfortable in the hug, she almost had her mind off something too important. 

“W- w- wait… where’s the others?”

Morticia stammered, shifting her eyes scanning the area surrounding her, there wasn’t much to be seen. The frustration filled her, her breathing pattern grew unbalanced. As she looked to the woman, she gained a response she was not ready for. The woman replied.

"Your comrades are fine. They're currently in a mission. The other regiments are also busy." She said. She then shifted her head to the entrance, and continued by saying "And they're finding a spot to bury Uri."

“N- no,” Mort’s state of denial was taking over her thoughts. “He didn- he didn’t die, did he?”

“I’m sorry.” Mythril pulled in Morticia for a tight hug, wrapping her hands around. Before allowing her to break down, letting all her emotions out. 

He didn’t deserve to die, he had a family, he had kids. I had no one. Why would he do this?

“You’re fine.” Mythril’s soft voice broke through Morticia’s thoughts. Her voice too calm, allowing Morticia to release the tension her mind was drained by. Mythril leaned her head on Mort’s. It was like a thoughtful mother’s hug. A hug Mort’ hasn’t felt in too long. She let out a deep exhale, releasing all the emotions and thinking that always filled her mind, draining her this whole time. 

“Why are you helping me?” Morticia broke the hug with just a few words. Her curiosity couldn’t allow her to comprehend how the woman even got into this place. 

“I’m the one who needs your help.” The woman spoke up. Morticia lifted up her head however, she wasn’t sure what this new person meant by this.

“What?” Morticia groaned, how could her rescuer possibly need her help?

“Do you remember me? I’m the evangel” The woman said. And as Morticia heard this, her eyes widened a bit. The Evangel, the same title known to Tana, and now, it's the same as the woman holding her now?

"Wait! You're that lady from before? But you look different. ."

“I don’t have time to explain now. You’re a red blood soldier, is that right?”

“Uh… yes, yes I am. Why are you asking?”

“I have the leader of Aeryth, I believe her people call her-” 

“Crescentia!?” Mort’ spoke upon Mythril’s statement, rather switching it into a question.

“Ichikari, but I heard some call her that too.”

“I still don't get it... Why are you telling me this?”

“I need to negotiate peace with your leader.” The Evangel had finally stated her point. Mort’ however, seemed too frustrated to know what to do.

“Kindred? The red general?”

“I suppose so, yes.”

“So yo- you want peace between our regiments... I believe Kindred would be the one you have to talk to.”

“Would you mind taking me to him?”

“Ah yes. Yes, of course. I think I know where he might be.”

Morticia was now released from the ropes that were holding her down to the pillars. She placed her hands on the ground, trying to support her weakened body. Morticia however, insisted on getting up, but she wasn't in good form. Placing her knees on the ground, looking down, she let out a grunt. Soon after, Morticia collapsed on Mythril. She was absolutely drained, the amount of pain she was feeling was immeasurable. 

"I- I'm fine" 

Morticia knew damn well that she wasn't, but she refused to believe so. She definitely was still mad at what the shapeshifters did to her. 

"Hey hey, don't force it. I've got you." 

Mythril's soothing voice calmed Mort' down, she now had her arms around Mort's back, supporting her exhausted body. Morticia gulped, her body still recovering from the tormenting it experienced. Morticia nodded at Myth', she felt safe with her. She had no one else to support her at this instance anyway.

They both made their way to the entrance of the cave. Morticia’s eyes gazed in conflict at the shapeshifter tied to the wagon, it was Ichikari. The same person who ordered her men to attack the kingdom. The same person who made the red general fall for her, and ended up betraying that same regiment. The same person that ordered her soldiers to kill thousands of innocent people. The same person who’s now tied up… to a wagon. All weak and vulnerable. Morticia looked at Ichikari, seeing her all beaten and tied up. It made her think that the person that helped her, the Evangel, seemed absolutely powerful… in comparison to the primal shapeshifter at least. She had a feeling that this idea might not be the best, but she was too exhausted to make any decisions at this instance. The Evangel however, seemed to be ready to follow Morticia along the way. Mort’, taking in a deep breath, looking at Ichikari then at Mythril. She really hoped that what she was doing wouldn’t make her feel any guilt in the future. As she nodded at Myth’, she led the way alongside the Eva’. 

Seeing the Black Valkyrie Regiment, and the Town Watch Regiment from afar, Mort’ looked at the Eva’. She gulped, fearing what her comrades might do, but she tried to seem calm about the situation. As they were getting closer, some of the soldiers were able to identify who it was.

“Is that the advisor?”

“Look over there… this person is wearing the reds' uniform.”

As more and more soldiers started realizing. Her pain was instead replaced with relief. Although it was just until she saw some of the soldiers acting too quickly. Some soldiers were drawing out their weapons, thinking Morticia was in some sort of danger. What they lacked knowledge about was the fact that Morticia wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t for Mythril. More soldiers got into a defense position. Morticia, in response to this, stepped up in front of the Evangel and Ichikari.

---------

"But not this." He continued.

As he finished that sentence, soldiers from the Black Valkyrie Regiment came in and told Kindred that they saw Morticia all wounded. The red general suddenly gave the body of Kyle to the doctors and dashed outside.

“Don’t…” she took in a breath before she could continue, “please.” It wasn’t the Evangel she was worried about, rather the comrades. She was indeed aware that this human-like being that helped her was almost as powerful as a whole squadron. Maybe even stronger.

She looked at all the soldiers surrounding her, pointing away their weapons. One after the other. 

“Where’s Kindr-”

“Morticia?!” Kindred walked out of the grounds, surprised to see Morticia covered in bruises. He walked over to her, confused on why all his comrades were surrounding the place with their weapons in hand.

Morticia, seeing this, walked over to Kindred. She could barely move anymore, but the problem distracted her a little too much to think about the pain her body endured. 

“It’s her… the- the lady I told you about, with petals. It’s her. I- I was right when I told you there was a cause behind her. She… she wants to talk to you… about peace, between the regime-” Morticia whispered to Kindred, but got interrupted by him, who clearly saw how frustrated and fatigued she was. She fell down, but Kindred catched her and said...

“Woah calm down. Who did this to you? Let's do this one step at a time alright?” Kindred seeing the hell of a mess Morticia was in, tried to understand what was going on. As the advisor slowly calmed down and assessed the situation, she then said...

“Kindred, the lady. She needs to talk to you. She has Ichikari. Figured you might want to know what she’s asking from you. She needs us to maintain peace between all the regiments… that includes Aeryth.” Morticia explained the situation, this time with a calmer tone. As Mythril reached from behind her, still holding on to the wagon ichi’ was tied up to. Mort’ however walked away from the two to allow them to speak about this matter.

“Kindred, I suppose?” Mythril looked at the man she guessed was the general.

"That's me, yes." The General nonchalantly replied, his hands signalling to the others to get Morticia as his eyes glared down the cloaked Mythril, staring into her azure blue eyes. He shuffled his posture about, waving his hand to gesture at his men to lower their weapons.

"I see." The Evangel replied, motioning both her hands over to take off the black hood concealing her face in shadows as she dropped the wagon gently down upon the grass beneath them.

“May I speak to you… in private, please?” The Evangel, waiting to gain a reply, calmly asked the red general.

“hmmm...” Kindred let out. Looking at Morticia to his side, who was adjusting herself on the ground while her comrades accompanied her, trying to rest her body. As she looked back at him, seeing how hesitant he was in trusting her, she nodded as a signal for him to talk to her. 

“Of course.” 

Kindred said, then at his comrades, lifting up his hand to redirect them away from the two. Morticia stayed rather, she was unable to move, but it wasn’t as if it would bother the two. She already knew why the Evangel was here. Kindred, now looking at the Evangel, his face seemed questioning. He knew that it was something important, but it was too early to make fair judgements.

"So tell me about the Royal Army." The Evangel said as she looked into Kindred's brown eyes.

The general explained that the Kingdom of Ravena onced stood for the people, but several secrets would show that this was not actually not true. When she asked what the examples were, he only said...

"I do not wish to meddle in this kind of politics anymore. That was in the past. If you're asking for political history, we have the library. All I care now is how I can have a great strategy in helping the people."

"So it is true..." She said. slowly shifting her body foward.  Kindred was a bit puzzled and asked...

"Pardon?"

"You're the honest soul prophesied." She answered.

Kindred chuckled at this, almost laughing. He then said. "Yes. And I guess I'm the second coming of our lord and savior. With all due respect however, I think you're mistaken. I'm just a general. Nothing less, nothing more. Certainly i've got nothing to do with prophecies."

"Oh please, it's hilarious how you're trying to prove something with no evidence whatsoever. Hell i've been looking for this soul for quite some time now, and here he is, Right in front of me." The two had a good chuckle about it for a bit.

Morticia, now mostly collected and calm, made her way to where she guessed the Evangel and Kindred were. His house. As she got closer, she realized that the front door was unlocked.

"That's odd, he must've forgotten to close it." the advisor said.

As she made her way in, she saw Kindred talking with the Evangel. While Cres' seemed to be resting somewhere else in the house.

"I guess my deed has been fulfilled, I shall leave now." The Evangel said.

"Wait!" Morticia unhesitatingly let out, "Thank you for saving me." she smiled at the Evangel, who seemed more than happy that she was able to save her.

Now the Evangel had left. It was just Kindred and Morticia, who was still standing at the entrance ramp.