"Hey, don't worry," Ethan told her as another earthquake rocked the city, threatening to bring the building's structure down around them. Lorei was sitting on the floor, huddled in a doorway of the townhouse, knees hugged tightly to her chest and clutching the stuffed doll she always carried. Ethan was knelt over her, using his body to shield her from falling debris. "We'll make it out of this."

"I-I'm not worried," the girl said quietly, barely over the sound of the chaos outside.

"Aleks and Khione... they'll be back any minute now." But even as he said it, Ethan had to silently admit that the odds were pretty slim. A devil-god was attacking the city, and not even the Collegium seemed to be able to do anything about it. Most of the sleepers, those that weren't trying to flee Aspire in panic, had retreated indoors to pray to the gods for some kind of intervention on their behalfs. If only they knew...

"I'm not worried," Lorei whispered again.

November 24, 2312, 7:00 P.M.
Sorcery Collegium, Budapest


The portal of light closed around him, and Aleks found himself in familiar surroundings.

He was standing in his old room at the Sorcery Collegium, Budapest campus. Where he first awoke from stasis, and where his journey had begun. Khione was still unconscious.

Relief washed over Aleks as he stepped through the portal. It was a strange yet nostalgic feeling seeing the room he had awakened from stasis in. Where he had learned that he had finally Awakened and trained to become a paladin.

He gently let go of Chloris' forearm, as he walked over to the bed. He very cautiously laid Khione's body on top of the comforter; his eyes stung as he looked down at the blistered and battered body of his closest, most beloved friend. He carefully situated her body, before he reached up to brush hair out of her face. He bent down low and kissed her lovingly on her forehead; his lips lingered for a few moments. She had saved him from utter obliteration, and he needed to see to her safety and care.

"I love you... sis," he whispered into her hair.

He let out a long breath before he righted himself and walked over to the other injured woman. He hadn't meant to be callous when he just left her on the floor, but he had his priorities and Khione came first. He picked up the pink-haired woman, carried her to the bed, and laid her down so that her head was at the opposite end of the bed.

Aleks then walked over to his old desk, slumped into the chair, put his elbows onto the desk and his head into his hands. He wanted... no, he needed a long rest, but there was still so much that had to be done; however, he waited a few minutes absorbing everything that had happened in such a short time. He had been through the wringer... physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Aleks needed to think. He was back where he had Awakened, where he had been sent on his quest which Aleks believed to have been initiated by Jadesong in his game to get Khione and achieve apotheosis. And Khione's mentor, the Archmagister of Sorcery Collegium Aspire Branch, was working with Jadesong, but did that mean that those in the Budapest Branch would ally with him or would they fight against him? And if they didn't know about what Tomlin was doing, would they believe their story?

So many questions left unanswered. All Aleks knew was that those two on the bed needed healing, which Aleks could no longer provide given the fact that he wasn't a Mage anymore and subsequently, could no longer improvise magicks as he once had. He also needed to check on his other friends: Ethan, Chalice, Lorei, Lamia, and by extension Dawn, Kara, and Rowan. He only had means of contacting Ethan, for that was the only person's contact info he had on his comm-link. What to do... what to do?

He would have to take the risk and venture out into the school to seek out help, but he would quickly send a message to Ethan to discern the fate of a few of those he worried about.

He sent a message to Ethan's mail:


"Ethan,
     Are you all right? Have you seen or heard from Chalice, Lorei, or Rowan? We managed to kill Jadesong, a.k.a. Bael-Shiva, but Khione, her brother, and her friend that came to help are badly injured. In case you don't know or those fighting against the attack on Aspire don't know, it is Archmagister Tomlin that is behind it on the former Prince's orders. I was ported back to Budapest. Msg me, ASAP!
     --Aleks"


Aleks heaved another heavy sigh as he waited for a reply but then, he thought about Lamia. He said aloud, "Lamia? Are you there? Are you still keeping an eye on us?"

There is no response from Lamia, but after a few moments, Aleks does receive a reply from Ethan.

"I'm with Lorei, we're ok. I haven't heard from the princess, but it's crazy over here, you don't even know! It's like somebody opened up the gates of Hell! The Collegium campus is bad. We're in the middle of it. HELP!"

Aleks read the message from Ethan and replied:

"What do you want me to do? I am almost 4,000 miles away from you. What are you and Lorei going to do? Is she all right? I have to see about getting Khione, Chloris, and Calais healed because I can't improvise craft anymore."

He waited for a reply, but he knew he wouldn't be able to message too much longer because he had a more important task...

There is no response...

Aleks didn't know many people at the S.C., Budapest, but he did remember the Headmaster, Archmagister Fenwick. Nice enough fellow, if a bit mysterious. Most of his dealings had been with Khione, not Aleks directly.

"Dammit!" Aleks exclaimed after waiting a couple minutes for a response from Ethan.

There was nothing for it but to venture out into the Sorcery Collegium. There was a chance that they were working with Tomlin or that they wouldn't believe him or that when they saw Khione and the others injured as they were, that they would take advantage for any unknown myriad of reasons. But all that didn't matter because his only option was to get them healed and see about getting assistance to Aspire. And no matter how exhausted Aleks was, there was work to be done and he would see it so.

The first few months after his awakening, had been a haze of explanations, lessons, and training, but none that he had interacted with stood out as a source of help. Only Khione had gotten close to him, had earned his trust and made him felt like she cared about his well-being. His only avenue available was to speak with the headmaster.

He went back over to the girls after gathering another blanket from a wardrobe and laid it across them. He looked into Khione's face and brushed her hair outwards, once more, before kissing her on the forehead. "I love you..." he whispered to his prone mentor lying there.

He had very quickly regained all his mana, and utilized a portion to cast his Self Healing rote. He was fully restored, and was about to walk out of the room when he saw his reflection in his wall mirror. Perhaps being shirtless and looking battleworn is not the best way to make my entrance back into S.C. Budapest, he thought to himself.

He went back to his wardrobe to look for something to wear, but there wasn't much in there with the exception of a single garment bag. And when Aleks looked at it, it brought back one of the most warm memories he had of Khione...

---

It was a particularly long day of training, only a few weeks before Khione and Aleks had left S.C. Budapest and arrived in Renki Village, and it had been so not because of the instructor but at the student's behest. It had been used to hone sword techniques and tactical utilization of Battlecraft.

It was wearing late into the evening hours and neither student nor teacher had eaten. Finally, Khione sheathed her sword, "I think that's enough training for today, Aleksandr." The poor lad was covered in sweat having tried and barely managed to keep up with his instructor. She had been able to weave Craft and swordplay seamlessly into one another, while Aleks still had many hiccups and stutters in his demonstration. He was bent over panting after a particularly arduous flurry of strikes between the two.

"Wait... I, ugh-ugh," still panting, "can still go on. I want to try the Spellsword-imbued Rising Crescent into the back layout with the Telekinetic Strike as I land, again. I think I've almost got it." He begged his paladin trainer.

Khione gave him an appraising look before she replied, "No... we are through for today. I think we should get cleaned up and go out into the town and have some dinner, my tre--."

Aleks cut her off, "No, I really want to get this done right before--." It was Aleks' turn to be cut off mid sentence as he all but whined.

In a commanding but slightly terse, raised voice Khione said, "Aleks! We. Are. Done." On many occasions she had noted the boy's wanton disregard for his well-being for the sake of, in his words "to get stronger and more powerful." She knew what the desire was borne of and could even understand it, but she knew his obsession and disregard for his and by extension her safety was unhealthy and would lead to far more dangerous places if left unchecked. A look of concern met her eyes as she slowly walked forward and put her hand on his shoulder, "You're slowing down, your footwork was off, and your sword arm is dragging. Aleks, you are exhausted and if you were to attempt that in your state, you are likely to layout and land squarely on your head, breaking your neck. You need rest and you need food. You want to become stronger, and I can understand why, but that desire must be tempered with reason and restraint. Do you understand?"

She was right of course and Aleks knew it. He had been about to retort, but he stopped himself. Khione was the only one that had been able to reach him and to work with him as hard as he liked. He was probably overly-ambitious but not so much so that he would lose what he had started to gain with her... friendship. He heaved a long sigh before admitting, "You're right. I'm sorry. But I'll just get something from the cafeteria and eat in my room." It was still hard for Aleks to be around so many people; especially, when he thought about going out into a city. It frightened him. He really hadn't communicated with the other students and when it came to teachers, outside of replying to questions and asking about assignments, it was the same. It had only been Khione that had made it through his walls and even he, didn't fully understand why.

Khione, too, noticed his separation from the outside world. That coupled with his obsession with becoming stronger and willingness to do almost anything would take him to dark places if someone didn't step in. On several occasions, she had tried to get him off of campus, but it had yet to work. "Aleks, eventually, you're going to have to leave this campus, interact with other people besides me, get a job to support yourself, and a myriad of other things that will require you to be sociable. You say that you want to get stronger to protect people. But how can you do that when you won't even speak to other people? So do you want to protect people or are you just getting stronger for revenge? A revenge that you are likely to never achieve. Where will all that energy go? And will it always be to do the right thing?"

Aleks only stood there, soaking up her words. Again, she was right, which is why Aleks had no response. His head hung low, feeling totally defeated while exhausted and like he had failed the only person that he would dare call something even remotely close to friend since he had awakened from his stasis. He nodded and tears came intermingling with the sweat on his face.

Khione reached down gently and lifted his chin with her thumb and forefinger. She spoke softly, "There'll be none of that. I only say what I do to prepare you and protect you. I am your instructor and mentor, I'm just looking out for your best interests. And in that vain, I have an assignment and a present for you." Khione walked across the gymnasium floor towards an office space while telling him, "Every day, I want you to make the effort to speak to someone new. There will be no more eating in your room. You will eat in the cafeteria or out in the open."  She reached into a trunk and hoisted something out of it.

Aleks watched her carrying what looked to be a heavy garment bag towards him.

"Your birthday is in a little over two months, yes? Well, I got you an early birthday present. You will wear this when we go out for your birthday. Because I am taking you out and you will go. You will be able to socialize with people and you will have fun. If you would like me to remain your mentor, then you will do all these things. Am I understood?" She asked with a tone of finality.

She handed over the garment bag to Aleks. It was an odd sight to see, Aleks' face, because anyone could see the many conflicting emotions that ran through him. He was frightened by his taskings, he wanted to be obstinate but realized it was for his own good, disbelief in the fact that someone cared enough about him to do what she was doing, and joy that presented itself in the form of smile and tears at having received his first, real birthday present.

From that day forward at the Collegium, he did as he was told. He slowly came out of that shell and opened up gradually into the being that he would become...

---

After Aleks came back to himself from his memories, he was dressed in the outfit that Khione had bought for him. In the bag, had been a note explaining that it was an outfit from the Element clothing line which had several enchantments on it and that it was a very retro club couture outfit that was popular in the area. It also explained that Khione had noticed his affinity for thunderstorms, Japanese Shinto culture, and samurai; the outfit reflected these tastes perfectly.

The outfit consisted of: a black mock-turtleneck, sleeveless tight muscle shirt with an enchantment that caused the effect of looking as if storm clouds and lightning moved along the fabric; there was a long strip of fabric that originated at the collarbone on the left side to be hung over the shoulder like his Storm Warden scarf but could be clipped over his head on the right side to form a makeshift hood that would stay perfectly fitted to not obscure vision and trail airily behind the wearer. There was a stomach guard that looked to be made of carbon fiber, kevlar, and precious silvery metal that covered the entirety of stomach and lower back until right under his chest. He also wore a pair of black, semi-wide legged Hakama pants that sported the same enchantment as the shirt. With black and silver Samurai chain flat sandals that are enchanted to have hardened bottoms to prevent injury. And lastly, he had separated sleeves which were banded right underneath his deltoids and a second time immediately above his elbow with wide ends that billowed out just over his wrists. It was a very ostentatious outfit, something old Aleks would have never worn, but the way he was at that moment, it fit perfectly.

It was truly befitting the avatar of Susano'O; Khione had good taste and almost verged on prophetic. Aleks stood there looking in his mirror, taking it all in. It was the first time, he looked at himself and felt something akin to whole. In that second, he did a double take and had to step closer to make sure his eyes hadn't deceived him. His eyes hadn't played tricks on him, stubble was growing all over his head including where the sine had been. Aleks just smiled and made his way out of the room, on his way to see the Headmaster Fenwick...



OoC
*Expended 1 pt of mana
*11:45, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 4 successes using 10d10. {Self Healing].

Aleksandr was able to navigate his way through the historic barracks and through the castle, to the archmagister's tower. Every now and then he got an odd look from a collegium wizard, but his trek went without incident. Before long, he was in the waiting room, where a prim looking young wizard sat behind a desk, sorting through paperwork.

"May I help you?" he asked politely, sparing a glance up from his work.

Aleks looked at the young man behind the desk and stated concisely, "I am Aleksandr Nigil, and I need to speak with the Headmaster urgently. It is very important that I speak to him as soon as possible."

He stood there expecting a flippant response or hemming and hawing about how busy the Headmaster was...

"I'm sorry, but Archmagister Fenwick is in a meeting at this time," the fellow stated. "Would you like to make an appointment?"

Aleks bent low and put his hands on the edge of the desk, gripping it tightly to keep himself from grabbing the secretary by his shirt and throwing him against the wall. Aleks leaned in and said slowly and calmly, "It is an emergency. I was sent on a mission by the Headmaster and something very baaaaaad is happening. I need you to let him know that it concerns Khione, Prince Eurus, the Princess, and many other important people. I need to speak with him, now."

Aleks did his best to keep calm wall holding back the flood and attempted to use a tone to impress upon the urgency of his issue...

The lad looked up, a frown on his face. "Again, I'm sorry, but Archmagister Fenwick is in a very important meeting with Archmagister Tomlin from Aspire. If it's so important, then I'm certain that they are discussing the matter as we speak," he replied curtly.

"Now, would you like to make an appointment?"

Aleks face paled immediately after what the secretary had just relayed to him. His fears were made manifest and again, he was in a position with seconds to make a decision. Tomlin was there either talking with a co-conspirator or was there trying to bring him over to his side. He had to get help for Khione, Chloris, and Calais soon, but it was a possibility that Headmaster Fenwick was in danger. Aleks could look for a healer or barge into the meeting to confront Tomlin but if Fenwick is already on his side, that is two wizards against one newbie Sleepwalker. He had to make a decision.

The question that ran through Aleks' mind was: Was Fenwick a pawn or a bishop? It was in fact Fenwick that had sent Khione and Aleks out on his initial foray at the behest of Jadesong Fire. But did he do it because he was complicit in the plans or providing assistance that was requested by a sovereign? There were too many unknowns.

But then everything fell away, and it became clear. None of that superfluous information mattered at that moment. He needed to get his companions healed before anything else. No matter what Aleks would need help, and he had to help them anyways. If Fenwick was not under Bael's thumb, then it is likely that if negotiations failed, there would be a fight and conversely, if Fenwick was on Tomlin's side then Aleks would still need help against the two powerhouses. So the decision was made.

But he had to attempt to warn him, "You don't understand. The Archmagister Tomlin is part of what I came to speak to him about. Do you not know what is happening to Aspire, right now, as we speak? It is being laid siege to by the Archmagister. You have to call the Headmaster and warn him, now!" From the look on the secretary's face, it becaome obvious that his plea was falling on deaf ears for whatever reason.

Exasperated but not defeated, he attempted one last plea, hoping that the strength and urgency of his final plea would at least be regarded, "I understand this all sounds crazy or maybe you think the Headmaster can handle any issues that arise, but what if I'm right? If nothing else, if you have someone, anyone that you care about on this campus, get them away from here. If you can, get away yourself. I implore you to think about yours and their safety when it turns out I am right. If you must stay, if there is any type of commotion that comes from the meeting area call any and ALL help... security, faculty, advanced students, whomever. Archmagister Tomlin was working for Bael and he is destroying his own school and Aspire at his bidding, what do you think he will do to this place if it does not go along with his wishes? I'm going around to warn others, quietly."

Aleks quickly left the area to head to the healer, to vie for their assistance with his friends. He had lied at the very end, in case Fenwick was with Tomlin, it would be harder to nail down where Aleks was heading. But Aleks had a small ray of hope because it looked like in the end, he may have gotten through to the secretary, if but a little consideration.

OoC
*1st roll was to convince secretary to interrupt the meeting & 2nd was to get the secretary to save himself and anyone he cares about.
12:21, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil failed (no successes) using 4d10. {Pres + Persuasion}.
12:43, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 1 success using 4d10. {Pres + Persuasion}.

The young mage behind the desk looked slightly alarmed, but it probably had more to do with Aleks' passionate demeanor than with the lad's words, of which the apprentice remained dubious.

He seemed relieved when Aleks finally left.

Soon enough Aleks found the infirmary, where another young attendant was working dilligently. She was shelving bottles and facing the labels. "Hi," she said cheerfully as Aleks walked in.

Aleks said, "Miss, I need your assistance. There is an emergency and several people are in dire need of healing. I know this is very abrupt, but could you please follow me? Because they are hurt so badly that it seems in their best interest not to move them, please help?" Aleks stood there pained, as he waited for her response.

Roll Manip + Persuasion.

16:13, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 1 success using 3d10. {Man + Persuasion

"Oh, ok..." the young woman said. She seemed somewhat hesitant to leave her post, but it was an emergency, after all...

She followed Aleks.

Aleks led the young woman back to his room and opened his door. He motioned for her to go in and looked at the two women on his bed and the sword form of Calais off to one side. "We were just in a battle at Aspire and just barely made it out of there. Please help them. One was hit by craft attack through a scion in eidolon form. The pink-haired woman was already unconscious when we met up with her, unfortunately. And that sword over there is the eidolon form of her brother," he said as he pointed at Khione, "Please, hurry and help them." The last statement coming out less like a command and more the quiet plea of a child in earnest.

Tears threatened to come, but Aleks stayed strong as he followed the woman to the bed and stood beside his mentor.

Once she saw the "emergency," the medic was definitely more motivated to assist. She quickly moved to Khione and Chloris, producing a glowing vial of liquid from a pouch on the inside of her robe. After pouring a bit on either of their foreheads, she moved to the weapon form of Calais.

"I'm not sure what to do...," she admitted. "My spell cannot fix this damage..."

After a few moments, Khione and Chloris started to awaken.

"What do you mean? Do you need him in human form? Or do you know someone who can heal him?" Aleks asked her in quick succession, worrying for Khione's brother.

When he saw Khione and Chloris stirring, he walk over to Khione and knelt beside the bed waiting for her to fully rouse...

The young woman shook her head, a bleak expression on her face. "There is no biomass to heal. I'm afraid that he requires Craft far greater than mine," she said.

"I... do not know of such a healer."

Chloris begain to stir. "Uggnn..." the knight groaned.

Biomass? Aleks thought to himself. He knew what the word meant in mundane scientific terms, and it didn't completely make sense. He silently surmised that it must have a different significance in regards to healing magicks and humans or maybe just Scions. Before he could ask her to explain, Chloris was waking.

He watched her as she groaned, before he asked, "Chloris, are you OK?" Genuine concern was noticeable in his tone.

Her eyes fluttered open after a few moments, and she struggled to sit up. "W-What is this place?" she asked, clearly confused from the ordeal.

Aleks got up and walked over to Chloris and clasped her hand, "It's... ok. You're ok. We are at Sorcery Collegium Budapest. I brought you here with Khione and Calais. You were knocked out when we got to the throne room. You three were all badly injured. But we have another problem... I'll wait to explain as soon as Khione wakes up."

"What do you remember?" He asked Chloris.

"I remember... Jadesong... Bael..." she replied. "Did we win?"

It was Khione's turn to stir.

Aleks gently patted her hand as he made to stand as he said, "If you can call it that. When Lamia and I got back from the Vault, you were unconscious and the army was destroyed. Khione was about to give in to his demand but I talked her out of it. By making a huge sacrifice, I was able to relinquish his hold on me and my soul, so she didn't have to go through with the marriage. We ended up fighting Masamune and Bael; he almost obliterated me completely, but Khione saved me and was badly hurt in the process. Eventually, we were able to destroy Jadesong-Bael. Calais is in bad shape because of the blast that he took, and this healer said that she can't heal him, so I don't know what to do. I gave up my mage..." Aleks was cut off mid-sentence and quickly went around to the other side of the bed as Khione stirred.

"Are you ok?" He bent down as he asked Khione and tried to help her sit up.

As soon as Khione woke up, and Aleks helped her sit up straight, her body began to emit a warm glow. She was trembling. "I... I feel like I'm on fire," she uttered through partially clenched teeth. Her eyes were shut, but even through the lids, Aleks could tell that they were glowing brightly.

The bed started to shake, trying to levitate off the ground, as well as various small objects in the room. A desk chair hit the ceiling, along with writing utensils and a lamp. A wind began to stir, chilly in contrast to Khione's burning skin.

"My... ring.... I need it," she managed.

Aleks could feel the heat emanating from her as the cool wind whipped through his room. His head snapping in various directions as he watched the items being tossed about.



Aleks quickly responded by pulling her ornate ring off of his pinky and placing it into the palm of her hand which was now in his. He enclosed her fist inside his own and held her hand in both of his for a moment. He waited with breath held as she fixed whatever was happening to her.

He could only surmise that it wasn't too unlike the effects of what happened when Chalice had forced her incomplete goddess form before. That time it was killing her but now that she was an Ascendant, maybe her focus was needed to keep in check her abilities that she was still not quite fully ready to wield. It was only speculation, but he waited... hoping for resolution.

Khione took the ring and after a moment, things calmed down. The winds stopped, levitating objects fell back to the floor, and Khione reverted back to her appearance before her forced Ascension. She slid the ring back on her finger for the time being. "I-I'm on the verge of true Ascension," she said quietly. "My focus also acts as a seal... To keep the goddess bound, my soul suppressed."

After another moment of deep breathing, collecting herself, Khione added, "This is... Budapest. Why... here?"

He took in what she was saying, and it aligned with his previous hypothesis. He responded to her question, "After you and Calais saved me from having my existence obliterated, you were knocked out and both of you looked terrible. After trading a few more blows with Bael Shiva, I finally unleashed the killing blow with Lamia's aid. His ichor... his blood, was like lava that was creeping towards you three. I asked Lamia for a portal out of the throne room and once I gathered you three up, I got all five of us through the portal as fast as I could. I didn't have time to grab Masamune with the situation we were in, and I didn't take the chance of seeing if Muramasa could drink the ichor for a couple reasons. When I realized where we were, I put on the only clothes I could find and went to look for the Headmaster and a medicant," Aleks sighed before he bagan again, "We have several issues to contend with. One, this apprentice does not know how to heal Calais. Two, Ethan and Lorei might be in trouble because he is no longer answering my messages. Three, I don't know where Lamia and Mistral Star have gone. Four, I don't know for certain if Masamune was destroyed by Bael's ichor. And lastly and probably the biggest issue, Tomlin is here in a meeting with Fenwick."

He paused for but a moment to let her drink that all in but quickly got back to business, "You have a decision to make because whatever choice you make, I am here to follow your lead. We don't know if Fenwick is already working with Tomlin or if Tomlin is here to convince him to join him. Sooooo... are we going to go confront Tomlin, find a way to get back to Aspire to help Ethan and Lorei, find someone to heal Calais, or is the first priority to get back to the throne room to clean up the mess and get you on your throne? What are we going to do?"

Aleks stood ready to follow the orders of his mentor, friend, and sister...

Khione's eyes tightened closed. The woman was clearly frustrated. "I...I don't know what to do," the normally collected knight quietly admitted. "It's too much..."

For the first time ever, Aleks witnessed Khione break down in sobs. She covered her eyes as her body shook, and she yelled through her tears.

"What do you want from me, Aleks?! Everything I knew was a lie! My master betrayed us all!" she said, "Tomlin is almost certainly here to either kill or recruit Fenwick, if they aren't already allies, and unless this sword can be effectively reforged, my brother is dead!" Khione agressively waved her hand, indicating the ruined Ame-no-Murakumo. Then there was hex-spill surrounding the throne of Eurus, the throne she was supposed to be claiming at that very moment.

"I don't have all the answers, Aleks. I...I.. don't know..."

When things started becoming tense, the apprentice looked even more apprehensive about the situation. "I really should be getting back to my duties," she said, backing away and out of the room.

Aleks hated seeing Khione like that and hearing the desperation and frustration in her voice. He just wanted to comfort her and console her. He sat down behind her, encircled her in his arms, and pressed her head to his chest as he kissed the top of her head gingerly. "I know it's a lot Khione, I truly do. But you won't be alone, you have friends and you have me. I love you more than my life itself and even more than the prevailing desire of my life. I believe in you, Khione; you have always been amazing to me, leading the charge. But now, you can lean on me. You may not have all the answers, and I don't need you to. I will be your partner in this; too long I've spent relying on you and others, it's time for me to step up to the plate and make decisions. I'm here and I will guard you with my life. I may have made bad decisions for the wrong reasons and perceived necessity, but you almost being corrupted, by Bael, made me see the truth. I know you now and know who you are to become, and I will see that you attain it. The world needs your honor and grace. You are what gave me the strength to make the sacrifice that I had to, that I was destined to, I believe." He just held her as she sobbed, to give her the time she needed.

He looked to Chloris, "What led you to come to our aid? I mean how did you find out the situation?" He had simply assumed that from his message to Ethan that Lorei must have contacted Khione's comrades, but he wanted to confirm that and garner more information before they set out on the plan that was formulating in Aleks's mind. Priorities had been decided and what came next might possibly be influenced by what the young, pink-haired woman had to say.

"I was contacted by a mysterious being," she replied, not caring how strange it sounded, "A faerie being, one who spoke prophecy, foresaw the events and of Khione's need.

"She was beautiful and childlike, but wise. I believe it was the fabled Titania."

"Titania? Like Oberon and Titania? Fae... beautiful... childlike... wise... and speaking of prophecies?" Aleks asked. Immediately someone that he met jumped into his mind; especially, given the the timing after having sent the message to Ethan. Aleks did not give voice to the name of the young, multi-colored hair sorceress because that was not for him to do. And while he felt strongly that he was correct, it was pure conjecture at that point.

There wasn't much time, but Aleks had come to a plan of action. If his sister could not bear to take charge, then he would. He was bound to her... her keeper, her guardian, her support. He would give her a few more minutes before offering the plan to them.

"Do you have any way of contacting Mistral Star? I ask because I would like to speak with Lamia. I think I have a set course of action but being able to contact those two would improve the situation. Oh... excuse me. I am making assumptions; do you have any thoughts on what we should do and what are your plans?" He asked Chloris, as he continued to hold Khione. She needed to get it out, and that was something that Aleksandr understood all too well.

"Certainly," Chloris replied with a nod, "I came to help upon learning of the gravity of the situation, and to that end, I will do what I can. I cannot, however, reach Isen. Not in her eidolon form," she explained, shaking her head.

"One way or another, we need to know if Fenwick can be trusted."

Aleks nodded in reply to Chloris's statement. He slowly lifted Khione off of him and gently pulled her hands away from her face. Seeing her cry elicited the feeling of a huge knot in Aleks's stomach; he abhorred seeing her like that. Tenderly with one finger he lifted her chin up so that she could look in his tri-colored eyes. He wiped the tears away with the gentleness of a mother caring for a babe as he spoke to her, "I know this is hard for you and it kills me to see you in pain like this, but... we have a lot to do. I know this is probably the only time, I would see you in more need of a reprieve than I, but in good conscience, I can't let you sit here like this. We have to find out if Fenwick is working with Tomlin or not. I know you're in pain now, but if Fenwick isn't working with Tomlin and something happened to the Headmaster, I know that you would take it all the harder and blame yourself if you didn't do something to stop it. I know it is asking a lot of you but you won't be alone, we're with you."

Aleks knew that, given Khione's code of honor, she would blame herself if something happened to Fenwick or if she didn't at least confirm his duplicitous role in everything that had occurred. Aleks stood and began to pace around his room, "Khione, I have seen you open a recently closed portal, but do either of you have the ability to open a portal to somewhere on your own? I ask this because I think the first thing we should do is head to the Headmaster's office and interrupt this meeting. If Fenwick is not with Tomlin then we can provide an allied front against Tomlin to either fight or make him retreat. If they are working together already, then at this juncture, I believe it best to make a quick retreat."

He stopped pacing and looked directly at Khione, "After we discern the answer to that, we have another tasking that we must delve into. You must take your place on the throne. I may not know much about the world I live in now, but there are a few things that seem to ring true in my mind, you can tell me if you agree with my thinking. I don't think it a good idea that, that hex-laced ichor is pooled around the Throne of the East, I have a sense that would cause horrible repercussions for the lands and peoples that fall under that Throne. Obviously, it is only an assumption of mine, I am sure you both would know better than I. Khione, you remember the battle with Samael and what happened to Kara after she ate what remained?" He asked as he gave a quick flick of his eyes to Muramasa to convey his meaning, "That's why I was not sure if I could clean it up." He hoped that she got his meaning. He suspected that if he had let Muramasa drink the ichor that he might also take in his remnant, and he was not sure if that was enough to give him a stake to the claim of the Throne of the East. It was Khione's throne and Aleks didn't take the chance without knowing if that was a possible outcome.

He continued to look into Khione's eyes, "You say you're on the cusp of true Ascendancy? In what little I've learned, I think I am starting to see certain correspondences from the allegories and the avatars that I have met on our journey. I believe that to take your Throne, we do indeed need to bring Calais back. You said he needed to be reforged, from your choice of words... reforging and not resurrecting, that you know something about how that might be done or who might be able to do that? If that is the case then I believe once we have figured out if Fenwick is with us or against us, we should head out to see that done. I think Amaterasu needs her blade, given by her brother. We then need to find out how best to rid the Throne room of hex and finally, get you to take your rightful place. So we need to get to this meeting, see about helping Calais, clean the throne room, and then get you on your throne. Somewhere amidst all that, we need to check on Ethan and Lorei, Lamia and Isen, and Chalice. I know it is a lot, but you know they say there's no rest for the wicked," he said with a smile as he dropped down to one knee in front of Khione.

He took her hand, with her focus on it, in both his hands, "You can do this; I believe in you with all my heart. And I have to say something... Tomlin may have lost his way or hells, he may have never had it, but that doesn't negate what you have learned from and under him. His personality and visible life may have been a lie, but he did something right. He taught one of the most noble, honorable people I know. You are what it truly means to be a guardian. As a knight, you served and protected and soon, you will become a sovereign. Probably one of the best and seemingly the most good that I have heard of. The world needs a leader like you, and your desire to fight for and protect people will prove useful in your challenges. The scope and power that you'll have with which to reign and protect will be amazing and touch more lives than you could have as a knight. I think maybe, it was always meant to be this way. You needed to be that guardian, that protector, so when the time came for you to be ready to rule, that you will have had that mindset and experience with us commonfolk, to lead from a place of compassion, benevolence, strength while knowing when the hard decisions must be made, and you'll be able to do them with honor and secure in the fact that what you do is for the good of your people and lands." He finished, patting the hand of the most important person in his life.

+5 bonus XP.

At the close of Aleks' speech, Khione's head raised a little higher, and her tears ceased. She wiped at her eyes and took a long, deep breath. "You're right," she said, the quiver in her voice gone. "This is not the time to indulge weakness.

"The archmagister's chambers are warded from scrying, so we wouldn't be able to portal inside. That leaves us with little option but a head-on, dangerous assault," Khione said grimly. "Dangerous and deadly. We could potentially be facing two of the world's most powerful mages, one of which trained me."

She withdrew her hand from Aleksandr's and slowly stood.

"Once we've dealt with them, we'll check in on Ethan and Lorei."

Chloris nodded silently, considering something as she regarded Aleks' sword.

The Demon Blademaster, Muramasa the Rai-Jin, was said to be a vampire. A dangerous warlord with an army of demons at his command. Had he absorbed Jadesong's remnant, it could have made him a candidate for the Throne of the East.

An unsettling thought, that.

Aleks stood next to Khione, lightly grasped her right arm, and gave her a half smile. "So if the room is warded, then once we are in, we cannot portal out of it? I think that I may have mis-phrased something. I wasn't suggesting we portal into the meeting, I was hoping that if they are aligned that one of you would be able to make a portal out of the room or ensure the entryway stays ajar so we can escape out of the warded area and then teleport somewhere, like to where Ethan and Lorei are."

Aleks stepped back a moment and said, "Then let us prepare, in case this is a fight." He performed the requisite mudras and incantations to activate Ranged Blow, Acceleration, and Supernal Vision.

Once it looked as if the other two were ready, he asked Khione, "Do you want to bring Calais with us in case we don't have the opportunity to return or should we leave him in here?"

OoC
16:59, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 4 successes using 11d10. {Supernal Vision}.
16:58, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 3 successes using 11d10. {Acceleration}.
16:57, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 1 success using 8d10. {Ranged Blow}.

This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Sat 25 July 2015.

"The wards only protect from unwanted entry and scrying," Khione replied, "Once in, we should be able to portal out just fine.

"I'll bring Calais with me," she added, carefully stowing the sword across her back and summoning her illusion blade.


_{When all is ready, Khione will lead the way...}

Aleks took a steadying breath before he said, "I'm ready. If Chloris is ready, then we should be off." There was a slight tightness in Aleks's chest. He truly hoped that Fenwick was not aligned with Tomlin, and that they wouldn't have to fight Tomlin for Khione's sake. He understood what a terrible predicament it would be for her and didn't want her to have to shoulder that pain at that time. Please, Almighty Deus, please be with us, Aleks thought to himself. Aleks had been through quite a bit already that day, and he didn't think he could handle much more, but... life was like that. He would soldier on because he had to and to an extent, he wanted to. He wanted to be the strong support that Khione needed and by extension, that the world needed.

He walked to the door and held his hand out to allow the two women to pass before him. He took a look at the room, twice it had offered him shelter when he needed it most; hopefully, he may see it again.

Khione led the way through the halls and over the battlements that led to the Archmagister's tower. The weather was chilly and windy this evening, with storm clouds on the horizon. The city, usually bustling with activity, seemed oddly quiet below. In fact, aside from the weather, an eerie calm hung like fog on the air as they approached the doors...

She waited only a moment before boldly throwing the doors aside and walking in.

Two men sat up ahead in the dark, circular study. It was lit with candles and there were tall antique glass windows, and aromatic incense wafted, mixing with the smell of spices, books, tobacco, and the tingling sensation of Craft tickling the sinuses of the sensitive. There was also the vague trace of brimstone.

One of the men, draped in thick, voluminous black robes, was Archmagister Fenwick, smoking his pipe. The other man was none other than Archmagister Tomlin, clad in his thick white robes, with its many badges and crests of distinction, and black garments underneath. Both men regarded the trio.

Roll Initiative.

17:37, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 18 using 1d10+9. {Initiative Roll}.

At the intrusion, Fenwick stood up and addressed them. "Khione? What's the meaning of this? I'm in a meeting," the archmagister said severely.

Tomlin also stood, expression cool and blank. "This rudeness is unlike you, Khione... I trust you have a very good reason for the intrusion..?" the man said.

"You know damn well why I'm here, Gerald," Khione replied calmly, using Tomlin's first name. "We know who it is you really serve.

"You're going to answer for your crimes against Aspire and world."

"Oh, truly?" the archmagister lightly questioned, taking a step forward. "Then you may wish to consider carefully the recklessness of your actions. Jadesong's death presents a most unfortunate problem for the East.

"You dying here today will not solve that problem."

"Recklessness? Of our actions???" Khione repeated, incredulous. "You set loose a dragon on the city in an attempt on Kirin Skye's life! You wield Bael's power even as we speak, destroying the city and murdering countless innocent people!

"Y-You betrayed us! Betrayed me!" she was yelling at this point, "And for what? WHAT?!

"Answer me, you monster!"

It was Fenwick who answered, "Oh dear, the cat's certainly out of the bag now, isn't it?" He quietly puffed on his gilded pipe for a moment before going on. "Khione, dear love, what other reason is there?

"Power. With Bael on our side, the greatest treasures of human history will be unearthed. The lost knowledge of Atlantis will once more belong to its rightful heirs.

"We will usher in a new age of magic. The Collegium will rival even the gods.

"To us, the magisters, falls this great undertaking."

"You're mad!" Khione countered, "You speak of knowledge and treasures, but what you really mean is 'weapons!' You're preparing for the inevitable war! Because that's what will happen if Bael gets his way! The War To End All Wars! Armageddon, Ragnarok!

"The Doom of Midgard!"

"A necessary evil for the birth of a new heaven and a new earth," Tomlin replied. "And someone must rule.

"You see now why only the worthy can be allowed to wield such power."

He extended his hand out, a beckoning gesture. "Khione, I've always believed in your noble spirit. You, my shining pupil, arguably my greatest achievement... You must help govern the new regime. Join us."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Mon 03 Aug 2015.

Khione violently shook her head. "What part of governing entails mass murder, GENOCIDE!?" she accused.

Fenwick casually puffed on his pipe. "Sacrifice.

"Blood sacrifice. To open the gates, it requires a sacrifice."

It sounded dangerously close to the ritual of Lysius the Despoiler.

Khione's face went white as she suddenly fit the final piece into place.

She'd been used to deliver Aleks unto Bael. He'd sacrificed his humanity in Bael's name, even so far as to relinquish Pandora's Box, and Tomlin had completed the ritual with the massacre of innocent sleepers.

She brandished her blade. "I... I can't allow it," she nearly whispered.

Foreboding hit Aleks like another lead weight in his gut. Images assaulted Aleks's mind one after the other. His father unexpectedly telling him that he had a birthday party planned for him... passing by his courtyard and seeing the odd symbol being painted onto the ground... enjoying the celebration immensely and being around other people... his father making that horrible speech... tendrils of shadow coming from the symbol and impaling people before binding them to the ground as they died... jars becoming filled with light at their feet as they died... his father telling him that he was the last sacrifice and then blackness.

Aleks gasped audibly, "You're trying to complete my father's mission..." he said in such a normal tone that one might have mistaken it for a cordial salutation. Aleks was so numb at the thought of his father's work being being finished. The sheer horror of it all. Aleks whole journey had been to put him right back where he had started. He had given up his magehood granted by his mother's Craft to save his sister which enabled him to once again be the last sacrifice needed to open the gates for Bael and the other Asmodei to come forth onto the Materia and make it their new home. With access to human slaves and mana batteries, wellsprings of essence, and the many other treasures that reside there. He had to leave, he had to go and quickly.

Aleks turned to Khione, "Khione! The plan, NOW!!!"

It was the strangest sensation. One minute they were standing in the archmagister's tower about to duel to the death, the next minute they were standing outside the doors again.

To Aleks, it felt very much like a terrible dream.

The cold wind blew again... Accompanied by snow flurries. Khione had used her witchlance.

She turned around to face them, blocking the doors. "We can't go in there," she said, shaking her head. "And we have to go. Now. Before Fenwick senses my Craft."

The sensation was a bit unnerving at first but then, he realized what had happened. Reminiscent of those times that Khione had aided his Craft, she had performed some sort of time magicks to rewind their timeline to moments before entering the meeting. A very dangerous power and interesting.

Aleks turned back to Khione, "Then let's get back to Lorei and Ethan. We need to check on them."

Khione shook her head. "That won't be as easy as it sounds," she said. "A Hellgate is opening in Aspire, consuming the whole city. I won't be able to portal us there.

"But I can take us to someone who can."

Kirin Skye--Chalice. She had returned to Central to deliver her report.

Aleks nodded, "A Hellgate? Already?! But I thought that they needed to..." his voice trailed off as he remembered what happened in the Throne Room before he went into the Vault. Bael already had what he needed; Aleks had assumed that he needed a physical sacrifice but when it felt like Bael had ripped half of Aleks's soul away, he had gotten exactly what he needed. He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs but held his composure.

Aleks's face look as if it held years of defeat lined throughout it. He somberly said, "Let's get out of here, please... Khione..."

Khione had nothing more to say. Her own expression was a grim reflection of the dark thoughts running through her mind, and for the moment she thought it more prudent to keep those thoughts to herself.

Chloris expressed her need to return back to the West and deliver her report, since discovering the news about Fenwick and Tomlin. The pink-hair knight cast her portal, and vanished.

Khione's portal shortly followed, and the pair was wisked away...

November 24, 2312, 7:32 PM
Royal Academy of Goetia, London


They exited Khione's portal in an alley, across the street from a very large building with gothic architecture. It was snowing, and the streets already had at least an inch's worth.  People, sleepers from the look of them, were hurrying to complete their errands, as night had just fallen. Everyone was bundled up to protect against the chill.

"We're in the Londinium," Khione explained, leading the way across the street and up the steps. "This is the Royal Academy of Goetia, my alma mater.

"Kirin--Chalice, must be somewhere nearby."

The chill in the air bit just slightly as they walked about; it probably would have been more noticeable if the young man wasn't so preoccupied with everything that was going on. Aleks gave two slight grunts of acknowledgment when Khione let him know where they were.

Aleks nodded before he posed his question, "Any ideas where she might be?" Another worrying thought crossed Aleks's mind, Is the whole of the Collegium in league with Bael? Are all the headmasters collaborating with the Asmodei? This thought occurred to him as he remembered that Collegium had branches in the Londinium. Which made him remember the others across the globe. Was it a whole network that would be combating them or were Fenwick and Tomlin going rogue?

He hesitated, because in truth he was afraid of the answer, "K-Khione... do you think all of the Sorcery Collegium is in on it? I just remembered about the branch in Londinium, Moscow, and a few in the Dynasty Republic, and the scores of them that I don't know about." It truly was not a welcoming thought as, apparently, "Ragnarok" was approaching.

"It's difficult to say for sure," she replied. "On one hand, it is the Sorcery Collegium's great mission to perfect and spread the classical education of Craft, and rediscover the great mysteries of Atlantis. If Bael can provide for that mission, then there is motive.

"But on the other hand, global destruction undermines that goal. Why go through the trouble of unearthing the world's greatest Craft only to watch the world burn? As an organization, I can't see the Collegium being willing to commit to such folly," she reasoned.

"And then, there are certainly individuals who would directly profit from war; We've already heard from Fenwick and Tomlin, and Rowan made a really good point back in Aspire when he said that Dynasty, Inc. funds many of the Collegium's excavation projects. Dynasty Inc. is the world's largest supplier of educational materials, but it also happens own a number of subsidiaries specializing in weapons technology.

"It really can go either way," Khione concluded, shaking her head.

Suddenly, there was a scream.

"Ah! My bag! He snatched my bag!" a woman shouted.

The obvious culprit was clutching a bag and dashing down the sidewalk, bumping into pedestrians.

At the scream, Aleks's head snapped in the direction of the woman, and he saw the hooligan running away with her bag. There was a moment where Aleks stood transfixed in indecision. He had a very important tasking that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible, but could he stand idly by as something bad was happening in front of him? His first instinct was to immediately run after the thief and collect the woman's belongings but in that instant, it was like the world froze.

His mind wandered back to the conversations that he had with Khione when he wanted to help Dawn retrieve his soul and Ethan with the tournament. Was he neglecting his duty by attempting to the help the woman? A melancholy which had threatened to overcome Aleks had hit him when he realized that when Bael stole a large portion of his soul that was all that was needed to complete the unholy ritual that had been over 200 years in the making. The revelation that all his selfish decisions had led them to the situation that they were in was not lost on Aleks. His decision to take the sine Amduscias in his lust for power, against Khione's advice, which by extension made him beholden to Bael. His decision to join Jadesong Fire's Storm Wardens not only because he wanted to be the honorable knight but because in some small portion, he wanted to be important. His decision to accept the place of Abbaddon of the Fury to save his life by acquiring more, darker power. His decision to murder Skyward Palm when he was defenseless because he feared the repercussions of not doing so after he had accepted the Mantle of Abbaddon. His decision to brag to Jadesong Fire because he thought it would please him, not knowing Khione was there to hear it, even though he didn't mean it and was putting forth a front. His decision to sacrifice Pandora's Box to save Khione and selfishly put her above everyone else because he wanted her, needed her to be with him. Even though the world was undoubtedly better for having Khione, the goddess Amaterasu, in it but it was colored by his reasoning. All these individual, selfish, and desire-driven decisions had played into the enemy's hands and now, a Hellgate was opening and killing thousands of people.

The only thing that had kept him anchored and not plunge into despair was his duty to the world. The world and the people in it needed him to be stronger than he ever had been before to help undo the machinations that sought to tear the Materia asunder. His duty was to the world and to the people of the world that could not stand against what was coming. In that moment that he heard the scream and saw the thief running away, he knew. He had to work towards the greater good for all of man, but that did not mean he could not stop injustices of the individual as he came across them, but he would not let it send him off on a wild tangent that would derail him from the main task at hand.

It was an epiphany, his own path of duty was revealed; he had discovered within himself his Code of Honor to which he would be beholden. In that instant, his selfish tendencies were left by the wayside. He was placed in the world to defend the defenseless and ensure that the world was a better place. He was the guardian of the realm, the sentinel of balance and the Materia. He also knew that being the sentinel of balance would eventually require him to make the hard decisions that Khione could not. To effect change on a large scale, he would have to be in a position of power, but until he attained a role that fit that, he would back up Khione and be her shield and sword when needed.

He had made his decision. He would not receive accolades for recovering a bag, it was not a shortcut to utilize in a lust for power, it wasn't a selfish act to solely benefit himself; it would be his first truly selfless act on his new path that stretched out before him. But if it interfered with the bigger picture, he would have to entrust it to others because there was a greater good that was more important for far more people. He learned that there were points that he would have to let go and trust others to take up the cause.

He could help the woman without letting it take away from his current mission. He was extremely fast especially by mortal standards, and he would use that to his advantage. He sprinted towards the thief while bearing in mind that if it was something that he could not handle in a very short amount of time, he would have to leave it up to the proper authorities to deal with. He ran as fast as he could, unaided by magicks, to catch the thief and take back the bag for the woman.

+1 Morality

Roll Dex + Athletics.

Total successes= 3(1 rolled + 2 auto)23:14, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 1 success using 6d10. {Dec + Athletics}.

Aleks was easily able to navigate through pedestrians, and soon enough had caught up to the thief. He was fast, but not as fast as Aleks.

Tackling the purse snatcher was child's play.

Aleks was on top of the thief's back with the thief securely pinned underneath him. He hadn't even broken a sweat in the pursuit, and he didn't want to hurt the thief but wanted to the bag. Aleks took the free arm of the thief and twisted it behind his back and pulled upward. He had, had this move used on him many times by his father and knew exactly how far toward the middle of the man's shoulder blades that he could pull before dislocating the shoulder. He leaned down and whispered into the young man's ear almost like one would do to a lover, "I only want the bag back. I do not want to hurt you, but I will if I am forced to. It has been an extremely trying day and in my frustration, I may seriously injure you if I don't accidentally kill you." He infused the cold rage that dwelt deep within into the statement as he lifted up to look down at the back of the lad.

Aleks saw the young man's eyes widen with fear and become glassy with unshed tears. Aleks leaned in once more, "You understand me don't you? I don't want any more blood on my hands today. Will it be the bag or your arm?" He actually had no intention of taking it that far, but he preferred to resolve the situation as simply as possible without resulting in more bloodshed. Luckily, Aleks's intimidation tactics paid off and the resistance went out of the lad's body. It was then that he realized that the thief was about his age, he couldn't have been more than 17 or 18. Aleks inhaled slowly and deeply as he took the bag from the boy's other hand. Once he had the bag, he let go of the boy's arm that was held behind him and stood.

The boy rolled over still between Aleks's legs and looked up at what appeared, to him, to be an imposing figure. Aleks's hand shot downward and the lad flinched and squeezed his eyes shut out of the fear of being hit or worse. A few moments later, when the hit didn't come, he hazarded a look upward to see the man that had just threatened him, holding out his hand to help him stand. He tentatively reached his hand up to grasp the warrior's. Aleks helped the young man to his feet. Given the look of the lad, Aleks surmised the possible reasoning behind the theft. The boy was looking downward until Aleks smoothly but firmly lifted the young man's head up, so that they were looking eye to eye.

"I don't know why you stole the bag, and I don't need to," he said even though the dirty face and tattered, disheveled clothing spoke as to the reasoning, "but I want you to remember something. The person you might be stealing from may have just as little as you do. Then again they may not, but you can be better than this... do better than this. Work hard for what it is you want. Get the things that you want off your own effort and not by taking them from others. I don't want to see you like this again... do you understand?" The thief shook his head yes as the tears that had been brimming overflowed from his eyes. Aleks's hand went from the young man's chin to the side of his neck and used his thumb to wipe away the tear stream that was beside it. Aleks gave a slight smile and nodded for the boy to run along. The young man shook his head yes again and jogged away, looking back at the seemingly kind warrior again, with a face that said "I'm sorry", before disappearing in the crowd.

Aleks jogged his own way back through the crowd and found the woman that the bag belonged to, and Khione was standing next to her. Of course, she knew full well where Aleks had run off to, and it appeared as if she had been consoling the woman upon his return. He smiled as he came to a halt in front of the two women, "I think this belongs to you," he said as he handed the woman her bag...

The woman offered a heartfelt thanks, then proceeded on her way. It wasn't long before she disappeared in the crowd as well...

"That was kind," Khione remarked quietly to Aleks. "You didn't have to do that, but I'm glad you did."

She proceeded up the steps and into the main courtyard of the campus proper. It very much brought to mind the feel of a Sorcery Collegium campus, but Aleks only saw female students. He would recall that the school only admitted girls.

Aleks followed closely behind Khione as she made her way into the courtyard. He looked around and was just as impressed as he had been by the other institutions of learning they had visited. Everything was beautiful and seemed perfectly settled into its place; everything looked so posh and sleek. As they continued on, Aleks remembered the detail that it was an all-female school after noticing the lack of any young males.

"So, Khione why is it that this school only takes females? I mean it doesn't so much matter to me anymore given that I'm a Walker now, but I am just curious," he asked Khione as he followed her path.

"For security reasons, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but under the circumstances, I don't think it matters anymore," she explained as they walked.

"Like I said before, it has everything to do with G.O.D.D.E.S.. That stands for genetic oracular data-determinant evolution synthesis. The program, with its top-secret medical procedure, requires special female exalts called nymphs.

"Nymphs have special DNA that gives us a higher chance of surviving the procedure. Also, should we have children, they will always be exalts. If the child is a girl, she has a high chance of being a nymph herself."

"Ahhh... ok. I see. That's very interesting. You know how you don't fully appreciate something til it is gone? I'm kind of experiencing that at the moment. I wish that I would have taken more time to study Theorycraft and spellwork while I was still a mage. It was quite odd, I had spent so long vying for Magehood and when I had it, I stuck with what was comfortable as opposed to broadening my horizons. Don't get me wrong, your tutelage in the ways of the Paladin were wonderful and you helped me hone my skills to a finer point than I ever had with my father, probably because I enjoyed training with you, but looking back on it, I should have experimented and studied a bit more with Craft. I wonder if it was because on some level I knew that it was a faux-Awakening?" Aleks posed rhetorically.

He continued to take in the sights of the campus, as he talked further, "It's so weird, the not being able to improvise Craft, anymore. The cosmic correlations and deep understanding of how arcana worked in the core of my being held wonders that I no longer have access to. It's kind of like a dream that you have but the longer you're awake the farther away it seems and the more you forget of that dream. Those intrinsic truths of the building blocks of creation are like a memory that is on the tip of my tongue but is just out of reach. It's so frustrating at times, but being a Walker is not without its advantages. I mean being a wellspring of essence is kind of amazing, and the regeneration of it so quickly is astounding. It's almost like I'm thrumming with energy constantly; it's kind of a interesting feeling. I'm guessing that there are very few in the world, if any, that transition from a Mage to a Walker. I wonder if I'll ever have an Awakening into Magehood of my own. I hope so eventually but if I am a Walker forever, I don't think it will be too bad."

Aleks skirted around directly to her side and looked at her in the face before he started again, "When we are able... I would like to pledge myself to be your Guardian til if and when I become a Mage, again. If you'll have me that is. I'm not expecting an answer now, I just wanted to let you know that..."  The young man began to blush and look around as if there was something meandering around that had garnered his attention.

Khione was quiet for a moment, considering. "That's flattering," she said with a weak smile. "I never really saw myself having a Guardian.

"But that's not quite how a Guardian's Oath works," she added. "I mean, it's not just a verbal promise. If a Walker soul is a pillar, then a Guardian's soul is a fortified tower.

"It's difficult to explain, because I've only ever worked with Guardians, never had one of my own. But as I understand it, once a Guardian, always a Guardian. The decision to become one will forever make you a Sleepwalker. It's a sacred vow that transforms one into a living, spiritual fortress," she explained. "A choice that permanently anchors the soul."

Aleks's steps begin to slow until they gradually came to a halt. The enormity of the commitment hit Aleks hard in the chest because it meant that he would have to sacrifice any chance of attaining Magehood on his own, permanently. It was like the air was taken from his lungs, and he didn't fully understand why.

Along Aleks's journey, in actuality probably long before then, he had begun to have a vision of what he hoped to accomplish and to attain. He had imagined himself a great warrior of the people, a devout protector of all mankind. And after a time of doing many wondrous deeds, he would be elevated to sovereignty and would utilize his position to bring peace to his land. He would give his all to reshape the world to his vision and ensure that his people were well taken care of. He saw himself as a mage utilizing his superlative understanding of arcana to mold the world into a place of peace, understanding, and equality. He saw himself giving speeches to crowds that cheered with adulation for their Prince and vowed to strive for a kingdom where no matter if Sleeper, Walker, Scion, or Mage, all were equal.

He had known the pain of almost being sacrificed by his father, after years of torture, for being a Sleeper, by the grace of Godcraft he had lived for ten whole days as the Mage he had striven to be his entire remembered life, and he had had his soul shredded and sacrificed his Magehood to save his sister's life, purity, and goodness... leaving him changed into a Sleepwalker. When one gives up something like Magehood, for the life of and to maintain the honor and nobility of the soul of the person one cares the most deeply about, it's far easier to do in the moment. In that moment, one holds out hope that maybe something can be done later and one also doesn't have the time to reason out the other options or realize that some long-enduring hopes and dreams will blow away like ashes on the wind.

Once again, Aleks saw himself standing in front of a large crowd in a black collar-less suit with a white scarf around his neck lightly flapping in the wind. The podium upon which he stood began to rise up upon a growing shard of dark gray granite, which turned into a hill, which then turned into a mountain. And on the face of that mountain, there were sigils that Aleks knew were meant to represent him, but there was a palpable darkness thrumming off of them and tricks of shadow played across them in a disturbing manner. The face of the Aleks that was on the podium begins to darken and contort in scary flashes, until the suit turned into scarlet and black lithe armor and horns of the same colors protruded from Aleks's head. It starts to thunder and lightning as rain begins to fall in a torrential downpour, but it isn't water... it's blood. The crowd beneath him begins to scream as the white scarf on Aleks's neck becomes completely saturated in the blood. With a deft, quick motion the Aleks on the podium stabs a sword downward with a squelching sound. He looks down to see Skyward Palm at the end of the blade, then it changes to the thief from earlier, then the old woman, countless other faces, then Ethan, then Chalice, then Lamia, then Lorei, and finally Khione. And it is with gruesome relish that the demon, Aleks, stabs her body.

In Aleks's lust for power, he had made many decisions which had led him down the path he was on. If he continued down that path, it would mean certain ruination for him and all those that he cared about and countless others. Even if he was now not seeking the power for his own sake but for the sake of others, he had proven time and again his inability to grapple with some of his baser instincts and had killed a man in cold blood so that he wouldn't have to deal with him and out of fear of a master that he did not understand. When a Mage gives into hubris, it effects the whole of reality and can bring about great calamity, and Aleks could not say with certainty that he would be able to successfully defeat his temptations, even to the detriment of those he purported to care about. But there was something that he could do, to prove himself worthy of the person that he truly wanted to be, to do the duty that he knows that he has. He may not be the person to lead the world into the new era but he could be the towering fortress for one that he knows would be able to resist the temptation and would be a beacon of goodness to the world. And there was no way to ask for forgiveness for taking Skyward Palm's life, but maybe there was a way to atone. He could sacrifice that life that he dreamed of and he believed that he would easily attain, to help seat and fortify the Goddess Amaterasu, to atone for the murder of a fellow warrior, and to ensure that he would never afflict what he was becoming onto the Materia... that would be his sacrifice.

Aleks saw himself again on the podium laughing when the dark gray storm clouds began to change to bright shades of blue. It was no longer raining blood, but some opalescent fluid that burned the demon and caused the dark gray granite to crumble as the demon Aleks plunged to his doom.  As the granite continued to crumble away, underneath appeared a gleaming white tower of multiple layers that began to pierce the sky. It too began to rise higher and higher, soon it had surpassed even the mountain that had come before. As the tower widened and sectioned off, various golden sigils marked out Aleks's true path. On a lower level plateau underneath the largest sigil stood Aleks with his hands raised upwards and at the top of the tower were seven golden prongs which had atop them a pure white diamond. Just then sunlight hits the white diamond and ethereal white flames erupt upwards into the heavens and light cascaded across the countryside further and further to the roar of citizens below.

The scene shifts and he sees Khione sitting on her throne in a kimono of white with various hues of reds, oranges, and golds in beautiful patterns, so that it looked like she was in a fiery lotus blossom. She sat there with a smile, and then a man stepped beside her to her right. He was dressed in an outfit similar to what Aleks wore at that moment, except it was white with silver filigree and golden scarf/hood and piping in strategic places. In his hands he held two swords, one was Muramasa and the other was the Masamune. And looking at his golden baked skin which led to those piercing tri-colored irises with long tresses of goldenrod hair billowing at his back. That's when he realized it was himself. Khione's right hand, her guardian, her advisor, her brother....

Aleks said quietly, "I have to protect the future... that's what I'm suited for. I believe that you are a beacon to a better future, Khione. I understand what it means, and I understand what it means that I can never have, but I'm willing to sacrifice that to see you emerge. I believe that much in you and what light you can bring to this world. I will be your guardian; I will protect your light and grace for a better world." Khione heard him and knew that he truly meant what he was saying, even more so that his very being believed that.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Fri 21 Aug 2015.

"I-I don't know, Aleks," she started, obviously uncomfortable. "That's all extraordinarily sweet of you to say, but I don't want to be the reason you permanently sacrifice something you've always wanted," she said, and thought to herself, and killed for.

"I'm not worthy of such a sacrifice.

"In any case, we've been through a lot. It's probably wise to save this conversation for another time."

Khione heaved a tired sigh and headed into the building.

Aleks heard the uncomfortable tone in Khione's response, but he wasn't sure what the cause of it was. There could be any number of reasons why she was uncomfortable, and it made Aleks a little sad. But they had work to do, so he continued the march forward as he said, "Understood."

Aleks held his head high as they continued on their way...

The halls of the school were full of young women in school uniforms, all lovely, of all human metatypes, heading to and from classes. Many regarded Aleks with idle curiosity, as there were no boys enrolled.

Khione led them through to what was likely the administration hall, producing a small clear "card" to scan on an access panel. The door slid open, and loud conversation could immediately be heard coming from one of the rooms.

"The situation requires immediate action!"

"We must implore the Imperium to intervene!"

"Yes, but to what end? The rift is opening at an alarming rate!"

Khione didn't bother knocking. She led them into what was a large, cozy study, with a roaring fireplace and many seats situatated around a large ovular table. Most of the men and women were wearing Collegium robes, but others were in more conventional military garb. They seemed to be in intense discussion.

Everyone looked over as Khione entered.

"There's nothing you can do for the rift," she said grimly to the assembly. "The best we can achieve is a mass evacuation for any survivors. Aspire is lost."

"Khione!" one of the men suddenly said, standing from his seat. "We were worried!"

Khione shook her head. "We're fine. Prince Eurus is dead, but at a cost, I'm afraid.

"The Throne is polluted with Hex. Aspire is being absorbed into Hell, and at least one of our own is trapped."

A familar fellow to Aleks suddenly spoke up.

It was the same man who had appeared just before they faced the dragon at the concert.

"Yes. My daughter. And I intend to get her back," he said.

Aleks turned to the man when he spoke, and saw him as he gave an audible intake of air. "You're that being that came to warn us about Chalice." It wasn't a question so much as a statement of fact.

It took only a split second for Aleks to correlate the missing friend and daughter. Then came time for a question even though it was one Aleks already knew  the answer to, "You're Lorei's father?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:32, Sun 23 Aug 2015.

The man nodded. "Yes. I'm Michael Cannon, Chief Executive Curator and Master of Artifice for Avalon, Inc.," he replied in brief introduction. "But none of that matters right now."

He looked back over to the other man, who'd spoken to Khione. "We can't stay here, sitting on our hands, Damocles. That's Lorei in there!"

"I know, Michael. Believe me, I know how you feel," Damocles replied, sounding very tired. "I'm doing everything I can to put together an evac operation.

"Lorei's strong. She'll be ok for a little while longer. In fact, I'm sure she's doing everything she can to protect the other trapped survivors."

The man looked at Aleks. "I'm Ralgar Damocles."

Khione didn't bother pointing out the significance to Aleks; he'd been present when a young Damocles was rescued from Hell, seemingly days ago for them. Instead, she said, without missing a beat, "What can we do to help?"

The War Magus shook his head. "Unfortunately at this time, very little," he said, "Until a proper force can mobilize and contain the rift, we can't risk a rescue operation. We're stuck for the next twenty-four hours."

Michael tried to object, but Damocles was having none of it, "We're stuck, Michael."

"But once it's contained, we're going in, yes?" Khione clarified.

Damocles nodded. "By tomorrow, Mythos and the Imperium will have sent their forces. Until then, we should all get some rest."

Michael heaved a sigh, relenting to the other man's words. "Alright. Then we'll head back to the Skyforge and keep monitoring," he said to the room at large. The others in the room started getting up from their seats then, as it looked like the meeting had adjourned.

Aleks went up to Ralgar before it looked as if he would be about to leave. With a wide smile, he said, "It is good to see you again, Rurik. I am glad to see that you are no longer on the Hell Cow's chained leash. I'm glad I got the chance to meet you again especially now that I know who you became, Archmagister Damocles. Did Dawn make it back, too?"

He figured the Archmagister didn't recognize him because he wasn't exactly conscious when Aleks saw him last.

The wizard frowned in confusion at Aleks. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you're referring to. Have we met before?"

Aleks looked perplexed for a moment but then remembered that Rurik was effectively 'unconscious' when Aleks last saw him, Dawn, Kara, and that guy, Jaecin. He looked closer and saw that it appeared to have been decades, so it could be he didn't immediately correlate what he was talking about, he could have forgotten what happened to him, or he could have had his memory wiped. Aleks decided to find out which it was.

"Ummmmmmm... in looking at your face, it would appear as if tens of years have passed since I last saw you. I guess the best way to figure out if you are who I think, is to ask... do you remember the young priest Dawn?" Aleks asked the Archmagister.

The War Magus frowned again and exchanged looks with Michael before replying, "I remember a priest named Dawn, but that was a long time ago.

"He was killed in the war," he finished simply. "But how would you know him?"

Damocles had a cautious, perceptive look on his face...

Aleks took a deep breath before he began, "Before I begin, I apologize because I know that you wanted to rest but this may take some time to explain. And before I forget, Mr. Cannon, I am going to need to speak with you before we leave here, as well," he nodded at the gentleman.

"My name is Aleksandr Kai-Amari Nigil, and over two hundred years ago my father, a Nephandi by the name of Lysias, apparently that some call the Despoiler, after spending years of torturing me because I was a Sleeper, my father decided that my eighteenth birthday would be the best time to sacrifice ninety-eight other Sleepers and I to tear a hole into the Abyss. He would have succeeded if not for my mother having cast a spell upon me after foreseeing the future evil my father would do. I had Awakened and my father's ritual was undone. Skip ahead two hundred years and I awake from a mystical stasis in the Sorcery Collegium of one, Headmaster Fenwick, we would find out later that he and Archmagister Tomlin were working for Bael-Shiva a.k.a. his vessel Jadesong Fire. The headmaster sent me with Khione to Prince Eurus's court on a request to assist the Prince. While en route, I made the foolish decision to take the Sine Amduscias which by extension bound me to Bael-Shiva," Aleks paused as he remembered how masterfully he had been played and it angered him.

It was a couple seconds before he began again, "The Prince would cater to my ego in the guise of pretending that I had saved him from a horde of demons, which I had but only because he played grievously injured. I joined his court as a knight cementing my bond with Bael-Shiva unbeknownst to me because I was caught up in the fantasy of being a hero. He then charged me, his new Storm Warden, with finding the sorceress Lamia. It was in that pursuit that we came across your niece," he said while looking at the Archmagister and nodding in his direction before he turned to Michael "that was looking for your daughter, Jenea. This led us to Dis-Tera where we were to fight a demon-god named Balor. We had begun fighting him when we found out that he was Samael and then Kara and Dawn showed up. Kara had tried to sell your soul... errrr shade self, whatever... and Dawn to Samael to get her soul back. She attacked me but Dawn sided with Khione, Kirin, and I to help take him down. He was reborn stronger and Dawn sacrificed a portion of his soul so that I could activate my Godslayer and together we all vanquished Samael." Aleks omitted the part about Kara taking in the remnant, hex, and essence because he had learned enough to know what that meant. He knew that Kara had assumed the mantle of Samael when she ate him, and he could have told the Archmagister at that moment, but it would have caused them to go after her, and after what Dawn had done for him... for Khione, he could return the favor, in part, by sparing his friend from having to defend herself from an onslaught of people trying to take down one of the Asmodei. And if Aleks ever saw her again maybe he could seek out her help if she was still in a position to grant it.

"It was at about that point that I had started to doubt my prince. While you were dangling in that Black Cathedral, Rurik. Kara... the hell cow, bartered with Jaecin to have you and her resurrected. We convinced Kara to abandon her deal for your's and Dawn's existence, to fight Samael which allowed her to get your soul freed and resurrect you. Apparently, you were a great teacher to Kara so she had your resurrection worked into her deal with Jaecin. You were 'unconscious' but that is how I met you and know you. Once you were resurrected, we went to find Dawn's pieces of soul and to find Lamia. That was when we had learned that Eurydice had, had Dawn killed to gain access to his graving for her and Astaroth's Black Array to rest alongside your daughter Jenea's, the Yggdrasil. It was revealed to Dawn through Devil Sight that you, Michael, and the Queen had completed the 'Vellum Project'. It was at a juncture when apparently you told the Queen that Jenea was enough and that no other girls needed to be sacrificed. We also found out that Bael wanted Dawn to assassinate the Queen and her son Daniel, but not Chalice, in his name. That is how I know Dawn. That is why I want to save your daughters Michael and my friend Ethan. That is how I know you Rurik. If Khione and I hadn't fought Kara and Samael, she was planning to sell you to Samael but he didn't even have her soul to begin with," Aleks relayed all this information without going into either Kara's new identity or any subsequent information unless it became pertinent to do so.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Sun 06 Sept 2015.

Michael closed his eyes and punched the table in frustration after Aleks related his tale. When he spoke, it was through clenched teeth. "Jaecin, you son of a bitch," he said in a low, dangerous tone.

The Archmagister looked distressed and at a loss for words. "I-I had no idea... Aeire..," he said, looking over to Michael and moving to place a hand on the man's shoulder.

"...She sacrificed everything to undo what he unleashed. It was the only way the resurrection could even be possible. All that Hex, and she just... washed it all away."

There was a silent, significant moment between the two men who had both suffered tremendous loss, and then Damocles turned back to face Aleks and said, "I have no recollection of what took place in Disterra. But if everything you're telling us is true, then Kara, one of my students from Vangarde was killed, and somehow allied with the Gatekeeper, as well as the terrorist known as 'Dark Fox.'

"Kara had everything to do with my resurrection," he added, to Michael. "She was the weapon Jaecin was looking for."

Michael nodded solemnly and replied, "I knew he couldn't have pulled it off alone. The Queen was the only one with access to that kind of Craft, and he did it behind her back. And the Gatekeeper had to be in on it, because they needed all that mana to do it. Not to mention travel all the way across Twilight. No one's been able to do that since before... Well, since before Skye."

A look of revelation crossed his face.

"...That's it!"

Damocles shared Michael's look. "Chalice is the final piece to the Black Array! She's the keystone, Michael! That's why someone has been targeting her!"

Michael nodded. "Right! Now, more than ever, we have to protect Skye, otherwise they'll figure out that we've hidden the real princess!"

"I knew it!" Khione suddenly interjected. "Skye displayed all the signs of mind-soul displacement when exposed. There's a conflict there between the woman she is versus the woman she was created to be.

"So, she's a decoy?" she asked.

Again, Michael nodded in the affirmative and replied, "Correct. As part of the work that went into perfecting G.O.D.D.E.S., I oversaw the creation of 'optimized' nymph test subjects--Chalice clones--harvested and grown from the Queen's genetic material shortly after the original Chalice was conceived. The subjects had to be grown naturally, under extended stasis. When the time was right, several clones were 'activated' and trained, tested under the exact same conditions as the original.

"What we discovered was that even under the best, most consistent circumstances, the clones were unstable, too independent from the original. They displayed vastly different, equally strong personalities, fit for leadership. Simply put, they might all grow up to rival the original," Michael explained. "In the end, we kept the most adaptable, agreeable one. 'Kirin Skye' was the prime candidate."

"When the Queen started getting challenged for the Throne, we knew that it was only a matter of time before Chalice would be the target of assassination attempts. That's why she was sent to the Dynasty Republic. Meanwhile, we kept Kirin Skye here in the Imperium. As an unusual twist of fate, Kirin took after her uncle Orpheus, and displayed a brilliant talent and passion for music.

"So we went with it; public visibility under a famous alias would only serve to protect the real princess. We encouraged her to pursue her talent after she'd finished school, and 'Skye' the starlit was born."

Aleks was not surprised at all by the interaction between the two men, Aleks had guessed that, that was the case. It began when 'Chalice' didn't recognize Kara or Dawn who had been her classmates, but she couldn't remember them. At that point in time, Kara had said that she was broken which didn't fit a descriptor of a normal human. Later when Dawn had seen the visions, it had clicked for Aleks and he suspected that Skye was one of the clones. It had just been a hunch... a hypothesis built off of circumstantial evidence but the two men had just confirmed his speculations.

"I figured as much... this is one twisted game that we've been sucked into. But seeing as it is meant to lead to Ragnarok, there's no surprise that it would be this way. Well, I will give it my best when we head to save Lorei, Jenea, and Ethan... Michael. Jadesong Fire ripping a large chunk of my soul away has led to this, and it's largely my fault. I made the wrong decisions, trusted the wrong people, ignored good advice from an actual person that I care for," he looked at Khione with remorse in his eyes, "... and I made the two worst decisions of my life. Sooo... now, I need to work to atone for that. We will save your daughters, Michael."

"Now that we have a second, and since we were talking about Dawn, Khione that bag of stuff that you took from Dawn earlier when you gave him that power to save himself, do you still have it? Can that be used like before when we used my sword and your ring as an anchor to find out where he is or what is going on with him? I still owe him for saving your life multiple times and it's because I decided to help that ass, Jadesong Fire, instead of helping him get his soul back after the Bitch Queen had him killed for his graving. She sounds no better than Bael, and I hope that I never meet her because she seems to use people like her own personal playthings. Not saying that I want to do anything about it right now but once we have taken care of more pressing concerns, I would like to repay him for his help," he said with obvious contempt for Khione's sovereign.

Aleks took in a deep breath, as he walked over behind Khione and slowly, gently pulled Calais from the sheath, "Michael, this is Khione's brother," he walked over to the artificer and held out Calais before him, "he and Khione saved me from being utterly and completely destroyed. Is there anything that you know of that can be done to help him or repair him? I tried to have a healer look at him but there was nothing she could do, so I wasn't sure if there was something that could be done to repair him instead since he is a Scion Metasoul."

Aleks head was lowered and his eyes were downcast...

Michael accepted the ruined sword and examined it briefly. "It's in bad shape, but it can be repaired. I can take care of it back on the Skyforge," he replied.

"But what do you mean, the Queen had Dawn killed for his graving?" Michael's brow furrowed, like he was trying to work out a complex riddle.

Aleks lit up when Michael said that he would be able to repair Calais when they got to where they were going. That was great news to him.



"He said that his graving was a special one... ummmmmmm, one of the few demi-urges, the Morning Star. The only Morning Star I had ever heard of was another name for the Lucifer of the Christian mythos. He said his graving made him right for being able to resurrect someone and in fact, his first mission with Glaive, sent by Odin and that same woman pretending to be the Witch Queen, was with your daughter Lorei, and he had used an artifact to resurrect Daniel l'Astaroth. And by having him killed I'm referring to the fact that, she tried to convince him that he needed the sine Astaroth but he was against it and she continued to harp on him to take it, so he tried and Astaroth tore him apart and shredded his soul in the process. That brings us back to that vision that he was shown with Lamia's Sight with Jaecin and that woman standing over him confirming that Eurydice had done it to get his graving. After the faux-Witch Queen, had set the stage for him to be displaced back in time," Aleks relayed more of the story to Michael and wondered if he should tell him about the prophesy that he surmised came from his wife. He didn't know if it would be a comfort or would open an old wound so he let it be.

"Then that must be how she got her hands on the Morning Star in the first place," Michael said, putting the pieces together. "...From Dawn. Thing is, Dawn wouldn't have been able to even activate the rod of resurrection unless he and the deceased shared the same graving. Like calls to like.

"Daniel l'Astaroth is a Morning Star as well.

"I think it was a test, a way of making sure Dawn was the real deal," he theorized, quiet anger seething from the man, "And once he proved it, sending him through the Avatar Gate and manipulating him into getting himself killed in Astaroth's name was child's play. She exploited a time loophole, added his graving to her court, and gave it to her son."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:42, Sat 12 Sept 2015.

Damocles was still pale. "Michael, you know what that means..." he said grimly. "Prince Daniel is the 'Lucifer.' He'll lead her armies.

"The cardinal points of the Black Array: Morning Star, World Tree, Water of Life, Fire of Olympus... and once complete, scribed on the Vellum of Enlil. If Eurydice's intention is to possess Chalice once the princess ascends, then she's the one trying to kill Chalice!"

The archmagister's expression hardened. "I won't let that happened. We can beat the bitch at her own game."

Khione silently followed the conversation, looking greatly troubled. First her old master, now her Sovereign. "What are you suggesting? That we kill the Witch-Queen? You know I can't defy her Majesty, or be party to such treason, no matter what it could mean for the princess," she said, shaking her head and rubbing her temples.

"No," Damocles replied. "I understand your position, Khione. And I'm not expecting you to play any role in murder. But now that I see the whole picture for the first time, understand that I will do everything in my power to see Chalice on that throne, and if that means challenging Eurydice, or Astaroth incarnate if need be, then so be it.

"Pledge your loyalty to Chalice l'Astaroth, as heiress to the throne, and we will return the favor," he said to her, taking a step toward the woman. "We can't let her win! Let's unite!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Sat 12 Sept 2015.

Aleks looked at Khione with sympathy but it was tinged with frustration. When was it that the honorable thing became standing up for and supporting evil? It was a question best posed to Khione at a later time, he could not fully wrap his mind around her logic. But he also didn't want her to do something that went against her code because that was part and parcel with who she was, nor did he want what happened to him to happen to Khione. He didn't know how long she had served Eurydice and how much her soul it would cost her if she revolted against her sovereign like Aleks had his.

It had been less than a fortnight but it felt like so much longer; the battles, the self-discovery, the loss, the catharsis, the decisions, all of it had forced Aleks to grow and change at break-neck speed. If it wasn't Khione that he wished to serve as Guardian for, he would not be able to follow another sovereign. If being a knight meant blindly following someone that had proven themselves a detriment to not only their people that they were meant to protect but the entirety of the world and willing to sacrifice their own children for absurd machinations... then Aleks wanted no part of it.

In thinking about sovereigns and hearing the Archmagister talk helped cement some of the thought processes in Aleks's mind, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but what exactly occurs to someone that actually achieves apotheosis? I have a vague idea of what happens but I think I am catching up to your train of thought, Archmagister. It seemed odd to me that she would have an army of Chalice's and not really use them; I mean I understand they are imperfect and incomplete but wouldn't they still be useful as fodder in this war and who's to say they won't be, but it doesn't seem like the full purpose. It would seem she was trying to make the perfect vessel for Eurydice/Astaroth to possibly keep from having to use Chalice. Something that could house all of the Devil-goddess power here on the Materia because I would think that normally when one achieves apotheosis it would work like how Bael-Shiva used Jadesong Fire. A god being resonating at such a high level; it doesn't seem like it would cosmically fit to allow too many god beings to traipse around here so they have to use an avatar. But with the utilization of the Black Array, of which Eurydice made her daughter a component, would that allow the fullness of Eurydice/Astaroth's power to funnel into the vessel that is biologically Eurydice's daughter that has been magically supercharged with just the right gravings to allow it? And what happens to a person's original god-spirit if they are being shaped and molded into something else, like if Chalice had an original connection to some other deific being and was being forced to fit the Astaroth mold?"

As an afterthought, he added, "It just seems weird that the interactions with the Witch Queen that Dawn had, that were closer to our current time, were with the Gatekeeper posing as her and not the real one herself. Granted Eurydice could have been busy and used her as a proxy, but what if Eurydice herself is no longer here? What if she achieved apotheosis and is setting this all up from another plane of existence?"

It was Michael who responded. "Not many people know this, but you've figured it out already; the Gatekeeper, Branwyn, is posing as the Queen," he said. "They call her the Gatekeeper not only because she has the key to the Imperial Grand Wellspring, but because she is literally the Gatekeeper to the Queen herself.

"Eurydice is cunning, frighteningly so. The first successful G.O.D.D.E.S. attempt produced Branwyn, who was subsequently raised as Eurydice's champion. She's a deadly metasoul, able to take the form of the Queen's weapon of choice, should she ever come to blows. But Branwyn, like Kirin Skye, is something of a decoy. No one gets to the Queen except through her," Michael explained for Aleks' and Khione's benefit.

"The Witch's Throne follows an unusual set of rules; at any point, the reigning queen can be challenged for the throne in a formal duel, usually to the death, by any eligible noblewoman in the court of Astaroth. If the queen goes unchallenged, she may appoint a successor, which may or may not be of her own bloodline. L'Astaroths traditionally always select l'Astaroths, creating a true dynasty of Witch-Queens. Eurydice won the Throne by defeating her predecessor, Freya l'Astaroth.

"Furthermore, heiresses can be immediately challenged upon being named a successor. So naming a successor can come at great risk," he explained.

"However, Eurydice has achieved apotheosis, which creates a unique circumstance, in that a reigning queen has essentially become Astaroth, or at least the current divine persona. I now suspect that she'd achieved that goal long before anyone knew anything about it. I know for a fact that Branwyn has been pretending to be the queen for years, probably to prevent anyone from openly challenging Chalice for the throne, before she's strong enough to defend it."

Khione's eyes narrowed. "That means that I've probably never met the real Eurydice l'Astaroth," she said. "Which doesn't necessarily make a difference for my purposes, but it's an important detail..."

She was quiet for a moment, considering. Then she posed, "Branwyn is clearly loyal to the Throne, but if Eurydice has achieved apotheosis, then there's no longer a reason to be loyal to the queen.

"How loyal can we expect her to be to Chalice?"

Ralgar's eyes widened. Khione had just made a profound point. "It may not be the queen then, but Branwyn, who is targeting Chalice. If Chalice is out of the way before she has a chance to come into her power, then Branwyn has a clear path to the Throne herself. It's a strong motive, makes sense," the War Magus posed.

"Chalice is in danger from many fronts: Astaroth, who wants to possess her, Branwyn who probably wants to kill her, and Odin, who I know wants to bring her into his own court. Not to mention the Returners and the Vampires, who both hate the Mageocracy.

"We need to get out of here, to plan our next move."

Aleks nodded and replied, "You're right... apologies. As Khione can attest, I can spin conjecture and speculate all night. We do indeed need some rest. I'm sorry that I had to be the bearer of bad news." He stepped in beside Khione and waited to follow along after the others.

At least, Michael will be able to help Calais, he thought to himself as he waited for the others.

November 24, 2312, 8:45 PM
Docking Bay, Skyforge



Michael and Damocles led the way out and a short distance through the halls, eventually to an elevator that took them to the roof. A private jet-copter and pilot awaited on a launch pad, freshly cleared of snow--their transportation to Skyforge.

It was explained that Skyforge was an international municipality among the clouds, near the base of earth's stratosphere, founded nearly 250 years ago, as a joint initiative to save humanity during the height of the war. Orbiting high above the cataclysmic effects of radioactive fallout, extreme weather, or the threat of a potential extinction event brought on by asteroid impact, a sizable representation of civilization could survive, aided by the collective intellectual, financial, and arcane resources of humanity's elite. It is now a thriving city-state.

The aircraft landed within the hour. Michael had them escorted through customs, where Aleks and Khione were required to register as non-citizens, working as contractors for Michael's company, Avalon Inc.. The process was relatively painless and efficient, and soon enough, they were all finally sitting in the living room of a comfortable corporate guest house.

"I understand why it's hidden, but I still don't agree with something like this city's existence being a secret," Khione was saying as they sat. "Everyone should at least have the option of trying to escape the war's aftermath."

"It's not a secret, in the truest sense. Not anymore, anyway," Michael countered. "Before, it was an issue of security and survival. Now, it's just not advertised. Skyforge is a big city with a lot of resources, but it can only support so many.

"The companies and individuals here represent the best and brightest of humanity; we're all looking for ways to make earth better for those our ancestors left behind," he explained. "We were both invited by the President of Dynasty Inc.; Damocles thought highly enough of the work we do to even leave behind his former teaching post."

Damocles was the only one standing. He was at the large window, staring out at the vast city and sunset beyond. The view from up there in one of the city's many skyscrapers was breathtaking. "Michael's right. Away from the troubles on the surface, we can focus on a bigger picture."

He turned around to face them. "Alright, we'll head out and let you two get some sleep. We can take the sword back to Avalon's lab, where Michael can do his thing, and we'll send for you in the morning."

Aleks nodded then offered thanks to the two men for their hospitality and assistance. He wanted to go take a hot shower but he took a seat directly across from Khione. He gently asked, "How are you doing? What are you thinking about our situation?" The questions almost sounded simple, which was the farthest thing from the truth. Rest would come soon but some things needed to be hashed out between the mentor and protege.

"So much is happening so fast... I'm trying not to think too much about it all," Khione admitted, lying back on the couch and closing her eyes. "Best to stay focused on what's immediately ahead--rescuing Ethan and Lorei. There's nothing I can do about anything else. Not Tomlin, not the Throne, not any of it."

The weariness was so heavy in her voice that the knight barely sounded like herself.

"I don't even know where to start, as far as what happens after tomorrow."

Aleks watched his friend with a look of sincerest empathy on his face. He knew that it was a lot for her to handle, and that it was going to be a whole lot more. She was going to HAVE to take her throne back after getting it cleansed, but there were friends to save and a couple of archmages that needed to be dealt with, as well. So much on the plate of someone that never really wanted to be in the role of leader, but the world needed her, needed a truly benevolent sovereign. And that sovereign needed support.

Aleks put his hand on Khione's knee and squeezed gently, "You're not alone, Khione. We will retrieve Ethan and Lorei, Calais will be made whole, we will find someone to rid your throne of hex, he will deal with Tomlin and Fenwick in due course, and the rest we will figure out together. I have your back, always," he squeezed her knee again as he said it, "If you decide to accept my offer, I shall be your guardian and will do everything in my power to support you, fight for you, and do whatever it is that you need of me to ensure that the world has at least one good leader. If you do not, I shall still support you, but I will never again be beholden to another sovereign... they have proven themselves unworthy of servitude and respect as protectors of the realm. Jadesong Fire, Pzuzu, Tyrien l'Astaroth, Odin, and Eurydice l'Astaroth... none of them are what you will be. And that is in great part due to the person that you are. You are honorable, benevolent, wise, compassionate, and a powerful force for good; you may have never desired to rule or the power that comes along with it, but I think that is exactly why you deserve it. You have been out there in the thick of things, protecting the people, learning their struggles, you have seen the evil that the other rulers are inflicting upon the land, and I know that you want to do something about it. You are right in that you may not know everything that you need to do or even aware of things that you don't know are obstacles, yet, but you are wise, and a wise person knows that they do not and can never know it all but they know where to look. You must make strong allies, make a council that will shore up your weaknesses, and ensure that your enemies know better than to come for you. But all that will come in due course."

Aleks paused before he spoke again, "I must let you know that should I not be your guardian, I have other goals that I will strive towards. I will be fighting for the equitable treatment of all persons whether they be mage, walker, scion, or sleeper. And if that means, I must fight for a position of power of my own, then so be it. I just wanted to let you know."

Roll Composure + Persuasion.

OoC:22:07, Today: Aleksandr Kai'Amari Nigil rolled 3 successes using 6d10, rerolling 10s.  {Composure + Persuasion}.

Khione opened her eyes at some point while Aleks spoke, and looked over at him. There was something about the sheer certainty in his words, in their earnest sincerity that made her smile weakly. She believed him. Aleks would do anything to see her on that throne. He would do anything for her, and he truly believed that it was in humanity's best interest to do so.

Aleks literally believed in her, the way one might believe in a god. He placed his faith in her ability to lead and protect, forsaking all other sovereigns, if she would have him. It brought tears to her eyes, because when she'd made those titanic statements to Jadesong about "her" throne, Khione hadn't really believed them herself, though they had clearly inspired belief within her young protege.

Wiping her eyes before those glistening tears had a chance to start, she said, "Alright. One day at a time. We get through tomorrow, and we'll see about your Guardian training."

Brilliance shone in Aleks's eyes. One of deepest joy, it seemed to wrap him in warmth. Imagine the feeling of a person who is there for the birth of a goddess of light. The awe-inspiring yet terrifying beauty of it. Aleks was on the precipice of that moment; he was going to build up and support the goddess, Amaterasu, to the fruition of her being and in doing so, he was going to help shape the destiny of an immeasurable amount of beings. Aleks was going to be there to fortify, strengthen, and ensure that beacon of light to the future. No words can fully describe what he was feeling because he knew with certainty that Khione would be a boon to all of the Materia, and he was part of helping bring that to the world. How many people can say that? No matter how many beings of darkness that Aleksandr had helped to destroy, this was wholly different. He was helping to create a brighter path to the future and nothing could compare to that.

Aleks smiled as his faith radiated off him, "One day at a time," and he stood up and walked towards his sleeping quarters so he could leave Khione to think and to rest. He stopped in the threshold of the door to his room and put his hand on the door jam and turned back slightly so that he was peering at her with his left eye, "You are deserving of my faith and belief." And with that he slowly walked into his room and shut the door.

Once he was in his room, he disrobed and put the outfit in a wardrobe that was off in the corner. He put everything carefully on hangers and stepped back, "Maybe that was a bit too ostentatious, ha ha," he chuckled as he ran his hand over the clothes before shutting the double doors of the wardrobe. He went to the bathroom area and took a scalding hot shower before he came back into the sleeping area and saw the plain linen pants and shirt on a nightstand. He pulled them on quickly and laid down in the comfortable bed. It was exactly what he needed after that rough day. And within moments he was out, dreaming wondrous dreams...

The room was dimly lit, cozy, with that same vague scent of expensive incense on the air, and Rowan finally gave up on trying to identify it. Even with his supernaturally sharp sense of smell, the exotic spice eluded him. Eris muttered something under his breath, and a pristine, delicate looking quill formed of pure magic appeared in his fingers. "Alright, so this is going to need to go on your stomach; there are significant magical meridians there that are going to help this work," the lad said. "You’ll need to take your shirt off,” he added, clearing his throat and gesturing one-handed toward Rowan's abs.

Rowan wasn't normally shy when it came to his body, but something about the other fellow's gaze made him just a little nervous. Just the knowledge of Eris' mysterious eyes on him made him feel apprehensive and hot, but he nonetheless swallowed down his embarrassment and stripped off his black tank-top in one swift movement, revealing an athletic torso with an already impressive assortment of fine, colorful ink work.

Eris was surveying him with the speculative eye of an artist imagining his brushstrokes on canvas. “How big do you want me to make it?” the fellow asked.

“I— like this,” Rowan grit out. He put his fingers against the notch just under his sternum, then ran his hand down, along the shallow line between muscles that marked the center of him. His touch skated along the blank canvas of ridges, of his abdominals, across his navel and down over a trail of dark, fine hair, and further still, until his jeans got in the way. His red gaze stayed fixed, the whole time, on Eris’ face, like there was something he was trying to read there, even if Rowan wasn’t sure what.

“That’s... perfect. A fine choice,” Eris said. He swallowed hard and his eyes seemed to be caught on the place where Rowan's hand had come to a stop. So Rowan used that same hand to pop open the button on his jeans, to ease the zipper down to reveal only more flesh and absolutely no underwear, to pull open each side of his fly until the flat plane of his lower abdomen was revealed, with only the shadowed suggestion of what lay further down. He tapped his fingers to the place just a few inches above where abdomen gave way to groin, and he watched Eris' face, listened to the increased tempo of the other lad's heart as if it was playing a song just for him. Eris coughed, finally, like he was choking on his own in-drawn breath, and looked askance, clearing his throat again. “Are you certain you want it that big? I mean, it’s good, I can make it more powerful; there’s more room for detail. It’s just... you need to be sure.”

“I’m sure,” Rowan said, and his voice was deep and husky of its own accord.

“Alright. Let's get started then," Eris said, and turned away, this time obviously to collect himself. Rowan felt perversely proud as he settled himself on the table, watching the other fellow ready his materials.

A moment later, Eris pulled a stool up with his foot and dragged his tray of bewitched inks closer. He closed his eyes briefly and drew in a deep, cleansing breath, and when he opened them again, Rowan noted that the artist's eyes were suddenly as red as his own.

Eris settled himself in right against Rowan's side, then got started, as promised.


End Chapter
+10 XP
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:47, Thu 18 Aug 2016.