SKYWARD MIRACLES - IC Thread

Following her own evasion and escape of Imperial forces Sorina eventually links up with the Lughanta it's self, somehow beating Team Two on the return, it was somewhat surprising that the Imperial Navy didn't give chase, but then again their command was in a panic. Her own people at the result of this would be carrying out a purge of such disloyal forces. Just what was going on in the Empire, why did one, who was being kidnapped go along with no fuse and had allies.

Learning of the death of the Inquisitor Sorina is not exactly sure how to take this turn of events. By the nature of what they both were, the two were always in conflict and never seen eye to eye. From battle to meals, society to economics. As a person she hated Laura.

But one does not need to like their allies and comrades in arms. She would pay her respects to whatever ceremony was held for Laura's burial. Anything less would be an insult upon her House. While somewhat tired she had not taken any damage and the night was still young.. While the crew would sleep she was nocturnal by nature, and with the ship silent more or less, it was the perfect time to read a book in the ships rec room with a glass of wine, maybe a walk on the top decks, such was her typical night when must slumbered beneath the stars.

---

The following morning when she was about to head to bed, a call came across the ships speakers, asking for her among others in the meeting room. No doubt it had to do with their troublesome guest. Listening to the girl's explanation this had indeed been a waste of time. Being accustomed to politics the hidden meaning, or at least her own assumptions towards them stood out well.

So you are just a simple scientist who opened a box to something terrible provided you aren't lying. Then with something that can make nothing you were forced into weapons research, as if it could be used for anything else. And oh but of course you will reward us once you have removed your sister from her seat, or rather her head from her body.

All in all, her reasoning's aside this was a coup from her kith and kin. No matter how differently they looked from one another. Regardless if others pursued her work, she opened the box and likely helped them. And if she had to depend on outside powers did she simply sacrifice her men.. Taken in with her barring that treated this as if it were some small matter, the Blood Devil would keep her thoughts largely to herself, if for respect of the Renegade Princess's position and standing.

"Ehehehe and I'm the next Viceroy of the Infernal Lands, I beg your pardon your Majesty, but I am a creature of the night and it is well past the time I slept. I'm a bit tired from ruining your Sister's party. " Next spoke up the Captain regardless giving her permission to do what she had planned anyways.

She hoped this Princess had a back up for her plan, she wasn't nearly as clever as she thought herself to be. If the Imperials had an agent in the city or on this ship, her Journey may be cut short by an assassins blade.

(The following events take place on the night of the operation, before Olivia's meeting)

Now late into the night, Yumi finds that it is more and more often the case that people have gone to sleep. This could be taken as a good sign however, since they were able to sleep in their own beds without doctor supervision. Certainly more than could have been said about the Yellowbeard mission. Yumi knocks on Sonya's door hoping that she wasn't disturbing her sleep.

---

Sonya had been up for a while attempting to write... a letter? She didn't really know what it was, just that maybe she shouldn't cut ties in case she died. It would be awful if her parents never knew she died... but then did they even know how she was doing or even care?

A knock at the door disturbed Sonya from her thoughts, and she rose to open the door. It was Yumi, who Sonya had been avoiding mostly. Those purple eyes always put Sonya on edge.

"Hey. What brings you knocking at my door this late? Come to check up on the rat?"

---

Yumi almost instantly takes a submissive attitude once Sonya comes barreling out the door with accusations. Not that Yumi seemed particularly surprised by this reaction, it just ran too core to her method of dealing with people she didn't understand. Logically, "Meeting up with the rat late at night would probably be counterproductive…" Trying not to sound too apprehensive, "But ummm, no. I was just checking on everyone… We had a rough day, and I was worried. Most people are asleep, but you are still up. Is everything ok?"

---

"I keep odd hours," Sonya said offhandedly, deflecting. "Frankly, why would you worry about that? I knew Laura the least out of anyone. I'm almost certainly fine. Also, what's with the late hour check ups with you? Shouldn't you be asleep? I heard you blew up or something."

This was all still kind of new. People typically didn't check up on the well being of thieves, and when they did it wasn't to ensure their health being good.

---

Yumi seems equal parts relieved and concerned as she processes Sonya's statement. "I don't really think about why I worry about people. I think, just the possibility that someone might be in trouble is enough of a reason. And… Well, I don't know, if you specifically, ever lost a comrade because you are so new here…" Yumi lets the comment about being blown up slide for now.

---

Avoiding the comment about her health, Yumi slid right back to worrying about Sonya's well being. Yumi didn't really need to care, which put Sonya on guard. The last people who kept track of where she was at and worked with her betrayed Sonya and caused her to be here in the first place.

"That's gonna get you killed. Better off not caring too much or they'll just get you that way. Trouble isn't always seem as flashy and straightforward as stopping a pirate. And I'll keep my distance, thanks. Can't lose a comrade if you don't have any. But going back to that part about you apparently blowing up earlier... shouldn't you be in the infirmary before checking on other people? Trying to help others when you're not well isn't going to help anyone."

---

Yumi's ears fall as she is quickly dragged back into the subject of her, well, exploding. While there wasn't anyone around at the time of the incident, Yumi dutifully reported it, which obviously resulted in rumors. She could hardly blame them, considering the idea of tanking an explosion from point-blank sounded like something out of a fairy tale, but she didn't want everyone knowing that she could dodge death. From her experience, it creates dangerous expectations, even from allies. "I agree… It's just. I'm fine. Every square inch of me is unhurt…"

---

Sonya raised an eyebrow at the fact that she was unhurt, but she wasn't about to pry after seeing those ears. Sonya was just glad that she managed to avoid the topic of Laura. The whole thing was still bothering Sonya, but more so in the aspect of Laura trying to save everyone. People were selfish at best, and greedy at worst.

"Hey, don't get all mopey on my now. I'm not gonna ask any more. Hmmm, how about we talk about something else then," Sonya said, mostly trying to delay writing any more. "How about you and Seven? You hang by his side more often than not in the kitchen."

---

Yumi gives a shy little smile as she is prompted to speak about Seven, ears lifting steadily over time, "Seven, isn't someone easy to trust. Actually, in the first mission, only me and Agatha thought he was battle worthy. I'm sure if he had his way, all he'd be is a cook. But, I think that is why, I find myself so comfortable at his side. He has things that he doesn't want to talk about, but when it matters, he is there to save the day. Even though he just wants to lay low, he helps others in spite of himself, and I like that about him."

---

Sonya thought about Seven's comment when he threw the bomb. There was too many things about him that was shifty. As much as Yumi trusted him, Sonya couldn't figure out Seven's motivations. Sonya thought that 'helps others' was more along the lines of 'follows orders', much like herself.

"Mmmmhmmm. So... what else can you tell me about him? Does he talk about where he used to live often? Anything concrete. Anything at all. Venrid is probably going to target him and myself for being the rat. As it is, the guy only barely kept it together when everyone insisted on leaving."

---

Nonchalantly, "Nope. Usually I just enjoy his company. When we do talk, it is usually about the food we are preparing. Sometimes I enjoy small talk with him, but never anything about him." Showing concern, "But, I'll have to go see him next then."

---

"No, don't worry about him. If anything that guy is unshakable. I tell anyone he threw that bomb we had? Just threw the damn thing into the munitions fort. Man is unflappable." Sonya sighed and ran her hand over her face. What was he trying to stay alive for? "Anyway, you should probably sleep soon. We've all had a long day, so it wouldn't surprise me if you were about to collapse from exhaustion."

Sonya smiled, trying to play off the comment as a joke. But man, what would have happened if Sonya had been by herself with the bomb when it triggered early? What would she have done?

---

Yumi shakes her hands, head, and body as she tries to explain, "Oh, no. I didn't mean Seven. I got to see him earlier. I was talking about Venrid. He sounds like he has had it the worse of all of us…"

---

"He was about to ditch all of us. He was more willing to find the rat than think practically and get out alive. He doesn't deserve attention or need help. He's paranoid, and whether or not he's right, I know that he'd sooner sell us out than help us. I know his type."

---

Yumi's ears once again fold submissively, but Yumi holds her ground just fine, "I can't exactly say you are wrong. I don't know what sort of person Venrid is, but I know he is an important part of our team. If I can't make the leap to trust him, I could never ask for the same in return."

---

"Yeah," Sonya said, keeping her own comments about trust to herself. What an optimist Yumi must be if she thought Venrid would trust anyone with his ideas of rats on the ship. "I still say leave him be. Better to let that sleeping dog lie until he says he needs something."

---

Yumi bows her head to Sonya, "Thank you, for all your advice and concern." Yumi gives a sad smile, "I'm glad, since I actually thought that you didn't want anything to do with me." Softly explaining, "I would always see you, and think to greet you, but it always seemed like something would happen to create distance between us. At first, I chalked it up to bad luck, but eventually, I got the hint." Lifting her head, "Just, that you care so much about this, means a lot to me." Closing her eyes and shaking her head, "But I think that I can chance my safety if it means quelling even a little bit of Venrid's fears before he expresses them in ways that hurt his reputation." Looking at Sonya with her sincere purple eyes, "I don't mean to disrespect you, but I don't think you can change my mind."

---

Sonya didn't really think of it as caring about Yumi's safety or whatever, but rather knowing that Venrid probably wouldn't listen. The half blood -or whatever Yumi was- would probably mope around if he yelled at her, and Sonya still needed an example of an actual scout to pretend to model.

"You know how Moon Elves look at Drow? It's not pretty. I just decided not to take the chance you were open minded or just didn't learn any of the prejudice. If it helps, you didn't seem bad at first. But people always hide their ugly personality traits in public until the public says it's not ugly." Ugh, she was speaking in riddles, now. "Either way, it's good to know that you're at least an optimist who isn't opposed to knocking on the door of one of the shadier crew member's door late at night. Good luck with Venrid, for whatever it's worth."

---

Yumi still was feeling out exactly what Sonya was comfortable with, and it showed in her lack of confidence. Experimenting with space, Yumi inches forward just a bit to watch the subtle reaction it creates, "I'll be sure to talk to him before he goes to bed, if he can even sleep under all the stress."

---

Sonya tapped her hand on Yumi's forehead, a subtle warning not to go any further. With her other hand, Sonya quickly made a grab for Yumi's wallet. Giving her a 'I know what you're doing, stop' kind of warning. She'd probably return the wallet if it wasn't too heavy.

"I'm going to block my door, somehow. He might come to interrogate me in the middle of the night," Sonya said.

No wallet, but a short sword, eh? Sonya figured that she could at least cause Yumi to rise to stop Sonya. No way Sonya could get away with stealing something that large without a huge distraction.

"Are you always this well armed when doing 'friendly rounds' at night?" the wicked grin on Sonya's face was mostly for show. This had been getting too buddy-buddy anyway.

---

Yumi acknowledges that Sonya wasn't the sort of person fond of closing the distance, and she respected that. What she did not expect was the sudden attempt on her shortsword. Acting completely out of instinct, Yumi inadvertently revealed exactly how observant she was. Holding onto her dagger with a fearful look in her eyes, Yumi realizes too late that Sonya couldn't possibly have expected to get away with such an attempt. Looking shamefully towards the ground, Yumi didn't know what to do about this encounter anymore. When Sonya popped the question, Yumi could only answer with a whimper, "It's always by my side."

---

Oh? That was fear, not anger on Yumi's face when she jumped back. Plus, the other scout was every bit as observant as a scout no doubt should be. However, Sonya didn't even look fazed at Yumi getting ready to draw her weapon. Yumi wouldn't hurt Sonya unless Sonya gave her very good reason to. There was no threat behind the dagger as far as Sonya knew.

"So defensive... of a weapon?" Sonya wondered out loud. "You guys are a weird bunch. But hey, if you need a sword to be by your side, I guess it's better than a dog or something that can die or get lost. Also, keep quiet about me stealing thing. Don't need the ship to get more suspicious of me than they already are. An old habit of mine is to have sticky fingers."

---

Yumi places the dots together almost immediately, "So, you aren't even a scout…" Yumi sighs as she once again connects the dots, "And you are here because you were in some sort of trouble, and needed a safe place to hide." Yumi glances up at Sonya, not really needing verification, but still curious about in what sorts of reactions she'd have.

---

"Well well, our scout does have some sort of brain!" Sonya said, clapping her hands together and smiling. "Ah ah, but no credit for partial answers! However, you probably already guessed it, and don't wanna have to be the bad guy and tell you that..."

Sonya's smile faded and rapidly became replaced with murderous intent. Unlike Yumi, Sonya had no problem with killing a fellow crew member. At worst, it'd be an annoyance.

"You go blabbing about secrets and you'll find more than just that sword going missing."

Murder was so so messy. And Sonya probably wouldn't actually kill Yumi, but with Venrid going about questioning people, having leverage on Yumi would go at least a little ways. She'd have to work on her reputation some more but...

"But that's not really something I wanna do, either," Sonya said, sighing and letting herself lean against the doorframe. "So let's call this a secret between us and depart peacefully? Plus, I'm getting tired."

---

Even in spite of the rate which the situation deteriorated, looking down a near stranger who genuinely had both motive and merit to kill her, Yumi didn't back down. She still kept her ears down, submissive as ever, but it didn't devolve. It remained resiliently that way as Yumi heard her out all the way through. She simply looked disappointed. "I decline. This dynamic isn't acceptable. I'm not going to have you know me as the person who might rat on you any moment…" Looking somewhat upset at Sonya, but only mildly so, "If you wanted to sleep, maybe you shouldn't have threatened someone's life with such an ugly face." Yumi looks at Sonya, "The only way I know someone like you is going to really trust me, is if you have something on me. So, let's make a deal." Bargaining, "I'll tell you something compromising about me, and in exchange, you aren't allowed to hate me."

---

Sonya was genuinely getting irritated now. Stupid girl, didn't she get that was how Sonya saw everyone? The last time Sonya trusted someone was the whole thing that caused Sonya to be here in the first place. It was pure good luck that Sonya had been right about those people. If she hadn't been right she still about have abandoned them.

But if it meant that Sonya could at least get some rest tonight, she guessed that she could hear something about Yumi. "Didn't I tell you about people's ugly personality traits? Ugly faces are just a part of it, dearest."

"But if you wanna make a deal," Sonya said, curious, "then we can make a deal." Sonya doubted that Yumi could have anything as potentially lethal as what Sonya just revealed. All it would take was one talk to the Venesian militia and Sonya's life would be forfeit, no counteraction needed.

---

Yumi starts gaining more confidence as she grows more and more familiar with how Sonya works. Once again, she experiments, this time becoming more forceful in her attempts to meld the situation into one she is comfortable with. Without even a glance at Sonya, Yumi sits on her bed before explaining herself. "The reason I was able to survive that explosion, is because I can cheat death once a day. I didn't tell the captain, or anyone, because I know what that knowledge does to people. They might use it tactically. And even if they are kindhearted, in a situation of life or death, they'll know what I'm capable of, yet I might fail to utilize that. With this knowledge, you can take away everything but my life, which is already well within your grasps." Showing just a little weakness, "I still feel, every bit of sensation before I'm brought back. It isn't something I know how to do for other people. And yet, I did that today…" Yumi shakes her head swiftly to snap herself back to composure. "So, don't act, like I have something over you. And for Laura's sake, be someone worth our trust…" Yumi gets up and leaves, not out of emotion, but because she knows what sort of reaction she'd get out of Sonya. It wouldn't be something, she'd want Yumi there for.

---

To Sonya's credit, she kept her composure. The last time someone had been where Sonya lived had been the night before she left her parents. Sonya closed the door to preserve secrets, but resisted the urge to lock the door. If she locked it, then Sonya would be following through on the thoughts she was thinking.

It'd be so easy to waltz over to the idiot's side and snap her neck. Stab her right then and there. Dark rooms that were enclosed like this always brought back those little snatches of training. It'd be so easy, and as Yumi explained how easy it would be Sonya moved back over to her desk and crumpled up some paper. Something, anything to keep her hands busy and away from the dagger under her bed.

It had been a while since she needed to kill someone, partially on purpose partially because she'd never let herself think that she could slip back into those habits. Of course Yumi had to waltz right in and drop these emotional bombs. At least Yumi left Sonya after saying those barbs.

"Luna damn it, how in the name of hell am I supposed to do that?"

Someone who had literally never been trusted before, and now she was being asked to trust and expect trust in return. This was a disaster.

When she heard the news that one of the crew didn't make it out of the mission. Silva was really upset. Even though Silva doesn't really know Laura that well. The fact that the kidnapping went far too easy and that Laura died made her question the whole mission even more. The genuine questions that she wanted answers fueled her anger even more that she could probably punch everyone that upsets her.

But, what can she do at the moment? Nothing. Silva then went to the ship's bar and decided to drink for the whole night. Trying to drown her emotions with it. Some few moments later, as Silva was drinking. From the corner of her eyes she could see the Lughanta's second-in-command approaching her. She sighed as she looked away. "What do you want..." From her tone, one could tell she's upset for something and would rather to be left alone.

---

After things settled down post-arrival of the second team, the airship was flying through the night sky calmly. The blue-haired second of the Lughanta decided to call it a night, letting the bridge crew handle themselves as usual. Stretching, he decided to visit the bar for now, a few shots or two would alleviate some of the tension from the last mission. Coming up to his usual seat, he noticed one particular silver-haired veteran sniper sitting nearby. From her face and the bottle beside her, only an idiot wouldn't notice that she was drowning her sorrows away.

"This is where I usually sit," Aster replied as the bartender gave him the usual, fine Chateau Florentia red wine. He took a few sips, allowing her to ease up on his presence. "I want to know the answers too." He slowly exhaled, "I suppose we'd get them tomorrow. In the meanwhile, it's best to not destroy your liver. Binge drinking is always a poor choice."

---

"Huh..." Silva shrugged as she chugged another glass of vodka. Silence filled the situation for a few moment. It was broken when Silva sighed and started to talk. "Fuck... I just... have a lot of suspicions over all these things." She filled another glass of vodka and chugs it. "I'm just upset over how easy it was on our side to nab the princess. It's as if she... planned to be kidnapped and used us as a bait!" She lets out her frustation on Aster.

"I don't know if Agatha actually in cahoots with her but... Goddamnit!... Even though I didn't know Laura all that well but... Why... Is this mission just something to get rid of us? Or worse... To spark a war!?" Silva then decided to get another glass but the bottle is empty. She looked at the bartender "Another one." Silva pointed to the empty bottle of vodka and gets a new one from the bartender, which she filled her glass with it. She sighed as she chugged the whole drink in one go.

---

"Huh, I see." Aster took another sip of his wine, "..." He was hesitant to confirm nor deny anything as Agatha wanted this mission to not exactly be aired into the public. Good thing the bar wasn't crowded and she was kind of drunk, maybe it could be passed off as a widow's rant. "Hey..." He sat closer to her, "Politics obviously played a hand here." He lowered his voice just for the two of them, hopefully she'd get the message. "I am honestly not surprised if the princess engineered all this. Think about it, kidnapping an Imperial princess right in the Empress' birthday? It can't be done... maybe it could but not by us." The fact it succeeded already told stories about the dubious nature of the mission.

"One thing I know for sure, Agatha won't do that, it's nonsensical and I know her personally." Only the cruelest of generals would even think of sacrificing their own men just like that. "I can't answer that sadly, the princess will have to explain everything. For her safety, she better be." He sighed, "Want to go somewhere else? Alcohol will only make things worse at this point."

---

"Fuck... Sorry, this loss just reminded me of... The time I used to serve Fraulia..." Silva cursed herself as she reminded of all her fallen comrades. "I guess you're right, I do strongly believe Agatha wouldn't be like that... Sorry for the outburst..." She chugged another glass. "She better be." Silva nods agreeing with Aster on having the princess to explain everything. "Hey..." Silva said as she filled another glass of vodka. "Last one, to honor Laura for her sacrifice... And a promise... To not let anyone die ever again." Silva finished one last glass of vodka. She then stood up.

"This is also the reason why I somehow hesitated on shooting that crazy vampire... Even if she's crazy, she's still one of us." Silva said, explaining what she felt from the Yellowbeard mission. Particularly on shooting Sorina. She valued the crew highly as she's part of the crew and don't like the idea of sacrifice. "I guess I should go rest for now..." Silva started to walk but she felt a bit dizzy and she struggled a bit. "Darn, I guess I drank too much..." She looked back at Aster. "Would you mind... helping me walk back to my room?"

---

Ah yes, she was a soldier in the Divine-Kingdom, a marksman most likely, all the memories of losing her comrades coming back to her with Laura's passing. "Yeah, it's terrible, but it's life." He didn't like it either but wishing everyone would be safe and sound in this line of work was delusional. "Just glad you got it our of your chest... and that Agatha isn't here." He lowered his voice to a whisper for the little jest, just to get a chuckle or two. "For Laura." He raised his glass, a toast for the brave Inquisitor. As for the promise, both she and he knew it was impossible, people could die, whether they liked it or not.

"Hehe... well, if you know about her culture, the Blood Devils. They are actually an honorable bunch, a proud warrior race so to speak." Now that the topic had moved on... somewhat, he could take it easier, "Sorina has dignity and loyalty, I'm not sure if an insane lunatic can grasp such concepts." Aster put his glass down, deeming he had enough drink for the night. "Yeah, me too, let's go back."

Aster stood up, about to take his leave when he noticed the sniper's steps didn't look... upright. "Woah there..." His gentlemanly instincts prompted him to grab her shoulders, preventing her from falling unceremoniously on the floor. "Heh... told ya." He chuckled, "Sure, can't have you sleeping on the floor, catching a cold, and miss the debriefing tomorrow." Heedless to what others might say, Aster hooked his other arm under her knees, "There we go. Just relax." He grunted, picking her up, carrying the silver-haired woman in a bridal carry. Next step, don't make comments about a lady's weight, ever.

Guided by directions from Silva, he carried her all the way to her cabin before he put her down in front of the door. "Alright," He smiled, looking directly into her eyes... her rosebud lips... would he? ...No, no, it wasn't right. Not right now at least. "Good night, Silva." He stepped back, turned around, and put his hands into his pockets, returning to his own cabin.

---

"Whoa!" Silva was surprised when Aster carried her. "Geez... You don't have to do it that far..." She looked away, visibly blushing... Maybe it's because she was embarassed or maybe because of the drinks. Though she let herself be carried by Aster through the trip to her cabin.

". . . Thanks..." Silva said when she got off from Aster. "Good night..." She turned to the door. About to open it and decided to look back at Aster... No, this wasn't the appropriate time for it. She shrugged off that thought and entered her cabin to rest for the night.

A woman in a black armor, decorated with red accents can be seen kneeling on the ground, her hands clutching onto the red-white sword in front of her. The armor's chestplate has the logo of a red swirling dragon emblazoned on it. She gasped for air, while struggling to keep her crimson slitted eyes open. Her armor was tattered, revealing numerous wounds on her body, with a few of them could have negatively affected her fighting abilities or even downright incapacitate her.

Cera glanced at her sides, noticing several corpses and mangled bodies wearing the same black-red armor as she does. However, the corpses were blurred in her view, making her unable to identify who, or what they were. The skies above the half-Infernal continued to darken, as if a storm is imminent. Despite the unidentifiable corpses strewn throughout the battered Venesian marketplace, a lone figure stood several steps away from Cera.

The half-Infernal finally raised her head, staring at the figure with a murderous intent. However, her eyes once again failed her, as most of the figure's features were blurred out, save that it was wearing the same armor as herself. After a period of silence that felt like an eternity, the figure spoke...

"Nothing personal..."

The figure paused between its words.

"It's just business."

Cera felt a surge of rage and anger upon hearing the sentences. With a demonic roar, the half-Infernal pulled up her weapon, before charging at the figure with all of her might...

---

"Gah!"

The half-Infernal gasped before she woke up forcefully from her sleep. Cera lets out an exhausted sigh as she wiped out the sweats on her face, before pinching her forehead.

("I thought I got over it by now. Still...")

She thought to herself. The news of Laura's death and the possibility of a traitor in their ranks shook her, while reopening some old wounds. The half-Infernal got out from her bed, before heading towards a mirror nearby.

("Oh great...")

Cera frowned at the mirror, as she realized that some of her major physical features has changed. Instead of her usual human red eyes, it turned into a pair of red eyes with slit pupils that resembled Sorina's demonic eyes. Her canine teeth has become longer and sharper that resemble demon fangs. Upon realizing her transformation, Cera did the hardest facepalm she could do, before punching the mirror with all of her strength. It was the second time that she broke the mirror.

("I... need to vent.")

Whenever the half-Infernal gets stressed out to a point, her demonic features will appear unless she vents out her stress, mostly through physical activities. It was a known condition that Cera inherited from her shapeshifting Infernal father.

With a long sigh, the half-Infernal proceeded to prepare for today's activity...

---

Most of the Lughanta crew members avoided Cera's path, as they felt that the half-Infernal was exuding a murderous aura. As for Cera, she tried her best to keep her anger at bay while heading towards the war room for a debriefing. She even tried to adjust the way how her mouth closes, so that she could hide her demonic fangs. Despite her efforts, at least one of the fangs will jut out from her mouth.

Upon arriving at the war room, Cera entered...


The half-Infernal merely crossed her arms and listened on Princess Olivia's explanations. However, the explanation given by the Princess felt off, especially when she said that Agatha was not notified about it. How did Princess Olivia knew that it will be the Lughanta to get her? Why not other groups of mercenaries, say Camus and his men?

Cera made a disapproving frown and sighed a bit as Princess Olivia continued on, mentioning about her role, the theory that the Divine One has its own other pair just like Sol and Luna, before entering the main topic...

The Void.

The explanation by Princess Olivia made the half-Infernal raised her eyebrows. If the Void was so destructive when turned into a weapon, then there is surely a way to defend against it? Or at least, specialized equipment to handle the Void? It was certainly something new, and awe as well. But the discovery of Erchius was groundbreaking too, and now there are countermeasures developed against it.

Then comes the part where Princess Olivia proposed solution to the Void, and that is to oust Empress Kyrie from her throne, preventing an all-out war from breaking out. Once again, Cera felt that the plan she proposed was quite far fetched, if not near-impossible. Apparently the Imperial was oblivious about the Void, and by telling about its existence and the Imperial's intention to turn it into a weapon. Once those facts are out on the open, Princess Olivia hoped that she could gain support and force Empress Kyrie to abdicate.

At this moment, Cera sighed, thinking that maintaining the Princess's survival alone is quite a difficult task. If there is a traitor within their ranks, all the traitor has to do is to rat out the Princess's current location, and cause a direct invasion to the Lughanta. Or the traitor attempts to silence Princess Olivia before the crew can drop her off at Venesia. Even if the Princess managed to land on Venesia, the threat of her assassination remains high. After all, you can change anyone's loyalty in the merchant land as long the price is right.

Once Princess Olivia was done, Agatha took the focus, saying that they have done the right thing and the meeting is adjourned.

Most of the time, the half-Infernal mostly kept to herself. This time however, the holes were too large to overlook. Considering the fact that Laura has given her life to ensure that the mission was a success, Cera is not going to let them go easily. The half-Infernal took a step forward with a determined look, her demonic crimson eyes turned sharp.

"Princess Olivia, I appreciate for the explanation, but I have some questions to ask."

Cera said in a formal tone.

"First of all, when you announced that the kidnapping is staged, how did Your Highness know it's us, the Lughanta, will be getting you out from the Grand Ball? Especially with Captain Nightingale who was in the dark with Your Highness's arrangements."

"Second," The half-Infernal continued on. "Seeing that the Void is about to be contained and subsequently weaponized, did Your Highness managed to develop a countermeasure to it? Surely the Void weapons can be used against them, no?"

Cera continued on with a slight pause.

"Lastly, how willing are the Brendorn Imperium to listen to Your Highness's words? The ministers could have convinced Empress Kyrie that you have been brainwashed by the kidnappers and turned Your Highness as a tool to undermine the sovereignty of the Imperials. After seeing how valiant and excited the Imperial nobles in following the Empress's footsteps at the Grand Ball, I'm kind of skeptical how effective of Your Highness's plan of ousting Empress Kyrie from her throne."

The half-Infernal exhaled, taking a quick breath while looking at Princess Olivia with her sharp crimson eyes.

"I apologize if I come off too harsh, Your Highness. But I believe we can use more explanation rather than the vague summary that we just got for ourselves."

A pause. But at the end, Cera decided to say it out.

"At least make Laura's sacrifice worthwhile, Your Highness."

The half-Infernal decided to leave out the traitor part, as it could be controversial. She hoped that Princess Olivia has the answers that she needs.

So, that was it then.

Seven could only nod to himself. Back in his normal suit, off to the side behind those gathered, the surprising revelations from the princess where collectively being digested.

All of it was going according to her plan. Even though there were some complications, the main aim was achieved regardless.

So ultimately...
This had nothing to do with him.

If this was something the princess had orchestrated of her own fruition then Seven had no place in interfering for the time being.

He breathed out in relief.

Agatha excused everyone... At least everyone who had no comment on the revelation. Seven was one of those; and like those who had nothing to say, he began to file out to return to his quarters.

However, the way out had suddenly become rather crowded.

"Ooof-.... hey."

Whether intentionally or accidentally he was pushed aside and back by someone. In that moment he regained balance, his eyes met with Olivia's.

"..."

Seven looked away. Waiting for the crowd out the door to clear up enough for him to go out unimpeded.

( Don't.
Just don't. )

This wasn't his concern. He wasn't supposed have anything to do with any of this. So, he hoped the princess would write him off as a coincidental lookalike. At least long enough to slip back into the crowd.

---

After the debriefing and everything were said and done, the crew exited the war room with various emotions in their hearts, including Olivia herself. The blonde was just leaving the room, stepping out the door. "Nnn...? That was when someone stumbled and almost bumped into her. "Please be careful." She warned this crew as her sapphire eyes turned at them.

"..." A short silence fell between the two as she met a pair of familiar reds, triggering flashes of memories from her academic years. The classes, the library, the observatory... and the night spent together in secret. "Ah...?" Before she could say anything, however, the redheaded man walked away.

She narrowed her eyes at his back, was he really... him? It had been years but that strong fiery gaze could never escape her even though there were so many redheads in the Empire. Coming up with a silent agreement that it'd be best to avoid the crowd for now. Olivia followed Seven while deliberately keeping her distance.

When they turned into a rather secluded corner, Olivia caught up with the taller man, "Hey, mercenary." She exhaled, waiting for him to turn around as she closed the distance. "Ah..." Now she could get a good look at his face. She took a step closer, "Stephan?"

---

Seven kept walking. If memories continues to prod themselves to the surface of his mind as he tried to walk away from it. Those fleeting days... Those foolish in yet charming memories made of immaturity and ignorance of how the world worked.

Still...
Still.


The young man still couldn't believe it was working.

By now, he was pretty sure that stealing an actual princess' quill would would've immediately lead to him getting eviscerated by the guards, but.... something in him told him that the brat wasn't nearly as cavalier as her sister.

He had been casually half-walking half-jogging away from her all the way out into the school courtyard. He was able to keep a distance from her enough for the 'chase' to look like like a complete farce.

At this point he was about far enough.

No one really bothered to follow along or stop. In fact, the stunt was meant to impress someone else in the class. But, like a joke gone too far, here he was being pursued.

It was about enough at this point.

He slowed down. Waiting as the light footsteps came ever closer. He waited to turn around at just the right moment...


"Hey, mercenary."
"Ah..."
"Stephan?"

The nostalgic first meeting among those spring flowers... gave way to the present. The dimly lit hallway that they had scurried away to keep from prying ears or eyes.

But in his mind, those same first words were ringing. Of a person who represented the beginning and end of his adolescence.


Are you sure you're really her highness' sister? I imagined you'd at least be somewhat more hardy. At least not some brat who can't keep up with someone walking.

This imbecile who brazenly walked off with her quill had a bemused smile that somehow admitted guilt in a sincere way.

I jest, Sorry.
My name is...


"I don't have any idea who you're talking about. You're talking to some nobody who cooks food on this ship." The mercenary with red hair said as he turned away. "You must be mistaking me for someone else, you brat."

---

"Hey... hey, come back!" She couldn't believe this, what was it with that student? What had he hoped to accomplish by these antics? The young princess panted as she sprinted after the quill thief, giving all she could to her legs, and yet he kept his distance without seemingly giving too much effort. The blonde gritted her teeth, didn't he realize who she is? He could get into trouble, big trouble, especially if her older sister knew about this.

Of course, Olivia wasn't petty enough to call her sister or guards for a mere quill, it was something she must handle herself. Maybe, just maybe, he bet on this and against his better judgment, decided to go on with the prank. She had been running all the way into the courtyard now, away from the crowd, still locked in pursuit. It was then her target relented, granting her mercy as surely he wouldn't be the exhausted one.

"Haa.... haa..." Not only he stole her quill, toyed her around, he had the gall to taunt her as well. "I... I am not my sister, nor she is me, it is not your place to be mocking me." This... this brazen imbecile! No one... no one had ever done this to her before, no one ever dared to so much think of pranking her. Yes... only him. Just who was he?"


"..." Olivia blinked her eyes, those very same sapphire irises framed by golden locks, "You stopped sending letters." She grabbed his arm with one hand, "Don't you turn your back on me." Her grip on his sleeve strengthens, "I knew what really happened to your family, it's one of the main reasons why my sister needs to be stopped. We don't need more wars." She exhaled before decided to move in and wrap her slender arms around his torso. "I missed you..."

---

The young man was stopped. He knew the thing that he had to do right now was to shake her off. But...

What happened to his family, then? Last he heard, the entire thing was still pinned solely on him. The setup should've been flawless.

"Let me go."

Seven fought off against all conflicting wishes and continued to alienate her. The sleeved arm that Olivia was holding onto pulled harshly away.

But things became even more complicated. The princess took full hold of him from behind. Her arms wrapped over his torso. Seven's body stiffened. His heart skipped a few beats... a feeling he hadn't had since his youth.

But after a moment he relaxed. He remembered why.


"...If you're really a princess then you do realize you shouldn't be doing that. I'm still convinced that you're looking for the wrong person - but let me tell you something you certainly are aware of. People in the royal family need not sully themselves with common folk, or even lesser nobles. The purity of bloodlines within Brendorn is important to the royals. Thusly, even if you aren't the reigning empress, you can't just go around embracing people like that."

"When Royalty and succession gets involved, anyone in the imperial family is an asset. Being born of one legitimizes heirs. Being bonded to one signifies power. So, protection of those assets are key to protecting of the status quo - or the keys to the breaking of that. Playing that game is astronomically dangerous."

"That's why, I'm not the person you're looking for. Stop Embracing me and forget whoever that person you're looking for is. They were probably too weak to do anything, so they fell in line and gave up on their dreams in exchange for keeping their life."

The princess could read through the lines of what he was saying. So, in a nutshell, that person she was looking for simply grew up, and came to realize that reality had it's limitations.

For his own sake and hers.

"In my time after the academy. I realized it was about time that I stop causing you trouble, Olivia. So I grew up - and accepted reality. You said it yourself, didn't you? Something like: If the cost outweighs the benefit then choose the alternate option."

Suddenly, Seven took hold of the princess' arms. Rather.... forcefully.

"If the empress' new advancements in war will allow the empire to sweep over the opposition, then surely that would lead to less despair and death as opposed to having both sides engage in a prolonged war. Tell me, you brat. Why shouldn't I just take your life here and save the lives of our countrymen?"

The area suddenly fell dead silent. Was he... really being serious? Why?

"I never betrayed my vow to protect the people of Brendorn. Even If this leads to me getting my head chopped off right after - If killing you here can save those lives from the carnage that your betrayal will bring about, then I'll gladly do it, Olivia."


He wasn't even trying to deny himself anymore. Despite the harsh words, the princess wasn't afraid. It was always like this between them.


She could do it if she wanted to. For stealing from royalty, she could have this rebellious youth get thrown into dungeon to rot for a week.

The fool kept on dancing around any question in regaurds to why he did what he had done. Teasing her all the way through. She was at about wit's end! They wouldn't even be here if he had just gave a straight answer!

Despite making that severe threat of punishment, the thief merely laughed.

"Well now. So she can be just as cruel then!"

Cruel!? Is that what he thought of her and her sister?

"Fine fine. I don't think I'd want to sleep on the ground for even one night if I could help it. So how about this? I'll grant you a favor then. Such as refilling your quill ink when it runs out for eternity, or eternally opening the door for you or the like."

How petty. Those were all things that she could have done for her already by someone else. The royal family had no shortage of servants. And he was STILL avoiding the question!

With a stroke of genius, Olivia found a way to get what she wanted. She spoke of it to the boy. He suddenly fell silent. For the first time showing mild surprise.

"To be... eternally honest with you? What?"

He reiterated in a dumbfounded voice.


This wasn't any different.
Seven was still loyal to his country. He wasn't the traitorous person the court had been making him out to be all this time. Going this far... was his roundabout way of keeping his promise and proving his intentions. There was no doubt in Olivia's mind now. Only actual Brendornian Royalty would go to such grandiose roundabout ways of saying things.

She could turn this around with her own words. In fact, she wouldn't have it any other way. Among Brendornian nobles it was considered a loss to involve guards to intervene for petty arguments.

She wasn't going to let him slip away or push her away either.

---

"No." Olivia might not be as dominant and imperious as her older sister but she was still the second most important person in the Empire. When push came to shove, she wouldn't let some noble boss her around, she wouldn't let go of the hug until he turned around and look her in the eyes. "I don't care. These laws, traditions, blind loyalty, I have enough of all that. The Empire is technologically advanced but mentally backward." She breathed into his back, "Why do you think I do all this? I will revoke the old laws, make the Empire new, one that isn't stuck in the old ways."

"..." True, she might be the one who said those words but if there was one thing Seven forgot, everything could change, including people. Bumi wouldn't exist without the balance between Sol and Luna, Order and Chaos. Stephan - like the Imperials - was stuck in the past but she couldn't fault him for that. "Nnn..." She winced slightly as he turned around then grabbed both of her arms, pinning her against the corridor wall.

Beneath those threats, she could see a lonely man, someone who wanted to make the world a better place yet cracked under pressure by those who wanted more bloodshed in the name of 'glory'. Despite his claims of 'growing up', Stephan was still that same student who stole her quill years ago.


"..." The young royal barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes, yeah, cruel. The only thing preventing her from refuting it outright was the fact she agreed with him to some extent. Kyrie could be... overly brash and authoritative, even for a young Empress. "A favor..." Olivia pondered, the redhead noble blissfully unaware he just gave the scholarly princess the power to hold a geas over him.

A mischievous grin, one quite uncharacteristic of Olivia, curled on her small lips. She motioned over for him to bend down so she could whisper into his ears...


"No, you're wrong." She looked up directly in his eyes despite his threats on her life. "Playing with the Void will only bring destruction to us all. You won't because you will doom Bumi into certain destruction, you won't because you know war is never the final answer, and most importantly, you won't because..." Olivia paused, "You still love me."

Before he could retort any further, she closed her eyes then leaned up as the princess eliminated the distance between them, embracing their lips together...

---

The princess' lips met with something peculiar. The thing that pushed against her mouth wasn't what she was expecting - at least, no mouth was shaped like that.

"Sorry."

She opened her eyes.

The mercenary had his index finger pushed up against her lips. But, that wasn't the first thing that Olivia noticed. The detail that really took her was the small smile she saw on his face.

It was a profound smile, of someone who hadn't been able to do so for very a long time.

"If we started doing this here I probably wouldn't be able to control myself anymore."

Seven embraced her. Putting his arms around her, he held her with the endearment of of all those years that had gone by. Despite hope uncouth it was to do so carelessly with royalty.

But, for just this moment, Seven allowed himself to not care for anything else but his own selfish wishes.

"But, You're right though. I really have missed you, Olivia."


Standing there in that dark hallway. It felt like something was moving forward again. The clock that had stopped that day...


Olivia and the young man had to tear themselves apart to separate, gasping for breath as they held each other in one anther's arms. They weren't quite sure how 'adult kisses' were supposed work, but they became so intoxicated with the motions once in started that they started to suffocate themselves.

But, right up there on that tower, under this night sky, it didn't matter.

It just started, kissing here felt like it was the natural thing to do. The Young Lord was certain he had gotten the message across to the princess, for Olivia, she could only wonder: but what happens now?

"...Tomorrow:" He began. "I'm going to transfer to the military academy to become a field officer."

To advance further in society... and to do one's duty for their country. The wasteful tactics that championed quick gains without consideration to the expense of the lives of others was something that had to be stopped. Was the gist of what the princess could understand from her classmate.

But, that would mean it would be years before they'd ever meet again. Olivia had no plans to take the field like her sister would. Even if she wanted too, the upper houses would not allow it.

When she protested this, Seven responded.

"I can still write letters. Actual Field Marshalls do not actually go clashing swords with the enemy. That is my aim."

He then pushed the young princess back while taking a step back.

"I promise I'll come back and meet you again. I can't be anyone's knight in shining armor without any kind of rank. The military path makes that opportunity possible."

As he explained, Olivia could hear the heavy footsteps of the guards coming up the tower. Likely responding to the fact that she was technically kidnapped just now. When she offered to just explain the situation so he wouldn't get in trouble, he shook his head.

"No need for that. Things would get complicated if people started rumors of you having a love affair with a lower noble. This is all just goodbye, for now."


A couple moments later the guards arrived, and he promptly surrendered. Despite this was nonetheless piled on by them mercilessly.

Afterwards, Seven explained his actions, saying he believed the princess had fallen for him. But everyone in the upper houses laughed at the idea. So, it brought Olivia much surprise when she got her first letter from him four winters later...


"Here on this ship, and out in this world beyond Brendorn my Name is Seven. In all these years I've accumulated a whole other set of responsibilities that I'm honor bound to attend to. So for that reason, I still think you have the wrong person."

It was amazing that no one was catching what had transpired. But at this point, even Seven wasn't planning to chance being caught like this much longer.

He turned his back on the princess.

"I will just have to see how your crazy plans unfold until then.
See ya'."

He took his first step, continuing down out of the hall.

( See Ya'? Aren't I a bit too old to still be saying that? )

He pondered this as he took his leave. Scratching his head he could only surmise that this was most certainly something he couldn't walk away from. For now it didn't matter. He still had kitchen and ship duties to attend to.

With the past few days, Shinobu had somehow escaped suspicion, being in contact with her true employer, she grimaces softly. The plan had changed from killing the Princess to kidnapping her. A plan Shinobu was fully against, it was counter to her own desires for carrying this out and boarding the Lughanta in the first place.

Memorizing the guard schedule, as much as she hated it, it was more sensible to attack when it was two humans, no troublesome powers, surprises, or natural enhancements to deal with. The fact Laura died made this all the more easy.. Though it was a shame her earlier attack had not claimed any of the rest… Though it had revealed a bit of valuable information in regards to Yumi. Reading the list, this shift was too priceless, Drayton the swordsman and Venrid the rogue. The later of which apparently was volunteering to stand guard tonight.

"Hmm.. Tonight it is then." Triggering a communications Magitek, Shinobu sends a brief coded message consisting largely of beeps to an unknown source. Satisfied it was now time to get to work. Grabbing her launcher, a few rounds and her combat knife, she at first goes out for a flight, ostentatiously it was to help with a maintenance check, but in reality it was to plant a timed detonator Thermite Bomb, six of them to be precise. Planting them all along a heavily concealed section of the Lughanta, it was the only parting gift she could leave behind for now.

As the hours passed and a few targets of note were out of the way it was now time to do her mission… Once this was completed her dreams would become a reality and power would be hers.. A few sacrifices were always needed with grand ideals. Something these people would never understand.

Checking her knife and launcher, it was time.. The question was how best to do this, she would have to be quick, while just launching on the two idiots would work well enough, it also ran the risk of killing the Princess, fortunately in so close and with her knife, Shinobu was fairly confident she could deal with the pair rather quickly. Walking down the halls, she would charge the pair, then use her launcher to kill any nearby responders, give the Princess something to help with sleep, then deal with any idiots stupid enough to give chance.

With her plain boring face, nothing seemed out of the ordinary as she approaches the pair standing guard in the hall. With it being so late at night it was unlikely the Princess would even be awake right now.


Standing to the left of the Princesses cabin door, Venrid eyed the ends of the hall with a firm fixation. Having experience with guard detail and being one acclimated to it, the job was a lot easier compared to his days in the noble's forest. Though offering far less of a reward, it still demanded of him to stand and wait for things to happen. This would not have been so bad if not for the person he was assigned with.

Standing relaxed and half asleep next to him, the young thief seemed to lack the discipline or fortitude for night watch. Yawning frequently and staring blankly at the wall aside from him, the constant sighs from him were beginning to unnerve Venrid as much as his nonchalant responses to him barking to stay awake.

Listening now as yet another sigh escaped his lips, Venrid was about to open his mouth to speak when he caught the figure of Shinobu edge out from behind a corner to his left. Turning his complete attention toward her, he watched as she slowly approached them. Adjusting his stance, with his left foot turned toward her and his left arm grasping his sheath.

She had been one of the last on his suspect list along with the lilim, but unlike her he couldn't find Shinobu after they had arrived. It was if she disappeared from the ship entirely or was intentionally avoiding him. Whatever the case he didn't like her, nor her role in Team Two for that matter. Eyeing as she drew near he wondered why she was even in these halls at this hour, the visitors had stopped coming for Olivia for some time now and he hadn't heard about either of them being replaced.

"Look alive kid."


Leaning against the right of the door, the twin-bladed swordsman lazily stood watch with the rogue, though unlike his partner he appeared to be much more nonchalant about the whole ordeal. While that wasn't necessarily true, Drayton at the least didn't bother to hide the fact that he normally would be sleeping at this hour.

He thought the whole situation they were in was stupid. Heroes? He never signed up to be a hero. Heroes got themselves killed for stupid reasons and the "right thing". Not to mention ever since the end of the mission, the hairs on the back of his neck constantly stood on end. It went too smoothly. Sure, some had fallen, but in hindsight the thief expected there to be more than there were. It was an assignment that they shouldn't have succeeded in honestly speaking. Even if the Empress never caught up to them, he had a nauseating feeling that something else would.

With another yawn, Venrid mutters out to him. "Mm?"

Looking down the hall where his watch partner's focus was aimed, he noted a figure approaching them from down the hall. Even lethargic as he was, he could tell it was Shinobu as he approached closer. Though it made no sense of why she was here. The princess was held out of the way, so it wasn't as if you needed to pass it to get to anywhere else.

With a click of his tongue and a quiet hiss, Drayton rested an arm on his blade, Steelrune. "...I'm awake, damn it."


Watching the pair, it would be the cripple, well partly crippled fighter that would be on alert. A shame he decided to be on the wrong side of her war. This in turn had alerted the thief. If only they could make this more simple, they could have at least lived. Keeping her blank expression the whole way arms behind her back in a military fashion.

Approaching the two with clipped posture and barring Shinobu nods at the pair, moving in closer and closer. "Nice work you two, especially with being a useful Diversion and the Kidnapping, I'm afraid I have business with Her Highness, and you two are relieved of your duties...


"Permanently." Lashing out with a shoved into Venrid, while ducking low for a keep on Drayton, the Commando deploys her knife in hand aiming for vitals and nerve endings, the faster she dealt with them the better, keeping her grenade launcher in her right as a makeshift shield, Shinobu didn't seem to be playing in this situation, fully trying to kill the pair.


"State yer business." Venrid barked at Shinobu as she reached spitting distance between them. He wasn't much for surprises this night, especially after the mess of the day still lingering in his left arm. Hearing of her praise and then addressing her reason for being there, he was more than a little suspicious, but the excuse was not altogether unreasonable. The few to venture out here and talk with the princess were of various sorts, but they had all been by much earlier.

Exchanging a raised eyebrow his fellow guardsmen, it was a fatal mistake Venrid would come to regret. Feeling the brute force of Shinobu's shoulder and mass ramming into his rib cage, the wind was knocked clear out of him as he stumbled back and tried to maintain what balance he could. Caught off guard and without warning, he struggled to pour breath back into his lungs as he clutched at his stomach.

Not being one to slack however, his right hand went immediately and almost instinctively for his hilt. Seeing the flash of a dagger and the woman's clear aim, he retreated a few steps in order to make the needed time to draw his sword. Cursing his luck in passing, he only hoped the kid was quick enough to buy him some time if not counter the bitch before things got ugly.


"If yer up for a late-night snack, the mess is on the other side of the ship, lady," Drayton pointed out.

Venrid seemed to be highly suspicious of her being here. Drayton couldn't say he found her presence to be nothing to worry about, but what was the worst she could do? It was close quarters with two people specializing in swordsmanship. Only an idiot would charge blindly, specially if the idiot in question was just a human girl. Exchanging a look with his watch partner, the girl suddenly made her move. The thief didn't know what her deal was, but as far as he was concerned he just needed to cut her down quick.

As Venrid was tackled and Drayton saw the glint of steel, he grasped the hilt of Steelrune and dashed forward to cover his recovering partner. Aligning the blade horizontally with the ground, the thief thrust the tip forward at the betrayer, intending to pierce Shinobu's body or at least keep her at a distance. In the enclosed hallways, her dagger would be incredibly dangerous if she managed to get it close, whereas his would be more restricted. The biggest advantage he held currently was reach and distance.


Being as if not more experienced than the two swordsmen, they made a sensible if somewhat classical mistake. Desiring to back up one another rather than splitting up the pair were grouped up, going for their blades in hand. The thief was a bit faster on the draw, having his blade out at once and attempting a thrust. With her WG-117 flight suit equipped and physical alterations, the Imperial was built for speed and maneuverability enhanced by magical power. Ducking in low and past the blade the woman seemed fairly graceful.

She had to kill them both in this next exchange, or right now for that matter. Noticing five crewmen in the distance, they would be most useful. Extending her grenade launcher as she went past the thief, she fires a single electrical round, exploding it was likely some of the blast might even reach the Mercenary, all five figures vanish in smoke and thunder as a frightened yelp is heard beyond the door. Twirling the launcher forward with her right, she aims to simply skull bash Venrid, as her left uses the knife in an attempted back stab on the thief. Analyzing the situation one more exchange would have to do it. It would be only a matter of time till others investigated.


Finally taking a deep gasp of breath, the momentary stun of the shoulder bash was over and Venrid was more than pissed enough to fight. His knuckles white on the hilts of his blade, he all but runs past the grenade that flies by his head and erupts behind him. Feeling the tingle and burn of electricity, it did little to stop him. Fueled by a fire many times greater than what was behind him he leans forward and attempts to catch the launcher as he sees it coming down toward his skull.

Feeling a shot of pain go through his arm, it's enough to tell him he's got a hold of it, or at least held it off for the time being. Using the moment to bring his sword up above his head in a slash he aims to use the movement as a faint in order to catch Shinobu with an elbow to the face. While not deadly, a broken nose would be better than nothing and as things were progressing the less time she had to use the launcher the better.


Outmaneuvered. The girl was the one with that weird suit. Drayton clicked his tongue at the nuisance. Even indoors it provided her an advantage against them. No matter. At the end of the day his reach was still superior, so if she wished to land a hit she'd need to be prepared to take one as well. Though it appeared that the two of them weren't the only ones the girl held ill will towards as she fired off an explosive towards some distant crewmen. Even assaulting the unarmed maintenance crew...

"Quit blowin' shit up ya' bitch!" With a growl, the swordsman switched grip on his blade. Twirling the sword so he held it in a reverse grip in his right with the tip pointed to his back and his left holding the pommel, Drayton countered the woman's knife with another thrust backwards. If she really wanted the hit to connect, she'd have to risk taking some damage herself or back off.


Glaring at the pair, they seemed intent on making this difficult for her. First was Venrid, Shinobu smirks at his catch, following up with a sword strike she expected him to pull some kind of trick. Taking his blow to the forehead, she glares "You son of-a-" Launching out with a kick to his solar plexus with her left leg, taking advantage of her speed and momentum, it was unlikely the strike would not hit with him feeling a bit of it. Cocky shit..

Then there was the swordsman on the other side, turning her full attention towards him he had made two mistakes. One was not drawing both blades, two was moving it behind his back in the hopes of a swift strike. While he had the longer reach he was also much more slower moving than she. Meeting his hit with her own, Shinobu has a bit of her hair clipped and chopped by the sword, with a tch sound, her small knife rides the blade, bring up sparks as she stabs directly for his lower chest, before unleashing a flurry of strikes.


With his right elbow making a clean hit, it was a shame it couldn't of been the woman's nose. Drawing back to make yet another, Venrid for a second time in the fight is taken to the floor with a swift kick to his gut. Having tensed this time around unlike the other, the force and aim are still enough to send a ripple through his body. Signaling to his knees to give out, only one holds on as his sword cuts into the wooden floor in an attempt to stay upright.

Struggling for air and quite frankly at his limit for bullshit, Venrid with what air and strength remained tugged hard on the launcher somehow still held within his grip. With a click, it broke in two and Venrid nearly loses his hand on it and falls flat on his ass. But reaffirming his hold by wrapping his fingers in the space between the two parts, he remains upright. The pain of his fingers meaning less as adrenaline surged through them. He began to relentlessly tug while fighting for breath. It was all he could do to just stay in the fight.


Unfortunately the thief's aim for a quick, decisive end backfired and left him much too open for counterattack by their agile enemy. Once she managed close enough, there was little he could do to shield himself from the flurry of steel. As the blade tore into him again and again, not even he was steadfast enough to endure it and continue on. Stumbling back with a grimace, Drayton collapsed onto his back. Too many hits. Too much blood. He wasn't going to continue and by the looks of it his partner wouldn't be capable for much longer either.

Struggling to raise his hand to his chest, the pooling liquid that painted his entire palm red didn't bode well for his chances. "...W-What the hell's your game in this…? Huh….?"


Snapping the launcher shut, or rather attempting, there was a sickening crunch as steel closes on bone. Horribly breaking Venrid's fingers, the woman kicks him aside in one deft angry motion. Taking the time to actually close the launcher, she does not give him a time to stand up this time, stomping directly on the base of his right knee with her foot, it would be unlikely he stayed conscious for long, or would rise to his feet. Not bothering to answer the questions for now, she could at least finish them both off when she was done. A simple slice.

Kicking the door in the Princess attempts some resistance as Shinobu pulls a syringe from her belt, stabbing it into arm of Olivia, scooping her up like a sack of feed across her shoulders, Shinobu could spare a few seconds for an answer to two dying men. "It's rather a shame I have to kill you both, I'm rather fond of Humans, more than the other scum we have on this ship. To answer you, my game is to change this world and place humanity on top. But more than that.." Smirking she leaves the bleeding man where he is, turning her attention to Venrid.

"You know your friends were more impressive on the ship, but I guess I have no rights to brag. After all my tampering with the bombs failed to kill a single one of you. And in a more open space you two would have won. Well time to go to sleep for now."

"You fucking bitch."Trying to spit out at her Venrid stares with a look of pure rage to his face, before attempting to grasp a throwing knife in his right hand, which fails by way of a simple kick.

"Oh, your friend in the traffic control outfit said much the same when I killed him."

Seeing pure red Venrid swore to himself then and there, this bitch would die. Maybe not today, or a week from now, but he would hunt her down to the ends of the world and beyond. No matter the cost. "Better not miss you shit." he threats between gritted teeth.

As she readies the blade a voice can be heard followed by thunderous armored footfalls.



"In the name of Luna, What are you doing!?" Calls out the voice of the Blood Devil Sorina.

"Tch, saved for today.." Going for a quick stab in a non-vital region of his thigh to be sure there would be no pursuit, she then kicks Venrid in the face, before running off at speed.

Running up from behind, Sorina briefly stops to check the mechanics who were hurt, three were outright dead, two more were lingering, there was the Human Venrid and Drayton further ahead… And he, well he was a mess. Remembering his kindness the woman wasn't exactly the most friendly in the world, and constantly looked down on others, but she always upheld her debts. Rushing to his side, Sorina examines him with a concerned look to her face, trying to make light of the situation she also had to track down that traitorous bitch. Reaching for an alarm she smiles thinly to the thief who was so far the only one on this ship to show her kindness.

"Sorry to say only Vampires can bite and turn others, can't have you bleeding out.. I can see what happened.. Just, stay still alright?"

Change the world? Put humanity on top? Turns out his paranoia was right. That job did go off a little too well. Though he wasn't sure if this was the Empress's doing or someone else's. It was all stupid in his eyes. Stupid enough the make the man in tatters laugh. Coughing up some of his own blood, even in as horrible a place as he was now, the thief still had the ability to get on someone's nerves. "...Hehehe… So that's your reason, huh? Something like power itself… it's always a stupid reason to throw your life away for… Good luck girly." She'd come to the end of her journey soon enough. That was the thing when you went looking for power. It's easy to find, but damn hard to actually gain.

As the girl departed with her cargo, it seemed that someone had come to their rescue, albeit a little late. The cheeky Blood Devil. Drayton scoffed at her insinuation that he'd want to be turned. "What…? And drink blood instead'o booze…? ...Yeck…" Coughing up a bit more of the red fluid, he groaned, though seemingly in more annoyance than pain or fear. "You're no medic girly… Hell, not even that asshat doctor could stitch this up…" Looking down at his wounds, it was a lost cause trying to stall the inevitable."You wanna do me a favor…? Kill that bitch and make'er hurt… Oh… an' it'll be a pain in the ass… but give these swords back to tha' geezer I took'em from."


Gritting her jaw into a tight formation, Sorina knew as much as she pulled the lever. "Hmm I happen to enjoy some wine every so often.. And I am terribly sorry about that Drayton, but you will have to bring them to him yourself, I have confidence in Doctor Kamov to save you, bastard he is aside. I'll keep it in mind however. Now shut up. Rest."

Truthfully she only gave the human slim odds of surviving, but she would at least get revenge for him. Deploying her wings the Blood Devil gives an airborne chase as the alarm resounds through the halls various reports flood in regards to Shinbu fleeing the ship with the Princess taken prisoner. Little did they know all hell was about to break loose.

Soon thereafter the ship would rock as chunks of the speed ring plow into the deck and superstructure, with the alarm giving way Aster's voice comes out clearly ship wise.

"All hands damage control! Put out that fire, we're making for port! Sorina, Charlotte and Saki! Get in the air now! Stop Shinobu! Bring back Olivia now!"

"Charlotte, Saki, Sorina has command.. Catch up with her fast! Kamov, we need you down in the halls where Olivia was kept! I need someone up here to take the Captain to the med bay at once! Other Flyers and engineers get out there and keep the Ring from collapsing! Helmsman set a course for Port Artemis Flank speed."

With the unconscious Princess in her arms, Shinobu grins at the aftermath of her bombing, watching the Lughanta's Erchius ring break in a section and collapse from her thermite bomb, as fire spread along it and onto the deck. Waving at the bridge from her one free hand, those two at least had provided a nice warm up, but now was the time to go. Had she had her way the Princess would be dead and the ship a burning hulk... Her employer felt otherwise. Oh well, at least the section that smashed the bridge might have killed one of them. Even in the dead of this night with the full moon's gaze could the destruction be noticed.

Meanwhile aboard the bridge, as reports flood in with regards to Shinobu's betrayal as a stunned Agatha can only look on as part of her precious ship explodes, watching a figure speeding off in white pilot armor with their valuable guest in tow. Reaching for the Communications button Agatha is caught by surprise, a portion of debris impacts the bridge, sending Agatha down with a shake, hitting her head on a console. Quickly Aster kneels to the captain, as others check fallen over bridge crew... A pulse, good, she was alive. Quickly assuming command, the XO presses the communications button, broadcasting to the entire ship.

"All hands damage control! Put out that fire, we're making for port! Sorina, Charlotte and Saki! Get in the air now! Stop Shinobu! Bring back Olivia now!" Watching as his order was given, Sorina was already in the air, heading off like a lunatic, crimson wings in her wake. Too fast for a scramble... What had happened?

"Charlotte, Saki, Sorina has command.. Catch up with her fast! Kamov, we need you down in the halls where Olivia was kept! I need someone up here to take the Captain to the med bay at once! Other Flyers and engineers get out there and keep the Ring from collapsing! Helmsman set a course for Port Artemis Flank speed."

Setting the captain up carefully in her bridge chair, Aster attempts doing all he can for her as damage control reports and responses flood in.
~~~

Having left the bloodied halls in her wake, Sorina was more than a bit pissed with Shinobu, only hearing a bit of orders as she tore off into the sky, this situation needed an immediate response. Remembering the request left to her by Drayton, Shinobu had to stop. Never mind that Sorina had always wondered, just which of them was stronger... Plus she needed to recover that blasted Princess. Focusing on speed, if there were to be any backup for her, it had to arrive fast, as the Lughanta grew more and more distant.

---

Saki couldn't sleep. Not with all the sudden noise from explosions and alert sirens anyway. It was clear that something was wrong, and the bitter taste of sabotage so soon after their victory was not welcome. She quickly got ready for whatever battle was at hand, grabbing her sword and rushing out of her quarters. Or more specifically, the part of the hold where she slept on a pile of whatever assorted money and other loot she could scrape together.

"What the hell is going on," she roared at the first person she saw. Quite a sight, to see a dragon girl clad in only a cute nightie, her hair still mussed from sleep and carrying a sword to shout at you at the top of her lungs. but there wasn't much else to do in this sort of situation. The intercom cleared up the situation enough as Saki was making her way to the upper decks that she doubled the pace to get on deck and take off, speeding after the other two before they completely disappeared from view.

---

Playing a bit to her stereotype, the golden-haired Charlotte had been, in fact, still awake, drinking wine and reading a book. It was a small celebration with some wine conveniently nicked in the chaos of smuggling out of the princess, and to her, it was a miracle that it was a vintage that was not from her own vineyard.

So as it happened, the red-eyed vampire was one of the occupants of the ship with the highest state of alertness when the situation aboard all went to shit. Quite a ways from the bridge, she was still jolted forward in her seat during the explosion, forcing her to quickly stand up to not spill any of her precious red fluid. Time for enjoyment long over, she tipped the entire glass into her mouth, finishing her drink. While not as actively concerned as her dragon counterpart, she still opened her cabin door to the din erupting around her.

The brief announcement over the intercom calmed some of her initial confusion, leaving her mostly curious about the circumstances behind the princess's second kidnapping. There was also the background concern that the airship would fall out of the sky, but it wasn't a pressing one.

Conveniently ignoring some parts of the intercom order, she dove off ship via a bulkhead door, instantly spreading her wings in pursuit of the escaping turncoat.

---

Continuing her chase, it's not long till Shinobu notices the Blood Devil closing on her, with what seemed to be two others further away were closing in fast. Kicking her Erchius powered flight suit into full gear, she had no intention of fighting them, talking to them, or being slowed. Fortunately the Princess was still unconscious. But with one hand useable at best a fight did not favor her in the least.

That wasn't important at all, she had a mission to do and the Human shield bitch, or perhaps Blood Devil shield and her two friends would be dealt with soon enough.

As the other two catch up, the reason for Aster's orders became rather abruptly clear no sooner than the girl opening her mouth at the pairs arrival.

"I started this chase! She's mine! You two just act as you see fit if I don't give you orders!" Sensing the approaching pair likely by sound, Sorina finally turns her head just to see who it was that had came to help.

"Ah.. Charlotte.. Liz-er Saki..." Letting her gaze linger on the Dragon Youkai briefly Sorina's face takes a rather sour look, as if highly displeased. Slowing her own speed to something more comfortable, there was no way she was escaping just like that over the open sea, forming up would only be proper here.

"While I always knew your kind to be a bit brutish if not underdressed, sleepwear hardly seems the most appropriate choice given the situ- wait...From the left! Near the waves!" About three hundred yards off from Shinobu was a craft coming in low and fast, a skiff of some sort or fast attack craft, with it's fast speed and low flying it would have been difficult to spot at range.

"Get ready!" Suddenly and without warning two hundred yards away Shinobu stops her run, turning to face the trio while using Olivia as her own shield.

"While the two of you blood suckers may not sleep now, one of you looks like she's ready to do so. I suggest you return. Now."

As the small airship arrives behind, a ramp to the side folds down, or more like most of the wall than a ramp, with seven figures full visible five of those had wings judging by internal reflections off the ships interior walls. It seemed what ever Shinobu was up to, she was not acting on her own.

"Heh, human coward, hiding behind your own, even with me you were fond of using us as shields.. Don't think you've escaped me yet."

Smirking a small fraction it seemed Shinobu had something to say as she gazes at the trio, not concerned in the least.

---

Soon enough, Charlotte caught up to Sorina, gliding alongside her as she started speaking to her and Saki. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she shrugged. Catching the approaching skiff at the same time as Sorina, she drew her sword, holding it in a ready position as Shinobu suddenly turned around, using the princess as a human shield.

"That's not a very convincing reason," the golden-haired vampire retorted, her red eyes tracking the small skiff. Not waiting for the turncoat to make the first move, she ran a finger against her sword, drawing blood. At the same time, she worked her blood magic, hardening the red liquid into menacing daggers that she aimed the vessel's opening ramps before surging forward.

---

"Shut up," Saki replied to Sorina's ribbing. "You wanna sleep in your armor just so you're always ready for a fight?" The urgency of the situation was clearly more important to her than arguments about dress code. "Besides, what more does a dragon need than-" She dropped it when the approaching ship was pointed out. Of course the traitor would have somehow arranged for support, no matter how unlikely it should be. She could get into her own fighting stance even in midair, and did so, centering herself and holding her sheathed sword at the ready.

"Like we'll listen to you, you damn treacherous bitch," she spat across at Shinobu. If the point as to kill the princess, she'd already be dead. So there wasn't much reason not to call the bluff and just move in anyway. "You think a few more men are going to stop us kicking your ass?"

---

"Why yes. Yes I do. I've escaped, I've won. And if only you knew how far my treachery spread, but what can I expect of three Sub-Human trash such as yourselves.."

Seemingly unconcerned with the duo's rush, Shinobu looks pointedly at Sorina, smiling thinly for once in the long time the trio knew her. "Kill them. And stow this bitch in the hold, the Little Dragon seems to have gotten something right."

While the five soldiers seemed to bristle at her mention of Sub-Human trash but they comply, being composed largely of Youkai races and a vampire of one sort or another, the five acknowledge her words, stepping out into the sky with an assortment of melee weapons drawn, judging by their equipment they were likely hired mercenaries.

Be that as it may, the five did outnumber the three, and it would only be a matter of time till the commando joined them, provided she didn't just run. Being composed of a Nosferatu male, a female Dragon Youkai armed with a mace, two female Youkai, likely crow or raven judging by the wings, brandishing broadswords and finally carrying a magitek rifle was a human male with a fairly primitive flight suit. He seemed to largely be holding back in support as the other four rushed in.

With the Dragon heading for her counter and the Nosferatu doing the same, the two bird winged females seem to hold back waiting for a sign of weakness in the lines before joining. As the transport moves away, Shinobu extends her right arm, loading a new shell into her canister launcher with a blank expression to her face.

Sorina for her part looks towards her two comrades, trusting them to deal with the situation easily enough, but now she had to default on training, grunting.. She had the most armor, the best chance of breaching and ability to take the hits.

"We'll talk clothes later, deal with those two, I'm rushing through..if she escapes, let's take the birds.. I think we can make them talk a bit more easily."

Rushing forward into the melee, it was likely her two comrades could open up on their opposing mercenaries far more easily.

---

Saki led in with a flashing draw which sent forth a large, erchius-boosted wave of energy right at the entire group, before meeting her counterpart head-on. "Oh? Didn't expect to see another dragon," she commented. "Surprised you'd sully yourself to serve under someone like that."

She deftly avoided the first swing of the mace, dipping away in midair as she deftly made a counter strike with her katana, the blade cleanly flicking out to bite into her opponent. It wasn't a strike to kill, merely one to punish the clumsy assault put before her. "Oi, Shiro," Saki said, apparently speaking to someone. "Go harass those ranged fighters. And don't get shot down."

A dragon about the size of an eagle materialized next to Saki, briefly stretching as he flapped his wings. "It's you I'm worried about getting shot down," the dragon replied, his mental voice as usual sounding more like an amused old man. "You'll owe me one for this later." Shiro flew off to swoop down on the man with the rifle, making quick attacks to distract him before pulling back for another pass.

Saki, meanwhile, continued her fight, deflecting another swing from the mace with her sheathed sword, to draw it again in a strike at her opponent's arm, attempting to disarm her. Just of her weapon, fortunately for the other girl.

---

"Cute," commented Charlotte, glancing over the forms of her enemies. "Too bad we're fighting~" Likewise, she shot a scowl towards the male Nosferatu, opting to beeline straight for him like a rocket. As she zipped towards him, she fired more of her blood missiles at the crow or raven youkai, intent on just shooting them down and out of the way. Pointing the tip of her thin sword at the man, she grinned. "You too, you've picked the wrong crew to roll with~"

Not keen on sparing any quarter, she ascended just slightly before diving in towards him, meaning to skewer the man where he stood. Coming out of the diving attack, she disregarded whether the attack connected or not before coming around in a broad circle to knock down the sniping bastard with a counter-volley of blood spells.

---

"Money well spent.." Watching the battle Shinobu seemed displeased by her comrades, loading a round into her launcher she takes aim as Sorina charges the gunner, thankful for Saki's disruption of the field of fire.

Summoning his own blood control, the male meets her first slash just in time for a response of his own. "It's a job.." Parrying the blow as she went around he had a bad feeling about this job, deciding to cut off the infernal, or perhaps to take his chance to run away... Running seemed a good idea, as he watches his ally loses an exchange against her racial sister, the gunner also seemed to be in more than a bit of trouble... He wasn't being paid enough for this..

Aiming his rifle, the human had enough trouble dealing with the damned miniature dragon, now of all things a damned vampire was shooting blood spells at him. "Shit-shit-shit-shit-shit." swearing, he likely was new to the crew, rapidly discharging his rifle shot after shot desperately trying to bring Charlotte down.

The Dragon Youkai for her part feels her weapon being battered away but immediately refocuses, using her tail to spin and swipe at Saku, the Dragon's eyes momentarily go wide at what was to happen next..

Sorina intercepting the male vampire snarls cutting him off, lance in hand. "Half-breed scum.. Now Di-"

"..Die." From across the distance, Shinobu pulls her trigger, sending a shell arcing into the pair of blood suckers, the male taking the brunt of it vanishes alongside Sorina in sparking electricity and smoke. Shinobu had no intentions on allowing the coward to run, nor in allowing her allies to waver. Though her eyes narrow briefly in concern as the smoke seems to billow, that crazy bitch was still alive..

With a bloody red Aura oozing from her body like some sort of demonic beast, Sorina's eyes become the blood red sclera incasing her eyes, armor heavily dented, her cape seemed to absorb the bulk of the impact in kind. "I'LL SKIN YOU ALL ALIVE!" While it was much like the berserkers fury from before, though the red Aura was something new, as fresh wounds ooze blood.

With a fanatical dive Sorina ignores the dead and falling Vampire diving into the midsts of the two winged Youkai, her lance hurled from her hand, as sharp claws form from the Blood Devil's hands. Impaling the first Youkai, "Urk..w-wh-" the other grabs her in a state of shock, yelling something to the effect of;

"SISTER SIS Stay with me! Sis!?" The human in turn steps up his efforts nervous about the ally to his back, the Dragon Youkai's determination to battle suddenly becomes more apparent, as Sorina speeds past, aiming for the opening in the transport as it closes.

"YOU BITCH!! I'LL REND YOU APART!" It was clear that Sorina had lost it, much as before with a more primitive aspect of her people spilling to the front, but regardless a change would be needed in her orders.. She had killed one of the birds.

---

Saki reached out to catch the dragon girl by the tail, and with a pull and flap of her wings, swing her around and throw her into the hull of Shinobu's getaway ship. She followed up with a flying kick, slamming her opponent once more into the ship and knocking the wind out of her. Before the other girl could recover, the silver-scaled dragon youkai had her in some sort of hold, and whispered a few nice things in her ear.

"Just give up, or you're gonna die like your friends. You're coming with us."

---

As Charlotte closed her distance on the magitech wielding man, her ranged spells began to hit home. First smashing his rifle, a second hit disabled his flight gear and the human began to fall, letting out a cry as his ability to stay aloft left him. Considering him dead, the red-eyed girl doubled back to the main battle, finding the fight mostly over. Gliding back to the crow girl, finding her clutching the body of the other, she points her sword out at them.

"I'll accept your surrender now."

---

Continuing her crazed flight path Sorina attempts attacking Shinobu who in turn shuts the transport door. More than a little ticked with the situation some of those idiots would likely surrender now. Fortunately they were just hired on idiots, so what if they were captured. Smiling as the Blood Devil lets out a shrill scream. Thuds can be heard on the metallic hull, but it would not be enough, though she seemed to be attempting some sort of energy channeling.

Not like it mattered. "Let's go. And make sure the Princess is well rested."

With the changes in fortune the Dragon attempts fighting back but ultimately gives in, shrugging her shoulders and dropping the mace, too ashamed to say anything she dares not look Saki in the eye as her jawline tightens into a scowl.

With all her other allies dead or gone, sister dying in her arms, the Raven Youkai seems in a state of a shock, holding the cooling corpse. Her sword had long since dropped. "...we were just to pick her up...a simple.. a simple job.." Clutching the body all the while and crying, the Blood Devil's lance dissolves. Sorina for her part attempts to fly after the craft, but gives up with a blood curdling scream, as she eventually calms down.

"...I suggest you both answer our questions readily. I'm in a fairly evil mood Ehehehe. Dump that corpse."


"N-no Please! Let me burn her! Not here! Not to be Fish food!"

Staring pointedly at the girl, Sorina still had a touch of her Blood Rage Lingering, her failure here unacceptable. Facing the Youkai head on she grins in a sadist faction.

"Let's be clear here, drop the body now unless you wish to join her."

"YOU KILLED HER!"

"Yes I did and I still may kill you.. But think of this, that partner of yours, she killed and betrayed several of us, and while you may have no hand in it or maybe a large hand in it, revenge will be taken out on her. I can't even promise both of you will live to see the next sunrise... Remember this, I only need one of you to talk.."

Slowly and with reluctance the Youkai drops her sister, crying as she does so, with her dragon partner moving uneasily towards her, she attempts comforting her as the trio forms up around them.

"Ehehe, well back to ship.." While she was exhausted and in a rather large amount of pain from Shinobu's attack, she couldn't show weakness, not here, not now... By the time they got back with these two the sun would likely be up or nearing it. The Funeral service for Laura would also likely be expanded to include the others..

Provided the ship didn't burn up or crash into the sea, if it did then the two prisoners would serve as food supplies.

---

By the time the three returned to the Lughanta with the two captured assailants, the situation was tense but the fiery crisis was contained. The airship was still flying fortunately enough but the 'Ring of Fire' was damaged beyond on-field repair by the flames, ironically enough. Most of the manpower was directed to patching what damage they could and taking care of the wounded. Sorina, Charlotte, and Saki would be welcomed by several crew members as they guided them to the brig.

The dragon and crow youkais were thrown into separate cells for further questioning. One staying silent while the other letting out choked gasps, staring at the wall with empty eyes. It was then that Aster arrived, a deep scowl on his normally calm features. "The Captain has a concussion, the doctor treated her. She'd live but she's still unconscious." The XO reported as his eyes went over the prisoners, "I take it that the traitor escaped with the princess?"

He heaved, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Damn it..." The blue-haired man took a deep breath, the gears of his mind turning to salvage what crumbling remains of the situation. Until the captain woke up, there must be something he could do. "Charlotte, the crow. Saki, the dragon. Make them talk." Aster gestured to the captives, "Sorina, you stay guard in case any of them tries anything funny." Considering they are Youkais, who knew if they decided to summon their pesky familiars.

---

Saki didn't really need to make much a report to the XO, but she did enough. "If they didn't you'd see her." Stating the obvious was the simplest approach here. She'd certainly find a way yo get some information out of this mess, particularly when the princess herself didn't even get a chance to explain herself. "It's a fine mess, all right."

Saki took a seat facing her assigned prisoner. She actually started off nice and friendly enough, at least. "It's not often I run into another dragon," she said, cheerfully enough for the circumstances. "Shame we had to meet in such circumstances. What's your name?"

---

Sorina for her part gives a bit of a sigh, lowering her head in apology. "She had prepared this for some time with outside help. I have no excuses.. Though I am in need of Kamov's services, I'll stand by as you requested, Vice Captain."

Staying in the hall while those two went into the cells for questioning, Sorina partly questioned the reasoning in using Saki for this task, Charlotte had her magic at least, while Sorina knew some in this regard her current condition didn't warrant it.

~~~

Meanwhile in her cell, the other Dragon Youkai having blue scales was possibly some sort of water based sub species, her compliance in all of this made all the more sense why she had not summoned her spirit or attempted an escape. Though she still had a Dragon's pride. Crossing her arms and staring pointedly at Saki the fellow Youkai says nothing for the longest time, but then speaks a bit tersely;

"I am Kana Yamagawa, Freelance Mercenary, I know not what troubles you had with my... Employer's partner, but I expect to be treated in accordance with the Rules of War as a prisoner. That's all I have to say." Keeping her arms crossed it didn't seem she was all that willing to comply, but at least it was something.

In truth she knew very little minus what she was told.

---

Saki nodded. "Miyamoto Saki. I certainly have no intentions to treat you...dishonorably. Though you saw how things went back there. I'd ask if you wanted another round to settle up here, but I don't think they'd let me." She shrugged her own shoulders, disturbing Shiro where he had draped himself to rest and causing the familiar to look around lazily.

"Answer our questions and swear not to cause trouble, and I'll ensure you will be treated fairly," she continued. "Your job's done with, anyway. Hopefully you didn't get screwed out of your payment by this little hiccup, but it's not like we've got any particular arguments with you either way. What I want to know is who hired you, and why. I doubt you were paid by our little traitor; someone else is in on this."

"Who knows, play your cards right and you might get more information out of the deal, if you're at all curious about things." She could, of course, offer more than just information, not that she was going to unless she needed to. There was also the simple fact that anyone who didn't talk now would likely enjoy a long and particularly painful stay in the company of the Doge's men, when he hears of what happened.

---

Gritting her teeth, the Water Dragon thinks on the offer presented to her, it was a fairly good one if true and considering that bitch had killed on of their own for running she was worried the hangman's axe would be coming for her next. If not from the crew of the Lughanta that woman..

"You seen what she did, what makes you think any of us will be getting out of this alive? Plus what the hell is it to you? You're a sell sword same as me.."

Pondering it, Kana decides to test the waters a little. "My friend that came with me, I want protection for us..or at least a release far from here.. Her sister your friend speared was all she had. And I think that bitch is going to have someone for us."

"I'm just muscle, my boss meet with our employer, all I know was it was a woman judging by the stride. We were hired to meet up with a woman named Shinobu, who would be escorting a person we were told not to talk to. A few hours before we were given a coordinate to meet up at, told to jump anyone chasing. We normally operate out of the regions or City of Somnus... I don't know if that was where we were returning though. The Crow knows more than I do, she helped plot the attack ships course."

Keeping her arms crossed the Dragon seemed to have no more to say, nor was all that curious with the mission they had. "We aren't paid to ask questions, so what, we helped in some sort of kidnapping?" Unknown to her was they had in fact helped with a double kidnapping.

---

Finally obtaining the crow youkai's surrender, Charlotte let Sorina take the lead in the verbal engagement of the surviving bird. While the blond-haired vampire was entirely hands off about the entire thing, she found the surrendering girl's treatment a bit distasteful. It was a bit in conflict with her own carefree nature, but at the same time, she didn't find herself caring enough to intervene, finding herself more enamored with returning to the ship at this hour as opposed to further lingering around.

~~~

In the brig, Charlotte casually took her seat across from the despondent youkai. "I'm sorry for your loss." She started off friendly, her mood for amusement a bit soured by the girl's own performance. "If you tell me everything, I'll make things easier for you."

---

The Crow youkai looked visibly traumatized and devastated, barely keeping herself together. She noticed the vampire's presence in the cell but made little reactions as if she didn't care. Her anger had dissipated into despair and regret as she had no one to blame but herself. The airship crew was merely retaliating from having one of their own kidnapped, she'd done the same if someone took her sister away. This job... curse it all! It was shady and she shouldn't have accepted it in the first place. Whoever hired them used them as mere pawns, including that damned white-suited human who committed friendly fire even so much as a sliver hesitation.

"Kuh..." She turned her eyes away from Charlotte, "Stop it. Just tell me what you want..." She had no reservations, no loyalty, her employers didn't deserve any of it. "Whatever you do, you can't bring my sister back... but I'll tell you everything." She wiped her tears with her sleeves,

"We were told to retrieve a high-value target from this airship, the Lughanta." She fidgeted, hugging her knees, "My task was to provide the provide flight routes so we could set up an ambush. Clearly, that failed." The youkai sobbed, "Our contractor communicated with us through a proxy, we never met them face to face." Her tone was genuine and honest, if she stuttered, it was due to grief not doubt, "That's all I know."

Just outside the cells, Aster listened to the interrogations. It seemed they were both telling the truth and unfortunately, they made sense. They, outside of Shinobu most likely, were kept in the dark. They were told to retrieve a target from the Lughanta and ambush any pursuers. They were pawns, expendable pawns. What else could he expect from a traitor? "They're from Somnus I see... I must tell the Captain about this." He sighed, "Once she wakes up." Deep in his heart, he was quite worried that Agatha might never wake up but no, she was strong, she would pull through this.

After the interrogation was done and a few of the crew arrived to stand guard over the prisoners, Aster dismissed Sorina, Saki, and Charlotte, allowing them to return to their cabins and rest. This was going to be a long night...

With events wrapped up and the damage control well underway, Doctor Kamov rushes to carry out his orders, bringing what few orderlies he had with a few spare hands among the crew. As reports flooded in this would likely make the previous mission look like a cakewalk. First was the most immediate case, those ambushed by Shinobu on the upper command sections where the Princess was housed. Kneeling down to check the trio, Drayton had a horrible number done on him, still barely alive, Kamov highly doubted he would live. But divine as his witness he would do everything in his power to save him.

Next up was Venrid, knocked out, bleeding from a somewhat minor wound, his fingers were badly broken on one hand, and he had blast damage from the grenade in the hall. Taking note of that and ordering the pair to the med-bay that scene was carnage, at least three dead out right, beyond hope of repair, two others were terribly wounded, it would be a miracle to save either. "Gods damn that bitch.." Then there was the Captain to deal with, plus whatever burns resulted


Working tireless through out the night Doctor was only to save two of the seven involved in that attack, though he had treated burns and the Captain, this overall was a failure within the providence of man. Looking at the pair of Swords and remembering the boys last words, he would make sure the Blood Devil received them, after two hours of Surgery it all was for nothing. As those who were burned still winced and cried from pain, the surviving maintenance crewman would need some prosthetics, Venrid would be just fine, but he needed to sleep for now, the Captain had a slight concussion. The list went on as his supplies shrunk, he would have to resupply after this ordeal. Angerly tossing a shot glass across his office wall, the glass shatters as a familiar face turns up.

"Alexander.. Lay those five to rest when you begin your Ceremony for Laura in the morning."


"Ah, but custom dictates I need to wait two days-"


"Abraham, I need the space for the living! Not the Dead! I'm asking you this not as a friend, but as a Doctor, these are not normal times! By Luna, Sol and the Divine I don't want to throw them out! But look in that room!"

Twitching his lip, the man in glasses sighs, pushing them up with the palm of his right hand and giving a nod of agreement. "Very well, exceptions have to be made. I'll also pay visits to the wounded, until then, lets share a glass for the departed my Friend."



Glancing out over a crowd of Crewmen, Anderson has a number of black and white candles lit behind him on top of five wooden coffins overlooking an alter to the Trio with rather modest red carpeting and a few wooden benches to seat most of those who came to pray or reflect and in the center a picture of Laura on the center most coffin which was opened to display Drayton. The other coffins had photos of their occupants in a slightly differing fashion, closed.

in a simple wooden frame, her tight unsmiling face. Given other happenings at the time, the main command officers and a few side members of the crew could not be here. Though the display ceremony would be open throughout the whole day, Father Alexander had only need stand there and offer comfort if and where needed, once the day was done the bodies would either be burned or receive a burial at sea, but for now the starting Ceremony was needed.


Anointing the five coffins and one picture with drops of water from a silver cup with the Moon, then a golden one with the Sun, Father Alexander, then kneels before the procession in silent prayer. Raising to his feet a moment later the Priest steps aside, allowing the crewmember to pay respects as they wished and without interference.


Meanwhile elsewhere, Sorina was busy getting patched up yet again by the Doctor before making way to her own bed, totally exhausted. Carrying Drayton's two blades, she would put them up for now till she could learn more of them. Planning to pay her respects that night, all she wanted to do for now was sleep.

As the information was given to Taka, a look of disgust crept onto his face more and more. So this was all her fault. The bombs going off early, their hasty flight, and the death of Laura. All of that could have been avoided, if that princess had kept her nose out of where it didn't belong. But at the same time, he couldn't help but understand the curiosity that had driven her to find it. He was in much the same position with erchius, wanting to know more about it and push it's limits. However, he was risking his own life when he tested the purple crystal and it's various forms, not someone else's like what she had done. So while he could understand her curiosity for the unknown, he did not appreciate her method for getting out of the sticky situation she had gotten herself into.

But there was nothing he could do about it now, except perhaps shoot her, but what good would that do. And besides, that would just set off the war mongering country even faster, now having an excuse to go to war. But apparently there was much turmoil within their Empire. But if that were the case, then a war would spark a rebellion that could easily have the backing of nations less keen on having a war mongering state as their neighbor. But apparently it wasn't that simple, like it ever would be. So, without anything to add, he was dismissed from the debriefing.

He made his way back to his room, Buras appearing of his own will and resting on the inventor's shoulder. Closing the door to his room behind him, he stares at the mess that he had accumulated. It was organized chaos, everything had it's place even though it didn't look like it. He knew where everything was, and as soon as he'd clean it up, it'd all be lost. Usually this mess calmed him down, as he inevitably began testing what he could get out of the purple crystals. But not this time. Try as he might, he remained... annoyed. Angry wasn't the right word, and annoyed seemed to light. But it was the closest thing to what he was feeling.

"Bah," he said after looking over the mess once more and leaving his room. He began wandering the halls, not sure where he was going, or really caring. Buras sat quietly on Taka's shoulder, knowing that whatever he said wouldn't help. Instead, he hoped simply him being there would calm his bonded, even if slightly. And from what he could tell, the constant weight on Taka's shoulder was doing the trick, he hadn't gotten a vial of erchius, put a flaming rag in it, and chucked it at Olivia yet.

Cera merely gazed at the altars in front of her with a stiffened expression, while remembering last night's incident. She wore the usual clean pair of white blouse and black skirt, but her face stated otherwise. With dark circles under her crimson eyes, it was clearly shown that the half-Infernal did not sleep well. She took a nap once most of the major damage done to Lughanta has been resolved, but it did little.

At this moment, the half-Infernal remembered her last words that she has said to Princess Olivia.

(" 'Stay safe until then' huh. What a joke...")

The news of Your Highness being snatched away from their grip due to betrayal, while causing numerous casualty in the process has evoked painful memories that Cera wished to erase from her mind. As the priest initiated the ceremony and started his speech, the half-Infernal gazed downwards, while trying to keep herself composed.

("Kazanari Shinobu...")

Her hands, which were clasped together began to tighten. Cera gritted her teeth, as rage and helplessness engulfed her emotions. Quick flashbacks of her unforgiving past, as well as her time working and interacting with Laura crept in when she closed her eyes. Despite her attempts to keep herself composed, Cera felt that her emotions were on the verge of spiraling out of control. As much she wanted to cry and scream, this was not the time. As the ones who sat beside her was concerned, a calm, soothing voice echoed within the half-Infernal's head.

("... If you're feeling like you are about to explode... Try this.")

Cera straightened her sitting posture, her eyes closed, as if she was following the voice's command.

("Count to four, inhale.")

The sellsword took a deep breath and held it.

("Count to four, exhale.")

She exhaled her breath subtly, while slowly refocusing her attention to the priest who was now halfway through with his speech. Cera continued to maintain the breathing pattern, as it managed to keep her head cool, at least for the time being.

When the priest began the incantation for the deceased, the half-Infernal grasped the silver Sol-Luna pendant worn around her neck and started following the incantation as well. Once it was done, the priest proceeded with the ceremony before allowing fellow crew members to pay their respects. Cera slowly got up from her seat, and walked towards Laura's picture. With her right arm on her left shoulder, the half-Infernal bowed, paying her respect to the Inquisitor. She then moved to Drayton's coffin, and placed her hand on it. Cera then closed her eyes, silently reciting few lines from the Divine One's blessings.

("I swear to the Divine One... that they will pay for this treachery. Rest well...")

The black haired sellsword then walked away, seemingly decided for revenge. Cera thought that she managed to escape the cruel hands of fate.

But it seems not.

And thus it begins anew.

To put it mildly, Ádalé was shaken by the after-action report and Olivia's reason for defecting from the empire. Not only had she lost someone whom she onsidered a friend, but she also had to come to terms about what she was told of the Divine One. Like Sol and Luna, Olivia had phrased; the One and the Void. Creation opposed to destruction. The knight was not sure if she could believe something like that, but she did retreat to her room in order to think about it and possibly pray. Maybe this time, the Divine One would answer her. She would have appreciated that from the bottom of her heart. She really needed Its guidance this time and not just because she felt like she was infringing upon Its domain by ending lives.

She knew of the fate of life, of course. Souls would return to the Flow, the Divine One's chalice of creation, where they would lose their form. They would become as clean slates, then return to the world of Bumi to seek out a new existence. Therefore, all were equal before the Divine One. It created all of Bumi's species from the same material and while in Its wisdom, it gave them different form, they were not so different at their core. So who was Ádalé to interfere with this process? This thought had ran through her mind countless times, yet she could not find the answer. So she had requested not to be disturbed for the rest of the day and started setting up a small shrine in her room.

If simple prayer did not rouse the Divine One, then maybe dedication to It would. To that extent, she selected a couple of choice wooden planks from the Lughanta's cargo bays, a bundle of nails and some carving tools to round it all out. As it was her first time doing this, she also made sure to bring plenty of spare wood in case she screwed it up. She may have known all the symbols perfectly, but she was not a savant with crafts like this and she also wanted to show proper respect to the One. A shoddy piece of work would simply not do. Her pride refused to allow it.

By the time she was done, Ádalé sported more than one bruise on her hands and the sun had set a long time ago. She had only stopped to eat, but even so, countless hours had evaporated while she worked. Her hands felt sore from the tortorous trials she had put them through, her arms were feeling as if they were made out of lead and even with her considerable stamina, the work took quite a bit out of her. Especially the carving. Assembling the modest shrine had been the least of her worries, but actually making the symbols look like they were supposed to be? That had been a nightmare to put it simply.

With the satisfaction of a work well-done, Ádalé finally put her tools away, then she faced her modest shrine. It was nothing to write home about, but she firmly believed that the Divine One would only look at her sincere effort, not the opulence of her creation. As such, she closed her eyes and started one of the longer, more reverent prayers. She poured her heart into the request for answers or at least a sign that she could interpret in some manner. She told confided in the It that she felt lost and that she was unsure of her way. She told It she was not sure of her path, that becoming a knight may not have been the right choice for her. Unending worries escaped from her lips as her frustration along with her uncertainty made itself known.

And yet, her prayers were not answered. Perhaps her matters were beneath the One's attention at the moment. Heaving a burdened sigh, Ádalé stood up from her position... Then she froze as she saw the moon peeking in through her window. Her eyes met the aspect of change head on and in that moment, a realisation struck her.

The Flow kept on going because of her actions, not despite of them. Just as the moon went through its many phases, so did the Flow change as time went on. At the start of Bumi, it was a small thing that could barely be considered a trickle. Now it was a roaring river of life that threatened to eclipse oceans. And every action of every mortal was contributing to it, including anyone who died by the hands of another. Surely, the One would have accounted for something like that. The One would not look unfavourably upon those who did not fit Its plans perfectly... if It even had a plan. For It was the Creator of Sol and Luna and It understood the value of both.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Divine One," said Ádalé with an awed breath. While this realisation did not strike her guilt completely, she certainly started to see those deaths in a different light. Ending another life would always be a heavy weight on her shoulders. But it was also a necessary one.

---

A couple of days later, Ádalé found herself standing in front of five coffins. Her right side was still bandaged from the incident earlier that resulted in Olivia's kidnapping, but she got off fairly easy compared to some of the crew. She just happened to be at the wrong place in the wrong time and as such, she had to watch helplessly as one of their own flew off with the princess that they had just kidnapped. Needless to say, the events left a bitter taste in the knight's mouth and she had to fight tooth and nail for the doctor to let her attend this ceremony. She simply had to see off those who died because of a traitor in the ranks of Lughanta, or else she would not be able to rest easy. It was the least she could do for them.

Following along with priest Anderson's prayer, the knight spoke the familiar words with practiced ease while wishing that the dead would find the embrace of the Divine One pleasant. While she did not know some of the crew, Laura and Drayton were another matter. Laura had even saved her life once and while she did not know much of Drayton, she felt his loss as well. Without them, the triumph over Yellowbeard would not have been possible. They had been her comrades-in-arms, fellows who helped her in many ways. Especially Laura. The leader of team two, Ádalé reminded herself as she watched Cera pay her respects then she too, moved in while exchanging a glance with the half-infernal.

A cruel end brought on by cruel weapons. That was the only thing Ádalé could think of as she looked at the coffins. She did not exactly have the fire of Cera burning in her chest, but she knew one thing for sure: the Empire had to be stopped. There was no telling what they could do to Bumi if they got their hands on a weapon that was the polar opposite of the Creator. She did not even need to rely on her Order's principles of balance to justify that decision for herself. The fact that they intended to use nothingness as a weapon was disturbing enough in and of itself.

Discarding that thought in favour of a respectful prayer for the dead as she arrived at the coffins, Ádalé immersed herself in her own words, then gave way for the rest of the mourners. The all-too-familiar aches were starting up again, signalling the need for her to rest before she strained her wounds.

John, luckily, only suffered burns, something he was well accustomed to dealing with himself when training with his amulet. He had been absent for many events since being on the ship, spending his time taking care of his burns and reflecting on what happened on the Sovereign. He had gotten over the pain at least and let the burns heal, only visiting the doctor once the day of the debrief, but he disappeared shortly after, hiding in his room. That day he sat in his room meditating for hours, using more spiritual methods to heal his body as the mountain boy he was, but he was unable to focus. The image of Janus' menacing glare and Laura's dying face plagued his mind. Janus was the only fist that wielded a sword like John, but with opposing ideals, it was a clash of good and evil John hoped for. But, Laura, she was something else, John's first loss, in anything. The first time the warrior couldn't. It was hard for him to take.

As it always did, morning came and with it the sun rose and shined over the deck making the faces of the dead visible to the whole crew, but John woke up feeling better rested after his visit and after taking care of his hygiene he walked out of his room with a smile. But, as he made it down to the main deck, to see the bodies, his face went from feeling good, to horrified, to confused, and finally landed on angry. He couldn't comprehend it for a moment, had the Lughanta been attacked? These men were alive when he left and now they lay dead in front of him? It wasn't right. All of this for that princess? It took every fiber in his being not to find the woman and throw her overboard.

The Priest's voice fell to the back of his mind and John just stared, he couldn't evoke a single emotion, these people in truth were nothing more than co-workers to him, he did not share any conversation with them like he did with Yumi. It was a scary feeling for him to feel so unattached to the dead. He felt himself isolated from those sobbing in the crowd and his body just started moving on its own, trying to protect his fragile heart from breaking in front of these people. How could he not want to cry and throw himself on the ground? These people threw their lives on the line, just like he did, but nothing, no emotion other than complete selfish anger. He filled his stomach with food, trying to sate his anger along with his hunger, but it didn't work of course, and just as he brought a bite of grits to his mouth he dropped the fork on his plate and slammed his fist down, shaking the entire table. He sat there in silence for a moment before cleaning up the mess he made.

"Apparently, Guardians forget is a part of the mantra to." John muttered to himself as he slid his hands into his pocket, walking off, trying to find a place to disappear to.

Helen had escaped with the others after the fiasco that was the kidnapping, she had not done anything other than simply try and assist the escape, part of this was due to her not wanting to mess up again and embarrass herself and the crew like she did in the last operation, but mostly it was fear, fear of being caught without her wings and having no escape, fear of being left behind, or dying or even worse in her mind, the possibility of performing so poorly that she would be kicked out of the crew.
Though the rational part doubted she would be removed completely, she still did not want to give up on being able to fly in such a glorious ship.
Of course though it was only after Helen had escaped the ship with the others that she realized that she had made a whole new type of mistake, while she had likely been of some use by keeping a doorway clear, Helen had barely had an effect on the combat, crew could have died and she would have no idea, or have been able to help... Though after thinking it over she was not too worried, the closest thing she had to a friend was Yumi, and she was more of an acquaintance than anything...

One thing she definitely took note of was the sacrifice of the inquisitor... Laura or something along those lines... It had a surprising impact on her, sure Helen had never actually talked to her, or most of the crew really, but they were still her comrades... And one of them had died seemingly to protect the others.


Needless to say the young Lilim did not sleep that night, instead tinkering with her wings for hours, while thinking about the operation, how did it go so wrong? The plan seemed sound and she doubted it was the equipment, after all, she liked to think she knew her stuff and though only able to see them once at a distance, the bombs seemed fine... Clearly something had gone wrong that none of them expected, a traitor perhaps?

Any thoughts of a traitor were quickly forced from her mind by the next day's briefing though. The princess had kidnapped herself?! Or rather, arranged for a kidnapping which was more than a slight shock as she had no idea why royalty might want to do that... To give up a life of luxury to be used as a prisoner? Surely she would only benefit from a war, as the empire she was royalty in would no doubt expand.
The reason given was beyond anything Helen might have expected.
A force that was able to simply reduce even the strongest magi tech to nothing? It was terrifying... But also intriguing... If she had that she could do more than just destroy, perhaps it would work as power? It could finally help her perfect her wings... Obviously the young woman kept these thoughts to herself, with the possibility of a rat in the crew her being interested in acquiring void magic might not be the best idea...

Helen had been in her room when the explosions shook the ship, causing her to effectively destroy the delicate component she had been working on, the girl had not left her room in days, and was about ready to test the new wings... Which were now broken.
However she had other worries and ran outside to see a horrific sight, the ring of fire... It was destroyed, what's more, there were fires on deck! Despite her magic not being great for fire extinguishing, Helen spent the rest of the night offering her help, be it putting out fires, shifting junk or assisting in repairs.
The following morning seemed unreal, after their recent successes she believed the ship to be invincible and Laura's death a one off affair, tragic but unlikely to repeat.
So the deaths of more crew was quite a shock, once again she knew nothing about them... But it still hurt.
Swearing an oath to herself that next time she would be there and assist her fellow crew when it counted, she did something rare and spent the day in the bar, rather than her room.

Listening to the briefing, Sorina was more than slightly annoyed with this all, if not for the less than honorable aspects of her people, she might be in the hospital still, if not dead. Though over the last few days her parents had forwarded a letter informing her of a package to be in Somnus, where the ship called to port fairly often, given the Drow and it's other denizens weren't much for asking questions so much as the pay was upfront. Her armor needed to be repaired once more and now she had a troublesome promise to keep from a dying man. Speaking up with a hard gaze from her seat, the Blood Devil clears her throat.

"I'm not volunteering for anything Captain. I have a score to settle from that bitch nearly killing me, a score to settle for one of our dead, a package awaits me in the city, my armor is in bad need of repair and possibly reinforcement. Even if you tell me I cannot go I will still go, I will have her skull before long.. So please Captain consider me along regardless."

Getting up from her seat and walking off, Sorina seemed to have little else to say. "Captain, the rest of the plan is sound, but please consider my path set, I think I shall act to guard you in that city of Scum and Trash.. The other details I leave to you, I'm afraid I'm still weak and must rest. I'll be fine upon our arrival." Giving her customary salute the young aristocrat makes her position clear before turning on her heels, leaving the room.


~~~~~A Few Days(?) later~~~~~


With affairs fixed more or less, Sorina sleeps during the day upon the first arrival in Somnus, the underground city of the Drow, with Doctor Kamov leaving first for needed supplies and to check the waters, so to speak. Sorina soon upon his return has a new physical Magitek Lance in her possession, with a letter about an arranged meeting, informing the captain of the details, as well to get her armor fixed, the Young Blood Devil heads out on her own to take care of this business. They were still likely gathering information and prepping the shuttles for long range travel barring they took transports. In either case this was something she had to take care of and she would return to the ship at any rate with whoever this arrangement was about..

Several Days Later

With a wary sigh Josef hefts a sack of letters and packages the tired Doctor had to take care of some business in Somnus on behalf of the Lughanta's crew. It was fairly unusual for him to do the job alone, but he desperately needed more medical supplies given all that happened. "Tch... I always knew that bitch was hiding something.. Well, nothing I can do about it now..."

Wandering the back streets most knew better than to attack Doctor Kamov, while it was a subterranean city of criminals, scum and massive numbers of Drow, certain rules were in place to deal with such. Entering a store called the Break Easy, passing the guards, he drops the sack on the floor, opening it's contents for inspection. "Need to get these mailed out, I also need a few supplies sent over to the Hangar, how have you been Chadra?" Seemingly from nowhere a tanned Drow much around his age in baggy clothing stands up from behind a counter, female with a figure that was fairly average.

"Ah Kamov! Good timing, got some mail for your friends and two packages, one for that Sorina and another... Well it's for you, I don't think we should talk about it here though... As to the list, sure I can get all of that, same payment as always.. Come with me to the back." Motioning with her hand, the woman leads Kamov behind the counter to a back room, a man in dark plate armor and a small girl were there. Blonde hair, gold eyes, angular face, with a tint of a world wary man. Staring at him for a bit, it had been a few years but the man was unmistakable. "Get going Chadra, let me see what this is about and thanks, I'll buy you a drink later tonight."

"Hmm throw in one of your massages and we have a deal Josef. Heh.. Well See yah." Waving goodby the Doctor waits for her to leave before continuing to speak.

"Rurik... I'm not much into owning slaves, last I seen you, you were one of my students, now your running around in plate armor.. And with a little girl... Too old to be your Daughter, hope I taught you better in picking up women though.. So what can I do for you.. It's not often I get people as Packages.. And there is only one way you could have found me. How are my Folks? Haven't gotten to see them lately."

---

Sitting in wait, the black-cloaked figure rested his face against his intertwined hands. Thinking on his past decisions and current situation, his face held a morbid expression. There was one point in which he believed wholeheartedly, but slowly his faith waned and now the blonde-haired wizard was unsure of what decisions he made or orders he followed were the right ones, if any were. What was worse was that he now had the duty of not only safeguarding his own life, but another's as well.

Looking over to his right, his white-haired companion sat silently, idly playing with some stuffed animal she had found. Even looking at her now, he felt nothing. No magical ability, no murderous intent. The girl was harmless; a victim even. Why was it so blasphemous that she be allowed to live...?

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps announced visitors. Looking up, he saw the woman that was aiding him in reconnecting with an old friend. Behind her stood the man he searched for. Pausing as the girl was dismissed, he opened his mouth, unsure of where to begin. However, before he spoke, the good doctor remarked with his trademark jabs, earning a scowl from the cloaked man.

Sighing, Rurik let the jabs by. "They're doing well, or seem to be anyway..." Pausing once more, he considers where or how to begin. "You are the only I feel I could turn to. This girl... well, she looks and acts human but I do not know if she is bound by the same laws of nature as us. You are the only one I know of with enough experience in dealing with... unnatural existences. Plus, I doubt you would be the one to sell me out."

---

Listening to his students words, it seemed whatever he had became, or gotten himself involved with was something fairly serious. More so for him to be alluding to that day of all things..

"Humorless as always aren't you Rurik? Hmm... Well let me scan the two of you... Stay still sweetie. Do you like Chocolate? Eh don't talk much do you..." Pulling the magitek device from his left pants pocket, the device glows briefly as Josef sweeps it over the girl, pausing to read the read out, he then goes off to scan his former student. Pausing for a bit, the Doctor leans against a support beam exhaling.

"You made a terrible mistake Rurik.. Well not that I'll sell you out, but in your life choices.. She's not the only one in need of help, is she? Well, I'm not one to mince words, or hide the truth from my patients. She needs medical attention, medication and observation. Or she could die and soon." Letting out a deep sigh and rolling his eyes, putting his device away, Josef really wished he had a drink now.

"I can't very well let her run loose and if you get captured that's going to cause one hell of a mess for me.. So what's her name, can she talk? I could use an assistant in the labs.. For now claim she's your sister, if that falls through, I'll claim she's my daughter.. Should be believable enough heh." Making way for the door he waves for the two to follow.

"You might need to spin a bit of a story or make a good offer, but from your readings you would be a good replacement for some of our losses. And with her in the med bay I can keep a close eye on her and Agatha is less likely to just toss her out.."

Making to open the door he pauses in case he, or the little girl had more to say. "Anyways, make yourself useful, carry the fucking mail sack, I'll get the package."

---

"I have not been in a position to see humor in a long time, Kamov..." Rurik replied sternly. The blonde-haired man was never one for a party, but his gaze carried many scars now unlike when he was a student.

Watching as Kamov examines the two of them with the device, he silently awaits for a diagnosis. The girl in question simply seems to stare curiously. Whether she was truly mute or simply chose not to speak currently remained to be seen. Otherwise, however she appeared to simply be an ordinary girl. One could wonder if she was even aware of the position she was in.

Narrowing his eyes at the doctor's analysis, there was little Rurik could do in formulating a retort. "...I... am aware... I only expunge the details in the case of if my sins catching up to me..." Stating that, he once more looks over to the young girl. He was hoping such wasn't the case, but she truly couldn't simply live as normal.

What came next was more of a surprise, albeit a pleasant one. "Wait... You're going to help me...?" Rurik would be lying if he were to say that wasn't the purpose of this rendezvous, but he was more hoping he would aid the girl. He wasn't about to ask Kamov protect him from the mess he put himself in. Regardless of if he thought himself worth the trouble at the moment, the wizard nodded. "...If this comes down on us, I'll take it upon my own shoulders... As for her... She appears to like lilies, so I've taken to calling her Lilya."

Standing up, Rurik waves for the girl to come as he grabs the mail. Lilya hops up off her seat and follows quietly behind the two as the group heads for the door. "I'll come up with something... I have to."

Finally the three arrive at the Lughanta, what would hopefully be the pair's home for the foreseeable future. As they made their way to the medical room, the only issue now would be making it passed the Captain's recruitment process. From what Kamov stated, the company had recently taken several losses and easily fit for a replacement, but whether she bought into his facade or not was another story.

"So... this Agatha... Do you really think she'll be fine with this? Even if she's taken some losses..." A trained wizard and swordsman didn't simply pop up from nowhere for no reason, after all.

---

"Oh she won't buy your story outright, the only good thing you got going here is me... Anyways, I'll walk in briefly with yah case she has more questions." Leading the pair into what was the Main offices for the crew, either one of the two main officers would be in for sure though with the crew being scarred out.

Knocking on the officers door, Dr. Kamov was quick to go about his work. Exchanging a few words with Josef, however was in side did not sound too frilled. But that was his part in this. "Med bay is pretty easy to find, I'll take the lille one with me there. Good Luck kid." Stepping away, Josef reaches down for the little girls hand to do what he said.

If Agatha needed him anymore, she knew where he was,

---

"Damn it!" The sound of shattered glass and frustrated scream could be heard, muffled by the cabin's door but still more than audible enough for Rurik to hear. The voice was female, adult, and clearly she wasn't in a good mood. Considering this was the door to the captain's cabin, it was safe to assume that Agatha herself was inside. Whether he hesitated to knock or not, the blonde man would hear stomps coming towards the door then shortly after, it was swung open, revealing a grumpy, stressed out, twintailed brunette. "What the fuck do you want? Make it quick." She tapped her left foot on the floor as she waited for the taller man to explain himself. "Oh... so you're the guy Kamov told me about? Nnngh... sure, come in." She calmed down... somewhat, it was a good thing, right?

"Close the door behind you." The Captain returned to her seat. Rurik could see the broken remains of a wine bottle complete with a pool of dark red liquid at one corner of the room. However, the woman seemed to deliberately ignore it. "So, Kamov told me you are capable, huh?" She sighed, blushes marring her cheeks and her breath smelled like alcohol. "Good timing, I need more men right now but I'm tired of accepting fucking rats into my crew. So... Rurik, tell me about yourself.... and make it quick, I'm not exactly in a patient mood right now."

---

Sighing hopelessly, he should know by now not to think so optimistically. "Right..."

Suddenly the door was thrust open after what sounded like a bar fight ended within. The Captain was—younger than Rurik expected, but then again she was also much, much angrier. She seemed to relax slightly and invite him in, but there was no guarantee her fuse could light again.

With a nervous nod, Rurik follows after her an shuts the door. "My apologies for the... intrusion..."

Examining the confines of the woman's office, those recent loses Kamov mentioned must have been far greater than the wizard surmised. The Captain's further comments about a rat only confirmed this. Lost comrades and a traitor to boot. Rurik truly felt apologetic regarding whatever the crew had underwent, however he dare not bring up the event more than necessary and risk Agatha's wrath.

"Right... Well, I hail from the capital of the Divine Kingdom. I have been gifted with an affinity towards the magical arts and have combat experience and swordsmanship training from my time in the military..." Listing his capabilities, Rurik paused before moving into his story. "As for my personal life... there isn't anything much to note. I studied for a short time under the good doctor in medicine and alchemy. Afterwards I served in the military for some time... Only kin of mention would be my younger sister, Lilya who would be travelling with me. She's still quite young and due to complications in my family it has fallen under me to care for her."

---

"Ah... so you're from... from Eustia, yeah, the Divine Bootlickers capital."" Agatha chuckled, mixed in with a groan and sigh. It was rather fortunate that she wasn't fully drunk, still possessing her coherence. "Mmm... I see, so you're one of those people... uh... 'Wizards' yeah, natural spellcasters." The gifted minority who ruled the world of arcane before the widespread use of Magitek. He was one of them, combat-experienced too, he'd make a fine addition to the crew indeed. "So you're a veteran huh? Yeah, veterans are good. We have a couple of veterans here..." Agatha gritted her teeth as if on the fence between being pleased and pissed at the fact.

"A natural spellcaster, an ex-soldier, a medical apprentice, and an alchemy novice... shit, you're making me like you already. Are you sure you aren't lying? Sounds too good to be true." The brunette hiccuped once, then cleared her throat, slapping herself on the cheek a few times to get herself together. "Alright... what? You bring your little sister with you?!" Holy shit, no one here was crazy enough to bring their families unless they were able-bodied, it seemed this sister of his was the sickly type.

She knew there was a catch, there was always a catch. Fuck... what should she do? On one hand, he was very capable and she needed to replenish the crew. On the other hand, his sibling might become a liability especially when things get rough, he'd be worrying about that runt more than the crew or even himself. "Nnnngh..." It was quite a dilemma indeed. "..." Agatha straightened her back as she stared Rurik in his eyes...

"Okay. You're hired." The Captain muttered, "Welcome to the Lughanta. We'll take care of the paperworks later... for now, you're dismissed. Ugh..." She rubbed her forehead, muttering something incomprehensible, "Go now. Just talk to one of the crew to get you settled."

---

Allowing the bootlicking remarks to roll off his back, Rurik waited on her analysis of him. The fact was that the captain was a bit drunk at the moment and that caused any urge to debate fade. He knew by now there was no use arguing with intoxication. Besides, if her jabs distracted her from asking any real questions, all the better for him.

"I can assure you I am all of the things that which I claim to be. Kamov can vouch for me," He stated, hoping that was more of a joke than suspicion. The last thing he needed was whatever traitor did their damage making the Captain paranoid of him. Though all of what he had claimed thus far were not lies, simply half-truths. Moving passed his capabilities, then there was the matter of his "little sister". "Yes... I'm afraid I have no other choice but to take her with me. She wouldn't be able to manage on her own." Another half-truth. She definitely wouldn't make it without Rurik watching out for her, but it was not for the reasons the Captain likely thought. Still, it seemed the the girl was what Agatha found most difficult to accept.

As he sat there, silently waiting for the woman to deliberate with herself, she finally settled on accepting him. With a determined face, Rurik gave a nod. "I will not disappoint you. Thank you for giving me this chance," and for not going into details, though he'd only speak that last part in his mind. Standing at attention a moment, cloaked man spun on a heel and marched out of the room. It seemed his military service had ended recently if such formalities were still ingrained in him.

Shutting the door, the blonde-haired man let out a sigh and brought a hand to his forehead. He didn't expect that to go through as well as it did. Regardless, their plan succeeded and he was now part of the crew. That bought the girl and him time at the very least. For now he would go check on Lilya, then find one of the crew to give him a tour as advised.

The silver haired woman stood on the deck after attending the funeral. Knowing more of the crew had died and also the fact that there's a traitor in the crew and they escaped while also kidnapping the princess. She looked up into the sky solemnly.

". . ."

With a pistol on her hand, she took aim to the sky. Firing it a few times...

"So much for a promise huh..."

---

Silva listened over what's next for the crew. Hearing that war could potentially happen and that her nation should prepare for the worst. Silva stood up and started to say her piece.

"As much as I want to put bullets into that damned traitor, I believe that we do need a person that is close enough with Fraulian military to have an easier time explaining things to them..." Silva looked over to everyone. Then she pointed to herself. "I happen to be that person, I personally knew Grandmaster Maximillian during the time of my service." She explained calmly and then looked to the captain. "My family is also a part of Fraulian military research and development team. I believe the sooner they learn about the weaponized Void, the better it'll be for Fraulia in case it comes to the worst. Thus I volunteer myself to be the leader for the team that go to Fraulia."

John entered the briefing room, one of the last of the group to enter, an unusual occurrence for him. His clothing hid all of the bandages underneath, but it covered his arms, back, and some of his right hand. He kept his hand on his blade, a sign that he was on high alert and ready to take anyone who'd challenge him down. He examined the room, standing by the door as he did for the first session. Agatha seemed to be pretty banged up as well, constantly groaning from stress and injuries alike. Despite wanting to dropkick her and then transitioning into a suplex, John understood that pain, most in the room probably did. It was a unifying feeling for John, but maybe only because of everything that has happened so far. When he determined it was safe, his instincts allowed his hand to and cross over to fold over his other one, he felt the breath leave his lungs as he took another step, listening to Agatha speak, and then finally when Aster had come to her rescue Agatha, opening the floor for discussion, John spoke his mind. He stopped to stare at the map for a minute before looking around.

John took a deep breath and, slowly, forced himself to don a smile. "Did you guys know that you can trick your mind?" John said as he looked around the room. "If you smile you are able to think more clearly. It's a magical reset spell." He crossed his arms and shifted his weight uneasily as he continued. "Sort of like an actor taking his breath, artist contemplating that first stroke on the canvas, or a warrior pausing before a battle begins. If you start with a groan you will surely end with a groan. If the actor starts angry he will not portray his character correctly, if the artist begins too low she will not have enough space for the subject's feet, and if the warrior is too hasty he will find a sword pierced through his stomach. You must wipe your slate clean like the actor, artist, and warrior, and then begin. There will be a time later to release that pent up energy."

John pointed to the floating map and made sure all could see him. "Death? Failure? We are done dealing with that. We go out there this time and we show the world that we're the same crew that kicked Mr. Yellowbeard's ass. It doesn't matter if we wield a sword or quill, if we go somewhere we go smiling like we already won. And don't get me wrong I am no saint, I am not perfect and I have spiraled into the abyss like all of you, but right now I am saying get the fuck out of it. We got work to do. What I am offering is a chance to hop on the energy I am throwing out and let it carry you when you cannot. I am a Guardian, holding others up, and defending them with my blade is in my job description, but it is also who I am. Seeing your sullen faces has just reminded me of that. It reminded me I ain't supposed to be mad."

John took his hands and pulled the corners of his mouth into a smile. "I'm supposed to smile. So, my question Aster, everyone, who thinks they are strong enough to not climb, but leap out of the abyss of their mind because life is approaching fast." John then held his hands up. "Food for thought: don't answer. I will take a group on the Venesian adventure."

Like John, Yumi had been absent from the ship during the treacherous events that would tear the princess from their grasps. The night before, Herman insisted she should drink with him, and Yumi couldn't find it in her to decline. With her low tolerance, she would be totally unconscious during the one night her skills as a scout would have proved invaluable. Once again, an elite member of their crew had been taken. Yet with the body count higher than ever, Yumi couldn't be found during the funeral. Instead, she sat out on the bow of the ship, staring out at the sky with her feet hanging off of the railing. She hears the shots of a pistol fire off to the sky, honoring the fallen. Yumi looked out onto the sky, "I wonder..."

---

The day of the meeting, Yumi filed off to the back. Since the funeral, Yumi behaved even more reclusively than normal. She still talked to Seven all the same, but she didn't sneak about the deck to catch people needing help, nor did she conduct her usual training exercises. Sitting quietly in the back, she looked around the room with an aloof smile, simply hearing what task lied before them.

Yumi declined to volunteer for a position, waiting to be assigned instead. There were few indicators to tell how Yumi felt, but that wasn't exactly special to this occasion. Nothing seemed to stir her. Not the desperate pleas of her captain, not Sorina's vampiric vengeance, not Silvania's concern for her country, nor John's rallying speech. Yumi remained silent, not speaking a single word.