Skylar walked through the city streets letting out a hum as she looked around, “Stone walls, stone buildings, and white stone floor. I’ll give them this, there nothing if not consistent.” Skylar muttered as she stopped in the middle of the road, “Still…” she looked around the area noticing few people walking the streets, and even those who did seemed to stay a fair distance from one another, “Everyone seems to be a bit skittish don’t you think?” Skylar questioned looking over her shoulder.

  Vita folded his arms, “Course they are, even if the violence has settled down for the most part, the problem remains.” He turned his gaze towards the edge of one of the walls, the tip of the barrier surrounding the castle could still be seen, “People are wont to fear the unknown.”

  Skylar put a hand on her hip looking up, “Even so, we still need to find a way to put an end to it…” She frowned thinking back to Genbu, recalling how the crack in the barrier appeared with his demise, a thought appeared in her mind: surely there had to be more than one? A set of people who keep the barrier intact? It wasn’t unreasonable to assume but how many? Or rather, how to get close to them? “...Stir up enough trouble and I’m sure they’ll come to us.” She muttered much to Vita’s annoyance.

  “Wasn’t our goal to find that friend of yours?” He questioned with a glare.

  “Course it is, but we also need to find a way into the castle sooner or later don’t we? As such it only makes sense to kill two birds with one stone here.” Skylar pointed out, “Besides this could also serve to draw her towards us.”

  Skylar explained with a smirk, “So shall we split apart? For the moment at least.”

  Vita said nothing at first before letting out a sigh, “This is a foolish idea, but I’ve no counterargument at the moment… so I suppose we shall go with this one.” he then locked eyes with Skylar, “But be on your guard, try to keep from doing anything stupid good will be damned. Survival comes first.” he declared this as he turned away walking deeper into the city.

  Skylar paused while folding her arms with an arched brow, “He says that like I can’t take care of myself…” Her gaze then shifted to the church in the center of the city, “...If nothing else that place seems important.” she started to walk towards it with a hum.

  ***

  Pride lunged forward with her blade in hand, her eyes set upon Wrath, who raised his blade in response.

  Ducking to the left of Pride’s first slash, “Must we do this here? The public will not react kindly to our clash.” Wrath muttered with a glare.

  “You should have thought about that before doing something so stupid!” Pride retorted with a leap bringing her blade down, Wrath responded by raising his own sword, sparks flew into the air as they clashed.

  And for a moment they stared at each other, “An older brother must protect their siblings I get that.” Pride growled, “But you never cared for me before, why start now? What changed!?”

  Wrath blinked at that, glancing to the side before pushing back on his blade and slamming his boot into Pride’s side, “I’ve always cared.” he responded, Pride groaned as she hit the ground.

  “You have a fucked up way of showing it.” She retorted.

  Wrath closed his eyes, “...” he stood there putting his thoughts into words, “We Eternal’s are all granted gifts… Mine is my strength. And your’s is your limited immortality.” Wrath stated opening his eyes, “But even though we are granted these things on top of our existences being eternal… that doesn't mean we can’t be slain, The Shadewalker has proven that.” Wrath stated simply, “It may be foolish, it may be asinine, but I will face The Shadewalker here… for if I don’t, she’ll kill us all.”

  Pride stared forward at that, “Do you really believe that.” She questioned standing tall, staring right at Wrath.

  He gripped his blade tight, “I do.”

  Pride stood there for a moment looking conflicted, she looked to the side, “Even so… I can’t just… stand aside. You're too special for that. I couldn’t bear it if I… If I could never see you again.” She choked out the words, tears welling up in her eye sockets.

  Wrath however just stared forward, taking a step forward instantly he closed the distance and slammed his fist into Pride’s gut.

  Her eyes widened as she felt the world spin around her, she looked up desperately she tried to reach out towards Wrath, “Why…?”

  But before she could finish her question she fell forward into Wrath’s arms, he heard a set of footsteps approach him from behind, “You were watching then Sloth?”

  A man stepped forward wearing black shoes and a long blue jacket, he had bags under his eyes and a cigar in his mouth he reached up with his gloved right hand, if one looked close they’d see the holes around the knuckles.

  He pulled that cigar from his mouth and spoke, “Always am.”

  Wrath stood up holding Pride in his arms, “...Do me a favor and keep an eye on her.” he declared walking up to Sloth as he said this. There was a moment where he looked at Pride’s sleeping form, “She’s got a long road ahead of her.”

  Sloth nodded at that, tossing his cigar aside and reaching out to grab hold of Pride looking up, “And what of you? Are you certain this is the path you want to take?”

  Wrath paused at that locking eyes with Sloth, “You’ve already heard my reasoning, and you know I won’t be swayed.”

  “I know.” Soth muttered turning around as a portal opened for him, “Figured I’d try my hand at it anyways.”

  With that, he walked forward entering that portal without another thought.

  Wrath paused at that and sighed, turning to the church before him, “...This will be a fine place for our clash, but… I should wait for others to wear her down, no need to be too hasty with this girl.” he declared, shoving his hands back into his pockets as he made his way into a nearby alleyway.

  As he did so Skylar walked up to the church folding her arms as she looked up at the building ahead of her, “What is this place even for?” She muttered to herself with a hum looking at the stone walls and stained glass that littered the place, “It’s fancy I’ll give it that much…”

  “They say it’s a place of worship, for the one true God you see.” A voice called out suddenly causing Skylar to blink. She turned towards the direction of the voice, there walking up to her was Suzaku, “‘God’ being used with its original intention here, not the one that people use so much nowadays.” She smirked, locking eyes with Skylar.

  “Hm, is that so.” Skylar muttered to herself, turning to look at the building once more, “It’s a wonder that people are even okay with a place like this. I’d assume a place that worships a ‘God’ of any sort would be scorned.”

  Suzaku eyed Skylar up and down for a moment before putting her hands behind her back and stepping forward right in front of Skylar, “You're not wrong, there are certainly those who don’t like it… but then some cannot live without it. Humans as a species need something to put their faith in, without that… it’s hard for some to find a reason to live.” She explained before extending her right hand outwards, “I’m Suzaku by the way… and you are?”

  Skylar paused looking at Suzaku's hand.

  There it was again.

  That feeling that something was wrong slowly Skylar reached out and grasped that hand, “Valery.” She responded with her fake name, her eyes remaining calm as she spoke, “And uh, what is it you're doing here precisely?” Skylar asked this question with a tilt of her head.

  Suzaku removed her hand from Skylar’s and chuckled. Taking a step back she responded, “I’m something of a consultant around these parts, and I’m here to give you some advice… Simply put, the way you're going about things here is all wrong. No one’s going to approach you this way.”

  In response to this Skylar’s eyes narrowed, “Oh yeah? And why’s that?”

  “Because actions speak louder than words.” Suzaku stated raising a finger, “And you're a stranger here, a stranger who has done nothing to make a name for herself save clash with the guard at the front gate… Isn’t it only natural that people would be concerned about you?” Suzaku questioned with a tilt of her head.

  Skylar rolled her eyes a bit at that, taking a step away from Suzaku, “Alright miss Consultant, but why did you see it fit to come on over and speak to me then?”

  “I have a soft spot for the stupid.” Suzaku admitted bluntly as she lifted her fingers to check her nails, “It’s hard to make it in any place if you can’t get a read on people, and you deary are most certainly going to have a struggle here.”

  Skylar narrowed her gaze, “Well since you’ve done me the courtesy of being so blunt, I suppose I’ll do the same. I don’t like you.” Skylar admitted without hesitation, the wind blew faintly rustling her hair.

  Suzaku kept a smile on her face, lowering her hand and she spoke up, “Is that so? Well that simply won’t do, I wish to have you as a business partner Valery. I consider myself an excellent judge of character and I think you're going to do something real special…” the wind ceased as she spoke her next words, “something that will shake this whole island to its core. Or rather something that already has?”

  Skylar said nothing to those words lowering her arms, “Suzaku was it?” She spoke the name with a calm aura lacing her words, “If you want me to work with you wouldn’t it be prudent to state what it is you want from me in the first place?”

  Suzaku smiled at that turning around, “To the far north of the city, there is a cargo freight that requires an escort, I simply need you to take that cargo to the south of the city and deliver it to my man, you can recognize him by the emblem of a white horse upon her jacket.” Suzaku stated, she then looked over her shoulder. “Of course, I’m not asking you to do this sort of thing for nothing, if you succeed I’ll provide you with something you want. Be it items, information, or transport. I can provide it all.” she declared this with a smile turning around and walking off not even waiting for Skylar to respond.

  Leaving Skylar standing there alone to process the words, “A transport…” she muttered, “This feels sketchy. But…”

  -She knows more than she’s letting on.

  At the very least if this is a trap it’s a poorly concealed one.

  “Right then.” Skylar looked up to the church, narrowing her eyes at it, “Suppose there’s no harm in taking this job.” she started to move forward through the city pausing for a moment as she turned her gaze towards the citizens.

  As per usual they shirked away from her gaze moving into hiding.

  Skylar’s own eyes softened at the sight, “...What a pitiful sight.” she muttered, closing her eyes and moving into the alleyways, “We look for monsters under our beds when we should be looking into our mirrors.”

  Suzaku moved through her own set of alleyways back into her shop, she had a giddy smile on her face, and she was ready to move on with her day.

  Sit down. Have a nice drink, maybe slip into something more comfortable and-

  She paused, “I didn’t think you’d come to visit me so soon.” she commented with a sly smirk, “Do you miss the taste of my lips so much~?” Suzaku flirted as she approached Yang who stood in the center of the shop.

  He locked his eyes onto Suzaku holding his spear, “There was a girl at the gates today. She was strong. Called herself Valery.”

  Suzaku paused while walking up to Yang, “Hm, yes I’m aware, I went to meet her myself… Sent her on a little task, though I’m not positive she’ll do it. Shady cargo and all that.” she declared wrapping her arm around Yang’s neck, “Though it would be delightful if she did… after all, that cargo is sure to be targeted by Seriyu.”

  Yang paused, “You intend to kill her?”

  “Nothing of the sort.” Suzaku declared, “I felt that shockwave from here after all, she’s strong whoever she is… but I need more measurements before I figure out how best to deal with her. Why would I take those measurements when I could have someone else do them for me.”

  Yang kept his gaze locked on Suzaku and he opened his mouth to speak, “You could have asked me.” he pointed out with a tilt of his head, letting some of his hair fall over his eye.

  “What and let that pretty face of yours get all bruised?” Suzaku responded with a coy smirk standing on the tips of her toes and kissing him on the cheek, “I’d rather not. You have far better uses.”

  “Such as?” he asked with tired eyes.

  Suzaku paused at that, removing her arms from Yang’s neck and she moved slowly to her countertop running a hand over it, “...There’s time for that later, all you need to know is this. You’ll be the deciding factor.” she declared this as she locked her eyes onto Yang with a small smile.

  ***

  In a dark room, Seriyu leaned up against a wall, his gaze was dark, “Though my time in this existence has been short… I find it has granted me nothing. Save for questions.” he spoke with a sigh, “You human’s speak as though gods are monsters, beasts that must be put down. But to my eyes, it seems as though the gods are the more civil ones. You humans, you who’d lie, cheat, kill, steal. Seem to be the real monsters in my eyes…”

  He then paused, pushing away from the wall, “Hm, but I waste my breath trying to converse with you don’t I? Broken as you are now, you're about as useful as a doll.”

  There straight ahead on the stone floor wrapped in chains around her arm was Striga, her eyes staring forward in empty fear, she uttered only one word, “Skylar…”

  Seriyu paused while turning around and walking to the wooden door that kept this place hidden, “And that is the most amusing part isn’t it? The first words that leave your lips is not the name of your ‘beloved’ but the name of someone else entirely.”

  With that he pushed the door open walking into the dark hallway ahead, it was dimly lit to be more precise, torches littered the wall and he walked amongst the shadows with his own eyes narrowed.

  “Sir.” a voice spoke from ahead, Seriyu paused squinting to get a better look of who it was Qin, “There is word that the rebels are acting up again… something about a transport on the northern side of town.”

  Seriyu sighed, “Of course, there is… and you wish for me to take care of it? Don’t you realize I have better things to do with my time?”

  Qin frowned at that, “This was part of our arrangement, wasn’t it? You take care of the rebels and the church stays in power. Or need I remind you who keeps that girl locked up here in the first place?”

  Seriyu narrowed his gaze, “Need I remind you who is merely flesh and bones and can be torn apart with the flick of my wrist.” He challenged with a coy grin causing Qin to flinch, “But your point is made, I’ll see the supplies destroyed along with any rebels protecting it.”

  With those words, he walked past Qin, “Just be sure to remember your place mortal.”

  Qin turned around, but as soon as he did Seriyu was already gone.

  Qin then frowned looking at the door where Striga was locked away, “To think the Witch Of Jubilee could be brought low so easily… I was told she was a threat to all of us… That her intellect and strategies were unmatched. So then why was this so easy…?”

  He cupped his chin letting out a hum, “Perhaps we are missing a piece of the puzzle, some vital thing that The Witch has placed all her faith in?” He mused aloud before glancing to the door, his eyes narrowed before he shook his head, “Or perhaps she was more a fool than any of us could have seen.”

  ***

  Skylar walked through the far edge of the city just as she had been directed, a frown upon her face and her guard up.

  There straight ahead was a large building made of stone, with an even larger door in front.

  To the left was a carriage with two horses attached to it, the carriage in question didn’t seem well suited for caring people. Cargo perhaps?

  Skylar let out a hum at the sight, yet before she could examine it further the door to the large building opened and a large man walked forward, “Nothing for you to see here girl, move along before I make you.” he was wearing brown pants, and white shoes, he was certainly well built and on his black jacket was the emblem that Suzaku had mentioned.

  Skylar took note of it and spoke up, “I’m here on a job. Suzaku was the one who sent me… Not that I have any proof of the fact.”

  Skylar explained with a frown, not entirely believing her words would suffice.

  The man blinked his eyes softening, “...You're the one? I knew you’d be young. But this young is a bit…” he then shook his head, “Nevermind, if the boss sought you out I'm sure you're more than worth it.” he then turned to the carriage, “That’s what you’ll be transporting. Our cargo is to be protected at any costs.” he then paused, reaching into his pocket and pulled out a Blank, “the horses, however, haven’t had water in a bit. Take this to the well along that pathway and use it to get them a drink. Unless you want them to pass out before you arrive.” He explained pointing down a pathway to the right.

  Skylar paused while taking the Blank, “They’ll drink from Blanks? How will the Well even infuse the crystal?”

  The man chuckled at that, “The horses are obedient enough that they should drink from the crystals no problem… The Well itself holds a load of crystals at the bottom, so the water itself is magically infused.

  One touch of it should be more than enough to charge that crystal…” He then looked to Skylar, “Any other questions?”

  Skylar paused looking at the carriage, she wanted to know what she was transporting… but… something told her the answer to that question would lead to more trouble so she sighed, “No. Nothing more, I’ll be off then.”

  “One more thing.” The man suddenly called out, “I shouldn’t have to say this… but stay clear of the church, if anyone there found the cargo they’d execute you on the spot.”

  Skylar turns that frown on her face, “The Church…?”

  The man shook his head, “That large building in the center of the town. Surely you’ve seen it by now?”

  “Oh.” Skylar smiled sheepishly, “That one.” she ran a hand through her hair, “right right I’ll be off then.” she declared as she climbed onto the carriage

  Skylar let out a hum as she moved the cart along.

  It was pulled by two horses. They did most of the work, her job was just to watch and unload the cargo…

  She sat there as time passed, a frown on her face. She looked around for a moment. The city streets were empty at the moment.

  “...Surely one peek wouldn’t hurt.” she declared after double-checking the area.

  She looked behind her pulling the white curtain back, “That sure is a lot of boxes… I’m surprised they handed it off to me so willingly…” She was given this thing by two gruff-looking men.

  Like the type that’d pull you into an alleyway and stab you.

  But as soon as Skylar introduced herself as ‘Valery’ and that she was sent there by Suzaku they just… handed it off without another word.

  Needless to say, she was a little uneasy.

  Skylar let out a sigh and pulled on the reins of the horses they were at a slightly open part of town now. And there was a well in the center, “I need a drink.” she muttered leaping off the carriage and walking over to the well she threw the bucket that was laid at its side down the bottom of it.

  As soon as she did so, she looked over her shoulder watching the horses.

  They seemed fine as is… but she could never be too careful. She let out a hum and started to pull the bucket back up to her right. A grasshopper leaped into the air just as she pulled the bucket up.

  Going right into the bucket.

  “Aw come on… The water was just fresh, little guy,” she muttered leaning the bucket toward her in an attempt to get the grasshopper out.

  Only for her to see something in the reflection of the water.

  Silver.

  Skylar’s eyes widened and she instantly dropped the bucket without a second thought turning around and moving to her left.

  There right before her eyes, Seriyu thrust his blade forward, his eyes widened as the blade passed Skylar’s face and he quickly shifted on his feet, changing the strike of his blade and slashing horizontally towards Skylar’s stomach.

  Skylar leaped backward barely avoiding the strike from Seriyu, he blinked at that, clearly surprised that Skylar had even sensed him getting close, “Hm… Well, that’s an interesting one… but even so.”

  His form shifted once more and Skylar’s eyes widened; she shifted 90 degrees and dodged to the left avoiding a horizontal slash, before leaping into the air avoiding a second blow.

  Sparks burst to life around her hands and she threw a fireball down at Seriyu, who leaped backward to avoid it only for his eyes to widen as Skylar’s right fist slammed into his face, he moved to slash her once more only for Skylar hit the ground and leap back at the last moment.

  They landed on the ground a fair distance from each other, staring at each other with cautious expressions, “...This girl moves like a demon and she can see through my shadow slide… Just who the hell is she?” Seriyu thought to himself his grip around his blade tightened.

  Skylar on the other hand kept her gaze focused, gritting her teeth as she stared this man down, she spread her legs slightly preparing to dodge at a given notice.

  Skylar breathed heavily, sorting through her thoughts.

  -He’s strong. Fast as well… How was this guy not on my radar before? Julietta would have mentioned someone like him, Striga as well so that just begs the question…

  They kept each other's gaze and for once their thoughts became mirrored.

  “Who the hell are they?”

  Chapter 13: Sickles Upon Heavens Gate.

  Skylar kept her gaze narrowed as far as Seriyu knew, all this girl was capable of was fire magic.

  She still had the advantage in terms of tricks, but even so.

  The man kept his gaze locked on Skylar, his blade shining in the moonlight as he raised it, “...I’m impressed child, you’ve at least some semblance of skill.” Seriyu declared with a slight smirk on his face, “Such a thing shouldn't be possible on this island… so either you trained yourself up somewhere on this island without me knowing, or you're an outsider.”

  Seriyu then lunged forward, thrusting with his blade aiming for Skylar’s chest causing Skylar to dodge to the side with gritted teeth, “That just begs the question of who you are.” Seriyu concluded by thrusting again and again aiming for different spots on Skylar’s chest, never the same one but always just out of Skylar’s reach keeping her on the defensive, not giving her a single moment to strike back.

  Only for him to stop, he stopped as Skylar’s back hit a building.

  He didn’t dare approach, not when he stared into her eyes, there was something in them, a fire, a beast breaking out of a cage.

  Skylar then took in a shaky breath standing up, some blood was leaking from her lip, and she stared forward at Seriyu, “...You're not an idiot, are you? You’ve got some idea of who I am…” Skylar spoke as she stuck her tongue out, licking the blood from her lip and staring forward her eyes shined crimson as she taunted Seriyu.

  He held his blade tightening his grip, “...” he started to walk forward as Skylar raised her fists once more, “Do you think you can win without a weapon girl?”

  Skylar smirked despite the worry in her gaze, “Dunno, think yours will be enough to beat me?” she taunted him hoping that angering him would reveal an opening.

  A smirk appeared on his face as he held his blade out, “I don’t think it will be a problem girl.” Despite his words, he refused to approach.

  Skylar’s back may be against the wall but Seriyu wasn’t a fool, a missed strike here would leave him open to a counterattack.

  A well-placed fireball would be enough to do him in.

  So he waited, trying to see how Skylar would respond.

  -This is bad… my back is against the wall and he’s not approaching… So how do I get in there?

  With wind magic? No. Exposing myself now would only lead to further problems.

  But then how do I get in there? There’s no way for me to beat him like this… Damn it!

  Skylar’s eyes widened for a moment.

  A memory bubbled to the surface.

  “Huh? A second weapon?” Skylar arched a brow looking at Tetra, “Why would I need that? My sword does the job just fine doesn’t it?”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Tetra leaned on his desk, they were both in his study on the airship, “Sure it does. But what about situations where you don’t have that sword? Or a situation where drawing the blade would put you in even more danger such as a small cave?” Tetra asked, pointing his pen at Skylar, “In those types of situations where your back’s against a wall. That’s why Executioners need to train with all sorts of weapons. So they can be prepared for any situation…” he then pauses setting his pen down, “I’m not saying that you need to always be switching weapons… but what you do need to at least start doing is getting familiar with the idea of fighting with something other than your blade.” he then walked up and put a hand on Skylar’s shoulder smiling at her, “You can do it. After all… you’ve already surpassed me.”

  Slowly Skylar took in a breath snapping back to the reality of the situation before her, slowly she raised her fists taking on a new stance.

  Causing Seriyu to blink, “What am I looking at here…?” he pondered with his frown growing.

  -There was only one other type of weapon I ever even tried after that lesson… daggers. They were light, easy to swing around but their range was too short for my liking.

  Skylar stared forward, a smirk on her face.

  -But I got used to them, even if only for a moment… I think I can beat this guy… All I have to do is…

  Skylar shot forward, throwing her right fist forward, Seriyu dodged to the side, his eyes wide as he thrust forward, and his blade soared past Skylar’s head.

  -I’ll overwhelm him with a flurry of blows.

  With that thought Skylar ducked under Seriyu’s next overhead strike, ready to move in for another blow.

  Throwing her right fist into Seriyu’s gut making him wince and start to move backward.

  Skylar didn’t let up the pressure, throwing her left fist forward.

  Seriyu of course dodged to the left, cautious now of Skylar after she landed that blow, Skylar lifted her leg in an attempt to kick Seriyu only for him to take a step backward her eyes narrowed as Skylar seamlessly transitioned that kick into a flip.

  In response to this Seriyu raised his blade once more ready to capitalize on the moment Skylar landed, “You're done!” he declared, thrusting his blade forward.

  The moment the blade came close to Skylar’s head however she dropped to the ground sweeping her leg across the ground, knocking Seriyu off his balance, his eyes were wide and his mouth was agape as he began to fall.

  Skylar sprung back up pulling his fist back ready to slam it into Seriyu’s face as he was falling.

  Like a brick falling from a rooftop she moved to strike, Seriyu however slashed up with his blade in that same instant cutting up Skylar’s cheek, and across her left eye, she winced and leaped backward.

  At the same time, Seriyu slammed his free hand on the ground and used it to flip backward gaining some distance over Skylar.

  Skylar’s left hand covered her now useless left eye and stared forward at Seriyu with her right.

  Seriyu reached up with his free hand touching his cheek.

  They stayed like that for a moment staring at one another.

  It was soon after that Seriyu spoke up, “...What is it you're here for girl?” he asked this question with his blade raised.

  “Did you come here to bring naught but a storm of death in your wake? Do you hate the gods so much that you’d obliterate the natural order of things here? Did you ever even stop to think of what the consequences of your actions may end up being?” he spoke these words with narrowed eyes, his face curled up into a snarl as he shouted. “Answer me! Girl!”

  Skylar said nothing in response at first, she slowly lowered her left hand keeping that eye closed as the blood dripped down her face.

  “...” she took in a low breath, taking a step forward, “I’ve figured it out.” she spoke raising her fists, “I can’t stand it. I can’t stand it when people abuse their power… lording it over the week. Wrapping it around them like chains. I hate it… I don’t care about the consequences, I’ll bear the burden of every one of them. But it doesn’t matter to me. Humans. Gods. I’ll shatter all of those chains until there is nothing that can hold us down anymore.” Skylar’s remaining eye flashed for a moment.

  Seriyu could swear he saw the color silver within Skylar’s eye.

  But it was quickly replaced by an azure glow as Skylar took a step forward, “Come on then… face your execution with some pride.”

  Seriyu kept his face stone dead before tilting his head slightly, “I believe this is the first time we’ve properly met… Skylar Shadewalker.”

  The azure eyes gave it away of course not that Skylar cared, her eyes only narrowed in silent contempt as Seriyu kept speaking, “You certainly do the rumors justice, even unarmed you are a threat beyond reckoning… However.” he paused looking right into Skylar’s eyes, “...Even if you kill me… You're not leaving this island alive.”

  Skylar let out a breath and an icy chill escaped her lips, “And why’s that? Got some flunkies that’ll try and take me out?”

  In response to this retort, Seriyu chuckled bitterly, “You haven’t felt it? The bloodlust in the air…?” Seriyu took his gaze off Skylar looking to the skies for a moment, “This place is a battlefield this war of ours hasn’t ceased yet.” he ducked to the side suddenly as a blade of ice soared past his cheek, Skylar was holding a dagger she had manifested with her newfound ice magic, Seriyu spoke as he slashed down shattering that ice dagger, “The strongest we have to offer… one after the other they’ll be upon you.” He then put his blade against Skylar’s neck, “And when all is said and done… You’ll die.”

  As he spoke those words he pressed his blade further against Skylar’s neck, and in response she looked him right in the eyes, and spoke with a smile on her face, “Will I now?” she asked as blood started to draw, “Then why haven’t you done it yet? You’ve got the blade at my neck. I’m at your mercy and yet you hold back, you could hack my head off and watch it tumble to the ground… so why don’t you?”

  Seriyu said nothing to the question, keeping his gaze on Skylar, leaving her to ponder the answer for herself.

  She started to walk forward unafraid, “It’s certainly not lack of will… so what is it?” she muttered as she now stood face to face with Seriyu.

  He paused, lowering his blade, dispelling the weapon entirely, “If you wish to know… then come to the House Of Hope… it is in that place that your final battle shall occur, Shadewalker.”

  With that, he sunk back into the shadows vanishing entirely.

  Skylar stared forward for the moment before reaching up with her left hand putting it over her left eye socket, “That was bad… one wrong move there and he really would've finished me off.”

  She then lowered that hand walking up to the horses, “I’m surprised you two didn’t run off… you're awfully brave aren’t you?” She spoke with a light smile, the horses neighed in delight as Skylar reached up and petted their manes.

  She then looked to the carriage itself climbing up and pulling away the curtain to check the contents, nothing was taken it seemed.

  So she let out a sigh sitting down, and looking at her hands, “...The church…” she muttered looking over to the building in the distance.

  A frown appeared on her face, “Not a priority… I need information first.” She then leaped from the carriage in question and walked back over to the well pulling the bucket up once more, “...On top of that I need a plan, or at least a weapon going up against Seriyu unarmed is only gonna result in my death.”

  She then paused remembering the sight of herself on her home island, the horses started to move.

  She could always enter that state again… but.

  “...It draws mana from the land.” She frowned, “It keeps me alive, yeah, but it draws a lot of mana. I should try to avoid using that variant of Overdrive while I can.” Her hands moved deftly as she grabbed the Blanks she was given and started to fill them with water.

  She then blinked, leaning back, “Come to think of it… I’ve never heard anything about multiple versions of Overdrive… Is this new? Am I the first…?”

  She then scoffed, shaking her head, “Focus Skylar, you’ve got a job to do.” she scolded herself, her eyes focusing on the road ahead.

  Suddenly thunder boomed from above causing Skylar to turn her gaze up, “...When did the clouds roll in?” she muttered confusion riddled upon her face.

  Skylar then folds her arms, furrowing her brow “That’s not the sort of thing I’d miss… Is it?” thunder boomed once more and rain began to pour down causing Skylar to wince, and throw her hood up.

  “Rain never leads to anything good.” She spoke as she walked up to the horses giving them their water, “...Bad omens all around today… Am I being paranoid?” She questioned though there was no one to answer.

  She then sighed, setting the blanks aside and getting back onto the carriage, “Whatever, I’ll wrap this job up. Get my information… and get out of here.”

  As she grabbed the reins she paused as she stared at the stone path ahead, the rain poured down on it and she blinked at the sight before reaching up and grabbing her head with her right hand, a throbbing pain entered her head.

  “What so that’s it then? Move on with it? Forgive and forget. No, that’s not how this ends. You know that better than most don’t you?”

  Skylar grits her teeth looking up for a moment she thought she saw cave walls, and a man standing ahead.

  But as soon as the vision came it ended.

  “What…?” she looked around confusion riddled upon her face, but no answers came.

  She looked back down to the reins, a frown on her face, “I must be more exhausted than I thought…” she concluded after a moment.

  But her hands were shaking.

  There was something wrong, something that she didn’t yet understand.

  With that simple thought, she was on her way.

  ***

  Jack sat in his workshop, examining the item that he had been working on for the past few days.

  “The design is nearly flawless… but then…” He looks to his right down at the papers, “Hm, it doesn't match up with descriptions.” she furrows his brow with confusion, “What could I be missing?”

  “Job’s done Jack!” Beatrice declared with a skip as she entered the workshop, “There certainly have been a lot of gods here as of late… more than any would think natural.”

  “Course there are after the veritable storm of mana that was surrounding our place vanished. Our only real shield for those creatures is gone, now they’ve come to try and claim a feast… it’s what makes this war such a drag.” Jack pointed out, setting his papers down, and looking over his shoulder.

  Beatrice folded her arms at that, letting out a slight hum, “But I found my way here before the storm vanished didn’t I?”

  Jack looked behind his chair, “No offense Beatrice, but when it comes to Gods. You are far from natural. I’d go so far as to call you a demon.”

  “Aww you flatter me~” Beatrice declared with a wink, “But really, we do need to find a solution to this little problem. I’m strong, but if they keep pushing at the border they're gonna break through sooner or later.” She folded her arms, a frown appearing upon her face as she continued, “As lovely as that bit of chaos sounds, I’ve made my home on this island, and living it with other self-entitled pricks doesn't sound all that appealing.”

  Jack sighed, closing his eyes, “And what would you have me do about it? I’m not much of a fighter, and our best have yet to return.” his eyes then opened and he glared at Beatrice, “Or would you prefer I throw myself face first into the jaws of death for your amusement?”

  Beatrice shook her head, “To be blunt there is one thing I want from you.” She then lowered her hands, “I want that ruler of ours off the throne, he’s good sure. But he cannot move others to act… We need someone else.”

  Jack paused at that, turning his full attention to Beatrice, “...That’s rather surprising coming from you, though you house a seat in the council, I never took you as the type to care about the future of Jubilee.”

  “I don’t.” Beatrice confirmed without hesitation, but then she glanced at the stairs, “You don’t have any magic so I doubt you’d get this… but there’s a point where the mana in the air grows thick. At moments like this, mages and gods alike are struck with some sort of premonition… It varies of course, it could just be a sign that things are changing. Maybe something good will happen… but in this particular case. I can feel it, something is about to go very very wrong. It’s the same feeling in the air as when The Kingdom was assaulted…”

  Jack paused hearing those words taking them in for a moment before looking back to the blade he was working on a frown on his face, “...I suppose the old man has been on the chair for a while now.” he then sighed standing from his chair, “Fine, I’ll make a request for a meeting and make my case. But I trust you have a plan in mind to turn the rest of the council onto this idea?”

  Beatrice shrugged at that, “More or less, I’d be lying if I said my idea was foolproof though.”

  Jack in response to this ran an exasperated hand across his face, “Of course not… let’s hear it then.”

  Beatrice paused, seeming to consider her words carefully, a rare moment of hesitation on her face, but soon enough she let the words pass through her lips like all others, “I intend to put Striga into the position of leader.”

  Silence took the room then.

  And Jack folded his arms, “...That’s not likely to go well if the reports I’ve received from Babylon are any indication. It sounds to me like her forces have all but been annihilated. Such a grueling failure is not likely to sway opinions, or move hearts.”

  “Perhaps not.” Beatrice conceded this instantly, but a smirk appeared on her face, “But Striga has The Shadewalker on her side isn’t that correct? While Striga alone may struggle to hold ground, with Skylar at her side… her word could be taken as unavoidable law. Less we face the wrath of Skylar.”

  Jack paused at that, “You intend to use Skylar to push Striga into a position of power…” he muttered in realization, a frown appearing on his face, “A risky gambit… but not impossible. However…” he cupped his chin, “This idea hinges on if Skylar can achieve victory within that island…”

  “You doubt she can?” Beatrice questioned putting her hands behind her back.

  Jack looked up then, lowering his hand, “I doubt not her strength. But I doubt that she will leave that place the same person she was.”

  He then looked down at the blade once more, “And if she did I’d have to assume she’s lying.” a frown then appeared on his face.

  “Still, the point of the matter is… your plan is flawed, Skylar is an adventurer at heart and she’ll keep exploring this land as far as she can. She will not stay here.”

  Beatrice paused at those words taking them in, before turning to the stairs once more.

  “You just leave that part to me…”

  ***

  Skylar let out a sigh as she reached her destination.

  “Well well, look at that you made it here with all your limbs intact.” A familiar voice called out, causing Skylar to glare with her good eye.

  Suzaku let out a hum as she approached, “Shame about the eye though, I take it you had a run-in with our foe?”

  “...” Skylar said nothing to that, instead choosing to remain spiteful.

  Suzaku shrugged, giving an exasperated sigh, “Oh come now, enough with the silent treatment. I assure you the cargo you’ve delivered here is more than worth the effort.” she then turned around, “And if you can’t take my word for it, perhaps his will suffice.”

  Skylar then took a step to the right to see over Suzaku’s shoulder.

  There Yang was walking up to them, “...You were the girl at the gate… It hasn't even been a day and you're already stirring up trouble I see.”

  Skylar shook her head, “It’s not like I asked for any of this.” she then put her hands on her hips, “I need information so I took a job… speaking of…” she looked back to the carriage, “Just what the hell kind of cargo was I transporting?”

  Yang paused at Skylar’s question looking over to Suzaku who simply shrugged.

  So Yang sighed, turning to the large building ahead of him, “If you wanna know that badly then come inside, but what I speak of doesn't leave the building understood?”

  Skylar lowered her arms, “Sure.” she then glanced over to Suzaku who smiled innocently.

  “Oh don’t you worry about me, I’m going to put our cargo away, then I’ll join the both of you later.” She proclaimed, puffing her chest out a bit.

  Skylar rolled her eyes at that, turning away and walking into the large building before her.

  There she paused, noticing something strange, a bunch of men and women all gathered around the edges of the wall.

  Grabbed in various pieces of clothing all holding weapons.

  Skylar looked at them all before looking to the center of the room where Yang stood and she spoke, “Is this supposed to be some sort of ambush?” she questioned.

  “...Not in the slightest.” Yang declared, turning to lock eyes with Skylar, “It’s our army… A small force that remains to stand against Lust. And we want you on our side.”

  Skylar paused at that before smiling, “Me? I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong person, I’m no one special. Just a simple mage.” she smiled.

  “Oh is that so?” Yang declared with a hum, “But you took a peek at our wares, or at the very least moved the curtain didn’t you?”

  “I’ve no idea what you're talking about, I got into a bit of a scuffle as you can see so the curtain might have moved during that, but not once have I checked the wares.” Skylar declared with her good eye closed, pointing to her bad one to emphasize her point.

  “And yet when last we met, you declared that you were an Executioner.” Yang pointed out with a glint in his gaze.

  Skylar said nothing to that, keeping her eyes closed.

  So Yang took that as a sign to continue, he lifted his right hand as he spoke, “As such, you must be here for one reason and one reason alone. To kill Lust, so wouldn’t it benefit you to assist u-”

  “Not happening,” Skylar spoke with a frown.

  Yang paused, lowering his hand slowly and then he spoke with a glare, “May I ask why?”

  Skylar slowly opened her good eye once more, staring down Yang, “If it was just you. I might have considered your offer. But if these are the people you’d bring to fight?”

  Skylar slowly looked around the room, her frown only deepened as she did so, “I’ll have to refuse your offer every time. These people aren’t warriors.”

  The people in question all looked at one another with worry and anger on their faces, and a young man stepped forward.

  Anger on his face, “M-Maybe we're not! But we want our homes back. We want our lives back… s-so we’ll fight!” he shouted.

  “No, you won’t.” Skylar turned to that young man with a glare on her face, “You’ll rush forward. You’ll flail that weapon around, maybe you’ll cut someone’s cheek. But you won’t fight. You won’t break anything. And you won’t win. You’ll be a corpse on the ground in a matter of seconds.”

  The boy growled, “W-What do you know!? There’s enough of us! We can overpower one woman!”

  Skylar kept her gaze on the boy and then she sighed.

  “Is that what you think?” she questioned lifting her hand and running it through her hair, “...Fine then. Do you all share the sentiments of this boy?” Skylar looked at the group.

  In total, there were about 50 of them.

  All of them nodded in agreement.

  Skylar then turned her gaze back to Yang, “How desperately do you want me on your side then?”

  Yang furrowed his brow in confusion not quite understanding what Skylar was thinking, “Having a mage would boost our chances significantly… as such I will do what I must to get you to join us.”

  Skylar turned around to face the door, “In that case, I want to see all of you at the front gate tomorrow. And Yang, do me a solid and bring my weapons.” Skylar spoke with a smirk.

  Yang tilted his head, “...That can be arranged, but may I ask… why?”

  “Why?” Skylar chuckled, the question was a silly one of course so she looked over her shoulder, her single eye glowing crimson sending a chill over the entire group before her in the dimly lit space, “Because all of you are going to fight me.”

  The boy spoke up at that, “W-What!? Are you stupid!? Do you think so little of us that you think we can’t take you on when you're by yourself!?!”

  “Correct.” Skylar spat ruthlessly, her single eye glowing with nothing but contempt, “If you wish to throw yourselves at me now, I won’t turn you down… but just know.”

  Skylar turned back around, putting her hand on the door and opening it, “The result will be the same.”

  With that she exited the building with a sigh, the door closed behind her, and she turned left to see Suzaku leaning against the wall, “Things didn’t go smoothly then?”

  Skylar folded her arms at that with a scowl, “You're going to get all those people killed.” she pointed out with a narrowed gaze.

  Suzaku paused while tilting her head, “Hm, you don’t know much about the situation here do you?” she asked with a slight smirk, “They’ll die with or without my involvement… And that’s not because I want them to… Lust plans to sink this whole place soon.”

  Skylar blinked at that and she growled, “Your fucking kidding me. Why? What good reason would she even have to do that?!”

  Suzaku put a finger to her lips glaring at Skylar, “Hush now. This information is between us, consider it a sign of good faith. But that faith only works if we are honest with each other… Don’t you think? Skylar Shadewalker?”

  Skylar blinked at that narrowing her gaze, “...Who are you.” she was instantly on guard, reaching for her sword only to be reminded that it wasn’t there.

  Suzaku chuckled a little at that, “Hm. Maybe revealing that I know who you are wasn’t the best of moves at the moment… but that won’t change facts.” she then started to walk off looking up to the skies, “...My magic… is something special, in terms of combat potential, it’s practically useless in large scale skirmishes. Anything more than 3 people would cause me to be in danger.” She declared lifting her hand and reaching up as if to grasp the skies high above, “I…” she then turned her head locking eyes with Skylar, “have the ability to control other people. At least to a certain extent.” Suzaku declared, lowering her hand and them smirking at Skylar, “I tried it on you as well, when we first met near the church.”

  Skylar frowned at that, “If you're trying to get on my good side, you're certainly failing.”

  Suzaku tilted her head slightly, “Is that right? Hm, well whatever… the point of the matter is it didn’t work.” Suzaku looked at her nails before looking up, “That’s never happened to me before, few have ever resisted my magic. And no one has ever been completely immune.” Suzaku kept her gaze locked onto Skylar’s eyes, “In my eyes that left only two possibilities. Either you are some oddity. Or… you were a Shadewalker.”

  Skylar folded her arms, “The first one I get. But that second one? Seems like quite the leap in logic.”

  Suzaku chuckled at that, “Oho? You really are clueless about your lineage aren’t you?”

  Skylar said nothing to that, only glaring at Suzaku.

  Suzaku put her hands behind her back smiling softly, “I’ll enlighten you then, about the traits that a Shadewalker normally possesses. The first is a heightened attunement to the Void, your kind tends to pick up Dark Knight tricks easily and have an easier time sensing monsters. The second is heightened physical abilities. Your stamina is above average, and your strength is certainly up there… on top of that you heal quickly as well. To an even supernatural degree,” Suzaku pointed to Skylar’s bad eye, “I bet even that will heal right up after a good night's sleep… And then there’s the last bit, complete immunity to all attacks on your psyche.”

  “...Why are you telling me all this?” Skylar questioned her hand clenching into a fist.

  “Because I want you to trust me.” Suzaku explained once more, “In case you haven’t noticed, you're in the belly of the beast right now. Teetering on the edge of death itself. One false move and everything you care for is going to be gone.”

  Skylar glared at Suzaku once more, “If you want me to trust you so badly then tell me…” Skylar took a step forward, the ground seemed to shake a bit with her movement, “Where is Striga.”

  Suzaku kept staring not uttering a word just for the moment she let the wind blow, soon enough she opened her mouth, “The church. Was her last known location. If I were a betting girl, I’d put my money on Striga being in the catacombs.”

  Skylar frowned at that, “There’s only one entrance. Unless I break a window… I’ll have to go in through the front door.” Skylar spoke those words in realization, “Not to mention the size of the building… I don’t like the idea of having to fight in there.”

  Skylar’s frown only deepened as she thought about how best to get in there, Suzaku watched Skylar with some interest, “So wouldn’t it serve you to have some good soldiers? To take the heat off you? What’s more… I happen to know a back entrance… A way you could enter the catacombs undetected.” Suzaku declared taking a few steps forward and slipping just behind Skylar.

  Skylar turned on her heel, “You're suggesting I send them to their death?”

  “Like I already explained, they'll be dying regardless. Best to make use of them before then don’t you agree?” Suzaku then held out a small piece of paper, “This address is a collaborator of ours. Simply go there and he’ll put you up for the night.”

  Skylar slowly reached out and grabbed the paper, only for Suzaku to reach up with her free hand and wrap her hand around Skylar’s wrist, “Just to be clear Shadewalker. I expect payment for my information… that payment comes in the form of Lust’s head.”

  Skylar said nothing to that, simply keeping her gaze on the paper.

  Suzaku then removed her hand and smiled, turning to the building ahead of her, “Well then, that was a fruitful endevor~” and with that, she skipped away as though nothing had occurred.

  Skylar however looked down to the paper she was given and scowled.

  She then started to walk towards her destination.

  “What a shitty situation.” she murmured to herself that scowl only grew with every step, “I could just knock them all out tomorrow, but that’d make them all angry… well angrier…” She then stopped in her tracks blinking with her one eye for a moment as an idea formed in her head, “...Unless…”

  Her crimson eyes flashed with realization and a smirk started to replace her scowl, “Oh that’s a stupid idea. No, not even stupid. It’s an idea so bad that one could only call it insane…” Skylar looked up to the sky.

  “...But it could work. I can make it work.” Skylar then took a confident step forward, “Right then.” She then cracked her neck and worked her way to her destination.

  ***

  Yin sat in front of his table, in front of him was a wooden bowl with a clam chowder.

  He was eating alone, it seemed to be a common occurrence nowadays…

  His eyes were a little sunken and a frown was on his face, “Brother, what is it that you're after… what is it that changed you so?” He spoke with a sigh not understanding Yang’s motives.

  He then blinked as he heard a knock at his front door.

  Slowly he rose from his chair and sauntered forward, “Yes yes. On my way.” he declared with a groan moving through his chambers he then grabbed that handle and swung the door open, “do you have any idea what time it is?” Yin questioned the person at his door.

  Before he paused blinking in recognition of the girl at his doorstep.

  “...I was told you’d have loggings?” so spoke Skylar as she handed the paper forward, Yin blinked at that grabbing the paper in question and looking it over.

  Sure enough, it was his brother's handwriting.

  “...You're the girl from the gate.” he muttered, “What has my brother roped you into now…?”

  Skylar sighed at that, shaking her hand, “A very troublesome task.” she grumbled glancing to the side, “So I’d like to get some rest if that’s all the same with you.”

  Yin paused at that, and there was something about Skylar, a glimmer in her eye, “...Sure thing, upstairs second room to your right. That’s where you can rest.” he declared, stepping aside, he then watched as Skylar moved forward with a pep in her step up those stairs, “Hey young miss, what is it your planning?”

  Skylar stopped on the top step and turned around, “You wanna know? If so… you better be ready to help me.”

  Yin blinked at that, he was curious but not enough to help a complete stranger…

  And yet… there was something about Skylar’s gaze, something that made him feel left out, so despite himself, he smirked as well and asked, “What do you need from me?”

  ***

  A young man walked forward with a pitchfork and a confident smirk on his face, “Right then. Today is the day!”

  He declared as he walked up to the front gate, only to blink as he saw his comrades waiting for him.

  “Hm? What’s… going on? Why haven’t we opened up the gate yet?” he questioned.

  “Well first off we're waiting for you Milo…” Yang declared walking up to the young man, “And the second reason is… we did open the gate. And closed it instantly.”

  “Huh?! Why’d you do that?! What are you all doing!?” Milo shouted arduously, he couldn’t fathom why his brethren were acting like cowards.

  So he grumbled and walked up to the gate, “It’s just one girl. We can take her if we all work together!” he shouted confidently as he put his free hand on the gate.

  “I fear you misunderstand.” Yang spoke as Milo pushed that gate open, “That’s not just any girl… and her name is most certainly not Valery as she’d have you believe.”

  Any form of confidence Milo had was shattered in an instant.

  The plain fields outside had all but been changed, there were several spires of ice pointing upwards.

  And on the highest one, sat Skylar holding an apple that was already bitten into her right leg hanging down the spire her left was lifted slightly up, her hair was back to its silver color and a smirk appeared on her face as she looked down, “Hm. Oh the vocal one.” she spoke with a smile leaping down from the spire.

  And landing on the dirt her sword was on her back.

  Milo stared forward with a look of fear on his face, “W-What… you can’t be.”

  “Oh, but I am.” Skylar spoke, stepping forward, “Has it dawned on you yet the kind of monsters you’ll be up against if you perpetuate this war of yours?”

  Milo took a trembling step backward.

  “Stop.” Skylar spoke the word as a gust of wind fired forward, shaking the poor boy to his core, “You want your homes back right? You want your lands back. You want your lives back.” Skylar unsheathed her blade and held it to the side, “Then don’t run away.”

  “You… want us to fight you? Your Skylar aren’t you!? We’ve heard the stories. You're a demon on the battlefield, so you surely don't need us surely! You can take it all back by yourself!” Milo reasoned with a shaky expression.

  “I could sure.” Skylar confirmed, “But what of the day I leave? I’m a traveler see? Not much time to stick around.” Skylar spoke as she picked some soil from the ground, “I could take your lands and your homes back easy… but when I go?” the soil slipped through the cracks of her fingers and Skylar’s gaze turned back to Milo, “What then?”

  Milo frowned in understanding, “...But I can’t use magic. I can’t beat some demon like you.”

  “If that’s what you think, then you shouldn’t have even considered going up against Lust.” Skylar spat with a glare, and Milo flinched.

  Skylar then smirked, “So then. Raise your weapon.”

  Milo blinked at that, stepping back once more, “W-What!? No! I won’t fight you.”

  “Of course you won’t. You're weak, your body is pretty much built to collapse just from being near me. And you hardly even understand magic.” Skylar spoke these harsh truths with dead eyes, as though she was speaking to nothing more than an insect.

  Suzaku was up upon the walls watching the sight with mild interest as she leaned against the stone.

  Skylar then took in a breath, “So let’s change that shall we?”

  Milo paused at those words looking up to lock eyes with Skylar, “Pardon…?”

  Skylar twirled her blade expertly, “You might not be able to use magic. But that doesn't mean you can’t use a weapon. I’m going to train all of you.” Skylar spoke with a smile, “And when I’m done… you’ll all be more than capable of killing a mage.”

  Milo nodded slowly, “So how long will this training be… A week? A month? Don’t tell me it’ll be a year…?”

  Skylar lowered her blade, “A day. A day so hellish that your every bone will be screaming in agony. You’ll wish you were dead during the whole of it. But when it’s over… I’m more than confident that you’ll be stronger.”

  Skylar then shouted, “That goes for all of you by the way! Anyone who wants to be stronger, step up! Those who don’t can turn around and go home dropping their weapons like the pansies they are!”

  Suzaku smirked at Skylar’s words, “I see… so that’s the way you’d use your tools, Shadewalker… not bad at all.”

  Milo watched as Yang walked up standing beside him.

  “Mr. Yang?” Milo blinked.

  Two others walked up with him.

  Skylar let out a hum at the sight, “Just four then…” she muttered, “Good enough I suppose, more than I expected. Now then.” Skylar opened her eyes.

  Both eyes.

  Just as Suzaku had predicted, they healed overnight.

  And now they glowed in Azure, “Let your test begin.” as Skylar spoke the words an icy mist shot up from the ground, and spires of ice tore upwards into the skies forming an arena or rather… a cage around the group.