Melody sighed softly and nodded to herself as she arrived back at the encampment, noting that people were already packing up and getting ready to leave for their next destination. She watched as she made her way to her tent, noticing it was all mostly packed, with a small letter sitting on top of her box. “Hey, figured I help you out since you needed your space, don’t worry about paying it back. We need to talk once you are ready. Sazh” The note read, Melody nodding softly as she folded it and put it in her pocket as she finished off the rest of her packing, Leblanc making her way over as she had heard her return to camp.
“Melody?” She asked, the woman jumping in surprise as she glanced back to see Leblanc standing there, but not with a look to feel like a commander, but a concerned look of a friend as she entered the now barren tent, sighing to herself as she had a lot of worry built up from when she ran away like that. “What happened? Sazh explained the gist of what he saw, but now I am even more concerned that you just blacked out like that. Are you okay?” She asked and sat on a sturdy box, watching as Melody sat down on another across from her, the two looking one another in the eyes, Leblanc seeing distraught emotions in Melody’s purple eyes, unsure of how to address such an issue. She sighed somberly and worriedly.
“I am not really sure what happened. I just noticed the world around me was frozen and abandoned, like I was alone. Then some hooded figure appeared before me. Next thing I know, you, Sazh and Alucard are trying to wake me up and I panicked. All I could think to do was run and clear my head. So I went and splashed my face in the river a bit to wake myself up and think. Honestly, I think it was just a sudden panic attack, but I am fine now.” She said and nodded assuredly, not bothering to bring up the note, because of their goal to invade and kill the people of Elderitch, she wasn’t sure how Leblanc would handle seeing the letter of Inferno and how it told her to betray them and join his side. “For now, I think once we invade the castle and kill those horrid nobles, than just maybe will we be able to understand what has happened.” She told Leblanc, as she heard the sounds of footsteps in the distance, looking to see Alucard returning with a prisoner. “A prisoner? Wearing Elderitchian garbs?” She said to herself with shock, not sure of what to make of this.
The duo decided it best to end their discussion for now and just nodded to one another, due to their mutual respect and understanding. Leblanc went out and pulled out her axe just to be safe as she looked at Alucard. “Alucard, What is the meaning of this?” She asked as she walked over and examined the prisoner, Raigh. She noticed he was a high ranking noble, Melody taking note that he had the kings insignia which meant he was a member of Drax’s personal court. “Who is this, and how have you kidnapped him? Do you intend to jeopardize the mission and put us at risk by infiltrating Elderitch alone?” Leblanc asked now showing her leader side once more.
“Oh heavens no, I would never risk such a thing. I value my life.” Alucard said and smirked as Raigh was forced to kneel by Alucard, the Doberman mostly cooperative, but still growled back at Alucard for the force. Alucard just sneered before turning his attention to Leblanc. “I found him wandering the woods, on patrol I believe. I think he may be the key to entering the kingdom. He told me about a secret entryway underneath the city that would make things a bit easier. But the only way to get into it is with a special spell that only elites know. Lucky for us he claims to be an elite.” Alucard explained with a cocky smirk as he took a knife and gently traced it across the bound doberman’s chin “And I already made it quite clear what would happen if he were to be lying, so no need to fear that possibility.”
“I see.” Leblanc said simply as she kept analyzing him, her suspicions rising a bit but she wasn’t showing it. “If this really will aid us in our battle, than I say we are ready to move out. Alucard, watch the prisoner and kill on any sign of betrayal. If you don’t I will do it myself and then come for you. If any of my soldiers die because of your negligence you can kiss the life I bestowed onto you goodbye.” Leblanc threatened, much to the shock of Alucard, Raigh and Melody. Sazh approached upon hearing that but stayed silent, a part of him having no shock whatsoever, he knew deep down that Leblanc had a deep seeded hatred that would sprout such a feeling, and now was her chance to enact it, he was following now to aid his friend, even though he had doubts and worries about the battle upcoming. All he could do was listen, follow and pray to whatever god he believed in that things would be okay. “Alright! Everyone! Our next stop is the kingdom of Elderitch, there will be no hesitation once we are in. Once in, we will head straight for the castle and bring the fight to them! If you have any doubt or second thoughts about this, you can leave now and hide. You won’t be seen as cowardly, we just can’t risk any lives just from fear! So if you wish to carry on, follow me. If you wish to stay, than turn around and leave your stuff until we return. We will bring prosperity for the lower class and will bring an end to the tyrannical and hateful nobles and royals that look down and spit on us!” She shouted to her troops, most cheering as her generals stayed quiet, and some resigned and backed away, Leblanc nodding with a gentle, understanding feeling as she watched them go.
Melody listened and watched as Leblanc turned around and started marching, troops following as she slowly began to think. She thought back to what that man had said in her dream, about a traitor. She glanced at Alucard who walked with Raigh, noticing how despite being a prisoner, Raigh wasn’t that hostile. She grunted to herself as she realized that Alucard might be who he meant. Sazh noticed as he walked with her and nodded. “You felt it to? Alucard is up to something, That is Raigh, he is one of Queen Nomad’s hand picked mages. There is no way he just surrendered to someone like Alucard. He’s weak, and untrained, so the fact he of all people won a battle against one of Elderitch’s strongest mages makes me wonder what someone like him is really planning. We must protect Leblanc at all costs.” Sazh said as Melody thought and shook angrily, her vision slowly fading into darkness as her anger took over. Sazh noted and kept with her, making sure she didn’t attack anyone. All he could think was this:
‘Leblanc, Please say you have a plan… What do you hope to accomplish when he is obviously against us. I will follow you to death and back, but I still worry.’
-
Lyle watched as Inferno and Bael were sparring in the arena, the two trying to stay on top of things for anything that could happen, especially since Marianne alerted everyone that Raigh had gone missing. Bael had a bad feeling about what was to come as he watched Inferno’s movements, the hybrid prince wasn’t himself today. “Come on kid, you have to focus, you aren’t your usual fighting self today. Is something wrong?” He asked as Inferno stood and stumbled a bit before nodding. Bael and Lyle were sharing a thought here as they both noticed how he had stumbled, the prince was weak right now for some unknown reason, Lyle walking down to see the boy up-close.
“I’m fine, just a bit dizzy is all. I am unsure why I feel such a way, but I promise you I'm okay.” Inferno said as Lyle placed one of his paws on Infernos forehead and examined him, noticing a tired look in his eyes. Lyle sighed a bit as he looked Inferno over and nodded. “You’re burning up kid. Something isn’t okay with you, let’s go see the doctor in the medical ward, we shouldn’t risk it.” Lyle said as Inferno was reluctant but seeing the stern but worried look on the wolf’s face made him quiet his protests and follow, sulking a little as he felt fine but his body was reacting weirdly to everything.
“Hmm, he is acting like she once did when she was with a child. I know male dragons of his kind can produce eggs but I thought John was it? Is it possible something happened in the process?” Bael said to himself as he cleaned up and put away all of the training equipment since they were the last ones using it for the day, his mind racing some as he wondered about the possibilities of what was wrong with Inferno, Wesker and Scath walking in as he thought. “Good timing on our part, Bael. We need to see you, we are holding a council over what happened in the prison last week.” Wesker said as Scath nodded, Bael looking over and following without argument, the group heading to the war room.
Waiting for them was the higher people. Drax, Nomad, Marz, Maxwell, Silcia and Saria. Bael was surprised to be summoned to this but wasn’t going to doubt his king as he took his place. Nomad nodded seeing everyone they needed present as she stood. “As you are all aware, we are here to talk about what happened to Marz and Lynx in the prison when they went to talk to that mage. We have chosen to exclude Verius and Lynx for obvious reasons. Because of the investigative work of Wesker and Scathatch, we have learned some extra details. They are a group of scholars who reside here hidden in Elderitch, they study the dark arts and wish to destroy our kingdom from within. They wanted to start by causing the death of the sons of two royal sons. Marz, my son. And the other was Lynx, the son of duke Verius. The one who orchestrated the attack was one of the scholars council members, Arakah, the man of shadow and blood.” She said, the others all looking around at one another as Silcia stood to talk, Nomad giving a nod to let her.
“I have heard of them from my father, he had mentioned this Arakah in one of his tirades about power and control and that name slipped out. When asked about it her got on the defense and tried to cover it with his own nonsense. The man of Shadow and Blood is actually a title given to the schools head dark mage, whereas you guys are just passing it as a simple description. He is much more deadly that we are allowing to think, and we must watch him despite everything, and find out which school they are tied to. I know my brother and I are not to be trusted due to who our father is, but I wouldn’t lie in my position. I want to save Inferno and protect what I have for a family now. That is all. Aunt Nomad, thank you for letting me speak on the matter.” Silcia told everyone before bowing and leaving as she had some matters to attend.
“So,with that in mind, we now have two things to worry about. The ritual my father did, and Arakah. I had always believed the man of Shadow and Blood was a myth, so to hear my sister speak of such things actually shakes my core a bit. If my uncle and dear aunt allow it, I would like to join the vanguard and fight alongside them to find these people.” Wesker spoke, Bael now realizing why he was called in amongst all of them, noticing as Drax makes a look towards him as if motioning him to stand up, which he did.
“My nephew clearly gave away the meaning of your presence here Bael, and we would like to get to the point now. We want to make you one of the leaders of the Elderitch Vanguard. This group is mine and now Inferno’s, as the crown prince, royal guard. It consists of Ornstein, Lady Scath, Lea, and Maxwell as of now. We plan to allow Wesker the spot alongside you so we have a few more choices. I know this is sudden but our Vanguard isn’t that big like it used to be and Inferno and Maxwell place a good deal of trust in you. Do you accept this?” Drax asked as he walked over to look at Bael up close, the man standing in shock as he moved a few strands of his long black hair back and adjusted his tinted glasses. He was surprised by what he had heard.
“Your majesty, if it is what you wish, I shall obey.” Bael said and bowed, the man clearly showing loyalty for how much the king has done for him after what happened during the Drazernon incident. “I will gladly accept a place on the Vanguard to protect you and this kingdom, if you would have me.”
Drax smiled at that and nodded, about to speak before the doors swung open in a panic, as Lea and Lyle had barged in, both panicked as they rushed over. “Your majesty, apologies for intruding but we have bad news. A scout had just returned and told us that there is a force heading our way, an entire army. Something feels off and we don’t know what it is, with Raigh disappearing and this happening.” Lyle said as Drax nodded and turned to them, and motioned everyone in the room. “Everyone! We have a situation on our hands. Grab your weapons and get ready for an assault, Lyle, send a message to the city and get all the commoners to hiding. We must protect this place at all costs. Where is Inferno?” He asked, to which lyle explained the situation and he nodded. “Lock down the medical ward once people are safe. Millia, Marik, Nomad and anyone who isn’t suited to fight at the moment will be safe there. Marz, go retrieve your son now.” He ordered, the fox standing and nodding
He took off to his room to see Millia, the leopard from before with Marik, the young green dragon giggling as he played with some toys in the room, Marz sighing in relief. “Millia, we need to hurry you and Marik to the medical ward. We are going to battle according to Lyle, and he wishes for you guys to be safe.” Marz said, Millia smiling warmly as she stood weakly, the wound she received from the mages when she arrived in Elderitch still not fully healed as she groaned softly, Marik looking at his adoptive father confused. “It’s okay son, lets go.” He said and picked up the big dragon child and walked with Millia to the ward, Draco running by and stopping to see his partner.
“Millia, thank god your safe. Marz, thank you for getting everyone. I want you to find me in the foyer when you get them to safety. I know your father won’t like it but I had a plan to keep you safe and let you help at the same time.” Draco said and ran off again, grabbing his sword from his waist and heading to the foyer. Marz nodded hearing the panic in the man's voice as they get to the medical ward, Marik giggling the moment he saw Nomad sitting in a chair. Marz chuckled and set him down so he could run to his grandmother who happily picked him up as she looked at her son, Marik looked over to slowly realizing something as he got sad.
Marz walked over and gently hugged Marik, planting a small kiss on his head as he did and held him. “It’s okay Marik, I just have to go somewhere. I will be back soon okay?” He asked softly, sadness showing on him also realizing the risk he was making that he could leave the son he just adopted. Millia and Nomad both rubbed his back comfortingly as Marz stood, he couldn’t lose here and he didn’t plan to. He left the medical ward as Marik waved softly to his departing father, Marz now heading to his room to grab his things. The time for a battle was now, and no matter what he couldn’t back down.
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