Chapter 3 - The Central Alliance
:North Kingdom Capital. Six months ago:
Sparks and flames wildly rise to the skies. The horizon of every direction a warm red. The North Kingdom capital was under siege. Hundreds of troops carrying the banner of Felgrand. Civilians being burned and slashed by the invading armies. Soldiers of the North were being wiped out by troops of Felgrand as well as his generals known as the Demonic 10.
Through the streets of carnage, Queen Cherezvelle, the ruler of North Kingdom, fought off any enemies she could. She marched towards the leader of the attacking force. She wore a beautiful silky white dress adorned with jewels in the linings and trims. The trims were gold and pink. Breastplate, hip plates and gauntlets over her royal clothing. Thigh high socks connecting to her grieves. Her bright golden blonde hair flowed down her back and danced with the flames in the background. Her green eyes full of both fear and determination. She summoned her blade from air and struck down any soldiers that tried to fight her.
At the end of the street The Queen saw an opponent who looked much more powerful than any of the troops she had struck down. It was Aisha, of Felgrand's Demonic 10. She stood at the end of the street holding one of her swords and staring down the Queen. She had long blue hair tied back in a long warriors tail. A pretty pink ribbon held her hair up. Blue framed glasses over her cold yellow tone eyes. Dressed in a warrior's robe and baggy pants. A beautiful sash holding her outfit in place. Aside from the blade she carried, there was yet another one on her waist and an extra long assassin's blade on her back. Her cold gaze met the eyes of the Queen and Aisha stepped off her grounding and disappeared from the Queen's sight.
Cherezvelle quickly summoned her sword of light and held her blade up blocking a powerful strike as Aisha reappeared right in front of her. Their blades pressed against each other Aisha attempted to grind into Chere's sword but the Queen pushed back. Sparks flew off the blades and Aisha pushed left with all her might. The Queen moved with her sword to try and throw her off balance. Aisha disappeared from sight again as nothing but some falling glimmers of blue aura remained in front of Chere. Aisha reappeared behind her and swung her blade. Chere summoned another sword to her free hand and parried the attack.
Aisha pushed off and backed away a few steps. She sheathed her blade and then took hold of the long blade on her back. She took a stance with her right hand tightly grasping her blade still in it's case. Her left hand straight out like a guidance line pointed at her opponent.
Chere: (A qucikdraw stance... from the back..) Listen Aisha... Where is Felgrand!?
Aisha: ....
Chere: You need not die here Aisha! If you lead me to Felgrand.. I'll work out a way for no more killing on both sides.
Aisha: Unless you intend to join us.. my orders are to have you slain.
Chere: Felgrand is a coward!!
Suddenly Chere could here the menacing sound of metal gears grinding like a machine was in motion. The sound of steam shooting out of vents. She glanced to her left and saw in the corner of her eye. It was the South Kingdom's man made armored warrior, Darius of The Demonic 10. Darius was roughly six meters tall. A multi-ton mechanized advocate of destruction. It's giant metal pod like body was carried by to giant sized mechanized legs equipped with all sorts of weapons from missiles to gatling guns. It's shoulders also carried artillery. It's right arm was a giant sword and the left was a demonic buzz saw. Darius turned it's attention over to Chere and it's shoulder pads flew open revealing an array of missiles. Chere stood in shock as the metallic monster fired a round of missiles. Aisha quickly vanished from the spot. Chere's swords vanished as she held both her hands out shouting a summon spell of sorts.
A giant shield of light rose from the ground and stood tall in front of her. The missiles collided with the Queen's summoned shield and the explosion took out virtually the whole block. Before the dust could even settle Darius raised it's sword arm high and brought it down across the street where the Queen once stood. Chere emerged from the smoke and jumped onto the crumbling rooftops of the burning streets. Before she could even catch her breath she sensed death from above.
She looked up and saw the massive blade of Gigalai sinking downward to claim her head. She quickly rolled as the blade of the massive warrior crashed through the roof. Queen Cherezvelle was starting to become overrun by just three of the Demonic 10. She got her footing back as she rolled and began running across the breaking rooftops trying to create distance from her assailants. The massive Gigalai stood over eight feet tall and carried a single edge blade that was just as big. He had a long messy black ponytail and soulless iris void of pupils. His skin a pale white like he did not belong to this world and massive horns sprouting from his head an shoulders. He was the rue image of a demon from the pits of death. He locked onto the running Queen and began to chase her down. Darius also kept a lock on Chere and began to make the ground shake as it began to pursue Chere.
Aisha however stood atop the roofs and watched as her comrades chased her down. An armored man appeared from the sky and stood next to her. He was armored head to toe by a blue armor. Unlike traditional chunky armor this assassin's armor looked as if it were skin tight. This icy bladed armored fiend was known as the Crystal Assassin, Yukimaru of Felgrand's Demonic 10. He was also the tactician and right hand man of Felgrand.
Yukimaru: Why do you not give chase, Aisha?
Aisha: I had lost interest once Dizzmeigh interfered.. nobody here respects the sacred traditions of a duel anymore..
Yukimaru: True... our lot.. is quite the ravenous bunch..
Aisha: I'm a bit angry.. I was enjoying our match.
Yukimaru: .... I'm sure.. there will be other opponents worthy of your blade..
Cherezvelle shouted to skies and her voice echoed through her kingdom alongside the crackles of the burning buildings.
"Felgrand! Face me one on one!"
Chere suddenly felt as if she couldn't move. Her body felt tight and she then was dragged off the roof and slammed into the ground of her streets. She groaned in pain still unable to move. She felt pinned to the ground. She turned her head and saw Agnes of The Demonic 10 turn the corner. He held out his hand and was keeping Chere pinned to the ground. Agnes approached her and began to chuckle. Chere glared at him as she seemingly focused hard on a spell. She muttered a chant softly, and suddenly her armor was cloaked in a bright light. Chere quickly rolled to her feet and summoned her sword taking her stance against Agnes. Before the two could start their fight Gigalai blasted through the walls of the house behind Chere. His sword raised high he brought it down trying to slice Chere in half. She dodges it but just barely. She turned and saw a barrage of spikes headed straight for her. She dropped her sword and was seemingly going to bring out her shield again.
"Enough!" A voiced shouted. Gigalai froze and Agnes' spikes stopped in mid flight.
Cherezvelle stood and had a moment catch her breath. However it would not be a sigh of relief. The sounds of foot steps clacked against the ground. Armor moving on a body. It was the leader of the rebellion. The one known as Lord Felgrand. His eyes were cold, the iris a strange purple and his pupils white with a cross like pattern in them. His skin a pale ash gray, his white hair pulled up. He dawned an obsidian and purple type armor made from the hide of a giant scorpion. A ragged cape flowed as he walked. His arms stuck out strangely as they had an exoskeleton look to them. He took his time and walked slowly towards Queen Cherezvelle.
Felgrand: Your Majesty...
Chere: -She growls- Felgrand..
Agnes: That's Lord Felgrand to you, Wench!
Felgrand: It's fine, Agnes.. I heard her pleas for an audience with me.. I figured.. I'd oblige..
Chere: Felgrand.. we should settle this like true rulers!
Felgrand: What good are retainers if I don't have them do their job?
Chere: Do you fear me?
Felgrand: You know Cherezvelle... You can still join me. Someone as powerful as you.. will be a wonderful fit in my utopia.
Chere: I would chose death.. before the betrayal of my own country.
Felgrand: I applaud you for that your Majesty.. most rulers lack the courage to throw themselves on the front line. I will sincerely weep for the waste of a true warrior.
Chere summoned swords to both of her hands and rushed Felgrand at high speeds. She swung one of her blades and Felgrand countered by simply grabbing the blade and crushing it in his hand. Before Chere could swing her other blade Felgrand struck her in the stomach with a vicious punch. The shock wave from his powerful insect arm blasted through her body. She felt as if she was going to explode. Chere's eyes widened in pain and she dropped her remaining sword. As she hunched over in pain Felgrand struck her head with an elbow sending Chere straight to the ground. The ground beneath her cracked on impact and she laid motionless in a body sized pot hole.
Felgrand grabbed her by the hair and tossed her high into the sky. Chere tried to open her eyes and regain her breath. Felgrand vanished from the ground leaving a trail of dark purple aura. He reappeared high in the air next to the groggy Queen. Felgrand whipped Chere across her face with a powerful backhand and sent her straight back into the burning city. Chere crashed through a house and into the streets. The Demonic 10 stood far back and simply watched as their leader took his time picking apart the Queen Of The North Kingdom. Chere's body was cloaked in a bright light. It slowly faded away as she crawled to her feet. She coughed up blood. It splashed against the ground and stained her armor and beautiful dress. Her pretty face now covered in cuts and bruises. She struggled to reach two feet holding onto her abdomen panting in pain. Felgrand descended to the ground with his arms crossed.
"I'll give you another chance to surrender and join the rebellion.." Felgrand said.
Chere simply retorted with a mean growl and gaze. She held out both hands and a beautiful aura surrounded her. A massive magic circle formed behind her as she declared Felgrand to be finished. Felgrand simply stood and watched in curiosity. Suddenly from the circle hundreds of swords slowly appeared seeping through the light and floated behind the Queen like an array of archers ready to strike down the enemy. She screamed out as her hands commanded these blades to pursue the enemy. As Felgrand stood and watched the armada of light swords fly towards him. He released his cross armed pose and held out a single open palm. The strange purple aura that surrounded him formed a barrier around him. The swords collided with the barrier and they ricocheted in all directions. The swords of light sprayed across and rained down on the capital. Chere watched in shock as her spell was easily taken care of by a simple motion.
Felgrand then dropped his shield and held both hands in front of his breastplate. The demonic armor he wore seemingly opened it's maw and a violent purple light began to gather between his hand and the maw of his armor. Chere's eyes widened and she summoned her mighty shield of light. Felgrand said nothing, he simply pushed the light forward and it erupted into a huge wave of energy that shredded the streets apart. The wave ripped through and destroyed all in it's path. Chere held up her shield. She was instantly devoured by the violent light. The roaring screech of the energy wave and the sound of destruction filled the district as well the sound of the Queen's screams of agony.
When the blast finally died down. Purple flames burned the streets. Felgrand began walking forward. Through the smoke he could see the Queen still holding her shield. The shield began to slowly crack and shatter apart. Chere stood stalwart. Her arms torn up and covered in cuts and burns. Her dress and armor dyed in the ashes of her dying country.
Felgrand: Your Aegis spell is quite amazing..
Chere: -She quickly summons her blade-
Felgrand: -He holds out his hand and a violent blast shoots forth blasting Chere's sword arm right off of her body-
Chere: -Her face is petrified in fear. The blood shoots from her wound as she watches her arm fly through the air and roll down the street. She screams in agony and falls to her knees. She quickly uses her magic to try and mend her nasty wound-
Felgrand: -He walks up to the downed Queen- I truly admire your will.. your Majesty. An arm can always be replaced. Won't you finally reconsider?
"My Loveless!" Chere shouted as she summoned a beautiful knight sword to her right hand and thrusts with all her might. The shining blade pierced Falgrand's armor and ran through the left side of his chest and exited through his back.
Felgrand grunted in pain and quickly retorted by grabbing hold of Chere's face with his massive insect hand. He summoned an acidic aura to his palm and began to burn her face. Chere screamed in pain as Felgrand applied more burning pressure. He coughed up blood and angrily scoffed at her.
Felgrand: This is the legendary Loveless is it!? It's a shame... you missed my heart.. That was your only chance..
Chere: Aaaagghh!!
Felgrand: Tch... I never thought a weapon existed.. that could go through my venom barrier and my armor... -Suddenly six limbs slowly stretch out from his back. They resemble giant insect legs. The ends were razor sharp looking scythes. All six slowly stretch out and reach behind the Queen. The blades all then slowly dig into the back of Chere-
Chere continues to scream in agony under the palm of Felgrand.
Felgrand: Farewell.. Queen Cherezvelle...
Chere: -Her mind begins to fill with faces of her loved ones- (Kescelle... please.. watch over Volle..) -Vividly she saw the face of Emric and tears gushed from her eyes- (Emric.. I've not seen you in over five years.. Forgive me.. I've wasted the life you fought so hard to save...)
Felgrand: ... -He pulls his six bladed arms and rips the Queen apart from six different slash wounds. As the Queen falls to pieces he looks down at his bloody artwork and drops the burning face of the killed Queen- North Kingdom... is ours.
Agnes: Uh.. My Lord.. the Loveless...
Felgrand: Yes... this blade is stuck in my chest... It burns like no pian I've ever felt. My hand burns when I try to touch it. I need a mage to remove it..
Agnes: Right away my Lord!
Felgrand: (What an ironic name.. for a blade that can cause me harm...)
:CURRENT DAY: 1 Week after Emric Day:
Emric stood at the town's gate. He stared off into the horizons over the sand. His cart strapped to his back. His weapons tightly equipped to him. He began to slowly walk towards the town's exit. Before he could leave he heard the cry of a familiar voice calling to him.
Emric: Hmm?
Miria: Emric... are you really leaving us already?
Emric: 'Fraid so..
Miria: No.. You can't! Not yet.. You should stay a little longer!
Emric: Miria.. -He walks over to her and embraces her tightly- Miria.. why don't you come with me?
Miria: -She gasps- Wha.. What?
Emric: Just you and I.. alone as we cross this world. You can see all the beautiful things I've seen.
Miria: Wha?.. I..
Emric: Why even discuss it? -He lifts her up and places her on his cart-
Miria: Emric? I..
Emric: There's no need to say any more.. I've loved you since the day we first met..
Miria: Huh!? -She blushes-
Emric: -He stares into her eyes and slowly moves closer to her face-
Miria: -Her eyes widen in disbelief-
Emric: -He slowly makes a move to her neck and begins kissing her down-
Miria: -She gasps in light ecstasy- E.. Emric..
Emric: Shhh.. -He continues kissing her neck. His hand slowly slides up her dress and he gently rubs his hand up her leg-
Miria: Uhh.. Right here?
Emric: -His face rose as he was again looking deep into her eyes- Make art with me Miria... -He closed his eyes and began to lean in for the kiss-
Miria: -She closed her eyes and readied herself. Her heart pounded, her whole body began to shiver-
The cart began to tilt and the two fell off where they were planning to unite. Miria hit the ground hard and awoke looking up at her bed. In her pajamas her heart was still pounding. Her body was still shivering. She began to frantically yell and wrap herself in a blanket cocoon on the floor.
Miria: (What the hell was that!?) -She then laid on the floor pondering her thoughts-
Ever since the defeat of Agnes and Zeros the desert town has been virtually quiet and peaceful again. The workers continued their hard work in rebuilding all the districts. The Emric had become very popular among the townsfolk. He was up to his neck in art commissions and business was booming for the traveling painter. After nearly a week of doing art he managed to save up a respectable fund for his travels to continue. By the afternoon he had finished a painting and a frame. He was currently working on a small sculpture when he decided to take a break. He left his make shift mobile studio and headed to his favorite food vendor in town. He took a seat and started small talk with the chef. He ordered a plate of food and virtually started his lunch hour.
As he sat drinking his elixir, who but his favorite pirate captain took a seat next to him. Tilly burried her face into the table and began to talk.
Tilly: Hello Lover...
Emric: Miss Captain...
Tilly: Though I don't know if Lover is a valid title for you anymore..
Emric: Oh.. you finally found someone else?
Tilly: No!! It's just that you've not made love to me in over a week now..
Emric: -He chokes and spits out his drink- You call that love!? That was animalistic lust caused by alcoholic influence.
Tilly: Oh there was love in there somewhere..
Emric: We didn't even know each other for a day yet!
Tilly: Yeah, but we know each other now.
Emric: Yeah and if I knew what I know now, I woulda' never touched you!
Tilly: -She kicks the stool leg dropping Emric to the floor-
Emric: What the hell!?
Tilly: Why are you such a spiteful jerk towards my feelings asshole!? Seriously your jerk rating has gone up since that day.
Emric: Isn't it obvious!? I don't want you to like me!
Tilly: Why the hell not!?
Emric: So you don't get hung up on me when I leave!
Tilly: Why are men so damn stupid!?
Miria: Uhh.. You're leaving Emric?
Emric: -He turns around and sees Miria has now joined them at the vendor- Uhh.. yeah probably in a couple days. I made enough money to continue on..
Miria: Are you going to travel your whole life? Have you never once thought of.. uhh you know settling down or something?
Emric: Heh.. -He scratches his head on reflex- Of course I have... but I don't know it's all complicated.
Tilly: You're my booty anyway Emric you can't leave!
Emric: -He shakes his head and shrugs it off-
Tilly: It's only been a week but... I'm already too used to having you around..
Miria: Me too...
Emric: ... -Sigh-
Miria: Emric... would you consider having an apprentice?
Emric: Huh!?
Tilly: What?
Miria: Heheh.. you know.. let me come along.. So I can be a great artist too.. -She pulls out a folded piece of paper and unfolds it as she hands it to Emric- I uh... drew this for you last night... It's one of my crappy flowers.. Heheh.. I based it off you.. you see the petals are all black.. like your paintbrush slash.. and the middles all blue.. I tried to make the edges all glowy blue too like your lightwave spells.. there so gorgeous I wanted to try and capture you in a flower I guess.. Cute.. gentle but still dangerous and mysterious..
Emric: ..I love it... It's beautiful.
Miria: You really think so!?
Emric: Yeah.. I'm not just buttering you up or anything.. I love this picture.. I might get a tattoo of it. Heheh.
Tilly: (That dirty whore! She's using art to snag Emric from me!)
Miria: Sooo... what do you think? Can I be your traveling apprentice?
Emric: I.. I can't make that kind of decision.. Traveling is a lot more dangerous than you think.
Miria: Please.. Emric will you just please think about it.. If you at least think about it before you shut me down I can live with that..
Tilly: Well if you take Miria then I'm coming too! No doubt..
Emric: What?
Miria: Huh?
Tilly: I've been protecting you since we were kids... and you're my best friend..
Miria: True.. but Emric is super strong.. I won't need you.
Tilly: Deh.. Miria...
Miria: Eheheheh...
Emric: ... Tell you what.. I'll leave you a couple of my books.. so you can learn more about art.. I'll come back and see you in a month.. and If you show promise. I'll take you with me across the world as my apprentice.
Miria: -Her eyes lit up with joy- Really!? Okay Emric, you have a deal!
Emric: It's gonna' be a month of hell Miria.. If I come back and you've shown no true passion or desire for art.. I'm gonna have to say no.
Miria: Yes sir! I will do my damned best, and if I'm not good enough then I'll continue training until you say yes! You'll see Emric!
Tilly: (Wow.. I can't tell if Miria is just playing to get Emric.. or if she actually found a new calling in life...) Well! That settles it.. If Miria goes with you, Emric. I will leave the Desert Pirates and be your bodyguard.
Emric: Bodyguard?
Tilly: Yep.. and free of charge. You can't argue those rates! You just have to feed her.
Emric: .....
Tilly: What?
Miria: Emric would be guarding you Tilly -She laughs-
Tilly: Why you!!
?: Excuse me...
As the three turn to the direction of the voice. It is a lovely blonde haired woman in a suit and tie. Her body compliments her outfit well. Her blonde hair tied in a pony tail. She had nice blue eyes, fair skin and her demeanor just seemed cool and collected even out in this desert. Her shoes clacked as she walked closer to three at the Food Vendor. She took a seat next to Emric and began to start a conversation.
Woman: Are you Emric, The Painter?
Emric: I am..
Woman: Ahh a pleasure to meet you.. -She extends her hand- My name is Saj.
Emric: Oh.. uh hello Saj.. -He shakes her hand- It's um nice to meet you..
Saj: My my.. I can feel the kind soul in your hand Emric. I never imagined The Painter would be so damn cute either.
Emric: Eh?
Tilly: (Who the hell is this slut now!?)
Saj: Hoo.. it is hot out here.. perhaps I should have had a wardrobe change before I visited this nice town.. -She opens her suit and slowly unbuttons her shirt. As she pries it open sweat drops fly forth and her exposed skin glistens-
Emric: -His eyes widen but as he ogles he notices a gun strapped to her waist- So umm Saj it sounds like you were looking for me..
Saj: Yes.. I was. -She leans against the table- Chef would you be so kind as to serve me a.. tall glass of Orange Elixir.
Chef: Orange comin' right up.
Emric: Orange... you know blue is best for this heat wave right?
Saj: I do.. but orange is best for sharpening your focus... and it's my favorite.
Emric: I see..
Saj: -She continues to look at him- Hmm you really are so cute I wish you didn't have those scars though.. It's a shame. You ought to take better care of yourself.
Emric: -His voice deepens- Cut to the chase already..
Saj: Hmm.. -She hands the chef some rubees and begins to drink her beverage- Where'd that tone come from?
Emric: Are you with Felgrand?
Saj: ..... -She looks at him and smiles-
Emric: ....
Saj: Don't worry.. I won't harm anyone in this town. It's quite nice here. It's just you I'm after.
Emric: ....
Saj: I can already tell that I'm gonna' grow to like you, Emric. -She smiles warmly- Tell you what.. I wasn't supposed to say anything but.. I've set up my sniper rifle in this town's most prime spot. In about fifteen I'm going to attempt to shoot you in the head. I do hope you dodge it.
Emric: What!? If you're going to assassinate me why the hell would you give me a warning?
Saj: I just said... cause I like you. -She stands up- Thank you Chef. I do hope to return for dinner.
Chef: Oh please do, Miss.
Saj: Emric.. ladies.. -She walks off into the streets and eventually turns the corner-
Emric: The hell!?
Miria: What are you gonna' do Emric?
Emric: YOU two should go home. I'm going to go stop that sniper.
Tilly: She was weird as hell... far as I know she wasn't one of the Demonic 10.. unless she took the place of Agnes or Zeros.
Emric: Tilly go do your bodyguard thing and take Miria home.
Tilly: Eh? Trying to write me off? Fine I'll play your game painter, but after I do that I'm going to find you and help you.
Emric: Whatever.
Tilly: What? Really? No arguement?
Emric: Yeah, yeah, just hurry up. (Hopefully I'll get this done before she comes back.)
Tilly: (Something's fishy about his attitude..)
Miria: Please be careful Emric.. You have to be okay so you can be my mentor.
Emric: It's a promise. (Although situations like these are a prime example as to why I don't really fancy the idea of a traveling apprentice..)
As the two girls left to find shelter and warn other townsfolk of approaching danger, Emric went down the street trying to follow the trail of Saj. He followed her strong scent down the streets but eventually the trail went cold. From a powerful scent to nothing at all. Almost as if Saj wanted him to end up at the spot he was in. Emric now realized that she was a true master of stealth and that the path he tracked was simply a trick. He looked around and realized he was a prime target for a shot. He stood in the open right in the middle of the district square. He knew he was in her web and had to fight out of it now. He gripped his daggers and focused his senses waiting for the bullet that would take his life.
Suddenly Emric heard footsteps. He turned his attention to the direction of the sound. Slowly approaching him was a beautiful swordswoman wearing a warrior's robe and blue framed glasses. Her cold stare met Emric's eyes and the two gazed at each as if they were already in a fight. She drew a blade from her waist and took her stance.
"Who the hell is this one now?" Emric thought to himself as he kept his weapons gripped.
The swordswoman vanished from sight. Dust and glimmers of blue aura where she once stood. Emric quickly drew two daggers and parried a mighty swing. Emric's eyes stared into hers with concern. The swordswoman's eyes stared back with no emotion. She quickly pulled back her sword and swung again. Emric parried her attack using both daggers. He tried to pull one back and go for a counter of his own. As Emric went for his move he quickly changed his plans and jerked his head back. A bullet flew right across his face barely grazing his chin. Emric now stuck in a two on one attack. An assassin on both melee and sniper positions.
The swordswoman assaulted him with a barrage of slashes. Emric frantically countered each strike and prevented her from hitting him. Every time it seemed Emric could find an opening a bullet came at his head and he was forced to dodge it. Giving the swordswoman more than enough time to continue her assault.
Emric sheathed one of his daggers and continued to fight her off with one blade. While stuck in his parry and dodge fest he quickly dabbed his right hand into his item pack. A bullet came in aimed at his hand. Emric quickly pulled his hand out dodging the bullet and held off a downward strike with his dagger hand. His free hand's fingers were now covered in blue paint. The swordswoman took a step back and her expression looked a bit curious. Emric lunged forward and he was now assaulting the woman with his rapid strikes. She easily blocked all his attacks and the two were virtually a stalemate.
When Emric sensed the next bullet sailing in his direction. His middle finger quickly drew a rune across his palm and he clenched his fist tightly. A sphere of light erupted from his body and the bullet was sent flying as well as the swordswoman. When the light died down the swordswoman quickly rose up and took her stance again but Emric was already in her face. He kicked her sword from her hand and it stuck into a wall. He then held his dagger to the face of the disarmed girl. Her face now had a surprised look on it. It slowly turned to an angry stare. Her eyes pierced Emric's soul as he stood in front of her seemingly in checkmate.
Before Emric could say anything to her, he was attacked from his right. Emric quickly turned to block his new foe. The dagger clashed against a blade. The blade was white and looked to made of paper. He stared at his foe trying to estimate his strength. He wore a mask that looked somewhat emotionless with pitch black eyes and a small mouth, three red gems embroidered across both cheeks. Unkempt brown hair from the back of his head. He wore a short jacket, backpack, long pants, sneakers, collar, t-shirt, and a mess of random trinkets attached to his clothes. He looked much more like some street vigilante punk as opposed to an assassin.
He vanished from sight and Emric fell forward slightly. He glanced over and saw the swordswoman had drawn a second blade and lunged towards him. Emric spun and dodged her attack. He quickly countered with a hook kick trying to knock her out. She ducked and went for a sweep with her sword. Off his last leg, Emric jumped dodging the feet cutter. Like clockwork a bullet sailed for Emric while off the ground. Emric then twirled and sliced the bullet in half with his dagger. The swordswoman was in complete disbelief as to just how untouchable this opponent was. She quickly brought her sword up towards the still airborne Emric.
There was absolutely no way he could stop this one she thought. Emric dropped his feet down and allowed the blade to collide with his heels. She thought she finally had him but the impact proved once again to Emric's advantage. The runes on his shoes lit up and he jumped off her blade. The swordswoman was sent into the ground from the shock of his jump.
Emric flew up high and slashed another bullet that came at him. Emric then looked around and saw sheets of paper by the hundreds falling from above him. The rectangular sheets began to spin like little saws and floated around him. Emric drew his daggers and just as he anticipated the spinning paper saws sailed towards him from all directions. Emric frantically sliced and diced every sheet that came at him. Slashing them by the dozens. Emric couldn't celebrate though as the shredded paper then began to circle him like a spherical prison. It circled him in midair and closed in on him. Emric sat in a paper ball prison in the sky. It was pitch black inside his cage. Emric had never faced this type of attack before he needed to learn on the fly. Before he could even think. The prison broke apart and the pure darkness turned to blinding light as Emric was released staring right into the sun. Blinded by the light, Emric felt double damage as the masked man drove a vicious elbow into his chest sending him straight into the ground. Emric lied in the small hole and the masked man landed next to him in acrobatic flips as he began to boast.
"Haha, check it out Aisha. I got em'!"
The swordswoman now known as Aisha simply scoffed and continued to glare at Emric. As the masked man celebrated Emric crawled out of the ground and stared angrily at his masked foe. Emric thrusts his hand to the right and the masked one fell straight into the ground as if he were bound to Emric's will.
Mask: Ahh what the hell!? -He struggles and notices a glowing rune on his chest- When did you?
Emric: Containment seal.. You're done for now...
Mask: Deh.. ah crap!..
Emric: -He slices another bullet that comes at him-
Aisha: -She stares him down and draws the extra long sword from her back, still in it's case-
Emric: -He sheathes his dagger and pulls his paintbrush from his back-
?: Enough!! That's enough!
The warriors all turn to the direction of the voice. A tall burly armored knight slowly walked towards them. His hair red on the top and black at the roots. His eyes were a violent but virtuous red. His skin bronzed from the desert sun. He looked to be wearing a massive lion's mane over his shoulders that stretched over his back like a cape. A brilliant looking breastplate of crimson and silver. A menacing knight sword strapped to his waist armor. His left arm carried a shield with yet another sword sheathed within it. His right arm wore a regal looking gauntlet. His grieves clanked as he slowly walked towards the paused battle.
Knight: That's enough. Aisha, Happy, excellent work.
Aisha: -She scoffs, sheathes her blade and slowly walks away-
Emric: Who are you!?
Suddenly Tilly lands in the middle of the town square from the roof. She has her weapon out as she takes her stance shouting her entrance to the battlefield. She glances over at the knight and drops her weapon in pure awe.
Tilly: ..It's.. It's Sir Garret...
Garret: Ahh.. Tilly. Long time no see. How are you?
Tilly: I uh... I'm fine sir. Many thanks for asking. What may I ask brings you to Desert Town?
Emric: (Where'd those manners come from!?)
Garret: Heheh.. why your Painter friend there.
Emric: (Sir Garret.. I feel like I've met this man before..)
Garret: Now Mister Emric.. please could you put that paintbrush away. I don't wanna be painted to death. Ahh but of course. -He unstraps all his weapons and drops them to the ground. He then begins walking slowly towards Emric- See now I mean you no harm.
Emric: -He places his paintbrush into it's back holster- Fair enough...
Garret: -He extends his hand- I owe you a proper introduction. I am Garret of The Central Alliance. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Emric: ... -He shakes his hand- Emric, The Painter..
Garret: Emric.. I have much to speak to you about. Would it be too much to ask, if you were to join me and my company for dinner this evening? It's our treat of course.
Emric: Why the hell did you attack me?
Garret: I'll explain everything and more if you agree to join us tonight.
Emric: I think you owe me an explanation now..
Garret: Why play this mental chess game Emric? I'm sure you can connect all the dots.
Emric: In that case, the answer's no.. -He turns and begins walking away-
Garret: Please.. regardless of your answer please come see us this evening. We'll be in the Eighth District Hotel.
Happy: -Still stuck to the ground- Uhhh Hey! You gonna release me from this seal? Hey Hellooooo!?
Emric: -He waves his hand and the seal disperses off Happy's chest-
Happy: Thank you dude!
Tilly: Eh.. -She quickly runs after Emric catching up to him- Hey Are you going to their dinner thing?
Emric: I have no interest in joining the Central Alliance.
Tilly: Why wouldn't you? They're the good guys. They're the ones who are fighting against Felgrand.
Emric: That's just it.. fighting, fighting, fighting. I'm so damn tired of fighting.
Tilly: But Emric.. it'd be a waste for someone like you.. not to take up arms against someone like Felgrand.
Emric: Call me selfish or a coward. I don't care. I constantly travel to avoid crap like this.
Tilly: For someone who's so against fighting you're pretty damn good at it. Why'd you even bother fighting off Zeros and Agnes if you were so against it!?
Emric: Cause I couldn't let them have their way with you or this town..
Tilly: See, see! If you don't continue the good fight.. You'll be letting that army go through with stuff like that.. but on a way bigger scale. We're talking country genocide. Where the hell are you gonna' run when Felgrand has conquered the world huh!?
Emric: That won't happen. The Central Alliance will win.. without me.
Tilly: Bullshit, Emric. If you followed the war you'd know that The Central Alliance has been getting slowly picked apart by Felgrand's Rebellion. That victory over two of the Demonic 10 was the biggest shot fired so far.. and it was from some painter that currently has no affiliation. The Alliance needs you..
Emric: -He sighs and pulls his hood over his head-
Tilly: What the hell was that?
Emric: Leave me alone.. (My best friend.. risked everything just so that I could have freedom... yet it seems everyone just wants me to go back into the world of killing.. Everyone continues to spit in the face of your efforts, Chere...)
Tilly: Emric.. the other day.. You said to me, that you found my pride to be beautiful. You said you'd never want to tarnish that beauty. However, you convinced me that the lives of all these people was a beauty more worth protecting. You made me push my pride aside.. for Desert Town. Well I... I..
Emric: -He turns to face her-
Tilly: Since I first met you.. I could see it in your eyes. There's a compassion that lives in there. A deep kind soul.. being gripped tightly by some kind of guilt. Your eyes always give off pain.. and compassion. I always thought it was beautiful. The more I get to know you.. the more I get to understand your outlook on life. The more beautiful you have become in my eyes. So in that same respect Emric.. wouldn't the lives that you save from tyranny.. just be a bit more beautiful?
Emric: It would be..
Tilly: I know.. you didn't fight Agnes and Zeros.. for the sake of fighting. I know you did it for me, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry that I was.. too damn weak to protect myself. I guess I'm just rambling.. It is selfish of everyone to just try and lean on you. I know.. you must have.. an amazing reason to be so adamant.
Emric: No.. I'm just a selfish coward is all..
The two continued walking down the street. Emric slowly walked to his hotel and Tilly just followed close behind him. Though they were next to each other, both felt as if they were walking alone. Their usual banter and exchanges were nonexistent at this point. As Emric was about to open the door to his room Tilly spoke again.
Tilly: Hey Emric..
Emric: Yeah?
Tilly: If.. If I joined the Central Alliance... If Felgrand Ended up killing me.. Would you avenge me?
Emric: I would never let you die..
Tilly: Wha?
Emric opens his door and walks in. He is surprised as he finds the Sniper, Saj laying on his bed.
Emric: What?
Saj: Hey..
Tilly: (This hooker again!)
Saj: So am I to believe that you weren't planning on coming to dinner tonight?
Emric: That's right..
Saj: So sad.. so sad.. -She gets off the bed and approaches him- In that case I won't go either. How about you and I go have a private dinner somewhere special eh?
Emric: What?
Tilly: What!?
Saj: Yeah, Its gonna' be boring if you're not there anyway. So why not. -She grabs his arm and starts to drag him-
Tilly: Hell no! -She grabs Emric's other arm- He already has plans to go out with me tonight!
Emric: I do?
Tilly: Shut up moron!
Saj: Heheh.. I see... Well I'm sure Emric won't mind the company of two beautiful women. I know I don't.
Tilly: Well I do!
Saj: Eh?
Tilly: C'mon Emric! She's just trying to sweet heart you into joining The Central Alliance.
Emric: The same Central Alliance you were egging me to join all but ten minutes ago..
Tilly: Yeah but not by waving my vagina in your face!
Emric: No you save that for when you want to steal my stuff..
Tilly: -She punches Emric into the floor- Dammit! Fine! You know what!? I don't even care anymore! I don't even know why I like you! You're such an asshole! -She storms off-
Emric: Ahh.. Gods... -he rubs his face-
Saj: -She extends her hand- Sorry.. I honestly had no intention to have you struck down by the Captain..
Emric: -He refuses the hand and gets up on his own- What were you're intentions then?
Saj: My actual mission is to persuade you to come to dinner.. but I personally just kinda wanna hang out.
Emric: hang out?
Saj: Yeah. Not everyday I get to meet Emric, The Painter. I won't call you by your older nick name cause I'm sure it bothers you.
Emric: That's considerate of someone who tried to shoot me..
Saj: Hey come on now, you know those were just rubber bullets.
Emric: Heh.. yeah it became clear that you guys weren't trying to kill me the moment I saw that sword chick swing the dull side of her sword at me.
Saj: You passed with flying colors though. It's a shame that you have no intention of helping us. I can respect when a former assassin wants to hang it up. I've long wanted to retire myself... heh.. I probably shouldn't even be alive.
Emric: I see..
Saj: Believe me.. you killing off Zeros and Agnes.. may actually be the only push we needed to win... In all honesty coming from me,.. not the Central Alliance.. We probably don't need you. Especially if your heart won't be in the fight.
Emric: Saj..
Saj: Yes?
Emric: I heard.. about six months ago.. The North was burned to the ground by Felgrand's rebellion.
Saj: It was..
Emric: I heard that the royal family survived.. and took refuge in Central.. I was thinking of heading to Central Kingdom. I want to speak with Queen Cherezvelle.... If she allows it.. I'll fight with the Central Alliance.
Saj: Emric... someone gave you bad info.. or rather abridged info...
Emric: What do you mean?
Saj: Prince Volle was sent to Central as the surviving member of the North's royal family... Queen Cherezvelle.. was killed by Felgrand..
Emric: What?
Saj: The Queen was murdered Emric.. Felgrand then took the castle as his new primary HQ. I.. I can't believe I'm the one who has to tell you this.. Emric, i'm sorry.
Emric: Chere.. is dead?..
:CHAPTER 3 - THE CENTRAL ALLIANCE END: