Citadel Posts

She slumbered upon the silken cloths; she enjoyed the heat that emitted from the flames around her that were roaring, until a sudden rush of energy hit her like hungry wolves at the scent of fresh prey, she rolled onto her stomach heaving she had been awoken. She sat up; her golden clothing shimmering against the fires that surrounded her. She whistled out into the air and her hellhounds emerged into the room; their eyes were furious but their ears and tails lowered in submission. “What is the meaning of this.”
stepping tentatively onto the fur carpets that adorned her private chamber.

She approached the closest flame and whispered into it; summoning each of the members of her house to come home and to speak with her each. Evidently there was only reason why such a flow of energy would have been able to enter her realm; supposed she’d have to ask her siblings whether or not they felt it too. It mattered not at the moment. “Come home my followers. I summon thee. For I believe most of all the Citadel is finally appearing.”





The thrumming of the music made her heart skip erratically, she swayed to the beat not caring who saw her dance; to her nothing but the music mattered and anyone who was attempting to distract her was going to be fairly disappointed; so consumed by the melodies that the burning hot hand that grasped her wrist made her stumble and flinch; forcing her to break from the crowd as the creature who had grabbed her tugged insistently. The humans seemed undeterred and some gave her mad looks as she left the crowd and found herself in the corner of the room. Standing before her was a sage; his eyes aglow with fury and flame. Why is a Sage here? Have I done something wrong?
“What is the meaning of this.”


Suddenly it was as if the music, the people and the scent of sweat and alcohol disappeared as she found herself in her home realm, her skin immediately moistened with sweat and she scowled; she had been working for months in order to give herself such an outfit that now it was most certainly destroyed by the heat that the realm produced; though it was naturally her most comfortable environment being surrounded by fire. She realised that she was not the only Assassin nor the only Sage or Hellhound who had been brought back home. What’s going on? Why have we been summoned without warning? Has something happened?


Evyette emerged from her chamber in full battle gear, Stephani suddenly found herself feeling very underdressed as Sages, Assassins and Hellhounds in turn lowered themselves to their knees, some of them trembled out of fear; others smiled in anticipation for the order they were to be given. “Rise children. It seems a book from the Citadel has appeared in the mortal… human realm. Find it. Seek it out and bring it to me.”
“A book?” Citadel?”
she mumbled; not realising she had spoken out of turn. Her cheeks became red as Evyette’s eyes settled on her. “Is there a problem.”
“No Madame.”
she swallowed.

Just as soon as they were whisked into the Forge they were returned to which they came just moments prior, immediately Stephani recoiled at the change in environment and shuttered; rubbing her arms; making her way towards the exit she stopped by the coat room taking her coat from the guard who sat there, a human male who smoked she held herself back from coughing.

Stepping out into the cold her eyes glimmered in the dark, naturally only those who were claimants like her would notice that her eyes were different to that of a mere humans, she held her coat tight as she moved towards her apartment; surely if she had been summoned by her Ancient then perhaps all the other houses had also been summoned. “She ought to expect us to fail, it’d be a fucking miracle trying to find it. Besides, we have more to worry about, has she not warned us that we’re dying out? Sending us on a quest is like asking us to deliberately die.”
she shivered.





“Coffee please.”
she placed the coins on the counter down, waiting for the person on the other side of the counter to respond to her request; as soon as she was given her hot cup and her change she nodded in thanks, turning and leaving the small cafe. She held the rim of the cup to her mouth and breathed out a puff of icy cold air, immediately cooling down the black liquid to something more lukewarm. As she walked the streets she felt a sensation of the wind swirling around her; her hearing sharpened waiting for any signs of danger; but it seemed like it was just the air and not some claimant of Quinnox after her.

There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned spooked that someone had managed to sneak up on her; until she realised that the bony frozen hand on her shoulder belonged to none other than her mother figure and her ancient. “Daenu. Pleasure as always.”
“You forget your place.”
“Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not. What do you want from me? What task must I fulfil to keep you away from me?”
“A book from the Citadel, Bring it to me and kill whoever gets in your way.”
“Why yes, of course. I shall. Any hints for its location.”
“No but it is on the move.”
Daenu disappeared after that, and she was left annoyed.

Returning to her apartment as quickly as she could, she discarded of the cup of coffee that she had only half finished drinking, she didn’t care that she had been wasteful, Daenu evidently even if she had no idea what the book was wanted it for herself and it was Natalie’s job to acquire it. Taking her phone out of her pocket she dialled a number; a fellow Ice Claimant who hadn’t lost her ability to see answered. “If you have seen her, then you know our orders. Please book a flight for me. I believe we may need to start somewhere and I feel as though Europe would be the place to start.”

---

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.



"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.




Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

---

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.



On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”



The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

She checked her watch again. And again. And again. He wasn't tired of talking, though. It was like the fucking slideshow from hell. Her hands were freezing off the damn bone already. How long had they been in the meeting? An hour? Two? A year? Ever since her father had started making her sit in on these slow deaths, she'd found a new definition for the word 'boring'. And a face to match.

"And I think this quarter, we can make a real push with R&D's newest project. The people are gonna love it!" A round of applause following the statement prompted DeVian to follow the social cue, snapping her attention back to the speaker. This had undoubtedly been the worst use of her time all week. And it was kind of irritating to have to stick around and shake hands.

She slipped out of the room without wasting another second after she was finished with the formalities. This was her last meeting of the day and the drinks she was looking forward to couldn't come any sooner.

A wave of dread washed over her. DeVian froze in place, her hands white-knuckle gripping the wheel as every muscle in her body just... stopped. It was all so fast. It was how she knew Novevu wanted to talk.

One moment she was turning the keys into the ignition and the next she was falling on her ass in the Void.



"Slacker, slacker, slacker!" came the Ancient of Death's voice, laughing like a hyena, bouncing off of the great nothing that was the Void. He took no physical form at first--it was as though every part of his realm was also him. As if by just being there, one was communicating with him, even if it was in complete silence.

"Nov--"
she started, adjusting her position to kneel before him.

"No, no, slackers don't get to call me by my name. Master, though, master--haha!--that I like." His voice was everywhere around her as if he were circling her, laughing at her, having a jolly good time mocking her. His voice returned to its usual depth, the echo of it making it sound like there were eight of him speaking at the same time. "I will accept a bow."

DeVian did as she was told. It had been longer than it should've been since she last entered the Void. Life in the human realm was... busy. She had a lot on her plate. Being a daughter of Death didn't make any money. It didn't pay any bills or attend any business meetings.

"Master, then. My apologies."


"I expect a lot more in the near future. I have a task for you to finally prove your worth in this house."

"So you're going to hold a grudge forever? Lo siento, okay?"


His laugh rattled her very bones. It was thunderous. "Not sorry enough. DeVian, the task that I am giving you, it must be completed. Do you understand me?" There was no trace of that laugh now.

"Yes, Master."


"How? I haven't even told you what it is yet." That same maniacal chuckle banged at her eardrums. "There is a manuscript in your realm that you will retrieve for me. I am sure I do not need to reiterate how important this is."

Really? He's trusting such an important mission to somebody he considers a slacker?

Her mind began racing. How the fuck was she supposed to fit in looking for some vague manuscript or whatever between her already full schedule? Was he being, like... serious? Was there no one else to ask?

Of course, though, there was no way in hell she was going to say no to his face. Or... Void.

Just as her doubts took a turn for the extremely hesitant, Novevu decided to show himself. It was almost as if there was a light behind him, but just enough to accentuate his form. He was sitting upon a great throne, easily twenty feet high, with his legs crossed, staring down at his descendant in amusement. He was a dark figure with light working just enough to silhouette him.

"For some reason you are making me wait for your acceptance of this mission."

Dev's head shot up, panic surging through her. "I... Yes, Master. I accept."


"Good. I always like to give the illusion of a choice. I am not privy to the knowledge of where in your world the book is, but it reeks of the power of the Citadel. This task is your life's priority. Disappoint me and it will be the last thing you ever do. Do not make me wait so long to see you here again."



"No, no, mon cher, why would I cheat you?"
Evans smiled with all the charm he could muster. When he saw the woman's continued hesitation, he persisted, spreading the cards in his hands out for her. "One more trick, I beg you. Don't you want to see something cool before you go back to your boring trip?"


"Boring?" The woman giggled. "What's boring about New Orleans?"

"Well, I'm inclined to think anywhere I ain't can't be that good of a time."


"Fine. One more time. My girls already left me."

"I always like alone time with a beautiful woman like yourself. Pick a card, sweetheart."
He brandished them for her again, and from the blush on her cheeks, he knew he'd gotten her.

-


Evans whistled amiably to himself as the sun set behind his head and he shuffled through the wallets he'd acquired throughout the day. None of them seemed to be terribly interesting people, judging by the contents. There were a couple of cute pictures of the victims' children, though. Those, he paused at, but ultimately put in the garbage with everything else.

He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and exhaled, rounding a corner and disappearing under a low bridge. No city ever slept, but New Orleans truly embodied livelihood at night. There was no greater feeling than being out on the streets after the sun went down. In fact, as Evans consulted his watch, he figured he'd need to put some pep in his step to make his evening rounds in the Quarter.

The red-headed man settled his hands in his pockets, tripping over a crack in the brick and right into a bright, golden-hued room with only a grand piano at the center. He knew Elysian when he saw it. It was always the 'golden hour' here, but sometimes the setting was different. Today, he supposed, Destodai desired to play the piano.

"Oh, this is just the loveliest thing I have ever had the pleasure of hearing,"
Evans drawled, bowing briefly before the Ancient that he assumed had called him.

Destodai didn't acknowledge him immediately. She continued to play a song Evans had never heard, but it was, in fact, very beautiful. Moving, even.

"May I ask what brings me here, madame?"


"You may ask. But I do not answer to you."


"Am I already makin' a fool of myself?"


"Listen."
She continued her playing, her back turned to him the entire time. He waited patiently, despite the fact that it felt like she played for hours before speaking again. "I have something to ask of you."


"Anything, ma chérie."


"I am sure."
Her fingers moved delicately yet languidly over the keys. "There is a book in your world. It is from the lost Citadel. I require it."
A dark note played. "It is imperative that it is brought to me."


"Consider it done, then."


"This is no time for games, Evans. There is no room for charm. I will not accept anything from you other than this book in my hands."


"Mon cher, why would I ever cheat you?"
A confident grin rose onto his features. "That book is yours."


She let him stay in Elysian for a while longer as she played. Destodai never turned to look at him, but it didn't bother him. He was delighted just to be able to listen. At one point, he found himself on the verge of tears as she continued, reaching a sad and slow song. But just as the first tear was teetering on the edge of his eyelid, he found himself stumbling over the brick that had tripped him on his way into Elysian in the first place.

‘Bzz’
‘Bzz’
‘Bzz’

“Alright Alright Alright! Fuck off! Fuck off! Fuck off!”
waving her hand, the newly bought alarm clock that sat on the nightstand soon found itself broken on the floor having being smashed into the wall repeatedly. Once the noise was gone; Vivian opened her eyes and cursed. Her head pounded, her eyes were spinning and her ears were too sensitive; she licked her dry lips; until now she hadn’t noticed the male body next to her, by the time it had clicked as to where she was she scrambled out of bed butt first.

But it seemed the male next to her was too out of it to care or notice that she picked up her belongings, dressing herself as hastily as possible and stepping out. The share house was a disgusting mess and she tried her best not to dry heave; how drunk had she gotten last night? Her arms were covered in the scars of numerous injection sites but they healed remarkably well and no one, not even her employee at the florist she worked at thought to ask her about her habits outside of work.

She looked, reeked and smelt like sex and alcohol and she reminded herself to step into the shower before going to work, she swayed from side to side on the road in broad daylight, a car that had been driving along the road, full of men slowed the car whistling and cat calling she ignored them deciding to walk faster; they persisted in following her. Sick of their voices - which did nothing to help her head she flicked her wrist causing the vehicle to go flying back; the men screamed and she shrugged.

-Meanwhile in London-



Stephani has been making breakfast and listening to the radio when an announcement caught her attention; it went as follows:

Archeologists in Brazil have discovered an unusual, glowing sword of unknown origin, the sword believed to be older than human civilisation itself has caught the attention of none other than renown occult historian Professor Phillip Pickering. He says that finding such an artefact in this day and age is not only highly unlikely but practically a miracle.

Stephani’s jaw dropped and she found herself having to switch off her stove to process the news, a feeling of dread filled her stomach, it was as if she knew for certain that the swords that humans had found was one of three swords capable of killing her kind, erasing their existence from the planet. She shut her eyes breakfast would have to wait; stepping back from the stove she took a deep breath and allowed herself to fall into the fires of the Forge.

As she rose from the flames; she looked around trying to locate Evyette… it didn’t make long because the sounds of moaning and groaning alerted her; as she approached Evyette she heard the ancient’s voice. “What is it Stephani.”
“The humans have found one of the three fabled swords.”
there was silence before Evyette screeched. “You dare come here to tell me such news when all I want to hear is about your progress and the book. The humans have no use for the sword. Leave and do not come back unless you have the book!”
She was forced back into the mortal realm she was back in her apartment standing in front of her half-cooked breakfast. She’s impossible I swear.



-In Rome Italy-


A beam of light erupted in broad day light, as a woman landed in the centre of the colosseum, a woman with hair as white as snow; a fierce glowing surrounded her and it was if time was both fast and slow at the same time; no one was entirely sure but her arrival had caught the attention of everyone who was anyone.

“I have a message for the claimants of each core line. The time is now to find the book I have left, in a place on this mortal realm, find it and you may be given your house’s only chance of remaining as this realm begins to collapse. Make haste and fight well. I will be waiting within the Citadel.”

As soon as she had appeared the woman in white disappeared; the only person to have caught her message was a group of tourists who were quick to upload the video of her message onto the internet; and so the news spread like wildfire, as new outlets all over the world began to ask the question: who was the woman? What did she mean that the realm was collapsing? What on Earth was the Citadel? Who were the Claimants? What was a core line? It didn’t matter, Echowix had sent her message. The race was on and time was running out.

-Brasília Dig Site-



“Why I shall make a fortune out of this, I say, I say. We will be rich. This sword, if there are more why we’ll have all the money in the world and people we treat us as Gods! Gods!”
the older man laughed and joked to the Doctor who was taking down notes as he monologued; there on his desk wrapped in cloth was the sword they had found mere hours ago. He would have said more in his moment of glory but was interrupted as Dr. Green read the news articles “Strange woman appears in a beam of light in the Colosseum. Sends a message to people known as Claimants.”


“Why! Why this must all be connected! We must make haste! We must find this book this woman speaks of, find the other swords if there are others! Oh how bountiful my career will finally be put down in history! Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!”
the older man reached into the box of his Russian Cigars and lit one, placing it to his lips inhaling the smoke as his assistant turned away and faced the door as to avoid the smoke her employer and mentor breathed in those vile sticks of death. “Well from the sample we took from the sword, a signature was detected in the Pacific Ocean.”
“Then we’ll head there! There we shall go! Another sword! My oh my! We shall rule this realm and all the other realms there are! Oh blessed be! Oh Blessed be!!!”

A gentle breeze carried the cool, wet scents of the forest around her as she crept along its undergrowth. Careful not to disturb the spiky fronds of the plants around her, and even more careful not to errantly tread on a twig, she stalked towards her prey. There, hiding silently not a meter away her victim hid, peering away from her deeper into the woods, wary of the predator stalking it as it started sniffing the air unsure. Not wary enough!
She thought as she bounded up to it with a gleeful shout. The unusually large field mouse leapt up in fright, then began chattering and squeaking madly as Gytha started laughing like a madwoman, stifling a snort as she stumbled back. "Ye' should've seen yerself! Ye' almost flew!"
she squeezed out amid her laughter. The little creature scurried up to her left boot and hurriedly climbed up to her shoulders before settling down, clinging on tightly with another series of squeaks. "Oh ye', I'm sure ye would."
she giggled, giving the mouse a light scratch before setting off back towards the trails.

It had been so long since she'd had spare time for hiking in the woods with Fife, and though she wasn't particularly worried about losing him, there were always other predators lurking around that just might consider him a worthy meal. She set him down into the small worn out backpack she'd left by her bike, proffering a small chunk of carrot that Fife took eagerly. "Aye, guess I'd better get home soon. Mam's scunnered with me as it is, thinkin' I'm up-tae no good."
she mused, peering up at a slowly darkening sky. How long had she been wandering today? It didn't feel like all that long, but either way she'd make sure to get home before dark, there were too many spooky things in the woods at night. Gingerly hefting the pack and slinging it on as more munching sounded from within, Gytha hopped onto her bike and took off down the hill.



Gytha gently placed Jingle in his box-turned-bed as more shouting came from downstairs. "Dinnae make me say'et agen!"
Gytha rolled her eyes so hard her head followed along, "Yes mam."
she groaned back, tromping down the stairs to take out the trash. It's not like it was that big a deal, why couldn't she just have done it herself? Well, whatever. She'd have a bit of time to study tonight, and could spend some time reviewing her notes on botany, not that she'd be able to do either of those things as her mind would begin to wander rather quickly. Tromping back up the stairs she glided into her room playfully to find Fife sitting still on the windowsill, staring outward. Another chance.
She immediately lowered and began stalking the mouse, a sly smile breaking out across her face as she neared him. Though, just as she went to pounce, the mouse spun around suddenly and its eyes shone with a blinding green light.

As her vision cleared, Gytha saw she was once again in that grove from years ago, dappled sunlight peppering the flower speckled grass around her as she basked in the sudden warmth of this place. Not quite home but, nostalgic somehow. Laughter rang out around her, bright and silvery it seemed to flow to an unheard rhythm. "Gytha my dear welcome back. I see you and - Fife, was it? - are the best of friends now."
A mass of vines coalesced behind Gytha, quickly forming into a humanoid shape from which behind Florita stepped out. Gytha gasped, eyes wide; Not in shock, but awe. "How do you do that?! Oi! Get back 'ere you!"
she demanded, scurrying forward to snatch at the quickly retreating vines. "Gytha, I need to speak to you about . . . . something?"
The words trailed off as Gytha started heaving on a vine she had caught, struggling to keep it from retreating beneath the earth. "Enough, you will have a chance to play later. Listen to me now."
"Just a sec, I nearly got 'im! "
Vines shot up to sieze her now, flipping Gytha upside down with a loud yelp. She hung for a moment as a disapproving Florita looked on with a cocked eyebrow. "Err, listenin'."
"This is important. A book from The Citadel has appeared on Earth somewhere. I need you to find and retrieve it for me."
"A book? Musty, thick and boring, then?"
A soft chuckle came from Florita as she gently lowered Gytha a little. "I can't say what it looks like, only that you need to search for it. The others will almost certainly be looking for it. If nothing else, be sure that they do not get it Gytha. It can only be safe in my hands. You know the means by which you can return here."
"Aye-Aye Captain!"
Gytha called out, saluting as she still hung upside down. Florita simply raised an eyebrow again. Gythas world spun before depositing her back in her room, a concerned Fife watching over her. "Time to pack our bags, Fife. We've got an adventure to go on!"

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”



His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.





It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

"I just don't understand why you need to leave, mija. You know this is an important time to be here. They have to get used to seeing your beautiful face in charge, you know."

DeVian weathered his hesitations with a curt smile on her lips, hands clasped behind her back as she waited for an opening in his worried monologue.

"I know, papa. But this is something I have to do."


"It's not helping that you won't even tell me why. I've half a mind to tell you no."

'Can you hear me?'
'So much pain...'
'This corner or that one? I can't decide which to stand on today.'

DeVian's ears felt hot. This was the worst time to be hearing the voices. The ghosts. Sometimes they were louder than the voices of the living, and most of the time infinitely more irritating.

"I'm going, but I'll call you. That's all I can do, papa."


"You'll call every day?"

"Oh, there's no way in hell. But I'll check in often."


"Last time you left home without an explanation, you drove your car into the sea."

'Are you ignoring me?'
Leave, leave, leave!'

"I remember. If you keep worrying so much, it'll rub off on me."


"You are mi corazon, hermosa. I will always worry."




It felt like every time Novevu was pissed with her she heard more of the ghosts. Sometimes she saw more. They hung on the edge of her vision, following her like a shy shadow. It seemed like a lot of them talked to themselves. On the occasion, she found herself asking the undead for directions. Some of her previous tasks for Novevu had included putting a few of the restless spirits to permanent sleep. She supposed she was a part-time mostly-human grim reaper at the Ancient of Death's discretion.

Even now, as she sat with her legs crossed in the hangar of one of Law Technologies' private airfields, she was impatient to get this over with. The ghosts were everywhere, constantly heckling her. It felt like the Void was just over her shoulder.

'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking the right language.'
'Little girl.'
'I. AM SO. BORED!'
'Look at Novevu's descendant, ignoring her duties.'

"Excuse me?"
Dev's concentration finally snapped, dark brows lowering as she glared into the nothing beside her. She could see a small gathering of ghosts standing there, just congregating for no apparent reason. Most of them faced her, but there were a few mindlessly facing any direction. One of them cocked his head at DeVian quizzically. "Why are there so many of you here, anyway? There's not enough room on the rest of the Earth for you to haunt?"


'Trust me, your company is really not so grand.'
'Can't you feel it?'

"What are you talking about?"


'The energy of Echowix, young one.
'Have you not heard the message?'
'It was for you.'
'For all of us.'
'Have I always not been able to feel my legs?'

Her fingertips felt cold. But it wasn't from fear. If anything, she was becoming more exasperated by the situation with every new development. On the other hand, the challenge was more attractive. It wasn't like she feared the other houses, for she was a descendant of Novevu, the original thief and the one that put the creator of the Ancients to sleep. She knew of the power her house was capable of. She just didn't know if she felt like applying it amid the demands of her civilian life.

"Tell me, then, what you saw."


'Now she wants something from us.'
'Well tell her.'
'What's in it for me?'

"I will try my best not to send you shrieking into the Vacío. Unless you prefer the Prism?"


'She can't do that...'
'Can she?'
'Do you want to find out?'
'I want to rest...'
'I just want to go to Elysian.'
'The beam of light seen around the world. Echowix has returned.'

A metal clanking sound made the tech giant heiress start. She looked over her shoulder, relieved to see the pilot loading bags into the cargo hold. "Who the hell ya talkin' to over there?" he asked, grunting with exertion.

"What? I wasn't talking."


"Fuck, I must be tripping out. I could've sworn I heard you over here. Well, we're about ready to get this baby in the air."

"Barrett, who wants to hear their pilot say they're 'tripping out' right before they take a metal death trap into the skies?"





The time difference from Sao Paulo to Rome was only five hours, but DeVian was dead fucking tired by the time she walked into her hotel. The penthouse was already taken, much to her dismay, but she'd gotten the best money could by for her stay. Which honestly wasn't that great. The tourists had booked a lot of the rooms, especially since she'd needed to come on such short notice.

She rubbed at her forehead as she collapsed onto the queen bed in the room, exhaustion pouring out of every muscle. But sleep didn't come. Instead, she found herself falling into the Void. There was no ground to land on, nor was there any fear related to the falling. She just felt weightless, as if she were floating around a pool.

"Something has changed," came Novevu's echoing voice, but this time she was not looking up at him. He still sat on his throne nonchalantly. DeVian felt as if she were perpetually falling at his eye level. The false illusion of water did not ripple under his feet.

"Master, I am following the book,"
she told him hurriedly, annoyed already with any scolding he might have on his mind.

"Echowix herself has appeared in this mortal realm to appeal to all the houses. This is unprecedented."

"So we're not the only ones looking for it."


"No, but it is in our best interest to be the ones who possess it. Destodai is already so unstable. Alvax fancies himself a just crusader." He let something like a sigh pass out of his nose. "She appeared in the Colosseum of Rome. Echowix is not so thoughtless that that place has no significance."

"Very well. Tomorrow--"


"Go now."

Her jaw flexed. That was as far as the physical extent of her annoyance went.

"One more thing. Do not forget what house you belong to."

"Yes, I am DeVian of House Desdon. You never leave me alone long enough to forget it."


The unhinged laugh that she hadn't heard thus far rang in her ears. And the very next moment, she was waking in her hotel bed and internally screeching. There was no explanation for how tired she was. She just knew she had to do this mission for Novevu, before she found herself unable to sleep because ghosts decided to hold a conversation at all hours of the night. So she just rubbed her eyes, threw a series of punches into the air in her frustration, and left the hotel again. The bath she had on her mind for later... Maybe this stress would be worth it, after all.

Rome was beautiful; that was a given. She had been all over the world, and even in Italy, but never Rome. Despite the fact that Italian was close to her native Spanish, she could barely make conversation in Italian. It was mostly phrases she had picked up in the business.

The cab driver was pleasant enough. It was easy to get to the Colosseum since it was such a popular destination. Even moreso since a woman had appeared and disappeared in an amazing display of light.

Dev stepped out, throwing on a pair of sunglasses to combat the sun. It had only been about 10 AM at home, but it was mid-day here. The sun was out in full force and it was a bit humid. The dark-skinned woman approached the stairs of the ancient structure slowly and cautiously. She could feel it as soon as she stepped onto the scene: the magic. The raw magic Echowix must've left behind--

Or was that the book? Was this just the imprint the book left?

She was not afraid of coming toe-to-toe with the other houses. What she was more afraid of was disappointing Novevu if she did not perform well. He would have domain over her soul after she died, and the Void didn't seem like the most welcoming place. There was no amount of fear or respect that rivaled what she held for her Ancient, despite how demanding and ambivalent he could be.

'You are not the only--'
'They are here!'
'You claimants all smell the same.'

DeVian's lips moved into the start of a grin. Good. The ghosts would do all the searching for the other claimants for her. "Point them out to me, mis encantadores. It's time for a few business deals."

She had arrived in Roma the minute the news had hit the internet that a woman in a blinding white? Light had shot herself into the colosseum; it had been Echowix and part of her was glad to hell and back that she had the money to get in and out of countries. She didn’t work per se but Daenu had always found a way to ensure she was financially able to do anything she pleased. The man at Customs didn’t seem to think she was capable of looking after herself considering her blind state but she waved his concerns off with a sharp tongue response in Italian.

Now here she was sitting in a cafe; her fingers gliding along the Braille menu they had placed in front of her. So far it seemed this cafe’s savoury menu which mostly to her disappointment consisted of Tomatoes; she despised tomatoes and waved over the waiter who she knew had been watching her - she suspected that he thought she’d ruin the cutlery or the crockery because she was blind.

How could people, even mortals be so insensitive? I want nothing more than to slam my fork into your throat, stop staring at me
she cleared her throat and waved him over. “Is there anything here that doesn’t contain tomatoes? I am deathly allergic to them.”
she had decided she wasn’t going to bother speaking Italian to such a rude male. He was taken aback and part of her could tell he was about to lie “Please. I need something that doesn’t contain tomatoes. One lick even a whiff and you’ll have a lawsuit and an investigation on your hands for murder.”


The other customers had now started paying attention as she ran her fingers over the menu pages again, she had read the entire thing and had memorised it the waiter sighed indignantly before speaking “I believe we have pastries. But asides our desserts and our drinks there is nothing here we can serve you that does not contain tomatoes.” “Then I’ll have your recommendation of the best pastry here. Thank you.”
she handed him the menu and he scurried away cursing under his breath. She then resumed what she was doing moments before the menu had been sat down in front of her, observing with her ears and other senses.

As her plate of food was placed down the overwhelming scent of iron filled the air and that immediately caught her attention, she froze A claimant of Nammay. What is he doing here… no doubt he’s here looking for the book, he must have seen or heard the news. Christ.
she then waved the waiter back again giving him an apologetic look “Please do me a favour and shut the window to my left, I feel as though the breeze outside is a bit much for my skin. It’s hot where I am from and I do not do well with the cold.”
admittedly that was a lie but she could not and would not expose herself to another claimant… it sucked that to other Claimants she smelt like white vinegar.

As soon as the window was close she ate, there were murmurs and gasps coming from around the room and many of the individuals inside the cafe were admonishing the claimant for his behaviour, weren’t Nammay’s claimants meant to be the definition of manners and chivalry? Apparently not for this particular individual, his behaviour was entirely out of sorts and terribly flamboyant to boot.

Once she was finished she paid quickly before leaving through the back, her luggage in tow; her fingers trailing against the walls, she walked through the streets until she finally settled upon a hotel close to the colosseum, but not so close that she would be noticed; as she stepped into the lobby a sudden surge of overwhelming heat as if she had been forced into the oven washed over her and she swallowed nervously.

She approached the desk happy to see that the woman who stood there was quick to work and quiet; as soon as she is given the key to her room she rushed up to her room. The feeling was gone now but she had been seen and noticed by a Claimant of fire, that had to mean bad news; two claimants in less than an hour, what were the likely chances they were all here for the book?






The camera flashes and questions that flew at Phillip Pickering made him smile eagerly, the swords he had discovered just a day or so ago were now next to each other in a bullet proof case; behind him stands Adaline who is trying to silence the crowd of curious souls all wanting to hear what he had to say about the woman who had appeared and disappeared. He clears his throat after taking a sip of cold sparkling water, the bubbles popping in his mouth. Now that the crowd was hushed he stood up and stood by the case.

“Good evening, good evening! My how many of you there are! So many so many! Now. We know, we know these swords do not belong to this earth! We know because there is no such thing as the metal that made them! There’s one more we believe and we are digging for it now! We will find out why they exist and what they can do! We know they are not of this planet or this this place because because they emit an energy. Energy that we think comes from another universe altogether! Altogether! We may have just found our keys to portals! Portals! Soon we shall find the third and then we shall conquer whoever or whatever it is that brought them here! As for the woman. The woman. The woman, she is from there! the place where these swords are from. from. from.”


He took a sip of his water swallowing it; as a suddenly as a huge influx of questions hit him he smiled eagerly as Adaline stepped in front of him and started to answer the questions with non-specific answers as to not give away how or what they intended to do with the swords they had discovered; the professor on the other hand patted the case lovingly his eyes almost jumping out of his sockets with awe.



“As for the woman who emerged in the colosseum this morning, we believe that she has sent out a message to a certain group of individuals who are unlike us and who are capable of accessing power that we do not yet know of. Regardless they are currently in the midst to find a certain book, it is without a doubt a call to adventure and the Professor and I believe that with the assistance of the swords and the strange almost omnipotent energy they emit we will find this book and get down to the mystery behind the woman.”


Adaline waved the questions away and continued her speech, one that she had written and rehearsed inside her mind ever since they had touched down in Italy, though they were just outside the city of. Rome; she took a deep breath smiling at the cameras

We believe that as of right now the final sword is somewhere in Tibet however these are only speculation. As for the people who the woman has spoken to, we ask that you come forward so we may talk to you.”
“That’ll be all, that’ll be all!!


As soon as the conference was over, and the Professor and Adaline were left alone he opened the cases tracing his fingers across the blades and giggling like a child; as he was pulled into another realm, there was a cold rumbling and the Professor looked up to see Novevu and Xainayne both of them stood near him but not entirely beside him, it was as if they were afraid of the swords his fingers were tracing. “Tick Tock. Tick Tock. I have two I’ll have three and soon all of you will bow to me.”
before he was whisked back into the mortal realm, shutting the cases he gave Adaline a smile “Shall we begin?”




Stephani sat in her hotel room, she had been pacing for more than six hours back and forth, back and forth the problem was; in the moment she needed to speak to her Ancient most it was if she had… been locked out and her powers her abilities were waning; she was panicking and without being able to return back to the Forge she felt alone.

The only other person she could possibly turn to had to be ice Claimant she had seen earlier that day, but how could she approach someone that was ice cold and possibly if not quite literally cruel. She fell onto her bed and wanted to scream – she didn’t evidently because what was worse than raising suspicion.

As she reached for her phone that she had thrown onto her pillow she dialed her mother and shut her eyes. “Mama”
her mother’s voice was shrill and panicked “Something is happening after the second sword was found no one has been able to return home.” “So it’s happening back in London too.”


“It’s happening everywhere, hurry and find the book.” “I will Mama. I am working on it, there are Claimants all over the city and I think we are all on each other’s trail. We’re all waiting to see who enters the Colosseum first.”
“Go now. Make a head start. Echowix might have left something behind and is just waiting for one of you to find it.” “I will mama. I will. Just let me handle this.”




She waved her arms allowing her to be lifted up higher, it would take a lot of drinking of which the bottles she had on her would help her in lowering herself down back to Earth, she was struggling to breathe and found herself half choking on the air – it was cold up above the clouds, well and truly she had flown to an altitude that would ensure that no human plane would catch sight of her; she didn’t want to have to explain to her fellow Claimants as to why she was being so reckless by flying in the air rather than on… say a plane something that was far more acceptable for claimants like her; but she had hated flying in planes because she felt so claustrophobic “Almost there!”
she mused to herself.

As she slowly flew over the city of Rome she decided now would be a good time to start drinking, opening the first bottle she had on her body she started to drink quickly and heavily until she was no longer in control of her surroundings… the next thing she knew she was plummeting at an almost deadly rate to earth, shielding her head with her arms she found herself crashing through a pane of glass and directly into someone’s hotel room; she had expected a stunned scream but instead she was met with silence as she dust herself off and looked up; opening her mouth she smiled “Hi. Sorry about the window. I’m Vivi. You are?”

His mind was starting to melt as it went in pointless circles. Echowix had loudly proclaimed to the entire world the existence of many things, and in such a public place. Was she trying to intentionally doom them, like a malevolent being laughing at the puppets she kept on strings? Or perhaps she was merely incompetent? The latter seemed unlikely, surely. Something else? An unfamiliarity with how quickly information spreads around the world? Or we're they truly in just such a desperate situation that it now called for just blatant announcements? "It just doesn't make sense!"
he hissed, scrolling down the tablet sitting on his lap. The first class flight to Rome had probably been an expensive one, last minute trips were always expensive, but he'd grown used to not having to look at his expenses account. His father, for all his blustering, would make sure there was enough in the piggy bank for this. He sighed, laying back against the soft headrest as he listened to the pronouncement one more time. "~ you may be given your house’s only chance of remaining as this realm begins to collapse. Make haste and fight well." "Это просто пиздец."


He stretched out on the sofa in his middling hotel room, he was thankful to be down out of the sky now, it was just, so open up there. Sure the plane was pressurized, but looking out the windows always would give him a chill. Could he really spend some time recuperating before heading over to the coliseum? Perhaps he should press Xainayne for some advice, even if it meant a reprisal, this was important after all. With another sigh he stood, flicking his overgrown fringe to one side. Somewhere dark makes this easier.
he thought, scanning the room. His eyes fell upon the walk-in closet that he would surely have to remain in. Was there some joke to be had here? Closing the door behind him, he tried to shift to that place. Nothing. Cold ran down his back again. Try it again.
Nothing. A busy signal? Could such things even have something like that? Maybe time is shorter than you think . .
Panic welled up inside him as he stormed out of the tiny space, looking for his coat. It was still bright out, but what could he do?

"Sorry, Mister, Sir. No go there. Only here. Photo okay!"
Proffering the Coliseums pamphlet and shepherding him away from the closed off staircase that lead down into the coliseum proper. He'd managed to get a ticket despite the crowd here, and these blasted security guards could barely speak all that much English, let alone Russian. He couldn't help but feel as if he had needed to get down there. Something about this place was, buzzing? And he could faintly smell, a barbecue? The coals were hardly an unusual smell around tourist traps, but there were no meat stands he could see in here. No matter. It only pushed his need to act further, but he couldn't just hop on down in front of the guards. To top it all off he had received a text message from his father as he rode in the taxi, "Check last nights news."
. A professor had been making wild claims about some ancient blades he had found, and the media was lapping it up. Was he crazy? Had he actually found proof of aliens, or some other beings? An elaborate hoax for marketing? The story was starting to go viral, but people would probably remain skeptical for the moment. He had to get in, now. "Gift shop? Damnit, uhh. Regali, negozio?"
he spoke unsure, perhaps he should have spent more time learning various languages. Looking a little relieved, one of the two guards guided him around the corner to a gift shop, smiling and nodding as he was finally no longer their problem. "I'll find a way down there when they move off."

By the time Nier had managed to attempt seducing every woman who crossed his path he realized that time had flown by. Well I guess I can head to the hotel now. A new day does brings new chances, and I’d like a bit of rest at least.
The swirling hues of the rising sun colliding against the sharp fangs of the shadows of night, a magnificent blue that reminded him of the peace he so longed for in his hollow life.



As he walked multiple thoughts pierced his mind. He couldn’t slack off forever, although if anyone did manage to find the book before him he’d most likely hunt them down and steal it. Conflict was never a thing he enjoyed, much rather preferring to stick to stealth and subterfuge, but if push came to shove he wouldn’t have a choice. Hiding from other claimants was already difficult enough, but fighting people who he himself saw as companions who share the same title was never really appealing to him. Instead of fretting over the details of possible combat he put his focus onto his surroundings; at least he could learn new escape routes he had missed before.

Upon arriving at the hotel he simply made his way directly to his room. No point in looking for any commotion, I’m far too tired to converse anyway. I’ll just fill in Nammay on my progress and get some rest.
Once inside he closed the door carefully and placed his hand over the lock. With a swift movement of the fingers he melded the mechanism together completely, forcing the lock to stay in place until he saw fit to change it. Before anything a shower was also necessary, washing away the filth of the day was a daily part of his schedule. He moved into a comfortable spot afterwards and kneeled on the floor, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “My Lord Nammay, I’ve come to giv-“


He paused when he opened his eyes, realizing that he was still in his room. “What the hell is this... maybe I wasn’t focused enough?”
He closed his eyes again and prostrated himself, believing that maybe Nammay was upset with his behavior up until that point. “My Lord, I apologize, but I must speak with you," he said; waiting a short moment before opening his eyes and coming to the same realization as before. By now it was simply panic, worry, high levels of anxiety building within him. What’s going on here? Why can’t I get to Nammay? Has someone else done something, or have I done something to provoke his ire? No, he’s never locked me out like this before... or am I even locked out... maybe someone’s done something dire to Nammay!


His eyebrows furrowed, his teeth grinding into a snarl as his agitation grew. Clear and unadulterated anger swelled up in his chest; the entire look of him seemed unnatural and out of place for a person of his character. It was like the scene of a physical pot of water steps away from boiling over and yet just before he moved to action the sound of shattering glass rang in his ears. A moment passed before he even managed to register it, a casual peace washing over him with a deep breath and with that air came a hint of... wait, what? I don’t ever remember getting anything like that...
with a quick turn he now noticed an unexpected visitor, which explained the scent in the air. However while she was busy apologizing Nier was busy gliding into action!

His movements were so fluid you’d think he could become pure liquid at any moment; his eyes shining like exotic gems, his hair glowing like reflective steel. Every action was timed, every word thought out with perfect precision. With this... failure wasn’t possibly an option. His very life was on the line here and he wouldn’t waste an opportunity to strike! “What dream is this that I’ve fallen into? A woman as beautiful as yourself falling from the sky like a soft summer rain washing away all my inhibitions. Vivi was it? What a wonderful name, complementing such eyes that can pull the hearts from man!”
He slid down onto one knee, a hand outstretched to help her onto her feet. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nier Mucmoi, the man destined to be your husband if you would have me. Please, Would you join me? I was just about to go to bed; having a woman of your stature lay by my side would increase the comfort for both of us by at least a thousand fold, my love.”

It had been an issue getting Fife to stay in his cat carrier. Maybe she shouldn't have called it that within earshot, but he was already too big and plump to fit in boxes made for other mice. "Well maybe ye should not be stuffin yer gob so much?"
A series of squeaks piped up out of the carrier. "Eh?! Me' weight's not the problem 'ere!"
huffing as she walked up to the counter. "First flight to uh, . . "
checking a piece of paper she'd written it down on earlier. "Rome, please!"
The quizzical attendant looked her up and down, eyes lingering on the carrier at her side, then looking to the patchwork clothes this girl seemed to deem fitting for wearing in public. Gytha merely smiled her wide smile.

---

"Ble~ech!
" Gytha retched into the bag as the plane seemingly tossed her about uncontrollably, like a ragdoll in a rollercoaster. Not only had she never flown before, but the turbulence was something else entirely. Supposedly, this wasn't particularly bad turbulence, but given a chance to speak, Gytha would strongly disagree. She had long since shifted to the colors of her forest, a soft shade of green painted across her face as she heaved a non existent lunch into the now second bag provided her. Had she even eaten carrots? She could only hope that Fife was having a better time of it, but there was little she could focus on other than her current predicament. Two and a half hours of this?! How could people survive travelling the world like this?! The pilots were probably the true Claimants here if they could withstand this as their day job. No, scrap that, they were as powerful as the Ancients themselves. She held back another retch as the plane shifted violently up and down with a shudder, her stomach lurching every time it moved unexpectedly.

---

Gytha sobbed as she reunited with the carrier holding Fife, crumpling down on top of it with her backpack at her side. Passers by watched incredulously as this girl blubbered at her pet cat (?) in the customs line, whispering or giggling as they moved past. Surprisingly, Fife had considered it like an extended, if scary joy-ride. Perhaps travelling in her backpack or car these past few years had toughened him up to the constant jostling, and though Gytha felt a tinge of annoyance at how much easier he'd had it, she was just happy to be on solid, unmoving ground again. The customs agents barely spoke to her when she finally came up to them, a snotty disheveled mess. Some people were just bad flyers.
Gytha was glad for the reasonably cheap motel room, her wallet was in a rather sad state and she hadn't dared check her bank account since last week. Enough cash for a few days expenses maybe. There was probably still enough money in her account . . Right? She'd settled in to the small cubicle of a shower for nearly an hour now, running piping hot water over herself in an attempt to wash out the smell of vomit. She'd have to change outfits too. Luckily she'd brought a spare set, who knew you'd need so many outfits when traveling? Her mother had passed on the news of the Coliseum event, but she wasn't really sure what that was. A big roman building where people fought. Would she have to fight someone to get in? She drew her lips to a line as she considered. On her best day she couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper bag, but she could certainly run fast. Maybe she'd be the first to get there, and could still this textbook or whatever before anyone else got there? Now that was a bright idea!

Gytha panted as she ran through the streets, her small backpack rocking back and forth, bouncing around with each step as she scrambled through the crowds. How were there so many people here? What on earth did they all do in this place? And the way they spoke, a kind of rhythm to their words felt so, well, foreign. The world really was a big place. But she had to keep her eyes on the prize here, and no matter how delicious this Pasticiotti filled with cream was, she'd never be distracted by - she looked down realizing her mistake, already having been drawn in by the hawkers and vendors. No! She'd never be stopped by such simple trickery! The little shortcake muffin things were barely delicious enough to - She fled with all the will she could muster, bolstered by a fear for her wallet. It was some time before she made it to the coliseum, sweating and puffing. She'd managed to only buy a few more snacks and knick knacks. "Sa~afe."
she wheezed, walking towards what looked to be a gated entrance. This place was big, like, four houses tall big, but wider. She gulped as she thought about how much effort it would take to move all that rock. In her stupor, she idly walked up to the gate before a voice called out to her from the side. Something about not being allowed here? Was that right? Did the Roman Queen live here or something? It was pretty beaten up for a palace. She waved at the man then wandered away nodding, a devious smile across her lips. "Fife, I'll need yer help on this one!"


A loud high pitched scream filled the courtyard as the near cat-sized mouse scrambled up to the man, followed by curses and shouts, shooing it away. It was too quick for the man, quickly running up his leg before leaping off and fleeing, the shocked security guard wiping himself down in a dance of the heebie-jeebies before walking towards where Fife had run off, cautiously peering around for the mouse. Gytha, the little sneak that she was, had used this precious time to jump the gate, landing with a thud and scurrying to cover. She was in. What now? There was a textbook or something in here Florita wanted. As she skulked slowly down the halls she eventually came to a strange set of ruins, covered in moss and framed with grassy paths. Is this where she needed to be? She jumped as something crawled up her leg, realizing only after a moment that it was Fife. She tried not to let on that he'd gotten her back now.

Nammay POV


“You ought to be more careful.”


The male Ancient swirled the spoon in his cup, as much as he was a fan of metal for some reason he preferred to use plastic cutlery when he was home alone; a fan of the mortal realm, he often traversed between his realm and the mortal one. The plastic cutlery didn’t clink against the cup and that was one reason he liked it - he also just had to dispose of the spoon or rinse it and be done with it.

As he picked the cup up, inhaling the strong scent of coffee he shut his eyes and listening to the cadence of her voice; she was tired. “Hey, it’s late. You need rest. We can talk tomorrow.”
there was a hushed sigh on the other side and he placed the cup down; she wanted to argue and he bit his tongue as she continued to speak “Look, a little bit of sleep, even if it’s on the way there will do you good. For you and the babies.”
he made sure to switch to Ancient tongue with that last part.

She responded back with a soft attack and he laughed; before she laughed too “Look I’ll keep an eye out, get some sleep. Call me when you arrive or after whatever it is you have to do there”
she agreed before he heard the line drop and disconnect. Placing the phone down he stepped away with his cup and moved towards the window.

He felt an itching in his throat and he inhaled there was someone trying to contact him, he sipped his coffee enjoying the sensation of the bitter liquid slightly burning the roof of his tongue before going down; once the cup was done he shut his eyes and allowed himself to fall backwards until he was back in the realm he had created the moment of his inception.

He hadn’t expected to see his younger relative standing in the room when he emerged; how long had she been waiting; the air was charged with electricity and he cleared his throat “Chaemai. What can I do for you?”
the younger female Ancient reached for his arm and he pulled back; unsure of her intention she shook her head before opening the palm of her hand to reveal a small scroll “What’s this?”
“A message from the Citadel.”


Opening the scroll - it’s wax seal already discarded, he presumed that this was Chaemai’s copy of the scroll and that his own copy would be on his desk “I think one of your Claimants attempted to enter the realm just a moment ago but failed to do so.”
“Nier.”
he breathed out; his younger relative nodding and he read the scroll.

Drip Drop. Drip Drop. The first book arrived. Flitter, flatter my spell has begun. The webs grow thinner and thicker; traps are set and the quest is set. Seek the drops as the moon wanes and rises and begin the hunt; my spell will last until the cords are cut.


“What is any of this meant to mean?”
“Your guess is good a mine, but before I lost contact with my Claimants they told me two of three had been found, we’re running out of time. What do we do Nam?”
“We warn them in the only way we can.”



As she brushed herself off, she looked up at the male who had now approached her, he was spewing words almost too fast for her to comprehend; granted she was very much intoxicated she gave him a half smile before laughing like a hyena. She ignored his hand and instead with her bottle in tow, moved past the bent over figure and straight into the bathroom; where she proceeded to vomit up copious amounts of alcohol - of which tasted like ass coming up. Once she was sure most of the alcohol in her system was gone she cleaned the bathroom as best she could before rinsing her face with icy cold water; flinching a little. "Nice to meet you."
now that she was clear of most of the liquid poison in her system she smelt the overbearing scent of Iron. "What did you say your name was?"
she bit her lip as she emerged from the bathroom with a slightly damp face.

Should have landed in another room. This was a mistake landing in this one.
she cleared her throat before offering the male her hand, which was damp with water, she wiped it on her singlet before cracking a proper smile “Nice to meet you. I’m Vivi. A kiddo of Air.”
part of her pondered which of the two in the room smelt worse, his iron or her weed. “Guessing you’re here cause that lady came down in white light and uhh told us to all come and you know find it.”
she was definitely still drunk. “So when are you headed over?”
she still hadn’t answered any of what he had proposed or offered - she was just going to pretend he had said nothing.

She decided perhaps it was not worth the time trying to listen to him or whatever he had to repeat, she smiled again before turning and returning in the direction of the place she had come; reaching into her pocket she grabbed the small rolled up cigarette and lit it with her lighter, taking a whiff of it before disposing and snuffing it out with her foot; she climbed atop the balcony ledge, turned to face the male she had so rudely intruded on; did a mock salute before jumping-falling off the ledge and flying to where she needed to be.

As she flew she noticed a girl… no a woman; two of them were on opposites of the streets; the scent of vinegar came from one of them and Vivi had to cover her mouth and pray she didn’t throw up again. The other had a less severe scent and smelt of something floral. It didn’t matter they couldn’t; fly that was her advantage. She willed herself higher with the wind, using a current she had just notice above her to drift up and over into the Colosseum walls before landing on one of the higher rows; she couldn’t see or tell if anyone else had arrived. She shrugged and rampaged in her pockets again this time for a packet of CBD oil infused rice krispies and immediately started to snack as she walked throughout the abandoned rows. “Anyone here?”
she called out, stupid question but oh well.




“WE’RE HERE. OH WE’RE HERE! COME ON. COME ON. NO TIME TO WASTE!!!”
she could hear him from within the separate car that he insisted on travelling in, she winced her ears ringing from his voice but she made no protest as she opened the door of his car and he stepped out, swords in tow. “Is that an entirely good idea?”
she looked at the swords, mostly out of concern but also out of fear - she didn’t let him know that though. “We’ll be fine, fine, fine. Come on. Come on. Gotta get there first. First.”
the crazed man scurried off into the colosseum and Adaline sighed.

She reached into her pocket, the screen turning on revealing a message that made her smile she texted back, before shutting her phone off again and stretching her joints and particularly her back and feet were swollen these days. The other assistants that Professor Pickering surrounded himself were following after the man, a sense of urgency filled her and she found herself waiting by the vehicles, something told her it was a bad idea to follow them; Phillip would understand, she was sure. Beside as she opened her car door again and unlocked the briefcase, the drones would capture anything he’d miss… she didn’t need to be there.

As she played with the settings for a moment; a slight tingling shot through her system and she looked over her shoulder as two females, - they seemed to be trying to avoid each other. “I’m sorry. But the colosseum is closed. You’ll need to return to which you came. It’s closed for maintenance.”
the darker skinned female ignored her and continued on her way, but the other female with long hair approached her; a soft smile. Adaline gave her a look of confusion.

An overwhelming sense of calm washed over her as the female who stood in front of her whispered words, Adaline found herself leaning against her car door trying to remain conscious as the female spoke in droves… she smelt like saffron… as she lowered herself onto the floor. The woman who had been speaking moments ago was thrown into the air; and Adaline found herself snapping out of it as her husband of all people appeared.

“Adaline.”
he turned towards her; a look of concern crossed his face as he lowered himself; she nuzzled into his hand. “Did she do anything, I’ll kill her, fuck it if she’s a kid of fire.”
Adaline shook her head. “I think she was trying to put me to sleep… but the swords… they are inside with him. You need to leave.”
her husband laughed before helping her from her position and wrapping her into an almost bone crushing hug.

The sky above them, she had noticed now looked stormy, were they stormy moments ago? She breathed in Nammay’s scent and shut her eyes. The sound of thunder and a flash of lightning gave Adaline the impression that Chaemai was here too. “What are you both doing here?”
“We’ve come to warn the children. This. all of this. The fuss about… the book. It’s a trap.”