Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Zer0]

- ?? -
" Next Day "​

But it was no use. They were all pulled to obey, and soon the great dragon they were riding on landed and bowed its head before Seifer's feet. The archer had on a very wicked, wicked smile.

"Kenren Taisho, my, my, what a lucky night ." he said as by just his words, the prince, the swordsman, the dragon, and Renee were made to kneel quietly at his feet, their weapons discarded to the side; Sirius was looking between his moma and papa, too young to understand what was going on, but he didn't like the look on Seifer's face, nor the look Renee was wearing and sat beside her, with his tail curled around himself feeling afraid.

A boot found its way on Kenren's head and stomped him face-first into the ground. "That's a nice look. " said Seifer, grinding his face in. "You've made it so difficult these past months, you and your loyal dog." he glanced at Chenglei, "and especially you." he glowered at Renee. "But thank you baby, for grabbing their attention for me --- I daresay that was why this dog hesitated to strike us down. Human empathy, such a fatal weakness. Now," he yanked up Kenren's head by his hair hard, "tell me everything you know."

* * * *​

The next day, Chenglei, and Renee would wake up to find themselves in a strange barren land, where towering red crystal spires, almost similar in hue to the philosopher's stone, rose above the desolated plains. Nothing but blight, thorns, and briars grew here as a thick poisonous looking mist swirled under the grey morning sun. They were each trapped inside a separate mirror, and stripped of all their gear.

Last night, Valdanr had heard everything, everything from their lips. From the Sea King, to the prophecy, Historia, Mizutsune, Hisaya's freedom, the qualms of the guardians, Kenren's master plan to win the war, to the council meeting that was to finally take place this week. When he was finished, the prince was so ashen faced he looked like everything he had worked so hard for was finished.

Valdanr had covered their heads until they couldn't see after that, then knocked them out.

The dragon that had carried them was nowhere to be seen; nor was Sirius and that constant mental link there in Renee's mind; Kenren wasn't there too, nor was Seifer. The mirrors seemed to be placed outside, where the two could see evil looking creatures moving about while black dragons roared and fought each other for spoils.

And yet, Renee somehow knew the direction where Seifer was. Somewhere to the south. And if she looked into her own soul and follow that red string that tied them together, she'd find his inner self hiding inside her, leaning against the door that connected their souls together.

Katsuya

- Next Day -
" Jade Palace, Awashima "​

James finished his bath quickly, his voice yelling at Johnny that he's going to borrow his shirt for a bit. The bathroom door opened again and he was surprised to see the girls now surrounding the guard who was now on the floor for some reason, and Po holding the rifle and one arm.

"Is he alright?" he said to Lydia and the girls. After listening, he walked around them to get to his room and change, returning a few minutes later to give a grumpy looking Johnny his shirt and a spare towel.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle Panzer

OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia didn't move and gave Johnny a nod when he said they shouldn't do anything. Her gaze drifted to Po as he began to try and whisk Nacht away before she looked back to Johnny as he demanded an apology for Serena. She was glad that she wasn't the only one that was upset by what had just happened.

When James reappeared, Lydia shook her head slightly and shrugged her shoulders in response to his question because she wasn't really sure, "he almost shot Serena and now... " she gestured towards him with her hand briefly, "this."

Zer0 Katsuya Panzer

 

[Zer0]

- Next Day -
" Jade Palace, Awashima "​

"Serena clonked him with her violin?" said James now moving to check the guard's pulse. "Hey, you okay?" he said, turning him over.

Po bowed at them all again, "I will return with servants to help him up and bring some tea." he went out immediately, calling some broom sweepers to help carry a fainted person to the healers; Johnny was still grumpy.

Meanwhile there was a knock on the door, Ymir of the kabuki troupe greeted them all a good morning and announced that Izanami and Izanagi would like to have breakfast with everyone in the dining room at six later. At that Johnny decided to have his bath, while servants came in with Po to help up the fallen guard.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle Panzer

 

[Katsuya]

After Renee woke up, she quickly checked where's Seifer's body which lead her sights to where the south is. Her eyes narrowed as thoughts of Kenren and Sirius being in serious danger just rolls around in her mind. Then she let's go of that breathe she's holding back. Standing up, she paced her hands against the mirror window to see the barren lands, the red pillars reminded her of the philosopher stone. Then she observed the dragons fighting against each other for one thing after another.

The Pendragon teen does remember that dragons can be a bit greedy...so she wonders why only black dragons are here and not any other color, but she'll think about it in another day when she's out and free with Chenglei and Kenren...If he's there.

'Doubtful...' Renee thought, taking another deep breathe and concentrated to see within herself. Into her own soul. The Pendragon teen opened her eyes and took some comfort that the red string is still connected and she followed, leading her to Inner Seifer. So she ran up to him and hugged him tight.

"Oh my goodness, you're safe. Seifer, sweetheart, do you know where is your body? Like did you see the area before you hid in my soulroom?" Renee asked calmly, puling away as she cupped his cheek. A set and determined frown appeared on her face.

In the meanwhile, Chengei is looking for a way out of the mirror.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Seifer Rathmore -
" Renee's Soul "​

"No, last time I saw, we were heading for the floating lights at night. When I felt him coming, I ran here immediately. Renee, I'm so sorry, did I hurt you?" said Seifer, hugging her too.

He then began to tell her with dread that he can feel Valdanr pleased, very pleased. He's planning something big and it had to do with the meeting where all the guardians and the feuding clan leaders will be assembling. They have got to warn them.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"No, you didn't hurt me. I'm relieved that you're safe." Renee comforted Seifer with light kisses as she listened to him and took a deep breathe before letting it go. Okay...so he doesn't know where exactly his body is but he can tell that Valdanr is planning something against the guardians and feuding leaders. The problem now is how to get out of the mirror.

"Sweetheart, no matter what happens stay in here, okay?" Renee said to Seifer, giving him one last kiss before leaving her soulroom and back into reality.

"Okay...What to do now-"

That's when she heard the shattering of a broken mirror, her wings spread open in surprise as she turned around to see Chenglei with his arm up and striking her mirror too, shattering the glass into pieces...His arm was strange with scales, wheat yellow like his hair and there were sharp claws as hands...What the-?

"...Well then..."

"Come on. We need to go." Chenglei said with a serious and cold glare as he knew they caught the black dragons' attention with the noise. He wasn't looking at her however. Renee nodded and followed the blonde oriental who's seemingly knows what's he doing. "...Seifer's body is at the south somewhere..."

"Are you suggesting we head there?"

"...I'm suggesting we should warn the leaders back at ...A-Awashima? According to Inner Seifer, the dragon is planning something to harm them...and it's going to be a dozy." With a sharp nod from Chenglei, the Pendragon teen ran behind him to hide until they escape the area.

***************************************************************

Serena sighed and nodded thanks to Po before going over to her spot by the window and play her violin; the song itself showed how she's feeling: tired but wants to stay bright.

Echo waited for her turn to the bath after Johnny, sipping the tea Po brought and it soothed her nerves. It was too early to be this jumpy really....

"Hello Ymir." Echo and Serena greeted and they enjoyed chatting with the illusionist while they waited and then left to get ready themselves to eat breakfast with Izanami and Izanagi.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Panzer]

​

He finally had a grip on his mind.

Nacht felt himself being violently pulled back into reality, suddenly being dropped back into the room that he had fainted in. The air was cold and the room had a sense of tension that he had felt before. This time though, it had been for different reasons.

Nacht's vision was fuzzy, so he squinted to see his surroundings. It didnt take long for him to realize what was going on. A cold wind rushed against him as he felt a cold heartbreak capture him. He felt tears in his eyes, a short breath leave him, and himself becomming more emotional. Nacht fought this feeling- his mind scrambling to think of his next moves. A part of Nacht was already giving up...
He had lost. In one fell swoop he had lost the stakes.
A part of Nacht wanted to leave him, break aparr from him. Nacht himself wanted to be set free of his thoughts, hoping to get away from himself and leave the emtpy body to die in some alleyway or forest. He just couldnt beleive his own actions! Could he restart? could he go back to stop this madness? could he become something new?


As one of the charges took his pulse, Nacht dug up some energy to speak. He had to formulate a statement with the lack of energy and the loss of his mind. For now, he had to blame something... but what?

"Sorry 'bout that...It had been a long night for me..." He said, struggling to regain his voice from weariness. He had blamed his actions on the lack of sleep- which was true to an extent. He was exteemely tired- yet he couldnt sleep last night. The excitement of his new carreer gave him energy- energy that he then used to destroy his new carreer...

He gave the group a shy smile, hopefully covering his emotional distress. He was never one to show anything other than happiness to the others around him, despite his own warzone from within or the tears from his eyes. It burned his heart , but he still gave a smile.

Zer0 Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia shook her head, an amused expression crossing her features, "no! Serena actually seemed the least bothered by what happened..." she cast a brief glance towards the violinist as she went over to the window and continued playing, shaking her head slightly, an amused snort slipping from her slender nose.

With everyone evidently waiting for the bath, Lydia was glad that she had hers the night before. She wasn't very used to sharing a bathroom until she had arrived at the castle so she had learned to take her baths when the bathroom had the least amount of traffic. It was a strange thing to pay attention to the grooming habits of others, but it made her feel less rushed when she went for her bath.

Before James moved away from Nacht, Lydia took the opportunity to fling her arms over his shoulders, hugging him from behind and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, "good morning by the way!" She giggled and moved away from him as there was another knock on the door and she smiled seeing Ymir, suggesting that they play another game again soon and continued to chat with her and the other girls until it was time to go to breakfast.

Lydia returned Nacht's smile, though she was still unsure of what to think of him, it wasn't something abnormal for her, she was usually slightly wary of new additions until she got used to them, Chenglei had been an exception because he was just too... weird when they first met.

Zer0 Katsuya Panzer

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

James left the 'I forgive you's' to Serena as their bodyguard came to. Servants helped Nacht up and out the door, while Po once again bowed his apologies.

After Lydia gave him that cheerful good morning, James turned and hugged her with a chipper good morning again as she spoke to Ymir, who was eager to take Lydia on a couple of rounds later and chatted about the new chess pieces she carved, "I made them like Awashima, with ancient oriental towers, and an ice and fire board!" She did start to feel awkward though, when James did not let go as they walked down the hall. He was bending and hugging, glued on Lydia's back with his arms around her shoulders, sniffing and kissing her hair and cheeks as she chatted with Ymir and the other girls.

"Your hair is down today." he said during a lull in their conversation, brushing it with his hand to admire the sheen.

If Lydia became embarrassed, James would grin and croon absurdly sweet things ("Oh, Lydia, with your dark and mysterious dress, plump smile, rich, sensuous, seductive, tantalizing, effervescent, tingly, and charming hair, how could I resist you?") until, if she had enough, meowed at her then unglued himself, laughing and very high in spirits.

"Something is different with the two of you." said Johnny.

"Lydia loves me!" announced James happily as though he won the lottery, partially partaking in an impromptu gig with Lydia if she let him, doing a little twirl and dipping her magnificently. "Yesterday was an historic day, Johnny, my boy! Say something profound."

"High-five!" they clapped.

"Brilliance! Unparalleled brilliance from a brilliant man!" said James.

Johnny chuckled at him. "No wonder Lydia looked cheerful this morning." and gave her a grin too. It made him nostalgic and he wondered about the first time he learned Echo loved him. Though he couldn't pinpoint when that happened exactly, when their crushes became love.

At the dining room, Izanagi, Isanami, Kenren, and his soldiers were already there, talking and digging into appetizers while waiting for everybody else. Chenglei was not there for some reason, probably on an errand for the prince. Mizutsune and her five companions were there too, including Historia, four familiar faces only those who stayed in Awashima the past few weeks would know, the guardians: Amaterasu (who looked Oriental, with purple hair and purple eyes), Naga (dark skinned, with white hair, feathery elven ears and a white tattoo of a tree on her face), Brok (a centaur with the horns of a stag), and Tariel (a lady with pale skin, black hair, and green eyes.). There was another dragon in man-ish form, one with black horns, and black patterned skin flecked blue.

"Ahhh, good morning, everyone!" Izanagi greeted them all, " Please, have a seat and dig in!" A bell was rung once everyone had settled in, then servants came in processions, laying platters on the table and with a flourish presented le breakfast. Izanagi then proceeded to introduce Lydia and Echo to everyone, and the guardians to them. They were polite, but there was a stiffness to Amaterasu, Naga, and Tariel. "This is Bahamut, master of the black dragon flight."

Bahamut inclined his head at the group. "The reputation of a few of my kin has been horrible of late, and I am sorry that they hurt you. But I assure you, not all black dragons are bad. I hope we will get along."

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

* * * *​

Meanwhile, in the barracks of the palace guards, a very stern Po was sternly admonishing Nacht. "Nearly blew her head off first day on the job!" he said crossly as he paced. "Why oh why did you panic just by seeing the faces of your charges, say your rifle isn't yours, drop it on the ground and without the safety on, Jäger?"

He sighed. "You are fired. I expect a written apology and a more formal one face to face in front of our guests before you pack up and leave tomorrow."

Panzer

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Ymir wasn't the only one that felt awkward with how James was behaving. Lydia's face was a steady shade of pink, sometimes it would pale a little as she grew less aware of his presence, or really more comfortable with his affection, though the recollection that he was still fawning over her would cause the color to increase and her speech to falter amidst timid giggles.

Lydia gave a nod as James acknowledged that her hair was down. She typically wore it up, but that was to keep it out of her way when she was working or studying or something that it being down would be an impediment, for special occasions she liked to wear it down. She was steadily embarrassed by James, but that never caused her to ask him to stop. She had been sincere in her statement that she had missed him, even when he was embarrassing her, so she just would cover her face bashfully and shake her head slightly, giving a nervous giggle to his rampant shows of affection.

She went along with the little dance as James began it, "J-James...!" she gasped, hiding her face in his chest after he dipped her and giggling coquettishly, "i-it's embarrassing when you talk about it like that!" she smiled timidly to Johnny when he grinned at her.

When they entered the dining hall, Lydia had taken James hand and was positioned slightly behind him as she looked around the room and took in all the new faces along with the familiar ones. When they were all introduced, Lydia was courteous and respectful, if not meek as she usually was when introduced to new people in such a setting as this one. When Bahamut was introduced, there was a bit of wariness in her manner as she cast a brief glance to James before trying to offer Bahamut a pleasant smile. He was polite and a guest of their hosts so maybe there was no cause for concern.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"I forgive you, Mr. Nacht." Serena said calmly as she played; her song sounded light and soft, sometimes the strings would jump like she was moving too much but she wasn't. "Please do be careful. Get some practice in. It'll help with the nerves and your confidence." She opened a blue eye at the other blonde and then looked away.

Echo nodded in agreement. Serena might be temperamental, crazy, and random but from what she learned traveling with her for so long; Serena is also pretty good at picking up people's personality to play them as a song. So the fawn patted the bodyguard's shoulder before he was taken away by the servants and went into the bathroom as it was her turn.

The girls chatted along with Ymir as they waited for breakfast to start; Echo wore a usual white peasant shirt that revealed her shoulders a bit and has puffy sleeves that are free at the end, a deep green sash is over her shoulder and wrapped around her waist, draping over her dark cool brown caprice. Her black leather anklets stayed around her ankles. Her antlers have definitely grown a bit more, the ends are starting to curl around her head like it was a humble crown. Of course she started to decorate them with glowing magenta flowers as she didn't have her pots at the moment.

Serena wore a light pink kimono top that reached down to her thighs and a white obi tied with a bow at the back. Her pants are black and a bit puffy as they closed around her ankles. White and simple shoes made a light 'tap' sound every time she walked. Her long hair that reached down to her behind is pulled up into a bun with white kanzashi sticks and letting the rest flowing down to her back. The gold necklace she wore for Hisaya is now gone and made into a wired bracelet. Her violin stayed beside her like a companion.

They went to breakfast and nodded at each introduction. Serena blinked at the guardians, opening her mouth to say something only for Echo to stick a piece of vegetable in there. Then the red head grinned politely at everyone as the violinist munched on the food. She didn't want Serena to start something right now, not with her random comments at every introduction she does. Echo simply didn't want a repeat of what she heard happened to Chenglei when he was first introduced to the group...

Talking about the soldier, Echo looked around to see the Prince there but...no Chenglei? That's odd...The red head usually see him eating breakfast as he was the type to never miss a meal; the Prince does at times but not the blonde soldier. Of course, the fawn didn't say it out loud as she didn't want to cause a scene. He could be busy...but Chenglei...Echo shook her head before nodding at Bahamut with a warm smile. Something is off but she couldn't pinpoint it....

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle Panzer

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

James held Lydia's hand and returned her glance. It was difficult not to be happy today, and even now he was still bubbly from her affections, but the sight of Bahamut made him falter and he briefly wished he cast protective charms on everyone beforehand. He wondered how strong Izanagi, Isanami, and their palace guards were if Bahamut decided to suddenly transform into his true form; he sat warily beside Lydia.

At the presence of the two seemingly stiff lady guardians, Johnny became timid, keeping conversation to the men at the table, Echo, Serena, and Lydia. He was a good listener and his avid interest and polite manner usually made people share enthusiastically about their cultures and traditions to this friendly foreigner, like right now.

"Ten thousand years ago, my ancestors made a pact with a monster and because of that shared in his downfall." said Bahamut. "It is fortunate that those who surrendered then were shown mercy and not annihilated nor sealed forever away like Valdanr and the rest of the Nameless One's servants. My kin have dwelled in the barrens since then, and though I admit there are those who are resentful for the banishment even though that was a long, long, time ago, there are some like my followers and I who wish to make peace and hopefully be given farmlands."

"Why farmlands?" said Johnny, conversationally, chewing on meat from his ramen.

"The barrens is a bleak place, hardly anything grows there. It is rich in ragnite, a type of manna stone red in hue, which we eat. But they are dwindling, and our mining haven't yielded new veins recently. Ragnite doesn't grow, hence we need farmlands to raise cattle."

"And you will have it, Bahamut." said Isanami, the empress. "Bahamut here has been keeping the feuding low between his kin and the other clans, and made peace with us. He's here to show his support in the light of recent events, the crack in Valdanr's cage."

"My followers and I loathe that monster that brought my kin to this state. Whatever you need, we will provide if it is in our power to do so."

Johnny nodded. "I understand that loathing somewhat."

As the conversation turned to the test Echo, Lydia, Johnny, Serena, Kenren, and Chenglei were to be having today to prove if they were the guardians, Historia asked where Chenglei was as they were going to be leaving after breakfast.

"He's out on an errand." said Kenren in that usual vague way he'd speak whenever he was having something only he knows about going in the sidelines. "He'll be arriving late, will you leave one of your servants to bring him to where we're going when he does?"

"Yes, though he should not be late. What could be more important than this?" said Historia.

Kenren smiled, though his voice sounded impatient. "I have told you my views on the matter of your prophecy. The longer we stay here the more people die out there in the war against Valdanr. Your friends are sealing the crack in Valdanr's cage, and the Nameless One's prison isn't damaged, and all is well." he sighed, and glanced at Mizutsune. "My people, my army are fighting out there, I wish to return to them as soon as possible with help. That's why Chenglei will be late."

Breakfast became a little awkward after that, but Johnny attempted to lighten the mood by showing off his magic tricks. Soon they were ready to go wherever it was they were going (Historia and Mizutsune would not say), and Izanagi, Isanami, Bahamut, and Kenren's soldiers saw them off in the courtyard.

As they were about to soar into the sky, Johnny suddenly stared at something in the distant palace tower. "Echo, do you see that? --- " he pointed, but there was nothing there. " --- there, just a moment ago. I thought I saw white hair."

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Echo continued to eat her vegetable and fruit mix, her green eyes bounced on one guest to another. She noticed how Johnny became stiff again, guessing that it's the new lady faces and gave him a supporting smile whenever he talked. Like right now when Bahamut was explaining about his homelands. She blinked and offered to the dark dragon. "If you like, Sir, I can help you on how to start off with plants and grass." The fawn smiled. "I'll show you and then you can do the rest. I'll leave instructions too in case you ever need a guide of sorts for farming."

When the subject of why Chenglei is missing came up, Kenren's response sounded...too aggressive. Coming from the Prince? The one who's usually calm and collected despite the possible time limit they have? It's odd. Too odd. First Chenglei missing breakfast, then there's Kenren sending him off without eating first, now it's this....

Nope. Echo just couldn't help but think something else is wrong here...and it's with Kenren but she just couldn't understand what it is...

As they prepared to leave and Johnny mentioned about white hair, Echo froze and looked over to where Johnny pointed at. She squinted her eyes at the area...

".....Wait.....Love, did you see wings too or just white hair? If it's just white hair then...it could be..." The fawn whispered cautiously to Johnny, her green eyes wide with a bit of excitement and panic. Excitement because it might be her best friend but panicked if...if it's just Seifer and that's...that's never good. Seifer being alone is not something Renee would do, not with the way she always stayed close by him to watch.

"Johnny, I think we should stay here. I have a weird feeling about this. All of this-!" Echo said, her heart beating fast.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

"Just white hair." said Johnny still craning his neck, but there was nothing there anymore. "I have a weird feeling too, love. Everyone, I saw white hair over at the palace!" he pointed.

James and Keren followed his gaze, but nothing there.

"White hair?" said Tariel. "Is this about those two friends of yours who've been corrupted by Valdanr?"

"Yes, but then how would they know we're here? It's impossible to track us once we've left the Sea King's shrine." said Johnny; Kenren was looking wary and he immediately sent out his soldiers to investigate. Izanagi and Isanami knew of Renee and Seifer, though they said that none of the guards reported anything to them since two weeks ago, but just in case, he sent out his guards as well.

"Are we still leaving?" said Naga impatiently. "I'd like to settle if these five are really the guardians of the prophecy today."

James, who was with Lydia looked at her then at the palace. "Maybe I should stay here." he said with some difficulty, drawing out his wand. "Abeilles Venire."

Out poof-ed his swarm of bees, which had seemed to have grown bigger now so that they formed a dense thick cloud. He unscrewed a bottle of that honey-like goo and stretched out his finger for the queen bee who ate and then turned to stone after giving him that mark on his hand that showed he had control of her beelings.

He wanted to be with Lydia and everyone, supporting them and ready with a batch of healing potions for whatever test the were to undergo.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Echo looked over at Naga and frowned at him disapprovingly. "Look Sir Naga, I understand that you really want to know about the legitimacy of the claim but if you want to do this safely, I suggest a little patience."

The fawn is serious. She's not taking chances. If it's who she thinks it is then she'd rather wait in the palace. Where there's no chance of harming whatever ancient course, test, or artifact that might be involved with this whole guardian thing.

Serena looked concerned as she waited besides James and Lydia. Echo is normally meek and let's everyone do whatever they wanted while following them. To see and hear her concerns along with Johnny made her want to trust their judgement. Her fingers twitched in wanting to play her violin and calm down her nerves. "...Maybe I should stay too...Just in case..."

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- ?? -​

The dark dragons were in an uproar. Renee and Chenglei's escape had sent them on the hunt, searching, and searching for their runaway prisoners. The barren wasteland was crawling with foes, most of them spreading out in the area they last saw them.

As far as the two were able to tell, the denizens of this dark land were afraid of the wrath of Valdanr if he found out that the prisoners have escaped. Black drakes flew up to patrol the skies while some of the wicked creatures riding giant bats flew off to warn the outposts of the territory of the escapees and to put them on high alert. "They must not get away or it'll be all our hides!" hissed one.

"Double the guards in the caverns, don't let anyone in or out!"

It seemed that there were certain places where they really didn't want the escapees to enter. One seemed to be the place where Valdanr's chambers were, another was an area where they were making weapons and harvesting ragnite. Amidst all the hulaballoo, the two could see that the creatures in the wasteland were preparing for war. There was much hammering and construction noises going on.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei and Renee hid inside of a tunnel pocket that they had to squeeze through in order to not get caught. The blonde swordsman even went so far as to grab a slab of the rocks around them to plug the entrance. Though the weird part is that it seems they can still hear everything happening outside thanks to the smaller tunnels; so small that only a mouse can fit in there.

Through those tiny tunnels, Renee can see the dark creatures making weapons and harvesting some sort of metal here. She heard it was called Ragnite...

"They are preparing for war." Chenglei whispered, leaning against the wall and sighed quietly his eyes closed. His hand is twitching and making grabbing motion before curling up into a fist. The Pendragon teen looked worried as she faced him again, noticing that tick of his.

"We have to warn everybody in Awashima."

"Yes, but how? We are stuck here with no weapons and if we leave here, we're goners."

Renee is at a loss, looking at the ground and automatically searching for her necklace with a hand only to whimper when she realized that Valdanr in Seifer's body took that. That dragon even took her brother's blue bookmark bracelet too-! Now she just wants to curl up into a ball and just stay close to Inner Seifer within her soul room because she just cannot take th-

"My soul room...That's it! We can go through my soul room." Renee whispered excitedly, her wings fluttering happily while Chenglei looked at her like she was crazy. "What are you taking about?" As she explains that Seifer and her are connected by a red string hence connected through their souls, the blonde soldier is pensive as he listened.

"So you want us to go into your soul, through Inner Seifer's door to his soul and...defeat the dragon within? Renee, no. That's just going to get us killed-"

"Chenglei, if we don't do something, we're going be dead anyways or worse; be used against our friends. That dragon, if he hasn't realize it sooner, will find out about that connection and if we don't strike first, he'll find us when he gets back!" Renee retorted quietly. "I know where Seifer is; to the south of here. If he's in Awashima, then it's better to take this chance now and use the connection as a surprise attack. That way, Seifer is free from his control like before and they will know what is happening here." When that didn't convince him, Renee added in.

"Kenren would be more prepared once we tell him about the weapons here. We can ask to send a group over to stop their preparations."

There was a pause, Chenglei looked like he didn't want to risk that chance but...Kenren...He ruffled his hair roughly as he tsk-ed in annoyance. "Fine. We'll go through with your plan."

So Renee and Chenglei huddled together to get comfortable as they prepared themselves to go in her soul room. Once inside, the blonde soldier looked around in marvel; watching the glowing glass spheres float under the cherry blossom trees that are decorated with art supplies and being reflected back by the mirror floor. He saw that the mirror is rippling like a water droplet has fallen into the water...

"Come on, this way." Renee tugged his shirt lightly and they followed the red string to Seifer which Chenglei froze before telling him that he will scold him later for making him worry so much. Then Renee told Seifer that she and Chenglei are going to fight Valdanr off so he can warn everyone about the preparations here and he can ask for the exorcism. "We have to try, Seifer." The Pendragon teen told him, determined to win this battle.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia was whole again in more ways than one. She was no longer sharing her soul with an unwelcome occupant, she could cast magic again, and her heart was whole again because of James. So while she was anxious, she still carried with her enough confidence to do what needed to be done if the occasion called for it. She ate moderately, not wanting to seem too awkward in the presence of Bahamut, especially when he so passionately spoke about his kin and his hopes for their future. She had also decided that while she could get away with stuffing her face in order to avoid conversation in any of the previous meals they had had attended prior to this one where she was likely to be asked many questions, she had decided that it was probably best to not avoid answering asked questions since this situation was much more serious than those had been.

When it was noted that Chenglei was not present, one of her well groomed black brows raised slightly. She hadn't really thought about his lack of presence, but after it was pointed out, she did find it curious and looked at Kenren with some evident scrutiny since it was usually difficult for her to hide her facial expressions. She wondered what Kenren could possibly have Chenglei doing on this side of the Storm Wall that could benefit his troops on the other side more than proving that he was a guardian destined to defeat Valdanr. She had been about to take a bit of her food, but paused and set her fork down, she also found Kenren's stance on the subject strange. He was so understanding and least of all was he impulsive when he didn't really need to be, his actions were always calculated and he didn't seem to act without really seeing something from all sides. She tilted her head to the side slightly, why would he have ventured all this way to this side of the Storm Wall to find a way to defeat Valdanr if he didn't have faith in the solution offered and just wanted to turn around and act like Valdanr was in the cage when they all knew he wasn't.

Her brow furrowed and she looked at James with an expression newly struck with concern. After that Lydia tried to finish her food quickly, she wasn't one to question a prince and so she didn't voice her concerns over his behavior, still wondering what had possessed him to send Chenglei out at such a time that his presence is basically required.

As they were getting ready to travel to the undisclosed location where their trial would take place and Johnny called attention to his sighting of white hair, Lydia's green eyes widened slightly as she gazed in the direction which he pointed. She wondered how they would have even found this place but she definitely didn't like the implications that either of them being there would hold because she had never fully trusted Seifer once he had been corrupted regardless of how Renee said she was helping him. It was like the thought she had always held onto, the dragon was conniving and would work beneath the surface to achieve his goals. He had been fooling Renee as she had believed he would and it all at once made her dreadfully sad and terribly angry.

Her gaze drifted towards Naga when she spoke before shifting to James when he suggested he stay at the palace. Her expression was as conflicted as she felt inside, a deep furrow in her brow as her eyes glistened, a set frown on her lips. She became vastly irritated as her thoughts roved over just how important it was to prove who or what they were. What mattered was that Valdanr was out there wreaking havoc and had corrupted two of their friends. She decided to trust Johnny's eyes, "I'm staying too," she said firmly and glared horribly at anyone that tried to protest the decisions of the possible guardians since to her it seemed like the current guardians were really looking for status through title and nothing more.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

Tariel and Naga did protest to their staying, they had been planning to put this matter to rest for a week. But with everyone deciding to stay they had no choice save forcing them to come and that wasn't really the best way to handle things, and so grudgingly, they decided to wait until the guards finished investigating whatever got their knickers into a twist.

"Kenren, your soldiers forgot their earplugs." said James without looking, he had that looking-forward-but-not-really-seeing-anything expression again whenever he was looking through the eyes of his summons. "Ymir, put your earplugs on." he said to no one in particular. Ymir wasn't here, his bees must be following her. He also called out the names of the rest of the soldiers. "They're not listening to me --- everyone get earplugs!" he said immediately.

"Everyone, get on Mizutsune. We need to get out of here." said Kenren, as she shape-shifted into her dragon form, just like the rest of her companions.

"What's going on?" said the guardians, not angry anymore but concerned.

"Is it him?" said Johnny. "I left my plugs in my room. My lord and lady," he immediately went to Izanagi and Isanami, " is there a place where we can get earplugs immediately? Right now?" he asked hastily.

"Perhaps in the city ---" they began to glance at the floating stone dragon city.

"Servants are setting the palace on fire." said James.

"What?" said Izanagi.

"The guards and Kenren's soldier's are wrecking havoc everywhere --- we need earplugs! It's Seifer!" Suddenly fireworks went off from one of the palace towers and many things happened at once. Mizutsune, her five companions, Tariel, Naga, and Bahamut's eyes glazed over as they watched the purple sparks; in the distance, about ten long dragons rose from where they were basking on the mountain ridges surrounding the rice paddy valley, and began soaring towards the palace.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

- Renee's Soul -​

"I know." said Seifer, clapping Chenglei on the shoulder, relieved to see him alright. He looked like he had been dreading the worst recently. He looked so guilty. "Renee, I can't feel Sirius," he cursed. "What if we fail? What if he hurts Sirius too?"

He was panicking, but in the end, went with them through the door.

The mansion was once again lively with a party. Guests were laughing, talking, and dancing. All of them with faces too blurry to make out. "Seifer, Renee, you're both alright!" cried Mrs. Rathmore's voice. She came running to fling her arms around them, looking relieved.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Renee looked worried for Sirius too but she's determined. "I can't feel him too. If he isn't with you and not with me...then...that dragon might have placed him somewhere else!" That's it. Valdanr has gone too far with this move of his. "We have to defeat him then. That way, he wouldn't hurt Sirius too."

So when they have gone inside of Seifer's soul and Mrs. Rathmore ran up to them, Renee strikes first with her bow and solar arrow. Watching it hit the Lady on her chest and the Pendragon winced. It wasn't like she likes the idea of hurting someone like Mrs. Rathmore but...no one else should be here. So that dragon is not fooling her.

Chenglei got ready with his sword that he didn't realize was in his hands until now.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Renee's Soul -
​

This was getting old. Using his mother to get him off guard. It worked for a moment, until Renee immediately shot an arrow straight into her chest. Mrs. Rathmore was in shock as she fell. The music stopped playing, the guests with blurry faces all stopped talking, and turned their heads to the three. Malice like a choking frost surrounded them and Seifer let his arrow fly on the nearest faceless guest he saw. It stuck there.

They laughed, Mrs. Rathmore laughed a hysteric high-pitched scream as a darkness came flooding down the hallway consuming everything.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei tried to cut a guest but it changed into mist and he went into defense as the guests changed into a dark smoke.

Renee shivered at the laugh, noticing how inhumane it sounded coming from the Rathmore mother. She concentrated hard, watching the tip of her arrow glow brighter and brighter as it grew into size. Like a ballistic shot, she let her arrow fly true to the darkness that's consuming the hallways and watched it disperse for a moment because of the light.

Zer0

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

It was all Lydia could do not to tear into the current guardians as they protested, instead choosing to ignore them because there were more important things at hand.

Lydia shook her head, mortified, as James pointed out that the soldiers didn't have their earplugs. She didn't even have time to react as it was evident from James declaration that they weren't listening accompanied by the fact that smoke began rising from the palace, that through Seifer, Valdanr had gained control.

Her worried gaze shifted to Kenren as he stated that they needed to get out of there and she shook her head, "no! We need to get earplugs!" she hurried over to one of the other dragons and asked if he would take them to the city, "Seifer was the last one with Renee... we have to find out where she is," Lydia didn't have the heart nor the mind to say, 'what happened to her,' she didn't believe that Valdanr would hurt her since she was in his control but Renee was so strong of heart and headstrong that she did have that mild worry.

She flinched and ducked down slightly as the fireworks went off in the palace tower, her gaze turning in that direction as purple sparks shot off into the air. In the distance she caught sight of the long dragons heading towards the palace and her head started to shake, slowly at first then briskly before she tried to motivate everyone into action again, "no... we don't need more trouble..." she looked to Mizustune's companions to try and get one of them to go and stop the other dragons on their approach so that they wouldn't hear Seifer and add to the chaos, but when she noticed their vacant expressions she grimaced slightly before trying to call the attention of the dragon she had asked for a ride to the city, "h-hey! Are you okay?"

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Echo got confused from the fireworks to the guardians not reacting to everything. It's making her head spin in a tizzy. Serena, on the other hand, tries to snap them out of it by poking them with her bow.

"Nothing's working...We should get some earplugs like right now!" Serena said to everyone who's still aware. The blonde conjured her violin in case they needed to shield themselves for an attack from someone out of the blue.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Renee's Soul -
​

The darkness recoiled from Renee's light. "What the . . ." said Valdanr's voice. The floor upturned and Seifer was sent off balance stumbling into wall that suddenly swallowed him.

"Renee!" he yelled. "grasping for he hand, as inky black mud oozed from the walls. The guests' faces warped, changing to that of their friends.

"Why, Chenglei. What have you done?" said Kenren. What was going on? Where was he. Why were there bodies of orientals, granny and Tsumiki on the ground? "I told you to strike them down! Look! He won! All my plans, all that we've worked for, all gone! I've lost the throne, Chenglei! I've lost the throne." he looked up at him with hatred. "I hate you. I never should've met you."

Katsuya

- Jade Palace -
" Awashima "​

All of a sudden, Mizutsune whipped her body, claw swiping for Johnny who was still looking at the fireworks.

SHING

Sparks flew as her claw came into contact with Isanami's sword. The three were sent flying into the air in a cloud dust with the force of the dragon smite, Johnny being hugged protectively by Izanagi; Bahamut too went flying.

Unbeknownst James a giant claw lunged to slam him and Lydia at the same time; while a giant jaw snapped Serena and Echo up; there was a puff of cloud and out came Sorbet, Johnny's ice golem.

Spoiler

Izanami, Isanami, Echo, Serena -1 Hp

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle