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

[Katsuya]

Once he heard the news, Chenglei took a deep breathe to hide his quick intake of air. His heart pounded hard as he ordered the men to wake everyone up, every healer including Renee who summoned Mica and told him to help them. He also ordered some of the servants in the palace to ready a room for Kenren to stay in for him to heal if there weren't any medical wards nearby.

The ferret, now wearing a bright red sweater for some odd reason, ran outside where he saw the giant green dragon land. No sooner did he climb up, Mica chatted a storm as he nuzzled, pouring his healing manna to fix up the Prince. At least to stop the bleeding and fix up his face and fix his bones and-...He needs to fix everything. Screw it. Then the other healers came by to assess the situation, helping the ferret when he needed it.

Renee stayed in her room pacing back and forth, occasionally looking at the door that's keeping her away from her friend but she doesn't want to risk it. Not at all. She has done quite enough to Kenren; she could at least stay away until he's feeling better. A lot better and when she's better too.

Oh how Chenglei almost cracked. As soon he saw Kenren's state, the blonde soldier's voice choked in his throat. "K-Ken'en?" Then he barked orders to the frozen servants who weren't used to seeing so much blood. "Hurry-! Grab more supplies-! You, go and-" He wanted to have everything prepared for Kenren's recovery. He needs the Prince to stay alive. He really needs him to stay alive...

He wants Kenren to stay alive...

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -​

Everyone who wasn't part of the medical team had been asked to wait outside while the healers attended to the prince. They said the healing will probably take six hours or more.

All the soldiers who were left waited anxiously, asking their comrades what had happened. It seemed Valdanr had arranged a black dragon to meet with them. This dragon held them prisoner in a place where it seemed Bertrand, whom they thought was dead or simply lost in the wilds, was held to. The three were drugged and weak from hunger and there had been no chance to get the prince out without risking his life in a battle. Then, earlier this day another evil dragon with a lady on his back arrived at their hiding place and they talked about not needing Kenren anymore. That was when the prince tried to attack the lady, but he failed and the dragon smote him down. They though the prince was dead then, the way the lady stomped on him and he was like a ragdoll. But as soon as the lady and the two dragons left, he breathed and started crawling.

"That's when we came out to help him." said Ymir, who cast her illusions to hide them as they worked quickly to stabilize the prince back then. "I'm just so, sooo glad we made it here. I'm glad you're alright, Lord Zhou. What happened? Where did you two go that night without telling us? How did the two of you get caught?"

Katsuya
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei listened in, not looking at any of the other soldiers as he stood there, eyes veiled over from his hair. His hand gripping his sheathed katana tightly, trembling as his other hand made a fist. When Ymir asked him how did this happen, the blonde gritted his teeth and started to explain calmly as he could. "We didn't notice Lady Storm Cleaver and her beau coming over here in Awashima. Prince Kenren and I were leaving the city to visit Lady Mizutsume and Lady Historia with a dragon companion to ask them of something when I heard Lady Storm Cleaver's screeching."

It sounded horrifying, Renee's screechy scream, almost blood-curling as she was calling for help. He hesitated to attack even when under Kenren's orders. He became too attached to his charges, the ones he failed to protect and watch over during this whole mission. Now because of his second-guessing and lack of discipline...

"I hesitated-!" Chenglei growled viciously, his shoulders shaking as he tries to keep his crumbling composure. "I should have attacked-! I should have listened to Prince Kenren's orders to attack but I didn't-! I couldn't attack one of my charges, not when I thought she was hurt with the way she was falling down-! I shouldn't have second guessed-" He took a deep breathe and released it as he looked away from his comrades. His tone went quiet and all of them can tell that he felt ashamed and...something else that they couldn't pinpoint.

"After Seifer, under Valdanr's control, captured us, he demanded for information. Everything we have been planning. Then he separated us. He took Prince Kenren away from Lady Storm Cleaver and I as he put us inside of mirrors." His shoulders slumped as his head bowed low. "I do not blame any of you if you hate me for my mistakes. I don't deserve respect from anyone since I let Prince Kenren down..." This is probably the most serious and saddening the soldiers have ever seen on this crazy eccentric and flirtatious man that always smiles.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -​

And there were soldiers who looked at Chenglei in great disappointment as though he had committed a grave dishonor, some in anger, some as though he had betrayed them. Some soldiers didn't speak, but just sat without looking at him. Many, just like Chenglei, followed Kenren because of their hope for a united Orients and a better life. To throw that away for one person was like throwing away all they had endured, all the lives they had lost, all the years fighting, planning making their way up to the prince becoming the heir to the Chrysanthemum throne, all for one person.

Most didn't speak to him after that, but Ymir placed a hand on his shoulder. "Chenglei, please decide which is more important. If it's not our country, then please tell us. We're counting on you and we don't want to be disappointed again."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Our country." Chenglei answered, not once did he look at the others. "Our country is important." He wants his sister and his grandmother to be safe and well. The blonde isn't blind from his dishonor. Worse, he let down his best friend, the one he grew up with and care a lot. To let Kenren down...all because of his sentiments towards a girl who reminded him of his sister...

"It will not happen again." He swore as he looked at Ymir and the other soldiers for the first time after explaining everything. His ash purple eyes steeled over. Chenglei bowed deeply at everyone present and waiting for Kenren's recovery. "As I have said before, I do not blame you for hating me. I failed at protecting our Prince. I am sorry for failing as his soldier and as your comrade. It will not happen again." His words are just that: words. Chenglei understood that he needs to prove to everyone that he will not repeat the same mistake twice. Ever. So he stayed like that, bowing to everyone to let them know that he is just disappointed in himself as everyone else.

He swore to himself that he will stop caring so much about his charges; they had become a liability to the Prince's life. His sentiments included.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Three Hours Later "​

Many just looked at Chenglei. The man wasn't known to bow before his subordinates. Some looked at him in thought for a while before clapping his shoulder and just carrying on with their duties, making themselves busy or waiting for the word from the healers; many wanted to see him prove himself, just like Ymir. She didn't look as disappointed after the apology, but broken trust was something that required time to heal.

Katsuya

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia's delicate, battle marked features were set with a mixture of emotions as the last dragon barring their way fell from the sky, but the most prominent expression on her face was that of determination as Amaterasu's troops drove forward towards Historia and now what Lydia recognized as Bertrand. Momentary surprise befell her visage since she had thought Bertrand to be dead, but the look was short lived as she watched the troops below divide, either staying or fleeing.

Her gaze shifted to the woman as she blew the black horn, briefly turning towards the dragon as it lifted her into the air. Her features had smoothed slightly, but only for a moment as she caught sight of Kenren's trinkets being worn like trophies and her face set in a snarl, that same rage filled expression that often fell over her features when she just wasn't having it. It didn't even occur to her what this woman carrying Kenren's things might mean, she was too angry that the woman had them at all.

There was no witty retort offered as Lydia noticed that the woman started casting. Her back straightened as she continued to glare at the woman before her will rose up inside of her to press onto the woman, ordering her to stop.

Zer0

Spoiler: Lydia's Stats

Lydia (1-9 Conjuration) ---> Evil Lady
2/3 Hp
Phys. Def. 5 || Mag. Def. 7

 

[Zer0]

- City of Numenor -​

At Lydia's command all foes were frozen stiff, the great wall of enemies falling from the sky. "Wh-what the?" cried the lady who fell with her black dragon companion. "What kind of power . . . you are only a human child."

With a roar the allies ripped apart their stunned foes.

Meanwhile, Echo, Serena and James had arrived at the scene of battle. There were clouds of dust everywhere and foes stumbling about blind. Charred, burned bodies, lay scattered in heaps all over the battlefield, and in the distance, there was Lydia standing on a dragon above her enemies who all seemed to be paralyzed.

James had been dreading the worst, but it seemed like Lydia is getting everything under control all by herself. "What a woman." he muttered in awe, totally floored. The dragon who carried them flew over and roared in greeting.

Amaterasu looked behind him and exclaimed that Echo, Serena, and James have arrived. Pond, Sparks, and a massive swarm of bees came out of a puff of cloud and began wrecking havoc, as James dropped down beside Amaterasu and Lydia, asking them what was their current battle situation.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Battle Statistics

James (1-8 Conjuration, re-roll once per battle)
Hp 3/3
Phys. Def 9 || Mag. Def. 9
*x2 Good Luck Charm || Consumable. Re-roll once per battle.

Amaterasu & Company (1-6)
3/3 Hp

* * * *​

Evil Lady
Hp 3/5
+2 success, attacks twice

Elite Blacks
Hp 2/0
+2 success

Elite Skullies
Hp 2/2
+2 success

Elite Lizardmen
Hp 2/1
*attack's twice

 

[Katsuya]

As soon Echo got on the ground did she release her destructive magic on the Elite black dragons. She stomped one hoof after another, water gushed out from the seaside and taking down some of the elite black dragons out of the sky. Then she moved forward to strike against the Lizardmen, one knee up as she kicked without hold back.

Serena jumped down with James, raising an eyebrow before letting her fireflies burn the Evil lady who's frozen at the moment. Since when did Lydia have that in her arsenal? The violinist played her 'schneestrum' spell, ready to cast it on the same target.

Spoiler: Stats

1st roll
Serena (conjuration 1-9) -------------->Evil Lady
Phy.def. 8 || mag.def. 8 *because of the robe
3/3hp

2nd roll
Echo (unarmed combat 1-7, two handed combat 1-6, destruction 1-7) -------------------->Elite Lizardmen
Phy.def 6 ||. Mag.def 8 *because of the robe
3/3hp

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia was all business. She didn't even smile at the surprise in the woman's voice as the wind whipped up around her and she stood amidst the rain of their falling enemies, her fists tightly balled at her sides and her brow still furrowed in determination. Her gaze only faltered from where it lay, piercing the woman she had just stunned when Amaterasu spoke. Her features softened and brightened as she turned to look behind her as well, her mage robes charred, her hair singed, and her face smudged, but otherwise alright. She only smiled to them for a moment before she turned back to front, not willing to give their enemies an inch.

"Historia and Bertrand are down below. They are going to use them to open the gate," she said calmly though her voice was loud enough to be heard over the fighting and cries of their fallen enemies. Reaffirming her footing she began to cast again, she had a tunnel vision on the woman that appeared to be leading the army, "she has Kenren's sword and hair ornaments," she said through clenched teeth, the statement seeming to reignite the rage she had felt previously upon noticing the items and without speaking a word, she held out her hands in front of her, launching three fireballs towards the woman in question.

Zer0 Katsuya

Spoiler: Lydia's Stats

Lydia (1-9 Conjuration) ---> Evil Lady
2/3 Hp
Phys. Def. 5 || Mag. Def. 7

 

[Zer0]

- City of Numenor -​

The pain from the flames seemed to snap the evil woman from the paralysis, and is a surge of dying desperation, swirled out Lydia's burning fire and threw it back at her.

BOOM

A deafening explosion on the dragon's head sent Lydia, James, and Amaterasu flying out of the skies, their clothes on fire. James didn't know which was up or down as he spun wildly through the air and crashed into something, dazed.. He now understood why the foes fled from Lydia --- this really hurts!

"FIGHT BACK!" yelled the evil lady, "DEATHBANE AND AMATERASU HAVE FALLEN!" this rallied the enemy troops and one by one came out of their stunned states and renewed their attacks with vigor.

But enemies were being kicked off everywhere like popping popcorn as skullies swung at Echo with frost hammers, or charged at her with spears; after Serena finished the evil lady off, the enemies didn't run like usual, but instead seemed to be ready to fight to the death. Amaterasu's army were being pushed back and in an ominous cheer the heroes could see that Lydia's dust clouds were disappearing. The enemy could see again, and in a horrifying effort, broke through the last defense to the Nameless One's servant's gates.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Battle Statistics

James (1-8 Conjuration, re-roll once per battle)
Hp 3/3
Phys. Def 9 || Mag. Def. 9
*x2 Good Luck Charm || Consumable. Re-roll once per battle.

* * * *

Elite Skullies
Hp 2/1
+2 success

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

She hadn't even thought of the possibility of the woman catching her fire and throwing it back at her, so when it happened she was struck unaware, her eyes closing as she flew from the back of the long dragon, unconscious and unable to stop her fall this time.

Zer0 Katsuya

Spoiler: Lydia's Stats

Lydia (1-9 Conjuration)
0/3 Hp
Phys. Def. 5 || Mag. Def. 7

 

[Katsuya]

The fawn made the lizardmen fly with each punch and kick she delivered, tossing a few across like a bowling ball to bowling pins as they crashed into their comrades of evil. Echo's ears twitched towards a woman's voice screaming about Lydia's defeat, her acidic green eyes peeked over to where Lydia should be standing. Where she should be fighting back, but she was in Serena's arms. The violinist must have caught her in time as they heard an ominous cheer from the enemies. Why? She didn't know as she continued to fight the baddies off, defending herself from the spears and frost hammers, creating walls of dirt to not get hit by them. Then she could finally turn around fully to see what's happening, her eyes wide from what she seeing when the dust cleared.

Serena yelped as she caught Lydia and putting her down on the ground, looking up to see the dust clearing up and the enemies breaching though the last gates. The blonde cursed and played her 'Wasser Geige' to wash the enemies away.

Spoiler: stats

1st roll
Serena (conjuration 1-9) -------------->Lizardmen
Phy.def. 8 || mag.def. 8 *because of the robe
3/3hp

2nd roll
Echo (unarmed combat 1-7, two handed combat 1-6, destruction 1-7) -------------------->Lizardmen
Phy.def 6 ||. Mag.def 8 *because of the robe
3/3hp

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Gate of Gevurah the Vile -​

A flood of water surged through the battle field and rushed through the streets, carrying off foes and allies alike. James sloshed out from where he had crashed, Pond wading through the flood and picked him up. Sparks was on her shoulder looking pleased with himself.

"Good job." said James to the lighting Salamander, who gave him a friendly shock before poofing out in a puff of cloud. Then he heard it, the enemy's triumphant cry as they broke through the last defenses. "Echo! Serena, stop them!" he pointed.

He looked at Lydia's burns and by that moment already wasted time telling Pond to quickly go to her so that he could heal her wounds. Lydia was probably going to be fuming mad at him when she wakes up and finds out he didn't help stop the opening of Gevurah's gate, or she's going to be disappointed and blame herself, but her safe was more important than all of that, as crazy as it sounds. Now he knew how Renee felt.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Serena winced when she saw her allies being washed down the streets, screaming at them. "Sorry!" Then she bonked a skully because it looked like he was accepting her apology. "Not you-!" Echo had to jump on the surround area as the water surged through and she blinked. Then she whistled as her ears perked to where she heard James' voice is coming from. So the two girls quickly went to where the last defenses are, ready to stop them from moving any further.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Gate of Gevurah the Vile -​

Through the fighting warriors, Echo and Serena could see Historia and Bertrand surrounded in an arcane shield and protected by skully warlocks. What looked like Greed's philosopher's stone was floating high and speaking in the voice of Valdanr as black smoke wafted from it to the Historian, whose eyes were rolled back as she chanted an incantation in an unknown language that was slowly opening the gate.

Frost swirled, and suddenly, a blood red hand stretched out from the gate, struggling to push it open. It was a black abyss inside an from that darkness came an eyeless face. The neck of the blue giant was wrapped in slashes and its blood seemed to ooze and steam from the wounds.

A great giant sword had been pierced through its chest, and as it took its first step forward, it looked down upon the battlefield and smiled, smiled impossibly wide that its face tore and drew a deep rattling breath. Warriors, allies alike jerked, falling uncontrollably from the ground as their blood began to leak out as red vapor from their eyes, mouth, ears, and nose, and into Gevurah's giant's mouth. The giant grabbed on to the surrounding mountain and began heaving itself out of the abyss as though it was something sticky that pulled and pulled on it.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Serena!"

"Got it!" The violinist immediately played her violin, the ground below them becoming bouncy. Echo started to bouncy on it as she took out her hammer, making grow and grow until it was big enough to be a giant's hammer and dropped it on the bouncy floor as she landed; giving her a great boost to jump towards the pale and bloodied figure. Like a missile shooting through the air, Echo landed on the it's chest with a mighty kick, making it lose the grip on the mountain and pushing it back in, making it shut up in the process. When she realized her attack only loosened it's grip, the fawn spun in mid-air and kicked it again with all her strength. The enemies were caught off guard when they suddenly see a red-headed figure kicking and punching Gevuran back in the gates.

The skully wizards who were distracted by the scary display of strength didn't notice Serena sneaking up on them until they heard her war cry and a hard 'PANG!' from their shields. The violinist had follow Echo's example to jumping in and she landed near the skullys, using her violin and bow to whack and whip the shield hard. Each hit becoming more and more stronger, fueled by her anger towards these monsters have reached and went beyond her limit. Her glare stopped any of the enemies that wanted to go near her as they spotted something strange from this blonde.

Her azure blue eyes are bright and wide with her brows furrowed down, her pupils changed into slits as her aura gave off that of a dragon's. A dragon's? But this is a normal human mortal. How can she give off that aura?!

With one last hit, Serena broke through, the shield shattering like glass as she continued on to attack the wizards. She played her screechy song, glowing white musical notes floated around before striking them; the ones who had their ears bleeding from before suffered from hearing that ear-piercing sound! Then her frostflies froze all of them in place, including that red crystal above and she caught it in her hand before grabbing Historia's; pulling her away from this battlefield.

Echo landed on the ground, stomping it hard . She makes her horse stance, arms up as the ground below molded up into a spike, thrusting under Gevuran's chin and through it's mouth when it tried to strike back. Without any hesitation, the fawn made the spike split in half. When it was still inside of Gevuran's mouth. Then she pushed it back with the spike, whatever that was pulling the pale monster sucked it back in and the gates closed shut-!

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Victory! -
" Two Days Later, Awashima "​

'I'm helping them.' thought James, and stood up from where he had been diligently attending to Lydia's wounds. 'Ah, no, they got it.' he sat back down, awed.

Reinforcements came at last, but they too were astounded to see that the battle had already been won, enemies fleeing in all direction from Echo and Serena. James had never seen so many dragons all in one place, and of different kinds and from different cultures. The allies chased the fleeing foes as far as the sea that day, littering the land in corpses. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that the travelers that came through the other side of the Storm Wall, were indeed the guardians foretold.

It was now the morning of the second day since the victory, and there had been no end to the feasting and celebrations. Renee had been free of Valdanr's influence, and the healers had told Chenglei and his men that the prince will survive. Apart from Seifer's clockwork heart which would be finished in two days time (to the teary delight of the archer), the smiths of the floating stone dragon city were working to craft an eye, ear, six ribs, and two arms for Kenren. The prince has been sleeping in his room for the past two days, he was in a coma, but the healers said he could hear everything around him and Johnny had been visiting often to talk about cheerful things, as well as the soldiers who took to decorating his bedside, celebrating the feasts in his room and guarding him without fail night and day, as well as Lydia when she too was still resting.

James slept in her room, and though she may not know it, caressed her so many times and fell asleep on her bedside table. This morning he was there again too, with his head buried in his arms. Yesterday he came to check on her many times to see if she needed anything or wanted a change of scenery, and to open the windows if it was too hot, or close them if it was too cold. He had mended her clothes and a palace servant had washed them. Johnny often came to visit too and took to decorating Lydia's bedside all cheerfully, he secretly bugged James to get some flowers and now there was a vase with white orchids by her bedside.

Through Renee, Bahamut was found to be innocent after all. He was telling the truth when he said he had no idea, as he had been negligent of the Ragnite mines lately, being preoccupied with the feuding and the appearance of the guardians and how he could take the black dragons out of banishment. It was too late though, from the battle yesterday, there seemed to be no redemption for the rest of his kin apart from his followers.

The ex-guardians, and masters of the feuding clans came together during a council meeting and agreed after the heroes told them of the war with Valdanr on the other side of the Storm Wall, that they will fight against him, there was now just the problem of how to get through the Storm Wall without dying, and this Hisaya told them when he finally remembered what happened that day he was heading for home.

The armies will be ready in three weeks. The heroes could go home through the Storm Wall earlier, but they can be sure that the army will meet them in Dalaran.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Two days later, Renee was walking in the dark hallways in night, her only light source are her gems and the crystals in the palace glowing. In her arms are a bunch of flowers she bought in the city, picking out the ones she thought represented her friends' all too well. Memories of the past two days flowed through her mind.

It was a roller coaster of emotions for the medi-witch in training. Her brother coming back with a very burnt Lydia scared the living daylights out of her. Renee asked for Mica to heal her burn as much as he could while she made a lot of herb pastes for anyone that needed them with the other healers in the palace. When Lydia woke up that night, the Pendragon sister resisted on hugging the small witch because she still needed to heal and didn't want to agitate her wounds. Renee did apologize to Lydia, showing her regret with tone and gratefulness when she mentioned about looking out for her older brother when she wasn't there. Then she left the couple and everyone else who was in the room alone as she needed to bring light food for Lydia to eat in case she was hungry. It's a small ploy of hers, to let James stay in the room so he can relish on Lydia's well being and to pass him the tray filled with food so he can be the one to look after her; not her friends or her. Just him.

Hearing about Kenren's life-threatening injuries and how the men are reacting towards Chenglei broke her heart. It wasn't his fault, it was hers too, but she couldn't change their views. It's a delicate situation, one that even she could not just bulldozer over. So whenever she passed by Kenren's room with Johnny, Renee would help decorate his room with more flowers, intertwining them with the others in patterns and color coordination; muttering random things like on how she misses him being busy and that he shouldn't be so still. She apologized so many times to the comatose prince. Each time with tears ready to fall but she blinked them back, saying she's too old to cry right now. She would come back in night as well...where a certain blonde oriental is watching over him.

Having Valdanr out of her was a relief and as always, she visited Seifer's cell everyday with Sirius, tentative as he is. She didn't want Seifer to panic and told him about what has happened. When the heart smith came by and checked on Seifer, Renee gave her the Skarn stone, knowing it'll be something much more important then just her stress-reliever. News about Seifer's new heart along with Kenren's new body parts being made was such a relief that Renee couldn't help but kiss Seifer in front of everyone that was there. Her wings fluttering as she got teary-eyed.

Then there was Bahamut's innocence. She knew there was a reason why she likes that dragon despite her being a little bias as she helped with finding out the truth on his case. Though she couldn't say much to help the rest of his kin who weren't his followers. So she didn't say anything on the matter. She did however spend some time with Bahamut, asking him questions that would be normal...if it was parent talking to a teacher about their child's education. Renee wanted to know more about Sirius' type and how she can help with his education on dragon things. She wanted to know more, planned and be ready for something she believed would be the best for Sirius and his future.

So now when it's all quiet with an occasional mumbling of a drunk or two, with Serena's violin playing lightly in the air, Renee visited Kenren again. There, at the door, is Chenglei. Standing tall and stiff, his eyes steeled over even when she smiled at him. He changed. Ever since she could go near the Prince again, Chenglei has stayed quiet and never left his side. He would even ask the other soldiers who were a little nicer to him to please inform him about any sort of change. Any, the good, the bad, the ugly. Everything. It was like he didn't want to be caught off guard again.

"Good evening Chenglei."

"Good evening, My lady." Renee sighed at his tone before asking him to let her in which he did, closing the door behind him as he stood in the room with Renee. Watching her put chrysanthemum flowers nearby with the other flowers that never to seem stop growing and being replaced by new ones. Then she left after a little prayer to Kenren and his health, leaving Chenglei alone for the night.

Next day, Renee got ready for the meeting with the leaders and she was nervous.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Following Days Later -​

For the rest of the week, Kenren's tantrums would burst out at random times, mostly when he was hungry. He was outraged at Renee, the cause of all this, having the gall to lecture him and tell him what to do. She had no right, and he yelled this all out every other day. The soldiers took to guarding him. They learned about the chewing out Chenglei received, and seeing how depressed he was made them less cold towards him.

They were still cold towards Renee, speaking only to her when necessary, and giving nothing but crisp curt answers then. Johnny came and stayed with Chenglei if he let him, just being there and giving the occasional pat, a kind word, or encouraging him to eat.

Valdanr reared his ugly head again when the smith came back to test a prototype on Seifer. The evil dragon was more furious than the prince, that he had failed his plans and was now bent on taking Seifer down with him at least, giving him nightmares and making him eat spiders in his cell so that he'd get sick. But it was not to be, Lydia finished the sealing cuffs and they had a really hard time putting it on him when Valdanr saw the rune engraved on it, but put it on they did. The heart smith didn't like Valdanr one bit and wasn't frightened off from her work. Finally the second day came, and it was such a difficult hassle, with Valdanr out in full force destroying as much as he can of his soul and memories.

They had lost Seifer multiple times in the operating table but Renee's healing brought him back. The healers worked their darnest to complete the operation, and with a howl of rage that killed a healer and injured everybody in the room, the philosopher's stone was taken out and replaced with the clockwork heart.

The red crystal raged and raged in James', Lydia's and Renee's combined arcane barriers, shadow tendrils crackling the shields. Seifer's soul was still in there. Renee and Chenglei had to go back in and subdue Valdanr while the others performed the Soul Recall spell and after eighteen straight hours of fighting, pulled it out and placed it back in the archer's body. They watched to see if his soul would reject the clockwork skarn heart or have a hard time reintegrating back to his body after going on for so long without it being entirely his, but he did. And rested for days in a room, now totally Valdanr free.

It was the most un-Seifer-ish thing in the world, but he hugged everyone, crying, and thanked them profoundly, giving them all a kiss on the cheek, yes the guys too, who all blanched from him. And said sorry a lot for how he treated them in the past and that if they ever need a haircut they can come to him any time. He was happy they never gave up on him and wailed about this being the first time he's had friends like them.

Kenren's new prosthetics came a few days later and he spent the next week learning how to reach out and grab objects without missing, and pick up peas without losing them. It was frustrating for him. He still had some problems remembering words and names, and always asked people to talk to him slowly because he was still slow in the head and could not seem to do two things at the same time.

He had not spoken to Chenglei nor Renee, nor Seifer since, but had calmed down considerably as his concussion started to heal more and more.

Johnny kept up the cheer, visiting the patients, pointing out nice things that happened during the day, and cracking jokes. He seemed to have formed a team with Serena and called them the 'Cheeriup Squad' and included theatre tricks to her musical performances. It seemed the prince was the one who was usually in a bad mood, but Serena's music always calmed him down better than most things and often asked her to play for him if ever he had trouble sleeping.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

For the remained of the day after the battle and all up into the evening, Lydia had no dreams, just darkness. When she finally woke, it was like she hadn't been asleep at all, it felt like only an instant and so she had been really bothered by the fact that she had lost so much time. Waking up with her friends there, and learning that everyone was okay and that they had won did wonders to calm her frazzled nerves. In particular James presence made her feel quite blissful despite her external appearance.

Initially she hadn't really thought about how close she actually came to dying and how she wouldn't have been able to even prevent it, and when she did realize it, it was actually quite shocking for her and she wasn't quite sure how to deal with it outside of crying on James shoulder which she did for quite some time. Once she had calmed, she started asking to see everyone; she wanted to hear from Echo and Serena the details of their battle with Gevurah, ask Johnny about any progress with the sealing cuffs, and to see if anyone had gotten Kenren's things back and if they had found him as well since he was the only one unaccounted for, and really just a general update on everything that had happened while she was unconscious. She swallowed hard when she asked about the last person because she still wasn't willing to think that he was dead and when she learned that he wasn't but was horribly maimed, she wished out loud that she had been able to stay conscious long enough to rough that evil woman up again, whom she also asked about concerning who she was.

That same night, once she learned of the state of the cuffs, she requested a new set of cuffs that she could start working on and asked for extra healing on just her hands at least so that she could efficiently work on the cuffs and have them ready by the following morning. More quietly she also asked Renee if she could put a focus on her scalp so that she could get her hair fixed, but for the time being she had wrapped a silken black scarf around her head and tied it at the front with a bow so that all of her hair was enclosed in the scarf.

Early the following morning, after a mostly sleepless night because she had been so intent on finishing Seifer's sealing cuffs, Lydia finally rested again. Of course her time table had been messed up from having slept nearly the whole previous day so she hadn't actually gotten tired till early that morning, but later that morning when she woke again, she checked the cuffs over to make sure all the marks were perfect, most importantly the one for sealing Valdanr, and once she was confident they were ready, she gave them to James. She didn't think it would be a good idea for her to try and put them on him, not in the state she was in, but she did busy herself by going to visit Prince Kenren, regardless of whether or not he was awake. His sad state made her feel awful that they hadn't realized sooner he had been touched by Valdanr, but the momentary sympathy that fell over her features slipped away shortly after. The prince didn't seem like the type of person that appreciated pity, and so she wouldn't pity him. Instead she just told him that his belongings had been taken from the woman that had undoubtedly been the one to harm him so badly once she had been defeated and then she left a perfectly rounded stone in a soft gray shade that was carved with familiar runes that she used herself. One was Uruz which represented strength for her, but also represented health, and the other was Algiz for protection.

Learning about the state of things with Kenren's soldiers and Chenglei, Lydia didn't really know what to think. She understood why they were angry, why Chenglei should have done what he was trained to do and follow the Prince's orders, and how mangled Kenren now could have been avoided if he had done so. At the same time she was glad that he hadn't because chances are that if he hadn't dealt killing blows on both Renee and Seifer, they would have been taken over by Valdanr anyway and the same results would have occurred. If he had killed both of them, well Lydia didn't even want to think about that.

While the others saw to fitting the cuffs on Seifer, Lydia finally prepared herself to look in the mirror, deciding that while she waited, it would be a good time to get cleaned up. It wasn't good to get burns wet because it would interrupt the healing process so she did the best she could while avoiding getting her arms, stomach, and legs wet. Her hair was quite ruined, but her scalp, while it had minor burns, wasn't enough to worry too much about, though a bit more of her hair fell out because it had basically just been hanging on to slight scabs and she grimaced at the thought that James had been so affectionate to her when she was in such a state, but at the same time the memory made her feel warm and she was glad to see him when he returned to help her with applying the hair growth cream. When all of her bald spots were covered and her hair was all one length, including the front, with a flush on her cheek, she timidly asked James how he would prefer her hair to look and whatever he decided, she went with, otherwise she just decided to leave it all the one length, though she did ask Renee for a trim when she next saw her just to tidy it up.

Even if James didn't offer or ask to stay in her room with her, she asked him to and while she appreciated that the soldiers wanted to guard her room, she didn't feel like she needed them there with James around, though she happily welcomed them to celebrate the victory over the dark army and liked hearing their side of things more than she liked saying anything about her part in the battle. She loved how doting James was and teased him playfully, asking if this was because of how she had taken care of him that time he was sick, but for the most part she just tried to get him to sit with her and read, summoning Sasha to spend time with them since they were just able to relax for the first time in a while. She enjoyed Johnny's presence whenever he came to visit and slowly but surely her mental state was healing from the shock she had received at the idea she had almost died, but she wasn't keen on showing it or talking about it after the initial time with James and whenever she started to fret over it, she would just hug him close and breathe in his scent. She was also very appreciative of the flowers just because they were really pretty and she had never gotten flowers before.

Throughout the week, Lydia just focused on healing, just trying to rest and not over do it with her activities. It wasn't difficult because she enjoyed reading and having a new source to go to for books, she apologized to Historia for entering her home without her permission, but that it had been important and she wasn't around to ask. She talked to Historia as often as she could and asked to borrow books of hers, really anything from her massive collection was fine with Lydia and she looked at each new book like it was the best one she had ever read.

She visited Kenren on occasion during his recovery, he had been there to help her when she was being healed by the Sea King and even if it may have been more out of gain for him, it still meant something to her. She offered to teach him Cat's Cradle, which may be a simple children's game, but it would help with his hand eye coordination and thereby help him better learn to use his new prosthetics. If he agreed to let her teach him, she did and would just remain silent for the most part and watch him, though if he became too frustrated, she would sing him a soothing song to try and calm him down. She always treated him with a general respect and wouldn't show pity but offered plenty of encouragement. She was cautious with how she acted around him because of his bursts of anger, but Cat's Cradle was also a good point of focus so she hoped it would keep his mind off of anything that would upset him.

Lydia did her best to heal quickly because she wanted to be present for Seifer's surgery. This was a moment that they had all been planning for and dreading at the same time ever since he had first gotten the red crystal heart. She had donned her mage robes for the first time since the battle and was very grateful to James for mending them and having them washed. They had been a gift from the Elves and she was afraid she had lost them to her own flames. She stood by with James and Renee as they watched over the procedure, prepared to do whatever she could to help. Though it seemed that it wasn't possible to completely avoid Valdanr's wrath at being removed since one of the healer's died and his protest made Lydia angry just because he had no right to be so fierce. Seifer's body wasn't his and as odd as it was, she couldn't help but laugh when he was lashing away at the barriers that she, Renee, and James had placed around him.

After their extensive battle and the long and anxiety inducing period of time between when they finally managed to place his soul back in his body and when he eventually woke up, Lydia wrung her hands continuously despite any injury she may have gained even after having just healed up mostly. They had worked so hard for this and it had happened and all she could do was hope that he was okay. Seifer's gratitude towards all of them warmed her heart. It wasn't obvious, but through little things it was pretty evident that he wasn't as horrible as he liked to make them all think, she had learned that upon his reaction when she had run away from him the night that he told her she had a cute butt. His emotional declarations were beautiful and Lydia's face tilted downwards as she drew her handkerchief from her pocket and began dabbing her eyes as they teared up. Seifer was whole again. They were all one group again with nothing standing between them.

Now all that was left was for them to reunite with the other Pendragons, Minnie, and save the world.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

When the heart smith came by and helped with Seifer's heart surgery (because let's be honest; it's a heart surgery), Renee did her best on her part, always healing Seifer when he was lost. Bringing him back as she didn't want all their efforts wasted. When they finally got the red stone out of Seifer and in James, Lydia, and her own arcane shields, Renee blankly stared at the red stone. Not revealing on how she felt about him. Instead she concentrated more on fighting him back with Chenglei who was nice enough to help since he wanted to help his student; while James used 'Soul Recall' to get Seifer's soul out. So many hours passed, a healer died, and everyone in the room got injured as Valdanr's last chance of dragging someone down with him failed. Renee was so happy to have Seifer back to normal; their efforts shown in fruition and she summoned Mica to heal the healers and everyone else there who was helping as Seifer thanked them. She giggled at their faces, especially her brother as he wasn't used to a guy kissing his cheek.

Whenever she saw Lydia and James, Renee would have this warm and grateful smile and just hug them randomly; wings fluttering as she told them thank you, each and every time. Finally. Finally everyone can be together and relaxed again, nothing to hold them back.

Renee helped with Lydia's hair, using the hair cream once she determined that her scalp won't get infected anymore. She even used Seifer's sacred hair-styling guide to get a better idea of what Lydia wanted, just like she did it with James' hair. The Pendragon teen ignored all of the soldiers and Kenren's angry screams as she hid herself in the library studying about something or was with Seifer and Sirius, making sure the two was bonding again without Sirius feeling afraid towards his 'Papa'. Goodness she blushed whenever she thought of it. Of how it sounded. When celebrations and festivities were happening, Renee didn't want to go until Seifer mentioned about wanting to dance together and she left with him. Just enjoying the normalcy of dancing helped her a lot. Even so far as to use 'Aqua Curare' to use as a veil and dance around with it, not bothering anyone else as she just wanted to enjoy the moment.

"James, you said you wanted to talk with me about something. What is it?" Renee asked one day in the library, notes scattered around her as she continued to write.

In the meanwhile, Echo closed the door behind her, smiling at the soldier who's guarding Kenren this time as she walked away. She was confused as to why Renee didn't want to pass her notes on caring the prosthetic limbs. Normally she would try to make it up to anyone who she wronged but...for some odd reason, she didn't do it for Kenren. The fawn didn't know what happen between the trio involved but she wouldn't ask. It wasn't her business and she had a feeling that she would make it worse if she said anything. She was happy that everything happened ended in a good way. At least on their end.

The red headed wanted to help out with the joking department but told Serena that maybe she should sit out since she only had weird dad jokes. The violinist just shrugged her shoulders and left with Johnny to help entertain the patients. However when Kenren asked for Serena to play for him, she nodded slowly. A bit weary. Her temper wouldn't be good if he said or started anything with her and luckily nothing happened as she played her songs for the Prince to sleep.

Now everyone can relax, figuring out on how to leave the Storm wall safely and defeat Valdanr. Somehow.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -
" Celebrations "​

According to Amaterasu, the evil lady who did Kenren in, was Magvileen, a criminal, and notorious enemy of Bahamut and his followers. She and her dragon companion, Mardur, nursed a hatred for the guardians and their ancestors for banishing their kind. Life in the Barrens is hard, and Valdanr's reappearance ignited their hatred, believing vengeance and a chance at a better life had come.

James let Lydia cry and just held her until she felt better every time she fretted about her near-death experience. With his and Johnny's job on the sealing cuffs done, they stayed in her room and just helped her with fetching things, getting her dinner, keeping drunken revelers celebrating the victory away from their area, and making sure she wasn't disturbed as she worked. Johnny eventually said his goodnights to the two, and left to snuggle with Echo whom he was relieved was okay and found it really mind-blowing what she and Serena did, kicking the Nameless One's Servant back into the gate.

He visited Renee often --- or rather it was Sirius he came for. He had taken quite a liking to the 'big fluffy muff' and announced to Echo that he wants to have giant fluffy babies other than little sheep Renee's in the future. Sirius found Johnny too clingy as he kept snuggling and rubbing into his fur and would try to run away whenever he shifted into his dragon form to hug him until his eyes popped out. He wanted to help Renee take care of him too, and watched over him when she was with Seifer.

Kenren was uncharacteristically aggressively happy Lydia defeated Magvileen, but softened when she cared about his things and was moved she gave him that stone. "Thank you. Good work out there, Lydia, and for everything you've done the past months you've been a part of our group." he nodded at her. It was the first time one of the kids gave him something and every time he looked at it, he wouldn't be so angry whenever he had his tantrums.

A nice relaxing time unwinding with Lydia was welcome, and James stayed with her, chuckling, saying yes and because he just wants to take care of her. Sasha flew around, showing them the odd colorful lizards and mice she hunted. She'd nest on Lydia's shoulder, under her hair that James asked to be styled like the morning after their first kiss. Let down and combed to a sheen.

It was very satisfying for Seifer to see his and Greed's philosopher's stone destroyed by his friends. Yes, his friends. He had never felt lighter in ages and boogied with Renee once he was good enough to jive. He touched the pulsing skarn clockwork heart and would often burst into tears for no reason. He was just so unbelievably happy he was cured. He thought he was going to die in the end of all this, but he didn't and now he's freeeeeeee!

* * * *​

It was now the second week since the victorious battle. The celebrations that lasted all week now ended, and everyone was now preparing for the battle against Valdanr.

James though, was taking time to enjoy this side of the Storm Wall and had completely forgotten about his talk with Renee until she brought it up when he bumped into her in the library.

"Hi, sis, you're here again?" he hugged her. He had learned about what happened between her, Chenglei, and Kenren, and was being more comforting to her lately, ruffling her hair and being friendly to Seifer who was being chummy too.

James took a seat beside Renee. "Yes, I wanted to talk to you about Sirius. I heard from Mizutsune that he doesn't want to live with the black dragons. He wants to go with you. What are yours and Seifer's plans?"

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

"Yea, I'm here again. Just can't stop working." Is it weird that she's becoming a busy body?

Renee stopped scribbling her notes to hug James, taking in his comfort as she really needed it. Then she let go once he sat next to her, blinking at the question he is purposing. "Well I haven't discussed it with Seifer or Sirius yet but my plan has something to do with this rune."

She searched in her notes, making loud rustling sounds and mumbling where she left it and why did she make so many notes until she found it; the rune would look very familiar to James as they have seen their father use this rune before to make portals. "I was thinking since Sirius is a dragon and he needs to learn dragon things too, it's part of who he is, he can learn them from Mizutsume and Bahamut and can through a door visiting them." She sighed and rubbed the back of her head.

"He'll still come with me and Seifer to live with us," Renee blushed and coughed in a fist. "I-if we do decide to get a home together and what not....um-but yea, I'm planning to make a portal in our homes so he can visit them and then he can learn from our side of the Storm wall..." She looked at her brother, curious of what he thought. "...What do you think? Too much? I just want what's best for Sirius and not lose anything he can get his paws on..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Jade Palace -​

"No, it's good you're thinking about the dragon. Renee, with Seifer being alright, I'm starting to believe you can do anything. You were right, everything with him turned out alright. I had a feeling you'd bring Sirius with us, and I had objections about it since the people on the other side of the Storm Wall are anti-black dragon at the moment, but if you can do it, then, I have no complaints. You want help in anything?" James ruffled her hair, smiling.

Katsuya