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

[Katsuya]

Minnie blinked. "Only siblings and married people sleep on the same bed?" Why didn't her uncle tell her about this? It sounds important...if it makes Sen so red. She flailed a bit when Sen pushed her back down and closed one of her eyes when he poked her. She pouted a bit before nodding.

As she watched him stop and listened to what he said, Minnie sat up again with eyes narrowed. There was a rebellious glint in her teal blue eyes. "You just said that you'll bring in a mattress back in here. No, I'm going to help find one." Then she thought for a moment, standing up again to help look for one.

"Wait...is this about the bed thing? Is it really that awkward for friends to sleep together on a bed?" Minnie questioned, confused. "Tell me why? It's just a bed..." There was an innocence to her when she asked that, like a curious child who had no idea what anything is and just wants to know the name and what does it do. "My uncle didn't explain it to me so..."

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sen Pendragon -
" Tortuga "​

" Yes it is! . . . Apart from me, Seth and Ricket, haven't you had any guy friends?" said Sen, avoiding the question. This situation of explaining the birds and the bees to a girl had never crossed his mind and, well, he didn't know how to do it. What's more, he didn't think he should be the one explaining this because he's a guy.

Katsuya
OOC | Characters | Moments in Time
​

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie blinked again, pondering for a moment. "...Does my uncle's costumers and gun companions count?" She asked as she rocked on the heels of her foot in place.

Then she looked guilty and sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't know...I'll just go back to bed then. You don't need to watch over me..." She walked back to her bed and settled, bringing her covers over her head as she felt like an idiot for not understanding or knowing about...whatever it is that he's uncomfortable with.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Sen Pendragon -
" Tortuga "​

"No, they don't count. Unless you . . . share beds with them?" Sen ventured to question, shrugging. He scratched his nose again. "Minnie, it's alright, maybe you can ask Minuette about why . . . sharing a bed feels awkward for me. The times we slept near each other in the desert when it's cold, or when we couldn't have a fire, or when we were in that dingy, those are okay --- you know, if we don't have a choice, or if you get hypothermia --- but resting like this, and especially if I have my own room, or if there's a floor, it's not okay. Erm . . ." he scratched his nose, thinking hard.

When Minnie went under the covers, she could feel a hand patting her head gingerly, and then Sen's footsteps went away. "So, yeah. It's alright, just ask Minuette about it." with that he left and the door closed shut.

There was the sound of a door opening nearby, punctuated by the "nuuur" of two llamas.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie shook her head at his first question. No, she didn't share beds with them.

The little gunner peeked out from her covers when he left to his room. Her cheeks were red as she touched her head where Sen patted on with her metal hand. Then she sighed and snuggled into the pillow, mumbling that maybe she should look for Minuette or wait...

Maybe she should wait. Minnie giggled when she heard the llamas making noises and felt bad the Sen had to sleep in there with the animals. 'At least he'll be warm...' She thought, rolling over to the side.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Goodbye Ricket! -
" Tortuga "​

The cawing of seagulls blended with the foamy clash of waves upon the high banks of Tortuga. The salty breeze promised a good wind for sailing, and the twins smiled, digging the cool air as they watched over the preparations on the deck of their zeppelin for their flight to Dalaran.

"Where do we put all this scrap metal?!" hollered one new guild member who was carrying piles of iron and steel with some others.

"Engine room! Got em' labeled?" said Sen.

"Aye! G.B.S.G is what's written here!" said the man. The twins had the captured enemy zeppelin made over. From evil and sinister looking, it was now something more Cool Beans worthy, albeit shabby looking. Sen planned to upgrade the ship into something like the Oriental's swift attack airships, but that was for when they reach Dalaran. He had spent the majority of his treasure on materials. Now all that's left is hiring the work force and the building. Already he had plans in his head.

Seth came swinging down from one of the airship's supports. "All's good up at the ballonet. What do those initials stand for? Storage is full of them"

" Giant beard slap glove." grinned Seth. "We're slapping Valdanr with one. That dragon deserves a granny slap."

Seth laughed. "Add a camera, we should take a picture at the moment of impact."

With everything going well on the deck, the survivors of Jahara now beginning to board as well, the twins strolled over to where Ricket, Minuette, and their clan were. They had heard that his people were going back to the desert and they wanted to be in their company and check on the ship that was to take them there later.

"Hey, Rrrrricket!" they grinned in unison.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie is helping prepare the ship, using her magnetic spell to carry the heavier metal items on board in case the new guild members couldn't carry it. Despite needing rest because of her injuries and the light fever she has, the little gunner moved around a lot while healing; only for one of the twins, if not both, to push her back to bed. Now that the fever went away, she's energetic and the guild members, new and old, will find that she's easier to talk with.

Though she kept a small distance in case anybody tries to touch her unless it's the twins or Ricket.

She spotted the twins walking off to where Ricket, Minuette, and their clan were as she puts down the last item with a loud 'Thunk!' on the deck, her spell disappearing. Then she walked over and nodded at Ricket with a small smile. "Hi Rrrrricket....Hi Minuette...."

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Much of Ricket's recuperation had been spent with Felix and Minuette. They had conversed quietly and tended to pause whenever someone else came into whatever room they were talking in. Ricket looked extra contemplative most times and when he was alone this was somehow increased. With Felix at one side and Minuette at the other, the rest of their clan as well as other cat clans that had made the trip standing behind them.

When Seth, Sen, and Minnie came over to them, Ricket paused his conversation once more with his brother and Minuette and stepped out in front of them slightly, greeting the twins with a slight chuckle and a rub of the back of his furry head as he slipped off a green paper boy cap he had acquired since arriving in Tortuga, "hey guys."

He cleared his throat gently and put his hat back on, his paws going into the pockets of his trousers, "so... I guess... this is it, huh?" Minuette gave Minnie a sort of knowing smile before she stepped nearer to Ricket and slipped her arm around his, smiling at him supportively as his speech faltered.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

From Minuette's knowing smile, Minnie's cheeks turned pink as she raised an eyebrow; her own smile grew as she saw what the feline was doing for Ricket.

"..." She stayed quiet for a moment before sighing, wrapping her mismatched arms around Ricket instead.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Pendragon Twins -
" Tortuga "​

The twins had warm smiles. "Don't cry now, Rrricket." they joshed, chuckling, then clapped him heartily on the back. The waited until after Minnie's hug and shook hands-to-paws with him firmly. "Thank you." the said together.

Roleplay Skittle Katsuya

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Minuette's smile slipped into a warm one as Minnie hugged Ricket and she stepped away slightly to let everyone say their goodbyes, her eyes watering slightly. Ricket's eyes widened as Minnie hugged him, but he soon closed his eyes and returned her hug, smiling warmly, "I know I don't need to tell you, but take care of yourself and the twins."

When Minnie was done hugging Ricket, Minuette stepped up to Minnie and gave her a tight hug, whispering to her, "good luck... and remember, it's okay to be soft sometimes."

Ricket laughed slightly as Sen and Seth teased, nodding his head as he looked at the ground for a moment, "you know... you don't have to add the extra Rs," his mouth quirked into a vaguely embarrassed smirk and he turned his glance briefly towards Minuette as she moved to hug Minnie when she released Ricket before he accepted the twins' hands when offered and squeezed them tightly, "you're welcome... and I should probably thank you too."

When the twins were done thanking Ricket, Minuette thanked each of them in turn, whispering to Seth when she hugged him to be careful and good luck. When she hugged Sen she also whispered to him, "take care of yourself and Minnie... remember, she's tough but she's still a girl," she then sneakily winked at him and stepped back to Ricket.

Ricket took Minuette's arm again as she thanked the three of their human companions before Ricket added in, "be careful out there... I know what you are going into is going to be a lot worse than what we've faced... but Felix and I have already spoken with the other leaders of the clans... and if you need us..." his furry lips folded in slightly as he gave a firm nod, he guessed that the twins understood what he was implying.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Pendragon Twins -
" Tortuga "​

"But we like adding the rrr, Rrricket!" grinned Seth. "It's how you talk!"

"Huh?" said Sen, after he hugged Minuette back. He became awkward. "M-me and Minnie aren't like that!" he whispered to her, he scratched his nose. "She's like a sister to me, who can kick my buttocks. A-anyway, you take care, and Rrricket too, not that he needs taking care of, I mean. You see how he kicked Gluttony's mouth shut?"

When Ricket reassured them of his help, to which Sen and Seth were grateful for --- those cats really did that Deathknight in --- they nodded at him firmly too in gratitude for all he's done for them. He was the best guide they have ever had, and the twins left him Sen's turret ("Don't worry, I have an airship."), two pairs of Seth's favorite throwing knives, and an arcane radio receiver that they could set up, complete with instructions, so that they can communicate whenever they need him.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie nodded, nuzzling Ricket for a moment before letting go, watching the twins give their goodbyes as well. However when Minuette came up to hug her tight, she froze and trembled a bit. Taking a deep breathe like she was preparing herself, the little gunner slowly hugged back timidly before squeezing her tight too. Her cheeks bloomed pink and nodded to her advice.

"...You too, good luck with Ricket...Take care..." Minnie stayed quiet for a moment. " and I'll try...to be soft, I mean." She whispered before letting go and standing up shakily; the little gunner had the warmest smile on her face despite her fear of being touched showed up. She rubbed her arm timid and humbled before smirking when she heard what Ricket implied.

She gave Ricket a bag full of little bombs, each one in a pack of twelve or more as she told him that he can uses these in case he needs to escape with his clan or save someone else. Like what he did for them.
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[Roleplay Skittle]

Ricket laughed and nodded at Seth, "it... actually..." he glanced over to Minuette for a moment, smiling slightly before looking back to Seth, "it's actually how my grandpa talked..." he shook his head.

Minuette just giggled at Sen's denial, "maybe for now... but you'll still look after her anyway," she teased. She didn't know if there was a relationship blooming there or not, but regardless of any of that, he'd still take care of her, that much Minuette knew. She just grinned as he told her to take care of herself and Ricket, all of her pearly cat teeth showing, "of course! That's my Ricket... despite how he may have been feeling before!" she nuzzled against Ricket's arm and Ricket looked bashful, but one of his paws slipped onto Minuette's. Felix looked on with a sort of pride.

When they all left their little gifts Ricket, thanked them profusely, adding that their gifts would be helpful in their coming battles because they would still have to clear the desert of the black army.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Minnie listened in and was really glad that she made those little bombs for him. She explained that most of those bombs are based of what her bullets do, in case he meets shades or just a regular bandit.

Though she was taken off guard when Ricket talked in full sentences again. Her teal blue eyes looked at Minuette first before going back to Ricket as she crouched down. Minnie smiled again as she lightly patted his shoulder. "Your grandpa will be proud of you...I'm sure." She believes that.

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[Zer0]

Episode 14: Ragnarok

- Dalaran -
" One week later, Middle of Autumn"​

Much of their world on the other side of the Storm Wall had changed the past two months they've been away. Kenren, Chenglei, and Renee who had gone ahead of the others were the first to find out that Kingsbury had been razed to the ground. Everything was a black smoldering ruin where mounds of ash and a corrupted blight covered the remains of the once great city. Shades and all sorts of evil that do not sleep now lurked there under a never ending black storm, and in all of the surrounding states, reaching as far as Bourgeaus and Dawnsfield. Nothing grew there anymore and the people have fled.

Princess Mia's army had been defeated in battle weeks ago, and what was left of the alliance had fled to Dalaran where they have set up a strong front against the armies of Valdanr. Word had come to them secretly that Sen, Seth, and Minnie were coming with Luthien, and they were fortifying the place for the manna tree's coming.

They believed in the legends now, of how the trees sing to keep the chaos at bay, and they were clutching on any hope for survival against this darkness. Princess Mia was so glad that Renee was alright and hugged her tight. She had changed since their parting. She was no longer the meek girl of before. She seemed to have hardened, with steady eyes akin to Kenren's that spoke of a life used to difficulties, but had a spirit strong enough to take them as they come and work on them until they're solved.

There was much for them to get up to speed on. Currently in Paroosia and Ashenvale, the enemy had built two towers that have been emanating ominous waves of powerful magic, similar to when Luthien had created portals in the city. In the space between them, a rift in reality had formed, a sliver of a crack where beyond was searing heat and everyone was fearing that Valdanr was opening a portal of some sort. The allies have been trying to destroy these towers, but they haven't had success.

Meanwhile, there was no report on the black dragon egg. No spy had successfully infiltrated Paroosia, but the dragon Valdanr had been leaving the city more often. It was he who razed Kingsbury and attacked the surrounding states.

When Lydia, James, and everyone else caught up, the leaders of the countries were in shock when behind them followed an armada of dragons! Kenren, Chenglei, and Renee had informed the leaders of the reinforcements, but it was still quite a sight. Dalaran wasn't big enough to hold them all, but the surrounding forests were. That week before their arrival was busy preparing food and clearings for almost four hundred dragons.

Word had somehow leaked to the enemy, and now it seemed that the rift in reality was growing bigger at a faster rate. And their scouts confirmed it. It was a portal, a portal that led to Jotunheim, realm of the giants.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Renee hugged Mia back, squeezing her tight when she first saw her and relieved to know that she's still alive. The change in the princess surprised her a bit but figured with all that's happened to her now scorched home in Kingsbury, it's bound to happen. So the Pendragon teen told Mia about the new allies Kenren managed to bring over later on. Then when night came, she traveled into her soul and told Seifer everything she saw, everything she heard. She even brought out her memories which were inside of old looking tomes to show what Kingsbury looked like now with a depressed and determined look on her face.

While in a meeting with the leaders, Renee stayed silent as Kenren and Chenglei talked; She only spoke up when Kenren asked her of what she heard from the other side of the Storm wall from Seifer and gave her opinions when asked about it. Most of which were short and clear: "Valdanr is probably leaving his 'Prince' alone because the egg might be ready to hatch any day now." She said calmly, her wings are oddly still. "After all, parents and guardians don't leave kids alone unless they know for sure they are safe."

Then she searched for Mrs. Rathmore who should still be in Dalaran. When she found her, Renee hugged her tightly and asked her if she could stay over in her room for the night as she has a surprise. Once again, she asked her to keep it a secret from everyone and brought her into her soul room where Seifer is waiting like usual to hear of what's going on on her side of the Storm Wall.

She still remembers about how the wizards in the Order were and avoided them when she didn't need to see them. Renee knows about Bertrand's betrayal and she felt justified for not saying anything to anybody. This is what Kenren meant long time ago, that she should be wary, and while she would love to rub it on their faces that one of their own was a traitor, she didn't. Instead she was polite and calm, lady-like even whenever she sees someone from the Order. She only relaxed around Mia, Kenren, and Chenglei. Though she didn't hold back the amused snort or the small smug grin when she saw their expressions as the dragons came by to help with the planning. She just hoped that none of them tried anything to the dragons while they are here. Especially her baby...

They would be doomed if they do anything to her Sirius...Like she would not hesitant to tie them up, upside down from a pole and over the ocean while she recites their embarrassing memories if anyone of them did. Yea, she doesn't trust them. Not at all. She made sure to not make it obvious either as right now is not the time to be picky with allies. She knows that and would rather have a clear head for this whole thing.

"We should really destroy those towers if that's the reason for the portal rift." Renee mentioned bluntly, stating the obvious and not caring if it annoyed anybody. "Maybe the one in Paroosia since it's closet to the egg and we can destroy that in the process. I can already tell that they have used some sort of strong material to even do that..." Her passive orange eyes looked over at Kenren and Mia with a grim frown. Her hand reached and grabbed her droplet shaped necklace; the opalite stone gleamed in soft colors from the sunlight hitting on the glassy surface.

"Like say...they used a Manna tree's bark..." She has read somewhere that portals are hard to make in general; but to even open a sealed portal like the one to Jotunheim, Valdanr would need strong and effective material to make the portal's door. The first idea of said material that popped in her brain and unfortunately made her wince from the horrible memory, is Sunny and Luthien's tree bark. It would also explain why it's only in Ashenvale and Paroosia that those towers emerged in the first place.

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[Roleplay Skittle]

-Lydia Dubois-​

Lydia had spent much of the remainder of her stay on the other side of the Storm Wall worrying. Once they had been told by Seifer that the black storm had reached her home town she couldn't help but worry for her family. When she wasn't working on something she tended to pace in silent thought, though she worked nearly all the time, to the point of exhaustion most days just to keep her mind busy. Her family didn't believe in magic. They didn't believe in any of the stories that she did. But they humored her. They let her become Howl's apprentice and they were still her family, she still loved them even though she was very different from any of them. All she could do was hope they were okay.

She doubted they had escaped to their country home because if the blight reached all the way to Bourgeaus, their countryside manor would have been well within it, their only escape would be the coast. She found that a little humorous since she had given Renee the letters to deliver to her family and Hisaya's, Hisaya's family likely could still get the letter since they were closer to the coast, but her family would have never received the request to check in on them so they could all be in the same place and not know who the others were.

She hoped for her family and Hisaya's that if they were all on the coast, that they didn't remain there long and her first order of business once arriving in Dalaran with the others was to find out if they were evacuating states that had been touched by the blight and if so, where they were sending the refugees. When she thought about that, all the refugees that had been displaced by Valdanr's war, by his endless greed, she became incredibly angry and at any negativity or responses that she found inadequate, she would respond in quite an enraged manner, demanding to know why not. All they needed to do was send ships and considering they didn't need those to keep the black army at bay since they hadn't yet reached Dalaran, they should be able to send them.

When she became too flustered to deal with responses given or the worry overburdened her, she went about finding an arcane tattooist for herself and James. She didn't let them tattoo her right away, she wanted to see proof of their work and let them know how important it was that the runes were perfect, especially James' because his was much more intricate than any of hers. When she was satisfied that they could do the work asked, she presented them with the necessary ink to do the job and for herself she received Aegishjalmur on the back of her right shoulder, Algiz on both of her forearms just below the tendon of her wrist, and Ansuz on the back of her neck.

After Lydia had calmed somewhat, putting other thoughts aside to focus on what they could do about the rifts, Renee's mention of the bark of the manna trees being used to create them made sense to her in a way since they had arisen in Ashenvale and Paroosia and Valdanr did have Sunny. She rested her chin on her thumb, her index finger curling over her lips as she looked down at the ground thoughtfully for a moment, "or... maybe he is using the residual magic left behind in the craters where the manna trees once were... otherwise he could make the portals anywhere since he has Sunny."

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Dalaran -
​

James had noticed Lydia's new confidence ever since the ascension, and it had made him more confident too. Many at times before, he was unsure with how to proceed with his affections towards her, as he was being careful not to frighten or make her feel weird. This had also made him curious and one day he asked her what happened when she disappeared.

The news of the war reaching Kingsbury, Bourgeaus and Dawnsfield had made Johnny and James anxious about their friends in the academy, and Lydia and Echo's families. Kenren asked Renee to reassure the others that he will make their families his priority. He and Chenglei had rejoined his war fleet and the men were so happy the two had returned safe and sound. Celebrations were for later, though as the prince immediately set his army to work. There was so much to be going on and so little time.

As they waited for news, all James could do whenever Lydia started to become agitated was place a hand on her shoulder, and encouraged her to let it all out. Every time she buried herself with work, he came and delicately rubbed her back, sometimes hugging her gently, looking very ready to console her.

It seemed that the people had fled to the west or south when the dark army went on the march. The newspapers were full of private advertisements of lost or missing family members, or messages of reassurance, and it was there that the prince's men had found out that Lydia's family was last seen fleeing with some strangers; the same happened to Echo's, Minnie's, Johnny's and Serena's families, including her mentor. They had disappeared and were not with the Bourgeaus nobles who had fled to Chingpo, nor with the refugees who crossed the ocean with Princess Mia and who are now in fortresses in Alfenia, nor with the wolf clans of Brusk who had retreated deep into the mountains.

It was not until after a few days since Lydia and everyone came to Dalaran that a mysterious note was found in their bags, the same as the rest, that their families were safe with the Cool Beans Guild, and there were letters from their families for them hidden away in Dalaran. It was their handwriting alright and there was an explanation that said they couldn't reveal where they were because the enemy had been looking for them and already Lykon, Serena's mom, Thomas, and Johnny's two youngest sisters were missing.

James had gone with Lydia to get tattooed. He had been numb ever since he heard of the recent news and since returning he had volunteered to be deployed in the frontlines nearest Paroosia and the most fortified enemy locations to send his bees to look for the missing family members. Johnny wanted to go with him, very strained about his missing sisters, but he was to be deployed elsewhere. They were off tomorrow and had been spending their remaining time getting up to date with all the goings on with the war, and collecting all the necessary equipment.

Meanwhile, in Kenren's master warship, docked above the forests surrounding Dalaran where the dragon army was resting or building fortifications, the prince and princess nodded at Renee and Lydia. "We'll be sending you two to the frontlines to help with that. Your attacks are the most effective against the shades. These are our priorities as of now: escorting Luthien here safely, building up the defenses of Dalaran, and destroying the towers. We plan to send the dragons on an assault in Leor. We plan to take the coast first, then work our way to Paroosia. Meanwhile, we'll be sending spies to inform us of the enemy's movements. Lydia, Renee, I hope you two are ready to use your Curare spell and Draco's seal on Valdanr."

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[Katsuya]

Renee just nodded, looking determined at using her spell to go in. She just hopes Echo is ready for her spells too.

The red-haired fawn, when she heard about what happened to her family, was frantic and relieved as she read their letters, all four hundred and seventy-five of them, mostly made from her little cousins drawing instead of writing. She was happy to hear that her aunts, uncles, and cousins are all okay and hidden somewhere thanks to the Cool Beans Guild; but the news on her father being missing made her twitchy. She wanted to talk about her mother with her dad, hoping that he would explain a few things but...it didn't matter as much if he wasn't safe.

Serena would blankly stare at her violet blue violin instead of playing it. If anyone asked that she was okay, her response was: "...No...my mother..." Though the blonde violinist never talked about her mother or father as much, she loved them to bits as they were the reason why she plays violin. Now her mother has gone missing and no one knows where she went or how she disappeared. It's a terrifying thought...

The Pendragon teen could give them, Lydia, and Johnny her condolences as she knows how that feels and prays that James will find them. All of them. Safe and sound. There was that nagging feeling in the back of her mind, the thing Valdnar had screamed as she knocked her fatal arrow in Seifer's soulroom. She sighed in a bit of distress as she gritted her teeth, preparing herself to have a fight of her life as they know it. She wondered if Seifer is going to be deployed too or staying with his mother, so she went to look for him and ask about it.

When Echo heard about Johnny being deployed to somewhere else, the red head quickly ran up to him and hugged him tight, telling him that James will find his sisters. That she'll miss him and for him to stay safe.

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[Roleplay Skittle]

At first Lydia wasn't very sure what James meant when he asked what happened when she disappeared and she looked at him with wide and mildly confused eyes before it occurred to her that he was talking about the ascension. She pulled the ribbon down in the book she was reading, marking her spot as she closed the book and glanced away from him for a moment while she thought before smiling and telling him that she saw some of her memories and that those memories had led her to be who she was and where she was in life. Those memories had been the turning points that led her to wanting more for herself or none at all. If he asked for her to elaborate, she told him the story of each memory to explain to him why she was the virtue that she was and then she showed him her earrings and explained to him what they meant. She told him that her being chaste helped her find love and accomplish her dreams and if she had been like the other girls in Bourgeaus, she might not be there now.

After the news of everything going on on the other side, with her increased agitation, she was very grateful to have James there with her each time she would lose herself in work or begin restlessly pacing. He helped her remember that there was still hope and that all was not lost. They had won in numerous battles against Valdanr's army and while victory was not certain against the dragon himself, there was still a chance. It was an unusual thing for her, to be so upset and have someone that was there willing to comfort her and while she wasn't used to it, that didn't have an effect on her taking advantage and so whenever James showed his readiness at consoling her, she'd hold him tightly and bury her face against his chest and just try not to think for once. On the few occasions that she fell asleep not at her desk or buried in a stack of books, it was in James' arms.

While Kenren's assurances did make her feel a little better, it wasn't until the discovery of the note in her bags that she finally felt at ease. She ran to James with the note and a happy and relieved smile on her face, giving him a huge kiss and telling him that she loved his brothers before quickly adding but not like she loved him and kissing him again before squeezing him tightly. After the discovery of the note, that night was probably the best she had slept since the initial news of how things had fared in their absence. It was a good thing to because she would soon discover that Thomas hadn't been as lucky as the rest of her family. Thomas had her same strong heart, she knew he could endure a lot but what worried her was that unlike her, Thomas had always been very outspoken and didn't always know when to hold his tongue. He was quicker to act when he disagreed with something and that concerned her because she could only hope that he didn't act in any way that would bring harm to himself. He may have let his friends tease her sometimes and played pranks on her often, but she knew he still loved her and was always there for her if she needed him.

James shift in mentality had added to Lydia's worry since he had gone from being her support to retaining worries of his own and she did her best to support him in any way she could. When he volunteered to go ahead to the front lines, if Kenren and Mia hadn't told her and Renee that they would also be deployed to the front lines, she would have insisted on going. She stood steady as the two royals informed them, a look of determination on her face despite the situation, she was barely more than a child and a girl at that, but she was going into probably the most dangerous place in the world at that moment, but she was too prepared for what was to come to even really think about that.

Giving a firm nod when they mentioned the seal, Lydia drew out a thick piece of hide and upon it she had branded the completed seal. The center was the seal of Draco, unbroken and unaltered. However, surrounding the seal of Draco were multiple rings and inside of each ring were runes of power and runes of destruction. The image of the seal could almost tell the story of Valdanr's soon to be destruction because of the dragon at the center.

As though that weren't enough, Lydia had worked with a blacksmith to craft an actual branding iron, which was what she had used to brand the hide. She knew she wouldn't be able to take it into Valdanr's soul room, not the physical object at least, so all of her free time had been spent on studying the iron and the seal, committing it all to memory so that later, when she needed to use it and didn't actually have it with her, she would be able to conjure it. She had also had the seal engraved into either end of the head of her hammer, if anything just to really irritate Valdanr's armies, she was a fire mage after all and had constant heat literally at her fingertips.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Dalaran -​

When James heard how Lydia had been very carefully staying chaste, he felt all the more aghast at Seifer who just ruined everything in a matter of moments with his perverseness when they had switched bodies, but Lydia had forgiven him. James supposed he should too, but it was very hard.

"Chastity . . . that's amazing how that part of who you are affected the grand scheme of things, Lydia." he had marveled.

He also felt very humbled. That of all the young men, he was the one who was allowed to hug her shoulders, that she would choose to sleep in his arms, gave him the gift of her first kiss, and all the trust and affections that came with it. He was profoundly happy and didn't know what to say except, "Thank you." He caressed her hair, as he cocooned her warmly those nights they rested in each other's arms, whispering that he would like to give her his heart too and that she could keep it.

When she happily ran to him with the note, he hugged her and was pleasantly surprised at the huge kiss, smooching her back like a plunger. He too was relieved for the twin's foresight, and he chuckled saying, "I know, they'd be happy hearing that from you, Lydia."

Meanwhile, Johnny was staggered at the amount of letters Echo received. She had such a big family and was happy she was comforted. He had received a letter too and he had almost cried when he learned that his family was genuinely worried about him after they had realized how real this war was. When she came to hug him, he embraced her tight, their horns bumping, as he smelled her hair as though dedicating it to memory. "Thanks, Echo, Mello. James will find your dad too. Whoop our foes' buttocks, love." he smiled at her.

In Mrs. Rathmore's room, Seifer was there with his father, close aunts, uncles, and his father's business friends. Not to mention that girl he was in an arranged marriage with and her family. He had wanted to talk to them alone before he introduced Renee, and she'd know that he was breaking off the arrangement with her. There was crying through the closed doors of the room, and some stern voices. Seifer had told Renee that he was going to be deployed wherever she was going to be. He was scared, yes, but he was more scared of losing her. Besides, he knew Renee was strong and felt safe as long as she was there because he knew she won't let him die.

He had said that his talk with his family will probably take a day, and he emerged from that tense room looking bothered, but accepting of what had just transpired. He ran up and hugged her the moment he saw her.

"I am officially not engaged." he said. "Everyone back in the room is angry and upset. My father just lost his biggest business partner. Mom was silently supportive, though. A lot of rich men lost their businesses to the razing, but there are more pressing things to worry about than money. I'm going to go get ready for battle too, Renee." he held her hand. "Let's fight together."

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[Katsuya]

When Renee reached Mrs. Rathmore's room, she heard Seifer's voice along with other people in there. She figured it was his family with his father's business partner and their family, including the girl he was engaged to.

Was.

It's odd, she knew that it was going to happen and yet, she couldn't help but feel bad when she heard someone crying. She guessed that the girl must have liked Seifer too despite having that language barrier...

When he came out and ran up to her, Renee hugged him tightly, wings flapping for a moment before settling. She stayed silent for a moment as she didn't know what to say to what had transpired to his family. "We'll make it, Sweetheart." She let's go to hold his hand, squeezing it comfortingly.

"Okay...let's fight together." Renee grinned, determined that everything will be fine after this whole war. Then she walked off with Seifer, hand in hand.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Reunion -
" The Spire, Dalaran "​

The following day, the friends were deployed to their respective battle regions. Apart from his wand, James carried two extra sticks that looked almost the same as it. He had been using the tip of his wand to aim his spells all his life and so he was a bad shot at just using his hands to direct the magic through the runes tattooed on them. He liked the way they looked, inked a tame blue and matching his warlock regalia that had been woven into his oriental armor.

His worries were lessened with Lydia's support and he hugged her long and tight, touching foreheads with her, before pressing his warm lips to hers. She could feel him looking for reassurance and courage from their kiss. "You're strong, Lydia." he said, caressing her cheeks with a thumb. "Defeat them, and then let's meet again." he said this very earnestly. He didn't want to lose her. Ever. As much as he wanted to stay with her, it was of the utmost importance their family members be found, because there was no doubt in his mind that she and his friends would hesitate if Valdanr threatened to kill them if they don't surrender.

They were riding the long dragons that were harnessed to carry soldiers from the other side of the Stormwall. Lydia, and Echo were to go to the front lines in Paroosia, but James was going with a squad of Kenren's shinobi to sneak behind enemy lines and infiltrate the areas they thought are most likely where important prisoners were kept, for Valdanr kept prisoners as leverage. The black dragon knew the value of holding the weaknesses of his most powerful enemies, and it was also at this time that the prince's spies found out that the emperor of the Orients had been taken as hostage too; fortunately, Chenglei's grandmother and sister were alright. Being used to war, they had hidden themselves a long time ago together with Chenglei's and Kenren's most trusted men.

Renee and Seifer were sent with another company of dragons to meet up with Sen, Seth, and Minnie, and escort them safely to Dalaran; meanwhile, Johnny was to stay in the magical city and join the war meetings in Kenren's stead. The prince and Chenglei were making their way slowly to Paroosia with their fleet. The fleet was the siege weapon of the aerial army of dragons and machines. He had decided to press for the attack instead of staying to protect Dalaran.

* * * *​

Luthien's escort went without a hitch. There were reports of enemy airships coming to intercept them, but when the dragons came, the enemy backed off and decided not to engage. The appearance of the dragon army had taken the enemy by surprise and much activity had been reported in Paroosia. Valdanr had been seen working himself. Before, the black dragon only stayed in the city, but now even he was ferrying what looked like huge amounts of construction materials, enemy soldiers, and manna stones.

The twins were so glad to see their sister and jumped hugged her in her griffin form before she could turn back into a girl, clinging on to her like a pair of koalas. "WE MISS YOU, RENEE!" they cried, crying.


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[Katsuya]

With a loud trill, Renee laughed, nuzzling them with her eyes closed. She let Seifer down first as she changed back into a girl, squeezing the twins with her arms around their shoulders and necks.

"I MISS YOU TOO!!!" She kissed their foreheads so many times, her sunset eyes were misty as she dragged Minnie in the hug too, noticing she froze. So she left kisses on her forehead too; somehow calming her down somewhat.

"Hi Big Sis Ren."

"Heheh! Hello Minnie...I see you have a rifle for an arm now."

"..."

"It's really cool."

Renee's eyes widened when Minnie smiled at her with a blush before she smiled back, wings fluttering happily. "You three have to tell me everything! How was it in Jahara? You didn't have that much trouble while traveling there, right? Didn't cause trouble for anyone? I want to know!"

The Pendragon sister went on talking with her little brothers and Minnie ("Oh my goodness, you guys grew taller! Where did these scars come from?! Minnie, let me see your shoulder!") and told them everything that's happened over the other side of the storm wall; not about her and Seifer's escapades. That would scar them...

She already knows how it feels to be scarred by a couples' escapades...

"Guess what you two, I'm a mom now! Our baby's name is Sirius Twinkle Pendragon Rathmore and he's such a smart boy. I think you two will love him a lot." Renee said happily, smiling wide like a proud mother as she wrapped an arm around Seifer's, leaning her head on his shoulder. "James has already met him over at the Storm Wall. He even reads books to him too!"

She sighed with a warm look as she placed a hand on her pinkish purple cheek. "I think he's starting to get used to being an uncle."

That's when a sudden yellow blur ran past Renee and Seifer to tackling Seth to the ground with a hug, nuzzling his cheek and hiccuping as she cried. Serena let out so many tears, trying to wipe them away as she mumbled. "Seth!! I finally get to see you again! Oh how I wondered and pondered about facing you again and I just-!" She didn't have words. She just squeezed him tight as Minnie relaxed her stance, putting her arm away from the couple...soon-to-be couple?...Eh.

"I miss you! I miss you so much!" That's when Serena kissed his cheek.


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