Private - Dawn of the Future | Page 3

Ayame had actually stopped listening to him. Both of them were making good points and she could see that anyways. She just wanted to get this over with at this point. And try not to kill him in the process. So he was being honest and he was what he was all out there for the world to see. Abrasive, brash, and trying to open people up to a reality that was his reality and not there one. That was the thing. Everyone lived in their own realities. yes they were all one in the same. Yes they all had things that would happen to them and some turned out the way Vartock did and some turned out her way. She choose the fear because the fear told her she could feel. She believed in the emotions. It did not stop her from having hope like he was talking about. It did not make it harder or easier to live. As a matter of fact she still believed that living without out love without hope without all those things was harder. She wondered if the hopeless situation he had ever found himself in had done anything to stir something inside of him. Still at the moment she didn't right care.

His reality was different from hers. Sure they were one in the same but she was not afraid of being weak. When she finally spoke the only things she said was this. "It sounds to me like you do fear something you just won't admit to it." She didn't say what it was it wasn't like he would care about anyways. If you were truly like the person next to you. A person had free will and that was all that needed to be said. Killing the way they were about to kill right now was something she was used too. She had been young far younger then. it had taken something like two or three years to get them free she didn't know the time was a blur but still. She didn't think on it now as she watched the pigmen. They were disgusting this was true but each thing had its life cycle and she wondered really if they were any different from the animals they killed but she let it go.

She rolled her eyes when he gave her the map and told her to give it to the slaves. She noted his third eye she understood a few things now. She couldn't help but smirk at this. She went off not noting nor caring how he looked in any shape of form. she just simply went to do the thing he told her to do. She looked at the fact that there were three here but that there were more than three pigman in the camp. She shrugged it off got three and then she found another three. She took her a second and she sighed helping the girls creep through the dark. Now this was the next thing. There were more around and it seemed that one of the girl from the three groups she found in cages had been killed which made sense. It also seemed that though there had been four one for each of the pigmen in each group they only took one out at a time at least in this group which seemed odd to her but she listened and slowly she got them to a spot they could run from. She handed the group of nine the map and they took off into the dark with a light source she had given them. But they were told to keep it as dim as possible.

One had to be able to walk and read and there were only a few that had the power to do such thing. She turned back to help the annoying man that was Vartock though she had to admit his way of doing things was a little too familiar to her. The dead lift of a rock off the ground made her smirk though. Not that she would let him see that smirk anyways. The pigmen were dead and the girls were off to safety. She had budged a few inches so to speak she had been doing as he told her too do. She didn't even listen to his words as she turned. To head to another spot she knew that the pigmen were. She had already sent the girls on ahead and since she had missed the fight here maybe she would see some of the blood though she doubted it. After all the man seemed to like it. She noted her wound. "If you need to go back to get that looked at so be. I'm going on ahead.” She had the map memorized so she was just gonna head out and not care. After all even with the Partisan in hand. She was more than just your average every day warrior.

She kept moving away from him and she knew what other creatures came out a night. She was not trying to prove anything and she didn’t care that he was trying to prove anything to her either. The weak will inherit the earth. He on the other hand would be dead at some point because that was were his ideaolgy would lead him. Even if he was honorable and she knew this as well. She would not inherit the earth she would die fighting for the right or other to inherit it.

 

Dishonorable acts were not something that Alia could sit idly by and watch. Unless those dishonorable acts were something that were in a way to make honor better for something else. A greater good concept. Because even she knew that sometimes one had to do dishonorable things to protect someone else but still it was not something she wanted to see happen and someone who was one dishonorable but also an oath breaker was one of the worst people around. She held the same ideals as Seto. She was glad he had not changed though this look was new to her. She knew who he was in an instant. She supposed it was because she had fallen in love with him. Both in game and in the outside world. But there was something about this world and how he cold make the butterflies race through her stomach and cause her to smile even in the face of danger. Something that told her she was the calm to his wild. It was just something unique in here. And out in the real world it was something else entirely.

Ayame held a potential in her that Alia was probably the only one currently that saw it. Ayame was rough around the edges that was for sure. But of what she could gather the girl had gone through alot. And this game was something more than just a little escape for the older girl. Alia saw in her the potential for someone who would protect with honor and dignity in a way that was different from both herself and Seto. A way that would polish and refine into something that could be used to have the people also love those that protected them and see in them the type of people the were proud their kids might grow up to be type of deal. It was complicated to really say but to Alia, Ayame would one day have the potential to be the mother to her command. She shook that way as Seto started to talk again. She would answer the questions when Seto asked them if he asked them.

It had taken Alia at least a few nights of private chat to actually get Ayame to open up at all and it had taken longer to even get to the private chat. The whole thing with the false starts. It took convincing really. Alia also really wanted Ayame in her guard it just seemed like they fit. Each of them with someone that held their ideals even if they didn’t exactly know it themselves. Vartock she was sure would shape into something great even with his too blunt attitude that was if Ayame didn’t kill him first. This world was just full of surprises. She didn’t miss the blush at her words she liked it and it made her smile. The battle with Azog was not something she really wanted to rememeber the emotions running through her. The thoughts that she might not see Seto again. It was not something she liked thinking about. She had been the one to disappear thanks to the real world but she had always held onto the fact that he was okay and that she’d see him again.

Of course she wasn’t happy and she’s be even more unhappy with the words that he was about to say. She looked even in anger for a quick and diplomatic way of doing things if that was not the case then this was going to get very interesting. But she did think before she acted and the anger would take a little more push for her to have it get past her in the first place. When he told her that diplomancy would not work her face fell from its resting calm features. She couldn’t help it at the moment. She could feel his own anger at this as well but she managed to listen and not do something stupid.

Oh yes she had heard about the Felderan invasion or at least that there was one. A week certainly changed things and she waited to hear the rest of his tale this time trying to keep herself level headed. She listened closely why would their ranger do such a thing. And what spell must had veen cast on these two during that battle and afterwards. As she was told the witch took the oath of the house and then decided to betray thing on misinterpatation of words. On not knowing Seto as well as Alia knew Seto. Or many of the others or at least how she felt some of them might know him. As he continued and with new information as to why she broke her oath Alia started to think. Her mind racing getting the information as it came and formulating plans. Doing things without causing a war between two people. She couldn’t bring war to the doorstep of the Duchess not just yet. She knew some things about Lucia but only in rumor and what Seto told her. She did not know much more than that and frankly she would need to learn more.

She did not want civil war to break out that was the last thing she wanted because they were still building so how could one deal with upstarts with out causing all out war was the goal she was looking for at the moment. As he continued to go on. She rolled her eyes at the witch’s stupidity. ”If she has no skill in the sword like you do my love. Why does she seek to be and equal. What does she think she can be an equal to you. You may have helped her yes but that does not make you both equal in skill. perhaps equal in some other way but not in skill alone. was it that she was looking to be acknowledged as something more than just a random person.” She took a moment to consider something.

”In days of old there was a king. I’m sure you’ve heard this tell my duke. There was a king that sat at a round table with his knights. He never sat above them he never considered himself higher than his brothers that took up arms with him. Was this what she was seeking with you. to be on an equal playing field. King Arthur, and his knights of the round table had say in many things and Arthur looked to them for advice knowing that they were only as strong as their weakest man. He did not lord over them but he ruled with their aid. They were friends they were family to him. Even in other things in songs you hear tale of a king. That steped down from his table to help serve his guests. Turning to one of his men saying that if he could not serve in their kitchens how could he then serve his people as king.” She took a moment.

”If she was seeking for something like that then perhaps she was not thinking with her full head. Everyone is cherished for what he or she can do for others. I know you would never but she took misunderstanding to far. and then there must be some other reason that Aalam has decided to join her. If you take your duty more seriously then even the king perhaps they want some more lacks type of a duke but that seems not right. What have you My dear decided to do with them and the information. I will act on nothing unless you need me to do so. You are my Duke and you know my undying loyalty is to you and always will be.” She was his lioness and she was trying to find ways to figure out what they could do without bringing harm to the people they wanted to protect but swift action was something that needed to happen and delicacy was needed in that swift actions as well.

It was a few moments later that she noted Kohaku make his way in. Something perked his interest she was sure. "My Duke this is Kohaku, and he is more than capable of being our ears out there should we need him to be."

 

Despite the fact she didn't say anything in that instant, it was one of those rare instances he could see what he said had went straight to her core, making Alia angry since she wasn't usually a person that that enjoyed violence due to her gentle nature. However not being able to solve things peacfully usually made her this way, luckily for both of their sakes, his Lioness didn't give in to her undying wrath. Now that he had thought of it, she had never seen him at his worst and perhaps that was for the best, even he couldn't control it most of the time. Just thinking of that witch's doing made him angry which caused his hand to nearly crack his wooden tea cup in his hand before he scoffed at himself for allowing it to happen.

After a minute, Seto sighed before relaxing his muscles in his shoulders, choosing to let those painful memories escape him rather than deal with them now, he didn't have the courage to tell Alia about those days. As Alia rolled her eyes and began speaking about Vivian most likely, Seto gently picked up the tea cup and took a sip when his Alia said those words........"my love'. Immediately without thinking, Seto coughed and spat out the tea in his mouth towards the window and fell on his back, laying on the ground with red face.

Seto

"Whaa? Did you just.......Are you Seri....."

Seto cut himself off when he realized he was thinking outloud. The ending result was his left hand landing firmly on his forehead in a face palm that covered his closed eyes. He couldn't believe he just did that nor what she had just said. Was she serious? Wait didn't he feel the same? No wait! He couldn't! It didn't matter, he couldn't let his personal feeling get involved with his position as Duke right? Right? This line of thinking was giving him a migrain again. As far as Seto and Ryosuke were concerned, If this was an anime than he just had anime moment and the both of them were sure as hell Alia was definitely going to remember this for later. He would need to sit down with her later tonight or some time in the future to discuss this topic BUT right now, there was more important topics to discuss like a possible civil war caused by that idiotic witch! Seto picked himself from the floor and recomposured himself with his normal tone.

"Between you and Oliva, you two are gonna kill me............."

Seto nodded his head and closed his eyes before choosing to listen to Alia again as she began questioning Vivian's motive's. His Lioness did make some rather good points but than again, unlike himself, Vivian was not a complex person at her core and was easy to read. Although he did understand Alia's words, she missed one vital point he would correct her after she finished speaking. Seto rested his head on the palm of his right hand as an arm stand while he looked out the window while continuing to listen to his Lioness. He knew the Arthurian legend quite well due to his studies from such a long time ago but he was pleasently surprised Alia would bring it up as an example where King Arthur considered his Knights of the round table to be equal to him in terms of diplomacy, war and day to day conversation. That was a fine statement he and Alia could clung to. He wasn't a legendary white knight like King Arthur and his Knights of the round but that wasn't mean he was some tryannt that used people than disposed them after they had served their purpose. To those whom who served him faithfully and gave him the respect he asked, he would return and eventually even see them as family but Vivian? Mentally he laughed at that idea, she showed no respect or do perform her duty unless it meant she would advance herself in power, how could he accept someone like that into his family If she didn't care?

She didn't go into much detail about Aalam obviously since even to him, it was hard to pinpoint his reasons for defecting since he was an excellent retainer in the past. She than asked what he planned to do with them than told him she wouldn't move until she was given orders. He knew what he wanted to do with them but he couldn't do anything right now, there was too little information to act on for now, he only knew those betrayed Ivalice for some pitiful personal reason, Seto sighed before speaking again in a soft tone, he stared into her eyes, not blinking once.

Seto

"Alia, while you may not technically hold the same rank as me in Astorean socity, I still consider you my Duchess and that will never change, you have stood by my side since Terrasphere was young and proved to be the most premier friend I could ever ask for and I wouldn't have it any other way. Even If I die in battle and recieve a warrior's death, as Duchess it would your responsibility to lead Ivalice. Even now, I trust you more than any other person I know on here, even Astor so I know you won't make any foolhardy decisons. You don't need me to give you orders, you can decide that for yourself on what to do because I trust you and your judgement.

Even at the end If we fail somehow, I know you be at my side and when the final moment comes, I know we will die together for that....is our fate if something like that happens. "

Seto's regular tone took form after he cleared his throat.

As what you have said earlier my Lioness, I do understand where you are coming from and I would even argue I had something something to the Knights of the Round Table with my own retainers. To those who had served faithfully and have shown respect to me, Ivalice and House Kurama, I have returned the same towards them. I've treated Emmeline, Aalam and Lesalia like family since they have served me faithfully and have shown respect, especially Aalam. I had planned on making him a Baron with his own land eventually so he could have a place to call home and have a family but......he's chosen a different path..........one of darkness.

Vivian however is the complete opposite compared to Aalam, Lesalia or Emmeline, she never served Ivalice for the people, wanting to protect the innocent or perform her duty because she was obligated nor did she ever show respect towards me, no instead she only playfully teased me and the others like some lewd woman, hell she could even walk without being sexual about it and she expected me to show the same respect I have shown to Aalam and Emmeline whom both took their duties very seriously and gave me respect in turn? If she wanted respect, she needs to give it and earn mine instead of being a spoiled rotten ignorant child.

Seto couldn't help but sigh again just as Alia noticed someone coming in and introduced the white hair Faerin man standing before them. He raised an eyebrow at Kohaku, seemingly surprised to find a male Faerin which seemed to be a rarity for some reason although he guessed white hair was a fad for Fearin players, He didn't look like much but he knew better than anybody that looks could be decieving. Alia mentioned he was more of a rebel type and by his apperance alone, he could see it with his size and Faerin ears were better than humans at hearing.

Seto

With a gesture of his hand, he pointed towards an empty side of the tea table.

"Hmm....interesting....Well Kohaku, how about you take a seat and join us for green tea? If Alia can vouch for you skills than that is good enough for me. Ivalice is always in need of those who are capable of protecting it. If you need to speak with the Lioness however over a private manner, unfortunately we are still in the middle of discussing Ivalice's future so you may have to wait awhile but I do not mind if you wish to join us. "

Seto than turned his attention to Alia, wishing to give her the last piece of information hopefully without interupption.

"Now where was I? Oh right......Onto the former Ranger of House Kurama, Aalam Abungu....He was amongst the oldest ratainer I had in my service besides Emmeline whom had been my service back months ago when you were much more active. For a long time, Aalam served me very well whom earned my respect and considered him nearly family after Dawngrave was destroyed by Fedleran forces before the invasion of Astorea. He was a simple man of honour, wishing to do his best for his lord and his people. I do not know If he has any personal reasons he holds against me, he's never shown any, even going beyond the call of a duty so I am surprised he would alley himself with such a woman since I knew very well he didn't trust her nor like her. I still personally believe Vivian had somehow twisted his mind more than anything else and plans on using him as a puppet Duke If he would be crowned or dispose of him If she needs to. He never showed such ambition before, being a man whom wanted a cottege in the woods with a wive and children eventually. I still believe Aalam will realize the mistakes he has made and depending on what happens, I will allow him to return to House Kurama on the condition he goes on a Penitent Crusade for a time to show he is willing to atone for his mistakes. Otherwise If he see's me as some tryannit that needs to be destroyed, I shall grant him the chance to honourable take my position in the form of an agni kai, a sacred tradition held by the people here otherwise he simply look like a upstart tryannt. Lastly he is he skilled in ranged combat and rogue like abilities, don't underestimate him.

 

Vartock sat there in a meditative state and did not move until he heard her say she was going on ahead. He then stood up and shook his head "she will die out here without my help" vartock thinking to himself. Thats not something he was willing to let happen she had much to learn but her ideals were starting to change him. He thought to himself maybe shes tight i mean i just met her and im afraid to lose her. Vartock stopped himself in thought like woah im actually afraid to lose someone. Vartock went over to a pine tree standing tall and ripped enough bark in order to see the sap pouring out. He then used his two fingers on his right hand, middle and index to wipe the sap on his wounds until all of them were closed up. Vartock is no fool when it comes to survival and the sticky sap of a pine tree works as two things a bandaide and a disinfectant to his wounds while they took 12 hours or more to heal he didnt have time.

He saw the more slaves leave than he originally counted and thought damn this girl knows her shit. Vartock cracked the first joyful smile on his face he ever made from his blank expression. Vartock needed to show her he was there and hopefully in some way show her that maybe she was right fear does make you strong and alive. Vartock shook his head a little but decided this girl had to be the right one whether she knows it yet or not but she reminded him of himself in almost a mirror image but in a very good way.

Vartocks expression quickly changed as it went blank and he quickly ran after her. Bout 10 minutes later vartock had caught up to ayame who was obviously still livid with him he could care less though. Vartock was smiling genuinely before starting to speak..
Your going the wrong way rookie the pigmen are this way and your wrong about me you know your not wrong about your ideals i believe your very right and your way of life is not perfect but its yours you earned it you claim it i think i would learn alot from you, i know im harsh, dont expect an apology though, haha your too strong for that.
Vartock remained silent as he crept slowly towards the other pigmen by his count this was larger than the 4 he already killed. They were guarding some kind of arena torches lit and by his count 8 or 10 filled the area as a guesstimate. Vartock waited for ayame as he wanted this next fight to be with her but he wasnt going to ask her cause then shed scoff and act like an ass about it haha vartock loved it but he doesnt need permission to fight.

 

Ayame was in a way livid and in a way not. She was cursing out herself for letting her guard down even just a little bit or even getting angry at trivial things. It was something that had she been with Alia or even Kohaku she would have been fine. They were different in their own ways from her and everyone she had surrounded herself with. It was probably why she was in the few short days she had known Alia she had been loyal to her. And had in a way opened up to her. Alia was if not persistant. Ayame wasn’t sure what Alia saw in her but she was greatful for the friend she found in Alia. She was still holding judgement on Kohaku who in his own right had alot to learn. At least in the ways of maturity. And now here she was with someone that aggrivated her so much that she couldn’t decided if she wanted to beat the crap out of him, kill him, or love him. Or do all of them above. It was a reminder of something that hurt her too. She didn’t like that type of pain resurfacing but she was in here to move past it wasn’t she.

It took Vartock about ten minutes to join her once again. Of course he called her a rookie and she had to roll her eyes even if it was true it didn’t mean she wanted to be called it. She said nothing this time though. And she might have actually heard his words but she wasn’t sure if she could believe what he was saying. Time would tell she supposed. If the both of them could actually stand eachother. But there was a matter of truth in their thoughts if they choose to speak them. Vartock reminded Ayame of one of her rivals. The one that had driven her mad when they were children because of his brashness but the one if anyone were to actually get in to see the inside of her was the one she actually loved. The one that knew her so well and she knew him so well that there was no way anyone else was meant for them. However, that was something that was ripped from her and so perhaps that was why she was so annoyed and angered by Vartock. Because he reminded her.

She let it slide though as the crept towards the pigmen that were around. She might not have been on the complete right track to them but for her she had already gotten their sent and she was on the hunt anyways. This time though the came upon more pigmen then she had wanted to deal with on her own and was instantly glad that Vartock had come along. Vartock was getting ready to fight and she made had a thought. There were about ten guarding or something like that. And what was that Arena she wondered. Well she was about to find out. She closed her eyes conjuring a sound and then slowly as sort of blue light filled her aura and off toward the right side a sound was eminating that sound like men coming to kill the beasts that were here. Sounds of clashing weapons took at least a small bit of the pigmen from their guard position. She went back to normal but the sound was still off on the side.

She gave a nod heading in after all she wanted to fight just as much as he did but she wanted to get to whomever was inside to hopefully save as much innocence as possible as well. The first pigmen she came upon was big through and yet it only got a chance to grunt as he Partisan went right through his chest. and she twisted and cut him in half. The one that was next to him turned on her but she was quick to dodge. Granted the other one had a weapon and she barely got a parry out before she was knocked back a bit. The pigmen said something about pretty woman and then came after her and the next few moments was her dodging and making herself a moving target that seemed to be hard for this particular pigman to get. But he didn’t want help with her and that was fine by her standards. But the others were not on their way back too and that was just going to get even more interesting.

Once she was done assessing the damn things she went in for the attack and happened to take of his head by making pretty dancing light erupt at the end of the bladed portion of her partisan. She didn’t have time to breath though but she did get closer to the arena. He movements were fluid even as she was pushed back by another pigmen. Like the flowing of the river or a breeze on your skin. It was like she glided in movement.

 

She had not noticed her slip in calling him her love but it was true and it came out so naturally that she didn’t think twice about it. She hadn’t even known she had done it until he had been thinking out loud and stammering. She simply paused and looked at him as he fell back onto the floor she would go to catch him should he want to be caught that was. Before of course she continued. It was just something that was natural to her. And then he mentioned Oliva and she smiled a little bit. ”We won’t kill you I promise.” At least she could promise that she wouldn’t physically kill him. This whole love and dating thing was a completely different story though. If they didn’t do something about that it would kill them both she was sure of that at least. She continued after she was sure he was alright and everything like that.

She was baffled at what was happening now. With the retainers that were unloyal and dishonorable. She didn’t have all the information on Aalam. She was trying to think if he wasn’t going to try and do something like betraying Vivian at the end of all this but then things just didn’t sit right with her. And though she could tame her anger she was still angry. And for once she realized that neither of them had seen eachother at their worst yet. When the anger took over and when the bad things happened. She didn’t know what his master had done to him or anything like that. Not yet she’d heard perhaps rumor of some bad things happening but that was it. She had been unable to save him from what it was that his master had done to him at the beginning of all this but she was here now and that was all that mattered to her. Through thick and thin too because she knew him better then anyone really.

She began to listen to what he had to say with a smile on her face as he called her his Duchess. It was true she didn’t need to be given orders she could make the judgement for herself and she wanted the all the information she could get before she made a decision in the first place. ”Together” She said to everything that he said about death and about what fate might have to bring them. They would do it together and she would lead their people should he receive a warriors death. These were truths that would never be debated. She gave a nod to what he had to say about how he treated his retainers. And her looks turned dark when he spoke of how the witch vivian had pretty much done nothing to gain his respect and so therefore was not given any in turn. She found herself nodding to his words.

Once Kohaku appeared and words were said to him Alia focused back on the words he had to say about Aalam. She had to agree with what he said about letting Aalam back ofter a penitent crusade. And about what might have happened and about letting him have a chance to honourably take the position if he so desired it. ”i would not underestimate him my duke. It sounds like something manipulated him. Something that was deep seeded perhaps that didn’t surface until the silver tongue said her words. But words have a way of being powerful here. He may yet be able to repent for transgressions.” She thought for a moment. Being fully relaxed now and her mind going to the many things that were possible to do.

”We need to know more information. There is nothing more to go on here but to wait and waiting doesn’t sit right if they plan on hurting out people. We can take care of ourselve but Ivalice it needs, it needs to be protected with all we have and we need more information.” She was not above using spies and she looked at Kohaku then back to Seto with a look that spelled out put a spy in the ranks maybe.

 

Kohaku was one of those people that played the bad guy because he could play the bad guy. But then he was also the spy in times that he was needed for that. Chaotic neutral was what one would describe him as. He did things to benefit himself or benefit those around him should they have his respect and Alia had his respect. So did Seto with everything he had done in the battle with Azog. It was why he had agreed to meet Alia that day they started this journey and why he was willing to lend his skills to the Ebony duke, House Kurama, and to Ivalice. They needed him and his skills even if they had another that was similar in skill set. One could never have to many in his mind. It gave him a focus to his talents as well.

So when Seto had asked them to join them, he did. He sat down knowing that if he wanted time he would have to wait. He gave a bow of the head to words spoken and he remained silent as the two of them spoke. He was off the clock and it was off the record. Okay it was more that he had respect for the two sitting infront of him. He would wait his turn not that he had a private matter he wanted to discuss with Alia it was more of a matter to discuss with seto himself so he would have to sit and wait until they were done with discussing the future he took up a cup of tea when it was given to him and sipped on it waiting.

He knew Alia's look when she gave it but he said nothing and did nothing to it as he was waiting on Seto.

 

Vartock watched and studied ayame's movements nodding back at her giving the impression he had her back. As her fluent warrior like skills cutting through these pigmen like bread and butter. Vartock smiled dark especially when he saw her fight and saw her fluent motions. For vartock it was like he was staring at a demon with angel wings. He admired her courage and admired her hard exterior because he was the same.

Now was his chance though fighting side by side together as a team would prove to her that vartock cares about her. He knew it was sudden but it didnt take long because like him she was raw and real and didnt take no shit from anybody that type of romance was something he never felt before till now. Vartock reopened his third eye seeping his dark purple energy around his body. The energy releasing his white aura charging his energy and then vartock motioned his hands in a kind weird way as if he was casting something. Vartock casted a whole group of miraged figures of what appeared to be giant bug men. vartock realized he feared spiders and hated most insects so why not use his phantasmia with his malefimancy to his advantage.

He created 9 miraged figures half human half bug 3 featured spiders 3 featured wasps and the last 3 featured scorpions as he directed the mirages that on contact would explode his black plague mist all over the target. This would smother the target engulfing it in rotting poison. The group of bug men distracted the other guards away from the arena as the pigmen went chasing after the miraged creatures only to be trapped by his dark rotting mist. He then jumped and climbed up on the wood like structure that was apart of the seats to the arena. This reminded him of gladiator fights in the time of the roman empire. Vartock felt a little baffled himself that pigmen were smart enough to pull this off. It didnt matter nor stop vartock from moving forward as he remained blank emotionless and focused on his mission he reached the top seating area. He then stared down into that arena that made his face become disgusted with anger. This was no gladiator fight this was a sex slave performance show the sick bastards had slave girls tied neck first shackled to posts while he saw 6 pigmen raping the slave girls.

Vartocks expression quickly changed back to his blank emotionless state. Vartock didnt hesitate as he created a mirage in front of the pigmen that were watching i. The audience to believe he looked like them but this was only temporary he had no time to was as he chargrd down the wooden steps and jumped as high as he could in the air as he did this his third eye began pulsating a vibrating sound that screeched the whole area sounding like a giant screeching metal sound causing the pigmen to all drop their weapons and cover their ears as vartock came down extending his right leg kicking the pigmen in the face so hard that its head on impact splattered off and completely rotted. Vartock landed as he coninued to fight the stunned pigmen punching them and kicking them with his combos causing each and every one of those pigmen to start rotting to death on impact. However the stun of his mirage and screeching sound ended he had killed 4 out of 6 pigmen in the arena as the seated pigmen stood up with their axes and pointed at vartock squeali g loudly angrily as vartock smiled up at them from his count there were 14 pigmen total left in this area as the rest were either dead or cut down by ayame. Vartock remained vigilant and ready for whatever was next.

The two pigmen in the arena went to strike at Vartock but vartock was ready as he squatted down missing the double axe strikes each axe chopping the other pigmen in the face dead. Vartock stood up laughing as loud as he could as he roared his voice in anger at the pigmen his eyes widened his fists clinched and held up in his martial art stance as he extended his left arm out and gestured his hand ar the pigmen to come get some.

 

It took a considerable amount of strength and stamina to actually move as fluidly as she did with the pole arm in hand. Thankfully she had learned how to use a pole arm in the real world and though she was not holding her usual in this world and it was virtual she knew that she could be just as skilled with time and practice. But right now that was probably the farthest things from her mind as she dodged out of the way of another attack and struck down the pigmen that had attacked her in one foul swoop. She was getting tired she knew that but this fight was not over yet and she wouldn't let herself fall until it was time in a sense. She knew her limits and yet she choose to push past those limits because she knew full well that her body could take more. Virtual or not she knew that she would do as she needed and pass out later.

It wasn't until she got closer and through the grunts she heard the cries of the slave girls being raped. It froze her blood to hear their cries and screams and Vartock took the lead here as she cut down a few of the ones that were in the stands from behind before they even had a chance to realize that someone was behind them. As they were more focused on Vartock at the moment. So by the time he had killed the four of the six on the ground well let's just say that there were far less in the crowd. She wanted to get down there and as soon as the opening to do so appeared she took it. She looked at Vartock she didn't speak just looked at him. Found the keys for shackles and a number of other things and went to work freeing the girls. After all the instant she had found the keys she had killed the remaining trying to get off their loads in the poor girls.

She looked up keeping an eye on Vartock who looked like he was having fun himself. She went about unlocking the girls and catching them as they fell from their positions. She moved them all off to the side and she whispered to them to remain silent and hold onto each other. There was no way she could expect them to walk out of here like that. She, on the other hand, went back in for another two that seemed to be tied up. Only to find that those two girls were past her help so to speak. One of them was dead in the shackles but she brought her down and moved her body over. The other she got down and moved to the other girls instructing them on how to keep her breathing at least. Until this battle was done she could only instruct them.

It was a few second later that she felt the blade at her back. She grunted and spun around. She struck the Pigmen that had struck her and killed him instantly. She watched as two more came at her and she dodged as best that she could. One nailing her arm a bit with his axe though it didn't break her arm thankfully it did leave a pretty decent gash in her arm. But she managed to take care of them pigmen that were trying to get back at the girl's but she was losing her stamina quicker now and she could see her health bar going down. "Vartock we need to end this." She said through gritted teach coming up to him to watch his back and keep an eye on the girls. They only had six more of these disgusting things to kill. She took a breath and looked at him with one of those looks that said combined powers. He could great full-blown illusions that could fight she was still learning that was the thing with illusions she focused more on terrain and so she let her energy fill her once again and her aura turned blue the instant she opened her eyes the area around the Pigmen looked as though it was falling in and they were falling into a pit trap. It was an effect to use to slow them down and bring them down so to speak. She got the first one and killed him outright but she could only keep up this up for so long and she hoped that Vartock could take care of the rest as she started to make the arena look as though it was turning into a vortex and since he had the skill she was sure that he could move without being affected by it.

 

Vartock watched and listened while fighting keeping his ears and eyes open on ayame while fighting off the pigmen before realizing thanks to her only 6 remained. Vartock couldnt feel more on fire and more alive as he was enjoying every moment thanks to vartock training his boby build his stamina was great but his energy however was dropping faster than his health luckily for him he saved his energy for one final attack and one last trump card as he stared back into ayames eyes his dark long hair whipping around by the winds of the battle. Vartock with raging fire in his eyes was burning with fury as the illusion made by ayame didnt effect vartocks mind as it wasnt directed to him. Vartocks mind was also not fooled easily but this gave him the advantage. Vartock charged his energy up allowing the 3 pigmen too get in close each of them going in for a chop when vartock made his move the pigmen swung and realised hitting vartock was nothing but an afterimage as the energy exploded a giant dark hand that came down on top of the pigmen rotting them to nothing but bones in the matter of seconds. Vartock then showed himself to the last 2 since ayame killed the other one he jumped up and drop kicked the pigmen accross the arena as its chest melted away. Finally the last pigmen drew its axe down onto vartocks right shoulder dislocating it causing him to bleed. Vartock crept a dark creepy smile on his face as his body started too form dark tattoos on his body red energy started to glow as his health remained at just enough to keep him alive for one last strike. Vartock extended his left arm up palm striking the pigmans nostrils the impact force was enough to stun it back as it pulled its hands back leaving the axe in vartocks shoulder. Then the pigmen started to scream in agony as its body started to rot still because it couldnt move it could only scream. Vartock stood up with the axe still in his right shoulder and collapsed to the ground bleeding out if ayame didnt do something quick vartock would surely die. Vartock passed out after striking the final pigmen to their graves. Vartock woke up the next morning by a river his shoulder bandaged and kept wrapped as he was lying on the ground he was thinking man what a hangover he looks over to his right only to see ayame sleeping beside him. Vartock was thinking to himself she could have left me for dead but didnt, she saved my life. Vartock looked at his shoulder then back at her and smiled gratefully. Vartock then stood up and walked towards the river and started drinking out of it. He then dove in the water and started drawing fish towards him using an illusion to manipulate the fish into thinking they were chasing food he grabbed his shirt he had folded in his pocket and gathered up about 8 decent sized trout. He then walked back up on shore, he then realised ayame had already built a small fire pit so he started to light it with some flint and metal he had on his arsebal of survival tools and got the fire going. He figured she saved his life the least he could do is make her breakfast and check on the slave girls. Oh shit vartock thought what happened to them, he looked over not 4 feet ahead to see them all sleeping sound. Vartock sighed of relief and sat back down to continue cooking the fish not trying to wake up anybody. Vartock finished cooking enough food for everyone when he woke everyone up by making howling wolf sound that echoed through the whole river valley. Vartock smiled and said get up ladies time to eat the sun is rising and its time to eat and head home to regroup.

Vartock loved cooking mainly for the food but nonetheless wanted to see the look on ayames face when she saw his hardiness take a turn for a small change. He was dying to talk to her after that dreadful night.

 

Ayame saw him go down after the rest of their attackers did too. She was injured but it mattered not to her. He was more so. She looked around finding some cloth in which she quickly used to make it so she was able to move him even with a hurt arm. One of the girls had managed to gain her strength back and soon all of they were leaving. She with a little help buried one woman. There were by the time they got to the river seven of them she worked diligently allowing one to banadage her wounds but despite what she could do the one that had been dying before they got there died and like before she dug a grave and marked it.

She had banaged up Vartock and kept an eye on him. She had kept watch until the wee hours before she found herself curled up near vartock. Asleep. His splash into the water woke her as she was a light sleeper anyways but she didnt move. She was glad he was okay despite herself. She watched him use the fire pit she had used the night before. She moved uo to watch him cook surprised reaslly.

"no need to give a heart attack to us you know." the girls akwardly giggled but they all moved to eat. What had been eight was now six as far as the rescued slaves were concerned and ayame refused to eat until the girls had their fill.

"you are full of surprises Vartock. But please be careful with that shoulder. I was able to put it back into place but its still a fresh wound." in other words she was telling him to not over do it. And he r words might have held a hint of caring. Not that she would admit it. . She looked around the camp and it would be to vartockd suprise that she even found a fortifiable location and that it was in sense fortified. This was how real life translated here.

She simply watched everyone one of the girls offering what she had left making ayame smile and finally eat. It was good for a boy making it and a game but somehow she wasnt surprised.

 

Vartock cracked up laughing after hearing ayame wake up and tell him to keep his voice down. he then waited till all the girls had finished eating including ayame until vartock packed up what was left. Vartock refused to eat after the scene he was introduced to last night he nodded at ayame in agreement when she told him in a caring voice which vartocks intuition could sense from her as she told him not to over do it. Vartock turned towards ayame
So its true after all the big tough bird has a soft spot even for an unbelievable ass like myself vartock chickled out loud as he grabbed ayame by the hands and lifted her up on her feet then getting down on one knee letting go of her hands he crossed his right arm over his chest and spoke i vartock ragnar beginning of the future valaso legacy swear an oath of honor for as long as i breathe as long as i have blood flowing through this veins i am your man forever i will protect you die for you if need be you my word you have my promise that no matter what i have steaked my life oath to you out of appreciation, graditude, and honor for my life which without you would be gone, thanks to you i will live to breathe another day. This is an oath i only swear to those who earn it. Be grateful only seto himself has seen me pledge this oath of loyalty.

Vartock stood up and decided in his head for a moment then spoke.
Vartock sighed
We should lead these ladies back home regroup with the full group this time and heal up then we will come back and burn every last pigmen down for this and i will not stop at nothing till its all finished im sorry ayame i misjudged you i thought you were just pointless woman seeking pointless flirting and fake romance but i can now see beyong this you have great potentiel alia sees it or she would not have chosen you and i see it too your powers your will your strength is a mirror image of myself and i will return the favor in saving your life the next and every chance i get do not take me for granted its the only burden i ask.
Vartock smiled at her but it quickly faded as he looked away...
Yesterday before the pigmen you said i feared something but i honestly am amused at what you think i fear. Please finish that statement im willing to listen.

 

Even with her smile after giving her word they wouldn't kill him, in the back of his mind however, there was just a part of him that just couldn't really accept that, knowing how women were with their emotions. Still at least, at least Alia would state it If she tried or he told himself that unlike Oliva who probably just elminate him If he became currupted. Now that was a woman he would probably never understand despite the fact he had spent more time than Alia was probably comfortable with. He couldn't wrap his head around Oliva's personality habits, sure she was like Alia but to the extreme, when she wore her armor while on duty, she was cold and ruthless, willing to do anything necessary but still valued duty and honour to the extreme. When she was off duty was when his brain would start to hurt since Oliva was calm, kind hearted and gentle, the complete opposite of when she was on the job. Seto was not a person who would never cheat of course but he didn't want Alia getting the bright idea he would get rid of her for Oliva......but they wern't together?......."Nope" He mused to himself, he wasn't going to get into that topic again in his mind, he liked his brain cells intact thank you very much.

Unlike the last time, Seto remained silent even when Alia said "Together" outloud, he was glad the two understood each other, especially with the topic why Vivian didn't get what she wanted. To Seto, really anyone who had half a brain and If one thought about it, it was a no brainer why that woman defected although Seto also knew Lucia was the biggest modifier in the equation since that woman demanded romance more than anything. It was rather clear she must be lonely in the real world If she seeked romance so much here on Terrasphere. Everyone pointed fingers at him for wanting to make some hellish domain when it was the complete opposite. He wanted to make a self sufficent independent Ivalice while the Duchess on the other hand wanted to make her land just a large graveyard for her undead and somehow he was worse than that?

Seto's train of thought was interrupted when Alia spoke up again, this time for his former Ranger of their noble house, reminding him not to underestimate him. It wasn't like he really needed to be reminded of that! He perfectly knew of Aalam's abilities, being quite skilled in ranged combat as well as being skilled in rogue situations. Seto and Alia were on the same page however with both feeling Aalam was being manipulated in some way but how and why was the question, what could have drove him to this point? It was a mystery to him but perhaps his Lioness was right in time, perhaps he repent for his betrayal, after all he didn't tell the King of Aalam's doing, feeling he would deal with Aalam himself while Astor could deal with Lucia since the two had known each other as long as he knew Alia.

Seto hadn't forgotten about Kohaku during all this, taking a mental note of the Faerin as he bowed in respect for him and Alia before a seat across the table and being silent during the entire time as he and Alia spoke to each other, he was pleseantly surprised by Kohaku's actions so far, something he couldn't say that for others he had met on his journey to become a noble of Terrasphere and even afterwards.

Seto

"I do apologize in advance, frankly this may take awhile so If you wish, you may return later. There is no need to bore yourself with such talk unless you find such topic's interesting than by all means, you can stay otherwise I'm sure Alia here can send you a message when were done. "

Seto turned to Alia with a more serious face than usual.

Well I guess it's time to explain what those idiots plan on doing to Ivalice and her people and by extension........Us....I'm pretty sure what I am going to say next will anger, it even anger me which is a rarity usually....Well they want to somehow destroy my name like that's even possible....All I'm known across Astorea is that I am a cold blood warrior and duke in combat and in the room of politics, hence why I am called the Ebony Duke......that and I still donn the ebony armor I've owned for such a long time. Unless they can defeat me in combat, my reputation cannot be broken and there is only one other player who can match me completely in combat and she has not interest in politics since she is a child.......Don't ask.....Terrasphere logic....

Vivian plan well....it will certainly anger you.......She wishes to kill the people here by peremantly posioning the water sources and the fertiziled land. I do not need to tell you what will happen to Ivalice and her people than. We don't need two Norforva's now.......Sigh Really that woman is an idiot......As I've mentioned before since she now serves Lucia the Duchess and is one of her lovers, such an action between noble houses could cause a civil war occur. I have already sent a message to King Astor the First about the matter but I haven't heard anything from him yet. I could see his reponse going either way, either outright ignoring it or accepting my request to exile that wench from Astorea, have Lucia take responsibility for Vivian's actions or probably your favourite choice out of the three.....hunt her down and give her a fate worse than death itself."

​

 

Ayame wouldn't have eaten had it not been for the fact that she knew that one of them had to keep their stamina a bit more. Also mostly because it had been handed too her as well. But the scene from last night was not going to leave her head any time soon. It would haunt her like everyone else did. She shook it off a bit and then Vartock spoke. She looked at him this time listening to what he was saying after helping the girls and everything with what they needed and checking on wounds and other such things. And then he had her hands and was lifting her from gather what she needed and she looked at him. She listened to his oath and he had said he had only pledged so much to Seto as well. An oath of loyalty but for her perhaps it means a life debt or something else. She was loyal to Alia and now vartock gave his loyalty and she wants exactly sure what to say.

She was standing there blinking for a moment. She did care about him probably not in the way he wanted her too at the moment. She had sealed her heart in its walls. Because if she didn't she would lose again and it would ache again. It hadn't healed yet it still lay broken in peace in the wall she rose around it. She was in a sense grateful that he was being honest with her and that he did care. and that he trusted her because she trusted him to have her back but she didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to feel either. And she felt all the better when the subject changed to getting the girls back and regrouping with the full group to burn down ever last pigmen that would put someone else she knew in a happy mood.

She blinked again when he said he misjudged her as a woman that was lookig for a pointless flirting and fake romance. She wasn't one of those people. She didn't flirt and she by no means was thinking about romance. Still she didn't say anything and she then smiled. She wasn't sure why she was smiling but the smile came despite herself. She wouldn't take him forgranted. She usually didn't take people for granted. He was willing to listen to what it was that she had said he was afraid of. And she sorta looked at him. "if you know me well enough, then you know what it is you fear." She took a moment.

"You fear letting others in. in deep and then losing them but really when i said that you feared something it was because to me those that believe they don't fear fear being wrong and fear little things no one thinks about. Not something deep or anything like that. but even fear of losing ones self in some fashion. of not having the control of being wrong. Or fear of living for that matter. We all life a different way. We all have our own ideals. Your's aren't wrong for you nor are mine wrong for me. But we both fear. and i think that fear might be letting people in close so close that they drive you crazy and make you feel what you thought you couldn't feel again or well something like that. To be honest i'm a little taken aback. You are abrasive brash blunt but you are honorable and you think about things before you jump but you enjoy jumping more than sitting back and as good as that is it will kill you eventually and that's seems to be what you want. But if you want me to not take you forgranted. I can't let you just go off and get yourself killed either. You swore your loyalty to Seto and now to me. And I...I came to swear my loyalty to your lord your duke. And alia's as well. I am loyal to her and therefore in a way loyal to you as well. If we work with eachother because we make a good team. I think it might be up to us to decide to file out our rough edges perhaps. Or perhaps with time some other things will blossom out of this. From friendship to something more. Or perhaps we'll drive eachother to the brink just to feel something."

She laughed a little bit and no she didn't really have any reason to fall in love with anyone here or in the real world perhaps after some time she might be willing to let the first wall around her heart fall. After all she wasn't going to let him die to himself. She gave a nod to the girls as they began to walk back. "Come on I think we all could use more food and some rest. By the way you are a decent cook." She smiled at him and then started walking herself.

 

Vartock was mesmerized by ayames words sounding like an angel with powerful words. He then thought to himself maybe she was right he never really thought about it nor cared to really he always accepted hed be alone. He did remember reading something back in the real world how men are the leaders and they are always the first to make the first move. Vartock however was not afraid to let someone in because he had nothing left of himself that was worth losing he was too cold to care about his own feelings. Ayame makes me feel really firey when she speaks to me nothing ive felt before so it be hard to mistaken his feelings when he didnt have any left to begin with. Vartock remained in thought thinking about how ayame was giving him the ability to feel again and he has never felt this before. For god sakes i gotta treat her like shes the only thing i want in this world. Vartock stared at ayame gazing into her beautiful eyes smiling like an idiot back at her. But when she turned and walked away vartock was thinking to himself why do i feel like a jack ass? He walked up to her though and grabbed her by the arm to tug her back as he stood face to face with her looking confused before speaking to her...
Im sorry for everything youve been through, ik know the burdens and the pain that follows i dont fear people getting close to me i fear losing you to another meaningless life form whether that be love or not is irrelevant your not dead not yet not until now...
Vartock quickly before ayame could react leaned in and kissed her

Vartock stood back after and smirked as he started to say..oh so thats what death tastes like, i thought it taste better
Vartock smirked and started to laugh hysterically as he turned around and darted the other direction laughing cause he knew ayame was gonna chase after him and attempt to kick the shit out of him...as vartock ran he couldnt help but laugh taking that good moment they had and crushing it with a kiss. As he ran he shouted back at her awe how cute your blushing red damn you must of liked it more than i though haha!!
Vartock darted as fast as hr could and didnt stop till he was gonna reach dawngrave.