Arc 4: What families entail
Gray: "EEEEK!"
Through the coming days, Edward, Rosemary, Soku, and Julius would continue passing through Godrick mountain toward Athens. Gray on the other hand spent the first few days of his time with Ryo training and training. Even now fleeing as fast as he could from a pack of Frozen Bore. A two tier spirit beast made completely of ice, looking like a wild pig mad with hunger with the sight of Gray's massive mana in front of it. Gray was forced to flee and only flee, flowing the mana around his body and running for as long as he could. The moment he dropped the aura he would slip and tumble, only to flow it again. His body surging and ravaged by pain with each flooding flow.
Ryo: "Pace yourself! Don't use so much mana at once!"
Gray: "I don't wanna get caught!"
Ry would watch from a tree above, sitting with the birds while sipping on some tea. The snow falling against the large trees and massive mountain, blowing along with Grays screams and the Bores roars. Through these first days Ryo had wanted to focus on honing Gray's sense and mana flow. With Musashi he had gotten the basics, and through the Knight exam he had honed them. With Gordon he had further raised his body's resilience, but without someone like Musashi to beat in constant combat it was only resilience. Battle was the greatest way to grow, placing one's life on the brink of death and forcing them to push forward or else. Allowing people to awaken abilities unfounded by the world, unleash what lay dormant within, or push to new levels. Ryo, a God of War and the Greatest Master of the Spirit Arts, would be the perfect wall for Gray to slam against over and over until he began to climb it. Something Gray worked far better with.
Ryo: "I wouldn't run that way! That's why I said to focus on your senses!"
Gray: "That's not very specific!"
Running and running, his foot was snagged on a branch, sending him soaring against the snow. Rolling to face the mother of the beast, a far larger Bore roaring and roaring right in front of him. As it towered over, its Icey blue frosty air sent chills into Gray's already shivering body, leaping up and about to slam down. With the small back right behind him, Ryo dashed out, but Gray moved first. Erupting with mana and dashing under its legs, jumping toward its back and slammed his balled fist against it. While he cracked its back he ran up toward its head, jumping into the air and up with the trees while screaming in fear. The panic and height threw off his mana flow and sent him rocketing toward the ground.
Gray: "Cool moments over! Save me!"
Ryo hit the ground first, taking in the spirit mana from the air while pouring his own mana into it. Spinning and unsheathing his katana along with it and his momentum to throw it all around in a massive slash, sending all of the creatures flying back. The wind, trees, and snow did along with it. Flipping Gray mid-air for him to fall right into Ryo's soft grasp.
Ryo: "Are you alright?"
Gray: "Yeah, but that was awesome!"
Gray looked around, finding all of the creatures running scared but alive. Leaving them to continue running through the snowy forest.
Gray: "You let them go."
Ryo: "Of course. I won't push my morals onto you but personally, killing, fighting, I hate it. That's why I'm up here."
Gray could only think of Jeremiah, the weight that his death had put onto him. In the moment he had justified it, and everyone else around him would and had told him it was necessary. That the Sect were evil, that he was a mad corrupted being. However those same people would say the same things for the Spirit beasts Ryo had just saved, monsters that Gray would have surely broken if he had the might to do so. If he did, would that make Ryo think that much less of him? If he did, would it go against what it meant to be a Hero? But what it meant to be a Hero was something he had absolutely down and absolutely no idea about. Struggling and struggling on. Training through the days, speeding up his mana flow, practicing using mana crystals while having them erupt in his face with various elemental effects, flowing mana over his weapons, and meditating for what felt like forever. To focus on the world and his senses, drinking tea and sitting in the deep freezing snow.
Gray {Here we go.}
After spending a few nights preparing and finding the creaks in the floor board, he would step down the ladder and through the living room of the cabin. Stepping out of the back door and slowly shutting the door to step into the freezing darkness. The moon, clouds, stars, and howling spirit beasts illuminating the mountain. Sighing and taking out the golden crescent charm from his jacket pocket. Placing it on and deeply focusing, flowing his mana toward the charm and around it.
Gray {I know Ryo doesn't think it's safe, nobody does. But the power, it'll let me make up for all of my failures. It'll make sure nobody will die or get hurt again. But I won't fall either, I swear to it.}
Flowing with conviction and mana, nothing. Leaving him sighing. Stepping on with sorrow, the dark oozing cloak stretched down around him. His eyes rose with surprise while his heart sank a bit, feeling bad for training late at night, but happy nonetheless.
Gray: "That's more like it."
Stepping into the night, he would struggle to flow his mana into the cloak. Never noticing Ryo watching over, who begrudgingly let Gray go forward. The fact that Gray wanted to do it being the only thing pushing Ryo to allow it. Gray would wake tired and ready in the next few hours to train in the forest, meditate, and spend his night training again. Spending the next day ravaged by influxes of Spirit mana from Ryo, attempting to get his body and mana adjusted. Along with his shaking mind, his voice echoing out like it was in front of a fan.
Gray: "T-h-i-s--m-a-k-e-s--me--s-i-ick!"
Even if it made his hearing so great he went deaf, his eyesight raising to only see blinding lights, and his body shaking to the strange mix of temperatures and feelings rushing in. All painful and disorienting. Going and going, his eyes growing heavier, his ability to seep mana into the cloak rising during his training through the night, and he would push down anything. The thoughts of Kioshi and Musashi, his murder of Jeremiah, or the fates of his friends. Managing a struggling smile instead. Never to face it, not standing above it or tossing it away, but sitting within it and letting it eat away at him. The cloak acting like a small wave of relaxation to the pain. His friends, his friends, his friends, smashing against him. The weight of Soku and Edwards' loss, the burden placed upon Edward as the last Helsing, and their rising strength. The fact he was left behind to train made him feel even weaker. Across the mountain, moving further and further to reach the West beaches.
Julius: "How did this group come to be, if you do not mind me asking."
Right now Julius sat in the back of the carriage with Edward, while Rosemary attempted to teach Soku how to guide their Dire Wolf. Using her experience in the Golden Knights for some good. Even if Soku was struggling, their carriage was shaking and running of course while it burst down the snowy mountain.
Edward: "From what I know Ophelia and Soku were sisters, then they met Rosemary. A few months later they met Gray and then got attacked by the Sect. When Musashi saved them I met them. But I don't know much else other than the basics. Like how Soku was a thief or Rosemary used to be in the Golden Knights."
Julius: "Mmm, it is good to know not all of the unique abilities of Saga have fallen. But what of Kyojin? Where was he from before he met the others?"
Edward: "Gray doesn't really go into it, or when he does he always speaks around it. But he can't talk about it or his mana stops him.
Julius: "And that does not seem off to you? His connection with Azalea and the Sect? His corrupted mana, the strange casual to flamboyant way he acts. He is very back and forth, very confusing."
As they spoke Julius and Edward both did their own intense exercises. Julius practiced his mana flow day after day until he couldn't, or straining his body doing work outs like he was doing now. Edward did the same, but was currently stretching and wiping the sweat from his face.
Edward: "If it makes you feel better I kinda feel the same way, or used to. But after getting to know him, without him it's like our group is missing its piece. No matter what happens he always seems to come around in the end one way or another."
Julius: "I see what you mean. Now if you don't mind I would like to take a small nap."
Edward: "I mean you've been awake the whole time we've been on the trip right? I think you may need more than a small nap."
While Julius would continue smiling Edward couldn't help but feel off. Wondering why the last living Prince of Valatroctius was still wasting his time with them. Although, too anxious to ask, he would train and train. Forcing Soku to do the same, using her wind magic to jump through the trees. Rosemary followed in her fourth stage, even with the massive amounts of pain surging through her because of it. Always wrapped in some kind of bandage. No matter the strain or pain, the despair or sorrow they would work and work. Using every second they had to get strong enough to buy their lives that second. Rosemary would force her body to grow accustomed to using the fourth stage while bending and controlling the flaming golden aura. Soku would stand atop the carriage and pull from the Mark of Providence on her shoulder, attempting to use the influx of power brought from it to increase her winds proficiency. Doing so with tremendous effect, blasting off large waves of bright green wind. Each blast a large portion of her mana, as it took a large portion to even activate her Mark.
The time she spent awake haunted Ophelia's horrific screams, the heat and intensity of Arthur's black flames, the fear and sadness that broke her. Within her dreams, her day dreams, every action and word heard forcing her to repeat it. Living in that moment, fighting in that moment, unable to use it for anything more than a scolding hot iron to the back. Edward would only be able to curse at himself for his constant and endless failure. A life of constant loss and battle, training through it even now, for whatever the world had next in store for him and his companions. And whatever came after that, and that, and that. Rosemary instead spent her days drowning in her time with the Golden Knights, each battle and lesson they threw at her holding her down. Forcing her to think about every wrong move, every bit of pain, every reason why she had to get better at using the fourth stage. Every stage.
Soku: "Finally!"
Cheering out while the others smiled, their carriage passed through the thick trees and into a small clearing. Passing down the large hill existing Godrick mountains, a large farming town in front of them and the beaches a bit West. Taking in the fresh air, snow is still all around the large empty fields. Wind mills and water mills slowly moving, the wind gently blowing, and the days still passing. Their journey is almost over, and the first third of Gray's time training with Ryo along with it. Gray would break himself like the others, with his own mana or Ryo's spirit mana, spending his knights attempting to manage the cloak. Ending his first week with Ryo, and his first five brief nights practicing with the cloak with the cloak slowly stretching forward with Gray's control. He had his feet planted into the snow, his mind was completely drawn to the cloak and only the cloak, and his mana was feeding into both the charm and the cloak itself. All to curl the long ends forward like a small shaking tendril.
Gray: "Yes!"
Ryo: "See, a steady mind and control is all you need."
Gray: "EEEK!"
As he leapt with fear Ryo helped him up, staring toward the cloak drenched around him.
Gray: "Sorry."
Ryo: "If you can manage it then fine, I will not stop you. Just be ready for the morning, we will start the true essence of Spirit Arts training then."
With a sigh he would go off to bed, doing just that. While he had just begun such things, preparing for their day and short journey through the mountain, the others passed the beaches of the West coast. With many small towns and villages built against it. A small cumulation of neighboring towns, villages, and two cities across it. Currently moving through small wooden homes with hay roofs, stopping to walk toward the shores.
Edward: "I used to live on an Island…now that I think about it I haven't played in the water since I got to Walgonia."
Soku: "This is what all the hype is about, not worth it."
Julius: "Since we have reached the shore I say we have a few days before we reach any notable city or the Great Bridge. So we can take a break."
Julius would rest, Edward would train on the sands, and Rosemary would run off with Soku into the water. Soku sat still, frozen and off in a daze, staring toward where Athens would be while Rosemary tried to splash the ocean toward her.
Soku: "You sure there're no monsters?"
Rosemary: "Yeah, but I don't think that's the problem."
Soku: "Look if you took me out here to -
Rosemary: "No!"
Soku turned around surprised, watching as Rosemary attempted to collect her crumbling emotions.
Rosemary: "Look! I don't want you to get over it, I don't want you to act like it didn't happen. I'm here, we're here. And we're all hurting, but I know it's not nearly as much as you are. So please, either talk, or just relax with me."
Soku: "Fine. But no talking!"
While she wished she could have gotten a bit more she complied, using her stages while Soku used her wind to blast large waves toward each other. Getting a small crowd of villagers watching from their homes while they played, or the villagers that lusted over the training Edward, or the children enamored with their carriage. Sticking out more and more. But they would move on eventually, stopping to play and train, training on the road, going and going. Across the long path, villages, farming towns all coated in snow. The freezing water became too much to play in as it slowly froze. The sun rising and falling, Gray spending the last few days without sleep and in the woods of Godrick mountain with Ryo. Sleeping in the snow, only heated by his mana and training, kept on the brink of collapse by Ryo while he was pushed to adapt and find his spirit. Freezing and freezing, exhausted and running, even wearing and attempting to flow the cloak. Taking on a Spirit Bear, Spirit Wolves, and the other many hunger lower tiered Spirit creatures. The Mid-Tier and higher pushed away by Ryo's intense aura of strength.
Gray: "You sure I'm not gonna get frostbite?"
Ryo: "My healing magic should do the job. Even if I'm not the greatest."
The brutal and vigorous training would continue, while the Athens group continued on their long journey. Making it toward the small town outside of the nearest city. Still by the shores and farm land, many wind mills and snowy hilly land, were the many people. Demi-humans and humans alike, traveling together or alone to trade and sell. However the moment they went to enter they were stopped by guards, some resisting and others walking forward with glee.
"Hey we gotta check to make sure you don't fit the look on these -
Holding print out with surprisingly realistic drawings, taken from the Knight Exam. Their faces cut out and printed, titles listed out, and reward present. But the second Edward and the guard locked eyes Julius dashed out, slashing the guards light armor with ease.
"It's the rogue knights! Stop em!"
Before a battle could break out Edward grabbed Julius' collar and pulled him back, screaming and getting the dire wolf to sprint through the gates of the town. It was made with stone, the ground mixed with sand, cobble, and shrubs peaking out. The buildings and old stone, with plentiful and packed markets. Carriages, wagons, merchants, and even small guild groups around. All looking on at the ruckuses speeding through, horns blowing around for the guards to flee toward them.
Soku: "What the heck!?"
Edward: "Guess Arthur's got a hit out on us, and it was sent out to more than just the knights!"
The others panicked while Julius looked around for anything, deflecting the arrows raining down while flipping onto the carriage roof. Rosemary leaping out of the window to do the same, punching through the small elemental spells shot toward them.
"Ignis!" "Wignum!" "Digvic!" "Ignum!" "Wigven!"
Balls and streams of fire, water, and stone. Piercing spikes and lashing whips. All failing against Rosemary and Julius rapid defensive strikes. Running and running, twisting and turning, through the shops lining the streets and compact alley ways. Bursting forward with screams, faces wide with panic, and everyone dashing out of the way.
"Sorry about this but you betrayed the Helsings!"
A large Demi-human in knight gear ran with some other knights, ready to take the heroes attempting to save their country down for their country. Taken by Arthur's lies and promises for wealth. Holding swords, axes, daggers, and anything else against the carriage bolting toward them. Pulling the reins over and over again to drift across the streets, breaking through the city. Screaming out while Edward braised for impact. Flipping and flinging through the streets to harshly land and keep going forward. The commotion quickly spread to the city in the center, the large city of Pilton, the city connected to the Great Bridge of Athens. It was tall, with sandy stone and light grey buildings, green and blue roofs, and many many shops. The Merchant Capital of Walgonia, the many tall large being trading depos, office buildings, or expensive homes.
Edward: "SORRY!"
Soku: "Dammit what was the plan before this!?"
Edward: "Well I didn't think we'd have to worry about this! Not yet anyway! Not in outside cities at least!"
A large Demi-human would slam its hammer against the shaking wheel of their carriage, sending it splintering and shattering underneath of them and flipping forward once again. Landing upside down, Edward falling to his back and placing his arms up against the blades of the knights.
"Now -
But screaming out behind them, in the gate to the city of Pilton, was a small group of knights blowing loud horns. A large golden carriage passing through, the mayor of the city stepping out. A high ranking noble, racoon Demi-human, woman in mid forties. A big, larger, wearing a beautiful red dress, and playing with her fluffy dark red hair. Giving a relaxed smirk.
Sugar: "Call me Sugar, Sugar Pilton. And you all, you're the so-called rogues right?"
Edward would stop, standing with embarrassment and confusion. Bowing right after while Rosemary and Julius jumped down to do the same. Leaving Soku stepping out with a pouty and annoyed face.
Soku: "What's the big idea!?"
Sugar: "That's what I wanted to ask."
She laughed, walking up to them and lifting their heads while staring toward Soku. Her knights rushed to follow her.
Edward: "We're Leviathan Knights of Walgonia, on a mission."
Edward quickly flashed a letter sealed by Gordon from his pocket, Sugar smiling on and patting Sokus shoulder.
Sugar: "'I've never seen an Elf before. Nice to know the ones in Walgonias ranks!"
Soku: Well do you believe us?"
Sugar gave one last look. To Rosemary's golden hair and Edwards stern aura. Stepping on and pulling them toward her carriage. Getting the guards to gather their things.
Sugar: "I do. You guys are lucky I'm old fashioned or I woulda had to throw you away. But I will get in quick."
They followed, sitting all awkwardly together and silent. Moving into the city of Pilton. Many eyes on them, many guards and wagons following, and the snowy sky rained down as they moved. Rolling and rolling, the green Carriage Lizards pulling them through the sandy and bustling streets.
Sugar: "So you're really a Goldenwind, a Helsing, and an Elf! And you."
Julius: "I am the Prince of Valatroctius."
Sugar: "Okay. So, what's the mission?"
They would all look toward Edward, leaving him a bit hesitant and fearsome. But, taking a breath, and getting the nods of the others, he spoke.
Edward: "We have been sent on a mission by Gordon Hill, to travel to Athens."
Sugar: "And do you have any idea why the King says you guys caused some so-called, great deaths that will be revealed later? The destruction of the capital because of your failure and aliment with the Sect? The Last Golden Knight, The End Bringer, The Mad Prince, the Elf Thief, and the Phantom Knight."
Each name slammed against them like a truck. Molded in such a way to turn all eyes against them with a simple glance or story. The one hundred gold piece reward sticking out like a sore thumb, making Soku wish she could turn herself in and everybody else for the reward.
Edward: "Well that's pretty far from -
Sugar: "I know! Gordon's been sending out letters to worn people, I just needed to check your story. Look, I've always looked up to Musashi and you guys! Without you I wouldn't be allowed to run this city, so it's the least I can do. I'll make sure you can enter through the bridge, and I'll send word. Just know there are just as many people who wanna help as there are who wanna hurt yah. Especially in Walgonia."
They couldn't help but smile, like the massive weight against them had gotten lighter. Even if for a moment. Their wounds, their past, their losses all go in and out with their deep breaths. Looking on, down the long street and toward the massive stone bridge connecting the continent to the nearby island of Athens. The Athenian guards are stern and ready to speak with the incoming mayor. Getting them closer and closer, until they would finally cross onto the bridge. The guards checked them and their things, leaving them only hopeful that Sugar's guards had managed to smuggle their things through. Looking through the window at the passing seas, the Spirit Beasts that may lurk below just beneath the surface of the dark water.
Rosemary: "There it is."
The front was mostly green, the outer layer of Athens a variation of forests. The West side of the Island is a massive volcanic mountain. And the center holding the large Capital City of Athens, the large tower at the end the castle of the grand country. Filled with history, war, treachery, and battle. Holding the next stage of their journey, and what may break them or mold them into the heroes that will be needed to take Walgonia back for good. Truly beginning their mission to save their home, and become Heroes of Walgonia.