Post by Hayate on Mar 16, 2009 12:17:28 GMT -5
Tales of the Epitaph
Chapter 5: The Scholars’ City
~ Atrum Neux Headquarters ~
~ Dorinday, Gorre-Lunae 19, AC2038 ~
*Mitsuru is seen lying in a bed; Nanao is seen at her bedside; as Nanao places a damp cloth on her forehead, Mitsuru opens her eyes and looks at her*
Nanao: *gasp* Mitzi! You’re finally awake!
Mitsuru: …Nanao… W-Where…?
Nanao: You’re back at HQ. I carried you here after your headache attack on Hy Brasail.
Mitsuru: …I’m sorry…
Nanao: Ah, don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re feeling better.
Mitsuru: …
Nanao: …You had the vision again, didn’t you…?
Mitsuru: …
*in Mitsuru’s mind appears the image of a man with short red hair; blood was trickling down from the sides of his mouth*
: …*the man moves his mouth to speak, but the vision was silent*
Mitsuru: …
*just then, Beatrice enters*
Beatrice: Hi! How are my two favorite cutthroats doing today?
Nanao: Mornin’, boss.
Mitsuru: …Morning…
Beatrice: Ya feelin’ okay, Li’l Mitzi?
Mitsuru: Yes… Thank you…
Nanao: Any news about Prince Kazuto?
Beatrice: Apparently, his Majesty the Prince went and got himself captured by Lumina Cloth knights as soon as they got there.
Nanao: Oh, you gotta be kidding! If Lumina Cloth has him, we’re screwed!
Beatrice: Oh, don’t you worry your pretty little head none, Nao-Nao. Word’s goin’ around that the prince and his buds escaped Lia Fail earlier today.
Nanao: Heh! So he’s easy-picking again!
: Hmph! Pretty big words comin’ from the chick who ran away from the fight!*looking towards the door, Beatrice, Nanao, and Mitsuru see Kyuzo*
Nanao: Oh, like you’re one to talk! You ran away too, y’know!
Kyuzo: Tch! That was a fluke! Damn white-haired pretty-boy… I ever see him again, I’m gonna enjoy tearing his intestines out!
Nanao: *groan* …So, where’s the prince headed this time?
Beatrice: I sent ol’ cloak boy to find that out right now.
Nanao: You sent him!? …Does he…know about that blue-haired girl from Gadelica…?
Beatrice: *crosses arms* No, but…he’s bound to find out sooner or later…
~ Kingdom of Lumina Cloth, outside Lia Fail ~
*Kazuto, Ren, Shiro -- led by Saber -- emerge from Lia Fail’s underground tunnel and find themselves several yards outside the city limits*
Saber: *glances around* …Alright. It’s safe.
*the group walks out into the open grassy fields and stretch*
Ren: Mmmm… It feels like I haven’t seen the sun in so long.
Shiro: Thanks again for helping us out, Saber.
Saber: Think nothing of it. I simply act according to milady’s wishes.
Ren: …Hmm?
*looking over at Kazuto, Ren notices he had a melancholic expression*
Kazuto: …
Ren: …Kazu? Are you sure you’re feeling alright?
Kazuto: …Yeah. (…I can’t keep worrying those I care about… Maybe I should just…)
Saber: Sir Kazuto?
Kazuto: …It’s nothing. So…Breg Epona is to the south of here, you said?
Saber: Uh… Y-Yes, that’s correct. It’s just past the southern woods. Come. The Lumina Cloth knights will be upon us should we linger.
Ren: Understood.
*with Saber leading the way, Kazuto and company exit the vicinity of Lia Fail and make their way south; just a matter of hours later, the group reaches the entrance to the woods between Lia Fail and Breg Epona*
Shiro: *sniffs* …Something smells sweet.
Saber: Aromatic grass. This is one of the only places in the world where it grows. When moisture from the air binds with the grass, it produces a sweet-smelling dew that attracts animals.
*walking over, Ren kneels down and starts picking some stalks of aromatic grass out of the ground*
Ren: I’m gonna take some with us. It might make for a potent herbal medicine.
Kazuto: … *looks ahead* !!! …Uh, guys? We have company.
*Kazuto turns the group’s attention to a pack of vicious lion-like beasts; they growl menacingly as they approach*
Shiro: Monsters…! Were they drawn here by the aromatic grass…?
Saber: Most likely. *draws broadsword* Prepare yourselves! Here they come!
*as the party draws its weapons, the beast pounce forward; Shiro leaps forward as well*
Shiro: Hah!
*with a swift pair of blade slashes, Shiro rends through one of the beasts’ flesh; it falls limp through the ground but shortly rises back to its feet; nearby, another beast lunges towards Kazuto with its claws; raising his arms, Kazuto defends himself with his sword, but the beast’s sheer weight drops Kazuto to one knee*
Kazuto: Grrrr…
Ren: Miu Lei!
*as Ren surrounds another beast with her magic, its eyes begin to glow bright pink; while under the effects of Ren’s charm spell, the beast lunges at the beast currently battling Kazuto, and the two beasts begin clawing at each other*
Kazuto: *panting* They’re powerful…!
Saber: Don’t let your guard down!
*just then, the great roar of a lion resounds across the field of trees*
Shiro: W-What the hell…!?
Ren: Look!
*at the sound of the roar, the lion-like beasts back away from the party; from the shadows of the trees emerge a tall man with spiky white hair and a burly figure*
: Who are you!? State your business!Kazuto: (H-He’s…huge…!)
: Well!? Speak up!Kazuto: I-I, uh…
: …Ah! I see! You are hunters come to claim the hides of my beast friends, aren’t you!?Kazuto: W-What!? No, we were just--!
: It’s too late to beg for mercy, you filthy poachers!*the burly man starts concentrating his energies; his muscles begin to expand, his skin pigment becomes slightly red, and his white hair grows unruly and becomes similar to that of a lion’s mane -- the man had turned into a lion-like man-beast hybrid*
Shiro: …What on Earth is…?
Gabi: Prepare yourselves, dirty hunters, for now you face…Gabi! King of the lions! *roars mightily*
*meanwhile, at the castle in LeGable, Sakaki is seen gazing out the window in his castle quarters*
Sakaki: …
*several feet behind him, the door opens and Beatrice saunters in*
Beatrice: You called for me, sugar?
Sakaki: …Miss Beatrice…I consider myself a patient man. Four days ago, I requested your services to dispose of Prince Kazuto. I assumed my request was in capable hands… And yet I receive report after report that tell me the prince is still alive.
Beatrice: Tch! It ain’t my fault! The kid surrounds himself with the weirdest people! A Gadelican-artes user, an imperial knight of Lumina Cloth, a womanizing dual-wielder… For each move we make, it’s like he has something to counter it…
Sakaki: …You’re conceding defeat to a 16-year-old boy?
Beatrice: Hah! Fat chance! When Atrum Neux takes on a job, we don’t quit ‘til it’s done! That’s just how we roll!
Sakaki: Then it appears I was not clear enough in our original agreement… *turns to face Beatrice* Know this, Miss Beatrice. If Prince Kazuto is not dead by the end of the month…then I shall seek help elsewhere.
Beatrice: …So you’re giving us a deadline… Heh. Well, why not? I relish the challenge. If that’s all…
*turning to her rear, Beatrice approaches the door and grasps the doorknob*
Beatrice: …Y’know, sugar, it’s the damnedest thing… I get the feeling that there’s more to the cutie prince’s death that just avoiding the end of the world…
Sakaki: …
Beatrice: …But, hey, it ain’t any of my business, now is it? The affairs of Mac Anu are the affairs of Mac Anu, not mine. …See ya ‘round, Sakaki. *exits the room*
Sakaki: … *smirks* Heh.
*back in the woods between Lia Fail and Breg Epona, Kazuto and company are seen still in the heat of combat with the man named Gabi*
Shiro: *panting* He’s…so strong…!
Gabi: Heh… Hehehe… You little cubs aren’t half bad. Were you not in the profession of beast hunting, I’d enjoy this little sparring match.
Kazuto: For the last time, we’re not poachers!
Gabi: Enough lies! *roars*
*crouching down, Gabi leaps forward and pounces onto Saber, who defends with her broadsword*
Saber: Grrrr…!
Gabi: …!!!
*glancing at Saber’s armor, Gabi notices the Lumina Cloth Imperial Forces insignia on her breastplate and immediately backs off*
Gabi: …You… You’re with the Imperial Forces… What’s an imperial knight doing in Breg Epona?
Saber: …
*lowering her guard, Saber sheathes her broadsword*
Ren: Saber…?
Saber: …It is indeed as you say. I am Saber, former captain of the Imperial Forces of Lumina Cloth. Through a particular series of events, I’ve begun traveling with these people, and right now, we seek passage into Breg Epona. Had we known the beasts living in these woods were companions of yours, we’d have caused them no deliberate harm. *bows to Gabi* We apologize for our untimely crossing through here.
Kazuto: …
Shiro: …
Ren: …
Gabi: …HAHAHAHAHA!!! Well, now, why didn’t you say that in the first place?!? If it’s just passage into the city you want, then be my guest!
Kazuto/Shiro/Ren: *sweatdrop* …
*moments later, Gabi -- in his human form -- escorts Kazuto and company to the other end of the woods*
Gabi: Hahaha! I apologize for jumping to conclusions so quickly back there, folks. The thought of poachers roaming these woods sent me into a bit of a frenzy.
Ren: You’re very protective of the beasts in this forest, aren’t you, Mr. Gabi?
Gabi: Sure am. On more than one occasion, the lions living here saved my life. I owe everything to them. That’s why I want to protect them just as they had protected me.
Shiro: So that…ability of yours…?
Gabi: Eponian zoanthropy magic, courtesy of the Academy of Magic.
Saber: It’s certainly a remarkable skill. Then again, there isn’t anything unremarkable about Breg Epona.
Gabi: Hahaha! Got that right, little missy!
*before long, the group reaches a wide open plain, and a grand city could be seen several kilometers away*
Gabi: There it is. The glorious city of Breg Epona. *looks up at the sky* And not a moment too soon. Sun’s almost completely gone.
Kazuto: Thank you for escorting us this far, Mr. Gabi.
Gabi: Hah! My pleasure, sonny! Hope you enjoy your stay in the city, folks! …And, uh…if you could do me a little favor…
Ren: A favor?
Gabi: If you happen to meet a gal by the name of Nina…tell her I’ll be home soon, ‘kay?
Shiro: *smirks* Hmm… Does this “Nina” person hold a special place in your heart, Gabi?
Gabi: Hehehe…
Saber: *smiles* Should we meet this Nina, we’ll gladly pass along your message, Sir Gabi.
Gabi: Heh. Appreciate it. See ya later, little cubs.
*upon leaving the wooded area, Kazuto and his friends make their way towards the city; as they walk, the sun descends over the horizon further and further until it was completely nighttime; just outside the city, Saber stops*
Saber: Just a moment, everyone.
Shiro: What’s up, Saber?
Saber: It’s nothing important. I just require a moment to “de-armor” myself.
Kazuto: “De-armor”?
*extending her arms to her sides and closing her eyes, Saber conjures a special brand of magic that causes her body armor to disappear, leaving only the red fabric underneath*
Ren: Wow…
Saber: Subspatial magic, also developed in Breg Epona. It stores one’s weaponry and armor in an easily accessible pocket of subspace. All the Lumina Cloth knights make use of it.
Shiro: Gabi’s half-beast magic… Saber’s spatial magic… I can’t help but wonder what kind of city this Breg Epona is.
Kazuto: But why “de-armor” yourself to begin with, Saber?
Saber: Because Lumina Cloth knights aren’t permitted within the walls of Breg Epona without special clearance. The city possesses no armed force of its own, and maintains a position of neutrality during wartime. Therefore, while we are staying in the city, it’s important that no one finds out that I was once with the Imperial Forces.
Ren: *nods* Very well. We understand.
Saber: Alright then. Shall we?
*Shiro, Ren, and Saber enter the city; Kazuto, however, stays behind momentarily, lost in deep thought*
Kazuto: …
Shiro: Hurry up, Kazu, or we’ll leave you behind!
Kazuto: Oh! S-Sorry, be right there!
*after Kazuto catches up with the group, the party proceeds to the inn to spend the evening*
~ City of Breg Epona, Kingdom of Lumina Cloth ~
~ Lilithday, Gorre-Lunae 20, AC2038 ~
*the following morning, Kazuto and company exit the inn and take in the sunshine of Breg Epona*
Shiro: Ahhh… Just look at that sun and smell that air… It makes me forget all about the fact we’re being pursued.
Kazuto: …Yeah…
Ren: Well, don’t lower your guard completely. While we may be safe from Lumina Cloth knights here, there’s still the matter of Atrum Neux.
Shiro: *sigh* You sure know how to kill a good mood, huh, Ren?
Kazuto: …Have you been to this city before, Saber?
Saber: Only once or twice while acting as Lady Kyoko’s personal guard. The only places in the city I’ve actually set foot inside are the mayor’s house and the Magic Academy.
Ren: Ah, that’s right. Mr. Gabi did mention something about an “Academy of Magic”. I’d like to see it.
Saber: Certainly, Ren. Come, I’ll show you the way there.
*Saber leads the group past the plaza to the east side of town where Breg Epona’s Academy of Magic was located; meanwhile, in the woods to the north of the city, the cloaked member of Atrum Neux makes his way through*
: …Gabi: HALT!
*leaping down from the treetops, Gabi and several lions confront the cloaked man*
Gabi: State your business in these woods, masked drifter!
: …Gabi: …Oh-ho… The silent type, eh?
*at Gabi’s side, the lions all growl forebodingly at the man*
Gabi: …You carry the rancid scent of malice with you… Who are you!?
: …Gabi: Still nothing? No matter…
*concentrating his energies; Gabi morphs into his half-beast form*
Gabi: …I have methods for getting what I want…! *roars*
*Gabi pounces forward to attack the man*
: …*reaching into his cloak, the cloaked man draws a rapier with a lavish hilt*
: …As do I…!!!*back in Breg Epona, Kazuto and company enter the Academy of Magic*
Saber: Welcome to the Academy, everyone. This is where the world’s sharpest minds offer their vast knowledge of the arcane to the budding minds of the next generation. It’s also where the latest advances in magic, such as Sir Gabi’s zoanthropy, are developed and perfected.
Shiro: So it’s a school AND a research facility?
Saber: Mm-hmm. This building -- the pride of the city -- is how Breg Epona earned the name “City of Scholars”. …Come with me. I wish to introduce you to someone.
Ren: Who?
Saber: When I first came to this city with Lady Kyoko, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Academy’s finest instructors: Citan Uzuki.
*as Saber leads the party through the hallways of the Academy, they eventually come to a classroom door, which Saber proceeds to open*
All: …Hmm?
*inside the classroom, a teenage girl with long, bright-red hair is seen rummaging through the professor’s desk*
Girl: C’mon… Where is it…?
Saber: …Um, excuse me?
Girl: Aah!
*startled by the party’s entrance, the girl quickly shuts the desk drawer closed and spins around*
Girl: I-I wasn’t doing anything! …Huh? Oh. Sorry, I…thought you were someone else. Can I help you?
Saber: We’re looking for Professor Uzuki. Is he accepting visitors?
Girl: Yeah, but…I think he’s teaching a class upstairs right now.
Saber: Ah. I see.
Ren: Are you one of Professor Uzuki’s students?
Hanabi: Yup! My name’s Hanabi! And I’m one of Professor Uzuki’s star pupils!
Kazuto: What were you doing in here?
Hanabi: Eh!? O-Oh, I was, uh… Um…
All: …
Hanabi: …W-Why are you looking at me like that…?
Shiro: You have a look of guilt on your face. You appeared to be looking for something as we came in.
Hanabi: *sweatdrop* …I, uh…
Kazuto: One of Professor Uzuki’s so-called “star pupils” causing mischief? For shame.
Hanabi: H-Hey! Don’t you act condescending to me! You know what the professor would say if he saw one of his favorite students being talked down to!?
: Oh, do enlighten us, Hanabi -- What would the professor say?All: …?
*turning back towards the classroom door, the group notices a tall man with glasses and long black hair tied into a ponytail*
Hanabi: P-Professor Uzuki…!!! I thought you were teaching today…!!!
Citan: I decided to cut class a little short today… Causing trouble again, eh, Hanabi? No doubt searching frantically for my spell book?
Hanabi: *blush* …
Citan: *walks over, stands next to Hanabi, and turns to face Saber* I apologize for on behalf of my student. She can be a bit of a firecracker. …Hmm? You look…familiar, miss. Do I know you from somewhere?
Saber: I was the female knight who’d accompanied Kyoko Von Lumina Kazuhiko here to Breg Epona several months ago.
Citan: Ah, yes. Miss Saber. I remember now. It’s a pleasure to see you again. How fares the young princess these days?
Saber: She’s doing very well, thank you for asking.
Citan: *looks at Kazuto and others* And these are your friends, I take it?
Saber: Yes. I’m currently traveling with them.
Citan: So…what brings a Lumina Cloth knight to Breg Epona?
Saber: …Well…
*just then, a large explosion followed by screams of panic is heard outside the Academy*
Kazuto: W-What was that!?
Shiro: It came from outside! Let’s go check it out!
*Kazuto, Shiro, Ren, and Saber -- along with Citan -- rush outside the Academy to find a nearby building in flames; residents of Breg Epona can be seen fleeing away from the sight of the explosion*
Ren: What’s going on!? Is the city under attack!?
Citan: …Ah! Look there!
*Citan turns everyone’s attention to the roaring flames, from which a figure emerges: the cloaked member of Atrum Neux*
: …*as the flames behind the cloaked man rage, the winds cause his right eye to be revealed; the eye glowed a bright shade of yellowish-brown*
TO BE CONTINUED…
