-I wonder what they're talking about...-Guy would ask, arms dangling out of the windowsill.
-She did that thingamabob with her Blade and the wooden swords...must be a lesson on how to, not just bolster your Astral Soul's aura's size, but of how to give it more depth.- Master Rye mused, leaning his body over the Pyre-born's, squeezing him a bit against the wall below the window.
-She's chewing him out something fierce...-Axel peeked from under the windowsill- I've never seen her so stern before. What did Noah say to make her so upset..?
-Hehehe...Teacher Lucy, how nice to meet ya~ And in such a sexy nightgown too...Oh, the worlds of possibilities this opens~- Gee giggled to himself as he had his whole upper half leaning out of the men's room's window.
-She looks like she's about to slap the crap outta him instead..!- Sobek gulped, the short man peeking from over Rye's shoulder, having climbed atop the taller man's back.
-Noah has been babied too much ever since arriving at Soula. It serves him right to dunk his head in some cold water once in a while, with some stern talking-tos.- Merceny huffed, arms crossed as he looked down from the window, standing in the center of the group.
-Noah's making good progress, though. But, in this stage of his training, he needs to improve his mindset and sensibilities instead of just raw power.- Eldus replied, chin placed atop the mercenary's head, his long beard falling over his face, Merceny having to part it like a window's curtain to keep watching.
-Meanwhile, all your raw indelicacy will break through the wall.-Hanzo would reply from the roof, sitting above the window, over which the entire men's room's members were leaning to watch Lucy talk to Noah, curious about where the nightgown-wearing madame was heading with all those swords- Private conversations should stay as such.
-You can't talk much!- everyone would reply at once, glaring at him.
-Oh!- Guy pointed out- They're walking back inside the inn! Ah, but Noelle is still in the chair--ah, Noah's picking her up, thanks---and she's chewing at his wig already...sorry...
-Mmm...well, I do hope he takes this moment of inspiration to train with the tools I gave him.-Eldus stepped back away from the window and Merceny- It's about time I started contributing to that boy's recovery!
-If you weren't so frail, you could have helped him by joining his daily physical training.- Rye nodded to himself.
His motions were interrupted as the pointy base of Eldus's staff poked him on the cheek repeatedly.
*
-What were you guys talking about?- Allie asked Lucy- We felt two soul power signatures flaring up, so we thought the enemy had found you. We looked, but instead you were mouthing off to Noah. Are you playing the part of a lovers' quarrel as well?
Upon returning to the women's room, Noah would find them all huddled around their own window, also having changed into their nightwear.
Allie was wearing a simple pair of red shorts and a loose pink tanktop and stood near the window, her long, flexible legs and bare feet exposed for all to see.
Terri was matching her, the Titan's sheer muscular form sitting atop the windowsill, bare feet placed on the side of the window's wooden frame, as she drew a small pocket knife across a small block of wood, wearing a black set of shorts and matching sports crop top, her long brown hair still tied into two long pigtails that lightly swayed in the chill night breeze.
Zeke had somehow been woken up, leaning against the wall underneath the window, head slowly bobbing back and forth in sleepiness, the makeup on his drowsy face having been cleaned away. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and baggy pajama pants, having tied his hair back into his usual loose up-do, making him look like a pineapple.
And finally, Mercedes was sitting atop of one of the beds, one of the two on farther edge of the room, wearing an all white cotton pajama set, frills puffing out of the ends of her collar and sleeves and a matching pair of cotton socks around her feet. Finally, her long golden locks were still kept in a bun.
-Well, they do say that couples that can make it through altercations grown stronger because of it...-Zeke let out a long yawn- We all tried to see what you were talking about, but we couldn't quite make it out.
-You do know that private conversations should stay as such, no?- Lucy smirked, hands on her hips.
-It wasn't just us, all the guys next room over were watching too!- Terri chuckled- They were piling on each other as they leaned out the window, so focused on you two that I wouldn't be surprised if they fell over!
-C'mon, spill the beans, Lucy!- Allie giggled as she pulled Lucy closer. Then, she, Terri and Zeke, the group huddled together near the window, alongside the madame- Did little Noah confess a little crush on you, or something? It looked like such a dramatic conversation~!
-Like Noah would have the sentimental facilities to even develop a crush.- Mercedes jabbed, eyes following Noah trying to join in the huddle, but was constantly stopped by Allie flexibly raising her bare foot high and softly kicking it behind herself, pushing the boy away.
-Nah, don't worry, I was just giving some advice on BladeMaster-ing, as per his request. Besides, I wouldn't go for cherry boys like him anyways.- Lucy shook her head, leaving the huddle to sit on the edge of Mercedes's bed, happily kicking her manicured feet - But even if he did have a crush, I'd commend him on his good taste, even if I would have to reject him. He'd be picking the cream of the crop!
-More like the "peek of the top".- Mercedes peeked over Lucy's shoulder- You do know we can all see your bits through that, right? I get that it's the Scheherazade brand, but we still have boys in the room!
-Methinks someone's jealous~- Lucy leaned her head back with a mocking smirk before her cheeks were pulled harshly by a blushing Mercedes- Meanwhile, ya dress like a granny~
-No, it's you all that dress like you're in the middle of the Pyre Cycle!- Mercedes exclaimed- How are you not cold?!
-Aqua attribute gives me resistance to cold.- Zeke replied, standing up with all wobbly and climbing on top of Noah's back so the blonde would carry him. Noah would acquiesce, and would then take off and place his ginger wig atop Zeke's slumbering head.
-I've trained my Pyre attribute to offset my initial weakness to cold.- Allie replied with a wink and a sultry smile, stretching her arms behind her head to show off her slender body, barely covered by the diminutive nightwear.
-Grit.- Terri simply replied, her bulging muscles looking like they'd burst out of her nightwear at a moment's notice.
-You were little by default, anyways.- Allie giggled.
-Look who's talking, little dancer.- the Titan replied with a smirk.
*
As Noah looked over at the group as they chatted about, he would then notice something, especially around the Order Elite ladies: littered throughout their skin were quite the number of scars, placed in various parts of the body, with various degrees of severity, depending on how well they healed after medical attention through exposure to an hospital's or Sage's Enchant Stone.
As Terri moved about, talking with Allie, her stone-like abs and steely biceps revealed all sorts of healed gashes and cuts, which was quite surprising, considering that, in Noah's eyes, the Terri that trained him and his Academy piers every day was a literal invincible golem. Even after he defeated her in her desert base, she came out of Eldus' healing looking no worse for wear, therefore showing how narrow his victory over her was.
Meanwhile, as the sultry Allie teased Terri, her scars peeking through her own diminutive nightwear sported two that jumped in Noah's memory: one going from her left shoulder, across her torso and ending on the right side of her hips, created as a result from Axel's improved Mystic Soul that he had hit her with on their battle in Aireen; and one on her right shoulder, also from one of Axel's attacks, when he fought against her side by side with Noah.
Both scars were quite frightening-looking, as before getting treated with a Sage's healing, Allie had roughly patched herself up with her own Pyre, cauterizing the wounds herself. Not only that, the wound on her right shoulder was targeted by Noah himself later on in the battle, requiring Allie to close it up again. As a result, both scars were quite red, Allie's skin looking like it was being torn off to expose the muscle underneath, but the gash on her right shoulder was particular ghastly, the healed wound covering that entire section beside her neck.
Although, Allie wasn't the only one that was given a permanent scar during the battle in Aireen: as Zeke climbed off his back, making his way to the bathroom, he yawned and stretched his arms, his shirt would ride up to show his flat stomach area, a scar square in the middle of it, created by his own Blade, Waterwheel, having been taken by the Order's Lotus and cleanly thrust through his stomach.
It was a grievous wound that, if not for the allied Owl Knights' leader, Jack's, Sagely knowledge having been used in quick fashion, would have spelled Zeke's death.
And, finally, towards the Brigade ladies, Noah couldn't immediately see any scars on Mercedes, because of her pajamas, although he was sure that she sported some herself. Although, as the group chatted away about nightwear fashion choices, Mercedes would rummage through her bag and remove a small pot, big enough for her to easily carry on her palm. Removing the lid, it'd reveal a cyan-colored cream inside.
Mercedes would then remove her cotton socks, and Noah would then spot her own brand of scars. Since Lucy's and Mercedes' Dances involved lots of intricate footwork, they were much akin to ballet. As such, Mercedes' bare feet were quite battered, sporting a myriad of dark bloody bruises from her soles to her toes, across which she applied the pot's cream, which Noah assumed was derived from a cyan colored Neutral Enchant Stone.
Curious, he'd peer towards Lucy's own bare feet and, although they were more faded (most likely because Lucy had already applied the concoction), he could spot similar bruises. Noah already felt like his feet were breaking apart after every training session with Terri and Lucy, so he'd wince at the thought of the stress Mercedes, Merceny and Lucy placed on their own bodies.
Speaking of which, now that Lucy was cast under the lights of the room, the nightgown's thin fabric made it easier for Noah to spot, not only the scars that littered her arms, torso and legs, but also a particularly nasty one, over her left kidney section.
Created by a slash of Tal's chainsaw sword Blade, Bloodlust, not only had him serrated into her midsection, he had used his mysterious powers, that allowed him to manipulate and give solid shape to his or his enemies' blood, to turn said blood pouring out of Lucy's wound into nails and make them shoot out of her back.
As such, while the wounds on her back were cleanly healed, the initial slash beside her stomach was still quite prevalent, as shown by a nasty, purple-ish scar that even Eldus' continuous healing could not make go away. Apparently, according to Lucy, it still hurt a bunch if she touched it, so she surmised that it had something to do with Tal's manipulation of her own blood.
As Noah looked over his group, he couldn't help but tap his own midsection. Unlike them, he didn't sport any scars anywhere on his body, even when he had arrived in Soula. He didn't know what to make of it: had he been so strong of a BladeMaster that he was never hurt badly enough to leave a scar? Or...did he never engage in fierce enough battles that could warrant a scar?
As he curled up his lips, feeling a tinge of shame wash over him, he'd feel a soft tap on the top of his forehead. Looking over, he'd see Lucy's gentle smile directed at him as she'd softly shake her head.
-Scars are the kinds of war medals that I'd trade away in a heartbeat, my little munchkin. Be thankful you've never been awarded one, okay?- she winked at him.
-Yeah, silly Noah.- suddenly, the blonde boy would feel another bop on the top of his head, courtesy of a returning Zeke, who climbed atop of his back again.
With a sheepish pout, Noah would meekly nod and both would turn their attention back to happier interactions between fierce BladeMasters.
*
-By the way, you look positively picturesque, carving away beneath the Night of the Teary Stars~- the Lotus pointed out, leaning towards the sitting brunette on the window- I should have snatched away Master Gee's camera and took a picture. What are ya doing over there?
-A bear!- Terri smiled widely, showing off her chipped-off block of wood, a crude and clumsy figure carved on it, indeed possessing two legs and arms, but far away from looking like a bear.
-Very...avant-garde...-Allie replied with a nervous giggle.
-Are you comfortable like that, Noah?- Mercedes asked the boy, noting his less than nightwear-worthy ensemble as she had finished applying her salve-like medicine on her feet.
Noah quickly nodded.
-Yeah, I'm comfy! And don't worry, Mercedes, I think you look very cool! Your pajamas look soft, warm and they fit your slender build!- the boy pointed out with an sunny expression on his face.
-O-oh..!- Mercedes's eyes widened, her face becoming positively beet red as she then curled up her lips and looked down, mewling a little "Thanks".
-Besides, I never understood the point of girls carrying those things around with you everywhere. Seems like a right bother and makes you look like a big ol' cow!- he mused, before he grinned at the Goldilocks mercenary- You look much more sleek, like us boys!
His positive attitude was promptly squashed, as his cheeks, hair and neck were furiously pinched and squeezed by the girls, from all sides and at the same time. Afterwards, the boy was left laying face down on the wooden floor, completely defeated, all the while Zeke kept sleeping on top of him, unbothered.
-Well, girls, as this Teary Night lingers on, what should we do in the meantime?- Lucy asked, dusting off her hands- It's not every day we get to have an in-mission sleepover~
-IIIIII know that oneeeee!!!!- Noah would suddenly rise to his feet, pumping his arm up into the air, the sudden movement causing Zeke to jostle violently on his bag, the sleepy Aqua-born blinking awake.
-Uh? Huh? Where's the fire..?- he mumbled as he looked around the room before falling right back to sleep on Noah's shoulder.
-What do you mean by that?- Terri asked, tilting her head in confusion at Noah's enthusiasm.
-I know what a "sleepover" is!- Noah pointed out, a big grin on his face- I read it in a magazine I borrowed from Lucy the other day!
With that, he hurried over to the bed where his bags were sitting atop of, and rummaged through his things, removing an array of books. After a few seconds he finally took out the magazine in question, titled "Peakwomen". A blue-tinted photo of male model was on the cover, posing his incredibly muscular body on some beach, his nubile form covered only by a diminutive thong.
Immediately, all eyes zeroed in on Lucy. Terri would wrap her muscular arm around the "madame's" neck and bring her into a yet another huddle, away from Noah's innocent smiling face.
-Female audience-focused as it may be, it's still a little spicy to go handing out our resident baby boy, no?- Terri asked with a reproving look towards the platinum-haired woman.
-And it does have some...unsavory articles for innocent eyes...-Mercedes would add.
-Poor Noah, are you trying to make him self-conscious about his figure by having him compare to the models of those magazines..?- Allie let out a dramatic sigh, but the corner of her lip was raised in a coy smirk.
-Don't worry~!- Lucy giggled- I've made sure to cut out all the pages with this month's banana bar models before I gave Noah the magazine~
-What's a "banana bar model"?- Noah's head would peak inside the huddle, the boy not wanting to be left out this time.
-A professional banana eater for international competitions.- Lucy would reply without hesitation.
-Woooow!- Noah's eyes widened and shone with glee- Amazing! I do like bananas...Oh, do you think I was one before I lost my memories?
-NO!- all the girls (and even Zeke) would exclaim in unison, making Noah recoil in place, clutching the magazine close to him in terror.
-Okay, but tell us about how you know about sleepovers...-Mercedes sighed.
-Well, I read it in an article on this magazine!- Noah regained his grin- Hence why I was pretty excited to bunk with you girls, because I'd finally see one for myself!
-You speak of it like it's a rare animal...-Lucy scratched the back of her head, before an idea popped inside her head, which turned her expression more pensive- Noah..? Then, can you tell me what a sleepover is?
-Of course I can!- Noah huffed- You think I'm that stupid? A sleepover obviously is...
He'd then hold the magazine up high above his head.
-An ancient ritual performed in preparation for war times!
...
...
...
"What?"
The group's monotone collective voice would fill the bedroom, as the women and Zeke looked, profoundly confused, towards Noah.
-It's true!- Noah insisted, puffing his cheeks. He'd then flip over the magazine's pages before presenting the group with a flowery-looking article named "Hottest Tips to Make a Smashing Sleepover", complete with a photo of a group of nightwear-clad women huddled around a fluffy carpet, happily chatting away.
-I've done my research this time and it's obvious to see that this article is directed towards BladeMasters, namely those of the fairer sex. They gather together and perform various activities in order to steel their souls for the coming battle!- Noah proclaimed, tilting his nose upwards with a proud huff.
Allie decided to play along, the Lotus sitting on one of the beds with an amused expression.
-Then tell us, little genius: what are said activities?- she asked.
Noah cleared his throat.
-First, they tie their hair and paint their faces in various manners and colors! They even place down moldable masks upon their faces! It's clearly a form of tribal paintings, made to rouse the spirit and look the part of the warriors of old!
The group would nod. Misguided as he was, Noah was not too far off from the mark.
-And then...!- Noah would huff in giddy excitement- They gather the war council, where they discuss the strongest BladeMasters of the opposite sex they've ever faced or wish to face in battle! They denote their qualities and flaws, sharing tales of past battles and the abilities they were able to witness while they teetered on the precipice between live and death!
-"Tales about the opposite sex"...?- Mercedes would slowly repeat, before she would nod in understanding- Yes, quite so. Quite correct, indeed.
-All accompanied by the most lavish of feasts and the most rousing music! And then, as the night drags on..!- Noah would jump atop his bed, facing the attentive group- They exchange Blades! For it is important to get out of your shell and try out new types of weapons! Female BladeMasters are multifaceted, always open to trying out new ventures in their war-filled lives! And taking on a new type of Blade for a spin is just the thing to broaden their horizons!
"Huh...?"
The whole group would tilt their heads to the side in unison, looking positively bemused, not understanding that particular misunderstanding from the boy.
Noah noticed their confusion.
-What, you don't exchange Blades to try them out..? I mean...I had to read a bit between the lines, but it's clearly what the article means, no?- he asked, before stepping out of the bed, walking over to the group, showing them the magazine as their faces leaned in to read.
Noah would then point towards a particular paragraph.
-See? "Nothing wrong with doing a spot of experimentation with your besties! Broaden your horizons and open your mind to new sensations!". It's what it says!
...
...
...
"BWAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"KEHKEHKEHKEH!"
"HOHOHOHOHO!"
"HEEHEEHEE!""
"FOHFOHFOHFOH!"
"MEOWOWOWOWOW!"
A cacophony of laughs would erupt from the group, the girls, Zeke and even Noelle rolling around on their beds and floor, clutching their bellies, tears streaming down their flushed faces as their laughter became more akin to the cackling of hyenas, permeating throughout the entire inn with reckless abandon.
*
-What are they laughing about in there..?- Master Gee would whisper, his ear firmly pressed against the wooden wall that separated the men's room and the women's quarters.
-I can't quite make it out...-Axel would reply, his cheek squishing against the wall- We didn't hear the punchline, so we were all surprised by the sudden laughter.
-It better not be another joke about Cidy's figure...-Merceny gritted his teeth, nails buried into the wall in rage.
-Shhh! Let me try to make out the voices!- Sobek shushed, as he cupped the ear that was turned towards the wall- I hear Terri's laughter...Lucy's haughty laugh is a given...uh...is that that cat?
-Do you hear Noah laughing?- Guy asked- If he's not, then they're joking about him.
-Probably delivered another deadpan zinger of his...-Rye replied.
-Hanzo! Can you go find out?- Eldus asked, looking up at the ceiling.
-Terri fixed the hole Black Feather made on the ceiling, so I can't peek inside.- Hanzo's voice replied from up on the roof.
-Excuse me?! Lucy made that hole!- Merceny exclaimed.
-Yeah, with you as the wrecking ball.- Hanzo replied.
-Stop flapping your gums, I'm really curious about what's got them in such a tizzy!- Gee gritted his teeth, as he and all of the guys inside the men's room huddled together and leaned against the wall, alerted by the sudden wave of laughter.
*
-Well...clearly it's not...that. I get it already...-Noah had to stifle a sniffle before the scene, holding the scrunched up magazine near his chest.
-Oh, I'm really sorry, Noah dear.- Lucy, face still bright red and matching her nightgown, approach him and patted his head- You don't need to worry about those things in particular, you'll get it when you're a bit older.
-Is it about mating again?!- Noah pipped up, scrunching his brow as he looked up at Lucy with an annoyed expression, stomping his foot in anger- It's always about your dang mating rituals, with you adults! Bunch of barnyard animals, that's what you all are!
-Once again, you'll get it when you're a little bit older, my little cherry boy. You're fine the way you are now. - Lucy gave his cheek a little pull.
-I mean, even then it's not certain that you'll get it.- Allie shrugged with a coy smirk- Lucy is 24 and how many "rituals" has she been in..? I mean, the whole reason we're here in the first place is because she had to arrange a fake relationship. It's the height of irony that she's sooooo desirable, but can only find love in La La Land~
Lucy's fingers moved to pinch Lotus's cheek next, but this time it was anything but affectionate. Although, since she was still unbound by her Aqua Limiters, a fiery arm sprouted from Allie's shoulder blade, its blazing claws pinching Lucy's own cheek in retaliation, both women not giving an inch.
-But speaking of age-restricted things...-Allie mused, her voice with a bit of a lisp- Noah, the files I had from you over at the Tower did say you were 16 and you say you are 16...but if you arrived at Soula without any documentation, how do you know for sure?
-Well...-Noah tapped his chin with an inquisitive look- Eldus did a soul check on me not long before I arrived. Since you can have an idea of a person's age through the growth of the soul, he said I was most likely 16. Well, more specifically, I was on the range of 16-18, with it being more likely that I was on the lower end.
-Wowie, so you could have been 18 all along and we didn't know?- Allie raised her eyebrow- I really can't see you being a grown-up, even if there are many short, baby-faced adults out there.
-Just look at Sobek. He just turned 24, like you, me and Lucy, and he is shorter than Noah.- Terri nodded.
-Honestly, I'll have to agree. As funny as it would be take Noah out for drinks with me, I've gotten far too used to him being our little baby boy~- Lucy giggled, her voice also a bit strained, every time she tried to smack Allie's flaming arm away, causing it to vanish, a new one would sprout ablaze and pinch the blonde's other cheek.
-If he was 18, it would mean that he'd be in his third year at the BladeMaster Course in the Academy, right?- Zeke mused- Yeesh, maybe it was for the best that you stayed behind on the first year...
-Noah being my senior...terrifies me...-Mercedes shivered.
-Oh, right, you're 17, right Mercedes?- Allie asked White Feather, all the while she tried to smack Lucy's arms away from her face, but with little success, their catty cold war continuing on uninterrupted.
-Still 16, actually, but me and Merceny are one year older than Noah, Zeke, Guy and Axel. We both turn 17 a few weeks from now, during the Darkus Cycle, the last day of the year.
"At first, we had our birthdays on the same day, but once we met Lucy, 7 years ago, she wanted us to have birthday parties on separate days. As such, I have my birthday on the Darkus Cycle and my brother on the Lightus Cycle the very next day."
-You don't celebrate on the day that's matching your Elements?- Terri asked.
-My brother insisted I had my birthday party first.- Mercedes giggled.
-Ah, so you're the same age as Princess Helena, right?- Allie asked next.
-Well, yeah, but she has her birthday only a week after the Lightus Cycle, right in the beginning of the year. So, despite us being born in the same year, we'll only share our age for all but a few days.- Mercedes pointed out.
-Mmm, too bad you can't go to the Karashian court more often. That sad little girl could use a friend her age. Especially since she'll most likely be inundated with marriage proposals once she turns 18 in a few weeks...- Allie sighed, before she glared towards Lucy- A much better friend than you she would be! Stop digging your lame nails into my skin!
-And you stop roasting my skin!- Lucy glared back, both woman pulling hard on each other's faces with both hands. Although, Terri was quick to palm the top of both's heads with one hand each and toss them away from each other.
-Alright, enough of that. How about we get started with one of the sacred ritual's Noah's spoken about?- she grinned as she reached to undo her pigtails, her long brown hair falling in cascades behind her back- I can do someone's hair and they can do mine--
*POP*
*WOOOOoooo....*
Suddenly, the whole room fell into darkness. An inky darkness, at that. Noah couldn't even see his own hand in front of him.
Not only that, he suddenly felt a chill creep up his back.
-Well, this time it came early...-Lucy's voice sounded.
-Yeesh, I like my rooms dark so I can sleep, but when this happens, it's unnerving...-Zeke's groan was heard.
-What's...happening?- Noah reached his hands around, trying to find anything at all within that dark void.
-Noah, follow my voice, so you don't trip. Gimme you hand.- Mercedes's voice sounded right beside the boy.
Nodding (although it was solely for himself), Noah waved his hands around until they landed right on the warm and soft cotton of Mercedes's pajamas.
-Got it!- Noah said, making sure to hold on extra tight, pulling the fabric towards him.
-E-easy there!- Mercedes's yelped and Noah would feel her palm placing itself square on the middle of his face, trying to push him away.
-No worries, fellas, stay where you are.- Allie's voice sounded, with a reassuring tone.
*Fwoop*
Suddenly, Noah could see a dim light right beside him. Looking towards it, he could see a fiery sphere sprouting from Allie's index finger, a dim light casting onto her face, awash in shadows.
Before long, more fire balls sprouted from the rest of her fingers, floating about the room to fill it in a dim light. Looking beside him, Noah could see a pouting Mercedes and his hands on the collar of her pajamas, the fabric stretched taut as he pulled on it, revealing her fair-skinned collarbone. Before she could shoot him with any more daggers from her eyes, Noah promptly let go of her.
Allie kept creating more fire, spreading it around the room, but Noah couldn't help but notice how each sphere, each the size of his fist, weren't producing much light.
-Mercedes, can you help me out?- the Order Elite requested.
-No good.- Mercedes said, bringing her hands closer and cupping them together. From her palms sprouted a shine that coated her hands, but its rays didn't reach far, only a little fizzle in the darkness- I thought that I'd be stronger than what I was back when this happened last, but it seems the Lunafaye Advent's darkness is still my Lightus' natural enemy.
-All sources of light, at that. I can't create more fire or else I'll burn this whole room down.- Allie nodded to herself with a huff.
As the shadows danced across the room, Noah studied each of his companions' faces. Although a bit concerned, they seemed pretty comfortable with the current situation. Situation which was giving Noah the heebie jeebies.
-U-um..!- he called out- Can someone tell me what's going on?
-Oh, it's what happens after a Night of Teary Stars.- Lucy explained- Just look outside the window.
With that, she gave him her hand and guided the boy through the darkened bedroom until they reached the open window. Peering outside, Noah could only see...
Darkness.
A bottomless well of nothing.
Not a single star in the sky.
All that remained as this endless void that threatened to pull him into its cold depths if he stared long enough.
-Legends say that, after Lightus cries all of her tears, she goes to sleep. As such, every single star in the night sky goes out. And, as the Night of Teary Stars affects even the places in the world that are in daytime, it means that right now, every corner of Gaia has sunk to darkness. The Advent can last from a single night all the way to a full week. The length of it is purely random.
-W-what...-Noah gulped- Then why is it called the "Lunafaye Advent"?
-You know how Gaia has two moons?- Lucy asked next.
-Yeah! Esmeralda's Banner and...yeah, Lunafaye. But Lunafaye is always unseen, because its unique rotation always shows its dark side to Gaia. But modern telescopes did confirm its existence.
-Well, key word being "confirm". Not "find". Look outside.- the blonde said.
Peeking out again, Noah's frame would lean over the windowsill, eyes scanning the pitch-black sky, only to then find, as he peeked over the roof, a bright red full moon in the middle of the void.
Its eerie shine contrasted heavily against Esmeralda's Banner's aptly named soothing emerald light. Hence why it was called that, because it shone its light to Gaia, like a banner signaling for the gods' bastion up in the stars.
-People don't know why it's called "Lunafaye". Nor do they know why it only shows up after a Night of Teary Stars. There are theories that Lunafaye is another name for Darkus, and this celestial body is his eye peering down into the planet, now covered in darkness. Others say that it was a great BladeMaster hero that died in the Genesis War and their soul got sent into the stars, watching over their fellow humans forevermore.
-Just like Nuria the Dancer became a Blade that could be bestowed to a Pyre-born.- Allie added, summoning her saber Blade, aptly called "Nuria".
-Ayup. They also thought it was an optical illusion caused by the sudden shift in the Lightus and Darkus elemental particles across the planet. But the modern telescopes did confirm that the celestial body does exist.- Lucy pointed out.
*knock knock*
Instructing Noah and the rest of the "maids" to keep back, Lucy went over to the door, opening it to find Agatha, holding a pile of candles on her frail hands.
-Oh, right, you're a Pyre-born, Lady Ruby.- she smiled at her upon noticing the meager light inside the ladies' bedroom- We do apologize, but the Lunafaye Advent always gives our old Enchant Stone generators the fritz at first. We have recovered them, but since the darkness is so overwhelming, it'd take a lot more power to turn on the lights to a satisfactory degree. We can only turn them on in case of emergencies. As such, while you can still enjoy warm food and showers, you'll have to do with candles until the Advent goes away.
With that, she gave the candles to Lucy, who gladly accepted them.
-Well, it seems we'll be bothering you for a longer while than we initially thought.- Lucy gave Agatha a sheepish smile- We do apologize, dear. We can settle the payment--
-Please, Lady Ruby. Even if you hadn't given us enough money to live here for a whole year, our inn has a Lunafaye Advent clause. Means of transportation, like airships, are severely wounded by the darkness, so we've had guests who had to stay here for longer than expected. In those cases, we don't charge anything more. See this humble inn as your home through these dark times.
-Oh, Agatha dearest~!- Lucy would sniffle, before holding onto Agatha's tiny hands- If I could snatch you away to join my entourage over at the Sharem courts, I would!
-You praise me too much, Lady Ruby~!- Agatha would sigh in delight- Please, if you, Noland or your entourage needs anything at all, the whole of Kolimbra will support you!
-I will keep that in mind. Thank you so much!- Lucy nodded and waved Agatha goodbye, before closing the door behind her. Inside the room, the group would be setting up the candles atop small wooden pillars Terri created and Allie would light them up with her fireballs.
Summoning her Genesis, she'd reach out and lightly tap the ceiling with her Blade.
-Everything alright up there, Hanzo? Do you need me to come over and hold you to protect you from the dark~?- she asked with a smirk.
-Sure, you can come up here, so you can catch some fresh air, since you're always nose deep on the fumes of your own delusions.- Hanzo's voice replied back- And yeah, the guys are alright. Although we did have to stop Vermilion from lighting up the whole bedroom with a swipe of his Dragonic Blade. Oh, also, Master Gee asked me to ask you if he could come over because he's scared of the dark.
-Tell him to either cuddle Master Rye or the sharp side of Merceny's Nightingale. - Lucy replied.
*
-Well, this blows.- Master Gee pouted, the most men's group sitting on the floor, huddling around a pair of candles of the set that Agatha had delivered to them, the rest of the candles having been scattered throughout the room.
Merceny still sat on his bed. According to him, a Lunafaye Advent made his Darkus Element be more on edge, so he took the opportunity to meditate in order to regulate this boost in power, all the while keeping an ear to the room beside theirs.
And, unbothered, Eldus kept himself reading on his own bed, the emerald Enchant Stone of his Sage Staff casting a soft green glow on the pages of his books.
-What should we do now that's it's so dark? Maybe do shadow charades?- Axel suggested.
-I've brought my recorder with me! We can jam out to some tunes!-Sobek quickly raised his hand.
-N-no!!!-Eldus quickly shouted from his bed- W-we don't want to cause a disturbance for the other guests at the inn!
-Oh...you're right...-Sobek pouted, while Eldus breathed a sigh of relief.
-Well, I've got something that we all can do by candlelight!- Guy replied, before reaching for his bag by the foot of his bed and retrieving a small paper box from it. Opening it up, he took out a deck of cards- We have just enough players to play Wyvern Mission or Last Dream ! Merceny, want to join us?
-No thanks.- the blonde Mercenary replied, arms and legs crossed- I think I'll be going to the roof instead. Surrounded by the darkness of the Advent, I may find some new avenues to explore the depths of my soul. To stare into the unknown, into the void, and to see what it'll tell me when it'll inevitably stare back at me.
-How edgy...-Master Rye replied, taking the cards offered to him and shuffling them.
The Pyre-born would then look to the ceiling.
-Mister Hanzo! Do you want to play with us? Merceny can take over the watch!
-Negative. During Lunafaye Advents, the Order's Tower increases the range of their radars, to intercept impromptu attacks under the veil of darkness. We must be extra vigilant, now that we're forced to stay at the inn until this blows over.- Hanzo replied.
-Oh...that's fine. We wouldn't want you to lose focus on your guard duty if you happened to lose...-Guy pouted.
...
...
...
-So, are there any house rules you guys in Soula have for Wyvern Mission? Over at my unit, we had the Joker card act as a +2 boost for your Trinity Score.- Hanzo would reply as he'd take the two cards handed to him by Rye, the Order's Diamond sitting in the huddle around the candles.
-I know we're allies on the Brigade, but I kinda wanna fight you now, for suggesting such a cheap house rule.- Eldus would spit out, the Sage having joined the group as well- We'll play by the rules I've always played by since my youth! The Queen of Hearts acts as the Maiden and the Ace of Spades is the Treasure!
-That's so old-fashioned, Eldus!- Sobek would exclaim- A bazillion loopholes have been found out for those rules since the Genesis War (when you clearly played it seems), like giving the player who's holding the 2 of Clubs unfair advantage! You've got to evolve with the times!
-I'm all for seeking new knowledge, but it's because you youngsters can't do simple math that these games get over-simplified and end up with the depth of a puddle!- Eldus snarled.
-Personally, I like the version where the Jack of Diamonds can be the Rogue that can steal the Treasure.- Axel calmly suggested.
-That can throw the whole game into disarray, though..!- Gee pointed out- I like it! Let's go with that!
-You just like throwing the game for fun!- Rye said, before giving the Master a noogie.
-Can we do teams on this?- Guy asked.
-NO!- everyone exclaimed at once.
-Geez...-Guy sighed before tilting his chin upwards- Merceny, you sure you don't want to play?!
-Hehehe...all this darkness...yes, envelop the very marrow of my bones in your veil...-Merceny would be heard muttering to himself, loud enough to be heard through the ceiling.
-On second thought, scratch that...I'll go first.-Guy sighed, before he would toss one of the cards he held, in front of his crossed legs.
*
-Are you sure you want me to do this?- Allie asked.
-No, please, go right ahead. I'll prove it to you.- Noah replied with a confident nod.
-Okaaayy, if you say so...- the lavender-haired woman replied as she stretched both the index and middle fingers of her right hand. Tongues of fire coated her digits, morphing into taking a much sharper shape, like they were scissors.
Due to the Tera shade to her Pyre soul, Allie's flames could become intangible like normal fire or as solid as iron. It was dubbed "Solid Fire". With that ability, she would use her flames to form many objects to battle with, including the scissors she had in her hand.
She'd tilt Noah's chin a bit upwards with her left hand, before moving her right hand up his head to then grasp a few locks of his blonde hair. She'd then bring her fingers to the hair and close them, snapping that section clean off, the golden strands being caught by her left hand.
-There, don't go blaming me if the boys tease you for an awful haircut--what?!- her eyes widened as she looked towards Noah, the spot where she had cut his hair looking the same as it was before. She'd look to the her left hand, but the locks she cut were still there.
-I told you! I can't brush my hair nor cut it! It always goes back to how it was when I landed in Soula!- Noah huffed- Even if I put a ton of hair gel on, it'll always, eventually, stick back to how it was and expel all the gel (hehe, I rhymed~).
-What kinda black magic is this?!- Allie would exclaim, absolutely appalled- What kinda "scientific-experiment-hidden-in-the-broom-closet-under-the-stairs" boy are you?!
-Yeah, recently, I took an electrical razor, with a big Mistral Enchant Stone on it (the ones used on sheeps) and tried to shave off all of his hair.- Lucy explained, Mercedes standing behind her giving a few touch-ups to her platinum cocoon- I kid you not, as I moved the razor around, his hair would sprout back out right behind the blades. No matter how fast I moved that damn thing, his hair would just regrow back.
-My scalp isn't as magical, though. It still hurt like the dickens..!- Noah puffed his cheeks, placing his hands on top of his head.
-Well, surely, I can still tie it, no?- Allie asked, taking a few elastic bands and tying Noah's unruly locks into two stubby pigtails.
Sitting around the bedroom, the girls and the boys divided themselves into pairs to do each other's hair. Allie paired up with Noah, Lucy with Mercedes and Zeke with Allie, the sleepy boy trying to tie up the tall woman's long hair in an upwards fashion to try and match his own hairstyle, which was easier said that done due to the large volume of hair Terri had.
-Can I get a few more rubber bands?- Zeke asked, brow furrowed in annoyance.
-You'll make me look more like a palm tree rather than a pineapple like you, Zeke.- Terri tilted her head back, smiling at the boy behind him.
-How about I make you look like you have a bunch of bananas hanging out from your hair, instead...-the Aqua-born pouted- Or I can just freeze your hair while having it it up, make a nice abstract ice spider sculpture.
-Don't push your luck.- Terri reached upwards to pinch Zeke's nose and give it a good jostle.
-Well, since I haven't a model anymore, who else will I style?-Allie sighed, the Lotus crawling from behind Noah and sitting beside the blonde boy.
-Meow~!- as if eager to acquiesce to Allie's request, Noelle hopped off the bed she was hogging all to herself and nestled on the Elite's nap. Allie would then hold her up with a delighted squeal.
-Daw, look at this little chonker! Aren't you the cutest~!- she giggled.
-Allie, I think you should be careful. Earning that cat's trust is-- -Lucy tried to warn.
-Purr...~- Noelle's satisfaction was soon made notice of as she rubbed her little orange furry face on Allie's cheek.
-Well...color me shocked...-Mercedes peeked from behind Lucy's shoulder.
-W-well, she's just been in a nice behavior lately!- Lucy huffed smugly before opening her arms towards the ginger cat- Come here, ya little rascal~
-HISSS!!!- Noelle would protest and would jump towards Lucy's cocoon, latching onto it with her claws.
-YOU LITTLE SCAMP!- Lucy would firmly grab the cat and tear her off her hair, tossing her back towards Allie, more than a few strands of her perfect cocoon now sticking out- I thought we were good together after that night!
-Yeah, right before we departed, those two were sleeping together...- Terri mused, as Zeke hid behind her tall frame- I wasn't sure if that was a sign of good luck or of a coming calamity...
-Maybe she just has good taste~- Allie would giggle as she hugged Noelle close, the purring cat like putty in her embrace- Pyre-borne girls have to stick together, don't they, my little lady~?
-Maybe flaming toxicity just attracts itself...- Lucy huffed.
-Noelle, get her.- Allie would stand up and, while holding Noelle in front of her, used her as fuzzy buzzsaw, as the chubby cat just began swiping away at everything in front of her with her claws.
-You little---Lucy would protest, but suddenly, before Noelle's claws and Lucy's nails could meet each other, a small wooden wall would sprout from between them, creating a barrier to prevent any shenanigans.
-We spent a lot of time making sure that hair was perfect.- Terri would sigh- Besides, if you start, literally, tearing at each other, you'll stain our little boys' innocence even more.
-Oh nooo, don't do thaaat...-Zeke would groan before behind the Titan - I sure don't want to flaunt all the slips that happened here to Axel and Gee, to then watch them squirm for more details. Anything but thaaaat...noooo...-
As Zeke was tossed over Terri's shoulder, Mercedes would watch all that with a sigh. Having finished up fixing Lucy's locks, she walked away from her, as the blonde, Allie and Noelle all hissed at each other.
The blonde mercenary then grabbed her bag sitting atop one of the beds. Rummaging through it, she'd remove two long silver needles, a ball of blue yarn and a long, scarf-like piece of blue wool cloth stretching from the threads coming from said ball.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, the needles began clicking against each other in a succinct rhythm as they knitted away.
-So, Noah.- after a few minutes, Mercedes eventually looked down at the boy, who sat at the foot of her bed watching her knit- Is this sleepover all that you imagined it being?
Noah looked up at her with a big grin. Behind him, a still fuming Lucy and Allie would take a few more rubber bands and approach the boy, tying his hair in various places, making him look positively ridiculous, like his hair had just exploded.
-I like it! It's fun! Very...us!- Noah would would nod.
White Feather let out another sigh, but ended up smiling gently.
-I'm glad...oh, by the way, you said you were looking forward to seeing what a girls' sleepover was like. But how about a boys' sleepover?
-Oh. I know that one as well...but it's not as detailed a girls' sleepover.- Noah tapped his chin.
Behind him, Lucy would lean forward, placing her chin on his right shoulder.
-Oh, please do tell~- she'd giggle.
Allie would mimic Lucy's motion, placing her chin on Noah's left shoulder, a coy smirk on her lips, Noelle having nestled atop her head, but the Lotus carried her effortlessly.
-Let me guess: you read all about a boys' sleepover on another of Lucy's magazines~
-How did you know?!- Noah gasped.
Allie would giggle, giving his nose a little bop with her index finger.
-Maybe the reason why you can't get your memories back is because all you've been taught in Soula, so far, comes from the worst places~
-I can't disagree on that...-Mercedes nodded, her deft hands knitting away without the mercenary needing to constantly look at her work.
-Damn, I'm just getting attacked on all fronts today, huh? And we haven't even reached the Tower yet...-Lucy would groan as she'd lean away from Noah and instead, plop herself dramatically atop Terri's lap, the muscular Elite having sat behind her- Terri, you're my only hope...
Terri would smile, running her hand atop Lucy's forehead.
-Don't worry, just let me cook up a training regimen for you and you'll get so strong-looking that nobody will want to mess with you~
-I'm already the strongest in the world, though! And if I get as jacked as you, people will think I'm some kind of ogre!- Lucy protested, immediately afterwards rolling away from Terri's lap before the Titan's index and middle fingers could jam themselves in Lucy's eyes, instead just hitting the floor between Terri's thighs.
-A-ny-ways...-Terri would growl at madame, before turning her attention towards Noah- Come on, Noah, out with it. What do boys do in their sleepovers?
-Well...-Noah would hesitate, looking at everyone staring expectantly at him, the boy knowing that he most likely be setting himself up for more ridicule.
-Let me guess...- Zeke would yawn, the lazy boy rolling over from where he was tossed, until he stopped behind Noah. He'd then kneel down and would cross his arms on top of the blonde boy's head. Finally, he'd place his chin on top of his arms while looking down at Noah with a smug smile.
-They take each other's Blades and compare the sturdiness of the metal and the shape of the weapon, before engaging in small-scale duels with each other?
Noah gasped, looking up at Zeke.
-How did you know?!- he asked.
Immediately upon saying that, Zeke and the girls were left trying their damnedest to contain their laughter, hands clutching their faces as the rolled on the floor or the beds.
-We...we really have to veto what Noah gets to read..!- Terri would giggle, tears forming on the corners of her eyes- He'll...he'll kill us with laughter if we don't..!
-A-agreed..!- Lucy's cheeks would be puffed up, the platinum-haired woman clutching her stomach, like she was about to implode.
"N-no! Don't do that!"
-Huh?- everyone would cease their merry as they heard a muffled voice coming from the next room over.
"It's too much, Hanzo! I can't take it anymore! Have some mercy!"
"You've asked for it, Sobek. You think you could just tease me all night long? Now, feel the girth of the consequences of your actions."
"Cover your eyes, kids, this is about to get messy."
"Such a play has to be illegal, right Master Rye?! He has him pinned down, so this is overkill!
"I think I just lost all my appetite...He's giving it to him from all angles, too..!"
"Hehehe...yes...let the abyss take you..."
The girls' faces would flush a deep red as they heard whatever was happening from the boys' room.
-Oh...my.- Allie gasped, fingers covering her mouth, eyes wide.
-Speak of the devil...-Lucy blinked in shock.
-And I thought we had to thread carefully because we had boys with us. I know guys foster a high degree camaraderie among themselves, but this sounds...too much...-Terri would mutter and then gulp.
-Ciny, you too..?!-Mercedes would tremble, clutching her needles tightly.
Making their way over to one of the beds, the girls and the boys would huddle up on top of it and press their ears against the wooden wall behind it, trying to hear what was happening on the other side.
*
-Oh, don't tell you cannot take the 2 of Clubs and survive afterwards- Hanzo growled, raising one of his cards above his head.
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-T-two?! How bold~-Allie would gasp, a little smirk appearing on the corner of her lip.
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-Two?! You pounded me good with the big one, yet you still want more?! I don't have any Treasure left to give you!-Sobek protested, pointing at the King card placed in front of him.
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-"Pounded"? They are dueling in there!- Noah gasped in awe.
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-Hahaha...the bloody reverie of ravishing screams awaits you~ - Merceny's voice could be heard from the roof, the Advent's darkness clearly making him go loony.
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-"Bloody"? This seems too much for a duel..! -Terri gulped.
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-Merceny, shut your mouth, before I have to go there and gag you! You're ruining the session!-Gee would exclaim, growling at the ceiling.
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-Brother, Master Gee, what the heck?!-Mercedes would gasp, horrified.
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-Not that you're doing too well, either.- Master Rye replied- You're barely hanging on to your last thread. Can you really protect your own Treasure like that?
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-"Treasure"? Oh this is high stakes!-Zeke would bounce in place, the boy completely enthralled.
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-It's not my fault that you have such good stamina! I had you finished up ten rounds ago, but you've just magically sprouted back up and are giving me the business! Are all you geezers like that?!- Gee pointed accusingly at the older Master.
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-Master Rye, oh me oh my~-Lucy would giggle under her breath.
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-Guy, we have to protect our blind spots, before they can come in from behind and really lay it on us!- Axel exclaimed, holding onto 5 cards in his hand- Just place your Dragon down and I'll cover you with my Queen!
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-You two dofuses as well?! That's just plain wrong!- Zeke would exclaim.
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-Oh, are we teaming now?- Guy's eyes glittered as he held onto 7 cards- Yay! I much prefer it when you're on top of things, Axel!
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-I know boys are horny messes, but still..!-Mercedes covered her mouth, eyes wide as saucers.
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-Not so fast, you rapscallions! Don't count me out yet!- Eldus smacked a 5 of Spades down- This old man still has much more in the tank!
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-I didn't want to imagine Eldus in on this...-Lucy would shiver.
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-What?! I can't believe you still had that left to energize you! I thought Master Gee blew through them all the beginning! Now we'll just have to sit and watch this massacre..!- Axel clutched his face, beads of cold sweat rolling across his brow.
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-Mister Eldus, oh me oh my~-Allie would now be the one to giggle.
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-Now, Sobek, you're putty in my hands. With this final play, you'll become the Princess and I'll be able to take you away! Draw your last pathetic breath, before I finish this duel for good!- Hanzo called out, dramatically extending his hand towards the Order's Typhoon.
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-"Princess"..? Oh, Sobek, I didn't know you were like that..~- Terri chuckled.
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-Heh, this pathetic warrior still has a breath of life left! For I still have this! The Unbeatable Chained One!- Sobek exclaimed, as he placed down the Joker card.
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-"Chains"?!- all would gasp.
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-Impossible!- Hanzo stood up in a fury- I was sure that I had smashed up all of your toys! Since when--wait...at that time..! When you were forced to make that Switch-Up with Master Gee! I thought he had you pegged...but in reality..?!
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-"Toys"?!- all would gasp again.
-"Peg--"- Allie would squeal, clutching her blushing mess of a face.
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-Guess I wasn't the submissive little bunny after all, huh? It's your time now! I'll have you obliterated!- Sobek threw his whole hand on the floor.
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-"Little Bunny Hanzo"?!- Lucy would yelp, falling back on the bed and kicking her legs, as she tried to contain her screaming.
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-Welp, Sobek wins this round.- Rye sighed- Guess he left you aching in a right hot mess, huh, Hanzo?-he chuckled.
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-W-what an amazing battle!- Noah clapped.
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-Dude. Innuendos.- Master Gee warned as he picked up his cards off the floor- With all our shouting while playing Wyvern Mission, people may get the wrong idea...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Oh.- everyone would let out.
*
A few hours later:
With a grumble, Mercedes sat up from her bed, the room still draped in darkness, save for the small fire orbs that floated across the room. To someone like Allie, who slept a few beds beside the blonde, keeping those afloat was something that she could do in her sleep.
-What time even is it...-Mercedes grumbled, her voice coming out very raspy, as she rummaged through her bag to take out a small pocket watch and holding it against the palm of her free hand.
Even if her Lightus was diminished thanks to the darkness of the Advent, the light that poured from her palm was still enough to illuminate the watch and show her that it was 6 in the morning.
Taking a deep sigh, she massaged her temples and her inflamed throat. She felt sick, feverish, and really tired. Much like she had felt during the last Advent, the darkness's effects had begun taking their toll on her Lightus body a few hours into the new atmosphere that was cast across the planet.
As such, she felt like a bag of bricks was strapped onto her shoulders and back.
Mercedes knew she had to take it easy, but she also felt that, if she didn't move, she'd be bedridden, even after the Advent subsided. After taking a handkerchief she kept near her pillow, she'd blow her nose, feeling it completely clogged up.
Swinging her legs off the side of the bed, Mercedes looked, with a grumble, towards Noah, who slept on the bed beside hers, against the wall nearest to the door.
When the group began assigning beds for everyone, Lucy and Allie were quick to direct Noah towards that bed, and then smack Mercedes' own assignment to be right beside the blonde boy.
And since Noelle was sleeping, curled up into a puffy little orange ball, in the bed in front of Noah's, it meant that Mercedes was the only person that slept near the Tera-born boy.
-Sneaky little minxes...-she'd groan, predictably feeling all kinds of emotions towards this arrangement.
It also didn't help that Noah slept like a dead man, his body laying on its back and stiff as a board, the boy's expression peaceful and his breathing nearly inaudible as he faced the ceiling. She kept staring at him for a bit, but he wouldn't move an inch..!
Looking around herself, to see if anyone else was awake, the mercenary would then lean closer to the boy, poking him on the cheek, trying to get any reaction out of him, but to no avail. It was like nothing else existed around him.
-It's really creepy...-she'd mumble to herself, staring towards his face as she'd keep poking him and even pinching and pulling on his cheeks.
Only when her curiosity would begin moving her hand to try and open his eyelids, did she stop herself, jolting in place as her face became beet red.
-Geez, what am I even doing..?! Ugh, I need some air...-she'd sigh.
Still needing to keep appearances, Mercedes would then change from her cotton pajamas to her maid uniform. Unlike Lucy, since White Feather was a maid, she was expected to always be at her mistress's beck and call. As such, she needed to always be ready to slip back into the maid uniform.
Once she checked that the dress was appropriately tidy, she'd open her hands. Focusing, the young woman would tense up, silver sparks beginning to appear in her palms, but nothing else would appear.
-Damn...I really can't summon them...-she'd curse under her breath, as her gun Blades, Grace and Glory, would not appear, thanks to the Advent.
Needing, still, to protect herself, she'd open her bag and take out what the maids were instructed to wear, in order to avoid summoning their Blades in public, lest they be recognized: a smaller bag, the clinking of metal being heard from inside.
Digging through the bag, Mercedes would take out five daggers. Lucy had commissioned Albus the Blacksmith, over in Soula, to forge about a dozen of simple knives for every member of the Brigade. It was always useful to have secondary weapons on hand that weren't one's Blade, although Mercedes didn't expect to take them out in this context.
As such, they were not very ornate, but were still very solidly built, a small ring-shaped pommel at the end of the silver-colored handle, in order for quick retrieval.
From there, Mercedes would slip those daggers inside her uniform's apron. Much like the various costumes inside the War Chest, Mercedes had sewn little pockets or belts for which to store said daggers. For it was necessary for every disguise to have little nooks and crannies for weapon storage.
In this case, she had five little pockets sewn into the maids' aprons, inside which she placed her daggers. As such, it reduced the risk of the weapons clanking about.
-Still, this is so needlessly dramatic. I look more like an assassin spy rather than a maid...but still, this should suffice.-she'd sigh, shooting an annoyed look towards the nearby Lucy, who snored away peacefully in her bed.
With all that set up, Mercedes would tip-toe out of the bedroom. Going down the stairs, she'd then arrive at the dining hall/foyer area. Many candles were seen placed around the inn and, while it didn't do too much to illuminate through the Advent's inky darkness, those tiny sources of light were enough for Mercedes' Lightus-attuned eyes to see very well in the dark.
But, as she stepped outside of the inn, it was a different story. With no candles outside, the darkness completely surrounded her. As such, Mercedes kept sure to keep her back to the inn's wall as she stood near the main entrance. She didn't want to wander too far out, get lost and then picked up the Order's radars.
The blonde would let the chill "night" breeze wash over her. Looking up, the crimson Lunafaye was the only thing that looked back at her, with its bloody eerie glow.
She wondered if Hanzo or her brother were still on the roof, keeping on the night watch. She certainly could not feel an Element's reading on the roof. Nor inside the building, unless she was really close to someone.
The Advent put an hamper on all of her abilities, so she couldn't even summon her wings to fly up to the roof. Sure, she could jump and climb, but she also couldn't go around stomping around on the wall's pipes and the roof's tiles, waking the whole inn up. And getting off the roof would be another load of trouble.
She opened her mouth to try and call out to the roof, but with her voice as shot as it was, she figured it was best to not strain herself. As such, she kept herself nice and put on the ground.
-Geez...like raiding the Tower wasn't stressful enough, now it's just one source of anxiety after the other...-she'd sigh, rocking her body back and forth, as she kept her hands behind her back, touching the inn's wall.
Unfortunately, since her nose was clogged, she would not notice the danger wafting towards her, that would, inevitably, drag her into the void...
*
A few minutes later:
-Need some water...-Lucy would groan, her hunched over frame exiting the bedroom, as the "madame"'s steps would creak slightly on the wooden staircase, as she made her way towards the inn's cafeteria. She carried a candle with her, having used one of Allie's orbs to light it.
As she reached the cafeteria, though, something would catch her attention.
-Sniff sniff...what is this..?- she'd mumble.
It was faint, but she picked up a scent that was...out of place.
But not unfamiliar. Her hardened instincts immediately picked up on that coppery aroma.
-Blood?! Is someone hurt..?- Lucy would say out loud, her trained nose noticing that the scent's source seemed to be coming from outside of the inn's main entrance.
But before she could take a step towards the door, she felt a hand place itself on her shoulder.
Immediately, her arm would turn into a blur. Much like Mercedes, Lucy had armed herself with daggers, but, because she didn't have anywhere in her thin nightgown to store them, she had instead taken a small leather belt with five little pockets, placed then daggers inside them and tied the belt around her thigh, like a garter.
In a flash, Lucy hooked her index finger around the ring on the dagger's pommel and took out the weapon from the belt in a swift motion. She'd then turn around, pointing the metallic object towards her assailant.
-Wait wait wait, it's me, Lady Ruby!- Agatha would raise her hands, eyes wide as she was faced with the silver glint of the knife.
Lucy took a deep breath, lowering the dagger.
-Geez, dear, don't spook me like that!- Lucy would sigh.
-I-I'm sorry, I know it's the Advent, so us Pyre-borns feel a little under the weather. But I thought that, since we're both Pyre, you'd pick up on a fire that's not your own...
Lucy would giggle nervously. True, much like Lightus, Pyre (and Mistral, in some cases) users would feel a bit sick (but not nearly as much as a Lightus-born), and the signature of their Elements would be diminished, as well as their own ability to pick up other people's signatures.
As a Nexus-born, Lucy didn't feel sick, but Agatha's own predicament made the old lady harder to detect, especially as Lucy's focus was on the strange scent.
-S-sorry, Advents always do a number on me, dearie...hahaha...-Lucy would stammer- But why did you stop me..? Don't you smell the scent of blood? Someone may be injured!
-I-I do, madame, but that's exactly why you cannot leave the inn! This scent, that seems to be carried on by the breeze...it's them. It's their calling card.
"The Sacred Winds are making their rounds outside."
-The Sacred Winds...you mean those barbarians that Zanten sent packing?- Lucy asked, noticing how Agatha's face looked pale as a sheet and her elderly frame trembled like a leaf.
Agatha leaned towards the taller woman, wrinkled hands clasped together.
-Yes...but it seems that they're back for revenge. You can always tell when they're coming. They release this...awful stench and let the breeze carry it. They may be right by our doorstep or they may be a few kilometers away...but this scent always means that they're nearby. And if they catch you, it won't be pretty. Especially...
"...since you're a woman."