The carriage vibrated gently, and the serenade of the nightly birds hummed along with the melody of rubble being disturbed by the slow stomps of the Mayuno and the wheels of the carriage. The moon was still placed at the stage of the heavens, its light illuminating the road ahead.
Within the carriage, the magical lamp lit the cabin with its bright fire, lighting up the interior. Tenebrosia looked to her side, her index finger at the side of her head, with her elbow resting on the arm of the settee. Sekai whistled gently, comforting the Mayuno that bore the carriage. The hardwood rods that hang onto its saddle, attached to the Mayuno's waist, tumbled softly from its rivets.
Tenebrosia glanced at Sekai's back with her eyes before looking back in the direction she was looking earlier. She closed her eyes, not to sleep, but to contemplate her intentions with the child when she gets to the foot of the Moirai Summits. However, deep within her mind, memories came rushing again as she closed her eyes...
...
"With precision, girl!" Ragena instructed sternly as she watched a young Tenebrosia combine an elegant dance with magic, exerting the power of the Sombre as she knocked over an assortment of rocks. The child continued to topple down more with her grace, poise, and physical prowess fueled with magic to enhance her own capacity; Tenebrosia's cream-colored blouse fluttered slightly, her gray pantaloons covered in dirt. She wasn't alone in training; there were both the orphaned lass and lads practicing the art of the Sombre– each distanced a few meters from the other.
The afternoon sun hued the area behind the Maiden's lookout, the crest of the waterfall continued to rush water, and the river along gently swayed. The wind was cool, and the children were sweating. "Why're you preparing the little ones with magic?" Malika settled a tray of two warm cups of honey tea with milk for herself and Ragena. At the porch of the house was Taralon, observing the orphans with a hand on the rail. "The assembly with the discussion of the Sombre's seat within the Conjuration Parliament would occur in three months. A long time, yes, but with our tainted reputation, the Parliament would've issued news across the city to prepare our arrival." Ragena paused, taking a sip of the tea as she observed a young Tenebrosia knock down a heap of logs into chunks with a bit of mana being exerted. Then, the Maiden spoke again, "Conferences, interviews, the papers– the Parliament is doing these, gathering tolerance by convincing the city we're not dangerous and evil like hounds."
With those words, Taralon flinched. Though Malika and Ragena did not notice, Taralon clicked her tongue before turning her heel and entering the house. However, Ragena continued. "All of us Maidens will be represented at the court of the Parliament; the eyes of Windstrew will all be on us. We can't spare any of us leaving here... that would raise suspicions. I've sent a letter back saying that we are ten. The children would be here all alone... and if anything dangerous threatens them, they'd be ready to defend themselves." She took another sip, with Malika still standing as her veil wavered softly in the wind. Ragena spoke again, "If these children were to grow up under our wing, their connection to the Maidens won't be seen as a taint, rather, just another part of a clan, just as the other six." There was a pause again. The wind howled, rather gently. The slight pause was broken by Ragena again, "All this I'm doing for the future of us, the children, and for our clan's history."
The children were still practicing their arts– of course, this was a trade of getting these orphans under the care of the Maidens. This is but a natural consequence of living in a dangerous world of magic and bigoted citizens. A knowledge of some form of magic is useful to protect oneself from pitchforks and torches, creatures, and disasters. It is truly a dangerous world.
Ragena finished her tea, and Malika sighed. "The dishes I'll wash," the older Maiden chuckled, grabbing the tray of the two empty cups before entering the house. Ragena noticed the sun was getting lower, and dusk was approaching soon. The tall Maiden stood up from her chair and clapped her hands; the children all looked at her, including the younger Tenebrosia, who had just finished toppling another heap of logs. "That is enough for today. You may all rest. Take turns bathing, alright, little ones?" Her voice was gentle yet stern, and the children all in unity agreed.
...
Night approached, and the children were hungry, sitting within the house's dining room. In previous days, the dining room was a makeshift space for the Maiden's assembly, but it has occasionally been a room for the orphans to eat their supper before heading to bed for another day of training. The children each had bowls of brachyurami– a thick curry stew with its main contents being crustaceans, root vegetables, and green sprouts– paired with dry bread.
As Tenebrosia sat with the others, two Maidens supervised the children while the other eight were occupied with different tasks, such as overseeing the darkness of magic with their equipment, or their summoned runes to observe any fluctations within the arcana. However, it was not as quiet as it seemed...
"We'd look like pitiful dogs begging for a bone if we take this route, Ragena." Unaware of the rest of the Maidens and the children, Taralon and Ragena argued outside at the center of the training field that the children were using earlier this afternoon. Ragena pinched her nose with her head on the side while her eyes were closed, clearly stressed. "Sister, you have been desperate to go through a path of savagery; toying with the public with fear–" the older Maiden was interrupted by Taralon with a sharp grunt. "And so what?! The Cardinals, the Environs, the Conflagration – all of the other six are both feared and in awe, respected! We'd be seen as sensitive bohemians no more similar than those Padomas tree huggers!–" However, she was interrupted by Ragena. "Is this our path, or yours? Is the safety of the children a suggestion to you? I represent us, not you." Stillness filled the mouth of Taralon. Her ego, pride, wild ambitions– subdued in defeat by the words of Ragena.
The two of them stood still, staring into each other's eyes– their height the same, but the ambience made Ragena feel bigger than Taralon. "Alright," Taralon spoke. "Your decision," her voice was laced with coldness and sarcasm. Taralon walked into the house, likely to rest or scream into her headrest, thought Ragena...
...
"Miss?" Sekai nudged the concentrated Tenebrosia with his little hands, who slowly opened her eyes from her rested position. "We've arrived at a village..." Tenebrosia immediately opened her eyes, and her gaze concentrated in a flash. "So soon?" she asked the little boy. Sekai nodded his head, his fluffy tail and ears wagged a little. "Yes, miss! Amma led us to the nearest one when he heard my stomach grumble!" "Amma?" asked the Maiden as she regained her posture into a more awakened one; her tone was intrigued. "The Mayuno that's been pulling us! Gave him a name while you slept," he giggled. The Mayuno, seemingly hearing it, let out a short and gentle trumpet-like sound from his trunk. Amma was now the name of their beast-companion.
"Oh, right. My end of the bargain," snickered Tenebrosia. Sekai already knew what the woman was talking about and ran around within the carriage with glee. Tenebrosia bowed her entire torso before standing so she may avoid hitting the ceiling of the carriage before exiting the carriage after opening its small door, followed by Sekai, his tail wagging and his ears twitching slightly. His hunger is about to be satiated soon.
The location itself was located outside the village walls, and both Padomas and Paragos folks were wandering or selling their wares. Despite being a small village and the moon still hanging in the late sky, it was a lively settlement that blended old-fashioned architecture and magic technology. Tenebrosia looked for any signs of where they were, and there was one: this was the village of Rindsow. "Meat for sale! All thick and marbly for your tastes!" yelled one Padomas vendor. "Potions, potions! One to replenish your vigor, one to replenish your endurance!" a Paragos yells, waving glowing flasks around at any potential buyers. "Grains, fruits, rice, greens– come get 'em while they're fresh!" A human waved her hand, showcasing her sacks of crops and fruits.
The carriage Tenebrosia and Sekai used was placed in an open space with other carriages– both personal use of the people living or visiting here, and the carriages of other merchants. Some had Mayunos, brown or gray, to drag their carriages. Some didn't, instead using steam and magic to move their bogies. The village smelled of the earth and spices, and it also had a cool atmosphere. Taking into account that this hub is one of Windstrew's municipalities, the intricate patterns of the technology here are the same as in the city. Amma stayed, with Sekai comforting the beast before he and Tenebrosia left for the village's tavern. It huffed before it rested on the ground, and its body eased on the dry soil.
Tenebrosia walked with a courtly manner, and Sekai hopped genially behind her, excited to finally nourish his body with a meal as his Maiden-guardian promised. As they entered the confines of Rindsow, there were more shops scattered throughout the insides of the village. Houses of stone and hardwood furnished the insides of the village walls, and some lamps illuminated the road. Still, there were children present, playing with kites and toys while most of the adults worked their stations at their respective shops; the blacksmith of the village was one of the busiest, second only to where people were filled most: the cathedral. A plaza was located at the center, displaying the town's major religious figure as a marbled statue: one of the seven Nephilim, Muya-Haweh. Beneath festooned jardineries containing foraged flowers as an offering for the adorned figure.
"Who is that, miss?" asked the confused Sekai, his adorable index cupped his lips as he and Tenebrosia looked at the marbled statue at the center of the plaza. "That, my dear, is the primordial Nephilim of light: Muya-Haweh. Most of this country believes in him, other than the six." "The six?" Sekai thought harder. "There are exactly seven Nephilim that gave the seven elements into existence," Tenebrosia held a hand on her hip, the other resting on her chin. "The ancient doctrines tell that I'amosus, the Nephilim of primordial darkness, held her hand together with Muya-Haweh, the Nephilim of primordial light; the two were pre-existence before existence. It is said that after their grasp let go of each other, it caused the birth of the other five Nephilim and created the universe. Hence why all magic, as we understand it, is the predecessor of light and dark."
Sekai thought, and he rubbed his chin. "I remembered my mother once told me the goddess Utna-Vi was the earth itself," he thought. "It is Padomi folklore. I really don't understand anything outside my folk stories." This intrigued Tenebrosia to learn more about the orphaned child and how he became an orphan with his parents missing. She ought to ask later if she wants to know more about Sekai. Her thought, however, was interrupted by the rumbling and deep ringing of the cathedral's bell. Seems like the village's sacrament for their god, thought Tenebrosia. Most of those who believe in Muya-Haweh's followers gathered around the cathedral to hear the local priest's words and devotion to the Nephilim of light.
Sekai's stomach grumbled again, and Tenebrosia immediately looked down at the boy with his small hands cupping his stomach; his blue tonic swayed lightly with the wind– his bare feet touching the cold, stone pavement of the village, and his eyes and mouth in a frown. Tenebrosia sensed the Padomas little one's hunger; it must be a while now since he last ate. At a rare moment, even those who knew Tenebrosia, the woman went tender. The Maiden, despite her imposing height, kneeled to fix Sekai's hair. "Alright, the tavern it is." Sekai's eyes glowed once again, his once-saddened expression in contrast. Soon, the two headed to the village's tavern by following a small cart of barrels being pulled by a small Mayuno led by a Paragos.
Soon, the two reached their intended destination. The tavern, named the "Rightrestle Loo," was tucked between an inn and the blacksmith's; right across was a market selling general goods suited for a long journey. The tavern was almost empty, save for non-believers (most of them are Paragos and Padomas), human drunkards, and the Paragos bartender himself, along with his other Paragos workers, cleaning or serving food. The human bard played her songs, serenading the two-floored interiors of the tavern and adding to the comforting and snug ambience of the venue. Sekai ran to the bar top first, immediately, and comically struggled to climb up the tall chairs due to his obvious short height. Tenebrosia walked behind him with poise and, as she reached the bar top, grabbed the back of Sekai's collar and easily lifted the child for him to sit on the barstool
"You folks are not from here, are you?" The Paragos bartender turned his back around, his height enhanced by the elevated platform at the back of the bar top to match the height of most people. There were bottles of wine, barrels of rum, and fizzled beverages stored in a bucket of ice. "No, we aren't," Tenebrosia replied as she sat on the barstool, one of her elbows resting on the bar top. "Thought so, I haven't seen you two in the tavern, or around town." The Paragos said as he tidied his bar. "I'm Ramzu. All folks know me here, quite literally. I run the only tavern in town. Travellers, merchants, locals... I serve 'em. Orcs, animals, or not, I'd take your money if you ain't dodgy and serve you food as long as you got the coins. Business ain't going to run by itself!" He laughed heartily as he finished cleaning his bar. "You ain't striking me as someone who'd cause a ruckus 'round here. So, whaddya gettin'?" The bartender asked, shining up an empty glass. Tenebrosia looked at the impatient Sekai first, handing him a worn-down, yellow paper: the menu of the tavern. "You first, little one." Sekai gasped and began contemplating the number of options he had to eat. After a while, he picked two: a lumicroque and a warm cup of chocolate. "A lumicroque? Damn, this kid must be hungry," laughed Ramzu. He then looked at Tenebrosia and asked, "And you, m'lady?" "Just a glass of dark plum wine, preferably with a shot of sour nectar." "Fine tastes you have," Ramzu replied.
Ramzu clapped his hands and out came three adorable Paragosi cooks from the kitchen on the left of the bar, bumping into each other and bickering with one another. "Oi!" When the three heard Ramzu's voice, they stopped. "A lumicroque and a warm choc' drink, lads!" "Aye!" The three cooks replied, and as quickly as they arrived, they soon went to the kitchen, continuing to bicker with one another on who's more ungainly or the ungainliest. Sekai slumped on the bar top as his tail rested and his ears drooped.
There was a pause as the bard continued to lull the tavern with her songs of folklore and poetic tales of dragons and knights. Seeing Sekai occupied with dancing with other Padomi children near the bard, Ramzu spoke to Tenebrosia as he prepared her drink. "A Maiden, aye?" he asked, as he trickled a bottle of nectar from hanariah flowers, known for their sour and sparkly tastes, into a wine glass. "Oh? You fancy us?" Tenebrosia was intrigued as she turned her gaze away from the dancing Sekai and to Ramzu. "Ah, your clan ain't welcome here much. Some of the local people here must've given you a bad eye by now. You know, with this entire village praising the very same thing that's opposite to yours," Ramzu said as he polished the wine glass now containing the sweet, pale yellow syrup at the bottom. "I'm not much of a believer in whatever religious figure somebody throws at me. No use fearing something that doesn't even intervene when the world turns... horrendous– if I put that softly." Tenebrosia said, graciously fixing her hair. "You mean into shit," Ramzu said, and the two shared a chuckle.
Ramzu paused again as he poured a cold bottle of dark plum wine into the glass, then mixed it with a long metal spoon and served it with rock candy on the side. He slid the glass into Tenebrosia, and the latter caught it flawlessly without even looking at him as her gaze remained on Sekai, who still danced with the children. Then, Ramzu spoke again, "he's not related to you, is he?" he asked. "No." Tenebrosia simply replied, before taking a sip of her wine. The sour-sweet alcoholic drink poured a slight drop down her throat as she sipped on it lightly. "Ah, so you took him in? Well, that's a surprise. Folks here love to say you Maidens are heartless." Ramzu gave a slight chuckle as he polished a glass with his trusty clean towel. Tenebrosia looked back, and gave him a slight yet confident smile, her eyes cunning and alive, she opened her mouth to reply: "And we Maidens like to say all members of the Cardinals are a bore; we see them as nothing but thumpers of their holy scrolls while reciting their scriptures within their cathedral all day and all night," and the two laughed once more.
There was another halt in their conversation, as the children were finally done dancing. The bard had finished her song of excitement and jubilation, which the little ones had danced to, and they returned to songs of tales and legends. Sekai was making his way to the table, but before he even reached it, Ramzu said something to Tenebrosia. "Listen, lady, take care of the boy, would ya? He seems like a nice kid with a lotta potential," he had a hearty laugh before he turned around and organized his racks of bottles of expensive alcohol behind his bar.
As Sekai climbed once more to the bar stool, the three Parasogi cooks finally emerged, holding a plate of lumicroque between them while the last one, who was behind them, brought a warm cup of chocolate, serving it right in front of the Padomas boy. Soon, the three Paragosi left while still bickering with each other. Sekai gleefully took a bite of the lumicroque —a large bread slice cut in half that had meat, vegetables, and a curry sauce interposed between— and he was finally energized again.
Those words of Ramzu shook something within Tenebrosia; was it joy? Was it protectiveness? Was it a feeling of heroic tendencies? Or a fleeting feeling that she can't define? No matter, she was upholding her agreement with the boy as she observed him eat his meal.
...
After the bard finished another tale for the late night, she then rested for a cold alcoholic beverage from Ramzu in exchange for amplifying the snug ambience of the tavern with her song. The night was long, and the bard was far from done with the entertainment she provided.
At the other corner of the bar top, Sekai just finished his massive meal, and Tenebrosia finished her wine in such a composed way; in truth, the alcoholic contents didn't even do anything to make her inebriated. Tenebrosia, seeing how actually soiled Sekai is, decided the boy needed a "renovation" of himself. The Maiden placed her empty glasses on the bar top before leaving six coins as payment on her tab. "We'd be off now," she said to the bartender who was bussing his bar top. "Come along now, little one," Tenebrosia turned to Sekai, who nodded and hopped off the barstool. Tenebrosia began walking away, strutting to the tavern's open archway, going straight to the quiet streets outside. "Thank you!" Sekai waved at Ramzu as he ran to catch up to Tenebrosia; Ramzu waved back. "See ya, kid!" Ramzu chuckled as he polished another glass after serving the bard.
As the duo exited the tavern, the street wasn't as busy as they first came here– most of the locals were at the cathedral, singing the hymns of their god. Fortunately, most shops and markets were still open; non-believers, Tenebrosia thought. One of the shops there sold ordinary clothing, yet proper ones for little Sekai. A child can't survive the harsh climate of the tundra, and so Tenebrosia visited the nearest one she could find, with Sekai being right behind her, albeit distracted as a small group of Paragos danced in praise for Muya-Haweh.
"You ought to wash yourself if we are going somewhere," Tenebrosia spoke, who had just quickly finished purchasing her desired outfit for Sekai, holding a parcel of paper tied with a rope. "I can't be having my coachman conjuring up a storm of flies around him, can I?" She smirked, and Sekai looked at her with both a laugh and an awkward smile. "The village's bathhouse should be empty, safe from the workers, I reckon." Tenebrosia pondered for a short second before snapping out of it. "Is it safe? This is my first time using a bathhouse. If I were to come in, miss." Sekai innocently asked as he followed the tall Maiden to the streets. "Most of the shops here are owned by Paragos and your own kind. The human locals are busying themselves in the cathedral. Don't worry. I assure you that you have my protection," Tenebrosia smirked behind her, seeing Sekai hopping.
They've reached the bathhouse and entered; the steam hits the two with comfort as soon as they slide the door open and close it behind them. The orange hue of the lamp in the corner illuminated the foyer, and combined with the warmth from the steam, it was as snug second to the Rightrestle Loo. A Paragos worker greeted Tenebrosia from her modified desk to accommodate the critter's height. "Welcome to the Senthermae Spa, what service are you looking for?" she asked. "A bath only for the little one," Tenebrosia nudged at Sekai, who was eyeing the vases containing plants. "How much?" The Maiden asked, to which the Paragos replied. "Two coins," and Tenebrosia placed the payment onto the desk. The Paragos accepted the coins, having descended the small set of stairs of her modified desk, nudging the slightly taller Sekai to follow her. "This way," she bowed lightly before turning and sliding through another door, through which Tenebrosia and Sekai had a glimpse of an empty bathhouse. Tenebrosia pushed Sekai's back lightly to follow the Paragos, "I'd wait here." She reassured the boy before Sekai nodded and followed the Paragos, the sliding door closing behind him.
Tenebrosia sat on the settee and looked at the window, patiently waiting for Sekai. Shortly after, the Paragos worker came back and went back to her desk, managing files and coins. The Maiden sensed something amiss...
...
After what felt like a quarter of an hour, Sekai finally came out. All washed up but still using his old, dirtied blue tunic as clothing. Before he could utter a word, Tenebrosia threw the parcel at Sekai in which he barely caught. He was still behind the doorway when Tenebrosia spoke, "It's clothes. Wear it from now on, and throw out your old one." Sekai sighed and closed the sliding door again. The Paragos receptionist was too occupied with her filing to notice the interaction between the two. Another minute passed before Sekai once again opened the sliding door, wearing his new, sky-blue colored jumper tucked with a dark brown belt, along with puffed-up gray trousers, topped with leather boots meant for long journeys. "Whoa, how can I repay you, miss?" Sekai examined his attire along with his boots in such an adorable way. "Getting me to the mountains is enough," she smirked. "Appreciate the service, dear," Tenebrosia turned her attention to the Paragos. The receptionist finally turned her gaze from her desk to Tenebrosia. "You're welcome, do come again next time!"
...
The two left the spa and walked the street once more, and Sekai asked the Maiden: "Are we going to get any provisions from the market? For the long journey?" Although his tone was nervous, perhaps he was asking for too much for the Maiden. However, his ears heard the opposite. "Not an unwise idea, it would prove useful if you get famished on the road," she cackled lightly. Sekai, remembering what he asked for earlier. "Miss, when could I train in the Sombre Arts?" He followed the tall Maiden. There was a pause as they continued walking, and Tenebrosia finally spoke. "When we're on the road, I can't just train you in the open. I will keep my end of the bargain when the sun rises." She looked back at Sekai, who looked at her in admiration and nodded excitedly. However, before he could reply... the two heard the bell ringing as screams of panic, and roars of the men and women of the village militia took to arms as the sounds of battle pulsated throughout Rindsow.
"Demons! Demons! To arms, men! To arms!" A man yelled, and soon, most Paragos, Padomi, and humans of age went into their armor, holding guns or spears to defend Rindsow from the horde of demons pulverizing the village. Some of them manipulated magic and were able to balance the odds. "Demons? But this isn't the outskirts..." Tenebrosia whispered under her breath, and despite the chaos around her, she remained composed. A confused and afraid Sekai held tight to her leg, "What's happening?! Miss? Miss?!" Sekai yelped. "Oh, great Utna-Vi, cover me with life and blessings–!..." Sekai began praying to his folkloric goddess, and Tenebrosia overheard one of the female warriors yelling. "All of those who do not fight, retreat to the cathedral!" Tenebrosia let go of Sekai's grip on her leg, "Hurry to the cathedral. Now!" She instructed Sekai to do so.
A demon was about to attack from the rear, and as Sekai noticed it, he screamed in deep, genuine fear. However, Tenebrosia immediately struck it through its chest, bypassing its plated armor, and dark, oozing blood covered her glove. She pulled it out and out came its heart, which she discarded to the side. "Run along now, little one," Tenebrosia instructed with a stern tone, yet it was laced with sass. "I'd take care of these pests," the Maiden turned her back around and confronted the many demons at the plaza center. "Now, which one of you little devils deserves a good spanking?"
Sekai sprinted through Rindsow's militia, who were battling vigorously with the equally arduous demons, as he continued to run to the cathedral's open doors. Nevertheless, a demon blocked his path and attempted to strike Sekai with its flaming sword. The boy screamed in terror and shielded himself with his arms and tail, praying that this wasn't the end. His prayer was seemingly answered as Amma, who surprisingly was free from the rivets of the saddle of the carriage, appeared on his left side and rammed the demon away, causing it to collide through a shop. Sekai stopped shielding himself when the attempted blow took too long. He soon found out it was Amma who protected him from the attack. "Amma!" he yelled in hope. "How'd you–..." before he could speak further, Amma huffed, seemingly telling the boy to waste no time reaching the cathedral. With the Mayuno by his side, Sekai knew he was safe to reach the cathedral.
Sekai continued to sprint further, and demons, seeing how vulnerable the boy was, attempted to chase after him. However, their pursuit did not come to fruition as Amma rammed them one by one, flailing them with its trunk or ruthlessly stomping them with its feet. A demon tried stabbing Amma, but it was useless, for the Mayuno anticipated it and stabbed it with its tusks before continuing to ram incoming hordes. At last, Sekai reached the cathedral doors, and they closed behind him. In truth, Sekai was fortunately the last to enter. Inside, were mothers cradling their crying children, nuns comforting both little and bigger kiddiewinks as their fathers, brothers, and some had their mothers having a war outside the walls of the building. There were a few holding weapons to guard and watch the civilians who did not participate in the war, one of them being Ramzu, holding a specialized gun that uses rum as fuel for his flamethrower. Sekai watched from the windows, which were protected by a barrier to prevent any demon from barging in, hoping that Tenebrosia and Amma would turn out fine after this. At the podium was the priest, holding his staff. His magic was felt throughout the inside of the walls, his magic pulsating as an aura to sway lesser demons away.
Outside, many demons and of Rindsow's locals have fallen, especially those who aren't capable of manipulating mana to be on the offensive. Nevertheless, Amma was still unscathed as it supported the remaining, yet large, militia of Rindsow. Tenebrosia, on the other hand, was treating the battle as a playground. These demons appearing outside the outskirts mildly concern her, but the fight was an exercise. With her weapon, Chateau Scapegrace, she twirls around the battlefield and beams amplified energy through the provided cannon of the clock tower-stylized weapon. In a moment, she jumped up high and threw Chateau Scapegrace to a tightly-packed group of demons, causing all five of them to be splattered, yet the weapon remained in mint condition, just covered in demon blood. When Tenebrosia landed on the ground, the weapon returned to her arm.
Another pack of demons tried to sprint onto her with their flaming swords, scythes, bows, and spears; however, she countered this by slamming her heel on the ground to create a massive shockwave. This causes demons to be flown out of a dozen meters, with some going beyond the village walls. Tenebrosia uses this opportunity to manipulate her magic to send a barrage of magical bullets rapidly firing at the infernal creatures– a hundred petals of magic released every second, continuously assaulting the demons 'til there's little left.
In a twist of events, the demons stopped attacking and halted in their tracks, backing even. Even those who were fighting the rest of Rindsow's forces backed down as the echoing sounds of clinking footsteps were heard. This confuses Rindsow's defenses, even Amma, who was helping a group, sensed something wrong.
Out of the flames, a masked figure wearing all black appeared. They appear to be female, her arms wide open, and a sense of twisted gravitas fell onto the wrecked village. The mysterious female figure stopped, and all the demons that were present scurried to the corners of the plaza and to the rear of the masked woman, seemingly circling Tenebrosia. The rest of Rindsow's militia, even Amma, backed away to the cathedral, leaving the composed Maiden all alone in the center of it all. "Is this a standing ovation for my combat? Never knew enemies could recognize respectable talent." Tenebrosia delivered a smirk, fixing her glasses as her long hair swayed in the cold wind. The female figure then slowly pointed her black, gloved figure at Tenebrosia. Her mask made her voice muffled, yet at the same time, it was a clear word delivered. "You..."
"Yes, indeed. Me." Tenebrosia was genuinely unafraid, overconfident even with whispers of the militia as some of Rindsow's citizens sensed something wrong. Awfully wrong with the figure. At the blink of an eye, that even left a shockwave, the figure bolted in hypersonic speeds at Tenebrosia. However, Tenebrosia reacted at equal speed and effortlessly stopped the bolting assault with a headbutt, causing the two to be separated at a great distance, leaving a massive crater that swallowed a few meters through the ground. A pause... and then, the two went head-to-head against each other.
The mysterious figure kept slashing her clawed hands and fired a magical blast at Tenebrosia, which the latter reflected with her magic. The mysterious figure dodged, and the two continued to barrage each other with both physical and magical assaults. The two then tried to deliver a kick at each other, yet both parried with their own legs. Both tried using the other, and yet again, parried. Tenebrosia quickly stored Chateau Scapegrace back at her dimensional pocket before lunging at the figure, and the figure lunged back. As the two met in their middle ground, they delivered a barrage of punches, each still parrying the other.
Their punches caused immense seismic activity that rumbled the village itself and beyond. However, Tenebrosia managed to outpace this matched opponent with an uppercut, sending the mysterious woman flying dozens of meters into the air. This caused the lower part of her mask to chip, and the figure landed elegantly in the same position she was standing earlier. The figure stood up, and Tenebrosia saw a glimpse of a tattoo on the lady's bloodied chin through her chipped mask: a faded symbol of the Maidens. Tenebrosia squints her eyes slightly. However, the figure spoke: "No. You are not ready." She vanished in the flames, and her demons followed her, cackling maniacally as the menacing force retreated.
Tenebrosia was left uninjured, yet the feeling of dread loomed behind her. Who was she...?