Godslayer Arc 1.27 Shopping

Miskara scowls as she glares at the dress in her hands.

That stupid Pakdar. Just staring at me because he only just realised how beautiful I am. I can’t believe him. As if I would ever be interested in dishonourable scum like him. I certainly don’t want his attention.

“Are you okay?” asks Sirakor as she notices the expression on her friend’s face

“Yeah,” replies Miskara as glances back over at Sirakor, “Just thinking about a certain person.”

“Whom?” inquires Sirakor.

“Just a couple of guys down in the Twelfth District,” answers Miskara, thinking of the Archmage Valen, “I ran into them whilst I was investigating something and I did the same another time. At that point, I did some investigating into them. Then I found out while they aren’t exactly the sort of people that folks like you or I would associated with, but they are loyal, reliable, trustworthy and competent. To the point that despite their many flaws, I would trust them with my life.”

“I see,” says Sirakor, “So dey are the ones you go to see?”

“Part of the time,” admits Miskara, “They are useful to be around. Their different viewpoints and perspectives to my own, along with their willingness to speak their mind, means that I get exposed to things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.”

“Who are dese people?” inquires Sirakor as Miskara puts the dress down.

“They are called Valen and Drakvar respectively,” answers Miskara, “If there is an emergency, those two can be depended upon. Even if they aren’t the most respectable fellows.”

“If dey aren’t respectable, why would you even consider associating with dem?” asks Sirakor, sounding genuinely confused, pausing as she tries to figure out her best friend’s reasoning.

“Because while they aren’t respectable by our standards, there are other standards in the world that would consider them respectable,” explains Miskara as she begins to look at a shirt that has caught her eye, “And some of those standards are the standards that they hold themselves to.”

“But,” starts Sirakor, still sounding baffled by Miskara’s words, “But if dey aren’t respectable by de standards of the Ti’darkei Order, why should we, you, especially you, care if dey are respectable by other standards?”

In response to her friend’s question, Miskara laughs, leaving Sirakor even more bewildered.

“Knight Sirakor,” says Miskara, slipping back into the formal tones that she uses almost all the time as the Champion of the Ti’darkei Order, “The Ti’darkei Order might be the greatest Knightly Order in the South and one of the greatest in the world, that doesn’t mean that it is the only great Knightly Order on Lyatar.”

“So what other Knightly Orders could rival our own one?” demands Sirakor, both affronted by the idea that the Ti’darkei Order isn’t the only worthwhile Knightly Order in the world and shocked at its very own Champion suggesting such a thing.

“The Knights of the Good Sword, the Jord Order and the Right Hand of Farkas,” answers Miskara without missing a beat, “All of which are at least as great as the Ti’darkei Order. Actually, I would personally say that the Knights of the Good Sword are the superior and are the greatest Knightly Order in the history of Kith.”

“Miskara!” exclaims an outraged Sirakor as she glares daggers at her friend, “How can you say such terrible things!”

“Because I’m not blind to the truth,” retorts Miskara, “As the Champion of the Ti’darkei Order, it is my responsibility to not only acknowledge its grandeur, but also its short comings.”

I am so glad that I have had Sir Galamin to point that out to me. It made things so more clear for me. For that matter, I am glad that I have someone like him to act as mentor for me.

“Let’s move onto a different subject?” suggests Sirakor tensely.

“Yes, let’s,” agrees Miskara as she moves onto inspecting another shirt, a pale blue one with white linings, before picking it up, “I think this shirt would look good on me.”

“I concur,” says Sirakor after getting a look at the shirt, “But...”

“But what?” inquires Miskara as she cocks her head at her best friend.

“Isn’t it a bit big?” says Sirakor bashfully as she blushes slightly.

“Ah,” replies Miskara, the girl also blushing as she feels embarrassed at this turn in the conversation, “As you might have noticed, my size has increased somewhat.”

“How did dat happen?” asks Sirakor.

“Because I hide the full extent of my growth due to how...generous nature has been to me,” explains Miskara, “But not it has gotten to the point that it is too inconvenient and somewhat painful to try and pretend otherwise. You know about me getting some new armour right?”

“Yeah, dat makes sense,” agrees Sirakor before frowning, “But what I don’t get is why you tried to die any of it in de first place.”

“I didn’t want to get additional attention for my good looks,” answers Miskara with a sigh, “I get enough as it is and my beauty isn’t exactly something that I earned so I really don’t want any unnecessary attention because of it. But that is going to change now unfortunately. At least, it might help people take me more seriously if I look the part of the Champion.”

“Many people would want to have beauty like yours,” notes Sirakor.

“Most people wouldn’t want to be judged on their beauty instead of their hard work,” replies Miskara.

“I feel dat way as well,” agrees Sirakor, “Not dat I wouldn’t mind to be half as good looking as you are.”

“My apologises for that,” says Miskara for she can easily think of the two reasons for why she is so beautiful.

“Dat isn’t your fault so don’t worry about it,” replies Sirakor with a dismissive wave of her hand, “What I really want to do is see you wearing something other dan dat armour of yours.”

“Now that is something I can arrange for you,” promises Miskara with a smile at her friend.

Godslayer Arc 1.26 - Questions

“Forge-Knight, that is a most useful set of powers that you have,” says Drakvar as he sips at his cup of tea.

“As are your own,” replies the Forge-Knight in question as she sips at her own tea, “It must be useful to remain unaffected by magical attacks.”

“It is very much so Karola,” agrees Drakvar.

“This tea is very good,” says Valen as he also sips his tea.

“I concur, but I will admit that I prefer coffee to tea,” says Karola.

Drakvar is silent as he considers the powers of Forge-Knight Karola Manlin. The young woman has received an enhanced body much like Drakvar, Jordis and Shocker, but her own powers are different to any of theirs.

Now I think about it, I don’t even know what Shocker’s powers are.

But Karola’s are interesting to him. She has two minor powers of being able to identify any material that she can sense while also being able to analyse anything that she can sense. Admittedly those powers are rather weak, but even then, they would be extremely useful on their own.

No, it is Karola’s third power that has Drakvar’s attention. The ability to create powerful weapons, armours and gadgets. Such as her mechanised heavy plate armour and shoulder-mounted autocannon.

These weapons are not of magic and yet surpass any conventional counterparts.

“So why are you here?” asks Drakvar as he decides to get to the heart of matter.

“What do you mean?” replies Karola.

“Kar’mire,” clarifies Drakvar, “You hail from the West, but here you are in the capital of the South.”

“Ah, I am looking for my brother,” answers Karola as she puts down her cup of tea, “He is three years older dan me and moved down here when I was just turning sixteen. About three, no four years now.”

“Come to tell him about your new abilities in person?” inquires Valen.

“Yes and no,” says Karola, “I do wish to show him what I can do, but my main reason is dat I haven’t heard from him in a while. It was only a few days, but we were in regular contact using an old radio system dat I fixed up. So I came down here a few days ago to meet him only to find dat his district was quarantined.”

“The Thirteenth?” guesses Drakvar with a sinking feeling.

“Yes,” confirms Karola, “I suppose it is de only district dat has been quarantined recently and as I’m sure you know, nobody has seen or heard from anybody in de Thirteenth District since it got quarantined. So in de meantime, I put together a small forge, dis armour and de cannon.”

“We know why de Thirteenth District was quarantined and why nobody has been heard from,” says Valen darkly as he throws a grim look towards Drakvar which Drakvar has no problems returning.

“Why is dat?” asks Karola.

“A god-like otherworldly being who is responsible for your powers showed up and killed everybody in se Thirteenth District,” answers Valen bluntly, “It took Sir Galamin, se Ordic and Sentinel Dorrin to drive it away from our world.”

Drakvar grimaces as he watches Karola gape at Valen, her face locked in an expression of horror. But that expression soon changes into one of cold fury.

“Tell me all that you know,” demands Karola in a solemn voice, her face hard, “I need to know it all.”

And so they do and between them, Drakvar and Valen fill in Karola up until the part where Valen got his arm ripped off. At that point, Drakvar instinctively raises his arm just in time to block Shocker’s electric bolt.

“Hello Shocker,” says Drakvar as he turns to face the Champion of the Ti’darkei Order.

“Don’t call me that!” shouts Shocker as she blasts him again, but Drakvar is too stunned by the sight before him to even bother trying to blocking her latest assault.

In Drakvar’s eyes, Shocker is the same as before, but just more beautiful. He had realised that her Manifestation had increased her already good looks, but is it only now with her new armour that he has realised how gorgeous and alluring that she actually is.

Shocker is now just over two metres tall, but still not quite as tall as Drakvar. Her brown fur and hair is silky while her bright green eyes glisten. Her armour is the same gold and white plates with the Ti’darkei symbol, but has been reshaped to accommodate for her new and most magnificent curves and Drakvar can’t help, but stare. Her cloak hangs loosely around her shoulders while headset is still in place even if it isn’t turned on.

Oh, she is truly beautiful.

“What are you looking at?” demands Shocker as she blasts Drakvar again.

“You,” answers Drakvar, again not bothering to block the latest attack as he is still dumbstruck by Shocker’s beauty.

Meanwhile Valen begins to laugh and Shocker turns her glare on him and blasts Drakvar again.

“Who is this?” asks Karola as she watches the scene unfold.

“I am Champion Miskara Stormmistress of the Ti’darkei Order,” Shocker introduces herself, “And who might you be?”

“I am Forge-Knight Karola Manlin,” replies Karola.

“A Forge-Knight?” repeats Shocker in an inquiring tone, “And what exactly are you wearing?”

***

Drakvar smiles at Jordis as he looks at the young girl sitting on his lap as she reads one of her books.

He treasures the young Kithen greatly and enjoys spending time with her. Just as he enjoys spending time with Shocker and Valen.

“Family is a wonderful thing to have,” says Sir Galamin from next to Drakvar and he jumps in surprise.

Where did he come from?!

“Yeah,” agrees Drakvar as he looks over to where Valen, Shocker and Karola are explaining things to each other, drinking some fresh tea that Drakvar prepared for them, “Do you want some tea Master?”

“No thank you Squire,” replies Sir Galamin, “But thank you for the offer.”

“So why are you here?” inquires Drakvar.

“The Forge-Knight,” answers Sir Galamin, “Her creations are not the first of their kind to exist on Lyatar.”

“What do you mean?” asks Drakvar.

“The Knights of Deltae that brought about civilisation so long ago used technology not magic to achieve their miracles,” answers Sir Galamin, “Now Squire, I would like a combat analysis of the Revenant Mechanical Units.”

1.16 Devil Part 7

Damn it! Damn it! Just damn it!

We can still fight.

Can we Lion? Can we really?

Such sarcasm is unwarranted and unnecessary Leo. We still have things we can do.

Like what?

If we can kill some more of the creatures, we can make another shot. Plus we still have our guns and most of our ammunition.

Like they’ll do us any help.

And you’re forgetting what Drakvar gave us. From what he said when he handed the device to us, I am assuming it is a weapon to be used against Apocalypse or one of the other Harbingers.

But it is all pointless since Apocalypse is just going to kill us in a second before we have the chance to do anything to stop him.

But before either Apocalypse or Gears can do anything, there is a flash of light and a bright beam lances at Apocalypse. It strikes the Harbinger in the right eye, tearing through the flesh as the projectile, whatever it is, lodges itself in Apocalypse.

Then it explodes.

Gears blinks at this sudden downfall of good fortune as Apocalypse howls in pain, clutching his right eye with both hands.

Well, that was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

A welcome one too.

Still, I don’t trust it. It seems too suspicious.

Is it really so strange that somebody else harmed Apocalypse? There are many others here fighting the Harbinger and it is likely that one of them is also capable of hurting him. They probably just waited for the opening that our attack provided.

I guess that makes sense.

Regardless of what just happened, we need to focus on how it affects us. Now is the time to strike. While Apocalypse is off-guard.

As he falls through the air, Gears grabs the device that Drakvar gave him. He aims it at Apocalypses and the metal parts form a floating ring at the end of the device, held together by what appears to be an electromagnetic field.

The machine hums and several orbs of bright blue energy with a white glow form in the ring of floating parts.

Any ideas on what those are or what they do?

I-I genuinely have no idea. I never seen anything like them. All I can tell that it is extremely advanced and uses electromagnetism in some manner.

Then let us find out what it does. Unleash its fury upon Apocalypse!

Gears pulls the trigger and there is a flash of light as the orbs surge forwards towards Apocalypse, moving faster than Gears can track even with his armour.

But the effects are clear to behold as the Harbinger tumbles out the sky. Without time to regenerate, the rapid succession of powerful attacks have taken their toll on Apocalypse.

The gaping hole where the right eye once was has been completely blown open with the majority of the right head now gone. The chest has been shredded with the left side torn away.

From the shoulder, the already injured left arm has been blown off and the limb is currently tumbling through the air as it falls to the ground. The leathery wings have also been torn to shreds while the legs and right arm have also suffered major damage if not as serious as wounds inflict on the rest of Apocalypse’s body.

Doesn’t matter if you regenerate and are fast if we actually get a good beating down you.

From our estimates, I say that Apocalypse will take at least a couple of weeks to fully recover from these wounds.

Excellent.

Gears smiles he realises that they now have a good chance of finishing off Apocalypse. Or at the very least, somebody else can kill the Harbinger.

But Apocalypse begins to fall, now truly looking like a fallen angel, a large circle of shining white light above the Harbinger.

What is that?

I don’t know for certain, but it looks like a portal to me.

Whose?

I don’t know.

There is a flash of lightning and Gears feels beautiful static in his head. Realising that the static is of hostile origin as he feels his body being to freeze up, Gears spreads it out amongst his companions, breaking its power and hold on him.

What was that static?

I have no idea.

According to Guardian’s records, it might belong to Ziz, the second-in-command of the Dozen Harbingers of the End Times. But it also says that she favours various songs and melodies.

Another Harbinger? But there is only supposed to be one per a month.

Perhaps the fact one of their own may die has caused them to break their own rules?

That sucks.

Bright white light and crackling blue electricity engulf Apocalypse’s falling body and rapidly pulls the Harbinger up into the portal.

As he also falls through the air, Gears thinks about his next course of action.

First of all I need to survive this fall with a badly damaged and half-functional suit of power armour that lacks flight capabilities.

Fire your remaining KEPs at key points to slow your descent and make a landing sounds good.

Sounds like a plan.

But Gears doesn’t get a chance to implement his plan as a familiar sight comes towards him. Bolt swoops in and grabs Gears out of the air.

“Rest down helt,” says Bolt as he heads for the ground, “You have earn it.”

Godslayer Arc 1.23 Revelations Part 2

“So what happened to Solara?” asks Drakvar as he stares down at the warrior-spirit in question, taking in her new appearance.

While her form primarily remains the same, it has taken a new look to it with fire replacing the light.

Where Solara was once white with gold plates of armour, she is now the colour of fire with black plates of armour. The white strands of light on her head have been replaced by locks made entirely of flames.

“I told you, she got destabilised by de Avatar of Paradise idiot,” replies Valen as he leans against the wall, “So to keep her from giving worse, I used my Grandfather’s pipe to fix her up and well, you can see de results. And it was my Grandfather who earn my family name of Greatflame.”

“So Solara is alright?” inquires Drakvar further, seeking confirmation.

“Yeah,” confirms Valen, “De only difference is dat Solara is a fire spirit now rather than a light spirit.”

“I already knew that,” says Jordis from where she is seating on a chair, an open book on her lap, “I spent the last two days with her while you two and been off together and Sir Galamin and the Ordic have been doing something and Shocker has been with her friends in the Inner Districts.”

“De idiot didn’t know,” points out Valen.

“Valen is right,” agrees Drakvar.

“Okay,” says Jordis as she goes back to reading her book.

To Drakvar’s surprise, Valen begins to laugh.

“What is so funny?” inquires Drakvar, confused at his friend’s behaviour.

“I’m just realising how well we fit in with each other because we don’t fit in at all,” explain Valen, “By de standards of society, we are freaks and outcasts, but dat is what draws us together. Never have I felt like a greater outcast than I am right now, but dis is also de first time I have truly felt like I belong.”

“I would comment on it myself, but this is all I know,” replies Drakvar, “You, Solara and Jordis are the closest people I have to family because I don’t even know who I am biologically related to. I have parents and a younger sister from what Shocker said, but I don’t know more than that.”

“I don’t have much family myself,” admits Valen, “Ma and pa died back when I was real young. My aunt and Divine-damned uncle took in my sister, but didn’t take me. De blasted gib hated my father and effectively casted me out of my own family. De Church did take me in and I’ve been part of it ever since. I suppose one of the reasons I want to improve my fire magic to strengthen my connection to my family. To me, my Light Magic represent my connection to the Church while my Fire Magic represents my connection to my family.”

Drakvar is about to reply when lightning comes flying towards him. Clearing noting it is supernatural origin and having a good of idea of who is behind it, Drakvar just ignore it as do Valen and Jordis.

“Hey Shocker,” says Drakvar as the Champion of Ti’darkei Order enters and in response, he receives more lightning.

“Don’t call me that!” says Shocker with a glare at Drakvar as Sir Galamin follows her into the room.

“I have brought Shocker so we can discuss recent events given how all of you have been affected,” states Sir Galamin.

“Okay, but there is something I wish to tell you first,” says Shocker.

“If it is about your super strength, senses and whatnot from birth, we already know about that,” replies Valen bluntly to Shocker’s shock, “Actually, we know more about it than you do probably given that we know the origins and extent of such powers.”

“How?” demands Shocker, still slightly shocked.

“Do you know of Saints?” inquires Sir Galamin.

“Those guys from Jord Mythology? Do you really expect me to believe in nonsense like that?” replies Shocker sarcastically and Valen begins to laugh, “What?”

“You found out magic is real, you got your powers and you’re speaking to the First Saint himself,” explains Valen through his laughter, “And yet you still believe the supernatural is impossible and just dismiss it like a typical Southerner.”

“T-that isn’t true,” protests Shocker in indignation, “B-but, that would...”

“Yes Champion Miskara,” says Sir Galamin, “You are Champion Miskara Stormmistress the Second Saint of Mirra.”

“That is-just no,” sputters Shocker in shock before letting out a nervous laugh, “Imp-impossible-Gah!”

With a cry of wild frustration, Shocker sends a bolt of electricity at Drakvar, who instinctively raises a hand to block it.

Sir Galamin gives Shocker a look and the newly declared Second Saint looks away in slight embarrassment.

“Would you like me to explain to you what Saints and Demigods are and what it means in your case?” asks Sir Galamin to the flushed Shocker.

“Yes, I really would,” replies Shocker in a quiet voice as she looks down at the floor.

“There are twenty Demigods and Saints in total,” says Sir Galamin as Shocker sits down on a chair next to Drakvar, “Each of which are rated by how powerful they are as a Saint or Demigod. As I am the strongest, I am the First Saint. I can tell from observing you that you are one of the top three and since I am the First and Grandmaster Loric is the Third, you must be the Second.”

“Oh,” mutters Shocker, “So you lot already know about my abilities?”

“Yes,” replies Sir Galamin, “And each Demigod or Saint has a connection to one of the Elder Gods or Four Divines respectively. Demigods means Those Born Of The Gods while Saints means Those Blessed By The Gods. From your electrical powers, you are clearly tied to Mirra, Lightning Soldier and Storm Goddess.”

“How does that work?” asks Miskara hesitantly, sounding very nervous, “Did this Goddess of yours pick me at birth or something?”

“De ties between a Divine and a Saint are formed at birth and without de input of the Divine,” explains Valen, “But de Saint is always someone acceptable to de Divine.”

“Saints and Demigods are always exceptional and rise to position of power while they are young,” continues Sir Galamin, “And only partially because those who know what a Saint or Demigod is want to get them under the control. Such as Alisarr and Dorrin.”

“So I was picked as the Champion because I am a Saint,” says Shocker, very distressed at the idea.

“No Champion Miskara,” replies Sir Galamin firmly, “You were picked because you are more than capable of fulfilling that duty. The fact you are a Saint just helped them realise your talent early.”

“Oh thank the Gods!” exclaims Shocker, clearly relieved at the news.

“I would also recommend not using your headset,” says Sir Galamin, “As a Saint, your powers run on Mana and Psychics used a fine balance of Chi and Mana. Due to the incompatible of Chi and Mana, your Psychic focuser is limiting your abilities rather than enhancing them in the case of the majority of Psychics as the use of Chi weakens your Mana-powered Saint abilities.”

“Oh, alright,” says Shocker and she pushes a button on her headset and the lights on it flicker and die.

“Now, if you wish for further training, you would be more than welcome to join the session in which I train my Squire Drakvar,” says Sir Galamin, “You know where to find us.”

“I will take you up on that offer,” replies Shocker.

“Now, we must discuss the powers you got from the Deceiver Entity...”

Godslayer Arc 1.21 Revelations Part 1

Knight Sirakor waits impatiently with the Pages Kiri and Satri as the three of them sit at an outside table of the Radiant Dawn Restaurant. They have only been here for a couple of minutes, but Sirakor is already eagerly awaiting the arrival of her best friend.

To Sirakor, the unexpected development of Miskara wanting to meet them here is both exciting and worrying. Exciting because her best friend is finally doing something with her again and worrying because Sirakor has no idea why Miskara wants to meet the three of them here.

Engrossed in her thoughts as they wait for their order, Sirakor doesn’t notice Miskara arriving.

“Knight Sirakor, Page Kiri, Page Satri,” says Miskara as she takes a seat at their table, “Greetings.”

“Oh, Miskara, you’re here,” says Sirakor as she jumps slightly at Miskara’s sudden arrival.

“A pleasure to see you too Knight Sirakor,” replies Miskara, “Have you ordered yet?”

“Um, yes, we have,” answers Satri, “Sorry.”

“But the waitress is coming back right now,” says Sirakor as she notices the young female Kith coming back.

“Excellent,” says Miskara, “I will order and then we shall dine together.”

Sirakor is about to reply when she feels something being passed to her under the table. It feels like a note parchment.

A sudden burst of pain strikes her head and Sirakor grunts in pain even as she feels thoughts forming her mind.

ReAD thE nOte in PrIVaTe laTEr.

“Are you okay Knight Sirakor?” inquires Miskara and she and their other two friends look at her in concern.

“Yeah,” replies Sirakor as she puts the note in a pouch and another hand to her forehead as she gives Miskara a pained smile, “I’m perfectly fine.”

***

Miskara nervously waits on a rooftop of an old warehouse as Sirakor, Kiri and Satri approach the location that she marked on the note. As always whenever she is trying to remain unrecognised, Miskara is wearing her old grey and black hooded cloak that conceals her body and face.

It has worked so well in the past. Nobody has ever recognised me while I have been out and about in secret. I can’t wait to bring my friends in on my little secrets. It will be so great to finally be able to share such things with other people.

I mean, sure I’m sharing my secrets with that lot, but to be honest, I feel more like I’m sharing their adventures and secrets.

“So Miskara said to meet her here,” says Sirakor as she and the others come to a halt.

“What do you think she wants?” asks Kiri, “First showing up at your quarters, second having lunch with us at a restaurant and now dis.”

“No idea,” replies Satri, “Unlike you two, I have only known her for a few days.”

“Actually, I don’t know her dat well either,” says Kiri, “Sirakor is de only one of us who truly knows Miskara.”

I suppose I should go down now.

Activating her “swift mode”, where everything seems to be in slow motion to Miskara whilst she moves normally, Miskara jumps down from the rooftop, landing in front of her friends.

“Greetings,” says Miskara to her shocked friends.

“W-hat, oh hello-” Sirakor starts to reply, but is cut off with a yelp as Miskara embraces her in a hug.

“Are you okay?” asks Satri and she and Kiri just stare at Miskara and this unexpected move on her part.

“Why yes I am Satri,” answers Miskara with a smile on her face as she releases Sirakor from her embrace.

“Yes!” exclaims Sirakor as she gives Miskara a hug of her own, “You’re acting like your old self again!”

“Is Miskara acting normal freaking you out as well?” whispers Kiri to her fellow page Satri.

“Yeah,” Satri replies, also whispering, “Do you think she can hear us?”

“I can,” replies Miskara as she glances at them and both girls jump with shock.

“Huh?” says Sirakor as she lets go of Miskara and looks up at her.

“I want to do some explaining,” states Miskara.

“If it is about what is going on,” says Sirakor, “I can put two and two together. You want to hang out with us, but don’t want to ruin your reputation so you are doing it in secret. Hence why we are meeting here in de middle of some abandoned warehouses and you are wearing dat old cloak.”

“That is partially the case,” admits Miskara, “But I also wanted to share with you my private activities and some secrets about myself that I have told no one else.”

“Oh?” asks Sirakor, sounding very curious.

“First I want to show you something,” says Miskara as she pulls out a revolver from inside her cloak.

“A gun-what-” starts Sirakor as Miskara aims the revolver at the side of her head and pulls the trigger.

Miskara barely registers the impact of the bullet, feeling nothing more than a dull tap. The metal projectile drops to the floor as it bounces harmlessly off of the Champion of the Ti’darkei Order.

Letting out a weak smile at the stunned looks of the other three girls, Miskara says, “As you can see, I have a far few things to tell you.”

Godslayer Arc 1.20 Dorrin

Champion Miskara Stormmistress of the Ti’darkei Order shifts uncomfortably in her armour. She was already maturing enough that it was starting not to fit her anymore, but after she...manifested as the Ordic called it, Miskara’s armour definitely doesn’t fit her anymore.

By the Gods, I can’t stand this. I feel the same, but also different. I’m taller than before with more muscles too. Not only that, but my chest is bigger, my body curvier and my fur is so silky now.

Gah! I’m even stronger and tougher than before with superior senses. As if I wasn’t freaky enough already with my supernatural physical prowess.

At least people won’t notice. I mean, it has been a long time since anybody has seen me properly so that that I’m more mature and grown up won’t be that much of a surprise. And I kept my freaky abilities hidden well enough already so that the fact they are better isn’t too much of a problem.

What I am worried about the most is my new manifestation powers. I can sense the other Psychics around me if they are really close by. Not only that, but I can also sense what those near me are about to do next. Now that is totally freaky.

And there is more basic stuff. My memory is just...better as I can recall pretty much everything. Not to mention I can run the numbers in my head much easier now.

Other than that, there is just...well...you.

That is rude.

Shut up you! I don’t want to have voices in my head! I can’t afford to go crazy! Not with all of my duties!

“Miskara!” exclaims Sirakor as the young Knight runs up to her best friend, “Are you okay?”

No.

“Yes,” replies Miskara, “How are you Knight Sirakor?”

“I’m fine Miskara,” says Sirakor, “So what are you going to do now?”

“I need to speak with Sentinel Dorrin,” answers Miskara, “It is urgent business of the utmost importance.”

“Oh,” mutters Sirakor, seeming rattled by Miskara’s words.

I hope I haven’t worried her too much.

“I’ll speak with you again Knight Sirakor,” says Miskara as she walks past her friend, “I shall visit you in your quarters later.”

“Oh,” says Sirakor, sounding stunned by the idea of Miskara going to see her rather than it being the other way around, “Oh, okay then. I’ll you later I guess.”

Now to find Sentinel Dorrin.

Sentinel Dorrin is one of the oldest and most experienced members of the Ti’darkei Order. In fact, he is one of its founders. Like Grandmaster Alisarr, Sentinel Dorrin is a Jord and is generally accepted as the best fighter in the Order, capable of besting high grade Psychics despite lacking powers of his own.

And I can trust him to believe today’s events. Or least hear me out.

It takes Miskara a while, but she ultimately finds Sentinel Dorrin in Western Tower of Kar’mire Keep, working away at some paperwork at his desk.

“Champion Miskara,” says Sentinel Dorrin, greeting Miskara as she enters his office.

“Sentinel Dorrin,” replies Miskara, respectfully inclining her head towards him, “I wish to inform you of an extremely urgent matter.”

“Go ahead Champion,” replies Sentinel Dorrin, sounding and looking intrigued.

“All citizens in the Thirteenth District have been killed,” says Miskara, deciding to be straight to the point, “Sir Galamin and the Ordic-”

“I shall lead my Silver Guard down,” replies Sentinel Dorrin without hesitation as he practically leaps to his feet, “Thank you for bring this to my attention, but I shall deal with the matter now lass.”

“I understand,” replies Miskara, keeping her surprise at being so easily believed and understood hidden including the shock at being called lass rather than her title.

“Good, good,” mutters Sentinel Dorrin absentmindedly, “Do me a favour kid and keep this secret until I figured out how to deal with it.”

“As you wish Sentinel Dorrin,” replies Miskara as the older Kith leaves the room.

Well, with having done as much as I can with that situation, I should go and see if Sirakor is free. I might be a bit too early, but I have nothing better to.

As she turns to leave, Miskara pauses as she hears Sentinel Dorrin mutter something under his breath with her supernaturally good hearing

“War ha yoin gorr yoinn donnn segg te tirn Maser?” mutters Sentinel Dorrin in some foreign language.

***

“So where are we going?” asks Satri as she follows her mistress with Fatimir held in her hands.

“To see Knight Sirakor, Page Satri,” answers Miskara.

“Okay,” says Satri, clearly not expecting any further explanation whilst they aren’t in a private area.

Having been Miskara’s page for a few days now, Satri has quickly learned to expect Miskara to be extremely formal and professional whenever she isn’t in a private location, only dropping the act and actually acting like a normal person when she doesn’t think anybody else is watching.

Satri glances down at Fatimir. She and the spear-girl have become rather good friends despite the fact that Fatimir is an inanimate object who can only say “yes”, “no” or “I don’t know”.

Still it makes sense that she would be my friend as I am the only person to interact with her. Actually, I’m not sure if anybody outside of Miskara and I know of her existence.

Satri comes to a halt behind Miskara as the two of them arrive at Sirakor’s quarters, which she shares with another Knight, Tani Rekei.

“Is Sirakor in?” asks Satri in a quiet voice.

“Yes,” answers Miskara as she knocks on the door.

It takes a moment, but Sirakor opens the door and blinks in surprise as she realises who is standing before her.

“Urr-Misk-Champion Miskara,” says Sirakor as she recovers from the shock, “You’re here already, I was just talking to Uri and Tani about your planned visit. I didn’t realise you would be so soon.”

“My meeting with Sentinel Dorrin went much quicker than I expected Knight Sirakor,” replies Miskara, “Are you and Page Uri free right now?”

“Um, sure,” replies Sirakor, “We’re not exactly nothing anything right now I guess.”

“Good,” says Miskara, “I shall meet you, Page Uri and Page Satri at the Radiant Dawn Restaurant? You know the place?”

“Um, yeah, I do,” replies Sirakor, “Urr, what time?”

“In the next half an hour,” answers Miskara before turning and leaving, striding past Satri, “I shall see the three of you later.”

Satri and Sirakor watch as Miskara leaves them.

“Do you know what that is about?” Sirakor asks Satri.

“No idea,” answers Satri, “May I come into your quarters and spend my time with you until we leave?”

“Yeah, sure,” replies Sirakor, sounding distracted, “I see no reason why not.”

Godslayer Arc 1.18 Avatar of Paradise

“So where are we going Drakvar?” asks Jordis as she skips down the street with Drakvar following her from behind.

“The bookstore so I can buy you a book of your choice,” answers Drakvar, “Though I have no idea why you lead me to the Thirteenth District.”

And I would much rather avoid this District. The people here are strange. They just feel off to me in some manner. Not to mention not a single one has made physical contact with me. And they just look so strange. Almost as if they aren’t there at all.

Something is off here. Frankly, I am half-minded to simply take Jordis and leave this District. Perhaps come back with one of the others to check it out.

“Yay!” replies Jordis as she scampers over to Drakvar and wraps her arms around him in a hug, “Thank you Drakvar!”

“Don’t forget to thank Shocker as well when you next see her,” says Drakvar as Jordis runs back ahead of him again, “I am only able to do this because of her generous gift of money.”

“I will!” says Jordis as she turns the corner and pauses suddenly.

Sensing something wrong, Drakvar runs around the corner, halting as he steps in front of Jordis. He too pauses as he looks up at the sight that awaits him.

Whatever it is, it is absolutely massive, a giant swarm of swirling energy of infinite colours as it engulfs the entire street.

How can such a thing go unnoticed?

But even as he thinks that, Drakvar knows all too well how this thing could have avoided detection.

Acting on instinct, Drakvar steps in front of Jordis, placing himself between her and this...thing.

And it turns out to be just in time as the mere second he gets in front of Jordis, Drakvar is blasts by two beams of light.

They don’t blind him like Solara’s attacks did and like with all supernatural forces, they cease to exist as they make contact with Drakvar.

“Run Jordis!” yells Drakvar as the abomination unleash more attacks at him.

These attacks are much more varied with focused water, fire, energy, electricity, ice, and many other forms of attacks including a few that Drakvar doesn’t recognise.

But as always, they are completely ineffective against him. Unfortunately for him however, they do tear up the street around him.

Needing some more stable ground on which to stand, Drakvar jumps backwards and glances at Jordis, but the girl is already gone.

The abomination forms another creature out of purple-black energy. The creature is roughly Kithoid, but has a hazy, misty look to it.

Similar to a Warrior-Spirit, but...different. Just different. And wrong.

The creature glides swiftly across the ground as it races towards Drakvar. Drakvar counters charges and slams his entire body into the creature as much as he can as they connect with each other.

As he expected would happen, the creature is destroyed as it makes contact with Drakvar. Drakvar prepares to charge the unnatural abomination, only to halt as he hears Jordis cry out.

With one swift motion, Drakvar turns on his heel and sprints down the street and around the corner that he and Jordis came around.

He glimpses Jordis at the far end of the street, being set upon by Kith locals.

They must be under the thrall of this abomination.

With an angry roar, Drakvar runs down the street and racing towards Jordis.

“Drakvar!” shrieks Jordis as the Kith attackers begin to grab her, “Save me!”

As he sprints towards Jordis, Drakvar doesn’t notice the abomination consuming the buildings on either side of him or the sky above him. Instead he focuses on Jordis, smashing to the crowd of Kith surrounding her.

Both to his surprise and not to his surprise, the Kith disappear as they make contact with Drakvar. The parts that touch him simply vanish while the rest of their bodies dissolve into smoke before fading away into the sky.

What has happened to the people of the Thirteenth District?

Just as Drakvar is about to reach the screaming Jordis, tendrils from the abomination whip down, seizing Jordis and snatching her away from Drakvar. He is helpless to watch as something flows from the abomination into Jordis.

No! No! NO! NO! NO!

With a wild howl, Drakvar feels power following through his body, strengthening it and focusing his mind. With this sudden surge of strength, Drakvar leaps as Jordis and wraps all four of his arms around her, yanking the young girl from the tendrils of this otherworldly monster.

Drakvar hits the ground hard, rolling along the street as he holds Jordis tightly against his chest. He glances at her to confirm that she is okay.

Is her fur blue? How did-good, she is still breathing.

Still clutching the now blue-furred and silver-haired Jordis, Drakvar gets to his feet and glares at the abomination as it and its false Kith surround Drakvar.

I have no idea how to fight this thing let alone beat it. At least we are at an impasse. I might not be able to best it, but it is incapable of besting me.

But at the end of the day, it won’t be able to get Jordis again and that is all that matters.

As Drakvar and the abomination stand off against each other, untold amounts of electricity tears through the air, ripping into the monster and its false Kith.

Shocker? What is she doing here?

As the abomination recoils and the false Kith torn apart, Shocker comes running down the street towards Drakvar and Jordis.

“What is that-” Shocker starts to demand, but is suddenly whacked side without warning by the abomination.

“Shocker!” shouts Drakvar as the Ti’darkei Champion is sent crashing through the window of a shop.

“Do not worry my Squire,” says Sir Galamin in that loud, clear voice of his as he and the Ordic step into with Solara above them and Valen trailing behind him, “I, my father and my daughter shall deal with the Deceiver Entity.”

“Lalf Tokkk Mona!” declares the Ordic as he points his undersized blade at the abomination.

While Drakvar as no idea of what Ordic just said, the abomination clearly seems to as it retreats, disappearing as its unholy mass of swirling colours retracts back down the street.

With the threat gone, Drakvar feels the sudden of power sustaining him fade and his knees give out as he collapses and falls into unconsciousness.