Monday 31 August 2015

Initial designs for two of the characters and blah

Cozy :

Originally, Cosette was supposed to be completely different.

She was originally going to be bratty, and conceited, and prideful. If you've read the small excerpts I've had, she was supposed to hold a sort of rivalry with Roberia.

It made sense because of Rugnud's culture - Characters fought each other, to struggle and improve themselves daily and at any opportune moment.

But from how the original idea of Cosette unfolded, there's what I'd call... Disturbing elements in the story I can't will myself to write.

If you're familiar with the terms Netori, and Netorare, you should understand what I am talking about.

Later down the story, Cosette will run away from Jullan and towards Roberia and Katachi. Her bratty personality is a bit too flippant and she quickly switches interest from Jul-Jules to Katachi, and it suddenly becomes an overused and lame harem where two (and potentially more, considering that Bael and Katachi's cousins are potential candidates) girls fight for the guy's affections. Except Roberia is shocked by this, finds comfort in Jullan's arms and basically the two girls swap partners.

I mean, it's totally possible to go down that path. Don't get me wrong, I am fine writing that way if the story demands it. I don't strongly object to the idea of such strong, overturning drama within the story if it's something my readers looked out for.

The problem is, if I did that, why would I call the story Words of Power Quest? The focus on the characters increased to a point where it overshadows the possibility of reaching newer heights.

There's also the issue with type compatibility. Katachi wouldn't be able to coordinate with Cosette as well as he did with Roberia if Cosette had that kind of conceited personality. They would fail and be defeated in a couple of battles because they can't read each other's signals well enough.

Unlike Roberia, who fashions a more old-school and authentic romance, Cosette's love for Katachi is more modern-day oriented - The girls wants the guy to handle everything. Roberia would willingly share the pain and put in as much effort as Katachi would, but Cosette kinda feels like Sakura from Fate / Stay Night. Sakura likes to watch, and so does the old Cosette.

If the concept of Cosette and Roberia swapping partners ever came to pass... Endus Reignum wouldn't be half as epic as it would have been because Katachi would have died when he needed Cosette to pull the barbed wire willingly to entangle the Barinnmungt (name not confirmed).

Roberia would have done that shit by at least wrapping the wire around a stump or using the handle of her weapon to lach onto the wire, but Cosette would simply sit and watch in horror as Katachi gets his left half chomped down and then completely devoured, scream like a wuss and draw the attention of the Barinnmungt (name not confirmed), before she too dies.

It'll never work. They will never survive. Never. The chances of that are 0%, based off Cosette's original rotten personality.

*** ***

And then, I met Cosette from Valkyria Chronicles 2.

I mean, strictly speaking, I love the VC franchise. (SEGA PLEASE MAKE IT AVAILABLE ON PS4)

It's a very nice game, the way it introduces the concept of strategy and war and moving your pieces like you're playing chess of sorts, I love these kinds of games in general that factor strategic positioning, objective completion and planning ahead.

I'm one of those crazy people who don't simply play a class 'because it's fun'. I'm the kind who loves to go in with a plan in mind, the kind of guy who strategizes and plans everything ahead of time. It's even reflected in Katachi's overly-cautious, thorough nature.

For example, the normal Scout class can move 450 units, from what I can tell. The overhead map shows that each side of the square equates to roughly about 100 units.

So, the Scout class can move 4 and a half of those sides of the square before running out of AP. The Scout Elite, the final class for Scout, can move 650 units. That's 6 and a half squares. Add that with Alicia's ability, Second Wind, which allows you to regain all your AP, you can move a total of 13 units with a single command point. (That's more or less the whole map, by the way.)

I'm the kind of guy who goes into such extreme detail that it's almost scary to play against me, from the pixel perfect movement to the positioning the units face. Granted, this kind of grotesque, calculative personality shies others away from me, yes, but it's not like I have absolutely no friends at all.

... Back on topic, the Cosette I saw in VC2?

She's an angel. She's the holiest, most mellow and innocent woman I've ever seen on Valkyrie Chronicles thus far. She's also one of the deadliest Engineers, though I've never used her to shoot the enemies before. Mostly used her as a medic to heal wounded allies.

And I honestly, for the first time in my life, felt bad for sullying the Cosette name with that abomination that was the old Cosette. So I destroyed her and replaced her with a Cosette that was more, you know, Cosette-like, similar to the Cosette from VC2.

Heh. Heh heh. That's just something I felt like sharing.

*** ***

Well. So here's how far we've come.

I started the story on November 7th, 2012, believing the world would end. Turns out the Mayan Calendar simply ran out.

And today, on August 31st, 2015, I have completed the second volume of the WoPQ series, Messiah.

... It's been almost 3 years now.

I still remember the impulsive, and brash self I used to have when I first wrote this story. It was fun, and it was amazing. I would go to poly in the morning and afternoon, and when it was over I'd settle down at home, watch some Youtube videos and type my story while playing the music / radio in the background.

I was like, "Muddafugga, the world is going down. I gotta make my world go down too!" So I warped the concept of magic and powers in the story, and it became... Well, what it was today.

... Ahh. Finally, the heavy load known as Messiah is finally on a hiatus.

... Eh? What do you mean, "What do you mean it's on a hiatus?"

It's exactly as I said - Messiah will take a hiatus while I write Herald.

... Though... I am not confident that Herald would work out.

I mean, for me to finish Herald effectively, I must first confront my own fears. The loneliness and isolation I will come to face in the near future, I must confront it with the tale Alas, My Dear Annabelle.

My plans were to finish that story first before I started work on Herald, but honestly speaking it would take forever to. I can't visualize the world through the eyes of a young girl like Annabelle, so simply progressing beyond the happy, idle moment of them eating spaghetti together is an ordeal in itself. I don't know how to go through it anymore.

But, frankly speaking, perhaps I am simply a sensitive person, or perhaps I am simply emotional. I still cry when I think and dream of the scenes I see in Alas, My Dear Annabelle. How Lucia bawled her eyes out as she slapped Annabelle for her foolshness, how the characters berated themselves and questioned their own actions...

Though I haven't finished the tale...... I think I'm sensitive enough to walk into Herald with all the materials I need. These undying feelings... May they linger in my heart and guide me as I complete Herald.

... What comes after, you ask...?

...

I don't know.

...

But, if I were to hazard a guess...

...

... You lot should probably prepare to read the continuation of Messiah when Herald 32 is complete.

Messiah : Pioneers Of Magic. Look forward to it.

As always, Cozy will always be by your bedside. Whisper and confide into me thy sorrows... For thy wish is yours and yours alone.

With fluffy love,
Cozy.

Sunday 30 August 2015

Messiah 32 : Dream_Once_More

By the time she went up the stairs, she could see them clearly.

There they stood, on the veranda, looking out into the distance together to enjoy the period of silence and peace before them. How long had they awaited her arrival, upon this promised land? The armor and dress stood out so blatantly from the lush green of the trees around that it was hard to miss them.

R : "... Cosette? Jullan?"

The delicate silence was broken, and the two turned around to greet their childhood friend.

C : "Roberia!"

The short, bowl-cut blonde was the first to spring out at her, embracing her tightly.

C : "I missed you, Roberia! It's been so long!"

She excitedly squeezed the slender frame between her arms and hopped in an ecstatic fashion. It was oddly cute when seen from afar, akin to how an adorable Pomeranian would energetically jump and address the visitors of their home. Thankfully, there were none around to witness such an unsightly spectacle of the daughter of a noble.

R : "It's been so long, Cosette. I missed you too."

Roberia returned the hug, but took care to hold back her strength - Cosette was not a warrior, not by a long shot. Her body was frail to begin with, and she was one to be worn out easily. It was always a problem to ensure she didn't over-exert herself, so they relinquished her of any knightly duties and focused on her maternity skills instead.

Jullan, however, was a different story.

J : "Roberia, Your Highness, you have returned!"

He withdrew both of his swords, and rested them upon the floor with his palms on the ground. As a knight, he was drilled to show absolute respect towards his lord, even when Roberia had stressed otherwise.

R : "Arise, Jullan. There is no need for such formalities."

J : "Thank you, Your Highness."

It bothered her that he was beginning to behave in the same, pretentious way her suitors began to. That was the last thing she had wanted to see from a friend who stood by her for 9 years.

R : "... Don't behave like that, Jullan. You know how much I hate that kind of behavior. I can understand if you do it before the others, but I'll get mad if you don't refrain yourself."

J : "Sorry."

Jullan sheathed his twin swords, and dusted off the leaves stuck to his knee guards.

C : "It's been so long since we last saw you, Roberia. How are you?"

...

She didn't even know where to begin.

The journey seemed so long, filled with so many events... She couldn't even think of a place to start. About her desire to travel away from Rugnud to become strong? About the many places she had been to? About the cultural differences between Findel and Rugnud? Or perhaps the whole situation with that charcoal-haired boy?

R : "I... I don't even know where to begin with that, Cosette. I have so much to say... Have a seat, you two, don't stand on ceremony."

Roberia gestured her hand to the stone seat behind her, but...

R : "... !? What- What is this!?"

... the damage on the seat was so severe that the seats could no longer be considered one.

J : "Ah, that?... I've heard the servants talking about Duke Marcyn testing Lita a few weeks ago, She challenged him for the right to undergo the Succession Ceremony, and they ended up breaking the seats halfway through their scuffle."

R : "... Duke Marcyn had better hold responsibility for this. I've seen that unchanging seat for 10 years now, and I won't tolerate the destruction of a landmark for personal whims."

J : "No worries, Roberia. Lita said she's going to cover for it. She's hiring a magus from Findel to repair them as they were."

Relief washed over Roberia as the worry toward her beloved memories landmarked upon the stools vaporized.

R : "I'll trust that she'll see to the payment of the magus in order."

C : "Ahahaha, you never change, Roberia."

Cosette giggled excitedly at her friend who inflated the severity of the situation as she always had.

C : "It's just like you to get worked up over the smallest details and fret over them. Benches aren't living things, so there's no real need to get so excited for them."

Trained in the ways of a maiden, Cosette quickly realized her mistake.

C : "! Not... Not that it's a bad thing, however! I feel a lot more at ease when you behave this naturally."

Cosette didn't understand why her friends, these warriors, were so tense and paranoid.

It was a blessing in disguise, however - That gentle demeanor would surely be shattered had she chose the path of a warrior herself. It was a conditioning, a cultivation of a warrior's mind to always be vigilant and to notice even the subtlest of things, like the displacement of gravel on the ground to hint at an invisible magus stalking them or the faintest change in the scent in the air.

These warriors honed their skills with every waking moment, and so it was a given that they would sound off and notify their compatriots of anything suspicious they found.

At the very least, for a clumsy and frail child with a rather adorable bowl-cut, Cosette was lucky not to become a warrior.

She would have caved in under the pressure otherwise.

R : "Haha, ahaha, I guess Sir Tact's behavior just rubbed off on me- ..."

Before she had even realized it, the conversation had already reached the perfect point to bring about the sad news. Her unconscious pause upon that realization had already cemented the conversation's direction.

C : "... Roberia?"
J : "... What's wrong?

Could she... Bear to share the painful truth?

R : (Jullan should be fine for the most part. Even in training, he should have understood how easy it is for one to lose their lives, and even the mightiest of warriors succumb to weakness. But Cosette... How should I say it to her?...)

Roberia walked in Cosette's direction, and placed her hands on her shoulders.

R : (... Sir Tact, guide me. First, approach her, and give physical contact to reassure them and catch them when they collapse. Next...) "Cosette..."

C : "Yeah?"

R : "... I am going to tell you something, that will make you sad. Okay?"

C : "... O-... Okay..."

Her face sagged a little, as one would expect from an adorable puppy.

R : (Wait for her breath to be exhaled fully, and as she begins to inhale...)

She could feel the power emanating from the Funeral of Dandelions. Her memories of Sir Tact guided her as she fully accepted and embraced his departure.

R : "... Sir Tact has fallen in battle."

A quiet, and very sad silence draped on the air. As though in cue, the winds stopped, giving a reprieve of sound for reminiscing the ones past.

C : "... Sir Tact... Is... Is dead?..."

It would surely hurt for a dear mentor she grew up with to have passed on so soon.

R : "... I am as shocked as you are, Cosette. I would have never imagined my own mentor to be felled by another..."

C : "This... This is too cruel! First Cillian, and now Sir Tact? What- What has become of this mad world?!..."
R : (... Cillian? Did she- Did she just say Cillian?!)

Roberia wasn't sure whether she was holding Cosette in place, or holding onto Cosette to keep herself in place. The wobbly and unstable pillars crashed into the ground, and both girls felt a sharp pain of their sides overwhelming the grief in their hearts for a brief moment.

*** ***

Katachi wasn't a person to appreciate violence.

Since long ago, he had shied away from such physical abuse, remembering his dear Mother Rin's words that guided him to date. Just by witnessing the act, he would remember the kicks to his arms and side by Dante, the reluctance of Juval to use that strength to stop the abuse... It brought back memories he would rather not witness now.

Yet right before him, a warrior wielding a strange scythe with a blade of light was dueling with another familiar-looking warrior using a sword encrusted with red crystals.

K : "... Uhm..."

He simply wasn't a person who could appreciate and watch on as two others fight, unlike the knight standing next to him.

I : "The one to our right is my sister, Lita Bloodcrust."
K : (I think I could tell that from how similar they looked, but it's amazing how alike they are...)

Even as a person who could not appreciate the beauty of refining one's skill with the blade, Katachi could tell that they were controlled and attentive. They were fierce, and unrelenting in their blows, yet neither truly loosens up, not even at the slightest distractions like the gravel upon their feet, nor the sweat that made their bodies sticky. The blade of light clashed with the crimson mesh and severed the crystals, sending them flying a couple of different directions.

K : (... The light gently coats the blade, to confuse and disorient the opponent? But, it's a scythe. The blade aside, it's a long weapon, so I can imagine that the possible ways to attack an opponent is quite limited. How does that light help?)

He sat down on the stone chair next to Ian, and they watched the skirmish in intrigue.

The lady named Lita was in a rather defensive position, constantly deflecting the strikes to a side, careful not to release an opening for her relentless foe to take advantage of. On the other hand, the scythe wielder constantly walked forward and backward as she sought to keep the opponent in the effective range of the scythe's blade, carefully following through Lita's pacing of back and forth.

K : (... Why doesn't she fight back?)

As he thought that, Lita slid to a side quickly the moment she heard a crunching sound underneath her, suddenly launching an attack out of the blue - In a style almost too similar to Ian's. But in that one moment she struck, her blow was blocked perfectly by the scythe's snath, and a blinding flash of light pulsated from the scythe blade.

K : "!" (Ow, my eyes!)

That alone was clear enough to paint the reason why she held such a defensive position.

K : (A blast of light whenever an attack is catched... Sounds like something from the Bringer of Dawn lineage. I can still hear them fighting and clashing, even now... Is that a defensive kind of magic? I've heard that the Vorsche family branches off into multiple families after Tarren de Vorsche's legacy. Is she from a branch family?)

It was natural to think that, given the supportive nature of both hers, and Cillian's magic. Rather than applying it offensively, it was a defensive type that served to enhance one's battle prowess. Though it clearly had its differences, with how Cillian's was a constant and blinding stream of light that constantly glared its opponent's eyes, and hers applied at the very instant the weapon was used in defense, they both emitted light radiant enough to sting.

It gave Katachi an uncomfortable feeling, facing someone who used the Bringer of Dawn magic again.

I : "Are you alright?"

K : (I wonder if she is familiar with Cillian.) "... Yeah. I didn't close my eyes in time. It won't take long."

*Cozy's Notes : They are ALL familiar with him, Cat-a-chee.*

But it was nowhere as disturbing as the casual tone of voice from Ian after that match they had earlier.

K : (... Is this... The culture of Rugnud?)

He could only begin to imagine what kind of culture awaited him in the foreign land where the red-haired girl hailed as his eyes gradually recovered.

K : (... ? That was... An unusually quick recovery.)

*Cozy's Notes : You're the only magus in a land of warriors who use image power PASSIVELY. You're in a gold mine of image power, do you really think the normal rules your body obeyed in Findel applies here? Katachi, Katachi, Catachee... You gullible fool.*

He felt unnatural. He felt really off that his eyes somehow managed to regain its sight and look upon the armor-clad ladies still sparring before him in such a short span of time.

K : (... No, rather, I feel like everyone around me is... Looking at me. Like... Like I'm being watched...)

As he turned his head slowly, he could see the many gazes of the servants and maids who passed by the garden from within the building. Their hushed whispers and blatant stares were more than enough of an indication that they had been looking at him.

K : (... I... I really stand out in these clothes, don't I?)

He pulled at Ian's uncomfortable tunic, looking at the aged fabric in embarrassment. It had most likely caused him to be looked upon by the others who wore classier clothes in the palace, in contrast to the slightly over-sized and ancient apparel.

One of the maids answered Ian's waving hand and approached him with a slightly worn tray.

"What would you ask of me, Sir Ian?"

I : "Could you ask Baron Issemedi to prepare some refreshments here in about half an hour? It's for both Lita and Luce."

"Certainly."

The maid turned to walk away-

*** ***

*kapyink*

The sound of the red crystals shattering, similar to when Ian released a barrage at him and they smashed into the wall, could be heard from behind.

In that instant, Katachi saw big shards of red crystals flying towards the maid currently walking away towards the building.

K : "!" (The crystals will hit her!)

But, alas, it was too fast.

Far, far too fast.

Katachi could tell - The shards moved at a speed far too quick for anyone to do anything. It was like watching a galerider glide across the branches and trees, never hitting them at all while moving so fast it was almost impossible to catch by eye. Like watching someone you respected for many years crumble and fall into ruin, and the helplessness that dwelled within his heart as he observed the poor man praying silently in the church of Segus.

It was like the time Bael set up the trap in Cosmatral Neud, where the only time one had was to think.

K : (I should use  to fixate the wall of air- No, wait!)

The natural course of action was instantly denied by his own will.

K : (... I can still feel it. These, these disgusting Words of Power... I can feel them crawling, dominating me bit by bit, as I rely more and more upon them. I have the worst feeling right now, that using them right here... Would end horribly.)

The incident from the fat man in Anik, and the bandits rose once more. The Words of Power had taken charge in both situations - The first was a choral demand to sap the two of the blood in their bodies, and the second was the strong insistence of  to end the fight and stop everything.

These Words... How much longer must he come to rely on them? How much further must he succumb to their allure, before becoming a slave to the Words completely?

Had he not obtained enough power to get by without using them at all?

Had he learnt nothing from his journey?...

Just as he thought that...

K : (... That all things that start all have their own ends...)

... He suddenly remembered the story he had heard a couple of hours ago.

K : (... Do or die. If it must be, then let it be so - I had rather die by my own blunder than at the hands of these Words of Power. Life, like image itself, is but a fleeting dream. There's no point to a death by the very thing I sought to destroy in the first place. But there is every meaning in trying to overcome this obstacle, just as Ian Bloodcrust has pushed himself to the absolute limits!)

With his resolve strengthened, Katachi unleashed a spell he had never used before.

A spell that was certain to work, disregarding the risks it carried.

*** ***

-and before anyone really knew what had happened, a bloody figure had appeared next to the maid and yanked her backwards, into Katachi's arms immediately, just barely dodging the crystal shards in time.

I : (What-)

Yet, it was not without repercussions. The young black-haired boy collapsed onto the ground with the maid using him as a cushion.

I : "... No way..." (That mass of blood just now... Wasn't that a technique used by Otemiygnan?!)

But Ian was in a much bigger 'shock' that Katachi was, in a different sense of the word.

I : (The God of Blood is omnipresent as long as blood is about. Sending his blood forward to another source of blood instantly, before forcefully pulling the target towards himself... That is the technique our God used to persecute the ones whom thought they could afford to let blood carelessly spill. It was first used to pull his friend out from a rolling boulder's path, but... This...!)

He had, after witnessing the miracle, understood the true insight of his liege.

I : (To think a Magus as young as himself was able to perfectly replicate the art our God performed himself... So brash, and unplanned.)

Ian knelt down to assess Katachi's current state, as the maid got off to regain her composure and understanding of exactly what had happened to her.

I : (That technique was used after Otemiygnan became the Warlock of Blood, after he achieved a body beyond a human's as a result of the Path of Blood. There's no way for a mere human like him to remain perfectly intact after having most of his body's blood summoned and separated from his body so quickly.)

He touched the blood vessels in Katachi, and check his pulse. It was strong and healthy, but the child's whole body had begun to turn blue and bruise ever so slightly from that one instant his entirety was deprived of blood.

Li : "Ian! How is he?"
Lu : "Is he alright?"

The two knights, finally aware of the blunder in their skirmish, hurried over to Ian's side.

I : "... He's fine. His body's suffering from a very slight shock, but that's only because he did something this reckless to begin with." (Praise be to Empress Roberia. Her insight is incredible - Given enough time, I am sure this child will grow to become a great magus.)

Lu : "That's good to hear."

The scythe wielder, Luce Frelti, raised the boy to her shoulder and carried his tiny stature in a similar fashion Roberia once did.

*Cozy's Notes : Is the Frelti name familiar to you? Luce Frelti, Lindra Frelti, and later in the story the fallen Lapheese Frelti, they are Cillian's cousins.*

I : (... Provided he lives long enough for that to happen.) "You don't have to carry him, Luce. The maids can-"

Lu : "I'm the one who sent the crystal flying in that direction to begin with, so this is my fault. At least allow me this much, Ian."

Li : "I'll support you. It must be tiring after using so much strength to hit me."

I : "No, sister, you should rest-"

Li : "I wish to speak with Luce privately after we bring this boy to Her Highness's room. This is convenient for me, Ian."

Lita moved to retrieve a wooden chair from within the building, and they set the young boy down in a seated position. Carrying the front legs and the backrest, they carried Katachi off, in a rather strange and awkward manner.

I : (... As you wish, dear sister.)

*** ***

J : "The shock's a bit too much for her to handle."

Jullan carried Cosette in his arms and walked by Roberia's side. From a faraway distance, almost anyone could see how lovely it was for the adorable bowl-cut blond to be carried by the man she loved so dearly.

R : "... I've always prepared myself for death. This... This shouldn't faze me at all. Cillian simply did not perform up to our expectations of him, or perhaps he had met a match that was far too great for him to handle-"

J : "It's fine, Roberia. You don't need to rationalize it."

She turned to meet the serious, reassuring gaze of Jullan, and smiled briefly at the bitter truth.

R : "... You wouldn't mind if I cry on your pillow again, would you?"

He replied the question with a wry smile.

J : "If it makes you feel any better, go ahead."

Roberia opened the door to Jullan's assigned room, and held the door open for the two to squeeze through. When they had entered the room fully, she closed the door and locked it gently and quickly, shutting out any of the possible servants that may intrude tactlessly.

After Jullan laid Cosette on the bed to rest, Roberia fished for a pillow from the bedside and buried her face within it.

...

The muffled cries fueled the imaginations of anyone close enough to hear it, but no one could see her face breaking down from the great sorrow.

...

R : (... The pillow smells like Jullan. He's grown so much... His smell is so thick now.)

Roberia couldn't think of the number of times she felt firm and reassured by Jullan's side.

The three of them often played with the servants and maids when everyone else expected little from children like them. She remembered the time Jullan was being a little nasty, and placed a strand of his hair into the Tealwilde poultry and seaweed soup, the brown colors of the hair and seaweed matching well.

She remembered how they ran away as fast as their tiny feet could carry them when Count Ibemedi drank from the soup, and scolded the then-young Baron Issemedi for the hair. They were scolded by Ilarys badly, but that was a small price to pay for the look on the pompous count's face.

... Even after Michael's injury, Cosette and Jullan were the only ones she kept in contact with.

One her best friend, and the other her love interest.

Roberia smiled as she deeply sucked the essence of hair oils encrusted on the pillow into her nose.

It was a bit different now, with it emanating a more mature, grown up smell, but it was one she wouldn't fail to recognize. Stained in the familiar smells of Jaanthro and Curamel, and his sweat. She could get used to the smell her whole life, living side-by-side with Jullan until their hairs turned white...

R : (...)

... But that would be wrong.

She couldn't pop the question, and pursue those feelings.

What of her responsibility towards that black-haired boy she roped in? What of his fate, should she simply renounce him to fill her desires?

Was that allowed of her? Surely, with that bold statement she had made, there was no turning back. He had become her responsibility to uphold, and it would leave a bad impression on others should she flippantly choose to abandon him.

Yet, why wouldn't she feel this way? He may be an ally bonded through their marriage, but what part of it felt real? Was it a proper marriage, enough to justify everything to come? He showed little to no interest with pursuing her as a partner. He may have his considerations for her, but those were simply out of respect and pity, were they not?

... She didn't know. The world was full of uncertainties, and she could only imagine a life where they hadn't met - She would eventually come across someone else she couldn't defeat, and then what?

Would she become the victor's wife once more?

Even so... It's not as though the victor would be as merciful as Katachi. It may have been her good fortune that she was spared and not slaughtered, amputated or prostituted.

R : (... It's not the most exciting of marriages...)

But she should have counted her blessings on her good fortune to encounter the charcoal-haired boy. It may have been the will of her ancestors and grandfather to facilitate their meeting.

R : (... But if I ask for any more, I'd be an ingrate and a shame to the ones before me.)

She lowered the pillow on her face and gazed sadly upon her friends, with Jullan gently stroking Cosette's cheek.

R : "... You should kiss her."

J : "!? Wha- Roberia! Don't even begin to suggest that!"

It would be, at the very least, a relief to entrust Jullan into good hands.

R : "I'm serious, Jullan. I'm not oblivious about Cosette's feelings for you. She sticks to you like glue whenever I'm not around, doesn't she?"

J : "Y- yeah, she does, but that's just her being clingy and dependent! I can't possib-"

R : "Are knights not proud, chivalrous defenders the people look up to? It should only be natural for her to do so, even if she's not romantically attracted to you."

J : "Guh- ..."

Jullan fell silent upon the surprisingly well done rebuttal.

J : "... I know that, I just do, but I..."

R : "... You what?"

J : "... I'm worried, Roberia. I... I don't possess the strength that the bigger and better knights do. And I can't really see myself improving anywhere, so I don't see myself moving anywhere past the title of Knight."

R : "It's natural to feel weak, Jullan. That weakness is the greatest motivation to strengthen ourselves and strive to become better every day."

J : Yes, but I don't see myself becoming a Baron, or Count, or Duke... I don't see myself amassing to great things, and giving her a good life. She... Cosette won't live happily with me."

*phhack*

Without warning, Roberia's hand had clapped against his cheek.

J : "... Roberia... ?"

R : "... Do not speak of her happiness in that tone, Jullan. I am sure that she is content simply spending time with you."

J : "... She won't. Her time is wasted on-"

R : "I am certain, Jullan. As certain as my feelings for you are, I know that she simply wishes for your company, as do I."

J : "... ! Ro-... Your Highness..."

It would certainly be a shock for him to hear a confession this way. Unfortunately, as a warrior herself, Roberia was numb and insensitive towards the moods and timings to reveal such information.

R : "I do not expect material goods, or wondrous food, or great fame from you, and neither does Cosette. No... Her love for you is a form even purer than my own. I am certain of it."

J : "... I... I'm just afraid, that her love would be wasted on me-"

R : "Then let it be so. That love for you was cultivated specifically for you, no matter how wasteful you may feel it to be. She would not love another man as passionately, so why deny her of her dreams? Why quell her desires?"

J : "..."

At that moment, she simply wanted to be there for her two best friends.

Roberia wrapped her arms around Jullan's head, and squeezed him gently.

R : "If you're that worried to begin with, all you have to do is become stronger, right?"
J : "... Ro- *muffled sounds* " (Ouch! Her- Her ribcage...)

*Cozy's Notes : And it was at that moment, Jullan noticed just how painful it was to be crushed between her arms and her ribcage. XD

Okay. Seriously. Roberia has no breasts. In its place is a rather refined chest (as in, muscular kind of refined, not feminine)*

R : "So, don't worry too much about it. Forge onward, Jullan. Train yourself to become stronger and better than you were yesterday. Go forth, and become a man worthy of accepting all of her love."
J : "..." (My goodness. Roberia is a lot stronger than she lets on. This seriously hurts like hell, especially since I haven't trained my face muscles.)

R : "... That is my faith in you. As your ruler, as your friend, and..."

As she edged and shoved them together with what courage she could muster...

R : "... As someone who loved you."

... She had finally accepted those unanswered feelings, and moved along.

*** ***

"Fellow squire! Have you seen Empress Roberia?"

"Her Highness?... Well, I saw her with Jullan Gracer and Cosette Saint-Pouille a while ago. What's the matter?"

"Her honored guest, the Ohdean magus, has fainted! Quickly, we must find her and relay the news!"

*** ***

The door to the room opened slowly, with a rather disturbing creak and groan. Roberia peered into the room from the side, and found the small figure rested upon the bed with a strange discoloration to his skin.

R : (By Ilpoh's grace... What happened to him?)

She clearly remembered the the boy had a healthier-looking skin just hours ago. What exactly had he done to become so?

Roberia entered the room-

*shwapimh*

-and felt something slightly... Odd, about the room.

R : (What... What just happened? That felt like... That felt like something important was undone.)

It was a difficult feeling to describe. It felt as though something was suddenly swelling in power, a familiar feeling back when she had an encounter with the divine beast.

R : (... The feather?)

Roberia instinctively fished out the feather from her pocket, and felt the might within returning.

R : (... How? Why does it feel like this only now?...)

She didn't understand what was wrong with the feather, but she remembered how the scene unfolded before. Stabbing a twig into the beautiful black coat, it transformed into that nostalgic greatsword she had fun carrying about.

R : (... Come to think of it, the meatmonger in Anik did something similar, didn't he?)

She recalled how the feather was present as well when they were purchasing salamander tail meat. The feather was able to mask the foul stench from the rotting bucket she touched... So what exactly was this marvel?

What exactly was this thing in her hands?

The curiosity overpowered her desire to affirm Katachi's current state. For the most part, with how inactive he was and how his chest rose and fell gently, he was likely asleep.

*Cozy's Notes : Hahah. Katachi is unimportant to her.*

R : (... Let's try it.)

Roberia reached for a comb on the dresser, and touched it with the feather.

...

R : (...)

Nothing happened.

Absolutely nothing happened.

R : (... What are the conditions to activate the power of this feather? I... I don't understand.)

She played around with the thin comb, and rustled its bristles between her fingertips.

R : (Ahh, this feeling... It reminds me of the times I'd pick up Michael's shoe brush and play with it.)

She looked down at the feather-

R : "... !..." (... No. Way.)

-to realize that the comb in her hands had transformed into the brush she used to play with until it broke.

Her face then was the exact same as the face she had when it first transformed into her breastplate.

R : (What-... When did it transform?! When!?! Was it that window I wasn't looking? Or was it when I felt the bristles? How did- What?!)

There were too many question to ask, and answering them revealed even more questions. In shock, Roberia let go of the brush, and it returned into its original state - A comb.

R : (... This... This is the real power of Yvolki?...)

She couldn't believe it.

Why did it take her so long to realize something that incredible was by her, all this time?

... Then again, it was strange. It was as though there were periods where the feather fluctuated in power, and longer periods where it was dormant.

What decided those factors, exactly?

... Roberia didn't know. And from what she could tell, Katachi wouldn't know, either - There wasn't enough evidence to determine if it would work.

R : (... In that case...)

Her only option was to play with her new toy until it wore off.

With her hands on the feather, she imagined - The nameless greatsword she used in respect of her mentor Sir Tact, valiant Knight of the Switch.

And, even without closing her eyes, she saw it.

The onyx feather had extended and formed into the sword she had carried on her back at the start of her journey.

The slightest scratches on the fuller, the blunted region nearing the pommel, everything about it was to detail. It was amazing how real it was.

R : (... It even swings like the real thing.)

She lifted the heavy blade, and did a full broad slash. The welling power from that act, and the weight of the blade, it was a truly comfortable, wistful feeling.

She raised the sword from behind her overhead, and did a powerful cleave into the ground.

*kapang*

K : "!? Wha- What?"

The sudden shaking of the earth startled her sleeping guest, and he awoke to the abrupt and rude vibration nearby.

R : (Whoops.) "Sorry about that."

As she turned to look, she noticed it - Katachi's eyes glowed purple once more, and for some reaon she felt the power in her hands fading away.

She looked down to find the feather in her palms once more, its strength spent.

R : (... Wait. Katachi was never awake, or around when the feather was powerful. But, those seals in his eyes...)

She began understanding and establishing the well-hidden connection between Yvolki's gifts.

R : (... Is it possible that I am unable to use the feather while Katachi is awake?)
K : "... Wha- My skin's all weird!"

The boy got up from the guest room's bed, and hurried towards the dresser to gaze upon his thoroughly bruised figure. He was certainly shocked that something like that had happened to him without his knowledge, though from what she knew the damage was actually self-inflicted.

K : "... My eye... ?"

Had he realized that the seals in his eyes were responsible for halting her feather? She... Didn't know.

But, now that Katachi was awake, she could face him properly and discuss with him regarding the punishment she resolved herself to.

*** ***

R : "Katachi..."

K : "... What is it, Roberia?"

R : "Could you turn around to face me?"

K : "... I'd rather not."

R : "... Very well. We can continue the conversation this way. You've probably heard from the time you were blindfolded, but in regard to the 'punishment' the King placed upon me..."

K : "... Yeah?"

R : "... I was thinking, perhaps we should aid in the reforming of Rugnud."

K : "Reform... So Ian's words are true, then? How your departure threw everything into chaos and how there are many bandits and mercenaries about, vying for the throne?"

R : "... Yes."

K : "I was thinking about that as well, when I was chatting with Gorimer."

R : "... So, you will assist me?"

K : "... Well... Ultimately, it is my responsibility to see to it that I take responsibility for my victory. I... I don't really know the specifics and details, but from what I have heard many people in the city have already begun spreading rumors. Rumors... about my status as your ally."

R : "Yeah. They have."

K : "That set me thinking, though - Would that really be wise? Would that really be smart, for everyone in Rugnud to know that I am a Word of Power Hunter? Surely, those who fear me baselessly would simply leave the country, and those who covet my Words of Power would come for my head and the 1000-paged book."

R : "... Oh..." (He's thought that far ahead?... Well, he isn't wrong, at least - Duke Harlot's men have been busier than ever at the borders keeping tracks of the flow of people, and many specific individuals have already left Rugnud. Tracking the bandits entering is tougher, but the result was clear enough from just one side of the walls.)

K : "So I thought, maybe it's not that bad. Those who also wish to collect Words of Power may view me as a target, and I can take their Words of Power and seal it within the book should they fail. It increases the danger, perhaps,but the rewards received are worth the risk."

R : "... Will you be okay?"

K : "... Frankly speaking... I don't know. The future is full of uncertainties... No, even now, I am uncertain."

R : "? What... What's wrong?"

*** ***

That was when Katachi turned around, and his face explained everything.

On his left eye...

R : "!! What the-"

... was a milky white , completely different from the usual  he would place and use.

K : "... I... I think I've been cursed."

*** ***

B) Work out her problem and give her advice?

The "Herald" route has been unlocked.

You may now return to The Moment That Defined Fate.