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100% Warpaint / Chapter 4: Chapter 4 - Banner Of Chere

Chapter 4: Chapter 4 - Banner Of Chere

Emric sat in silence in his room as he mourned for the loss of his best friend. The now dead Queen of North Kingdom, Cherezvelle. He sat on his bed staring at the floor for over an hour. Saj Stood across the room with her arms crossed simply watching him. She felt terrible for having to be the one to tell him. Emric would eventually move again and inform Saj that he would meet with the Central Alliance at their dinner. Saj smiled warmly and allowed Emric all the time he needed to regain himself.

As the two left the hotel and began their walk, the faint sign of liveliness that surfaced in Emric faded just as fast. He placed his hands into his pockets and stared at the ground as he walked is silence. Saj took a hold of his arm and began walking beside him. He looked up and met eyes with her. She simply smiled again as she continued to escort him to the Central Alliance's temporary HQ. The two walked into the fancy hotel and walked straight into a nice VIP dining room. Many of fancy tables, statues, chandeliers, and a huge stretch of all types of food.

When the two entered there were six more individuals already enjoying a dinner. The eyes of all these folk glanced over at the arrival of Emric and Saj. On one table, the warrior Aisha, the masked man Happy, and young girl who looked to be a witch of some sort. She wore a big mage's hat and had neck length hair of a dark navy blue like tone. Her skin was a darker peach tone. Her right eye had an eye patch over it. Her left eye was a bright magenta color. It glowed and the pupil was faded in the color. It was a common side effect of those with high mana levels flowing within them. She wore a corset like top that connected to a short frilly trimmed skirt, and a magician's cloak over her shoulders. She stared at Emric with a cold glare in her eye. Emric's eyes widened as he recognized the girl. Her name was Kescelle a girl he had often lived with when he was younger. She was the granddaughter of Emric's master, Vulcanzelle.

He knew she wasn't going to be friendly towards him. Emric had killed her Grandfather five years ago in his one man revolution. Emric simply looked away from her scowl as quick as he could. He noticed Aisha was also giving him the death glare. The masked man Happy however was simply waving and shouting his greetings.

Emric turned his attention the the middle table and saw the knight, Garret already sitting and eating his dinner. He wiped his lips and waved motioning both Emric and Saj to come sit by him. Also on Garret's table was a huge tan skinned muscle bound Goliath of a man. He had bright green eyes that radiated violence and mischief. His hair was snow white and tied back into a wild bushy tail that sprouted above his head. He wore a monk like robe that exposed half of his chest and a massive sash of fighting mastery. His cynical gaze locked onto Emric. Emric inspected him and could tell this one was a blood thirsty brawler.

As the two drew closer to Garret, Emric took a closer look at the last member of the party. He was off to the side simply leaning against one of the pillars in the room. He had dark skin and spiked red hair. His face was nodded downward as he had his eyes closed and arms crossed. He looked to be sleeping on his feet. He wore a dark blue scarf over his neck that drooped down his back. A simple tattered white button shirt and black pants. A whole bunch of belts over his outfit that looked to usually hold all sorts of weapons. Right next to him however was a huge blade leaned up on the wall. The giant sword looked to be easily over ten feet. Emric felt a strange aura coming from both him and the scary weapon.

Emric shook hands with Garret and had sat down in a chair at his table. The monk looked at Emric from across the table with a smug look on his face. It was as if he was sizing him up. Saj walked over to Garret and began to whisper.

Saj: Hey take it easy on him okay.

Garret: What do you mean?

Saj: I pretty much had to tell him his best friend died.. He had no idea Cherezvelle had passed.

Garret: I see..

Saj: I mean.. It would be a good way to egg him on into joining us.. but I really wouldn't wanna go there.

Garret: Hah! Neither would I! Now Saj go make our guest a plate worthy of the Gods!

Saj: Yes sir! -She makes a thumbs up and looks back at Emric with another friendly grin-

Emric: -He meets her grin with a small smile of his own-

Garret: Emric! I'm glad that you've decided to join us for dinner. If I may be so bold as to ask. What it is that has driven you to change your mind about meeting us?

Emric: I'm honestly not sure.

Monk: Tch! I could'a told you that, Garret! Lookit this kid. His eyes are that of a broken wandering child. A lost mutt.. This painter may have once been the Nightmare Of The North..but right now he's just a painting wimp.

Garret: Heh.. Pardon his manners, Emric. This here is Teiga. He's one of the Central Alliance's most powerful fighters. One of the World's most powerful fighters actually, quite the rabid beast out on the battlefield.

Emric: This man is Teiga?.. The Ogre!? You're the Ogre?

Teiga: You've heard of me huh?

Emric: How could I not? You were the most honorable martial artist of all time. Then you became the army slaying Ogre, after the destruction of East Kingdom. I'm sorry for your loss..

Teiga: You're pity is misplaced boy.

Saj: It's not pity asswipe! Emric is just a kind person. -She places a plate of food in front of him- I got ya a little bit of everything. -She takes a seat next to him and starts to eat her dinner-

Teiga: Psh.. great so he's a kind wimp.. Jeez Garret but why don't we just throw a bunch of stuffed rabbits at the enemies and try to kill them with an overdose of friendship and love?

Garret: Hmph! Hahah! I'm amused by that Idea. However.. Teiga your passing your warrior's judgement too fast on Emric. I've seen what he can do. Now I didn't see anything that stacked up to the legends... but do not forget Teiga, He alone defeated both Agnes and Zeros.. Something we could not do for months.

Emric: Teiga's right though.. I've grown soft over the years.. and I'm unsure of my own desires. As I am now. I'm not sure how much assistance I could be to the Alliance.

Teiga: Huh.. The kid's sharp on his own situation at least. I'll give em' that. By the way It's Mr. Teiga, Master Teiga, Elder Teiga, or Sir Teiga to you kid. Do not refer to me on a casual level. -He stands up and leaves the table-

Saj: Don't mind him.. guy's a loose cannon. He acts like a jerk on the surface.. but he's a ball of sugar on the inside.

Emric: I can tell.

Garret: Still Emric.. I've seen you in the trial fight and with what I saw and the information on you defeating two of the Demonic 10. How could you even doubt that you'd be a great help.

Emric: I defeated Agnes because I was equipped in every way to be his better. All I did was simply enchant all the metal on my body into manarite. Then after getting the gray paint on him under his armor I pretty much owned his life at that point. I defeated Zeros honestly because of a little luck. I let loose an onslaught of lightwave fireflies that continuously caused him to deconstruct his body. I aimed for his head in hopes that in all his attempts he would eventually rebuild his brain improperly. Allowing me to get an easy kill on a brain dead foe. However I got lucky and his overall focus began to break. Between the mana he was exerting with each reconstruction and his mind possibly being lost he pretty much killed himself.

Garret: Luck!? Sounds to me like you were as sharp as ever Emric, The Painter!

Kescelle: -She violently pushes her chair out, stands up and walks out of the dining room-

Garret: Ah.. Kescelle. I'm aware.. that you two know each other.

Emric: She wants me dead.. I'm surprised that she even agreed to be here.

Garret: She's part of my personal elite squad. She had to come. I think she's a bit angry about you killing Zeros.

Emric: Is that so.. I managed to piss her off even more huh..

Garret: She was our only gambit for a long time. She has been training hard from months trying to ready herself for the battle with Zeros. You've no idea how impossible it was for any of us to even have a chance at him.

Emric: I have a very good idea actually.

Garret: Hah! I suppose you would.

Happy: Heh! -He gets up out of his chair, grabs Aisha by the arm and begins to walk closer to the main table while dragging Aisha over- Hey hey!

Garret; Ahh.. Emric. You've already met both Aisha, and Happy here. Happy is one of the few surviving members of the No-One Clan. You're familiar with them yes?

Emric: I am.. They use paper as their weapon. They can manipulate it in all sorts of ways. They are one of the great Assassin clans of the Central Kingdom. All four of the mighty clans were manipulated into a full scale war by the government in order to keep these powerful folk to a non-revolt type population. It was pretty messed up.

Garret: You're well informed.

Emric: I travel a lot.

Happy: Heheh.. Nice to meet you Emric, The Painter! -He extends his hand for a shake- I'm sorry about the trial battle it's hard to keep myself held back. Did I cut you or anything?

Emric: -He shakes his hand- Nothing serious.. It's nice to meet you Happy.

Happy: Heheh! I actually bought a couple of your pieces back in Central. Not from you directly but off some auction.

Emric: Really?

Happy: Yeah man! I'm a huge fan!

Garret: Happy here, is also an artist.

Emric: Oh yeah!? -For the first time in the evening Emric's face seemed to give off a genuine smile-

Happy: Well.. I mean, I control paper.. and when you got free time and stuff.. It's kinda cheating, but it's fun and I love it ya know.

Emric: Art is art.

Happy: So cool man! I hope you join us, I'd love to just hang and talk about all that stuff. For real!

Emric: Heh..

Happy: Now I'm a fan of your fighting too! I mean you were slicin' bullets, while parrying Aisha and making her look like a fool!

Aisha: -She punches him in the arm-

Happy: Ow!! Hey was that emotion!?

Aisha: ... You.. whether you ally yourself with us or not. I intend on having a rematch with you. I also intend on using the sharp side of my sword.

Emric: Like a death match!?

Aisha: Indeed..

Emric: I don't accept..

Aisha: Then you will die..

Happy: Okie dokie! -He grabs Aisha's arms and starts to wave them around like a puppet master to his narration- Oh hello there Emric, my name is Aisha it is a pleasure to meet you!

Emric: Uhh..

Aisha: ...

Happy: Well now I am going to make Happy and I another plate of food because I am still super hungry and Happy is the coolest person in the Alliance. -He lets go of Aisha and then stands beside her- Aww really? You think I'm the coolest!? -He then runs back behind Aisha waving her arms again to his voice- Why of course Happy who else is always kind enough to welcome newbies and show them the ropes in grand style!? I will now make our third helping of dinner! -He quickly releases her and stands beside her agian- You're a real sweetheart ya know that..

Aisha: -she blinks a couple times and walks away towards the food spread-

Saj: I think she likes you, Emric..

Emric: What?

Happy: Heheh.. -He walks over to the other side of the main table across from Saj and takes a seat-

Garret: Aisha is from the East Kingdom. She was brought up in an assassin's program. She was broken and trained to be the perfect tool of death. When her kingdom fell, she had nowhere to go, she lacked her own will. All she ever knew, all she ever was, was a killer. With nobody to give her orders she turned to whom she felt was the strongest. She sold her sword to Felgrand. She was even one of the Demonic 10 at one point.

Emric: How'd she end up here?

Happy: Garret thrashed her in a battle.. Aisha saw him as her new God!

Garret: -Sigh- We did have a battle at one point. I bested her. Though as I was about to finish her.. I just. The look in her eyes. Her eyes were so blank and lifeless. I guess I felt sorry for her. She may have lived her whole life being a killer, she may have thousands of sins tallied on her wall. I just felt that It wasn't fair for her to be killed.. without even having a chance to live.. truly live.

Emric: Heh.. She's just like.. me.

Garret: Eh?

Emric: When I looked into her eyes.. It reminded me of myself, long ago. Just like you Garret, Cherezvelle.. she was there for me. Heheh... I thought she was the most annoying thing on the planet when we had first met, but she never gave up on being my friend. She fought and gave everything she had, just so that I could get back the humanity that was ripped from me.

Saj: ...Poor kids..

Garret: I hope Aisha can make as much progress as you have, Emric. I'd like to see her eyes show emotion someday.

Happy: Hey she punched me in the arm! I think we're making progress.

Garret: As much help as she is to the Alliance... I'd be even more happy if she woke up to her feelings and retired. If at any time she wants to stop fighting I'd let her go.

Aisha: -She returns holding two plates stacked high with food and takes a seat next to Happy-

Happy: Holy hell! Thank you!

Aisha: -She stabs his hand with a fork-

Happy: Ow!!

Aisha: These are both mine..

Happy: What!?

Aisha: Upon further evaluation.. I concluded one plate would not suffice to slay the demon that is my extreme hunger.. I am truly sorry to inform you Happy, but you'll have to make your own plate.

Happy: Bummer...

Garret: Seems we got a little sidetracked from our discussion.. thanks to Happy.

Happy: Hey, the guy was lookin' all gloomy as hell. I figured we talk about art, if anything He'd smile a bit, and he totally did.

Emric: Heh.. I've dodged this Felgrand situation since it started. I've been just traveling and minding my own business. A part of me feels like it's my right to continue living oblivious to it all. I feel that if I return to the battlefield.. that everything Cherezvelle did for me to live life... Everything she did was all for nothing. Every time I draw a weapon my heart breaks. Then.. on the other side. I feel as though.. maybe I could have stopped him long ago. I feel that my choosing to stay mutual is a huge part of the reason that he has conquered so much people, killed so much people. If I had returned to the North, the moment I heard Felgrand invaded. Chere would not have been killed. The other day.. Zeros and Agnes.. they were going to destroy a town and rape a girl. All this time I've done nothing, how many towns could I have stopped from burning, how many people would not have been raped or killed if I had stopped this revolution a year ago. I'm not saying I could have done it by myself, but at least I'd be too dead to have these thoughts rip me apart right now.

Happy: To hell with that! Felgand is destroying countries with an army. You wiped a country by your lonesome.

Garret: Happy!

Happy: No let me finish! I know the real damn story! I was a kid in the streets of central when you were preparing for your attack. You went into the North Kingdom and destroyed everything in your path. A whole nation couldn't stop you. Despite all the higher ups making their garbage stories I know you did that shit because you loved the Princess. There was a power deep within you that Felgrand would never have. You fought a whole kingdom with Cherezvelle as the banner you rode in on. You were not victorious from your wrath, but cause of your love man! You're right you could'a totally stopped it if you got in it, but you didn't and now you have to suffer with that choice every damn day... or knowing that Felgrand is the one who killed your best friend, you can raise up her banner one more time. Fight one more time not under the banner of the Alliance, but under the banner of Cherezvelle. A banner you carry not for vengeance, but for the integrity of the world Cherezvelle was fighting for.

Saj: Wow...

Emric: Heh.. power is pretty useless if it sits around doing nothing.. I was honestly considering joining the Central Alliance.. after what my friend said to me. I decided I wanted to consult Chere, but I didn't know she was gone. I've been thinking hard about this for a while now. I've decided that I'm going to kill Felgrand.

Saj: Wha?

Garret: So that's a yes?

Emric: I'm not joining the Central Alliance. I'm simply going to travel North and destroy that kingdom for a second time. I will purge the world of Felgrand's conquest, and I'm going to put Chere's son back on the throne. I owe that family that much.

Garret: You mean to travel North and fight Felgrand's army alone?

Emric: Yes..

Happy: I'll go with you!

Emric: What!?

Happy: I'm the one who winded you up. I'd feel like a real jackass if you ended up dyin' cause of my big dumb mouth.

Saj: I'll go with them as well, Garret!

Garret: No, I need you here, Saj. I will send Teiga and Happy to accompany Emric.

Happy: All right!

?: Are you serious? -The red haired man now had his orange eyes opened and staring down the company at the table- You intend to waste two of our finest warriors in a useless struggle up north?

Garret: Should I send you instead?

?: As if..

Garret: Hmph.. Emric this here is the last of our fine company, and the strongest member of the Central Alliance. He is name is Bradley, The Crimson Phantom. Thanks to some underground project in central, he is part demon and that massive blade he carries... is a demon sword.

Brad: Tch.. your modesty truly irritates me..

Garret: Haha, Bradley refuses to believe he's stronger than me. It's quite cute.

Brad: Ehh..

Emric: (That explains the aura..).. Nice to meet you..

Brad: Indeed..

Garret: Now there's no doubt that Felgrand's sending yet another group out here to Desert Town in order to either recruit or kill Emric. I figure there will be at least two more of the Demonic 10 present. It will be good chance to swing the momentum back in our favor. While Emric, Teiga, and Happy head North. I will send one of ours back to central to set up a plan for a reinforcement squad. If timing is in our favor.. perhaps the Emric squad and the Central reinforcements.. can strike Felgrand in the heart of his kingdom, while their defense lacks.. from the possible squad that heads to Desert Town. It's quite half baked, but I think with Emric as the main assault it has potential.

Emric: Go through with your reinforcement plan if you must Garret, but I don't need to take two of your best men.

Happy: Hell I'm going with you even if I'm kicked out of the Central Alliance. You and me under the Cherezvelle banner dude!

Garret: Hahaha! Ahh and a frontal assault is Teiga's bread and butter. I'm sure he'd welcome this plan once I shoot it his way.

Emric: Heh.. whatever..

Garret: They will not slow you down.

Emric: I appreciate it, Garret.

Garret: Heh, and we all appreciate that you will once again take up arms.. this time for the world.

Emric: I've your word that you'll protect this town while I'm gone.

Garret: You've my word. -He shakes his hand-

Emric proceeded to eat his food and continue the idle chat with the members of the Central Alliance. After a couple hours Emric decided to leave the party and head back to his hotel room for some sleep. He made it clear that he was going to start his journey as soon as he woke up the next day. As he continued to walk back, Saj was right next to him escorting to his hotel. The two exchanged words as they walked and eventually Saj had followed Emric into his room.

The dawn shed light on a new day. The day Emric had claimed he was taking his leave of Desert Town. The pirate captain Tilly had made her way to Emric's hotel room and knocked on his door. Emric slowly walked over to the door and opened it. He looked at Tilly with a groggy face and waved a sluggish hello.

Tilly: Hey.. I just wanted to say sorry. I've been just.. all over the place lately and stuff. I'm just.. -Her eyes widen as she looks passed Emric to see Saj lying on his bed- Wha!? What the hell is this!?

Emric: Huh? What's what now?

Tilly: You know what!? Never friggin' mind. I'm am so tired of your crap, Emric. Goodbye! -She turns around and begins to storm away-

Emric: It's too early for this..

Saj: Heheh.. She got worked up over a whole lotta' nothing.

Emric: She tends to do so..

Saj: You're a real gentleman, letting me crash out on your bed, while you curled up on that chair.

Emric: Well you seemed tired..

Saj: What I tell ya though.. You already seem to be in better spirits.

Emric: Yeah.. thanks for everything. It's been a long time since I could just sit, drink and talk to a friend for hours.. granted we just met yesterday I think we're friends..

Saj: We are.. at least.. I think we are.

Emric: Hmm.. Hey Saj.

Saj: Yes?

Emric: When that supposed next wave of Felgrand troops arrive.. Can you take extra special care of Tilly and Miria for me? Tilly's a loudmouth pain in the ass.. but she's a good person I think.. and Miria is my would be apprentice I suppose..

Saj: I will.. On my life.

Emric: Speaking of.. I have to give Miria those books before I leave.

Happy: -He appears by the door- Uhh Hellooo? I passed that pirate chick she looked super pissed you breakin' hearts man? Wha!?

Saj: Hiiii

Happy: The hell's goin' on here!?

Saj: Emric and I are assassins.. we have much pent up demons within us. Every now and then people like us need to connect.. and release our evils. Simply put he and I made sweaty lusty love to one another.

Happy: Wha!? For real!?

Saj: Hahahaha! Ahh no was just a slumber party I guess..

Teiga: It's too early for your nonsense...

Saj: Oh joy.. Teiga is here too..

Teiga: We were going to just wait by the north gate but we figured you might pull some crap and leave us behind.

Happy: Yep..

Emric: I might have..

Teiga: Well we're ready when you are.

Emric: All right. I just have a couple errands then I'm gone.

Saj: You three be good now.

Emric began packing and sorting all his things. He cleaned out his room and gathered everything into his art cart. Meanwhile on the east side of the town Garret had set Kescelle and five of the Alliance soldiers up for the journey back to Central Kingdom. Kescelle and her company set out with haste on their Command-Hounds.

As Emric had finished packing his gear he began dragging his cart around town looking for Miria. He made his way to the food vendor he often ate from and he thanked him for all the good food. He eventually reached her house and knocked on the door. It opened after a few seconds and Miria greeted him. Her clothes were all covered in paint and she had a slightly embarrassed look on her face. The two began to exchange words as Emric told her that he was leaving.

Miria: Heh.. so this is it.. I thought I had a couple more days..

Emric: Plans changed up a bit.. but here. -He hands her two books- Those are the two books I wrote on how to draw.. mostly all the beginner stuff I made notes of for my own reference back when I first started. I really hope they end up helping you out.

Miria: I know it will.. Umm Emric.. I heard that Sir Garret is going to evacuate the town and move to Central... If I end up there.. you're still gonna come back and rate my work right?

Emric: Of course.. I made you a promise. I'll find you no matter what Kingdom you're in. Oh, I forgot! I have one more thing.. -He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a gold bracelet- For you.

Miria: Wow.. Emric it's so beautiful.. And these runes..

Emric: Yeah.. I made it long ago but never met a friend I wanted to give it to.. until now anyway. Those are protection runes. Sorta a good luck thing I guess it won't react unless you have mage blood? Heheh.. but I though It'd look good on you.

Miria: -She blushes slightly- Thank you, Emric. You be careful okay..

Emric: I will.

Miria: -She hugs him tightly- I mean it.. We better meet again..

Emric: We will..

Emric had to eventually release his angel from sand heaven. He made his way to the Northern Gate and met up with his assault team. Happy and Teiga had a small cart of theirs hooked up to a Pack-Lizard. They then attached Emric's cart and began traveling north. About twenty minutes and a mile out the desert was already proving to be a worthy foe.

Happy: Hey Emric!

Emric: Yeah?

Happy: Ya think that I could commission some art off of you sometime?

Emric: Sure.

Happy: Awesome! I already have an idea lined up for you. I'll give you 50 rubees.

Emric: 50? Damn that's a bit high..

Happy: What's your usual rate?

Emric: Like 3 to 10 rubees depending on the piece..

Happy: Really!? You know a noble sold your Twin Storm piece for like four digits out in central..

Emric: Four digits? Wow.. that's ludicrous.. I recall painting Twin Storm as a thanks for a guy letting me have a room down in South Kingdom.... Small world. Guess my art travels as much as I do.

Happy: You realize that scrub probably resold that free painting for a jacked up price after you left.

Emric: It wasn't free. I was given shelter for a night so I paid him with my art. Also whatever my client does with their piece after they've paid for it is entirely their right.

Happy: Man... Oh by the way I want you to have this! -He hands Emric a folded paper flower-

Emric: A paper flower..

Happy: Yup! I give one to all my friends. All the different colored paper flowers have some kind of lore in the No-One clan. The white flower here is supposed to bring good health. Everyone's got one. Even Teiga.

Teiga: -He remains silent as he gestures a thumbs up-

Emric: Well that's awesome. Thanks Happy, In fact I'll accept this an art trade of sorts.

Happy: What? Hell no! That's a gift, We can totally do an art trade though.. I wanna' make you something a lot more epic if I'm getting a painting from you!

Emric: Fine, I accept those terms lets shake on it. -He shakes his hand-

Happy: Heheh!

Teiga: Hold!

Both: Huh!?

Teiga: I feel it in the sand.. footsteps.. feels like eight people..

Happy: How far?

Teiga: Feels as though.. their right over this next hill..

Happy: Enemies?

Teiga: Heh.. possibly.. Be on guard.

As the three stood in a cautious stance it was as Teiga had said. Shapes of people started to appear over the hill and they approached steadily. The closer they got they could see that one of the men was carrying a flag with Felgrand's symbol on it. Teiga and Happy took a battle stance as they thought they might actually be meeting the clean up squad that Garret was supposed to take care of. Walking up front of the pack was dark skinned red haired man. His hair was long and the bangs covered the left side of his face. His exposed eye was orange, the same hue of orange as Bradley. To even more strange detail his garments looked almost identical to Bredleys. From the tattered button shirt, the black pants and the dark blue scarf he wore covering the bottom of his face. He looked to have two blades strapped to his lower back as well as a giant chakram like blade. Chains hung down from his waist seemingly attached to more hidden weapons. However he dragged his most menacing weapon, a spear with an evil aura radiating from it. It was clear Happy and Teiga knew this foe, Emric however continued to analyze him and wonder about his striking resemblance to Bradley.

Among the rest of the foot soldiers, only one other man stood out as different. He had tan skin and slicked back blonde hair with a low tied pony tail. He had bright green eyes and an arrogant swagger. The breastplate he wore was shining silver. The clothe he wore beneath his armor all back with white trim. The gauntlet on his left hand looked similar to Garret's, but it was a sapphire like blue with silver linings over the fingers. Emric could tell just by looking at him that this man was the former King of the West Kingdom, Solomon. He and his small troop continued marching as they drew closer to the three.

Happy: Solomon... and Biron..

Emric: Demonic 10 I'm guessing..

Teiga: You know Solomon I'd assume..

Emric: I'm aware of him. He's wearing the legendary Gauntlet Of Royals. I've never seen it up close before. Who's the other one?

Happy: Biron..

Teiga: Bradley's brother.. he's also part demon and wields a powerful demon weapon.

Happy: Are we gonna fight?

Teiga: I'd think so... this is a good chance to take out Solomon.

Happy: There's never a good chance to take out Solomon..

Solomon: Ahh.. Teiga.. and No-One child.. And who's this one behind you now?

Biron: I'd assume that he's The Painter..

Solomon: Oh.. The Mage Reaper eh? What might you three be doing out in this terrible heat wave?

Teiga: I could ask you scum the same thing.

Solomon: My Lord Felgrand has grown very intrigued with that painter behind you. So intrigued that he himself has left his throne and has set out for Desert Town.

Teiga: What!?

Solomon: Hmhmhm.. I'm afraid you're in the middle of an all out surrounding on Desert Town.

Teiga: Happy! Go back and report this to Garret!

Happy: I'm on-

Solomon: Hmph! -He raises his hand up and six ghostly armors rise from the sand behind Happy- You honestly think I'd give away our assault without knowing full well that you're going to die. The painter is the only one who might live.

Happy: Teiga!! If their coming from all directions... that means Kescelle is all by herself on the east side...

Emric: Kescelle... no.. -He jets off and tries to run-

Biron: -He appears in front of him- Where do you think you're going, Painter!?

Teiga: Dammit... Happy protect the carts! Emric take care of Biron! I'll handle Solomon..

Solomon: I don't know what's funnier.. you fighting me... or him fighting Biron...

Emric: Out of the way! -He draws the paintbrush-

Biron: What's this now?

Meanwhile back in Desert Town, the people were in a panic as word of the appearance of a Venoking Scorpion outside the West Gate has spread through the entire town. Garret and the Alliance soldiers were helping the townsfolk evacuate to The Unders. With the evacuation seemingly going smooth Garret and his company made haste to the West side of town. In only a few moments they could see the massive stinger of the beast over the buildings in the distance.

The Venoking Scorpion was known as the most powerful beast on the planet. It's armor was an obsidian tone and it took the most powerful weapons to even scratch it. Eight legs that were armored up and bladed. Two massive claws that could crush any worldly material. Ten disturbing eyes across it's maw. Four extra limbs on it's back that could stretch out and slash it's foe. A regenerating spike under it's body that it could shoot as a javelin of death. The unbreakable armored tail that rips it's enemies to pieces as well as injected the most deadly poison in existence. If it's physical prowess wasn't enough, the beast also exuded an aura of poisonous mist. Simply being near a Venoking could cause death.

Garret's company halted as the beast swung its massive claw and destroyed another line of buildings. Through the dust and destruction the beast noticed the presence of the four Alliance warriors. It turned it's massive frame and began to walk towards the four. Garret and the others noticed instantly that there was an armored man standing atop the back of the beast. Garret's eyes widened as he couldn't believe what he saw. Lord Felgrand himself has left his castle and made his way out to the Desert Town. The gem on Felgrand's crown glowed and the giant Scorpion stood still. Felgrand took a few steps forward to the front of his beast and looked down on his foes.

Felgrand: Hmm.. do my eyes deceive me? Sir Garret himself is here in Desert Town. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Garret: I'm the least of the two surprises here.. What in the world has drawn the scorpion himself from his lair?

Felgrand: The same reason the lion has left his cave I suppose.. You're here for the Mage Reaper..

Garret: No.. I am here for The Painter.

Felgrand: Cute... The Central Alliance wants someone to paint the fall of their rotten world. When I heard that the Mage Reaper killed both Agnes and Zeros.. just Zeros alone might have got me out of my throne.. but for one man to kill off two of the deadliest men I've ever known. Well it's simply principle to meet him at that point.

Garret: As you can see... The Painter's not here.

Felgrand: I'm supposed to just take your word for it?.. I think I'll ask the villagers.

Garret: What!?

Felgrand: Citizens of Desert Town! As you can see, I have graced your lovely home for a visit! I've come here seeking the one known as Emric, The Painter. He was the one who slayed two of my most powerful soldiers as well as the flock of Fire Ravens that appeared the other week. However.. maybe you don't recognize his true identity. The wanted posters put out by the now dead Queen were lies. The face of the Mage Reaper on those posters... was but a face of fiction. Emric The Painter, is the one and only Nightmare Of The North! The Mage Reaper!

Garret: Dammit...

Brad: Give me an order Garret... I'll slice him and that scorpion in half...

Garret: Hold, Bradley...

Felgrand: That's right! The man you've all welcomed into your hearts is a murderer of thousands! You can blame your home's destruction on him as well. If were not for this vagabond choosing your peaceful home as his current haven. I'd not be here right now! Without even lifting a finger the Mage Reaper causes destruction to you, through me. How does it feel to have the artwork of a murderer hanging from your walls. How does it feel to know you've sheltered a demon. You gave him your rubees! You fed him! You humored him! Where is he now!?

Miria: Shut Up!!

Felgrand: Eh!?

Garret: What the!?

Saj: Oh no..

Miria: You don't know anything about Emric! Everything you said is a lie! Emric's no demon! He's just a big squishy wuss who wants to do his art. People like you keep chasing him down and forcing him to fight! People like, All Of You! You all keep forcing him to be something he's not! He's not here anymore so why don't you just pack up your things and get the hell out of our town you giant scorpion riding Freak Show Reject Psychopath!

Garret: Why the hell is she here!?

Felgrand: Heheh... You're a feisty one huh?... -He extends his hand and a ball of poison aura shoots towards her-

Miria: "!"

Garret: Bradley!

Brad: -He quickly dashes in front of Miria and slashes the energy into particles with his giant sword-

Yuki: -He appears in front of the staggered Bradley and throws a strong punch to his chest-

Brad: (Yukimaru!) -He tries to sway but gets caught on the left side of his chest. The graze then erupts in a javelin of ice that exits both sides of his chest. He drops his blade and coughs out blood as he falls to the ground-

Miria: Aahh!!

Saj: Shit! -She pulls out her pistols and begins unloading the clip on Yukimaru-

Yuki: -He simply stands parrying each shot with a short ice dagger-

Aisha: -She draws her sword and rushes towards Yukimaru, her blade then collides with a huge silver axe. She looks up and sees a fair skinned, well built woman. Her hair an ash gray type color, bright beautiful but crazy looking blue eyes. She had a collection of scars on her face and arms. She wore a tight one piece suit that cut high at the hips and red clothe over her waist and arms. She looked at Aisha with a cynical grin and pushed her back with her Axe-

Axelady: Nice to see you Aisha.. It's been too long.

Aisha: ...

Saj: Arla and Yukimaru huh!?

Yuki: As for you.. -He makes a blade of ice and raises it to Miria-

Miria: -Gasp-

Felgrand: Wait Yuki... bring her to me..

Yuki: .....As you wish..

Brad: No! -On his knees, he swings his blade low-

Yuki: -He jumps over it, grabs Miria by the waist and Vanishes from sight-

Brad: Damn you! Arrgh! -He rips the ice spike out of his chest and falls over in pain-

Saj: No...no no no...

Yuki: -He reappears next to Felgrand and shoves Miria into his arms-

Felgrand: Good work.. Now what is your name, little one?

Miria: None of your concern!

Felgrand: -He grabs her by the throat and holds her up- I'll ask again! You seem to be taken with the Mage Reaper...

Miria: -She gasps fro air- Stop... calling him that..

Felgrand: Hmph.. -He squeezes her throat tighter- Calling him what!? Speak girl!

Saj: Stop It!! Stop It! I swear Felgrand... If you don't release her you'll unleash the wrath you keep mocking! You'll push him far passed the legend of the Mage Reaper! That girl is precious to him!

Felgrand: Interesting... Funny though! What makes you think telling me that will release her?... To know that this can trigger the demon I desire.. I should only hasten this girl's death!

Garret: Are you mad!? Have you no caution towards the wrath of The Mage Reaper himself?

Felgrand: Victory belongs to those who are strong... Should I be killed by The Mage Reaper. Then it is because I was too weak. It's as simple as that. -His hand glows as he applies more pressure-

Miria: -She screams and her bracelet begins to glow-

Felgrand: What's this!?

The Bracelet erupts in light and knocks Felgrand to a seated state on his scorpion, Yukimaru is pushed off the Scorpion and sent flying. Miria flies from the blast and is sent falling in front of the scorpion's giant maw. Felgrand yells in anger and commands his beast to crush her. The scorpion roars and lunges forward looking to snag Miria from the air and devour her. Time slows down for Miria as she stares down the drooling maw of the monstrous beast. She feels her heart stop in fear. She closes her eyes tight and clenches the bracelet tightly.

She feels the embrace of another as her eyes are shut. She feels herself flying through the air in the arms of someone. She opens her eyes and sees Bradley carrying her. Arla jumps in the air with her Axe pulled back for a killing slash. Bradley tosses Miria up and quickly claps his hands down on the Axe, stopping her attack. Arla grunts in frustration and Bradley swings her with all his might flying her across the street in Yukimaru's direction. Yukimaru groggy from his fall sense his comrade flying at him and quickly dodges letting her crash into the building.

Bradley lands on his feet and catches Miria for a second time. He then lets her down by Garret and the others and regroups with his team.

Miria: Wow.. your chest! It's all healed..

Brad: It does that..

Miria: Thank you..

Garret: What in the world did you do?

Miria: I.. I don't know.. this bracelet Emric gave me! It just lit up.. I I feel tired now..

Saj: Thank goodness you're okay!

Brad: Get the hell out of here..

Saj: Just stay by me okay.

Miria: Okay..

As Felgrand and his lackeys recovered to their stances, two alliance soldiers ran from the streets reporting to Garret.

Soldier M: Sir Garret! Felgrand's forces have destroyed the South Gate!

Soldier: We're overrun!

Garret: .... -Gasp- It's a full scale assault from all sides...

Felgrand: Figured it out eh? I spared nothing to make sure I captured the painter.

Garret: That means.. Teiga's party.. and Kescelle! Kescelle is by herself on the east side!

Brad: Order!?

Garret: Arrrgh!

Soldier F: The Pirate Captain Tilly is currently fighting off Lai and his forces in the south..

Saj: What!? How many are there?

Soldier F: At least forty five along with Lai, Ma'am.

Saj: Garret.. I have to go to the south gate asap!

Garret: I could use you here..

Saj: I swore on my life. That I would guard this one and the pirate!

Garret: Bradley! Make haste to the east!

Brad: I'm on it! -He vanishes instantly-

Garret: Aisha, Saj go south and aid the Pirate Captain.

Saj: And you?

Garret: -He draws his short sword from his shield- An old fashioned three versus one! Now go on! This may not have been the original plan but we have the chance to end it all here!

Saj: Yes sir!

Aisha: -She nods-

Garret: Come now, you three... let us see what you've got!

Felgrand: -He grins- Kill him...

Back in the northern outskirts Teiga, Happy, and Emric face their battle. Teiga punches and tears his way through dozens of ghostly knights at a time. Happy sits atop the caravan throwing projectiles at any foe that gets near it. Emric battles Biron in a duel to the death.

Biron's Spear and Emric's paintbrush continued to clash in series of attacks. Biron easily kept up with Emric and had not allowed the black paint to even graze him. The two lock up in a stand still as one tries to push the other off balance.

Biron: I've heard about your weapon, Your virtually wield a polearm like myself.. Except apparently that paint can cut through any surface. I won't even bother testing if my demon forged spear can equal it.

Emric: ( I have to kill this guy.. and get to Kescelle..)

Biron: I see a lot of runes on that brush! One of them is no doubt something that makes this damn stick unbreakable... I've been trying to break it this whole time..

Emric: (This guy is strong, fast, smart. On paper just all around better than I am.. This sucks... I'm going to have to reveal a huge hand to win this fight. Which I can't let these guys live after seeing it.)

Biron: All this sand must make it pretty hard to draw a spell huh!? The wind will take out any pattern in the sand before I can!

Solomon: Hmm... -He stands idle with his arms crossed watching Teiga fight his ghost knights- Well now you seem to be holding up quite well..

Teiga: -He bashes two more knights into scrap metal and begins charging Solomon with both fists crackling with electricity-

Solomon: Oh?

Teiga: Raagh!! -He throws a vicious right hook to his face-

Solomon: -He vanishes, leaving a dark aura where he stood-

Teiga: Damn you!

Solomon: Where are you looking fool!? -He appears behind him and jabs his sword into Teiga's back and plunges it through his chest- You're nothing but a mindless ogre.. Yet you think you're dirty hands capable of laying harm to a King.

Teiga: -He drops to his knees- I'm not as mindless as you'd like to fantasize.. -He grabs a hold of the blade and sends thousands of volts of electricity through it shocking the hell out of Solomon while laughing like a lunatic-

Solomon: Aaargh! -He shakes and shivers at the voltage and is blasted by a huge wave of electric mana sending him flying into the air and crashing into the sand-

Happy: You okay, Teiga!?

Teiga: I'm fine.. gotta' get this damn sword outta my back..

Solomon: I'll help you..

Teiga: -The sword disperses to aura- Ahh -He falls back to his knees- Sunnuva...

Solomon: -He slowly rises to his feet- You.. filth.. You dare to taint me with that dirty mana. I'll have you slain and added to my trophy collection! -He raises his gauntlet hand- Die you filthy vermin! -Four heavily armored royal looking ghost knights rise from the sands by Teiga- Let's see how you fare... against four of my ancestors!

Teiga: Now It's getting fun.. -He grins widely-

Happy: -He notices two men approaching from the town- (Great.. now what!?) -As the two men draw closer he realizes that they are desert pirates from Tilly's bunch- What's goin on?

Pirate A: -Panting- Uh Mister Happy... it's our boss...

Pirate B: -Panting- She's fighting... in the south... super uber.. giant sword guy...

Pirate A: Mister Emric... needs to help her..

Pirate: Or she's gonna die!

Happy: Shit..... stay back you guys..

Pirate A: Huh!?

Happy: Just stay behind me.. -He pulls huge stacks of paper from his backpack and begins throwing them on the ground, he then does some signs with his hands and suddenly the sheets of paper start to multiply by the hundreds and become a giant wall-

Pirates: Whoa...

Happy: Suck on this! -He does one last hand sign and the giant wall of paper begins to surge towards the area of both battles-

:CHAPTER 4: END?:


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