Ambre Vermillion's Story

xxxxxThousands of years have passed since the epic war of myth between humanity and the mythical creatures of the unknown. It was the greatest war ever known in history, yet sadly, have been forgotten. Ever since then, magic has stopped flowing freely across the world, yet magicians have banded together and lived harmoniously among the normal ones. Under the protection of the three Pillars, peace has prevailed for eons, and the lives of those who wander the surface of Earth has went on, untroubled from any extraterrestrial threats from those coming from the other dimensions.

xxxxxYet little did anyone, both humans and magicians alike, expect of what is about to come and threatened the very peace and harmony that they are enjoying to their cores.

xxxxxIt felt as if within just a blink of the eye, everything that the magicians once fought for almost shattered into nothingness right before their eyes. The Drakens, those who once threatened that they will return to claim our world, had exacted their vengeance without any of them noticing. With the fall of two Pillars, the whole society of magicians was shaken, fearing of another war of myth that would spell certain doom to the world where magic is no longer as common as it once was.

xxxxxBut hope is not yet lost, as the final Pillar still remain standing. With the agreement between the three greatest magician families, some of the most powerful magicians of the modern era are coming together, to protect the last stronghold against the inevitable attacks of the Drakens, now that the barrier has weakened. For these six young individuals, it was something that they have never been prepared for, but for the sake of the very world they love, they have no choice, but to take up their swords and recite their spells, against what is about to come.

xxxxxOur story began as the four representatives of the Vermillion family and the Isharian family departed from their faraway homelands to arrived at Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where the heads of the Kotonoha clan are waiting for them at their estate. For now, no one can be certain of what will become of the fate of this world, but at least for them, this will be a brand new adventure.

Takiya's conversation with Risako was cut off abruptly with the arrival of two cabs at the front entrance of their estate. As much as he is not so knowledgeable and efficient in magic like the Mages or the Wizards, he can still feel strong auras, distinguished themselves from any others, emitting from the two cars that had just arrived. They are just as intimidating and powerful like that of their own. He has never personally met any members of the two other families tasked with the duty of guarding the Pillars, but one thing he can be certain is that these representatives are not just your everyday magicians, and he can expect some strong, if not eccentric, personalities from those who were about to step out from those cabs.

As expected when the four foreigners approaching them, the two females, namely Ambre and Rosa, brought forward a rather overwhelming presence with them, while the two males, Kallen and Lukas, seemed to be somewhat... subtle, if not even somewhat fidget and stressed. He let out a quiet sigh. It's not like he has the old-fashioned belief that males should not be so soft and females should be so tough or anything, but having lived in a family structured by traditions for centuries and having taught himself to always be tough for most of his life, Takiya must admit that he had a bit of a tendency to impose his own opinionated views on others. Still, he still has enough conscience to know that it was never a good thing to judge a book by its' cover.

Rosa walked through the stern gazes of the other IMSO polices boldly and stood tall when she faced the two of them. There was no signs of aggression coming from the white-haired woman, but her fierce determination despite her respectful and formal introduction almost gave Takiya a sense of respect for her. Of course he doesn't fear her, for he himself also emits the same intimidation all the time. It would be interesting to see Rosa get in action. The younger girl, Ambre, also introduced herself shortly afterwards. A rather... strange girl, if Takiya may say so himself. Her reputation of being an unorthodox and somewhat a black sheep Mage of her family precedes her. It's difficult to predict what can she do, but this is not the first time Takiya ever met with someone like Ambre, so he doesn't have any problems with her in particular.

Anyone would have noticed that the six of them have very clashing personalities, and Takiya is beginning to have some doubts if they could work well together. Although that is not his judgement to make at the moment, but what happened next have almost confirmed his worries.

Takiya was about to formally introduced himself back to the two young magicians, but his sister beaten him to it. As usual, Risako can simply never speaks to anyone without adding a salty statement or two. He wouldn't have cared normally, but at the moment, that's simply the unwisest thing to do. True, they are the hosts here, and while they may have a sense of superiority, the last thing they need is unnecessary conflicts in a strenuous situation like this. While a crude like him is of no rights to criticize his sister, he has been in the IMSO force and dealt with many cases to at least know that much. As expected, Ambre blew her gasket shortly after and was about to stormed off afterwards. Takiya facepalmed himself in utter displease at his sister, "Of all times to be sardonic and you just can't hold your tongue for this once time. Those slaps kaa-san gave you really are just for nothing?"

Without even sparing a moment to hear Risako's whining, Takiya dashed forward in such a speed that it almost felt like he was teleporting from whence he stood, to right in front of Ambre on her path. Of course, it was certainly a rude thing to do, but he could care less about it. "My sister simply has a sharp tongue and sometimes she doesn't know what is right to say in a certain circumstances like this. I hope you do not concern yourself over it. As your hosts, my deepest apology for having failed at showing our hospitality, Ambre-san." He bowed to the young girl in an apologetic manner.

However, he doesn't hold back on what he was about to do next, "And forgive me for my bluntness, but in case you are still thinking of returning, Lady Elise, the current leader of your family, has specifically required that you and Kallen-san are not allowed to return to London until a solution is found." Takiya reached his hand inside his jacket and pulled out a parchment tied with a ribbon with the insignia seal of the Vermillion family over it. He handed it to Ambre, and approached the other three foreigners. "I also apologized if we have offended you in any ways. As the current head of Kotonoha, I can assure that your aids are most specially needed in this dire time. Please let just set aside our differences for now and focus on our greater goal."

Takiya called Yukito, who was standing behind Risako, over to them. The boy nodded and led the guards who were holding the luggage and belongings of the four foreigners to them. "My apprentice, Yukito, will take you to your rooms. If you have any questions, please ask him. I know you all must be tired after your long journey, so please rest and do any unpacking you may have. I know it will be difficult but since you all will be staying here for a while, I hope you can make yourself at home. Our official meeting will take place during dinner, and we will be joined with a very important figure."

"Please follow me." Yukito said as he motioned the guards to follow him and led the four to the guest quarter of the estate. Takiya watched on as the his four new 'companions' made their way to the guest quarter with Yukito before their backs disappeared completely. He walked passed Risako, saying nothing to her. He had simply given up on her stubbornness since they were young and didn't even care anymore. He himself was salty enough to let none of her cheeky words to even bother him. Instead, he spoke to the two nearest IMSO polices standing near her, "Shinoda, Tetsuo, let's go." They nodded to him as the three exited the mansion. He needed to check an area that was spotted with a strange presence that a nearby magician family had just reported. "Takiya-san, are you feeling well? Your face is reddening." One of the two asked Takiya as they bypassed the barrier surrounding the neighborhood, which startled him as he hid his face in frustration, "N-Nothing. I'm okay."

Meanwhile, Yukito and the guards have made it to the guests quarter. They gave the four their own belongings and left, while the white-haired boy remained. The quarter is spacious with many empty rooms and oversees a garden in the back with a big cherry blossom tree in the center. "You may stay in any room in this quarter if you like. While our mansion has a rather old structure, we have already applied with the latest state-of-the-art appliances so I hope it won't be a discomfort for you." He then stepped forward and performed a simple knowledge transferring spell by holding each of their hands. "In case you got lost, I've showed you the ins and outs of this estate. As you may have noticed, there is a big well in the center of the household that is currently being heavily guarded. Please don't go there without asking first, as underneath is the sanctuary where our Pillar is being kept."

Yukito then stood in front the four of them and bowed respectfully, "Again, I am sincerely sorry for any offenses that my master and mistress may have caused. They are not very good with their words but I can be certain that they meant no ill-will towards any of you. As Takiya-sama have said, I too hope that the three families can work well in the upcoming feuds." He straightened himself up and smiled, though still in a formal manner, "Do you have any questions as of currently? I'll be around most of the time so if you require any helps, please don't be afraid to ask."

When Lukas asked Yukito of the person whom they will meet at tonight's meeting during dinner. He wrongly speculates that it was the head of the clan. Though before the white-haired boy could answer, Kallen beaten him to the question, though the young Mage quickly apologized afterwards for cutting in abruptly. Yukito shook his head with a smile, "No, it's okay. I understand the fact that Takiya-sama and Risako-sama are now the leaders might not be very well-known so it's not a problem if you don't know it. But although Lady Minami had stepped down, she is still the main guardian, and I would say she's still the most reliable person around here. As of whom will you meet later tonight, let's just say that without this person, none of us would have been able to stand here today."

Right after, Rosa raised the question whether if she can be taken to the sanctuary where the Kotonoha's Pillar is being kept. Again, before Yukito could reply, Lukas jump in and try to support his sister's statement. It was as plain as day that this man is really nervous. "No, there is nothing wrong with that too. If you want to see the Pillar, you need to ask permission from Lady Minami herself. When she had accepted, I will personally take you there. Though it's best that you do not venture there by yourself even if you have had the permission. I know you all are very confident in your abilities, but down there, one wrong step means certain death."

He then stood in front of the rest of them, "Well, if you have any other questions, you can look for me anytime. I have been serving the Kotonoha's family for years now, and since you all are our respectable guest, it is my duty to give you the best service too. Please don't be afraid to ask if anything pops up. For now, I think everyone deserves a rest. We will meet again during dinner." Yukito bowed to them and took his leave as everyone also made their ways into their rooms.

Meanwhile, Takiya and the two IMSO polices accompanying him have made their way to the area where the strange presence was felt. Emergency surveillance has been established all across Tokyo, and every magician in the city has been instructed to report immediately should they detect any disruptions or strange presences which distinguished themselves from both human and magician alike within the magical field. It should be rather surprising that something would have turned up so fast right when the two Pillars have just been destroyed, but it is still within expectation.

"This trail is pretty new. The lingering aura within this place is unique. I don't think I've ever encounter any living with a presence like this." One of the two polices, Tetsuo, spoke while examining the ground in the alley they are standing in with some magic dust. Every being with a soul emits their auras, and they often leave trails wherever they went. Of course, humans are oblivious to this, but magicians are highly perceptive of detecting one's aura. "Letting themselves to be known so easily like this, history is correct after all. These things are simply arrogant."

"That's to be expected. They considered us as lowlifes anyway. They wouldn't get any satisfaction from merely obliterate us. Toying with us seemed to suited their styles more." Takiya deduced, "Let's -"

Before Takiya could finish his sentence, an extremely sinister presence crept up behind them. Takiya quickly dodged by moving his body to the left. A fireball was shot from behind them, missed Takiya by mere inches before hitting the ground, leaving a rune behind. Instinctively, he unsheathed his sword, readied to face whatever that had caught them by surprised. But the being had already been gone for good, leaving absolutely no trail on its' wake.

"Did that thing just teleport or something?" Shinoda said, "If it manages to get away just like that without even leaving a trail, then this thing is going to be hard to chew."

"Forget about it. What's the deal with this rune?" Takiya shifted their attention to the newly carved runes caused by the fireball earlier. He examined it carefully, but simply gave up, since he's not a good hand with things like this. The same also applied by the other two, "No clue. Maybe my new companions can decipher this. Tetsuo?"

The guy nodded and handed him a big sheet of paper, which he placed over the rune and waved his hand through it. A few small lights emitted from under the sheet and the rune has been perfectly captured on the table. "Let's go and check up other surveillance channels. Whatever this thing is, I'm dying to slash it in half."

Dusk soon falls, and the three were on their way to return to the Kotonoha household, after having been chasing ghosts. It really seemed that their only clue is the rune, but at least they are confirmed that the Drakens are already at large in Tokyo. "Say, it has been nagging me but today's sight was really something we don't get to see everyday, huh? I didn't think you'd bowed to her like that." Tetsuo raised the question as they walked home. The three of them have been friends since high school so it was of no problem to ask something straightforward like that.

"You don't think I'm afraid of her or her baby tantrum, do you?" Takiya shrugged, "Ambre is notoriously known for being a rather mad scientist. And Risako just have the worst tendency to blow things up in the most crucial of moment. The last thing I wanted right now is to have a bunch of egoistic toddlers to run around shooting beams at each other. They may not care about their honor, but I do, and I don't want our names to be tarnished, especially in a time like this. It's not going to be easy managing a team like that but I've been through worse. So I simply took one step back, and waiting to take three steps ahead."

"Well, your ability to kick a team into shape is never questionable, after all." Shinoda replied, "We lackeys couldn't do anything to help you, so good luck handling them with a straight face before they blow your gasket."

"I hope so too." Takiya said as they entered the estate. The guards are staying on their vigilant guards as ever. Yukito was waiting for him at the door, "Takiya-sama, dinner is ready and Lady Minami is also attending. She's waiting for everyone to arrive." He nodded and walked with his apprentice to the dining room, which like the rest of the estate, has a traditional style. And the first one he saw when he stepped in the room was none other than his mother sitting at the end of the dining table.

Minami was wearing her usual white kimono and drinking tea in a calm manner, yet her overwhelming aura can easily impose a sense of superiority on anyone. Even though she is no longer the head of the clan, her words still have weight in every matter is because of this reason.

"Good afternoon, dear kaa-san." Takiya bowed to her before taking the seat on her right side.

The middle-aged woman placed her teacup on the table and asked, "Judging from your look, I assume you bring bad news."

"As a matter of fact, yes. I will get down to it later." He replied, "So is she going to show up here, or we have to go all the way down there?"

"I believe it would be disrespectful if we don't meet up with her there. She certainly has many things to tell you younglings in your upcoming battle, that is to be expected." Minami calmly said, "Now, I'm almost curious to see how the other four almighty magicians that have been sent to us will be."

"I wouldn't get my hope up if I were you, kaa-san." Takiya remarked in a slight sarcastic manner as the two waited for everyone to show up.

Takiya sat and waited along with his mother while conversing with her about things that are going on around the city, how the current magicians' community is faring after the news about the demise of the two Pillars broke out. There was panic, obviously, but luckily nothing too serious had occurred. The best thing everyone can do now is join hand and try to protect what was remaining, so that all that they have spent for millennium to preserve will not become futile. The heaviest burden is still weighing on every member of his family, Takiya knows it for sure, but retaining a cool head is one of the many things that he was taught, so he can too need to do what he can, and hopes for the best.

The first one to join them was Risako. She bowed respectfully to their mother before sitting down at her own seat besides Minami, while flashing a cheeky grin towards Takiya. The middle-aged woman nodded and acknowledged her presence. Takiya simply shrugged at it, as he never really cares of whatever she is up to as long as it wasn't too troublesome. Like what she did earlier that day. The two of them are polar opposites and they certainly not the all 'loving, caring for each other' kind of siblings you would normally see on a manga or a TV show, but all in all, they are still siblings, and they have known each other for all of their lives, and they got each other's backs whenever needed. That's for him is more than enough. Their mother seemed like she didn't know about the little commotion that happened yet, but Takiya finds no need to tell her just to make his sister look bad so he just leave things as they were.

Coming in soon after is the male representatives of the Vermillion family and the Isharian clan, who were Kallen and Lukas respectively. Like earlier, the two of them seemed to still struggling to be comfortable, as if they are fearing of doing anything offensive. It's still their first day here so it was no surprise, but he is beginning to have doubts whether they would be able to work well when thrown into a team setting, as they didn't look like they have ever worked in one before. Takiya is not the one to judge from the outlooks, however, as they are the heirs to the most powerful Mage and Wizard clans, their magical prowess is not something to question. He will see this through though. As much as he hates being soft, he's not dumb as not to know the situation they are all in. Thoughtless things will only bring unnecessary problems, and that's the last thing he wanted at the moment.

Ambre also joined them a short while later and it seemed that Rosa will not be joining them, probably due to jet lag, and she is currently resting in her room. Minami, who had been remaining quiet, spoke up, "Now that most of us have arrived, shall we get on with our dinner?" She announced and glanced at Yukito, who nodded and clapped his hands, as the servants brought forward trays of food and politely placed one in front of each one of them, "For dinner tonight, we will have a traditional Japanese meal. Please enjoy your food." The white hair boy said before taking his leave with the other servants.

They all began to eat their meal. While they were eating, Minami spoke up and gained everyone's attention, "As you all may have known, my name is Minami, the former head of our family. My current duty is the main guardian of the Pillar under our protection. It is a pleasure to meet the heirs to the famous Vermillion and Isharian family." She said in a polite and formal manner, yet her overwhelming aura can still imposed a sense of respect, "I assumed that the three of you have had a long journey from your home countries here. I hope that our household is comfortable enough for you to stay. Do you have anything to share or any opinions of your upcoming missions? I would love to hear them before we get to our discussion."

As everyone took their turn to speak, Minami listened to their guests as they express how they felt after they have arrived. When they are finished, she nodded to them, "I see. It was very interesting of you. I apologize for any inconveniences you may have during your stay here, but I hope the six of you will work well together. Now, for the main part, I believe Takiya have something to show you all." She glanced over to her son.

Takiya nodded to his mother before taking the scroll containing the rune he had taken earlier out, "When I went out on patrol earlier, I came across some sorts of being that I didn't manage to identify. It disappeared before I could do anything, but this what it left behind." He rolled the piece of paper out and set it in the center of the table, "I'm not really knowledgeable with things like this so perhaps you guys can figure out what it meant?"

Minami listened to Lukas’ and Kallen’s request for a bigger room that they can use as a workshop of sorts, in which she nodded, “There are still plenty of empty rooms in the quarter the six of you are staying at, I believe. Please feel free to use them if you want. But I would appreciate it if you perform anything that might cause damages somewhere else.”

When the two young boys excused themselves to get working on the rune, she affirmed their leaves and then turned to Takiya, “How about you? You don’t have any works to do?”

He shook his head, “Not at the moment, I guess.” Takiya gazed at the back of the two girls as they made their ways to the well, “I suppose I should go with them. Not that I was saying our defense system is bad but it’s never a waste to check everything carefully.”

“In that case, shall we join? I need to return to my position.” Minami said as she put the cup of tea down and stood up. Takiya nodded to her mother and the two of them then catch up with Risako and Ambre.

Ambre had folded her arms behind her head and followed Risako. She waved goodbye to those left at the dinner table and then saluted the bed-turned-kart right outside of the room - her lip devilishly curling as Risako passed by her improv invention.

“So it’s just guards, then?” Ambre asked Risako.“Didn’t the same guys serve the food? They sure must be busy.”

Risako shrugged as she continued walking. ”Our guards are trained to take the heat,” she said nonchalantly. ”It’s strict in Japan. No one in the right mind wants to be eaten alive.”

“I don’t suppose you’ve heard of a thing called Craigslist.” Ambre smirked, taking in the sights of the mansion. She let her fingers trail the walls and windows, checking each slightly differently looking material. “- but guarding dinner, do you think drakens would poison food?” Ambre asked, though her eyes still lingered on the architecture. “You know, they didn’t exactly storm Elise’ pillar. There’s only two things that broke in her mansion.”

“Hey, you two. We’re coming with you.” Takiya called as he and his mother approached them, “Gotta make sure you won’t be killing each other in the process.” He said with a hint of sarcasm.

Risako scoffed, rolling her eyes. ”Yeah, I’m sure you’re a wonderful guardian,” she retorted. ”But maybe stick to babysitting. It suits you.”

“If only someone wasn’t a toddler who thought it’s cool to screw things up in the most crucial of moments, I wouldn’t be having this much experience now, would I?” Takiya shrugged, “Whatever. Not that I’ve never been surrounded by a bunch of three-year-olds my whole life anyway.”

”So pretentious,” Risako retorted. She flashed her elder brother a dry smile. ”Then again, you’ve always been the perfect one. I sucked that up a long time ago.”

“At least you know your place.” He said bluntly and just went ahead, not even bothering over her any longer.

“You two just never seemed to change even after I have kicked you into your positions like this, don’t you?” Minami commented. The Vermillion girl rolled her eyes.

When they made it to the well situated at the center of the estate, the guards nodded to them and stepped aside. It looked like any other normal wells from the first look, but looking inside, there was a long ladder leading all the way down to the bottom. “Do you want to take the ladder, or do you want to jump?” Takiya asked.

“That’s a looooong way down.” Ambre whistled as she peered down the well. “I think I’ll take the scenic route.” She answered, tapping her fingers a bucket next to the water hole. The metal fractured in tiny pieces, before re-attaching itself in the form of a tiny chair and handlebar, which on it’s turn connected itself to the rope atop the well; forming a makeshift manual elevator. Ambre hopped on the chair, saluted the magic knights, and hoisted herself down.

Impressive. Takiya thought as he watched Ambre tampered with the bucket into a chair. This girl has quite a reputation of being a rather unorthodox mage of her family, and what she’s just did is the reason why. He’ll see how will this apply to actual combat, which if they are unfortunate enough, will be rather soon. Magic circuits then began to appear on his legs, magically enhanced them, and Takiya jumped into the well. He saluted Ambre in the same manner that she did earlier as the two of them free-falling.

”You two have always been polar opposites,” Minami commented to her daughter. They still haven’t entered the well yet. ”You’re everything Takiya isn’t.”

Risako smiled in almost a bitter manner. ”Basically, I’m like a mishmash of flaws.” Risako didn’t give her mother a moment to respond, merely nodding at the guards before jumping in the well. Although Risako was known for not using magic in combat, it seemed that she had something against magic in general. Although that wasn’t the case, Risako had always felt compelled to restrain from magic use as much as possible.

But Risako actually had a form of common sense, and quickly used a spell to make her landing safe and - for the most part - silent.

It was pitch black when the four of them made it to the bottom of the well. The surface they landed on was not the dirt or stone ground, but a wooden surface. Minami clapped her hands and the torches lit up on both sides of the wall, revealing a linear passage. “Well, feel free to assess our defenses. I think it’s needless to remind you, but watch your steps.” Takiya said to Ambre as they moved on.

“The steps better watch me.” Ambre’s grin shimmered in the torchlight. She tested the wooden floor from her seat, tapping her shoe against it before jumping off. “Not rotten?” Ambre muttered to herself, then shrugged. “Show me what you’ve got.”

“Okay, you might want to get on that chair of yours.” Takiya said while they walked. It was a rather long pathway, and protection charms as well as traps were placed within every three meters. These are all Drakens-counterspells and crafts, and with just a slight touch will trigger them. They were placed in tricky positions, which makes them hard to avoid unless one is flexible enough to sneak through the small spaces between them. Of course, as for the three Kotonoha members, this is something they would be able to do with their eyes closed, so they have no problem navigating through the complex trap system on the pathway. Ambre, on the other hand, had to tip-toe into Takiya’s footsteps. The whole sanctuary is placed under a very strong barrier, left behind by Sakura the White Valkyrie herself, which makes it virtually indestructible even if it was bombarded with a nuclear bomb.

At the end of the path, there was a door, enchanted to let only the heads of the clan to walk through. Any others who touch it will immediately trigger the alarms and the whole trap system of the sanctuary will be activated against them. Takiya stepped forward and channeled some of his mana into the door, which opened it. And they stepped through the door, only to find another big, octagon-shaped chamber.

There was a door on each side of the room, and one might expect that only one of them is the correct way which leads to the Pillar. In fact, none of them are. Filled inside the rooms are guardian statues, magically crafted and armed with magical arms that can counter Drakens. The moment one tried to open one of the doors, the whole army of guardians will rain down against them.

Instead, the correct way to lead to the Pillar lies right underneath them. On the ground, there was a Dragon symbol - the insignia of the Kotonoha family. Hidden beneath the first and last crystal-shaped symbol on the circle above the Dragon are two ‘keyholes’. To open the final pathway, two weapons specifically crafted for the Kotonoha are needed. They must insert the hilt of the said weapons simultaneously into the ‘keyholes’, otherwise, the alarm will go off and all the efforts one had spent to make it all the way here will be wasted. Takiya and Minami did the job and insert the hilt of their swords into the ‘keyholes’. The ground then slowly shifted, revealing a spiral stairs leading not too far below.

And, they have made it to the Pillar, situated at the center of the last chamber. Asides from the three families who guarded the Pillars, no other magicians is aware that the Pillars are in fact the three Drakens who defected to human side back in the war of myth so long ago, given up their lives to shield our world from threats beyond our realm. In Kotonoha’s case, the Pillar is a statue of a giant eight-headed dragon, or more correctly, a petrified Yamata no Orochi. Around the chamber, there are also several giant guardian statues, armed in the same way as the ones in the former room, and surrounding the Pillar itself is another barrier. This one is another one left behind by Sakura before she passed on, and can only be dispelled using the magical sword she once wielded which is currently being kept in the Kotonoha’s weapon storage. And finally, the final challenge one must pass in order to touch the Pillar is to face Minami, the current most powerful Magic Knight in the world herself, who spends nearly all of her time guarding over it.

“And that should be the ins and outs of our defense system.” Takiya said to Ambre as he looked up to the petrified dragon. He could only imagine how magnificent this being can be when it is still living. “Any questions?”

“Seems pretty jumpy.” The Vermillion mage remarked, touching the walls of the Pillar’s chambre. Tiny sparkles of light trailed behind her fingertips, but in her eyes sparked various letters running from left to right over the lids. “Our ancestors sure liked to make thing complicated, but you know, the thickness of the above floor is… Thirty-five and a half centimeters!” Ambre pointed at the ceiling. “Magic can muffle the echo, but that’s obviously not a foundation.”

Turning away from the ceiling, the girl’s attention turned to the room’s default most ancient of guardians. “The stone soldiers look pretty scary, but because they’re not part of the building...” Ambre snapped her finger, causing letters to appear on the wrist of one of the statues. “You can throw off their aim, just like this. Little earth magic should do the trick too.”

Ambre threw her arms behind her head, her pupils following along the words written on her lens. “I mean I guess it’s pretty good, but you know, it´s a good thing I’m not scaly.” She smirked, tapping the floor once more.

“So what do you suggest?” Takiya asked, “If I remember correctly then this whole structure was not simply crafted from just rocks and stones. Sakura built it herself using some sorts of material I don’t really know of, but it certainly is much more durable than the usual types. I mean, I can cut through diamonds pretty easily, but I can’t do the same with anything inside this whole sanctuary.”

“I’m not saying I could break all of this in just a day’s time.” Ambre rolled her eyes. The letters on the statue vanished, though they still faintly reflected in her eyes. “- But the drakens breached two defences already. They barely scratched a thing in the house besides Elise’ pillar. No matter how good the fortification, it doesn’t buy us anything but time. There’s a few improvements sure, but what we need-” Ambre’s lips curled the cheshire cat’s, “-Is information.”

“Well, if we need information about these winged bastards, I think I know the exact person-” Takiya was abruptly cut from finishing his sentence by a familiar voice echoed down the chamber. It was Yukito.

“Minami-sama, Takiya-sama, the runes!” He sounded out of breath. “We have an intruder in the mansion! Everything is getting chaotic above!”

Takiya was visibly surprised at the statement, “How could this happen?” He said, then shook his head, “Doesn’t matter, if they are here, it could only mean one thing. Let’s go.”

“I will stay here. This is my post.” Minami said as she went and stood in front of the Pillar, having her sword unsheathed, “You three go and see what is going on.”

Takiya nodded to his mother as he and the two girls climbed back out of the Pillar’s chamber and the entrance shut behind them. However, Takiya stopped right when he has just walked past Yukito. Unexpectedly, he unsheathed his sword and slashed his apprentice, who merely managed to dodge by the skin of his teeth.

The white haired boy seemed shocked, “T-Takiya-sama? What are you doing?”

“You almost got me there.” He said, pointing the tip of the Masamune at the boy, “Who are you?”

“I am Yukito, of course!” The boy stammered, but his hand moved to the hilt of his own sword and he widened his stance, inching away from the others.

“I should have known I couldn’t afford that nap.” Ambre mumbled to herself, as she gestured to Takiya and Risako to make them aware of the boy’s movements. “What’s different about him?” She asked, “Who he is doesn’t matter, what he’s trying to do is.”

“Let’s just say that he is Yukito, and he is not. I simply know it. He’s my apprentice, after all.” Takiya said, “But one thing for sure, he’s not going to let us go up without a fight.”

Risako narrowed her eyes. ”Yes,” she mused. ”You can feel that it’s not him.” She cocked her head to the side, wearing her signature smile that got under almost everybody’s skin. ”I’d hate to sound rude, but are you visually impaired as well?” Before Risako could give the fake-Yukito a chance to respond, she slammed her fist into the side of his face. She refrained from recoiling from the surprising amount of pain. It definitely wasn’t a lot of pain, but Yukito’s cheekbone couldn’t hurt that much. Risako set her jaw, no longer oblivious. ”Draken.” she hissed.

“Jumping in the middle of a trap-riddled room?” Ambre wagged her finger. “This isn’t something as smart.” She pointed at Yukito’s cheek; a barrier had been raised to cover it. “Doesn’t that look a lot like what you used to land?” The Vermillion girl asked.

Yukito smirked, but his teeth were razor-sharp. He untied his blindfold and tossed it away, revealing his two usual closed eyes becoming menacingly red, “The lots of you are smarter than I thought..” He cackled, slowly unsheathing his sword. Crooked nails spawned from his finger-tips and bone horns grew from the sides of his head. “This body was Yukito’s, but now… It is mine. The little whelp is under my control. He still lives of course…” The possessed Yukito twisted his neck 90 degrees to look straight at Risako. “But I’m not so sure if that’s going to be the case if you actually land a punch like that.” He said in his demonic voice, before charging at Risako, readied to slash her.

“Over me first.” Takiya jumped in between them and block the attack of the possessed boy. They engaged in a locked stance. He felt overwhelmed a bit because Yukito is surprisingly stronger than he is normally. With an instance, he magically enhanced his arms as magic circuits appeared on them and pushed the boy back. This caused possessed Yukito to stumble a bit backwards, and without hesitating, Takiya sent several energy slashes from his sword towards the boy. He managed to dodged the few first ones, but the latter managed to hit as an explosion was caused from the collision.

Yet, the possessed Yukito still managed to raise a barrier in time to block them. “Damn it. He’s tough.” Takiya commented, “We need to surround him. I’ll get behind him. Try to draw his attention.” He said to the two girls.

“I think he means you.” Ambre tagged Risako in, taking a pair of sunglasses and a lighter out of her pocket and placing it in the magic knight’s hand. Words lit up on the two items and they warped into a makeshift knuckleduster around Risako’s hand. The soft plastic from the sunglasses protecting her hand, but coating of the lighter giving it a hard surface. The remaining materials crumbled and scattered on the ground.

Ambre took a few steps back, carefully threading the exact path back they’d taken towards the pillar chamber. “Takiya, the chair!” She shouted at the other Kotonoha-sibling, waving at him as if she were lost at sea.

While Ambre distracted the possessed Yukito, Risako analyzed the knuckleduster the blonde had magicked. She narrowed her eyes as she skimmed her gaze over Yukito. Sure, Risako wasn’t superhumanly strong under normal circumstances, but she could still land an extremely powerful punch. It wasn’t a matter of brute force, but rather precision, opportunity, form, timing, and hitting the point of weakness. If she struck when all the variables were perfect, Risako could take down the most powerful of opponents. It wasn’t easy, but it was a risk worth taking.

While they keep the white-haired boy busy, Takiya enhanced his legs and ran across him by his side at great speed. He made it to Ambre’s chair, which was still levitating a few feets above the floor, “Ambre.” He shouted to the Mage girl as he pushed the chair towards her direction, at the same speed as earlier.

“I don’t think so.” Yukito yelled, sending an energy wave towards Ambre’s midriff with a swing of his sword.

As if she were in a limbo-contest, Ambre threw herself backward. The attack sheared past her; taking a lingering lock of hair with it. The second right after, Ambre caught hold of the chair and let its momentum swing her across the room. Mid-air, the girl rattled a string of spells; enveloping the chair and travelling way up the rope to the foundation of the chamber itself. Like a snake that defied gravity, the rope slithered across the walls; building rails all across the room. Within mere seconds, the chamber was a swinging jungle of ropes!

Yukito’s eyes lit up like a crimson flare; sending one attack after another at the mage. “Queen of the jungle!” Ambre taunted and stuck out her tongue, as she jumped from one rope vine to another - but Yukito’s attacks were slashing through her construction one after another! Each subsequent swing of his sword seemed to be driving the girl into a corner, but when Ambre tagged the wall of the stone well right above where Sakura’s barrier ended; the bricks came loose! The stone collided with Yukito’s energy slashes and the rubble and dust from the clash rained down on Yukito. Squinting his eyes, the possessed apprentice narrowly avoided Ambre’s counter-attack - but in doing so his back was completely exposed to Risako!

Risako noticed the opportunity as soon as it revealed itself. She drew back her arm, slamming her fist in a particularly weak part of Yukito’s spine. The well-known pressure points were the typical temple, cranium, etc., etc. But although it wasn’t a very common pressure point, hitting a precise point in someone’s spine could cause serious damage.

Risako’s hit was near-perfect. Yukito crumpled to the ground, his vertebrae dislocated. Risako, despite the cheeky grin on her face, knew not to let her guard down. The injury might not seem as serious as it looked. If that was the case, the possessed Yukito could recover quite quickly. Losing this battle would be more consequential than ever.

“Step back.” Takiya dashed forward and stood in between Risako and the possessed Yukito. He approached the now seemingly unconscious possessed boy and knelt with one of his foot down, examining his apprentice. Suddenly, Yukito’s sword, which was disarmed from him due to Risako’s hit earlier, flew straight from right where it was laying towards Takiya’s face.

But right before it could hit his face just by mere inches, the sword suddenly halted and remained mid-air that way, as the possessed Yukito began to stir. Surprisingly, Takiya’s expression remained calm, as if he was expecting this to happen. As the boy sat up, he hung his face with a very unsettled expression, “No… it’s futile to resist… You cannot… disobey me…!” He said with his demonic voice, before screaming out loud, as blended in between the demonic tone was Yukito’s real voice.

“Yukito, are you still there?” Takiya asked, visibly that he was fully concerned. The boy collapsed again, “Ta… kiya… sama!”He panted hard and held himself back, as if he was struggling to fight the being that is possessing him. As he gazed up to Takiya, his face was half that of his normal state and half possessed. Though his words are still broken, he then tried to said in a hasty manner, “I… If… I die… I want you… to know that… I…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a powerful shockwave was sent from Yukito throughout the whole chamber. As Takiya was standing in close vicinity to him, he cannot evaded it, but he managed to conjure a barrier to shield himself just in time before the shockwave hit him. However, the impact was so strong that it sent him literally sliding a considerable distance backwards on his feet, once again widened the space between him and Yukito.

The white hair boy then stood up once more, this time his eyes had once again become menacingly crimson as it was earlier, as his appearance turned demonic again. “He sure puts up quite a fight.” The being that possessed Yukito spoke with its’ demonic voice through him, “But no matter how hard he, or any of you lowlifes try, it’s no use. The only way to kill me…” The being grinned in a mocking way, “...is to kill this boy.”

Risako bit her lip - hard - in order to refrain from voicing her rather harsh opinion on this matter. Her demeanor may not suggest it, but Risako thought logically rather than emotionally. A lot of magicians hated her for this; her cheeky nature combined with her strictly logical thinking made her seem extremely insensitive. Despite the respect Risako held for Yukito, due to her nonemotional thinking process, she would suggest for him to be killed.

Under normal circumstances, Risako would have absolutely no problem voicing this opinion of hers. But in the end, this was Takiya; he was her brother, whether she liked it or not. Risako had enough sense not to straight-up tell her elder brother to kill his apprentice.

But no matter how much Takiya might hate the idea of slaughtering Yukito’s body, he was going to have to accept that there wasn’t much room for choice in this situation. Risako was rarely clouded by affection for others, so she knew this better than anyone.

“Tsk.” Ambre scoffed. Still clinging onto the wall of the well, her voice echoed through the room below; “And it would tell us that, why?” The mage asked the knights. “His first intention was to lure us away from the pillar. Demons are a wizard-thing, which means-”

“Die!” The possessed Yukito roared and swung his blade in a half-moon motion; sending a huge wave of energy straight at Ambre, but she had climbed high enough to put Sakura’s barrier between herself and the attack. It scattered before it could even touch her.

“I told you, it’s not smart enough to be a Draken.” Ambre revelled in her earlier words as she laughed haughtily. Her glee echoed through the room, taunting and further angering the demon. “You two keep it down here. I’m sending a Rosa or Lukas to deal with this problem.” Ambre’s lips curled into an impish grin. “Unless I find this thing’s wizard first…”

“There’s no need to tell me. I’ve already known it. Just go and do what you need.” Takiya said to Ambre while she was leaving. He shot several energy slashes and draw the attention of the demon towards him and his sister.

And with that, the well’s walls expanded into a staircase Ambre ran up to; leaving the two siblings to fend off the enraged demon.