The Kingdom of Eonis

[Bloodedge]

"Urusai! If I dodge the princess, I fail the quest. Time and place, Hikari," Kou said to the Demi-human after their palms made contact with one another. He was more than ready to be done with this entire ordeal, so naturally, he was prepared to depart almost immediately. The Ryuuko, Xerxes, was to be summoned beneath him. "Remember to keep everyone else around you from fucking up, as well~" he said as he made his way.

While the other two left, Arjuna decided to speak again. This princess of Eonis seemed to have gotten herself into quite a slump over the antics of others in the group. He understood why the Demi-human was allowed to refer to them by such titles, beyond any distaste they may have harbored for Madoka. As such, he commented on the matter. "It is my understanding that she is the Geno Killer's legitimate sibling. Why does this trouble you?"

Continue Adventure with Kou Here.
Continue Adventure with Miki Here.

[Apollymi]

"Baka-nii, you know good and well that isn't what I meant. Though, never mind..." whatever thought the Demi-Human lass had, she'd keep to herself for now. She didn't really think she had to caution her brother against the wiles of women in video games. Whatever the case, she'd trust him to to get too caught up in the quest line thus ruining her chances to have a proper older sister, only to leave her stuck with one of those 'princess' types. She was also cautioned to make sure she kept everyone in line, and she'd keep to that without any further prompting. "Yosh! Gotta be impressive today. I haven't gotten to do much of anything since I joined up. Come on people, we must aim to exceed expectations!~" she chimed putting forth her best effort to begin helping to fix the problems of the Kingdom of Eonis.

In the meantime the down trodden Princess Madoka was left to watch the departure of Kou and Miki in their opposite directions atop different mounts apparently to go and retrieve her adopted family members. It would be Arjuna who spoke directly to the lass, choosing to help her through her apparent depression by pointing out some information she was missing. "Really!? They are actually related... well I guess it's less upsetting..." she said seeming to still be pouting. She supposed that given what the lad had gone through to add the Demi-Human to his party, it would make sense if they hadn't just met in this place. It still didn't really explain the closeness between him and Miki though. The lass was still constantly being confronted with the idea that Kou just didn't like her, thus ruining her Princess/White Knight fantasy. And she couldn't help but think Miki had something to do with it. What did the blonde lass have that got her acknowledged as an equal that Madoka didn't have? She didn't know. She wasn't jealous of the girl. Madoka had a more voluptuous figure, a place as a Princess, and she was even kind-hearted. What was the reason behind the lad not seeming to like her, why did his younger sister also not like her. These were the things that would plague the mind of Princess Madoka. "You... you like me right?" she asked of the dark-skinned newcomer. Perhaps she just needed affirmation that she was attractive and not completely aghast in some way she didn't understand.

[Bloodedge]

Arjuna seemed entirely impassive while conversing with Madoka. She seemed to have quite a few issues that went well beyond the amount of 'fantasy' most players sought in this alternate reality life. What was he to do about her reaction? Karna would never have initiated this conversation in the first place, at least not in the manner Arjuna had. In fact, Karna would have purposefully withheld all vital information, choosing instead to tease the princess. "Yes, beyond this world, they have a connection. I am relatively certain it is a true sibling bond," Arjuna commented. There was more, though. Madoka questioned whether the Archer liked her or not, prompting his brow to elevation. What was the logical reasoning behind this question, or even any of her issues during this time of crisis? Whatever the case, he responded in kind. "I hold no grudge against you, nor do I take personal issue with your behavior. However, I do believe now should be a time of focus toward helping the people of this kingdom. Hikari, I have reason to believe you should take charge here."

[Apollymi]

True sibling bond? That meant they were actually related, brother and sister. Alright. Madoka could work with that, it meant that the lass wasn't of romantic competition. Perhaps then, getting on the Demi-Human's good side could work out in her favor. After all, being chummy with people's siblings was always a good way to ingratiate yourself into the group. Beyond this, there was a sincere bit of happiness in the white-haired lass, because apparently this Arjuna didn't dislike her and that was good enough for now. He claimed now to be a time of focus, and immediately deferred to the Demi-Human girl, a bit of puff came to the Princess' cheeks. She'd been doing all of this on her own. She was fine deferring to Kou and Miki. The pair had already proved they had a decent idea of what was going on, and could do everything she could do way better. Was she really just supposed to give up her command right now to Hikari? The Demi-Human girl who was also Kou's little sister, seemed to already be planning out a rescue mission. One which didn't make any sense to her.

"Alright, Miki-nee said the Church needed to be evacuated. It's right in the middle of town and open on all sides. No telling how many people are in there," she said softly looking at a rough outline of the Kingdom she'd made on the ground. Jaskier was on one side of her looking at the drawing wondering what exactly the lass planned to do. "Obviously, if we can convince all of the people to march out calmly we could protect them from all sides as they moved through town," she said. "Ah but stuff like this is never that easy... Sensei, you could take care of any straggling Demons if we needed to move a mass of people right? And Diva, you can protect the actual people from like projectiles and things?" she asked of Arjuna and Diva respectively. There had to be a better plan than this. The Demi-Human began pacing her ears and tail twitching. She had to make use of everyone she had available. Jaskier could obviously help keep the spirits of the people up once they were settled. The Princess could provide support and all but... There had to be a better way to move a mass of people. And it was right here in front of her. What was it? Madoka seemed a bit distraught. "Why would the Church need to be evacuated? They've been holding up there for almost a week. They have food and supplies and the walls are sturdy. Demons can't cross the path, it'd be better to leave them. Set up a perimeter for the night. Maybe try a rescue in the morning." Madoka said offering her own opinion. The still pacing Demi-Human looked up at the lass and frowned.

"BAKA! Miki-nee said the Blessings of the Church fail without faith. If they've been watching death and darkness for a full week, they won't be able to keep their spirits up. Even if they could..." she paused her movements and stared at the other lass. "We can't protect two fronts at the same time. The farm itself is fortified in a way that it doesn't matter what the people believe when they are in it. As long as they are there, they are protected and healing. Demons can't cross the lines so we don't have to worry about infiltration... " she summarized. Given the information had come from Miki, Hikari trusted it implicitly. "But we don't know that the barrier will last!" the white haired lass complained. She'd done enough of the Church's interactions to believe in them and in this situation really wanted to be helpful. How as she supposed to make this girl like her, if she wouldn't even listen? "Tell her defending the Church and this place isn't a bad idea..." Madoka said hoping for some back up. A scoff came from the Demi-Human as she went back to pondering the potential movements of people. Her ears twitched and she looked up seeing the still playing full sized Fiona. "Shit! I FUCKING GOT IT!!! I need a cart. BIG CART, EMPTY. COME ON CHICKEN, IT'S YOUR TIME TO SHINE!!" Her idea was fully ready all it would take now was for the rest of the group to realize where she was going, or she would explain, it didn't matter, but they had a limited amount of time to work with.

[Bloodedge]

Taking the prompt to lead this group, Hikari produced a plan of attack that she seemed to have already been working on. Clearly, the princess of this kingdom was taking issue with not being in charge herself. Arjuna, for one, knew who the better fit for leadership was among those present. Brandishing his bow, Arjuna nodded his acceptance of Hikari's idea, and spoke on the matter of the part he could play in it. "As I recall from the last time Karna was here, there are a number of good vantage points in this kingdom. I could easily handle lesser Demons from a distance here," he said. One other who had a part to play was Diva, whom Hikari expected to protect escaping citizens. "Hai," Diva spoke. It had only been recently, but he had acquired the ability to use his Guardians far from Atlantis. It was now within his power to protect numerous people from harm.

Ah, but Madoka took issue in a more intense manner than even Arjuna anticipated. Was this why the others had such problems with her? He could only imagine so. "Defending the Church and the farm at once is not a beneficial strategy. We would be spreading our numbers and ability thin. If the Church's barrier weakens, and the horde attacks this place at the same time, we will all die," he surmised. Just then, Hikari's outburst reached his ear. She needed... a cart? Ah, yes. Fiona was a Filolial, and they were primarily used for caravans and the like. If they had a cart, the large Filolial could easily carry multiple humans and objects in tow. "That sounds perfect. We are on a farm; there should be something fitting nearby, yes?"

[Apollymi]

It seemed that Arjuna was more than appreciative of the idea which Hikari put forth. Diva also agreed to play this role as general support to any particular moving operation. All seemed to be leading up to a pretty smooth operation to evacuate the people before sunset. That was until, Madoka opened up her mouth to speak on the lack of necessity about the evacuation. Hikari explained the necessity and Arjuna even backed her up, but this only seemed to serve to further Madoka's personal sense of victimhood. Tears streamed downt he white haired lass' face and she managed to look more distraught than ever before. "But... But...." what could she do to argue. She hadn't meant to put forth a bad idea, she'd only been trying to get some common ground with the Demi-Human girl so she could perhaps use that good will to get in better with her brother. Was this so wrong?

In the meantime, Hikari watched the Princess' tears even as Fiona in her large bird form, seemed excited by the prospect of pulling a cart. Everyone who needed to agree to things was set to do their job. "I know I didn't mention you Jaskier, but I feel like I may need you a bit more after we get all of the people. Music eases tensions, I am technically giving you the job of keeping spirits high, after everyone's arrival..." Hikari added at the end. The bard simply nodded. He didn't really expect to be included in the plan but he was more than willing to do something so small as play a few songs to keep the spirits of everyone up. Everyone seemed to be going about their jobs, even as the princess shed a great deal of tears. "This isn't fair!! It wasn't supposed to go like this... I was just trying to get you to like me," she cried aloud for all to hear. This made Jaskier's eyes widen as he had no idea where this outburst came from. Fiona didn't seem to care one way or another, but Hikari was now without any further patience for the Princess' whining and crying.

"Why?!" A single word question posed by Hikari was as ruthless as her earlier commentary and came with a certain grit that she'd not actually been shown using with anyone before this point. Madoka had thought the girl was being mean to her before, with this new found attitude she wasn't really certain how to respond. There was definitely a reason she was trying to befriend the Demi-Human but she felt it wasn't for the best to be honest about it. "Oh? You're quiet now? Let me guess... Somewhere in that stupid head of yours you decided to befriend me, so I'd hook you up with my brother?" she said right on the mark so much that Madoka couldn't keep the look of surprise off her face. Hikari on the other hand was absolutely disgusted. "Let me save you the trouble. He's too good for you, and I wouldn't do it with my dying breath... " she said with the flattest tone. She walked right up to the Princess' still shocked expressed and reached up with her right hand issuing a slap front hand to her left cheek and backhand to her right in rapid succession. "Read the fucking room and pay attention. Either you are going to put on your big girl panties, and figure out a way to actually be helpful to us and your fucking Kingdom. Or you are gonna sit your ass down somewhere and wait like the Damsel-in-Distress you are. There aren't any other options. This isn't a game anymore, lives are at stake. No one has time for your stupid Romance RP White-Knight-Please-Save-Me-Bullshit!" Hikari finished her rant and stared at the lass with nothing but distaste. "Buck up or Get Carried and shut up!"

[Bloodedge]

Arjuna would have shared a few more words with the princess of this kingdom, but it seemed there was no need at all. No, Hikari appeared to lose what little patience she had for the white-haired lass, and gave her quite the earful as a result. "Should we not be... progressing?" Arjuna said, having it in him at the time to heave a sigh. Though these words were ones an individual such as Madoka needed to hear at some point, time was of the essence. His bow was at the ready for whenever they mobilized.

In the meantime, there was another presence near the church. Lancelot, of the world above, had finally caught up to this location after following Miki's trail. Much to his chagrin, he saw no signs of the person bound to Gugalanna. How did she continue to elude him? He'd traveled far, and at every turn, he encountered only remnants of her presence. Now, he even found the kingdom of Eonis to be in great peril. What could be happening here? As a knight, could he ignore this situation while striving to complete his given task? Perhaps he couldn't...

[Apollymi]

Deflated. That is how Madoka felt at this present moment. Tears had started a new, but no sound accompanied them. The last time someone had yelled at her like this, it had been Kou because she'd been ignoring the Kingdom. Now his younger sister had basically called her trash and figured out her entire plan and completely thwarted it in a matter of seconds. She might have been in awe of her abilities if it didn't contradict her whims at such a great extent. "Yeah, I know. It's covered, it was a message that needed to be delivered right here and now," she said calmly. Strangely, Fiona walked up pulling behind her a cart with her large body, seemingly happy about the task. While, Hikari had been giving Madoka an earful about her responsibilities, Fiona had proved herself a better team member than anyone could ask for. "Farmer said this is mine now!~ I can drag lots of people... let's go get them!" said the Filolial happy to be included and useful. "Yosh! Chicken out here, pulling her weight, let's go guys. Jaskier you stay here. See if you can't help with the set up. Diva, Sensei... we ride to the Church!" she said happily taking up the reigns to aim Fiona towards the western gate. There was no need to go around and no ceremony to stand upon. They had to get going and get these people whether the Princess sulked or not was none of her concern. Madoka, didn't currently know what to do, so as the others apparently readied themselves to go, she wept silently as the whole work kept moving around her.

If the group was on their way, surely they'd be in sight of this new knight at some point. As he a friend or foe? Perhaps that didn't matter at present.

[Bloodedge]

True to what was commonly spoken about Filolials, Fiona was very, very excited to pull a cart, it seemed. Diva took his place in the back of the cart, while Arjuna merely glanced at it and shook his head. Being inside the cart wasn't ideal for his role, so he hopped atop it instead. His eyes were keen, and he intended to use them while they made their way into the kingdom. En route, though, there was indeed a pair of eyes to be caught by this cart and its passengers. Lancelot paused all movements while watching the cart pass him by. He couldn't just watch this kingdom fall to whatever ailed it at present, and this group was clearly one which endeavored to be of assistance. Could he leave it to them, then? No, the chivalry of a knight was too strong in him. As such, he began running after the cart with an arm raised to wave down its passengers. "Oi! If you're going in to save the kingdom, let me join you! I am a knight; I can help!"

[Apollymi]

Arjuna was on top of the cart and Hikari was driving. Well, that was an over approximation, Fiona was pulling this cart with all the happiness and pride of a small child with a new toy. Though that seemed to be working to their advantage as far as speed and control was concerned. But, like many things, this would have to be slowed as they were soon flagged down by a Knight. She slowed the now pouting Filolial, and looked at the Knight quizzically. "You want to help? Fine, doing better than that princess. Get in, I'll explain on the way!" she said as they continued. They'd be making their way to the church in record time and Hikari would begin trying to explain the plan to this newcomer. If he got in he'd receive an info-dump worth of names and information about their current plan.

"Our group has a plan to save the Kingdom. But two of our members had to go get some more pieces to make it work. In the meantime, we are going to save the people in the church and make sure the potential battlefield is clear," she said quickly. "We have an Archer, Arjuna above for support. The guy in the back is Diva he's a mage, and on support and protection. I'm Hikari, I'm driving and the stand-in brains of this operation. Who are you? And what kinda role are you good for in this?" she asked of the man seeming to want to cut straight to the chase. She could have been a bit more suspicious but she figured that this situation was desperate enough that she didn't want to risk turning down some potential good help just because the world and town were sketchy. There was too much at stake and she wanted to make sure that she didn't let anyone ruin this, and they were technically down whatever usefulness the Princess could have had here. The Knight could fill-in potentially.

[Bloodedge]

During the approach of this stranger, Arjuna watched with slightly-widened eyes. Did he recognize this person? No, surely he had to be mistaken. There was no way this was the face he recognize, yet... it certainly was. The purple-haired male hopped into the cart with a nod, taking in the information and introductions made by Hikari. "I am Sir Lancelot of the Round Table," he said, causing the eyes of Arjuna to widen even further from atop the cart. Indeed, it was exactly who he thought, no simple lookalike.

On Lancelot's end, he was questioned as to what role he could play in this endeavor. They had an Archer, a Caster, and he could assume Hikari herself to be the only melee-range warrior of the group. With her being the leader, though, he knew his place immediately. "If you are the one leading this escapade, it would be a hindrance for you to fight as well, yes? I will protect our vantage point from any who make it beyond the others. I swear to you, there will be no need for you to break your concentration by fighting."

[Apollymi]

"Sir Lancelot?! THE FUCK?!" This was the only reaction Hikari could have. She hadn't known about the major group from her world, she'd been here far too long to see their rising in the game world ranks. No, but as a child in the village of Demi-Humans, she knew of the Knights of the Round Table and their Chivalry. "It must be my lucky day!~" she chimed, this was a strangely fortuitous outcome. One which was only made better by the place this man wanted to take up in their rescue mission. He claimed that he would take up what would have been her own position by fighting any people opposing in Melee range. This would in theory free up her own mental capacity as well as allowing her to rescue all of the people from within the Church without having to worry about the potential damages associated with her person. "Alright that is what I like to hear. Welcome aboard, Sir Lancelot... we're counting on ya'," she said offering the man as smile as they came to a halt in front of the Church. She arranged the carriage in such a way that it could be defended from a forward onslaught as well as guarded from the sides as people gathered within it. "Nice job Fiona... now we just have to get the people inside and we can head back..."

But as she approached the Church she was acutely aware of something. It didn't feel right, there was no hum of ambient magic. No blessings flowing from within. Stepping on what should have been hallowed ground caused no spike in her sensory skills. Senses she'd been honing for quite some time. No... all she could do, was hear the soft sounds of the people huddled within, and something else from way deeper within. 'Ugh, and she thought this place could last another night?' she thought angry at the lack of understanding that one such as Madoka had. She ran up the steps of the church and pushed open the doors. All eyes of the people within were on here. Hold up here were some thirty to forty men, women and children. All at various stages of haggardness. These didn't look like the upper crust people who would have had access to the Church first, they looked like the most degenerate poor she'd ever seen. "Oi! We don't have a lot of time. So here... we have a cart outside and we can get you out of here. There is a farm outside of town, fresh air and no demons. On my word, if you come we can protect you. The old, women and children first, then the able bodied men. Pick it up people..." she said, but strangely no one moved.

[Bloodedge]

"I am he, yes," Lancelot answered. He didn't seem particularly pleased to hear recognition of his own name; he was more invested in what he could do to protect and serve. Luckily, there was use for him yet in this very moment. Lancelot hopped out of the cart to stand at the ready next to Hikari. In the meantime, Diva remained prepared to shelter any who left the building, and Arjuna began picking off lesser Demonic Beasts in the distance. Alas, there was an issue inside, which Lancelot was able to bear witness to alongside Hikari. These people did not abandon the Church in spite of the fact that they clearly gained no protection from it, and worse yet, there was something... off about the building in general. The holy protection was gone, so why hadn't Demonic Beasts broken through already? It didn't make sense at all. "Hikari-dono... Get behind me," he insisted, stepping out ahead of the Demi-human whilst a hand took the hilt of his broadsword.

[Apollymi]

Holy Protection... gone. Demonic Beasts... still outside. That didn't really make sense. What was keeping them out of here if the Church was no longer protected. Hikari looked around and soon enough had Sir Lancelot asking her to get behind him, she did, but it came with just a bit of her normally sassy attitude. "Fine, fine... but... I'm a whole kid. Hikari-chan, suits me fine..." she said casually. Still, she knew for a fact these people weren't corrupt so they shouldn't have been safe here. Why where they? The sound of robes flapping in the wind came forth as the hurried steps of a lanky priest made their way forward. He stepped up to the Pulpit, looking out at the crowd. He had dark circles under his eye which shown for the briefest of moments with something. It wasn't Demonic Light though. "Look out into the world my children. And know that only death and destruction await you. Only here can any of you hope to survive!" he exclaimed. "Wait for your King to deliver you... wait and you shall be rewarded. I have seen him, I know his truth... there is nothing to fear, until you leave this place! The Old Gods have forgotten you, but your King, KING EON! Still cares..." these were the words of a zealot. 'Fuck!' was the only word present in the mind of Hikari.

No one clamored or moved. No, only the children seemed to register that something was wrong. They looked around, towards Hikari with honest fear in their eyes. "You can't honestly believe that. There aren't any blessings here. And every small child in here is scared to death... nothing good will come of staying here. Leave while you can!" Hikari exclaimed. A scoff escaped this priest as his hooked nose leaned forward and he looked down with condemnation. "A disgraceful animal! Who dares try and lead astray the flock. How could I in good faith let such a thing stand? Stay children, you shall be fed, there is no need to fear what will happen here," mentioned the priest. "Uh-huh... one of those..." there was no outright violence. Not yet. It needed a trigger but what was it. The whole of congregation seemed entranced, were they perhaps under a spell? They had to be right? No one would willingly wait for... "Sou ka, they turned the church into a farm... but the kids' instincts are still good... they don't trust him. The adults don't see what they do..." Hikari said. She knew what was needed. "Sir Lancelot, you said you'd be the brawn right now... well on my mark things are gonna get scary, but I promise you won't miss the signal..." she explained. She had a plan, and it was to show every adult here what was actually waiting for them if they stayed. To be honest, she couldn't see it either, but there was still that sound... making her ears twitch uncomfortably and more than ever, she was sure it was coming from behind the priest.

A glowing ball of light started parallel between this Demi-Human's hand and grew for several seconds. All the small children watched and even a small twitch would shift attention away from the priest. Such was a light they hadn't seen before. "If you can't hear my voice. If you won't hear reason... then see for yourself what you're giving yourself up to. Make a choice here and now... RELEASE!" the ball of light exploded in the ceiling and rained down upon the church. It wasn't the Holy Light which could smite Demons, instead it was the Dispelling Light, which revealed all that was hidden before them. The sound of gnashing teeth an horns, upside down against backdrop. Where a statue of a savior should have been, was a Demonic alter. Without a doubt, the one which had been used originally to summon King Eon. Strings appeared on the back of the Priest, but could not be undone. He was completely human, but blinded by his own hatred. "See the Illusion this witch casts before you!" he tried to blame Hikari, but the children knew better and their parents began to back away. This Priest was so blinded by his own delusions that he couldn't see the creature behind him, pulling his strings. Moving ever so slowly towards the lass, as the first stumbling footsteps became stronger still. "That's right. No pushing... let's go. Quick as you like!" she began funneling them out towards the door, and as the first step over the threshold was taken, demons appearing. Crawling over the ceiling, body parts of devoured humans raining down upon the priest and his puppeteer as the people fled this tainted place. She wouldn't focus on this, no, Lancelot had made her a promise, she assumed he'd keep. She'd focus on the people and start getting them loaded into the cart.

[Bloodedge]

Hikari's rebuttal was noted, but Lancelot would not be adhering to her request. So long as he served someone, he would refer to them as such. Besides... as she delivered her orders, she reminded him of another. He took no issue at all following her instructions, but first, he wound up staring down what seemed to be a priest. This man with his rather offensive-looking nose was the issue here; Lancelot had no doubt of this. A bit of a spat occurred between the priest and Hikari, and Lancelot remained ready for her signal all the while. He was repulsed that a man of the Church could present himself in such a way, twisting the words of his own faith to captivate his congregation for evil purposes. Alas, he was patient.

While Lancelot awaited his moment to strike, Arjuna and Diva were at the ready outside. The former had already begun picking off Demonic Beasts with well-placed arrows, killing some while maiming others. The latter merely waited for any civilians to escape, that he might encase them in his Guardians until they reached the cart safely. It was during this period of protecting the vantage point that Lancelot saw just what he needed. This priest was not necessarily an evil man, but a possessed one, as revealed by the Demi-human's magic. This was his sign, and with it, he drew his broadsword from its sheath. Beneath him, and around the sword, his Mana manifested in a way that seemed to create ripples. Spreading out from him was the cool, tranquil sensation of a magical lake, radiating from his blade and person as he launched himself forward.

Lancelot would leap over the priest while aiming one strike - just one. His sword rose overhead, then aimed to crash down upon the puppeteer manipulating the poor man of faith in an ocean-blue crescent of calming, yet destructive force.