Ch 17: Go Team!

In light of recent events, Alexander knows they can only oppose Altera Veritas now with the world at their side. Preparing to visit the various races, everyone is divided into teams.

            Walking up to Alexander, who was clearly deep in thought, Claire tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Alexander? It’s finally time for us to begin.” Shaken from his thoughts, Alexander muttered, “Oh, right.” Everyone moved together, and as they all stood before him and gave him their attention, Alexander said, “The situation is dire. It will not be long before a war breaks out, and I’m not talking about the relationship between the halmans and demonfolk. For those of you who do not know, the enemy, Altera Veritas, has an air fortress at their disposal now, the Vinculus. It is EDE powered and armed with a high amount of firepower. Also, their recent alliance with Malum and with Ala Morte means that their numbers are now bolstered by both the monstrosities of the Nameless One and Ala Morte’s trained sprite assassins.” 

Raising his hand and clearing his throat to gain Alexander’s attention, Douglas said, “Sorry to say, but that ain’t all. Back home on Teramis, for a while now in several of the Sanctuaries there’s been underground gangs that do all sorts of shady things, from mugging to assassination. With the Guild so focused on Altera Veritas, the higher ups haven’t realized that a lot of Special Forces members have been gettin involved with em. One of em in particular actually had ties with almost all of em. General Steven Dreck.” Feeling as though the world had just turned upside down, Richter exclaimed, “WHAT?!” Chuckling a bit at his outburst, Douglas said, “Ya heard me right Colonel. Think about it, if Altera Veritas could get a guy like Conwell in so high, what’s stoppin somebody else from doin the same?” 

Still in disbelief, Richter sputtered, “B-but a General?! General Steven Dreck, the Mana Storm Energist, Class S Energist Number Two?! He was an idol of mine, the man whose example I tried so hard to follow…” As Richter started to simply stare silently at the ground, Alexander said, “Not that it isn’t useful information Douglas, but I don’t see-” Quickly Douglas waved a hand before him and said, “Whoa there! I ain’t done! Was just getting to the important part! Alastor has been tryin to recruit the various gangs into Alteran Veritas for a while now, and after the attack on Lamis, home to one of the biggest and baddest of the underground gangs, they were all real scared of him. That’s when Dreck made his move. He contacted all the head members of the gangs and basically told em that if they were gonna join Altera Veritas, they should all join together under one leader and make a partnership with Alastor. Course, the leader would be Dreck himself, bein the smooth talker he is. Anyway, a lot of the gangs went with it. Following Dreck as their new boss, they’ve formed the Morsus Brotherhood and joined up with Altera Veritas. That means Alastor’s got most of the Sanctuaries in his pocket already. Well, not Aerennis of course, but ya get my point.”

            Disturbed by this development, after a moment Alexander said, “Just what else has happened on Teramis since we’ve been gone? Anything else we should know?” Speaking up, Claus said, “Alastor launched an attack on the Star Palace in Celestis while Felix was attending an audience with Emperor Magni, and after much bloodshed he simply left after giving them an ultimatum. General Andrew West’s division was annihilated and the General himself was found barely alive, having been stabbed through the chest. They don’t know how he pulled through, but he is currently in the hospital in critical condition. A statement given by one of the surgeons to the press said that even if he lives, he’ll remain paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life.” Looking up at Teramis in the skies, Claus added, “Also, Noctivagus seems to have risen yesterday.” 

Turning to Claus in shock, Grey exclaimed, “What the hell do you mean ‘also’?! That’s the ancient air fortress with the weapon that caused the Dark Age isn’t it?! Teramis is screwed if somebody doesn’t do something!” Shrugging her shoulders with a sigh, Gisette said, “I’d be happy to take you back if you could actually do something about it. However, I doubt you can. After Noctivagus was activated, the Guild detected it, and just a little while ago they launched an attack. The entire airship fleet including carriers carrying multiple squadrons of fighter ships were dispatched. They didn’t stand a chance. Their cannon fire was absorbed into the veil of darkness that surrounds the citadel, and their fighters could only fly around blindly in it until they were shot out of the sky. The survivors had to pull back, having lost without managing to lay a finger on the citadel itself.” 

Balling his hands into fists, Grey muttered, “Great. We don’t even have the Audentia anymore…” Looking back into the forest behind him, Schmitt said, “She ain’t exactly gone ya know. If we had the parts, I think we could fix her up. Be a piece of cake if the Admiral were with us, but…” Irritated, Gisette simply scoffed and said, “We can’t oppose the Noctivagus with a single airship! Didn’t you hear what I just said?” Then gathering her composure, she added, “So far Alastor has only mobilized the Morsus Brotherhood to take control of some of the Sanctuaries. After he brought Vas Initio to the Vinculus and started the Merge, he went and shut himself away in his room, trying to heal the injury he received from fighting you all this morning.”

            Looking over at Claire in surprise, Alexander said, “Alastor was injured?” Modestly, Claire said, “Oh, just a little. It should only take him a few days to regenerate himself though. Nevermind that, go ahead and continue.” Staring at her a moment longer as he wondered just what level of ability she had, Alexander turned his attention back to the matter at hand and said, “Even though we cannot stand against Altera Veritas with a single airship, we still ought to get the Audentia up and running. We can likely get the parts from Verrel, but we’ll have to figure out a way to transport them through the forest.” Her realm opening up next to him, Tepes gestured to Toshley and said, “If you’re going to be repairing an airship, just leave everything to Toshley.” 

Turning to look over at Toshley in curiosity, Rufus said, “What, he a whiz at mechanics?” At that moment, Toshley broke out in low laughter that continued to grow and grow, until finally he gestured dramatically to himself and said, “A whiz?! A WHIZ YOU SAY?! I am the Observer of Invention! Whether it involves ancient artifacts or top of the line airship technology, I know all there is to know about machines! Give me a crew of four others and I will not only repair your airship, I will make her into a terror of the skies! I’ll supply all the parts from my secret stash! I’ll spare no expense!” Impressed, Rufus said, “Wow, now that’s pretty generous!” Thinking it was a bit too generous, Mythra said, “Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but when the horse claims to have been keeping everything you need in a ‘secret stash’ and hasn’t even looked at what parts we need in the first place, I call bullshit. This is a prototype command ship that Schmitt kinda borrowed from the Guild. The parts could be unique you know…” 

Glaring at Mythra with an indignant look, Toshley said, “How rude! Did you just call me a horse?! I’ll have you know, I keep an entire pocket dimension full of spare parts, all produced by a machine that uses a special combination of my own power and the marvels of science to create any part in existence!” As sounds of hushed awe spread through the group, Toshley smugly added, “Invented by yours truly, of course!” Beaming at him, Grey said, “Awesome Toshley! You’re a lifesaver!” Nodding in agreement, Alexander said, “Yes, we’ll leave the Audentia in your hands Toshley. As for your crew, let’s have Schmitt, Rufus… Hmm, who else?” Gesturing to the clown next to him, Gibolu said, “Dewie here has much experience with machines. Might I suggest he and Ace fill the other two positions?” Heaving a sigh, Ace muttered to himself, “There he goes volunteering me again…” Satisfied with Gibolu’s suggestion, Alexander said, “Alright. The repair crew will be Toshley, Schmitt, Rufus, Dewie, and Ace.”

            Moving on, Alexander said, “Now, despite being the capable bunch that we are, we cannot win this fight alone. Just as Angelorum Lux did in the past, we must rally the people of the world together against this threat. The way things are going between the demonfolk and the halmans presents a problem, and I have no doubt in my mind that Ferid will milk it for all it’s worth. Aside from trying to get the halmans to back off, we also need to speak with the dragons and the sprites. The elves should not be an issue, Elder Kel Mathos and his people have always been faithful allies, although I have little hope that we can reason with the high elves without the support of the halmans and the Church of Light, so we’ll leave them be for now. Once we’ve gotten Gaia on our side, we can decide how to proceed from there. I think it’s best to save time by splitting up into teams.”

Raising a hand to count out the number of teams, Alexander raised a finger for each one as he said, “We’ll have a team to meet with the sprites here in the Dreamer’s Woods, a team to travel to the Rusfa Isles and speak with the dragons, a team to head into Xandaris to try and straighten things out with the halmans, and a team to help defend Daemonholm against any attacks.” Lowering his hand, as Alexander thought a moment about whether he’d missed anything, he remembered he was still supposed to take Grey and Saria to Loralu. Trying to sound nonchalant, he added, “Oh, there’s also a little matter I’ll be taking Saria and Grey to attend to in Loralu. After that, the three of us will come and check on the team sent to Xandaris.” Looking through the group a moment, Alexander grinned mischievously and said, “Any volunteers?”

            Everyone seemed divided on who would be on what team, and finally Grey said, “Well, we’ve got a pretty diverse group here. Wouldn’t it make sense for us to send someone that they’ll respond well to?” Considering this, Alexander said, “Just who do you have in mind? I suppose for the sprites Bella would be a good choice…” In surprise, Bella pointed to herself and said, “Who? Me?” Nodding agreeably, Grey said, “Yeah, and Mana too. For the dragons I was thinking Marcyl as a half dragon could go, and even though Ferid’s slandering us, the halmans still think of the mautauians as gods, so I think it might be possible to turn things around if we send Serius over there.” Not sure she liked this idea, Elizabeth said, “Grey, Marcyl is only a half-dragon… I have no idea what the full-blooded dragons might-” Interrupting Elizabeth, Marcyl said with puppy-dog eyes, “Elizabeth, let me do it! I wanna help too! Besides, I can’t remember if I’ve ever been to the Rusfa Isles! This is a great chance to visit my homeland!” 

Letting out a sigh, Elizabeth reluctantly said, “Fine, but I’m going with you. Along with some backup, if you’d be so kind Alexander?” Thinking a moment, Alexander looked at Richter suddenly, grinning as he said, “The dragons are quite rich in history Richter. Their lore goes back to the dawn of our existence. Who knows what you could learn about such an ancient race, even from just a brief visit…” A look of great excitement showing on his face for a brief moment, Richter then snapped to attention and saluted as he said, “I will defend them with my life!” Suppressing a laugh, Alexander said, “Very good. That should do for the dragon team. I have a feeling they should be reasonable enough as long as you're respectful. Now we’ll decide the sprite team. We should definitely include Bella and Mana, but who else?”

            Hesitantly speaking up, Mana said, “Is it ok if I pass? I used to live with the sprites in Dreamer’s Woods, but I kinda ran away from home…” Looking over at her with a smile, Gibolu said, “Have no fear Mana, I will accompany you.” Glancing at him briefly, Mana said, “But Ringmaster…” As she trailed off, Gibolu moved through the group towards her. Crouching a bit to look her straight in the eyes, Gibolu placed his floating hands on her shoulders and said, “Mana, there are many wondrous things in this world, but one of the most extraordinary things out there is the strength of the bonds between family. When I found you lost and alone, I took you in as a part of my family, and if it is your wish I will do everything I can to help you resolve this.” Walking up beside Gibolu, Ace said, “I dunno what problems you’re running from Mana, but take it from a guy who knows. You’ll just end up regretting it if you keep running away, but if you stop running, turn and face it, anything’s possible. You’ll always have a place with us no matter what happens, so don’t sweat it!” From behind Gibolu, Dewie said, “You can do, do, do it Mana!” Gaining confidence from being encouraged by everyone, at last Mana smiled and said, “Alright, I’ll try my best. Thank you everyone.” 

Adjusting his shades with a smile, Alexander said, “We wish you well Mana. Though for added protection, I’d like Mythra to go as well.” Smirking smugly, Mythra said, “Good choice. Having been born from it in the first place, sprites have a long history in the art of magic. Even with Claire’s teleportation fields, the magical protections around their home will probably keep us from teleporting in, and the forest is no doubt riddled with magical traps and the like set up by the sprites. Considering Mana has been gone for a long time, it’s probably best if I go along just in case they go the wrong way and get caught in a trap spell.” 

Noticing Fox making fun of her by using his hand as a hand puppet and having it move its mouth in sync with her as she was speaking, Mythra glared at him and said, “Does your hand have a problem with me Fox?!” Raising his hand to his ear and making it look as though it was talking into it, after a moment Fox grinned and said, “It says quit showin off and go make me a sandwich woman.” With a look of twisted rage, Mythra started to crack her knuckles as she shouted, “Would you prefer our regular knuckle sandwich, or the knuckle sandwich combo?!” Just as Mythra was about to lunge at him, Grey and Amy swooped in to restrain her. Watching Mythra struggle in their grasp, Fox seemed quite amused as he said, “I dunno, they both sound kinda sketchy. What’s the special?” Growling in rage, Mythra struggled more as she exclaimed, “Lemme go! Fox season is officially open! I’m gonna take that smart mouth of his as a hunting trophy! I’LL SKIN HIM ALIVE!”

            Putting an end to their antics, Alexander said, “Enough. Settle this later, we’re moving on. As for the Daemonhom defense team, do we have any volunteers? It’s preferable they be capable fighters.” As the group settled down, it seemed as though no one would volunteer. Then Xanth stepped forward and said, “I shall be returning to defend Daemonholm one way or another, so you may as well choose me.” Glad that he seemed ready to return to Loki’s side at last, Alexander said, “I was hoping you’d say that. Please give Loki my regards.” Looking through the group again, he added, “Now then, anyone else for the Daemonholm team?” After a moment, Claus said, “I’ll go as well.” Turning to Claus in surprise, Douglas said, “Kinda rare to see ya volunteerin yerself for somethin Claus. Suddenly eager to go see your homeland or what?” 

Shrugging his shoulders, Claus said, “It’s not so strange is it? I’ve already volunteered myself to help you and Angelorum Lux. Besides, I honestly can’t say I’m not a little curious.” Laughing slightly, Douglas raised his hand and said, “Alright then. If Claus here’s goin to Daemonholm, then I guess I am too. We signed up for this together, so I may as well stick with him.” Acknowledging him with a slight nod, Alexander said, “Alright, for the Daemonholm team we’ll have Xanth, Claus, and Douglas. Knowing their skills and the backup they’ll have from the Daemonholm guard, I think it will be sufficient. I honestly don’t expect the halmans to mobilize their forces anytime soon, but I figured we’d take the precaution. As for the Xandaris team, let’s make it Serius, Fox, Amy, and… Who else do we have left here?”

            As Alexander looked through the group and fixed his eyes on her, Gisette said, “Uh uh, sorry but I’ll be acting as a spy. Having someone on the inside of Altera Veritas is an advantage I think we should hold onto.” Unable to question the logic in this, Alexander turned to look at Eazel. Scratching at his beard, Eazel said, “Tepes and I will not be able to join one of the teams I’m afraid. Now that we’ve gotten things going, we have to start lying low again. When I saved Grey from being consumed by the Nameless One back in Daemonholm, I finally got caught. However, Tepes managed to convince the others not to exile me and strip me of my powers, making herself rather unpopular in the process. I’ll return to help as soon as I can though, and even if I am exiled eventually, I won’t regret it as long as I’ve made a difference.” 

Adjusting her top hat upon her head with a sour expression, Tepes shifted her realm over to appear next to Eazel and fixed her eyes on him as she said, “Do you truly have so little faith in me dear Eazel? I am the Observer of Mysteries, and so long as I am with you, the very same mysterious veil that is obscuring all of us right now should keep anyone who is not welcome from intruding or spying on us, including our fellow Observers and even the Nameless One himself.” Furrowing his brow in thought, Eazel said, “As powerful as you may be, there are still ways around such protective measures. Also, the power of Archon’s mind’s eye has surpassed even my own recently. I dare not underestimate him…” Walking up to Eazel, Claire smiled and said, “You’ve been most helpful already Eazel. Just do your best to look out for yourself for now.” Laughing, Eazel stepped up and hugged her as he said, “So much like your father, always so concerned for others!” 

Seeing them acting so familiar, Grey quickly gave in to his curiosity and asked, “You knew Claire’s father? Now that I think of it, you never did explain how you two know each other…” Releasing Claire from his hug, Eazel made a face as though he were pondering something as he said, “Well I suppose I haven’t, but are you sure you seek such knowledge?” Confused, Grey asked, “Why wouldn’t I?” Laughing jovially, Eazel simply said, “Why would you seek the answer to a question you never bothered to ask?” Clutching his head, feeling both irritated and slightly nostalgic at having to deal with Eazel’s eccentric personality yet again, Grey said, “Well I guess I never asked in the form of a question, but I kinda implied I wanted to know when I… You know what, just forget it…” 

Chuckling to herself, Claire said, “My father was an Observer. He took a human wife, and she gave birth to me. Needless to say, he was exiled and stripped of his powers for it. As immortal beings that rarely ever get killed through unnatural means, the Observers don’t really have a need to reproduce. There’s no greater taboo than bearing a child, even if it were the child of two Observers.” Grey simply stared in shock. Horrified at the very thought, Amy whispered, “Your own people rejected you and your father just for having a family?!” Claire just smiled warmly and said, “Good and bad, I accepted my past a long time ago. Getting back to the matter at hand, since I cannot leave this tower for much longer than one hour, I believe everyone who can go has been assigned to a team. We should make letters to give to the various rulers, just so everyone has proof that they are members of Angelorum Lux. We’ll use Serius’ ring as a stamp, there will be no denying the Crest of Mautau. You’ll all set out bright and early tomorrow. Do your best everyone.”