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Chapter Text

Once Upon A Time, there existed a Mighty Kingdom, lined with extravagance and filled with prosperity. A Purple Rose is displayed on its flag, a sign of its splendor and its brilliance. But everything that stands, will crumble to dust in time. As conflict arose and tensions between the people grew, the grand kingdom fractured into 3. 

The fractured central Kingdom of the Purple Rose warred amongst itself, conflict of interests emerging and tension growing more and more. Many Barons and Lords sought as much power that they could grab. Alongside that, a new power was emerging, an inexplicable magic ability seemingly only being controlled by weapons. 

Many scholars and other magic attuned studied it intently trying to glean whatever secrets they could. In this time a wild and wondrous change, a new ruler stepped up, one Lord Sumeragi. He brought order to the central kingdom and with the information gleaned from this mysterious power, the kingdom would enter a new Golden Age. 

Meanwhile the 2 remaining pieces of the Purple Rose would grow into their own kingdoms with time, the Kingdom of the Azure Dragon, and the Kingdom of the White Tiger. Each was ruled by the former nobility of the Purple Rose, the De Faeries for the Azure Dragon and the Kamizonos for the White Tiger. Despite the separation, the relations between the kingdoms would remain mostly stable. Until one fateful day, the sky would crack open and a knight with a dangerous power would emerge. The power of the Azure Striker.

Prologue Part 1: The Knight Who Commanded the Storms~

Within the kingdom of the Purple Rose, a nefarious plot was unfolding. Within a holding cell, many kids were awaiting with grim expressions on their faces. They were all discovered to be adepts, those in tune with the power of septimas, however so far, none of them realized what their powers were. 

Within one of the cells, a blonde boy with blue eyes was staring at the floor. It wouldn’t be long before it was his turn, as he was dreading the moment he would be called. The place was dark, the bars lined with black iron and lanterns provided a dim glow. Outside he could hear the sound of thunder, a booming echoing through the building halls.

Eventually after was felt like hours, a man in imposing black armor with a rose insignia on his chat entered the room and stared the young boy directly in the eyes before unlocking the cell.

Researcher Guard: Alright boy, get up. It’s your turn.

Quivering the boy complied and followed the researcher into a rather open room. Many weapons were placed along the walls and a few dummies stood still having been scarred by presumably other septimal powers. It felt like the storm was getting stronger as Gunvolt faced a man with white hair and fierce red eyes.

White-Haired Man: Poppy you are dismissed, I can take it from here.

Poppy: Understood, Noble Kamizono. I’ll leave the runt to you.

After the guard bowed and went back, the researcher sighed.

Kamizono: So many of you runts, to deal with. I’d imagine you will not be any different from the other “adepts” I’ve had to deal with. Alright, see that plastic sword? Pick it up and stand by that dummy towards the far end of the room.

The boy followed orders without complaint. The man despite being rather thin was imposing. He was tall, wore box rimmed glasses, and wore a pure white coat. He had an aura of one not to be messed with. And a look of disdain seemed to be constantly on his face. 

Kamizono: Alright, start swinging. Don’t swing too hard now, I want there to still be a dummy to use for the future.

As the boy complied it seemed like nothing was happening. His swings were clumsy and he often missed the still target in front of him. As Kamizono began to write down notes, the storm outside grew ever louder.

Kamizono: *ugh* This weather, if I didn’t have any sense, I’d think an adept would be behind this ruckus. They’d do anything in their power to get in my way.

Young Boy: Am…Am I doing a good job?

Kamizono: Not even remotely. Seems like your powers aren’t manifesting at all. Not the first instance I’ve seen of this. Perhaps you are one of the worthless ones.

The boy wasn’t sure if he should feel relieved or disappointed. Then Kamizono began muttering under his breath, too quiet for the boy to hear.

Kamizono: Oh who am I kidding, if this kid wasn’t worthless, he’d be a threat. I don’t even know why we are even trying to control these freaks. I’d submitted so many documents showing how adepts on the whole are a problem, and the nobility still refuse to listen. Lost causes, the lot of them. Well, I guess we’ll try a little more with this blue eyed dolt and see if maybe there’s something here.

The doctor then ordered the kid to swing harder with his sword and eventually he noticed something. Something horrifying. Blue sparks were leaping from his sword with some of his swings. They had just founded another one of “them”.

As Kamizono dropped the pen he was writing with the boy, now exhausted turned to the researcher with hope in his eyes.

Young Boy: Am I doing a good job now?

Countless thoughts were swirling in Kamizono’s eyes. The last time an Azure Striker adept was founded, an accident occurred and destroyed most of the facility they were in. Kamizono was lucky to escape when he did. But now, another one was fighting before his very eyes. And as if on cue, the building shook as if lightning itself had hit it.

Kamizono: There’s another one…why is there another one? What God has brought this misfortune upon me?

The Young Boy was confused. Another one? What could be possibly talking about? Then a loud crash happened and he could start hearing screams. He was in danger and instantly ran toward the back of the room, hiding behind one of the dummy. The researcher quickly ran out of the room, and the boy would never see him again as he vanished in a massive white flash. He began clutching the dummy for dear life as he saw someone make his way toward him. And then his eyes went dark.

An older teenager had walked into the room, his attack causing the walls to char. As he spotted the now passed out young boy, he saw an opportunity.

Mere moments before he was alerted to the facility where one Lord Kamizono was waiting. The same monster who had tormented him many years ago. When his power awoke suddenly and fiercely, he had thought the royal perished there and then. Now he was aware that justice had yet to be served. He would not allow another youth to be scarred by that foul monster. 

Unclapsing the shackles that bound his power he had stormed in, destroying every single researcher and guard he came across. His attacks burned so harshly that a fire started and began causing the research center to destabilize. Eventually he came face to face with the researcher who had caused him so much pain.

Kamizono: Y-You!

Blue haired Teen: I see your memory is intact…but your morals are still as corrupt as ever.

Kamizono: So you seek to haunt me, demon? So be it.

The researcher unsheathed his sword and the teenager could only laugh.

Blue Haired Teenager: This will be over before you can blink, say your prayers Kamizono, and hope that your “God” will answer them!

The teenager unsheathed his own sword and within mere moments, Kamizono was felled, his body reduced to nothing more than a charred corpse.

Blue haired Teenager: Good riddance.

Before he could leave however, he heard a boy whimpering. Without hesitation he ran over to where he heard the noise and soon found a now passed out blonde kid. He looked only nine and sparks were leaping from his body. He knew immediately the kid wielded the same power he did. Perhaps this could be a benefit. If he could train him to be sufficient in swordplay much like himself, he could have a dangerous weapon and so the choice was made. He picked up the boy and vanished into the night, leaving behind a burning, collapsing facility to smolder until day broke. 

The teenager returned to his home kingdom, The Kingdom of the Azure Dragon. Rushing into his homestead where he would let the boy down to rest. He’d wait until news of his attack died down to reveal what had happened. For now, once the boy awoke, he’d get filled in on what was going to happen. His plan was now in motion, and he, Baron Asimov, shall be the one to free all adepts from their chains.

The Day after in the Purple Rose Kingdom, there was panic. The attack on the Research Institute had left no survivors and the perpetrator was unknown. Within the Sumeragi Citadel there was chaos.

Duke 1: What are we going to do? If we don’t find whoever is responsible, our citizens will be in paranoia!

Duke 2: We lost so much money in that institute too! How are we supposed to deal with that?

Duke 3: Not to mention, one of the victims was Lord Kamizono, our relations with the White Tiger could be in jeopardy!

Then a loud silence was roared, as the man on the throne looked daggers as everyone in the main hall.

Sumeragi: I’ll admit this scenario is a pressing one, but we will have order! Now I have intentions to mask this scenario as a rogue fire started without warning however, seeing as this situation was perpetrated by an adept, it seemed we may have to enforce tighter chains around them.

As the conversation drew on, older gentleman walked into the room and cleared his throat 

King’s Advisor: Well, as it is, I do have a suggestion, your majesty. Albeit it’s quite a daring one.

Sumeragi: Well then speak up Romeo!

Romeo: There is a septima that can restrain how adepts use their ability. If we put that into play we may have a better chance of preventing scenarios like that from happening again.

Sumeragi: Alright, I’m listening…

Romeo: Well the Muse septima is well known within studies, to pacify or bolster the strength of septimas. The problem is that it’s rare and so far, we don’t know of many who have it. My plan is that we can designate a portion of our resources into finding a Muse, of course after this situation is cleaned up.

The dukes and nobility began to mutter amongst themselves wondering if Romeo’s suggest plot would actually work. After some time of discussing the king ordered another silence, with less force this time.

Sumeragi: Alright, consider this plan approved. I suggest you get to work, Romeo.

Romeo: Why of course my liege!

As Romeo walked out of the room, the king reclined in his chair. As well as taking care of this kingdom he was also training his son, Nova to follow his footsteps. It wouldn’t be long before Nova would begin to take over his duties. But for now, he had to clean up a mess, and thus he began to give out orders on how he would cover up this research center disaster.

Then a few days passed, and Asimov was waiting within the Azure Dragon’s throne room. Queen Le Faerie had seemingly fallen ill and thus her primary retainer Moniqa was handling her affairs for the time being. Eventually after some time Moniqa returned

Moniqa: Apologies for the delay. The Queen sees nothing wrong with permitting you to train the young boy.

Asimov: I understand. Is she any close to getting better?

Moniqa: Unfortunately her majesty’s condition has worsened. We have the best doctors in the kingdom trying to help her get better but, right now, it’s looking grim.

Asimov: I see. Well let her know that Asimov is wishing for her safe recovery.

Moniqa: Understood.

As Asimov left the room, he was wondering what would happen. Her majesty’s daughter Joule is way too young to take the throne right now. He could only hope that Zeno is teaching her well and that her highness gets better soon. As he returned home, he was greeted by the young kid looking at a picture frame.

Young Kid: So who are those people? 

Asimov: That’s me, her majesty, Queen De Faerie and her daughter Joule De Faerie. Much like you, Joule has a special power too. A dangerous one. Maybe once I get your training underway I can have you meet her.

Young Kid: Oh…ok.

Asimov: By the way, kid, I never got your name.

Young Kid: It’s V-volt Sir.

Asimov: Volt huh? Well that’s certainly a fitting name if anything. Now come downstairs with me, I think it’s time we begin.

For the next many months, Volt fell into a routine. He would wake up, eat, start training, have a break, learn about the kingdom affairs, continue training, eat again, and then rest. His progress was slow at first but soon he started to come into his own. His foster father Asimov was a strict but kind trainer and soon the two developed a bond. Soon 4 years passed, and GV was now at a squire ranking. Asimov finally decided it was time for the boy to meet Joule.

Both Volt and Asimov had put on their fancy attires as they headed to Castle Butterfly, the crown jewel of the kingdom.

Asimov: Are you nervous at all Volt?

Volt: A-a little.

Asimov: I guess it’s to be expected you are about to meet royalty after all. Be on your best behavior ok?

Eventually they got to the gates and after a brief conversation with the guards they were let in. And Volt immediately picked up on a song he was hearing. The song was causing electricity to start running down his body, harmless.

Volt: Is that the Muse?

Asimov: Seems like it. It was only recently when it was discovered that Joule was an adept. And well her powers are quite something. In fact that’s why we are here now. The Queen specifically requested our presence.

Volt gained a look of confusion however before he could question that, a retainer was waiting at the door, one with brown hair and orange eyes.

Male Retainer: As so this is the boy that Asimov keeps talking about. Gotta say, you are a lot less stiff than I’d imagined.

Volt: Less stiff?

Male Retainer: I mean with a father like Asimov, I’d figure that kind of trait would carry over, hehe.

Asimov: Zeno

Zeno: Oh right, please come in! You got a special someone expecting you.

When the two actually stepped inside Castle Butterfly, GV couldn’t help admiring how beautiful it was. The walls were planted a glossy pink and heart and butterfly symbols were everywhere. Each major area of the castle was separated by brown arc doors with a dragon insignia on them. 

Eventually they came to the throne room and waiting for him there was a young girl accompanied by a young lady. The young girl was an elf with purple hair and shining red eyes and currently adorned with a small tiara. Currently she was singing and sparks began to fly off Volt in feather-like form. The young lady was a brunette with green eyes and a maid apparel.

Moniqa: My princess, if you will kindly stop singing. Volt and Asimov are here.

Joule’s eyes met GV’s and their eyes began to immediately lock. Joule saw the feathers that were being shed from GV and began to giggle a bit.

Joule: You are Volt correct?

Volt: I-indeed.

Joule: My my, are you an angel by chance?

Volt completely froze and Asimov began to giggle a bit. 

Asimov: Not quite your highness, although I guess can’t blame you for that assumption. Where’s your mom?

Joule: She’s still sick…it’s just going to be me and Ms Moniqa here.

Moniqa: So, how’s the boy’s training?

Asimov: Very good, after a slow start he began to pick up things in no time at all. 

Moniqa: Good, because well, Joule might need the protection soon.

Volt finally snapped back to reality.

Volt: Protection?

Moniqa: Joule’s power is one that would be sought after by many people. And while we currently have many knights willingly to put their lives on the line to protect her, none of them are adepts. Most are too afraid of her power.

Volt: So you want m-me to s-start then? I’m s-still a s-squire!

Joule: Not anymore you aren’t. I can take it from here, Moniqa. 

Moniqa: Understood, your highness. Now Asimov, would you like a cup of tea perchance?

Asimov: That would be lovely, Moniqa.

Moniqa: Alright let’s head to the dining table then. We’ll see the both of you soon.

As both Moniqa and Asimov left the room, Joule got up and walked over to GV.

Joule: Hehe, you don’t have to look so nervous. Moniqa tells me all the time how great a teacher Asimov is.

Volt: This is still a large ask, y-your highness!

Joule: I’m well aware but, I truly think you are truly capable. Now come hither.

As the two walked to the throne, Joule sat back down and motioned Volt to bend a leg. Upon doing so, she began smiling and issuing her decree.

Joule: From here on, my little angel, you will be known as Sir Volt. You shall be my blade and my guard. Will you serve dutifully by my side forevermore?

Volt: O-of course, y-your highness!

As Volt stood up, Joule began to giggle again.

Joule: I spent literal weeks trying to nail that down, anyhow we can cut the formalities there.

As Volt stood back up, Joule wrapped him in a hug. So many thoughts were swirling with Volt’s mind, all of them slowly giving away once Joule started singing softly in his ear. His resolve was clear. He would train even harder to become a knight strong enough to defend Joule with everything he had. Then another individual came into the room, an armored fellow carrying a longsword on his back.

Older Knight: Royal Guard Crane, reporting in!

Joule: You’re a bit late…

Crane: Apologies, your highness, I got stalled by Purple Rose’s militia. Seems their search has intensified.

Joule: So it’s getting worse, even more reason to keep you around huh? Oh Sir Crane, this is Sir Volt, the newest knight I want you to train. Don’t worry Volt, he’s very capable.

Volt nodded and looked toward the older fellow. Both of his eyes were yellow with a scar of one of them. He carries the general vibe of being a trained veteran.

Crane: So, are you ready to train? I’ll warn you ahead of time. This will be arduous, you have to be ready to put your life on the line for her majesty’s sake.

Volt: I understand, and I’m ready.

Crane nodded in approval and began to gesture to Volt to follow him.

Crane: We won’t start right away, I want you to get used to the castle first. When the Sun Rises tomorrow then, we shall begin.

As Volt was led along a tour of the castle, he thought about his new resolve. Joule’s face returned to his mind, then her voice. Joule had begun to spark emotions within him he couldn’t place. Maybe he would figure them out in time, but for now, a new journey for him had begun. The journey to become the Azure Blade.

Chapter Text

Demons, a species that generally manipulates events to their benefit. Every potential human life is like a mere toy to them. Horned, pointed tailed, and wicked, demons have caused the many creatures within these kingdoms uncountable amounts of grief.

However some aren’t so sinister, some take a genuine liking to the humans, and fall in love. The resulting creatures known as demonkin, then proceed to live alone, far away from most settlements. That was the life of one named Elise.

Elise, full title Elise the Dark, lived the majority of her life in solitude, away from anyone who could hurt or manipulate her. The rare instances of human contact happens in part due to the ability she was born with. She was gifted with the septima of Rebirth, a septima which can extend life and revive the dead. 

The power was extremely sought after, and that got her many visits from the ruling body of the Kingdom of the Purple Rose. In exchange for allowing her to live in relative peace, she would use her staff to revive any important official who met an unfortunate early demise.

It was a quiet life, but a simple one. However soon this life would be uprooted and everything would change for the poor witch. The catalyst began with a knock on her door.

Elise: It’s El-Elise…th-the Dark. Did you n-need me?

Purple Rose Official: This is the Kingdom of the Purple Rose speaking, I require your assistance. 

Elise: Ok, c-come in…

A high ranking official surrounded by four armored guard stepped into Elise’s abode. After clearing his throat he began to calmly speak.

Official: We are requesting you for another revival. An adept attack happened as of recently and we lost many people. Many people with important information, so we need you to come revive them all.

Elise: Several revivals at once? This is m-more than what I’m used t-to….

Official: Do not fret, Ms. Elise, as long as these revivals take place within the next three days, there’s no need to rush this. Please follow us.

Elise slowly followed the guard out of the dark forest she lived in. Reviving people from an adept attack was nothing new to her, but usually the max she handled is one or two at a time. This seemed to entail a lot of revivals, which of course made her more nervous. But maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. They were giving her time after all.

Eventually they reached the area where the bodies were placed, not far from the graveyard. Right as Elise was about to get to work, the official was signaled by an older gentleman.

Romeo: Excuse me sir, You are the one working with the witch correct?.

Official: Ah, Advisor Romeo! Yes, indeed, we are trying to recover something from our recent tragedy. She doesn’t even require money to use her services.

Romeo: Excellent, but I do hear, she’s not very good at multiple revivals at once. And you are intending to revive most of the fallen here?

Official: Yes, Romeo…but I’m sure that’s nothing that can’t be resolved with time.

Romeo put a hand to his chin and then a smile came over his face.

Romeo: Well I’m sure if you were to get this done, say in a faster period of time, you’d curry more favor with his majesty, would you not?

Official: …what are you suggesting, kindly advisor?

Romeo: Well I have employed a research team to look into a way to affect septimas while we searched for The Muse. And we have developed a prototype which I think might assist you here.

Romeo handed over the official two bangles, with some runic text scrawled on them.

Official: What are these, Romeo?

Romeo: They are Psyche-Bangles. They connect with the very power of one’s soul and should theoretically boost one aptitude with a Septima. We’ve tested them a few times and they have worked without incident.

Official: Well I guess it wouldn’t work if we could get this done a little faster…

Romeo grinned, with how his face looked, it made him look quite sinister.

Romeo: Alright then, just leave them by my quarters once you are finished with them. I await a successful report!

As Romeo walked off, the Official turned to Elise who had so far only resurrected two bodies of the 67 that could be recovered.

Official: Ms Elise, halt your progress if you would, I have something that could help you a bit.

The witch slowly lowered her glowing staff and walked over to the official.

Elise: S-something that c-can help?

Official: These bangles, Ms. Elise. If you put them on, this resurrection task won’t take as long.

Elise: Are these safe t-to wear, sir?

Official: Of course. Don’t worry about it.

Elise slowly and carefully began to place the bangles on her wrist. They began to glow purple on contact and Elise began to feel a strange sensation within her. She felt…powerful. Her training with the Rebirth septima was only minimal at best yet now she felt like nothing was beyond her control. She easily managed to raise a group of researchers back from beyond the grave.

Elise: It…It’s working!

Official: Well done Ms. Elise, now keep going!

The revivals felt trivial to her now but right as she was getting close to finishing, something terrible happened. She felt a strange sensation within her, an abnormal one. The bangle on her left hand was now glowing red, and she felt incredibly uneasy, like her very soul was threatening to be torn asunder. But before she could say anything, she blacked out.

When Elise eventually came to, she was in chains and she felt horrible. Her body was in aching pain, and her brain felt like it was exploding. She was no longer wearing the bangles but they seemed to have left marks on her wrists. As she came to her sides, a guard was towering over her, looking at her sternly.

Guard: So you finally woke up eh? Took a minute there.

Elise: What…what happened?

Guard: You should know damn well what happened, but if not, you’ll see shortly. Get up!

Elise struggled to stand, it was like her entire body was fighting against basic movement. Was she drugged, or was her body just not cooperating today? After a few painful, agonizing moments, she got to her feet, and started to shamble behind the guard.

Eventually she was led into a courtroom. To the left side was a green haired fellow with a sleepy expression, to the right a relatively annoyed blonde man with short cut hair, and a dour expression. And directly in front of her at the stand, was someone close to her age. A teenager with crimson hair and also sporting horns.

It was a fellow demonkin although given his expression, she would find no kinship with him. His eyes were a fierce yellow and he sported a look that could kill.

Judge: You sure took your damn time getting here. Now we can finally start this nonsense.

Elise: W-what’s going on? Why am I h-here?

Judge: *sigh* Prosecutor, opening statement, I genuinely don’t have time to say this again.

Prosecutor: Of course, Your Honor. Elise, you are currently under suspicion of mass necromancy, which led to many casualties.

Elise: I w-was told to d-do that though?

The crowd began muttering and the young judge slammed his gavel.

Judge: Order, I want Order damnit! Prosecutor, continue.

Prosecutor: Well it’s not just normal necromancy you turned a large portion of people into zombies. It caused quite the incident. But in the subject of fairness we are allowing you to plead your case.

She had turned people into zombies? Sure she had the ability to do that, but she genuinely didn’t recall doing that at all that day. Her head was still killing her but she tried in vain to remember the part when she committed that terrible act.

Judge: Well speak up harlot!

Defense Attorney: Easy on her Viper. No disrespect, your honor, but she is clearly under a lot of stress right now. At least give her the courtesy to relax a bit so she can explain what happened.

As Viper scoffed, Elise slowly recounted the events that transpired.

Elise: I had been requested to revive the fallen f-from an incident. It’s a p-pretty normal thing for me. When I g-got there, the official g-gave me a b-bangle-

Prosecutor: Hold it. What kind of bangle was this?

Elise: I don’t think h-he gave a name…he said it w-would help me r-revive people faster.

Defense Attorney: Psyche-Bangles the looks of it. But I was under the impression that they weren’t finished yet.

Elise: It w-went well at first…b-but then the bangle grew red…the l-left one, and I…I don’t remember anything after that.

Defense Attorney: It seems like the Bangle misfired, but the reports from the lab say they functioned without incident previously.

Prosecutor: Duly noted. Elise, is that all you remember?

Elise: Yes…I’m s-so sorry if I c-caused any trouble…

Prosecutor: Well if this really happened due to a bangle misfire, hmmm, perhaps we should call one of the bangle researchers to the stand.

Viper: Alright, Elise get off the stand but don’t go anywhere. Fetch a researcher and make it quick, I got stuff to do later!

The guards nodded and went to grab a researcher. As they did however, Elise’s eyes began to haze over a bit before she snapped back into reality. 

Defense Attorney: Elise, are you doing ok?

Elise: Not sure why you suddenly care now, but yes, I’m doing fine.

Oddly it seemed Elise’s personality had shifted throwing the defense attorney off guard.

Defense Attorney: N-no need to get snappy Elise, I’m only trying to help.

Eventually after some time a researcher took to the stand and Viper leered at him.

Viper: You know the drill bucko. Name and application.

Researcher: Dr. Hibuki, I’m one of the scholars who helped create the bangle.

Viper: Prosecutor.

Prosecutor: Right, the bangles have worked without incident up until this point correct?

Dr. Hibuki: Correct! Me and my team have run many magical and practical tests and not once have they malfunctioned before now. What the defendant is describing is definitely an anomaly.

Prosecutor: The bangles have been retrieved right? Did you notice anything when you got them back?

Dr. Hibuki: The left one was running higher than normal but it stabilized within time. But after some consultation, we do not believe that even with the surge the defentant should have acted so erratically. 

It was now Elise’s turn to glare at the researcher.

Elise: So then what do you think happened then, wise guy?

Dr. Hibuki: In my humble opinion Ms. Elise, it seemed that you just had a power trip.

More audience commotion occurred and was then silenced by another gavel slam.

Viper: Order! Order!

Prosecutor: Your honor, if you would I now have a question for the defendant.

Viper: Shoot.

Prosecutor: Ms. Elise, I don’t believe you hold any grudges against the Kingdom do you not?

Elise: If I did, believe me I wouldn’t bother in your frankly ridiculous goal to keep reviving everyone you feel fit to. 

Prosecutor: But if you had, this would be the kind of situation you will pull would you?

Defense: Hold it! Ain’t this goading the witness?

Viper: Frankly I don’t care, but since Jota doesn’t want me to commit trial malpractice on my first day, kill that thought dead, short hair.

Prosecutor: Understood your honor, I’ll return to the point at hand.

Elise: It’s your first day? Geez, I figured the court was usually run better than this.

Viper: Not. A. Word.

Prosecutor: Anyways, it seems that according to the researcher Elise should have had enough control over her actions. Doctor, you are dismissed.

Dr. Hibuki: Always happy to help.

As the guards escorted him back, the prosecutor cleared his throat. 

Prosecutor: I think we have enough information for a sentencing yeah?

Viper: We do. Listen to me, and listen to me well, scoundrel! This court finds that you are guilty of this stunt. Frankly I don’t trust you in a cell, so instead, this court shall punish you…at the stake. Take her away!

Elise was admittedly furious. Punished for an action that she had no control over. She wouldn’t deal with it. And through the pain, she remembered a non septimal ability that demons could pull. Shapeshifting. The moment the guards grabbed her hand, she morphed into a snake, freeing herself from the chains and slithered away as fast as she could.

Viper: Do you morons really not think to inhibit her so she couldn’t do exactly that?!

Prosecutor: We didn’t think she knew the transformation spell.

Viper: Every demon and demonkin knows the transformation spell, you bloody- I can’t with you people. Just go after her!

Prosecutor: Alright. Guards, hightail it!

The Defense attorney shook his head.

Defense: I’m going to need a nice cup of tea after this…

As Elise slithered she made it out of the Citadel Courtroom and into the fog. She had a second scepter so it didn’t matter that her first was in court custody. After she got home, she grabbed her second scepter, unfurled her small wings and took to the sky. The Purple Rose’s Kingdom’s aerial defenses weren’t as prominent as their grounded ones. She might be able to escape to another kingdom sanctuary, if she just kept flying. Eventually after dodging some arrows and ballistae, she saw the border, gleaming with purple walls. 

Elise: Nearly out of here, just gotta keep going-

And then, an arrow struck her legs, after briefly wincing she proceeded to keep flying, until she noticed she was getting tired.

Elise: Sleep arrow…crafty dastards…

She tried everything she could to try and overpower the urge to fall asleep. She had to keep going…no matter what. As hard as she fought, she eventually was forced to give in, and began to crash right into a forest just past the border.

Kingdom of the Azure Dragon around the same time,

Volt had just finished his training for the day. It had been quite some time since he had begun his training into knighthood, and he had learned quite a bit within that timeframe. For once he decided to step out of the castle, just for a minute. Truthfully he had wanted to see a bit more of the kingdom, since most of his training was inside the castle walls. Crane had come with him, thinking it would be good for Volt to step aside for a bit.

Crane: Ain’t this just a beautiful sight? Lovely painted buildings dotted everywhere.

Volt: This kingdom really is lovely, Sir Crane. When you were in training, was it always this beautiful?

The older knight laughed heartily.

Crane: A bit underdeveloped but still wonderful. When I was in training we were still trying to build this place up after we broke away from the Kingdom of the Purple Rose!

Volt frowned a bit, that was the very kingdom he was rescued from. They had used to be one kingdom?

Volt: Broken away?

Crane: A lot of it is politics that would probably bore you, but simply, our leadership and theirs didn’t see eye to eye. Most notably in terms with how they treated adepts like you. 

Volt: I see…

Crane: You are very fortunate to live amongst us, young Volt. Many adepts within that place live rather depressing lives filled with-

Before Crane could finish his thoughts, a border lookout ran up to him.

Lookout: Sir Crane! Purple Rose Soldiers are at the gate, what should we do?

Crane: Tell them to wait, I’ll be there in a moment. Volt it seems I have business I need to attend to. Don’t wander off too far okay?

Volt: Understood, Sir Crane.

Crane and the Lookout went to the border gate while GV spied a forest. Walking carefully inside, he saw quite the abundance of various plants and fruit trees. The air permeated a sweet smell, it was truly refreshing. While GV walked in further, he saw many animals simply going about their day and a small pond to his right. However as he walked further and further in, the calm air seemed to tense up, like he was about to encounter something.

However as Volt was prepared to reach for his sword, he found something truly unusual. A gray haired lady, fast asleep and clearly worn out. She looked barely older than he was and she seemed to have witch attire. Small purple horns poked out from her hair and a small black pointed tail jutted from her backside. Volt hadn’t seen anything like her before, so he stepped carefully. He then saw an arrow wedged in her right leg. She had been attacked.

As Volt stepped closer, he noticed the poor girl was shivering in her sleep and whimpering quietly. He stood there wondering what he was supposed to do. 

Volt: At least…maybe I can try getting that arrow out from her leg.

Volt tried to pull at the arrow, causing the girl’s whimpering to get even louder.

Volt: Shhh, it’s okay, I’m only trying to help you. Just hold still.

Eventually after a few minutes, he managed to successfully get the arrow out, and the girl seemed to quiet down. Volt realized there was no way he could just leave the girl here. A memory flashed in his head, the day Asimov rescued him. He was going to help this girl no matter what.

Volt began the arduous process of attempting to drag the demon girl out of the forest, his eyes glowing blue while he kept pulling her. Volt wasn’t the strongest kid out there, but he used all he can to try and get the girl into the town where she can be taken care of. Right as the two were about to be out of the forest, the girl opened her eyes.

Elise: Uggggggggh, everything…hurts…

Volt: Miss, are you okay?

Elise: H-huh?

Elise had woken up to a slightly younger teenager seemingly dragging her away.

Volt: Geez, you look terrible. You look like you were just in quite the ordeal.

Elise: P-putting it n-nicely yeah…

Elise had switched back to her soft personality, and she looked at the armored teen with fear in her eyes.

Elise: You…you don’t look like you are from the K-kingdom of the P-purple Rose.

Volt: I’m not. The name is Volt. Sir Volt. And you are in the Kingdom of the Azure Dragon.

Elise sighed with relief. It seems she had made it out of harm’s way. Now she just had to convince this kingdom to let her stay.

Elise: I’m Elise…Elise the Dark. I w-was from the Kingdom of the Purple Rose b-but, n-no longer. It’s a…long story.

Volt: Don’t worry I’m sure you can tell us everything when we are back to the town. Can you stand?

Elise: I think…hang on.

Elise shakingly stood up to her feet slightly wincing as she did so and she was able to meet the boy’s eyes. They were a radiant blue. Beautiful like jewels. His hair was spiky and blonde. He was wearing cerulean armor, with a dragon insignia right on the center. Elise hadn’t really seen a knight that wasn’t from the Purple Rose Kingdom and most of them were older, gruff, and incredibly stiff. Contrast to the knight in front of him, who was younger, looser, and kindness shone in his eyes.

Volt led the witch into the town square where inevitably, she would catch some strange looks. Elise tuned it out, she would make sure everything is explained soon enough. Eventually the two came to a bench where Volt and Elise sat down quietly.

Volt: So how did you get here?

Elise slowly recounted everything that transpired that day, the incident, the bangles, the trial and her daring escape.

Volt: So…you’re a fugitive.

A gloomy look came across Elise’s face and Volt placed an arm around her.

Volt: For a crime, that wasn’t your fault. Geez, no wonder you look rough.

Elise: I don’t think it’ll be long before th-they come b-by the gates. Just…please d-don’t turn me in, I c-can help you, I promise!

Volt: You mentioned you have a septima…Rebirth was it?

Elise: It’s mainly used to revive the dead, but it also can be used for healing as well! I c-can be useful I swear I-

Volt: Elise.

Elise: Y-yeah?

Volt: I’m not going to let you get turned in. Not for a crime you didn’t commit. I’m sure we can find a place for you here. And I think we are running low on healers anyhow.

Elise hugged Volt as hard as she could as tears began to freely fall from her eyes.

Elise: I promise…I promise I w-won’t let you down…ever!

Eventually Crane returned and noticed Elise clinging onto Volt.

Crane: So…I see you’d made a new friend in a few moments I was away.

Volt: Yeah…there’s a fair bit to explain.

Crane: Well, we can discuss it back at the castle, c’mon you two.

Elise slowly let go of Volt and the two followed Crane back to the castle. Elise couldn’t help but stare at the two knights surrounding her. Despite how terrible this day has been, it ended on a spark of hope for her. She has a new kingdom, and a new ally. Maybe, he’ll end up as a friend to her. As she accompanied the knight to the castle gate, she knew her life was about to turn around. She’ll be the healing scepter to Volt’s radiant blade.