Helfire

The wind seems to pick up with the gathering and placement of each ritualistic material that is put into place. Nebula, Henrietta, and Cerise have performed several other rituals to prepare for today - and now it was showtime.

There will be no second chances. The change the Twilight Coven will bring upon Esshar today will mark a new age in its history.
Three small chunks of an obsidian-colored meteorite have been placed in a triangle surrounding the Supreme witch herself, the second Lockwood to head a coven.

Nebula. Queen of Esshar. The Red Witch.

Candles have been placed in the area of the ritual as well, all remaining unlit, waiting for something to ignite them. The dark shadow of the meteorite in the skies was inching closer and closer, with each passing moment causing it to grow larger. Soon, it will envelop even this area with darkness.

And then, finally, it will begin.

The arrival of outsiders will not stop this.
Nothing could. Nothing will.


"Welcome, welcome... I am glad to see that our message reached you."

"But I am afraid you're all too late."


The dark smog that has collected around Myllenoris travels fast, faster than ever before. It reaches the location of the ritual, gathering around the coven in a smokey shroud. And then, finally, the meteorite's shadow reaches them. It covers the first candle - and the darkness causes it to lighten up.

More and more candles begin to burn at the touch of the meteor's darkness.

The fragments of the meteorite that have been collected by the witches begin to glow and burn with a strange fire. Dark and purple.


Helfire.


The Lockwood witch's eyes glow with the deep, bloody color she was famed for. The Gaze of the Seven is cast upon those who've dared to accept her invite.


"It is coming."

"You will be forbidden to forget it. Terrified of the new reality it brings. Embrace it. A new age begins for you today, Kingdoms of Esshar!"

(Nebula Lockwood)

A new age, it is truly something becoming of what Esshar has provided for him in his youth. Countless years of suppressing the bestial nature that was his free spirit. The many considered themselves heroes, ever a martry for the good of a realm that simply is.

The mere thought causes him to push a breath of air beyond pursed lips, his violet hue tracing towards none other than Mars, then towards the much louder voices of those whom made their declarations.

"Finally out to address the so-called corruption of Esshar? Holding hands for your circumstantial sense of camaraderie. But I know sheep when I see them."

He chuckles, while dismissively waving his hand.

"And you too, Sythaeryn? Pfft… You were better when you had nowhere to go."
(Tiernay Reveille)

It isn't about his feelings towards the witches before him.

It is about a single man whom he used to call brother in the past- a single man whom he rescued in the past, but now.. he feels as if he could regret it, truthfully. Of all things, he feels like this is something that rests among the other mistakes the Rhoynish King has done. But..

Where he looks upon Mars?
He knows of the broken heart she bears.

"Tiernay."

"Leave them at once."

"This goes far beyond your boredom and you looking for amusement." For too long he ignored his antics- for too long he allowed it to go unnoticed, and all because he was doing it for the sake of another, pretending as if it doesn't concern him.

Doing his best to focus on anything but his actions.
Yet, in the end..

"This brings you no future."

"Nox will not bring you any future either. This isn't worth it."

But he knows that the words can fall upon the deaf ears- already the gathering of starlight is shown to be produced around the form of the Rhoynish King, preparing for what's to come.

The witches? It doesn't matter as much to him. Others could most certainly deal with them as well - and he could too, if they come across him.

"Don't make me do this."
(Basil)

The Dark Meteorite's course never once changes. Witchcraft drew it to this land - and it is Witchcraft it will meet, drawing it in down towards the land.

Dark, violet Mana shoots from the ritualistic circle in the shape of a beam that is directed at the skies themselves-- no, the meteor. It meets it just when it covers the sun fully - and dark mana is sent down the same beam towards the glowing rune circle. It impacts the Red Witch first and the rest present - fueling each and every soul with temptation.

Their vice tugged upon, a sin pleading at the minds of the innocent for corruption.

The Dark Smog crystallizes when the mana meets it, but it shatters within moments.

For a brief moment, the mana disappears. The beam seems to have vanished, the ritual resulting with a failure-...

But the second surge of mana the meteorite sends is a bigger one, and the shards of the obsidian-colored crystals are charged with further mana-- some the Red Witch herself sacrifices. Her skin begins to peel away as her life essence is tugged at, used as the focus point for this ritual.

A burst of smoke and smog envelopes the area there and then-- and a chill sweeping through the air. It is a final, graveyard kiss promising that only the worst is to follow. Three mysterious figures step from the shadows, enveloped by eerie magic that conceals them entirely. Shadows dance around them, their steps burning patched of grass with violet-colored Helfire.

They are here.


...A part of the meteor that broke off during the summoning crashed westward, smoke and fire puming out from the creature given life by sin and magic. This golem oozed black blood - A sign of things to come...?
[Narrate]

The wraiths of the past.

Among them..

The man who taught him cosmic magic. The woman with whom he clashed in youth. The ex-queen that had his sister imprisoned.

It is there that the crash has him shaken to an extent, but the Rhoynish King is quick to regain his composure. While he stares upon the wraiths ahead of them, and even Tiernay of all people, there's but one thing that leaves his lips..

"--Too far gone."

And it means that they have to be stopped, put down. It means that they're going to be this obstacle which would simply not give up until it has done the harm across the Esshar. Though..

His gaze drifts towards Mars.

"Forget it."

"He does not call us family anymore. He never had, ever since going to Nox."

"This isn't your brother anymore. Neither he's mine. Do what you must."

The implication behind such words is heavy, butalready the starlight seems to shimmer much more- whatever he could muster, whatever strength he could spare, despite the dark presence of meteorite..

He'll show it here and now on in this trial.
(Basil)

The space creature, Lamashtu, turned with a creaking sound towards the gathered army. Fragments break off of the titan with each step - Hundreds of humanoid, ghastly golems, swarming in number. They move by instinct, aiding the Dopplegangers of Serea, Asta, and Pericles, as well as the Twilight Coven...

Black blood oozed from stone.

The meteorite was given life by magic and purposed with the ritual. But it was far from over yet- the battle begins thusly, as the present magi encircle the ritual sight and strike.


The dopplegangers. The witches. The golem of the stars.
Who will you fight?
[Narrate]

It was a long time coming.

For far too long he ignored this, and for far too long he allowed his heart to remain stagnant on this matter for sake of another- if anything, there's but one sentence to Mars.

"Do not die."

Before he's found charging against Tiernay, of all people- he knew that it would pain her to no end to fight her brother..

And as much as it pains him too, he can endure.
(Basil)

Nebula vs Ella
Nox vs Virgil
Tiernay vs Basil

Stand by the doppleganger of choice.
[Narrate]

A clash.

It comes as immediate confrontation between the starlight and shadows, already intended to take upon Tiernay of all people- for while the Rhoynish was one lost in the anger for the now fallen brother, even this rage that he felt was almost artificial..

Almost to make sure that he does not slip in combat to regret.

"Tiernay!"

Does he rile himself up on purpose? Perhaps.. but as much as the golden eyes try to gleam with rage, there's but the slightest hint of sorrow and regret behind them; truthfully, he had hoped that Tiernay would never arrive here, that he would never show up in this place..

That they wouldn't have to fight.

"You broke her heart."

"Even since you decided to just announce your leave, Mars wept for you. She knew that you're treading a dangerous path - and I always intended to track you down and get you back to Alabastre. Away from the witches."

"Do you know who stopped me, Tiernay? Do you know who pleaded I invest nothing from all of my backing, just to make sure you can do what you desire?"

"Her. Only her."

But already the shimmering starlight threatens to overspill with more; the promise of greatness of the stars found upon the way how they glimmer with endless stardust, seeping off his frame..

"You shouldn't have come with Nox, Tiernay."

"She isn't worth it. She never was."

He doesn't plead for Tiernay to return home. Truthfully, if he wanted to, then he could've taken the offer at the very start when it was given. Instead?

Their combat would begin.
(Basil)

There was plenty of shadows which did not pertain to himself, many little adjacent beings which he likely cares little for beyond the occasional glance. Such is likely why he'd noticed the Felinae before all else, and such is why the coalescing dark only seems birthed from the magi's will itself.

The veil caress his frame once more, drawing iin all so that the motion itself was but a single flow.

"Hmn, I was hoping to speak with Mars again. My love for Drama typically trumps the desire for murder."

Killing for the sake of it, was never his own design, and most could certainly feel that within the intricate design of his character. Within every possession upon his person that sings of power as the shadows wash over it.

"Life is but a free flowing river of one decision after the next. This is worth it because I've not but a desire to make it so."

He chuckles.

"I'd grown tired of weeping some time ago. This life, my love and my dread. It overcomes this boring fate."
(Tiernay Reveille)

Lost.

It could be obvious about Tiernay, of all things that he says in such regard. Even now, when they come to a clash..

"This is beyond your boredom."

"You will learn to see that - or either of us will die."

No more words are said. What follows next is the exchange of blows, of bloodshed between the two..

And perhaps the cruel fate awaiting right around the corner.
(Basil)

Tiernay Reveille has been defeated by Basil! They're unable to continue fighting.

It's difficult.

Far more difficult than he could imagine- it isn't only the strength of a man that he once called brother which is difficult to overcome, but the emotional attachment left behind after all the years shared together. After all, it's not too long ago that they fought side by side for so many things to be had in the brighter future.

And now..

How could they call each other brothers after the clash becomes so violent? After the surge of magic is so overwhelming that it could almost kill, had they not been both enduring, capable warriors- for while the shadows cleave and cut at Basil..

Tiernay, in turn, is seared with cosmic light and flames.

"You are a fool to follow her!"

Clash amidst the clash. Where the two exchange blows both at close range and the long range alike- the struggle of two men shown in the sign of hurt appearing on their bodies.

"She was NEVER worth it."

While Tiernay cuts deep with the shadows, causing the lifeforce of the Rhoynur to spill, it is the cosmic light that proves to come out on top after all, during a long struggle that they shared.

"You are a fool, because you had all the freedom to do as you wished - and you already did so, long before leaving."

"And now?" The searing light manages to push Tiernay back, so much so that his body is entirely singed by it- something that only a durable magi could recover from, but..

It would take time.

"They'll fucking kill you for it! It won't be me to drag you home. It won't be Mars to speak to you."

"You will die for the cause of a woman that doesn't even love you - because witches can't fucking feel love in the first place, YOU IMBECILE!"

The mask he wears can only be worn for so long. He vowed that he would return Tiernay safe and sound, and perhaps pull him away from this dark, but.. this frustration, this anger he feels?

It cannot be contained.

"What will it take for you to understand that you could do this and much more while NOT serving the one single thing that would kill you as well, just like the rest of us?"

"What will it take for you to grow up, Tiernay?"
(Basil)

Sure it is difficult, but when has such ever proved to be anything but? The climb to realize one's strength, the means to detach from the touch of Esshar that had left him feeling partial.

Those were all things that took little pieces of his body so that it could be tossed into the shadows. Though it is a fun dance, one that admittedly breathes life into a magi that wields his memento well.

"Love is but a circumstance. I am of my own free will, able to pursue whatever fate I desire. So what if I die? I'll die satisfied...!"


The shadows follow the thrust of his blade, its dark metals singing with every cast that adds a honed edge to the touch of his shadows. Though such does not hold forever against the searing light which stings his flesh.

He holds on, but not enough to the point where the battle could go on. He is pushed back, and defeated, though the words which follow after is received with not but a quiet sigh as he pushes himself back up onto his feet.

"And that's why, I can tell you of all people don't understand me. There's not but dust and rock clicking together within that thick skull of yours Basil."

Tiernay grins, his beaten visage soon enough swallowed in the comforting dark. Though before it whisks him away.

"Satisfaction, contentedness, patience. Save your dribble for someone that cares."
(Tiernay Reveille)

The Twilight Coven continue their ritual, pulling in the meteor towards the land- Multiple fragments had broken off, one of which rose up as the entity, Lamasintu the Moon Golem. When it was felled, the black rocks that broke off of its core give way for blood, a strange, slime-like substance... Dark ichorous sentient life that scurried away, heading towards the runic ritual that still continued on.
Meanwhile, rumors echo out throughout the battlefield that the Mistseer Ella had been captured, and Virgil.
[Narrate]

It's desperation to not see him like this.

For while Tiernay retreats, claiming that Basil could never understand the free spirit that Tiernay is, there is a gaze of contempt and wonder spared to the place where he sinks back in the darkness.

Where he disappears.

"--To think that I even called you family once."

And to think that he saved him in the past.. by now, he has regrets; perhaps, it would be better off if Tiernay was slain by Sythaeryn on that fateful day.

He would be sorrowful, true.
But he wouldn't have to fight him like this.

Instead, the Rhoynish King retreats back to the ritual circle after defeating Tiernay.

The night was not over yet.
(Basil)

The fighting comes to an end.

The army of the united kingdoms has not given up quite yet, however, the meteorite's proximity to the land could not be denied anymore. Nebula, with the beaten, red-gazed Ella Garcia made their return to the ritualistic rune circle. Henrietta brought back a captive with her as well, a man who's flames burned intensely despite his captivity.


"You fight meaningless battles. You cling to a false sense of hope to appease your fickle souls, an attempt at convincing yourself that you are not already doomed."

"Those who look to the stars, those of you who protect the Vale - even those who have been blessed by the angels."


The Elaide Supreme spreads her arms far and wide, as if preparing for the meteor to arrive. To crush them all. To take her life along the lives of this mass. Each and every soul will be sacrificed in the name of her lord, of the true man she had chosen in marriage.


"..And for what? Look in the skies."

"The stars have abandoned you. Asceha's own prophet is a slave to sin and vice. Your blessed Queen would behead each of you with her sword."


One of the many bloody tendrils that have been kept around the Supreme sharpens itself, absorbing some of the meteorite crystals into its form. Akin to a blade, its swing cuts through the air and creates a sound that warns of the cruel fate that had been waiting for Ella Garcia.

She is beheaded then and there.

The red glow in her eyes fades as soon as blood begins to spill from her body.

And slowly... A sound begins to emit from the lips of the previous Queen, a mad cackle of a deranged woman. The Wraiths laugh in unison with her, synchronized as if made of the same flesh and blood.


"HAHAHA!"


A third beam is shot from the meteorite itself - a small one - capable of only swallowing Nebula herself. It is dark in color, matching the shade of the cursed rock. The mad laugh of the witch ceases as her body disintegrates fully, exploding into a mess of blood that rains above the united front of Esshar. A repeat of her last murder scene.

Despite being gone.

Despite dying.

The last words of Nebula Elaide can be heard by each and every person - her voice appears within their mind, with the wraiths themselves speaking too.


"The gospel of the Red Witch will be written with her flesh and blood. The rise of a new kind begins now."



"SUBMIT. OR. DIE."

(Nebula Elaide)

The Dark Meteorite ritual reaches its peak, where the Red Witch Nebula Elaide sacrificed her own life to bring it home, as well as the Mistseer Ella and Virgil- Anchoring to the meteorite and its spawn as fragments of the space rock continued to break off, a similar black 'ooze' found within the rubble. Sentient life.
An invasion from the stars.
The dopplegangers of Serea, Asta, and Pericles can feel a connection with the ooze-like substance that swarmed the circle, able to communicate with them telepathically. The witch, Nox, is also linked to this hivemind.
The meteor continued to fall down, on the verge of wiping out every last person present here... It's minutes away.
[Narrate]

This chaos.

For while Nebula commits the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that the new era of darkness could come about, it is the remnants that he seems to be most wary about- in particular, Henrietta and Tiernay still remaining on the other side. But.. Tiernay has already spoke of his verdict about this, hasn't he?

A single glance is spared towards this wicked woman.
The one that stole his brother from him.

There's temptation- to run against the frame of Felinae in the circle and to keep her distracted from the ritual, to ensure that meteor crashes on her as well and kills her. But.. it would kill him as well, wouldn't it?

It would leave Alabastre and Ilburg without their leader.

"Men! Move to retreat from this position!"

An order given to the soldiery of Ilburg and Alabastre present- those that are far more focused on indirect fighting, as they always have been. Even then, however, his address speaks to Mars.

If there won't be a leader to Ilburg, there could be to Alabastre at least.

"Lead our troops away, Mars."

"Right now."

But with that said..

The charge of celestial starlight is pointed towards Henrietta, of all people- it's intended to disrupt the ritual, to attack her.

For she had to die for all that she's done.
(Basil)

The dark meteorite would soon hit Eternia with enough force to send the oceans into space, leaving much of their home-world obliterated worse than humanity could ever achieve. Soil would become barren and the air poison.

They can feel it, the overwhelming heat.

The foreboding sense of doom.

The End approaches.

Upon this vessel hundreds of now sentient Mimics are carried, anchored by the sacrifice of the Red Witch - Pawns to be used by the Dopplegangers.

Would they stop it before impact?
[Narrate]

Henrietta is too evasive.

Too quick to be caught before she makes her escape- perhaps, it was the obstacles, the crowd that appears, but.. in the end, at the very least he's tried to stop her. He would yet find her in the future. Instead..

His gaze diverts towards Meteorite.

Where Mars chooses to follow after him, regrettably, he has to ignore her plead- the last time that he's listened, Tiernay has fallen to the dark..

And look where he is now.

"Destroy the meteor before it reaches this place."

With all that they have.
(Basil)

The meteor pierces the clouds, within striking range...

Two minutes before impact.

The gathered magi, worn and broken, but alive and ready, meet it with their magical attacks. The air burns to breathe, and hot vapor spills out from the giant mass of space stone that buries down towards Eternia --

-- It begins.
[Narrate]

Approaching the land and breaking the clouds, it casts a long, wide shadow below - Fragments of the rock break away from magical impact, but it doesn't quite slow yet. Its outer crust was gradually being cracked, bit by bit.

Yersin in particular has a black slime narrowly miss him when he breaks away a big chunk of space rock...


One minute remains until impact.
[Narrate]

Parts of the Meteorite or chunked away piece by piece, until the group burrow away the outer layer- Its blood ran black, right to its core. Those eerie, sentient creatures slipped out and fell to the land, while the burning fire within the Meteorite was revealed.

Vulnerable.

...In unison, now was their moment.

To break it into a thousand shards in one final, combined attacked.

To give everything they might have, even if it might kill them.
[Narrate]

For how long do they have to strike it down?

And how much strength has it amassed? This very thing which has caused incredible sickness to all cosmic magic, that brought about the calamity followed by the deaths of several people that were dear to others. For while the Rhoynish King is among the other magi that fight in this..

He knows of one thing - it's not over yet.

"The creatures can be taken care of soon after."

"Focus your fire on the meteorite. Either we break it for good, or it destroys us."

Would it be the final strike? Would it be their salvation? Only time would tell.
(Basil)

Shattered into a thousand burning pieces, the core of the Meteoride implodes in a glorious inferno- Blowing out hot air and flattening the land below, pulling trees out of their roots.

The fragments rained down on Esshar. Burning bolts that cracked against the land and ocean.


All may rest, now. They are safe.
[Narrate]

Flame and fury.

At last, their effort pays off, and they find themselves no longer confronting the monstrosity of the meteorite that would be looming over their heads, potentially ending the lives of thousands upon thousands. But..

Is it over now that it's destroyed?

Not even close. Instead, what comes about is the invasion of different creatures all the same, something that could be viewed as perhaps a greater nuisance than the meteorite itself- but at the very least, they were able to save the thousands that would otherwise die.

"It's over."

"The meteorite is gone."

But with it appear a number of different problems- for while his mind lingers back to the confrontation that he experienced with another.. it's the fact that a member of his family lost someone valuable to them.

How could they recover from it?

"..We will be preparing more to fight off against this menace."

"As meteorite is destroyed, this is merely a closure of a single chapter - with another one opening."

"Be vigilant."
(Basil)