Without a doubt the largest settlement in the Underworld, Vythorkathel, roughly translated to 'Demon Home', is the place where most of the Crusade's inhabitants reside. Once it had been a dangerous place, filled with Feral Newforged and deserters, but Dominicia silenced their voices and crushed the rebellion, then establishing an effective law enforcement upon the town with Sjachtvyth, but later having Duke Thalatoth and his guards assume the position.

Thanks to its position in one of the lowest parts of the Underworld, despite emitting a decent amount of fumes, most of it goes upwards, and so the air is much more breathable than in places such as Venom Rise.

There is no set architecture in this town, and it depicts much more clearly what a demon settlement is expected to be. Buildings carved into walls or made of scrap iron, arenas where the weak were pitted against the strong, banners made of torn cloths, skulls placed on pikes...but mostly craters filled with molten infernum, upon which its inhabitants greedily feasted.

One had to pass through this place in hopes of crossing the bridge that led to the other half of the Lower Underworld.

*from Umbra*

Riding through the darkened rocky field, Hildrimfel lead the Crusaders towards the town, which as they got closer, seemed to draw more their attention thanks to its glowing green lights.

Stopping a good distance away from the town, the commander awaited for the Crusaders. "Let's make our crossing through this place as quick as possible...and staying together at all times, milords...you could say this certainly is...the most barbaric our kind can get...we never know what to expect from them, even with Duke Thalatoth's authority and law enforcement."

*From Umbra*
Only a short distance behind Hildrimfel, Alzion halted his steed's progress beside the Sjachtvyth commander's. Re-adjusting his weapon's scabbard, he gazed at the nearby city. Far off, he could see silhouette of the features of the city that acted as the home to the Dark Crusade's main force, skulls resting on pikes about it...

The Crusader of Intellect put a hand to his forehead, frowning. His thoughts seemed to be fading. The weight of the constant processing of his sensed was lifted off his mind, and he began to feel light-headed, a tingling sensation running through his body. Slowly, the Demon Reaper slid sideways off his steed...

He found himself in Darkness, gazing out over the world. There was very little to it. Just the land below, upon the center of which stood a single tower. Pikes rose from the earth surrounding the tower, countless skulls thrust upon them. Demons' skulls. He frowned at the sight. Soon, he would be rid of it.

*from Umbra*

Hugin meet the two right before they walked into the settlement, he was holding a fan in his hand and looked very pleased with himself. Going from that he just...walked out from the area to meet them he had been inside before they came.

"My your slow....I already killed some people that tried to attack me before you got here. People can be sooo rude, well we should get going...I'm bored and want something to do"

He casually closed the fan and it dissappeared in a puff of smoke.

"oh and this place need a serious redecoration...but other then that I do like it so far, it's...well me. Chaos, killing, destruction and other nice thingies!"

Hugin smiled happily and made a wide gesture with his hand. He did not seem to notice that Alzion had fallen from his horse, or he noticed....but he did not think of it as anything weird. Alzion always was odd, so maybe this was some new thing? Hugin had never seen the friend in any situation of weakness before...so of course he did not know it now.

Hildrimfel stopped right on his tracks as he heard a thud behind him. He saw Alzion fall to the floor and jumped off his steed. Rushing to the Crusader's side, the commander then knelt down and tried to examine him. "Lord Alzion...?" he inquired, wondering if he had retained any consciousness.

To the three's surprise, they had been followed for a while. Eneres, who had been silently going after them noticed Alzion's fall and came running to his help. "Alzion!" She let out, forgetting to add his title in her desperation. She knelt next to him like the Sjachtvyth commander, and placed a hand on his forehead and with the other one tried to feel his pulse. Seemed more or less normal "...Are you ok?" She asked, still concerned.

He looked away from the center of the Dark Realm, turning his gaze upon a massive golden-green vortex, hovering in the air before him. This gateway would be the end of this old life and the beginning if his new. He would get his revenge upon them yet, he knew with a smile.

Already, beasts too numerous to count were rushing past him through the vortex. Now was the time to begin anew. He stepped forward passing through the gateway...

Alzion's emerald green eyes snapped open wide. As if by reaction to something, he sprung to his feet, unsheathing Guiramento of Logic, and, holding the long sword in just one of his hands, slashed at the empty air before him with an yell. It seemed rather angry. Almost furious. A pure white aura of Dark energy hovered about the Demon Reaper's coat, and a red aura enveloped his black sword. The Crusader of Intellect seemed entirely oblivious to the others there.

Hugin was did not even have time to react on that Alzion had fainted before he was back on his feet again. The sorcerer found it all to be very odd, mostly because the friend suddenly acted like he did, he carefully tapped himself on the cheek a few times with the closed fan.

"Hmmm....looks angry....maybe it's my emotions running amock inside of him, hmm?"

His forehead wrinkled in a faint frown, then he sighed deeply. He did not move or try to stop the man from having his fit of rage, not much he could do...without hurting the friend at the same time. Hugin was not a fighter and Alzion was stronger then him, in the body...while Hugin himself was stronger with magic. Yet his spells was not a good fit in a situation like this one.

"I would not advice to get in his way...."

"And I suppose that leaving him in his madness will help?" Eneres asked Hugin, finding his point of view a bit selfish. After all, seemed like the Crusader didn't want to give his own comrade a bit of support out of the fear of being cut.

"Sir Alzion?" The young girl asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. She understood the risks, but was willing to try to wake the Crusader of Intellect from his delusional state through some physical contact.

Hildrimfel didn't step up, since Eneres did so before him. But, he kept his lance ready, in case the worse happened. He couldn't say he fully agreed with the Crusader of Chaos, but Eneres was too straightforward too...then again, she did exactly what he assumed Lord Aethelnoth would have done in this situation, being daring as he was.

Reacting instinctively to the touch upon his shoulder, Alzion spun about, raising his sword to strike her down. But something got through to him. He froze at the sight of the sword before his face. He was wielding the Giuramento of Logic. His Oath of Intellect. His promise to the Dark Crusade.

The auras faded away from about the Crusader of Intellect. He shut his eyes, taking a slow, deep breath. How shameful... Hardly even representing the virtue he stood for. Irdraxon sheathed his sword, walking back to his steed. The Kotharvyth Lord mounted the Demonic horse, shivering slightly. "Let us leave this..." He gazed towards the city. "Place."

It was odd, but Hugin reacted in a way that people might now have imagined. He dissappeared in a burst of flowers and appeared to push Eneres away, at the same time he raised the fan and would have blocked the sword if not Alzion had been able to stop himself seconds before it happened. The sorcerer's otherwise carefree face was serious.

"Let's get out from this place then, I'm done here anyway."

His voice was calm and surprisingly serious. His eyes then looked to the girl, it was hard to say what he was thinking at that moment. He was still outranking both of them in the crusade, and he was pretty scary right now.

"I did not say that, but the thing is....none of us have the physical strenght to stand up to Alzion if he should go into such a rage. Believe me that rage is something I know very well. To me Alzion is the most important person in the world, but you was just inches from losing your life....and make him misirable for having killed an ally. Imagine how he would have felt if it was me he striked down if I did something you just did..."

Hugin sighed and shook his head. Then he grinned and returned the attention towards Alzion. When he talked he sounded cheerful and not worried anymore, but hey it was Hugin.

"Let's get going shall we? No need crying over spilled milk! Now you know what I can go though at a daily basis Alzi!"

He gave the man a friendly pat on the side of the leg, since he could not reach much higher with Alzion on the horse.

Eneres didn't have time to react. She felt that the strike could have very well hit her, but then she was pushed aside by the Crusader of Chaos. The girl fell on the floor and let out a sigh of relief.

Hildrimfel looked at Hugin and shook his head. "I apologize for my boldness, Lord Hugin, but...one does not kill a Kotharvyth with a strong soul such as Ms. Eneres' so easily. You see, our people, as long as we retain the strength in our souls, we can migrate back into our power source and be reborn. Myself, for instance, should I die, I would have my soul sent to the Dark Core, and later restored."

But then he got back up on his steed. "But alas, I understand what you mean, sire. The psychological effect would still be the same. Let us ride on towards the Crusader's Bridge, shall we?" The commander gave Eneres a quick look. "Ms. Eneres...are you comfortable enough to go on foot?"

The othokentvyth got up and brushed off the dust on her robe. "I'm fine." She said, trying to retain her pride, at least. The young woman then prepared to sprint towards their next destination.

Hildrimfel simply nodded and moved out to the bridge.

Alzion did not respond to Hugin about his emotions. Though he did share Hugin's emotions as he had agreed with that man long ago, he did not particularly like to acknowledge these emotions' presence in his spirit. As far as he was concerned, they were hindering his judgement and endangering others, nothing beneficial to the crusade.

He knew that this was not the best way to deal with them though. One had to confront their problem sooner or later, and the later it was the more dangerous it would be.

Shutting his eyes in frustration, he sighed before riding off.
*To Crusaders' Bridge*

Hugin responded with a small frown, he had no idea why Alzion was acting so weird....and he did not like it very much. The sorcerer sighed and casually summoned a floating lily, he stepped onto it and levitated after the others...after all he did not have a horse and never liked them to begin with.

*To Crusaders Bridge*

*Topic Skip from Alzion's Residence*



Eneres arrived at the outskirts of the city, and frowned a little bit at a distance. "I'll admit I don't like much this part of the Underworld. But...you're with me. I feel more comforted by that thought. Last time I was here..."

She looked at Alzion. "...well...let's just say that someone should teach them a thing or two about treating the opposite gender a little better. The Duke helped me out the last time, but as soon as he turned his back...well...once we can get a proper meeting, maybe you as Crusader could enlighten the situation to Lord Hugin and Lord Aethelnoth." The othokentvyth began walking towards the city.

The streets seemed full of movement. The local inhabitants, the ever-immolated Achuakixenvyth, lived a life much more 'liberal' compared to Umbra. If any comparison could be made, the town was akin to Dagger Rock, except that there were guards, both from Thalatoth's forces and from the Dark Lady's.

The citizens seemed to mostly enjoy social interaction in large taverns, a predominant business in Vythorkathel. They drank some sort of liquid that made their inner green flames burn brighter and ate assorted chunks of ores. In the taverns, entertainment was either a bar brawl or some sort of musician, most often using either drums or guitars to play music.

Some roamed the streets, where they seemed to act a bit more orderly as guard patrols passed by, especially when the guards in question were Gorgons.

The town seemed to slope down increasingly the more one headed towards its center, the entire place being constructed upon small plateaus, shelves and most predominantly the slopes. There seemed to be little organization in matters of building placement, oftentimes streets having varying lengths, and going between well and badly lit.

Instead of having fountains or even flowing rivers, the city had craters and flows of molten Infernum, being pumped directly from a district that seemed to emit the most smoke. The inhabitants didn't use it for decoration only. Achuakixenvyth seemed to use those craters as well as something similar to thermal pools.

At the center of the city was precisely what was expected of the Achuakixenvyth. The training grounds, the fight rings, arenas, one of them surpassing all others and standing amidst the demon city almost as a crown placed at the bottom of a crater.

*From Alzion's Quarters*
The Crusader of Intellect joined Eneres outside the city, watching her as she spoke. He nodded slowly. "Yes... Hugin may like destruction, but I don't see him loving it in such a manner," he agreed. As they had headed towards the city, he hadn't once looked upon Vythorkathel and rather kept his gaze upon his lieutenant.

However, he at last looked upon the city, a strange look forming upon his face. As they walked towards the city, he wordlessly held a hand to his forehead. In his mind, old memories rose forth once more as he gazed at the destructive settlement. He inhaled sharply, but did not look away from Vythorkathel as they walked into its looming shadow. He held his other hand close to the sheathed katana Eneres had lent him as the two entered the city.

Even in spite of his status, he didn't expect to be hailed by any as he entered any parts of the Underworld. Even then, the reaction was underwhelming. No one recognized or acknowledged his presence at all. He lowered his hand, looking about the city as his head ached. He understood why whatever was planned was planned for this location. It seemed that crime could thrive here, even among the Kotharvyth. Underground activity could easily be performed here, as long as 'drunkards' didn't get a hold of information, and even if they did, who would act on the information?

He made a small motion towards Eneres, unsheathing her katana. Then he proceeded to head further into the city. It was there that it was more likely they would be able to retrieve answers.

As they walked through the streets of Vythorkathel, there was perhaps a more noticeable sight. A man standing upon a platform, speaking to the passerby's in the city, and apparently gaining the attention of a small crowd.

From the looks of his armor, he was a Sjachtvyth. He wore no helm, displaying a human face of a middle aged man, with a large scar cutting through it. His hair was dark and of a medium length, and his brown eyes showed much experience and weariness. His expression was serious, almost seeming like a frown as he spoke.

"What has the Dark Lady done for any of us? Nothing! She has kept us trapped in this underground cave, oppressed by her troops in this very city as she leads a life of decadent luxury in that citadel. The Crusade isn't meant to be led by people like her. No...we need a real leader. Someone who can unite our people and give us purpose again. But, if you prefer to deny that fact and just wander around this city drunkenly, ignoring how submissive you've become, then go. I'm not looking for people who gave up on themselves. We were...no...we are...and we will be made by people stronger than that. Do you have what it takes to be a part of the true Crusade?"

The demon's anti-Dark Lady speech seemed to motivate a few persons on the crowd, while others seemed to be looking around nervously in fear of Gorgon patrols.

Eneres looked at the crowd. "Wow. Seems politics ended up even down here. I suppose Lady Dominicia didn't make many friends after the civil war." She commented, looking at Alzion. "By the way...don't show that weapon too much while here. Some people might take it as a threat or a taunt."

Alzion gazed at the growing crowd of Steel Demons with minor inward apprehension as they listened to the Shadow Demon. Heeding Eneres's advice, he discreetly dismissed the weapon into Darkness to be summoned at his call within a moment's notice. He did not step into the crowd, but instead paused to gaze at the Sjachtvyth.

Were it not for what he had been told by Vorel, Alzion would have suspected Aethelnoth had managed to at least provide some influence towards Vythorkathel back when he was Claude to feed distaste towards Dominicia. He glanced towards Eneres as she voiced her opinion on the matter, but put a finger to his lips. It was best to keep their position on such a matter quiet... As she suggested, they did not want to incite foul reactions by their manner.

In the meantime, he held still and listened further. If he continued to listen, it was possible he might be able to determine a lead on the mystery, based on what he had learned before.

The Sjachtvyth went on in his speech. "You still fear the women clad in armor? The Dark Lady's lapdogs? What can they truly do to you? You are Kotharvyth. They are not. You can be reborn. They cannot. It is about time that you raised your weapons against them. We cannot take this abuse any longer. We must be led by our true leaders. Not a human woman who spits on the very rules of this century-old organization. She might have had luck before...but now we're more numerous than back then. We can take back the Crusade if we unite. If my words meant anything...if I haven't just stood here wasting my breath...then raise your head high, and come join our fight..." He pointed towards a district nearer to the center of the town.

"We will be waiting for you. Do not let anyone stop you on the way there. Wux ilxi Kotharvyth. Wux ilxi versvesh. Wux ilxi svern munthrek. Cryvth...ulxix. Cryvth ulxix, Kotharvyth!" He rose his sword skyward, managing to make the crowd cheer to his words as he then took his leave, passing through one of the dark passageways of the town.

Eneres frowned a bit. "Well...this can't be good." His words had made her uneasy, especially when he began speaking in Maelyssian.

Alzion listened quietly as the Sjachtvyth spoke, his expression unchanging though he inhaled sharply when he spoke in the Steel Demons' native tongue. What this Shadow Demon sought did not further the Crusade's goals at all, whether they were under Dominicia or not. He glanced towards his lieutenant. "Come... Let us see if he is willing to speak with us alone. I doubt he is the true leader behind this movement," he suggested. He then began to walk in the direction the Sjachtvyth had indicated to try to catch up to him or intervene before he could get much further.

Eneres nodded and went after Alzion as they moved through the city. She helped him walk through the streets of the town, giving tips over what places were better to avoid and which were usually safe.

As they approached the target location, they would see the Sjachtvyth out in the distance, reaching it. It was a building like any other, but it seemed to be shaped a bit similarly to a cathedral, like the Shadow Hold, although it had a reinforced ground floor with a portcullis, given the violence and lawlessness of Vythorkathel.

And so Alzion followed Eneres's directions, eventually spotted the Sjachtvyth again, and stalked followed him to the cathedral-looking building.

As they approached the building, it would be easier to notice the kind of crowd that frequented the place. Kotharvyth of every kind, being allowed into the building by two guards and some sort of a scribe standing at the entrance. He seemed to ask for names before allowing a person in. The guards seemed Achuakixenvyth, while the scribe himself was clearly an Othokentvyth.

The Sjachtvyth who had been preaching earlier passed by them, without needing to stop to speak with the scribe.

"Hmm...any ideas on how to get past that...?" Eneres inquired, looking at Alzion.

"We just walk in," he responded, semi-absentmindedly. He didn't sound concerned in the slightest, even as he saw what was going on. As they approached the building, he flashed his emerald eyes towards the guards, watching them cautiously. He would not be unprepared.

"Okay." Eneres said, following his lead.

The scribe looked at the two of them, and inquired the same way as he did with anyone else seeking entrance. "Names?" He didn't seem very much affected by Alzion's presence, maybe not even aware of his identity, surprisingly. The guards seemed to exchange glances, despite the scribe's silence.

"Eneres, and the one with me is Alzion Irdraxon." The othokentvyth said plainly.

"Very well. Go in." The kotharvyth replied after writing down their names on the list.

Within the building, many crusade demons were seated, just waiting for what seemed to be a sermon to begin. They exchanged a few words between eachother, but it seemed like common small talk.

The cathedral depicted the Old Crusade in its stained glass windows, showing details of them before the Steam Wars. In the stone around the windows, carved in Maelyssian was 'We are one, from that we draw our strength. We are the greatest power to ever tread this realm. The world must kneel to us and be remade in our image.'

There were available pews for the people still coming in, but it seemed that soon they would be full and begin.

As they approached the cathedral, the Crusader paid the scribe no mind and continued slowly walking as if he weren't there. Though his gaze was forward, he carefully watched the guards as the two passed into the building. As he proceeded into the chamber, he examined the windows, carefully reading their inscriptions.

Then he made his way to the side of the room between the walls and the pews. Standing at the edge of the mass, he quietly watched for sign of the Sjachtvyth. Perhaps they still had a chance at finding and speaking with him before the event began.

The doors closed. It was time.



A figure dressed in a very large, ornamented robe entered the room and walked up to the altar. It was followed by 4 Sjachtvyth, one of them could be recognized as the one making the speech in Vythorkathel's entrance. He was leaning back on the wall rather casually with his eyes closed.

"Ahem." The robed figure began. "Brothers and sisters...you've all come here because you have heeded the call. The call of those who preached the truth in the streets, and you were the seeds that sprouted thanks to their voices. You have heard all that there is to be heard. Now, it is time. Yes, time for us to be one." He began to chant for a moment, raising his arms and reaching out to the heavens.

"The Dark One...his avatar, the last shred of his sanity is now bound to the Fool. The Fake Lord. The one who has lost himself from our way. There is yet a chance for us to recover our master. Our true leader. Or to find a new one, yes. But for now...let us become one, so that we may present ourselves before our Lord in the true glory of our kind. As one mind." The chanting got stronger, and it was clear that something made of a potent darkness became active.

All the kotharvyth in the cathedral raised their heads and opened their eyes wide, now flickering with a purple glow.

Eneres was not an exception.

"We are now one." All of them said in unison. Eerily, they all turned to look at Alzion. "The Crusader of Intellect. Ah...the one to trick the Dark One...to foil the Fool's End. You've been bold so far...but can you truly escape the power of the Kotharvyth?" With the exception of the priest and the four Sjachtvyth, all others got up and drew their weapons. "The era of the Old Crusaders is over. The time of the Kotharvyth has come."

Eneres had her body covered in a faint flicker of light energy for a moment, making her blink a few times until the purple eyes worn off. She seemed almost as if she had woke up from a bad dream. But then seeing the Kotharvyth crowd she walked up to Alzion and stood next to him, preparing to defend the both of them.

Alzion gazed over the unified mass of Kotharvyth, his green eyes flickering in the shadows. He held his gaze momentarily on Eneres, but quickly averted his gaze. So it seemed that Vorel's assumptions were accurate after all.

His expression was as calm as ever and to the onlooker he did not seem worried about the situation he found himself in. This certainly had not provided any information in regards to Alexis, but it did provide quite a bit in regards to what the sniper's purpose was.

Considering the status of these individuals... There would be no sign of mercy unless their current head saw interest in halting the attack. Holding anyone to keep himself safe or attempting to negotiate, would unfortunately not be an option. The best they could do was withdraw while dealing as little damage as possible; that would be a difficult feat. Without expressing a word to respond to the subjugated entities, the Crusader of Intellect removed his hands from his pockets in preparation to go on the defensive.

"Don't worry...I won't let this get out of hand, Alzion." She whispered softly. Eneres frowned, taking initiative and stepping before the Crusader. "Alright you meanies...meanie! You stop this right now! We don't want to hurt our own kind! Stop this!"

Her talk seemed as efficient as killing a goron with a slingshot. They advanced, taking swings already at the lieutenant. Others were marching towards Alzion as well.

Eneres took a step back, missing their attack by a close call. "I didn't want to fight...but you leave me no choice." She seemed determined at protecting Alzion, as soon he'd feel the protective effect of Sacrifice.

For a moment, the othokentvyth returned to her original metallic form. A green aura enveloped her as she then achieved a form that seemed to stand between both. She was clad in armor and wielding a lance. 'I won't kill them...' her voice rang in the Crusader's head.

She then swept her lance in an arc in front of her, to keep the incoming crowd at bay.

-------

Meanwhile, in the city's outskirts...

*from Riverbend Inn - Outside*

Hildrimfel arrived with his two guests. He faced the green city before turning to them. "Welcome...to the Underworld."

Rachel looked around, distanced herself for a moment and summoned a Dark Gate. From there, rose the real one, the Queen of Hearts in her normal form. She walked towards Hildrimfel and Ghirahim, but her gaze was set beyond them...to a point in the city. Yes...this she had to see with her own eyes...

'Rachel' soon reverted to her original shape, and so Loraine walked after her mistress, not speaking a word.

The commander adjusted his monocle, raising an eyebrow at the event. An ally revealing their true colors in the middle of the Underworld. He'd have to make sure to keep an eye on them.

Almost as if reading his thoughts, the woman snapped out of her gazing and faced the demon. "I'm sure you understand the methods one must go through to ensure their safety before appearing publicly to certain individuals. It was still I who spoke to you all this time." She stated plainly. "The one you seek is within here."

As Eneres tried to speak sense into the opposition once more, the Demon Reaper gazed across the room, recalling the hooded chanter. Were it not for their low numbers, it was possible that Eneres and himself had another method to end this.

However, even if they did manage to reach across the room, their numbers against the opposition's were far from convenient, and if bringing down the chanter did not do the trick, it would have been a wasted effort. Yes, it was better to leave this situation for now and react accordingly after leav-

Thk! Alzion blinked, gazing to his left side. Sticking out of the shoulder of his coat was an arrow. It didn't pierce his skin and it didn't hurt him, but he did feel it. As the Crusader gazed at the projectile, more arrows flew about him, striking the floor and wall. One hit his helmet and bounced off harmlessly as he pulled the arrows out of his clothing.

He stepped up to his Lieutenant. "That, alongside getting out of this chapel, is our objective," he assured her. Then he glanced towards his right towards the entrance of the building that they had entered.

Ghirahim stepped from Hildrimfel's gateway, gazing at the mess of structures before them. He gaze upwards, observing that their surroundings were now rather different. So this was Aethelnoth's home? He began to take a step towards Vythorkathel when he sensed new magic being activated.

The entity turned about, watching as the true Queen of Hearts arrived and revealed herself. He gazed at her silently. There was something different about the her now... Or was there? When she indicated Vythorkathel, Ghirahim gazed back at the city once more. "There...?" He watched the city silently for several moments. Then he began to walk towards the location again, observing, "Even from here, I can feel a powerful magic running rampant through that place."

Without warning a storm of colorful petals appeared in the air between the attackers and the attacked. That would mean right close to where Alzion and Eneres were standing. The second after the cloud shattered in a burst of colors and revealed the very familiar shape of the crusader of chaos. Hugin was dressed in a flowing lavender colored robe which continued to move a few seconds after his appearing act, like always his hair was long and everything about him just screamed clean, almost as if he just dried from taking a long path...yes he did smell very nice. (Being the inventor of shampoo in the Zelda world according to some)

It was not usual to see Hugin serious, but not he looked very serious. The sorcerer raised his hand and shaped two of the fingers like an O. Before anyone had time to react, he took in a breath of air and blew thought the hole created by his fingers. A cloud of small black particles quickly moved out into the area, the second after large black crystal thorns began to grow out all around the room, creating a wall between the attacking people and the intended victims. Many of them found themselves stuck in the large thorn-field, fire would have little to no effect against these thorns.

"Hello Alzion and...small lady I do not remember the name of with green hair."

He moved one hand though the long hair and gave them a small glance, something seemed different about Hugin...but it was hard to tell what that might be.

"I imagine now is a good time to get out, unless you wish to stay and fight? My thorns will hold them back for a while, but not forever."

That, of all things, was unexpected. Eneres was ready to leave with Alzion, when Hugin appeared. Well, he took care of that. So she charged for the doors and tried to open them. It took a little more physical effort, but they gave in, and she managed to make it out of the cathedral.

But then, there were the two large guards on the door. Eneres made a quick gesture and cast a spell, making one of them be held in place by ethereal swords. But the spell wouldn't last forever, especially given how draining this battle form was.

She proceeded to block an attack from the large guard with her lance.

The kotharvyth crowd began chanting something as they tried to force themselves against the crystalline thorns. They worked in perfect sync, as a crowd, trying to apply their mass in a point to bring down the thorn wall.

-------

The Queen of Hearts nodded to Ghirahim. "Yes. He's about to face difficult trials. This will be an eventful day for this demonic city." She began walking in its direction, cane in one hand as she waved her fan, 'due to the heat'.

Loraine followed, her hand in her Sabre's hilt. She had never seen a place like this before, but in the end, a city was a city. She could still do her job, it was a matter of adapting to the environment.

Hildrimfel let the two women go ahead, since in this way it'd be easier to keep an eye on them. And then, he signaled for Ghirahim to come with him.

Alzion's emerald eyes snapped away from the doors as Hugin entered the scene with a burst of flowers and he watched as the crystalline thorns rose about the room 'imprisoning' the enemy at least for the moment. "That was excellent timing, Hugin."

He paused, watching Eneres head away to open the doors for them. Then he glanced back to the sorcerer, "Yes, I think it is best if we left for now; Eneres and I have obtained rather interesting information and we shall probably be able to better evaluate the situation away from here," he responded agreeably as the chanting rose in among the crowd.

Without further words, the Demon Reaper also began to make his way to the doors. Arriving at the small skirmish outside the doors, the Crusader of Intellect stood to the side of the confrontation between Eneres and the guard. As the blade was halted by Eneres's own block, Alzion stepped forwards, grabbing the blade of weapon without hesitation and let the guard's attack continue, pulling the weapon off to the side and using the already-present momentum to have the guard lose its balance and loosen its grip on the weapon.


Ghirahim watched the woman, shaken by her words. She who spoke the tale of fate was granted disturbing foresight. It was queer for him to think of how much she might know. He glanced to the side at Hildrimfel when the butler indicated to him and wordlessly followed him.

Hugin gave a short glance to the thorn, it would keep them bust for a while....no thorn bush without sharp thorns and these people would find that forcing themselves though it would work after a while, but some might not make it out in a very...uhm...unharmed state. Not that the sorcerer minded if some traitors killed themselves on the thorn, less to worry about.

"Well I flatter myself to know when to make an entrance, must be a personal skill of mine."

He joined Alzion as the man was making his way towards the doors out.

"Information? Even of the interesting kind? Now I really want to hear all about that over a cup of tea once we get away from this unclean and brutish place. I say we should aim for my quarters, they should be comfortable enough for our needs. Unless you have an objection?"

Hugin came to a halt and examined the conflict in the door. He casually summoned three orbs of energy that moved in to attack the guard that attacked Eneres. He used the opening created by Alzion move, this was not the time for games and they had to get away.

The guard was overwhelmed by the two Crusaders, being blasted back by the sorcerer's attack after Alzion disarmed him. His companion seemed in a bit of a bind, and not likely to get out of it anytime soon.

Eneres breathed heavily, surprised by having been able to block that. She had never been in a real fight that she could recall...it was frightening. But she had to protect Alzion. In the end, though, it was he who saved her. "Well, let's get going then...but I think we shouldn't leave those cultists to do as they wish...else they would probably try to spread the cult throughout the whole town and it will get out of hand."

"We should find Duke Thalatoth..." The othokentvyth started rushing away from the Cathedral.

The crowd slammed into the thorn wall, the sacrifice of a few seemed meaningless to the mass.

------

Rachel walked through Vythorkathel, her eyes set on a single point. She stopped in one of the streets, and simply observed. From that spot, it was possible to see the very escape. "I see....fire. Yes...and a crowd. Their eyes the color of those flames. They rise from everywhere...and then..." She took a few cards off of her sleeve. The Tower. Wheel of Fortune. The Sun. She closed her eye. "You should go, if you seek to save them."

Loraine knew the Queen hadn't spoken to her and just looked at Hildrimfel.

The commander didn't want to leave this woman alone, but things looked serious over there. He warped from the shadows.

Gripping the guard's halberd in his left hand, Alzion glanced back to Hugin. "Once we find Thataloth and inform him of the situation... that might be agreeable. The other Kotharvyth leaders should be informed as well." He momentarily looked back as the Kotharvyth slammed themselves against Hugin's entrapment.

Then the Demon began to head after Eneres, though his attention was directed towards the outside of the city. A distantly familiar shadow was approaching, though he didn't quite recognize it.


Ghirahim halted when the butler vanished into the shadows. He had asked Ghirahim to follow, but he couldn't follow Hildrimfel like that. The pale being looked back at Rachel to see what she was doing, but the woman didn't seem to be moving anymore.

The entity looked about cautiously, watching the fighting of the common... 'civilians'. Subconsciously, Ghirahim opened his access to magic and got a strange feeling.

Hugin walked along with Alzion away from the building and his purple eyes quickly darted from side to side, maybe the rebells had people stationed outside of the building to? It was after all not impossible, not that he was worried, but he did not feel like being surprised by anything in the dark so to speak.

"Chances are these are not the only once, so agreed that the others should know. But then again, how do we not know that one of the leaders is involved in this rebellion? It is not impossible, in fact I find it very likely that at least one of them is...if not more."

The cathedral's bells began to ring, echoing with the chant of those inside the building. The lawless city, which moments before was filled with sound, fell silent. Flames that were once green flickered a dim purple. Moments passed with such a silence, until synchronized footsteps echoed throughout the city. Something was clearly off, as an enormous darkness could be felt beneath Vythorkathel. The chant of the kotharvyth changed.

"Ulxix Sverakir rvysv vhir. Svent Cryvthyr ihk Sverakir." They spoke in almost snakelike whispers.

They started to move towards the outsiders, rising from all places. Marching through the streets. An unholy, flawless unison. The crowd rising from nearby street corners and buildings prepared to attack. Arrows were aimed at Hugin and Alzion, from rooftops and buildings, while infantry marched towards them.

--

Eneres gulped. The ringing of the chant in her head started to get bothersome, but she endured it. She wouldn't hurt Alzion. The lieutenant cast a seal upon herself, and suddenly the dark urge faded away. The woman had her lance ready to fend off the advancing attackers.

Hildrimfel rose slowly from Alzion's shadow, armed with his lance. He walked up to the crusader's side, and gave him a nod. "Good to see the two of you again, Lord Alzion and Lord Hugin. Pity that it has to be in such...unfortunate conditions."

--

The Queen of Hearts was no exception to the advance of the Kotharvyth, despite their focus being on the crusaders. She, Loraine and Ghirahim were outsiders.

The crime lady kept herself relaxed, still waving her fan casually. She tilted her head to her bodyguard. "Loraine."

She seemed to know exactly what her mistress had in mind, and drew her sabre. The lokomo looked at Ghirahim. "Copy my weapon. Learn how to fight." She began by delivering a warning slash at the incoming crowd, causing light damage and slowing their advance a little. In the position they were, however, they could be potentially overwhelmed.

The Queen seemed to have become rather still and stiff at this point, her gaze fixated with a certain place within the city. Only the waving of her fan showed any sort of life coming from her.

Alzion turned towards Hildrimfel when he arose. So that's who it was. He was about to say something to respond to Hugin and greet Hildrimfel when the clamoring of the bells began. Holding the polearm over his shoulder, the Demon turned about as the Darkness spread across the entire city.

He removed his right hand from his pocket as he saw the other Kotharvyth beginning to react, a small note falling out visible to Hildrimfel. "A pleasure indeed," he agreed, a light hint of sarcasm in his voice. "I think..." The Crusader of Intellect glanced back at Hugin for a moment before returning his gaze to the butler.

"Hildrimfel, go to Vorel and tell her that she is correct and have her tell you what this is about. Afterwards, retrieve the other leaders of the Kotharvyth clans and inform them of the situation, but be weary of any who might have succumbed to the Darkness," Alzion said. "We shall be searching for Thataloth here."

Alzion did not seem to have trouble commanding the Sjachtvyth even though he wasn't under his command according to the Crusade's technicalities. They hadn't a moment to waste.


Ghirahim glanced back at Loraine. "Huh...?" He blinked for a moment, his gaze dazed as he seemed overwhelmed by the powers present. Then he seemed to understand for a thin bar of metal appeared from thin air before him. In a split second, it lengthened and shaped itself, taking on the form of a saber which he grabbed out of the air.

He quickly glanced back at her, unsure what was going on. Quickly he mimicked her threatening movements, though to little affect. He repeated the movement only to get the same results. Growing frustrated, a growl rose in his throat, and his face descended into an angry scowl. "Get away," he hissed. A second rapier formed in midair as he stepped forwards solidly, and he grabbed it, swinging it at the side of the nearest Demon's head.

Hugin looked around and he listened to the soun of the bells, then how the people in the city seemed to become unnaturally silent, now that was not a very good sign to say the least.

"This is not my idea of fun, looks like we might have to fight and I really feel uncomfortable being a sitting duck like this."

He commented with a small nod towards the archers, he did not say anything to Hildrimfel when the butler appeared, but he gave him a small nod. So...battle was it what they wanted? If they thought these people could take out him and Alzion they where really far from the truth. Hugin reached into the air and between his fingers appeared a very pretty red crystal rose.

"I shall take my fighting to a higher ground..."

With those words the sorcerer disappeared in a burst of flowers and energy. He appeared seconds later behind some of the archers, his arrival was not a secret....he really did not care if they saw him or not.

"I came with a gift..."

Hugin then casually threw the rose at the archers, before they had time to take aim for him the Rose detonated in a flare of magical energy.

Hildrimfel saw a note and picked it up. As he was about to hand it to Alzion, he noticed it was addressed to himself. Perhaps he was meaning to give him this at some point. The commander then simply picked up the letter and put it inside his own coat.

Then he was asked to see Vorel. "As if this day couldn't get any more lovely..." He commented, before leaving through the shadows. But suddenly, he found himself something blocking his way from sinking into the shadows.

The Arch Enchantress herself rose from the shadow, her arms crossed as she gave Hildrimfel the typical cold stare. "Once this is done, we have much to talk about."

Hildrimfel was surprised, but nodded. "If you say so. But excuse me...there's people I need to alert."

"You're not going anywhere. I've sent others to give out a red alert. They'll all be here soon." She looked around, seeing the current situation. "Looks worse than I thought. But it is a clever trick our enemy is using."

"The bells are acting as magical amplifiers, allowing for a more extensive hive mind. But whomever was the central mind...no longer exists. It has lost itself upon the thousands of minds. Thus why it must reassure itself of its goals by repeating their task repeatedly. So a way to counter the bells and the crowd would be making use of a sound that could just as easily fill the streets of this city. Then the hive mind would get lost over its goals...thus making it easy for the kotharvyth to break free. But the only sound loud enough and with such duration to help us would be..." Vorel looked at Hildrimfel.

The butler smiled a little. "I never thought I'd do one in order to save us all. I'll have to gather my team."

She gave him a handful of gemstones. "Give your team this. It will counter the hive mind effect. I couldn't make many...but it'll do for what you need."

Hildrimfel accepted the stones and faded into the shadows.

Vorel then looked at Alzion. "We'll have to hold them off until Hildrimfel gets back. I'll admit I'm not much of a fighter, though."

Eneres did her best to knock down the incoming Kotharvyth, muttering 'sorry' and 'oh, I didn't want to hit that hard' as she fought the horde. It wasn't taking long for her to be overrun.

The infantry pressed on, at this point leaving Eneres, Alzion and Vorel in the middle of a circular opening. As for the archers, they were surprised by Hugin's strike and were caught in the explosion. But other archers on nearby roofs aimed at the sorcerer and began firing at him in retaliation.

-------

"Good. Let some rage come through. As long as it doesn't make you reckless, anger can go a long way in a fight." Loraine commented to Ghirahim, before doing a spin attack to avoid being overrun.

The Queen of Hearts started to hum a song to herself softly. It seemed like an instrumental piece of classical music, in a slow tempo.

Holding the halberd, Alzion largely kept his opponents at bay, though he did have to perform several debilitating swipes to knock some approaching Kotharvyth unconscious. He glanced to the side as Vorel rose from the shadows. That was faster than he had expected.

The Kotharvyth Lord sidestepped backwards towards Vorel in combat to better hear her words as he swiped at a Steel Demon approaching Eneres from the rear and quickly let loose another strike at a Kotharvyth approaching Vorel. "As long as we can hold them off long enough," was his only reply.


As Ghirahim continued to fight off the nearby enemies, the metal of the sabers steadily melded over the form of his hands, binding themselves to him. Panting, the being deftly jumped backwards away from the approaching enemies, raising his saber as a black aura enveloped the blade.

Then he brought the weapon down in a vertical slash, summoning forth a crescent-shaped blade of metal covered in black energy that flew into the enemies before them, spinning dangerously.