Preparations

Drifting off to sleep, somewhere else a beast stirs from its slumber. His scarlet red eyes take in its surroundings as it shakes the sleep off.

Looking towards the moon it lets out a massive howl. Its snow-white fur rustles with the wind as an off scent pierces its nostrils. Immediately on guard, he rushes past his sleeping kin and makes his way out of their den. A sinister screech echoes out as a black and green wolf lunges for its throat. Swatting it aside the beast glares in contempt at the corrupted creature.

His eyes glow with a fiery rage at the sight. Its kin’s once well-kept black fur was completely matted and torn, even its eyes were twisted and dilated.

Its many gashes and scars leak out an ethereal green fluid. As it leaks and foams from its orifices, the ground beneath burns away at every drop. Its heart was aching and wanted to be put to rest.

A fiery red energy coats the apex predator; its claws extend beyond their normal reach as he bears his fangs. A deep guttural growl echoes forth in the darkness. Each of its breaths burn the air itself like a primordial fire. Even his blood began to boil as it makes quick work of its opponent as it unleashes hell-fire from his mouth. The array of flame quickly consumes its distorted kin.

Burning its fallen form to cinders, the ashes crackle into the air scattering with the wind. His mind began to race with thoughts of vengeance as its fallen brother’s image stains it. Looking back to the sky, it lets out a howl that shakes the very foundations of Blackwood, it echoes for miles

The gentle moonlight swaddles itself over the encompassing landscape like a mother comforting a crying child. Just like that, the beast slips quietly back into the night.

The next morning Joshua awakens to the sound of clanging metal. Wiping the sleep from his eyes he makes his exit, watching Vilhelm and Susanna sparring.

Swiftly avoiding his strikes, she dances around him fencing towards any opening she can find. Vilhelm, frustrated with his performance, is pushed back, doing his best to block her until her blade finds his throat.

“I yield.” He raises his hands in defeat.

Clapping at the sight Joshua congratulates Susanna as he attempts to apologize for his actions. Ignoring him, she walks away visibly upset. Vilhelm, noticing, calls his captain over to him. Joshua obliges as he stretches out his hand. Vilhelm takes it as he's pulled back to his feet. Turning back to face her, Joshua attempts to follow, but Vilhelm holds out an arm blocking his path.

“I wouldn’t bother Joshua, Lashing out last night must have really gotten under her skin. I mean Wilhelm explained that you were just in shock, but I don’t think she believed him. Just give her some time, I’m sure she’ll get over it”

Joshua pinches his nose ridge, not understanding women. Seraphina was so simple, truly a blessing in his life. “Seraphine.”Vilhelm looks over to him in confusion, Joshua’s gaze melancholic.

Walking off from the training grounds, he finds Wilhelm doing pushups beside the watchtower. Noticing his captain, Wilhelm takes a break, getting up greeting him. “Morning Captain, did you get some rest after last night?”

He lets out a tired sigh. “Kind of, my hands still killing me.”

Laughing, Wilhelm slaps Joshua on the back. “You’re doing just fine then Joshua. I’m just glad everything went mostly according to plan.”

“Agreed,” Joshua chuckles, remembering something from the night prior. “Wil, by any chance did you ever use that whistle I handed you?”

“I did not.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls it out, passing it over. Taking it, Joshua raises it to his lips, blowing it as a piercing noise rips through the air.

Pulling out his journal, Joshua takes his pen, writing a warning down for Layrn. “Andric is serving Astaroth!”

As he finishes, a large black hawk swoops down, landing on the fence post before them, sticking its foot out, Joshua ties the note down. Dartz caws, flapping its wings at the two of them before racing off.

Following this, Joshua and Wilhelm meet up with Vilhelm. They need to fill him in on everything going on. Walking over to the fire pit, he snaps his fingers, catching his attention. Turning to face him he nods his head. Joshua starts explaining their plan as they walk towards the front of the camp.

“So, you’re saying you need to set up ‘totems’ around Blackwood? What even is a totem?” Vilhelm looks on, a look of confusion on his face.

“I remember reading about them a while ago.” Joshua lies through his teeth not mentioning his encounter with Darius. The two almost immediately believe it.

“No wonder they fell for Andric’s tricks last time, they’re extremely gullible.” Draxis’s voice echoes through Joshua’s mind.

“That doesn’t seem too complicated, what’s the part you need help with?” Wilhelm tilts his head.

“Well, the tricky part is that they have to be activated in sequential order. That’s where you three will come in.”

“Three?” The twins ask in unison.

“Yeah, I’ll fill Orthon in once we head down. Once the totems are in place, you’ll have to pour your aura into them and after all the carved runes activate it should break Astaroth’s domain. In theory, at least.” making quotation motions with his fingers, he stretches his arms out.

“Astaroth?” Vilhelm’s eyes go wide. Noticing this, Wilhelm pats him on his back telling him to just trust their captain.

“How will we know that we’ve done it right?”

“A massive pillar of light should pierce through the ritual. Alongside that, the totems should turn to dust.”

“Sounds easy enough to me.” Vilhelm brushes it off.

“If you saw what Andric was experimenting on, you’d see why it’s dangerous. Churey was slaughtered last night. Remember that only us and Orthon have Aura here.” Wilhelm cautions his brother before continuing.

“We’ll be risking our lives tenfold here, please don’t take this lightly. Plans always seem easier on paper.” Finally understanding the seriousness of the situation due to his twin's input, Vilhelm questions Joshua on why them specifically and not the captains.

“That’s because they’ll probably be too preoccupied in the camp to help, all but one of the totems need to be activated outside its vicinity, one here on the mountain, one in the forest, one in the plains, and one by the great blackwood tree.” Vilhelm nods as they start heading down towards the outskirts of Blackwood. Susanna is left to her to her own devices.

“Kid, make sure you don’t forget that map.” Joshua shakes his head. “I know master.” Rotating his bag around to his chest, he double checks his bag confirming that it's there.

“What do you have there?” Inquires Wilhelm.

Pulling the map out of the bag, he hands it over to the twins. “I made sure to copy down where Andric placed the demonic sigils, we have to make sure to mirror its pattern to cancel it out.”

“Okay, how do you know this though? I don’t think this is something that we’ve learned before.” After looking it over Wilhelm hands it back as he puts it back in his bag.

“I’d say I had another vision but that wouldn’t quite be accurate. Someone warned me, I guess the best way to put it.” Joshua dances his words around as he tries to shut down any further questioning. The twins nod their heads, fully trusting their captain and little brother.

—-----------------------------

Sometime later whilst descending Shiraia, the three catch Orthon training out by his lonesome. Sending him a signal with his aura, Joshua chuckles. Orthon responds almost immediately, making his way out of the camp’s gate. Running out, his feet stir up the dirt around him. Turning on a dine, he runs up to the left, meeting them on the hill.

“Orthon, we have a slight change of plans. You’re going to want to take a seat.” Orthon curiously tilts his head.

“Andric is a servant of Astaroth, one of the seven arch-demons.” Orthon’s eyes widen, his mouth left agape as he mumbles to himself.

“Astaroth…. The arch-demon over necromancy. And Andric is serving him.” Orthon closes his eyes letting the information set in as he raises his right hand to his chin. “You know, that makes a lot of sense actually.”

Pulling out his journal, Joshua retells the information he copied down from the night prior. As Orthon listens in, interjecting a guess at what Andric is planning.

“He plans on not only killing us, but turning all of us into his puppets. Creating an army as well as establishing Astaroth’s territory here in Seteralia…” His voice raises. “Is he insane, does he not realize that demons don’t actually help humans? He’s being led like a lamb to slaughter. Once Astaroth is done with him, he’ll just be cast aside.” Orthon places his right hand on his temple as pity spreads across his face.

“How do you know so much about demon’s Orthon? It’s weird enough that Joshua does. It’s not exactly a major part of our curriculum” Wilhelm questions their blue wearing ally.

“Well my older brother was a member of the order of Serox before falling in battle. He used to tell me stories when I was little. Desiring for me to have a better life, he forbade my parents from ever letting me join.” A bittersweet smile rests on his face.

“Is it really just our direct bloodline that thought this information was pointless?” Vilhelm groans.

“Brother, we are a clan of aura masters and military geniuses, why would they bother including demons in our curriculum if they typically don’t appear in our territory.” Joshua chuckles at Wil’s reply.

“That’s right Wil. As long as one has a spiritual power source, they can kill demons. Albeit not that anyone has ever had to fight an arch-demon before.” Joshua confidently puffs out his chest.

Draxis groans, “What about back then, didn’t you fight their king, killing him?” “Technically I did, I just didn’t realize that he used a death curse on me.” Enthralled with the conversation, Orthon brings up his father’s wishes for him ,his family on his mind.

“My father, Garliel Vielo, sent me here to get stronger and make some friends. I’m very happy to have befriended you, Joshua.” Joshua smiles, patting him on his shoulder. “What about us?” Vilhelm interjects.

“Yeah, you guys too. Even though both of you ignored my challenges.” Orthon sheepishly grins as Joshua eyes his brothers. “You’re telling me that they avoided having to duel. Why did I have to?

As they banter, Wilhelm mentions the name Garliel. “Orthon, doesn’t that mean you're actually a distant relative to us. Didn’t the Vielo used to have an overseer until some drama happened back when our father was still young.

Orthon looks down in slight shame. “Yeah, father wants me to try and rebuild our families’ influence and get our spot back. And honestly I do too, but I’ve got a long way to go. I’m nowhere near strong enough and lack the political backing.” Vilhelm, not paying attention, stares off into space.

Draxis attempts to reply as a strange stillness comes over the four. Everyone but Joshua freezes in place, as the Kitsune from underground interrupts, her energy permeates through the air. It's little one bounces over to his feet as he leans down greeting it. “Hello little Yoko.”

Lifting his gaze, the nine tailed fox garners his attention as a mist turns his head.

“Reality is becoming unstable here child, If I were you, I’d take your friends and leave this god forsaken place before that bastard's plan comes to fruition.”

He looks down clenching his fists. “I would if I could, but I can’t leave all these innocent people to die.”

“Are they truly innocent, or do you just feel guilty of your escape last time…” Joshua chokes up at the words.

“I know your memories child, I know who you are and where you come from. The path you desire will be full of hardship and pain. Are you ready for that, to watch those around you die again?”

“I have no choice; I refuse to lie down like a coward and Fox.” His voice narrows. “I won’t let them die again.” Joshua straightens up, his eyes igniting.

A smile crosses the Jikan’s lips. “Very well then young man, I’m interested to see if the outcome you desire will come to pass. I’ll be watching you.”

—-----------------------------------------

Time shifts as it begins moving once again, Joshua gets tongue tied as he readjusts his focus. Ignoring the Jikan, he shakes his head. “All in all guys, the plan is this.” Pulling out his map, he points to four positions. “These are the locations of the demonic sigils. The plan is to mirror the locations of the sigils underground and light up four totems with our aura.”

Pointing out the symbols, he notates how they have to invert the path Andric used in the ritual chamber. “I just have to prepare them and when the black sun rises we’ll have to split up and activate them.”

Orthon raises his hand. “Can’t we set the totems up earlier? If we're just trying to counter his ritual.”

Joshua shakes his head and hand in dismissal. “If we do that, they’ll get corrupted by the demonic energy, they’ll have to be stored within our camp's barrier. The barrier around Blackwood has lost its glimmer.

“Why do you me, and not your other squad mate?” Orthon tilts his head thinking about Susanna.

“Well aside from her being a bit pissed off at Joshua right now, she lacks aura and the totems need spiritual power to function.” Vilhelm bluntly replies.

“What in the world did he do to piss off that sweet girl?” Remembering his squad mates, he nods in understanding. “Well, if that’s all you needed to tell me, do any of you want to train with me today?” Vilhelm smiles, wanting to make up for his loss against Susanna.

“You’re on.” The two of them walk off over to the nearby flatland.

“Wilhelm!” Joshua calls out.

“Yes captain.” Wilhelm turns his head.

“Make sure to describe the severity and dangers of this mission to both of them again please, just in case I didn’t make it clear enough.” Joshua commands as he crosses his arms.

“Very well Captain.” Wilhelm bows his head slightly.

“Oh, and try not to let Vil get hurt too badly, Orthon is the closest in strength to me. As you saw from my last spar with him.” Joshua chuckles as he continues walking off.

“What do you plan on doing?” Wilhelm questions.

“I need to gather the ingredients I need for the totems, thankfully everything should be in the forest.”

“Take care captain, watch out for that damn wolf.”

Taking a momentary pause, his mind recollects his encounter with the beast. “Thanks for the reminder, Wil. I’ll keep it in mind.” flipping his hair, he walks off in the direction of the black-wood forest.

“Kid, what happened back there? I completely lost the ability to speak and everything froze up.” Draxis' voice ripples through his head.

“Nanatsumi came by again, she was warning me to just run away. I wish I could, but I can’t do that this time.” Joshua sighs as he clenches his fist.

“I know kid, that’s the coward's way out. A real warrior stares death in the face.”

“Exactly, she also said that she knows who I am, and when I am.” Gesturing to himself, he moves his right arm up and down. “I was completely ready to meet my end, only to end back up here. And I still don’t know why.” Sighing to himself, Joshua continues making his way towards the Blackwood forest.

“Sneaky fox…” Draxis mumbles.