The Search Begins!

Benkei listened in as nir made benkei a promise "keep your word all of you,I know we all lost something whether it was pride ,friends or a loved one but they must pay and we must bring our lady back". Benkei would listen in as Kane had vital information about the Duran solders "so you are saying we have to climb up a dreaded social ladder just to take these heathen's down and rescue our Oracle....so be it". Benkei smacked his hands together " we need separate teams then take down one objective after another so then once their ladder is crumbling we come together and strike them down in the middle where it hurts to their leaders!" .

Biggs has looked like he was thinking about something as Kane had been explaining the rankings of Duran. ”Hang in a sec...” His thinking face was on. The attention was on Biggs now. ”Although we know their ranking system. How would you compare them to us?” The group would have their eyes on Biggs. The young man would raise his head to see the eyes staring back at him. Biggs has become flustered and embarrassed. ”Uhhh!! I mean!! It’s it’s you know! To get an idea on how powerful these guys are!” He would fumble his words around. He’d even repeat the same words as well. It was extremely embarrassing for him to have so much attention on him.

”He’s right. Seeing as you’ve been around these guys, I’d assume you’d have so kind of idea of how strong they are.” Virgil would join in, relieving the pressure from off of Biggs.

”I will keep my word Benkei. But before we even think of taking Duran head on, and climbing up their ranks, we need an idea of where to start....” Nir’d turn to Biggs, who wanted a scaling of their power. Virgil would also express his interest in knowing of their power level, compared to the group. ”Any information would help Kane...”

The bounty hunter stood there, rubbing his chin. ”Well, I’m sure you’ve already crossed paths with the fodder. Regular Serpent soldiers aren’t much of a problem. Viper operatives have a bit more gadgets, but they’re comparable to Serpent soldiers.” Kane kicked at the ground, reaching into his jacket for a cigar. ”If I were to compare the other ranks in Duran to official rankings registered with The Council of Magic, I’d say that Pythons are C-Class. Judging from what I saw from you three in the tournament, you guys could take them. Now, Black Mamba can be a little different. They are typically B-Class, but some are definitely A-Class for sure. Everything that follows afterwards is A-Class to S-Class.” Kane inhaled, blowing out the smoke.

”There’s no point in explaining anything. We’re just wasting time here.” Said Van, who had been walking towards the group. His torn cloaked had been draped over him, covering most of his newly attained armored arm. ”The more we talk here, the harder it’ll be to track down The Oracle.” He turned to the others, looking each individual in the face. ”Slow your horses buddy, we’ll get going soon. I’m just filling these guys in on what they’ll be up against.”

Benkei listened in to the explanation and weighed in "I understand that but I can not wait any longer". Benkei became irritated and questioned Kane "so by ranking standards you us at at least B rank or A and we still wouldn't be able to challenge the higher ups because we would get destroyed". As the group bickered and Kane explained himself another stranger walked in tossing their conversation out the window and wanted to leave "how dare you speak of the Oracle as If you care watch your dam tounge !". Benkei become fustrated with this new comer

Virgil would turn to Biggs. The two of them would think while the others would argue amongst themselves. ”What’s the move?” Biggs had asked. ”Truthfully, Duran in general has nothing to do with us.” Virgil would reply. ”But they do have the Oracle aannnnd we kinda need her.” Virgil has then folded his arms. ”We should go after her.” Biggs eyes widened as he would smile. ”I was thinking the same thing.”

After the group had finished with their conversation. Virgil would speak up, ”Sooo... basically... if we’re gonna stage a search and rescue. We’ll need to be prepared to fight these Basilisk guys.” The young man would have his arms crossed, head tilted and was tapping his foot on the ground. ”Not for nothing... but, we don’t have anything to do with Duran. We don’t intend on taking on the entire country. Our reasons are different from yours but... we will help to find the Oracle. At the very least.” It was clear that Virgil and his group had no intentions of working with the Galatians. They did share the similar desire to save the Oracle though. What could their intentions with the Oracle be?

Van scoffed, closing his eye. ”I don’t like people like you. You talk to much, and that will get you killed.” He was clearly annoyed with Benkei, ”And you’re right, I don’t care about her at all. I’m just looking to get paid.” Kane’d sigh, placing his hand on Van’s shoulder. ”Alright, that’s enough. We’re not here to start another war buddy. Excuse him.”

At the same time, Nir had placed his hand in front of Benkei. ”Benkei, I understand you’re disappointment. But this isn’t time.” The Galatian turned to Virgil and Biggs, ”Sorry. I understand that Duran isn’t one of your problems. But we do have that common interest in locating The Oracle. I think we should work together...”

Kane had turned to Virgil and Biggs, ”.......”

Virgil would look back to Nir with earnest eyes. ”Oh no no!” Virgil began waving his hands as if flustered. ”I may have worded that wrong.” He’d then use one hand to wave no. ”We’d be more than willing to help out but we have our own agenda to follow. I’m more than sure we’ll cross paths again though.” Virgil would the. Turn to the entrance of the tent. Biggs would follow. ”Once we’re all recovered, we’ll be headed out in search of the Oracle.” Virgil and Biggs would both wave their hands goodbye. ”We’ll be seein ya.” Biggs would say as the edited the tent.

”I see.” Nir rubbed his chin, understanding that Virgil and his friends were not obliged to join Nir. They had their own reasons to locate The Oracle, as Nir had his. ”I suppose we’ll cross paths again, if fate allows it.” Nir smiled, ”Good luck.” He muttered as both Virgil and Biggs walked off, waving. ”And then there were four.” Kane said, placing his hands into his pockets. ”Alright, we shouldn’t waste anymore time. Let’s get everything together before heading out.” Kane nodded, ”Agreed.”

”You three follow me. Sir Francis, our general as of this point, will be speaking to the Galatians in the square. I’m sure we’ll get the gameplan from him there.” Van scoffed, ”How long will this speech take exactly? The more time we waste, the further your precious Oracle moves from us.” The young man said. ”You’re right. But being a vice commander of the Second Batallion, I cannot just leave. I will have to consult my commander.” Kane suddenly facepalmed, ”Jeez! You’re telling me that you need permission?” Van crossed his arms, closing his eye. ”Well, get it fast.” Nir nodded, ”Alright! Let’s go!” The four men had moved, heading to the square.

”Dammit! How long am I gonna have to wait?” Shinji has been restless as he began tapping his on the bed he lay in. Anna had her hands out at Shinji, with Misra emitting from them. From Shinji’s outburst she get nervous. She had a look of doubt on her face, that she wasn’t good enough to heal him up. ”You know she’s no miracle worker. Bones don’t just heal up.” Remi has just walked over to the two of them. Shinji looked to Remi and then back to Anna. He saw the nervous look on her face. She was trembling. He took a deep breath. ””Thank you, Anna.” Shinji would then lay back down in the bed and closed his eyes. Anna would look up at him. “Maybe I am doing well,” is what she would thinking.

Moments later, the curtains opened up with Virgil and Biggs appearing. ”Hey guys! We brought back some food.” Biggs has a big smile on his face as he and Virgil walked over with bowls of a soupy dish. Koji would be the first to greet them. The wolf pup would climb up on top of Virgil’s head. He’d sniff around the bowls as close as he could get. ”Hey! Koji! Chill out!” Virgil was panicking as he was unbalanced. Moving back and forth, stumbling even. The three bowls were situated one in each hand and the last on top of the other two. It wasn’t until wanna game over reaching for Koji. ”Come here boy.” The wolf pup had looked at her and leaped from his head and into her arms.

The group had been eating their soup. They’d be huddled around the bed Shinji laid in. It didn’t seem as if they were in a rush to go search for the Oracle. Perhaps they were waiting for Shinji to fully recover.

Nir, Kane, Van and Benkei had arrived at the town square, where a massive crowd gathered. The four had been greeted by saddened faces, covered in ash and soot. Many were crying and embracing each other, still processing the attack that had decimated the once proud Galatian kingdom. ”Isn’t this depressing? It was only yesterday when there were celebrations here.” Kane said. ”This is reality.” Van turned to the people, ”War is inevitable. Death is inevitable. Grief.....” Van had looked down, turning his head away from the crowd. ”Such are the hard truths of this world my boy.” Kane said, patting Van on his shoulder.

The group had eventually came to a stop, standing at the front of the crowd. They had been looking upon a wooden platform, where Stella, The Oracle’s decoy and Sir Francis had been standing. Around them were Galatian soldiers. Sir Francis had been at the front, clearing his throat to speak. “Yesterday.....” He looked over the crowd, taking in the depressing sight of those suffering, those confused, those lost. “Yesterday, our kingdom, the very capital of this world of ours, was the target of an attack by the Duran empire. Our forces had responded in the best manner it possibly could. They defended in the best manner it could.” He gazed over the crowd. “Unfortunately, we had been caught off guard. Not only did we lose many civilians, our loved ones, our soldiers, but we also lost our royal family.” There were many gasps in the crowd, with Galatians beginning to break down. “King Palidos and his son, were lost during this attack.” Nir had gritted his teeth, beginning to look around for a certain someone. “It was a big hit we took. However, despite this attack by those cursed serpents. They did not manage to break our spirit!!!” Sir Francis had clenched his fists, “We do not have to sulk here! We are Galatians!!!!” Stella had immediately turned towards Sir Francis, surprised by his sudden change of mood. “What will we accomplish crying here!? I understand that many loved ones were lost! But what will we accomplish if we just sit here grieving! We cannot allow Duran to shatter the pride that we hold so dearly! We cannot let them get away with this!” The people had began looking up to Sir Francis.

“They have started a war that they will not win! And I want you all to know, that we shall avenge our king and queen!! We shall avenge the lives of those who died protecting our city, our people!” Sir Francis suddenly pointed to four bodies, that were covered in a white cloth. One of them stood out as a giant. “Take a look here at these four! These four had been fighting in the tournament, giving their all to entertain you. Despite the battling they had done, they did not hesitate in continuing to battle for the city and the people!” Nir had looked to the bodies, his eyes slowly beginning to widen. “Three of these four had protected our beloved children! Our babies! If not for them, our future would have been lost!” Francis had gritted his teeth, “And this giant here, discriminated against! Outcasted for transgressions of his forefathers, had willingly rushed to the aid of our people! The same people that opressed him!” The crowd gave Francis their attention, beginning to feel Francis’ words.

Benkei would glare at van as everyone had come to terms with what had to be done. Virgil and his group had their own agenda but had cleared up the fact that although their paths were different they would cross again and help find the Oracle. Nirs hand had been rested on benkei "I do not know this man but he sickens me as for you Virgil we shall work together and meet again to save this Oracle, plus we have a match to finish". As everyone walked off Benkei, nir, Kane and van had walk towards the Town square where galatian civilians had Gathered. Shaken up by what had happened sir Francis had stepped up to make his speech to the people of what had transpired, what had been taken from them and what would inspire them to fight on. Benkei would look at the bodies and heads of those who had fallen as sir Francis had mentioned dolphy and his courage and benkei would weep as he looked on. He would stand their shaken as he would finally accept what lose truly was and what friendships like nir and Alexander would mean to him as benkei was born with nothing but his duty.

“So, we shall honor this giant, along with the other three who fought so valiantly.” Sir Francis had looked to his side, where a short elderly man stood. He carried a scroll, which he unrolled, which carried the names of the four bodies before them. “Adofo of Bakano, Jobo Galthrow, Alexander Covald and Dolphy.” The man read, continuing, “These four will forever be remembered here in Galatia.” He’d roll the scroll up, stepping back. “Yes, they will be remembered. We shall also battle for them. Preparations are currently being made to allign ourselves with neighboring kingdoms. Duran will not get away with this.”

In the crowd, Alexander’s father had began weeping, holding his daughter. Nir had also began tearing, unaware of Alexander’s death until now. ’Alexander....’ He thought, closing his eyes as his lips quivered. Kane had lowered his head, holding his hat to his chest. ”Poor guy.” Van had watched from Kane’s side, looking to Nir.

“As we prepare for war, we ask for any help that we can get. If anyone is willing to serve in our military, it will be appreciated.” Sir Francis had said. The people in the crowd had stood quiet, some afraid of even speaking out. Not a single soul in the crowd thought of stepping forward. “I understand.” Sir Francis said softly. There was a silence for a brief moment. Suddenly, a screech from the skies had resonated throughout the area. Everyone in the crowd had looked up, even those on the platform. “What’s this?” Sir Francis had asked.

As sir Francis began reading off the names of the fallen benkei would weep as he heard young Alexander name of the list to have fallen. Benkei was even more shocked to learn of jobo being among them as he was the one to have fought against Alexander and caused him harm but for him to be a hero was something unexpected. Benkei would place his hand on nir shoulder as they both mourned their brothers in arms death "did you know about Alexander and jobo?" Benkei would calmly ask him. Benkei would then tell nir he would wish to bring dolphy body back with him to be buried at the temple if they would allow it. As they spoke how ever sir Francis would ask if anyone would offer assistance to the upcoming fight but to no surprise not a soul pushed forward. It was then something in the sky caught everyone attention.

All eyes had looked upwards. Everyone had been searching for the source of the screech. Sir Francis had been staring at the clouds, “What was that?” The Galatian soldiers at his side had also wondered what this was. They had been confused, turning to one-another. Suddenly, from the clouds emerged a magnificent white eagle, armored in a radiant armor with elven design. Following the eagle were six smaller eagles, each with their own riders. The rider mounted on the larger eagle hd been clad in a beautiful elven armor, with his longer flowing blonde hair moving with the wind. Atop his head was golden fern crown. “King Olryn....” Muttered Sir Francis.

The seven had laned at the center of the crowd, where they were granted space by the startled townsfolk. Nir had looked to the seven large eagles, along with Kane. ”The king of the elves.....” Everyone watched the riders dismount their eagles. They’d look around, taking in the destruction and ruin. “Such a depressing sight. Galatia, reduced to rubble.” Said King Olryn as he looked around. “I suspect you’re here to make sure your daughter was not harmed.” Called out Sir Francis. “Intelligent man.” Said Olryn as he turned to the commander. “If a mere scratch is found on my child.....” Olryn had gave Sir Francis a cold stare.

“Your Majesty, I can assure you that your girl is safe.” Sir Francis answered, bowing his head. “Where is she?” Asked Olryn. “She’s currently helping with the distribution of rations.” Answered Sir Francis. “That Elaria. She was supposed to head back to Ulfrenhyne.” Many gasped, recently unaware that she was a princess.

Sir Francis had turned to the guards on his side, motioning for them to escort king Olryn. They’d nod, walking over to the elven king and guiding him to the ration distribution tent. “See to it that he is reunited with his daughter.” Said  Francis as they walked off. “Such a flashy entrance. Now I’ve got these oversized birds here.” Francis rubbed his chin. For a brief moment, he had forgotten that the crowd of Galatians were still present and waiting for him to continue. “Oh right! Forgive me! The elven king’s sudden appearance was quite a surprise.”

Kane had leaned into to Van, whispering. ”You hear that Van? Elaria’s a princess. I can’t believe she was participating here.” Van had turned to king Olryn, who had already been quite the distance away. ”That is quite the surprise....” He had been thinking of their brief conversation, when he had met her on the rooftop. “So, again, any volunteers who are willing to help...?” The question was asked again by Francis. This was a time where they desperately needed any help possible; and again, not one person stepped forth. Many were still traumatized from the attack. Suddenly, Nir had stepped forth. The large eagles had turned to the young man, who had showed immense courage. ”I know that I am vice-commander of the second battalion. But I am willing to give my entire life to serve.” The people had turned to Nir, talking amongst themselves. Both Kane and Van had turned to the young man. ”Welp, he stepped up. That’s our cue Van.” Kane would join Nir’s side, and Van would follow.

“Vice-Commander Oshwalt.....” Sir Francis had looked on the three who stepped forward. “How exactly do you wish to help? You’re under the command of Kiryuu. You take orders from him.” Nir tightened his fist, ”I will speak to Commander Kiryuu after this. But I will pledge to help in any way I can. If it means I have to leave Galatia to do it, I will get it done!”

Benkei watched a eagle descended from the sky landing down in front of them as a king of elves dismounted off and approached sir Francis about the where abouts of his daughter "who is this gentleman here nir someone you know ?". Benkei was interested in this man and who he was but what his purpose here was. Benkei began to become a little bit upset as he commented on the destruction of galatia "maybe if he was here with his warriors he could have helped prevent these deaths and loses". Benkei said that comment only to nir but it could have been heard by anyone close by. Sir Francis would once again ask for anyone willing to contribute to the army as nir, Kane and van stood forward "I do not like this violence and that man beside me is a pain but for the cause of Oracle and my comrade nir I too stand to the call of galatia".

Francis smirked, knowing well that even if he didn’t grant Nir permission, he’d still find a way to leave. “Go and do what you must Oshwalt.” The people gathered around the four had turned their undivided attention to Nir. “Is he going to leave?” Said one. “I believe he’ll be able to find her.” Said another. With everyone speaking to themselves, Nir had turned to the three, specifically Benkei. ”If we’re going to do this, there’s one more thing I have to do. Also, we’ll be a unit from here on, so please, cooperate with each other.”

Kane smirked, turning to Van, ”Ya hear that? You behave yourself now.” The young man had scoffed, turning away from Kane. ”Follow me.” Nir said, walking away from the crowded square. Francis had been watching the four leave, interested in their will and the task that they’d take on. “If anyone can do it, I know it’s you Oshwalt.” Muttered Francis.

Nir had lead the other three to Commander Kiryuu’s private tent. He’d step in, hoping to speak to his commander. ”Commander Kiryuu, a word.” The other two followed behind him, stepping into the tent with Nir. The three were surprised to see that it was vacant. No one was here. ”Nobody’s home.” Nir had paused for a moment, thinking to himself before turning around. ”This way.” He had lead the other three towards the barracks for the second battalion. Normally, those not affiliated with the Galatian army were not permitted to enter such chambers, however, with the current events going, this would be an exception. Hoping to speak to his commander, Nir made haste as they would walk through an open corridor. From the corner of his eye, Nir was able to spot the commander in the center of the courtyard. ”Commander....” Nir rushed over to meet with Edge, followed by the other three. ”Commander Kiryuu, a word.”

In a large open area, there lay 3 bodies of water. Two bodies of water were perfectly symmetrical from each other. There was a decent sized walkway of multiple squares of stone between them. Parts of grass had been in between the bodies of water as well as the stone. Also around those two bodies of water, a trove of beautiful white flowers with a blue gradient had been placed. The pathway had lead to a much larger area with more squares of stone. In the center, the third body of water was actually a large fountain. The fountain was stacked two cauldrons high with the bottom being larger than the other. There was an even larger reservoir that had the cauldrons in the middle of it. Water would spit of from the top cauldron, entering the second one and into the larger reservoir.

In the middle of this... garden, Edge Kiryuu had stood facing the fountain. It was then Nir and company had approached him from behind. Nir had called out the the Commander of the second battalion. Unfortunately, there was nothing but silence from the tiger beastman.

Nir was met with silence. He’d grit his teeth, ”Commander Kiryuu, you weren’t there. You weren’t at the square listening to Com—General Francis’ speech. Why?” The others had stood behind Nir, watching the beastman. ”Is it....Is it because of General Lionheardht? King Palidos? The prince?” Nir’s eyes sunk to the ground. Deep inside, he knew that Edge Kiryuu was no longer the same. Something inside of him had been shattered, and Nir could feel it.

Kane had rubbed his nose, turning to Van to see his expression, but there was nothing out of the sorts. The young man had simply been staring at Edge Kiryuu’s back.

Benkei would Follow nir and the group to commander kiryuu as he stood silent. Nir would question him about him not being present at the center courtyard but not could tell alot was weighing heavy on his mind "nir his honor is stained, he feels like he let his country men down and his duty to protect the royal family". Benkei clenched his fist looking down "how do you think I feel knowing my whole very existence and very being was for her ,my dear Oracle only for her to be ripped away from vile men and her home and family destroyed before her eyes!". Benkei could sympothize with the commander and his doubting heart

Nir would once again attempt at talking to Edge. Benkei had chimed in as well. This time Edge turned his head slightly in the direction of the group. "So you've come." Edge would turn his head back to the fountain. "Tell me something..." There was a long pause. "When you are unable to protect what it is you were entrusted with, what would you do? Should you, seek justice yourself or allow others to seek justice for you? Is it the Gods' will for you to make a move?" There was another pause.

Nir had been taken aback by both Benkei and Edge. He’d ponder the question presented to him, closing his eyes. ”I’d seek justice myself...” Nir paused before opening his eyes with determination, giving his commander a fiery look. ”....However, when others seek justice as well....” Kane and Van had turned to Nir. At this moment, the Galatian vice-commander had thought of Virgil and his friends. How their goals were one in the same, to seek out The Oracle. ”...Together you allign like the stars, forming a true spectacle. Nothing can come in your way when you work together.” Kane smirked. Nir’s words were assuring to the bounty hunter. ’This guy’s something special...’ Kane thought to himself.

Nir’d continue, ”Do not suffer here commander. Do not blame yourself, nor tackle this alone. You’ve got us here. Together, we’ll get this done and bring glory back to Galatia.” He’d place his hand on Edge’s shoulder, ”You’re not alone.” The young man had given Edge a smile that radiated in the sunlight shining on the courtyard.

Nir would answer Edge with his own answer on the matter. "Heh." Edge would smirk. "I'm glad to have chosen you." He muttered. The beastman would look to the sky. He would taken in a deep breathe. It was almost as if he was relieved of some great stress. Returning his head back to Nir, "I'm glad you said what you said." Edge would then turn to pace towards the fountain. "It turns out, I knew you would be looking for me. I already know what you want to ask of me. Even if I were to deny you, you'd still find some way to go anyway." Edge would wait for Nir's reaction to this. "On the contrary. I have a task that I could entrust to no other than you.

As edge and nir exchange words of wisdom benkei would listen and share his thoughts "I know wat it's like to lose your purpose and duty,the anger and disappointment consumes your soul". Benkei went on "this is all I know and I am very angry still but if I can seek justice and accomplish my goals then I rather do it in the comfort of friends and comrade's who fight for a worthy cause".

Nir had stood in confidence. He knew well that his commander understood his situation, as Nir did his. As he paced off, Nir smiled, ”You know me well Commander Kiryuu.” Both Kane and Van listened carefully, looking to Nir before turning to Benkei, who offered his own words. ”You guys almost make me feel bad that we’re doing this solely for the payout.” He’d snicker, turning back to Nir, who stepped forward. Van had also turned to Nir, curious to see what task he was to be entrusted with by his commander. ”A task you could entrust to none other than me? What is it commander? I will see to it that it gets done.”