Evyette had been asleep, wrapped up in warm soft cloaks of fur and naked as the day she had first emerged from her mother’s flame. In the background the flames licked to and from with the same power that flowed inside of her. She had decided early on, to snooze the day away, happy in the knowledge that the situation in Rome was well taken care of. Her careless peace was interrupted as the door to her private chambers were ripped off their hinges. Evyette barely had a chance to sit up let alone reach for her glasses when the one person she did not think to ever see again waltzed in, hands flaming, a tense furious expression upon her mother’s face.





 




“Get up.” Phita ordered. 




 




Though she was no longer just a treasure but the current ancient of her house, Evyette climbed out of the bed and stood covering her nudeness with one of her furs. That was promptly ripped out of her grasp and tossed to the opposite end as her mother came to stand just a step apart from her. Evyette swallowed, why was her mother here? Why was she so angry? Had something happened? She thought idly about all the different things she was responsible for; all her duties had been performed; she was allowed to take time off… she opened her mouth to inquire but her mother gave her a look that made Evyette feel like an extinguished candle wick. 




 




“You are a disgrace.” 




 




“Mother?”




 




“Shut up. I cannot believe you would be so foolish. So utterly submissive. I did not raise you to be some obedient whore Evyette.” 




 




The words stung and she could feel tears forming, she tried to force them away, crying in front of Phita would only make things worse for her and everyone else in the realm. She placed her hands in front of her as her mother made an accusatory face.




 




“Why the hell would you vote in agreement with the rest?”




 




“What?” 




 




“What language do we speak Evyette as a house. What are the two tenets we follow.” 




 




Why her mother was asking such an odd question astounded Evyette, she responded quickly before her mother decided to blow her head off. 




 




“Destruction and Dominance.” 




 




“Yet here you are, bowing to the collaborative submissive ways of the Postnos and all the other cowards of the Alpha line.” 




 




So, it had been her vote that had sent her mother into a spiralling rage and out of her chosen prison of Ancient Egypt. Evyette wished she had her armour on, something to shield her from her mother’s fury. She waited till Phita had a moment to compose herself whilst she shuffled nervously on the balls of her feet.




 




“You are exiled until further notice. Treasure.” Phita sounded both angered and dismayed in equal measure. 




 




Suddenly as though Evyette had found herself in front of a bullet train, she fell through the sky, her skin flaring up in tongues of fire as she descended quite brutally into the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Of course, someone of her nature, being made of solidified fire, crashing into an ocean was going to make a scene worthy of one of those Hollywood movies that featured world ending events. 




 




She gasped, inhaling salt water, as she rose to the surface, coughing and crying from the salt in her lungs, the indignity of her situation and the fact that her mother had quite literally left her naked in an unfamiliar place, made it even worse. It was catastrophic for her to think that her mother was so infuriated that she was now just a treasure, as she waded in the water trying to find anything resembling a boat or solid land, she cursed her mother, cursed her house, and cursed herself for not seeing this as the outcome of the decision she had made in order to keep her house and its interests seemingly safe from the other ancients. She only wanted to pretend to play along, but it seemed that her mother had taken her vote as a severe sign that Evyette was breaking from tradition and taking the house of Rhihon in another direction. 




 




Once she was done cursing everything and everyone for her predicament, she shut her eyes and allowed herself to calm in the water, sure it was not as great as being in the lava pools that flowed throughout the Forge, but it did allow her to think. She must have fallen asleep because she felt the rush of pure air cover her in an embrace, her eyes opened and she winced at the sight of the moon, she looked around and found she was high above in the sky with Quina gliding just above her, her hands held in a way that suggested she was leading Evyette around like a puppet. Evyette knew that speaking at that moment would be impossible, the wind would swallow her voice up. She touched her skin and felt the comfort of her flame call to her; she kicked her feet and like a match being struck and lit the flames that had been dormant since her impromptu dipping in the Atlantic ocean came to life. Quina released her hold on her cousin and allowed Evyette to shoot up and beyond the reach of most clouds before coming back down to fly by the emerald haired treasure.  




 




Evyette followed Quina through the clouds until they reached the metropolis of clouds known as the Breeze, Quina dipped into one of the cloud buildings that looked a bit like a mock skyscraper; there were a few claimants lounging about and many of them waved and gave her respectful nods as she found herself stepping onto a cloud… she had never thought to ask what clouds were made of as Quina took off her shoes and tossed them into an adjacent cloud wall.  Remarkably surprised that the cloud like structure could hold weight, she located a chair and sat down as Quina opened a small wine fridge and reached for two separate bottles, still having not said a word to her cousin. 




 




Once Quina was ensconced in her own seat and the spare bottle was offered to Evyette, they both broke the seal wax and corks and took pensive sips. 




 




“So, your mother is back.” Quina started. 




 




“Yes…” 




 




“You’ve also been dethroned. Back to being a treasure.” 




 




“Can we not?” 




 




Evyette took another swig, the sweet taste of Moscato washed through her and she sighed contentedly, she could taste the peach and apricot, it had just the right amount of tartness from the citrus she was sure had been infused into the wine. Quina took one more sip before gesturing. 




 




“Well, you’re welcome to stay here. I heard you were exiled. Well… technically my father saw you get thrown from the Forge and into the ocean, he asked me to fetch you. You looked so peaceful asleep; I thought it best to give you some space.” 




 




“Why are you being so nice?”






“We’re family. You’re my superior by line. Besides, better you stay here whilst your mother is in town.” 




 




That was suspicious, as the most battle harden and dangerous of the treasures, Quina was notoriously known for keeping to herself and protecting the interest of her house above all else; once Evyette had been afraid of the untamed spirit that seemed to be held within Quina; now that they were older, Evyette knew that the truth was, Quina could not control the power that she had been given nor the weight on her shoulders. 




 




“Who else knows?”  




 




Evyette couldn’t help but feel curious, after swearing that she would never return unless her core was about to be destroyed. Phita returning now, would shake the rest of ancient and claimant society alike. Evyette’s eyes roamed over the paintings and pictures held up by the cloud walls and sighed.




 




“No one else, well… except for one of Daenu’s lot.” 




 




“Shit.” 




 




“Shit indeed. Your mother sent them half melted back to the poles. Daenu will demand reparations from…her.” 




 




Neither of them needed to reference the previous history between the fire ancient and the ice ancient, both took to nursing themselves with their own drink, noting that Quina was drinking some kind of Vermouth, how anyone could drink something so dry? Evyette knew that if she were to drink the same thing, she would be sick to her stomach for the next year. Quina got up just as Quinnox entered and gave both his daughter and his niece a look of apprehension. 




 




“Uncle.”




 




“Pleasure to see you, I presume you are here to seek shelter?”




 




“I guess so… not likely the Contus will let me in, let alone tolerate me.” 




 




“They are a hard bunch, all that complimenting and postering for the title of prettiest, brightest. It must be so very boring.” 




 




Quinnox reached into the wine fridge and retrieved a bottle of the same vermouth, guess father like daughter. He fixed himself a martini and put several green pitted olives into the glass before sitting down between his daughter and his niece. 




 




“Your mother is a tyrant.”




 




“I’m not blind Quinnox.” 




 




“No, I suppose not. That’s more Daenu’s thing, what I mean to say is that whilst you were fair and just during your time. Your mother ruled through intimidation and the threat of death. Now that she is back, I fear she will revoke her vote and thus play unfairly… being as uncooperative as she is.” 




 




“She’s made it worse by kicking me out.” 




 




“Your mother will allow your return once you prove to her, that you’re made of the same bone, mettle, whatever those humans do to show their worth.” 




 




“How?” 




 




She could no longer drink, Quina was on her second bottle, this time however she had chosen a bottle of Topaque. Quinnox shrugged and looked to his daughter who had no sage words for her cousin, they all knew that without Quina running the business of ruling the house, the entire house of air would collapse under the irresponsibility of their ancient… though none dared to question his authority as ancient. Evyette felt terrible for taking up space within a realm that was not her own, sure it was better than laying in the middle of a human ocean, but she felt all sorts of level of guilt for her own daughter, Phianette… hopefully she had, had the balls and wits to get out of the Forge and hide with the ever pleasant and popular Eviax – known for taking in wards of all houses and thus treasures who had pissed their ancient parent off. 




 




Further afield, Olyveti and Phianette sat together, the two enjoyed each other’s company as Olyveti twisted and crafted a crown of flowers for the now former fire treasure, this change in status did not at all hinder the feelings the two felt for each other. Placed atop her head, Phianette blushed and touched the crown gently with the tips of her fingers.




 




“Well aren’t you just the most beautiful…” Olyveti started. 




 




“How can you abide to be by me, now that I am naught.” 




 




“Do not say that you will never be naught to me.” 




 




Olyveti wiped away the tears that threatened to fall. She gestured to her lap, offering Phianette the chance to rest her head, which she did eagerly… this was usually how their dates went, quiet, peaceful, and away from the hustle and bustle, the responsibility as treasures tended to leave them almost wilted and lifeless. It was in these moments they cherished when they could pretend to be mortal… normal. Both were usually rather loud and boisterous, however with the lack of their third member… they felt a little worn.  Olyveti reached into the picnic basket and retrieved one of the many finger sandwiches she had made, offering a bite to Phianette; the cucumber and hummus tasted amazing and Phianette almost snatched the sandwich back as Olyveti bit into it herself. 




 




“I’m sorry to interrupt.” 




 




Olyveti and Phianette both startled, but they needn’t fear for it was Noxvon. Both got up from their rested position and enveloped the treasure of death in an embrace to rival the void’s hunger. Olyveti placed a kiss on his cheek whereas Phianette rested her head against his heart. Noxvon greeted the two with a smile. It was usually up to Phianette as the most neutral of the three to keep the balance between Noxvon’s lack of sexual desire and Olyveti’s insatiable hunger to experiment in the bedroom. Yes, it was often rumoured that Phianette was as virtuous as a nun, but that was a lie and the only two who knew were the two standing beside her. 




 




“What’s up?”  




 




“There’s… been an incident in the mortal realm, the chamber has been summoned.” 




 




“What? So soon? I thought they only just met up?” Phianette suddenly felt shunned. 




 




“It would seem DeVian has caused an incident and now Flori wants her head.” 




 




“But… Phianette can’t go, and someone came by earlier to inform her of her mother’s banishment and arrival of her grandparent.” Olyveti’s words came out in a rush.  




 




“Phita would not mind if Phianette accompanied her.” 




 




“I can’t. That would be wrong of me. My mother should be the one going… I’m just a claimant now.” 




 




Phianette refused to change her mind on the matter, she had no place in the chamber now that she had lost her place as treasure. Olyveti looked at their third, apologetically, the treasure of death shrugged his shoulders and let out a soft chuckle. So far as Olyveti and Noxvon were concerned, their relationship with Phianette kept them both safe from the scrutiny of their parents. They were both seemingly glad that the cores meant they were genetically diverse and separate from each other; furthermore neither of them saw each other as step siblings and both their respective parents had stated quite clearly that only their half Sytagen siblings could count as their ‘biological children.’ Thus, it was clearly fine that they were seeing each other, at least that’s how it worked in theory. 




 




“What will we tell your grandparent then, we will enter the chamber reeking of you.” 




 




“Tell them I’ve run away, not like she can track me down. Not like this.” 




 




“You can stay here then, or within the Void. Or perhaps with your cousins.” 




 




“Phita would sniff me out if I so much as walked into the void.” 




 




“Fair, alright. It’s settled then. As far as anyone is concerned. No one has seen Phianette or knows of her whereabouts.” 




 




“I will shelter here or failing that I will go seek asylum with Alvax and Fintan.” 




 




Olyveti and Noxvon nodded, Noxvon left just as quickly as he arrived to see to his father who no doubt in a mood after Flori was had burst in and ruined his father’s day. Olyveti in the meanwhile pulled Phianette back down onto the field of grass, resuming their picnic. Olyveti knew that in time, her mother would send someone to fetch her, but for now she could just enjoy the food she had prepared with Phianette who spoke of her dreams and the visions in the flames that plagued her. Occasionally pausing when she felt she had gotten too lost in them and using Olyveti as an anchor to bring her back to the present. 




 




“I fear that there are dark times coming, for all of us.” 




 




“What did you see?” 




 




“A bloody battle, lives lost, Excalibur used.” 




 




“On whom?” 




 




“I cannot say, but the loss is great.”  




 




Phianette shivered and found herself moving closer to Olyveti. Not a moment later, a young doe and her fawn appeared, the treasure of nature sighed, getting up from her seated position and going towards the doe. Phianette shut their picnic basket and swept away the crumbs, she did not approach the doe nor her fawn and waited for Olyveti to finish chatting to the two creatures who looked at her with the same amount of adoration afforded to her mother Florita. Once the basket was retrieved and another hug was given, Phianette watched as her other partner disappeared, leaving her in the fields to wait for her return. She partially knew that she couldn’t stay, Phita would smell her on both the death and nature treasure and would come searching the fields. Cupping her hands in front of her, as though retrieving water from a river, she coaxed a small flame to life and once it was suitable hot enough, she placed it down on the field of grass and waded through the flame onto the other side, where the sphere waited on the other side.




 




Phianette groped around in her pocket for her spare sunglasses, made specifically for claimants, treasures and ancients alike who wanted into venture into the realm of pure light, once they on, she blinked and found herself surrounded by a hoard of knights and maidens, all of whom were unaware of the shift in Phianette’s position and presumed her to be an unwanted and uninvited invader. At the head of the knights was a female who didn’t seem to wear the same armour as the rest, was that fur? War paint? Phianette felt bemused and concerned in equal measure, the knight in particular held her fist up, it was clenched and Phianette dimly remembered that it meant that the knight was trying to access whether or not Phianette was a worthy opponent. 




 




A shuffling sound of boots, a sword hitting someone’s hip repeatedly and the scent of whiskey accompanied the ancient of light. Alvax looked exhausted – which Phianette wasn’t sure could happen to an ancient such as he. He scratched at his beard. 




 




“Phianette, a pleasure.” 




 




Alvax’s tone told the knights and maidens all they needed to know, for they disengaged and scattered like honeybees looking for nectar, as Olyveti would say if she were there. Her granduncle looked her over, his fingers seemed to swish and the area of them became less bright and more suitable for her eyes, she took the shades off as her granduncle waited for her to say something, to greet him back. 




 




“Alvax, I apologise for the impromptu visit.” 




 




“Ha. I never thought the day would come that my aunty would show up and kick your mother to the curb. Evyette has been… absent and has not come here. What are you doing here?” 




 




“I’d like to seek asylum here…” 




 




“You want to shelter here?” 




 




“It’s the only place that Phita won’t barge in on, now that I am vulnerable and without my title.” 




 




“I suppose that can be done; how long do you expect to be in this position?” 






“I can’t be certain.” 




 




A young boy, half the height of Alvax with round cheeks and a broad smile peeked out from behind, Phianette waved at Fintan who stepped past his father and went in for a hug. Both of them were around the same age, and to some humans their age gap would imply they were twins; for it was that Alvax and Evyette had rose to power at the exact same time, their creation came soon after now Phianette and Fintan were as thick as thieves – when around each other. 




 




“She can stay with me pa! In the highlands.”




 




“Are you still residing in Scotland?” 




 




“Yes! Near the gate to Naiick’s realm.” Fintan nodded.




 




“I suppose the mortal landowners we have entrusted our palaces would not mind. Go with my blessing, I will deflect any idea that you are with Fintan.” 




 




“What about the chamber?” 




 




“Fintan is otherwise too young to be there. He is better off staying far away from all the tribulations that come with his duty.” 




 




“What of his duty? Isn’t he being rather neglectful if he doesn’t attend?” 




 




“No, not in my books. He still needs to learn the lands of Scotland before he can even start with his introduction to the ways of being a treasure. I don’t particularly like the ways that everyone else has treated their treasure. Another extendible arm of themselves, it’s shameful.” 




 




With that, Alvax waved them out of his presence and Fintan who still had a hold of Phianette’s arm led her towards a particularly bright quartz that shimmered with the image of a castle surrounded by water, lots of water. 






“I don’t know if staying near a place surrounded by water is the best… place.” 




 




“Phita won’t check somewhere so close to Naiick’s realm. She would be a fool.” Fintan giggled.




 




They stepped through the quartz, a popping sound filled Phianette’s ears as they emerged into the state dining room of the one and only Eilean Donan castle. She had to massage her ears as Fintan let go of her hand. At first the place seemed deserted, but on the arrival of a human in a suit and a phone, Fintan gestured to them with a grand wave and half-mocking bow. 




 




“Phianette, this is Hugh, he’s one of the castle’s humans’ caretakers.” 




 




“Pleasure.” 




 




“Is it really ok for me to stay here? With you?” 




 




“Yes, the place is coated in a layer of glamour, the humans who visit this place don’t even realise that it’s swarming with claimants and humans alike living together under the one roof.” 






“Who’s in charge?” 




 




It went without saying that Fintan was the current owner of the place, as Phianette followed him around, he pointed to different doors and rooms, telling her about the castle – most of the facts washed over her head, Hugh had accompanied them during the tour and had discussed the finer details of Phianette’s stay, including her diet, her preferences for a room – Phianette had asked for the room with the largest fireplace possible, soon enough Fintan left her to her own devices as she was given a small room with the bed taking most of the room – apart from the fireplace that rested precariously close to the rest of the furniture. She was comforted that the fire was already roaring – Fintan had promised that the same glamours that hid them from the human tourists also masked the location to Phita. 


“Did my mother ever stay here?” 




 




“No, your mother I think prefers the English castles, as is her domain. As you know your grandmother loves Africa and Egypt.” 




 




Fintan and Phianette were sat down with the small group of high-ranking caretakers at a simple meal of roasted meat, vegetables, and whiskey fresh from the cask. Phianette had elected to fill her plate with mostly vegetables, leaving most of the protein to Fintan and the others, she stabbed at another potato. Whilst she felt entirely safe here at the castle, she still felt slightly bad that she was intruding… the house of light had always managed to somehow keep their Scotland and all of the castles in their possession, only ever relinquishing the ownership in a way that meant that the humans could claim all the pride of having restored castles and what not, but never truly having the castles for themselves. Phianette had not bothered to stay for dessert – some sort of sweet toffee and whiskey confection made of flour and dates and possibly brown sugar, instead retreating to her new bedroom, and sitting in front of the flames. 




 




Her earlier visions troubled her, she wanted to desperately know whose blood has been spilled in the fight she had seen involving one of the soul swords, the flamed flickered to and from without shedding any secrets and she wanted to tear her hair out. She wondered where her own mother was, if she was ok and if she would ever see her again. 




 




You made the right choice. 




 




The voice was unlike any she had heard, and she stood up and moved away from the flames as a dark figure with no face, but ears formed from the shadows in the flame, it reached out a hand. She refused to take it, afraid for her life and wanting to scream for help. 




 




You need not be afraid, child of flame. 




 




“Who are you?” 




 




It needn’t matter who I am, remain out of Phita’s clutches. Find your mother, continue your commitment to the flames and watch for the auguries. You shall be the messenger. 




 




With that the mass disappeared and left Phianette on her own to take on the weight and helm of watcher of the flames, settling back down she placed her hands against the flames and refused to blink; lest she miss something within the flames.

“You seem to be under the impression that I give a shit about you, or what you have to say.” 




 




“Give a shit? I freed you. You should give a shit about me.” 




 




“But I do not. Why should I? The mortals fear me just as the others do. I can smell the piss in your bladder, waiting to soil your pants.” 




 




Levei gritted her teeth, she never thought she would regret releasing the guarded chamber that held Conquest, it had been easier to convince the other three horsemen of her goal and her mission to eradicate the ancients and bring forth the second age of Null and her father most importantly. Yet here she stood across from the most infuriating creature she had ever met. She had never managed to divulge any of the horsemen's true names and seeing as none of them spared with any scrap of information without repayment; she had gotten used to referring to them by the roles that Novevu had given them. Levei had also learnt quickly not to trust any of the four alone together, she had managed to separate Famine and War and could barely avoid the constant lingering companion that was called Death. Conquest had been the most difficult to discover the location of, mostly because War, Famine and Death believed that the fourth member of their quartet had been reabsorbed into the construct that was the void. Levei had not at any point been keen on working with any of the horsemen but knew that without them she had no chance at getting into the Citadel - where a tome sat that explained exactly how to raise her father from his cursed eternal slumber. It had been easy to speak to them separately, the first to swear allegiance to her (though she personally doubted that he would obey if it really came down to it) was that of Famine. 




 




“You say you’re all powerful, yet you needed to seek us out. If you were even worth the grain of salt that you are, Extius would be here by now.” 




 




“I could kill you.” 




 




“If you did, my brothers would turn against you. You would die here, and your dear father would no longer be a father but a single entity asleep for the rest of time.” 




 




“My father said– “ 




 




“Said what? That we would come to your aid? Bow at your feet?” Conquest smirked.




 




It seemed despite her planning and all the work she had done; she was no match for Conquest or their tongue, she wasn’t even sure what gender this fourth member of the horsemen was. She was afraid to ask in case Conquest decided to disappear, she could not lose a single member of the horsemen or their loyalty. It was crucial she had all four when the time came to start a war against the houses. 




 




“The rest are loyal to me.” 




 




“The rest?” Conquest snorted. “We are loyal to no one but each other. Never try to con the con.” 




 




“Then do it for my father, be by my side.” 




 




“Your father? I owe your father nothing. I owe you nothing. Leave now before I bore of your voice and turn you into dinner.” 




 




“Your brothers…” 




 




“What? Said they would serve you? You really must be newborn.” 




 




“Then work by my side.” 




 




“Work is just another word for servitude.” 




 




Levei wanted to say that she could erase Conquest, because now that felt like a much better alternative than being insulted over and over. Conquest turned to leave and Levei could do nothing but reach for her cell to ask Famine, War and Death what to do. This was not how she saw this going, she had thought that Conquest would bend like the others at the words they were safe and alive. But nothing she had said thus far in the short time of knowing the final horseman seemed to impress them in the slightest; as though they could read her mind and already know what she wanted to say, all her moves… all her plans seemed to vanish in her mind. She reached to grab their hand, but they pulled away and hissed. 




 




“I can take you to your brothers, perhaps their words will convince you of my cause.” 




 




“If you, yourself cannot. What makes you think they can.” 




 




“Are you not sworn to them?” 




 




“I am but that is something that you will always fail to understand.” 




 




How anyone managed the urge to not scream in the face of Conquest and their words, Levei really had not a clue. She could not help but look at Conquest’s mouth, somehow someone had used a blade to cut a deep incision on either side of the corner of their lips and had left a gnarly exposed incision of flesh and Conquest had not bothered to fix it, instead opting to leave it. It ruined their appearance, which Levei suppose worked in their favour, if scaring away anyone was the intention.  




 




“So, tell me, Conquest. What is it you do in the horsemen? I’ve been told the other’s roles.” 




 




“Me? I’m the strategist. My hold over time makes me useful for that.” 




 




It had to be the first time Conquest had uttered something that wasn’t a thinly laced insult. Levei had done her research, and it was true that Conquest seemed to have the best ideas of the others, but also assisted the mortals the most in the earlier years of human history; now Conquest was just something that was talked about rather than done – the only ones who did or went on conquest now were claimants and she supposed people like her who were not satisfied with their lot in life. 




 




“If I could ensure you rose to power, alongside the rest of your brothers would you help me?” 




 




“I don’t believe you can afford me.” 




 




“The price is worth it if my father is brought back.” 




 




“Probational. I will determine later if this course of action is best for my brothers and me. You will not hold us to some goal that may not happen.” 




 




All of this discussion had left Levei with little time to appreciate the environment she was actually in. She had found the pot that held Conquest captive in the deepest darkest depths of the Dark Star Cave in the mortal nation of Uzbekistan, even now she could exhale and see a thin puff of steam. Conquest adjusted the cuffs at their hands – entirely decorative and looked to be at least early Georgian, course Levei had expected that their outfit was Georgian, but was surprised to see they were dressed in modern day office attire – the kind that CEOs wore, the deep velvet turtleneck seemed to conceal what Levei thought was a language she had never seen before, which was impossible, she knew languages like the back of her hand; then again Conquest had mentioned that the horsemen had their own system of communication and markings, perhaps this was a sign of that. Another thing was Conquest’s height, the other horsemen were just as tall and it made Levei feel incredibly small, which annoyed her. 




 




“Shall we?” 




 




“Shall we what?” 




 




“Leave this place. Surely you want to see what the mortal realm has become?” 




 




“It’s all the same to me. I will go find my brothers. We will speak soon Levei.” 




 




Those words had brought their conversation to an end – six months ago, and now in the city of Rome, Levei found herself surrounded by her mutated knights, humans who had been given a taste of Null only for them to suffer physical and psychological effects that made sure they no longer resembled anything human, she supposed it reminded her of the time in the roaring twenties when she had stolen the chalice and caused havoc in the city of New York; perhaps those who had opposed her had returned, and if not then she wondered if she died if they would find her in the Void or wherever their souls had gone to. 




 




She stepped back from the edge of the roof she stood on, looking back at the four horsemen who stood in the same identical gear in varying shades of red, black, green, and blue. Conquest’s hair a bright green that clashed severely with the red they adorned… better to have a bald head than do what they were doing with colour at this moment. 




 




“Which one of you wants to cause problems first?” 




 




“What effect are you trying to create.” 




 




“I just want to ensure my other allies are kept safe in their investigation of the colosseum. I don’t trust any of the houses and their representatives to play nice or not interfere.” 




 




“Then perhaps, Famine.” 




 




Levei watched as the faceless male who dressed had for the briefest moment been in green only for their gear to change into the blackest black, she had ever seen stepped forward. Come to think of it, when was the last time she had heard him even speak? Conquest, War and Death vanished, leaving her with one fourth of the group – Conquest had explained that it was best that if they were to work together, that she collaborate with each of them separately rather than expect the united front of all four in the same area. Part of her wanted to argue that they should stay lest their brother needed help, but Conquest had scoffed it off and told her that if they were all in the same area than protection and avoiding detection or harm was going to be nigh impossible as they each borrowed on the collective chaos that spilled from their hands and lips. 




 




Pickering chewed the potato over and over in his mouth, it was mashed, but he still felt the need to chew it. Counting mentally the number of times his teeth had come down on the barely solid substance. Adaline had never known the professor to eat solid foods, preferring them mashed or puree; yet despite the fact the foods were prepared in a manner that meant he could indeed just swallow; he still felt the need to chew. She watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed up and then down as he swallowed before he constructed his next bite. She tried to focus on her task, but a deep pain in her belly forced her to excuse herself from her employer, Pickering grunted and continued to eat, the man never seemed to be content; then again, he wanted an ancient dead for removing his coveted status as a claimant. She wondered what it would be like to be inside his mind. Absolute turmoil was the conclusion that Adaline came to as she hobbled towards the room she had been given as her own respite from her boss, she barely made it through the door before she felt a trickle of liquid between her thighs, looking down she saw a nearly pink river dripping and knew that despite her best efforts to hold onto the babies – she had planned to give birth to the twins far after this task and after she convinced the professor that she was in need of maternity rest. 




 




Clenching her teeth, she reached for her phone and dialled her husband, there was no way in hell she was given birth alone and without medical assistance; preferably she would want the treasure of life there to ensure it all went smoothly, falling onto her back, the bed was of no comfort to her as she waited for Nammay to pick the hell up. It felt as though all the air left her body as the first of many successive cramps rocketed through her. 




 




“The babies are coming.” She half choked out as soon as Nammay greeted her. 




 




Somewhere in another realm entirely, Nammay dropped his phone and rushed to grab his jacket. He half fell-tripped into the mortal realm where Adaline on the bed was gritting her teeth and trying not to cry, it had been a good thing that she was wearing a dress that day, she had torn it off when the pain seemed to wane, Nammay who was not at all a father, therefore didn’t really know what to do. 




 




“Vocoito Eviax.” 




 




A popping sound and a gentle whisper of air before Eviax appeared, she looked to have been in the middle of a nap and rubbed her eyes, becoming alert as soon as Adaline let out another loud sound that could have been confused for a grunt but was more so her attempt to muffle a scream. Placing up a reassuring wall of sterile titanium and steel, Nammay held his wife’s hand as Eviax assessed the situation. 




 




“Is there something she can take?” He asked over Adaline’s screeching. 




 




“Yes, I can prepare a nerve blocker. Twins are difficult, they don’t like to make things easy. Don’t push Adaline, the babies are far from ready and you’re far from dilated enough.” 




 




Eviax called upon Florita who though astonished to be in a situation such as this, provided the natural herbs and other medicines required by Eviax to make up a tea that would not only help to soothe and calm Adaline but would help her to stay somewhat rested before the pushing began. Florita stood by Nammay who felt guilty. 




 




“Does anyone else know?” 




 




“No.” Nammay shook his head.




 




“They’ll know soon enough I suppose.” 




 




“You’re not going to say anything are you?” 




 




“Sip this.” 




 




“No, it’s not my tale to tell.” 




 




Florita sat down upon the freshly metallic floor, she twisted her hair into a bun and occasionally passed Eviax a bottle or leaf or whatever the treasure required. It was going to be a long night.


Elsewhere in the city of Rome, Levei placed a briefcase down in front of a man, she then proceeded to sit down, she looked at the briefcase and watched as the man opened it and picked up a stack of cash. 




 




“Do we have a deal?” 




 




“Anything to be able to kill a claimant.” The man stated. 




 




“You have the bullets?” 




 




“Yes.” 




 




“Good, I’ll have the other payload ready for you by tomorrow. Happy hunting, Joseph.”

The hunt for the cores begins.

Admin note: Spira will be posting three times each round following this order: claimant/aikekunai, ancient and antagonists.

Unless stated otherwise it is the first two that you should pay attention to.

Stasia inhaled the smoke, allowing the nicotine and the chemicals to seep into their lungs; it soaked into their bloodstream and like a strong cup of coffee. Stasia felt energised as they dropped the cigarette, licking their lips and snuffing it  out with the white sole of their bright yellow converse. Picking up their helmet they turned away from the street and headed up the marble steps and into the place they had called their place of employment for the last eighteen months. Just briefly they caught their own reflection in the freshly polished glass; grey eyes stared back, but it was not their eyes that they cared for but the scar that marred the rest of their face from the start of the right browbone all the way to the left end of their cheek. No make up or human cosmetic aid would ever hide the injury caused by an elemental attack. 



“Coffee?” Stasia was greeted by the receptionist. 



“No thanks. Block all incoming calls.”



“Yes Noba-san.” 



 “I’ll be in my office, no one is to disturb me till lunch.”



“Certainly and your meetings?”



“With Paolo and Cynthia? Reschedule them for tomorrow morning.” Stasia paused and then added as an afterthought. 



“Please call the police and have the journalist arrested. He’s double parked.” 



With that Stasia scaled the spiral metallic staircase up to their office and unlocked the cedar wood door, embossed on it was a label’s name – hellishly uncreative, ABON. Stasia slipped the gloves they had chosen to wear off and removed the cufflinks before reaching to turn the light on and watched as the darkness became fluorescent. Picking up one of the pencils that leant perilously close to the edge of the desk; Stasia barely even noticed as the door swung shut as they began to look at sketches of their latest project. It never smelt of anything much in the Electrical Aikekunai’s office except for the signature scent of the house; Cypress. Sometimes it smelt of freshly brewed coffee and rarely ever leather polish. Picking up another piece of chalk and disregarding the pencil. Stasia began to trace a new outline on the piece of fabric in front of them. They were about to lift the chalk up when a large metallic hornet seemed to lower from the confines of the ceiling, looking up as it seemed to be carrying something; the shutters of its eyes clicking and whirring. 



“What is it Kaspa?” 



Stasia was intimately connected to this piece of living metal. Kaspa had been but a tiny hornet once upon a time – something that could perch on a shoulder comfortably but now that they had grown, Kaspa had grown too and was now as large as a horse; making it hard for anyone who had a set of eyes to ignore the sight of a flying mechanical intelligent hornet buzzing about. Kaspa chirped almost excitedly as it deposited a letter into Stasia’s outstretched hand; the wax seal was freshly applied, and it smelt of their ancient. 



Unlike many of Stasia’s fellow house members and many other claimants. As an Aikekunai, Stasia had a level of freedom and independence from the wants and needs of their ancient, cracking the seal and quickly retrieving a rusted bolt from their drawer to treat Kaspa to a bite of metal before sitting down and unfolding the rectangular piece of paper. Stasia had never liked Chaemai, and it was made clear by the fact that the Ancient rarely ever approached them physically. 

 

Stasia, 

Turn on the television. Watch the report. Make your move. 

 Chaemai. 

 

“What the hell does she want now?” 



Kaspa was crunching away at the bolt that Stasia had offered it and was therefore no help as Stasia booted up their space-age desktop (curtesy and mostly because their wife had insisted) and searched up the news and clicked the first live stream result they could be bothered to watch. At first it was all normal and in fact Stasia was about to turn it off when the news team went live to Rome. There someone’s cell phone footage was shown, on the display was none other than a bright white column of light emerging from the skies and then the outlines of what they supposed was some sort of  a figure emerging. Stasia hushed Kaspa who was attempting to open the drawer as they leaned closer to the monitor. 




Onlookers said that she appeared and disappeared in an instant and left only a feather or perhaps a quill behind.

That was before the city fell into what appears to be an induced coma.

No injuries have been reported. No damage either. This is a developing story.







“By the purge and Chaemai herself.” 



Stasia stood up abruptly. Scaring Kaspa who had to duck out of the way of their minder. Reaching into their pocket and grasping the slim black device; the screen lighting up as a picture of her wife and themselves smiling whilst wading in clear blue water. Stasia hadn’t spoken to DeVian in six months after a stupid argument, taking a deep breath they unlocked the phone and somewhat praying to the Ancients. Stasia initiated: 

 

Did you see the news? Are you heading there?

 

Then as if they had just stepped on acid covered grass, Stasia  pressed the power button quickly and placed it back in it's pocket. Stasia ran a hand through their freshly cut hair and then shut their eyes, they could go and be reunited with their wife, or they could consult the one person she refused to speak to or go near.




“What do I do Kaspa.”




Kaspa chittered and Stasia sighed.




“Your right. I should wait and see. No need to make something so stupid so big.”

“One more drink. Or are you done?” 




Stephani didn’t have to shout; she knew that she could be heard by the claimants in the room. She had to admit that she was finally starting to feel the effects of the alcohol; granted she had downed enough to kill a human and maybe then some. The fire claimant flexed her fingers and waited for her opponent to make their next move; this human had come into the fight sober and was now about two swigs away from liver failure Steph felt. She watched as the human tried with trembling hands to take another sip only to finally lose their wit and throw up into the awaiting bucket. There were shouts of congratulations thrown at Stephani who stood up and swayed only slightly as the human and his companions were removed from the venue, their eyes angered that their friend had been beaten. Stretching and bowing to the crowd that had surrounded them she moved towards the bar, clearing her throat she waved at the bartender, batting her eyes she purred just so that he could hear her. 




“My tab please.”




Before she could hear just how much debt she had managed to rack up that night she fell on her ass and suddenly found she was scolding hot, rubbing her backside she looked around and finally her eyes settled on her ancient who was entirely nude. 




“Evyette.” Steph bowed 




“Stephani, good to see you’re still winning petty battles with humans.”




“Got to make our house-proud right?" She hiccupped. 




“Against other claimants, perhaps. Battling the human was foolish.” 




“So what, he’s not paying for it anyway. So what can I do for you ma’am?” 




Evyette groaned and Stephani giggled.




“Sober up first and foremost. I have a mission for you.” 

 

It felt like a slap and Steph immediately stood stock straight and gave her Ancient a serious expression. Evyette looked at her nails and reached for a fur robe, how she could wear that in this heat? Steph shuddered internally but remained focused on Evyette. 




“Go to Rome. See if you can find anything that Echowix left.” 




“Who?”




“The Ancient of time.” 




“She’s alive? Still around?”




“Yes, she would be insulted to hear that you think time is no longer important.” 




“Well I’ll be damned.” 

Vivian retched into the toilet, wiping her mouth with someone’s stolen hoodie sleeve she sat back and felt herself begin to float up towards the ceiling, stabilising herself with her feet against the tiled walls of the cubicle she almost wanted to continue heaving into the toilet but the smell was enough for her to snap out of it and try to figure out just what had happened last night and why she was not wearing any of the clothes she had left her apartment in. 





“You good in there?”



A stranger’s voice asked and Vivian partially blushed… who was speaking to her? She turned her head, much as it hurt and forced her hair out of her face as she finally peeked what appeared to be a highly enhanced human seemed to be leaning against the sink holding a very large very intimidating knife. Vivian looked back at her surroundings and the filthy and badly drawn sharpie cartoons on the walls before noticing that the window at the very top of the cubicle was open; bingo... an escape route. Taking off the hoodie and disposing of it in the bin that overflowed with tissues and other drug paraphilia. She kicked her feet up into the air and had to squeeze her way through the window as the person on the other side of the stall began to knock, trying to get her attention – they hadn’t noticed she was three quarters out of the bathroom and to freedom.



She flew towards the horizon, and she would have made it further if she was not gripped by her Ancient, the only member of their house who held any considerable weight. Quinnox ensured they were hidden by clouds before he spoke.



“I need you to head to Rome.”



“Ok”



“Find out if Echowix left anything there. Be careful the other houses will have sent their own to see if there’s any trace of getting into the Citadel.”



“What’s that?”



“The Citadel? It’s where the cores are kept. We need our core back.”



“Ok.”



When she was sober, all the bubbliness she was known for went away and she was just a blank analytical slate to do whatever her Ancient was necessary for her to do. He let go of her wrist as she swiftly changed her direction and reached into a pocket, she was glad she still had access too, popping the bottle off she took a swig of the vodka and began her descent towards her apartment – she had a lot of packing to do, especially if she was headed to an entirely new city. 

Stasia just couldn’t stay away, to be fair they had happened to be in Milan when the news of Echowix supposedly appearing in Rome had become the news of the day. Taking their helmet off and unzipping their leather jacket; they folded the latter neatly before storing it and the helmet in the seat storage compartment. Pocketing the keys into the same pocket that held their phone – no word from their wife yet. It was just as the human journalists had reported the entire city was indeed in a comatose, frozen state. Stasia had decided they would not head straight to the colosseum immediately, rather they wanted to find a building to call their base. Stasia sniffed the air – no claimants or otherwise in the vicinity. 



“Kaspa.” 



Their hornet companion buzzed overhead, hidden by the clouds that also seemed to be frozen in place. 



“See if you can find me a place to stay. I’m going to check if people are indeed dead to the world. Can’t have the humans freak out thinking her appearance means everyone in the area is dead.” 



Kaspa whizzed off leaving Stasia to do what they were best at, approaching the nearest slumped over human, they placed a hand on the man’s bare neck and allowed themselves to fall into his mind; though there was really nothing of interest there except for business meetings and what he was going to be eating for lunch. Stasia stood back up and then went to the next slumped over living being. 



“This is going to take a while.” 

 

“Thanks for the lift.” 



Verin Noba climbed out of the tiny taxi, the man who had driven her to Rome had told her it was a horrible idea, but she ignored him and paid him handsomely, retrieving her duffle bag she scanned the empty streets and watched as the taxi sped off trying to get the hell away from this now silent modern human city. Checking her appearance in a shop window, the darkness claimant decided it would be best to find her older sister – no doubt Stasia had already arrived and was looking around for threats, placing her fingers to her coloured lips she whistled… as though emerging from the shadows and materialising before her very eyes, a dark phantom that looked eerily like a panther greeted her, its missing eyes used to scare her, not any longer. This creature, just like any other paired with her species was signature to females of the house of Dimea. She ran her hand over its smoke-built form and felt what would be purring if it were a real feline.



“Find my sister Lau. Shouldn’t be too hard. If not, find Kaspa.” 



The feline disappeared into the shadows just as quickly as it had been summoned. She took her heels off and changed into a pair of comfortable sneakers, the next move was to arm herself; that was easy.



“Cholum.” 



Like water to cracked earth, she was greeted with the familiar weight of her two Warhammers, created just for her. Verin began to stalk the streets confidently looking out for any threats in the area.

Destination: The Void


The doors opened, despite the silence one could still hear their heartbeats as each ancient and their respective treasure made their presence known in their own signature way. The only ancient who did not have to make their own entrance was Novevu who sat exhausted on his throne, he greeted each in tow, his niece Destodai who like the summer gale forced her way into the dark decrepit throne room. She waved to her uncle and then proceeded straight towards the chamber; leaving her treasure to follow after. Noxvon looked at his father and then at the entering twins who were joking with each other - it seemed Alvax and Xainayne would not be making their appearances till much later. The room seemed to boil like a witch to a fire as Evyette shot into the room in all the allure of her flame - almost like a sick attempt to have the same presence of her mother (arguably Novevu's favourite relative, Phita had not just earned her place as the ancient of destruction but he was also fond of her temper and her ability to keep the room focused). On and on it went, Novevu barely even batted an eye as Flori and Naiick greeted him with the same clumsy behaviour that made the lord of Death wonder why the hell the cores had made it so that those two would be in charge. He straightened when Florita entered with her eldest Olyveti. They looked so out of place their clothing too vibrant - the flower in their hair, the living creatures at their feet. He stood up and approached her, bowing down to kiss her hand; in these quiet moments when they were left alone did Novevu show his utter adoration for the woman he loved. She blushed and beamed as she pressed a kiss to his cheek before guiding her companions towards the same destination as the other members of their chaotic family. 

The Chamber was as large as it was small, segmented so that each house had a respective corner, a single throne in the middle represented the individual who had been voted in to lead them for the current period in the timeline. Most of these thrones were usually occupied and their individual noises were kept separated by a series of charms devised by Quinnox and Jayhe who both decided it would be best to create a space where they could not only speak as equals but also still have the chance and ability to converse with their private councils without leaving the room. Novevu was the last to enter as the chamber door sealed themselves, he walked around from the south all the way to the north where his own replica throne was; it was identical to the chair that he had been sitting in just moments earlier except this one was slightly more grand and slightly more intimidating (for a chair made of bone and obsidian). Sitting to his right was Alvax who it seemed had slipped by Novevu's notice; to his left sat his beloved as his consort (not that anyone approved of their relationship, especially not the woman sitting opposite from him). Daenu's glacier blue eyes had always disturbed Novevu, fortunately for him he was not being glared at, Daenu was too busy putting Evyette on blast (not that the fire ancient seemed to care at all for she was busily making out with one of her own claimants and being fed grapes by another). The collective's attention finally settled down as the proceeding Ancient stood up from her seat in the middle. Chaemai had been voted in to lead the Ancients for it was as the timeline called it 'the grand dawn of humans' and as the ancient who interacted and was created on the basis of assisting the mortals; Chaemai therefore had to speak up for them and champion their cause most of the time. 

"I call this meeting to order. Thank you for coming on such short notice." 

"Ha, not all of us are here." Xainayne chortled 

"Well no, Echowix and Ilnonta have not graced us with their presence in some time." 

"Ever since the split you mean." 

There were glances over at the most empty of the segments, there the silver haired Rensai sat alone - the house of space had suffered significantly for their betrayal against the designated head of them all Echowix. To her own left and right were the two houses that no one wanted to be there and technically should not have at all existed. Solaria and Lunia glanced at each other before Chaemai began to speak anew. 

"As we all know, Echowix has entered the mortal realm." 

"She has, what does that have to do with any of us?" 

"As the representative of the mortals, I need to remind you all of the conduct, the zone of neutrality that we all must uphold for the mortals." 

"Bah, they're already scared enough of us. This latest event will only escalate into needless war." 

Chaemai hit her fist against her throne, which was made up of coils that buzzed with electricity, clearing her throat she turned to speak to Novevu. 

"As the most dominant house of us all in numbers. I seek to ask that you stay out of this matter Novevu." 

"Why should I? Death is a necessity." 

"Again with the pedestal." Destodai hissed.

"We all know and we all agreed that the mortal realm would be neutral did we not." 

"Oh shut up about that, Echowix clearly didn't get the memo when she showed her hand and left a feather in the mortal realm." 

"This is our chance to regain our cores, to return to power." Daenu clasped her hands in front of her. 

Though no one wanted to make their motives clear, they all nodded in agreement and Chaemai found herself sighing, stepping away from her throne she looked down at the floor at the city of Rome; the other ancients were now spying the streets of Rome and when they saw claimants beginning to arrive by the dozen, Chaemai felt like she had to grind her teeth - at least they hadn't detected Stasia otherwise she would be seen as a hypocrite. 

"I suggest we work together."

Florita tried her best to sound confident but then everyone started speaking all at once and even Chaemai had to admit she was slightly overwhelmed. Quinnox sick of the headache this was becoming sucked the air out of the room until everyone including his own treasure Quina began to feel uncomfortable from the near suffocation. Quinnox gestured and Chaemai allowed him to take the floor. 

"It's clear none of us like working with each other."

He began, when Daenu opened her mouth to speak, she suddenly felt choked. Quinnox refused to be interrupted. 

"But perhaps it may be beneficial for the sake of keeping our children as well as ourselves safe that we choose who we send to just investigate and see if this matter is worth anything."

He paused and changed his posture before moving towards Novevu.

"If it is, then we may do as we wish independently of each other so long as none of us breaks the neutrality of the mortal realm. If conflicts must happen which I am sure it will. It will be done in our own respective realms." 


"How boring." Xainayne just wanted to choke hold Quinnox. 

"Can we all just agree that we won't start killing each other in the mortal realm. I'm sure that Echowix is doing this for a reason but until we sort out what that reason is we shouldn't strive to make a mess of this." 

Now that the tone and mood of the room had settled down to something far more comfortable. Chaemai sat back down as each of the ancients turned away from the others to talk to their own advisors, she just had to keep an eye on who did and didn't agree with her notion. Florita was the first to show her support by placing her flower crown on the pedestal in front of her, the element lit up the ring in the centre of the room as the tile that held her house crest gleamed, one by one each of the ancients who agreed with Chaemai and Quinnox's arguments placed their own crowns upon the pedestals in front of them, and in fact Chaemai was almost hopeful that with so much support that Novevu too would bow; alas he refused (not even the love of his life was enough to convince him) the only other ancient who opposed along with Novevu was Xainayne; but that was habitual - darkness never did anything with death and vice versa. 

"The matter is settled then, each house is to send two claimants or a single Aikekunai to Rome. They will meet up accordingly and do equal and fair investigation. They will come to each other's aid. Let them know. Chamber dismissed."

He hated the heat. He wiped his brow bone with his handkerchief before resuming his work at this archaeological site. He had been digging up this part of Egypt for the past nine months and whilst they had found some small amount of discovery it would seem that the rumour about a sword being here were utter lies. As he dropped the brush back into the sand he stood up and attempted to straightened his bent back, the pressure of it made him ache and he cursed the Ancients for his frail human form. As he walked climbed out of the site, aided by his assistant who was busily typing and swiping away at her tablet. Adaline had been by his side for nearly two decades and he had saw her almost as a daughter. 

"Professor." 

"Yes dear?"

He reached for his bottle of water, unscrewing the plastic lid and drinking hurriedly; the water was cool and crisp and everything he needed from the essence of life. She lowered the screen so that he could see what it was she had been fiddling with for the last part of an hour or so, a three dimensional rendering of what appeared to be a pillar of light covered the screen and what he thought looked like a woman walking out of it and gesturing to the clouds before disappearing. He frowned and looked at Adaline who sighed under her breath; what was he not getting?

"Echowix. Nine O'clock local Rome time. She appeared inside the coliseum and then left the entire region in a frozen state of suspension. Nothing else has happened since."

"How curious, perhaps we should go."

"Or perhaps we should finish the work that we set out to do here." 

"There is nothing here but poorly preserved mummified animals and sand." 

"Levei would not see it that way." 

"I suppose not. Alas she is the one with Excalibur and not us. Why we ever gave it to her. It was a mistake." 

"You and I cannot wield it." that was a lie on her part, but she refused to tell her boss that. 

"You're right. I suppose Levei has already gone to investigate. We should still travel there in case." 

"I'll give it a day and if the city is still in that state of suspension then we go."

Adaline was trying to keep control of the situation. When Phillip finally nodded she saw it as a major victory against her boss who after another silent oath of disgust against the sand climbed back down on his knees and began to examine whatever else he had managed to find in the sand; she would offer to assist but being in the final months of pregnancy left her mostly exhausted by anything considered physical. She sat back down in the reed chair and tried to continue her work on figuring out what the white light Echowix had seemingly come out of was, there was an elemental signature to it but it was not light... perhaps it was time? But time came in strands? She curled a lock of her hair in her finger and decided to look at it again sometime else. Changing her focus she found herself looking at brief and apt descriptions of the supposed hiding place of the swords that her boss Phillip Pickering had devoted most of his life to - something about getting revenge for some slight caused by the Ancients, he was nothing but a crazy old man that Adaline only agreed to work with because Levei had mentioned he was on the right track to finding the swords that the humans could use to cut down ancients. 

In the end, neither could manage to stay away from Rome, dressed in slacks and a rather hideous bow tie Adaline thought as they drove into the city of Rome with enough technology to deck out a small impoverished neighbourhood; Pickering led the way and was quite content to leave Adaline in the car as they parked outside of the coliseum's entrance. He waddled-limped his way into the amphitheater seeing as he had fallen over on their flight there and was now sporting a nasty bruise on his good leg and a neatly stitched up gash on his opposing hip. He looked behind him and gestured at Adaline to hurry up - she refused and instead dragged her feet, trying to set up the drones they required. 

"How pleasant to see we're the first here. I suppose the ancients don't care so much for scare tactics by the ancient of time." 

"You go ahead professor, I'm going to set the drones up and have them create a security wall so that no one can disturb your work."

"Good, good have someone else bring my kit, I can't carry it with my leg." 

"Of course." 

"I do not think we will come into any trouble with how quiet it is. But I suppose we can never be too prepared." 

"The Program reassured me that these drones would be enough of a deterrent." 

As he disappeared out of sight, Adaline could have sworn she saw a large mechanical clockwork hornet buzz by, it having spotted her first and had now disappeared into the frozen clouds, she rubbed her eyes and told herself she was seeing things and needed more sleep. Opening up the cases, she slowly but surely turned on the drones that the Program had offered to lend them on the condition that if they came across any claimants worth study to capture them alive. These drones, the size of a small football and black as night whirred into the air as silently as the hornet and she watched as they form a defensive air pattern around the ancient amphitheater. 

"What fools to try and test us." 

Her phone buzzed and she was forced to climb back into the car to answer it, her husband and the ancient of Metal Nammay was calling. She prayed that he had no idea of her current location as she picked up and listened to his voice, patting her stomach as one baby and then another seemed to elbow her at the sound of their father's voice. 

"I'm ok, it's hot and they're looking after us. Haven't found anything else."

"Echowix emerged. But you probably already knew that." 

"No I didn't, where did she show up?"

"Rome, I'm sending my own there." 

"Ok" She had to remind herself to remain hidden, for if whoever they were caught sight of her they would no doubt report her to her husband and he had to remain as clueless as possible.

Stasia was entirely engrossed in the personal life of the baker they were currently collecting the memories of when they felt a feather light touch on their clothed shoulder, the next indication that the person touching them; knew what they were capable of; was the tell-tale scent of patchouli, what was a death claimant doing here? Another inhale consumed Stasia in a familiar scent of home. Straightening their back and turning their head to look over their shoulder at the hand. DeVian’s perfectly manicured hands met their own eyes, just for a moment Stasia allowed themselves the indulgence of absorbing the sight of their spouse. Cracking a soft smile.  It was hard to be mad at DeVian, funnily enough Stasia nearly forgot what their last bitter argument had been about; opening their mouth to greet DeVian, when to their surprise and perhaps some degree of horror – a shape flew past DeVian’s head and crashed into the bakery’s storefront; its owner had come out to see what all the commotion was all about, only to fall unconscious like every other mortal in Rome. Instead of a greeting and maybe a flirtatious joke. Stasia scowled. 

 




Just as quickly as the hammer had been thrown, it was back in Verin’s hand. She rested her spare one on shoulder and leant against her returned one, part of the reason she had ruined Stasia and DeVian’s reunion was because she was jealous that the Desdon Aikekunai had gotten to her sister first, despite Lau’s tracking and scenting of Stasia. The blonde-haired Swede Japanese continued to frown disapprovingly. 




 




“Miss me?” 




 




“You could have hit DeVian!” Stasia hissed. 




 




“Your wife still has her head. I don’t see the problem.” She shrugged.




 




It took all of Stasia’s self-control not to take the five steps with their lengthy stride over to Verin in order to choke her out. The shortest of the trio, disposed of her weapons in the shadows before skipping forward, DeVian still hadn’t moved and Verin was beginning to think, that just the fact the weapon had passed the Desdon Aikekunai head was enough to make her wet herself in fear. Stasia moved in front of their wife, and without so much as giving Verin the indication they were armed, and in the space of time that it took to blink had their sister pinned with several surgical scissors to an opposing shopfront door. Verin tried to move but the sensation of electricity passing through her, told her all she needed to know. Stasia was in no mood to be nice or play the big sister forgiveness act. Stasia looked up to the sky as the sound of whirring gears told them that Kaspa had finished its perimeter run and had found a place for Stasia and possibly DeVian to stay.




 




“Hey, what the hell!” 




 




Verin tried to move, she was greeted with a rather painful dose of electricity all over. Stasia listened to Kaspa who was hovering excitedly, tossing another rusted bolt – they often kept at least ten on themselves, the hornet chowed down. What caught Stasia’s attention was that familiar looking drones seemed to buzz about the city and creating some kind of elemental barrier within ten miles of the colosseum. 




 




“Thanks, Kaspa. Go explore and find something more substantial to eat.” 




 




The hornet seemed to blink before disappearing from view, Stasia then looked back at their sister who was still trying to free herself.




 




“Who else is here with you?”




 




“What? Seriously? I’m being interrogated?”




 




“I need to know the motive of your house sister.” 




 




“Why the fuck do you care?”




 




“Because you might just be a foe.” 




 




“Don’t be ridiculous!” Verin was offended that Stasia was making up false accusations.




 




“I have to be, you threw one of your war hammers at my wife’s head.” 




 




“Oh so she gets an easy pass. Just because she’s your wife? What if her orders were to assassinate you” 




 




Verin squeaked when the blade of one of Stasia's smaller scissors seemed to appear in front of her eyes. Stasia continued to scowl, it was only now that Verin had noticed how quiet DeVian was being, she also cursed herself internally… of course Stasia wasn’t wearing their bracelets; which meant only one thing.  Stasia was at the peak of their full unadulterated power and was furious. The scissor didn’t move from its position and the younger Noba sister swallowed nervously. Surely Stasia wasn’t going to hurt her right?




 




“I’m telling you the truth; I have no idea who Xainayne could have also sent.” 




 




The scissor returned to Stasia and Verin let out the sigh of relief that she was holding inside herself. Stasia reached into their pocket and checked their phone briefly before releasing their sister entirely, Verin fell to the pavement and winced as she stood back up; scissors back in their possession; Stasia looked at both their wife and their sister.




 




“So, it seems that Novevu and Xainayne were the only hold outs at the latest chamber meeting. Which means neither of you are going to play by the no combat rule.” 




 




“Hey, I only did the hammer thing to get your attention.” She rubbed her elbows. 




 




“Next time, scream like a banshee. Try another stunt and I’ll send you back to Xainayne a mannequin.” Stasia clipped their bracelets on hooked their arms around their wife. 




 




Verin watched in utter annoyance as her older sister seemed to relax and cuddle into her partner’s still frozen form. Deciding that Stasia was going to be of no use now that DeVian was here, she turned on her heel and started to make her own path… perhaps it would be best to find her partner; whoever he or she was. 






Kaspa had indeed found a place to stay, it was none other than the famous Hotel Hassler and even more convenient? The owner of the place was a fellow claimant; an overweight man with no hair whatsoever and the stench of Coffee waved at them. Stasia had always made the habit of slowing down to DeVian’s pace and allowed the Death Aikekunai into the hotel lobby first before stepping in after her. 




 




“Welcome! Welcome! I apologise, everyone else was knocked unconscious. I have strict instructions from my ancient to welcome any claimants or Aikekunai who have arrived in the city. This will be your base for the time being, the others will be led to and greeted by other order claimants to keep things… peaceful.” The man started his speech. 




 




“Can we have the top floor?” Stasia blurted. 




 




“We? But you’re… in different houses?” Evidently, he was annoyed at being interrupted. 




 




“We’re married.” 




 




“Oh! I apologise. Yes, here are your key cards… three-hundred-dollar fee for replacement.” 




 




 “Did a small black-haired woman come by?”




 




“No?” 




 




With that both Stasia and DeVian walked over to the elevator, they both waited until the doors pinged before stepping into the sleek tubes. As soon as the doors shut and they were alone, Stasia’s lips were on DeVian’s. Suppose it was a perk, being the first to arrive. They had nearly the entire city to themselves. 






Verin walked around the city, still sulking a little that her sister had been so cruel as to abandon her in the city of Rome. She was hoping to spend time with Stasia and in the same hotel preferably, facials, slumber parties… that sort of thing, but now that DeVian was here, Verin just knew they would be fornicating like seasoned mature rabbits. Lau stalked by her side, occasionally looking back at her as they approached an open hotel, inside a giraffe of an order claimant introduced the fact that all claimants who arrived like her, would be catered to by the house of order who would play unofficial peacekeepers and adjudicators in the case of conflict starting between claimants. Hearing she was the first to arrive to this particular hotel calmed her significantly… perhaps sleeping would help the pain of knowing that somewhere else in the city Stasia and DeVian were having fun. 




 




Landing on her toes, Vivian spun around once, twice, three times and when she came to a stop, she decided she would walk in that one direction until she found an open hotel to stay at, she wondered if anyone she knew would be in the city on the same mission as her. It did make her feel a little upset that there was to be no fighting unless there was no other choice. 




 




“I wonder whose already here. What do you think? Will they be friendly?” 




 




She said to no one in particular. She was just about to cross the street when a rather disastrously driven vehicle nearly killed her. She watched as it whizzed past the corner, and she felt the urge to shout. 




 




“WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING ASSHOLE.” 




 




She huffed and continued on her path, and was just about to step into a small hotel lobby when the same offending vehicle seemed to reverse and a woman with a furious number of curls on her head tumbled out in less than appropriate clothing… clubbing? Vivian eyed the female as she stood up and she rolled her eyes; of course. A fire claimant. Yes, they were part of the same line and had some natural affinity towards each other, but that didn’t discount that this… female had literally just seconds ago nearly killed her. 




 




“Hi! Terribly sorry. I’m Stephani!” 




 




As the car she had been in sped away after depositing her equipment bag next to her on the street, Stephani stood up and walked towards Vivian who took several steps back, careful that fire claimants were notoriously known for roasting those in their near vicinity alive. 




 




“No name?” 




 




“Vivian. Are you here on your own?”




 




“Nope. They’re sending my big brother here.” 




 




“Big brother?”




 




“Another fire member. His name is Shinzo, I think? He’s meant to be a samurai.” 




 




“Are you basing that off his name? Or his potential ethnicity?” 




 




Vivian continued to step back just as Stephani seemed to move closer to her. The two finally made it inside the lobby where they were greeted by an order claimant who looked utterly bored and as if they did not want anything to do with the current situation, both fire and air claimant asked at the same time for a room on the top floor. 




 




“Sorry. You were here first. I’ll take the second highest floor.” 




 




“Isn’t that too far up for your house?” 




 




“Not at all. It’s not like this is a massive hotel. Being three levels above the main one is a safe level.” 




 




“Right.” 




 




“You don’t really know much about my house, do you?”




 




“Nope. Nor do I want to.” 




 




“I mean we’re going to be working together, right?”




 




“I doubt it.” Were all fire claimants this chatty? 





Several streets from both occupied buildings, another set of claimants were arriving in the city of Rome. These claimants were what one could call the weakest of the weak, there as fodder for the big players to potentially kill. One of them in particular stuck out like a sore thumb or a goat amongst a pack of hungry wolves. Ikaria tried her best to keep her own pace, tried to look natural as she walked but the issue was that she was not at all the definition of normal, not at all made of the same stuff everyone else who was checking into the hotel. 




 




“Room for… three.” 






“Three? Are you being accompanied?” 




 




“Yes… no… sorry, just for me.” 




 




The order claimant standing behind the reception desk gave her an odd look as Ikaria pretended to admire the entirely unnecessary water fountain display thing. Once she was given a key, she thanked the claimant and picked up her meagre duffle bag and started on her way up the stairs. She could feel the sudden weight of a presence emerging from the slightly opened water bottle in her bag, she looked directly ahead as her companion pocketed their key. Ikaria knew it was best not to speak to the woman who kind of-somewhat employed her to act as some glorified bodyguard (or glorified coat rack if she was being brutally honest with herself). Ikaria had never been in Rome, let alone Italy and wished to explore but knew that her companion preferred to only do things that would increase the success of her own personal objectives. 




 




“I hope you find this place… adequate.” 




 




No response, she picked at the skin on her nails, she would no doubt be sequestered to the floor, she didn’t need to sleep, she was a robot… nothing else. Ikaria stepped into the small bathroom and started a bath, her employer would need a bath it seemed to feel comfortable in the cramped room; she really should have just said she was with someone, perhaps than they would have been given a penthouse – though Ikaria could scarcely feed herself, let alone pay for them to stay in the closer higher end parts of Rome. 




A tap at the window broke Ikaria’s concentration as she stepped out of the steaming bathroom and towards the balcony where one of the other companions in their little band of hellions was Vevina. Vevina slipped into the room, a sticky residue covered her fingers, it smelled like caramel. 




 




“Did you see anyone on the list?” 




 




“Yes. Stasia is here.” 




 




Ikaria had never met her genetic predecessor. Made to be the electric Aikekunai’s downfall, Ikaria waited for Vevina to provide more information, when none came, Ikaria wanted to wring the water claimant with her bare hands but could not knowing that her mistress – well temporary mistress was in the room.




 




“Anyone else?” 




 




“I saw her holding a lady. I didn’t know who she was, and a smaller black-haired version of her.” 




 




“I am blacked hair.” Ikaria stated unnecessarily. 




 




“It must be Verin. If she’s here, then Gabi must be here.” Finally her temporary mistress spoke. 




 




Both Vevina and Ikaria’s eyes automatically went either to the ceiling to the opposing wall, not daring to look Jaffe in the eye. They had learnt quite quickly that Jaffe thought herself superior and that anyone who tried to look her in the eye found themselves without their eyes. Vevina licked her hands clean and inspected the room, it had a queen’s sized bed, a couch-bed, and the floor, evidently Jaffe had claimed the bed for herself which meant that Vevina would sleep on the bed-couch and that would lead the least ‘useful’ one of them, Ikaria on the floor – not that it really mattered, she was just a robot after all. 




 




“What are our plans then?” Ikaria asked.






“We have to get her alone, them? They go by different pronouns, right?”




 




“Depends on the situation. Based off Stasia’s file, the woman she was holding must be her wife.” 




 




“I did not know she was married.” This further intrigued the death android. 




 




“Yes, DeVian Desdon. Aikekunai and Champion. Commonly referred to as the Princess of Desdon. Not to be underestimated and as lethal as Novevu.” 




 




Stasia dialled the phone inside of their penthouse apartment, looking over their shoulder. Neither of them had bothered to redress and now they were craving something solid to eat. As they listened for the person down in reception to pick up, they reached for the half-emptied bottle of champagne and wondered idly if the restaurant downstairs had quail eggs. Perhaps poached quail eggs on toast. The thought made their stomach growl. 




 




"O que você está desejando amor?"  [What are you craving love?] 




 




Usually they only conversed in Portuguese when they were alone, far away from the burdens of raising a nephew and from the annoyingly predictable ass of one Ritunen Desvoy. As Stasia waited for a response, the voice of a rather chippy female answered. 




 




"Servizio in camera! Come posso aiutare?" [Room service! How can I help?] 




 




“Are there quail eggs?”




 




“Yes… I think so.” 




 




"Sul lievito madre, anche gli hamburger più grassi e" [On sourdough, also the greasiest burgers and…] 




 




The phone was removed from Stasia's ear, and they watched as her wife ordered items she never would usually indulge in, fire-wood oven pizza, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, the list went on and on and Stasia worried they would have leftovers for days. Once the phone was disconnected – after the female on the other end had recited the entire feast and confirmed it would be all up in less than an hour. Stasia rubbed the back of her neck. 




 




"Eu não sabia que estávamos alimentando um exército."   




 




"Nós não somos, eu só senti vontade." [We’re not, I just felt like it.] 




 




"Vamos comer por dias." [We are going to have food for days.] 




 




"Vamos alimentá-lo para o vazio."  [I’ll just feed it to the void] 




 




"O vazio não é um compactador de lixo." [the void is not a trash compactor.] 




 




"Bem, está com fome o tempo todo além disso, Novevu está pagando." [Well it’s hungry all the time and besides, Novevu’s paying.] 




 




Stasia’s eyes widen, normally they didn’t mind that her wife’s ancient liked taking care of things but seeing as DeVian had ordered half the restaurant’s menu… Stasia worried it would be seen as excessive and that Novevu would cut them off and leave them dry… they had money of course, but Stasia had not dealt with their finances in years. There was a buzz and the sound of a phone falling off the counter, this one slim and dark, Stasia chortled, the caller id stated ‘accountant.’ DeVian briefly answered, said something that Stasia thought might have been Russian – was her accountant Russian? Or was DeVian just trying to tell the accountant to authorise all of the transactions and to send a statement later. Deciding to make use of their waiting time, the electric Aikekunai decided to look at the many suitcases that had accompanied DeVian, some of them belonged to them of course – and then there was the wall of weapons, put together by a sullen looking death claimant who bowed relentlessly, completely unfazed that the champion of their house was being royally screwed in the next room over. Stasia picked out one of their many dress shirts and was about to slip it on when DeVian snatched it away and ran to the opposite side of the apartment. 




 




“We are not greeting them naked.” Stasia complained this time in English, she was given no response. Only giggles. 




 




Verin was utterly pissed. She had expressly told whoever in the foyer at the time that she wanted a floor to herself, and at first the request was met but then her adopted sister Gabi showed up. 




 




“You’ve got to be fucking joking.” Verin snarled. 




 




See, the two darkness claimants could get along, if perhaps they had been born into different houses and Verin was not so insecure about her tiny figure in comparison to the literally tall as fuck Amazonian goddess that was Gabi. She scowled as members of their house not on the mission moved Gabi’s many bags into the spaces she gestured to, spaces that Verin had hoped to fill with her own possessions. But no, Xainayne had other plans. 




 




“Could you not have picked another place?”




 




“No.” 




 




Gabi really never spoke more than one word to Verin, who fumed and wished she could call their shared father figure, why Gahbreal had not come on the mission but had instead sent the bitchiest bitch there ever was. Verin stormed out of the half of the floor that Gabi had turned into her domain and towards the balcony, taking her phone out she sent a text to her older sister – she got no response, Stasia was notorious for forgetting to check and charge her phone, especially when it came to anything other than DeVian. 




 




“Lau, go tell my sister to get out of her wife’s knickers.” 




 




Lau hated being a messenger, but Verin’s sour mood meant that the panther was not likely to be fed on time. Slipping into the shadows, Verin leant against the arm rail and looked down at the city, sure every mortal was dead asleep or knocked out by whatever Echowix had done to the city but the fact that more than one claimant or representative of each house seemed to flood into the city concerned her. This was not how it was supposed to go… had communication broken down? 




 




“I don’t want to go.” 




 




Kiran looked at one of his biological mothers, Rensai sighed and lowered herself so that Kiran and she were at eye level. He itched at his skin, a bad habit that he had unfortunately inherited from Stasia, who scratched her arms raw when overworked and stressed out. 




 




“You must, for our house. I have no one else to send.” 




 




That was technically a lie, but Rensai didn’t want Kiran to know that his ancient had secretly created more claimants for the house. Kiran bit his lip and fumbled with his words.




 




“Mum wouldn’t want me there.” 




 




“DeVian doesn’t get to dictate where you do and don’t go.” 




 




“She said it wasn’t safe.” 




 




“Then you best hope she doesn’t find out you’re in the city.” 




 




“But…” 




 




He could barely even beg to be left alone in the safety of Brazil with his grandmother figure Marjorie. Marjorie had been given full guardianship over the space claimant whilst DeVian and Stasia were off representing their houses in the city of Rome, Marjorie had protested violently when Rensai had abruptly snatched Kiran out of class and had taken him to an unknown location within one of Rensai’s proxy realms. Now he was stuck in the middle of a very large city… a city he did not know very well and it terrified him, he jumped as his halberd crashed beside him, he picked it up and held it close to his chest, his heart hammering… sure he had no reason to be afraid, he was technically a teen and so he supposed he was ready to take on missions but without the consent of his mother? What would DeVian do? How would she react if she found out he was in Rome against her express wishes. 




 




“Find mum…” he whispered to himself.




 




He decided it would be safest to stick to the alleyways, maybe a death claimant working for DeVian would be around and he could ask them to take him to her. He jumped again when a small group of claimants walked past, patrolling, and discussing plans. Kiran whilst battle hardened, was not the sort of claimant who could just go into fight or flight mode; rather he needed to be warmed up – perhaps this was the issue with being the only one of his kind. He had no one to turn to, no one to ask for help. 




 




“What are you looking at punk?” 




 




He hadn’t realised he had lost focus and was now surrounded by earth claimants scratching for a fight. He shifted his weight so that his halberd was protecting his most vital areas, they laughed and pointed at him. 




 




“You think you can fight us kid?” 




 




“I…” 




 




He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say, he had never been around such aggressive claimants before. He had to stand up for himself and survive, at least till he found his aunt and DeVian. 




 




DeVian and Stasia were in the middle of demolishing one of the many pizzas when both of their phones lit up with the name Bruno and Marjorie, DeVian was the first to retrieve her phone and put it on loudspeaker, it was Bruno who spoke – believing that Stasia had picked up their phone. 




 




"Ela levou-o! Ele está em Roma! Nós não poderíamos impedi-la!” [She took him! He’s in Rome! We couldn’t stop her] 




 




“Who?” 




 




"Kiran. Rensai o tirou da escola e agora Marjorie diz que pode senti-lo em Roma." 






[Kiran. Rensai took him from school and now Marjorie says she can feel him in Rome.] 




 




“By the void.” Stasia murmured 




 




DeVian was no longer interested in eating, instead like a hunter would their prey she sent out a small battalion of void hounds, all of whom were obedient and waited for her command; she hissed something under her breath and the hounds were off, seeking Kiran out in the city of Rome would not be an easy task. Stasia summoned Kaspa and sent the hornet on an aerial search of the city, lest Kiran panicked and turned part of the city into a gravitational nightmare. DeVian dressed, arming herself and looking at Stasia waiting to see what they would do.




 




"Jag ska söka söderut." [I’ll search the south] 




 




Kiran was in pain all over, he had been launched several feet into an opposing building after managing to knock two of the earth claimants off their feet. Now all he could was hold his halberd up by his less injured right hand, he didn’t want to cry but he was utterly terrified. Yes, he had been trained to fight and he knew he could get out of this but the sudden arrival in Rome, the suddenness of all of this; freaked the poor kid out. These earth claimants shouted and hooted as they circled around Kiran, making him feel utterly claustrophobic… in their chanting and arrogance, they had not realised that several forms from the depths of well… Kiran wasn’t sure, started to materialise, their red eyes, the stench of death, fear and patchouli told Kiran all he needed to know, he relaxed slightly at the arrival of several very pissed off Void hounds. 




 




One of them towered over the rest and its exposed skull showed teeth that had torn through more than just the average claimant. It let out a resounding bark that caught the earth claimant’s attention immediately. Course, they presumed it was Kiran’s doing – as he had not shown any elemental usage up till this point, and as they were utterly unaware of what his scent of Fir meant. Kiran could barely even see DeVian who sat atop the largest hound, sensing an even bloodier battle, the earth claimants changed their stance to prepare as DeVian hurled her halberd, it struck the middleman and main aggressor in the chest, and he howled before lifelessly falling to the ground. He tried not to clap his eyes over with his hands but hearing flesh and people being torn apart by void hounds was not a pleasant sound or sight that Kiran wanted to remember; DeVian for all that it mattered seemed unfazed at the scene and jumped down from her mount, she stepped over the dead and helped Kiran up by his uninjured arm. As they moved away from the scene, Kiran could have sworn that one of them was wearing glasses and had clips in their ears. He wanted to ask but at the sight of DeVian’s face, he knew it could wait. She hauled him onto her hound, who had lowered to the floor and was waiting obediently. Normally, hounds as large and as vicious as DeVian’s, do not enjoy nor abide by the thought of another being atop them; in this circumstance the hound only played along because it recognised Kiran as being vital to DeVian’s peace of mind. 




 




Amphitrite fell off the couch, she wretched and felt the bitter salt of her tears, she was in an unfamiliar place and was wrapped up in what she could only presumed were bandages drenched in herbal medicine. She tried to lift her legs but found herself unable. 




 




“One of the unfortunate effects of my mother’s balm is temporary paralysis.” 




 




A blonde-haired female spoke from behind her, beside her a similar blonde-haired male stood, both of them at the kitchen counter drinking something. Who the hell were they? The blonde male gave her a reassuring look. They spelt like no other house that she had ever been lucky enough to be around. 




 




“Where am I? Who are you?” 




 




“Us? Ha. We’re Vetani and Soivan. Children of Florita and Novevu.” 




 




“Huh?” That made no sense, Novevu and Florita had no children. 




 




“We’re looking after you, for your friend, Loic.” 




 




“Loic!” 




 




Now all the memories flooded back into her mind, and she realised he was nowhere to be seen, had he been killed. She began to panic and rubbed at her chest, her heart pounding a mile a minute.  The blonde female stepped around the counter and came to sit beside the paralysed moon claimant. She blew on the palm of her hand and a small plant bloomed, forming until a clear mirror type pod was provided, it showed that Loic was somewhere that Amphitrite herself had never been. 




 




“He’s in Rome, on a mission for our mother. You’ll join him once you get the clean bill of health from Eviax.” 




 




“Eviax?”




 




“Are moon claimants always so uneducated.” 




 




“Be nice Tani, she’s, our guest.” 




 




Amphitrite felt immediately at peace as the treasure of life stepped into the room, she lowered herself so that she was just by Vetani’s side. She ran her hands over the previously ill claimant and smiled.




 




“You’re doing so well! You’ll heal up just right. You won’t miss any of the action in Rome. I’ll let know Loic to expect you. He was so worried.” 




 




She was comforted by the words and nodded eagerly as the bandages were removed and Eviax helped her stretch out the muscles she had not been using, the life treasure chatted about lots of things, some of it washed over her head and she wasn’t sure if she was supposed to be paying attention. 




 




Far away on the opposite somewhat end of the world to the events of Rome, on a busy main street in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. Two claimants sat at a table, one with a larger-than-life cup of black coffee and the other with an artificially orange smoothie, the first looked as though they had not slept for centuries and the other looked like they regretted ordering whatever mockery of a smoothie now sat in front of them. Both of them drank their drinks silently, not bothering to speak nor bothering to look at each other in the eye. Surrounding them were crowds of loud boisterous humans who were all finishing their midday meals. They could have moved from where they sat, but neither of them felt compelled to move, they were waiting for the last chair to be occupied by the only member of their small party that was late. 




 




“Was she ever going to show up?” 




 




“Nuvat’s busy that’s all.” 




 




“You need to stop excusing her behaviour. This isn’t the program anymore.” Luis started




 




“Please, I don’t want to argue.” 




 




The female of the pair, stared into the dark abyss of her cup where the coffee stared back at her, she hadn’t been sleeping and felt ill at the thought of doing anything other than sitting there and being occupied with the latest string of claimant murders. She just couldn’t figure out the culprit or the point of murdering air claimants. Sure it made the air feel heavy and less free, but it just didn’t make sense… the air claimants were pretty harmless generally; if whoever was murdering claimants wanted to make a real impact, why not target the larger more notorious houses like death or maybe even her own? She did pity Luis, who was part of the aforementioned house of air, Nivan refused to reveal to Luis that his house was far smaller than it had been at the start of the year. 




 




A loud cursing, shoving and finally the scraping of plastic against pavement as the loudest of the bunch sat down. Nuvat looked as though she had just escaped from an orgy somewhere in the city, the glow and scent of her made Luis fan a gust of wind in her direction. He then resumed drinking his smoothie as he watched for any sign that Nivan was going to scream at her twin for her tardiness and lack of self-awareness. Nuvat winked at the waiter who came to ask what she wanted.




 




“Does this place serve alcohol at this hour?” She asked, batting her eyelashes.




 




“Yes, we serve wine.” 




 




“The most expensive bottle then.” 




 




The waiter disappeared just as quickly as he appeared as Nuvat rubbed her hands together, Luis and her sister still hadn’t said anything to her, and she wondered if she needed to charm the two. Nivan took another prolonged sip. Nuvat began: 




 




“So, did you hear about Rome?” 




 




“Who hasn’t? It’s all over the news.” 




 




“I’m going.” 




 




This was not a surprise, not in the slightest but Luis and Nivan looked at each other, neither of them thought it was much a good idea for Nuvat to travel to Rome with all of the claimants roaming about. Nuvat would only make things worse – Luis was sure of this fact but refused to say it lest he find himself without his head or his limbs. 




 




“Does Vetani know about your plans?” 




 




“Who’s to say she isn’t already there.” 




 




“Maybe you should wait to head out? Just in case something happens here.” Luis started.




 




“Besides, Stasia is there.” 




 




Luis rolled his eyes, of course Nuvat was going for her own personal reasons, probably to win over her best friend and finally force the breakup between her and the apparently regal and more than just a myth DeVian Desdon. Of course, Luis and Nivan had tried their best to sway Nuvat away from her ideas of reuniting and becoming Stasia’s new bed buddy – Luis coined the term, Nivan then corrected him and said that it was likely that Nuvat saw DeVian as nothing more than an annoying bed warmer. 




 




“If you insist on going, please try to stay under the radar. It’s bad enough that this has caught human attention… we don’t need them witnessing the utter destruction of Rome.” 




 




Kiran winced as DeVian and Stasia worked in tandem to heal his wounds, most of them were superficial and a simple ancient phrase was all was needed to make the pain go away, Kiran could have of course done it himself but he was not as well versed in the effects and control needed to use the words that his two maternal figures occasionally used to do simple things, like their laundry, or to summon someone or to bring something they had left at another location to them. Once that was done, DeVian wiped her hands on a damp towel and said something that Kiran didn’t quite catch, but the result was revealed immediately as a wisp almost translucent portal made itself emerge from her wrist, on the other side Marjorie and Bruno stood. 




 




“If Rensai tries to bring you back here, I will set the hounds on her. Go on.” 




 




“Du är inte arg?” [You’re not mad?] 




 




“あなたに対してではなく、決してあなたに対してではありません。このようなもののためではありません.” [Not at you, never at you. Not for something like this] Stasia murmured. 




 




Once Kiran was back in Marjorie’s custody, both Stasia and DeVian returned to their hotel room and both exhausted from hunting for Kiran in Rome decided to spend some time alone, with DeVian choosing to occupy the bedroom and Stasia lounging on the balcony, usually things that involved Kiran left them both drained and in need of peace and quiet; Stasia took their phone out and took a snap of the city sky and sent it to their adoptive parents, Stasia didn’t technically speak to them, only ever sending them pictures of where they was so they knew that Stasia was busy or working – it almost meant that they knew Stasia was not within in the confines of the program and still on the loose. Stasia had wanted to have a nap, but those plans were shattered by a bright meteorite of a person shooting straight towards them, Stasia called forth their scissors to act as a physical barrier between them and whatever was barrelling towards them. Their points pointed towards the earth as the form stopped just before touching them. The scissors fell away as Nuvat Excia fell into their arms with a large grin and a laugh. Both of them said nothing for a moment, reeling that they were together – course they had past history, but it had been months since either had seen or contacted each other. Once Nuvat found her feet they squealed in union. 




 




Course, Stasia squealing was highly unusual and DeVian stepped out of the bedroom, Halberd at the ready. She had already cut down several earth claimants, what would it matter if she cut down another for ruining her time alone with Stasia. DeVian had not expected whatsoever to find her wife and one particular bane of her existence in the living room wrestling each other, play fighting. DeVian cleared her throat, interrupting the pair who looked up at her and started laughing. 




 




“Nice to see you… Nuvat.” DeVian pursed her lips as the sun claimant got up. 




 




“I didn’t expect to see you here of all places. Representing your house?” Stasia asked. 




 




“Sure, also here as a favour to Nivan.” Nuvat shrugged. 




 




A loud crash and a window shattering indicated that Nuvat’s luggage and belongings had declared the floor below DeVian and Stasia’s as hers. DeVian scowled as Nuvat whispered something in Stasia’s ear before leaving the way she came. Stasia rubbed the back of her neck. 




 




“Você sabia que ela estava vindo?” [Did you know she was coming?] it came out in a hiss. 




 




Why DeVian sounded like a trod-on snake, Stasia didn’t know as they looked at their wife. Stasia never quite understood why DeVian couldn’t accept the fact that Nuvat was just a best friends, that they were just that. 




 




“Não, mas não será um problema, certo?” [No, but it won’t be a problem, right?] 




 




“Será se ela decidir se tornar uma.” [It will be if she decides to become one] 




 




“Nuvat är min bästa vän DeVian.” [Nuvat is my best friend DeVian.] 




 




DeVian flinched, Stasia speaking Swedish indicated how annoyed the electricity Aikekunai felt when it came to the topic of DeVian questioning the bond and relationship they shared with the sun claimant, glowering however was part of DeVian’s usual behaviour, she reached for a bottle of wine that had yet to be opened from the mini fridge, slamming it shut and leaving for the bedroom; she kicked the door shut and shouted loud enough for both Stasia and possibly Nuvat to hear. 




 




“Böter. Tillbringa tid med henne. Se om jag bryr mig.” [Fine. Spend time with her. See if I care] 




 




The pronunciation was slightly off, but the message was clear. Stasia sighed audibly and grabbed a coat before bolting to the elevator to head down to where Nuvat was no doubt settling in and waiting for them to come hang out.

“Your champion killed seven of my children!” 




 




Flori, like always had completely disregarded what one would consider social normalities or pleasantries when he had stormed uninvited and unnoticed into the grand throne room that Novevu occupied when he was supposed to be looking over and doing some measure of work – no work actually ever got done in the throne room, it was his study where he made his moves and held onto his power like a pirate would their treasure. Novevu had been made aware of the altercation shortly after it had occurred at three in the afternoon, local Rome time by a sharp-eyed order claimant whose job had been to report and adjudicate any battles between claimants and if, unfortunately if any lives were lost. Novevu watched as Flori shouted and pointed like a spoilt child before finally silencing the much younger earth ancient with a pound of his fist against this throne. 




 




“She had every right; your children surrounded her son and harmed him. Thankfully the injuries were superficial and did not require Eviax or me to attend.” 




 




“Right? What RIGHT? She had NO right. It is your fault entirely for not voting to uphold cooperation amongst the houses.” 




 




“As if that even matters. Your claimants have long since held the shame of you and your piss poor attitude towards the other houses. If some of them die as a result. That is your responsibility alone.” 




 




“I demand reparations.” 




 




That did it, Novevu stood up from his throne, calling upon his sword. Flori would not allow himself weakness and revealed his tomahawk. Flori continued to speak despite the fact he had violated ancient law by bringing his weapon into the domain of the void, for only Novevu was allowed to wield his sword inside his realm. 




 




“I demand DeVian Desdon head!” 




 




Flori shouted as the two ancients came to blows, and perhaps would have continued if not for the sinewy molten chains of Virsta that struck first Flori, wrapping around his neck and limbs trapping him, the same chains disarmed Novevu as a shadowed form with no visible face and only a mouth with sharp white teeth emerged from the large dent in the floor caused by Flori’s early attempts to create an artificial high ground. Neither of them dared to move nor speak as the mass snarled and writhed. A sound of bones breaking echoed the void’s voice, deadly in its allure yet all the same seductive. 




 




You dare fight on sacred ground? Punishment!




 




Flori howled in pain, as the chains glowed a sinister black and red. Hands of all those lost to the void’s hold seemed to grip onto Flori’s bare flesh, his skin beginning to melt and crack, no amount of ancient blood would heal the scars, nor would the core’s presence. 




 




I shall take your hands.




 




“NO!” Flori screeched “Please Novevu! Do something!” 




 




“You and I both know, I cannot interfere. You broke sacred law. I only defended my realm.” 




 




“I plead for a trial by chamber.” 




 




The words flowed from Flori’s lips like water and the pain stopped as the Void considered his words. Novevu having taken to the floor on his knees, he would not protest to a trial by chamber, that was Flori’s right and the void though furious knew it. A gong began to chime, louder than anything a human could tolerate as claimants both within their home realms and those in the human realm heard it. An uncomfortable sensation befell those who descended from the house of Kinoz. Many of them having not felt the sensation of the gong ring out, many of them in the middle of a task were whisked into the main audience portion of the public ancient chamber. Flori was whisked onto centre stage as every other ancient besides Novevu sat down in their throne. Previously it had been Evyette who presided over matters in the chamber for the house of Rhihon, but the presence of Phita changed that. 




 




“Shit.” 




 




Some of the claimants said as Jayhe tied her blindfold on, standing not too far away was that of the void, this time it was not its mouth but it’s hallowed glass like eyes that were every colour and yet also devoid of every colour. Flori tried to tug at the chains, and it only resulted in more pain for him and discomfort for his claimants who were nervously shuffling about. In the background of it all, a statue of Extius with hands cupped as though receiving something, two orbs floated neither touching his hands – yet. The first was black, the other white and every claimant knew that it would be the end of their house if the black orb touched his hands… this was how the trial by chamber worked, Flori would be forced to defend himself and his choice to breach ancient law, fail and he and his house would be eradicated. Succeed and he would be pardoned and sanctioned in a way that befitted the void. Neither pleasant if anyone was to be asked. Phita sat in his adjusted throne and kept his eyes on the claimants. Eviax who stood by Destodai winced at the sight of so many children who had never before been inside the chamber and were now crying at their house’s feet out of utter fear. Flau accompanied his father in the same set of chains, for as soon as the void had placed them on Flori, Flau had found himself in the uncomfortable position of being treated as damned in equal measure. 




 




Marjorie who stood at the very front of the group of claimants with knitting needles and a large mass of yarn was the only one of Flori’s claimants who did not seem to be worried. The female champion rarely felt any emotions or compulsion to react to the actions of her ancient. She looked to her sons who having been whisked to the same location. Francisco had been shaving and half of his face was still covered in shaving cream, Georgie had been eating and so he still held his bowl of cereal and Truman had been getting into drag – his wig was lopsided, he was left holding his wig and his eyeliner. 




 




“¿Qué hizo ahora?" [What did he do now?] 




 




“Trajo su Tomahawk al vacío.” [He brought his tomahawk into the void.] 






“Is he stupid? Or does he actually think he can outwit the void?” 




 




“I believe this has to do with your sister doling out a kind of justice to protect Kiran.” 




 




“And now we’re all fucked, either to be punished or to be killed.” 




 




Francisco sighed; he wiped the rest of the shaving cream away with a clean handkerchief offered to him by another one of their fellow claimants. Quinnox let out a breath and the entire chamber fell silent; he would not inhale until Jayhe had finished going over the official part of the ceremony and explain what was at stake to the ancient of earth and his house. Only allowing for Jayhe to breathe, the rest were held in a state of breathless suffocation and some of the children who had been crying previously now choked and clawed at their throats. Once Jayhe stopped speaking, Quinnox relinquished his hold on the air and the claimants were left coughing and comforting each other, many of them holding each other’s arms, linking their elbows together – many on their knees pleading silently, some who enjoyed the practices of human religion prayed to those deities; all of them were sure that Flori was to fail and therefore they were to be erased. 




 




Marjorie took her spectacles off and her true appearance was revealed, to the humans she looked like a normal ninety-year-old, with a crooked back, bad vision, and the scent of mothballs. In truth she actually looked like a thirty-something year old with a straight back, wide hips and was actually paler even than Truman who obsessed over keeping out of the sun. She fixed her bun and put her knitting needles down as the void repeated what had happened to the ancients who were listening to the account with some level of interest – well, that was the illusion they wanted to put forward, in reality half of them were outraged and the other half were cursing Flori for his stupidity. Jayhe with her blindfold showed no emotion, having fully stepped into her role as judge, jury, and executioner. Once the void had completed its account, Flori was given the chance to speak and fight the account presented by the void. Each of the ancients in turn started to place their hands on the small orb like replicas of the two larger ones that rested atop Extius’ cupped hands. 




 




Flori both sighed and gasped as each of the votes were cast, so far it was not looking good for the ancient of Kinoz, as many of those in the opposing line who were strong supporters of Novevu quickly placed their hands on the black orb – including the freshly returned Phita who had a smug look upon his face. Some were completely uncertain or like Naiick who was uncomfortable at the thought of losing such a close friend, refused to vote – sure the ancients were allowed to abstain but by doing so it sort of doomed the party involved. Thus far the signs pointed to the elimination of Flori, and the claimants knew it. He continued to argue his point that it was his right to gain retribution after Novevu’s champion had slain his claimants without a second thought about the repercussions. He was reminded swiftly by the void that neither Novevu nor Xainayne had voted in agreement with the initial pact of non-aggression set out at the onset of the incident in Rome. 




 




“Are we to die here?” [Are we to die here?] Truman said under his breath. 




 




“Someone should bring that champion of death forward so they can be punished. Why do we need to be punished?” 




 




Many of the claimants nodded in agreement with that statement and started chanting that they the offending champion should be brought before the champion and judged for the murders of their kin, Marjorie and her sons remained silent – mostly because they knew that if DeVian was forced from Rome to here, they would be used as bait, something to spur DeVian into confessing and thus implicating her as all but guilty. 




 




“Adjournment.” Announced Jayhe. 




 




As soon as the word left her lips, the other ancients stepped away from their thrones and into another room, this was not as grand as the chamber with the audience but rather a small area with many pieces of fine furniture – Novevu did love his antiques, a table with food and drink – no alcohol, they all needed to remain sober, and an envoy creature from each of their houses. Many of them split into their own friendship groups to discuss what outcome they thought best, whereas others merely sat down and shut their eyes for some much-needed peace; the only ancient absent was that of Jayhe, for she had to keep some level of impartialness. Entering from her own space, the personification of nature headed directly for her spouse who was discussing some other worldly business with his closest confidants: Xainayne, Alvax and Phita, the three bowed in reverence to Florita, much like the diplomats and envoys in historical human times. Alvax and Phita shuffled to the side and out of earshot of Florita who waited for Xainayne to finish conversing with her husband before he too stepped aside to speak to Naiick who was busily building a high plate of food. 




 




Florita grasped Novevu’s arm, pulling him into her arms, tendrils of vines, roses, thorns, and most of all, aggressive soldier ants the size of horses seemed to amass around them so that a dome of greenage and flowers prevented others from listening into their conversation, the only light within the dome coming from Florita’s hair – which when in darkness, glowed with bioluminescence and fireflies. 




 




“You cannot allow Flori to die nor ruin his house.” She urged. 




 




“Are you so easy to forgive his transgressions against you.” 






“No, but before I left my original line to act as your Queen, he was in all but core my father. I cannot live with the thought of his death or the harm it will do to his claimants let alone my own.” She argued, whispering as an afterthought “You forget. I need him as much as I need Naiick and Alvax.” 




 




Novevu’s gaze met Florita’s, she looked both fearful and hurt… but then he would have to risk DeVian, and he could not allow his first child to come to harm. He struggled with himself, he then considered his wife, she had sacrificed so much, turning her back on her true kin to be with him… despite all the judgement and the broken relations – for she was no longer welcome in the circles of life, Destodai was as cruel as Novea when angered. Florita had seldom few allies and it was only because of her direct connection and hold over Novevu’s heart that no one, not even the ancient who had created her and then sought to destroy her house; the same one in the chamber arguing for his life and house; dared not to touch her or her children. 




 




“Look at those two. Conspiring.” Destodai clucked. 




 




Eviax looked at her mother uncomfortable, she was currently wedged between her mother, their hybrid relatives, and their treasures, Naiick who looked seaweed green, Nammay who wished he could be at Novevu’s side. Chaemai and Xainayne were off to the side, refusing to be a part of Destodai’s small posse and refusing to also be seen in the company of anyone else. A thin cackle of electricity and swirls of dark pungent smoke kept everyone else away from the electric and dark ancient. 




 




“I say we form a temporary alliance. It would suit us both, no one else needs to know.” 




 




“Aye, but they’ll find out soon enough.” 




 




“It matters not if they do, your child and my own are sisters after all. They will be useful for not only you but I in our battle to reach the Citadel. As this is all occurring in the mortal realm, would it not be beneficial to have me by your side Xainayne?” 




 




“Our houses have never been friends. Why now?” 




 




Xainayne, as always was suspicious of anyone from the same line asking to be his ally or business partner. Chaemai’s unseeing eyes blinked, he thought she looked like a rather confused or dazed owl; he knew that she could not see him… only sense him – Stasia her own claimant and Aikekunai had seen to that, and he somewhat could not be prouder of her for doing so, Chaemai had always he thought been a little smug, what with being the spokesperson of the mortal realm and all. 




 




“If you promise that if it comes down to it, that if my children succeed in reaching the Citadel first. You will not attempt to gain some kind of favour, then perhaps I will consider your offer.” 




 




“Consider it done, speak to me when you’re assured of my promise and commitment to our pact.” 




 




With that, Xainayne walked away just as Florita and Novevu finished conversing, he narrowed his eyes as Florita rushed away from her husband looking less than passive and then looked to his friend who looked as though he wished he had been decapitated in the fight against Flori. Placing a hand on Novevu’s shoulder, he leaned into his best friend’s ear. 




 




“All is well with your love?” 




 




“She pleaded for his life.” 




 




“How curious. What say you?”




 




“I cannot change my position.” Novevu turned to face him. 




 




“Perhaps, then I shall. I can help you sway the others to keep your pretty little flower happy.” 




 




“It would be a miscarriage of justice.” 




 




“Bah, whoever cared for justice? Not me. Besides. Florita dying would sting a lot more than Flori’s insufferable existence.” 




 




Dark met Death, Death met Dark. Both stared into each other’s eyes; for a moment Xainayne was sure that Novevu would buckle but when he did not, he found himself placing his spare hand around Novevu’s throat. To everyone else who still remained inside the chamber, nothing looked out of place; that was the charm of being in the void. A chaste kiss on the lips, a tug of hair and the abrupt bumping into the wall as Xainayne smirked. 




 




“You haven’t lost your fire after all, old chap.” 




 




“You forget your place Xainayne.” 




 




“And you have forgotten that we do not play by the rules. The rest of them were fools, agreeing to that sick game of happy family. Let out show them what we can do, they still fear us.” 




 




“They only fear us because our numbers are numerous.” 




 




“Ever growing stronger Novevu. If we do not win this fight, then we will have to win the war at a later point, with a price much higher than Flori and your honeysuckle queen dying.” 




 




“You know something.” Novevu accused.




 




Xainayne laughed as Novevu applied more pressure to his throat, it was comforting… at least for Xainayne to know that the old Novevu was not gone entirely from this world. He had hated it when Florita had paired up with his best friend, for Novevu had mellowed out and almost freakishly could be branded as a boring cliché wife serving husband. Novevu released Xainayne who promptly took a step forward and reversed their previous position so now Novevu was trapped against the wall and Xainayne was wholly in charge of their power dynamic. 




 




“Let us show them my dear. We can sway the vote to keep the game in our hand. You don’t want Destodai to be given the upper hand.” 




 




“You are part of her line.”




 




“Yet here I am, at your mercy Novevu. Death cannot be with Dark. Dark would not exist without Death. Let me do this for you.” 




 




“What would you have in return.” 




 




“Nothing yet.” 




 




“You don’t do anything for free.” 




 




“Just kissing you was sufficient.” 




 




Once the chamber was filled up, Xainayne looked at Novevu confidently. Novevu looked away and towards his wife who was clutching dry hay, weaving it into basket after basket, she was stressed, and he could clearly see that. His vote however remained the same. Jayhe addressed the ancients. 




 




“It is now time to make your final choice, black for erasure or white to pay the void’s price.” 




 




Xainayne cracked a smile, placing his hand on the white orb in front of him, as soon as he did Naiick who had been reluctant and did not want to play a role in this at all also placed his hand upon the white orb in front of him. Slowly but surely, almost like a snail attempting to traverse a desert, each ancient placed their hands on the white orb until Novevu was left as the only outlier – course, they knew that the only reason Novevu had chosen the black orb was because he had been greatly insulted by Flori’s decision to bring his weapon into the ancient of death’s home. Flori breathed a sigh of relief, but the chains remained as the Void given the power to punish decided on what it would do. Most of the claimants cheered in relief and fist bumped each other as they vanished from the chamber, back to whatever they were doing before they were interrupted by the announcement of a trial by chamber. 




 




Left alone, Flau looked at his father who awaited to hear what the most ancient of realms and Extius’s first companion – though there were arguments to suggest that Extius came after the void. 




 




To sleep you go. Never to rule the house again. Gone from this existence. Eternal slumber. 




 




It did not come as a surprise, how could it? Flau had no chance to say goodbye as his father’s anguish screams filled the chamber, many of the ancients clapped their hands over their treasure’s eyes, Flau had no one to do that for him as his flesh disintegrated and all that was left of the ancient of earth was a statuette of himself on his knees, covered in chains. Flau gagged, turning to throw up, the first to comfort the treasure was Naiick who jumped from his throne of seaweed and moss to hug Flau whose body began to rock with tremors. 




 




“Is he dead?” 




 




Flau croaked into Naiick’s arms, his own treasure cleaning up the vomit with a swish of his hands. 






“No, merely asleep. Just like Extius.” 




 




Naiick was sure, he looked at the statue, for a moment he could have sworn it blinked. Flau continued to rock in the ancient of water’s arms as the void took it’s leave. How Flau was going to tell his house that their ancient was now permanently put to rest, he wasn’t sure… worse didn’t it now make him the leader of the house? He inhaled and spotted Rensai who gave him a sad understanding smile. 




 




“What am I to do?” He retched. 




 




“We will figure it out, we always do. Valvoss, help me take Flau home.” 




 




“Yes, father.” 




 




Valvoss never obeyed, only questioned and scrutinised; but even he the most hideous of the group knew that now would not be the time to cause an issue or force his father’s hand. Naiick lifted Flau up, putting the younger male’s arm around him as though to act as a physical sling. As for the statue of Flori, it seemed to sink into the chamber floor, taken into the dark mass of the void, to a place where only Novevu knew; the same place that held their sleeping forefather, Extius. 




 




Phita ran his hands over the soft furs, the whole forge smelt like his daughter who at this moment he did not care for, where she was, what she was doing, who she was with? None of it mattered, he wanted to toss all the furs away, for it reeked of her. He looked up at the assemblage of fire claimants, his champions, and his house Aikekunai. All of them looked severely uncomfortable and some of them tried not to move or fiddle; afraid that Phita would notice and thus dole out some kind of twisted punishment. 




 




“All of you, are useless. How can none of you find my granddaughter?” 




 




“We searched…” squeaked one of the champions he did not know the name of. 




 




“Searched? If you had ‘searched’ as you claimed. She would be here. Yet I do not see Phianette anywhere.” 




 




Course, he had watched as claimant after claimant tried to summon her, none of them had succeeded and in fact three of them had passed out from the exertion of attempting to summon her – she was somewhere out of reach of any mere portal or element it seemed. Phita wondered if she had found sanctuary, somewhere where he knew their house as not welcomed.



“We’ve done all that we can. My lord.” 

 

“All that you can? All that you can?” 

 

Phita was incredulous and clenched his fist, the claimant who had dared to speak started to suffocate before falling lifeless and extinguished to the floor, many of the claimants who stood around him stepped back as he was engulfed in pure white flame; some of the younger members shrieked.

 

“Shut up.” Phita was in no mood to be nice. 



Once it was silent in the forge, Phita having cracked his knuckles, stood up and pointed at each of them in turn. 

 

“All of you are to resume searching for my granddaughter.” 

 

“What about Rome?” 

 

“Rome can wait. It’s not as if any of you are of any use. We will never regain our core at this rate, and it will be your fault. Evyette was too nice, too lenient. See this as your final warning. Fail me this time and I will kill you all.” 

All the members of house Rhihon knew that the threats Phita made would be carried out without so much a second thought, some of them were utterly uneasy with the mere thought that their ancient would without a doubt kill them all if it meant making the house stronger. Phita narrowed his eyes and trained them on a select few individuals. Oda, Harvel and Shinzo in particular. 

"You three will go to Earth, find Evyette and contain her. Drag her to the prism if you must. She must not reach Phianette first. I plan to make an example out of her mother."

Evyette had been asleep, wrapped up in warm soft cloaks of fur and naked as the day she had first emerged from her mother’s flame. In the background the flames licked to and from with the same power that flowed inside of her. She had decided early on, to snooze the day away, happy in the knowledge that the situation in Rome was well taken care of. Her careless peace was interrupted as the door to her private chambers were ripped off their hinges. Evyette barely had a chance to sit up let alone reach for her glasses when the one person she did not think to ever see again waltzed in, hands flaming, a tense furious expression upon her mother’s face.





 




“Get up.” Phita ordered. 




 




Though she was no longer just a treasure but the current ancient of her house, Evyette climbed out of the bed and stood covering her nudeness with one of her furs. That was promptly ripped out of her grasp and tossed to the opposite end as her mother came to stand just a step apart from her. Evyette swallowed, why was her mother here? Why was she so angry? Had something happened? She thought idly about all the different things she was responsible for; all her duties had been performed; she was allowed to take time off… she opened her mouth to inquire but her mother gave her a look that made Evyette feel like an extinguished candle wick. 




 




“You are a disgrace.” 




 




“Mother?”




 




“Shut up. I cannot believe you would be so foolish. So utterly submissive. I did not raise you to be some obedient whore Evyette.” 




 




The words stung and she could feel tears forming, she tried to force them away, crying in front of Phita would only make things worse for her and everyone else in the realm. She placed her hands in front of her as her mother made an accusatory face.




 




“Why the hell would you vote in agreement with the rest?”




 




“What?” 




 




“What language do we speak Evyette as a house. What are the two tenets we follow.” 




 




Why her mother was asking such an odd question astounded Evyette, she responded quickly before her mother decided to blow her head off. 




 




“Destruction and Dominance.” 




 




“Yet here you are, bowing to the collaborative submissive ways of the Postnos and all the other cowards of the Alpha line.” 




 




So, it had been her vote that had sent her mother into a spiralling rage and out of her chosen prison of Ancient Egypt. Evyette wished she had her armour on, something to shield her from her mother’s fury. She waited till Phita had a moment to compose herself whilst she shuffled nervously on the balls of her feet.




 




“You are exiled until further notice. Treasure.” Phita sounded both angered and dismayed in equal measure. 




 




Suddenly as though Evyette had found herself in front of a bullet train, she fell through the sky, her skin flaring up in tongues of fire as she descended quite brutally into the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Of course, someone of her nature, being made of solidified fire, crashing into an ocean was going to make a scene worthy of one of those Hollywood movies that featured world ending events. 




 




She gasped, inhaling salt water, as she rose to the surface, coughing and crying from the salt in her lungs, the indignity of her situation and the fact that her mother had quite literally left her naked in an unfamiliar place, made it even worse. It was catastrophic for her to think that her mother was so infuriated that she was now just a treasure, as she waded in the water trying to find anything resembling a boat or solid land, she cursed her mother, cursed her house, and cursed herself for not seeing this as the outcome of the decision she had made in order to keep her house and its interests seemingly safe from the other ancients. She only wanted to pretend to play along, but it seemed that her mother had taken her vote as a severe sign that Evyette was breaking from tradition and taking the house of Rhihon in another direction. 




 




Once she was done cursing everything and everyone for her predicament, she shut her eyes and allowed herself to calm in the water, sure it was not as great as being in the lava pools that flowed throughout the Forge, but it did allow her to think. She must have fallen asleep because she felt the rush of pure air cover her in an embrace, her eyes opened and she winced at the sight of the moon, she looked around and found she was high above in the sky with Quina gliding just above her, her hands held in a way that suggested she was leading Evyette around like a puppet. Evyette knew that speaking at that moment would be impossible, the wind would swallow her voice up. She touched her skin and felt the comfort of her flame call to her; she kicked her feet and like a match being struck and lit the flames that had been dormant since her impromptu dipping in the Atlantic ocean came to life. Quina released her hold on her cousin and allowed Evyette to shoot up and beyond the reach of most clouds before coming back down to fly by the emerald haired treasure.  




 




Evyette followed Quina through the clouds until they reached the metropolis of clouds known as the Breeze, Quina dipped into one of the cloud buildings that looked a bit like a mock skyscraper; there were a few claimants lounging about and many of them waved and gave her respectful nods as she found herself stepping onto a cloud… she had never thought to ask what clouds were made of as Quina took off her shoes and tossed them into an adjacent cloud wall.  Remarkably surprised that the cloud like structure could hold weight, she located a chair and sat down as Quina opened a small wine fridge and reached for two separate bottles, still having not said a word to her cousin. 




 




Once Quina was ensconced in her own seat and the spare bottle was offered to Evyette, they both broke the seal wax and corks and took pensive sips. 




 




“So, your mother is back.” Quina started. 




 




“Yes…” 




 




“You’ve also been dethroned. Back to being a treasure.” 




 




“Can we not?” 




 




Evyette took another swig, the sweet taste of Moscato washed through her and she sighed contentedly, she could taste the peach and apricot, it had just the right amount of tartness from the citrus she was sure had been infused into the wine. Quina took one more sip before gesturing. 




 




“Well, you’re welcome to stay here. I heard you were exiled. Well… technically my father saw you get thrown from the Forge and into the ocean, he asked me to fetch you. You looked so peaceful asleep; I thought it best to give you some space.” 




 




“Why are you being so nice?”






“We’re family. You’re my superior by line. Besides, better you stay here whilst your mother is in town.” 




 




That was suspicious, as the most battle harden and dangerous of the treasures, Quina was notoriously known for keeping to herself and protecting the interest of her house above all else; once Evyette had been afraid of the untamed spirit that seemed to be held within Quina; now that they were older, Evyette knew that the truth was, Quina could not control the power that she had been given nor the weight on her shoulders. 




 




“Who else knows?”  




 




Evyette couldn’t help but feel curious, after swearing that she would never return unless her core was about to be destroyed. Phita returning now, would shake the rest of ancient and claimant society alike. Evyette’s eyes roamed over the paintings and pictures held up by the cloud walls and sighed.




 




“No one else, well… except for one of Daenu’s lot.” 




 




“Shit.” 




 




“Shit indeed. Your mother sent them half melted back to the poles. Daenu will demand reparations from…her.” 




 




Neither of them needed to reference the previous history between the fire ancient and the ice ancient, both took to nursing themselves with their own drink, noting that Quina was drinking some kind of Vermouth, how anyone could drink something so dry? Evyette knew that if she were to drink the same thing, she would be sick to her stomach for the next year. Quina got up just as Quinnox entered and gave both his daughter and his niece a look of apprehension. 




 




“Uncle.”




 




“Pleasure to see you, I presume you are here to seek shelter?”




 




“I guess so… not likely the Contus will let me in, let alone tolerate me.” 




 




“They are a hard bunch, all that complimenting and postering for the title of prettiest, brightest. It must be so very boring.” 




 




Quinnox reached into the wine fridge and retrieved a bottle of the same vermouth, guess father like daughter. He fixed himself a martini and put several green pitted olives into the glass before sitting down between his daughter and his niece. 




 




“Your mother is a tyrant.”




 




“I’m not blind Quinnox.” 




 




“No, I suppose not. That’s more Daenu’s thing, what I mean to say is that whilst you were fair and just during your time. Your mother ruled through intimidation and the threat of death. Now that she is back, I fear she will revoke her vote and thus play unfairly… being as uncooperative as she is.” 




 




“She’s made it worse by kicking me out.” 




 




“Your mother will allow your return once you prove to her, that you’re made of the same bone, mettle, whatever those humans do to show their worth.” 




 




“How?” 




 




She could no longer drink, Quina was on her second bottle, this time however she had chosen a bottle of Topaque. Quinnox shrugged and looked to his daughter who had no sage words for her cousin, they all knew that without Quina running the business of ruling the house, the entire house of air would collapse under the irresponsibility of their ancient… though none dared to question his authority as ancient. Evyette felt terrible for taking up space within a realm that was not her own, sure it was better than laying in the middle of a human ocean, but she felt all sorts of level of guilt for her own daughter, Phianette… hopefully she had, had the balls and wits to get out of the Forge and hide with the ever pleasant and popular Eviax – known for taking in wards of all houses and thus treasures who had pissed their ancient parent off. 




 




Further afield, Olyveti and Phianette sat together, the two enjoyed each other’s company as Olyveti twisted and crafted a crown of flowers for the now former fire treasure, this change in status did not at all hinder the feelings the two felt for each other. Placed atop her head, Phianette blushed and touched the crown gently with the tips of her fingers.




 




“Well aren’t you just the most beautiful…” Olyveti started. 




 




“How can you abide to be by me, now that I am naught.” 




 




“Do not say that you will never be naught to me.” 




 




Olyveti wiped away the tears that threatened to fall. She gestured to her lap, offering Phianette the chance to rest her head, which she did eagerly… this was usually how their dates went, quiet, peaceful, and away from the hustle and bustle, the responsibility as treasures tended to leave them almost wilted and lifeless. It was in these moments they cherished when they could pretend to be mortal… normal. Both were usually rather loud and boisterous, however with the lack of their third member… they felt a little worn.  Olyveti reached into the picnic basket and retrieved one of the many finger sandwiches she had made, offering a bite to Phianette; the cucumber and hummus tasted amazing and Phianette almost snatched the sandwich back as Olyveti bit into it herself. 




 




“I’m sorry to interrupt.” 




 




Olyveti and Phianette both startled, but they needn’t fear for it was Noxvon. Both got up from their rested position and enveloped the treasure of death in an embrace to rival the void’s hunger. Olyveti placed a kiss on his cheek whereas Phianette rested her head against his heart. Noxvon greeted the two with a smile. It was usually up to Phianette as the most neutral of the three to keep the balance between Noxvon’s lack of sexual desire and Olyveti’s insatiable hunger to experiment in the bedroom. Yes, it was often rumoured that Phianette was as virtuous as a nun, but that was a lie and the only two who knew were the two standing beside her. 




 




“What’s up?”  




 




“There’s… been an incident in the mortal realm, the chamber has been summoned.” 




 




“What? So soon? I thought they only just met up?” Phianette suddenly felt shunned. 




 




“It would seem DeVian has caused an incident and now Flori wants her head.” 




 




“But… Phianette can’t go, and someone came by earlier to inform her of her mother’s banishment and arrival of her grandparent.” Olyveti’s words came out in a rush.  




 




“Phita would not mind if Phianette accompanied her.” 




 




“I can’t. That would be wrong of me. My mother should be the one going… I’m just a claimant now.” 




 




Phianette refused to change her mind on the matter, she had no place in the chamber now that she had lost her place as treasure. Olyveti looked at their third, apologetically, the treasure of death shrugged his shoulders and let out a soft chuckle. So far as Olyveti and Noxvon were concerned, their relationship with Phianette kept them both safe from the scrutiny of their parents. They were both seemingly glad that the cores meant they were genetically diverse and separate from each other; furthermore neither of them saw each other as step siblings and both their respective parents had stated quite clearly that only their half Sytagen siblings could count as their ‘biological children.’ Thus, it was clearly fine that they were seeing each other, at least that’s how it worked in theory. 




 




“What will we tell your grandparent then, we will enter the chamber reeking of you.” 




 




“Tell them I’ve run away, not like she can track me down. Not like this.” 




 




“You can stay here then, or within the Void. Or perhaps with your cousins.” 




 




“Phita would sniff me out if I so much as walked into the void.” 




 




“Fair, alright. It’s settled then. As far as anyone is concerned. No one has seen Phianette or knows of her whereabouts.” 




 




“I will shelter here or failing that I will go seek asylum with Alvax and Fintan.” 




 




Olyveti and Noxvon nodded, Noxvon left just as quickly as he arrived to see to his father who no doubt in a mood after Flori was had burst in and ruined his father’s day. Olyveti in the meanwhile pulled Phianette back down onto the field of grass, resuming their picnic. Olyveti knew that in time, her mother would send someone to fetch her, but for now she could just enjoy the food she had prepared with Phianette who spoke of her dreams and the visions in the flames that plagued her. Occasionally pausing when she felt she had gotten too lost in them and using Olyveti as an anchor to bring her back to the present. 




 




“I fear that there are dark times coming, for all of us.” 




 




“What did you see?” 




 




“A bloody battle, lives lost, Excalibur used.” 




 




“On whom?” 




 




“I cannot say, but the loss is great.”  




 




Phianette shivered and found herself moving closer to Olyveti. Not a moment later, a young doe and her fawn appeared, the treasure of nature sighed, getting up from her seated position and going towards the doe. Phianette shut their picnic basket and swept away the crumbs, she did not approach the doe nor her fawn and waited for Olyveti to finish chatting to the two creatures who looked at her with the same amount of adoration afforded to her mother Florita. Once the basket was retrieved and another hug was given, Phianette watched as her other partner disappeared, leaving her in the fields to wait for her return. She partially knew that she couldn’t stay, Phita would smell her on both the death and nature treasure and would come searching the fields. Cupping her hands in front of her, as though retrieving water from a river, she coaxed a small flame to life and once it was suitable hot enough, she placed it down on the field of grass and waded through the flame onto the other side, where the sphere waited on the other side.




 




Phianette groped around in her pocket for her spare sunglasses, made specifically for claimants, treasures and ancients alike who wanted into venture into the realm of pure light, once they on, she blinked and found herself surrounded by a hoard of knights and maidens, all of whom were unaware of the shift in Phianette’s position and presumed her to be an unwanted and uninvited invader. At the head of the knights was a female who didn’t seem to wear the same armour as the rest, was that fur? War paint? Phianette felt bemused and concerned in equal measure, the knight in particular held her fist up, it was clenched and Phianette dimly remembered that it meant that the knight was trying to access whether or not Phianette was a worthy opponent. 




 




A shuffling sound of boots, a sword hitting someone’s hip repeatedly and the scent of whiskey accompanied the ancient of light. Alvax looked exhausted – which Phianette wasn’t sure could happen to an ancient such as he. He scratched at his beard. 




 




“Phianette, a pleasure.” 




 




Alvax’s tone told the knights and maidens all they needed to know, for they disengaged and scattered like honeybees looking for nectar, as Olyveti would say if she were there. Her granduncle looked her over, his fingers seemed to swish and the area of them became less bright and more suitable for her eyes, she took the shades off as her granduncle waited for her to say something, to greet him back. 




 




“Alvax, I apologise for the impromptu visit.” 




 




“Ha. I never thought the day would come that my aunty would show up and kick your mother to the curb. Evyette has been… absent and has not come here. What are you doing here?” 




 




“I’d like to seek asylum here…” 




 




“You want to shelter here?” 




 




“It’s the only place that Phita won’t barge in on, now that I am vulnerable and without my title.” 




 




“I suppose that can be done; how long do you expect to be in this position?” 






“I can’t be certain.” 




 




A young boy, half the height of Alvax with round cheeks and a broad smile peeked out from behind, Phianette waved at Fintan who stepped past his father and went in for a hug. Both of them were around the same age, and to some humans their age gap would imply they were twins; for it was that Alvax and Evyette had rose to power at the exact same time, their creation came soon after now Phianette and Fintan were as thick as thieves – when around each other. 




 




“She can stay with me pa! In the highlands.”




 




“Are you still residing in Scotland?” 




 




“Yes! Near the gate to Naiick’s realm.” Fintan nodded.




 




“I suppose the mortal landowners we have entrusted our palaces would not mind. Go with my blessing, I will deflect any idea that you are with Fintan.” 




 




“What about the chamber?” 




 




“Fintan is otherwise too young to be there. He is better off staying far away from all the tribulations that come with his duty.” 




 




“What of his duty? Isn’t he being rather neglectful if he doesn’t attend?” 




 




“No, not in my books. He still needs to learn the lands of Scotland before he can even start with his introduction to the ways of being a treasure. I don’t particularly like the ways that everyone else has treated their treasure. Another extendible arm of themselves, it’s shameful.” 




 




With that, Alvax waved them out of his presence and Fintan who still had a hold of Phianette’s arm led her towards a particularly bright quartz that shimmered with the image of a castle surrounded by water, lots of water. 






“I don’t know if staying near a place surrounded by water is the best… place.” 




 




“Phita won’t check somewhere so close to Naiick’s realm. She would be a fool.” Fintan giggled.




 




They stepped through the quartz, a popping sound filled Phianette’s ears as they emerged into the state dining room of the one and only Eilean Donan castle. She had to massage her ears as Fintan let go of her hand. At first the place seemed deserted, but on the arrival of a human in a suit and a phone, Fintan gestured to them with a grand wave and half-mocking bow. 




 




“Phianette, this is Hugh, he’s one of the castle’s humans’ caretakers.” 




 




“Pleasure.” 




 




“Is it really ok for me to stay here? With you?” 




 




“Yes, the place is coated in a layer of glamour, the humans who visit this place don’t even realise that it’s swarming with claimants and humans alike living together under the one roof.” 






“Who’s in charge?” 




 




It went without saying that Fintan was the current owner of the place, as Phianette followed him around, he pointed to different doors and rooms, telling her about the castle – most of the facts washed over her head, Hugh had accompanied them during the tour and had discussed the finer details of Phianette’s stay, including her diet, her preferences for a room – Phianette had asked for the room with the largest fireplace possible, soon enough Fintan left her to her own devices as she was given a small room with the bed taking most of the room – apart from the fireplace that rested precariously close to the rest of the furniture. She was comforted that the fire was already roaring – Fintan had promised that the same glamours that hid them from the human tourists also masked the location to Phita. 


“Did my mother ever stay here?” 




 




“No, your mother I think prefers the English castles, as is her domain. As you know your grandmother loves Africa and Egypt.” 




 




Fintan and Phianette were sat down with the small group of high-ranking caretakers at a simple meal of roasted meat, vegetables, and whiskey fresh from the cask. Phianette had elected to fill her plate with mostly vegetables, leaving most of the protein to Fintan and the others, she stabbed at another potato. Whilst she felt entirely safe here at the castle, she still felt slightly bad that she was intruding… the house of light had always managed to somehow keep their Scotland and all of the castles in their possession, only ever relinquishing the ownership in a way that meant that the humans could claim all the pride of having restored castles and what not, but never truly having the castles for themselves. Phianette had not bothered to stay for dessert – some sort of sweet toffee and whiskey confection made of flour and dates and possibly brown sugar, instead retreating to her new bedroom, and sitting in front of the flames. 




 




Her earlier visions troubled her, she wanted to desperately know whose blood has been spilled in the fight she had seen involving one of the soul swords, the flamed flickered to and from without shedding any secrets and she wanted to tear her hair out. She wondered where her own mother was, if she was ok and if she would ever see her again. 




 




You made the right choice. 




 




The voice was unlike any she had heard, and she stood up and moved away from the flames as a dark figure with no face, but ears formed from the shadows in the flame, it reached out a hand. She refused to take it, afraid for her life and wanting to scream for help. 




 




You need not be afraid, child of flame. 




 




“Who are you?” 




 




It needn’t matter who I am, remain out of Phita’s clutches. Find your mother, continue your commitment to the flames and watch for the auguries. You shall be the messenger. 




 




With that the mass disappeared and left Phianette on her own to take on the weight and helm of watcher of the flames, settling back down she placed her hands against the flames and refused to blink; lest she miss something within the flames.

“You seem to be under the impression that I give a shit about you, or what you have to say.” 




 




“Give a shit? I freed you. You should give a shit about me.” 




 




“But I do not. Why should I? The mortals fear me just as the others do. I can smell the piss in your bladder, waiting to soil your pants.” 




 




Levei gritted her teeth, she never thought she would regret releasing the guarded chamber that held Conquest, it had been easier to convince the other three horsemen of her goal and her mission to eradicate the ancients and bring forth the second age of Null and her father most importantly. Yet here she stood across from the most infuriating creature she had ever met. She had never managed to divulge any of the horsemen's true names and seeing as none of them spared with any scrap of information without repayment; she had gotten used to referring to them by the roles that Novevu had given them. Levei had also learnt quickly not to trust any of the four alone together, she had managed to separate Famine and War and could barely avoid the constant lingering companion that was called Death. Conquest had been the most difficult to discover the location of, mostly because War, Famine and Death believed that the fourth member of their quartet had been reabsorbed into the construct that was the void. Levei had not at any point been keen on working with any of the horsemen but knew that without them she had no chance at getting into the Citadel - where a tome sat that explained exactly how to raise her father from his cursed eternal slumber. It had been easy to speak to them separately, the first to swear allegiance to her (though she personally doubted that he would obey if it really came down to it) was that of Famine. 




 




“You say you’re all powerful, yet you needed to seek us out. If you were even worth the grain of salt that you are, Extius would be here by now.” 




 




“I could kill you.” 




 




“If you did, my brothers would turn against you. You would die here, and your dear father would no longer be a father but a single entity asleep for the rest of time.” 




 




“My father said– “ 




 




“Said what? That we would come to your aid? Bow at your feet?” Conquest smirked.




 




It seemed despite her planning and all the work she had done; she was no match for Conquest or their tongue, she wasn’t even sure what gender this fourth member of the horsemen was. She was afraid to ask in case Conquest decided to disappear, she could not lose a single member of the horsemen or their loyalty. It was crucial she had all four when the time came to start a war against the houses. 




 




“The rest are loyal to me.” 




 




“The rest?” Conquest snorted. “We are loyal to no one but each other. Never try to con the con.” 




 




“Then do it for my father, be by my side.” 




 




“Your father? I owe your father nothing. I owe you nothing. Leave now before I bore of your voice and turn you into dinner.” 




 




“Your brothers…” 




 




“What? Said they would serve you? You really must be newborn.” 




 




“Then work by my side.” 




 




“Work is just another word for servitude.” 




 




Levei wanted to say that she could erase Conquest, because now that felt like a much better alternative than being insulted over and over. Conquest turned to leave and Levei could do nothing but reach for her cell to ask Famine, War and Death what to do. This was not how she saw this going, she had thought that Conquest would bend like the others at the words they were safe and alive. But nothing she had said thus far in the short time of knowing the final horseman seemed to impress them in the slightest; as though they could read her mind and already know what she wanted to say, all her moves… all her plans seemed to vanish in her mind. She reached to grab their hand, but they pulled away and hissed. 




 




“I can take you to your brothers, perhaps their words will convince you of my cause.” 




 




“If you, yourself cannot. What makes you think they can.” 




 




“Are you not sworn to them?” 




 




“I am but that is something that you will always fail to understand.” 




 




How anyone managed the urge to not scream in the face of Conquest and their words, Levei really had not a clue. She could not help but look at Conquest’s mouth, somehow someone had used a blade to cut a deep incision on either side of the corner of their lips and had left a gnarly exposed incision of flesh and Conquest had not bothered to fix it, instead opting to leave it. It ruined their appearance, which Levei suppose worked in their favour, if scaring away anyone was the intention.  




 




“So, tell me, Conquest. What is it you do in the horsemen? I’ve been told the other’s roles.” 




 




“Me? I’m the strategist. My hold over time makes me useful for that.” 




 




It had to be the first time Conquest had uttered something that wasn’t a thinly laced insult. Levei had done her research, and it was true that Conquest seemed to have the best ideas of the others, but also assisted the mortals the most in the earlier years of human history; now Conquest was just something that was talked about rather than done – the only ones who did or went on conquest now were claimants and she supposed people like her who were not satisfied with their lot in life. 




 




“If I could ensure you rose to power, alongside the rest of your brothers would you help me?” 




 




“I don’t believe you can afford me.” 




 




“The price is worth it if my father is brought back.” 




 




“Probational. I will determine later if this course of action is best for my brothers and me. You will not hold us to some goal that may not happen.” 




 




All of this discussion had left Levei with little time to appreciate the environment she was actually in. She had found the pot that held Conquest captive in the deepest darkest depths of the Dark Star Cave in the mortal nation of Uzbekistan, even now she could exhale and see a thin puff of steam. Conquest adjusted the cuffs at their hands – entirely decorative and looked to be at least early Georgian, course Levei had expected that their outfit was Georgian, but was surprised to see they were dressed in modern day office attire – the kind that CEOs wore, the deep velvet turtleneck seemed to conceal what Levei thought was a language she had never seen before, which was impossible, she knew languages like the back of her hand; then again Conquest had mentioned that the horsemen had their own system of communication and markings, perhaps this was a sign of that. Another thing was Conquest’s height, the other horsemen were just as tall and it made Levei feel incredibly small, which annoyed her. 




 




“Shall we?” 




 




“Shall we what?” 




 




“Leave this place. Surely you want to see what the mortal realm has become?” 




 




“It’s all the same to me. I will go find my brothers. We will speak soon Levei.” 




 




Those words had brought their conversation to an end – six months ago, and now in the city of Rome, Levei found herself surrounded by her mutated knights, humans who had been given a taste of Null only for them to suffer physical and psychological effects that made sure they no longer resembled anything human, she supposed it reminded her of the time in the roaring twenties when she had stolen the chalice and caused havoc in the city of New York; perhaps those who had opposed her had returned, and if not then she wondered if she died if they would find her in the Void or wherever their souls had gone to. 




 




She stepped back from the edge of the roof she stood on, looking back at the four horsemen who stood in the same identical gear in varying shades of red, black, green, and blue. Conquest’s hair a bright green that clashed severely with the red they adorned… better to have a bald head than do what they were doing with colour at this moment. 




 




“Which one of you wants to cause problems first?” 




 




“What effect are you trying to create.” 




 




“I just want to ensure my other allies are kept safe in their investigation of the colosseum. I don’t trust any of the houses and their representatives to play nice or not interfere.” 




 




“Then perhaps, Famine.” 




 




Levei watched as the faceless male who dressed had for the briefest moment been in green only for their gear to change into the blackest black, she had ever seen stepped forward. Come to think of it, when was the last time she had heard him even speak? Conquest, War and Death vanished, leaving her with one fourth of the group – Conquest had explained that it was best that if they were to work together, that she collaborate with each of them separately rather than expect the united front of all four in the same area. Part of her wanted to argue that they should stay lest their brother needed help, but Conquest had scoffed it off and told her that if they were all in the same area than protection and avoiding detection or harm was going to be nigh impossible as they each borrowed on the collective chaos that spilled from their hands and lips. 




 




Pickering chewed the potato over and over in his mouth, it was mashed, but he still felt the need to chew it. Counting mentally the number of times his teeth had come down on the barely solid substance. Adaline had never known the professor to eat solid foods, preferring them mashed or puree; yet despite the fact the foods were prepared in a manner that meant he could indeed just swallow; he still felt the need to chew. She watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed up and then down as he swallowed before he constructed his next bite. She tried to focus on her task, but a deep pain in her belly forced her to excuse herself from her employer, Pickering grunted and continued to eat, the man never seemed to be content; then again, he wanted an ancient dead for removing his coveted status as a claimant. She wondered what it would be like to be inside his mind. Absolute turmoil was the conclusion that Adaline came to as she hobbled towards the room she had been given as her own respite from her boss, she barely made it through the door before she felt a trickle of liquid between her thighs, looking down she saw a nearly pink river dripping and knew that despite her best efforts to hold onto the babies – she had planned to give birth to the twins far after this task and after she convinced the professor that she was in need of maternity rest. 




 




Clenching her teeth, she reached for her phone and dialled her husband, there was no way in hell she was given birth alone and without medical assistance; preferably she would want the treasure of life there to ensure it all went smoothly, falling onto her back, the bed was of no comfort to her as she waited for Nammay to pick the hell up. It felt as though all the air left her body as the first of many successive cramps rocketed through her. 




 




“The babies are coming.” She half choked out as soon as Nammay greeted her. 




 




Somewhere in another realm entirely, Nammay dropped his phone and rushed to grab his jacket. He half fell-tripped into the mortal realm where Adaline on the bed was gritting her teeth and trying not to cry, it had been a good thing that she was wearing a dress that day, she had torn it off when the pain seemed to wane, Nammay who was not at all a father, therefore didn’t really know what to do. 




 




“Vocoito Eviax.” 




 




A popping sound and a gentle whisper of air before Eviax appeared, she looked to have been in the middle of a nap and rubbed her eyes, becoming alert as soon as Adaline let out another loud sound that could have been confused for a grunt but was more so her attempt to muffle a scream. Placing up a reassuring wall of sterile titanium and steel, Nammay held his wife’s hand as Eviax assessed the situation. 




 




“Is there something she can take?” He asked over Adaline’s screeching. 




 




“Yes, I can prepare a nerve blocker. Twins are difficult, they don’t like to make things easy. Don’t push Adaline, the babies are far from ready and you’re far from dilated enough.” 




 




Eviax called upon Florita who though astonished to be in a situation such as this, provided the natural herbs and other medicines required by Eviax to make up a tea that would not only help to soothe and calm Adaline but would help her to stay somewhat rested before the pushing began. Florita stood by Nammay who felt guilty. 




 




“Does anyone else know?” 




 




“No.” Nammay shook his head.




 




“They’ll know soon enough I suppose.” 




 




“You’re not going to say anything are you?” 




 




“Sip this.” 




 




“No, it’s not my tale to tell.” 




 




Florita sat down upon the freshly metallic floor, she twisted her hair into a bun and occasionally passed Eviax a bottle or leaf or whatever the treasure required. It was going to be a long night.


Elsewhere in the city of Rome, Levei placed a briefcase down in front of a man, she then proceeded to sit down, she looked at the briefcase and watched as the man opened it and picked up a stack of cash. 




 




“Do we have a deal?” 




 




“Anything to be able to kill a claimant.” The man stated. 




 




“You have the bullets?” 




 




“Yes.” 




 




“Good, I’ll have the other payload ready for you by tomorrow. Happy hunting, Joseph.”