Chapter 2.5: Thorns Arises from the Calm of a Storm

[Tetsu]

Nov 13, 2021 21:43:08 GMT -6 Misaki said:

"You dare question my devotion to the Witch? How petty! I am one of her most devoted followers and she has chosen me to participate in this game because she believes in me that I will fulfill her destiny! Also how bold you to assume that the Witch would face you all by herself! I'm sure she'll have some back up who are way better and stronger than a bunch of Fate and Org XIII ripoffs!" 

Caster walks up to Satorae and lift her hands up

"Why you little wench....!"

Observer walks up next to her and push her hands down

"Now, now Caster. We talked about this, karma will take her soon, as if she thinks that her life is the Witch and nothing else. Those are things that people who are empty in their head will think and be a puppets at the end of the day."

Caster turns around and walks away and Observer kneels down to Satorae's level

"My, my even I need to kneel down before such a sight. Oh wait, you are nothing in the eyes of the Witch, but you may think however you want, the way this war is won is not by how devoted you are to the Witch is to see if anyone else among your little group of devotees would stab her in the back at the end of the day...I can guarantee that it would be the best sight to see. Also if you want me to leave, why don't you bring the Witch out and make her to make me leave. I sure such a devotee as yourself is able to call for the Witch's help at a moment's notice?"

He turns around and walks back to his seat and takes a sip of his sip.



"Well...I'm waiting Satorae...call her out with your almighty devotion. I guess not, you're all bark but no bite."

He then chuckles

[Misaki]

Nov 13, 2021 21:57:50 GMT -6 Tetsu said:

Nov 13, 2021 21:43:08 GMT -6 Misaki said:

"You dare question my devotion to the Witch? How petty! I am one of her most devoted followers and she has chosen me to participate in this game because she believes in me that I will fulfill her destiny! Also how bold you to assume that the Witch would face you all by herself! I'm sure she'll have some back up who are way better and stronger than a bunch of Fate and Org XIII ripoffs!" 

Caster walks up to Satorae and lift her hands up

"Why you little wench....!"

Observer walks up next to her and push her hands down

"Now, now Caster. We talked about this, karma will take her soon, as if she thinks that her life is the Witch and nothing else. Those are things that people who are empty in their head will think and be a puppets at the end of the day."

Caster turns around and walks away and Observer kneels down to Satorae's level

"My, my even I need to kneel down before such a sight. Oh wait, you are nothing in the eyes of the Witch, but you may think however you want, the way this war is won is not by how devoted you are to the Witch is to see if anyone else among your little group of devotees would stab her in the back at the end of the day...I can guarantee that it would be the best sight to see. Also if you want me to leave, why don't you bring the Witch out and make her to make me leave. I sure such a devotee as yourself is able to call for the Witch's help at a moment's notice?"

He turns around and walks back to his seat and takes a sip of his sip.



"Well...I'm waiting Satorae...call her out with your almighty devotion. I guess not, you're all bark but no bite."

He then chuckles

"Speaking ill of the Witch's people again I see. The thought of any of the Witch's own people defying her is just unfathomable and preposterous and will never happen because she had done so much for her country and people and we all love her and owe our lives to her and we are nothing without her!"



"Oh I know the Witch is coming cuz she won't take kindly to anyone violating her lands! She should be here to destroy you all any minute now!"





"Any minute now!"

Satorae just stands there waiting for the Witch who may or may not come...

[Izumiko (Emi)]

⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆ opens up the file about Ancient Isles and realizes that this is about the more recent notes of activity within the country. With the Old God of Time disappearing for good, time had reversed to it's normal state and allowed the citizens freedom. You spot a few theories to where the god could have possibly gone, but such would require extensive divine magic research that would take years upon years to find a confirmable hypothesis in.
The weird part about it were the more hastily scribben notes. The author was in a great rush writing these as the the writing was messing and spots of stray ink filled the paper.

"The clocktower holds relevancy. The bell tolls and the God of Old has been spotted. The word must urgently reach our Lady"

What Nazo S⸸aRo essentially finds and reads can be found here though more focus on the landmarks and the political status. You note the the Mirror Labyrinth Lake has been circled to be a special point of interest within Twilight Vale, but it does not explain why other than "Point of Relevance"

Kuroneko does not seem to have much luck with their endeavors... Until the Observer enters in. Wait, multiple Observers? You feel a shift of pressure in the air and the crystal orb... reacts! It like it's absorbing the pressure itself... no, this is magical energy?
The orb lights up, displaying what looks like a pool of deep water pictured within it.

"M-Mister, mister! Hey, please calm down now! These people are still the participants!"

Mari jumps up from her seat, nearly dropping an smashing her cup of tea on the floor. She runs over and tugs on his arm- or the version of him she knew of the best anyway.


"Is there something Mari can do to ask you to leave? Mari can deliver you any message you want, but you're really not supposed to be here even if the Witch doesn't see you! It really is dangerous!"

Then you all hear fast footsteps approaching from a set of stairs. They are much heavier than Mari's but are reasonably light nontheless.

"This magical energy... What is going on up there!"

You hear the voice and the steps rapidly approaching, rushing up the stairs to the top floor of Luminous Tower.

[Kuroneko]

Kuruguru searches the map for wherever the orb might be showing, trying to look at the pool from different angles to see if there are any other hints.

[Tetsu]

Nov 14, 2021 0:30:21 GMT -6 Misaki said:

"Speaking ill of the Witch's people again I see. The thought of any of the Witch's own people defying her is just unfathomable and preposterous and will never happen because she had done so much for her country and people and we all love her and owe our lives to her and we are nothing without her!"

"Hmm...so practically without the Witch, you are just dust and useless space. Interesting. I can say what I want and how I want it, the need for you to argue with me states the fact that you are insecure, your behaviour since the Masquerade Ball has told me so much on how insecure you are...you know that the empty vessel makes the most noise, is often the ones who are scared."

He sips his cup of tea and then drum his finger

Nov 14, 2021 0:30:21 GMT -6 Misaki said:

"Any minute now!"

Satorae just stands there waiting for the Witch who may or may not come...

"Oh I'm waiting here for her, might welcome her with her signature violet roses as well..." 

He then began to drum his fingers on the table waiting until a young girl's voice pierce the silence.

Nov 14, 2021 2:59:01 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

"M-Mister, mister! Hey, please calm down now! These people are still the participants!"

"You are right, little girl, but this does not concern you, you're merely another puppet of the Witch who service no usage other than being this."

Nov 14, 2021 2:59:01 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

"Is there something Mari can do to ask you to leave? Mari can deliver you any message you want, but you're really not supposed to be here even if the Witch doesn't see you! It really is dangerous!"

"I will leave in due time, but my message is not for your ears, as they might burn if you hear such words...but what I can say is that, if the Witch shows up, I'll gladly le-"

 The footsteps and then another voice calls out to the group  


 "Oh , wow Satorae, I think that might be your little Witch coming to your rescue, my worrying about an orb...intriguing. Let's see this through shall we?"

[Izumiko (Emi)]

The rune on the closed door shatters as its forcefully opened

And the one who comes to Misaki 's rescue is...

"What in the seven gates..?"


"Adamantus?! Mari! Get away from him right this instant! Everyone get away from him! We need to go, now!"

Boy, that is a lot of new faces for you all to handle. Even Mari does not seem to react pretty quick.

Now with the orb finally active Kuroneko manages to make out the silhouette of a clock tower, a moonlit lake and the shadow of a giant, whose footsteps leave great destruction in its wake.

[Misaki]

Nov 14, 2021 4:12:00 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

The rune on the closed door shatters as its forcefully opened

And the one who comes to Misaki 's rescue is...

"What in the seven gates..?"


"Adamantus?! Mari! Get away from him right this instant! Everyone get away from him! We need to go, now!"

Boy, that is a lot of new faces for you all to handle. Even Mari does not seem to react pretty quick.

Now with the orb finally active Kuroneko manages to make out the silhouette of a clock tower, a moonlit lake and the shadow of a giant, whose footsteps leave great destruction in its wake.

*Satorae have been hyped up thinking the Witch was coming but was soon disappointed when this unknown masked man appeared instead...*



"Huh? Your not the Witch! Who the hell are you?!?!"

[Kuroneko]

Kuruguru continues flipping through the Twilight Vale books, searching for the major lakes of the land. "The Mirror Labyrinth Lake is the largest here." She pauses to watch the destruction, "And it seems that this giant is only making it larger." Pointing at the passage as she reads, "Festival... tribute... full moon... hydromancy... spiritual energy..." With a brisk turn, she goes over to the telescope to peer at the moon and lake.

[Tetsu]

Observer starts chuckling

“Oh god, Satorae, look your witch is here to rescue you. My, my look at how much she gives a damn about you.”

Observer then stood up and looks at the guy.


“Ah, I see, you finally found your calling…huh? Sword master of the Valley. It’s been awhile.”

Observer spoke nonchalantly.
“Anyways, I’m not here to do any harm, the Witch and I had made a pact, or so call a pact that is.”

[Izumiko (Emi)]

"As much as I would love to exchange pleasantries, o lord of Ferrum Highlands, time is simply not on our side. I shall ask you to fully stay out of this or face my blade in a fair duel."

"I am Ren of Aether Valley, fair priestess Misaki. Now we must make haste. Mari get the carriage out of the study- our means of transportation is ready."


"W-Wait, wait! Mari doesn't understand! What is the sudden rush!?"

Ren seems to stare at The Observer, unsure of what words to pick.

Kuroneko adjusts the scope to keep an eye on the lake (however much she could with everything phasing right through) and was not able to remove whatever current adjustments the telescope had. Thanks to that function, the lake looked like an absolute mess. The aurora-like waves springing out from the lake were extremely strong and bright, practically blinding the view for everything else. Yet there was something amiss. Among the pandemonium of azure blue waves, something golden was infecting it like a plague.
And then you see it. Just for half a second, the giant from the orb flickers into existence, but quickly fades away just as fast and simply disappears. You see the golden waves rapidly move around and then proceed straight Northwards.

"Time, is upon us. Heading straight for the capital. For the mansion. We must hurry."

[Tetsu]

The Observer holds Ren’s gaze

“Hmm, very well I’m just here to entertain them while awaiting for your arrival. Ah I see…interesting, interesting. So that’s what will be happening huh. Don’t worry about the carriages

Observer snaps his finger and his 9 other gang dissolved into the darkness and the carriages disappeared slowly.

He then turns to Ren

“Oh, if you meet the Witch, tell her I send my greetings and well and whatever eventful things that will be happening there. Oh one more thing Ren, don’t die, you still owe me that shogi rematch and I will prepare some almond tofu and osmanthus wine for a catch up if you are able.”

Observer turns around and waves his hand and nods

[Kuroneko]

Kuruguru watches the sphere to see if shows any details on the waves of azure and gold. "Would someone a bit more... solid... like to help focus the telescope? It seems something if happening at the lake."

[Misaki]

Nov 14, 2021 5:25:08 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

"As much as I would love to exchange pleasantries, o lord of Ferrum Highlands, time is simply not on our side. I shall ask you to fully stay out of this or face my blade in a fair duel."

"I am Ren of Aether Valley, fair priestess Misaki . Now we must make haste. Mari get the carriage out of the study- our means of transportation is ready."


"W-Wait, wait! Mari doesn't understand! What is the sudden rush!?"

Ren seems to stare at The Observer, unsure of what words to pick.

Kuroneko adjusts the scope to keep an eye on the lake (however much she could with everything phasing right through) and was not able to remove whatever current adjustments the telescope had. Thanks to that function, the lake looked like an absolute mess. The aurora-like waves springing out from the lake were extremely strong and bright, practically blinding the view for everything else. Yet there was something amiss. Among the pandemonium of azure blue waves, something golden was infecting it like a plague.
And then you see it. Just for half a second, the giant from the orb flickers into existence, but quickly fades away just as fast and simply disappears. You see the golden waves rapidly move around and then proceed straight Northwards.

"Time, is upon us. Heading straight for the capital. For the mansion. We must hurry."

"Oh my witch! Are we actually going to THE mansion? LETS GOOOOOO!!!!"

*Satorae then turns to Observer*



"So long Observer! I'm off to go meet my Witch now! You may have gotten away with violating the the witch's territory for now but your day of judgement will come eventually!"

*Satorae then grabs Rudy and Yoshino and prepares to leave with Ren*

[⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆]

Nov 14, 2021 2:59:01 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

"The clocktower holds relevancy. The bell tolls and the God of Old has been spotted. The word must urgently reach our Lady"

Nov 14, 2021 4:12:00 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

Now with the orb finally active Kyuku Kuruguru manages to make out the silhouette of a clock tower

"Clock tower..." Clover muses, but then she sees the silhouette over Kyuku's shoulder.

"Our god? He's been there? Really?" She tilts her head to one side. "...And what's this about a lady? D'you think our old god has a girl or something?"

Turning to the present gods, Clover asks, "Can we go to the clock tower?"

[Izumiko (Emi)]

Ren looks at Kuroneko and ⋆⋅ Sage ⋅⋆ in alarm


"Are you absolutely mad!? The God of Old is coming for us all and you want to go a place that he has just demolished in uncontrollable rage? Look around in that telescope, there is the curse of time in the air already infecting the magic that nourishes Twilight Vale"


"What? No way! Mari understands now! The golden time of The God of Old is was his way of influence, right? If left unchecked, the curse of time that held Ancient Isles prisoner would befall upon Twilight Vale..."


"Mari, take care of the participants. Make sure to arrive to the capital safely, but do keep a safe distance if anything happens... I must go help our Lady. We will meet again, Adamantus."

You then suddenly see him head straight for the window, make a loud whistle and jump out into the air like an abslolute madman. His whistle is responded with an eagle-like screech and you all see him getting swooped up by a hippogriff.

Mari ushers you all downstairs, with Satorae, Rudy and Yoshino already down there and ready.

"Alright... Mari has got to get serious now, but first uh... Mari has got to ask..."

"Has any of you tried flying with a broom before...?"

...

You enter a room full of magic brooms. Pedals added on and everything this is definitely not something out of a Harry Potter movie