The Start Of a Bad Journey

Arestia is on a carriage Lead By Cana and Celestine , while Variys and Naomi are up head riding their Horses , She is holding into a note book while writing into it as the carriage passed through the roads

'' Dear Lord , Once again have I come to you to seek shelter , The Road up ahead in dangerous , and I believe there are forces that wish harm upon me , I need you guidance if I'm to reach my destination safe , I know you shall ease the way for me , however I'm not sure that my companions are up for your trial , This Demon Lord So Called Variys , Seem Strong , but I'm afraid even someone at his level might face hardship and evil force trying to protect me from my enemies , so I have to ask you for the power to help me thorough whatever obstacles there are on the road . oh dear Lord . ''

'' What are you writing !! '' Celestine Suddenly Shouted in curiosity peeking from the carriage window ,

Arestia Was immediately Startled by Celestine calling for her , shutting the Notebook immediately , uttering

'' Nothing , It's Nothing ''

'' Heeh , ''

After That Celestine Turned To Cana

'' What's wrong with here , she haven't said anything ever since we left the palace , ''

'' why do you care '' Cana replied

'' well , I just think since this journey might take a couple of Days We Need to at least get to know each there ''

'' the mission is just to get her to Oseriyra and back , we don't need to do anything else ''

'' is that so '' Celestine replied in displease

'' but Cele does have a point , aside from her name we don't know anything about her '' variys said to Naomi

'' well that's the point , look at her uniform , she's an OXF Priestess , I heard that they spend their whole life just praying and nothing else aside for the rumors here and there ''

'' what rumors ''

'' it said that Some Of Them Can Use Some Powerful Holly Magic and That's where the strength of the Imperial Guards Come From , although , it's just a Rumor . ''

Variys Glanced one more time at Arestia who was inside the carriage , she calmly opened her notebook once again , only this time , she waved her hand around what she just wrote and suddenly it got deleted , removed completely from the page like it wasn't there in the first place . Arestia closed her book again and looked to the sky one more time as they all went in their way .

Back At The Royal Palace , Heavy Armor Footsteps could be heard coming though the Hallway , as the King Was Having A Meeting with Gaillard getting though some Important Paper Work He Could Hear The Gate Keeper outside his door trying to hold whoever is coming

'' I'm sorry , but he asked not to be disturbed . '' the gate keeper said

'' tell him it's urgent , '' a woman voice said loudly

'' I'm sorry Commander , But I Can't do that , he specifically ordered me to keep anyone from getting in ''

'' fine then I will do it myself , Move out ''

'' commander '' shouted the man one last time as the Hall Door got bursted wide open . and then one who came in walking hurriedly was a Stunning Blond Woman In A Golden Armor

The King Immediately Lets off a heavy Breath

'' Haaah , Here We Go ''

'' do you want me to call more Guard My King '' Gaillard whispered

'' That Won't be necessary , plus they Can't hold her down anyway , let's just get through with it '' the king replied mumbling then Addresses the Woman in the armor

'' Joan !! ''

'' My King '' She Said as she took the knee

The king gave away his signal and she stood up , with distress

'' My King , I Was Just Informed That Arestia Has Already Began her Journey Towards The Temple In Oseriyra , what is the meaning of it ''

'' it is exactly what you heard , we couldn't wait any longer ''

'' why was I not informed of such matter , I Am The Commander Of The First Imperial Squadron ''

'' yes you are , but keep in mind that I 'am not obligated to consult you about anything now am I '' the king calmly stated putting Joan in a state of Discomfort

'' Yes , My King , I Apologies , i meant no disrespect ''

'' I understand , I am well aware of your relationship with Arestia , After All , You Are Like Her Older Sister , You Were The One That Brought Her Here , and its thanks to you that this Kingdom Had Been Able to sleep at ease of Mind , However , I Cannot Send An Imperial Commander to Infiltrate an Enemy Town , This Could Serve as an Act Of War . ''

'' then what , I should just stay here and wait ''

'' I am afraid we don't have a choice , right now the success of this mission depends on his success ''

'' you talking about the Demon Adventurer ''

'' Yes , His Name Is Variys , we have checked his record '' Said Gaillard

'' I care less about his records , what if betray us , he is a demon after all ''

'' that would be unlikely ''

'' still … ''

'' Enough !! '' Shouted The King silencing both Gaillard and Join .

'' I have heard enough , Commander Joan , you will not either interfere or follow after Arestia and Variys , The are My Final Words Now Leave .. Immediately ''

Joan Clinched Her teeth then bowed her head down

'' Apologies My King , '' she said in a cold manner as she Turned and left the Hall .

Leaving The King Be As He Sat There Knowing that There is a Big Chance That She Won't Do as he Ordered Her .

'' My King , I don't Think That …. '' Gaillard Said

'' Yeah , I Know , She is Joan after All , Keep an eye on her , and tell me if She Tries To make any move ''

'' Yes My King '' Gaillard Replied

Back With Variys and His Party their journey was just about to get started , and it started With a Giant Obstacle , First They Had To Go Through The High Mountain , Meaning They Had To Pass By The Risky Valleys , the carriage didn't make their Job any easier , it took them a whole day to pass through , next they had to pass by The Dangerous Forest Of Nolan , where they were confronted by Goblins Who Wanted To Loot all their Belongings , obvious To say that Variys Finished them Off With Much Less Effort , It only Him and Cana To Take Care Of Their Usual Problem , During The night , and for some reason , Arestia Kept Her Distant From The Party , And spent most of her Days Praying , Soon Enough They Reached The Grey Swamp , a 13 Kilometer Lake that Separated The East Side From The Country , Covered with a thick fog , so much so that Variys Couldn't even see The Other side , Yet Cana was their Navigator , after all she was well informed about the Country's Land and seas , and she Knew That There is a land on the other side.

Variys First Had To Build something that He Could Use To Go Pass The Lake , and it needed to be large enough to carry the Carriage and the horses , in which he did a Large Wooden Boat That He made in Few Hours , , yet things weren't about to be that easy , as they have Cut Half The distance of the Lake , they were meet with another Giant Beats , This One Was a Giant 2 Headed Snake , Blue Skinned with Massive Crystal Shreds Sticking Out From Its Body .

Variys Immediately Shot A Lightning Bolt Enchantment , blasting The Right Head Of The Snake , but just as he thought that he took it down , The Crystal Shreds Started Glowing From The Right Side To The Left , the snake immediately Blasted Them With The Same lightning charge , They were in trouble , Variys Can Take the Impact , But Not The Wooden Boat That They Have built .

'' Shit , If This Hit Us , The Carriage Is Done For '' Variys Stated

'' Light Magic : Force Dome Of Faith '' Naomi Chanted In Incredible Reflexes Covering The Whole Boat with her Protection Dome , but the Impact Still Was able to shake them up .

'' Well Done Naomi , ''

Variys took a moments observing the monster to find a way to defeat it as he thought to himself

'' this guy seem to be counter attacking every one of our spells using both his heads as a Spell Converter , no matter how hard I try To Hit , he will brings it back to me , which means the only way to finish him is …. ''

'' Cele , Cana '' Variys Called For both Girls as they too were trying to find a way to finish him

Both of them turned back to him

'' When I Give You The Signal I Will Need You Both To Concentrate You Attack On Each Head , Cana you Take The Right One , and Cele you take the left , Careful , you both need to attack at the same time so he can't use his counter Crystals , Naomi You Just Make sure to protect Arestia , things are about to get messy ''

'' What about you variys Sama '' Naomi Asked

'' My Hands Will Be Full , I Haven't Tried this spell on something this big , but there is a first time for everything !!! '' variys stated as he Heaved his Hand and Violet Aura start Covering His Body , Arestia Was Curious to see what he was planning to do and watched from Up-close .

'' Here Goes Nothing … Gravity Zero '' Variys Shouted as he unleashed his magic spell , The Giant Snake Was alerted by The Weird Violet Glow That Covered His Body and soon after , It Began To Elevate in the Air , Until It Was Well Over Seas ? Unable to catch its Balance .

Variys felt the weight of the monster immediately and gave away his signal to the girls

'' NOW , Hit Him With Everything You Got ''

As soon as he said That Cana Heaved He Hand , The Necklace that was around her Neck started Glowing , it had the Holly Stone , Probably One Of The Most Powerful Magic Items The Group Had , as for Celestine , She Sheathed Her Light Sword , She Had Benn Training For The Past Months Too and it was time She Showed Her True Power , Both Of Them attacking at Perfect Harmony .

'' Special Technique : Forsaken Lynx !! ''

'' HOLLY NOVA !!

The Monster was immediately Stunned By The Sodden attack , With Cana Blasting away The Snake Right Head To Oblivion , and Celestine Decapitating The Left One , The Lake Beast Didn't Stand Any Chance .

As they both stepped back catching a breath and Variys releasing his spell the Headless body of the monster Dropped into the Lake , Leaving Arestia with her Jaw Open From The Shock

'' Well Done Everyone '' Variys Said

'' We did It , we really did it '' Cana Stated Gasping

'' I can't believe it , Cana and Celestine took down this monster with a single Blow '' Naomi Uttered in shock

'' I Had No Doubts , After All I wasn't the only one Training For These Past Month , Everyone Got Stronger Including You Naomi . '' He stated as they all looked at each other proud with the results .

'' Look , Over There '' Cana Yelled Pointing to the other side , as everyone turned and the mist started Unfolding , a Land Could Be Seen . it was clear that they have made it and in one Piece

Soon after Variys and The Girls Made their Way Into The Other Side , After Getting the Carriage Out The Next Stop For Them Was Ornola , a Town Which Cana Was Quiet Familiar With , Probably Because It Was Inhabited By Demi-Humans In General .

But They were up for an unpleasant Surprise Because as soon as they reached the town , shock was drown on everyone faces , Ornola which Cana Previously Described as a Beautiful Town With Nothing But Joy and Content , was looking like a depressed Graveyard With No Happy Expression , and why would there be , Half The Town People Were Sick , Dropped On The Street Floor , coughing heavily and Some others even are passed out from illness .

'' Just What In God's Name Is Going On in Here '' Variys Uttered in Discomfort while the girls could only stare at the horrific sight as they walked through the town .

Suddenly a Store Door Gets Bursted Wide open , A Young Wolf-Boy Comes Out Running Holding a Blue Potion of some sort in His Hand . Followed By Fat Man Getting Out From The Same store Shouting '' Hey Get Back Here !! Thief ''

The Boy Didn't Even Look Back , He Just Kept Running Towards Variys .Not Showing any signs of slowing down The Store Owner Shouted Again '' I TOLD YOU TO STOP , You Little Bastard.Earth Magic : Striking Blitz '' Creating A Muddy Ball Sending Directly Towards The Running Kid , Blasting Him From The Back , Causing Him To Fall and dropping the potion into the ground .

The Kid , Out Of Breath Tried To Get Up again and reach for the potion , but he was too hurt after taking that hit . and to make things worse the store manager stepped on his back to make sure that the poor kid stays on the ground

'' you dare steal from me , kid , I will teach you a lesson about what people get when they mess with my business '' he said in anger , yet the kid didn't respond , he just wanted to reach that potion , it was clearly something of a much value for him .

'' I need that …. Or else she would …. Die . '' he uttered

'' huh , what are you mumbling about , do you think I care about your life story , if you need something you pay for it , or else .. you … die !! '' the man shouted as he was ready to Burry the kid in one stomp using his boot .

'' No !! '' Shouted Arestia as she Got out from the Carriage , trying to stop The Store Owner Who Didn't even pay her any attention from Anger , thinking only about stomping the kid ,

Only To Be Stopped By Variys , Who Managed To Put an end to his attack using only his right Leg .

Everyone in the town stared at variys as he Held Off His Weight against The Big Fat Store Owner ,

'' Variys sama '' Celestine Uttered

'' huh , What Do You Think You're Doing , Demon '' said The Owner

Variys with a cold Voice and an angry expression Replied

'' I Should Ask You The same thing , Why Did You Attack This Kid ''

'' It Ain't Nothing of your business , you're an outsider , you should act like so and move along or else … ''

'' Or Else What '' Variys Responded as the Owner tried to push his feet down into the kid and Variys Doing The most of keeping him out of harm

'' I will ask you one more time Demon , move your feet and move on with . ''

'' not until you tell me why did you attack the kid ''

Both of them put pressure on their weight in order to prove who was stronger , but variys clearly had the strength to push against the Owner , until suddenly the Man Heaved His Hand Trying to Make A Spell

'' Earth Magic : Striking Bli… ''

But Before he could even Finish His Sentence Variys Blast Him With His Wind Spell Using Only One Word Enchantment '' TEMPEST '' Sending Him away Dropping on the Floor , while Arestia Went For the Kid and held him in her Arm .

'' are you Okay '' She Asked but he didn't reply , he still wanted to reach for the potion .

Variys took a step back and picked up the bottle , and started to examine it

'' I'm Guessing that this is what all of this is about ''

'' Give It Back '' said the owner as he stood back up

'' huh , ' variys scorned '' you still want to fight ''

'' that potion is mine , the Kid Stole it from me . ''

'' so now you are talking , still that's no way to treat a kid . ''

'' and who are , some sort of a hero that saves the day '' as the owner said that, variys Gives him a deadly stare enough to put him on alert then turn back and address the Kid

'' Is it true , did you steal this from him '' he asked but the kid refused to talk

'' if you don't answer me I might leave you to hi and ill not intervene another time , so I'm gonna ask you again , did you steal this potion from this man ''

After a moment of being silent the kid looks back at variys and nods his head in silence

Variys lets off a heavy breath ,

'' didn't your parent tell you that you shouldn't steal , you know its bad right and would get you in much trouble '' Arestia Said to the kid still in her arm

'' You're really doing this saint stuff right now . '' variys bluntly replied

'' I .. I had no choice , my mother is really sick , and if she doesn't get this potion tonight , she will … she will die '' the kid said while tearing up

'' so it's some sort of a healing potion , ''

'' you heard the kid , now you know what's going on , now give me my potion back … '' the main stated as he was getting ready to have another fight , but was stopped by Arestia asking

'' How Much ? ''

'' Huh '' the man scorned

'' I said how much do you want for the potion ''

'' 1000 Gerzan ''

'' 1000 Gerzan For a Healing Potion , You Can't Be Serious '' Naomi Stated

'' if you can't Pay T, Then Die , it's Not My Problem , I don't Make The Medicine , I Just Sell it ''

He said as everyone stared at him .

'' Pay Him '' Arestia said

Variys turned around to see that she was addressing him

'' huh , what was That ''

'' you heard me , I said pay the man , this kid mother need this potion , ''

'' look around sister , apparently everyone need this potion , what are you going to do , pay for everyone Health Incurrence , Plus I'm Not your Cash Out wallet , I don't have to do anything ''

Arestia didn't respond to that , she just stared at variys and he stared back at her for a brief moment . until Celestine Came forth and called his Name , with a sad look on her face .

After that variys lets off a deep breath once again and throws away 1000 Gerzan on the ground for the man to take

'' here is your money , take it and get back in '' he said with a cold manner

The Owner looked to the money for a moment then clinched his teeth , as he picked it up

'' You Better Watch Yourself , Demon '' he said as he walked back into his store leaving everyone standing in the middle of the Sick Streets . With Variys Holding the Healing Potion in his Hands .

Later That Day , Variys and the Girls are all At The Kid's House , Who is Now sitting Closer to his Mother , She Seem to be having the same symptoms as the other Town People , coughing and sweating with continuous gasps Holding Her Head-Up and Forcing The Healing Potion into her Mouth . everyone waited patiently for the result , and after just a brief moment later , the woman seemed to come back to her normal self as she opened her eye to find her son taking care of her , with tears in his eyes

'' Mother '' he yelled in content

'' yoko , ''

'' I'm here mom , you're okay , I got you the potion , you don't have to worry ''

'' such a brave boy do I have , taking care of me and all '' she said while trying to get up , seeing everyone in the room waiting for her

'' Yoko , Are These Your Friends ''

'' yes mother , they helped get the potion , they are not from here so I offered them to stay ''

'' I see '' she replied calmly as she observed the girls and variys as well

'' your son is a very brave man Mam '' Arestia Said

'' I know right , he is my joy and proud . I don't know what I would have done without him ''

'' Still Variys Sama , Don't You Think it's weird what happening . the whole town having the same symptoms '' Celestine asked

'' Could it Be a Plague '' Cana responded

'' I Sure Hope Not , or Else we are in for deep trouble , no I think that this is more like a flue ''

'' it's actually more than that '' the mother said

'' huh , what do you mean ''

'' we had flue before , it usually take like a week or so , but whatever this is , it has been going for months ''

'' month you say ''

'' yes , and it had taken so many lives already , apparently if you don't take the proper measurement against it , it could very well kill you within 3 weeks ''

'' and with the potion costing between 1000 Gerzan a bottle , you can expect a lot of people dropping to the ground , '' variys stated in a cold voice as everyone muted for a while until finally , Arestia spoke out

'' we have to help them Variys San ''

'' you know this is the second time today you tell me what to do , and I'm getting sick of it .''

'' so are you saying that we just going to sit back and do nothing about this matter '' Arestia said in resentment

'' Well , you can send a letter to the king and tell him to send you 1 million Gerzan to that everyone in this Town Can afford a Potion , can you do that '' variys asked rhetorically, Arestia doesn't respond

'' yeah , that's what I thought , I'm sorry kid , but we can't help you anymore , I don't think that healing Magic can work on this either , considering the high Complexity of the potion it would take a specialist to take care of this matter '' variys stated

'' I understand , still , thank you for paying for it in the first place , you are free to stay here the night if you wish to do so , since it's almost dark '' Yoko Said

'' thank you so much , that would be helpful '' variys said

'' Yoko, could you get me something to drink ,I feel like my mouth is all dried up from this Medicine ''

'' right away mother ''

As yokok went outside to get his mother some water from the Well, Cana asked variys how long before a specialist can come and take a look in this town , he assured her that there is probably someone on the way since things are starting to get out of hand , since everyone are having the same Symptoms , it's probably some disease that is airborne , but it would be hard to pinpoint the heart of the problem. meanwhile as variys is explaining the situation , Arestia was stressfully thinking about how to solve it , not letting out any chance to wait for a specialist , just then yoko came back with the water passing right by Arestia , and that's where it hit her , Variys Could see the look on her face changed and asked

'' what is it ! ''

'' Nothing '' she replied as she turned her face to the other side leaving variys somewhat curious about what is going on into this priestess

Later That Night Variys Was on His Bed having trouble sleeping , probably thanks to the girls closing in on him from each side , Naomi on the right , Cana and Celestine on The Left , all sleeping comfortably on his chest , he try to force himself into sleeping but he still can't , and the snoring of Yoko Definitely Didn't help , variys tries to make his way out of the girls grip , thinking that he need to breathe some air o ease his mind , only then does he relies that Arestia isn't on her bed , her place seem empty , leaving variys wondering where could she have been .

On The Other Side of the Town , Arestia who secretly sneaked out behind variys's back , she had her hair covered by a scarf and made her way through the forest and to the Lake , the night was calm and the full moon light had been reflected on Arestia eyes and silver hair as she finally made it to her destination and glanced at the water gently flowing ,

She got closer to the lake , stared at the water for a moment then sat on her knee , she was about to start praying , and as she did a figure of a man was lurking , staring at her from side , whoever was behind the bushed had a piercing look , his eyes were Dark tangerine as if they were filled with a thousand fighting spirit , he was also curious about what Arestia was doing , and stood his ground waiting for a right time .

After a brief moment of silent of nothing but the cricket noises in the deep night , A Shining Bright Light unfolded Away From Arestia , Covering The Whole Lake as she had her eyes Closed and her hands held together , seeming to be praying and casting a spell at the same time .

after a short amount of time the light got brighter and a circle was created in the lake , until suddenly the circle snapped followed by Arestia gasping , sending a shock wave across the lake , and a Dead Fish Converged from the Water . and slowly made her way towards Arestia as she stared at her with a sad expression drawn on her face , she wanted to take a moment of peace for herself , but was soon interrupted by the sudden sound coming from the bushes , in alert she quickly stood up , asking '' is there is someone out there !! ''

yet receiving no response had her thinking it was just her imagining things , until suddenly a shadow figure came out from the bushes running at immense speed towards her , so much so that she couldn't even react in time and make sense of anything ,

all the was able to was to watch as the Figure Jumped in the sky to attack her From Above , the moon light once again reflected on the Young man , Showing that he was From The Bunny-Tribe , a Dark Skinned Male with his piercing stare fixated on Arestia while holding A Frightening Dagger in his reach Going Straight For Her Neck as she stood motionless in shock.