Awaken, Saint of Souls

CHAPTER FOUR: Awaken, Saint of Souls

—LATER THAT NIGHT...

"Ring-a-Ring O' Roses~

A pocket full of Posies~"

Serenity was seen happily skipping within a dense forest located in the Galisboro mountainside, miles away from Chromestown but where the giant tree was still visible.

"A-tishoo! A-tishoo!

And all the heads fell down~heheheee"

Her candied-apple was always fresh and shiny in her hand as she ventured deeper into the darkness whistling the same nursery rhyme over and over again. "Ah~ that was a fun outing. The most fun I had in...decades. I met new people, I danced around and made Mother happy. I can't wait to see more Arcadia has in store."

She could catch beastly growls coming from the shrubs and bushes, with glowing savage eyes illuminating from the dark.

These were 'Hellions'. Dangerous dragon-like monsters that thrive on ruthlessness and destruction. They are vantablack creatures manifested from the bowels of the Forsaken Lands itself. Fueled by chaotic energy, Hellions often lurk into Arcadia with ease by the use of their strong scaly wings. They are known to prey on weaker lifeforms and feed on the lives of human and livestock - which is why Paladins are often deployed to stop them.

As Maleviola dallied on, she beamed carefreely, taking in the foul presence of the anti-magic beasts.

"Hello, my lovelies~ you all seem very hungry today." Serenity happily cooed as if they were puppies. "Look at you all. Haven't had a single human at all? We could go venture to another village. Since it's my first time here after all. I'll spread the love of Our Mother, and you'll be feasting on all the humans you want~"

In an instant, her laughter was silenced by the swift cut of the wind, her head severed with a suddenness that left the Hellions frozen in surprise. "Huh?!" Blinking wonderously at how fast it happened, Serenity pouted angrily at the familiarity.

"Ugh, not again! Is that you, Thaddy?"

—"Hmph!"

A silhouette walked out from behind a tree, it was a man in a tailored suit beneath a black cultist robe. With his dust-blond fringes and an active butterfly mark visibly glowing on his left cheek. His empty blue eyes stared at the girl with great loathing. "About time you came back. And why in the Immortal Mother's glorious name did you take so long to return?!"

"I was doing my duty, spreading the will of our Mother, as I was chosen to do," Serenity stated tediously.

The man sighed, "Must you always be so nonchalant, Serenity?"

"But where's the fun in being too serious? We could be using that time for a bit of mischief, don't you think?" Unfazed, she grinned, calmly picking up her own severed head and locking eyes with the older man. She readjusted her head right back on her neck joint - allowing her regeneration to heal over and reattach it. "Besides. What would you do, Thaddy? You're the Sin Wielder of Impatience."

"It's 'Thaddeus', brat. Honestly, your incessant nicknames are such a peeve." He inwardly growled. "As your senior, it's my job to educate you on the ways of the Yellow Butterfly. You are still a junior sinister. You ran off when I told you not to. YOU weren't permitted to go out into the Republic! And you blantly disobeyed me!"

"And yet, you came out here too." She peppered, twirling a lock of her blonde hair.

"I'm here to bring you back, you fool! What if the Paladins got to you!?" Thaddeus scolded, but Serenity rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, I had fun. Although some Paladins did get in my way. They're a lot weaker than I expected of them to be. Even that Platinum-rank orge. She didn't even put up a fight at all. But I wanna see how tough a Golden Paladin is."

His expression softened momentarily, "You know the consequences of such antics."

"I know!" Her eyes sparkled mischievously, "That's what makes it thrilling, Thaddy! Life's not meant to be lived by the tick-tock of the clock alone." Serenity leaned into the man, her tone devious, "Besides, you're the one who keeps time in check. So a little detour didn't hurt anyone."

He raised an eyebrow. "You are a chaotic child."

"We're Sin Wielders! Hello! It's what we are! We're made to preach Chaos! I was taught that ruthlessness is an act of mercy. Death is a relief from those who wish it. And we are their angels."

"And what of the statue?" Thaddeus quirked.

"Huh? What about it?" Serenity shrugged and casually munched on her sweet treat. Thaddeus was supposed to be the one eyeing the Saint Verdana statue and report back to the chapel, however Serenity already did the job for him - well, more or less. He took her nonchalant tone as an answer and outwardly sighed.

"Ugh. Nevermind that. Now, Langwidere expects us back at the chapel this instant. We're having a meeting."

"Langy is back?" And that's when the young Sin Wielder's expression turned serious at the name. A heavy name amongst the Sin Wielders, even for her to respect it. She's never met the said person but whispers in the covenant made her anticipated. "Is it...really time? Am I finally going to see her??"

"It has been a while. But we have yet to know. Come along. We mustn't keep everyone else waiting..." Thaddeus held out his hand and his finger switched the air to break open a portal like a torn fabric in space-time. The two entered inside the portal and Thaddeus closed behind him.

___________________________________________________

—STERLING CITY, ARCADIA'S CAPITAL

—NEXT DAY

—"It would seem that our greatest fears have returned..."

Inside a majestic boardroom, a circular table made of rich mahogany dominated the center, symbolizing equality among the five ducal rulers; better-known as 'The Regents of the Arcadian Assemblage'.

Each leader's chair was adorned with bespoke upholstery, displaying the colors and motifs of their respective domains. Above their heads was an exquisite chandelier, casting a gentle diamond radiance over the room. The room was charged with the weight of decision-making, amplified by the room's harmonious blend of elegance and authority.

The Regents consisted of three Dukes and two Duchesses that governed Arcadia's regions for decades. Each in their respected seats, they began their discussions about the Harvest Festival mishap that occured overnight. However, they were still in disbelief after the news they received from Chromestown.

"The Sin Wielders have revealed themselves once again..." Duke Hansen of the Cutlerone Region basked. "This is bad news."

He possessed a lean frame that speaks of years spent in disciplined service. Silver streaks thread through his once-dark hair, and his steely grey eyes reflect the depth of his experiences. His gaze raced with the distinguished touch of his knightly years. "After the last 20 years, I never expected they'd return even sooner. And with more of them out there."

—"With Pride, Lust and Sloth with unknown whereabouts, it would seem they are instigating something ruthless..." Duchess Idlette of the Argentine Region aired, gracing the council chamber with her resilient presence of melanin-rich skin and ashen hair while adorned in regale wear. "We must act, before consequences ensue."

—"Ha Ha! With my fierce battalion of Paladins, I will slaughter these filthy witches back to hell! I say we go to war..." Duke Douglas of Vendicrust bellowed. He was a portly figure draped in lavish fabrics that carried his wealth with undeniable weight. His face, adorned with a neatly groomed auburn-red beard, bears the lines of the cunning with years of militarism.

"Always war with you, Douglas," Hansen shook his head, annoyed. "Have you not learned anything 20 years ago? We cannot afford another mishap."

"Tck! If not for those pathetic Golden Paladins for not finishing off the rest of the Seven, these Yellow Butterfly pests would been done for!" The girthy Duke barked before taking another large chunk of his drumstick.

"The Sin Wielders are a formidable force. The Golden Paladins had only the grace of Xakheia's Light to vanquish more than half of them," Duchess Idlette reasoned. "We're weren't aware of their underlings' return."

—"Ugh..." One other Duchess, seated across from Hansen, continued to tap her sharply nailed finger on the table. Her intense dark-violet gaze directly darted at Douglas, eating away his fifth plate. "Must you eat in here, you pig? Your food munching annoys me. Stop it."

Douglas shivered at her cold voice, afraid to make eye contact as if he might turn to stone. "But D-Duchess Hecate...I—"

"Don't talk over me, you oaf."

"Y-yes, ma'am!"

"Hecate, do you have to say to offer on this matter?" Hansen queried. The stunning Duchess in black was none other than the ruler of the Filigree Region, who commanded attention with an air of unwavering authority. Her demeanor exudes strictness with a touch of vindictiveness. With raven-black hair cascading in controlled waves around her face, and piercing, calculating eyes that miss nothing.

"I do, actually." she coyed. "The Sin Wielders have small but powerful numbers on their side. Three of the first Seven, and all eight of their underlings. However, I don't think the Sin Wielders of Lust, Pride and Sloth are in control at the moment."

"Oh? What makes you say that?" Idlette questioned.

"From what we know, this Cruelty Sin Wielder is but a child. Even so, not a regular paladin can stop her. I believe these underling sinisters are being silently recruited. And with their powers united, they'll raise an unruly darkness."

"Recruited? Meaning, they recently received their powers?" Douglas mumbled, bits of food still in his mouth and some caught between his teeth.

"The underlings are not on par with their seniors' devastating power, which means an advantage is still before us. We would have to assume that Pride, Lust and Sloth are dead, for now. If any evidence of any of those sins are found, then we will have to prepare our best warriors as well as the Golden Paladins to extinguish them."

"We all know there's a grander scheme is at play here, and we're in the midst of it. But why now? The timing is a little strange. Would a certain ritual or event be taking place?" The Argentine Duchess pursed her lip in thought, then she turned to the empty chair reserved for one more member of the Assemblage. "Where is Duke Reuben?"

Hecate rolled her eyes boredly. "Tending to His Majesty at the palace. As always. If not, he's probably shacked up in his castle all day, everyday."

"I see, I hope the Emperor is doing well. His illness has gotten...worse lately."

"Not to worry, Idlette," Hansen assured. "Reuben is after all, the Emperor's Advisor. He is the only one with the deepest knowledge to search for a cure."

"Please. The Emperor has numerous healers and maids to take care of him, Reuben should be here in the meeting with us..." Hecate crossed her arms. "And the Candidate's choosing has already been set..."

"Hecate..." Hansen warned, earning a sly smirk from the Duchess.

"Besides. Why don't I lead the Assemblage, he seldomly attends the meetings anyway. Hmm?" She proudly stood from her seat.

"Duke Reuben rules the largest region out of all of us. Not to mention, as the Duke of Galisboro, the recent incident befallen in his region must be taxing on him than it already is." The old Regent argued.

"Then he should offer the responsibilities of leading the Assemblage to me. Filigree is second largest region in the land, which makes me an interim by default. Reuben barely makes any notion in this room anyway."

"Hecate, please..." Idlette calmly heeded, earning a cold stern from the raven-haired Duchess.

"Reuben has been a good Head of the Assemblage. He was entrusted with this position by the Emperor. So you have no counter say in that matter. Do you understand that?" Hansen added.

"Hmph...Fine." Hecate plopped down and crossed her arms. Hansen sighed, knowing how cantankerous the ink-haired Duchess can be. Amongst all of them in the room, Hansen was the oldest Regent. The ones before him were of another generation of regents that took to the ducal position; the ones before—met their end 20 years ago. He peered over not to just Reuben's empty seat, but the Emperor's. At the head of the circular table, an imposing empty throne stands as a silent tribute to the Arcadian Royal Family.

An ambient light casted over the vacant throne. Adorned with regal insignia and draped in royal fabrics, it exuded a sense of anticipation. Although the current Emperor of Arcadia was too sick to govern, it meant he couldn't rule the throne any longer. Meaning an heir was supposed to take over.

But...there was a problem which worried Hansen most.

'I'm not really certain the heir we have is fit enough to rule. If this keeps on, the Candidate Selection could be our only option.'

___________________________________________________

—MEANWHILE, BACK IN CHROMESTOWN, GALISBORO...

Quinn and Paige had already packed their stuff and were prepared to leave the gates of Chromestown.

They were about to head out into the State Capital, which was a long 10-hour trip back on horseback. Blanca had already left the town yesterday, it was likely she was back at the Guild by now. "Well, a lot has happened, huh..." Quinn lazily sighed. "Hopefully things would be better from here. Right, Paige?"

"Yeah. Me too..." Paige nodded and gripped on the saddle of her horse. "It's a long way back to Sterling City. If this news is already been alerted to the Assemblage, then the Guildmeister might not issue any missions for us for a while."

"Heck yeah! I'll race ya there. Loser has to buy drinks."

Paige rolled her eyes with a thin smile. "Whatever. You're on."

—"STOP! WAAAAAIIITTT!"

"Huh?" The two Bronze Paladins whipped back at Mayor Elsinore, scuttling after them in a tired panic.

"Stop! Don't go! Emergencyyyy!" As he finally reached them, he heaved heavy breaths and dryly coughing out air.

"What's the matter, Mayor?" Paige rose a brow, concerned. "Did something happen?"

"It's...Verdana! The...it's...she's..." he tried to put in his heaved words together, but it had been a long sprint from the hall to the entrance gate of the town.

"Huh? Something happened with the statue?"

"It's terrible! She's...SHE'S FALLING APART!"

"What?!" Quinn suddenly turned horrified. He whipped his horse's saddle and in a great panic, rushed back into the judicial town.

"Huh—Quinn! Wait up!" Paige followed suit and galloped after him, leaving the Mayor in the dust.

"Wait for me too! My little legs aren't made for long distance!"

'No...she can't be broken! She can't!' Quinn had his eyes fixed on the square with a seriousness that rarely befalls someone of his caliber. He's never seen like this, he's often carefree and relaxed. But this time, he was afraid. Afraid of Saint Verdana eroding away.

He never wanted anything to happen to it. To her. Nothing happened to her, there were no damages! He saw it himself. Was it because of last night? Did he inflict damage somehow? Within minutes, he arrived at the square surrounded by a worried crowd. He stepped off his horse and jumped far in front. The statue was just as the Mayor said. It began to mysteriously fracture, cracks appearing on its surface areas like delicate spiderwebs.

The sight was devastating, and Quinn felt his stomach drop as if he had been punched in the gut. His voice trembled with a mixture of shock and disbelief. "No... No, it can't be true..." Everyone stood in silence, their hearts heavy with grief as they watched the once-magnificent statue of their beloved saint disintegrated right before their eyes.

The air was thick with sorrow, the only sounds being the gentle breeze and the occasional crack and shatter of the statue succumbing further to ruin. The loss weighed heavily on their hearts, and they knew that this would be a difficult time for all who had looked up to Verdana.

—"Great Gods! Our Saint is dying!" —"Mommy, the statue is breaking!" —"Why is this happening?!" —"It's a sign! She must be seething with rage! The Gods are angered!"

The visible crack seemed to grow larger by the second, setting everyone to panic. The statue was not harmed earlier from Serenity's attacks, and it remained steady because of the Emerald Legacy. So why suddenly at this time? What was causing her to break away? Quinn's eyes staggered in fear.

But then, he heard voices...coming from the tree.

And they were awfully familiar; and only he seemed to catch them.

"Save us...set us free. Set us free..." the souls sang.

And that's when he realised the whole time. "That tree...is her prison?"

The echoes of their shock rippled through the air, hanging over them like a thick, suffocating veil. The villagers kneeled and their hands clasped together in prayer as if this was a sign from the Gods - a bad omen or a sign of their wrath. No one knew what to do as their favored statue was falling apart.

But as Saint Verdana completely shattered open, a crack of light emerged from it.

Fear gripped their breaths. Gleaming from the titan tree, a mysterious green energy forced the vines and roots to finally release the Saint from its verdant grasp. The crowd safely stood back as the tree did something that they never thought it could do. Its trunk was scarred in glowing green lines as they connected toward the Saint, emitting a strong whiff of a floral essence into the air.

The green light intensified until the Verdana's stoney body dissipated away and blinded everyone around the square.

"Quinn!" Paige arrived late into the scene and shielded her eyes from the intense light. "What's going on?"

The blond-haired paladin squinted his eyes to stare directly into the light. He noticed something floating over their heads, a silhouette of green light levitating. Soon enough, the light dimmed away but the silhouette still shined, descending gracefully towards the ground.

Quinn instinctively moved. With quick agility, he leaped upward and caught the silhouette into his arms, the touch felt gave off a surreal sensation. The villagers looked on, their gasps blending with the soft breeze that carried the remnants of this magical moment.

"Quinn, what are you—?" Paige moved past the crowd and ran up to him. Her glasses reflected the green light but her dark-grey pupils shrunk with disbelief. "What...what is that?" She asked him again.

"I...I don't know—huh?" At last, the green light ebbed away like fragnents of a shell, revealing a frail woman with fair skin, with and the most exquisite red hair. Her body was barely covered in the tattered cloth that surrounded her, and her eyes were closed in a profound sleep. She was breathing wearily under her pinkish lips.

—"What happened?!" —"Something came out of the statue?!" —"Who is that!? I can't see!"

"Alright, citizens! Make some room!" Mayor Elsinore arrived at last, ordering a troop of Iron-ranks to stall the citizens away from the scene.

Quinn gazed in awe at the woman in his arms, who seemed to be in her 20s. She was as beautiful as the statue she came out of, the space where she occupied as if she hatched from her stone eggshell. Her long red hair was tainted with dust and embers of green sparkles. He slowly cupped her face, feeling the same tingling sensation from her, she was emitting a familiar magical radiance.

'Wait...I know this feeling...' Quinn internally gasped at the wave of awesome energy coming out of her. 'Is this...Arcane Energy?'

'Verdana' began to groan and softly shake her head. Paige reacted by holding the hilt of her sword on reflex.

"Wait..." Quinn furrowed. But as soon as he registered her red hair, a spark of memory flashed as he remembered his previous dream. It was her. It was really her.

"Huh...?" Slowly, the woman in Quinn's arms began to stir, her eyelids fluttering open. A soft gasp escaped her lips as her gaze met Quinn's. Her beguiling green eyes staring into his brown ones.

"Woah..." Spellbound by her beauty, Quinn watched as the woman's eyes adjusted to the world. The crowd gasped, witnessing an enchanting moment when the mysterious woman, once a mere statue, awoke. Murmurs spread until a profound moment of silence gripped the scene.

The girl slowly creased her brows at Quinn and rasped.

"Hey. Don't I...know you?"

***

Edited: 25/May/24

【Author's Note】

—Heyo again! I'm gonna have to change some scenes, at the moment for those who have already read the story ahead. Nothing out of the ordinary. I hope you're enjoying the story. Vote, Comment and please leave a review!

—lebzachannn

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