The Carnage Continues.

Ulcan could not resist the urge of taking a step backwards. Jamien on the otherwise, gave a steady hum as he picked up the fallen spear, fiddling with it as though attempting to determine its texture. "Why do you stare as such? I am your brother, am I not?" The man inquired with widened eyes. Ulcan gave a light scoff. "You might as well call me retarded, if you so believe that I am not aware by now." Ulcan said, withdrawing even further into the distance. "If that Is so the case, would you be my medium of entertainment, for the now?" Jamien inquired, with a smile. Ulcan grinned. "I am sorry, but the reason for my birth was not to solely become a tool for your.." He could barely complete the statement, before he compiled himself to move downwards. It did not even amount to a mere span of seconds before he felt the strong wind the item brought with it. He glanced back, only to see the projectile traveling along the distance, before a wall impeded it from moving any further. "Oy, that was meant with the intention to kill." Ulcan exclaimed, after glancing backwards for a brief moment. Not only was the force so great that the spear head sunk millimeters into the concrete, but minute cracks also began to spread from the area of impact as well. Jamien still had his right hand outstretched, when Ulcan spoke. "Do you really think that I care about that?" He asked, the same smile still visible on his face. 'Do not smirk, you sadist.' Ulcan thought, as he really felt the urge to slam Jamien's skull hard onto the Floor. But he could not do that. There was a slight stir on the ground. Ulcan glanced at the area of which the sound emanated from, only to see a young man stirring on the ground. "Huh. I completely forgot about his exsistence." Ulcan muttered from the position from which he was Crouched. It seemed as though the man had underestimated the severity of the circumstance he was surrounded by, until a strong kick In His abdominal region brought him to his senses. The boy upon witnessing this scene, lent out an ear piercing scream when he saw the entity that laid beside him, applying pressure to his bowels. "Lad, are you certain that you were not a woman in your past life?" Jamien interrogated, as his blood red eyes Locked onto him. Ulcan cursed inwardly, while trying his utmost best to rise back to his feet, while making an attempt to swallow back the fluid which rushed up his throat. "Hey kid. Protect yourself while you still can." Ulcan stated, as he stood erect, his knees buckling against each other. "You can do that, can't you, child?" Ulcan inquired, but all he got in response was fear filled eyes staring back into his. As he glanced forward, he noticed Jamien charging in their direction, or more so, he seemed to focus his attention more on the child. "I was of the opinion that you found me to be a more noteworthy opponent." Ulcan stated, as he grappled with his brother, both men locking fists with each other. But due to Ulcan's shallow mind which constantly wandered, he was unaware of the hour Jamien had rendered his footing unstable, by using his own leg to displace his. His opponent landed on the heavily on the ground, that it was a wonder as to how he was not rendered unconscious by that impact. As Jamien placed a knee upon Ulcan's thoracic cavity, Ulcan a light crack rang into his hearing. But as though the hands which clamped tightly onto his neck was nothin of importance, He raised his head to glance at the child; his field of vision being in an upside down format. "I do not believe standing there, with a stupefied expression on my face would be the wisest alternative to choose." Ulcan spoke, while the veins in his neck bulged dramatically, despite being strangled. "Unless, if you wish to... become my accomplice In the underworld." He added, unknown to him that his constant attempts to unclasp the his restrainer's Hand from his neck had left behind deep gashes of red. Jamien on the otherhand, turned in the direction of the child, who was currently running down the alleyway. "How could I possibly expect my target to flee from the present of death so easily?" He inquired, as he pointed his index finger at the man, who made haste to Leave this area of torment. "I thought I informed you to focus on me, instead, brother." Ulcan said with a smile, his right fist clenched. Without a moment's warning, a burst of dust combined with dirt clouded Jamien's vision. "You insolent.." He began, rubbing at his eyes as the particles of dirt left behind, a sharp sting in the soft sclerotic layer. Ulcan immediately used this instruction to his advantage, rising to His feet the instant his body would permit him. 'I am sorry brother, but, it is for your own good.' He said within himself, as he ran off into the distance.

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 "I did not expect the level of difficulty to become this high." Ulcan soloquised, while massaging his neck with his left hand. The path had been filled with dead bodies, not even a single soul was spared. "It would have been alright if brother had just killed them, but ." A frown came to his face, as he Crouched beside a body that was riddled with holes. "There are obvious signs of torture before he proceeded to execute them- darn it." He was forced to seat on the ground, as he felt a sharp pain ran from his spine, all through to impossible ribs. "I wonder how long it may take for him to come back to his senses this time." He muttered. Just then, he heard foot steps approach his direction. His pupils constricted- he was almost nearly incapacitated at the moment. He had no energy to last another round. "Ulcan." A voice Called out. Ulcan scowled as he saw the figure, his hands desperate searching for something that he could use to defend himself. The entity gave a light sigh, as he plopped himself beside the wounded figure. "You can relax. I am out of it now- or at least, I have formed the impression that I am." The corner of Ulcan's lips twitched as he heard that. "Do not come near, unless you have completely returned to your senses." Ulcan quipped, as he searched for more space to recoil into, but his palm only ended up slamming On a puddle of blood instead. "Such wonderful stroke of luck.." Ulcan cussed, while staring at the blood. Jamien stared at his brother for a moment, before a smirk came to his lips. "In the period of war, it is considered to be an honor to bathe in the blood of one's enemies." "Well, we are not waging a war against anyone." Ulcan grumbled, while smearing the blood on his palm into the clothing of a deceased. "And this can barely be considered war; except for the blood which was shed. The only thing I fear at the moment, Is the likelihood of Vendazl's counterattack." Ulcan said, while leaning his head against the wall. "Hey brother, I know it is not your fault that you transformed into an insane war veteran." Ulcan stated, only to get a glare from his brother. "I am just glad that I did no further damage than this." Jamien quipped, while lowering his head. "I know you did not intend to kill anyone." Jamien glanced in his direction as soon as that statement was made, but Ulcan glanced Skyward instead. "In A more positive sense, this will make the zenith to keep their operations low, for the now." Ulcan stated. 'But why do I feel this ability is more of a curse than a blessing?' Jamien thought, while glancing at his hands. "Jamien!" A voice called out from the alley. It was a maiden; shrouded in black from head to toe. Walking beside her was an even familiar figure in a fox mask. The load in the leader's heart lightened suddenly. His lips moved. "I never thought a day would come, whereby I would have a sense of gratification upon seeing you."

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 ".... Hence, the cause of my impunctuality." Cornelia stated, her head lowered. Dennis just kept on arranging his documents, as though he was the only one at the office. "My lord, did you even hear me out?" She said, once her head became upraised once more, her mouth nearly agape. 'He actually.. ignored me?' She thought, as she glanced at the man. However, she lowered her head when she saw the man's blue eyes move in her direction. "Oh, so you are done already? I was of the opinion that you would continue to ramble on." Dennis stated, as he rose from his seat, striding towards the direction of the cabinet with the documents in his hand. "And your decision is?" Cornelia inquired, trailing behind him. "My verdict remains unchanged, Cornelia." Dennis informed her, as he brought an handkerchief, using it to wipe his forehead. "You are yet to come in terms with a decisive conclusion" Cornelia stated, as her eyes obstinately trailed Dennis as he walked back to his chair. "Do you think I am so concerned as to whether or not the choice sits well with you or not." Dennis simply told her. Cornelia was still unsatisfied; and this was reflected with a slight stomp of her foot. "I could have lost my life the previous night, my lord." She said, as she seated herself on the table. "I doubt that highly, knowing the two brothers that you were blessed with." Dennis said, as he rested his right hand against his eyes. "I have had just about of your nonsense for one day, Cornelia. Either stay silent, or begone." Dennis instructed, before returning to his files. Cornelia once more, pleased herself to seat upon his table. "You are so mean, Master." Cornelia quipped, as she adjusted the length of her skirt. 'You are so fortunate that I deem it a waste to kill you.' She thought, before glancing towards the man once more. "My lord?" She inquired, before turning to his direction. But the man who had lain his head on thetable, bothered not himself to Reply. "This is a strange art he has taken interest to." Cornelia muttered to herself, as she glanced at the man. Nowadays, Dennis just had a strange habit of leaning his head against the desk for a moment or two, before returning back to the task he was to perform.

 Cornelia gradually slipped out of the desk, being careful not to arouse the man. She dithered around the office for a while, before casually returning to the desk. "My lord." She called out lightly, before returning back to his table, but this time. She stood beside him. 'This hair color is truly rare..' she thought, unable to resist the urge to give it a slight touch. Although her hand landed on his head, Dennis did not so much as give a stir. 'It's so soft!' She could not Help but exclaim inwardly. Perhaps it was because she had likened the color to that of straw, so she informally had the impression that the texture might be coarse as well. "My lord." She tapped him, with a slight frown. But oddly enough, he did not respond. "Hey." She grabbed his hand, which dangled lifelessly to one side, as soon as she relaxed it. For a moment, Cornelia's mind ceased to process anything else.

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 "I am of the intention that you frequent this room too much as of late, my lady." Katrina stated with a sigh, as Beatrice pushed the door open. "Why not? Should you not be glad that I take my interest in such a thing?" Beatrice said, with a smile. Although the room was not too large, It was still the perfect size for a child's bedroom. Beatrice would love to deny it; but Dennis actually made the right decision to bring the crib to this one. But even with the painting and the design which they did, it still appeared to be so.. plain to the sight.

 The carraige laid idly in the middle of the room, although the splash of a dark blue color, although that did not quite complement the black cross croses on the white ceiling. "I cannot help but feel dizzy whenever I glance upon it, my lady." Katrina, raised her head to the ceiling, could not Help but utter. "Well, then there shall be no need for you to glance at It in that case. No one ever sought for your opinion, initially." Beatrice told her with a smile. "Ah, forgive me, My lady. I was running my tongue just now." Katrina stated, as she awkwardly placed her hand on her neck. Beatrice could only sigh. "What am I to do with you?" She inquired, before shaking her head lightly. "By the way, do you have anything in mind to adorn the room with? Such as some pushed toys, perhaps?" Beatrice asked, with a pondering gaze, while her handmaid fidgeting with her fingers. "But do you not think the time Is too early, my lady?" Katrina inquired, as she glanced into another direction. Beatrice turned towards her with displeased eyes. "Too early!" She exclaimed, making Katrina to cower for a brief moment. "Ay, my ears. I feared that her reaction will be as such.' The maid winced inwardly, as she glanced at her fuming mistress. "Too early, she said! I am already Two months gone! Shall I wait till the water breaks before I purchase such items?" She inquired, before proceeding to mutter to herself. "It is better if I get the items in time before the prices of the stock rises even higher.." Katrina could not Help but watch as her mistress frantically paced around the room, with a smile on her face. 'It seems like she is truly anticipating the birth of this child with much expectations.' Katrina thought, giving a light exhale in the process. 'I shall continue to wish for your happiness and the health of the unborn foetus, my lady.'

 But fate decided not to agree with the latter's statement, for not a moment afterwards, a desperate bang on the door could be heard. "Who could it possibly be, having the audacity to knock in such a manner?" Katrina asked, with a furious click of her tongue. "What could it be that you possibly wa..." She hiccuped immediately, when she noticed the pair of light brown eyes that gazed steadily into hers. "Where is the lady Beatrice?" She inquired, as she made pushed the door out even wider, since Katrina could only muster her strength to open it half-way. Katrina could only stand helplessly to the side, as she watched as Cornelia stepped into the room without inquiring for due consent. "What business could you possibly want with me?" Interrogated Beatrice, as she crossed her hands before her chest. "Nothing much. An incident has just occurred and I wanted the lady of the Household to be aware- since none deemed it fit to inform you." Cornelia Simply stated. "And what may it be?" She asked, tilting her head at the latter. "It is nothing much; nothing of significance except that my master collapsed at the office." She stated. Beatrice's heart skipped a beat. "What?" She inquired, taking a step backwards. 'Dennis did? But he appeared to be in good health just moments ago?' "My lady!" Katrina exclaimed, As she immediately grabbed the woman by the shoulders. "Steady yourself, my lady." Katrina said, in an agitated tone. A small mistep it would have been, and it would cost no additional effort for her to fall to the ground. "Is what you say true?" Beatrice inquired, as she glanced at the latter. Cornelia shrugged her shoulders. "I have no cause to be economical with the truth." Cornelia said, as she shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing stops you from going to see him, if you are indeed concerned about him." Cornelia simply said, before walking out of the room.

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 "Slow down, my lady!" Katrina called out as she tried to keep up with her mistress, who took great steps, irregardless of her physical condition. But The woman paid her maid no heed; her heart was in her sleeves at the moment.

 The occupants of the room were rather astonished to hear the door bang open all of a sudden. "Beatrice?" Sylvester called out in surprise, when he beheld the figure of the latter. 'But how come? I specifically made clear my intentions that she shall not be informed, unless...' His eyes narrowed suddenly. Beatrice, on the other hand, did not care whatever persona was present in the room at the moment, she simply strode towards the unconscious man, whose wrist was in Anna's arms. "What is the matter with him?" Beatrice asked, as she turned towards the physician. "My lady, it is best you seat yourself down; you are bound to have high blood pressure at this poi.." "I do not recall demanding a lecture from you, Anna." Beatrice snapped, her hands almost forming into fists. "I only asked what the matter was with him." Beatrice asked once more, before turning to the man on the bed. His appearance was more pallid than when she initially came in. "That.." Anna began, before casting a glance at Sylvester for a brief moment. The latter slowly shook his head. "I asked you something, Anna." The woman repeated once more, causing her to direct her gaze unto her direction once more. "Master Dennis just suffers from a undue exhaustion, so there is no need for you to fret." Anna simply told her. "Did you hear her? Are you satisfied at this point?" Sylvester inquired, as he glanced at Beatrice. "So will you seat, or shall I make you?" He inquired. "I believe My work here is done." Anna stated, as she took her bag with her. "Here are his medications, Lady Beatrice." Anna started, as she gave Beatrice some pills wrapped in a brown envelope. "A single dose at the break of dawn, and another at dusk. Take care that he does not over consume them; They are highly addictive." Anna cautioned. "They shall also enable him to have more peaceful nights as well." She added. "Are you ready to leave? I shall see you of in that case." Sylvester, who had leant in back against the wall, arms folded suddenly said. "Sebastian, you are to come with also; I have a few instructions to give you as well." Sylvester spoke to the other personality in the room. "Before you depart.." Beatrice chimed in once more, glanced at the direction of the physician. "Is insomnia also related to this as well?" She inquired. "Not necessarily so, my lady; but also contributed to his physical condition deteriorating to this extent." Anna replied. "I see." Beatrice mumured, her exhausted legs finally compelling her to seat on the bed. 

 "My lady.." Katrina, who stood next to her muttered, not knowing how to comfort her- especially when she saw the tears in Beatrice's eyes, when the two of them were alone in the room. But Beatrice's Hands gripped the sheets ever more tightly. "Dennis.." She said, in a trembling voice. "Be it to your choosing, or not, this child shall have a father, do you hear me?"

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 Anna flinched slightly as soon as she stepped out of the room. She was not expecting to see the entity at all. The latter simply stood at the Terrace, not even bothering to acknowledge the latter. "Anna, are you alright?" Sylvester, who emerged after her in the company of Sebastian, stated. He glanced at the silhouette of the one, who had almost nearly concealed herself in the shadows. "Sebastian, you shall resume your usual duties." Sylvester simply quipped. The latter gave an obligatory bow, before making a turn. "Come, Anna." Sylvester told the latter, walking a few paces ahead of her.

 "Has she perhaps done you harm in anyway?" Sylvester interrogated the woman, who Trailed behind him. "You have been silent ever since you discovered her exsistence in this manor." Sylvester informed her. Anna bit her lower lip. 'How can I tell you, second young Master, that I nearly lost my grandson because of her?' She reasoned, Unable to convince her quaking heart that If she indeed unleash the cat from the bag, the witch would surely appear at her threshold at midnight to bring an end to her pitiful exsistence. "No, young Master." Anna replied, with a smile. Sylvester had sensed the hesitation in her voice for a moment, but he sighed, not having the intention of pushing the affair any further.

 "This is as far as I can lead, I am afraid." Sylvester uttered, as soon as the entrance to the manor came into view. "Thank you for your services, tonight, Anna." The young man said, with a smile. "There is no need for the gratitude, young Master." Anna replied, before her face turned stoic. "But could the young Master perhaps be dealing with depression in any sense?" She inquired. "Depression? What makes you think so?" Sylvester asked, but Anna shook her head. "I am sorry If I cause you to worry for no cause; it is just a mere assumption of mine." She started. "Needless to say, I shall advice that an eye be kept on him."

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Sylvester could not Help think about the words of the physician as he walked past. But as he was about to Walk into Dennis's room, he heard the sound of screaming and shoutng. "She is responsible for the young Master's condition, I say." One of the maids began. They were huddled In a group of four, and slumped to the ground was a fifth maid, neither moving nor speaking. "I was of the opinion that she was a witch? Why does she seem powerless- pitiful even?" One of the maids began. "Oh, Oneira, you truly do not know anything." Another maid quipped. "Witches attain their most potential at night, when the moon is at the fullest and brightest." She stated, with a voice full of pride. "May the witches suck us dry of our blood then, On the night of the hunter's moon." Sylvester said in a quizzical manner, as he came into the scene. "Afterall, the moon shall wane exceptionally bright that night." He added. "M- master!" The maids bowed immediately, with no hesitation. Sylvester in his own rights, ignored them- but he tilted his head at the maid slumped on the ground. "You may rise, if you be not dead, Cornelia." Upon hearing this, Cornelia rose to her Feet as well. "As though I would die that easily." Cornelia mused as she did as she was bid. Sylvester turned his head away immediately; they were some part of her body that was.. a little exposed. "What is this on about? And I demand a plausible answer." Sylvester said, his gaze still averted. "Oh, second young Master, it is nothing much." Cornelia said, before anyone else could even get a chance to speak. "They accuse me of lacing my master Dennison tea with poison. Is that not the case?" She added, a smile coming to her face. "Perharps they forget that I am capable of burning them." "Of that be not the case, then how come the usual healthy master took ill of a sudden?" One of the maids had the courage to retort. "Hmm? But I do not prepare his tea, Jena." Cornelia quipped. "If I remember correctly, you are the one who prepares it, are you not?" She asked. "That.." Jena was rendered speechless by Cornelia's statement. "Are you not instigating yourself as well? My, how the tables have turned against you?" Cornelia stated, clapping her hands as she did so. "Hearken not to her voice ma.." Jena began, but Sylvester placed an index finger to his lips. "Do you even have evidence to prove that she laced the tea?" Sylvester inquired. "That.." Jena bowed her head. Sylvester exhaled. "You can all forget about your pay for the month." He told them, much to their disappointment. "Also.." He added, pointing in Cornelia's direction. "Who was responsible for this?" Cornelia just shrugged her shoulders, while the other maids remained mute. The atmosphere was but melancholic from the declaration of earlier. Although their mouth was mute, their eyes was not, as they all stated in the direction of the one who ruined Cornelia's clothing. "Not only shall your pay be halved." Sylvester informed, with a 'kind' grin. "But half of your salary shall be used to maintain Cornelia'supkeep, from this day forward until the day you voluntarily vacate your duties, or better still, retrenched." Sylvester told her. "But.." The maid began. "Get out from my sight." He said, before glancing at them all. "All of you." He added, to further elaborate his point. "Am I to be sent away as well?" Cornelia inquired, after witnessing the maids tropping out one after the other. "You are not needed here for the time being; so I do not see why not?" Sylvester stated, as he began to walk away. "Second young Master, I saved your brother's life." Cornelia said, placing that medium of address in a sarcastic way. "You know quite well, that he was not breathing when you discovered him." Sylvester turned to take a glance at her. "And I am grateful for that. Is there anything else you want to say?" He inquired, raising an eyebrow at Cornelia. "How is he faring?" Cornelia inquired, as she glanced at The floor. "Still unconscious." Sylvester replied, as he gazed at her with eyes wide open. 'Why did I even ask after his well-being? Could it possibly be that I am getting fond of him?' She thought, as she rubbed her shoulders anxiously. But she instantly shook the thought out of her head. "I will do well to inform you when it is that he awakens." Sylvester assured her. "Even if you don't, I also have my own means of finding out for myself." Cornelia said, as she walked away. "But I shall trust in your word, Sylvester." "Hold on for a moment." Sylvester called after her, before glancing at her clothing once more. "You might ask Katrina for a shawl- or whatever." He added. "But I wonder why.. did you not burn them to a stake, as you threatened you would? I doubt highly that you are one to make empty words." Sylvester inquired. "Unlike them, I have a bit more dignity. Ought I to add fuel to the fire that the Household is currently in?" Cornelia inquired. "Besides.. it shall still give them a cause to be less restrained around me, after discovering my weakness." She added, with a wink.

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 In a dark office dimly illuminated by a candle Light, a man could be seen arranging his files. Each one was stacked in a chronological order, mostly performing referral purposes rather than for the actual documentation. Standing before him, was a damsel, one that most would think to be quite the true beauty. Although they was a chair which was aligned to her utmost left, she did not dare to take a seat- for so long as her father did not permit her to do so. The resemblance between the two figures was quite clear as they were both confined between the same boundaries- it was rather impossible to say that the lady was not her father's daughter. The only distinguishing feature between the two was that her father was more huge in size and more muscular, while the female had a slender physique. As for the manor in which they resided in- It was an estate that her father had purchased a year prior, the realisation dawned upon him that his business will take him out of his home country, more often than not.

 "Is that all that was discussed between the two of you?" Jened Baroli, the Duke of the kingdom of Curintas, and the head of the Baroli family, finally spoke. "Yes, father." Andrea stated, her head lowered- she did not dare to look her father in his eyes. "Every other affair spoken was of but little significance." She stated. "I see." The Duke mumbled. "Very well then. I shall use the little information attained to good use." He stated. "But father.." Andrea drew the man's attention, although she gazed the other way. "Why Is it that you are so intent on destroying the reputation of the Adriel household?" She inquired. "What I mean to say Is- although they have risen to become one of the most sought after textile industries in the north, even usurping our position- but would it not be wiser if we leave it to the regulation of the cosmos? If It is not meant to be, then everything would eventually reset itself as it should." Andrea analysed. To her surprise, she heard a slight laugh. "It seems like you have been polished beautifully, Rea." He stated. "What you said is indeed true- you know that I am not the kind to engage pointlessly in a strife." He began. "But the issue is, I had wanted to collaborate with the baron- but to my utmost dismay, he declined to my proposition. A mere baron actually dared to turn me down!" The duke exclaimed, with much agitation in his voice. "So I have actually decided to show him the vast difference in status between him and me." The duke said, before glancing upwards. "You may retire now. Make sure to have a good night's rest." Her father stated. "Yes, and ensure to rest yourself as well, father."