Still slung over his shoulder. Chiri cursed between pained grunts, “Cazer, you rotten son of a bitch, put me down!”
Ignoring her complaints, he kicked open the doors to the Director’s quarters forcefully to reveal a surprised Amelia. “What- “she suppressed a shriek upon their sudden and unconventional entry. Although Chiri could not see Amelia from her ungraceful perch atop Cazer’s shoulder. Chiri could easily imagine her expression as she began to take in the situation. She could sense the change from bewilderment to disgust the moment Amelia identified her.
Composing herself, the swift modification in her voice as she addressed Cazer notable, it became sweeter than sugar. “Director, you’re injured!” she cried. “How dare someone hurt you.”
“It’s just a scratch.” He replied dismissively, progressing further into the room.
Putting the pieces together, she began “That
Allen poked at the yolk of his fried egg absentmindedly. Watching the yellow liquid slowly pour out, he hardly heard Morose and Tristan as they exchanged notes on an upcoming assignment.It had been over a week since they reported the issue with the Mare to Captain Armistice. Other than a gruff confirmation from the Captain that the spirit had been eliminated shortly after, they had heard little else. It made sense that they should be kept in the dark. Since, their status as trainees allowed them little authority on matters. However, Allen was beginning to feel troubled by the secretive nature of The Alliance. Not only in this matter, but always in regard to his inquiries as well. Other than common pests such as murland moles, jungi beetles, and the odd willow-wisp on the farm, he had relatively few encounters with magic until coming to the Alliance headquarters. Still finding its rules and complex internal affairs foreign, Allen heaved a sigh of exhaustion just
The crowd parting readily as the Banshee approached. They closed the gap behind her, drawing nearer to the anticipated nucleus of the action. Fueled by their excitement several trainees pushed forward, vying for spots with better visibility of the match. Even Morose, who was sandwiched between Tristan and himself, stood on her toes to see over the few heads in front of them. Indiscreet whispers spread, as the Witch halted at the center. Giving the onlookers a bored once over she announced loudly “You brats will be lucky if I’m the scariest thing you ever face in your lifetime. Whoever is stupid or brave enough to step forward, do so now.”It was not long before a few Hunters responded to her challenge. Provoking a cheer from the crowd as they entered the dirt of the arena. Sauntering in with overt bravado, were eight built men, whom Allen identified as being part of the Third Division. Having witnessed only briefly what the Witch was capable of
Since that night with the Mare, things had taken an unexpected turn for Chiri. She had never expected to find herself tussling with trainees, merely a week later.The conclusion a meeting of the Alliance Council. It was due to her involvement and Lance’s loose lips that its members sought to come together so urgently. Confined to the Director’s quarters throughout the proceedings; Lance Armistice had apparently sung like a canary in front of a full panel of directors and administrators about the incident. However, there was one unexpected twist to his story, and that was his proposal to employ Chiri as an instructor.Presenting a strong argument for how her various talents could better be put to use for more academic purposes, the motion had been met with surprising consensus by Gate representatives. Not excluding her own husband, whom to her displeasure, sided in favor of the suggestion. Stating simply to Chiri, after she was informed of the decision, that
“I think you’ve made your point, Banshee.” A voice rang from beside the arena. Light and clear across the sizable distance between them, it was a sound not heard often by Chiri but one she recalled well. Turning to regard the speaker with annoyance. She did nothing to fix her placid expression as she regarded the Director of the Day Gate. Accompanied by her loyal guard dog, Vance Stroud, they stood at the perimeter of the arena with matching looks of disgust. The Director of the Day Gate, Annaliese Marchette was a beloved figure within the Alliance. An ethereal beauty of long flowing blonde hair and unmarred porcelain skin, she embodied the kind of righteousness and decorum they liked to boast of most. Possessing both strength and wit, she always seemed to place herself in direct opposition to Chiri whenever possible since her promotion. Therefore, it was unsurprising that she should feel compelled to stick her nose into this situation needlessly as well. Clicking he
Allen watched as Chiri removed herself from the ring. Still in disbelief that she was able to infirm many trainees in such as short amount of time without even using an ounce of magic. He was awed and appalled, as he recalled witnessing how each challenger had met a painful failure. Understanding better now, the amount of restraint she must have shown towards him during their first confrontation.Although the duel had not been without bloodshed, it was at the very least merciful. Swift and ruthless, her experience in combat vastly surpassed any of his peers. Even, her own brother had not lasted longer than two minutes against the Witch. Despite the impressive display of his powers, she had been just as quick to dispatch of him. Yet noticed, despite her coldness, that she had not been able to resist a passing remark of advice.Whether, she had intended it to be or not, it had taught all involved or who had been in attendance the consequences of brashness in battle. Afte
Since the day he was born, Horus Crouse was compared to his elder sister. He had never thought ill of her because of it. In fact, he took pride in the well-deserved praises she received from others. Seeking every opportunity to boast of his sister, Horus would even go so far as to bring up her name amongst his friends and during social gatherings when allowed the chance.Needless to say, Horus had been close to his sister growing up, but this had not always been true. When he was very young, Horus remembered Chiri Crouse to have an existence similar to that of a phantom in their own home. He remembered her attending a family meal routinely, once a week. Where, she would eat in silence. Speaking only to politely answer their parents questioned her about the progress of her lessons. Sometimes, even this occasion was missed. However, their parents did not remark on her absence nor did they display any discernible sentiments towards Chiri in his presence.Days could pass w
Chiri stood, leaning against one of the plain blank walls in the infirmary. Only serving the purpose of healing minor ailments, each bay within the clinic was equipped with a cot and a little cabinet of medical supplies. Concealed from view by simple white sheets, they did nothing to diminish the hushed conversations of the medics, or the groans of pain from the trainees she had injured.Looking at the person in the cot pensively. Brow creased as she took in the sight of the burns she had inflicted. Leaning her head back until it met the cold wall with a soft thud, she reflected on their fight. Chiri did not mind if it had further cemented her as a villain within his mind, as long as it served in its purpose to teach her brother a lesson. Best that he understood the implications of using their family powers now, Chiri would cut down a hundred more trainees if it could spare him even an ounce of the pain and devastation it had caused her. For her it was a lesson hard learned,
It had seemed a long time ago that Allen had walked the streets of Ineset. Weeks passing without any further incident, Chiri Krane was allowed to escort a handful of trainees to acquire supplies.Being under her tutelage, Allen managed to glean a little more about her. To be expected, as an instructor, she was ruthless and quick to point out other’s weaknesses. That being said though, the Witch seemed to value persistence among her students and would never belittle those who sought make an earnest effort in their lessons. However, that did not seem to improve others opinion of her.Although no other challenges had been issued since her first day, the Witch was received with contemptuous glances wherever she went. Allen had even heard other trainees spit after referring to her as a ‘Dhryzic’. A term, which he had come to learn as being possibly one of the blasphemous names for a criminal one could utter. Allen did not share the same concentrated hatred