Coastland Skirmish

**Date Completed:**6/29/2021
**Previous Role-Play**:
**Users Involved:** User:Katokonia
**Setting:** An island near Kythos , Svarga
**Date:** August 9, 1510
**Celestial Pirates Involved**:
* Crimson Regalia
* Orcus Celine (Kinda?)
* Saturn Rezka

**Kythonians Involved**:
* Petro Pallas
* Askalei Styx
* **Cicero**
* **Renti Castor**

**Kurzhen Involved**:
* Oskaire Kalico
* Kalico's Pontara

**Other Characters Involved**:
* Candor-5
* Empra Laurel

**Metrics**: Coastland Skirmish/Metrics

## **A Bit Large For a Skiff, No?**

*"The day after the expedition to Mount Kleos was sent..."*

"Why the hell do I have to do it? Can't you see I'm busy?"

"Well, Regalia, I'm going to be blunt. I have absolutely no faith in Caducea being able to stay on task, and we currently cannot request another of the Suuras to partake on a mission with Shana already away. I have asked Celine to go, however I would be delighted if you would...just oblige." Saturn Rezka sighed, feeling a sense of nostalgia from Regalia's reaction.

"Oh, Rezka, don't forget about my pick for the mission."

Rezka swung his gaze over to the side of the room, where leaning against a wall was Empra Laurel, one of the Empra Twins and Technarchs of Svarga, "Ah yes, one of the Phantoms. It seems their numbers are proving quite useful these days..." He replied, drifting away as Regalia responded to him.

"But I don't wanna do it. Can't you just send Orca and this Scopa elite dude and be done with it? I don't really see why you need me." Regalia whined hopping down onto the ground as she began to sat criss-crossed, after having just been standing in the room's center.

Laurel smirked as she watched the behavior, as Rezka tried his next tactic, "Ok Regalia, how about this. You do this for me, and I'll buy you...food." He said in a serious tone.

"Rezka."

"Yes, Regalia?"

"What kind of food are we talking?"

"Hmm...well what would you like?"

"I want a buffet. No. I want two buffets. If you give me two buffets I'll do it. All I can eat. Deal?"

"Ahem."

The short burst of conversation Regalia and Rezka had been having was interrupted by Laurel, who was showing off a sly smile, "I don't think I completely understand what's going on, but if food is a driver for you, I do happen to own the biggest buffet in the country. I could easily get you an all-you-can eat coupon for it, or I suppose two of them, since that's what you seem to be asking for."

Regalia sprang up from her position on the floor, rushing over to Laurel and clasping her hands. She smiled warmly at her before leaning back and laughing with a hand behind her head, "You know you drive a good bargain! I like you." She then turned over to Rezka, "Sign me up, I'm game. I just need to beat up anyone that gets too close to the gatherers right? Sounds easy enough. Do we have Ceres on duty? Or am I takin' the Manta, what's up?"

"Ceres is currently indisposed, and I don't believe the Manta is necessary. Laurel," He mentioned in Laurel's general direction without looking at her, "We'll have them use a skiff, since this isn't the actual main resource collection operation, rather a sampling tour."

"Ha, sounds good Rezka, I'll do the paperwork, would you mind lending me Saleiiya for a few hours?" Laurel responded, hoping to gain a helping hand in logistics.

"Very well, though I don't believe she'll be available for some hours yet. You may leave now though if you wish, I'll wait for the other two arrivals here." Rezka responded, making clear that Laurel's role here had been fulfilled.

Laurel caught on easily, her smirk only brightening as she confidently got up, and walked out of the room. It would be an hour before the other two arrived.

Regalia had been spending the entirety of the duration of time playing Kozza on a device she hooked up to the TV in Rezka's office, while Rezka had simply been tinkering with some obscure form of device, occasionally flickering in sparks as he tweaked with it.

The door finally shot open, showing the figure of one Orcus Celine.

She looked into the room, raising her hand above her eyes as if searching for something, "Hello hello, I have arrived~" She exclaimed soothingly, as she pranced into the room and over towards Rezka's desk, leaning on it as she reached it, "Hey Boss, I heard you needed me to get some samples? Tell me the details would you?" She charmed, smiling at him as she elegantly made her way to a chair on the side of the room.

"Hey Orca, how ya been?" Regalia greeted, though still distracted by her game.

"I've been just splendid Regalia, thanks for asking! How have you been doing? I think I saw you on the street the other day, but I was too slow to catch up." Celine replied. She hadn't actually seen Regalia yesterday, however she said it so there would be a reason for Regalia to actually take interest in the conversation.

Regalia turned her head over, "Really? I think I only left the room to get food yesterday, that's crazy." Though still continued to be distracted by her game, slightly to Celine's annoyance, though Celine simply started humming and looked up at the ceiling, before asking, "So Rezka, who are we waiting on? I think the two of us can probably just do this by ourselves."

"There will be a member of Phantom Embrace joining you both." Rezka replied dully, distracted by the machine he was toying with.

Celine gave a look of mock anguish, as she began to drum the arm of her chair impatiently. Luckily for her, a few moments later the door opened to Rezka's office, appearing from it a man with what appeared to be a tiny dragon on his shoulder. He saluted as he entered the room,

"Candor-5 ready for duty, sir!"

"Very good." Rezka said, standing up immediately as Candor had entered the room. He walked over to a wall next to his desk, and motioned for the three to come over. Candor did promptly, followed by Celine who had used the transportation device inserted in Rezka's wall before. Regalia was still in-game, so she stumbled over not really paying attention to what was going on. As the wall opened, the four stepped inside promptly, as Rezka pressed one of the many buttons on the wall. Candor and Celine both grabbed onto the railing that lined the walls, though Regalia was caught completely by surprise as suddenly the floor beneath her dropped into a free fall, splatting her on the ground violently.

"What the f--" She began, though couldn't continue as the room now jerked to the side, as if it were moving faster than a train. A pleasant ding was heard about ten seconds later, as the room came to a halt. The doors opened, as Rezka walked out, followed by Celine. Candor looked at Regalia, who had a dizzied look in her eyes and was sprawled out awkwardly on the ground, "Do you need help getting up, miss?" He offered, though Regalia said "No thanks," as she struggled to stand up, and walked outside.

The four appeared to be either underground, or within a massive structure, and there were rows upon rows of small, but sturdy naval vessels lined up atop the water and by multiple columns of docks, which filled the majority of the space within. There were other people here too, bustling in activity around the place, alongside several robots lifting and engineering all manner of things related to the boats docked.

"Allow me to explain. This is Dock #8, it is one of our five Skiff docks. These boats travel fast, and they can take some damage before finding themselves out of order. You three will be taking one of these to your destination. The boat can operate itself, you simply need to tell it where to go, however it is to my understanding that," Rezka looked at Candor, "Candor-5 is able to pilot the vessel if necessary."

"Yes sir!" He responded, "I've had five years worth of naval expertise implanted into my memory, there should be no troubles in this regard."

"Mem..ory?" Celine stammered, though too quiet for anyone to hear.

"Very good. As for the target, you will be heading towards an island somewhere in proximity to the nation of Kythos. While it is a nation of warriors, this island lays outside their borders, so there should be no issues. What you are looking for is a set of flowers, they grow in bunches of three. Within the bunch, there should be a gold, a red, and a white flower, all with bulbs that gleam either black or yellow. There may be variations, however this is the only one of importance."

Regalia nodded her head, acting like she understood what they were for although obviously not understanding why a flower would be important whatsoever. Meanwhile, Celine tugged on her ear and asked, "Um, why are we picking flowers? How is that useful, like, at all?"

Rezka looked at them in silence for several seconds, before responding "There is a chemical produced by these flowers than can be synthesized and concentrated to produce a powerful nerve agent." He explained, "But do not worry, it won't be harmful in any capacity in it's natural form. However, there is one thing you should be careful of..."

Regalia looked up at Rezka's visor, "Is it an even bigger flower?" She asked, both Candor and Celine looking at her as if she were an idiot.

"No, Regalia. This island seems to have a biological presence of what we have classified as 'True Manticores.' They do not resemble those large-faced fools of a creature that the government uses to sometimes guard their prisons, no. They take on the form of a lion, sprouting large wings that resemble those of a dragon. While they do maintain a ferocious and powerful bite, their main weapon is their tail. It will appear thorny, and from it they can propel spikes, though I am unsure as to what degree. Please refrain from nearing these creatures, we have not yet learned of their true nature, only of their physical traits, these being taken from Kythonian sources."

"True Manticores huh, sounds like a fun time." Regalia said cheerily, waiving any sense of responsibility and worry Rezka had attempted to instill in her. Celine and Candor nodded in affirmation though, showing Rezka that they would take proper care in avoiding the creatures.

"Very good. Now, here is your ship." Rezka walked to the dock, and placed a hand on a jet-black skiff that sat there, "There should be charts and maps within the cabin, though the ship is already en route for your destination. There's a big red button next to the wheel inside, pressing it will immediately abort the ship's course and bring you back here at full speed. Please only press it if necessary, or after you have collected a sample of your objective. Now then, good luck." Rezka ended, walking away as he and the three parted ways.

"Well, guess we hop on then!" Regalia said happily, hopping onto the deck of the ship. Celine gave Candor a shrug, before following Regalia aboard.

Candor pet his Dragon Buzz, "Well Abel, looks like we got our hands full with these two rambunctious personalities eh?"

Candor then hopped onto the boat as well, and made his way over to the wheel, sitting down by it. Without even touching anything, the skiff immediately began to slowly pull out from the dock, as an exit appeared on the far side of the area, light pouring into the the newly made hole. The skiff itself wasn't all too large, so it moved quickly in the calm waters, though it did seem to have two rooms alongside one that covered where the wheel sat, which was more than enough room for the three.

Candor looked out a large window that faced the rest of the deck from where he sat in the room hosting the wheel, laughing almost sarcastically to himself as he watched Regalia and Celine playfully bicker with each other as their journey began.

## Prime for The Hunt

"But I gotta say, it's not everyday someone has the honor of accompanying the, oh so very esteemed, Wall of Kythos!" A strikingly soothing voice commented, the sounds of footsteps and a seaside gale battering the ears in it's wake, accompanied by a light crashing of waves, and the chattering of the wildlife on the island beyond.

"Styx, you really are a kidder sometimes. What ever happened to the girl back in school who said she would become the strongest warrior in the world? The one who would chase everybody around and beat them unconscious, like a vicious brat of a human being? Your sarcastic eloquence shows you've matured quite some bit since then eh?"

Petro Pallas was pulling a small rowboat ashore, tugging it by rope over his shoulder. Askalei Styx, the girl he had just remarked having been quite the troublesome child in the past, accompanied him, though she wasn't helping him bring the boat onto the beach at all, looking around at the island they had just landed on. She glared at Pallas, her eye twitching slightly, "And here I was playing nice, I see your viper-tongue hasn't changed either. Then again, I've known that for a few years now, I guess. When was the last time we saw each other before being tasked with this house clearing charade? A year?"

"I believe it was around nine months ago, though it must not have been for long. Truly, it has been quite some time, hasn't it." Pallas responded, nodding his head as if satisfied with how far he had gotten, as he placed the rope loosely around a nearby bush. "Right then, these things can't be all that hard to find, but I suppose I'll let the animal expert take the lead."

Styx beamed, "Oh? So you at least recognize that I should be the one leading the hunt, good boy." Before waiting for the retort that was bound to come after, she quickly hopped atop a large rock by the shore, perching herself on it like a predator searching for prey. The view before her was beautiful in it's own right, a vast plain, filled to the brim with flowers and shrubs of a range of colors more beautiful than a rainbow. Hills found themselves scattered across the isle as well, though they were scarce. She scanned the perimeter for their target, though it seemed as if it had already sensed them, a presence watching the two being felt easily by both Pallas and Styx.

Pallas walked over to where Styx was currently perched, asking, “So? It obviously knows that we’re here, but do we know where it is?” Assuming that Styx was on the lookout for one of the creatures.

Styx cast a gaze over towards Pallas, as she proceeded to place a blindfold over her eyes. To someone who hadn’t seen her work before, this would be quite a contradiction towards what she was attempting to do, being to find something, however by sealing her eyes, her perception in fact increased rather then the contrary.

A red glow could be seen emanating from Styx’s eyes behind the blindfold, seeping into the air above. A few nearby birds scattered, as she abruptly took a crushing step towards the right, breaking the rock she stood upon, as she lifted up her blindfold. The red glow was still visible, though fading from her eyes, as she looked back over towards Pallas, “I think there’s one this way, but it’s just a hunch.” She winked, as she began strolling towards the direction she had taken the first step in already.

Pallas took a quick glance back at the boat, making sure it was still there, as he proceeded to grab a large shield and spear from it, carrying them as he jogged over to catch up to Styx. “The good ol’ super sight eh? On my expedition I heard they call the Warforms ‘haki’ or something like that.” He said in a conversational tone.

“Yea, I already knew that, idiot.” Styx booed, as she pulled out a set of chains that had been dangling on her hip. The tips acted as both a handle and a spiked blade that could be used to fight with, as Styx pointed at something, breaking into a jog, “There’s one right there! Let’s get it!”

Pallas followed her without any hesitation, soon spotting the creature in question. It was a creature known as a Manticore, though not those one might see elsewhere in the world. These were True Manticores, filling their profile as a creature of a lion’s body, but also with large dragon-like wings sprouting from it’s back, and a notorious thorny tail from which it could launch spikes over a distance, thorn-like projectiles laced with noxious chemicals, lethal if piercing the skin and of left untreated. They were native only to this island and a few others nearby, just outside the territorial borders of the nation of Kythos, though easily within grasp if ever Kythonian interests called them here.

The mission that Pallas and Styx were here undertaking was one suited for a beast tamer. They were tasked by the council with taming three manticores and bringing them back to the homeland of Kythos in a project aiming to domesticate them, and utilize the creatures as weapons of war. However, they are notorious in their threat, and for this reason warriors of such high caliber were called to initiate the process, Styx being called as the greatest tamer in the nation, with Pallas simply going along as her bodyguard in the event of any difficulties or unexpected trouble.

*“But really, these damn council members are always like this,”* Pallas thought to himself as he followed Styx, *“We’ve been in a relative state of peace as a nation for quite some time now, yet every waking moment of it is spent preparing for the next war. Only fools have attempted to stir trouble with us in the past few years, and of them, the majority fall to the Colossi even before landing on our soil. Is there truly a point to this?”* Pallas’ concerns were accurate. It was true that no major difficulties have presented themselves to Kythos as of late, yet the culture itself seems to have spurred a constant need to military bolstering and consolidation, though to be fair, the nation in recent times has still been able to see prosperity through trade and good harvest as well, meaning that there were little domestic and civil issues that needed attending to regardless.

Styx whispered to Pallas, him catching her voice seconds late as it brushed against him in a gust of wind, “I’ll see what this one is made of, watch my back!”

Styx had already made into a mash dash for the manticore, raising her chains as if intending to grapple it.

The manticore noticed the sudden charge rushing towards it, as it immediately sprang into a defensive position, rearing its tail forward as it’s skin began to appear much more rough, it’s fur appearing needle-like. However the true needles were those that now rocketed forth from its tail. Dozens, if not hundreds, of needle-shaped spikes rushed towards the direction of Styx and Pallas, spraying in a concentrated column of fire as the Manticore roared in anger.

Styx could be heard laughing, as she leaped up into the air, flunging towards the manticore all the while, as she began swinging the chain held in her left hand and proceeded to throw it at the manticore’s tail. It landed easily, as she tugged it down to face the ground with her strength.

Pallas didn’t have the reaction time to jump above the needles, instead having to half for a moment as he lifted his shield and crouched on the ground, the sound of the spikes battering against his shield vibrating around.

The manticore itself, which had just been leashed by the tail, struggled to raise its tail to face Styx, however its tail alone was weaker than Styx’s own strength. Infuriated, it roared again as it began trying to charge Styx, who, while grappling its tail with her chain, also now stood within charging range of the manticore. The beast bore its fangs as it motioned as if it intended to sink its jaws deep into Styx’s arm that was currently wrestling with its tail.

Styx smiled sweetly, a vicious aura emitting through her teeth, as she displayed her other hand, sending the chain in that hand directly at the charging manticore, who had little hope of dodging as it had willingly rushed forth in a linear fashion.

The chain wrapped itself around the manticore’s neck and front legs, as it yelped, crashing down to the ground unable to move any further.

Styx trotted over to the creature, though making sure to keep enough distance between her and it so as to not find an unsuspecting arm being torn from the rest of her body.

“Easy there big guy, I’m not here to hurt you...unless you don’t do what I say, ok?”

She said sadistically through yet another innocent smile.

The manticore showed a mixture of fear and rage in its eyes, as it continued to struggle helplessly, thrashing around on the ground.

Pallas, who was now free of the barrage of spikes, ran over to behind Styx, asking. “Uh, Styx? How are we supposed to tame it anyways, or are you planning on bringing it back on that tiny rowboat?”

Styx pursed her lips, thinking for a moment, “Hmmm...you know I didn’t actually think about that…” She admitted. She had been in charge of logistics, and even when offered a larger boat, has consciously declined, saying that a rowboat was all she and Pallas needed to reach the island. Pallas hadn’t been struck with the thought that they were actually supposed to bring these massive creatures back with them, idly going along with the idea, preoccupied with rowing more than he was thinking.

Styx stuck out her tongue playfully, knocking herself on the head with one hand, “Hehe, whoops!” She said innocently, sporting puppy eyes at Pallas, “Can he sit next to you?”

“Do you not value my life, woman? We might have to make a return trip, then. Though, how are you to take these beasts anyways, I’m not versed in the world of domestication.” Pallas responded, gripping his shield while eyeing the manticore’s tail cautiously.

“Oh don’t worry about that. These guys are intelligent, so they learn quickly. They’ll know to respond to treats if they play nice...and well...there’s always pain….” Styx drifted, though it seemed as if she didn’t care to harm the creature more than she already had either way. “Well, should we leave it then? I guess it won’t fit huh…”

“Hmm…” Pallas thought aloud, “I suppose we could try to sequester him to the side of the ship, I could always swim I suppose…” Hu suddenly stopped talking, looking away from Styx and shifting his focus to something behind her, he then said in a deadpan tone, “Styx, free the creature and get your weapons ready.”

“Huh? Where did that come from?” She asked, confused, though even before turning around herself, she did as Pallas said, obviously trusting his word.

The manticore ran off with a growl away from the group, quickly disappearing into the hills beyond.

Styx then turned around to see where Pallas was looked, upon turning her brow furred, though her eyes widened, “They don’t look like they’re from Kythos…” She commented lowly, gripping her chains as she postured herself to face the new direction.

Across a flowery plain from the two was a rather out of place cluster of...people. There were eight of them, marching in a tight formation as if they were a military patrol. Behind them, three more could be seen, though walking single file and more loosely spread. All eleven of them were large, muscled figures. They wore full scale armor, the only visible cracks shown to be a slit in their helmets where their eyes certainly sat behind. They carried axes and swords, some with massive round shields held in their left arms. Suddenly, a twelfth figure bursted out from the middle of the formation of eight, previously unsighted as it was so small. While the other figures, soldiers, stood at roughly six and a half feet each, this new individual was a lithe figure, barely standing at four and a half feet at most. It yelped loudly as it saw Pallas and Styx, as it immediately began running towards the direction opposite to where the two were, and allegedly from where these soldiers had come. The three that trailed behind the formation of eight followed it, as they individually ran to match its speed, before standing still at set intervals of distance, as if they intended to mark the path back.

The eight armored men turned to face what had startled their smaller ally, as they all looked at Pallas and Styx in unison with each other.

At this moment there was at least a minute of complete silence, even the wildlife having ridden itself from the area. Pallas slowly walked in front of Styx, as he whispered to her, “Stay behind me, watch out for any flanking attempts, I’m guessing there’s more where these guys came from.” He then raised his shield and bashed it three times with his spear before calling over to the right warriors, who now stood in two rows of four, “Who are you warriors that you would trek so near to the grand nation of Kythos!? Know that you near impede upon our very border itself! I would I’ll advise you to advance any further, make note of this land and know to never set foot here again! Begone! So that we may yet retain a manner of peace in our discourse!”

The soldiers all looked at him listlessly. It didn’t seem like they were going to attack him...yet, rather remaining in formation to see if Pallas and Styx would aggress first. Likewise, none of them made a verbal response to Pallas, nor did any make any motion of retreat, simply stating at him all the while.

A drop of sweat trickled down Pallas’ face, *“This can’t be good...though if it’s a fight they want, then I’ll wait here for them!”*

Pallas lowered his spear, as he swiped at the flowers, slashing a line in front of where he stood, then taking two steps back, “Note this, foreigners! This line marks the divide between I and you, should either of us cross it, know that such would be a declaration of offense, and merit shall be given to retaliation to it!”

Pallas proceeded to bang his shield with his spear again, however this time made a percussionist rhythm with it, a standard Kythonian war March for those who knew it.

Styx backed up slightly, scanning the nearby hills for any unnatural movements along them, though had yet to see anything that could pose a threat. She zoned out Pallas’ declarations, focusing her senses exclusively towards potential signs of aggression from the unknown warriors, or any potential more.

She whispered to Pallas, loud enough so that he would hear her through his drumming, however quietly enough as not to alert the men standing before them, “Hey, Pallas, maybe we should get out of here, it’s not like we brought any troops with us.”

Pallas cocked his head at an angle that allowed him to glare back at her with one eye, “I will not yield so near to our proud homeland, not to eight men, and not to a thousand. If you wish to leave me here then go! It might be best to alert others of this transgression, especially as I have never seen this make of arms before…” He said back, noting clearly that he hadn’t before seen the warriors that stood before him, however if their physical character was any moniker of strength, he saw them as quite powerful warriors themselves, though mere infantry such as these would hold no candle to him, or so Pallas believed.

“I’m not just going to leave you here.” Styx said back, grinning as she began swinging one of her chains enthusiastically, “If you want to look for a fight, hell, I’ll even charge with you.”

In a sudden shift in temperament, it seemed that now Styx was the most belligerent of all those who stood here, a slightly crazed look in her eye indicating a desire for bloodshed, though she calmed herself mere moments after she flared up, putting her weapons down, “Though, they really aren’t moving are they?” She commented, before abruptly jumping down, placing her ear on the ground.

“Pallas, stop your chant!” She said in a hushed voice, wanting a moment of quiet.

Styx had heard only mere potential signs of the sound of marching, a slight drum in the distance that could have easily been mistaken from Pallas’ own play, alongside sound of the scattering of birds and rabbits, which flew off to every side but towards this group, fleeing fleetingly.

But once she had touched her ear to the ground, she knew immediately that her possible suspicion was indeed true. It had the sound of a hundred footsteps, maybe even a thousand footsteps, all clamoring their way towards where Pallas, Styx, and the eight armed band currently stood.

“Pallas! There’s a literal army coming our way! We need to get out of here, now!”

She tugged on Pallas, reverting once again to her more cowardly, yet sensible, personality.

Pallas brushed her off, “An army you say? Ha! And an army they would need to even begin to be able to contest us!” He laughed triumphantly, until he saw what they were truly up against on the horizon. There were rows and columns of soldiers in formation, all of similar build to the ones that stood idle before the two, marching in units of one hundred each, yet even with such large numbers, many scattered across the plain towards them. Along this, there was a fleeting, and barely-visible footwork running amongst the century formations, appearing to be a flock of those small folk from before, though their purpose, to Pallas, was unknown. However, what caught his eyes the most were five figures in particular that spearheaded the front of the army. Three of them stood far taller than even the already-tall foot soldiers, easily reaching heights one might expect of a young giant, let alone a man, though they didn’t have the aura of a giant that Pallas could tell. This was for the reason that each wore ten arms, not two. They were, in Pallas’ eyes, freaks of nature that sported five arms on each of their sides, each massive in its own right, and would easily be able to crush a normal person with a single hand alone. Pallas reluctantly drifted his view away from these two to see the other two figures in the front worth noting. One wore a brilliant turquoise armor, four swords glistening in the sunlight on its back, though it only had two arms much to Pallas’ relief. Yet the aura of this one seemed different, it felt as if it had a will of its own. This was something Pallas had innately sensed as well, though perhaps not consciously. He could sense that most of the soldiers, including the ones standing directly before him and Styx, had little desire of their own. It was as if they sat there to fulfill the purpose of another, caring little for their own fate, rather perhaps holding some shared grandiose goal in mind. It was such a far cry from the selfish nature of humans that Pallas could hardly attempt to try and understand it given the position he was in, but regardless, the figure in turquoise armor strayed from his thought. He looked at it from afar, using the Warform **Hawk** to zoom in on its face. It seemed to notice his gaze, as it gave a daring smile back, starling Pallas. However this was a short-lived observation, as even this turquoise figure completely paled in comparison to the one he stood beside.

It was a girl with dark blue hair. She was the size of a normal girl, not sharing the bulky characteristics of many of the warriors she seemed to be leading. Pointed ears, and a forlorn gaze staring directly at both Pallas and Styx shot shivers down their spines, even a notice grunt of discomfort coming from the soldiers across from them. The girl carried on her back two massive grey blades in the shape of carved flame. Pallas was still in the midst of eyeing the girl when she suddenly disappeared from his sight.

Styx, who had also been watching the girl immediately jumped back, her chains out and prepared for combat. She noticed something Pallas hadn’t, that being that the girl hadn’t just simply disappeared, it was that she had disappeared towards the two.

A massive burst of wind erupted on the flowery fields from where the army marched and to where Pallas still stood, ripping the flowers of the very ground and sending them scattered into the air, petals falling loosely, yet violently in the gust. The blue haired girl now stood directly in front of Pallas, her hands drooping down as she looked him in the eyes with a deadlock gaze.

Pallas instinctively brought up his shield and reared his spear, jumping back just as Styx previously had. He stammered in a confident bark, “Who are you! And know that you had crossed the line dividing us!” He shouted, though more akin to the yelp of an afraid dog than that of a warrior.

The girl looked down on the ground, and at the line she had shattered during her arrival. She then looked back up uncaringly towards Pallas, who had addressed her,

“Introductions? You go first. Depending on your response, I might just let you live.”

The girl didn’t smile even though her words appeared to be taunting in nature, however this only further increased the level of intimidation she presented from herself. It was as if she were shielded by an unseen force that called on Pallas and Styx to run away, in fact, it felt as if they would run away even if they steeled themselves to it.

Styx was shaking slightly, though held her ground. Pallas stood steadfast, having already regained his composure. He was used to facing odds against him, though perhaps these were the worst he had held thus far into his life.

“Very well! I am Petro Pallas, Myridia of the Grand City-State of Kythos, which lies just south to where we currently stand. Know that you near incur into our waters.”

Styx then continued the introduction, “I am Askalei Styx, Myridia of the same.” She opened her mouth to say more, but was silenced as the girl stared at her.

“Ky-thos..? Never heard of it. Tch, find. My name is Oskaire Kalico of the Kitetail Hive, and I have decided to let you live! Rejoice, though this may not last forever.” She drew one of her swords in the blink of an eye, it glowing a bright blue as a massive flame erupted from it into the sky, where she had pointed its tip. Pallas and Styx simply stood there, helpless, not even having a chance to react.

Upon the burst of flame, a loud cheer was heard from the army marching, as it halted and began to roar and shout.

Kalico then continued, “You see, I’m from Kurzhen, ever heard of it? Maybe not, there usually aren’t survivors…”

“But you see, while I do take my job seriously, it’s no fun just slaughtering everyone and everything I tread past, though the same might not be said for some of my...compatriots. So here’s the deal, you can go back to your Kythos and bring here a tribute of half of all the valuables and food you have and I’ll take it and be on my merry way. No bloodshed, and we both leave unscathed.”

Then, a dangerous smile arose on Kalico’s face, “Or alternatively…if you don’t come back here with the tribute within...let’s say...ten days, then I’ll go to this Kythos of yours, and take everything instead of just half!” She chuckled, before her solemn face returned, “This option does have some bloodshed, though. Thing is, my guys are expendable, can you say the same for your people? Oh, what a dilemma…”

Kalico then simply looked at the two, waiting for their response.

Styx seemed as if she were ready to accept the offer and flee, however at this proposition Pallas roared in anger.

“You make a mockery of Kythonian Pride, Kalico of the Kitetail Hive! I will not simply relent here and let you make away with the stores of my nation!”

Without a doubt in his mind any longer, Pallas began to bang his shield with his spear. Around him, the air around him began to wave and ripple, as mistlike figures began to appear and solidify around him. They appeared just as he did, equipped the same, built the same, and most importantly, they shared the emotions he did, standing resolute as Kalico made an exasperated sigh.

“Look, you can’t beat me. Just leave, both options see you able to go home without a fight, why not take it?” Kalico complained, as the soldiers began to charge her. She drew her second sword, as it too began to glow with blue, as both of her swords now erupted into a violent blue flame. She dashed forward at a speed far surpassing that of Pallas and the spectral soldiers than had appeared in his likening around him, as she slashed several times at the charging soldiers, her own still sitting idly by.

In mere seconds after Pallas had begun his attack, the soldiers he had summoned, 50 in total, were all gone but a moment, the heat and tip of a flaming blade pointed now at his face.

“Now go.”

Kalico said with a heavy tone.

Pallas seemed to still have fight left in him, however he had no way of expecting to be hit from behind. Styx had knocked him on the back of his head, forcing Pallas to fall unconscious. She immediately grabbed his body and slung it over her shoulder, looking at Kalico for a moment with a glare before running off towards the boat the two had taken to the island, untying it swiftly and tossing Pallas inside, as she began to the the hardest she had in her life back towards the main island of Kythos.

- - - - - -

“We cannot let those foul ruffians incur upon our shore! We must meet their demands!”

A voice echoed throughout a large hall, being immediately responded to by another,

“Fool! You would relent to one who so overtly demands our property? What if we pay, and they simply return once again in the future? We do not know of these men, nor of their culture, nor of their demands!”

A deafening roar came from yet another region of the chamber hall,

“This is a choice for the warriors of Kythos! And the warriors of Kythos say we must meet them not with arms full of bread and wine, but with arms full of SWORDS! SHIELDS! SPEARS! AND IN THE ARMS OF THE PROUD WARRIORS OF OUR GLORIOUS NATION!”

The voice reverberated throughout the room, as a chorus of cheers and jeers met the exclamation simultaneously.

From the center of the chamber, standing in a circular floor, around which many seats were located, rows atop each other forming what was the Grand Hall of the Council of Kythos. There were dozens of men clad in robes, a select few wearing military gear, and all of which were clamoring either with the words of another, or presenting words of their own, Pallas and Styx stood.

They watched on as chaos echoed through the chambers of the noocracy, helpless to intervene as politicians argued amongst themselves, too loud for any voice to be heard aside from a continuous stream of gibberish.

Pallas twitched in irritation. The two had just returned home, immediately having run to the Grand Hall and called an emergency meeting regarding the army that sat upon the manticore island just to the North of Kythos. It was their responsibility to bring the matter to the attention of the administration, however it seemed that they may be having to have a say for it to progress whatsoever.

For, just as Styx had finished explaining the ordeal, the chamber simply erupted into a pile of falling ashes of conflicting opinions, just as it always would.

A man clad in silver armor sitting on one of the lower seats inhaled a large breath.

Styx and Pallas recognized them immediately, covering their ears with their hands as they saw the man breathing in, and just in the nick of time too, for immediately afterwards came a bellowing roar of a shout.

“SSSSSIIIIILLLLEEEENNNNCCCEEEE!!!!!”

The man erupted, deafening the entire chamber and silencing it with a single word.

The man the paused as all eyes turned to him, clearing throat as he began to continue in a more appropriate tone, though still holding a loud presence,

“Rambling will get us nowhere! It’s true, we do not know who this army belongs to, nor do we know where they are from. However! We cannot allow an incursion of our pride simply by a show of arms! ARE WE NOT PROUD CITIZENS OF KYTHOS!??”

Murmurs of affirmation sprouted throughout the chamber hall, as the man continued,

“We must show these fools that we will not simply lay down our arms to some petty threat! Pallas!” He shouted, indicating Pallas, who responded,

“Yes, Cicero?” He asked, a smile creeping in the corner of his mouth as the man known as Cicero had single-handedly restored order within the hall.

“You said that they had a powerful warrior, one that tread more by a gale than by foot. Tell me Pallas, could this being defeat me? Could she defeat the Myridia in their entirety?” Cicero asked genuinely, curious whether or not such a feat could be accomplished by a lone adversary.

Pallas cast a look to the ground, forlorn, “In normal combat, I believe so Cicero. I had not a second to react to her rushing upon me across a field, let alone in close combat. It would do us best to focus on their army, and merely try and keep this abomination of strength, her name was introduced to be Kalico of the Kitetail Hive, at bay.”

Cicero grunted in affirmation, as conversations began to spark up again across the room, however they were shut down once again as Cicero spoke anew,

“So there you have it! You know what happens when strength goes uncontested, when the weak remain as they are? Slavery, abuse, and an injustice to them. We shall not become weak, we shall stand tall against this adversity befalling us here today!” He let loose the speech with a triumphant shout, as the hall suddenly burst into a unanimous cheer, much like that of a war chant one would hear on the dawn of battle. This is quite accurate, however, as even those sitting now in leisure positions in Kythos have been trained in the ways of war since birth. Things such as this do not die so easily.

Cicero grinned boldly, as he jumped into the center of the floor beside Pallas and Styx, raising his arms and declaring, “SO SHALL IT BE! MAKE READY OUR WARRIORS! FOR WE SAIL AT THE COMING DAWN! MAY THE BRANDS OF STEEL MARK US, YET NEVER SHALL THEY PIERCE OUR GLORY!!!” Cicero lowered his voice slightly, “Let is take aid from one of our most esteemed founders, one of our highest heroes, let us sail upon our grand fleet to meet these masses of men on the flowering fields of Mankorra, let us ride upon the backs of the Titans themselves, they who have been blessed to us by the Grand Architect himself! Today, my brethren, we march to war!”

A loud cheer erupted once more, this time it was nearly unanimous and the noocrats stood up from their seats, emboldened by Cicero’s words, as they slowly began to file out of the hall.

Cicero turned to Pallas and Styx with a wide grin, “You did well trying to fend them off on your own Pallas, however this must be an effort sent away by us all, together.” He placed a hand on Pallas’ shoulder, “I will be seeing what this Kalico is made of, and I’d like you two to assist me in this effort. I have a feeling that not all the Myridia are suited to this mode of combat, so I will be delegating the majority of them to forward command in hopes that they can display their prowess by making short work of the enemy’s armies, leaving this monstrosity of a person alone on the field. Even she couldn’t stand against the full might of a Kythonian army.”

Pallas nodded, smiling in kind, “I need a round two on that fight anyways.” He said cheekily, as the two both turned to Styx.

She looked back at them, smacking herself in the forehead as she replied, "Fine. FINE. If we all die because of this, you owe me drinks in the afterlife."

Cicero let out a hearty laugh, as he grabbed both Pallas and Styx, brining them into a tight bear hug. "So let it be! Perhaps I'll ask for Atlas' help as well, though I'd be surprised if he even joined this war effort at all... Bastard always training up on that hill, I don't even think he came to the conference!"

Pallas shrugged, "That's just how he is. We should probably have some of the Myridia stay behind in case of another potential force. Aside from Atlas...maybe Thea and Kratos. Though we should ask them themselves prior departure."

Cicero nodded in understanding, as he let go of the two and headed off and out of the hall, calling back, "Come morrow, let us fight together, friends." Waving a hand back as he said so, though not turning back around for a single moment as he disappeared past the exit of the hall.

## We're Just Here to Pick Some Flowers and Leave...

"Hey you two, I think we've arrived at the island, but uh..., you're gonna want to see this."

Celine was standing at the front of the deck of the small skiff she, Regalia, and Candor had taken for their mission. Candor was playing with Abel in the back of the ship, but he quickly responded to her summons. Regalia, on the other hand, lazily crawled up from her cabin room and asked, "Whaaat is it Orcaa, I'm tired over here."

Though, once Regalia got onto the deck her tired demeanor all but disappeared, as she jumped up and immediately donned her devil fruit armor, suiting into her Knight form. Once Candor headed over, Abel now perched on his left shoulder, he commented in a hushed tone, "Oh...shit..."

Celine looked back at the two, asking, "So what do you think, still a good time to pick some flower?" She asked, a sarcastic, yet bright smile planted on her face, as she then turned back to face the island they had nearly arrived at.

The scene was...unexpected, to say the least.

There was a massive formation of soldiers lined across the island, standing in a careful formation of rows and columns of glistening bronze helm and armor, swords and spears reflecting a bright sun overhead. The sound of horns reverberated across the island plain, soldiers armed and ready for battle across the flowering fields and hills. One voice shouted a chant above the ambient noise, followed by what were easily thousands of cheers following along. This occurred twice more until the entire army afore broke into a chaotic and triumphant cheer. Spears lowered, and flags raised, as a dark silhouette appeared on the horizon atop a hill. Then two, then four, then one hundred, one thousand, ten thousand. That which would meet this force preaching honor and glory in battle had arrived on the scene, or presented themselves if they had already been here. They were tall men, strong men, large, muscular figures on every make. Lumbering above the ranks of the many dark figures were three lumbering giant-like figures. Each brandishing an arsenal of many arms, stark against the contrast. Yet, they were matched in this, for standing above the other army, the first army that lay ashore just beyond the beach where Regalia, Candor, and Celine would soon arrive upon, was a colossal figure. Literal and true to it's name, this was the magnificence of a Kythonian Colossus. A towering figure of marble and stone, an equally massive shield not held, but physically melded with it's right arm. It stood far taller than the army it stood above, and far taller still than those ten-armed masses of men that stood across the field from it. A bellowing roar that sounded of churning stone and iron, followed by a battlecry across the army of Kythos, and thus the battle began.

The Kythonian force tightened it's formations, hundreds of men grouped together poking spears to the fore and shields on every arm as they began to break into a steady march towards the opposing force. A man on horseback rode behind every thousand men, calling out various orders and maneuvers, and behind even them was yet another mounted individual calling orders to them, relaying information on the constant as the army advanced. Marching in a trot behind this spearhead that was the Kythonian Phalanx was a mass of soldiers armed in more traditional weapons: Swords, Spears, and Axes, these were only a few of the weapons carried by the warriors just behind the phalanx, each carrying a shield bearing the banner of Kythos, and positioned in a manner that would see them maneuver easily to make up for any possible breaks in the phalanx formation, their job to mitigate flanking and holes.

Yet, the army beyond them would not simply wait to be encroached upon, and they too made their move. This was an army of Kurzhen, of Stingbloods, a breed of man more akin to a swarm of ants than a swarm of men. They drifted forth at a brisk pace, this quickly turning into a jog, and then finally into a sprint across the blooming petals soon to be trampled under the sheer weight and mass of the force moving atop them. A cacophonous roar emerged from the forefront of the onrushing warriors. These were the Legion of Kurzhen. Stingbloods cultivated by Yellow Shrooms to grow to sizes of muscle and mass many men could only dream of, standing at nearly 7-feet tall each, carrying a variety of weapons, both noble and crude, as they charged at the Kythonian Phalanx. While they could be interpreted as an unrefined force, one that would simply impale themselves upon the pikes of the phalanx, this would soon be proven false. Darting and weaving amongst the Legion were much smaller, much faster, much more agile beings that had little armor, and who seemed to be communicating with both the Legion and each other even during the cries of war overhead. Fed Blue Shrooms from childhood, these creatures were genetically the same being as the Legion, however their appearance could be barely be compared. These were the Bassani, designated to maintain ample communication within their army through a series of signs and chatter, though they too carried weapons such as javelins, crossbows, and knives, which would most definitely see use in the coming time.

Moments passed, as the two armies found themselves in collision. Much to the horror of the Kythonian Phalanx, the warriors of Kurzhen did pierce themselves on their pikes. While one might see this as a moment of rejoice, the foolishness of a barbaric force, this was not where they ended. Warriors of the Legion embraced and forced themselves impaled, continuing their charge all the while and immediately disrupting the frontline of the phalanx. It was as if they felt not pain, as if their deaths were not given by the touch of steel against their hearts. The Legion did die, though, falling one by one as they used their very bodies to break the airtight and staple formation of Kythos.

The reason why the Legion were so willing to give their lives was not a choice by free will, but rather simply the tale of how a Legion must live. Stingbloods are born human, however they are very different from their counterparts across the world. They feed and breed similar to what could be seen of ants, and have many traits that cry from this as well. Their food and upbringing decides their role in society from mere minutes after they've been born, reaching their maturity within hours after birth. The mind of a Stingblood is not normal, either. They retain sentience, intelligence, conscious thought. However, in light of all this, Stingbloods have an unwavering loyalty and duty to their Hive to serve their role, and thus they do. The life of a Stingblood is the very life of their Hive, and thus it is understood within the tribe that one's own vessel, one's own body, is merely a part of a whole. A part that should, and would, willingly chose itself forfeit for the greater gain of it's whole, for the prosperity and glory of it's hive. Thus, there is no fear from a Stingblood in the face of death, their is no regret nor remorse forcing hesitation, for their entire lives have been for this moment, their entire lives have served their Hive, and Kurzhen as a whole. This, accompanied by a physical resistance to pain, and the Legion find themselves as powerful, yet expendable, soldiers that break the lines of traditional armies, who believe that the Kurzhen fight according to the unspoken rules of men. Rules that would dictate survival of the man, rules that would say men would not so willingly, and enthusiastically sacrifice themselves for no personal gain. There rules are null and void to the armies of Kurzhen, which has been to their great success in many of their campaigns.

The army of Kythos, however, is something of an enigma of war itself, which is the reason why this initial attempt at a sweeping breakthrough of the Kythonian Phalanx was initially successful, but nearly immediately rendered forfeit afterwards. For while they may not have the sheer resistance to pain, and sheer lack of personal will to embrace the grasp of death, they have sheer tolerance of pain, and an indomitable will that strives for victory at all costs, for their own glory, and by their pride as a warrior of Kythos. The two armies were eerily similar in practice, though going about it in near-opposite ways of mentality. One saw their soldiers as all for one cause, seeing them fight to their fullest without care. The other saw their warriors as one for the cause of all, seeing them fight to their fullest, with deep affection.

The penetrated and fallen first wave of Legion that battered themselves against the first line of phalanx, again, saw great success. Blood shed not only from the holes piercing the bodies of the Kurzhen, but also dotting between the brilliant armor worn by the Hoplites of Kythos, they who lay at the fore of battle. Bodies piled quickly, strength being met by strength, though it seemed that Kythos had the upper hand not in the make of it's soldiers, which was undoubtedly inferior to the strong physique of the Legion, but rather by their sheer martial prowess, and tactics thereof.

A horn sounded, as the onslaught of Legion found their foe on the ground. Not only those who had been felled by their wretched blades, but even those brimming still with vitality and vigor. The entire phalanx ducked down, displaying a row of peltasts who stood behind them. An instant volley with amazing timing and coordination between the Kythonian force see great success, as a barrage of javelins sent waves of Stingbloods flying backwards, impaled now by large spears as well. These were no ordinary spears and javelins either. Studded in gold and with a point made of **Kote**, they spun as they flew and shredded the entirety of the bodies of some Kurzhen unfortunate enough to be within their path, piercing not only single warriors, but shedding through them and hitting those behind them as well. Immediately after this single wave of projectiles, the phalanx rose as if they had trained for this many times, proceeding to reinstate their formation of a wall of pikes and shields, as they stood steadfast, allowing the Kurzhen to attempt to break through once more.

While it seemed to be a marvelous strategy, refusing to take the offensive at this point, after momentarily disorienting the ranks of the Kurzhen charge, would prove to be a mistake for the lives of those making up much of the phalanx, for they now stood an easy target for one of the Stingblood's pinnacle strategies, one meant for the sole purpose of crippling and destroying tight formations such as this. A howling roar was heard, as if fused between that of a man, bear, and lion, as a stomping sound surged forth, louder than even the thousands of footsteps of the Legion. The Legion unexpectedly broke their charge, jumping back and forming a wall with those armed with shields taking the front, as they began to slowly creep forward. Meanwhile, Bassani peppered the Kythonian ranks with their own volleys of arrows from bows and crossbows, felling some odd warriors within the ranks of the phalanx. From behind the phalanx a volley too came, a shimmering array of arrows traveled over the phalanx and onto the ranks of Kurzhen beyond, sent by archers that stood behind, now having clear shot due to the lack of an active melee.

This trade of projectiles and missiles was short-lived, as emerging from the wall of Kurzhen Legion came a group of men that stood shorter than the Legion, however still far taller than the Bassani. They ran forward recklessly towards the phalanx, who braced their pikes and shields for the impending impact, these warriors seeming to have little care for themselves, not even carrying weapons, as they sprinted directly into the wall of Kythonians. However, where the Legion may have been pierced and sent themselves towards death, these men were different. They were the Katarii, Stingbloods fed Green Shrooms to be accustomed with skin tough and hard as rock, with great wells of strength and stamina to utilize this natural defense to it's best. This onslaught of Katarii bashed and battered itself into the phalanx, breaking pikes that came in contact with them, and crushing even shields that moved to block their path. Immediately after the Katarii broke through the initial like of phalanx, making their way through the lines with amazing simplicity, tossing aside warrors and tanking blows as if they were harmless to them, the Legion rushed forth once more, following in the footsteps of their fellow warriors to attempt to deliver a crushing blow to the Kythonian army.

Things appeared grim for Kythos. They now not only had to deal with large men who felt not pain, feared not death, however now too men who were these things, yet themselves found it hard to arrive at either, their tough armor of skin shattering even swords that connected with them. They rampaged through the now distorted ranks of the Kythonian Phalanx, making ease of access for the swarming forth of the Legion and Bassani behind them, now with a clear path ahead. It seemed for a moment that this break in the formation had shifted the tides of battle in a manner that could not be repaired, however the army of Kythos would not give up so soon just because some of the Stingbloods were just a little tougher.

The archers and peltasts that stood behind the phalanx retreated immediately, getting out of the way of the rampaging Katarii, who neared them with every given moment. They exchanged places with the melee warriors behind them that existed for this sole purpose. That being the fixing of the line in the event that things turned sour. These were no mere warriors, either. Most standard warriors of Kythos make up the phalanx itself, however the warriors that stand behind them are all experienced in combat, professional fighters and renowned ones as well, having gained fame, glory, and most importantly strength from all manner of activities ranging from participating in Kythos' many arena fights and mock battles, to serving as mercenaries in foreign wars and acting as bounty hunters abroad. They had been called to aid the effort against this threat against the nation, and they had come ready. Hundreds of soldiers rushed forth to meet the Katarii, each and every one proficient in at least one or two of the Warforms, a technique famous in Kythos for marking the transition of one from mere soldier to a powerful warrior within the nation. To the outside world, the Warforms would be perceived as not a simple martial technique, but as specialist techniques that utilize the power of haki into the arsenal of one's senses and attacks. These haki-clad warriors clashed with the Katarii, however it seemed that armament haki alone would not be enough to cause irreparable damage against the men with skin of stone. Some were defeated, yes, however the majority continued on their rampage.

To make matters worse, a massive deep roar was heard approaching the formations of Kythonians. Three giant men, each with ten arms and armed in each were charging towards the center of the Kythonian army, where the formation had been most noticeably broken already. They stepped past their troops easily, who moved out of the way flawlessly even as they continued forth, as these massive men, known as Hekatons, surged forth in a mass of clubs and rocks, one simply with fist and fury, into the middle of the Kythonian center.

This immediately crippled what remained of the phalanx here, and they moved to charge straight through the rest of the soldiers behind it, moving to break through and separate the Kythonian army into two forces that could be encircled and defeated decisively. It was a good plan, something that it seems that these lumbering giants wouldn't have been able to devise themselves, however the remaining trump card of Kythos now finally made it's move. It had been waiting this entire time for the Hekatons to make their move, however even though it was perhaps the greatest marvel to behold here out of all, it had somehow been forgotten in the chaos of battle by many already.

This was the single Colossus that had accompanied the army of Kythos to this battlefield, one of many of it's kind that resided yet by the borders of the island of Kythos, protecting it against a potential threat elsewhere. It stood far taller than even the Hekatons, which themselves stood at heights of tens of men, and towered above the battlefield, dwarfing everything in it's path as it took a single step forward. The soldiers of Kythos broke away from the center and regrouped behind the Colossus, which had taken another step already. It had a massive shield in one hand, however it brought up it's other arm, as it slowly, yet with great destrutive potential, descended it upon one of the Hekatons, alongside everything that stood around it.

Some of the Kurzhen warriors tried to move out of the path of this monolithic fist, however it encompasses a large diameter. Those of Kythos had already made way, as they had actually been waiting for this moment themselves, as the Hekatons looked up at the fist. Two of them split off to the side, their large muscles allowing them to leap out of the way, however one of them stood steadfast, as it held it arms forward as if meaning to stop the fist by itself. It now stood alone in the path, as the fist crashed down on the lone Hekaton. There was no visible resistance whatsoever, and the Colossus' fist raised as soon as it had crashed into the ground, which had sent a minor shockwave to the area around, knocking soldiers back and away in all directions. Where the Hekaton stood was a much of flesh and shattered bone, lying awkwardly atop a massive crater that now defiled the once beautiful flowering field that had laid there. The Colossus began running forward, jumping and belly-flopping onto a mass of Stingbloods, in this move alone killing at least a thousand of the soldiers in one fell swoop.

This immediately crippled the Kurzhen supply line of the flow of soldiers and information between the Bassani, as there now sat a massive marble-like figure in the path between the force currently in combat, and those that had been joining as reinforcements, now stuck behind the statuesque creature. A red light could be see coming from the back of the Colossus, as a figure jumped off of it and rushes backwards from where the Colossus had fallen, and towards the rear of the Kurzhen warriors still in conflict with the Kythonians, a conflict that was now rapidly devolving into less a noble clash of arms, and more a brutal bloodshed. Because of the chaotic nature of this, the Kythonians finally encountered one of the other unique traits of the Stingblood physiology, one that applied to each and every one of the tribe. That being, their blood. This blood splattered and scattered everywhere during this frenzy of a melee, spraying on the skin and faces of Kythonians and the following shrieks of pain ringing throughout. The blood of a Stingblood, well, stung, and quite painfully as well. This was hindering the Kythonian effort at turning the tides of battle that they had just gained the potential for, with some being injured by the blood and others even going blind in the wake of it spouting into their eyes.

The figure who had rushed forth towards the rear of the most chaotic area at the moment, being where the center of the Kythonian phalanx once stood, was armored in the full plate of a hoplite, a blue crest atop his helm. A giant shield was held on his left arm displaying the banner of Kythos merged with some other household emblem in a brilliant blue color, and in his right arm was a beautiful silver spear, which he reared in preparation to skewer his way into the backline of the enemy. This was Renti Castor, one of the Myridia, and a man regarded as the fourth most powerful warrior in the nation. Out of nowhere and all around him, spears began appearing in the same likeness as the one he held in his right hand, as they surged forth ahead of him, striking in volleys from nothingness into the Kurzhen warriors before him. He was effectively pincering them all on his own, as he made short work of all those who had failed to notice his presence.

One of the Hekatons turned to rush forward upon him, followed and escorted by a formation of at least twenty Legion. Castor turned to face them, charging them head-on. He sent spear after spear flying at them, at speeds that would be reached if he had thrown them himself, launching and striking through the entirety of the Legion that rushed forth at him. He had much less success with the Hekaton, which took his spears head-on yet did not relent in their wake. It rushed forward, moving to slam him with the full weight of it's body. Castor vaulted into the air, straight towards the fist, as he dropped his spear, which fell not to the ground but floated by him, and gripped his massive shield with both hands and moved to take the fist directly. The fist and shield clashed with a thundering sound, and Castor was sent flying back, however he seemed unharmed. A smile wore on his face, as the fist of the Hekaton, after having collided with Castor's shield, was now pierced in it's entirety by spears that protruded all across it. The Hekaton used it's other hand to grab the bundle of spears and pull them out of it's fist, however this only caused a large volume of blood to begin gushing out of his hand. It looked around, trying to find a way to stop the bleeding, however as it did this Castor dashed forward upon the man once again with incredible speed, in fact, he crossed the sound barrier itself, as a rolling thunder clapped from his stride and a giant spear appeared in his right hand, larger than even a man, as he rushed forth and pierced the torso of the Hekaton with it in triumph. The ten-armed giant of a man collapsed at this onto the ground, the life fading from it's eyes. Nearby Kurzhen went to avenge their large compatriot, however they held no candle to Castor's skills, who flawlessly and relentlessly severed limbs and heads from the Stingbloods that came for him. With renewed vigor, the Kythonians nearby cheered a war cry as they themselves drew upon new strength to vanquish their foes, that of hope. Across the field another cheer was heard, as the third and last Hekaton was seen collapsing onto the ground as well, two feminine figures standing atop the falling behemoth both wearing golden armor that shone a subtle green hue in the sunlight, one wielding a large bow and the other a pair of daggers.

In addition to this, the Colossus was now rising once more, preparing for yet another collapsing blow against the Kurzhen army. While it seemed that the battle had been going heavily in favor of the Kurzhen initially, as they had easily broken through the lines of the phalanx and the center of the Kythonian formation, the display of sheer power from the Colossus, as well as the Myridia, and lastly simply the combat experience of the Kythonians, had now turned the tides of the battle. As battalions of Stingbloods turned to squads, then to stragglers under the onslaught of Kythos. It seemed, that this battle was all but won. The Colossus now stood in it's full glory once again, as it rose it's fist and moved it to slam down on nearby Kurzhen. However it was in this moment, that the battle took an unexpected turn.

- - - -

During the battle underway, Cicero, Pallas, and Styx had been tasked with subduing Kalico from entering the fray. They had succeeded thus far, initially drawing her alone in a three-on-one melee situation. Pallas and Styx provided support while Cicero took the forefront, as the three had engaged Kalico in direct melee combat for some time. After a while, however, roughly around the time when the Hekatons first entered combat, another individual joined the fight in Kalico's defense. It was the turquoise-clad figure that Pallas had spotted days before accompanying Kalico to the side. While they were nowhere remotely near Kalico in strength, they still found themselves a surprisingly capable foe, and were on the combative level of either Pallas or Styx for comparison. This was normal strength however, for the make of Stingblood that they were. It was one of the Pontara, a make of Stingbloods fed Purple Shrooms to take on characteristics of other types of Stingbloods, having natural strength, durability, speed, and power rivaling all those under them. They served as the Royal Guards of the Queens and Scourges of a Stingblood Hive, and this one in particular was Kalico's personal guard. While they were not able to inflict a crushing blow themselves, they were effectively able to sequester Styx, as the two began a rapid-fire exchange of blows, drawing them both away from the fight that had been occurring. While Styx and the Pontara were evenly matched, this could not be said for Cicero and Pallas, who had already been facing a downhill battle, who now had to deal with Kalico with just the two of them. They lasted for only a few minutes, roughly up until the point that Castor had felled his Hekaton foe, however soon after they were forced back into a retreat, lucky even to be alive in the face of Kalico's pure strength. It was unnatural how powerful she was, each swing from one of her swords feeling as if a mountain struck against Cicero or Pallas' shields, with them being barely able to even defend against her attacks, let alone make any of their own. When an opening had presented itself here and their within their exchange, Kalico had effortlessly dodged or parried the threes' strikes, this being when Styx had yet remained, though after she left alongside the Pontara there was no more hope left for even attempting to counterstrike towards Kalico.

By the time the Colossus stood once more, Kalico had already spread out her wings and rocketed into the air towards the creature, what happened next shocked the entire Kythonian force, as it was something they had never seen before.

A massive blue flame emerged in the sky, trailing rapidly towards the Colossus, as a large slash appeared to be made by it. A wind propelled across the entire battlefield, even being felt by Regalia, Celine, and Candor, who strayed on a boat off of the island itself. The Sun itself was blocked for a moment, as the clouds in the sky contorted and swirled above the rage of blue fire, as in a mere moment, the Colossus was collapsing once again. However this was not by intention, nor by a means of attack. The Colossus, within just two mere moments of it having stood up once more, collapsed from being sliced in not two, not four, not eight, but sixteen slices that shattered on impact and spread across the battlefield callously. Hovering in the air where the Colossus' head was now falling from was Kalico, two massive swords ablaze with blue flame in each of her hands, and a large pair of wings spread out fully as she hovered in the air. She herself, in a single attack, had felled a Colossus, one of the indomitable guardians of Kythos, that which represented the Kythonian pinnacle of strength, power, and a symbol of their pride, honor, and freedom. For it to be felled was a crushing blow not to their armor or flesh, but to their morale, as the sentient being came crashing down, never to see life again. Kalico cared not for the sentiment of her foes, however, as she quickly and ruthlessly calculated her next move. Her eyes landed on Castor, who was standing nearby one of her felled Hekatons. In mere seconds, she flew across the sky towards where he stood triumphant, her swords lifted behind her as she slashed forward, stopping abruptly nearby Castor, sending two slashes of blue flame projectiles launching towards him.

Castor hadn't seen heard approach whatsoever, nor could he hear it as it broke the sound barrier, and much faster than he had before, however his eye did catch on to the flames being propelled his way, as he jumped back, shield raised, to a line of Kythonian soldiers who stood ready as well, bracing for the impact. The flame did not reach them directly, as it had been aimed for where Castor was before, not where he retreated to, however on impact with the ground the slashes exploded in a violent inferno, spreading blue flames across the entire nearby area. Castor frowned as tens, no, hundreds of spears began to appear in the air around him. Nearby warriors backed up as he began running towards Kalico, not yet aware of the threat she possesed, as he let loose a barrage of hundreds of spears, each of which he personally and consciously coated with the Warform of the Lion, which was equivalent to each and every spear launching towards Kalico being coated with a deep-red hue of armament haki, as he himself surged forward as well, leaping into the air with his own spear primed, as he thrust it towards Kalico in a battlecry.

Kalico gave him a death glare, and an apathetic one at that, which only worked to confuse the man, as she closed her eyes. When she reopened them, the entire world around her appeared to be frozen, though Castor moved very slowly towards her. She simply lifted one of her blades in a slicing motion upwards, in a strike that would both disorient the spear-missiles launching towards her, and in tandem with this slash Castor directly in the chest, though she made no effort whatsoever to block Castor's own strike. She blinked, as time quickly fast-forwarded for her, and the movements had gone exactly as she had done them. A deep gash now spread across the fore of Castor's entire body, who blinked in a mixture of fear and astonishment at him being hit so easily. He looked to his own strike. The spear in his hand had connected directly with Kalico's stomach. Yet, it didn't pierce her skin. Instead, it was the spear itself that took the impact, as the pole broke as it hit her. Kalico seemed to sigh, as she lifted herself up into the air, flying above the mass of battle below. She pulled out a horn from her side, sounding it in what shrilled across the battlefield in a distorted chord of various notes, ringing far and wide across the entire island.

From this sound, those Kurzhen who had been moving as reinforcement suddenly halted, as they retreated instead, heading to the far side of the island, though to a place where Regalia, Celine, and Candor could not see. Even those Kurzhen in combat immediately made to flee, breaking off combat without a second thought, even though this left many falling on blades as those who they engaged with in melee combat easily finished their strikes into the Stingblood warriors. Kalico sighed from above, looking around on the horizon. She saw anything, and everything around her. She saw the ships of her fleet behind her on the far side of the island. She saw the small coat that carried the three sent from Svarga. And lastly, unbeknownst to any others thus far, she saw a line of navy ships dotting the horizon, though they didn't move forth, as if they were simply observing what was occurring between the Kurzhen and Kythonians from afar. She cared not for any of these things, however, as she looked down and raised both of her swords. They brimmed in a bright light, in fact one blinding to the eyes of any who looked at it, as a brilliant and bright blue ball of flame protruded, and then launched in a sphere towards the ground as Kalico swung downwards. It dropped with little care for what stood in it's path, and on impact it broke into a massive ball of flame that incinerated both Kythonian and Kurzhen alike, leaving a scorched earth in the wake of it's blast, and causing what almost accounted for a fifth of the island to find itself devoid of the beautiful flora that had just a day ago sparkled along the ground, a far cry from what it now was. With this single ball of flame, unbelievably, nearly half of the entirety of BOTH the armies of Kythos AND Kurzhen were wiped out, and Kalico's facial expression didn't change for a single moment, as she had just sacrificed her own soldiers to defeat many of her foes. She placed one of her swords in a sheath by her hip, though still holding one in her left hand, as she scratched her head in a sigh, saying aloud, though not close enough to any others for any others to hear, "This wasn't very fun, you all are way too weak." Shrugging, as she rocketed in flight towards where she saw Styx and her Pontara guard still in combat.

Styx immediately saw Kalico's arrival, and as she was alone she opted to begin retreating as fast as she could. The Pontara followed her initially, however after seeing Kalico's approach, it abruptly halted it's chase. Styx didn't look back for a single moment, so she knew not what they would do next, however all they did was exchange a few brief words, as the Pontara barreled in retreat alongside the other soldiers, Kalico slowly hovering away towards the other side of the island.

Meanwhile, the army of Kythos was in complete disarray. In a burst of blue inferno thousands had died in an instant following the piercingly bright light that had descended upon them. They initially had given chase to the retreating Kurzhen, however all those who had given chase, and all those, in fact, who they had been chasing, had been incinerated. Piles of black dust alongside some scorched bodies dotted the wasteland of a battlefield left, as those Myridia left quickly instated orders to reorganize the army. It did so with grand efficiency, however is was a far cry from it's glory earlier just this day, standing at a mere 35% of the number it had, and with warriors withered and fatigued, and most of all deeply concerned over what had just occurred. First one of the Colossi had fallen, for those nearby Castor, they had also seen him fall as well mere seconds afterwards, his body, upon being checked, had died seconds after his confrontation with Kalico. Lastly, the final burst of bright blue inferno had caused the already wavering minds to collapse into concern, nervousness, and despair. The warriors of Kurzhen left could barely be seen on the horizon any more, retreating even though it seemed that they had held the advantage, if not my their army by the might of Kalico alone, however the Kythonians did not make any attempt to chase after them. Cicero and Pallas arrived before the army, as Cicero quickly spoke aloud to the army of his people before him,

"Warriors of Kythos! This battle has not turned in our decisive favor, no. This has been a grave day, a sore day, battered in red, and succumbed to blue. We must make haste back to our homeland! Board the ships! Take all you can! If there are any fallen beside you that you can bear in your arms, please, I beg of you to bring their bodies home, we cannot lose even this. Many have perished today, however we must ascertain that none more will! Fall back! Fall back to Kythos!" He said in a conclusive and short speech, though the Kythonians needed no second order, as they all began rumbling towards their ships, some carrying the bodies of the fallen, though most empty-handed. Not because they wished not to, but simply because there were so few bodies left, most of those that had been present were burned to ashes by Kalico's attack. Boarding the naval vessels, the Kythonians quickly departed the island. On the other side of the island the Kitetail Fleet was departing as well in the opposite direction, bound for Kurzhen though none others would know this, except perhaps for those navy ships that stood, yet watching from afar.

Celine's mouth was wide open, as was Candor's. Even Abel seemed to be in utter shock in the events that had just transpired before their eyes.

"Guess we won't be getting any flowers today..." Regalia muttered listlessly, she too in awe of the battle that had taken place before their eyes.

This listlessness and awe was washed away however, as Candor spoke to the two in a grave and serious tone,

"Crimson, Orcus, we need to head back to Svarga immediately." He said briefly, as he ran inside the room with the wheel and slammed the abort mission button, sending the boat racing back towards Svarga. Regalia popped over to the room to see Candor visibly sweating, a look of fear in his eyes,

"Uhh, Candor? Are you ok buddy? What's up?" She asked, confused as to his reaction.

Candor looked up, breathing heavily as he spoke in a jarbled mess of words, quite contrary to his earlier presentation of himself being one of calm, collected, and cool in demeanor,

"That...those...we learned all bout them, but I...I...I never thought that they would be so...powerful..." Abel flew up to Candor, trying to comfort him by rubbing against the Scopa's shoulder. Candor let out a weak smile at the gesture as he continued,

"Those people...it's just like in the books...it's just like what we were taught to prepare for...."

"What's up with you Candor? You look awfully frightened you know..." Celine remarked, her head popping into the room and conversation as well, "Do you know who those guys were? Though I have a pretty strong hunch.

Candor nodded profusely, though Regalia asked Celine before he could respond, "Yea? So who were those guys?"

"Those guys, my sweet Regalia, were Stingbloods. And that, my sweet Regalia, was a Kurzhen Fleet. One of many, or so I've been told." Celine replied, as Regalia furred her brow,

"Kurzhen? I think I vaguely remember that name. Anyways..." She walked to the other side of the boat and pointed, "Aren't those Kurzhen guys pretty aggressive? In that case why didn't the navy help out those guys from, what's it called...Kirnos?"

"Kythos." Candor replied, though not saying anything else.

Celine looked over at the nervous wreck that was Candor, as she tried to leave him be, looking to Regalia and responding, "Dunno, maybe they were gauging their power? Honestly seeing that last bit, I wouldn't have wanted to be there either though, not gonna lie..."

"Doesn't make much since to me, especially if they're supposed to protect justice and whatnot, but whatever, I don't really care either way." Regalia responded, as she headed out of the room with the wheel and down the stairs towards her cabin, "Well, I'll be in my room if y'all need anything!" She said with an enthusiasm that didn't fit remotely near the mood currently in the air.

With Regalia now gone, Celine asked Candor, "So those are Kurzhen, isn't that kind of...bad? Though I do wonder why we saw them here of all places, and not, you know, where they said they would 'get revenge, oooo' or whatever."

Candor looked up at Celine, his head having been facing the ground, "Ahhh I don't know, I don't know, I don't know, I don't know..." He began seeming to malfunction as he began to loop the phrase indefinitely, as his head turned to the ground once again though continuing to speak the phrase.

Celine gave Candor an annoyed look at his reaction and response, and walked back onto the deck. She grabbed onto the railing in the back of the boar, then loosened up, leaning on it instead as she looked at the island they had been supposed to go to to pick a few flowers, though instead having bore witness to one of the biggest battles, quite frankly, that any of them had ever seen before. Celine began to whistle, as she watched the island fade away amidst rushing water that showed the small skiff the three were on head away, back towards Svarga with news perhaps more valuable than anything that could have been made from whatever Rezka had planned on doing with their initial goal...