A Heart So Fragile
A story to unfold
In the land of the forgotten, a vast land where only sand and mountains of sand exist, stretching as far as the eye could possibly see. It was wide, plenty to explore but also easy to lose sight in..
A few stood on a cliff, watching from below.
A village, destroyed... it seemed recent...
Odessa Evergreen
" Oh my goodness... "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Oh quite a shame I must say, doesn't seem like anyone is alive. "
Odessa Evergreen
" I am going down there! We mustn't assume , miles away! We must see it with our own eyes closer!! "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Oddy, Love do calm your self or else you'll drift away in the land of Sadanna and we will never be able to find you in just an hour, it'll take years and you may be dead before then. "
Odessa Evergreen
" N-no!! I... I have too... "
|| Tears fell from her eyes, seeing the destroyed village torn her piece by piece.
Nilah Norfent
" Isodar is right, you're being too rash and hasty, wait and only do as you are told. "
Odessa Evergreen
" How long must I wait?!? How long ?! Huh?! I'm going down there...and you are not going to stop me. "
|| She looked down from the edge, seeing the village her heart ached even more, at that moment she was ready to risk it all.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Then go..."
Nilah Norfent
" Huh? Isodar, do you know what you're saying?! "
|| She looked at her in disbelief, unable to understand why she'd say such.
Isodar Comi-scue
" I want you to find out, to understand...by the time you realise what you have done, it will already be too late and no one will be able to save you. "
Odessa Evergreen
|| She stopped, at that moment... something in her clicked, she looked at her surroundings,off the edge and her hands,palms sweaty, hair strings raised...she was experiencing fear.
" ....I..."
Isodar Comi-scue
" No one...and I say no one, will come save you if you jump. I won't stop you, maybe Nilah..."
|| She walked closer to Odessa, her hand resting on her shoulder as she looked at her rather concerned.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Once you find something there, it will be impossible for you to get back...mark my word..."
Isodar installed fear into Odessa's heart. Reminding her constantly how she will never return or be saved. Odessa never cared at first but then she thought about it again...
She thought about her actions and how it would all lead to her inevitable death, to throw herself away like this. Fearless she is, she also didn't want to lose her life before she could make a change in the world. So she backed away from the edge, choosing to stay.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Good choice, now Nilah. Take out the IJ-9, make sure to capture every single detail, okay? "
||She pulled her hand away from Odessa's shoulder, backing away from the edge, she waved her other hand around.. bidding her farewells.
" I'll see you in the Van, waiting for those pictures. "
Nilah Norfent
" Understood! "
|| She extended her arm over to grab hold of a bag, taking out a stand and a camera, she set it all together, taking pictures of the village.
？？？
" Mwuahahahahaha, it's honestly laughable that you'd even try to stop the Lord Cassian, be more realistic..not idealistic "
Cassian 'Ouekt
" You're the one to talk you rat face Fox. "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Owww...that hurt my feelings, but whatever get's you moaning at night. "
Cassian 'Ouekt
" You're disgusting you know that. "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Your brother is more gentle and loving, unlike you...but still, I'd take you on any day. "
|| He licked his lower lip, his predatory gaze aimed at him and him alone.
Cassian 'Ouekt
|| He felt eerie and creeped out by him, forcing him to back away.
" Jeez, why did you have to be interested in your own gender. "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Calm now deary, I accept anyone regardless of gender. That's how inclusive I am, I'm only joking around with you though dear friend. Don't take it seriously. "
|| He opened his fan, covering the lower half of his face.
Isodar Comi-scue
" You two are as lively as ever it seems. "
|| She chuckled as she slowly got into the Van using the back door.
Odessa Evergreen
" Yeah... pretty lively..."
|| She followed from behind.
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Isodar, Odessa...eh where's Nilah? "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Out there taking a few pics, she'll be back though don't worry. "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Why doesn't he ever ask where I am. "
|| Sighs.
Cassian 'Ouekt
" You're always with me like an annoying piece of gum, I don't need to ask anything! "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Don't be loud now, the ladies are sensitive and so am I. "
|| He lightly hit Cassian's head using his fan.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Enough now boys, where is he.? "
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Front seat as always..."
Isodar walked passed Cassian and Ryuuji, headed towards the front seats. Ryuuji and Cassian were left alone together again, of course Odessa was there but she avoided interaction with them
Isodar stood behind the two seats, she leaned forward slightly and on the passenger was another individual
Isodar Comi-scue
" Would you like to have a Chat with me? .."
The individual remained silent, Isodar sighed, rubbing her hand through her hair before smiling.
Isodar Comi-scue
" You always have been a hard Customer...ey...
Isodar Comi-scue
" What if we talked about the Vandeiwth? "
Noctis Deús'rune
"...hmm? "
|| He turned his head slightly,now looking at her.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Oh my, seems like I caught your attention...The group is at it again, another village down.. "
Isodar Comi-scue
" I believe this is their 60th raid ... eventually,the entire country will be wiped out. "
Noctis Deús'rune
" Is that so... "
As Noctis and Isodar spoke, there was a loud sound. Like someone had abruptly entered the Van, and indeed someone did. It was Nilha!
Left breathless,she came in a hurry while holding the bag, grabbing everyone's attention.
Nilah Norfent
" Everyone!! "
|| Breathing heavily as she tried to inhale properly.
" It's... it's the Vanguard, he's at it again !!! "
Dangers to be told
Nilah Norfent
"The Vanguard is here!! He's here!!"
Nilah shouted as loud as she could, everyone turned to face her... suprised
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Impossible...the Vanguard? "
Odessa Evergreen
" No way...are we doomed?
Isodar Comi-scue
" Enough, what are you all on about? Nilah explain. "
|| She said as she walked towards her, confused.
Nilah Norfent
" T-the Vanguard is here! In Sadanna! a-and he has brought the Mortuus!! "
|| She said with slight panick, stuttering here and there as she slid a bit of her hair strings behind her ear using her right hand.
Isodar Comi-scue
" The Vanguard? I wonder why that fox is even here...Sadanna is the land of Lost cities, buried away...not a good place to build a business or do any sort of marketing. "
|| She shared her thoughts, pacing back and forth as she thought deeply about the reason.
Isodar Comi-scue
" There must be something he wants..."
Noctis got up from his seat and went to the back of the Van, everyone was seated and standing there. They all turned to look at him
Noctis Deús'rune
" The Vanguard you say... "
Noctis Deús'rune
" We just need to question him as simple as that. "
Nilah Norfent
" Noctis...you..."
|| She looked at him, her eyes glimmered lightly.
Noctis Deús'rune
" Nilah, tell us what else you saw. "
|| His looked at her, his expression remaining unchanged.
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Yeah tell us, this whole Vanguard thing doesn't make any sense like what Isodar said. "
Nilah Norfent
" I saw something red... sparkling slightly in the ruined village...then the Vanguard showed up..."
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" But didn't the Vandeiwth ravage the village? So they must've taken everything, it's unusual for them to leave something behind... very rare. "
Odessa Evergreen
" They almost never leave anything, you're right. So this must be a trick of some sort, leaving an item behind is practically enough info for us or another group.
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" To find them.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Lovely points but I believe there's more to it. They've been here for a good 20 years and they only left an item behind once. "
|| She gave out a few hand gestures as she explained.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Harley's 30'gambit,sounds familiar? "
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Wasn't that the biggest Auction held in Harley house? "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Exactly and it was the only auction where they left...an item behind, which allowed an old group to go and find them, they were close but were immediately...
Isodar Comi-scue
" killed...
Odessa Evergreen
|| She gasped as she covered her mouth...shaking
" oh...oh no..."
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" How horrible..."
Nilah Norfent
"What about now though..?"
Isodar Comi-scue
" The Vandeiwth is a very careful group, if they make a mistake they immediately fix it and never repeat it again. I know quite well. "
Isodar Comi-scue
" So obviously this is either a trap or the group made some sort of a deal. "
Odessa Evergreen
" But why make a deal ..with the Vanguard??? "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Money? I think it's money
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Has to be artefacts and other treasures, they're into historical items since they enjoy stealing from famous museums. "
|| He crossed his arms as he scoffed at Ryuuji's answer.
Nilah Norfent
" They certainly wants power,weapons and other military related projects. I'm certain of it! "
Odessa Evergreen
" Maybe they want climb the social ladder? "
|| She said, her voice filled with uncertainty and shaky confidence.
Nilah Norfent
" How can they climb the social ladder? They are despised by many, if the country knew that the Vanguard is working alongside the Vandeiwth, it would be the end for him. "
|| She disagreed heavily with Odessa, sighing as she shook her head in frustration.
Isodar Comi-scue
" All of your answers aren't outside of possibility, however I wish not to take any risks and only want to remain neutral with you all. "
Noctis Deús'rune
" So then we fight. "
Everyone focused on Noctis as a few gasped while others looked away in worry. They all felt discouraged and uneasy.
The Vanguard was someone meant not to be trifled with, his power and influence was something meant to be feared and indeed many fear him.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Noctis, let's not be rash. The Vanguard is not someone who you can easily defeat in one strike. It's not the same as your other battle's. "
|| She expressed her concerns to him.
Noctis Deús'rune
" Which is why he should be dealt with immediately, he is a power figure but also a corrupted one. Instead of working on improving the land, he chooses power and influence. "
Noctis Deús'rune
" I won't stand by and watch, now I have a chance, a reason to go and strike him from where he stands. "
|| His voice tainted with anger,eyes burning with rage. He only bears asperity in his heart, ready to unleash it. His hands clenched into a fist, controlling himself.
Isodar Comi-scue
"... Is there no way to change your mind...? "
Noctis Deús'rune
" None at all. "
Isodar Comi-scue
|| Sighs
" Okay... understood. "
Isodar Comi-scue
"Listen up everyone!"
|| She clapped her hands, attempting to regain everyone's attention.
They whispered a little but then remained silent, now focused on Isodar.
Isodar Comi-scue
" The Vanguard is here in Sadanna and as you have heard, he has brought his most powerful creation, Mortuus Pugnator. An item was left behind in one of the run down cities so I'm certain he's there to retrieve the item. The fact that he brought Mortuus means the item is likely valuable and won't be easy to retrieve. "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Our main objective should be retrieving the item while fending off Mortuus and the Vanguard, we can talk about defeating the old fox later. We have something far bigger to worry about now. "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Understood?"
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Well..."
Cassian 'Ouekt
"Not like we have a choice. "
Odessa Evergreen
" I'm in!! "
Nilah Norfent
" I'll do anything for the group, so count me in. "
Noctis Deús'rune
" Mhm..
|| Nod of approval.
Noctis Deús'rune
" Let's go, I wish not to waste anymore time. "
Isodar Comi-scue
" Alright. Let's move out Team . "
|| She clapped her hands once more. Indicating that it's time.
Rising Threats
The team agreed on retrieving the item and fending off the Vanguard, they were all assigned positions that would help the operation succeed.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Odessa, Ryuuji. You two take care of the Van. "
Odessa Evergreen
" understood!! "
Ryuuji Dragonmist
" Yes ma'am. "
|| winks
Isodar Comi-scue
" Cassian, Nilah and Noctis. We'll be going out. "
Nilah Norfent
" Didn't plan on staying behind. "
|| She said as she wrapped bandages around her fists.
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Never wanted to be in the same space with him anyways .."
|| He stepped up.
Noctis Deús'rune
" Perfect. "
They got in their stations. Isodar and the rest went into hiding in one of the broken houses, concealing their presences. It was their way of sneaking around while avoiding detection. Ryuuji and Odessa remained in the Van, taking care of it while also watching the battle was their top priority.
Using a drone created by Odessa, they're able to watch everything that occurs in Saddana. Ensuring that nothing escapes their sight.
Isodar Comi-scue
🎧 " How's everyone doing so far? "
|| She asked, awfully peaceful and relaxed about the situation but still being cautious. She walked around the rummage, broken glass, burn marks and more devastation.
Cassian 'Ouekt
|| He pushed a few broken chairs aside, coughing a bit from the dust.
🎧" Ah well everything is alright I guess, just alot of dust...a whole crap lot of it..."
Noctis Deús'rune
🎧" .. Nothing to report. "
|| He used his dagger to slice through multiple walls,chairs and other weak objects.
They were all searching for the item. Able to keep communication thanks to small devices that are placed on the ear, connecting to any other device nearby with the same or similar properties .
The search was awfully difficult...since at the same time, they were not alone.
Cassian 'Ouekt
🎧" Woah...I seem to have found something..."
Noctis Deús'rune
🎧" Hmm ? "
Isodar Comi-scue
🎧" What is it? "
Cassian 'Ouekt
🎧" Seems like...a Key? With a royal blue Crystal on it..."
|| Observing the key carefully.
Nilah Norfent
🎧 " Uh...guys..."
Cassian 'Ouekt
🎧" Nilah..?!"
Isodar Comi-scue
🎧"Nilah!!"
Noctis Deús'rune
🎧" Nilah?!"
Nilah never responded the first time nor the second. They were worried but seeing how her voice hinted fear and confusion, immediately brought them worry.
Noctis Deús'rune
🎧" What did you find?! Tell us..are you okay? "
|| He expressed his concern for Nilah.
Cassian 'Ouekt
🎧" Wow...he sure never showed us any love and concern..."
|| In a condescending tone.
Nilah Norfent
🎧" T...these marks.... Mortuus Pugnator...its here..."
Fear struck in their hearts, Mortuus was not one to be trifled with, out of the three... Isodar and Nilah would probably be considered the weakest but what about between the two...?...well
[Vanguard] Adelaide Horkbat
" Crush it. "
•Mortuus Pugnator•
|| With precision and strengh, it's 30m long blade, crafted to perfection, built to destroy. The blade was one of a kind and with it, Mortuus did not make waste with it and immediately raised the blade, and performed a full out slash. destroying multiple houses.
[Vanguard] Adelaide Horkbat
" Perfect. Now everyone run in. "
|| He pointed his finger forward.
His henchmen Immediately started scouting while he and Mortuus continued on clearing the area. Nilah witnessed the mass destruction Mortuus caused first hand, the house she was in was sliced in half. But only for a split second was she actually able to see the blade and her reflection on it.
Nilah Norfent
🎧"..M-mortuus...is nearby..."
|| Her body trembled,palms sweaty and throat dry. Her voice was shaky as well...she was left in utter shock.
Noctis Deús'rune
🎧" Where are they going now? "
|| He began running,jumping or passing by any obstacle.
Isodar Comi-scue
🎧" Please tell us...we need to hurry and find the item! Or else!! "
|| She also began to run, now searching far faster than she did before.
Nilah Norfent
🎧 " I-I'm not sure... I don't know exactly..."
|| She backed up to a door,heart pounding. She was still trying to process what happened.
Cassian 'Ouekt
" Shi— Odessa!! Do you know where the bucket of bults and a walking load of cardiac arrest is!?! "
|| He began to speed through each and every single house, running as fast as he can.
Odessa Evergreen
" They seem to be headed North West...which would be..."
|| Typing quickly on her keyboard.
Odessa Evergreen
|| She pressed a certain key which revealed an important piece of information, her eyes widened immediately.
" Isodar! They're headed to your location! "
Isodar Comi-scue
🎧" Oh my... is that so? Well then.."
|| She immediately kicked open a door, leading her into a room that had a few henchmen.
" I'll be able to handle myself just fine, find the item, Quick. "
Cassian 'Ouekt
🎧" Understood. "
Noctis Deús'rune
🎧" Got it. "
Nilah Norfent
🎧" Alright! "
Isodar let out a soft sigh, in a situation such as hers. It would be best to regroup, however...if you are skilled, you'd never need assistance unless necessary. That is how she felt.
She pulled out her umbrella,before making a few adjustments to it. Her smile gave confidence, eyes showing strengh. She had no fear, only determination.
Isodar Comi-scue
" Now...let me ask you a question...have you ever been stabbed by an Umbrella? "
|| She spun her Umbrella,round and round.
What will happen next...?
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![[Vanguard] Adelaide Horkbat](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/9664758/avatar/49370288/1736549001883.jpeg-s200webp?sign=08b1a33ac1ae47caa091ed15adff713c&t=68c201f3)
