The play continued on as down below the scene shifted. The Rebellion had moved, this time to the northern realms, all the way to the Land of Ice. The process was described and shown to be grueling; the entire march involved several brief skirmishes as the gathering forces of the God Rulers attempted to surround them even as they pressed on.

When they finally reached the Land of Ice, the stage changed drastically. Chunks of ice began to appear as some sort of nature mage, hidden out of sight, dropped the temperature on the stage in certain places to below freezing; other mages had the difficult task of keeping the places that the actors would be performing in at a more reasonable temperature, and making sure none of the cold flooded out into the audience. It was a difficult feat of magic that could have gone wrong in so many different ways, from the ice simply melting to a snap freeze suddenly filling the entire Theater, and yet none of that happened, the ice growing higher and higher and twisting around, but never past the stage.

Marco was in awe and wonder at the magical display before them. He was interested in the play, gaining knowledge like this wasn’t a daily event. In fact, it has been ages since he had a proper sit down in a library. Rather… it felt like ages. The war, that Divine damned war, was still a nightmare in the young man’s mind. The sights, sounds, smells… None of it left him for long. He still remembers retching at the sight of the grave titan that rose up and devoured the Queen. Even with his talents, he felt useless. Helpless. 

Bright eyes shined brighter as he traced the weaves of magic through the air. It took only a small dip into his mana pool, but he could see how much effort was put into the display. Frankly, it made him curious. He could only begin to imagine the feats he could accomplish with that kind of magic. However, as he touched his magic, something inside snapped. He felt a heavy jerk in his navel and a flood of tears began to pour down his face. Flashes of memories came crashing, wave after wave. He saw Kori’s broken body again, the scene of the two armies clashing, the details on the man’s face who assault his barrier like a savage… Even Thuraya’s expression at the realization that something went wrong, right before the arrival of that unholy abomination.

He was shivering, muttering spells to himself as he sat in his chair. The play, the party, everyone faded from view. He wrapped his arms around himself. A magical veil appeared around him, draping over his shoulders, as he continued to spout minor protection spells one after another. White runes appeared in his flesh to lock the spells in place. His pupils contracted to specks among fields of white. 

[color=6ecff6][i]‘I need to be protected. Help!’ 
‘I am so scared, I am so scared.’
‘I am lost, I am weak.’
‘I don’t want to die! I don’t deserve to die!’
‘Help, help, help, help!!’[/i][/color]

His mind cried out as he was brought back to the day that started it all. Marco was tied to the support beam of a seaside shack, his father finding whatever stable grounding was left. The howls of demons and angered spirits alike ripped through the air. Loud cracking, either the wooden frame of the shack or the lightning across the sky, surrounded him. Marco was deafened by his own screams. He thrashed in his seat as he fought to free himself and save his father, when he couldn’t before. He didn’t change over the years he studied with his master Az’Cer. He was still a small boy, pretended to hold strength he didn’t understand. 

His cries became audible as a small sound, like a wounded animal. He didn’t want to interrupt the play, however, this was a matter beyond his prowess alone.

For a moment Marco was alone in the middle of the Sentinels, rapidly losing control; and then someone heard and saw what was happening, and immediately acted with the decisiveness that only she could have. And so Diane slipped from her seat and around the rest, reaching out to grab Marco by the shoulder.

[b]"Come with me."[/b]

She didn't wait before her grip tightened and she dragged Marco from his seat, onto his feet and past the others. She moved so quickly that she got the two of them out in seconds, before heads could turn to try and see what was happening. When servants tried to get in their way to ask how they could assist, she simply shoved her way through with derisive hmphs and pushed out into the rounded hallways of the theater.

She took him a little farther before coming to a stop, letting his shoulder go after she gently pushed him to the wall. Looking back and forth, she nodded to herself before sharply pointing at Marco.

[b]"Go on. Cry, do what you need to do. Someone as young as you shouldn't bottle it in. So let it go."[/b]

Out in the hallway, away from the play and everyone, Marco came to terms with everything. He was an orphan. His only family passing while he was studying. He had nothing left, even though the Prince was still alive. Hells be damned, even Thuraya could leave him in a moment’s notice. He had nothing, he was nothing.

Tears began to flow steadily as his knees buckled. He slowly slide down the wall and sat, his breath shaking heavily. Marco was silent as he continued to cry. The magical veils he wrapped around him eroded away in flakes of cerulean aura. He was never a loud child to begin with and even now he was quiet; excluding the occasional sniffle or gasp for air. He wrapped his arms around he knees and lowered his head. He wanted to be small again, like he used to during the night that he couldn’t sleep in Barcea. He didn’t want to remember those nights, but he couldn’t help but feel powerless. His emotions always got the better of him.
 
It took several minutes for him to relax to a calmed state. Tears stained cheeks appeared as he lifted his head. He stared at the Sentinel and shakingly spoke. “W-what should I even do now? I don’t u-understand what to do next... “ He pulled his knees closer to his chest and rested his chin on top. “I should be dead, thrice over, by now, and yet here I am,” he said more to himself than to the esteemed woman. “I have been saved, time and time again...  when that same effort could have been put into saving the Queen… or, or, or someone more important.” He sighed out and closed his eyes. Despite it all, he felt a weight lifting from him. Marco left… good to open up. There were still plenty of questions that he had, many left unasked.  

[color=6ecff6]“What do I do next, lady Diane? How do I keep living knowing that I am useless?”[/color]

Quietly, Diane stood nearby as Marco wept. She didn't look at him, giving him a measure of privacy even as she stood nearby, but her hand remained on the boy's arm throughout. She gripped lightly, not too tightly but not too weakly, a constant presence.
When he began to speak she finally looked back over, listening quietly and carefully. Her expression remained decidedly neutral throughout, her eyes not shifting, mouth remaining a simple straight line.

When he finished she suddenly moved, her free hand coming up to smack him on top of the head once, then twice more in quick succession. Afterwards her hand lowered, and she gave a little hmph, straightening her dress and sleeves a little before she looked back down to him. Her expression had shifted, showing emotion; there was a little bit of annoyance, but there was understanding there as well.

[b]"First you should realize that you're not useless. You're young. There's a difference. You're small and inexperienced, but you're learning. You've done the best you can with what you have. Don't be so arrogant as to shoulder the failure we all suffered!"[/b]
Briefly, her voice became higher in pitch towards the end, but quickly she stopped and looked away, pressing her hand to her mouth. Her eyes didn't close all the way, but it was close as she took a moment before she looked back, and continued, [b]"It isn't your fault that Kori is dead. It's all our fault, and none of our fault at the same time. We fought against things that were greater than us. That we shouldn't of had to fight. The fact that the rest of us survived is a miracle."[/b]

She sighed, before shaking her head slightly. [b]"It's alright to feel weak. To know that you have room to improve. But don't you dare think you're useless. You're only useless if you give up, and if you do then you spit on the grave of everyone who came before you. Do you understand?"[/b]

One strike shook him from his pity party, the next two just hurt like hell. His eyes began to water again, but he snapped them shut as he rocked back and forth.The young boy quickly covered his head, hissing from the pain, before looking up at Diane. [color=6ecff6]“Divines be damned, that hurt!”[/color] He rubbed the top of his head, trying to feel for the bump that would surely show up eventually. Already, he could feel the rush towards the point.
  
Though, it did help him to listen to what truth she spoke. He did all that he could do, to ask anymore would be inhumane. The fact that he felt such guilt was not for him alone to bear. Kori showed him the same love she showed for everyone of Barcea. He relaxed his pose and took a moment to think over what she said. [color=6ecff6]“I do,”[/color] he spoke simply. Subconsciously, he used the same voice as he did years ago during his training. [color=6ecff6]“I am sorry, to cause a scene and to have you drag me away, Miss Diane.”[/color] He rose to his feet and dusted the seat of his robes off. 

He offered her a small bow and a quick smile. [color=6ecff6]“My strength has only began to show, where as I have faced greater challenges that I was prepared to face. I forgot my master’s teachings during my fear, a dishonor to him and myself.”[/color] Marco was careful to speak with respect, this was a sentinel after all, but she was also a proper lady. Even if she was only a handful of years his senior, she still carried a certain elegance and grace about her. He offered her a bow and gestured for the doorway leading back to the others. [color=6ecff6]“Shall we return and enjoy the rest of the play?”[/color] 
 
[b]”Nevermind dishonor for a moment.”[/b] Diane gave a humph, reaching up to flick her hair back over her shoulders. [b]”Think for yourself for a moment, and for your own sanity and health. Accept yourself for who you are now, not what you wish you were. Accept it, but work towards that ideal. Allow yourself to stumble along the way. None of us are perfect.”[/b]

[b]”Oh, what sound advice!”[/b] Diane’s eyes widened and she quickly turned towards the new voice, which belonged to a boy in a blue cloak. Despite the fact he seemed to be anywhere between thirteen to fifteen, he was taller than Diane, like he had shot through his growth spurt. He also had strange, dark eyes; though nothing about them seemed inhuman, they looked dead, the smile on his lips not reaching them.
[b]”Who are you?”[/b] Diane’s voice was sharp, some instinct in her telling her not to trust the boy immediately. The way he just kept smiling, even as she bristled, only reinforced that fact. The little laugh that followed, gentle and unassuming yet false at the same time, sealed it for her.

[b]”My apologies, my friends! My name is Alexai!”[/b] He bowed, quickly looking up afterwards. [b]”I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. My ears are a little sharp.”[/b] He flicked at his own, lowering both hands afterwards. [b]”And I heard that this little mage has been having some trouble. It’s alright, I understand. I was there too. And then I just…”[/b] His hands did a little wave, even as he tilted his head. [b]”Got rid of my problems. The solution is more simple than you realize.”[/b]

Marco wasn’t aware of the newcomer until he spoke. It seemed as if Diane wasn’t either as both of them turned to face Alexai. The young mage thought it strange that someone who looked as young as himself could speak with such confidence, granted not everyone had his master for a teacher. [color=6ecff6]“Got rid of your problems?,”[/color] he asked in honest curiosity. His senses weren’t as honed as his counterpart. In fact, compared to Diane, he was a gullible child playing at forces beyond himself.

The young mage took a stop close to Alexai, a light sparking in his eyes. [color=6ecff6]“What exactly do you mean by ‘You got rid of your problems?’”[/color] Strength beyond measure, to stand toe to toe with the sentinels. Despite his timid nature, Marco was still his master’s student. He still thrived for knowledge and power that was beyond him. He was blessed, or lucky depending on your views, to meet a Divine and receive a gift… but clearly it wasn’t enough. Even with the blood magics he has been practicing day after day, he still lacked the fortitude to keep his cool during an actual war.He shamed himself and his master’s teachings. Diane’s words were touching, in her own way, but the truth couldn’t be forgotten. [color=6ecff6][i]‘I failed you, Master Az’Cer, I failed you and more importantly, I failed myself.’[/i][/color] Marco’s thoughts dripped with a toxic venom of self doubt, confusion, and guilt.

[b]"Don't listen to him Marco!"[/b] Diane stepped forwards, one hand going out to hold in front of Marco, to try and get physically between the two boys. Alexai just watched her move and then gave a small laugh, before he took his turn to speak.

[b]"I killed them, that's what. It's much easier than you think, and much easier after the first time. And once they were dead, I was free. Free to do what I wanted, to follow who I desired. Free to learn what I needed to learn. What everyone needs to learn. And I was able to serve my master-"[/b]

[b]"Alexai, are you debating philosophy once again?"[/b] The voice was new, coming from farther down the hallway. Diane's eyes snapped over, and she seemed ready to snarl at the newcomer just as she seemed ready to snarl at Alexai... and then she recoiled back in horror, her face going pale as one hand came up to cover her mouth.

The man who was covered in metal armor, so thoroughly it was like a second skin, grinned as he looked down at the three of them. Dressed in Kisokan orange robes that shimmered thanks to the metal threads weaved into the fabric, creating a flame-like image, a bit of purple sludge was leaking from in between the cracks of the armor, and from his mouth; something the beautiful woman who had hooked herself onto his arm dabbed at with a once-white cloth. A blade was sheathed at his side, large and curved. He continued to speak, one hand coming up to tap at the woman's hand at his elbow.

[b]"Oh, and not with anyone either! A Sentinel and the trainee. Diane Laues and Marco Maxwell, correct. A pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance. I am Shisor Yaguar. This is Reseya. Is the King enjoying the play? I'm excited to finally meet him."[/b]

[b]"You're a monster..."[/b] Diane said quietly, her body still recoiled away. As Alexai began to step forwards towards her, Yaguar's hand went out, gently stopping the boy from going any farther.

[b]"To you, perhaps. I see myself as a driven and... misunderstood man, simply trying to do his best for the world. But I'm sure my appearance doesn't help with that."[/b] He laughed.
Diane began to bristle once more. [b]"You're terrible... You Remade him, didn't you? How long has it been since you broke him for your own purposes?"[/b]

Gently, Yaguar patted the top of Alexai's head. [b]"Oh, it's been quite a while. Almost ten years, perhaps. My perception of time is still a little off. But do not think I did him a disservice; he asked me to. He was lost, confused. He wanted a purpose. And so I gave him one. I don't expect someone as... unblemished as you to understand. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must keep my meeting with the King."[/b] He stepped forwards, even as Diane moved to cut him off, and once more he laughed. [b]"Ah, loyalty. To the throne, or to blood I wonder? Either way, it'll do you no good here. Stop me, and you die. Step out of the way, and... Well, you'll be available to fix the results, now won't you?"[/b]

Diane still stood in the way, her arms crossed as she fumed. Alexai, meanwhile, began to tap his foot against the ground, his smile seeming to twist into something sinister.

Marco could only blink at the response, seeing as it wasn’t something he would ever consider. [color=6ecff6][i]‘Kill my problems…?’[/i][/color] He didn’t have long to ponder on it, as Diane’s rapid movements caught his attention. If Marco had a full bladder, it wouldn’t be anymore. He felt himself grow cold as blood rushed from his face. He was staring at a legend, a piece of history. Not more than a few minutes ago, he was learning about the man before him during the play. He was caught speechless as Yaguar spoke with Diane and Alexai.
But, as the saying goes, when it rains it pours.

The boy made a small noise as he saw what could only be described as a monster approach. A giant of a man strolled up behind Yaguar, chuckling to himself. [color=f49ac2]“Preying on women and children now, eh Yaguar? At this rate, our fight may not be worth it.”[/color] His voice sounded like rocks scraping against one another he wore a suit of plate mail.
 
This set of armor had a rounded helm with a pointed opening for the eyes, which curved downwards into a narrow opening up to the mouth. Attached to the top was a bird head shaped ornament piece. The shoulders were fairly rounded, narrow and fairly small in size. They were decorated with a spider-shaped, thick, metal ornament piece.

The upper arms were protected by pointed, fully covering rerebraces which sat well under the shoulderplates. The lower arms were covered by vambraces which have several masterfully crafted metal sheets, shaped like dragon scales on the outer sides. The breastplate was made from many layers of rounded metal sheets. It covered everything from the neck down and ended at the groin. The upper legs were covered by a chainmail skirt reaching down to the knee. The lower legs were protected by greaves which had metal leaves covering the outer sides.
He removed his helm, shaking free dark raven locks down to his shoulders. He gave the small folk, which everyone smaller than him was in his eyes, a wide grin. He stared with a single majestic purple eye. The other was covered by an ornate eyepatch that matched the design on his shoulders. He was handsome in his features, but it was the look of hunger that he stared at Marco with that unnerved the boy. This was certainly a creature that was not to fuck with.

[color=f49ac2]“Why are we here anyway?”[/color], the giant asked turning his gaze to Yaguar. [color=f49ac2]“I highly doubt anyone here is worth the attention…”[/color] He paused to chuckle to himself as he thought of a joke. [color=f49ac2]“Unless you are here to stroke your own ego and enjoy the show.”[/color]

As Reseya gave a disgusted, disdainful look at the massive monster of a man that stood with them, Alexai responded much more physically. He whirled, and with one step that sounded like a thunderclap moved towards the figure, but once more the metal-covered hand of Yaguar went out, bringing the boy to a stop by the sleeve.

Slowly, Yaguar looked over, and then up at the man. His grin remained, even as one eye widened slightly as he looked quizzically upwards. [b]”Ah, Knightmare, so pleased that you could join us! I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting you to decide to accept the invitation. Alexai is obvious, I could see Sawyl showing up at one point, and I’m sure Sanura is lurking somewhere already, perhaps watching our friends inside, but you… I never expected you to be a man of culture.”[/b]

It happened so quickly that Diane never saw the actual attack. She only saw Yaguar click the blade back into his sheath afterwards. To her, there hadn’t even been a turn, nevermind a slash. All the same, suddenly, a deep cut appeared in the breastplate, carving into the flesh beneath and sending blood that steamed and burned the face of the man it belonged to. The wound itself then suddenly burst into flame that curved upwards, licking at the metal even as it ate at the man who wore it. The blood that struck Knightmare’s face set his skin alight even as it evaporated, and the sickly smell of burning flesh nearly knocked Diane off her feet.

Yaguar’s gaze turned back forwards, towards the Sentinel and the boy. [b]”Down, boy. Remember your place, and how gracious I’ve been to you as a master.”[/b]

Even if Knightmare could prepare himself, he never was able to read Yaguar’s movements. He became aware of the strike against him moments after the Gifted returned his sword to its home. A deep snarl and his head tilting backwards was all the giant allowed for a reaction. He could feel his flesh burning, actually burning, though he didn’t mind that much. This pain was just a reminder of how far he still had to go. He continued to grin at Yaguar as his face cleared, the areas where the blood hit appearing red with inflammation still. 
[color=f49ac2]“Of course,”[/color] he began as if the attack didn’t happen, [color=f49ac2]“I am all about expanding my horizons.”[/color] Knightmare could feel his body quaking as his breathes became harder to achieve. [color=f49ac2]“Who knows, maybe I could even learn a thing or two.”[/color] He placed a hand upon his chest and offered a small bow. [color=f49ac2]“Pardon the surprise, even if it is a pleasant one.”[/color]

[b]”All is forgiven. You’ll enjoy being here, I’m certain. This announcement will be something to remember-”[/b]

[b]”Announcement? What announcement?!”[/b] Diane interrupted Yaguar, but the man only laughed, shaking his head a little.

[b]”Now, now, patience, Ms. Laues. You’ll learn soon enough. The sooner you step out of the way, in fact. I would prefer not to kill any member of King Serio’s little… entourage before the challenge, but if I must…”[/b]

[b]”Get out of the way, children.”[/b] Suddenly both Marco and Diane were grabbed from behind by their shoulders, turned and swung into the wall none too gently; the woman who had done so stepped away afterwards, adjusting her sleeves afterwards. She had long red hair pulled back over her shoulders, and wore a closed white coat, dark pants beneath.

[b]”There you are, Sanura! Had your fill already?”[/b] Yaguar stepped forwards through the space that had been created, walking towards the entrance of the very booth that Diane and Marco had come from. The woman fell into step at his side, beyond Alexai.

[b]”Your comrade isn’t in there with them. But for the most part, the rest of them are there.”[/b]

[b]”Of course it’s not perfect…”[/b] Yaguar sighed. [b]”But nothing ever is. We’ll just have to make do. Let’s go make ourselves known, shall we?”[/b]