Zool

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie made her exit from the infirmary wiping her eyes. She hadn't expected Lillianna's outpour but when MacKensie had tried to break away and her friend held on to cry on her shoulder, MacKensie couldn't help but cry a little herself. All she could do was whisper that; it was going to be okay, but the frenchwoman had a feeling (no, she was certain) that Lillianna's tears was not just because she almost died. It wasn't even just for Arthur and Clive. It was all the above, plus all she had lost in her last life. It was everything, all rolled into the fact that the quiet, shy white-haired young woman had needed a good hug and a good cry. Just like MacKensie had the day before. And the Ranger was glad she could give her that.

As they walked, MacKensie was in equal parts confused and amused at Zell's antics.

"TELEPORT!"

She had no idea Zell could do such a thing (if he actually could - seems as though he was failing pretty hard, at the moment,) but it was quite funny that the man, now they were out of mortal danger, had gone from being so impressive to her, back to being a blockhead. He was quite the character. She wondered about the second sword in his possession - the sword of the assassin. She had a feeling it was quite powerful, wether it be through magic or expert crafting, the black, curved sword had a certain shine to it.

"Joji, did you manage to find what you were looking for, from the Bazaar?" she asked as they entered the commercial district.

She wasn't sure how much of her share of the money was left, but she was also eager to at least do a bit of window-shopping, when time permitted. Shopping was one of MacKensie Trydant's favourite pasttimes. Even on the rare occassions when she had no money, much of her spare time with friends was devoted to looking around Paris' finest shopping malls. She wanted to speak to Fenna, but the Bazaar was so busy and loud that she simply stayed by the other Ranger's side and observed her surroundings until they were through the area and heading north for the Big Bridge. Once the road was quieter, she spoke her friend next to her.

"Fenna, did you feel that... back in the Mazy Hillocks, after the battle?" a cryptic question but she wasn't sure how to explain herself. She was hoping the older woman would understand as a Ranger who seemed quite in-touch with nature. "Like, ummm... the natural life energy of those creatures who died. Hanging in the air, then maybe being - absorbed? - by us?"

It sounded ridiculous. MacKensie wasn't even sure if she'd not remembered it wrong, as she was so angry at the time and focused on more pressing matters. But one thing she was certain of was that she could now do things that she wasn't aware of before.

"I think I am stronger than before," she let Fenna know. She held out her right hand, not to show off her manicured nails, but to present some evidence. By the strength of her will, she halfway triggered her new Deadly Flurry ability and subtle blue flames of Source danced up and down her fingers. "Magically."

She made a fist and the Source magic disappeared, then she waited on Fenna's reply.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Valhiem was busy and beautiful. It felt good to finally be in civilization again. MacKensie walked at Joji's side down the pavestone street that they had been directed down by the city guards, giving a horse and cart a wide berth as it went the opposite way to the southwestern gate from which they'd just come. The cart-driver gave them a polite nod as he passed and MacKensie returned the courtesy. The frenchwoman look around as she went, spying the big mountain in the backdrop that dominated the city. Even from here, the massive spikes and statues of the Citadel's architecture could be observed. This place was like something out of a fairytale.

"Joji," MacKensie alerted the swordsman next to her and pointed up at the roof of a large building. Her sharp eyes had spotted Fenna's falcon looking right back at them. This must have been the hospital. Joji said he'd come by later, so the Ranger nodded and bid him goodbye for now. The falcon had proved so intelligent since it joined their party that MacKensie figured it must recognize them, so she waved as she approached the hospital. It spread it's wings in reply, causing the Ranger to giggle - her first bit of joy since the battle. Brief and fleeting mirth, but much-needed.

Inside, she spoke to the receptionist and were shown to the waiting room where everyone was already gathered together, MacKensie just catching the end of what James was saying to Zell. She opened her mouth to say, Hello... H-, but when she saw Lillianna, her words caught in her throat. She was alive and perfectly well - finally some goodness in all this mess! Marching forward, her eyes alight with joy, she squeezed past everyone else and threw her arms around the white-haired wizard. "Lillianna, thank god you're okay."

Death comes in threes, she'd heard her grandmother say before. Not today. She let go of Lillianna, only to take the wizard's face in her hands, smile and then hug her again. "Don't scare us like that again, okay?"

After the moment was over, MacKensie stepped back, under her relief was the awkward feeling of realising she'd interrupted whatever the conversation was before she'd steam-rolled in. She provided the worst antidote to the situation by continuing to talk. "Apologies for my interruption, is everyone well?" she checked, looking around at the others. "And you?" she added, looking at Zell, giving him a nod when he confirmed.

She stepped back further out of the center of the room, to allow them to continue to talk, giving another smile as she looked at Lillianna. Nine had become seven. But they were together, safe and sound. MacKensie vowed to herself that she wouldn't let anyone else die. Not a promise she could keep, but one she would die trying to uphold.

She (more politely this time) waited for an opening to mention what the city guards had told her. "The Academy is on the large mountain in the center of the city. We must cross the Big Bridge in the northern quadrant to get there. Apparently there is an Adventurer Guildhouse in that area too."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Mine would! He appreciates the straighforwardness

@Teyao

I was just being ironic to mess with Saiyan lol.

Lillianna almost died, is missing her uncle, happy to see everyone and on the brink of tears... she obviously wouldn't hurt from a hug, in this moment. Dont worry, Mac has come to save the day from you emotionally-stunted little boys xD

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

<Snipped quote by Saiyan>

I read the part below and thought that she might not want a sudden hug, especially from someone she barely knew, that and how she wanted space when everyone was around her when she first arrived in Mytheria. I was actually considering having Adam hug Lillianna unprompted, but I thought it might be weird and a little creepy, and worried I was overdoing it in the post that I actually ended up going with.

<Snipped quote>

Of course I could be wrong! @Crusader Lord is the ultimate authority on their character so I defer to their eventual post on how she reacts to everything.

@Zapdos

Yeah @Saiyan, not all of us just have our character randomly headbutt people in the shoulder, NFL-tackle allies and hand out unrequested hugs!

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I was making my new post but became distracted, take this shitty meme instead.

The anti-Ogre plan

I was working on another but my laptop died

@Teyao

Lmao that is an unholy abomination!

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Second Chance.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The Witch Queen's beseiging army were almost through the gates, ready to take the city when a horn sounded.

"Reinforcements are here!" came a shout from the watchtower. There was hope!

"Who has come?" the General on the walls shouted up to the watchtower.

"It's the Fenna and MacKensie didn't let us choose a good name so we are using this in reprisal party!"

"The Fenna and MacKensie didn't let us choose a good name so we are using this in reprisal party?" the General echoed. "Quinity be praised!"

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

MacKensie's fury did not vanish when Zigmund was ripped away from her by Aurok. She even tried to fire a shot at the assassin as he fled the scene. He killed Clive and now he was getting away! Her temper only flared further when she was forced to witness the heroic and tragic death of Arthur who might well have saved all of their lives with his sacrifice. Shock was her external emotion, masking the rage that was her internal. The two balanced out that she could make decisions and move, without being stunned and without flying off the handle. Balance, sure, but both very seperate and very opposite emotions very-much existed in fierce competition.

She ran to the edge of the gorge to see if she could see Arthur, but there was no sign. After that she counted her friends to make sure the rest of them were okay, then made a bee-line towards Lillianna to check on her, running into Zell along the way and returning his hug albeit shortly and sharply, without response. When she saw that the American girl was breathing and her injury was tended, she closed her eyes in quick prayer to thank god that they hadn't lost a third person in this battle.

"James, you are a miracle worker," she said. No warm tone. No smile. Just a matter-of-fact compliment.

She didn't properly reassure Adam that he wasn't to blame, only shook her head to deny the Druid his attempts to make it all his own fault. They had to get out of this place and fast. Maybe she could find a moment to speak with him later, maybe provide some comfort as Fenna had provided for her, but with two deaths on her mind and possible danger lurking behind every corner, she simply didn't have the strength to deal with the young man. Once everyone had gathered themselves, MacKensie went ahead to scout for danger, taking her cues from Adam who thankfully continued to navigate for them. It felt like time was of the essence, as MacKensie wasn't sure if Lillianna would make a full recovery without proper bed rest and consistent supervision. Apparently Valhiem wasn't too far now. Surely there was an infirmary in the city. MacKensie strafed around corners and grapplehooked her way up walls, her crossbow cocked. Her logical side prayed that she not find anymore enemies, but that angry part of her wanted an excuse to fight something.

Finding the edge of the horrible Mazy Hillocks was a sombre relief, and the Ranger returned to the group so that she could leave with them. She'd managed to escape with only a mild injury - far luckier than some of her friends - but the battle had left her emotionally drained and desperate for rest.

“I will meet you all in the city, I have some business to attend to.”

MacKensie understood. "I would like to come too, if that is okay," she said. Joji graciously obliged. Before she parted with the main group, she handed all one thousand silver over to one of the others, then gave Zell a stern look. "Make sure your injuries are looked at. I am serious, Zell."

Zell's coughing up blood had not gone unnoticed, even if he was trying to hide it. The man had exceeded all expectations with his actions since Hommas. He'd gathered information and come up with a battle formation, thrown himself into a sea of lightning to rescue Lillianna from further damage, and MacKensie was pretty sure the assassin would've killed her were it not for him. After the battle he made sure to touch base with everyone and make sure they were okay, trying to keep morale high. His strength of character was far greater than he allowed people to see.

She walked alongside Joji, up the hill, occasionally casting her gaze on the limp body of Clive in the Japanese giant's arms. So much death. Townsguards of Hommas. Clive. Arthur. Who was next? How many monsters waited in their future? Why were they here? What was the point of all this?

Together they made the gravesite and MacKensie joined her friend in prayer, closing her eyes and putting together her hands. When he offered her a chance to speak, she did so.

"Arthur, you saved our lives with your courage and sacrifice," she suddenly welled up with tears, but held herself together and her rage burned away the desire to cry. "Clive, you fought to the end. We will never forget you. May you find your way back to our world and be welcomed at the gates of heaven. Rest in peace, comrade."

They stayed there in silence for some time, in quiet contemplation and mourning. When Joji was ready, MacKensie reached up and squeezed his shoulder in comraderie and they headed down to the city together. The time spent made her feel slightly better. Sadness would remain but the rage was dying down.

Before they got to the city gates, MacKensie spoke. "The assassin got away. Did you see?" she asked as they walked. "I do not think it is the last we have seen of him."

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Eviledd1984I'd be up for having MacKensie help Joji bury Clive. She's not in desperate need of healing. Maybe they can split off after exiting the labyrinth and make a nice gravesite, say some words and prayers?

I'll wait for you to post and follow your lead, whatever you decide to do with this.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Goblinguy RIP Arthur Baker. He died a glorious, heroic death. We will remember your sacrifice.