On the hunt

After Verina left her home, she'd felt her pulse increasing at the new powers she had inside her. She knew how to command it, and control it... she'd been born to do so, but actually being able to felt much different than any sort of training. She briskly walked through town, and people moved out of her way as if they knew who she was. Most probably did. Verina was more on the lookout for her set. She needed to know what her Zombie friend was doing, and make sure he was in a fighting shape. Then, she needed to find that one eyed snake that seemed to want to threaten the set. It was time to put her name on the table properly. Both as a leader of her set, and a Queen to be reckoned with.

"Assuming I can ever find the poor saps..."

Verina mumbled, pacing faster with her eyes open for any familiar faces.

Odric continued through town after leaving the cemetery. Many people gasped as they beheld Odric, the wounds the undead had inflicted on him weren't healing as fast as normal wounds would. Odric's chest was ripped open, ribs and internal organ exposed. Odric continued on though, as if nothing was wrong.

Verina took notice of the wounded Zombie rather quickly, and immediately scowled. He was standing there looking like a corpse, in every sense of the word, when she wanted nothing more than the most elegant of sets. She charged forth rather quickly, grabbing him by the shoulder and giving a slight, yet firm pull, letting him know to come with her.

"Your wounds seem severe, tell me they'll heal soon? A rook of what is destined ti be the strongest of all sets shouldn't be walking around in public with such embarrassing abrasions."

Verina didn't look at him, instead kept walking, assuming he had followed. She was a little cold, but in reality, she just had a lot on her mind.

"I've heard you ran into a potential threat to our set. I want to know what happened, exactly, and everything you know about the one eyed girl."

Gilgamesh crashed on the ground with a sudden thud. Black feathers drifted to the ground all around him. The Winged King struggled to his feet, panting heavily. There were heavy chains hanging from his arms and legs. His pursuers were unrelenting. The paradox had worn off and he was still worn from his confrontation with Dilcongain. This wasn't looking good. He thought he would be able to lose them, but in his weakened state, in addition to them obviously being prepared to rob him of his flight, that was proving most difficult. If only he had time to rest.

I don't see why The Queen chose to spare you or why The King would agree. Maybe he just didn't want to do it himself, but he said if we could kill you, you weren't worth sparing anyway. Where's that wit of yours now?

This was just not his day. He meets someone that could potentially help him find his mother, doesn't trust her and wastes time, only for her to be taken away. He then learns his limits in the harshest of ways and was pitied by the enemy. Not just any enemy, but the enemy that may be holding his mother captive. Now, he might actually meet his end here, to those weaker than himself, because he confronted someone much stronger than himself.

That's pretty big talk considering you needed someone else to do the work for you. There's no honor in that.

Honor? Only children and fools talk about honor. I have a job to do and I get it done. That's all that matters. You "honorably" lost to The King. Don't you think you should die as a result?

You're a damned coward...

Coward? Again, words of children and fools. I'm a survivor and you're dying. If you want to be angry with anyone, blame yourself and your arrogance. Roaming around without your Set, challenging The King all alone. You're just a fool and now you'll die like one.

She was right. At least, she was right about everything up to him dying. He would not die here. Not to the likes of these. He looked around, searching for options. The people in the area were already fleeing. He just needed to buy time. As exhausted as he was, it would take longer to use his abilities. He just needed... options.

Odric did not like his queen's treatment of him but kept his mouth shut as he followed her.

A woman from the guard took offence with me defending myself from a bandit when she ordered me and him to stand down. Now it looks like she'd leaking our information around, making us known. The woman is a rook but that's really the only relevant information I know. I was recently ambushed by the man who turned me into a zombie, hence my wounds.

Verina was waiting for the zombies response when she'd caught onto a rather huge commotion. She turned to see where it was coming from, and with a short walk she found the source. Her eyes flared with anger. Her King was wounded and that... woman. Was standing over him. Konstandze von Liechtenstein. Verina had a feeling she was the one trying to send threats to the set. She glanced at the zombie.

"I think that answers my questions well enough..."

Verina mumbled just loud enough for the zombie to hear. She was feeling her rage grow ever so slowly, but seeming to be limitless. Soon, a clattering sound could be heard, ever so slightly. Verina stood tall, stepping slowly towards the group. As she got closer, the clattering grew louder.

"Konstandze von Liechtenstein. Have you no pride? Your father should feel shame."

Verina said with enough force to grab everyone's attention, then she held her hand out and pointed it towards the enemies. The clattering was loud now, until what felt like an explosion erupted from Verina. A high pitched screech drowned out the cluttering as many small, flying animal shaped... things came from seemingly nowhere. They looked like bats. Many of them, and they looked starved. They soared over Gilgamesh's battered form, and targeted in on the enemy rook and her squad, aiming to devour them.

"Only one thing awaits those who threaten my king in my presence... Death."

Contempt at himself and rage at the situation welled within him. His king, the one he was supposed to be protecting, lay wounded and chained. Konstandze standing there with her squad over him. Odric withdrew his zweihandler and rushed forwards with Verina's bats.

How dare you Konstandze! There is no shame greater to a rook than their king being hurt in their presence! I will pay you back bitch!

As soon as Odric was between Konstandze and Gilgamesh he stabbed his zweihandler in the ground and then his two ceremonial swords beside it.

The line is drawn! You shall not get pass me! Gravestone Style: Rising Blade Stance!

The six guards accompanying Konstanze shirked in a moment of terror. Konstanze had experience with these tricks. The Captain of the Guard pierced her saber into the ground, creating a shield around herself and her troops. The bats clamored against the shield and were electrocuted, falling to the ground as puddles of goo.

So it's true? You did choose him as King. Was it because of the wings? I bet it was. They made me think there was something special about him too. That left the moment he went and fought King Dilcongain. Your King is a fool.

The puddles of good remained electrocuted on the ground. Konstanze gave the signal, pulling her sword from the ground, took three steps back along with her troops.

Little girl, you forget. Your Daddy used that too, for all of the good it did him. I know how it works.

Holding her hand up, she signaled to her soldiers to pay attention.

Do not let this stuff touch you or it'll be the end of you. Stay attack when I make an opening. She doesn't have any power behind it yet. Not like the ones in her family that were worthy of using it.

Gilgamesh felt something stirring inside him. He didn't know what it was. He just knew he felt... happy to see Verina and Odric come to his defense. Then immediately afterwards, he felt extreme anger. He was angry with the one eyed woman for insulting his Queen and was angry with himself for putting them both in this situation. Now he understood entirely. He really did need to improve his Set. Just gathering Pieces wasn't enough. It was then that he took notice. There was something swirling around Verina. The Winged King peered into her. He gazed into her future. She had a future. They both did... It was worth a shot.

Not without a fight...

Gilgamesh held his right hand out, aimed at Verina, and his left as Odric. His entire body ached. That would be his punishment. He wouldn't let his Queen and Rook suffer for his arrogance. He had no idea what exactly she'd done, but it distracted that women and her people. It gave him time. That was the worst thing to ever give him when you stand against him. Dropping to his knees, he kept his arms extended with the open palms aimed at his Pieces. Then, with a sudden rush, the both of them were jolted and pulsated with a blue glow. Gilgamesh fell completely to the ground, laying on his chest, laughing weakly.

I can't believe that worked...

Konstanze, caught up in her gloating, had almost forgotten about the defeated King. She was aware of the Godfrey inheritance and knew this was not a part of it.

What did you do?!

Thank you for giving me time... My Queen, my Rook, can you hear me?

Gilgamesh spoke weakly, coughing as he struggled to do so. He continued, trying to make sure he remained conscious.

This is all I can do for you right now... I've created a loop with your future selves. This is the power you will possess. It won't last, if I pass out, it'll end. I'll do all that I can to stay awake. Use that to crush her...

The little Godfrey girl? Crush me? Unlikely...

Konstanze held her sword to the sky. Several bolts of lightning rained down, striking the weapon and charging it. With a swift stroke, the wave of destructive power raced towards Verina.

_____________________________________________________

Verina and Odric been temporarily promoted! Verina is now a lv3 Queen! Odric is now a lv3 Rook! Adjust post your adjusted stats accordingly in the following posts.

Enemies:

Konstanze von Liechtenstein / Lv3 Rook
26 Strength
36 Intelligence
60 Endurance
60 Wisdom
19 Dexterity
17 Agility
516 Health

Troops / 6x lv2 Pawns
34 Strength
34 Intelligence
32 Endurance
32 Wisdom
32 Dexterity
32 Agility
432 Health

Power swelled within Odric. The sensation was profound in the zombie who couldn't feel anything. Doors that had been shut in his mind burst open and knowledge of his capability was made know to him. Quickly retreating to Gilgamesh's side he summoned a blue-white flame on his right index and middle finger and placed it over Gilgamesh's heart. The flame stayed where Odric put it on Gilgamesh and a similar flame flared over Odric's heart. Odric then quickly returned to his blades and assumed a low stance. Odric trusted Verina would deal with Konstandze's attack well enough. Odric eyed Konstandze and her squad.

Come if you dare but none will fell us when we fight as one!

---

Odric's stats
Str 36
Int 26
End 50
Wis 50
Dex 19
Agl 17
Hp 540

Gilgamesh is now under the effect of Odric's Spirit Link
Konstandze and the first two pawns within my melee attack range are marked by my 'Gravestone Style: Rising Blade Stance'

When Gilgamesh cast his final spell, before seeming to succumb to his weakness, Verina felt yet another rush of pure power and strength. How many power ups did she have in store for her? She couldn't seem to get enough.

"Thank you, my king, for yet another gift of power."

As she spoke, she moved to the side of her Rook, not wanting to risk him getting caught up in her wild attacks. Verina frowned as the enemy fired a lightning blast towards the group. With a wave of Verina's hand, an enormous tidal wave of dark matter appeared in front of her and crashed onward through the attack, and towards the large group.

"You criticize my power, when your max potential is stuck at this... You will bow to my King by the end of your life."

After the tidal wave settles, hisses and rustles could be heard loud and clear. Snakes made of dark matter were slithering around the feet of the enemies, and starting to bite at their legs with ferocious speed and power.

---

56 Strength
107 Intelligence
34 Endurance
36 Wisdom
33 Dexterity
33 Agility
343 Health

Action 1: Overpower lightning (Intel: 107-36)
Action 2: Slithering Snake attack (Intel: 107)

Tsk... that guy is a pain in the ass!

Konstance was more than surprised with ease at which her attack was destroyed. Did Gilgamesh say he'd made a loop with their future selves? What does that even mean?! He said future... That was impossible, but she found herself saying that about him quite often. It would explain how he got past her without notice and was able to stand up to King Dilcongain.

He's too dangerous to be left alive.

These guards with her were still fresh Pawns. They had only been in mock matches only to draw their abilities out. They didn't have any real experience. Against the Godfrey girl and that... that Rook was wearing gaping wounds across his body. Against the two of them, it shouldn't have been a problem in the least. With this surge of power, things may not turn out so well. She needed to fight smart.

You guys kill Gilgamesh. Then we can finish of-

Then she realized just the danger the two of them now posed. Her attack was easily engulfed by Verina's own. Just what the hell was going on?! How could he give them so much when he was so close to death himself. Projecting more electric bolts, she formed her strongest shield. She then placed her palm on it, bracing for the impact of the attacks.

Change of plans. Kill her first.

She despised the Godfrey family. She wanted to beat her even with this increase of power. She wanted her arrogance broken. The attacks landed together against her shield. They were stronger than she anticipated. Konstanze enhanced the shield and sent the attacks flying back in the direction of Gilgamesh and Odric in particular. The shield faded after the attack was sent back.

Little girl, you should learn more control. You might hurt someone.

The pawns moved from behind Konstanze, leaping across the wide alley and clinging to the walls. They then immediately fired harpoons towards Verina, followed by tossing nets.
________________________________________

Enemies:

Konstanze von Liechtenstein / Lv3 Rook
26 Strength
36 Intelligence
60 Endurance
60 Wisdom
19 Dexterity
17 Agility
516 Health

Action 1: Lightning Shield (260% Wisdom) 156 Wisdom

Action 2: Reinforce (Passive. Whenever Konstanze is physical contact with one of he shields, she can boost its power by 20% and redirect any attack that collides with it that is not strong enough to break it. If the shield is broken, Konstanze receives an additional 35% damage.) Lightning Shield power: 187 Wisdom (176 Intelligence damage bounced)

Troops / 6x lv2 Pawns
34 Strength
34 Intelligence
32 Endurance
32 Wisdom
32 Dexterity
32 Agility
432 Health

Actions:
Six Harpoons (each individual actions and attacks): 34 Strength each

Six Nets: 34 Strength each, binds movement.

Odric stood stead fast in front of the assault and withdrew his two ceremonial swords. He stepped forward to confront the attack. Odric then strikes at the incoming nets and harpoons.

I got this!

---

Odric's stats
Str 36
Int 26
End 50
Wis 50
Dex 19
Agl 17
Hp 427

Action 1: steps forward and braces to take the attacks: Dark matter(176-50, 113 damage taken), harpoons (34-50, 0 damage taken), nets (34-50, 0 damage taken) Odric ensnared

Action 2: Overpower net (34-36)

The zombie jumped in front of the attacks, taking them with ease, or so it seemed. Verina showed a sadistic grin as she glanced at the pawns sprinting on the walls. How annoying. Soon, the very walls they were sprinting on started oozing dark matter, that would devour their feet if they stayed.

"Pathetic pieces like you should know your role..."

Verina mumbled to herself as the walls started oozing. She figured if they were to dodge the ooze, it would be by jumping off the walls, so she put her next attack there. From the ground, all around Gilgamesh, Odric, and Verina herself, dark matter started shooting into the air like a dozen geysers, but all of it managed to avoid the friendly team expertly. One shot out under Konstance, others fired near the walls, trapping the pawns between the walls ooze and the geysers blasts with no room to run without touching it somehow.

---

56 Strength
77 Intelligence
34 Endurance
36 Wisdom
33 Dexterity
33 Agility
588 Health

Action 1: Wall ooze (Intel: 77)
Action 2: Geysers (Intel: 77)

Two of the Pawns sprung from the walls almost immediately. They avoided the black goo seeping from the walls, leaving the other four to be caught by it. None of them could escape the geyser rush and were caught up in it. They arose to their feet, covered, but still ready to attack. Konstanze stepped into the middle of them and began to call out.

Gilgamesh! Are you a coward? Would you hide behind them to cover your own weakness?

Gilgamesh, still recovering, laughed loudly before returning the woman's words to her.

Those sound like the words of a fool. It's your own fault for being arrogant enough to come after a King without the rest of your Set...

Konstanze grit her teeth and held her sword up once more. Lightning rained from the sky striking it. She channeled the bolts forward to set up a double layered barrier. The wave of black force clashed with the shields and they broke through the first layer, cancelling out one another on the second. The Pawns had lost their weaponry in the goo. They were unnerved.

Don't lose hope men. She still can't break my barriers!

_________________________________________

Enemies:

Konstanze von Liechtenstein / Lv3 Rook
26 Strength
36 Intelligence
60 Endurance
60 Wisdom
19 Dexterity
17 Agility
512 Health

Action 1: Charge Sword

Action 2: Double Shield (250% Wisdom)

Troops / 2x lv2 Pawns
34 Strength
34 Intelligence
32 Endurance
32 Wisdom
32 Dexterity
32 Agility
382 Health

Action 1: Charge Sword

Action 2: Double Shield

Troops / 4x lv2 Pawns
34 Strength
34 Intelligence
32 Endurance
32 Wisdom
32 Dexterity
32 Agility
333 Health

Odric takes advantage of Verina's goo geysers, grabs his zweihandler, and rushes up to the two pawns that avoided the oozing walls. he then stabs his zweihandler and ceremonial swords into the ground in front of them.

You two will dance with me!

Odric then reaches a hand out towards Gilgamesh and for a second a castle wall made out of Soul Fire surrounds him.

Konstanze you spout insults like a coward! You hide behind your pawns as their boss but your healthy enough; you should be leading from the front. What good is a rook that doesn't strive to protect their set!

---

Odric's stats
Str 36
Int 26
End 50
Wis 50
Dex 19
Agl 17
Hp 427

Action 1: Rush up to the two pawns that were hit by the geysers only and go into Gravestone Style: Rising Blade Stance marking those two (when they take an action they are immediately hit by Odric's counter attack (36 str) and if they take damage they can't move from their position).

Action 2: cast castling on Gilgamesh

Verina frowned as the pawns scurried around, wasting everyone's time. Could they not just quit already? How annoying.

"I'm not aiming to break your barriers. I'm aiming to break you."

Verina waved her hand, and soon many pitch black arrows started raining from the sky above just her opponents. Verina frowned, thinking she might block that, so at the same time, the walls that were oozing goo, now fire the goo at the enemies like a fire hose. Verina crossed her arms, watching the onslaught of attacks with glee.

"You can do better than that, can't you?"

---

56 Strength
77 Intelligence
34 Endurance
36 Wisdom
33 Dexterity
33 Agility
588 Health

Action 1: Arrows to block out the sky (Intel: 77)
Action 2: Fire hose walls (Intel: 77)

Konstanze frowned and raised her arms to brace for the impact. The attacks swept up her pawns as well as her own body. The attacks would have engulfed Odric as well, but he strangely disappeared. The black ooze filled the alleyway before spilling across the ground, damaging the surrounding buildings as well. The Pawns lay sprawled on the ground while Konstanze herself remained standing. Several of the arrows from Verina's attacks were still lodged in her shoulders. She lowered her cross arms, the need to guard momentarily subsiding.

You little bitch! I'll hear your screams for that.

Konstanze began stepping forward with seething hatred clearly visible in her eye. The Pawns began to rise to their feet, wounded by still battle capable. More bodies began to drop down around them as backup arrived.

I'm going to pluck the wings from his back and make you watch. I'll carve him up into itty bitty pieces and feed him to you. Then, after I've had all my fun, I'll kill you... slowly... painfully. We're going to have so much fun together.

With a small squad of reinforcements at her back, Konstanze was now on a warpath.

You know... that all sounds good...

The Captain of the Guard froze in her tracks in shock. Standing next to Verina was now Gilgamesh, with his left hand on Odric's shoulder and his right hand landing on Verina's shoulder.

...but it'll never happen. Next time we cross paths, you'll be kissing her feet. That is... if you survive that lady up there.

Konstanze turns her head to the building at the end of the alley. Standing atop of the building was The Queen. She knew, just as Gilgamesh, what was happening. Just as King Dilcongain had not stopped her from pursuing his attacker, he had not stopped his Queen from going after Konstanze for meddling in her plans. Konstanze turned to glance back at Gilgamesh who was only smiling at her.

Bye now.

With a flash, the trio disappeared before her eye while the troops that had arrived with The Queen subdued her own Pawns and began to surround her. She did not dare to face The Strongest Queen. That was a battle with no hope of a positive outcome. The Queen's sadistic nature in combat was well known. She submitted herself, kneeling, hoping for mercy.

I'm sorry Your Highness. Please forgive me.