Four days later in a meeting room within swiftwood, all of the 20th century Ebon Council members sat around a circular table, evenly spread out alongside Arrianna and Serafina who sat at the head. Arrianna lightly tapped a small gavel on the wooden finish and cleared her throat.
"The discussion involving the events that occured Monday, August 13th, 2012 is now in order. You all know why I have called you here; Lo'que has made his presence known. He is very much alive as we suspected but never were quite able to beilieve given the circumstances. He now threatens everything the Ebon Council has upheld for the past seven hundred years, and will only give us two years at the most to prepare for his invasion." Arrianna sumerized, sitting back down in her chair. Serafina was seated next to Arrianna, with a look on her face that seemed so familiar to most others of the council, but the seriousness in her eyes was unlike any other instance before. Try as she might to maintain a serious expression on the outside, she was worrying herself to bits on the inside. She had feared the day for this would have come, but she hadn't expected it to come so soon... Lo'que had made his appearance in their world... here at Swiftwood, the Ebon Council considered this an act of war, and already they were talking about raising an army.
"From what we've seen that day, we know that Lo'que is an enemy of great power... and his army is a terrifying force that is capable of wiping out not only Swiftwood, but perhaps the whole world as we know it..." she added, and Arrianna nodded.
"What we must discuss, is how we are to build an army, worthy and able to defeat his own." She stated cooly, keeping calm on the outside but bubbling over with worry and concern on the inside. Seamus spoke up, gazeing over the rest of the council members.
"We should have known from the start to be perfectly honest. History isn't made without there bing an element of truth behind it." He suggested, with an analytical underlying tone beneath his apathetic demeanor. Cassandra drummed her fingrs on the table, still seething after four days from getting her butt kicked quite royally. Even the little detention she had put a group of students through the day following hand't made her mood any better. She'd had to leave after watching them deal with a elatively simple enemy because her throat was still aching from where she'd been held by Lo'que.
"So, let me get this straight; We've had the king of daemons himself behind that seal all this time, and we weren't sure? It seems pretty obvious he was still alive when you think about it. Seven hundred years of fighting everything that came out of the seal. If we were just on cleanup duty, and not fighting off vanguards, then there definitely would have been more of them to deal with. Gods, I wish I had seen it sooner, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten so close to the seal to take out Terragon. I could have hit him easily from back behind the force feild." She lamented regrettably. Serafina sat up, her eyes drifting over to Cassandra as she spoke.
" We had no leads that Lo'que himself would've appeared to us after that battle... Cassandra, what Lo'que did to you was only the equivalent of him swatting a simple fly, he could've easilly killed you right then and there with so much as even a flick of his wrist. But either way, it is clear the Lo'que and his army are a force that the students of Swiftwood are not prepared to handle. He had said he would give us two years, correct? We were already almost wiped out by Tarragon and those other Daemons, if it had been Lo'que and his army we had been facing that day, we wouldn't even be having this meeting." She took a deep breath after her speech, trying to settle herself down.
" But two years doesn't seem like enough time now, does it...?" Rowena was gazing at the table as she listened to the others starting to speak about the threat's Lo'que had spoken against them, the talk of raising an army to fight against him and his horde.
" The signs..." She whispered, not looking up from the table as she seemed to be shivering slightly.
"The signs... the spirits had been acting so oddly as of lately...I couldn't help but notice..." In truth, she had seen the whole battle occur in her mind, had seen Tarragon fall to Cassandra's attack. But when Lo'que had appeared, Rowena's mind suddenly started reeling in so many ways she couldn't describe. Visions in her mind had been distorting, swimming in and out, she saw blood being spilled, the anguished cries... It was a sensation that she had been entirely new to, and she did not like it, not one bit... Alastor heaved a small sigh and patted Rowena on the back gently, seeing that she was severely disturbed.
"Two years is definitely not enough," He agreed with Serafina.
" And since this guy is as twisted as you say he is, I can't imagine him even keeping this promise of two years. I'd estimate we have less than a year unless he's actually willing to wait that long." He said bitterly. Dean was in his usual lax position, leaning back in his chair, hands behind his head, and feet up on the table.
"Well we're kinda wasting the time we have now aren't we?" He pointed out, obviously unhappy with their current situation despite his horrid posture.
"We need to figure out where and how we're even supposed to pull this 'worthy army' out of our asses, pardon my French." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Serafina's eyes drifted around the others at the table, first to Rowena, then to Alastor, then to Dean as the three of them spoke up.
"Alastor does have a point... perhaps Lo'que said he'd give us two years to offset us, especially if he clearly means to not wait that long for us to prepare... Either way, we cannot take any chances, and we should not trust what Lo'que says, he may as well have been lying to us through his damned teeth..." She spoke towards the table as a whole,
"As for how we are going to gather such an army to combat against Lo'que and his hordes, it's clear that our numbers here at Swiftwood are far from enough... Even with the entire Ebon Council on the field, we will still be hopelessly outmatched... If nothing else, we would need some sort of a miracle for that to occur... But even if we were prepared for Lo'que or not, we can't just sit around and do next to nothing. We have to at least try, because if we don't, then we're already dead..." Rowena's head shot up suddenly from the table as she glanced towards Alastor for a brief moment, then she looked towards each and every member of the Ebon Council, her eyes wide and nearly vacant, like a deer in headlights. Hearing all this talk was doing next to nothing to ease the edge off her mind.
" Try... yes... we must try... Time is short, too short," She spoke, not saying anything else but gibberish in between her words. She was seeing so much swirling in her mind, Lo'que... Daemons... myriads of them... the ruins of Swiftwood Academy... the world descending slowly into chaos... She shook her head,
" No... no... no... It's terrible... so terrible..." she drolled on, speaking to no one in particular except herself as Alastor continued to try and console her. Cassandra adjusted her collar, which had been agitating the bruises in her neck, and sighed.
"Let alone the army he probably has behind that stupid seal, what about the king? You know that spell I used to take out Terragon? Its part of a set called the Prayers of the Four Kings. One spell for every element, reportedly the strongest of each base element. The one I used was the spell for water. Water compressed so tightly and released so fast, it looks like a laser and cuts through just about whatevr you point it at. I have to use a very long spell, where if you mispronounce a single syllable, you might as well hang up your plans for the future because you'll be in a coma for the rest of your existence. If you're lucky. It took me ages just to get a single laser from a cloud. Lo'que used the same spell from his finger. No chant, no circle, from his finger. No one's supposed to be that strong." She frowned, crossing her arms. Serafinas eyes darted back over to Cassandra as the elf spoke up,
"As I spoke of before, Lo'que is an enemy of great power, he knows just about every single spell there is out there, I would think... And apart from great magical prowess, his physical strength is near unmatched, you remember how easy it had been for him to crumple your plate armor as if it were paper, yes?" She asked rhetorically of the elf. Seamus spoke up again, adding on to Serafinas statement.
"You claim no one is supposed to be that strong, which is true in a way, if they were just any ordinary being. Think Cassandra, this shadow king was a little over five hundred years old when he was sealed away for seven hundred years. You are capable of simple math, do so now. All that free time he had, and you really hunk he hasn't been preparing himself for this doomsday? I'll bet he's arrogant enough to have it all planned out word for word, a speech prepared as he takes over the world with those foul daemons. Seven hundred years is a long time to train your mind and body, accompanied by all the books ever created about magic at his fingertips. He's strong for a reason, and revenge is it the best reason for our situation." He said with subtle concerning his voice.
Little did the council know, just around the corner, Natalie Nymphadora was flying at full speed, practically dragging Namir with her.
"Where did you say the conference room was again Mimi??? Hurry come on! They probably already started!!!" She said frantically, starting to wish she hadn't stayed up so late last night, now she was paying for it because she overslept for their surprise appearance in the conference. Namir allowed himself to be dragged along, not trying to stop Natalie though he could have done so easily. He was still in his TsuyoNeko form seeing as he would have to be in it for a while.
"At the end of the hall. Its the large, impressive looking doors. Don't worry Dora, we'll get here in time to say something to them. I know the teachers. They'll deliberate for hours before they come up with a feasible idea. They've probably only just gone over what a threat Lo'que is." He suggested with a small smile. Natalie nodded, appreciating his reassurance, however, she couldnt help but feel a little anxious as they reached their destination. Throwing open the doors, Natalie made her way inside, Namir close behind.
Serafina gave a nod towards Seamus's addition.
" That is also true... Lo'que obviously wouldn't just watch us all these years and would not even lift a finger to do anything about it. For seven hundred years he's been building up an army, hidden from our eyes and the eyes of the mortal worl-" She started, but stopped midsentence as Natalie burst into the room with a strange man who she did not recognize come in with her. Arrianna looked incredulous as Natalie burst into their conference.
"W-what is the meaning of this?! Natalie who is that with you?! They do not attend this school!" She asked, standing from her seat in alarm, only to feel the calm hand of her coheadmistress on her shoulder, prompting her to relax.
" At ease, Arri... I'm sure Natalie has reason for barging in on our meeting unannounced and bringing this stranger with her... Sit down and hear them out first." She could see the anxiety clear on the fairy girl's face, if she had been so quick to come in while the Council was holding a meeting, if nothing else, it had to be something of utmost importance. Arrianna let out an irritated puff of air, but complied, sitting down as instructed. Cassandra looked up as well, rising a little from her chair.
"Natalie, this is a council meeting. A very serious one at that. If you need something-" She fell silent as Serafina said they should listen to Natalie and the stranger. She stll felt a little unease though as she sat back down. This stranger, though none of them had seen him before, seemed to carry a sense of familiarity with his surroundings. He was a stranger to them, but not to the school it seemed. Namir chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked around the room. Natalie suddenly realized all the attention was now on her, and figured uncomfortably. She had been spoken on making it here that she hadn't even started to plan what she was going to say. Thankfully, Namir took charge of that.
"From the looks of things, you all were just about to start planning what to do in response to Lo'que's challange. Great. We came just in time like I said we would Dora." He cleared his throat and took a step forward.
"Forgive us for the intrusion, but what we have to say is of the uptmost importance. First, you all know me, you just don't realize it yet, because none of you have seen my right eye. But I'm getting off the point here. We know just how you can build the force you need to be able to take on Lo'que's forces. Unfortunately, due to the actions of past councils, it will be very, very hard." He walked forward and laid his hands on the table.
"We need to enlist the help of Ancient Ones." He stated calmly. Arrianna practically scoffed at the idea.
"And just how, do you expect to do that at a time like this? Who would go on such a journey?" She asked mildly amused. At this point Natalie spoke up.
"Well... We were hoping to..." She stated, looking over all of the teachers. Scilence, none of them seemed to believe they could do it. Now Natalie took on a much more athorative tone.
"He's a thousand year old Bakeneko, I'm a eight hundred year old light fairy from a royal line, we have enough experience and strength to go out and be able to protect ourselves. We have an unlimited database back here at Swiftwood.... We could go during school holidays and see what we can find. It's worth a shot, and I will not let this world perish as my home was." She ended with more force. There was no arguing with her, whiether hey approved or not she was going on this journey. It was obvious from her words now that she realized who she was and where she came from. At this, Arrianna, Seamus, and Dean stirred a bit in their seats. For the first time in what seemed to be ages, as Serafina listened to what Natalie and the stranger said, a small smile lit the dragon's lips.
"Well, such a journey could take a lot of time to do, but with the Council being pressed for solutions and for such little time we have, we'll take whatever help we can get, these are desperate times indeed." She said with a slight shake of her head.
"To be honest, your aid comes at the best opportunity we could ask for, time is of the essence now, and we cannot afford to waste it..." Cassandra listened to this, then shook her head.
"Hold the phone, a thousand year old Bakeneko? That's no bakeneko. Maybe a normal neko, but to be a bakeneko, he would have to....." Cassandra fell silent as she looked over Namir.
"Well, isn't this a nice little surprise." She sighed again.
"I think they can take care of themselves. Well, the 'stranger' can at least. You've all seen my familiar Namir right? Fast little furball, and packs quite a wallop. And apparently strong enough to access a human form. We're looking at the cranky old grampa cat himself." She said with a small smile. Serafina's eyes then went to Cassandra, and a light of recognition sparked in her.
"Of course~ How could anyone ever forget wise old Namir? Though I didn't think he would have a human form, no wonder we didn't recognize him when he came in with Natalie! Admit it, Cassandra, even YOU didn't recognize him until she mentioned who he was!" She chuckled. Cassandra couldn't help but smile a bit at the headmistress' words.
"Well How was I supposed to? I'm used to seeing a three and a half foot tall relic in an orange coat. If he had a human form, I would have thought it to be an old man who was even more unnaturally strong and fast than the geezer normally." She looked back to Natalie and Namir.
"Remind me again, just who are these Ancient ones we need to find?" She asked curiously. Natalie chuckled a bit at their revelation with Namir, but then turned to answer Cassandra's question.
"We have thought of a few; Star Eater Dragons, Mountian Giants, the giant Wind Serpants like Quetzalcoatl, and Celestial Kitsunes. We also thought we could settle for lesser, but still just as effective mythological creatures such as Phoenixes, Unicorns, Fye, Nymphs, anything immortal, durable, or at least very large in size. We plan to do more reaserch in the library later today." She summarized. Cassandra listened to the list of creatures that Namir and Natalie were planning on finding. When she came to celestial kitsunes, for a moment the elf wanted to scoff. Then she remembered that there was one in one of her classes. A sevent year. At first, she could hardly believe it when the headmistresses told her, but then she had seen the boy at work. While he didn't have the same flair as she did, the boy was powerful. She looked at the pair, then to the rest of the council, waiting to see what their reactions would be. Arrianna looked over Namir and gave a puzzled, yet pleased expression.
"Yes... Yes Now I can see it...." She glanced over at Natalie as well, nodding in approval as she listed some of the ancients that she planned on finding.
"So, with your new found memories I suppose that you are much more powerful? Afterall, ancient magic is the strongest kind." She mused quietly. Natalie nodded.
"Yes, I'm afraid I gave quite a few people the scare when I 'woke up'..." She looked down, and gave a halfhearted chuckle. However she'd have to write down the spells before she had Namir close her memory again. Serafina's eyes widened as Natalie lists off the various creatures that would be able to help them in their fight against Lo'que. Of course, finding all of these creatures would take weeks, months, maybe even years to do, and even still, there was another catch. She gave a small smile as Arrianna and Natalie discussed the light fairy's awakening, then she spoke,
" Finding these creatures is one thing, but I would suspect that a number of them would want reason as to why they should join out cause, yes? But I have faith in the two of you to bring these ancients to our aid, we'll need all the help we can get." She looked over towards Arrianna for a moment,
"If nothing else, having the ancients on our side will possibly not only help us stand a fighting chance against Lo'que, but maybe we would be able to defeat him once and for all... We cannot be certain of this, but it is possible, no?" Arrianna nodded and stood.
"Very well, I believe we have come to a conclusion then; When possible, we will release these two to go off and find help. We can all vouch for their experience and wisdom, for sure they are the best pairing we can trust to seek out creatures of old, therefore I will close this meeting with these final words: Do not fail us. You are Swiftwoods' last hope..." She said with sincerity.
"I hereby assign the entirety of this council to aid in every aspect of their mission, that includes supplies, research, and when necessary, you yourselves. Otherwise, until we get more information, we go on as though nothing has changed. For the sake of the students no one is to speak of the event four days ago, understood?" The council all nodded their heads in agreement, and an expectant silence fell over the room.
"Very well. Meeting adjourned."
