Theft of Decks 4, CH 25

I keep coming up blank. The circumstances surrounding our eventual Wellspring are easy to decide for me. It should be readily available for anybody, regardless of station, money and power. It should only be guarded to keep anybody from stealing the deck, and otherwise free to use. But when it comes to the Wellspring itself, to the Guardians it will generate, I am drawing a blank. Should we try to keep it hidden? Dominate our surroundings and build an indomitable army? Try to invade the lands of Light? I… think I need to spend more time with the Liberty book instead. These hypotheticals without clear answers are messing with my mind.

The aftermath of the battle was simple – surprisingly so. Their surroundings were an absolute mess. Bloody carcasses lay everywhere. Human corpses were strewn further back. A fortune in meat and crafting materials was available for the taking. Yet, Emilia insisted that they would not be required to handle any of it – and also that they would have no say in the use of the crafting materials.

Disappointed, but unsurprised, they aimed straight for the nearest village, where they were treated to the much-needed use of baths, followed by a huge meal.

“This is weird, isn’t it?” Liam asked. “It feels weird.” He leaned back in the padded chair, hand resting over his bloated stomach. His hand indicated the well-furnished living room they were in, and the dozen plates and platters, some still half-full, on the ornate table before them all.

“What?” Kith asked, sucking the meat off a bone. He was attacking the remaining platters like his stomach was a direct depository to the Pits. “Nothing weird here. We came. We dominated. Now, we’re treated to the, erm, treatment that we totally deserve.”

Liam shrugged. “Yeah, but… We’ve been here a few hours now. This is someone’s home. A Heart too, judging from the color, not some nobody. And we haven’t even met them. What are we doing tonight, Em?”

“We are sleeping here, of course.” Emilia said, with an amused smile. “Do you believe we’d have you sleeping in a cramped storage room in some house of the mass? Liberators know gratitude, Liam.”

He grimaced. “That’s not what I mean at all. I just mean… we’ve had somebody thrown out of their home, and we haven’t even had the chance to thank them for it? That feels weird. Rude.”

Emilia smiled and leaned across the table. The movement made her burp, and she held a hand in front of her mouth. Patting Liam’s hand with her other hand, she smiled. “It’s a matter of perspective. We – all of us – belong to the Savior. So do our homes, our goods, the very beds we live in. For the Heart living here, this is nothing but a minor convenience. Which do you think he prefers? A roaming stampede of Guardians? Or having to sleep in another available house for a night?”

Liam turned his hand and squeezed hers in return. “Put it like that, it does make sense.” He leaned back with a satisfied sigh. “What do you all say? Is it time?”

“Time for what?” Emilia asked, eyes glancing from one to the other.

“Not yet.” Kith waved a bone in denial. “I barely started.”

“Barely started your sixth full plate, you animal.” Sera said. “It is time.”

Cilia nodded and explained. “Time, Emilia, for the time-honored tradition of sharing our improvements. Where we discuss our future improvements, plot our paths, and… vie for dominance, by showing others that their Mental Power is falling woefully behind!”

Sera raised an eyebrow. “Somebody is feeling way too upbeat.” She smiled at Emilia. “Also, yes. That is absolutely what we do. Allow me to start.” She cleared her throat. “Obviously, my progress here was nowhere near as impressive as it could have been, and I need to get used to receiving less Ænima than usual. Yet, I did gain a single step from the thunder rats. Also, my latest training, which I have kept up with as a matter of fact,” She raised a challenging eyebrow at Cilia. “has granted me another increase to Mental Power. Our fight showed me in no uncertain terms that our tactics are working. Hence, my latest increase will go into Mental Power as well.”

“And it’s not because you’re failing to keep up at all.” Cilia teased.

Sera mock glared at her, rattling off her details. She purposefully lied about Dark and Liberty being the only decks contributing to her Title.

Personal Info:

Name: Serafine Valerian

Title: Dark/Liberty healer

Step: 21 (Tier 4)

Strength: 15 (+1 Tier bonus) = 16

Agility: 19 (+1 Tier bonus) = 20

Toughness: 20 (+1 Tier bonus) = 21

Mental Power: 36 (+13 Tier bonus) = 49

Potential: 12 (+1 Tier bonus) = 13

“I, for one, have also been diligent in my training.” Cilia said. “Only, like we discussed, I really wanted to spend my time crafting, which has not truly been an option lately. Hence, I have focused on Mental exercises, easily handled on the road. The battle, I must admit, was fruitful for me. The fire droplets were rather effective, and I gained two Steps. As discussed, I am sticking with Mental Power. I believe, with the right materials, I will be able to regularly unlock the creation of permanent items by now.”

Emilia made a choking noise, holding both hands in front of her mouth with a wide-eyed look.

Cilia smiled at her. “I am glad we met you, Emilia. You look like somebody who would be able to keep up. Just like Sera. So far.” Her gaze was laden with challenge.

Personal Info:

Name: Cilia

Title: Dark/Liberty crafter

Step: 23 (Tier 4)

Strength: 13 (+1 Tier bonus) = 14

Agility: 21 (+1 Tier bonus) = 22

Toughness: 16 (+1 Tier bonus) = 17

Mental Power: 36 (+13 Tier bonus) = 49

Potential: 11 (+1 Tier bonus) = 12

“Now, I have not kept up with my training. At all.” Kith said. “Oh, don’t give me that look. You know I’ve kept myself damn busy lately, Cil.” His grin widened. “Besides, I’m not allowed to use my poor shadows. But I got myself two whole Steps from the fight. Being in the thick of it really helps! Though I decided to go with Strength and Toughness this time around, for added staying power.”

Personal info:

Name: Kith

Title: Dark/Liberty summoner

Step: 23 (Tier 4)

Strength: 19 (+1 Tier bonus) = 20

Agility: 23 (+1 Tier bonus) = 24

Toughness: 19 (+1 Tier bonus) = 20

Mental Power: 24 (+1 Tier bonus) = 25

Potential: 11 (+13 Tier bonus) = 24

Chase grimaced. “Normally, I would say so as well. Only… I was sure I’d earn a Step from today with those soarers, and the massive snakes. Except, I didn’t. And I don’t even have that sensation when you’re right at the verge of the next Tier. Perhaps there’s an increase to how much Ænima is needed before hitting Tier five?”

Sera patted his shoulder. “I am sorry. Even though my family knew a lot about walking the Steps, those were heights we never aspired to.”

Emilia, unexpectedly, broke in. “There is. This is also part of why so few reach the rank of pillars. There is a natural limit right at the edge of the twenty-fifth Step that requires additional Ænima to pass. The Savior pronounces it as the true test of the faithful.”

He blinked. “Oh. Ah, well. I’ll get there any day now. As for my training lately, it’s been acceptable. I’ve earned a single increase to Toughness.”

Name: Chase

Title: Dark/Liberty rogue

Step: 24 (Tier 4)

Strength: 20 (+1 Tier bonus) = 21

Agility: 24 (+13 Tier bonus) = 37

Toughness: 23 (+1 Tier bonus) = 24

Mental Power: 28 (+1 Tier bonus) = 29

Potential: 33 (+1 Tier bonus) = 34

“I feel like I’ve caught up with Mental Power now, to the point where I can easily keep up mentally, even when my Agility boosts kick in. I intend to keep it balanced like this. Training to ensure I don’t fall too far behind in either of the other attributes, even as I spend every point I get on Potential.”

“What?” Emilia burst out. “Why would you… who does that?”

Chase grinned. “Me? It’s a trade-off, really. I don’t grow as strong as Liam, or reach the ridiculous Mental Power of either of those two - but it’s been a long while since I got a card below Rare.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Now. Are you taking any bets on whether we’re likely to get our Tier three Liberty cards soon? Because, with my Potential, I’m betting I might even get an Epic rarity card. How about that?”

Emilia leaned back in her chair, looking like she’d been punched in the face. “But…”

Liam held her hand. “Take your time, Em. It’s not your fault that he’s being ridiculous. Which you are, Chase!” He scolded. “That’s almost as ridiculous as, say, being in your fourth Tier and earning three Fury-shorn Steps from a single fight!”

“Noo!” Kith gasped. “You didn’t.”

Liam raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t? Listen and weep.”

Personal Info:

Name: Liam

Title: Dark/Liberty fighter

Step: 23 (Tier 4)

Strength: 19 (+13 Tier bonus) = 32

Agility: 20 (+1 Tier bonus) = 21

Toughness: 30 (+1 Tier bonus) = 31

Mental Power: 15 (+1 Tier bonus) = 16

Potential: 10 (+1 Tier bonus) = 11

He flexed. “I like where I’m at. Sometimes, I feel the need to become a bit more in control, a bit more economical with my movements. But honestly, I think this is working.”

Emilia looked at his massive biceps. She murmured something under her breath.

“What was that?” Chase asked.

She blinked and blushed.

Chase knew damn well, whatever came out of her mouth next was going to be a lie.

“Oh. I just said that I couldn’t possibly share anything here. Compared to you, I am falling far behind. In fact, I haven’t heard about anybody who works like you do. Planning together. Growing this fast.”

“Oh, come on. You’ve been assigned to us twice now. We like you. Odds are, we’ll get teamed up with you again. That means you’re going to grow just as fast as us. So spill.” Liam’s words were warm and spoken with an absolute certainty.

“Oh. Okay, I guess.” She cleared her throat.

Name: Emilia Swiftstream

Title: Liberty healer

Step: 19 (Tier 3)

Strength: 14

Agility: 12

Toughness: 15

Mental Power: 13 (+3 Tier bonus) = 16

Potential: 11

“I don’t know how you normally do this, but.” She trailed off, then started anew. “I decided to become a healer, not to heal – that’s not an approach that feels natural to me – but because I believed that would grant me the chance to gain the best buffs. I don’t think fast in battle. I don’t have the mind to handle a lot of crazy cards like you have that need me to be aware of anything and everything. That’s why I wanted buffs, so I could raise myself and those next to me. Yet, even if I add my buffs to this, I won’t even reach two thirds of Cilia. And she’s a crafter! Where do I even go from here?” She looked at them beseechingly, something forlorn in her expression.

Liam chuckled. “The answer, dear Em, is always ‘up!’ Always one more Step. And you’re damn close to the next Tier, too. With that in mind, and having watched you fight? I’d say your Strength is just fine, and your Agility could use some work, but my recommendation would be Toughness. You don’t fight like Chase, prancing about like it’s some noble’s dance.”

“Hey!” Chase held a hand to his heart in mock offense.

Liam ignored his outburst. “You take the hits and keep coming. That takes Toughness. Though Sera’s going to say that you should add mental exercises to your routine too, for better, quicker decisions. Even with the bonus from your Title, your decisions mid-fight could be sharper. But your foundations are good, and you have a mean strike. Anything to add?” He asked the others.

Dead silence came at him from all sides.

“What?”

Cilia sniffed. “He’s all grown up. So responsible. It’s almost too much.”

The mood in the house was warm and friendly. They only stayed for a single night. Then they left and went home – for a certain value of ‘home.’

Their journey, this time, was mostly uneventful. There were only two extraordinary happenings along the way.

One belonged to Kith, who tried to convince Emilia that they should be allowed to keep their weapons between missions, for training purposes. He actually managed some leeway at that, in that she asked for permission through the Keepers. Unfortunately, the answer was a resounding ‘no,’ and they mournfully left the packs with their gear at the nearest shelter.

The other was less of a surprise to them. The first evening, after reaching their shelter for the day, Liam and Emilia went for a walk. Following that innocuous detail, their bedrolls just happened to be next to each other. Liam refused any comment for the rest of the trip, which Kith, of course, took as a challenge. Still, when Emilia finally left them at their home in Salvation to go deliver her final report about their mission, there was no debate that they would see her again.

“I am going to sleep for a week!” Liam yawned, pouring himself a glass of fruit juice while the others puttered about in the kitchen, arranging for light afternoon snacks.

“You’re not going to take a bath first? Emilia’s not going to approve of that. Unless she likes dirty boys. Does she like dirty boys?” Kith grinned, plopping down on the chair opposite of him.

“Okay, I’m going to strangle you. Then I’ll sleep for a week.” Liam growled.

“You’ll do no such thing. We all need to talk. Plan.” Cilia said, rapping the table with her knuckles in passing.

Liam and Kith groaned in concert. “Now? Can’t we laze about for a bit?” Liam asked piteously.

Kith suddenly went still. Then he stood up and left.

“Now see what you’ve done?” Liam said, pointing at Cilia. “You’ve chased him away with all your threats of work!”

The door slammed in the background.

“Who knows if he’s ever coming back?” Chase added.

Caught up in the task of slicing some fruit that had been set out for them, Cilia leveled the fruit knife at them. “I will stab you. Get to thinking. We need proper plans now. Also, Kith looked properly disturbed. Who’s checking up on him?”

Before anybody could do anything, the door in the foyer opened again and Kith strode back into the kitchen. With a furrowed brow, he read a tiny, rolled-up document. “Radine’s back. I have the latest news from the Elders. I… think, for once, we should probably listen to Cil. We need to talk.”

That was enough to change the mood. Within the minute, they were all clustered together at the table and Cilia ensured they wouldn’t be overheard by anybody.

Kith cleared his throat and shook the parchment. “This is from the Elders only – nothing new from the high Elementalist. The situation along the Furyborn border has changed. And not to the good – or so I believe. The Lightborn have not engaged with them, more than a few probes here and there. Their forces keep amassing, but not to the point where the Elders fear for an all-out attack. In fact, their reactions, so far, have been truly underwhelming, considering the challenge the Elders flung at the entire Lightborn empire.” Before any of them could speculate, he continued. “I know why.” A muscle ticked under his eye. “They’ve come here!”

“What?”

He nodded, expression downcast. “When Radine returned, she saw a huge force gathered near the Liberty border. My conversations with her… well, they aren’t quite conversations. But she is able to convey images, emotions. From what I could tell, it wasn’t a small force.” He wrinkled his nose. “Before you ask, no, I can’t get much more from her. No numbers, no proper troop compositions or anything really solid. Sorry.”

“Huh.” Liam huffed. “Well, if nothing else, at least that confirms that our decision to stay in here was the right one.”

Chase laughed nervously. “Damn. Yeah. Picture fleeing back out of the Prism with half the Liberators on your ass and stumbling right into a Lightborn army. That would be fun.”

“It also clarifies just how important it is that we create a proper plan.” Cilia said. “Regardless how many Lightborn there are, we can always leave in a different direction – if we are able to flee without pursuit, at least. Yet, unless we find a way to get to the deck, that is not going to happen.”

Pushing the piece of parchment across the table for anybody else to look at, Kith spoke up. “I actually had an idea for that. And it involves you heavily, Cil.”

“Listening.” Cilia folded her arms, raising an eyebrow.

He smirked. “You all know how I spent forever scouting the area around the palace before we tried to steal the deck?”

Liam huffed. “Yeah. Fine waste of time that was.”

“That’s what I thought, as well. Only… you all know how I found out about that tour, and about getting checked out near the entrance.” He shrugged. “Except, that’s the single situation I’ve seen of people just being admitted with a simple check of their credentials. Everybody else who entered was escorted in, due to some pre-made agreement or something.”

Chase grunted. “That sounds annoying. Also, figuring out how the internal mechanisms of how to get an invite work in practice… sounds really, really difficult?”

Kith nodded. “Right on. Right on. But did you know that there was one person I saw who didn’t have to go through a security check?” He snorted. “Of course you don’t. Because I never mentioned it. It was one of the damn pillars.”

“I… don’t see it.” Cilia admitted after a while. “What’s that got to do with me?”

Kith leaned forward eagerly. “You managed to craft illusions that fooled their best guards. We just need to get ourselves one of those fancy dark blue outfits that the pillars have. Then you get a good, long look at one of those Tier five bastards, craft an illusion to build a replica of their face, and hey, we’ve got a person right there, inside the palace. And this time, because we’ll be looking like an actual pillar, nobody will dare to stop us or question us before we’re stuffing the deck in our pockets.” He shrugged. “Walk right back out, ditch the illusion, wait for the next mission that takes us close to the border, and then we run for it. So. What do you think?”

Cilia “That’s…” She shook her head in amazement.

“More filled with holes than those underwear I made Chase discard.” Sera said.

“So comfy! They were my favorites.” Chase groaned. “Still, I need to agree with Sera here. That’s the weakest, most incomplete plan I’ve ever heard you come up with.” Kith started complaining, and Chase spoke right over him. “I also love it.”

Now, everybody stared at him.

Chase chuckled. “I know, I know. That made no sense. Just bear with me. Yes, every single part of the plan after entering the palace, including the escape, needs work. Also, yes, there’s bound to be issues just finding some of their fancy dark blue outfits. Still, you’ve all heard Emilia. If there’s one thing they do here in the blissful lands, it’s blind obedience to those who’re higher in rank than yourself – and for most people, a pillar’s going to be as close to an actual god as you can get, without having the Savior himself before you. Whatever else we’ll need to work on, I agree with Kith there. Nobody’s going to question a Pillar of Liberty about anything. So, for what it’s worth, I say, sure, it’s a dreadful start. But it’s still a start. Let’s work with it!”

Cilia blinked. “But… you don’t even know what you’re asking. The old illusion bracelets only had to portray a still image. A face is… a face!”

“Deep.” Liam said.

Cilia’s finger stabbed out at him. “Don’t! Just don’t! Who even knows if I can create a lifelike illusion of a face that doesn’t look horribly scary?”

“I have faith.” Chase said softly.

She went back to glaring. Eventually, her glare softened slightly, and she sighed. “Okay. We can try. On several conditions.”

“We’re listening.”

“First, this isn’t going to be the only plan we’re working on. I don’t mind trying to see if it works, but in case it’s impossible, we’ll still be trying to find alternatives. Second, we’ll get in contact with Reen again. If this works, and even if it doesn’t, we’ll want to get our hands on crafting materials that we won’t be able to get by ourselves. Weapons, too. Third… I’ll need something to write on. This is going to be extensive.”

Hours later, they split… to rest. That was one thing they agreed upon. After the battles they’d survived, they needed a chance to rest properly before even considering any new plans.