TWST Book 6 - 5 Overblot Crew Gets Kidnapped
So this is broken into 3 parts. (All in this same post, I promise) Vil and Jamil have already been taken, but Riddle, Leona, and Azul are in other places, so they get written too. Pls enjoy!
Riddle (And Zero)
Zero tenses, taking a small step back as the horse shakes his head and paws at the ground. “Are they usually this antsy?” She asks, moving closer to Riddle. She had never been this close to an animal of this size.
Riddle puts a hand on her lower back, trying to calm his girlfriend. “Not at all, you don’t have to be so tense. Vorpal is very well trained; he won’t harm you in any way.” He takes her hand and gently places it on the horse’s neck. “You can pet him all you want, just stay away from his mouth.” Zero nods, beginning to rub the horse’s neck with slow motions. Riddle turns to look at Silver, who had just come into the barn, walking over to the stall next to them. “What’s the matter? The horses are rather agitated today.”
Silver shrugs. “Maybe a big storm’s coming. Animals can sense when something’s not right.”
Zero takes a step away from Vorpal to join the conversation, not willing to be touching the horse without her full attention on it. “They are actually a great indicator for certain natural disasters.” There’s a loud bang and the ground shakes. Zero immediately jumps up and moves as far away from Vorpal as the small stall will allow.
Riddle turns to look outside. “What was that?!”
Zero, taking a shaky breath, opens the stall door and walks into the barn hallway. “I have no idea…”
“We should go check on everyone.” Silver suggests.
Zero and Riddle nod in agreement, the latter now leaving the stall. Zero takes his hand in hers, and the three of them start to head outside. Just as they exit the barn, Sebek comes running up to them.
“Silver! Riddle! Are you hurt?! Oh, hello Zero.”
Silver nods. “We’re fine. Is everyone else alright?”
Zero lets go of Riddle’s hand and uses the screen on her robot arm’s wrist to send a message to Idia.
Zero: U alive? Zero: Did u hear that noise? It was like a loud bang Zero: Any ideas wat it was or wat happened? Maybe send Ortho?
“Yes,” Sebek says, responding to Silver. “All club members and horses are safe and accounted for. What was that noise? And those tremors?”
“I don’t know,” Riddle answers. “My guess is that the school’s barrier is under attack– What?!” He points out the people flying in the sky.
Zero freezes in place when she spots them, her eyes going wide. She immediately recognizes them for what they are: STYX soldiers. They had a couple of different names: STYX soldiers, STYX security, the Ferrymen, and the Charon, but this group was specifically known as the Charon Spec-tech unit. She shakes her head, hugging herself. “No… please tell me I’m dreaming…” she murmurs to herself.
Riddle looks over at her worriedly. “Zero? What’s wrong?” She just continues shaking her head, trembling as she watches the soldiers land.
“Hexa Team, reporting in. Subject A is in our sights. Zero Shroud also sighted. Moving in for capture.”
Zero falls to her knees, tears welling up in her eyes. “No… why are you here… why…” Her voice cracks.
“Just who are these intruders?! I’ve never seen their armor before!” Sebek asks, his voice bordering on yelling.
“They’re not our allies, that’s for sure.” Silver responds.
Riddle steps forward. “Entering campus without permission is strictly forbidden. You are in serious violation of the rules!”
Panic sets into Zero, and she starts breathing rapidly. “WHY ARE YOU HERE?! WHAT ARE YOUR ORDERS?!” She screams at the soldiers.
“We are prohibited from disclosing mission details.”
“I DON’T CARE ABOUT YOUR MISSION! LEAVE!” She grips her shirt near her chest, heart pounding.
“Your presence has been requested at Styx HQ, Miss Shroud.”
“If you need someone to take charge, have Idia do it! I want nothing to do with any of this!” The tears in her eyes begin to overflow, cascading down her face.
Riddle looks to Zero for a split second before looking back at the intruders. His eyes are filled with hate as he speaks. “By my authority as Heartslabyul housewarden, I authorize the use of magic on these intruders! To battle!”
“Rodger!” The two Diasomnia students shout.
“Subject A and Miss Shroud are hostile. Requesting permission to engage.
Zero stands. “PERMISSION DENIED! You have been told to leave! That’s an order!
The soldiers completely ignore her. “...Permission granted.”
“You dare to set foot on our territory without authorization?! Now you have nowhere to run!” Riddle raises his magic pen.
“I told you to leave! Zero to Infinity!”
“Rgh…” Sebek falls to one knee. “I’ve hit them with loads of spells, but they remain undaunted!”
“Maybe their equipment nullifies magic,” Silver suggests.
“It does,” Zero responds.
“This doesn’t bode well for us…”
“Technomantic capture beam, fully charged. Firing now.” One of the soldiers fires a large beam at Riddle. He screams as he falls to the ground.
“RIDDLE!” Zero doubles down on her attacks, managing to send one of the charon flying with the pure speed and strength granted to her through ‘Zero to Infinity’. She turns, getting ready to launch at another one, only for two of them to come down on her, pinning her to the ground.
“Gah… I think I’m… paralyzed…” Riddle chokes out.
“Subject A subdued. Securing now.”
“Administering sedative to Miss Shroud.”
Zero tries to struggle and get out of their grip. When a needle is pressed into her neck, she tries to fight harder, but gets nowhere as the drug is injected into her body.
“ZERO!” Riddle manages to send a huge burst of flame towards her, aiming specifically at the charon holding her down.
“Target has resumed hostile activity. All personnel, fall back.
Riddle manages to somehow get on his elbows. “You brought me to my knees…” His voice is filled with rage. “You’ve drugged someone precious to me. You have some nerve! I’LL HAVE ALL OF YOUR HEADS FOR THIS!”
“Stop all of this…” Zero begs, the sedative already starting to kick in, making her feel drowsy. “please…”
“Technomatic capture beam fully recharged. Firing.”
“No!”
Riddle lets out another scream as the beam hits him once more. After a moment, he stops as he goes limp.
“I hate you…” Zero cries as she begins to fall asleep.
“Target is subdued. Securing and returning to HQ. Miss Shroud also acquired.” Two soldiers grab the unconscious students, being considerably more rough with Riddle than Zero.
Sebek prepares to launch another spell, “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?! WHERE ARE YOU TAKING RIDDLE AND ZERO!”
Silver grabs the freshman’s shoulder, stopping him. “Sebek, look at the sky. There are more of them flying around the school. It seems they were after Riddle from the start”
“I concur,” he responds, looking at the sky. “They referred to him as the ‘subject’ from the moment they landed, and barely gave us a second glance. They also referred to Zero as ‘Miss Shroud’, and took her too. Her brother is the houswarden of Ignyhide, right?! Could they be targeting the housewardens?!”
“Hard to say, but we’d better get back to Diasomnia right away.”
Sebek nods. “Right. Malleus, please be safe.”
Leona (w/ Spade and Keres)
“Ruggie, I understand, but why me?!” Spade complains as they enter the botanical garden. “I’m not even dating that jeck anymore!”
Ruggie holds the door open for Keres. “What even happened between you two? No one ever filled me in on it.”
Keres nods at Ruggie in thanks. “Leona accused her of cheating, and then became a total fucking dick about it.” She explains.
“Pretty much,” Spade says with a sigh. She looks at Keres, “Why are you even here? Don’t tell me Professor Trein got onto you about this.”
Keres shakes her head as the group continues to walk further into the botanical gardens. “Nope, but me and Ruggie were going to work on some homework together after class before her got chewed out by Trein on Leona’s behalf. Which doesn’t even make sense!”
“Right?! This is Leona’s problem!” The hyena shouts.
“If that man wants to repeat the year AGAIN, that’s on him. Let him repeat it, he’s not my problem.”
“I don’t know why they don’t just kick him out at this point.”
Ruggie sighs. “Leonaaa~” he groans. “I know you’re in here. Your History of Magic report was due today, and ONCE AGAIN you failed to turn it in. Professor Trein almost burst a blood vessel. Now he’s on OUR case, telling us to bring you in!” He calls. “Think about what you’re putting ME through!”
“Get your ass out here before I find you and drag you out!” Spade threatens. “This shouldn’t be my problem, but it’s been made my problem!”
Theres a crash from above them as the ceiling above them shatters.
“Huh?! What was that?!”
“Shit!”
As glass shards begin to fall, Spade grabs Keres, who was closest to her, and immediately casts a barrier over the two of them.
“Ack! The glass ceiling’s coming down!” Ruggie lifts his arms in a attempt to cover his head when suddenly a barrier is cast over himself.
“C’mon, Ruggie. You’re a sophomore. You should know how to insta-cast a barrier by now.” Leona says, coming over.
“Leona!” Ruggie calls out in relief.
“UGH! Of course you only come out when there’s some sort of danger!” Spade spits.
Suddenly, more of the soldiers, the same that had attacked Zero and Riddle, come down through the whole in the ceiling. They’re fast and in seconds they are landing in front of the group.
“What the hell?!” Keres jumps back, pulling her out her pen out of reflex.
“Penta Team, reporting in. We’ve got eyes on Subject B. Moving in for capture.”
Ruggie lets out a growl. “What’s WITH these guys? I know I’ve never smelled ‘em before. I’d remember a stench that bad.”
“I don’t know who you are,” Spade starts, pulling out her own magic pen. “But you sure as hell don’t belong here.”
“Agreed.”
“Wait,” Leona holds up a hand to stop everyone, “that insignia on their suits…”
Ruggie shakes his head with a smirk. “I dunno who they are, but they gotta be nuts to take you on.” He looks at Keres, “Me and Keres will draw their attention, then you and Spade blast ‘em and–”
“Nope. I surrender.”
“WHAT?!” Spade snaps her head to look at Leona. “Are you fucking insane? Have you just fuckin’ lost it?”
The soldiers pause for a moment, “... Turn over all magical items in your possession.”
“Here you go,” Leona steps forward and tosses over his magic pen. “That’s my magical pen. Take it.”
“He’s actually fucking lost it…” Keres mutters to herself.
“But why?!” Ruggie whispers. “There’s only three of ‘em. You could take these guys in your sleep!”
Spade grabs his arms and drags him back closer to them. “You and I could easily take them down, why are you just giving in?” She whisper-yells.
“Yeah, what happened to the ‘almighty Leona Kingscholar’, the one whose gonna kick Malleus’ ass.” Keres mocks. “What the fuck is wrong with you!”
Leona shushs them. “See their vests? Those aren’t padded with wods of cash, you know. That’s anti-magic plate. Don’t do anything to get on their bad side.”
Ruggie looks at him in shock. “Anti-magic plate? Ain’t that what magic marshal uniforms are made of?”
“Familiar, are ya? Whats, did you have a run-in with the law back home after pullin’ some magical stunt?”
Ruggie looks away. “Maybe… Waaay long ago…”
“FOCUS.”
The hyena shakes his head. “Right, this ain’t the time for a trip down memory lane. We’re in serious trouble here!”
“I’ve seen that insignia on their suits a few times before, when I was at the palace.” Leona starts explaining. “I think these guys are Ferrymen.”
“The hell are Ferrymen.” Spade asks.
Leona looks at Spade, a stern look in his eyes that she recognizes from when she’d try to hide her injuries from him. “Look, just keep you tail between your legs, and don’t do anything funny.”
“Huh?”
“Object ovnfirmed to be offical Night Raven magical equipment. Subject B shows no signs of hostility. We request you come with us.”
Ruggies psutters for a moment, trying to find the right words while Keres stands there with her mouth gaping. “Wait, Leona?!”
Leona turns to face the hyena. “Ruggie, you and Ash are in charge of Savannaclaw ‘til I get back.” He looks at Spade, an almost sad look in his eyes. “Then again, I can’t be sure I’ll come back at all…”
“Wait, you can’t be serious!”
Ruggie’s jaw drops as Leona starts walking towards the Ferrymen. “What…?”
Spade grabs Leona’s arm, eyes hard. “If you think I’m just going to let them take you, you’re out of your damn mind.”
“Putting up a fight is only going ot get everyone here hurt, and I ain’t exactly keen on seeing you injured again because of me.” He meets her gaze, guilt in his eyes. “Seeing what happened to you a couple months ago was enough for me.” Spade’s grip loosens in shock, and she pulls away, letting the Ferrymen take him.
Azul (and Idia)
“So it is a strategy game, based purely on skill and knowledge,” Glitch looks at Azul. “No luck or chance involved?”
“Exactly, nothing is left up to chance. It’s all about out-smarting your opponent.” Azul confirms.
“And the goal is for this piece,” she points out one of the chess pieces, “to be taken out by your opponent, correct?”
“Yes,” Mika says. “That’s the king.”
Glitch looks at deep-sea mer. “But is that not the weakest piece? It cannot do much more than one of the pawns.” She tilts her head. “Why would it be the king? Kings are usually the ones who hold all the power. It is why they are kings.”
Mika shakes her head with a shrug. “Asking the wrong person.”
Idia gives the ancient being a dead-pan stare. “Have you seriously never seen anyone play chess?”
“I have seen the board plenty of times, but I have never seen anyone play, nor have I played it myself.”
“You’re worse than a normie then… Geez…” Idia rolls his eyes.
“‘Normie’?” Glitch furrows her brows, not understanding the term.
Mika places a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. Once they finish the game, you can give it a shot.”
“I was surprised to see you here, Glitch,” Azul says, moving his bishop. “It’s not often I see you at all.”
Said being watches as he moves the piece with great interest. “Mika and Spade were playing a board game the other day, and I showed interest in learning. I found the game amusing, and Mika suggested I come and check out this club. So here I am.”
Just as she finishes speaking, the building shakes, and some of the pieces fall. Glitch is quick to catch one of the kings as it rolls off the table towards her.
“It seems one of the kings has fallen…”
Mika stands as there is a loud crash that comes from outside.
“Erk! What is happening?!” Azul grips tightly onto the table.
“I wish I knew…”
“AUGH! I was totally winning that match! Now the chessboard’s all messed up!” Idia complains.
Azul gives his fellow housewarden a bewildered look. “That hardly seems relevant right now!” He gets up from his chair. “This is clearly an emergency!”
“Leave it to Idia to care more about a game than what’s happening in reality.” Mika says with a sigh.
“Ortho, give me a sitrep.”
“Roger!” The humanoid gets up and moves closer to his brother. “The school’s barrier is under heavy fire from technomantic beams. It’s already been breached in several places. Multiple non-campus bio-readings detected within school grounds.” He says, his voice cheery.
“WHAT?!” Mika looks at Ortho.
“Intruders?!” Azul stands and Glitch simply turns to look out the window.
“How many?” Idia asks.
Ortho tilts his head for a moment before speaking again. “Presently detecting 15 life signs, plus additional heat signatures in teh air. Intruders may increase in number.”
“That isn’t good,” Mika turns to look at Idia. “How are you so calm?”
Idia completely ignores Mika’s question. “So they got beams that can breach the school’s barrier. What about their gear?”
“Regardless of what it is they have, I will be able to deal with it promptly.” For all but a second, Glitch’s eyes flash white.
“Gauging from the height and movement speed, they are either on brooms or technomantic flying machines. They are also firing magic projectiles and electric techomantic beams.” Ortho is interrupted by the sound of more crashes and lasers from outside. “Based on the performance of their mobile apparatuses and their technomantic energy circuits, this is Styx-made gear.”
“It matters not what it is or who made it, I will be able to destroy it.”
“Let’s not…” Idia sighs. “Uggghhh, this sucks. Guess that means they’re Ferrymen.”
Azul looks between the two juniors. “How are you two so calm?! Our school is under attack! We need to contact the other housewardens and–”
“Three flying objects approaching rapidly,” Ortho cuts him off. “Landing in three, two, on…” Just as he finishes, the glass windows shatter and three soldier-looking things come into the classroom.
“Nona Team, reporting in. We have visual on Subject C. Idia Shroud and the technomantic humanoid Ortho also sighted.” One of them speaks.
Glitch finally stands, silently turned around to face the intruders.
“It appears we’re out of time. All freshmen, evacuate!” Azul orders. “By my authority as Octavinelle housewarden, I authorize–”
The world around Glitch begins to move and shift, as if reality itself was vibrating as she stares down the intruders. Parts of the metal gear behind to spark.
“Chill, Azul,” Idia turns to look at Glitch. “Stop that.”
The sparks stop and the world stops moving as Glitch moves her gaze away from intruders to Idia.
“Don’t try and put up a fight. Just stay cool.” He continues.
Azul looks at him, biwildered. “What?”
“Are you serious?” Mika turns slightly towards Idia, making sure not to take her eyes off of the intruders.
“That’s the Charon spec-tech unit.”
“You’re gonna have to explain further,” Mika growls.
Idia jumps slightly at Mika’s harsh tone. “Specifically, they’re member of the Charon, a special technomantic security force with Styx. Just take your hands off your magical pen and put your hands behind your head.” He looks at Glitch. “You… just stop doing whatever it is you do…”
Glitch looks back at the intruders as she slowly sits back down. “Are they not a threat?”
“Not necessarily.”
“As long as you follow my brother’s recommendations… Your chance of sustaining an injury drops by 87%, Azul Ashengrotto.” Ortho says.
“Ah… All right,” Azul does as Ortho says.
“Target has surrendered. We request you come with us.”
Idia lets out a heavy sigh. “Dude, you guys are being way too rough. You’re gonna get sued one of these days.” He shake his head. “You’re not even going after a Phantom here. This huy’s a generally reasonable person. Couldn’t you at least talk with him first?”
“We are prohibited from disclosing mission details.”
“Hold on, what is happening right now?!” Mika fully turns to Idia.
“Ugggh, here we go with the ‘prohibited’ stuff.”
“Your presence has been requested at Styx HQ, Mister Shroud.”
Glitch looks at Idia. “‘Mister Shroud’?”
Idia glances at Glitch, but returns his attention to the Ferrymen. “They want me? Are Mom and Dad out of town or something?”
“We are prohibited from disclosing the location of personnel.”
Idia sighs again. “K. …Uh, I mean, roger. Let’s go, Ortho.” He starts heading over to the Ferrymen.
“Coming, Idia!”
Mika opens her mouth in shock, noises come out as she tries to figure out what to say, but no actual words come out.
Azul finds the words that Mika can’t. “Idia, what is going on?! Why would they want YOU?!”
Idia pauses and turns around to look at them. “Yeah, yeah, I know…” He rolls his eyes. “I’ll tell you later. Basically, ‘do nothing’ is the optimal strat for this random event.” He starts walking back towards the intruders. “Geez, there’s a ranking-based event for my fav character today. I was gonna push it hard… This sucks.”
“Are we seriously just not supposed to do anything?!”
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