ULTRAMagic Shadowland - Chapter 9
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“Um… give me a second…”
Odo was confused as Andelin turned around to fiddle with her deck. “I beg your pardon, Andelin?”
“Blast it all, what was that riddle?”
Weaver shook his head and chuckled. “This wouldn’t be the first time she was unprepared…” He was not laughing with her.
“Quiet, you!” Andelin shot back as she threw a card at his face, sealing his mouth like a zipper.
“MMPH!”
Gabriella was caught off guard by this. “Madam, I must point out that was very uncouth of you.” She began to approach, only to have another card tossed at her. This one left her locked up in a gibbet cage. The same happened to Weaver as he tried to approach.
“Ah ah ah, both of you wait your turn…” For good measure, Gabriella’s mouth was also sealed shut. “Don’t worry, Sir Odo, I’ll unzip their mouths when I’m ready. I just need to focus…” Andelin then went back to her business.
“Hmpf…” Weaver grunted.
Odo waited a moment, then spoke up. “Andelin, if this is an inconvenience for you, I could devise the game. It wouldn’t be difficult…”
She paused. “Really? Even though I’m probably going to imprison you in my deck?”
“I…I cannot decline a good challenge when the opportunity arises. I also pride myself on my chivalry…”
Andelin riffled her cards once more. “Oh wait, I found the riddle! Thank you for the offer regardless.” She snapped her fingers, unsealing Weaver and Gabriella’s mouths.
“What ever are these cages?” Weaver questioned as he rattled about.
“My deck has improved since the last time we fought, Weaver. Although I will concede I wasn’t sure what hex was going to be cast just now.”
Gabriella also began rattling about. “This is so… so… dishonorable and uncouth!”
“Well to be fair, it would have been a three on one fight, my dear…” Andelin pointed out.
“She has no honor.” Weaver cut in. “Just consider yourself lucky she has coated you in crystal yet…”
Andelin took offense to that. “And I’m the uncouth one here?! Firstly, I never actually oppressed anyone. I managed the cult’s money and looked pretty. That was Gratiana bossing people around. Secondly, I know you loved my crystal spells, even when you were fighting your friends. You like having power, don’t you?”
“Shut up! No I didn’t…” Another card flew at Weaver, covering his body in shiny, black crystal. It crept up to surround his face and stopped. “Dang it…”
Andelin dispelled the cage since Weaver was under her control. “You didn’t undo my Hex?”
Weaver felt dumb. “Um… no. I wasn’t sure how to do it.”
Andelin laughed. “Well you couldn’t have because I found out how to strengthen the Hex. Looks like I did a better job than I thought, ha!”
“What even is this magic?” Odo cut in. “This… Hex magic, you called it…” He inspected Weaver’s body, which now looked like it was covered in obsidian. “Intriguing to say the least…”
“Oh gee, thanks new guy,” Weaver grunted. “How about you go join her while you’re at it…” Odo did not appreciate that comment.
“Ah yes, Hex magic is a truly wondrous and forbidden technique…” Andelin tossed one more card at Gabriella. It got rid of the cage and covered in her red crystal, like it had with Weaver.
“What the? I can’t control my body!” Gabriella cried as she walked over to Weaver’s side and stood still.
“Don’t panic, you’ll be fine.” Andelin assured. “I’ll even let you keep those cards when we overthrow Milosh!”
Odo looked at Andelin with bewilderment and shook his head. “You’re awfully confident despite our games not having started yet. Also you want us to help you take down Milosh… Why don’t you just ask for our help?”
“I’d rather not, truth be told…” Weaver stated. “Also don’t bother asking, she’s nuts.”
“Where’s the fun in that, Sir Odo?” Andelin put forth. “Also how rude of me to delay the games. Let’s begin!”
What happened next was beyond comprehension. Andelin began speaking in a strange tongue followed by Odo speaking the same, but it was clear he was more adept at it. Weaver and Gabriella watched from their crystalline prisons, unable to decipher what they were saying. The truly strange words would make anyone’s head spin. Despite how unintelligible it was, there was a rhythm to the madness that gave it a poetic quality. Weaver was lost, but Gabriella had an idea of what was being said. Eventually the insanity came to a stop, with a card of Odo on the ground in his place.
“RATS” Weaver complained.
“Odo!” Gabriella exclaimed. “Is he alright!?”
Andelin was having trouble breathing, but gingerly returned the card to her deck. “Well… played, Odo. Well Played…”
“Alright, Let me out!” Weaver yelled. “It’s my turn, isn’t it?”
Andelin thought about that as she caught her breath. Both of her remaining opponents were powerless to stop her. “Hum… Weaver? You’re familiar with the phrase ‘The house always wins?’ right?” she inquired devilishly.
As she pulled out a card, Weaver’s anger emerged in full force. “Damn it, Andelin! YOU CHEATING SON OF BI-” He was cut off as he was sealed within a card.
Before Gabriella could protest, the red crystal fully engulfed her. She then gave a bow to Andelin. “Oh my, you’re so beautiful! In you go so I can polish you later!” Once Gabriella was safe and sound, Andelin walked off. “HA, that went better than expected!”
Andelin felt good about herself up until she realized she actually needed to confront The Fear of Old. She was not looking forward to that. Adding insult to injury, she was on edge as it felt like someone was following her. Presumably this was how Weaver and the other two felt previously. Rodents were beginning to skitter away and the birds were taking off with haste. Andelin could feel her limbs grow heavy and breath shorten. Shackles appeared around her limbs and neck, making it clear to her what was going on.
“Andelin, sweetie? We need to talk…” Emerging from the shadows of the alleyway was a truly beautiful woman with long, scarlet hair. She wore an elegant, shiny dress that was as red as a rose. She then yanked Andelin into the alley quite roughly.
“Discordant God of Desire! Ack! What are you doing here, my most alluring master?”
“Cut the flattery, Andelin. Release the three you just captured. Now.”
Andelin was very confused. “Wait, what? Since when do you intervene in matters like this?”
The goddess was not in the best of moods. “Why do you defy me? Do what I say. Was it not I who gifted you that deck you wield? You are obligated to carry out my desires…”
“Hold up, master. At the risk of being turned into a crystal statue again, I have to ask; What’s even going on here?”
The goddess groaned, then sighed. “How do I put this elegantly? We recently had a large-scale incident occur in the Realm of Chaos and it relates to Milosh.”
Andelin was floored. “Really now?”
“As much as I would love to regale you with the entire incident-one you may be partially familiar with, I do not feel at liberty to give you the full details right now. What I will say is that a recent betrayal caused us to realize that Milosh has his grubby little hands in more than we initially thought.” She then noticed something interesting, as if sensing someone nearby. “Fascinating, one of Maxima’s sisters is here, in Shadowland. Ahem, Andelin? Please release those three and reconsider your alliances. It is of utmost importance”
Andelin was not sure what to make of this. She was not against heeding her master’s wishes when all was said and done. “Look, my master, I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I need to take out Milosh…”
“You’re not planning to take over the cult, are you?”
Andelin nodded. “Yes?”
“Goodness, just what would Teunis think? Well, how about you go join Sten instead?”
Andelin exhaled over the mention of that one name, but maintained her composure. “I suppose I could… I don’t really have a goal in mind aside from spitting on Milosh. Maybe I should call it quits after all...”
“Yes, and then you could also join up with Dunja. You do like her, don’t you?”
All of this was making Andelin incredibly nervous. “I mean yeah, it’s just… Master, are things really that bad? Does it really warrant such drastic intervention?”
She nodded. “Look, Andelin; this change won’t just help all of us, it will help everybody.”
Andelin sighed. “Alright, alright. If you think it’s the right thing to do, I’ll trust you. Now make yourself scarce while I reformulate my plans…”
“Thank you, Andelin. I owe you a boon…” As the goddess vanished, she left behind a deck of cards on the ground. This one was similar to Andelin’s deck, but appeared to have more unique and complex cards. “Also don’t forget about Teunis again,” her voice called out.
“What a bizarre turn of events…” Andelin remarked as she put away the new deck and drew three cards. Tossing them out summoned Odo, Weaver, and Gabriella. The three were now all encased in crystal with their faces uncovered. Odo looked down the best he could and saw that he was covered in white crystal. He then glanced at his immobile friends, who were very confused. Once she realized what she had done, Andelin took pride in her work and playfully cackled. She then composed herself so she could address them.
“Alright you three, change of plans…”
“What’s the big idea, Andelin?” Weaver interrupted. “Why are you just letting us out like this?”
“...Well let me speak and I’ll explain. Again, change of plans: We need to test Dunja and the others. We need to see if they’re ready to actually overthrow… sorry, defeat Milosh.”
Weaver glared at her with confusion. “And what if I say no-HMPF?” His mouth was covered in crystal.
“Sorry, but you can’t object!” Andelin replied. “All three of you are a part of my deck now!”
Odo sighed. “Alright then, what do you want to do? This is a deviation from my mission, but I’m up for taking out the cult if it ultimately helps Sten.”
“An excellent question! Firstly, we need to take out several of the cult’s warehouses and compounds. Then we’ll set up a test for Dunja and the others. If they pass, we’ll tell them where The Fear of Old is. If not, I’ll have a whole brigade of crystal servants, HA!”
This made the group uneasy, but Gabriella spoke up. “Okay… Why didn’t you just ask for our help then?”
“Reasons I cannot divulge at the moment due to a lack of knowledge and concerns for my master and multiple other people…” Andelin replied.
“Huh?”
“It’s complicated, dear angel. Very complicated.”
Gabriella was not sure what to make of that. “I see. Well as an angel, I can sense that you're in need…”
“Most certainly.”
“...and I presume this isn’t for evil intent?”
Andelin nodded. “I may have done nefarious things in the past, but I promise my intent is noble for these plans.”
“An Unorthodox way of going about this, but I’ll help.”
“Hrmph…” Weaver grunted, but in a way that indicated he was conceding.
“Again, I suppose we can go along with this if it furthers Sten’s ambitions” Odo agreed. “What shall I do?”
Andelin snapped her fingers, fully covering him in crystal. “Thank you, Sir Odo. Head to the west quadrant and clear out all of the cultists from Warehouse B. Bring any of Sten’s knights if you need them. And before you go: Don’t worry about spilling the proverbial beans. My crystals will guide you, hide your identity, and prevent you from talking just in case. And this goes for all three of you.” Odo nodded in confirmation and ran off.
“Mmm…” Weaver tried to speak.
With another snap, he was also fully covered. “Stick to the shadows and clear out warehouse D. I can tell you’re smiling, so I think you’ll have fun with this.” Andelin pointed in a specific direction and Weaver was off.
“And what shall I do?” Gabriella inquired.
Andelin snapped her fingers once more, covering up the angel barring her mouth. “Follow me. We’ll let the boys do the dirty work while we take care of the boring stuff…”
“Ah, alright then. Well if things go south, I’m well equipped to handle them. So who was that entity you were talking to?”
“It doesn’t concern such a dignified and magnificent angel such as yourself at the moment.”
Gabriella giggled. “Thank you… but I do wish to know eventually given how interesting her Pneuma was.”
“In time, in time. For now we need to secure the cult’s treasury… are you okay with bewitching a bunch of foolish men?”
“I suppose… What do you have in mind?”
Andelin got out a card that made her hands start glowing. She then began shining and smoothing out Gabriella’s jagged crystal armor. “Securing the money is going to be a bit tricky. I could just go in and ask, but they’d get suspicious of me. Going in all guns blazing would just arouse even more suspicion. You on the other hand are an outsider. You’re also a darling with fantastic manners…” Once done, she threw down a card that summoned a mirror.
Gabriella was stunned. “My goodness!” She looked like a piece of art, sculpted to perfection. Her figure was sleek and smooth, beautifully complimented by the red crystal.
“I took sculpting classes before my homeland fell into chaos. I even fancied myself a bit of an artist.”
“Sublime, Andelin. So how am I going to distract these cult members? Because a gorgeous, crystalline woman just walking in is a bit strange…”
Andelin gave her a card with information on it. “Read this. You’ll pretend to be a new, special member of Milosh’s forces. Specifically you’ll be there to check up on the warehouse, to make sure everything is in order while I extract the money with my cards. How’s your acting talents?”
“I’d say they’re acceptable. What kind of character do you want me to play?” Gabriella asked as they began walking.
“A refined woman who is there to get the cult back in shape, but not overbearing. Think charismatic: you have confidence, and you're there to reassure the cultists that everything is going according to plan. Don’t worry, I’ll prepare you before we do this. And before I forget, don’t call the group a cult. Milosh hates that designation.”
Gabriella nodded, processing what she had said. “I’ll give it my best shot. If I may ask, what kind of caliber of man are we dealing with specifically?”
“Men… but not the dashing, dreamy kind-no. We’re dealing with the loud, disgusting, perverted kind. I shouldn’t have to elaborate on the kind of people that would be attracted to Milosh’s nonsensical words.”
“Ah, I uh… I see…”
“Oh don’t worry, you have full permission to ‘punish’ anyone who decides to get touchy-feely with you. Source knows Gratiana and I have had to do that on multiple occasions. Typically those idiots are fairly good about it nowadays… we just had to make a few examples out of them back in the day. The first one to grab Gratiana’s bottom ended up as a scorch mark on the floor.”
“Oh dear… Well I can say I’m all that sympathetic towards the cultists…”
“And you shouldn’t be. They are not worth the dirt they walk and are more fitting of being turned into Shadow Constructs,” Andelin assured as they began to walk.
As they made their way to their destination, the angel grew curious. “Andelin? Since we’re on friendly terms now, may I ask why you sided with Milosh in the first place?”
She sighed, reflecting on her past. “It’s a long story, but I shall divulge the short of it: I was lost and confused after the fall of Feuerland. I thought Milosh could help me get back on track. He was charismatic and a smooth talker… and that was his only redeeming qualities.”
Gabriella could sense the regret, and that she was hiding certain details. “Oh dear. You have my sympathy.”
Andelin chuckled. “Don’t worry about it too much. I’ve been plotting my coup for some time now. It’s a shame, though. Milosh could have been so much more… had he not blown all of his opportunities on pride and vice.”
Next: Chapter 10
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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“Um… give me a second…”
Odo was confused as Andelin turned around to fiddle with her deck. “I beg your pardon, Andelin?”
“Blast it all, what was that riddle?”
Weaver shook his head and chuckled. “This wouldn’t be the first time she was unprepared…” He was not laughing with her.
“Quiet, you!” Andelin shot back as she threw a card at his face, sealing his mouth like a zipper.
“MMPH!”
Gabriella was caught off guard by this. “Madam, I must point out that was very uncouth of you.” She began to approach, only to have another card tossed at her. This one left her locked up in a gibbet cage. The same happened to Weaver as he tried to approach.
“Ah ah ah, both of you wait your turn…” For good measure, Gabriella’s mouth was also sealed shut. “Don’t worry, Sir Odo, I’ll unzip their mouths when I’m ready. I just need to focus…” Andelin then went back to her business.
“Hmpf…” Weaver grunted.
Odo waited a moment, then spoke up. “Andelin, if this is an inconvenience for you, I could devise the game. It wouldn’t be difficult…”
She paused. “Really? Even though I’m probably going to imprison you in my deck?”
“I…I cannot decline a good challenge when the opportunity arises. I also pride myself on my chivalry…”
Andelin riffled her cards once more. “Oh wait, I found the riddle! Thank you for the offer regardless.” She snapped her fingers, unsealing Weaver and Gabriella’s mouths.
“What ever are these cages?” Weaver questioned as he rattled about.
“My deck has improved since the last time we fought, Weaver. Although I will concede I wasn’t sure what hex was going to be cast just now.”
Gabriella also began rattling about. “This is so… so… dishonorable and uncouth!”
“Well to be fair, it would have been a three on one fight, my dear…” Andelin pointed out.
“She has no honor.” Weaver cut in. “Just consider yourself lucky she has coated you in crystal yet…”
Andelin took offense to that. “And I’m the uncouth one here?! Firstly, I never actually oppressed anyone. I managed the cult’s money and looked pretty. That was Gratiana bossing people around. Secondly, I know you loved my crystal spells, even when you were fighting your friends. You like having power, don’t you?”
“Shut up! No I didn’t…” Another card flew at Weaver, covering his body in shiny, black crystal. It crept up to surround his face and stopped. “Dang it…”
Andelin dispelled the cage since Weaver was under her control. “You didn’t undo my Hex?”
Weaver felt dumb. “Um… no. I wasn’t sure how to do it.”
Andelin laughed. “Well you couldn’t have because I found out how to strengthen the Hex. Looks like I did a better job than I thought, ha!”
“What even is this magic?” Odo cut in. “This… Hex magic, you called it…” He inspected Weaver’s body, which now looked like it was covered in obsidian. “Intriguing to say the least…”
“Oh gee, thanks new guy,” Weaver grunted. “How about you go join her while you’re at it…” Odo did not appreciate that comment.
“Ah yes, Hex magic is a truly wondrous and forbidden technique…” Andelin tossed one more card at Gabriella. It got rid of the cage and covered in her red crystal, like it had with Weaver.
“What the? I can’t control my body!” Gabriella cried as she walked over to Weaver’s side and stood still.
“Don’t panic, you’ll be fine.” Andelin assured. “I’ll even let you keep those cards when we overthrow Milosh!”
Odo looked at Andelin with bewilderment and shook his head. “You’re awfully confident despite our games not having started yet. Also you want us to help you take down Milosh… Why don’t you just ask for our help?”
“I’d rather not, truth be told…” Weaver stated. “Also don’t bother asking, she’s nuts.”
“Where’s the fun in that, Sir Odo?” Andelin put forth. “Also how rude of me to delay the games. Let’s begin!”
What happened next was beyond comprehension. Andelin began speaking in a strange tongue followed by Odo speaking the same, but it was clear he was more adept at it. Weaver and Gabriella watched from their crystalline prisons, unable to decipher what they were saying. The truly strange words would make anyone’s head spin. Despite how unintelligible it was, there was a rhythm to the madness that gave it a poetic quality. Weaver was lost, but Gabriella had an idea of what was being said. Eventually the insanity came to a stop, with a card of Odo on the ground in his place.
“RATS” Weaver complained.
“Odo!” Gabriella exclaimed. “Is he alright!?”
Andelin was having trouble breathing, but gingerly returned the card to her deck. “Well… played, Odo. Well Played…”
“Alright, Let me out!” Weaver yelled. “It’s my turn, isn’t it?”
Andelin thought about that as she caught her breath. Both of her remaining opponents were powerless to stop her. “Hum… Weaver? You’re familiar with the phrase ‘The house always wins?’ right?” she inquired devilishly.
As she pulled out a card, Weaver’s anger emerged in full force. “Damn it, Andelin! YOU CHEATING SON OF BI-” He was cut off as he was sealed within a card.
Before Gabriella could protest, the red crystal fully engulfed her. She then gave a bow to Andelin. “Oh my, you’re so beautiful! In you go so I can polish you later!” Once Gabriella was safe and sound, Andelin walked off. “HA, that went better than expected!”
Andelin felt good about herself up until she realized she actually needed to confront The Fear of Old. She was not looking forward to that. Adding insult to injury, she was on edge as it felt like someone was following her. Presumably this was how Weaver and the other two felt previously. Rodents were beginning to skitter away and the birds were taking off with haste. Andelin could feel her limbs grow heavy and breath shorten. Shackles appeared around her limbs and neck, making it clear to her what was going on.
“Andelin, sweetie? We need to talk…” Emerging from the shadows of the alleyway was a truly beautiful woman with long, scarlet hair. She wore an elegant, shiny dress that was as red as a rose. She then yanked Andelin into the alley quite roughly.
“Discordant God of Desire! Ack! What are you doing here, my most alluring master?”
“Cut the flattery, Andelin. Release the three you just captured. Now.”
Andelin was very confused. “Wait, what? Since when do you intervene in matters like this?”
The goddess was not in the best of moods. “Why do you defy me? Do what I say. Was it not I who gifted you that deck you wield? You are obligated to carry out my desires…”
“Hold up, master. At the risk of being turned into a crystal statue again, I have to ask; What’s even going on here?”
The goddess groaned, then sighed. “How do I put this elegantly? We recently had a large-scale incident occur in the Realm of Chaos and it relates to Milosh.”
Andelin was floored. “Really now?”
“As much as I would love to regale you with the entire incident-one you may be partially familiar with, I do not feel at liberty to give you the full details right now. What I will say is that a recent betrayal caused us to realize that Milosh has his grubby little hands in more than we initially thought.” She then noticed something interesting, as if sensing someone nearby. “Fascinating, one of Maxima’s sisters is here, in Shadowland. Ahem, Andelin? Please release those three and reconsider your alliances. It is of utmost importance”
Andelin was not sure what to make of this. She was not against heeding her master’s wishes when all was said and done. “Look, my master, I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I need to take out Milosh…”
“You’re not planning to take over the cult, are you?”
Andelin nodded. “Yes?”
“Goodness, just what would Teunis think? Well, how about you go join Sten instead?”
Andelin exhaled over the mention of that one name, but maintained her composure. “I suppose I could… I don’t really have a goal in mind aside from spitting on Milosh. Maybe I should call it quits after all...”
“Yes, and then you could also join up with Dunja. You do like her, don’t you?”
All of this was making Andelin incredibly nervous. “I mean yeah, it’s just… Master, are things really that bad? Does it really warrant such drastic intervention?”
She nodded. “Look, Andelin; this change won’t just help all of us, it will help everybody.”
Andelin sighed. “Alright, alright. If you think it’s the right thing to do, I’ll trust you. Now make yourself scarce while I reformulate my plans…”
“Thank you, Andelin. I owe you a boon…” As the goddess vanished, she left behind a deck of cards on the ground. This one was similar to Andelin’s deck, but appeared to have more unique and complex cards. “Also don’t forget about Teunis again,” her voice called out.
“What a bizarre turn of events…” Andelin remarked as she put away the new deck and drew three cards. Tossing them out summoned Odo, Weaver, and Gabriella. The three were now all encased in crystal with their faces uncovered. Odo looked down the best he could and saw that he was covered in white crystal. He then glanced at his immobile friends, who were very confused. Once she realized what she had done, Andelin took pride in her work and playfully cackled. She then composed herself so she could address them.
“Alright you three, change of plans…”
“What’s the big idea, Andelin?” Weaver interrupted. “Why are you just letting us out like this?”
“...Well let me speak and I’ll explain. Again, change of plans: We need to test Dunja and the others. We need to see if they’re ready to actually overthrow… sorry, defeat Milosh.”
Weaver glared at her with confusion. “And what if I say no-HMPF?” His mouth was covered in crystal.
“Sorry, but you can’t object!” Andelin replied. “All three of you are a part of my deck now!”
Odo sighed. “Alright then, what do you want to do? This is a deviation from my mission, but I’m up for taking out the cult if it ultimately helps Sten.”
“An excellent question! Firstly, we need to take out several of the cult’s warehouses and compounds. Then we’ll set up a test for Dunja and the others. If they pass, we’ll tell them where The Fear of Old is. If not, I’ll have a whole brigade of crystal servants, HA!”
This made the group uneasy, but Gabriella spoke up. “Okay… Why didn’t you just ask for our help then?”
“Reasons I cannot divulge at the moment due to a lack of knowledge and concerns for my master and multiple other people…” Andelin replied.
“Huh?”
“It’s complicated, dear angel. Very complicated.”
Gabriella was not sure what to make of that. “I see. Well as an angel, I can sense that you're in need…”
“Most certainly.”
“...and I presume this isn’t for evil intent?”
Andelin nodded. “I may have done nefarious things in the past, but I promise my intent is noble for these plans.”
“An Unorthodox way of going about this, but I’ll help.”
“Hrmph…” Weaver grunted, but in a way that indicated he was conceding.
“Again, I suppose we can go along with this if it furthers Sten’s ambitions” Odo agreed. “What shall I do?”
Andelin snapped her fingers, fully covering him in crystal. “Thank you, Sir Odo. Head to the west quadrant and clear out all of the cultists from Warehouse B. Bring any of Sten’s knights if you need them. And before you go: Don’t worry about spilling the proverbial beans. My crystals will guide you, hide your identity, and prevent you from talking just in case. And this goes for all three of you.” Odo nodded in confirmation and ran off.
“Mmm…” Weaver tried to speak.
With another snap, he was also fully covered. “Stick to the shadows and clear out warehouse D. I can tell you’re smiling, so I think you’ll have fun with this.” Andelin pointed in a specific direction and Weaver was off.
“And what shall I do?” Gabriella inquired.
Andelin snapped her fingers once more, covering up the angel barring her mouth. “Follow me. We’ll let the boys do the dirty work while we take care of the boring stuff…”
“Ah, alright then. Well if things go south, I’m well equipped to handle them. So who was that entity you were talking to?”
“It doesn’t concern such a dignified and magnificent angel such as yourself at the moment.”
Gabriella giggled. “Thank you… but I do wish to know eventually given how interesting her Pneuma was.”
“In time, in time. For now we need to secure the cult’s treasury… are you okay with bewitching a bunch of foolish men?”
“I suppose… What do you have in mind?”
Andelin got out a card that made her hands start glowing. She then began shining and smoothing out Gabriella’s jagged crystal armor. “Securing the money is going to be a bit tricky. I could just go in and ask, but they’d get suspicious of me. Going in all guns blazing would just arouse even more suspicion. You on the other hand are an outsider. You’re also a darling with fantastic manners…” Once done, she threw down a card that summoned a mirror.
Gabriella was stunned. “My goodness!” She looked like a piece of art, sculpted to perfection. Her figure was sleek and smooth, beautifully complimented by the red crystal.
“I took sculpting classes before my homeland fell into chaos. I even fancied myself a bit of an artist.”
“Sublime, Andelin. So how am I going to distract these cult members? Because a gorgeous, crystalline woman just walking in is a bit strange…”
Andelin gave her a card with information on it. “Read this. You’ll pretend to be a new, special member of Milosh’s forces. Specifically you’ll be there to check up on the warehouse, to make sure everything is in order while I extract the money with my cards. How’s your acting talents?”
“I’d say they’re acceptable. What kind of character do you want me to play?” Gabriella asked as they began walking.
“A refined woman who is there to get the cult back in shape, but not overbearing. Think charismatic: you have confidence, and you're there to reassure the cultists that everything is going according to plan. Don’t worry, I’ll prepare you before we do this. And before I forget, don’t call the group a cult. Milosh hates that designation.”
Gabriella nodded, processing what she had said. “I’ll give it my best shot. If I may ask, what kind of caliber of man are we dealing with specifically?”
“Men… but not the dashing, dreamy kind-no. We’re dealing with the loud, disgusting, perverted kind. I shouldn’t have to elaborate on the kind of people that would be attracted to Milosh’s nonsensical words.”
“Ah, I uh… I see…”
“Oh don’t worry, you have full permission to ‘punish’ anyone who decides to get touchy-feely with you. Source knows Gratiana and I have had to do that on multiple occasions. Typically those idiots are fairly good about it nowadays… we just had to make a few examples out of them back in the day. The first one to grab Gratiana’s bottom ended up as a scorch mark on the floor.”
“Oh dear… Well I can say I’m all that sympathetic towards the cultists…”
“And you shouldn’t be. They are not worth the dirt they walk and are more fitting of being turned into Shadow Constructs,” Andelin assured as they began to walk.
As they made their way to their destination, the angel grew curious. “Andelin? Since we’re on friendly terms now, may I ask why you sided with Milosh in the first place?”
She sighed, reflecting on her past. “It’s a long story, but I shall divulge the short of it: I was lost and confused after the fall of Feuerland. I thought Milosh could help me get back on track. He was charismatic and a smooth talker… and that was his only redeeming qualities.”
Gabriella could sense the regret, and that she was hiding certain details. “Oh dear. You have my sympathy.”
Andelin chuckled. “Don’t worry about it too much. I’ve been plotting my coup for some time now. It’s a shame, though. Milosh could have been so much more… had he not blown all of his opportunities on pride and vice.”
Next: Chapter 10
ULTRAMagic Alternate © 2022 William Ford II (ChaoticTempleKnight)
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