Chapter XI

Upon informing Album of what he intended to do, Ryokumo Caeli didn’t hesitate before turning and stalking toward the stairs that led down to the lower level, his eyes never shifting from Mallicent as the boy continued to make his way through the crowd and toward the ballroom doors. He didn’t want to come across as suspicious either to the guests or the guards around him on the loft, so Ryokumo moved as casually as he could, wanting to appear as if he simply had a sudden desire to go downstairs to dance, and though he had hoped that Album would remain where she was, he still wasn’t terribly surprised when she rushed after him, her features contorted in surprise and anxiety.

“Ryokumo, you can’t,” she insisted, her voice slightly above a whisper. “If you’re caught—”

“I know it’s risky, as is everything else we’ve done, but I’m not about to let that boy out of my sight,” he interrupted sharply, regretting his harsh tone and quickly speaking in a calmer voice. “He’s leaving the ballroom for a reason, and I need to know what that reason is. Even if he’s merely stepping outside for some fresh air, I must know! By all means, Album, stay here and keep watch as the princess ordered, but I’m going to follow him and see what he’s up to.”

“Absolutely not!”

To his surprise, the young woman grabbed his arm and pulled him back just as he reached the top of the stairs, her grip stronger than he had been prepared for, almost causing him to stumble backwards and lose his footing. Clenching his teeth, he turned back to request that she let him go, only to find her staring at him with a fire that he hadn’t yet seen in Album Luz, and he was both surprised and pleased by what she said next.

“Not without me, at least. I’ve got your back, too, through thick and thin, so if I can’t stop you then let's go get him together.”

His eyes widened, and though he would have loved her help, he still knew he couldn’t accept it before reminding her one thing. “I highly doubt the princess would approve of this, you know? Should we be caught, there will be consequences. I’m prepared to face them because I have less to lose, but you have your father and your family to think about. If this goes awry…”

“Then so be it,” Album asserted without a moment’s hesitation. “But if I let you do this alone, and something happens to you, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. You almost died the other day, so you can be damned if you think I’m going to let you run off without me. Do you understand me, Ryokumo Caeli?”

Realizing that she wasn’t about to take no for an answer, Ryokumo decided that arguing any further would be pointless. Do I understand her? Yes, I understand her perfectly. It’s as I said, Album, you are a strong person who just needs the right push. I wasn't wrong to believe in you, and you’ve just proved me right not two minutes after I spoke the words.

Ryokumo grinned, impressed with her conviction, and as she released her hold on his arm, he quickly took her hand and nodded. “Loud and clear, My Lady. Let’s go.”

She seemed thrown off by the fact that he was holding her hand, but she didn’t resist as he led her down the staircase that ended just before the open double doors. When they were halfway down, they watched as Mallicent reached the exit, so Ryokumo was about to pick up his pace, but Album pulled him back again. Before he could demand to know what the issue was this time, she subtly extended her hand and cast a spell.

“Markus.”

A tiny orb of light no larger than eyeball shot from her palm, crossing the small distance between them and Mallicent in under a second before fading into the young lord’s back. Having no idea what Album had just done to Mallicent, Ryokumo was terrified when the boy suddenly stiffened up and turned back to scan his surroundings, indicating that he had felt something when the light entered him. Fearing that he would notice them watching, he and Album turned and casually leaned up against the wall, wanting to seem as inconspicuous as possible, but Ryokumo still observed from the corner of his eye. Mallicent gazed at them for a moment, but he must not have deduced that they had been following him as he merely snorted before properly walking from the room. After checking to make sure that nobody else in the crowd had seen Album’s spell, Ryokumo turned to her with an inquisitive look.

“What was that? What did you do to him?”

She grinned slyly, seemingly proud that her little scheme had gone off without a hitch. “I stuck a tracking spell on him. With this, I’ll know exactly where he is so long as he doesn’t leave Hiriech. It’s linked to my mana so I can feel his location. Now we won’t have to follow right behind him so it’ll be safer.”

Ryokumo chuckled with pride and pressed both hands over hers. “See, what did I tell you? You’re brilliant, Album!”

“Oh, er, well thank you.” She giggled awkwardly, her cheeks turning a bit red. “With that done, we should go tell the others what we’re doing. If we just disappear, it’ll put us in a bad position since we won’t be able to rely on any potential backup.”

“Agreed,” he said. “In that case, wait here. I'll interrupt Nigreos and Abi’s little dance and let them know. Be right back.”

Releasing Album’s hands, Ryokumo moved down the rest of the stairs and entered the crowd of nobles, taking some amusement in the few odd expressions he received due to his Sukonese attire. However, given that he was in a rush, he ignored them and arrived at the dance floor where he found Abi and Nigreos still gently swaying to the tune of the music. Abigail’s back was to him so she didn’t realize he was there, but Nigreos instantly noticed his presence just on the edge of the crowd and cocked an irritated eyebrow, as if silently asking what he wanted and telling him not to intervene if it wasn’t important.

Enjoying a dance while on the job, eh, Nigreos? Well, not like I can blame you. I’ve noticed you checking Abi out these past few weeks, so I suppose I should be giving you a pat on the back for having the balls to invite her to dance. Lucky for you, I’ll make this brief.

Noticing Nigreos’s expression, Abi also turned back to stare as Ryokumo stalked towards the two of them, and he could tell that she was quickly on edge.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded once he was just beside the two of them. “Did something happen?”

Ryokumo shook his head and lowered his voice, leaning forward so that his face was just between Nigreos and Abi’s ears. “Mallicent’s departed the room. It could be for any number of innocent reasons, but I’m afraid he’s up to something. Album marked him with some sort of tracking spell so we’re going to pursue him into the castle.”

“What?” Nigreos hissed. “You can’t be serious! Our orders were—”

“I know what they were, but I have a bad feeling about this.” The wind mage shook his head, staring at Nigreos intensely enough to convey his emotions. “Apologize to Princess Ilirianna for me. I’ll suffer whatever punishment she has lined up for disobedience, but I have survived by trusting my gut, and my gut tells me to go after him. That being said, make sure she knows I’m forcing Album to come with me. Don’t let her pay for this.”

Nigreos grit his teeth with obvious frustration. “You…are an impulsive bastard, you know that? You almost died the other day and you’re still going to stick your nose into this? You’re going to let Album stick her nose into this?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to make Album stay behind, but she’s made it clear that’s not an option, and I now need her to track him.”

Ryokumo smiled sadly, understanding his friend’s anger and wishing he could appease him a little bit. But that’s just not a choice. I have to know what’s going on here, and if Mallicent is going to harm anybody, then he must be stopped. Mallicent, Vesh, the changeling, the red knight, the doctor… There’s too many variables, and I refuse to let even one of them get away. I’m going to put a stop to this.

“Should we come with you?” Abi asked softly, but Ryokumo was already shaking his head.

“No. The more people I’m distorting, the higher the chance we get caught. Not to mention…” Ryokumo glanced over to a spot near Lord Malloway’s table where Rotana Vesh was now having a conversation with Aeyir. “I saw Master Taurus step outside earlier, so you two need to be here to help the princess watch him. Leave Mallicent to Album and I.”

“And if you’re caught?” Nigreos quickly demanded, seeming ever more desperate to stop him. “What if you’re seen? He already suspects you of being involved in the break-in, so trailing him like this could be dangerous. Remember what Princess Ilirianna and Master Taurus said, Ryokumo.”

“I do remember, so I just won’t get caught.” Winking slyly at them, Ryokumo then moved back to begin to rejoin Album. “I’ll be cautious, my friends. Take care of things here for me, won’t you?”

They were clearly apprehensive and didn’t agree with him, but Ryokumo refused to give them another chance to argue, so he nodded goodbye and made his way back through the crowd and towards where Album was waiting for him by the door. When he reached her, the young woman smiled up at him, indicating that she was ready, and together, the two mages marched out into the halls of Castle Aquesen in pursuit of Mallicent Malloway.

***

The truth of the matter was that Ryokumo was right. After all of the stress leading up to the eventual success of being chosen for the royal team, Album knew she should be doing everything in her power to preserve her spot on it. Her father had constantly insisted upon its importance, and Album knew that if her decisions on that night jeopardized her position then her father would almost certainly disown her, as she was certain he probably wanted to do anyway. There were plenty of Luz cousins that her mother could use as inheritors of erasure magic. The only reason Acostav still intended to let Album take that role was because of tradition, and because his pride wouldn’t allow him to so quickly give the honor away to one of his brother’s children. But if Album was removed from the royal team for going against Ilirianna and Nakoma’s orders, that would easily be the final straw for the Master of Light.

But even so, as angry as I’m sure Master Taurus would be, I don’t think Princess Ilirianna would hold this against me.

“As your teammate, Ryokumo Caeli believes in you, so he is the one you should try not to disappoint. Understood?”

The princess’s words rushed through head once again. In Album’s eyes, accompanying Ryokumo was her way of fulfilling Ilirianna’s order. She didn’t want to disappoint the person who believed in her, so she would stand by his side regardless of how smart his choices were. Perhaps pursuing Mallicent would end in catastrophe, but Album knew that what she had said to Ryokumo before they departed had been the genuine truth—she truly would never forgive herself if her teammate lost his life in this endeavor. That was why she took the risk and used the tracking spell on Mallicent, and that was why she now walked beside Ryokumo as they made their way through the empty halls of Aquesen.

They weren’t distorted yet simply because they hadn’t actually done anything wrong. If a guard stopped them and asked what it was they were doing, they would tell them that they were feeling tired and had decided to return to their quarters. As members of the royal team, they would almost certainly not be questioned further than that, so distorting themselves would only risk a rather observant guard sensing them, and if they were caught creeping around under distortion, that would be a lot more challenging to explain away. They walked as casually as they could, with Album constantly keeping her senses locked on the tracker.

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“He’s in the lower level,” she whispered, her features tensing up at those implications. “More likely than not, he’s heading down to the lab. In fact, he’s probably already inside, and if he is then there’s not much we can do. Should we keep going?”

Ryokumo nodded as he subtly glanced to the right at a passing guard, who luckily ignored them, and it was only when they man was far enough away that the wind mage answered.

“Yes, on the off chance he’s still not inside yet. If Mallicent’s leaving his own brother’s celebration to go down there, then he’s probably doing something important.” Ryokumo narrowed his eyes. “Let’s finally give this laboratory a look, shall we?”

Album let out a sigh, internally preparing herself for what they were about to do. “Very well then. Follow me.”

She led Ryokumo down another few corridors, towards the stairs that she knew would lead down to the underground. Despite having been ordered to leave the lab alone, Album had actually sought out the entrance to the basement floor just in case they ever needed to go down there, so she was able to find their destination with ease. However, unlike the first floor of the castle, the basement was certainly off-limits to the two of them, so as they were approaching the small and narrow staircase, she moved up close to Ryokumo, their arms pressed against each other, as he cast Disto and concealed them within a distortion.

When they gazed down the darkened stairwell, lit by dim red firelamps, Album felt her anxiety cropping back up, and forced herself to swallow it down to press forward anyway. They walked as quietly as they could, not wanting their footsteps to be noticed by anybody that might be around the bend, but they were luckily able to reach the basement without running into guards or any other castle staff. The underground corridors were ridiculously creepy when compared to the brightly lit and open halls of the rest of the castle—the air feeling almost heavy and dry. The hallway went off in both directions, but since Album could sense that Mallicent was somewhere off to the left, they didn’t even break stride as they turned in his direction and continued onwards.

From what Album could remember, aside from the laboratories, the basement of Hiriech also contained cellars, private libraries that were heavily defended by security charms, the castle dungeons, and an emergency escape route meant to be used to evacuate the Malloway leadership should the castle ever come under siege. In addition, like most castles that predated the Age of Ascension, the basement halls were complex, meant to trap victims and get them lost should they not know the proper routes to take. Had Album not been able to tell the general direction in which Mallicent was located, they probably would have taken more wrong turns than they did. In addition, each wrong turn would have been even more detrimental had one thing not been strange.

There hasn’t been a single guard down here, she remarked with suspicion. Why? Normally the basement levels are heavily protected, but the halls are empty. Where did they all go? I don’t like this…

Album was about to mention as much to Ryokumo, but didn’t get the chance to do so before the sound of someone’s distant voice reached her ears, causing both her and Ryokumo to come to a sudden stop. They exchanged glances before nodding and proceeding towards the muffled and incoherent voices. As they crept closer, they were able to recognize one of them as belonging to Mallicent, something that was confirmed as Album felt her tracker drawing near. The second voice was unfamiliar, but she could tell that it was most likely a woman’s, and when they rounded a corner, they were forced to stop in place as they caught sight of Mallicent just a few dozen yards up ahead.

And the one he was currently speaking to was his mother, Yoral Malloway.

Album frowned, bringing her mana to her hands on the off-chance that either of them sensed their presence, but Mallicent and Yoral were too engrossed in their conversation to have any chance of sensing past Ryokumo’s magic.

No wonder I didn’t recognize her voice. Lady Yoral has hardly spoken since we arrived, but what exactly does this mean? Is she involved in all of this? Abi said her sense didn’t feel alerted by her, so I can’t help but doubt. But then, what’s going on here?

Deciding that the only way to garner any information was to listen, Album held her breath and began eavesdropping on their discussion.

“I do not care what you think you saw,” Mallicent was saying with a harsh tone, far from the respect one would expect when addressing one’s mother. “With each supposed vision you claim to witness, I grow more and more skeptical that you can actually do what you say you can. After all, you’ve made some wild claims before, but this one’s just nonsense. If you’d like me to take you more seriously, perhaps you can tell me something more pertinent to myself?”

Yoral rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. “You know full well that I can’t see my visions willingly. They just happen, Mal.”

“And as I always say, how convenient.” Mallicent snorted with disgust. “Leave me be, Firrik. If anybody needs to know then it’s Captain Vesh. I’ve done my part so just let me mind my damn business.”

“I’ve already told Captain Vesh,” Yoral retorted with frustration. “But Mal, you’re the only one I cannot guarantee the safety of! Regardless of what happens tonight, the others will not die, but I cannot say the same for you. Now knowing what I do about the princess, I feel it’s important to emphasize that you not do anything rash.”

“What the hell is going on?” Ryokumo breathed, so softly that Album barely heard him. “Something is happening tonight? And what do they know about the princess?”

“I don’t know, but…” Album grit her teeth. “I do not think that’s Lady Yoral.”

“The changeling then?”

The light mage nodded. She couldn’t begin to guess where the real Yoral Malloway was, if she were even still alive, but the way Mallicent was speaking did not sound like he was addressing his mother.

Not to mention, he called her “Firrik”? What does that mean? Is that her real name? Album furrowed her brow. But the problem is that if this Lady Yoral is the changeling, then why couldn’t Abi sense her deceit? Can biological magic trick even her sense? If so then there could be enemies in this castle we still don’t know about!

“I do not want anything to happen to you,” the woman went on. “I’m worried.”

“Don’t be!” the boy snapped. “I’m doing exactly as I was told. I’ll hide in the lab until it’s over, I won’t go anywhere near that ballroom, and if push comes to shove, I’ll use the escape plan. Just do what has to be done and leave me the hell alone!”

Seeming hurt by Mallicent’s sharp tone, the individual called Firrik merely sighed and nodded. “Very well. Be safe, Mal.”

With that soft goodbye, the woman turned and began walking down the corridor in the opposite direction of where Album and Ryokumo were standing. Meanwhile, Mallicent turned and faced a door on the wall just behind him, one that Album hadn’t noticed until that moment. The boy placed his hand against it, almost certainly deactivating a security charm, and recalling his words from moments ago, she knew that must be the laboratory they had heard so much about.

“What do we do?” Album frantically hissed. “Something’s going to happen, Ryokumo. Should we go back to the ballroom and tell the others, or should we try and apprehend the changeling or Mallicent?”

With so many options before them, Album felt overwhelmed, so she relied on Ryokumo to make their decision, knowing that he would be able to keep his calm in their current situation.

“No, this is our chance,” he uttered. “Mallicent’s unlocking the lab, so if we can break in, we can see what he’s hiding, force information out of him, and then take that back to the ballroom. We just need to be quick!”

“But the changeling—?”

“I know, I know,” he stuttered. “I want to pursue her, too, but she’s too much of an unknown variable. Mallicent’s a teenager so we should be able to take him down, but that woman could have any sort of ability. She didn’t reveal her hand when the knight attacked me, so I couldn’t tell you what she has up her sleeve. Mallicent… Let’s prioritize him.”

For a brief second, Album thought about suggesting splitting up, but she swiftly rejected the idea. She was in no position to fight anybody on her own, so staying with Ryokumo was the safest choice, and he had opted to combat Mallicent. Therefore, she did as he suggested, moving alongside him as silently as they could as Mallicent finished undoing the charm and pushed the laboratory door open. Unaware that he was being trailed, he casually walked inside without paying much attention to his surroundings, and because of that, Ryokumo was able to use magic to subtly slow the door’s closing behind him, leaving it open just a small crack so that it wouldn’t lock.

When they reached it, Ryokumo stuck his eye up against the slight opening before looking up at Album and mouthing, “He’s opening another door across the room. When he does…”

She nodded her understanding, then glanced down the hall in the direction Firrik had gone, confirming that she was no longer in their sight. Content that they were safe, Album waited for Ryokumo’s signal, and when he gave her a thumbs-up, the wind mage gently pushed the door open and crept inside with Album right behind him. The room was empty, Mallicent having already passed through the door across from them, but even so, they couldn’t help but stop for a moment and glance around with confusion. The room was filled with shelves of metal boxes and weirdly shaped items that Album didn’t recognize. Tubes of sorts stuck out from various parts, and upon closer look, she found that they didn’t have magic signatures.

What the hell are these?

Ah, so you’ve finally found me. Good. I’ve been waiting.

Her body going stiff, Album’s head snapped in the direction of the opposite door, easily recognizing that voice as the one she heard outside of Mallicent’s bedroom a few days prior.

The little pest has not yet activated the security charm and his back is to the door. He’s on the left side, fiddling with his toys so you will be able to surprise him. Now let me see you, Little Light.

“Ryokumo?” she whispered. “The subject from the bedroom. It’s in that room.”

Her teammate tensed up and glanced uneasily down at her. “How do you—? Wait, can you hear the voice again?”

Album nodded. “Yes. The charm isn’t activated yet. Mallicent’s not looking at the door. The voice could be lying, but I don’t think it is. We have a chance to apprehend him.”

“Very well. Then let’s do it.”

Reacting far quicker than she had been ready for, Ryokumo stalked forward and placed his hand on the doorknob. Giving Album one more look to make sure she was ready, he shoved the door open, dropped the distortion, and snarled,

“Condite!”

***

Nyx Rana sat in front of the window of her room, her head resting against her fist as she watched the fireworks glittering in the night sky. The city below her was abuzz with excitement, though less at the coming of age of Aeyir and more at the fact that they were given a perfect excuse to drink and party. Most businesses in the city had been closed early and the bars were filled with merrymakers. In fact, it was so boisterous that Nyx could clearly hear the cheering and celebrating down in the tavern below her room. On the streets, families and their children gazed up at the pretty colors in the sky with awe, and Nyx couldn’t help smiling at their joy. After a stressful and chaotic week, she was pleased that she was able to take one night to relax before returning to Erika and her duties as the Master of Water.

It wasn’t the vacation I would have liked, but it’s still better than nothing. Hiriech is wonderful, after all.

However, as comfortable as she was, there was still a nagging at the back of her mind whenever she thought of what might be going on up in the castle. She didn't think anybody would be bold enough to attack at the ball, but knowing that both the castle and city guards were potentially enemies, she feared that if they wanted to, they could possibly get away with an attack. Yet, there were two things that made her think an attack wouldn’t happen.

The first was the presence of Ilirianna, Nakoma, and herself. Their skills combined, Ilirianna and Nakoma could probably eliminate every guard in that castle, and somebody like Rotana Vesh would know that. An attack would be certain death to anybody that failed to escape. In addition, after Caeli almost died to that knight, Nyx was informed that her own presence was compromised, and while that was problematic in its own way, it also meant that the enemy would know that they were up against two Masters rather than one.

The second reason was a lack of a motive. If the nobility of Hiriech was attacked, the forces of the other Great Cities would come crashing down on the attackers, so anybody who took over Aquesen would only be holding it for a minimal amount of time. Unless they had an army, which Nyx would be surprised if they did, even a success in taking Hiriech would eventually become a loss.

So with that in mind, I think we’re safe to relax tonight.

Nyx sighed, but a knocking at her door brought her attention away from the fireworks. The Master of Water frowned, allowing her senses to feel for who might be visiting at that hour, and both her magical ability, as well as her nose, confirmed that it was Abigail of the royal team who had arrived.

She cocked her head in confusion. Hmm? That’s odd. Why would Abi be here at this time? She’s supposed to be at the ball with the rest of the team. Has something happened after all?

Her first thought was that it might be the changeling, who had already impersonated Abigail once, but Nyx didn’t think she would be able to impersonate Abi’s mana signature, so the Master slowly got to her feet and approached the door, curious to see what the young woman needed.

When she pulled it open, Abigail was, in fact, there, but the Master found herself staring down the rounded barrel of some metal item. Within half a second of answering the door, a loud boom that blended in with the sound of the fireworks echoed throughout the room as a hole was blasted straight through the skull of Nyx Rana, splattering her brains across the floor and killing her before she even knew what happened.