At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series
Chapter 39: War council

It’s midday when everyone is set arrive at the palace. Sometime after dinner, I made the announcement to meet up to discuss the battle. It’s been the first time since my mission to here that I’ve been back to the third tier of the Citadel. We still have just one more day before Regulus is set to arrive, and I can feel myself becoming a little anxious.

On our way up, I did glance over to where Celes and I discovered the lab. I fought back to urge to see it, knowing one of my friends is buried there. So instead I moved on without stopping.

When we arrived at the third tier, I stroll around for a moment. My eyes pan around, trying to again recall anything other than that final day. That quickly ends when I replace the exact place where Serasfall was killed. I walk over to it, seeing a faint bloodstain in the white stone tiles. I bite back tears, as I can still see her lying there, hand in my own.

Arms wrap around me, holding me close. I peer up, seeing Mom smiling down at me. I smile softly, feeling cold noses brushing against my hands. I smile more as I see Fenris and Athena looking to me. I reach up and stroke their faces.

Another hand rests on my head. I grin, seeing Marron beside me. She smiles in return, taking care in helping me yet again. I smile, feeling better as I stare at the spot, thinking I should place monument here for my ancestral mother.

I look over towards the palace, seeing a host of dragons and elves with Arcturus, Ddraig and Ashlan all waiting for us. I smile to my dragonic grandfather who smiles in return. Tulther and Isolde also soon arrive, taking their place next to their father.

The elves all look to me and dip their heads in a soft bow. They’re no doubt from Le’nia’s house, and are eager to properly meet me.

We head on over, to which I also see my aunts, Silvi, and Kerrigan among them. The lilith smiles as she holds out her hand to me. I smile, taking with her then pulling me into her. She hugs me tightly, stroking my hair.

“I would love nothing than to take you back with me to Rome and forget all of this,” she says.

I sigh, nodding. She most definitely would be the one to try and do it. Yet we both know that’s not going happen.

“I know, but we have to do this.”

She nods, swaying us softly. She also doesn’t care that my boyfriend and family are watching us right now. She rests her chin on my head and stands there for moment longer before letting me go.

I smile as we turn and head for the palace.

As we join with Ddraig and the others, I smile up at him.

“I hope you’re rested, Grandpa,” I tell him.

He grins, “That I am, my dear. My clan has been pouring into the city and I’m grateful to Ashlan for housing us. Although, I will have to advise you from outside due to obvious reasons.”

I grin, nodding. Yeah... I highly doubt we could fit a massive dragon into the throne room. I know he can assume a half-form, seeing how I saw him in a human form during my first Winter Solstice Festival. We smile to each other as we turn and head for the palace.

As we pass through the gates, I look up, seeing the remnants of when I blew it apart. As much I as I love this city, I still had to destroy a piece of it to achieve my goal. I really hope after all of this, the city itself won’t be too badly destroyed or damaged.

Arcturus looks to me as we enter the palace proper. “Did you get enough rest, Aria?”

I nod, turning for the stairs, “I think so. Granted after yesterday, I still have a lot on my mind.”

He nods, “I understand, my dear.”

He’s trying to sound like a caring father for me, something I agree with my mother he’d become. Only time will tell and there’s so much to talk about.

As we ascend the stairs, I can still clearly see the marks left behind as Celes and I climbed upwards. Scorch marks dot the walls with massive holes from me pinning the undead to them. There are even sections of the railing missing after we threw many of them into it. Both of my wolves however, maintain an undistracted attention in front of them.

As we reach the tenth floor, everyone is clearly exhausted. Can’t say I blame them. It was actually the wolves who offered to carry us up, an offer we didn’t hesitate to take. Of course the flyers all made it there first, seeing them already standing near the long hallway leading to the throne room.

As we traveled on it, I look around. I flashback to when Celes and I confronted Vikarion, with him and his elite guard standing in our way. The closer we come near the doors; I see where I actually fought the final Nethunian king and flung him into the jaws of Fenris. A king killing a king.

As the entire group files into the throne room, I hear wind blowing in. I peer over to see the broken window with some glass shards breaking free.

Mom then looks over to it as well. Her head tilts as she stares at in confusion.

I grin softly. “Yeah…that was me.”

She sighs, shaking her head, “You and I really need to have a conversation about you destroying age-old emplacements.”

I grin even more as I look around. Still hanging along the rafters are the banners bearing the crests of all sixteen houses of the Citadel. They sway softly from above, still in pristine condition even after all this time. I glance towards the throne, with the banners of the four Great Houses hanging over it with Shyair and Nethune sitting even higher.

I walk towards the center of the room and stare it. Hidden below rests the pedestal, something I hope to use at some point in the future to bring back Dewloura. While the door to the city lies open, Dewloura and the dozens and dozens of miles of territory are still removed from the rest of the world.

I then look up, seeing everyone now gathered around me. I fold my tails, curling them, trying not to appear nervous or even scared. Tanith’s clan all stand where they usually would during Court, with Viktor and rest of House Titalos doing the same. It’s only Le’nia and her family who seem at a loss. I smile, directing them to wherever they wish.

I pan over, watching as banners unknown to me fly with scores of people standing under them. They're not from either of the houses gathered, leading me to conclude they must be from the Colonies. Viktor did say he was bringing allies. I smile to them, who in turn bow their heads to me.

An elf then steps forward from the others, coming closer yet stops as my knights and wolves take positions nearby. I smile, gently raising my hands to them, to which they back down.

The elf nods, taking a sigh of relief. He’s old, possibly 1,000 years old if not older. His hair shines like starlight while here and appears to even have a thinly trimmed beard around his mouth.

He drops to his knee and bows his head to me. “Greetings, Your Highness,” he begins. “I am Syr’athil, patriarch of Myl’thai. I am honored to once more be in the presence of House Shyair after all these long centuries. My house and I pledge our very lives for your cause and shall fight at your side.”

I smile to him, yet I have many reasons for this coming battle. Some I may or may not reveal. As for his pledge, I know he’s here like so many of the others; it’s a fight for the city on many levels.

“Please rise, Lord Syr’athil,” I tell him. “I thank you for your pledge and am honored to finally meet you. I have no doubt you were surprised to learn that I was the same girl your daughter attended school with.”

The elf smiles as he stands. “That I was, Your Highness. There was much shock when she spoke of you recently. However as much as I wish to engage more with you, I do know we are here for a reason.”

I nod to him, “You are correct, sir.”

He smiles and bows his head before stepping back a little as I motion the leaders of each house forward. The throne room has incredible acoustics and I know everyone will be able to listen without issue. Yet the wind is becoming an issue until Asha erects barrier over the window.

I smile as I’m joined by Mom and Fenris as the wolves gather around the room and still very easily able to see me.

I take a deep breath, knowing everyone is eager to begin. I nod and look to them all. “I will set myself as bait for Regulus, drawing him close.” I turn to them, “I know it’s been a risky gamble on my part when I goaded him a few days ago. Yet I know this is where we have to end it, using his goal as a hook. And please speak freely, no need to stand on ceremony.”

Everyone nods.

“I would agree, Miss Aria,” says Lord Ashlan. “Yet what else are you suggesting? You have dragons, elves, humans, even yokai as your forces.”

I glance to Yukari and Asha who smile brightly. Kenji, while seeming nervous, is still putting on a brave face. I am also yokai, so that in of itself adds to those numbers. We even have Kerrigan and Andriy with us. A lilith and a vampire are truly powerful allies, with one being utterly brutal on the battlefield with the other being the seductress.

I’m a bit more concerned with Kerrigan actually. Not that she’s weak or anything, but because she can lull anyone in a sexual trap and slaughter them. I know firsthand how powerful a lilith can be in that regard and Kerrigan by her attractiveness alone is a weapon.

“Both sides know the city well,” adds Lord Syr’athil, “meaning while they are coming to us, we will have to plan wisely.”

Viktor looks to me, “Another question is where the battle shall take place. You personally are known for combining magic with close-quarters combat, and you are the one choosing this battle.”

I nod to them. “I agree. The idea is to draw them here to the Citadel. I also plan on adding my own traps, something his forces may or may not be expecting from me.” I turn to Viktor, “You’re right in that regard about my battle style, Master Titalos. Another reason why my aunts are here with us is for elemental purposes.”

I look to Asha. “I’m going to need some water. I know you’ve seen the fountains.”

The ryujin grins, “And you shall have it in abundance, Aria-chan.”

I smile to her, then turning back to everyone. “Regulus is also unaware the wolves are here,” motioning to them. “All they know is of Fenris and I say we use that to our advantage.”

Mom nods, “Regulus knows not of our battle strength, and that ignorance is also our advantage.”

Everyone nods as they gauge the room. It’s not a judgmental account, merely taking into consideration who is here and how to apply it to our plans. I look to my knights as all five of them stand close by. Regulus and Selene also have no idea I added three more knights to my roster. All three are battle-hardened and easily know how to fight as a unit.

Kerrigan grins, “And knowing our little princess’ penchant for paranoia, Marron, Sil’vari and I made sure there were zero leaks.” She winks to me.

That would explain why they were often out and about in the city, most likely just covering our bases. I smile to her and my sisters, silently thanking them.

I look to the pack. “I know many of you are eager for battle. Yet I have a task for the younger of you. I need to you float through the battlefield and use hit and run attacks. Don’t engage anyone directly if possible. This is a hunt after all.”

The pack huffs in agreement. The wolves are a mix of young and old yet have been raised and trained by the elders from the pack that fled from here. They are powerful in their own right and know how to work well with each other. I nod, telling them to break down into smaller units as well to better cover the battlefield.

I turn to the dragons, explaining what occurred during the battle at my home. Silvi nods, still stroking her healed side, adding her own experiences. I know Regulus also has dragons as allies so both Tanith and Ddraig’s clans will cover the skies. I also have Silvi and Asha there as well. I have yet to see my aunt in her true form; however I know it has to be utterly massive. They nod as I continue.

I then look to the combat maids, another ace up my sleeve. “I have an idea for you four,” I tell them. “Marie will be paired with Norick and cover us from afar. Miss Abigale and Lyra will try and funnel them to where they can be picked off by either the wolves or anyone else.”

The three nod. Marie looks to Norick, flashing her custom sniper rifles. The archer and former military teacher smirks, summoning his bow. Lyra and Abigale smile, each knowing their abilities and how to complement the other.

I turn to Bianca. “I’m going to pair you with a couple wolves.”

“But, Young Miss,” she begins to protest looking hurt.

I hold up my hand to her, “I know what you’re going to say it’s not that I lack faith in your abilities, of which I have seen twice. You are a glacie and a perfect match with the wolves. Use that to your advantage. You worked really well with Fenris last July and that’s a good thing with the wolves.”

She nods slowly. Abigale smiles, wrapping her arms around the glacie and rocks her gently. I smile, seeing the mother/daughter pair. I am right about not lacking faith in her. It’s just that people seem to love to target the girl. After the first battle in July, she collapsed from exhaustion and had to be carried in.

I sigh, looking to everyone. “I…also have to explain my other reason for this battle. Part of it is me not wanting Dewloura to come back under Nethunian rule, seeing how it’s the reason why it fell the first time.” I lower my gaze, “There’s also a personal reason behind it.”

They nod. It’s obvious to any veteran for having a reason to go to war. I am here fighting for Dewloura and its people, the same as those gathered here. It’s a battle to restore this city and its people to it while also expunging the greed and arrogance that caused its downfall.

It’s also a known fact that I’ve been fighting for my freedom. The freedom to simply go home and not have some obsessed lunatic and his undead lover coming after me. It’s also freedom from the past in a way. A lingering specter that has haunted me and ancestors for millennia. Nethune itself.

Mom looks to me. I nod back, “It’s Diana.”

She nods.

I have to free her. Her soul is wrapped up in the corruption caused by Regulus and reinforced by Orobas. While she is no longer my mother in any way, she doesn’t deserve to wander around as a bundle of hate.

Mom looks to everyone, “Please don’t do anything reckless. If you must withdraw, do so.”

Battles can get messy and even the best well laid-out plans can go right out the window within the opening few minutes. Yet I have faith that we’ll make it through.

Arcturus looks to Mom and me. “Are you two sure about this? I know the both of you quite well, so you shouldn’t push yourselves so hard.”

Mom and I look to each other for a moment, each able to read the other’s thoughts. I then look to Marron who smiles to me. I take a deep breath and sigh, nodding. We each have been through hell because of Regulus, each bear scars left from wounds inflicted.

“We all have something in this fight,” I say, looking up at him. Arcturus knows this as well, having fight alongside us before, even sharing in our pain. Yet it’s what comes after the pain that’s drawn us closer together. There’s a real chance of getting past all of this and becoming something greater, seeing something new.

And it’s just for me, but for those here. Plus…there’s something else we have in store, something that I haven’t keeping from my family, but something especially for Diana.

He nods slowly, obviously worried for us. I smile to him, still grateful he’s here with us and so much more.

Viktor steps forward, having remained quiet, smiling with pride. “Your Highness, House Titalos stands ready.” His entire house then comes to attention, all wearing proud and ready faces.

Ashlan nods, puffing fireballs from his nose. “I agree. My clan is yours to command and are prepared.” The dragons of Ishvol all roar in agreement.

Ddraig smiles to me from outside, “You already know my answerm my beloved granddaughter.”

Tulther and Isolde both smile as their clan members rise high not only their clan’s symbol but that of Colburn as well. I blush seeing it wave in the throne room along with the others present.

“House Myl’thai is ready and willing, Your Highness,” adds Lord Syr’athil.

Those from the Colonies also cheer in agreement.

So many Dewlourans and more are here. I have friends from the past now in the present and are actually fighting with me. This is our home, a place we all come from. We felt the call even without the sacred crystal. I hope to restore it one day to what it once was, but correctly this time.

My aunts smile to me, with tails being wrapped around mine. I smile softly; ever so grateful they’re here with me.

“We made a promise, Aria-chan,” says Yukari.

“We are here for you our niece,” adds Asha.

I grin to them, then looking to my sisters.

Marron smiles, leaning in and hugging me. “You’ve known my answer for months, sweetie.”

I grin as Silvi slams her fist into her palm, puffing fireballs. “I’m ready for some payback, and I’m itching for a fight.”

I grin to both of them. Marron and I have been through so much together, having traveled around the world, growing closer as sisters and solving certain mysteries about ourselves along the way. Silvi has been with me from the moment I first stepped foot onto what would be my home, instantly claiming me as hers.

Fenris and Athena each nuzzle my face, groaning softly with Leto and Nelly joining in. I grin, stroking each of them. they are my family, parents and siblings and now are about to fight in a final battle together. I know them, I trust them, and I shall be there with them.

Andriy smiles as I feel him stroking hair. “You have given so much, miy uchen’. Now I shall give the same in return.”

I grin to my mentor. “Thank you for coming, Master Andriy.”

His smile broadens as he nods.

Kerrigan leans in as my wolves retreat. “I still have my reservations and wishes for you, cutie,” she says. “But you know I’m with you no matter what, as is my heart.”

My cheeks turn beet red as my tails stand on end. She chuckles as she looks to me. “Forever the cutie I love.”

Oh dear God, Kerrigan, is it possible to make me blush even more? I mean my heart is already racing like a rocket with her even saying that out loud. But sheesh!!!

She simply grins to me, no doubt thinking of all sorts of things she’d love to do to me if we are alone. Knowing her…it’s not something that should be said out loud.

I take a breath and turn to Kenji, who smiles to me. “My place is at your side, Ariko. Where you walk, I am there.”

I blush softly, smiling to him. I also have my boyfriend with me, one I shared my heart with and plan so much more one day.

Mom then peers down to me. “What of the Xur’canah, my love? Regulus is coming not only for you, but it as well.”

I grin, looking up at her. “I already have that taken care of.”

She cocks her head, only for me to grin more.

After another hour of planning from everyone, the gathered party decides to leave and prepare for tomorrow. As they do, I stand in the throne room still gazing around. I turn towards the throne itself, noticing how massive it actually is. I’m still very small as a girl and yet I think it’s the reality of what it could be to me that’s making it appear bigger than it really is.

I sigh softly, swishing tails as I plan for tomorrow, composing a theatrical production for the opening scene. I’ve done it before, but that was a spur of the moment. This is far different. So I play out the scene in my mind, envisioning everything for it.

“Aria?” I hear Arcturus calling out softly, breaking my concentration.

I turn to him, seeing him smile to me. “Yes?”

He sighs softly. “Mind if I talk to you in private?”

I grin, “A lot of people might be saying that soon.” He smiles and motions me towards a terrace.

We step out, overlooking the city. We’re ten stories above the ground and it's awe-inspiringly beautiful here. I can see nearly for miles, with the city below and all its wonders. Even if nothing is working or alive, Dewloura is something to behold, a true piece of history perfectly preserved in time.

Arcturus stands a couple steps behind me, yet staying close. He towers over me, yet he gives off the aura of being a gentle and kind man. He’s someone I’ve come to care for deeply since our first meeting.

“After this battle,” he starts, “I do plan on marrying your mother.”

I grin, peering up at him as my tails swish. “Well, I did put it into your head.”

He smiles, nodding. “I would agree, my dear. However, it won’t be right away.” He looks more to me. “I want us to grow closer, as father and daughter. I know you have Fenris and now Athena, viewing both as your parents. Now I wish for the same.”

I blush softly, having waited for this for some time now. I do already have a father, one who’s been with me for years. Yet now I will gain another father, someone I know will be everything I need in my future.

“When that day comes,” I ask slowly, “what should I call you?

He smiles, “We will ease into that.”

I blush and peer out onto the city, I see the forest beyond, a forest I know all too well and is also a part of me. “Will you move in with us?” I ask.

He stands next to me, gazing out as well. “I will, but in time. After the wedding of course.”

I nod, and then feel his hand on my shoulder. It’s warm and gentle, feeling the same as I’ve come to know him. I can still remember him cradling me that night in July, holding me close to his chest when he and Silvi found me.

“When this is over,” he adds, “we’ll be a family.”

I lean into him, resting my head onto his side, wrapping my tail around him. “I want that.”

He then gently holds me to him, stroking my arm. I nearly want to close my eyes and pretend that all of this was over now and we could move on with our lives.

Arcturus gives me a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. “I know I’ve said this before, but I still wish I could have taken you into my home. I could have become more a father to you.”

I smiles softly, “If you did, then I’d never have gone on the journey I’ve been on.”

He smiles, still holding me. “I agree, my dear.”

So much again might’ve changed if I went to him instead of the Parkstons. I’d never had reunited with Marron and reconciled with her. That also means no Japan or even Dewloura. In truth, while probably safer, if a little, I wouldn’t have become the girl I am now due to all those experiences.

I look back, seeing Mom along with Fenris and Athena. I smile to all of them. I have two mothers now, yet this isn’t like before nearly three years ago in that I was conflicted in my feelings. Both are equally my mother, and I love them so much.

Then to Fenris who stands proudly as he looks to me. He’s raised me for years now, keeping my feet set upon the correct path, always full of wisdom and love. Yet he’s also been a firm father, putting me in my place when I need it. He and I share a bond so incredibly deep, that it was always meant to be.

I grin, “I really will have two sets of parents.”

He smiles, kissing the top of my head. “Indeed, my Aria.”

I blush softly as I giggle. And now…I have Arcturus entering my life. He’s going to learn so much more about me, and I him. In time, we will become a family.

He sighs as we stand there for a moment, allowing the wind to blow against us. It’s a quiet and peaceful moment between us. Soon…soon when this is all over, my world will change again, adding something new to it.

He gives me another squeeze, holding me tightly to him. “We should go and get prepared.”

I nod as we turn and head back inside. I stroke my wolf parents, loving them and praying everything I can for them. I peer up to Mom, forever blessed to be hers through and through. I am her daughter through blood and soul, reborn and destined for her. It only makes my decision on a matter from years ago more certain.

She smiles and kisses my forehead and stroking my face. Her jewel-like violet eyes still enrapture me as they’ve always done. We nod to each other to leave. Tomorrow is a day of endings, and hopefully... beginnings.