In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
[attr="class","shadowsHead"]Rudolf! How Dare You?!
"You...you all deserve COAL! Santa will hear of this! No, No I will handle it myself. Santa will thank me for punishing the residents of this dirty old town filled with good-for-nothings..." [break][break] It was Rudolf all along! The old deer has become senile with age and now believes that the rogues and residents of Aries Garse need to be educated in some proper manners. A cold blizzard blows through the air as the large reindeer lands on the town square of the city, a mob of snowmen warriors instantly spawning upon his landing. He makes snide comments the entire time and is easy to spot in the blizzard because of his sparkling red nose. Defeat him, either with your sheer strength or with the power of Yule cheer! [break][break] Warning: This is meant to be a grindy boss fight. Or a loud debate. Your choice. [break]
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Maximum Number of Players: (Max 4 people) [break]Minimum Word Count: 3,200 each [break]Location: Aries Garse [break]Special Requirements: Defeat Rudulf!
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]NPC Information
What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required, any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed here.
Health Limit: Grand | Int. Mana Shield [break]Physical Speed: 15 m/s [break]Physical Damage: Senior [break]Magic Element and Types: Snow | Ice | Attack | Physical Reinforcement [break]Combat Style: Rudolf is surprisingly large for his size, and one can easily notice that he was a prime specimen for a male deer at his time. Even at his age, he has a toned reindeer body. He can use Senior rank snow magic, a kick from his hooves, or a stab from his antlers.
[break][break]
Additional Information: He believes that the residents of Aries Garse do not deserve Yule, as they only treat it as a festival where they can earn more money (and also thinks all rogues are horrible people). He has Grand rank health and an Intermediate rank shield. [break][break] If fought with brute strength and defeated, Rudolf will scoff, and wobble away into the air to return to Santa, promising to be back for revenge. [break][break] If enlightened by thine arguments of why Aries Garse is redeemable...the deer will suddenly turn quiet, thank you, bow, and fly away.
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
Panicked screams could be heard throughout the town...
A raging blizzard once again picked up at Aries Garse with no signs of letting up. People who had come outside, believing that it was safe now found themselves being unfortunately caught up in the blistering cold and raging winds that blew the snow around. Visibility was beginning to lower because of this which threw people into more of a panic! The clouds above were menacingly rotating with the "center" of this above the town square where some folks were trying their best to get indoors.
"Tch, another blizzard?" Hans said as he slowly walked towards the town square, heading out of the market district. He tried his best to keep the collar of his coat over his mouth and dug his hands into his pockets. The merc is a bit more tolerant of the cold, but this was starting to be too much. "How're you holding up?" he asked Suna, assuming that she was here with him. She didn't seem to be a fan of the cold so Hans doubted that the elf would be having a field day. He tried to stick close to her to help keep both of them warm as he looked around then forward. The merc squinted his eyes, finding it harder to see his surroundings because of the blizzard. It felt almost like he was back in Kikka again, except snowier and with no daemons involved...at least he hoped. Either way, Hans' "hometown" was being under attack, and he needed to defend it just like Valo did with his...
The merc started to rely more on his mana to observe his surroundings, using it to get to the town square where a powerful mana signature could be felt coming from right above them in the clouds. Slowly, the clouds opened up a little in the center, making that mana presence much more noticeable. Whoever is responsible for all of this...was up there. Hans readied his greatsword and looked up as something started to descend...
As this...four-legged figure started to come down, it would begin to speak. "You...you all deserve COAL! Santa will hear of this!" The voice was booming and rather grumpy sounding. It was hard to tell due to all the snow, but some distinct features could still be made out. The figure appears to be rather large with reindeer antlers, and...a red nose, shining so bright even through this harsh blizzard. "No, No I will handle it myself. Santa will thank me for punishing the residents of this dirty old town filled with good-for-nothings." The creature spoke, not just to Hans or Suna, but to those who were around...wanting them all to be aware of his not so jolly presence!
The moment the reindeer's hooves landed on the snowy ground, the snow around him started to kick up, swirling and forming into those snowmen from before with shovels in hands!
"My name is Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Judge..." he said as he looked around at the mostly frightened citizens, his vision still clear, unlike the others. "....and the Protector of Yuletide." People started to whisper among themselves, saying things along the lines of "Wait, THEE Rudolph?" "But I thought he was just a myth?" "Hold on, did he say Santa!?" Even Hans looked a bit surprised, having heard tales about Rudolph and Santa from his mother...Though, the Rudolph in those stories is nothing like this one. "For centuries, I've been tasked by "Father Yule" to keep a watchful eye on every town...every KINGDOM during the Yuletide seasons to make sure that it's being properly celebrated...and to punish those who take advantage of it." the reindeer scoffed as it started to walk around, slowly observing every single person he came across while his snowmen remained ready to strike.
"This place...this FILTHY town has been on my radar for some time now. I've seen my fair share of despicable towns...but this one I have grown to despise the most." Rudolph stopped and just stood there again. "You criminals and ruffians only use this season to fatten your wallets, and prey on the unfortunate!" the red-nosed reindeer then shook his head in disappointment. "The true meaning of Yuletide was lost to this town a long time ago..." he added, his voice almost sounding a bit saddened. "But now, you must all pay for your crimes against this season!" With that, the reindeer's nose started to glow brighter, and his snowmen were preparing to strike!
"Hey!"
But then a voice "pierced" through the chaos and snow....
The light on Rudolph's nose lessened as he looked over in the direction of that voice with a scowl. He saw the dark-haired mercenary with his greatsword lowered, looking back at him. "I'm not sure how much of this is true....but despite its reputation...this town isn't all that bad." The merc struck back, not with his sword...but with words.
"Oh, what's this now?" The reindeer's body instantly formed into snow and sunk into the existing snow on the ground, using it to quickly travel to the merc and presumably the sound mage before re-materializing right in front of them, giving the dark mage a menacing glare. "Who are you to think you know better than I, youngling?" The protector yelled, towering over the mage couple. "...Someone who grew up here." Hans said, his tone not as loud as this Rudolph's, but still just as strong and confident. "Ah, just another ruffian trying to escape judgment. Not just any ruffian, but the one who has been THWARTING my previous attempts!" Rudolph claimed before glancing over at Suna. "I should start with you two..." The reindeer claimed. Hans gripped onto his greatsword, preparing himself in case things get violent. Rudolph seems dead set on passing his judgment to the town, as he stared down the dark mage. With how things are going now, this might get messy....
....But there may be an alternative.
[attr="class","hansheader"]N O T E S
Important notes here
[attr="class","hansheader"]S P E L L S
Cool spell descriptions here
[attr="class","hansinfobg"]
[attr="class","hansinfo"]
[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
WC 1,012 || TOTAL WC 1,012
TAGSSuna Hoshi Walker ITEMS Cosmic Blessing, Raven's Grasp PERKS List 'em here
"What now?" Suna shivered when the temperature dropped. It was unnaturally cold, which even a forest dweller like her could tell. Then came the sudden blizzard. And the screams.
She whirled around to behold a large shadow swirling around near the middle of town. But that was all she could see. The wind was picking up, blowing snow in every direction possible. "So...cold..." The chill seemed to seep deep into her bones. She wrapped her coat tighter around herself, and attempted to walk quickly back towards town. However, progress was slow, as she had to use one of her hands to shield her eyes from the fast-falling snow. At least Hans was next to her, so she just stuck close to him and followed his lead.
"How're you holding up?"
"I’m...okay..." A little white lie, but her personal comfort hardly mattered when an entire town was about to be attacked. Or at least, that was what she figured. Little did she know that it would be a very different type of battle up ahead. For now, she just focused on putting one foot in front of the other, and not losing track of where the mercenary was heading.
Then she felt solid ground underneath her, and realized they had made it to the main streets of town. She looked up, and her eyes grew wide when the swirling mass in the sky opened up to let a large figure descend down to the town square. She could feel the enormous—and not very unfamiliar—wave of mana that the newcomer emitted. It was a similar, if not the same, mana signature that they have been picking up throughout all this time. Hans had his greatsword in his hand, like he was ready to chop down anything that came near them.
Then they got closer, and Suna would have burst out laughing at what she saw...if she was not struck by how big it was. A gigantic male deer, with a wide display of sharp antlers and haughty eyes. Its aura was not friendly, and it even had a human-like expression of displeasure. She would venture to guess that it was the joyful yuletide spirit that had the reindeer in such a negative and crabby mood. And the nose! Such a bright and cheery hue of red, a stark contrast to its bearer’s grouchy expression.
"You...you all deserve COAL! Santa will hear of this!"
Grumpy mood? Confirmed.
"No, No I will handle it myself. Santa will thank me for punishing the residents of this dirty old town filled with good-for-nothings..."
Haughty and stuck up attitude? Confirmed.
Whispers from the townsfolk flew around the couple, and the elf’s sharp ears picked up on some comments. Some said he was old, but he did not look his age, not with his sleek pelt and toned body. Some said he was a legend, yet here he was, standing in the flesh and blood and bone. Still others said that he was powerful, and that he should not be trifled with. Suna had to agree with the latter. Such a strange enemy, but still an enemy nonetheless.
As soon as the four-legged creature landed, numerous snowmen popped out around him like a protective little army. Then the male deer introduced himself as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Judge, and began to sprout out his history of his job. Oh, so he was real. And he talks. But...this Rudolph was nothing like what Suna had imagined, or what the stories have described.
He began to sprout his displeasure at the town of Aries Garse, accusing them of taking advantage of others during this supposedly generous and joyful season. Suna glanced over quickly to see how Hans was taking it. She knew this was his hometown, and that he would fight bravely to save the civilians from harm. Would these accusing words rile him up?
"Hey!"
Apparently so.
"I'm not sure how much of this is true....but despite its reputation...this town isn't all that bad."
Suna stayed by Hans’ side even though every nerve of her told her this was a bad idea. But then, Rudolf paused and seemed to listen to him. A flicker of hope alighted in her. Perhaps...perhaps they could talk their way out of this. Perhaps this would not result in any bloodshed.
Then the reindeer somehow formed into snow, and for a moment, disappeared. She stiffened and almost let out a yelp of surprise and alarm when the Yuletide protector suddenly materialized in front of them, easily towering over the two mages. She shrank back as it looked down on them, though it mostly centered its attention on the man. But then Hans had responded back to its question, and she could hear the quiet strength in his voice.
She was never more proud of Hans than that moment, when he stood up to this otherworldly creature. But that feeling would not last for long, as the reindeer seemed too intent on destroying the mentioned ruffians and rogues. Well, he was not wrong in the town’s reputation, but he should know that not everyone was a criminal. She felt the mercenary tense up beside her, his hand gripping his sword tightly. Was a fight inevitable? Was there to be more fighting, more violence, more injuries?
"Stop!" Despite her soft voice, the sound mage’s words carried easily to the intended recipient, cutting through the noise. "Not everyone is a criminal. It’s the few that makes the whole town look bad."
"You! Little girl! Talking like she knows something that I, the great and mighty Rudolf, doesn’t know!" The creature’s eyes glowed in irritation. "I could kick you to the other side of Clover Kingdom, you know...but after I take care of this annoying pest!"
He was turning back to Hans, and the snowmen were all ready to do his bidding. She had to do something. Anything. "Wait!" She stared hard at the red-nosed reindeer, then decided to soften her approach. "No one is getting in your way," she said slowly, soothingly. Her voice was controlled and even, but her brain was running at a hundred miles an hour.
"At least tell me…us, why you want to destroy the entire town when you’re only angry at a few? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to target those who are actually bad? And what did he..." here she waved a hand at Hans’ direction, "...ever do to you? And if you really are a judge, how can you pronounce someone guilty before it’s proven?" It was almost a challenge. Almost. At the moment, all she was doing was to try buying some time until they can think of a way to counter-attack, or until they could think of some good argument to have Rudolph stay his hand...or hoof.
[attr="class","sunaheader"]NOTES & STUFF
Just having a nice chat over afternoon tea...NOT xD
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
A dark aura faintly formed around Hans and his sword. He stared down Rudolph, expecting another fight to break out. The Protector's army of snowmen were prepared to attack, and the reindeer's hooves turned to a frigid blue as they got sharper. Rudolph appeared just about fed up with the dark mage and was just about to strike, until...
"Stop!"
All eyes were now on Suna. Rudolph, Hans, even the snowmen army, they all looked in her direction. The sound mage started to speak up as well, adding to Hans' claim. She's right, not every single person in this town is a criminal. Some, if not most are just average citizens trying to make it by in life. The bad reputation of this town comes from the few bad people who lurk around this place, sticking their heads out more than the actual good folks. Hearing those defending words come out of Suna's mouth calmed Hans a bit, his aura fading. He knew full well that some of Suna's experiences with this town wasn't great, and wouldn't even have put it against her if she ended up hating it...but to hear that she still sees some good in it made the merc happy. The same couldn't be said about their four-legged "friend" however...
Rudolph turned his attention to Suna and he was just as uninspired by the woman's words as he was to Hans'. He then threatened the elf, causing Hans to raise his sword up again before he turned his red-nosed face back at the dark mage. The Protector still seems to have a problem with Hans the most compared to the two, most likely because he was raised in this so-called "filthy" town and saw the merc as nothing more than another pest needing to be exterminated. If a fight were to break out now, Hans would not hesitate to strike, and almost wants to with all of the bad things being said about his "home". But...if he attacked now, wouldn't that only prove Rudolph's point?
"Wait!"
The blue-haired elf chimed in again, stopping the old reindeer from attacking once again. "GAH! What is it now!?" Rudolph said, sounding frustrated as he stared back at Suna. She started speaking again, this time in a calmer tone. Hans continued to carefully watch Rudolph with his sword trained on him, but as his lady continued to talk, the merc found himself looking over to her, lowering his sword once more. More valid points were being added in defense of the town, and for a moment, Rudolph's expression lessened. He then glanced over to Hans before shaking his antlered head. "You know nothing, girl." He claimed as his expression tensed up again. He looked around at all of the nearby civilians and furrowed his brows in anger. "Every single resident of this town is guilty! I have been doing this long before your ancestors were even born! The few that you THINK are innocent are either putting up a facade...or will soon become corrupted by this despicable town..."
"I have CENTURIES of proof to determine who is guilty and who isn't." Rudolph lowered its head to meet the elf's own, giving her a cold stare. "It is called experience. Something you lack." He then shifted his attention to Hans, his ears twitching in annoyance. "As for this boy. Not only has he admitted to being from this awful place, but he has also been actively DESTROYING my attempts at wiping this town from the face of this kingdom!" The reindeer claimed as he started to pace back and forth between the couple. "First the blizzard, then my glorious snow army of Yule crusaders, and finally my mighty bell towers!" Rudolph was now circling the duo, keeping a watchful eye on them as his snowmen remained prepared. "Just another no-good citizen trying to destroy all that Yuletide represents! All the more reason why this place and its inhabitants need to be ERADICATED!" The irritated reindeer stopped right next to Suna and lowered his head to her. "You, an elf should know just how sacred this season truly is." he claimed, his tone lowered but still carrying that furious weight. "But instead you choose to side with this lost cause..." It didn't seem like Rudolph would be swayed anytime soon, showing just how strong he believed in his own views.
"That blizzard..." Hans spoke up once again, grabbing Rudolph's attention. The merc...then slid his greatsword back into its sheath and stood firm, catching the agitated reindeer off guard, leading him to raise an eyebrow. Hans was starting to notice how hostile he was coming off of, which would only further prove the Yule Protector's point. He was also starting to realize just like Suna that fighting wasn't the only option for this, and felt like it would be the worst option in this scenario. "We were only trying to dig out the people who were stuck in it. As for your snowmen..." The merc was now eyeing the ones that Rudolph brought with him. "They were terrorizing the town, putting people's lives at risk...We jumped in to help those people." Hans crossed his arms as he looked at the currently hiding citizens then back to where the market district is. "Your towers were turning innocents into zombies against their will. We destroyed those towers only to help them." Hans lowered his arms back to his sides as he looked back at the reindeer. It was still very cold, but this heated discussion was enough for at least Hans to shake it off for now.
"You speak as if you're some sort of savior or hero but all I see is a monster, terrorizing people who do not deserve this." Rudolph gritted his teeth in anger as he moved away from Suna and to the merc. "Are you trying to lecture me? Are you trying to say that YOU'RE the hero then?" Rudolph gave Hans a mocking grin as he stepped closer to the dark mage, challenging him. Hans simply shook his head before opening his mouth again. "It just means I give a shit about the people here. Yule is about helping others...is it not?" At least that's what one of its true meanings is.
[attr="class","hansheader"]N O T E S
Time to activate the ultimate spell!
Talk no Jutsu
[attr="class","hansheader"]S P E L L S
Cool spell descriptions here
[attr="class","hansinfobg"]
[attr="class","hansinfo"]
[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
WC 1,065 || TOTAL WCCyberpunk 2,077
TAGSSuna Hoshi Walker ITEMS Cosmic Blessing, Raven's Grasp PERKS List 'em here
Suna could feel her heart hammering within her chest. The air was so thick with tension, one could cut through it with a whisper. She also realized that it was up to them to save the entire town, as no one else was speaking up. A single wrong word or slip here could cause the destruction of Aries Garse. She did not know about Hans, but she felt the burden of that responsibility, and it weighed heavily upon her. This was not a battle against power and might, but with words and tact...something she has not practiced for a while, not since her last spy mission in Kiten.
Hans seemed just as tense as she was, and she could feel his dark aura pulsing around him. She knew that if either side made an aggressive move, he would be jumping straight into the fray. Well, actually, so would she. Though it was true that she has had mixed experiences here from the inhabitants of Aries Garse, the elf still chooses to believe in the good in people. However, it seems like the self-proclaimed Yule Protector did not see eye to eye with her.
Unfortunately, her words had only a slight effect on the reindeer. He had momentarily softened, but he was not so easily swayed. Rudolph was so agitated, the air around seemed to crackle with energy. He was pacing around, eyes flashing in righteous anger and frustration. Suna could understand things from his point of view, but then again, his judgement was not completely right.
Suna frowned slightly when he said everyone was guilty. It was true...but at the same time, not completely true. She was so tempted to throw it back at him, but then thought better of it. Now was not the time to rile the enemy up, not when he clearly had the upper hand. But still, she was about to go on to list all the things that he had been sending to attack the town, but Hans beat her to it. She listened as he brought up all the things that Rudolph had been doing to the town, things that were clearly one-sided and biased. Still, he had a point. He was definitely more experienced than she was, and must have seen more than enough immoral behaviors for ten lifetimes.
Then Hans was putting his greatsword away. It seemed to have more effect on the reindeer than the latter would ever admit. After all, one could not really attack something that did not attack back. She relaxed her stance, though her nerves were still as tightly strung as the strings on her harp. He was defending their actions, and talked about helping the townsfolk by shoveling out the snow, defending innocents from the snowmen army, and destroying the towers that were turning the civilians to zombies. All his points were valid, and Suna found herself nodding in agreement. Rudolph’s very actions were a stark opposition to what he claimed to be doing.
When Hans stopped talking, she jumped in. "Well, I’m not from this town—or anywhere in this kingdom, really—but would you really destroy the non-corrupted innocents along with the bad? As for what Yuletide represents, yes, I know how sacred it is, but are you sure that your actions are bringing peace and harmony among humankind?" She shook her head.
"Destroying a town won’t fix those who are greedy and immoral. They would die, but more would just spring up elsewhere. What about the other towns? I’m sure you know that this isn’t the only town that has these selfish and corrupt people. If it is Aries Garse today, then it would be Nairn and Raque and Kikka tomorrow. Are you going to destroy every town in Clover Kingdom until there is nothing left for you to protect? Is that what a protector does?" Honestly, she did not know what else to say. She could only try to make Rudolph question his means, and remind him of the end goal.
At this moment, an elderly woman feebly stepped up to the couple. "These two youngsters are right." The sound mage reached out with her arm to help support the old lady. "Thank you, dear. Mister Rudolph, I don’t know when you’ve started becoming so grumpy and violent. I’ve lived here in Aries Garse all my life, and while you’re right that there are many crooks and thieves living here, you should be helping them turn around instead of destroying them." She shook a bony finger at the hulking figure, seemingly unaware of how weak and frail she looked against the face of such a fearsome foe.
"What if you knew that some thieves steal to help support their family? What if you knew that those ‘bad people’ are struggling to break free of their habits and addictions, but cannot because no one is helping them? If you destroy this town, you’re no better than the people you so detest." She staggered forward, and Suna stepped forward with her. Suna angled herself to stand protectively in front of the grandma figure, but the latter was not having any of it.
"What can he do to these old bones of mine?" Such a defying act from a frail old lady, but also inspiring at the same time. At least, that was how Suna saw it. "This grump needs to be taught a lesson, since Father Yule isn’t around to lecture him properly." They were standing just a meter away from the reindeer, but the old woman did not seem fazed by it at all, even daring to go right up to his face and reprimand him. Suna sucked in a breath and tensed, fearing for the worst, and hoping that she could protect this elderly lady if anything did happen...
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
Rudolph rose his head up a little at the words the merc was throwing his way. His ears twitched in annoyance at how the dark mage was making him, thee oh so great Protector of Yuletide seem like the bad guy in all of this. The sheer words coming out of Hans' mouth were unbelievable to the reindeer, thinking that a "ruffian" like Hans should be incapable of sounding so sincere and compassionate. This also got some of the nearby citizens to start talking and whispering among themselves which The Red-Nosed Judge was quick to pick up on. The reindeer then opened his mouth but found himself being interrupted once again.
Suna was now the one talking back, and Rudolph just watched her and listened. The reindeer was about to answer the elf's first question...but he couldn't think of anything this time. The Yuletide Protector was at a loss for words, but he hoped that no one would pick up on it because of how quickly the sound mage spoke up again. Hans noticed the hint of hesitance, however, and with that, a small smile appeared on his face before shifting his eyes back to Suna. Just like the first, Rudolph had nothing for the second question. All he could do was grit his teeth as more citizens started to speak to each other, while others mumbled in agreement to the elf's words. Hans looked around at his fellow citizens, seeing that their silent fear was slowly being replaced by a budding courage. Sometimes they need a little push to get there...but the people of Aries Garse are tough. Something Hans knows very well.
Not letting up, Suna continued her argument and Rudolph simply listened. He was having a hard time thinking of a rebuttal, especially with the townsfolk's protests growing louder even in this cold blizzard-like weather! Could there...actually be some truth to the sound mage's words? Was the "Great and All-Knowing" Red-Nosed Judge actually...wrong? If this is true, was he wrong about previous towns he has "judged"? The destruction...the screams...the lives taken in the name of protecting Yuletide. Were they all just meaningless massacres? This has been the first time anyone has ever argued back to Rudolph, or at least in a way to make him question his views.
No...
Wrong...
They were all wrong...
The words from these two mages, they are just desperate attempts at trying to fool the reindeer...At least that's what he's thinking. They are nothing but toddlers compared to him, trying to make up any excuse to escape punishment. They all are...Even those from the previous towns that were judged. Nothing but liars and thieves. Rudolph shook his head and started to chuckle a little with a mocking tone to it. "What an interesting little speech, girl. But your...lies will not sway m-" The cocky old reindeer then fell silent, hearing footsteps in the snow coming up right behind the couple. Hans turned around to see a...frail old woman coming up to them, agreeing on what the two mages have been saying so far. The rest of the citizens fell silent the moment they heard this elderly woman with all eyes on her, some of them looking concerned. They all may have started to agree as well, but none of them has struck up the courage to actually step up to the fierce Yule Protector like this woman here.
Rudolph was taken aback by the courage this woman was presenting, perhaps due to having seen many things in her time, not as much as the reindeer, but enough compared to a mortal's lifespan. As Suna assisted the elderly woman, Hans came up a bit closer to them in case they needed protection. The small gestures that the couple made for the woman did not go unnoticed by Rudolph and even though his face remained stern, his snowman army had lowered their shovels, appearing less threatening. Again, he just stood there and listened, looking down on the old woman in a way to try and strike fear and intimidation...but the woman didn't let up. She spoke of helping the crooks and lost causes of this town instead of ending them. The Reindeer scoffed at the very idea of this...but he didn't completely dismiss it. The idea of thieves who only stole to help their loved ones, and bad people trying to break their habits were things that never crossed this old reindeer's mind. He thought such things to be ridiculous....impossible...but the look on the elderly woman's face, it was enough for the red-nosed judge to tell that she at least believed the words coming out of her mouth.
"If you destroy this town, you’re no better than the people you so detest."
"H-how dare..." Rudolph stepped back, a surprised look on his face at what the old woman had said...before she stepped up to him. "Hey wait..." Just like Suna, Hans attempted to defend the elderly woman as well, but it was clear she wasn't having any of that. No longer trying to look superior, Rudolph lowered his head a bit to the woman. "You...truly believe in your words...and the words of these two?" the reindeer asked almost sincerely as he looked back at the couple. "Even though...it's still all wrong I'm afraid." the reindeer claimed as he held his head back up. "This town still knows nothing of the true meaning of Yuletide..." He added before closing his eyes....as his nose started to glow brighter. "It's to give up one's very self!" A voice shouted from the crowd, causing the reindeer to open his eyes and the glow of his nose to lower.
"It's about being selfless and helping your neighbors!" Another voice rang out. "To spend time with friends and family!" "Giving to others!" "Peace!" "Everyone joining together!"
Soon, everyone was yelling out various reasons, all sounding completely selfless and genuine. Rudolph looked back and forth at everyone, his ears twitching as he registered what everyone was saying. He even started to look at some of the families gathered here, as well as the decorations that were still up in the town square. Hans then stepped up to Rudolph, his face appearing serious at first...before softening up. "Yuletide is about bringing happiness to others..." Then the merc looked back at Suna. "...and spending time with those you...love." Hans smiled softly at the elf just as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Couldn't have said it better m'self, Hans!" the merc turned around to see that it was ol' Mr.Matthew with his signature chuckle. With him was his daughter Grace, and her daughter Serenity. Grace smiled sweetly at Suna as the little girl in her arms gave the elf a shy wave with her free hand...while the other held a Rudolph plushy.
United...Something this town hasn't been in a long time...Now all that remains is Rudolph's final verdict....
[attr="class","hansheader"]N O T E S
I posted cringe
[attr="class","hansheader"]S P E L L S
Cool spell descriptions here
[attr="class","hansinfobg"]
[attr="class","hansinfo"]
[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
WC 1,150 || TOTAL WC 3,227
TAGSSuna Hoshi Walker ITEMS Cosmic Blessing, Raven's Grasp PERKS List 'em here
During this time, the townspeople of Aries Garse had gathered around and had been far from silent. The whisperings had grown louder, some agreeing, some disagreeing. They washed through the town square, hushed mutterings that served as a background din to the act in front. As the intense conversation went on, the roles of protagonists and antagonists were blurred. Were there really any sides to begin with? Was everything just a distortion of the same idea?
The mercenary had been stepping up, though Suna would guess that this was not his usual type of fighting. She glanced over and flashed him a quick smile. To see him speaking up for his hometown, it definitely showed a different side of him...one of a true protector, a defender, a hero. As he showed more aspects of himself, she had found herself being more and more attracted to him...dare she say, falling harder for him?
Suna felt herself getting bolder the more the elderly lady spoke. She personally did not know much about the residents of this town, but it seemed like they were all tough, even if they were a little rough around the edges. There was nothing but admiration as this dear grandma stood up in defiance against the red-nosed judge, and even dared to berate this Yule protector so boldly and openly. It was such a sight. The reindeer easily towered over them, and it was like a stand-off between a grasshopper and a...well, deer. Yet, it seemed like the old woman’s words somehow carried weight. Enough to make him stop and think.
Rudolph seemed momentarily at loss for words, at least when she was presenting her case. Or perhaps he was just saving all his arguments for one grand finale. His snowmen army had also lowered their shovels, looking less threatening. Progress. Small, but progress nonetheless. But now he was speaking again...
"This town still knows nothing of the true meaning of Yuletide..."
His red nose had glowed briefly, as if he was about to suddenly unleash destruction upon the town. Suna tensed, her sound and aura magic swirling around the trio. But then the great and mighty reindeer was cut off by the noises of the civilians.
All around them, the inhabitants of Aries Garse were shouting aloud their protests to the judge’s statement. Selflessness. Service. Generosity. Peace. Quality time with loved ones. Unity. Her heart swelled as the throng of people pressed forward. They were no longer fighting alone. It was the entire town on their side.
"Yuletide is about bringing happiness to others..."
That shining look in his eyes...
"...and spending time with those you...love."
Both her breath and mind stuttered. ‘L-Love’? The elf ducked her head as shyness suddenly overcame her. They may be in the middle of saving a town from a crazy reindeer...but just a few choice words from the dark mage had her thoroughly blushing...and completely flustered. Now was not the best time to get embarrassed over things like this, but that did not stop the way her heart had nearly jumped right out of her chest.
Then another masculine voice broke through her momentary trance. She turned as Hans did, and saw a gentleman with another lady and a little girl. The older woman had smiled at her, while the adorable girl waved at her. Suna waved back, noting how she was holding something that looked a lot like the Rudolph they were facing off right now. She noticed that everyone seemed to have fallen silent, as if they were all eager to hear the judge’s final verdict.
Would the town live to see another Yuletide, or would Aries Garse lay in ruins within the next few minutes?
"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that the darkness begins to stare back."
Rudolph looked a bit flustered himself. Everywhere the reindeer turned there were folks speaking up, expressing their views on this season. Everyone who spoke up was confident and did not back down from the red-nosed judge. He tried to say words, come up with something to argue...but his attempts were drowned out by the growing voices around him. The reindeer took another step back and looked to Hans, and what he had to say, seeing the genuine look the dark mage gave to Suna, observing how flustered she looked.
"Alright...." the reindeer whispered while lowering his head, but no one seemed to have heard as they continued to talk and yell out.
"ALRIGHT!"
The Yuletide Protector yelled out this time to catch everyone's attention. The townsfolk immediately went silent, all eyes on the reindeer as he slowly rose his head back up. His head turned left and right, looking around at everyone with his face stern once again. They were all quiet like in the beginning...but none of their faces showed signs of fear. They were all curious, wanting to know what Rudolph will say next...what he'll do. Matthew and his family stuck close by Hans and Suna, now placing his other hand on the sound mage's shoulder while they watched in anticipation along with the other folks.
"This town....Aries Garse....is..." The reindeer went silent and eyed everyone. But then his stern expression faltered, loosening into a more apologetic one. "....redeemable." Those final words escaped Rudolph's lips, and most of the citizens were in shock, completely surprised and speechless to have heard those words come out of the protector's mouth. "Through out these centuries, I have never experienced anything like this. An entire town fighting back, proving I, thee great and powerful Rudolph...wrong." With that, a gentle smile formed on the ol' reindeer's face, a sincere one that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years. "You all have proven yourselves to be good people...and that you are very much aware of the true meaning of Yuletide! This town...will be spared."
After hearing these words, an eruption of cheers has started to burst out here in the town square! People started to celebrate, hug their loved ones, and such. Even Matthew had let go of the mage couple and started to hug his daughter and granddaughter! Hans watched the three for a bit before his eyes scanned around the area, watching how cheerful everyone else was being! It was enough to bring a smile to the merc's face, seeing everyone together like this...not being miserable...but filled with joy!
"You two..." Rudolph then walked up to the mage couple, catching Hans' attention. Once again, the reindeer went quiet, but then he gave another generous smile before bowing his head at the two. "Thank you..." the Yuletide Protector said with a soft tone before raising his head back up. "....for showing this old reindeer that it is possible...to change." he added. The raging blizzard that was plaguing started to die down into light snow and the army of snowman faded away. "Until fate allows us to cross paths again..." The reindeer started to float up. "Have a wonderful Yuletide!!" were the last words he spoke before prancing his way through the air, heading back through the same hole in the clouds he had come from before closing up.
Hans simply nodded, watching as the reindeer departed. He then peeked over at Suna, and without warning, attempted to wrap an arm around the elf to bring her in close, and stole a kiss, letting it linger if she would allow him to.
After a few moments, Hans would break from the kiss and just look longingly into the elf's eyes before wrapping his other arm around her, forehead against forehead....body against body. Through words alone, Hans was able to save his hometown, and prove that it was more than most people think of it...and of course, he didn't do it alone...he couldn't have. This was all possible, because of her being there at his side, helping the merc defend his town. "Thank you..." the merc said softly, his moving lips brushing briefly against her own before going in for another kiss.
Then a hardy chuckle erupted behind the couple, most likely causing them to break from their kiss....
"You two did a mighty fine job!" Matthew claimed before bringing the couple in for a bear hug! "Now Hans. Why don't ya introduce us to your little lady friend here." Matthew claimed before letting go of the two mages. "Father, don't embarrass him." Grace said as she playfully plucked the back of the old guy's head with her free arm, making Serenity giggle. Hans couldn't help but crack an amused little smile at this before looking over at Suna. "Right. Everyone, this is Suna. Suna, these are my f-" "No no no!" Matthew interrupted before shaking his head. "Save the proper introductions for when we get back to our place! I'll make some hot cocoa for us all!" Matthew claimed before walking off, another proud, hardy laughter escaping his mouth. "Errr don't worry. I'll be the one making the cocoa." Grace whispered to Hans and Suna before walking off to catch up with Matthew.
Hans laughed lightly at this before looking over to Suna. If she had no problems with following them, the merc would hold his arm out to let Suna wrap hers around before heading off in the same direction, the cheers from the folks around them still going strong, with a lot of it focused on the couple.
This was all an eventful day filled with all sorts of troubles and concerns...but in the end, a valuable lesson was learned....
That anyone is capable of change...no matter their upbringings.
Happy Yuletide, Aries Garse!
[Exit]
[attr="class","hansheader"]N O T E S
I posted cringe
[attr="class","hansheader"]S P E L L S
Cool spell descriptions here
[attr="class","hansinfobg"]
[attr="class","hansinfo"]
[attr="class","hansinfotext"]
WC 990|| TOTAL WC 4,217
TAGSSuna Hoshi Walker ITEMS Cosmic Blessing, Raven's Grasp PERKS List 'em here
Suna held her breath, as did the rest of Aries Garse. The reindeer had seemed so dead set on his intent to destroy the ‘corrupted’ town, and the end seemed inevitable. She could feel the hands on her shoulder, and knew that the people were also on edge to react to whatever happened. The elf’s first instinct was to gather her sound and aura magic, ready to fight or protect come what may. It was slightly selfish, but she was also ready to protect the mercenary first if the reindeer and the snowmen army attacked. As long as she could rest easy knowing that Hans was safe, she can fight and assist the town to her utmost.
"This town...Aries Garse...is..."
The whole town hung on edge to Rudolph’s next words, ready to either explode in protest or in celebration.
"...redeemable."
There was a collective gasp of shock, then sighs of relief. Even Suna’s eyes were as round as saucers, as the words did not quite click in her mind yet. Redeemable...that means he was not going to destroy the town, right? It took her a second, but then she relaxed her tensed shoulders, and a big smile grew on her face. Almost before the yuletide protector had finished giving his little speech of approval, the townsfolk were already raising up a cheer. Rudolph looked almost bewildered at this change of events, but Suna was just glad that there would not be any more fighting.
"Thank you." She said to the red-nosed reindeer, though it was debatable whether it was heard above the noisy cheers and applause from the town residents. Cries of "Rudolph! Rudolph!" could be heard as they celebrated their redemption. Suna cheered along right with them, doing a little victory dance of her own.
Then Rudolph was speaking again, and the blue-haired elf had paused to hear what he had to say. She nodded at the words of wisdom from the ancient stag. "See you next year!" The elf waved at the disappearing form as it ascended back up into the sky, up into the clouds and out of sight.
Now she turned her attention to the dark mage, a spark in her eyes. "Now when did you start becoming such an orator?" However, it seemed like her question would not be answered, not when the man was slyly slipping his arm around her. "Hans!" Her eyes flew furtively around them, at the crowd who were still celebrating and some shouting their thanks at the couple. "We’re in public!"
Nonetheless, she still let him kiss her, though her face fired up in a rosy shade. Then he pulled back for a moment and was looking at her with such warmth and care and other things, she could feel her body heat up just by those eyes alone. This type of power, capturing her heart with just a single look...no man should have rights to hold such powerful dark magic like this. Then he was thanking her, but really, she should be the one thanking him. Who knew what kind of life she would have if she had not met him? She could not even begin to imagine her life without him now, not when he played such a huge role at the present and hopefully also in the future.
That sneaky man attempted to capture her lips again, and Suna made a little noise of protest. But after a few moments, she surrendered and let him take her breath away. After all the intense feelings they had just gone through, the ups and downs of deciding the town’s fate—surely it warranted for a release, right?
There was a loud chuckle from near them, and it brought reality back into her senses. Suna drew back, momentarily mortified...but also licking her lips and enjoying the sweet aftertaste of that kiss. "Hans!" She threw him a light punch on the ribs, completely embarrassed at how openly they were displaying their affections...though inwardly, she did not really mind it. In fact, she was secretly pleased at how open and generous the mercenary was now with his feelings. It also helped that people would know she was taken, and vice versa.
Then they were both being engulfed in a bear hug, and her face was pressed against the mercenary’s chest...not that she minded that. Suna’s heart swelled with some indiscernible feeling by the light and playful family bantering going on with the older man and the other woman. The giggling little girl was just so adorable, and Suna was about to talk to her before the gentleman cut in with an offer to go back to his house for some hot cocoa. That was something she could not pass on, and from the sound of it, it was not something they could turn down anyways.
Suna accepted the offered arm with a sweet smile, then turned and waved to the townsfolk who were making a way to let them through. "Happy Yuletide, Aries Garse!"
