Cait Sith Side Story 2: Preparations

~Priestess’ Perspective~

It was another day where the Goddess’s light barely touches Habagat’s land. How long has it been when I last saw sunlight. Has the Goddess really forsaken this land?

“No,” I tell myself. Whether I’m trying to state a fact or convince myself, I have not an inkling of her plans.

If the Goddess has truly forsaken us then we would have already succumbed to the miasma surrounding this land.

“The Goddess’s love is still with us. We have more magic than Amihan. The monsters and dark skies are just tests and reminders to not be prideful. I must be ever vigilant. My faith can’t be shaken.” (Priestess)

I clasp my hands in prayer, asking for her forgiveness for my moment of doubt.

“Oh, Goddess Gaia, guider me as I do your bidding. May the “Call” bring our salvation.” (Priestess)

The monsters have been growing strong as of late, and a multitude of pioneer villages on the far end of the Empire have succumbed to the onslaught of the monsters. I have lost a lot of my sisters and brothers. This time an oracle from the Mighty Alab has come.

“Worry not mine own faithful servant. I shall send a blade that shall cleave through the rot.  A lantern to clear the darkness and corruption.  Prepare and thy deliverer and inquisitor shall come. My Sword and Flame from another world shall arrive at the heart of the empire.” (Alab)

I still remember the oracle bestowed upon us. Every Priest and Priestess heard his voice. An oracle from the Goddess’s Child and Follower. We will receive salvation.

The monsters have not yet reached the heart of the Empire, but crime has risen within the cities near the Capital. Refugees and injured soldiers and militias from the front line have come flocking in the thousands.

Miasma has even crawled so close to the Empire. Strong monsters appear one after another destroying villages, killing the people, and covering the land in miasma. Just two weeks from the Capital many of those villages have been made into those monsters’ nests labyrinths have also sprung one after another.

“I will faithfully wait for your sword and flame my Goddess.” (Priestess)

I should probably send a letter to my dear friend. He was such a faithful believer once. Though I understand his sorrow. We’ve all lost so much but this could be an answer to both our wishes.

Moreover, I could tease him a bit. I do have to poke him once in a while. I can clearly imagine his bitter smirk as he reads this letter. And the valley between his brows would be even deeper when he reads this.

~Minister’s Perspective~

The reports coming to me have all been horrible. Famine, plagues, and monster stampedes, reports about them have appeared almost in a weekly cycle.

The Empire’s chest can still sustain this for a few years. With the amount of Mana Ore and Ether we trade with Amihan we have more than enough Lunas and Sol. However precious metals and fineries will never feed a starving man. We’ve lost almost a quarter of our agricultural land in the last five years. The Empire will starve soon and there is nothing we can do but look for ways to feed the citizens.

“Oh, a report from the Magic Academy.” (Minister)

They have successfully grown food underground but the amount of mana in the produce is too high. It is just a little better than failure. We can still afford to spend money on them. I hope they show more promising results.

They have even made Chimeras for livestock. The breeding programs have been failing miserably. I don’t know what they are thinking. But as long as the citizens will not die, the empire must push through and save her people.

“Another request from the Church of the Goddess. Hmph.” (Minister)

I grind my teeth in frustration as I read their letter. Does the Goddess even exist? We’ve survived on this continent without her help. Though the clergy help with the front line. They cost more than they are worth.

“Why not pray to that goddess for a savior? That’s all you do anyway.” (Minister)

Though I couldn’t help but smirk as I read through the letter.

“Heh. A savior from another world? That savior better be powerful or at least worth his weight in Lunas.” (Minister)

I scoff at the letter. Though I am happy that a friend who has not yet met their untimely demise wrote it to me. I wish she would stop with the “goddess this, goddess that.” Shtick. She knows why I left the clergy.

“Still, there’s a part of me hoping for a sign. For whatever may happen. I wouldn’t say no to a person who will help us.” (Minister)

I should read the report from the front lines. Hmmm—

*Knock* *Knock**Knock*

I said I didn’t want to be disturbed. This must be some kind of urgent matter. I have a terrible feeling.

“Another, report? So soon” (Minister)

“State your business.” (Minister)

A voice from behind the door said,

“Milord, forgive me. I know you are quite burdened with work but a letter from the General came. They say it’s most urgent.” (Vassal)

“Come in and hand me the letter.” (Minister)

As my butler handed me the letter. I asked,

“Where is the messenger?” (Minister)

“They are most hurried, Sir. They left as soon as they gave the letter.” (Vassal)

“I see then leave and try not to disturb me.”

He bowed and left the door, “As you wish, Milord.”

I still can’t get used to being called “Milord”. Well, I did earn it. No matter.

What could this letter contain? I carefully opened the letter from my friend. We have both grown old but he still uses a dragon on everything he has. A letter with a seal of a dragon.

Though my reminiscence would not prepare me from what he had written,

“This can’t be!!!” (Minister)