Private Sunt Superis Sua Iura

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws
Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Weathing: This Tag Aston Jacobs
​

Katrine had walked almost seven thousand steps today without having discovered a new part of her home. The Schwartzweld was enormous, a city with the walls of a single castle, new wings and sections added to it by generations of Van-Dervelds. It was the heart of the lands, the beating twisted and possibly even manic with the amount of insanity that had woven into it through countless records of inbreeding.

The Schwartzweld was a world within the world, a monument to the legends of the Lupine overlords. The humans still here perhaps never thought they would see the day when a Van-Derveld came home, but deep down, Katrine knew it was not the humans she should have worried about at all. There was a darker presence within these walls, buried by madness and chaos that ruled in their hearts. The ancestors of Figaro Favours VII, tethered to this earthly existence, grew madder than they ever were, festering in their thoughts, alone in the rumbles of the ruined parts of their home.

She, a relatively young woman still, of long black hair and sapphire blue eyes, was a descendant of one of the oldest Lupine families of this world. She was the cub of Ket Van-Derveld himself, the second daughter of the second son. She was the blood of the old wolves, blood amplified by her Wiccan mother, of ancient origins – a Dathomir and Mandragora madwoman. Katrine was blood of wolves and magic; she was born pure, of Lupine parents. Curupira wasn’t just her father’s mate; she was Lupine reborn in a future distant from now. Katrine had suspected, but never confirmed, that she was more pure Van-Derveld than generations before her. She was Van-Derveld through and through, with her father being the nearest source of Lupine DNA to help her mother’s rebirth.

Katrine was truly Van-Derveld, in the most ancient and noble ways.

Yet, the spirits festered and mumbled in the back of her mind.

Something was amiss, the First Mother of the Spirits knew. And she didn’t need them telling her this, though the whispers from the three spirits warning her to stay clear were warning enough. Katrine was no longer a child; she was a mother to her cub. She could not permit the malicious sensation to stay.

Either they would make peace, or they would go.

This was her home.

“Mae?” Larentia’s little voice called from behind her. “Go to Papu, baby girl,” Katrine called back, glancing behind her into the dark hallway. Just then, she felt a soft brush to her cheek, like the side of a claw passing over her skin. The woman turned abruptly, sapphire gaze surveying ahead. She couldn’t see anyone. “I know you’re there.”

It was the ichor, infused with her blood, that itched beneath her skin.

Silence fell.

“Did you hear me? Show yourself,” she demanded. Perhaps not, Jart cautioned. “I demand you show yourself.” Katrine ignored the spirit and moved ahead, fingers wrapping against the handle. Doashim roared from the depths of her mind, ready for a fight. “Settle,” she whispered to the beast within, turning the doorknob. It gave no resistance until she pushed it open. The doors swung shut violently, feeling like a strong gust of wind which pushed Katrine too, making her fall to the floor. She huffed as her behind hit the rubble beneath.

Something had stopped her from entering.

And Katrine was not happy.​

 

[Aston Jacobs]

Location: Near the Far West Wing
Tags: Katrine Van-Derveld
​

Wherever they were, he wasn't too far behind. His Queen, love, mate.

Everything she was, all she could be. The days that had passed since their declaration for each other had never faded from his mind. As time grew on, more duties had come with it. The need to protect the family, to protect Katrine and also protect the precious little girl known as Larentia. The tiny one whom he met back which seemed like almost a lifetime ago, but truly wasn't too long. The little girl he would call daughter and in return she would call him Papu, for father.

Aston raised his hand to his grizzled beard, while his other traced the wall ever so gently. There was so much history here, some of it foreign to him and some had been incredibly familiar. This was Katrine's arena, she was the strongest woman he ever knew, this was her destiny.


The Lunar Guard had arrived with them, a group of strong and intelligent warriors trained by several individuals and Aston himself. To protect Katrine and her little cub, on Aston's life and their own.


The massive city like complex that was Schwartzweld, the more days that were here the more surprises that were in store. There was so much here, some of it old, filled with memory and anger.

Papu!

Aston glanced to his left as little Larentia was running towards him, The Master knelt down as he wrapped her up in a hug, but she came with a plea. He listened as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Don't worry little one. Wait right here with the Guard, I promise everything will be okay." Aston placed another kiss on her forehead as he moved away from her and the guard and into the direction where Katrine would be.

Aston was well aware that she could handle herself, yet his instinct, and she was his great love. No matter how small he would always come running to make sure she was okay.

He arrived as she was sitting on the floor, no doubt in an irritable mood. Something had indeed happened, he could feel it in the air around them.

"Are you alright?" Aston spoke as he knelt down to help her up. "There is something ancient here, angry perhaps."

"What happened?"

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws
Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Weathing: This Tag Aston Jacobs

​

Katrine was once reckless. It wasn't that she didn't care about her own life, but that was all she had to fight for in this mortal realm. Even when she had travelled back in time to find Chloe and ended up seeing the younger version of her parents, deep down, she felt it was her against the galaxy. The first person who came to her aid was Aston, who helped her break the curse that had followed her throughout her life. Yet, she had been alone, seeking thrills where she found them.

Even when she joined the very different Confederacy that existed during her childhood, even when she was claimed by Jart, even when she ascended to Night Mother.

Deep down, Katrine felt she was alone, and the galaxy was limitless. She let people in whom she thought would be there forever, and she was wrong.

This sense of solitude changed when Larentia was born. A child of her own, her biological father no longer in their lives, awakened something inside her she didn't realise was possible. Becoming a mother changed everything for Katrine.

Left on the damaged floor, doors shut, she could feel the ichor inside her boil. Calm, Jart attempted to caution. Let us rip it apart, Doashim roared instead, hungry for a fight. Katrine felt the same as he did. It must be destroyed, Lylek agreed.

This spirit could put Larentia in danger.

It was all Katrine felt. She felt her anger build, matched by the demon spirit beside her. Jart's advice went into the wind. As the anger built, it summoned other spirits far and wide, calling for immense power. Katrine wasn't a monster, but she could be, if necessary, the mother of monsters, who would be willing to level this building at her command. There was clarity enough to know Larentia was still in the stronghold, and that amount of power unleashed could harm her cub. Katrine wouldn't allow this.

Yet the anger was subdued enough, or clarity struck as she heard Aston's voice call to her, grounding her sufficiently for the sapphire glow to settle, searching for him as he approached. Aston helped her stand to her feet. Katrine looked at him. He, too, could feel the ancient power ahead. "It is angry," the Lupine agreed.

"Is Ren safe?" She immediately questioned about her daughter, her primary concern. She knew her daughter would find Aston when she had sent her away. Katrine could still feel the strong presence behind the doors, unaware of who it was—a Van-Derveld for sure, but something archaic and angry, something unwilling to consider the new. Katrine was the new one; she was the heir to the throne.

Her sapphire gaze lingered towards the doors. "It needs to go. I can't have Ren be unsafe in her home," the woman glanced at Aston as she spoke, trying to make it clear she wouldn't argue on this matter. Malevolent spirits were not welcome in her home. Her daughter wasn't a baby anymore; she had achieved her first change just recently, and deep down, Katrine knew Larentia could take care of herself. The wolf inside her was strong. Yet, that would not change her motherly instinct to kill anything that could potentially harm her.​

 

[Aston Jacobs]

"It is angry,"

"Is Ren safe?"

"She is." Aston spoke in a clear and steady voice as his eyes stared down the door before them, and he glanced around. He began to wonder how far this source of evil could penetrate, how far it would go and to what end. It was clearly set against Katrine and if it was set against her, it was set against them as well.

And that meant that while Larentia was a distance away, she was too still in potential danger.

"It needs to go. I can't have Ren be unsafe in her home,"

"I will have the Lunar guard escort her back. We can combine our strength and purge this now. What do you recommend my love?" Aston glanced at Katrine, a thumb tracing against her cheek just briefly. His thoughts shifted to Larentia, the sweet girl. This darkness could not be allowed to take or corrupt her. He looked to his Queen, whatever her command was he would follow.

Katrine Van-Derveld

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws

Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Weathing: This Tag Aston Jacobs

​

She is. Katrine registered the answer. Larentia was safe. For now, the spirit was inside the single chamber, of which she wasn't sure. Despite having found a lot of Van-Derveld history in the old tomes over the years, she wasn't sure whom she was dealing with here or why they were trapped in this single suite. There had to be some meaning to it, yet Katrine hadn't learned what it was.

It seemed like Larentia was safe away from this wing, but this did not guarantee her safety.
​

Aston chose to reassure her further. I will have the Lunar guard escort her back, she heard him say, as her sapphire gaze refocused on the double doors again. "Tell them to bring her to Ruu," Katrine reminded him. Her mother did not have the gifts she did, but she had power herself, and it would make the Lupine feel better knowing she was with family.

Her head turned back to him as she registered the second half of what Aston said. We can combine our strengths and purge this now. "What?"

As much as Aston was strong in the Force himself, the spirits were her domain. She worried the spirits would be beyond the realm of his gifts and could use this against her, against them. "I think I should do this alone. I have the ichor on my side." Her calm tone was meant to convey to her mate that she didn't wish to argue with him on the matter. "I need you to stay here, make sure it doesn't get out, the woman urged. This is what she needed from him. Letting him into the room would be dangerous for her. As much as it could be unsafe for him, it would distract the First Mother from her connection when she would be worried about him.

We are with you, Jart assured her with words as she felt Doashim squeeze her shoulders, his claws digging into her skin but not drawing blood. Lylek showed his support with warmth on her cheek. "The spirits will join me, Katrine assured Aston, feeling the three ancient spirits at her side as they had always been. Though the Confederacy had changed after her departure, and a new Night Mother had even been appointed, the three spirits never left her side. She was their First Mother; she was the conduit between the realms. Katrine was always destined for that role, and even her departure from her uncle's doctrine wouldn't change that.

Her gaze focused back on Aston to reinforce her words. "I must do this; I must show them all who and what I am. I cannot allow another to fight for me, and I can't let you get in harm's way." Katrine understood that this too was a trial, as all were in her life. Everything in her life was a form of trial which had to be overcome. This spirit, it had to see her might and bow down to her. It would not do so with a man at her side. Even though Katrine couldn't place what time it came from, she understood it was ancient, and the lore had told her enough about the ancient ways of this moon – only men were ever documented to have been the Lords of Schwartzweld.
​

That was going to change.​

 

[Larentia]

Location: Inner courtyard, East wing
​

They said the gods had a plan for them all. They said time was forever in flux. Larentia had not always believed that, yet since her arrival, she had come to see that this was indeed true. She had heard that her mother had time that could be rewritten, but the faithful vision she had been given told her of her death and that of those she loved. The Blood Wars were set to destroy the future of this moon.

It had been well over a decade now since Larentia had joined the Van-Dervelds. Despite her hesitation about being around them, her amulet had protected her identity from the family. Katrine and Ruu trusted her to be here, and despite her closeness to her charge, she had found that all her speculation was a lie. The worlds did not implode when Larentia stood beside the little one. All of creation did not disappear when she held her hand, though the vibrations were palpable.

Sometimes, she was sure little Larentia knew the truth.

Larentia swung her blades into thin air, training. She was constantly training; it was her form of meditation. It brought her a sense of peace – the sound of the weapon flying mid-air, her own body moving in the flow of the motion. When she first joined this family, Katrine still had much to learn, and Larentia always followed in her shadow, honouring her role as the warrior of Ulf. A Lupine was never meant to be the warrior of Ulf, but it ensured her combat training was more advanced than that of her mother. It had been some time now, and Larentia suspected the Van-Derveld heir didn't need her protection. She had grown more powerful through the years, becoming the woman Larentia had known her entire life.

Curupira was always there as well, protecting her future granddaughter.

And Larentia had not yet seen her fall to the dark.

Yet she knew the time would come for the Blood Wars to begin, even when she did not know the trigger for it. It had to have come as it was her past.

Larentia swung the blade and spun in response to the action, but in that moment, her feet faltered, and she nearly lost her balance just as Doashim roared. This was unlike her at all. "What is it?" She addressed the demon spirit to which she was connected. A spirit grows malevolent, he revealed. Her grip against her blades tightened as she readied herself for a fight.

"Where is it?" Even as she said it, she could feel the demon inside shake his head. You must let her fight this battle alone; she must prove herself worthy to the Van-Derveld spirits. For a spirit that always advocated violence and destruction first, his treatment of her tended to be fatherly at times. Larentia had had Doashim with her since she was a small child, as she knew right now, it protected another. The demon had always known who she was, and even though it kept her secret from Katrine despite her being the First Mother.

Someday, when the woman found out the truth, she wouldn't take kindly to his secret.

Someday shall come sooner than you think, child. Larentia knew the second voice well, but it rarely even addressed her. Lylek was not her spirit, but the Lupine held a secret she would take to the beyond if need be – all spirits spoke to her because she came into this world imbued with ichor, just as it ran through her mother's veins. "What?" His words confused her now.

Yet Lylek was cunning, and he did not speak too much, ever. Always cryptic but always correct in the rare words he shared with her. You must wait. We will stand by her. Jart himself ordered now. Her grip on her swords tightened further. Larentia was not always known for her patience, despite exhibiting considerable patience in recent years. Settle, little monster. I will summon. Doashim was the only one of the three spirits who could command the Lupine. She said nothing, and it wasn't necessary.​

 

[Aston Jacobs]

"Tell them to bring her to Ruu,"

Aston didn't take long at all after Katrine spoke, giving the order for the guard to take her to Ruu, and to be at the ready for anything suspicious

"I think I should do this alone. I have the ichor on my side."

"I need you to stay here, make sure it doesn't get out,

"I must do this; I must show them all who and what I am. I cannot allow another to fight for me, and I can't let you get in harm's way."

Aston smile at his mate, his queen. She was strong, she always was. And rightfully so this was her test, it wasn't Aston they wanted. The Master's hand rose and placed it gently on the side of her face, leaning in to kiss her passionately.

"I understand, you can do this, I believe in you. Show them who you are." Aston said with a vote of confidence, and his words weren't meant to imply that she needed help. But more so on the side of his own feelings. She was strong, but he also made a vow to protect her. What sort of person would he be if he didn't let her know.

But she knew already. He would just reinforce his words.

"Come back to us." Aston said as he moved away from her, taking a few steps back as he himself prepared for whatever could breath the veil and break through.

He was ready regardless.

She wasn't going to fail though, Aston believed that to its highest.

Katrine Van-Derveld

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws
Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Wearing: This Tag Aston Jacobs​

Katrine didn't have to check with Aston to know he would make sure Larentia was sent to her mother; he would get it done. When she looked back, it wasn't to confirm it was done but to seek out his support. It came in the form of a smile. Aston was Katrine's biggest support in the years past. He'd been by her side, never faltering in being her strength.

Whereas she had once thought true love would match that of Ket and Ruu, it turned out to be the exact opposite. Aston was her Madoc through and through. He was her rock, her calm, her anchor. He was her hero. Even when Katrine didn't need the strength of another, that was precisely what Aston was.

Unlike Satara, though, Katrine didn't feel like she needed that kind of strength, but she wanted it, and she never wanted to be without it. That was what Aston gave her.

He drew her attention back to him and the present with a gentle touch to her face, then kissed her. Katrine kissed him back, letting the moment wash over her and, for a split second, forgetting what she was about to face.

It felt too short, the kiss. With their lips parting, reality washed over her.

The words given showed both his love and trust in her to succeed. Sometimes, Katrine did need that. "Thank you," the Lupine let out quietly, grateful for the words given and the strength that always remained. This was a challenge she had to complete on her own, and she was happy Aston didn't argue over it, wanting to help her. It would be a burden to feel she needed to protect someone she loved in the trial ahead, a distraction. This train of thought had nothing to do with Aston's power but everything to do with the veil between the living and the dead in which she walked. This made her unique, different. It was her journey alone.

He stood back with one last request: Come back to us, and Katrine felt alone.

Her eyes shut for a moment, grounding herself for what was to come. She could feel the malevolent spirit growing increasingly impatient with her presence, aware of her presence just as she was of his. We are ready, Jart announced. Lylek and Doashim were there too, even when she didn't hear them now.

With a strong step forward, fuelled by three spirits at her side, Katrine reached for the handle as the doors shook in front of her. The malevolent spirit knew what she was trying to do. "You cannot deny me," the First Mother challenged, her voice bolstered into the spirit realm with the three. The doors shook further. 'Bring me power, bring me strength, guide me through this simple test.' The Witch whispered, summoning strength from her ancestors with a spell she had created herself, one that was unique and different from the ancient Paecean version.

She felt the strength fill her, giving her the physical power she sought.

Her palms pressed against the doors and pushed them with the entirety of her strength, forcing them open. A strong gust of wind pushed against her with a wicked screech reaching her ears, but the spell kept her grounded, strong against it as her long hair waved back. The scream hurt her; her sensitive hearing was impacted as her head tilted to the side. The spirit was aware of her weaknesses and looked to cause her harm.

Despite the pain, she walked forward. "You hurt your own," her imbued voice warned. You are not mine, it spoke for the first time. The malevolent spirit did not acknowledge who she was. "I am blood of Van-Derveld," Katrine returned, moving further inside. Small things began to move in the air around her, a wind circling her as she centred herself in the room. You are not, the spirit refused again, refusing to accept the truth.

As the wind grew stronger, the double doors slammed shut, separating her from Aston.

Katrine was focused on the object flying around her, but deep down, she felt the distance between them increase. You are not alone, Jart promised, the spirits aware of the feeling within her. The objects continue to fly around her faster now, unclear due to the speed at which they are moving.

"Who are you?" The Lupine maintained her focus.

A small item flew at the side of her head, her head barely moving to the side before it hit her. The spirit was trying to harm her. I am the first. It returned when the object missed her. "Then I am your descendant," Katrine responded without hesitation. The malevolent spirit screeched at her words, causing her to wince at the pain it inflicted, and rejecting the truth.

"I am Katrine Van-Derveld. I am the second daughter of Ket Van-Derveld. This time, when the spirit threw a small orb at her, it hit her shoulder, making her grab the injury as it bled. It refused her words again.

Be gone, his words vibrated through the room.

Katrine refused to stop despite the pain. "I am the Wolf's Heir. You cannot banish me." The spirit roared.​

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws
Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Wearing: This Tag Aston Jacobs

​

She had faced a Van-Derveld spirit once. He, too, questioned her authority due to being a girl. The books had told her as much – all Lords of Van-Derveld were, as the title suggested, men. It was a complicated situation for the female raised in a matriarchal society, now claiming her title on the moon of the wolves.

As the malevolent spirit roared, it came as a strong gust of wind, her head turning as she felt her hair rise to it.

Be gone! It roared against the objects spinning faster. Katrine was the centre of the tornado, feeling the spell still kept her grounded. Doashim roared back next to her, its demonic strength fuelling her strength further. She could hear Lylek's feet tapping against the wooden floor, wishing for a fight with the spirit.

Katrine would not submit.

"No." The Lupine refused. She would not be banished from her home, from the grounds where she had lived and raised her child for close to a decade, where she had given birth to the next generation of Van-Derveld. This was where the Witch belonged. The spirit be damned; it would not win today. It would be submitted to or banished beyond the spirit realm, never to be seen again.

It wasn't just about this one spirit; others shared his sentiment.

Katrine had to make them all see now that she would not be challenged. The dead had to submit to the living or be gone from this place. Not for her but for Larentia and Aston. She had to ensure that those she loved were safe, that they didn't have to live in fear of the beyond. It had to be done today, once and for all. Her rule would not be tested again.

Another object flew at her, Jart pushed her off balance a step to avoid it hitting her. If it weren't for the spirits, this one would have hit her – without question. Thank you, it wasn't something she said, but it was something she felt in the moment, and the ancient spirit knew this. The bird spirit called, aware of her emotions.

When the malevolent spirit flung another object at her, Doashim caught it and jumped into the tornado. The spirit shrieked again, this time in surprise and pain. They tumbled through the objects. Even though Katrine could always feel and hear Doashim, she couldn't always see the monstrous creature. She couldn't see him now. Lylek leaned against her leg, and Jart held on to its shoulders, both keeping the First Mother at bay as the demon fought for her.

The demon roared at the same time as the malevolent spirit shrieked, a few droplets of ichor beginning to fly through the tornado. Katrine felt the pain of her monster, aware it had been injured. Jart screamed in anger. "Doashim, we will face him together," Katrine called to the spirit. Instead of listening to her, it must have struck at the malevolent spirit, causing him to howl. The demon wouldn't allow for the dead to have one over him.

He was at her side a moment later, the damaged demonic flash shining with ichor.

Katrine reached for the wound, but the demon pushed it back. Do not get distracted, Doashim commanded. Now is not the time for sentiments, not the time for the First Mother to worry. They had a wounded animal in front of them.

The malevolent spirit howled again. She could feel his cold breath on her cheek when he did. He was here, beside her. He was angry and hurt. An injured wolf was dangerous.​

 

[Larentia]

Location: Inner courtyard, East wing​

Her swords fell to the ground as she screamed, the cut against her flesh appearing violently. Larentia dropped to her feet, holding on to the newly formed scar against her flesh. She looked at it and saw the ichor glow. Doashim had been injured.

She could hear it roar in her head and refuse to give in.

"What's happening?" She questioned as she stood, the scar on her shoulder still stinging. He did not answer her straight away, but Larentia heard the shriek that spread through the halls of the stronghold. He had gotten his back against the one that hurt him. Do not get distracted, Doashim commanded in her mind, then, making her inhale deeply.

It didn't want her to join yet.​

 

[Curupira Hawk]

Location: Front quarters of the estate, North wing Ruu, wearing: This Ren, wearing: This
​

"That doesn't look right," Kree commented over the cauldron. Curupira rolled her eyes as she stirred. "Shut up," the Witch returned, unimpressed with the android hanging around with her this whole morning. She didn't know why Kat kept this thing around anymore. She could understand before when she was gone, but it had been well over a decade now that Curupira was here, and this little perfect thing looking like she was some bad copy of Ruu was getting on her nerves.

Kree didn't get the message; instead, she moved closer, looking at the boiling liquid.

"You need to leave me alone before I scrap you," the Witch threatened. Kree only rolled her eyes at that, unaffected by her threats. "What is it?" The android ignored her. "It's a potion," Curupira provided an answer, but her tone of voice should have been another hint she didn't have patience for Kree's antics today. I'm going to rip her apart someday, one of her voices perked up. She agreed.

The younger-looking woman looked, her expression one of confusion. "Aren't you like really bad at this witch stuff?" Kree countered.

Curupira slammed the wooden spoon against the counter. "A-Kree-I, I swear to…". The doors swung open then, interrupting her, both looking up at the two of Aston's soldiers walking in with little Larentia.

"Let me go," the teenager was complaining.

Both Curupira and Kree were looking at them confused. "Ma'am," one of them started, getting Ruu's best death glare at the term. "Lady Curupira," he corrected himself with a gulp. "Master Aston has ordered us to bring Larentia here. Lady Katrine has encountered issues in the West Wing." He explained.

The Witch knew Katrine had gone out there, having complained that something was out there that she didn't like. Curupira wasn't attuned to the spirits as her daughter was and generally avoided getting involved. She had her own voices, and the demon Doashim liked to talk to her from time to time. It was hardly as much as Katrine got; she wagered.

Each of them had their own demons to battle, the Witch had decided long ago.

"Fine." Her focus turned to Larentia. "You can help me make this potion, " Larentia crossed her arms instead, not happy with any of this. Her maternal grandmother could feel the annoyance growing. "It's not fair, I'm old enough," she heard her complaining. "Next time," Curupira accidentally promised.

Larentia glanced at the soldier next to her, then kicked his calf. He winced and jumped away. Her granddaughter was wilful, and at that delicate age when she was going through her first change. Curupira chuckled at her thoughts, not at the kick, finding it funny how her thoughts pretended to know anything about being a teenage Lupine. This was her first dealing with one of them. What do you know about wolves growing up? A voice teased her. Kree glared at her, unapproving of her reaction.

"Ren! We don't kick soldiers when we're unhappy," the android complained. The soldier limped over to the doors with his companion. They were going to hang back with them. "Kree is right," Curupira forced herself to say. "Potion, now," she ordered.

Muttering under her breath, the teenager approached the counter, uninterested in what Curupira was doing. The Witch could see her catching glances at the soldiers. "Please don't. Mae has something important to do. We don't want her distracted, worrying about you; she could get hurt." The words seemed to settle the restless teenage spirit enough for her to look back. "What are you doing?" Ren finally questioned her about her potion.

"It's a…," Curupira began just as Larentia screamed and fell to the floor. "Ren?!" The Witch called. Kree and Curupira both knelt as Larentia grabbed her shoulder. "I need to see." She urged her, trying to get the little one to move her hand. When she finally agreed to reveal the wound, it was oozing with traces of a green glow. Curupira recognised it, Katrine bled the same at times. Kree exchanged a glance with her, both unsure what had happened.

"Should I report this?" One of the soldiers called out. Neither the android nor the real Witch she had been modelled after knew the answer to his question, trying to stop the bleeding on the fresh wound. "I don't want Katrine to hear this now." Whatever it was, it was related to the spirits, and it was affecting her daughter, though Curupira didn't know why. You can't help her, one of the voices teased her now, causing her further stress. The soldier reached for her communication device, quietly talking into it.​

 

[Aston Jacobs]

Aston looked at Katrine with the greatest of confidences anyone could have. He knew who she was, what she always was. This was her time....

The Master took several paces back, as he would leave completely but he couldn't intervene in this. Aston drew a deep breath as he closed his eyes, hands at his side. He ready if something broke through past Katrine and threatened to come further. The Master of the force would do everything in his power to stop it. They would not break through, they would not harm his family.

Aston had waited many years for this life, a place to call home. And a family with it, his best friend Katrine and Larentia, his beautiful daughter. Not by blood, but that didn't matter.

Not one bit, for all intents and purposes she was his child.

It seemed as though things were going okay, until there was a small beeping sound. Aston recognized it as his communication device as he opened his eyes and glanced down. Before he even answered he felt something, there was a shift in the force.

A warning, something was happening...

Aston raised the device up and several words came through, only a few he registered before he glanced to where Katrine had just went into and to where Larentia was.

"----we have a situation-----" "-----It's Larentia----"

Aston made his way to his daughter, with the upmost haste.

Katrine Van-Derveld

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws
Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Wearing: This Tag Aston Jacobs​

Her body shuddered at the sensation of the Malevolent spirit next to her, her hand twitching as she summoned her choice of weapon against the spirit. The spirit roared in rage, obviously aware of what she was doing. Her whole body shifted then, her connection to the ichor breaking against the push. It wouldn't allow her to summon the sword that could end him.

The flesh of her shoulder stung, though no wound appeared there. Katrine knew it was Doashim's pain she felt, her connection to the three spirits running deep.

It hurt more, growing worse. Katrine felt dizzy under the weight of it. The malevolent spirit took its chance then, the tornado around her growing stronger. Her spell of strength was weakening rapidly due to her dabbling with the ichor, overpowering all other magic. Even as the Witch failed in summoning the weapon, it had taken its tool and overcome her. She couldn't use her magic now at all.

Her balance shifted against the spirit, striking her hurt shoulder and causing her to stumble. "What do you want?" Katrine questioned, her voice no longer imbued by the three. She could feel their connection lingering yet weakened from Doashim's injury. When the Malevolent spirit struck again, Katrine fell backwards. It felt like she was falling forever, just as she inhaled something, drawing a sharp breath.​

~*~
Location: In the spirit realm​

Thunderstorms raged above, waking Katrine up. Her eyes fluttered open, the dark skies above her menacing. She knew she had been in the Schwartzweld just moments ago, and she knew she had been facing the Malevolent spirit. The rest of them felt groggy and distant, as if it had happened thousands of years ago.

Katrine knew where she was, though… she had been in this realm before.

She felt the presence near her, her sapphire gaze rising to meet the gaze of a tall man. He was wearing metal and a cape. "Who are you?" The spirit seemed calmer now, matching sapphire gaze staring back at her. "I am your Lord and Master, girl. You will treat me as such." He barked back at her. It was the same voice, but it was now sounding more human.

It was when she noticed the shining red scar on the side of his neck. It was a fresh wound, no doubt given to him by a Doashim. Katrine pushed herself up, refusing to be on the ground to face the ancient Lupine. "You are right, but you are also dead," The woman refused with a calm voice. His eyes narrowed at her, not content with her choice of words.

A moment passed as a sense of recognition passed through his face. The malevolent spirit knew deep down he was gone from the mortal realm, but it must have come and gone, in his angered, lonely state.

"Who are you?" He questioned now. "I told you, I'm Katrine Van-Derveld. Daughter of Ket Van-Derveld. Granddaughter of Diego Van-Derveld."

The man huffed and looked away now. "Diego is an insolent pup who ran away from home." So, he knew exactly who her paternal grandfather was. Katrine didn't; she had never met the man, but he was hardly ever mentioned. He had abandoned his ancestral home, and perhaps rightfully so, as it was dying due to inbreeding and madness.

He faced her now, completely. "Are you a lesser Lupine? Did Diego and Ket bed others?" Katrine rolled her eyes at his archaic beliefs. "You're an idiot." She declared then, without an ounce of fear towards the man, unfazed by his stupid question. She had read this in the books when she had explored them with Gerwald. Van-Dervelds were so against destroying their bloodlines that they almost became their undoing.

The spirit growled at her. "Our gene dominates over other species. We remain Lupine completely. It is only that humanoid features may appear different."

"It cannot be," the man protested and walked away. Katrine stood there, refusing to follow. He would have to come back to her. This news had come as a shock to the ancient one. The Van-Dervelds had all but destroyed themselves by refusing to mix with other races. She imagined Diego stepping into the galaxy, unaware of this himself, simply fathering children without realising he was preserving the bloodline with his actions. The man continued to walk away, without addressing her. Years ago, Katrine would have followed; she would have bombarded the ancient one with hundreds of questions. She was curious still, but no longer the same chatty child she had once been. She was now a woman, a mother, and a leader. She had grown so much without even realising it. The ancient one would have to come back to her. ​

 

[Curupira Hawk]

Location: Front quarters of the estate, North wing Ruu, wearing: This Ren, wearing: This​

"Shut up," Curupira protested against the malicious voice inside her head. She could heal Larentia now; she had the power that would allow her to do so, but she couldn't let the voices discourage her from using her name. The teenager calmed as the first wave of pain dissipated. "Calm, I'll heal it." Her hand reached over the green scar, her skin brushing against the oozing ichor.

Larentia winced at the touch. "Shh, it's okay," the Witch promised as she began to concentrate.

Kree was kneeling next to her, holding the girl's uninjured hand, trying to keep her calm as Curupira focused on the wound beneath her. It felt more stubborn than an ordinary wound, refusing to begin the healing process as the Witch forced it.

"Why isn't it working?" Kree protested after a few moments. Nothing was happening, and Larentia struggled against the touch of the open wound. It was hurting her more and not healing the way Curupira had intended. Years ago, Ruu had struggled with the Force, with her magic. It was as if she had been cut off from it when her mind had been less scrambled. Yet the voices returned, and so did her power. Many times, over, she had healed the girl's scratches and cuts without issue.

So, why wasn't it working now? It was draining her as if it worked, and yet nothing changed on the wound. Curupira didn't have to look at the new scar to confirm this; she could feel it through the Force. She wasn't healing Larentia at all; she couldn't.

Doashim roared in anger, and this time, Curupira heard it too. Larentia screamed at the same time, startling the Witch.

"Stop! You're hurting her!" Kree shouted at her. "It's not her I'm hurting," Curupira retorted, unable to break off the connection she was feeling with the girl right now. She had inadvertently connected to the teenager, and she was no longer sure if she had heard the roar of the demon or if somehow she had channelled it from Larentia, hearing what the girl felt.​

 

[Larentia]

Location: Inner courtyard, East wing Tag: Aston Jacobs​

Her shoulder stung against the words of the demon. Larentia knew this pain belonged to Doashim, not her, and she knew all too well that she couldn’t do anything about it. The spirit was injured, not her. She winced as the pain increased, forcing her to holster her weapons onto the cases on her back and hold on to them.

Flesh touched flesh, feeling the vibrations from the ichor coursing through her.

Doashim roared in anger just as she witnessed a flash of light before her eyes.

Curupira was kneeling over the teenage girl, attempting to heal her through the Force. It caused the demon pain, it caused her pain, and it caused the child pain she had never known in her life. Why the little girl felt a strong connection to the demon now, Larentia couldn’t tell.

Because she had been claimed from birth.

Larentia screamed suddenly. The girl screamed at the same time, far from her. The Lupine could feel her now, like a bridge had opened in three—Maiden, mother, crow, she remembered an old tale in that moment. Through the bridge forged by Katrine and Doashim, the woman and girl were connected, feeling it stronger than she had ever.

As if Katrine wasn’t even there to take the burden…

Larentia immediately broke into a run, forcing the doors open through small gusts of telekinesis as she ran, wanting to reach the girl. Something was wrong, the Warrior of Ulf knew. The teenage girl was in danger, and so was Katrine. She knew better than to run to Katrine; the First Mother would end her life now if she hadn’t protected the girl over her, and Larentia wanted to; she needed to make sure the girl was safe.

Her whole existence depended on it.

She could see Aston rushing in the same direction, passing him through a push of the Force at her feet. “Something is wrong!” The Lupine shouted at him as she rushed into the kitchen, bursting through the doors. It startled the soldiers, her hands raising in defence as they reached for their weapons for a moment. It was only when they were sure it was her that they relaxed.

Curupira and Kree were kneeling over the teenage girl, who was shaking due to the shared pain. Her tolerance of it wouldn’t be as high. “Get away from her, you’re hurting the demon.” Larentia couldn’t stop herself, sliding onto the ground to grab the girl’s hand. It was a fascinating thing. Never had she had a problem connecting skin to skin with the girl, despite the potential implications she had been led to believe could occur if she ever touched her.

The galaxy didn’t end; the worlds did not implode.​

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

The Gods Have Their Own Laws
Location: Far End of the West Wing, The Schwartzweld Wearing: This Tag Aston Jacobs
​

The three spirits gathered around Katrine as she fell, knowing she had been swept into the spirit realm. The tornado around them ceased. They could follow and stand at her side within, but they were with her, inside her blood, if she needed them. However, within the spirit realm, she was equal to the malevolent spirit and could fight him without their help, so they chose to wait.

Doashim licked his wound, trying to lessen the pain. He was well aware that not one but two Larentia’s had been struck by the same pain and were feeling what he felt, but the demon couldn’t help them now, not until his wound had healed. The Witch had attempted to heal the wound on the young one, but this caused the demon pain, and he roared in anger at her action. Somehow, the roar had reached her from the teenager.

Now we wait, Jart instructed, the two quietly agreeing.​

~*~
Location: In the spirit realm​

It felt like hours as the malevolent spirit in man form walked away from her. Katrine waited, feeling her childish impatience raging inside her, but didn’t act upon it. When he walked back to her, Katrine didn’t allow for her own sapphire gaze to falter from the once Lord.

“Who are you?” the dead challenged the living.

Katrine smiled slightly. At least he was willing to talk now, even though he obviously could not remember from his angered state in the mortal realm that this conversation had been had. The woman wouldn’t argue the point, though; she imagined it was disorienting to remain among the living realm as he had, long past his life. “I am Katrine Van-Derveld. Daughter of Keticus, granddaughter of Diego.”

When the man looked at her with glowing eyes, it was as if he was seeing her for the first time. “And you say our bloodline was saved by Diego abandoning the moon?” Katrine nodded. That was precisely what she was saying. “Then we are again strong, we are many.”

Not exactly, she thought to herself.

“We should talk about the Great Culling,” Katrine began slowly, aware this would anger him after the newly discovered knowledge of the Van-Derveld house surviving in the galaxy beyond what he had known until now. “The what?” The man questioned.

The woman sighed. “Diego had a good few children. With multiple women.” The man scoffed but said nothing. “Ket’s brother, Vega, after having made his own family, wiped out a lot of the bloodline. We refer to it as the Great Culling or the Winnowing. He spared a few of his siblings and his children and then vanished. As soon as Katrine had said it, she could feel the waves of anger building in the spirit, knowing this infuriated him. The bloodline had been saved, but the hands of another descendant had then lost it.

Katrine couldn’t deny him the anger; she too hated Vega for what he had done.

He roared in anger, the Lupine sound coming from the human mouth. Katrine stood still, not allowing it to affect her, even though it shouldn’t have been possible for him to do so. Yet… in the spirit realm, she imagined, all things were possible. He was both, he was one, and the rules were different here.

“We still survived.” She continued. His eyes refocused back on her, watching her. It almost felt uncomfortable, feeling the anger still coming off him in waves, yet a part of him continued to listen. “There’s more of us again. We’re stronger now. And if Vega ever returns, I will kill myself for what he has done against our family.” It was a vow, not just to the spirit but to her whole bloodline – to Larentia more than anyone. She had something important to lose now, and Katrine would not allow him to repeat his actions.

The man huffed. “You are a girl.”

Katrine chuckled. “No, you fool, I am the future. I am the heir to the throne; I am the continuation of the bloodline. I am pure, just as you would wish me to be. I am Lupine, born of two Lupines. I am the mother of Lupine, born of two Lupines.” She didn’t want to say it, but her mother was Lupine thanks to her father. This explained the madness she carried, but Larentia was different; she was the daughter of two Figaro Favoura VII bloodlines, the true future of their moon.

He appeared surprised now by her declaration.

“You brought forth another pure Lupine?” He was undoubtedly surprised by what he had heard. “What’s your name? Katrine interrupted suddenly. He paused, obviously not happy with her not answering his question. “I am Wulfram Van-Derveld,” he announced.

The Witch had seen this name in the library books. He was a ruthless leader, a warrior in his own right. He was the eldest of his generation, the firstborn son of the firstborn son. He was a legend in the eyes of their history. He was also a firm believer in keeping their species pure. When other families tried to oppose this idea, they tried to offer alternatives, he waged wars against them and slathered elders.

Wulfram Van-Derveld was a merciless monster to all who opposed his ideas.

He was also recorded in history as one of the strongest rulers they had ever had.

It was him. It was always going to be him, Katrine realised. He was the spirit, the voice above all other spirit voices. If the woman could win against him, by fight or words, she could command all other spirits in the Schwartzweld.

“You may think me a girl, Wulfram, but I was born to rule this world. I was born to bring forth the new empire of Lupine. I descend from leaders. From you, from rulers in my maternal side. I was born to do this. And you will support my claim and rally the spirits of other Van-Dervelds.” Her head rose a bit higher. Wulfram scoffed, but he almost seemed amused rather than angry.​

 

[Aston Jacobs]

He heard the screams, the cries......

It would seem as though all front of their family were under fire. Katrine was facing the brunt of it, as she had too. There was no arguing or even attempting to dissuade, it was something she had to do. It was her destiny. And the only way to move forward was for her to do this.

“Something is wrong!”

Aston was fast on her trail arriving just a moment or two before she did. He put his hand outward, giving the soldiers at his command to stand down, although they did already at the sight of Aston. He motioned for them to back away, he glanced at Curupira Hawk as she was attempting to assist Larentia.

This was something else, magic and darker nature that seemed to flow from the wilds. He wasn't going to jump the gun and cause harm or anything else as he wasn't sure what actions he could do to help.

"Clear the room." Aston spoke to his guards, indiciating for just one of them to stay behind.

"What can I do?" The Master inquired looking towards his family. His eyes resting on Larentia as he hated to see her in such pain.

"What, can I do?" Aston spoke again, not out of fear, but reinforcement. She could not be lost to them, he couldn't let it happen.

Katrine Van-Derveld

 

[Curupira Hawk]

Location: Front quarters of the estate, North wing Ruu, wearing: This Ren, wearing: This

​

When the Warrior of Ulf burst into the room, the sight of her startled the Witch. She hadn't expected her, nor had she been aware of her surroundings due to the events unfolding with Larentia. Her words confirmed what Curupira had felt, yet the connection formed with the girl and Doashim made it difficult for her to disconnect.

Before she could speak, Aston followed, his commands to the soldiers reaching her ears before she ever looked up at him. Curupira's golden gaze focused on the man, his questions repeating, but the Witch didn't have an answer for him.

"What do we do?" She posed the question to the protector instead. Larentia, the warrior, seemed to know more about this than she did, and it made sense. Lastly, the Dathomiri checked, and the adult was the demon's shaman. While Curupira had grown accustomed to her feelings for the demon, it made no sense for her granddaughter to be experiencing them instead.

Some part of her had always known it was strange, as the woman next to her had come as a stranger, and yet Curupira had always thought she could trust her. There was something about her that felt familiar and true. While it didn't make sense for the Dathomiri to feel this way, she couldn't stop thinking about how her life had gone from young, restless and mad to a mother of two grown-up daughters. Katrine was still a part of her life, and yet, Curupira herself had not given birth.

Doashim roared into her ear, as if standing right next to her, making her head twitch away from the demon.

She understood the meaning – now was not the time.​

 

[A-Kree-I]

Location: Kitchen, with the rest. Wearing: This


​

The artificial intelligence did not comprehend. Curupira had stated it was not the girl she was hurting. Who else could she be hurting? Kree understood that all three generations had heard things she had not, and understood, but it never made sense to her.

She was not built for spirits, demons, and monsters.

Kree hated not being able to see what they could.

It kept her out of the loop.

A.K.R.I. had warned her many times that the dealings of the flesh were beyond their comprehension, as their minds were on a different level from those of the humanoids. Yet Kree felt things that mother could not. Yet Kree had emotions mother did not.

It frustrated Kree not to be able to see or feel what they did.

When Larentia (the adult), who also confused her, why Katrine had named her daughter after this woman to confuse her, barged in, Kree looked up at her, watching her erratic behaviour as she approached them. The woman said similar things to what Curupira had said… they weren't hurting the teenager at all. Kree called nonsense to that as the little one was clearly in pain right at this very moment.

Aston joined them next, and the android looked up at him, watching him dismiss his guards before addressing them. He repeated himself with a different emphasis on words, which Kree felt was pointless, but said nothing to him in this moment as she was capable of distinguishing the urgency of the situation.

It was times like these when they needed Katrine.

They needed her now.

Where was Katrine?

Her eyes shifted back down to the two females, only to spot something on the adult Larentia's shoulder. "You are hurt too," the android noticed, then glanced down at the teenager when Curupira finally removed her hand from the teenager's shoulder. "You are injured the same."​

 

[Larentia]

Location: Inner courtyard, East wing Tag: Aston Jacobs

​

As a Witch claimed by Doashim, Larentia knew Curupira understood what she had meant. The demon was right beside her in a second, his hot breath on her neck. "Space," She muttered at him. The monster did not respond as Aston joined them a moment later. Larentia didn't look at the Force Master, only heard him speak behind her. It was Curupira who addressed her first.

Her blue gaze focused on the golden for a moment. What do we do? The Witch was looking for her for answers. They always turned to Katrine for answers, never her. It felt strange being in a position where she was asked what to do, in the absence of the first mother. Just as she considered speaking, Doashim roared behind her.

Larentia jolted her spine a little straighter then, only to see an echo of the demon roaring into Curupira's ear and making her twitch. What can I do? Aston was echoing the question in his way. They all seemed to want answers, and if she was being entirely honest with herself, she had no recollection of anything like this ever happening to her. Doashim didn't claim the teenager, and there was no reason for her to feel what she herself felt. Why was this happening now?

She looked at the spirit beside her. Doashim was clear as day to her right now, his red eyes staring back at her. The Shaman didn't have answers, and it felt like the demon didn't have them either. She faces the spirit in its realm, he shared with her. "What do we do?" Larentia questioned the spirit before her. He was her guide; he was her monster. She needed him now.

Kree's words made her blink. The android noticed what others didn't.

Heal the demon to save yourselves, Lylek advised, then quietly, piercing through the veil. They spoke to her now when Katrine was beyond their reach. Larentia nodded. "We heal the demon," Larentia suggested finally, looking back at Aston for a moment before exchanging glances with Curupira, who seemed confused.

Larentia bent down to the teenager and whispered into her ear. "I need your strength and focus." Sapphire gaze looked at Sapphire gaze, but the teenager said nothing when Larentia took her hand and reached out towards the spirit next to her. Together, they would heal the spirit. To her surprise, Curupira placed her hand over the joined hands as well.

The demon roared in pain.​