Author's notes:
I know its been a long time since I last updated this book... or any book but I'm glad to say I finally updated! ....with another cliff hanger! And sadly, still no romance.
Thanks for all the support! Please vote and comment! Suggestions welcome!
Disclaimer: To make it more accurate, I used parts directly from the anime, I don't own it in any way, shape, or form.
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Official Chapter 2: Part 1
Waiting for Oz at the mid-staircase platform was Uncle Oscar with the two maidens carrying each one item that would be used in the ceremony. As Oz got down on one knee in front of him, Farron heard a faint voice in the back of her head, it sent chills up her spine.
"The silent clock stopped time a hundred years ago... The actors revered in the prophecy shall enter the stage. Now, let us begin the countdown!" The alarming voice told her, she quickly looked around but saw no one suspicious, everyone was just watching in silence with their attention focused on Oz. Letting out a sigh she averted her attention back to the staircase and back to her childhood friend.
Uncle Oscar picked up a book from one of the maidens, he opened it then began to speak, everyone grew particularly silent at this moment, "May the light of truth shine upon thy path. May the guests of revelation bring wisdom to thee. May holy waters quench thy thirst. By the name and blood Vessalius... I hereby declare the coming of age of Oz Vessalius."
After watching Uncle Oscar return the book and shrugging off the voice, Farron looked up at the top of the staircase by the bottom of the clock, she noticed Gil standing there with the robe he was supposed to bestow on Oz. He seemed different... it gave her an undeniably bad feeling, all she could do was watch the scene play out before her eyes and hope for the best.
Refocusing, Farron noticed Oscar picked up a sword and held it over Oz's shoulder. The sword was gorgeous, shinning from it's golden handle and silver blade, he then continued to speak so the ceremony could go on, "By the Baptismal sword of the earth from which we are born... Rid him of his worldly impurities... And bless him for all eternity," he said calmly and proudly then lightly tapped both of Oz's shoulders with the blade before holding it up in the air.
"Thy impurities have been expunged," Uncle Oscar paused for a slight moment, "Now, speak thy oath." After he spoke, Oz stood up looking as confident as ever but Farron knew he was doubtful, he was so nervous before and she knew him too well.
Oz walked up the staircase, meeting Gil at the top. Gilbert looked dull, almost emotionless like he hasn't slept in days until he gave a disturbing smile that would send anyone chills up their spine, but only Farron seemed to notice. It gave her a worse feeling than anything she experienced that night, it wasn't like the Gil she knew.
Still, Oz placed a hand on the clock and began to speak, "I hereby swear to these lands and my brethren that I shall defend the honor of Vessalius until the day the crimson rhythm of my vessel perishes." He couldn't have sounded more perfect, from that moment forward he was a man now, the crowd stared in awe, even Farron until the silent clock finally moved after one hundred years.
After looking up in shock, everyone froze except Farron, Oz, and Gilbert. Farron looked around frantically before noticing everyone was frozen in time. She quickly dashed up the stairs, tripping a few times in the process. Before she could reach Oz, he fell to his knees and three hooded characters crashed threw the window sending glass shards flying everywhere, one grazed Farron's cheek making it bleed. She quickly gripped her wound as she almost reached the top, everything was happening too fast, she couldn't keep up.
Gil quickly held Oz in a headlock and tightly clenched a knife in his free hand, "Wh-What are you doing..?" Oz managed to ask.
Farron stopped right before she could reach the top, her body wouldn't let her move no matter how much she knew she had to, fear took over her body. Her body shook, she could only stare at her childhood love threaten her friend with a knife. Suddenly she felt a hand grip her shoulder which made her jump, she couldn't find herself able to look back at the person. Just then the person spoke, "The "awaited" has arrived and the clock has broken its silence as well. What must be done next is..."
She recognized the voice but what happened next drew away any attention she had away from that realization. Gil plunged the knife into Oz's chest with the same wicked smile as before. Farron's eyes widened before she screamed at the terrible sight, letting tears flow down her cheeks still unable to move.
