Day 2: Trial of Gilgamesh
Okay so maybe Clarus had been right. Maybe grabbing his bag and his sword to go into a place known for killing anyone and anything that entered was a foolish idea. And maybe, just maybe Cor was going to die and never see any of his friends (family) again.
He stared at the burning red eyes several feet above him, refusing to give the armored weapon master the satisfaction of seeing him coward. He was Cor Leonis. Even in front of his unavoidable death, he would be proud and fearless.
The being chuckled, his laughter low and rumbling through the crag. "You are not a Shield… But you are of interest and young. Leave now before I change my mind." Gilgamesh disappeared with a flash of red magic, leaving Cor alive (barely).
Cor finds himself by the entrance of the last trial chamber, alone and with the path firmly shut once more. It's necessity (and a bit of wounded pride) that has him grabbing the sealing sword from its pedestal and using it as a crutch.
It should have taken him days to traverse the caves in reverse. Instead it takes him less than an hour as they seemed to have vanished, replaced by a straight path through rock.
At the entrance of the trial grounds he find Clarus pinning Regis to the ground, growling at his charge to stop being stupid. Cor stops, stunned by the shock of what he sees (what it means), and starts laughing hysterically.
The sight of Regis and Clarus both staring at him like he's a ghost (maybe he is) just makes it worse. Cor drops to his knees, laughing (crying) as they both rush to gather him into relieved and furious hugs.
Cor is alive. He should be dead but he's not. "Sorry." He manages to say as Regis creates potions and elixirs to heal his injuries. "I'm sorry." He says as Clarus gently gathers him in his arms and gets up.
He knows they're doing that thing, sharing thoughts and conversation through a gaze, but this time it doesn't bother him. Clarus tightens his grip around Cor. Regis grabs his hand and squeezes it around another potion.
"We know." They say together.
