Heirim sat in meditation. His eyes glowing as he concentrates. Visions of the beast were getting more frequent.
'He must be getting closer...' he thought.
For a few centuries now, he had been meditating intensely to cover his beloved island's location.
The beast, powerful enough to be treated by other beings as a god, was incredibly powerful, incredibly greedy, and getting closer. Its thoughts, as searching and endless as its tentacles. It searches for treasures still, leaving no stone unturned, even attacking settlements.
"Master! Someone has broken into the vaults!" Someone shouted, breaking Heirim's meditation.
With a few men in tow, low into the Great Temple's base they descended, into the Vault of Treasures and Taboos.
The Searching Beast's mouth, which serves as the vault entrance lay open. Inside, the multitudes of candles cast a silhouette on a small masked figure with what looked like an ancient blade in his hands. The child was slowly doing stances, the traditional village warrior sword dance. Heirim, intrigued, approached and asked the child.
"Who is your master?"
The child stopped, surprised, then bowed low.
"No one, sir." he softly replied, his rough carved mask muffling his speech.
"How did you learn your stances then?"
"I watched the other men practice it sir."
Hurried footsteps from behind grew louder.
"Master!" a man dressed in long layered robes said.
"Priest Ramak?" Heirim was surprised that the Priest knew of the break in later than he did.
"Forgive my son Master!" Ramak went between Heirim and the child and knelt low in apology.
"He is but a child! Punish me instead!"
Heirim raised his brows, hidden behind his angry-looking, tentacled mask. The 'Visage of Vengeance' the title of his mask, and his honor, given to him by the village elders after he had single-handedly defeated a kraken.
Heirim fell into thought.
Breaking into the Vault, though impressive, for the Searching Beast does not open its mouth to the unworthy, is still a capital offense punishable by death or banishment. Heirim weighed his options. As village Chief and Master his judgment must be exact and fair.
"The lightest punishment for this is banishment. Though you may be in part to blame, it is common knowledge that the Vault is forbidden."
Heirim then approached and knelt in front of the child.
"What is your name?"
"Yure, Master." the child spoke.
"Did you know that the Vault is forbidden?"
"Yes." he softly but resolutely said.
Heirim touched the boy's chin and looked him in the eyes.
"Did you know that the Vault was forbidden even before you came here?"
"Yes." he said again with a finality of conviction.
The Priest begged further.
"He knows nothing Master! Please have mercy!" he whimpered.
Heirim stood, silent.
"The child appears to be aware of his actions, thus I have no choice but to banish him."
"Master!" the Priest sobbed, clutching his son.
"But," Heirim continued,
"I cannot in good conscience banish a child to the dangers across the seas. Therefore for now, he will only be banished from his own home, and made to stay at my House, to serve and train until he is found strong enough to survive the outside
world. This is my sentence, and it shall be. Take the child."
Heirim watched Yure practice in the garden. It has been a few weeks since he had taken the boy to his home. The boy had so far shown a great affinity to swordsmanship, learning months worth of technique in a few days.
It greatly puzzled Heirim why the Searching Beast had let the boy in, and why, of all the blades in the Vault, did the boy pick the heavy 'Defender'. Soft careful thuds on the wooden floor grew louder. It was Priest Ramak. He slowly approached
Heirim then sat.
"I have yet to thank you Master, for sparing my son's life." he bowed.
"No need. Have you made the preparations I've asked?" Heirim dismissed.
"Yes, the Blood Gods will accept the request." Ramak straightened himself.
"Good."
They watched the boy do high low swing combos on a reed dummy.
"Who's the boy's mother?" Heirim wondered, he never knew Ramak had any relation with a woman.
"Gone, Master."
"Dead?"
"No, just gone. Left without a word. But she did leave a keep-sake."
"Keep-sake?"
"A gem."
"Hmmm... I trust that you haven't been yet anointed Priest during that time?"
"Not yet Master... Master?"
"Yes?"
"When are we going to start the 'ceremony'?"
"How long would it take?"
"About 50 years to gather the requested amount."
"That much? Then we start immediately."
"I take my leave then." said the Priest and left.
For years, and decades, the boy, now a grown still trained. Heirim pushed him to learn how to be destructive as a tornado, yet caring as the spring breeze. To have a body that could rise to the heavens and a mind that could be deep as the sea. As Yure trained, his mind started to get curious, and he started to ask questions.
"Master?" Yure asked one day as they were eating, "I hear the blacksmiths are getting busy making hundreds of weapons, are we at war?"
"Not yet. You will know when the day comes."
Yure looked thoughtful hardly touching his bowl.
"I also hear from the other warriors that there was to be a ceremony to be held at the Temple."
Heirim paused a bit, and then answered.
"Yes."
"What ceremony is it then?"
"Yure... you haven't touched your food."
Yure fell silent and started to eat. Heirim knew it was only a matter of time. He needs him to stay pure and focused. He must not let Yure's thoughts be clouded if he is to master the Omnislash.
The Omnislash, theoretically, was a series of slashes so fast that it appears to be everywhere and nowhere at the once. In Heirim's mind, the Omnislash was their only hope to defeating Maelrawn, but he also knew very well that it would take more than technique to kill a God. It would also take a deal with the Devil.
The visions keep getting more frequent, more painful, even attacking Heirim in his dreams. It was only a matter of months now, Heirim feared, before Maelrawn finds their island.
"Master?" Yure suddenly asked Heirim one day again while eating, "Why do we need to give sacrifice to the Flayed Twins?"
Heirim's eyes widened in alarm.
"How did you know that? Who told you?"
"I heard it once when you and father were talking."
Heirim massaged his forehead in frustration.
"Well I guess you have a right to know... The Flayed Twins, grants 'favors' to anyone with the right price of blood. The sweeter the sacrifice, the better the favor you can ask.
"So, what our favor?"
"To have a blades that can kill Maelrawn the Tentacular."
"Maelrawn!? You mean the God, Maelrawn!?"
"He is not a God! He is a greedy beast. A monster. And he must be stopped."
"I see, so can I come to the ceremony then?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because you are not done with your training, only honored warriors are to come."
"..."
"Listen Yure, whatever I do, I do for the sake of the village and for you as well. I only ask that you trust me to do what
I must."
"Yes... Master."
"Now, on the day of the ceremony, I forbid you to leave this House. Understand?"
"Why?"
"Do you understand? Yure?"
"Yes... I understand Master."
"Good."
That night, Heirim stayed awake. He thought over and over how if he had been clear with Yure, and if he had been successful in stifling his curiosity.
Then he felt a presence. He heard no sound, nor saw anything move, but he felt a presence run by his bedroom. And he knew exactly who it was. Quickly he went to the roof and scanned the way towards the Temple. There, as he knew, was Yure nimbly jumping up the Temple sides and into a window. Heirim gave chase. The Temple guards lay unconscious on the floor as he passed them by. And the Searching Beast, was agape.
He thought he would find him in the Vault, but he was nowhere. The boy knew more than he expected! He ran to a secret hatch at the corner of the Vault and there in a large secret room, he saw Yure gazing up, with the look of horror on his face.
The room was full of bodies with people of and animals of varying ages suspended in reed rolls all over the wide walls. In front of the each body was a healing totem to prevent the bodies from rotting. Half of the suspended appeared to be breathing still, only barely kept alive by the totems. In the center of the room was a very large cauldron with a ring of large bladed weapons propped against it.
"Yure..." he said as he slowly approached.
Yure's head whipped around, and his eyes even went wider. His mouth was open, but he could not speak.
"I was exceedingly merciful to you, when you first broke in the Vault. Remember that?" Heirim started to pace around.
Yure could not answer, his knees went weak, and he fell on his backside.
"I could not give you the same sentence twice, which means that you would have to die."
Heirim drew a sword from the cauldron.
"Defend yourself Yure." Heirim said as he took a stance.
Yure shakily stood, and drew himself a sword. The terror on his face was pitying.
"Remember what I taught you."
Yure was trying to compose himself when Heirim suddenly vanished from view. A split second glint of metal to the side then a sharp rap on the head sent Yure flying. He scrambled on the floor as Heirim menacingly stood. He had just knocked Yure with the side of his blade.
"Focus, Yure! See but be unseen!"
Again Heirim vanished.
Yure closed his eyes and tried to focus as he stood again. Blood was trickling down his face. He felt Heirim's presence coming like a bullet from the back and he was barely able to turn around and raise his sword in time to parry. A high pitched twang of metal resonated in the room. Heirim was face to face with him.
"Good!" he said, then vanished again.
"The sword is not the warrior's greatest weapon." an echoing and disembodied voice of Heirim said.
Yure felt a crushing force from above and dodge rolled to the side. Heirim came crashing down with enough force to crack the floor.
"But his mind." Yure said as he stood again.
Heirim simply smiled, then closed his eyes a moment before opening them again with light pouring out. Yure did the same and a rising wind seemed to emanate between them as the resumed their stances. Then suddenly, they vanished at once. What seemed like a hundred twangs and sparks resonated in the center of the room in a span of a few seconds. Then out of it Yure suddenly came crashing out with blood and bruises all over his body. As Yure struggled to stand, Heirim stood beside him, his blade pointed as Yure's neck.
"You're still not ready, and I regret that you never will be." Heirim said as he raised his sword for the final strike.
Yure just closed his eyes.
"Master!" Priest Ramak screamed as he saw the two.
He ran towards them then bowed and kneeled, offering his neck.
"My life for his, Master." Ramak said.
"This is the second time you interrupted me Ramak."
Heirim lowered his sword, and silently thought for a moment.
"Very well. But it is not I who will draw the blood. Call the Flayed Twins, Ramak! Offer your life to them to enchant this blade!" Heirim ordered.
Ramak stood and took a wide pan of water and immediately spoke incantations. He took a chicken from the walls and slit it's neck on the pan.
Heirim helped Yure stand then gave his sword to Yure.
"You, will draw the blood of your own father."
Yure was speechless, and did not take it.
"Do it Yure, if may choose to die I want to be by your hand." Ramak said turning to face them.
"Is it done?" Heirim asked Ramak.
"Yes Master, the Flayed Twins arrive."
The blood from the water rose to the air and gradually formed what appeared to be two heads with shining red eyes.
"Is it time for the feast?" a head spoke looking at Ramak intently.
"Not yet my Lord." Ramak bowed,
"But we offer a small meal to whet your appetite."
"Hmmm. For what favor?" the other answered.
"To enchant a blade to pierce the skin of the God Maelrawn."
Heirim raised the sword for the head to see. It was silent for a moment.
"And the meal?" both of the heads asked.
"My own blood my Lord."
"Hmm... Fair." the first head said.
Heirim thrust the sword into Yure's hands.
"The Flayed Twins do not like waiting." he said.
Yure limped to close to Ramak, who was again kneeling and bowed. Yure raised the sword, with tears in his eyes.
"Live for me Yurnero. Live my son." Ramak said.
The Flayed Twins' mouths opened wide to accept the sacrifice. With a sobbing scream Yure brought down the sword on Ramak's neck, the head rolling clean off.
The blood rose and flew to the Twins' mouth, who seemed to savor every drop. Their eyes then shined brighter and seemed to grab the sword from Yure's hand, seeming to add an enchantment. Then the blood heads vanished with a splash on the pan, the blade dropping on the floor, glowing.
Yure sobbed.
"Your father gave his life for you. Do not waste it. Take the blade and leave the island. You're true banishment from 50 years ago starts now. Go! Before I change my mind!" Heirim threatened.
Yure did as he was told. Heirim was left alone in the chamber, when another attack on his mind came.
"HeIrImmmm" the voice said.
"DId yOu rEallY thInk yOu cAn hIdE frOm mE?!"
"I will kill you beast!" Heirim telepathically said, then he cut the connection.
Heirim sounded the full alert. The town went alive and the ceremony was acted.
For days and weeks they prepared, setting up defenses and enchanting weapons and the town in self of all manner of voodoos that can help. Heirim mobilized the sea and air fleets to spread out and patrol the whole island. They would rather risk getting discovered by the outsiders than die without a fight.
Then one day. As Heirim slept, a clear and malice filled voice boomed in his head.
"I'm here!"
Heirim sprung from his bed and blew the alarm horn next to his pillow. Hurried footsteps from all around town turned into marching and much jangling of metal from armor, weapons and cannons. The whole island was ready.
A few moments passed, and the deafening silence was unnerving. Then one of the scouts shouted.
"There's a tidal surge from the north!"
Heirim, with his scars showing on his incredibly muscular but nimble shirtless body, equipped with two man length blades sheathed to his sides, and two poled blades on each hand, called.
"All men converge to the north!"
Then another scout called.
"Another surge from the south, Master!"
"TWO!?" Heirim gasped. He could not believe it.
"Everyone! Concentrate defenses in the center of the village! The Temple will be our keep! Move!"
Concerted marches and relay shouts were heard all over town. The surges were visible now and were quickly homing in on the island. The surges looked small at first but as it neared a few of the ships they were immediately capsized by what seemed like a mountain of water. Tentacles shot out from the 'mountains' and sunk ships in seconds.
"Magic archers! Fire!" Heirim shouted.
A volley of enchanted arrows flew to the surges and explodes violently. Monstrous screams were heard and the water finally subsided to reveal two giant beasts of tentacles. They reached the island's banks in no time.
"FIRE AT WILL!"
All manner of magics, cannons, and arrows burst forth from Heirim's men. Beast flesh flew and blood splattered all over, but the relentless beasts still advanced.
"Infantry! CHARGE!"
A concerted army of mean with glowing blades diverged from the Temple. One by one the men suddenly vanished followed by a fountain of blood drawn from the beasts. The beasts crumbled, their tentacles and monstrous forms cut down to size. Then, finally, the beasts stopped moving. The men screamed and rejoiced in their victory. Heirim could not believe that mortals were able to defeat a God!
Then a sharp painful image of a great pit with a crown of tree-sized teeth shocked his mind.
"DIE!"
All at once the ground cracked and an endless amount of tentacles, some with the same with as the Temple flew up from the ground. All at once the army was shattered. The island itself crumbled as it was engulfed by the tentacles. Heirim dodged tentacle to tentacle, spinning with blade fury on the massive members.
The enchanted blades seemed to be able to cut through but the tentacles were just too large and hard, cutting through solid ground like hot knife through butter.
"CONCENTRATE ON SINGLE TENTACLES! FOCUS YOUR ATTACKS!" he screamed, hoping that some of his men were still alive.
The tentacles continue to tear at the island, a few seemed to be decapitated, but more just keep on coming. Heirim's pole blades started to crack through the enormous stress of his slashes. Large explosions whipped through the forest of death, fired by the air and sea fleet. Many of the tentacles were destroyed.
"Do you defy a God?" the painful voice said again in Heirim's head.
"You are no God! You are nothing but a greedy beast!"
"Fool! You think I came for you treasures!?"
"Then what DID you come for?" Heirim dodged a couple of tentacles that shot like cannon fire at him.
His fleet was also being reeled in and destroyed. There was nothing but ocean for miles so there was really nowhere to go.
A giant pit rimmed with teeth, like in Heirim's vision, appeared where the temple used to be. It spoke with a deafening growl.
"I CAME FOR THE GEM!"
It reeled into its mouth sections of the island as well as the fleet. Nothing seemed to be spared. Heirim remembered Ramak mentioning a gem. He wasn't sure though if it was that gem in particular. But even if it was, it probably went down along with the Temple down the beast's throat.
The sea had advanced all around were the swallowed island used to be. Maelrawn had consumed almost all traces of everything Heirim held dear. Discarding his now broken poled blades, he drew the two long bladed swords he still had. He figured the monster's weakness is probably its inside.
From tentacle to tentacle, Heirim jumped up to directly above the mouth pit and with his greatest roar he plunged straight down, disappearing in a great flurry of slashes, down, down.
Down.