Heroes of the Past and Present
Disclaimer: Do not own Victorious, do not own the video game
A/N: Now we enter the first chapter of the ancient past
Chapter 4 (The Legend Under Attack)
A tall woman dressed in heavy knight armor walked down the dirt road, slipping her two daggers into the sheathes on her back. Her light brown, wavy hair came to her shoulders and her blue eyes glared down the road with angry determination. "No, not you," she remembered Ser Keran's words just before the earlier ambush. "They said Meredith might have a spy, they needed someone close. If I knew it was you…"
"Kidnapping?"
"Someone from the circle. A sister."
"Bethany!"
She scrunched her face and growled lowly. She'd let Ser Keran of the Templars live, at the recommendation of Merrill. It was Merrill and Aveline that convinced her that Ser Keran likely had no clue what he was doing, but Sarah was pissed. How dare those mages kidnap her sister!
Sarah looked back over her shoulder, past her three companions, eyeing the felled mage in the distant. She met her companions' eyes and huffed. They were concerned for her, knowing she wasn't in the right mindset right now. Normally she was much kinder than this, she wouldn't normally take the Wounded Coast by storm like this, but the fight between the Mages and Templars was becoming far too personal. "Meredith and Orsino are crossing lines here. It's getting to be too much. Far, far too much. How can anyone expect me to be calm in a time like this?"
"No one's saying you can't be angry," Aveline commented. Aveline was a strong and robust redhead woman with a short ponytail and a braided headband around the crown of her head. She had on the armor of the Kirkwall Guard. She was the captain of the guard and was very commanding person, everyone in the guard would follow her to hell and back. At the same time, she was compassionate and much like the group's motherly presence. "I'm just saying that you want to be calm so you can have a clear head, don't go in with guns blazing, Hawke."
"If they hurt Bethany, they all die." Her sister was everything to her, and while she didn't get to see her often, she adored having the opportunity to see her. Sarah clenched her fists as they walked around a large rock. "The whole world can burn for all I care, I won't let anyone harm her."
"I'm sure she'd say the same," Merrill responded, earning a nod from Aveline and Isabela. These three were her most trusted and strongest companions. The others would come along if she requested them, but they enjoyed a life at their homes. Varric, Fenris, Sebastian, and Anders all had other things to take care of. Though Fenris was debatable, considering all he did was stay at home and drink and feel sorry for himself. Varric liked to hang out at the bar and tell stories of her pursuits, embellishing various details here and there. Anders was a suspicious character, he worked at a clinic taking care of Ferelden refugees, and he had an intense hatred for all the Templars. Then there was Sebastian, the sweet Prince of Starkhaven, whom won Sarah over with his majestic bow, cunning wit and charm.
When they first entered into their 'chaste marriage', she had to wonder what that meant. They were recognized as husband and wife, but she was not letting him get away with marrying her and not giving her what she would surely want as a woman, a wife. No. She was in control here. Romance could wait, however.
The group stopped moving and Sarah set a palm on a nearby rock, leaning into it. She looked over to her friends, awaiting their comments on what lay ahead. Down the hill, they could see a group of people standing around, all talking amongst themselves.
"I say we charge them," Isabela stated. Aveline rolled her eyes and Merrill glanced over with a smile. Her beady brown eyes held a particular innocent calm which the angry looking staff on the Mage's back seemed to go against. Merrill was often teased because she looked like a reed in the wind, so skinny and fragile looking, but she was a strong presence. Unlike many of the elves back at her home, she was actually a gentle and friendly presence without any racial prejudices.
Isabela was almost a polar opposite. Dark-skinned, cunning, devious and beautiful. She often wore white cloth shirt and loincloth with boots that went high above her knees. She had long black hair that flowed neatly from her blue bandana. Like Sarah, she was a Rogue warrior, wielding daggers like fangs. She was a pirate thief, and anyone that crossed her, was quick to run or die.
Aveline straightened herself and slowly shook her head, "All I can say is I would not want to be your enemy right now." It was often said of Sarah Hawke, she could be the greatest ally or the deadliest rival. This was true, and in this case, she was about to wipe every mage and templar off the face of the earth. "In all honesty, I can't understand what this war is all about." Isabela scoffed and removed the two sharp daggers from her back.
"Both Meredith and Orsino want to be Viscount, that's what it is. Honestly, Sarah would make a better Viscount."
"I don't want to rule this town," Sarah started, "It's cloaked in blood and violence. It's like tragedy loves Kirkwall." She swept her thumb over her lip, scratching it. "Okay, let's get my sister." The anger that was inside of her was boiling her blood and destroying whatever calmness she had inside. Somehow, peace had to come between Mages and Templars. "I truly, truly fear a war is about to break out."
"We all do."
"Then if and when that happens, we need to be ready…I don't trust either Meredith or Orsino worth a damn. I may be siding with Meredith, but I think she and Orsino both are crossing the lines." The others agreed, and with that, they began their walk forward. Why she was siding with the Templars when she didn't agree with their tactics, she wasn't sure. She just didn't believe that blood magic was good and it did need to be controlled to a degree.
Meredith and Orsino were forcing her to choose a side, though, and therefore she had to side with someone. If she sided with the mages, then she was promoting blood magic. If she sided with the Templars, she promoted eventual mass genocide. Both would lead to mass genocide, she feared.
When they arrived to the location, Sarah glared at the curled up, unconscious body of Bethany. Her anger burst out and she quickly looked up to her sister's captives. She was shocked to see the mage, Grace, whose life she spared many years before. "You're kidding me, right? Grace?" She turned her eyes to the right, seeing the Templar Thrask. He was one of the Templars that believed Meredith was going too far.
"The champion!" One of the nearby mages called out. Grace smirked at her and Thrask stepped forward. He started to plead for her to 'reconsider' her point and help mages. She wanted to help them, but she didn't want to help blood mages.
"Just let my sister go. I am in no mood!"
Aveline narrowed her eyes and pointed to Thrask. "You went too far."
"No!" Grace exclaimed angrily, "The Champion killed the man I loved." Sarah rolled her eyes and tilted her head. So this was what it was all about? What happened three years ago? Another mage, Alain, also someone they rescued from the caves with Grace many years ago, opted to not turn to violence. "The hostage dies, then the champion!"
Grace had become insane over the years, which didn't surprise Sarah much. Her heart stopped as Grace started to turn towards Bethany. She began to charge, but Aveline set a hand on her shoulder, causing her to relax as Thrask ordered Grace to stand down. Much to everybody's shock, Grace used blood magic to lift Thrask into the air and slam him down against the ground, killing him.
"Shit!" Sarah pushed Aveline's hand away and rushed towards Grace, shouting angrily as she shoved her away from Bethany. The others drew their weapons and the mages charged in to attack. As the adrenaline pumped through her veins, Sarah continued to fight, slashing at Grace with her daggers.
Each slash struck Grace's staff, bouncing off it. She noticed though that her blades were cutting the staff, so she opted to focus on the cuts in hopes that she could slice through it eventually. "You will die, Hawke. Mark my words!" Grace leapt back and fired off a massive ball of red magic. In an instant, Sarah performed a back-flip, narrowly avoiding the attack, then lunged forward. She swept her arms inwards, twirling her blades in her hands, and slashing at Grace's sides. The woman let out a loud scream and slammed the staff against her, knocking her to the ground.
She looked up in time to have Grace stand over her, slamming the heel of her foot into her chest. Searing pain ran through her body and a violent scream left her lips. Grace had a sadistic grin over her face as several mages surrounded the duo. Magic formed around her raised hand, and began to drip from her fingers. When the droplets landed on her, they started to burn through her armor.
Behind this group, Sarah could make out her companions, each surrounded by Mages and Templars. Aveline was dishing out blows left to right, Isabela was leaping and lunging in all directions, while Merrill was trying to stay a distance away, shooting blasts at every enemy trying to run towards her.
The truth of the matter was, they were overwhelmed. "I told you, Hawke. Now is when you die." Just as an orb circled her hand, they heard a loud war cry. Grace froze and looked over her shoulder while Sarah tensed, watching as arrows flew overhead.
Now in the distance stood a short, buff drawf with red hair, and a tall princely figure, both shooting arrows into the crowd. "Varric! Sebastian!" Also joining the fray was the white haired elf with the giant sword, swinging through the enemies that surrounded Isabela, and Anders who came blasting away at the enemies fixing to overwhelm Merrill.
Once Merrill and Anders were cleared, they charged in to aid Isabela, Fenris, and Aveline. Sebastian and Varric took out the mages surrounding Grace and Sarah, with Sebastian sending an arrow through Grace's hand, shorting out her magic. Grace let out a violent yell and Sarah smirked, she had her opportunity, and would soon be victorious!
She pushed Grace off her, grabbed her dagger and threw it down, piercing into Grace's heart. The woman grabbed at the handle, spilling blood from her lips as her evil eyes burned into Sarah. "Y-You bitch. D-Don't think-don't think it's over!"
"Oh shut up…" Sarah pulled the dagger out and returned them to their sheaths, then turned to face her sister on the ground. Alain, the surviving mage from this fray, had not fought against any of them. He knelt beside Bethany, saying that Grace had used some sort of magic spell to bind her. He used magic to awaken her, and much to Sarah's relief, her sister opened her eyes. "Bethany…" She was breathless, and thrilled that the woman was safe.
Bethany slowly stood up, rubbing her head and moaning. "W-What happened? The last thing I remember, I was in my room…"
"So…So that's it, Beth?" Bethany gave her sister a small smile as Sarah shrugged and grasped for an attempt to soften the pressure of the situation. "A couple lousy Mages and Templars, and you're out? I thought you were better than this."
"Well, it's good you're still looking out for me, I guess."
Knight Captain Cullen came shortly after, just in time to miss the battle that took place. He wanted answers to what had happened, and Sarah told him simply that the Mages were behind the attack. She tried to remain clear headed as Aveline suggested, and she did tell the Captain that Alain was safe. As for everyone else, well, they could go to hell for all she cared after what they did to Bethany.
When Cullen left, the group walked to the edge of the shore, where it met the waters, and looked out to the sky. Bethany stepped beside her sister, putting her head to her shoulder. "Thank you anyway, Sarah…I guess I should probably go back to the circle."
"Can you sense a war coming?" Sarah breathed in and closed her eyes, she didn't feel safe at all. Even though she was there with her sister standing beside her and all her companions behind her, she felt a grave danger was heading their way. "Meredith and Orsino both…are lousy as hell. Something…something big is about to happen, I can feel it inside."
Sebastian stepped forward, still remaining behind her, "Is everything okay love?" She breathed in slowly and shook her head. There was a stirring in her blood, a clenching in her gut. What was her destiny? Was she to take out the First Enchanter and Knight Commander? Was she to become Viscount? She didn't wish for it, but if war came, she would have to do something.
"We'll stand behind you no matter what," Aveline reminded her. "Just say the word."
Her eyelids opened up to meet the orange sky above. She drew in another sharp breath and turned towards her friends. The wind blew her hair back, her shoulders broadened and her eyes narrowed. Bethany started walking towards the friends, turning her gentle gaze over her shoulder.
"Whatever happens from this point on," Sarah began, "Take care of each other. Never stop doing what's right, never stop believing that peace can come." She closed her eyes and bowed her head. "Promise me that this country, Kirkwall, and even the world itself. You'll always serve and protect it, be loyal and honorable. Don't separate from the proper path, be strong and vigilant, swift and firm, enforce what is right and not just what everyone thinks is right. Do the right thing, and people will follow you for that."
"Of course we will," Aveline replied, "What makes you think we wouldn't?"
"I don't think that. Why do you think I would entrust my life, and the state of this country, to you?" They all smiled at her, each seemingly ready to charge through hell at the drop of a hat. "All right, enough of this sentimental crap. We need to get back home. Sebastian, Varric, Fenris, and Anders…thank you for the backup."
"No problem," Varric smirked and lifted up his bow, which he had named Bianca. He claimed Bianca was the one story he could never tell, that it was for some woman from long ago. Everyone seemed to have skeletons in their closet, but it didn't seem to matter, as long as they all were trustworthy and loyal.
Just as she started to step forward, thunder cracked in what was an otherwise perfectly calm day. Sarah twisted around, startled by the sudden storm. On the very edge of the shore, just above the water, wind seemed to create an image of a large circle. "What the hell?" She squinted her eyes and started to reach back for her daggers, but a paralyzing fear halted her, and she remained frozen with one hand on the handle of one dagger and the other seemingly hovering above her shoulder.
The circle was now turning red, and several cracks were going through the center of it. Two hands began to reach out from within, and then a full bodied figure stepped out. This was a woman with long black hair, deadly black eyes, and a venomous smirk. Sarah remained frozen, her eyes wide as she'd never before seen such a thing in her life.
Even her companions hesitated for a split second to act, unsure whether this was a friend or foe. "Sarah Hawke?" The woman snarled at her, and magic resembling red lightning, blood, flew from her fingers. The magic pierced into her, causing her to scream as she was lifted off the ground.
"Sarah!" Her companions shouted, Sebastian reached out for her but was blown back by an unrecognizable force. Sarah struggled to pull her daggers off, to attack, but they had suddenly grown exceptionally heavier. Her body was growing numb with pain, and her vision was starting to fade.
"N-No!" She let out a pained grunt as she lifted higher into the air. "W-Who, who are you!"
"My name is Erin Lamont, one of the last few blood mages in the world." Her eyes shot open as the pain began to spread to her heart and her brain. Her blood started to boil and her skin began to harden. She heard her companions protest, each tried to rush for the strange woman, but each were blown away. Merrill, Anders, and Bethany each used their staffs to fire off magic blasts at Erin, but all their attacks were deflected. "Your ancient magic is no match for me!" The three mages despaired over their futile attacks. Bethany cried out to her sister, but it was to no avail.
"Twenty years ago, Orsino and Meredith had what we, in my time, would call a 'lovechild'. It was an illicit affair to which they kept secret from this world. That child is my ancestor, and in your time, he would wish for the grand takeover of this realm. I am here…to put a stop to you, Sarah Hawke. To prevent you from ending my ancestor's war with each other, to let them rejoin and mutually claim Kirkwall. To reunite with the son they sent away, and to take over the entire realm. Then, in my time, I will rule." Sarah could no longer speak, and her vision had gone completely with her body finally hardening as if it had become stone.
"You're crazy!" Bethany cried. She watched as her sister dropped to the ground like a ragdoll. Sebastian ran forward and cradled her, then Bethany rushed to Sarah's side with the companions rushing behind. "No! No, no, no! Sarah!" She could sense her sister was alive, and in a spell similar to that which she was under. Only this was slightly different, and seemingly more potent. "What did you do to her!"
"I put her in a deep sleep, isn't it obvious? You were just in one." Erin began to laugh and Bethany slowly stood up. Her tears ran down her cheeks like angry streams of fire, and magic boiled around her hands. Her chest heaved and as the companions each drew their weapons. "Maybe you might focus your energy on saying your goodbyes, rather than fighting me?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"She's here for a limited time. After this, her body will be transported to my ancestor. I have already been through time to find this person, so yes, they are keen on this plan."
"Which ancestor?! Meredith? Orsino? Their 'child'?" She couldn't believe Meredith and Orsino had actually had any kind of affair, but it had to be true if this woman was here. "Answer me!"
Erin began to chuckle and Bethany shook her fist at the woman, cursing her. She wasn't foolish enough to try and strike this woman when her magic had no effect on her. "Farewell, I have more pressing matters." Almost as instantly as she appeared, the woman vanished, but the strange portal remained. Bethany could sense the magic from the portal, it was closing. They need to do something, and fast!
What are your thoughts now that we see our first bit of real action? The next chapter is really a continuation of this one. That portal we'll see is significant as it's still there. What are your thoughts on the events of the chapter? Any questions? I can answer anything (Unless you're posting anonymous then I have no way of responding unless you give me something to respond to)
