A/N: Well here your going to learn about Jake's past a little and hints of a connection between Serena and Jake.
Chapter 8
Trolls and Wiches
Gatts heard the scream along with everyone else and with his hand on his sword he turned and started to run towards the scream. He noticed that his new companions followed him closely behind Farnese and Casca clinging closly to her. Next to her was Serpico his eyes slanted and he could tell watching out for Farnese. Behind them was Isidro with Puck atop his head and behind him was Morgan from the village of Inock. He had come to find a witch to help them fight the trolls. They ran as fast as they dared when two of the beasts came running towards them. Gatts drew his sword only to see them fall thier backs cleaved open.
"What?"
Suddenly a laugh filled the air followed by the dying cries of some inhuman beasts. Gatts held his sword and continued forward his companions behind him just as cautios.
"Come on!"
Gatts bushed aside the brush and dodged a dismembered troll arm and looked out to see Jake his eyes cold but a tint of red in them cleaveing through the trolls left and right his breathing was steady and his smile bloody. Behind him was Serena and a strange elf on her shoulder the two were working together and with his flame and her sword doing devistating damage.
"My God."
Gatts looked a Morgan and then chuckled slightly the man had not seen what he and Jake had so he thought this a feat all on its own. Gatts waved his hand and they backed up Jake had this fight won if they jumped in they'd only get on his nerves. Jake turned and cut two open their organs falling out with a sick sucking noise. He turned and saw three more each with a ax club. Jake smiled and charged then with a laugh he thrust the sword through each of the trols guts and they squealed and tried to pull free but Jake smiled and then with one eye red and the other blue the swords spicked guards grew out and clamped onto the throlls then began to saw through them. Each fell their bodies mutilated he turned and saw Serena finish one last one.
"Jake that's the last of them all the beasts seem to have left."
Jake looked at Necro and sighed then turned towards the forest.
"I can see you there and if you don't want to look like these beasts get out here now."
Gatts walked forward his eye on Jake who only seemed to tense slightly at the man then he eased up and slipped his blade into its shethe.
"Told you we'd meet again Gatts."
Gatts nodded then turned towards his party Jake looked a tad surprised when he saw Gatts shoulder brush against Casca's shoulder she screamed then did something Jake hadn't expected she ran and hid behind him. Jake looked at her then with a confused smile pat her on the top of the head.
"What happened while I was away?"
He noticed the other members were giving him a look that showed terror. He recognized them and smiled his dark smile.
"So the girl and man of the holy iron knights and the brat. You actually survived the tower and the journey afterwards. Impressive."
Jake turned and looked and saw Serena was looking at the other woman.
"Serena lets go I'd rather not have to make this forest anymore of a blood bath then I already have."
He turned to leave when the old man of the group grabbed his shoulder Jake looked at him and saw the hope in his eyes. He got annoyed instantly.
"Sir I am Morgan of the village of Inock and I beg you to help us."
Jake shrugged the hand off and glared at the man.
"Do you have any gold to pay me? I don't do charity and I don't work for the church."
Morgan looked down his hope starting to dwindle.
"Because of the war my village has been taxed heavily and that makes it impossible to pay anyone."
Jake gave him a look and Gatts knew what was coming.
"You want me to do it for free don't you?"
Morgan nodded and got Jake to laugh.
"Even if I did have time to do this I wouldn't I am the Mercenary of Chaos and let me tell you, I do nothing for free."
He turned to leave and then stopped.
"Why are you in this forest old man?"
Morgan looked at Jake and gave him a determined look.
"Since we have a legend attacking us I went to find another. I am after the witch to help us in our time of need."
Jake smiled and looked to see Gatts was in the same way.
"Your in luck that's why I was here serching for the witch myself."
They all stared at him and Serena smiled and nodded then looked at the small elf on her shoulder.
"Who?"
Necro flew and turned into the book then back and everyone gasped Jake only sighed and started walking he noticed Casca would change from clinging to him to the other girl Farnese and Serena. Never Gatts he looked at the big man and sighed he hated not knowing things. He trailed the back of the group never one to want to get jumped he noticed Serena talking to Farnese she'd been in his company for a month and a week so he guessed and she had been one to talk. He sensed a different energy and stopped walking. He turned and saw that the Skull Knight was behind him his helmed head looking at him.
"Hmpf haven't seen you in a while Skull."
The Knight looked at him and then looked at the now faraway group.
"You have regained that armor when you should've left that power for all time."
Jake smiled and looked at his hand and smiled.
"Yeah it is and what of it?"
The Skull knight shook his helmed head.
"You know full well what will happen if you continue to use that armor."
Jake looked at his hand again and remembered looseing control of his other half. He smiled darkly.
"Yeah that's why I came here the old woman might be able to tell me a way to stop the transformation."
The Skull Knight looked at him and drew his sword.
"There is no way to stop it if you were a normal human. But it is your birthright so it may be possible."
Jake was silent and turned and ignored the fact that the Skull Knight had disappeared.
"A birthright...One I gave up...I don't need you to remind me of my heritage you undead bastard."
Jake turned and walked the way the others had gone and passed through the barrier. He noticed they were all gone and the grounds had small dolls and clay all around.
"Looks like I missed some of the fun."
Jake suddenly felt an overwhelming presure he looked up and felt the brand burn slightly. A woman in a chair was looking down at him she was only a astral body but Jake saw her clearly.
"Leave now dark spirit or I will be forced to destroy you."
Jake didn't smile he drew his sword and brandished it in front of himself.
"I warned you."
With a wave of her hand a powerful amount of energy slammed into Jake's chest he slid back and saw her floating above him. He smiled darkly and dodged another attack.
"The power of the wind she has the spirits on her side."
He felt a dark piercing pain in his head and grabbed his forehead.
"She is to much for you Jake let me out and the woman will be taken care of."
Jake dodged another attack and felt the armor and his other half grow then with a cold glare he stabbed himself in the leg the pain shocked his body and he gained control. He rolled out of the way and slicked his own blood on the blade.
"I may be pretty bad at this but. I can try one spell of my own."
He started to speck in a dark tone and the blade glowed darkly and he felt his armor appear he spoke quickly holding onto control.
"Now begone spirit and return to your fleash."
The energy enveloped the spirit and she screamed then vanished Jake felt the dark influence of his other he grabbed the right side of his face and then screamed.
"Now for the real show."
Gatts heard the scream it had been deep and full of anger and pain he saw the witch also look to the side a concerned look on her face. He felt his brand burn and turned to see Jake standing in the door way he was covered in the armor from back at the church and his smile was cold with a hint of madness the most chilling thing was his once icy blue eyes were now red.
"Jake was that you who screamed?"
Jake only smiled and then with ungodly speed was infront of the witch his face inches from her.
"You were very hard to find witch."
His voice sent chills down everyone's spines even Gatts who had heard the God's Hand had felt this before. The feeling of terror and death. Jakehad changed into that.
"The spirit of Chaos very rare for one of your kind to exist outside the astral plain."
Jake laughed a cold insane laugh.
"True very true but I was born here so it is different... Though at the moment he still commands this body."
Now the witch was surprised which ment she knew what was going on and Gatts made a note to ask her if Jake were to become violent and have to be taken care of.
"So it is true the children of Ranmayaku you are one of them."
The spirit was about to answer when he suddenly twitched.
"My time has ended it seems the other wants control again... To bad it was going to be so much-"
The room flashed and everyone but Gatts and The witch screamed. Jake stood his armor normal and sweat pouring off his face his eyes were blue but almost hollow. Serena was their instantly and had him keeping him from falling.
"So unlike the other you have some humanity."
Jake laughed hollow but still a laugh.
"Humanity can't say I still have that either. Just a curse that keeps me in control of another curse. So witch learn anything from the bastard?"
Then he slumped his eyes closed and his breath ragged.
"Take him to a bed and let him rest he seems to have used all his strength."
Serena followed one of the golems with Jake she lugged him over to a bed that seemed to have grown out of the tree. She looked at his closed face and noticed the look of complete agony. She placed him on the bed and noticed the golem began removeing his armor. She didn't say anything as they placed the armor to the side but they refused to touch the sword. She walked over and took the blade and placed it next to the chair. She sat and looked at him taking her armor off as well then she took a rag from another golem and placed it onto his forehead.
"He is in a lot of pain it seems."
She looked at Necro and nodded Jake had always been silent and never showed his pain even when she had led a team and stabbed him with two spears and he'd been in such horrible condition. He had pressed forward every battle every wound he bit through and pushed forward. She saw Gatts was the same but at the same time different from what she had seen he'd been through much worse and had seen things and done things he regreated. Jake never thought back or tried to explain himself he just kept moving forward, and she followed him. She looked at the man that had taken her from her dream and into this world the real world and had destroyed all that had gotten in his way but had spared and brought her along.
"I saw you as a way to get stronger and bring peace but after traveling with you I know thats impossible but..."
She felt tears going down her cheeks and she smiled at him.
"I still want to help you and fight along side you."
Necro looked at her his red eyes seeing her inner thoughts her true self. What he saw was a young woman forced to put up a strong front who had seen and lived through violence. Still a virgin and still strong willed she held fast but she was still only eighteen and now in a world most grown men would wet themselves in. Necro looked at Jake who slept he also saw the true Jake. He was scarred and bared wounds most men knew nothing of. Betrayel and sorrow wrapped around him but something else laid in with the darkness and that was a malice that even scarred him and now he saw the other side looking at the slumbering Jake like a dark predator.
"He will recover Serena do not worry give him an hour."
Serena looked at Necro and smiled then looked at Jake and saw his face had relaxed slightly. She placed her hand on the clothe and he relaxed even more.
"The spirit of order truly blessed her well to calm such a man in his sleep."
An hour passed and Jake felt himself awaken he opened his eyes slowly he was lighter his armor removed what he was shocked to find was his sword was not on his back he looked to see Serena was sleeping in a chair next to him her hair slightly in her face. Jake kept silent and looked around he was in the Witches house which meant she hadn't seen him to dangerous but he guessed she had something watching him. He looked to his right and saw a small girl looking at him.
"Hmpf she'd be horrible as a spy."
He sat up and saw that Serena seemed to sense the movement and he smiled. She had at one time been a burden but Jake was pleasesd by her progress at eighteen she already had the skills required to take on this world. But what really surprised him was the fact she still hadn't left him something he thought any sane woman would do. He walked over and slipped the blanket over her shoulders then turned and picked up his sword.
"Girl you can come out from behind the door frame I'm not going to attack you."
The small girl walked out clutching her staff and looking at Jake with a mix of fear and curiosity.
"You knew?"
Jake didn't say a thing and slipped the sword on his back the feeling bringing back some of his confort. He turned and sat on the bed and closed his eyes. She walked forward and sat next to him her feet daggling over the edge.
"My name is Schierke it's nice to meet you um."
Jake looked at her with his cold blue eyes and turned his head. He had no intention of talking to the girl and she should leave like most children did if you ignored them. Serena stirred and he looked up to see her yawning and opening her eyes. She saw the blanket and then Jake and blushed slightly.
"Jake you woke up I'm glad to see your... Oh Schierke!"
Jake sighed and stood up then with one look back at her he chuckled and left.
"What was that all about?"
Serena smiled at the her confusion and stood and followed him out. They walked into the dining room to find everyone eating they seemed to be enjoying themselves Jake walked over and they quieted he noticed and smiled as he grabbed a few fruits and then with a flick of his wrist threw a dagger into the last blood red fruit and a knife stuck into it he pulled it back and caught it then walked over to the other table and silently ate. Serena looked at him and grabbed her own plate and sat next to him Jake looked at her then kept eating the two ignored the stairs. Jake listened to the laughter and watched as they palyed each enjoying their company. Serena smiled and asked him to join them Jake only smiled and waved her off.
"Something you'll never have and never know again."
The shadow of the other him stood behind him and watched as well and put his dark claws on his shoulders.
"Something that you gave up on having years ago when you left that group and started your quest when you sealed me away but in the end we both knew I was the only reason you could survive. All your blood lust all your coniveing all your manipulating. I was always there and now you are going to listen."
Jake smiled and then with a quick motion slashed the air no one saw him do it but the Witch.
"Jake come with me please."
Jake followed her out to the viranda and she smiled at him.
"You came here to find me for more then just a attack."
Jake smiled the old woman was smart.
"Yes I came here to see if you know of a way to make me stronger."
She sighed and looked at him with sad eyes.
"Unlike all the others I can see the wounds you carry how you stand even move is beyond me but still you fight on. You carry the cursed birth of Chaos a child of Ranmayaku and a powerful witch I presume."
Schierke listened to her master and gasped silently to herself at what she'd just heard. Jake laughed a cold laugh and shrugged.
"I knew you'd see that."
He looked at his hand and his cold eyes filled with a bitter hatred.
"I am the bastard son of the king of Chaos Spirits Ranmayaku. The only son of Serenthia the Witch."
Now it was her master that had an intake of breath.
"Serenthia! Yes I see that makes all the more reason why you could survive the chaos in side your-"
Jake laughed at her and then removed his shirt she had seen Gatts body it had scars but what Jake had made her sick. His back was lined with various burn scars and in the center a wicked stab wound that went through his chest. He also had what looked like spear wound scars on his sides and then to make his body complete she saw it the sacrificial brand on his right shoulder.
"I survived because I am stronger then most I still think straight because of this brands pain I am me and only because of this."
She looked at him sadly then looked at the side. Serena had come out of the baths to cool off in the night air and had no idea anyone was out side. She stood in the night air naked with her white skin dripping with warter her black hair all the way to her back let down and her body rested and clean. Jake for the first time caught himself starring and turned away but looked back only to see her notice them she turned completly red and turned and ran in.
"Their may be another reason you dont see."
Jake hadn't caught that but turned and began to walk out.
"I can give you something to make you stronger but only if you choose to help me."
Jake stopped and looked at her with a dark interest.
"I assume you want me to help that village?"
She nodded.
"What would this power be?"
She smiled and then looked at him and the other him that also had slipped in to hear.
"The power of Chaos the power you wish for and the power you know your with out. I offer you if you choose to help them the one thing you've felt missing the helm of Chaos."
Jake smiled the other him did as well and both of them drew the sword his right eye red his left blue.
"We accept your propostion."
A/N: Well here it is chapter 8 Jake is slowly showing his past and The dark spirits getting stronger. Next Chapter Prelude to Battle.
