Anubis repressed a groan as he awoke from the short sleep he had fallen into. He ignored the cold of the stone floor, it's indifference almost welcome after what he had been put through. He didn't try to open his eyes. It would have done no good. The only colors he would ever witness again would be those of memory. True to his master's intentions, Djunn had taken his eyes, the first step in a long plunge of darkness. Anubis had lost track of time, leaving him with no idea how long he had been Talpa's prisoner. Was he being tortured hourly? Daily?
The presiding ruler of this portion of the Netherworld seemed to harbor some hope that Anubis' spirit could be broken, or that his allegiance could be wrung. Accordingly, he had been repeatedly given over to the Spirits, Talpa's greatest resource. Anubis could remember when he had first been subjected to the overwhelming power of their will. It had been when his own nature was on the verge of waking, and he had begun to question his loyalty to Talpa. He had been sent to the pit where their will was projected into him until they possessed him. He had been imbued at that point with incredible power. Eventually though, he had been rescued from their hold by the Ancient One, and had, in his heart, joined the cause of the Ronin Warriors.
He dully remembered hearing that the lady Kyura had been through the same process, or one similar.
Now, he was stronger, and he had to hold on to that. He refused to let Talpa control him again. He had found, not so long ago in the grand scheme of things, that his own will was worth preserving, even at the cost of his life.
His personal predicament, though, was not the worst of his concern. He could be at peace with whatever befell him, as long as he was the keeper of his own will. But out there somewhere were men, probably still just children, with tools as dangerous as they were deadly. And there was no one to guide or warn them. Always, in the past, the Ancient One had been there to help keep the paths of the bearers, to help them stay true to themselves and fight the evil within. Or there to pick them up when they stumbled. The most tainted armors were being utilized now, after many centuries of bloodshed and evil. How much worse a burden! And what of the repairs he had attempted? Anubis was anxious. He wished he could be there with them, or at least find some way to communicate. He sighed in frustration.
"I hear you," came a voice that had so far been silent. It sounded like a large man, but a tired large man. "I was a favorite for a while."
"I do not sigh for myself," Anubis answered, weary in spirit. "I am prepared to accept this fate."
"Anubis?" The man chuckled in disbelief. Apparently he could not see his dungeon mate. "So that's why they have it in for you. I thought you must have been someone special."
"I have certainly made enemies through my choices," Anubis answered, shifting to lean his back against the wall. He winced. His punishments had been various. "Who are you, and what did you do to find yourself here?"
"I'm not so different from yourself, if the rumors of your treachery are true," the man answered, leaning against the stone wall separating them. "I am a smith. I was the head smith, in charge of overseeing the creation of Talpa's armies and in charge of his more delicate projects.
"I was in collaboration with his adviser and helper, Badamon, Lord of the Netherspirits in the creation of Lady Kyura's armor. After your defection and the defeat of the Dark Warlords at Halo's hands, I began the long process of creating more armors like Kyura's. I have spent these recent years making twenty one suits of armor, designed for selected captains in Talpa's army. They are not as powerful as the Warlords you fought with, but most of them are demons, like Cale and Sekhmet were."
He paused, licking dry lips. Anubis waited patiently, a virtue he was becoming very proficient with. The smith's tone was profoundly sad as he carried on. "To test these twenty one armors, Talpa set them upon a portion of his realm whose people had begun to groan under his tyranny. There was no rebellion, only a beginning dissatisfaction. My home." He sighed deeply and was quiet for a moment. "My work here has kept me busy for most of my life. My sister used to write to me, so I would still know what was going on from afar. She told me how her children were growing, she alerted me when Mother took ill, and I was able to be by her side when she died.
"As Talpa has grown more adamant in his power, more tyrannical in his execution of it, she told me how they began to suffer. They were poor, and growing hungry, his obsession keeping him from properly attending to more trivial matters. Of course, he probably wouldn't care. His power and most of his men are fueled by fear and hate, almost irregardless of the source. But you already know that." The sound of heavy chains scraping against the floor indicated he again shifted position, uncomfortable in the comfortless cell. Anubis realized he was not wearing chains. It must have been Talpa's way of gloating, declaring he was in complete control, and that Anubis' defiance was of no consequence.
The smith went on. "My sister stopped writing. Against Talpa's direct command, as I was supposed to continue building his army, I went home, hoping to find something good. I'll admit, I had never really thought about the results of my efforts. Forging weapons was a way to make a living, and I'm good at it. But when I saw the complete ruination of my home, it broke me, in a different way than any amount of his torture ever could. I suddenly sympathized with all the worlds, all the homes Talpa wants to destroy, and I did not want to be a part of it, any more." He laughed with bitter humor. "Not long ago, I was in the good graces of our tyrant ruler. Now, I haunt his dungeons. After I finished handing him the keys to his grandest, darkest dreams."
"Do not give up hope, friend," Anubis said quietly, sensing the man was not lying. "It is yet possible the means of Talpa's destruction are gathering their forces and may yet prove to be a match for his methods."
"You mean the Ronin Warriors?" The man almost scoffed in his despair. "I know what those armors are like. I was given the chance to examine all of the Warlord's armors in order to create Lady Kyura's. I have seen their black hearts, and also know that they were made from Talpa's body. They need help if they are to keep from falling into the same pit, and you are the only one who can give it. Here, now, you are powerless, and Talpa might kill you at any moment. Please don't talk of hope that can only be false."
"You underestimate the power they hold." Anubis stayed gently steadfast. "I have faith they will manage to find the right path, and that their support of each other will lead them to victory."
They could both hear footsteps echoing down the long damp hall. "Hold on to your faith," the smith advised, unconvinced. "Because they're coming again for the rest of you."
"They can take," Anubis said, listening to the quiet step. Djunn. "But I will not give."
"You really are something," The smith actually smiled. "My name's Tauul, in case we don't meet again."
"It has been an honor," Anubis said as his cell was opened. To anyone else, the opening of the door would have brought welcome light. To Anubis' empty sockets, the darkness was all the same.
"Come," Djunn's deep voice resonated slightly in the small space.
Anubis rose unsteadily to his feet. Every time it was the same summons. If he did not go willingly, Djunn would simply haul him inconsiderately out of the cell and to whichever of the two chambers in which they had been spending time together. If he chose to go, he was allowed to keep his dignity. He walked out of the cell, swaying. Djunn caught his arm to steady him. Anubis did not mistake the motion as kindness. It was only his way of being professional. None of this was personal to the demon, he was only extending a professional courtesy as he prepared to carry out his orders.
Anubis was surprised when they did not turn left. "Where are we going?" He allowed himself to ask.
"Master Talpa wishes to see you," Djunn answered simply. Anubis wondered if it was intended to be a final interview, or if the tyrant ruler only wished to see how his treatments were working.
The changing of the floor beneath them told Anubis they had left the pit of Talpa's unforgiven, and were hurrying towards his main chambers. Occasionally someone would speak to Djunn, or pause to spit at Anubis, neither of whom gave much response.
"As you requested, Master Talpa," Djunn forced Anubis to his knees, and knelt beside him.
"You are looking well, Anubis," Talpa chuckled at his appearance. "Have you taught the traitor some respect?" He asked his captain, malicious good humor rumbling deep in his tones.
"He remains resistant to our methods, Master," Djunn said honestly.
"I suppose that should not surprise me," Talpa said in disgust. "Anubis has proven he can be quite stubborn when he chooses to be."
"That will not change Talpa," Anubis spoke, resisting the pressure of Djunn's hand, unwilling to stay bent before this incarnation of evil. "No matter what methods you employ."
"Silence!" Talpa shouted at him. "I did not bring you here to argue, my old servant. I brought you here to show you something."
Anubis was not blind to his choice of words. "You have already robbed yourself of the pleasure."
Talpa chuckled. "Trust me it is almost a pity. I have received reports from my two forward bases. Your Ronin Warriors are quite pitiful. There is distrust, dissent, and delicious fear in their hearts. My captains will have an easy time destroying them."
Anubis was tight lipped. Talpa may be simply conjuring images to crack his confidence, but it was likely true. And he had spent enough time with Talpa to know that he did not lie, even though he often chose not to disclose the truth. A strange trait in a tyrant, but he had no need for the deception.
He realized it did prove two important things. The Ronin Warriors were alive, and were attempting to fight the Dynasty. Confirmation that hardened his resolve. He managed a smile. "Two forward bases, Talpa? The link between our worlds is not strong, I can sense that much. To open portals in other places in addition to here must be taxing your power. And since you mention reports, it can only mean you are not able to see these things for yourself. You can't even appear in your spirit form, can you? You are as trapped as I am in your castle!" He laughed. "It must be eating you inside, to see the limits of your celebrated powers."
Djunn struck him across the mouth, drawing blood and stunning him. "Punish him Djunn!" Talpa shrieked in rage. "Give him a lesson that will stay long enough to remind him to guard his tongue the next time we meet! Mete out my wrath!"
"Because," Anubis said from the floor. "Without the armors of my Ronin Warriors, you cannot do it yourself. And they continue to defy you!"
"Badamon!" Talpa roared.
The spirit lord appeared. "Yes, Talpa?"
Anubis could feel the intensity of Talpa's angry stare as it was focused on him. Talpa replied. "Have you deciphered the magic of that staff?"
"Not yet," the Spirit answered evenly. "It's magic is ancient and strong, as would seem to be its will to resist me. But I will force it to unravel its secrets."
"Summon it," Talpa commanded, and the Lord of the Netherspirits complied. Talpa hissed, "Break it!"
Badamon frowned. "It is the last chance we have of learning how that monk defeated you in the first place, and to understand how he divided your body. If I destroy it-"
"I will not listen!" Talpa thundered. "That monk is dead! And this, thing, here is simply a pitiful soul who thinks he can replace a man who had actual power, when he has nothing! That staff is the last link. There is no one else to use those secrets against me. This time, my victory will not be swayed!"
Without further argument, Badamon handed the staff to Djunn who broke it over his knee. Anubis felt the pure power in the room fade out, and knew this time, there would be no chance to reforge the weapon that had struck the Lord of the Netherworld down, so many centuries ago. He knew he was not the Ancient One, that he could not live up to the legend, but he did not forget that the same monk had chosen him as a successor. Talpa's attempts to belittle him and destroy his faith would not be allowed to succeed.
"Again!" Talpa shouted eagerly.
Djunn complied, breaking its remains into the smallest pieces he could manage.
"Now," his master continued, satisfied it was completely destroyed. "Use the pieces some way that will please me."
"As you command, Master Talpa," Djunn answered, sensing his dismissal. He gathered up the fragments and Anubis, and took them from the room.
"Any other requests from me?" The Spirit Lord inquired, annoyed with Talpa's incessant and unpredictable temper, and the loss of a valuable and curious artifact.
"Oversee Anubis' next conditioning personally," Talpa instructed. "I want him broken. I cannot stand his continued impudence! I want to see his spirit crushed!"
"I will see what I can do," Badamon disappeared.
Talpa floated before his blue flamed fires, unable to move, and wishing he could look through the portals. But that traitor was right, he was expending too much to even be able to see for himself how his campaign was progressing. It didn't matter. This was his final effort. He swore to himself he would conquer the Earth.
Djunn was characteristically quiet as he shepherded Anubis back to his cell. This time, though, much of the silence was due to thought. He felt the pieces of the staff in his hand clearly, but they were not holding his attention.
Anubis was surprised when they stopped and he heard the key to his cell grate in the lock. "You are not going to torture me?"
"Those were not my orders," Anubis said simply as he opened the door.
Anubis stepped through. He turned. If he had his eyes he would have used them to search for some understanding of this Captain. "And you always follow orders?"
"Yes," Djunn closed the door and left.
He came to the mouth of the dungeon. One of the Captains was waiting for him. Djunn walked on. If she had something to say, she would say it. If not then there was no point in asking.
Yuri stepped away from the wall she had been leaning against and joined him. "I envy you."
He did not respond.
She continued, her ghostly white dress flowing slightly as she walked, and the armor plating glowing dully in the light of the torches. "I wish Master Talpa had selected me to be his torturer. I can be so creative, and with Anubis blind, every pain would be unpredictable. I could have him quite afraid." She grinned and reached a finger out, to put it through his back.
Djunn turned abruptly. "You believe that fear is the only effective mechanism with which to gain what you desire. A man like Anubis is not likely to give in to fear. Lord Talpa gave him to me and to Lord Badamon to break. Your persuasion is useless. He is not yours, nor anyone else's." He turned back and walked swiftly away, leaving Yuri staring after him.
Djunn considered, standing at a crossroads in the castle. It would likely be a little time before he was needed here again, and with the battles taking place below, there was no danger of war breaking out here in the Dynasty.
He left the castle, traveling the little way to the village set just off to the side from the imposing walls of the Dynasty compound. The sounds of his people drifted through the still air to him, causing him to take a deep breath. This was home.
The Jukai village was just on the other side of the castle wall, otherwise it was in the open air. Some of that ground had been turned to fields in an attempt to stave off the famine that was beginning to ravish the lands. It made Djunn quietly angry to see warriors, and the wives and mothers of warriors working the fields. They had never been reduced to this in the past. Only now, under Talpa's obsessions and carelessness.
He had little reason to think of the needs of the people he had enslaved. All Talpa thought about was war and conquering more territory. With the work of the spirit lord, Badamon, his armies did not consist of flesh and blood men, but twisted and tortured souls, bent so far as to have no will left except to power their empty metal bodies under the guidance of his will. As long as his own people were not used to create these soldiers, Djunn did not much care. But, it meant that Talpa had lost his respect for the Jukai.
Djunn walked silently through the village, exchanging acknowledgments and heading for his home. It would, he decided, likely be straightened out once this world below them was captured. It's resources would be available for the taking, easing the suffering of his people. Or, if those resources were for some reason beyond Talpa's reach, then the emperor would eventually be forced to deal with the problems closer to home. And deal he would, once his supply of souls began to dry up as the peoples on his land died from disease and starvation.
"Djunn," his mate stepped in from the next room as he quietly closed the door. She was surprised to see him. "I didn't expect you."
He noticed the flour on her hands. Baking bread for the night's meal. At least she and their son were not hungry so far. He sent the armor away. "There was no requirement for my presence. Anubis was not due for torture, and the battle is being waged below us. Where is Nalu?"
Tavere dusted her hands off on her bare midriff and answered. "Hubai is teaching him the spear."
Djunn noticed she was still wearing red, displaying her pride in his selection as one of Talpa's personal captains. He liked it, but missed the blue that brought a stronger hint of color out of her indigo eyes. "That is good, though I should be the one teaching him."
"You will," she promised, walking over to him and giving him a gentle kiss. "Hubai is just helping, while you are busy with the emperor's affairs. This won't last long, and then you will be his teacher again."
"It will not," he promised, his thoughts resolving.
The Jukai had faced hardships in many forms and to many degrees over the course of their history, and under the reign of many power mad and careless tyrants. They had persevered. They would continue to do so.
AN: Djunn, Djunn. He started off as a regular little ol' captain like everyone else, but then he just quietly grew more and more insistent in his own way, and soon it was impossible not to let him have a larger portion of the story. For some reason it just felt so right for him. Probably helped he was one of my favorites. :P