"Hello…brother" Urvez answered and Vokirun walked forwards with his upper arms folded in front of him and his lower hands resting on the handles of his swords. His eyes were filled with somber reminiscence and a dull happiness that had not showed itself for centuries.
Urvez slowly moved her lower arms and rested the hands on the hilts of her swords. The siblings stared at each other in silence, walking towards each other slowly and warily. They stopped right in front of each other; both standing at the same height, each one inspecting the other. They both sniffed the air, taking in each other's scent after centuries of not seeing each other. You would never tell that they were siblings but they both wore the same armless robe, identifying them as members of the 'Taranis' noble family. The tense silence was suddenly broke when they then embraced each other, as a brother and sister would.
"It is so good to see you after all this time, little sister" Vokirun said, with a happiness he had not shown for centuries and felt strange in his throat.
"Indeed big brother, even after all these centuries you have not changed" Urvez replied and the two stopped the embrace and continued to stare at each other.
"You must be wondering why I am here" Vokirun said, seeing the question leaking out through his sister's eyes.
"It did pass my mind" Urvez replied, forgetting that her elder brother could read people almost instantly.
"I am here at express orders of my Kell. I have information regarding the Hive…. meant only for Kirrhys" Vokirun said, his voice turning angry at speaking Kirrhys' name. He pulled out a data tablet from a pouch on his belt and handed it to Urvez who silently took it in her hands.
"Why do you have such distaste for Kirrhys?'' Urvez asked and Vokirun sighed heavily.
"I have never seen him as the right one for you. He was in the Vrash' qui for Gods sake! He was an experiment made by the Splicers! He is heresy walking itself! He not a person, he is a thing!" Vokirun answered in a raised voice. Urvez did not even flinch at her brother's words, and only gave him a stern stare that actually made him feel uncomfortable.
"I have always known that Kirrhys was made not born! The Kells of the Houses summoned me to them and told me the day we made our vows! I have always known that, but I love him all the same. He may be a thing… but he is my thing!" Urvez answered with a gentle voice. She prodded Vokirun in the chest with a finger; the claw chinked against his breastplate and caused him to take a cautionary step back. Urvez was never afraid to stand up to her older brothers whenever they upset her; they were more wary of her when she was angry than she was of them.
"Urrrgh…. You are always so defiant, how is it you are able to stand me down" Vokirun grumbled and looked away from his sisters gaze.
''Why are you still here? Your Kell gave you orders to hand over the data did he not?'' Urvez asked.
"I wait for Kirrhys…. I need to speak to him personally'' Vokirun answered.
"About what?" Urvez demanded.
"About you, war is coming and he needs to know that I want him to know that he needs to protect you" Vokirun answered. Urvez gave a soft chuckle at her brother's words, even after almost seven centuries he still cared much for her.
"I am not a child anymore" Urvez said.
"I know you are not, but you are still my baby sister and you are worth more than all the ether in the galaxy to me" Vokirun answered. Urvez covered her face with her left hand in embarrassment as she blushed slightly; Vokirun chuckled quietly and placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. 'I will always protect you, Always, never forget that' he said.
"You should go and hide, I do not want any of my men to fire upon you" Urvez said. Vokirun removed his hand from her shoulder and nodded at her, he then began to walk away and stopped before he rounded a corner.
"Just remember, I will watch over you" Vokirun said gently and disappeared past the corner, leaving Urvez standing in silence.
Kirrhys snapped back behind the column he was using as cover as shock rounds whizzed past him. He and his guards had put up a pretty sizeable defense for the most part. He released the reload catch and the top of launcher opened up and the empty shrapnel canister popped out as well as excess heat from the electromagnetic coils, he pulled out a full canister from his belt and slotted it in place. He pulled the front of the launcher up, and it locked in place. It thrummed and vibrated to life as the electromagnetic coils heated up the canister. More shots whizzed past him and over the crates as his guards ducked behind them and replied with shots of their own, Kirrhys heard a few screams coming form down the corridor meaning their shots hit their mark.
"Any kills?" Kirrhys asked.
"Two Vandals and three Dregs down!" Axin replied and ducked instantly when shrapnel rounds hit the crate he was crouched behind. The left side of his face was a mess of bleeding wounds; his eyes had been shot out and only added to the blood running down his face. His up-left arm was tucked into his chest with a makeshift sling. Axin was certain that the arm was gone; the shrapnel rounds that he had foolishly allowed to hit him had ripped through his upper arm and made it a mess of blood, torn muscles and shattered bones.
Kirrhys peeked around the column and fired three shots into the Captain that had revealed itself, dispersing his shield and sending super heated shards of metal ripping through his body. The Captain dropped to the floor with a weak groan and Kirrhys grunted in satisfaction. Kirrhys fired a few shots down the hall, hitting two Vandals that attempted to advance. Kirrhys then heard faint shouting down the end of the hall, after a few seconds the shooting stopped and the hall went quiet.
"What is happening?" Omek asked and peeked over the crate he was hiding behind. Chanting then began to sound out; it became louder as more voices joined it and rhythmic stomping began to shake the floor.
Kirrhys peeked out of cover and saw a massive Baron round the corner, holding his arms up in a non-threatening manner. The Baron had armor that looked heavier and thicker than that of a regular Barons armor, his helmet was heavily modified and had a single slit that all of his eyes shone through. He had Ether tanks that sat either side of his waist and heavy tubing that trailed up to either side of his mask. Kirrhys also noticed that the Barons mask seemed to be a mix between a medical mask and an Ether mask but with added armor plating. There was a familiar scent to the Baron, Kirrhys could not put his finger on it but it was familiar.
"I would speak with he who leads you" the Baron demanded in a deep and gruff voice. Kirrhys lowered the Shrapnel launcher and left his position behind the column, he climbed over the barricade and slowly walked over to the Baron. Kirrhys could hear the Barons heavy and almost raggedy breaths, as if every inhale was a struggle.
"It had been a long time… Tryren" Kirrhys said as he looked up at the massive Baron who looked down at him.
"I see you finally remember me, even after centuries" Tryren replied, he reached down to one of the ether tanks as his belt and adjusted the ether intake. He almost gave a sigh of relief as more ether rushed through his mask and into his lungs.
"I trust there is a reason your men stopped firing?" Kirrhys asked.
"Yes. I wish to challenge you for control of the fortress" Tryren answered and Kirrhys gave interested chirps and clicks.
"What are the terms?" Kirrhys asked.
"If you win I will bend my knee to you and my forces shall stand down. If I win, you leave" Tryren answered.
''This challenge shall be conducted in the ways of old, use of swords only?" Kirrhys asked and Tryren throatily laughed at the question.
''Of course, I would stain my honor otherwise'' Tryren answered. Kirrhys then activated his comlink to his Barons, the duel would be outside and he did not want any outside involvement.
''All troops will not fire upon the remaining Kings forces. The Baron leading them has challenged me and I have accepted'' Kirrhys said.
''None of my troops shall fire upon them if they do not fire upon us'' the voice of Noldys answered.
''I am in agreement, as long as they do not fire upon us'' the voice of Wyrek said.
''We shall gather at the main courtyard and await you there'' the voice of Skagrosk said. Kirrhys deactivated his comlink and looked back up at Tryren who was once again adjusting the ether intake of his mask.
''My Barons will not fire upon you only if you do not fire upon them. They have agreed to be witness of the duel'' Kirrhys said. Tryren finished adjusting his ether intake and looked back down at Kirrhys.
''My men will not fire upon your troops or interfere during the duel'' Tryren said and clapped a fist against his chest plate. Kirrhys replied by clapping his metal fist against his chest plate, the two Eliksni stood at attention as a sign of mutual respect.
Umbra, Zaro and Aaron watched from behind their cover as Eryn slammed into the ground with her fist of havoc, atomizing several Dregs that were currently firing onto their position. Eryn then dived behind a crate and reloaded her auto rifle as a Captain fired on her position with his shock rifle. Goliath fired three shots into the Captain with his heavy machine gun and dispersed its shield, the Captain staggered as a round glanced off the side of his helm. Goliath fired one more shot into the Captains head, its head exploded and the body dropped with the howl of escaping ether. Goliath crouched back down behind the low wall he was using as cover and reloaded his heavy machine gun.
''Gonna need some help here Zaro!'' Goliath shouted as more Vandals and Dregs charged their way through the entrance of the courtyard and opened fire at the Guardians. The fire team shrunk back behind cover and blind fired back at the assaulting Fallen.
''You got it!'' Zaro answered jovially, Aaron then patted the Warlock on the shoulder and she looked at him.
"Gonna give you some covering fire'' Aaron shouted and fired at the group of Fallen with his Khvostov, causing them to scramble around for cover and hitting a few of them in the chests.
Zaro holstered her pulse rifle and rushed over to the group of panicking Fallen, lightning began to crackle around her hands and up her arms as she activated her stormtrance. Her eyes turned to a bright glowing blue as she jumped into the air and slammed her hand into the ground and blots of lightning struck the ground around her, instantly atomizing the few Dregs around her. Zaro began to glow with a blue aura and floated off the ground and lightning crackled around her fingers and across her hands. She splayed her hands and bolts of lightning shot out from them, the Fallen around her did not even have time to scream as the lightning engulfed their bodies.
"Holy Jesus!'' Aaron said quietly as Zaro continued to atomize the remaining Fallen that attempted to run away from the rampaging Warlock. He forgot how scary the ditzy Warlock was sometimes, especially when she got angry.
''Makes you feel sorry for 'em'' Umbra said and Aaron began chuckling at the Hunters words.
"A little bit, but not much" Aaron answered and the two laughed at Aaron's words. Eryn walked over to the two sitting Guardians and knelt down next to them.
"What's the joke?" Eryn asked and sat down next to Umbra. The Hunter wrapped an arm around the Titan's waist and gently squeezed her hip.
"Just saying how I feel a bit sorry for the Fallen that meet Zaro when she is in stormtrance" Umbra answered. Eryn began chuckling to herself and wrapped an arm around the Hunters waist and gave him a squeeze.
"Yeah, I suppose you gotta feel sorry for 'em sometimes'' Eryn replied.
"Just saying, did you guys know Kirrhys' son and daughter are still alive?'' Aaron asked.
"I knew his son was, he hasn't really talked about his daughter' Umbra answered.
'All right, so his son is Taniks, the Scarred. His daughter is called Euryale, the Fell handed, she's a member of the house of Wolves' Aaron said.
"Holy shit! Taniks, the Scarred? The one that killed Andal Brask?" Eryn asked.
"Yep, its gonna be pretty awkward when the Vanguard put a bounty on him. Kirrhys might protect Taniks" Aaron answered.
"Can't blame him. He is his son after all, if I was Kirrhys I would probably stop any fire team that was sent after Taniks" Umbra said.
"You think Kirrhys will danger relations to stop Taniks being hunted down?" Eryn asked.
"Probably, what would you do if you were Kirrhys?" Umbra asked.
"I don't know, suppose you have a point," Eryn mumbled. Umbra turned his attention from her and back to Aaron.
"You said he had a daughter?" the Hunter asked.
"Yeah, I read up on her when I heard a few of Ikora's hidden talking about direct family members of Kirrhys, apparently they are making grimoire's on them. I heard Euryale's name come up and I went to the Cryptarch halls for any reference of her in what they had. And it turns out Kirrhys has a second son" Aaron answered proudly.
"Second son? He never mentioned him before" Eryn said.
"Yeah, I read up on his as well. He is called Regys, light breaker. And he has one hell of a murder boner against us." Aaron answered.
"What House?" Umbra asked. Umbra started to stare at Aaron in a confused way.
"Mercenary like Taniks, but he was apparently linked to something called 'Midnight' but I don't know what that means" Aaron answered.
"So what's the age gap between Kirrhys' kids?" Eryn asked.
"Taniks is the oldest, then Regys and Euryale is the youngest" Aaron answered
"Since when do you read Aaron?" Umbra asked and Eryn began to chuckle at the question.
"I actually take the time to Umbra, unlike you. Who spends his time with his boyfriend Cayde" Aaron retorted. Umbra made an upset gasp and placed a hand on his chest and leant back in surprise and Eryn began laughing.
"You hurt my feelings Aaron. That was mean of you!" Umbra said in a half-arced upset tone.
"What the hell are you lot laughing about?" Goliath asked; he was currently looming over the three-seated Guardians.
"Talking about Kirrhys' family, Goliath" Umbra answered.
"I'm pretty sure we were talking about how Cayde is your boyfriend" Aaron said.
"Shut up!" Umbra retorted, his voice now filled with irritation.
"Just a joke Umbra" Eryn said and stroked his head reassuringly.
"Kirrhys' family? You mean like children?" Goliath asked.
"Yep. Has two sons and daughter; first son is Taniks, the Scarred. The second son is Regys, light breaker and his daughter is a Baroness in the House of Wolves" Eryn answered.
"Hmmmm" Goliath grumbled as he took the information in. "What's her name?" he asked.
"Euryale, the Fellhanded" Aaron answered.
"Fellhanded? Why she called that?" Goliath asked.
"Something about…. I can't actually remember' Aaron answered and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"And that is why you don't read Aaron. You have an amazing memory," Umbra said jovially.
"This is Kirrhys to Fear strikers" the voice of Kirrhys said over the comlink and the fire team went quiet.
"Sup Kirrhys" Umbra said.
"Gather at the main courtyard and do not fire upon any Kings" Kirrhys said and the comlink deactivated.
"Wha…" Aaron stuttered.
"I better get Zaro" Goliath grumbled and activated his comlink to the Warlock. "Zaro!" he barked.
"Yello?" Zaro asked.
"We need you back here now! Something is happening in the main courtyard and Kirrhys wants us there. Also don't kill any more Kings, apparently some sort of ceasefire is happening" Goliath answered. For a few seconds there was only slight static and silence, the Exo sighed, as he knew the silence wasn't good.
"Yeah…. About that" Zaro said and Goliath groaned in annoyance.
"You've been killing them haven't you" the Exo grumbled.
"I get carried away in stormtrance" Zaro answered guiltily.
"Urgh. Just get to the main courtyard!" Goliath growled in irritation and deactivated his comlink. He turned around and walked back over to Umbra and the others who were now stood up. "Let's go to the courtyard!" he shouted and began walking to the exit staircase.
After a few minutes of walking through the cold concrete corridors of the fortress that were suspiciously empty. Even though the Kings and Devils were fighting for control of it. The fire team finally came to the main courtyard that was packed full of Fallen, on one side stood Fallen wearing the rust red armor and threads of the House of Devils. On the other side stood more Fallen wearing the auric gold armor and threads of the House of Kings. In the center of the courtyard stood both Kirrhys and a much taller Fallen that was nearly the size of a Kell. The Dregs nearest to the fire team turned around when they heard movement and began to glare and hiss at them. The Dregs then parted, allowing them to get closer to the fight that was about to ensue.
The crowd spoke in hushed murmurs, ensuring that the Sha'ir walking past them did not hear. From what Umbra heard it was mostly just grumbling about 'the Sha'ir scum' and he didn't take notice. He pushed past two Captains and was abruptly stopped when a large hand was placed on his shoulder; Umbra looked to his right and saw Skagrosk slowly shaking his head at him.
"Do not become involved" Skagrosk whispered.
"Why?" Umbra demanded.
"This is a matter of honor. Baron Tryren of the Kings banner has challenged Kirrhys to a duel. Anyone to interfere in the duel will invite death to whomever they serve" Wyrek answered and looked down at the Hunter.
"That important, huh?" Umbra asked.
"Nobody will be involved on either side, this is the Kell's fight alone" Skagrosk answered. Wyrek stepped forwards and walked in between Kirrhys and Tryren whom were both staring at each other.
"As elder, I herby preside over this duel. Baron Tryren of the Kings banner has challenged Kirrhys Vorshten, Kell of Devils to a duel of honor. This duel shall only stop when one party begs for parlay or both parties can no longer continue. This duel shall be with swords and fists, in accordance with the ways of old" Wyrek said loudly. Both Kirrhys and Tryren nodded and began to remove their firearms and pass them to Captains behind them, leaving themselves with only their swords.
"Baron Tryren is ready!" Tryren said loudly.
"Kell Vorshten is ready!" Kirrhys said loudly.
"You both understand the penalty for interference by either parties?" Wyrek asked.
"I understand" Kirrhys answered.
"I also understand" Tryren answered. Wyrek then stepped back until he was right in front of the crowd. He raised his right arm up above him and looked at the two duelers.
"The duel may proceed" Wyrek said and brought his arm down, as soon as he did Kirrhys and Tryren pulled out their swords. The two both stood in a half crouch as they circled one another; Tryren held one sword pointed at Kirrhys and the other above his head in a defensive posture. Kirrhys held one sword in reverse grip in front of him and the other up above his head.
The two began hissing at each other, their mandibles clicking as they did and they crouched slightly lower as the kept circling. Tryren jumped forwards and so did Kirrhys, their swords clashed and lit up with bright golden incandescent sparks. Tryren was much taller and stronger but Kirrhys successfully held his ground, the two shook and grunted as they fought for dominance in the clash but neither gave way. Tryren only increased in the deepness and raggedness of his breaths and Kirrhys grunted in exertion. The sparks of golden light seared their eyes and caused them to push away from the clash.
Once their sight returned they charged forwards, Tryren attacked first and moved with speed that was nearly impossible for an Eliksni of his size and slashed at his enemy with one sword. Kirrhys ducked under the attack and brought an upward slash at Tryren who also brought up a slash at Kirrhys. Neither had time to dodge the attacks and both suffered the consequences, Tryren's right shoulder plate was cut through and was ripped off while the force of his attack also ripped off Kirrhys' left shoulder plate. The two were forced backwards and then charged again but this time it was Tryren who had the advantage.
Tryren kept slashing at Kirrhys with near impossible speed that showed his skill with the blade and Kirrhys blocked every single attack, which also showed his skill. Kirrhys was forced back on the defensive as he kept in time with each and every one of Tryren's attacks; he looked into the Baron's eyes and saw that he was using all of his energy in the assault and was struggling. Kirrhys jumped back and Tryren stumbled when his attack missed its target and Kirrhys took the advantage and slashed at Tryren who in turn slashed back.
Kirrhys felt the sword cut through his helm and into the right side of his brow, Tryren had no time to appreciate the small victory as Kirrhys' sword cut above both of his left eyes. Kirrhys gave out a quiet grunt and Tryren immediately closed his left eyes and quietly whined in pain. Both immediately were on the attack again and matched each other's blows, their swords sparking with each touch.
"They are amazing" Aaron whispered as the two kept matching their attacks perfectly. Tryren then brought a slash that cut into Kirrhys' helm and another that ripped it off his head and sent it clattering onto the floor. Kirrhys jumped back and felt warm blood running down the right side of his head and drip into his right outer eye, causing him to close it.
"I forgot how strong he was,"Kirrhys thought as Tryren twirled his sword around a few times with a grunt. Kirrhys could tell the Baron was now struggling to even breathe, his wheezes were too loud and his hands were ever so slightly shaking. "I cannot match his blows anymore, it was rattling my bones and even he is starting to be affected by his own assault. I can win this" he thought and simulated a plan of attack. Kirrhys then put away his swords and crouched down placing his metal hand onto the floor as he waited for the old Baron to attack.
"Yes. Focus on your anger and kill him!" the voice of Crota said and caused Kirrhys to flick his head to the right. Anger began to fill Kirrhys as his left-flesh hand shook slightly and rage engulfed his mind. Why was it that he always felt this way whenever Crota entered his mind? Perhaps it was his implants reacting? Kirrhys brought his mind away from questioning thoughts, he should return to the duel at hand.
Tryren took in a deep breath and let out a roar of anger as he charged at Kirrhys who was still silently crouching. Tryren brought both of his swords up as he closed in on Kirrhys. Just as Tryren was about to slash, Kirrhys shot up and brought his metal fist into the Baron's left side, receiving a grunt of pain from the Baron. Kirrhys then punched Tryren in the stomach twice and a third blow to the Barons left knee and causing him to fall to one knee. Tryren let out a roar of pain and Kirrhys grabbed the Baron right arm and wrenched it the wrong way, causing the Baron to drop his sword. Tryren let out another pained roar and Kirrhys silenced him by punching him straight in the face, denting his mask and knocking one of the pipes feeding ether to it loose. Kirrhys punched the Baron in the face again and sent him falling onto his back and letting go of his second sword.
Anger consumed Kirrhys as he kept punching Tryren in the face, denting his mask, ether hissing through the cracks in the armor plates that were followed by his raggedy breaths and pained grunts. Kirrhys grabbed Tryren by his scarf and kept raining down blows onto his face.
"Yeees" the voice of Crota whispered and Kirrhys stopped for a few seconds and looked at Tryren.
"Come on! Do it!" Tryren grunted in pain. Kirrhys punched Tryren again and again, Kirrhys felt as if he was watching the scene through somebody else's eyes and he was filled with horror. He looked at Tryren's face and saw that it was bloody and bruised, blood leaked form his mask and his breaths were now pained wheezes. Tryren looked into Kirrhys' eyes and saw that they had turned black with blood red pinpricks in the middle.
"Do it!" the voice Crota whispered and Kirrhys picked up one of Tryren's swords and held the blade against his throat. He did not see fear in Tryren's eyes, only sadness.
"Kirrhys!" a voice shouted and a hand grabbed Kirrhys' forearm, he looked up to see who it was and saw Umbra holding onto him. Umbra saw the darkness Kirrhys' eyes fade and return to amber. Kirrhys looked back down at Tryren who was still struggling to draw breath.
Kirrhys felt like he had just woken up at this moment, he felt the anger and rage consuming him disappeared like smoke in the wind. He slowly moved the sword away from Tryren's throat and dropped it onto the floor. Kirrhys blinked in shock a few times as he began to look around at the crowd around him, their eyes were filled with fear and surprise at his brutality. He looked back down at Tryren who was still wheezing, his mask took broken to now supply him ether and he was slowly suffocating. Kirrhys slowly moved his hands towards Tryren's face and the old Baron flinched in fear.
"Kirrhys? No! No! Kirrhys!" Tryren wheezed and took hold of Kirrhys' right forearm. Kirrhys slowly grabbed hold of Tryren's helmet and began to slowly pull it off, revealing his face. Kirrhys' eyes widened and he sharply inhaled in shock, the entirety Baron's head and face were covered in burns that completely disfigured his features. His skin was gnarled and burnt, and looked incredibly painful whenever it was moved. Tryren's eyes were filled with pain, a deep and intense pain that ruled every second of his being.
He was wheezing painfully, it was obvious the fire had damaged his lungs and airways. Kirrhys listened to the Baron's raspy breaths and disconnected his own masks ether pipes and removed his mask. Kirrhys placed his mask on the Baron's face and connected up Tryren's pipes to the mask, the Baron grabbed hold of the mask as fresh ether filled his mouth and flooded his lungs. He gave sighs of relief, as he was able to breathe again.
"Forgive me, old friend" Kirrhys asked apologetically as he knelt down beside the old Baron and helped him sit up. Tryren held the mask to his face as he sat himself up with his lower arms, wrapping his right arms arm around Kirrhys' shoulders and waist.
"No need…old friend. I…just need to rest" Tryren answered weakly. Kirrhys slowly helped the Tryren up, easily lifting the massive Baron up so he could stand. "I yield to the Kell of Devils," he said loudly, so all around him could hear. Two Captains from the Kings rushed from the crowd and took hold of Tryren, as medical Vandals rushed to tend to the Barons wounds. Kirrhys on the other hand was staring at his metal hand, the blood dripping from its fingers and leaking through its armored plates and onto the floor.
"Kirrhys. Are you all right?" Umbra asked as Kirrhys' gaze was locked on his metal hand. He didn't answer for a few seconds and he saw Kirrhys' eyes snapped into focus.
"I need time alone" Kirrhys said and walked off, the crowd parted before him and he disappeared up the stairs in silence. Umbra was left standing there in the middle of the courtyard, and Skagrosk placed a hand on his shoulder.
"He needs some time alone, I would advise that you give him some space" Skagrosk said.
"You say it like you know him" Umbra said and looked up at the Baron
"We have data banks dating back to before Kirrhys was born, I read about him and his past" Skagrosk replied and let out a deep sigh. "His origin is a sad one as well as his life's story," he said.
"Tell me about Kirrhys' life" Umbra said, and Skagrosk let out a deep winded sigh, this was going to be a long day.
Arya was sitting against the wall off the upper courtyard, her shield was leant against the wall and her shrapnel launcher was tucked next to her right leg. She was watching with curiosity as the Kell knelt on the opposite side of the courtyard, he had changed back into his armor but still was helmetless and wore no mask.
Kirrhys seemed to be praying, he was chanting and singing quietly. He was slowly rocking backwards and forwards and was holding his swords in his hands and holding it up above his head; Arya guessed it was a part of his prayer. She listened to the deep and slightly varying tones that Kirrhys was producing with his diaphragm, it was trance-like and beautiful.
"What is he doing?" Arya asked quietly, it looked like he was presenting his swords to the sky.
"He is presenting his swords to Izka, the Goddess of Death. He is thanking her for a victorious battle, as well as offering those lives he has taken with the swords up to her" Thirmi said as she sat down next to the Dreg and began looking over her rifle. The rest of Kirrhys' guards were sat on the opposite side of the courtyard, they did not want to disrupt Kirrhys.
"He is what?" Arya asked and looked at Thirmi.
"He is from the lost House of Stone, he was a member of the Vrash' qui and they worshipped her with zealous fanaticism and would pray to her after every battle. They all worshipped her; the Vrash' qui tattooed their bodies with the words of Izka" Thirmi answered and Kirrhys' chanting began to increase in volume.
"How do you know so much?" Arya asked.
"I was around during the Reef wars, the scribe Variks of House Judgement came to my house for a short while. He told me many things of the Houses that were lost or thought to be lost during the Whirlwind" Thirmi answered. She looked at Kirrhys who was still chanting and holding his swords up above him. "The Kell worships death, do you trust him?" She asked.
"It does not worry me, we have many Gods and a God of death happened to me one of them," Arya answered.
"Wise words young one. How were your arms docked anyway?" Thirmi asked; gesturing to Arya's lower arms that still had docking caps on them.
"I…. I was one of the survivors of when my Prime was destroyed. My father did not want me to be docked but Baroness Tavrys had me docked" Arya answered. She gently held her docked arms in the pain of the memory and a tear ran down from her out-right eye. Thirmi placed a comforting hand on Arya's shoulder and shuffled closer to her.
"There, there. You need not cry, the Kell will give you your docked arms back soon," Thirmi said reassuringly. "The Kell is quite the male, is he not?" she asked.
"I suppose he is" Arya answered.
"What do you think of him?" Thirmi asked.
"Well, what do you think of him?" Arya asked and received a laugh from Thirmi.
"I think… he would make a suitable mate, but sadly he is taken" Thirmi answered, her voice sounding sharp.
"Are you jealous?" Arya asked, detecting the hint of jealousy in Thirmi's voice.
"No! Why would I be jealous?" Thirmi answered sharply, Arya merely squinted her eyes in conformation.
"I see" Arya said and nodded slowly, trying her best not to laugh and Thirmi shot her an irritated look.
"Arya! Thirmi! Come over here!" Zeya shouted, sitting with the rest of the once Dregs. The two got up and walked over to the small circle of once Dregs and one Vandal and situated themselves in the group. "I do apologize if we have not already introduced ourselves. I am Zeya," she said.
"Nice to meet you" Arya answered.
"He is Dradak, do not mind the glare, he is usually like that" Zeya said and gestured to the Vandal with three eyes, his left-in eye was milky white and had a scar running over the eyelid. He was running his finger across his knife and looked up at Arya. He gave her a single nod and looked back at the knife.
"He does not talk to most, I think he was born with a dent in his skull" a once Dreg said slyly and Dradak slapped him across the back of the head. "Ow!" he said as Dradak grumbled to himself.
"This joking bastard is Meriks, watch out for him" Zeya said.
"Pleasure to meet you" Meriks said and held out his hand to Arya who took it and shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you" Arya replied and let go of Meriks' hand.
"The sleeping one is Rhan, he is friendly enough but keeps to himself" Zeya pointed to the sleeping once Dreg who was quietly snoring.
"What about them?" Arya asked and gestured to the four Vandals sitting in a group.
"The one missing a finger on her right hand is Vesri, she is quite chatty but has a rough exterior. The one putting her rifle back together is Vesri, she is mates with the one fiddling with his sniper rifle, Spyri, he likes long ranged shooting. The one praying is Omek, he is a rather anti social one. And then there is Axin, our Captain who is undergoing surgery on the Kells Ketch because of his wounds" Meriks answered.
"I must ask, why did the Kell choose you?" Dradak asked, glancing up from his knife and the others turning at him.
"Well… you were present at the execution so you know my father was Captain Durthang, one of the captain who attempted to overthrow the Kell. My father told the Kell to watch over me in his absence, so the Kell did so" Arya answered.
"Ah, you have my sympathies" Dradak said and gave a small nod in respect.
"Thank you. Is it true you are were all of the kings banner?" Arya asked. Instead of answering the Once Dregs and Vandal removed their helms and revealed their faces to her. Down the left side of their faces was a golden symbol of the House of Kings tattooed onto their skin. "Ah" she said and they refitted their helmets.
"We were of the Kings banner but Kirrhys…. Well he captured us and convinced us to join him; he treats us much better than the House of Kings" Meriks said. Before another word was said Urvez entered the courtyard and walked over to Kirrhys and stopped behind him.
It was at this moment that Kirrhys suddenly stopped his chanting and singing and finally stood up, staring out towards the sky. He sheathed his swords and leant on the wall, looking down at the levels below to the troops moving the munitions and weapons the Kings had been storing.
"I have not seen you pray to Izka for a long time" Urvez said.
"How goes the movement of munitions and supplies?" Kirrhys asked.
"The stores of weapons, ammunitions and ether the Kings were keeping here put us in a good position to trade and bargain with the other Houses. We can pull leverage over the Exiles and possibly Winter if you permit" Urvez answered. Kirrhys clicked his mandibles and tapped his metallic claws against the concrete wall in thought.
"Good, once the supplies have finished being moved the Ketches I want us leaving immediately" Kirrhys said, closing his metal hand into a fist and gently slamming it against the concrete wall. He then began to sniff the air when a familiar scent permeated the air. "Vokirun!" he whispered and spun around when he felt someone hiding in the shadows of the courtyard. Urvez spun round and looked to where Kirrhys was looking.
Vokirun stepped out form the shadows and began walking to Kirrhys, his fists clenched in anger. Kirrhys' guards pulled out their weapons and jumped to their feet and aimed at Vokirun.
"Wait!" Kirrhys shouted and his guard held their fire. He began walking towards Vokirun, both of them staring at each other with fury and anger in their eyes. Vokirun brought up his right fist and roared as he did, Kirrhys roared and brought up his left and balled it into a fist.
Vokirun struck Kirrhys in the chest while he struck Vokirun in the face and knocked off his mask. Vokirun spat blood as he stumbled back, and Kirrhys steadied himself form the blow. They both punched each other again, this time hitting each other in the face; causing Kirrhys stop spit blood and Vokirun's nose to bleed. They stumbled back and again struck each other, grunting in pain as they did. They both punched each other in the face and the force of the blows pushed them both back.
"Gah! Enough of this Vokirun!" Kirrhys roared as he ripped Dawn and his hand cannon from his bandolier and aimed them at the assassin. Vokirun blew out the blood clogging up his nose, letting it splatter into the floor and let out a roar as he pulled out two of his swords, holding them both in reverse grip. Before the two had time to attack one another Urvez appeared between them, punching both of them in the balls.
Kirrhys and Vokirun let out sharp cries of pain as they both fell to their hands and knees. They both groaned as they both let go one of their weapons and cupped their balls in their hands. Vokirun let out a whine of pain and Kirrhys groaned, but both of them were slightly curled up on the floor in pain. Kirrhys' guards lowered their weapons and were perplexed at Urvez's fury.
"Ow" Meriks whispered as the two male Eliksni kept groaning in pain while lying on the floor. Kirrhys and Vokirun slowly raised themselves us, groaning in pain as they did.
"Wh-why sister?" Vokirun asked in pain.
"Urgh, why di-did you do that?" Kirrhys asked.
"Because you two have bickered over me for centuries! Do you two really think I would allow you two to kill each other!"? Urvez retorted, and shot looks at both of them.
"I will talk to Kirrhys…. For what I came for" Vokirun said while grunting in pain.
"Tell me then!" Kirrhys groaned, still clutching his groin.
"I came to say that you must keep my sister safe. My Kell will bring war to the She'lot and is not afraid to destroy you in the process, if you fail to I shall kill you!" Vokirun hissed as he regained his composure. Kirrhys finally stood at his full height once the pain in his balls faded away.
"Do you not think that I will always fight protect her?" Kirrhys asked. "I will always fight to protect her, I love her as much as you do and I would brave every danger in the universe for her!" he said.
"Just a warning Kirrhys!" Vokirun retorted.
"Of course, brother!" Kirrhys hissed and Vokirun began growling.
"Do not call me that!" Vokirun grumbled.
"Enough! Both of you!" Urvez shouted, causing both Kirrhys and Vokirun went silent.
"I am leaving" Vokirun grumbled. "Be seeing you again sister," he said before he disappeared in the shimmer of transmat. Kirrhys holstered his pistols and clasped both sets of arms behind his back after wiping blood away from his snout.
"I want us leaving as soon as the loading of the munitions is finished!" Kirrhys said sharply and marched out of the courtyard, not looking at Urvez once.
"I should not have put him in a bad mood" Urvez muttered, knowing that Kirrhys was upset with her.
Sorry this may be a little late; my computer keeps freezing when I try to upload chapters for some reason. There are going to be some more Grimoire's soon, about Kirrhys' family and a few Houses they are affiliated with. As a little… well preview into next chapter it's going to have Crota/Kirrhys dialogue as well as Kirrhys meeting Eramis, that should be interesting.