An agonizing step followed another. They were nice enough to mend the wound at her side so she would not bleed out, but the stripped meat from her fall was still adamantly apparent, and throbbing. Few of her burns scraped open, and the pulse of healing nipped at her continuously.
If only she could give in to her magic's constant push, because it was more aggressive and annoying than the injuries themselves.
A humble fire lit the crossed wood in a small, tucked away hidden part of the forest. She caught the shimmer of the web stretched across the branches, and swallowed.
If she could just figure out how the woman is controlling the threads, then maybe she could pave a way for Diarmuid to enter. Keeping the thought in the back of her head, she crossed her legs to sit with her captors around the tiny, flurry flame.
"Here, you look famished," Egan said, offering her a couple of pieces of meat that he pulled from a small rag. She was that kind of skinny where you wondered if it was just her structure, or if she needed to have food shoved down her throat in controlled intervals. "It's rabbit, so it'll be light."
Haley took the cooked game and tore a piece to sample it. She never tasted rabbit... she had deer once before, but that was the closest thing to the wild she ever got.
It was surprisingly tender, and a bit earthy. Savoring bite after bite, she caught them goggling at her. That Armenia lady's harsh stare made her gulp heavier than expected. She hadn't realized she was so hungry, and guessed her enjoyment of the new flavors surprised them.
"Does your Forsaken not feed you?" Armenia asked flatly.
Haley felt her face flush,
"Oh gosh, no, that's not it!" almost losing the remaining bits of she had when she flailed her hands, she quickly corrected them. "It's just been a bit since I ate. We've.. hadn't really a time to eat with everything attacking us."
She sighed, they really haven't. She was tired, so she chose rest over eating. She was expecting to have whatever food was in their bag when she awoke, but then the demon interrupted that.
Shuffling through the prey Armenia easily sliced, Egan scraped the rabbit skin and turned it on a sharp string over the fire. They had plenty, and with her hairs they could easily hunt more if need be. T
hey had been lucky the webs offered protection from the enemies of the Arena, and even granted them food. Not having sponsors took its toll in earlier settings, but here, he finally felt they could shine. Maybe earn something for protecting the girl...
"So... about my For-...ugh.. about my friend. How is he going to get past the webs?" Haley asked between bites of the delicious game. Maybe they would just let him in, since they seemed nice enough.
She looked at the woman who was delicate with everything she touched. Even the way she moved to sit beside Egan was elegant and refined. Would she, who was clearly in a relationship with the man who just tenderly kissed her cheek, be able to resist Diarmuid's lure?
For a second she debated utilizing it again to their advantage, like he had with the nutcases in that apartment building.
Ehhh, that would actually be too cruel, to both her and Diarmuid. The couple seemed... smitten, and she would not want to damage that. Plus, she was sure since they were in relations, that Diarmuid would reject the idea anyway... it was because of his lovespot separating couples that he was in this mess, after all.
They traded glances, and Armenia pressed her mouth in a firm line. Egan did not mention her Forsaken, and she put little thought into it. Granting him access through her maze of web could endanger Egan, or benefit them both greatly.
To be fair, Egan thought about all possibilities. He was just not sure which was the best he would take. Having the girl's Forsaken with them in a perfect world was a great asset. They were rumored to be good fighters, easily dominating that ship round they were in. Having them work as their offense while they focused on the defense was perfect.
That was if the guy she was with didn't kill one of them —or both of them— first.
He was more inclined to keep him out, because the leverage they had over them was not something they would get again if they granted him access. Having him here meant they had to watch their back that much more. If he were honest, that was actually frightening since they've avoided conflict so far.
Adding on, the girl still had her end of the bargain, and letting him in gave her no reason to uphold it. The dangerous outcome of leaving her Forsaken to his own wits was that somehow, he would be finished off completely. At that point, the girl would be granted full use of her abilities and he wasn't so sure which was faster. The hairs, or her mind.
The question was what was most likely to happen —Their betrayal— or her Forsaken's true death?
"I don't think we can do that. Armenia, thoughts?" He asked, thinking his partner might want a say in this decision.
The female in orange thought over it, and sipped water from her canteen then tightened the cap. Weighing out the alternatives, she nodded, agreeing with Egan.
The chances of her friend losing while she was in an enemies' grasps was too low given their reputation. He would find a way to survive for her, to make it to her, to ensure her safety. After all, it is how she would handle their situation if it were to happen to them. Her goal would be to remain as able as possible to reunite with Egan to keep him safe from the dangers that threatened such a delicate man.
Taking the canteen that Armenia offered to her, Haley shifted in leaves. If only she could persuade them, "He could help protect us, you know. Make sure we all make it to the end of the round."
His head shook no, "We should be fine here as long we don't break away from her strings."
"And if something like that demon finds a way through?" Haley countered. She was sure the Arena would find a way to interrupt their peace.
He sighed, and rubbed the back of his head, "We can fight it. She has her ways."
"We have a decision. Enough trying to change it." Armenia skewered the woman with her hardest glare. She should appreciate how open minded they've been so far. Berating them on their tactful ideas was not earning her any favors.
Haley went to hold her arm, but placed her hands in her lap instead to avoid touching her wounds. What was their plan, then? Did they just want her to sit with them and wait for whatever attacked? That would be too boring for the audience. To keep it interesting, they would be under constant attack. They seemed to understand that, but...
Apparently, it appeared that they weren't bothered since landing here. The closest thing to excitement was Haley's arrival. They saw a couple of the Undead slice themselves on the wire, and a few competitors.
The enemies either got trapped in the sticky barbs, or steered away when they saw the glimmers. They had their answers to elementals, like Fire. It would only break down the outer casing of the webs that were just sticky, but once it reached the razor edged mesh it would be ineffective.
Coming to grips that they wouldn't budge, Haley settled that she could have worse company. They were fairly generous, despite her being their hostage, anyway. If she played by their agenda, maybe they would change their mind and make this a full on alliance or something.
To ease the anxiety floating through the air, Egan figured he would raise conversation around their snugly fire,
"So, what is your desire if you win?" He asked complacently, snaring another bite of the tender meat that finished over the fire.
Haley's shoulders rose, "I'm still deciding. Right now, I just want to save my friend."
That was all? His eyebrow lowered, as if implying he did not believe that to be the whole truth. Everyone wants something and they are promising the winner anything they want with their divine and magical powers.
Why wouldn't she take advantage of that? She didn't seem to suspect what he and Armenia did to alter her expectations as they had. He wondered if dipping her in the same pot he boiled to get her insight was something worth trying...
Finishing the final bits of the catch they shared with her, Haley leaned back into the moist grass and massaged her fingers through it. The cool dirt was so relaxing under her finger tips. It wasn't often she got to converse with the competition, and definitely not so calmly.. he wanted to know what she would do if she won, why not pick at their motives, too?
"What about you two? Anything in particular you'd want if you win?" She probed, dismissing the fact that they wouldn't get it because she and Diarmuid had to be the final two in the end.
The brightness is Armenia's golden eyes dulled with somberness, when she thought of their answer. The Haley girl shared a very similar ambition to their own. The only difference was the execution. She looked at the wrinkled fabric along her arms with longing for their wish to be met, but...
The softest expression overtook the once casual - and perky - features of the man on his knees. His arm gently hooked around Armenia's side and he planted a feathery kiss under her ear,
"I desire to remain with her as long as possible, and will accept however that has to happen."
The poker-face Armenia kept easily washed away into the affection given to her by Egan, like a shell in the tide.
His words and actions were simple but effective, and the smile on the woman's face was so pure, it felt like a puppeteer was pulling the strings that manipulated Haley's heart. In the seconds those two both dropped the charade and nestled into each other, she decided... She actually liked them.
What was going to happen to these two when she won the tournament? To the others in the tournament who might not all be bat shit crazy, or have agendas impure? She never put much effort into the dreams and wishes she was stepping on in order to achieve her own goals.. the lives that might be lost for Diarmuid's one to be saved.
It dawned on her like the rising sun, that she was not the only one who had high stakes involved. Sure, her bounty was terrible, and her father's tortures immeasurably damaging... but was it worth sacrificing the love these two shared for one another? Was saving Diarmuid worth more than Armenia's own end? Did she, or anyone else, have the right to decide that? Competition or not?
It was... not comforting to think about.
So.. what if Armenia was just as terrible as the others in this Underworld? Just because she melted into her man's touch didn't mean she wasn't an evil spirit.
"What did... you do to be here, Armenia? If that's... okay to ask." The question leaked out before she could stop it, before she could consider how rude and prying it was…
Thankfully, the woman didn't seem angered by her inquiry. Instead, her face was masked with something deep and somber. Her boyfriend? Husband? He wound up sharing the bleak look in his gaze, despite still having a smile painted across his lips.
"I did not do anything, or so I believe I have not. I am simply here because of how I was born." She said blankly.
Egan's hands brushed the bangs that stretched across the top of her eyes, and Armenia leaned into the lips that planted on her forehead when she spoke the words.
Seeing Haley's eyebrows bunch together made Egan chuckle. If only she knew the hardships his loved one faced in life, "Armenia... is half Succubus. Despite being half human, the demon part of her when she was killed brought her here."
Succubus... she had read about that somewhere before in magecraft books. What was the lore... Demon women who to have eternal youth drain... She shook her head. What those two did in the bedroom was none of her business.
That thought of Diarmuid being able to enchant her, well, now she knew it shouldn't be possible. If anything, she would have to worry about it being the other way around. That thought was almost laughable. Still.. a half phantasmal beast... right in front of her... being punished for her creation. Diarmuid.. being judged for having emotions.
It was a terrible thing. Diarmuid's was in a rage, yelling cruses when the evil of the Grail twisted his words and form to become the mess he was now. This woman... was born to be sent to the depths of Hell, despite —or at least as she says— not doing anything. Why do these sad things happen?
How... was she supposed to win instead of these people?
"I... I'm sorry." Was all she could pitifully gargle out.
Releasing his woman's waist, Egan cleared his throat,
"Nothing to be sorry for," He folded his arms behind his head and laid into the grass.
The girl was genuine... he could not read her mind like the others, but her mannerisms was another story. The way her hands moved for comfort, the lip that rolled under her teeth, and the shaky eyebrows said it all.
He decided she deserved to question things as he did. To not get her hopes up for the end she was looking for,
"Life can be nasty sometimes. Just like this tournament."
If she could give him a toast, she would, "No kidding.."
"It is why I aim to ask the Gods to allow me to stay here until a Shadow takes her.." He said quietly, taking her light hand in his, "It would be the best gift."
"Egan..." She dragged out in a scolding tone. She cast her glance to her competition, whose gears were turning, processing, the comment her beloved said. Why would he...
"Wait... Why would a Shadow take her after you win?"
So much time fighting these beasts, and little progress felt like it was made.
An undercut into the jugular shed blood in a spray across the pine. Still, even though the alpha bled so severely, its approach didn't falter. Huge hands like paws scraped to gauge out Diarmuid's chest. Had he not anticipated the attack and tossed the wolf that lunged for his back, he would have been mincemeat.
Catching a thick branch with a single hand mid leap, he swayed his feat into the jaw of a pouncing wolf. His other arm slanted his steel across the belly of the next before thudding into the dirt.
The slaying of beasts was resulting in pained arms, and tired joints. The weight of the alpha had his legs quivering, ready to buckle under the pressure the bloodstained paws had on the sword's blade. It was attempting to crush him underneath it, not a care for the damaged limbs.
Skin snapped under the fangs of an oncoming, snarling beast, while he struggled with the leader above him. Visuals of the cursed boar plagued him, and he refused to allow his fate to twice be maimed by savages.
When another chomped his ankle, cracking Diarmuid's bone in its muzzle, he dented the gut of the mongrel with his fist. In one swoop, the sword swiped, striping the belly of the beast and splattering the eyes of what was attached to his ankle. The mutt clamped to his ribs shoved him down, but its cry from having his blade lodged into its throat was all that was left.
Even if his body were a copy - the blemishes from the bites still were accompanied by the same, gnawing effects. His breath was haggard, his ankle and chest ached, and a low rumble behind him insinuated he had no time to give any concern to them.
More of those wretched beasts approached, and even though he refused to grow tired, the weapon clearly was losing its muster. Silver was chipped and nicked.. What was he to do? Fight the next onslaught with his bare hands?
Gritting his teeth, he snatched the duffel bag and slung it over his shoulder. It was senseless lugging this sack around, but the necessities it carried were too great to leave behind.
It was also protection for his back, for running was his best chance to survive another assault. His master said there were webs spread across the forest... it was dangerous, but if he headed in her direction, maybe he could lure the beasts into their enemies' trap.
It was an accident.
Reaching the Dome long before the events in the Arena started, they decided to kill time. The map they were given only instructed them to stay away from the Sacred Market, since it was for the Spirits of the other side, and where the Hosts would be staying.
That was simple enough to follow, but they were curious if anything outside the colossal structure would be part of the tournament.
After asking the Observers lingering in the lobby if they could roam, given there were so little Forsaken and their Detainers about as of yet, they were granted the opportunity. With Armenia still cuffed, and dictation to listen for the announcement calling them to the Arena, they set out to journey the vast space available to them.
He recalled how mesmerized Armenia was with the beautiful detail in the glimmering lake, and how serene the warm rays of sun felt along her cold, dark skin. It felt like ages since she was graced with a fresh aroma of flowers and freshly mowed grass.
Egan's light chortle traveled with the breeze that passed through the arena, when he recalled how he fell in love with the beautiful woman all over again. Seeing her usual, placid expression brighten from encountering the life of the world she had been forced out of readied him to liberate her. To allow her to see this in life once more.
As they circled around, they caught wind of a conversation. It was dumb luck, when they reached the end of their travels to the back end of the Sacred Market. They knew to turn around, but the voices carrying peaked his curiosity.
Getting bits and pieces of the Observer's chatter, they bickered on how the winner of the tournament was to have their soul freed from the fate of Hell. Would it be the great Merlin using his magic to cut the ties of their souls to the Underworld? Or would it be Athena, the Goddess of Greece who would use her Divine knowledge and connections?
Their whispers continued; Merlin could use his great magic to find a spell to grant their greatest desires, even Loki and Dolos would work that simple part out. The frightening part was that the souls of the damned could use that desire to do terrifying things.
They reeled back to how damaging it would be if one of the worse Forsaken had gotten the privilege promised of being released from the chains of Hell.
They blathered on; If not who could do it, but how? What would the results be? Were any of those Heroic Spirits up there or Gods powerful enough to sever Hades' control or bring them to life? Would they become Heroic Spirits themselves? What was the plan?
They were interrupted by the chime for the Forsaken to make their way to the Coliseum to begin registration and pool into the Stadium. Required to patrol, or be part of the charade inside the Dome, they left leaving Egan and Armenia with the same questions.
"I asked around, and no one seems to have the answer to what happens to whoever wins... that furthers my suspicion that maybe, just maybe, they cannot do as they promise." Egan said, pulling at the thin sweater that was a terrible barrier between himself and the clammy grass. "What do you think?"
"I... don't know. Observers... might not know the background due to the panel keeping it secret.." Haley said slowly, trying to grip the story he granted her.
Was any of it true? Reading his intentions, with every word he spilled... told her he was trying to warn her. For what purpose, though? To maybe break her spirit and stop her wanting to fight? Or... was the means as simple as the caution that was leaking from him.
"Why wouldn't the Host's want the security of the Underworld to know what could be a huge security risk?" He looked to Armenia, who gave him a worried nod.
Should he be discussing this with someone they just met? Probably not, but what harm would come of it, anyway?
"My wife would live with me, if she was granted a second life. No one would know of her true nature, so she could live the life she wants...But another Forsaken? A murderer? Who knows."
"What if the Observer's didn't know then, but do now...?" She pondered allowed, now trying to avoid the plagues of doubt eating away at her mind.
She always wondered why there was no true answer to what would happen to Diarmuid's soul if they won... the possibility of this being true..
"Maybe," he said, taking clumps of wet dirt in his palms. Egan dampened the fire to bring the light down. It was getting late, and he was feeling rather tired.
"We.. do not know for sure," Armenia added in, pulling a few strands of hair to create a blanket of magic on the ground for Egan who thanked her, "It is wise to come to your own conclusion."
Haley watched Armenia use another string of hair to scrape off the clumps of soil from his back and smiled gently. He leaned in and placed his lips on hers so lightly, before she aided him on magical hair across the ground. They.. seemed to really care for one another.
Her hand twitched, wanting to scratch or cover the open gashes from those very threads Armenia used to comfort her lover. She heard that same magical whistle when she twinged a couple more lines from her head and made another towel with them and sprawled it out near her,
"You should sleep, as well. I will keep watch." Armenia said plainly, dipping her head in a small bow before stepping away.
The gesture was so nice of her, and she actually thought to try it even though the idea burned in the back of her mind that she might try to get her in her sleep. She hesitated a moment, and before she could make her final decision, Diarmuid's voice interrupted,
My Lady, I know I said I would wait for your instruction, but I am running out of time. There are werewolves close behind, and my weapon is dulling!
Haley shot up from where she sat, and her hand rubbed at her temple,
What?! Hang on! She looked to Armenia, whose eyebrows rose from her sudden movement, "My friend, he is being chased by Werewolves!"
The alarm that flickered across her eyes made Haley's heart flutter. Would she actually help them?!
Armenia pulled her hair over her shoulder and placed her fingertips on top of her silk. She closed her eyes, and followed the sensory in the magic to detect where her friend was.
She felt the presence of multiple body signatures heading their way, one similar to hers and the others... "I will color my webs. Tell your Forsaken to follow the bronze lines."
This was a fun chapter to write. These new characters are sweethearts in disguise. I couldn't decide on what kind of Demon to make Armenia, but figured a Succubus worked well enough.
Her backstory is easy... she was born of a human woman, and her father an incubus. Not wanting to retain immortality, she tried to live life as a mortal.
Meeting Egan, she and he fell in love. They married and lived happily until the world found out of her existence and killed her, after her father.
In Egan's despair, he desperately tried to find a way to revive his true love - and almost gave up. Until he heard a rumor at the Magus Association. A way to save a single soul from Hell, and he departed to save her from her fate.