Chapter 28 - Final Chapter of Season 1
You...Are...Pride
Rein left the medical tent. Pushing past the light green flaps as his older brother and his fellow comrades raced towards his direction. "Rein…how is Dismas?" His older brother asked, sweat on his brow as he took glances back to where the other followers were waiting.
After fighting off the whale they decided to take a break in a wide clearing. Though, not far away enough from the main road. The distinct river flowing graced many of there ears as the followers took their time to fill their canteens and some even being assigned to lead the ground dragons to the water.
Rein avoided their glances. It just…happened! They decided to take a five-minute break for the ground dragons to take a breather and Dismas was just discussing the plan as all the followers listened eagerly. Though, right after he finished speaking…
Rein hated himself…he was the medic of the group. The one in charge of the medic corps and he knew that he just fucked up. Though, what even happened…mid speaking Dismas, his whole body froze.
Then…he just collapsed face first onto the dirt. It was so sudden that no one even realized what just happened. Everyone just stared at Dismas as the boy collapsed, it took Lora and Graham to take him to Rein for him to hopefully find what was wrong with him.
Rein took a deep breath as he took out a piece of paper. An ink pen in his hand as he began to write into Dismas's medical records, something like this had to be documented. "Rein…"
"I get it, Ian…" Rein spat out, shocking his older brother. He was always so calm but now he seemed so angry, and frustrated. "Before we embarked, the medical corps recorded all the follower's medical records. Basically, anything that is known…family related illnesses, Iq, structure of gates, and even ancestry but many of the followers have either lost a parent or were abandoned."
Graham rubbed his bandaged face as he glanced down at the young kid. "So…"
"Dismas F Williamson. Born in Summer in some place in Nev…ada?" Rein spoke the strange words as he peered closer at the paper. "6.3 and a half…above average muscle mass, he mentioned that his family has a strange frequency to develop something called shellshock?"
Bill facepalmed as he clapped his hands together to get back the young demi humans' attention. "His gate, Rein. His gate…"
"Fine, on paper it states that his Od and his gate are amazing. Though, before he arrived in the capitol it was highly defective and was nearly about to shatter." They gulped from hearing about this. Realizing how Dismas must of have greatly exerted himself to fight for them in the slums. It was only him and the knight of all knights that decided that they were worthy of their time. "Though, due to the healer at the Crusch camp Dismas was able to heal his gate. Though, he was advised to take one or maybe even two months. Though, even casting a spell shouldn't have done this to him."
Rein took a seat on the grass floor as he gazed once again at the boys medical records. Graham kneeling to peer over him. "It's not your fault Rein. Dismas, he'll be fine…"
"His gate…has fully collapsed."
The words echoed through the group as pained gasps formed. "How…" Lora spoke, her hands combing through her hair. "He only used one spell against the whale. Though, that shouldn't be enough to shatter his gate."
"Yeah…I know. Gates, they can shatter from anything…especially from near death experiences. He charged into the whale, and if Lora and the rest of the flight corps didn't stop him, then he and his ground dragon would of have been swallowed whole."
Bill's light brown eyes scrunched up. "So, that bastard was so afraid that he couldn't handle it. Damn, he should of have asked us for help."
"I don't think that's possible Bill. Not for Dismas." Rein scoffed as he began to tuck away Dismas's file. "Remember the last time he asked for help? Your sister tried to turn him, Priscilla laughed at him…and Hoshin aimed a wand at him and don't forget scammed him."
The rest of the followers grimaced at the thought of their leader. Giving up and finally pushing his pride down to make a deal. Though, the candidates would rather use him for their amusement rather than help.
The flap of the wind tore through the tent as Dismas pushed through. "Dismas…you should be resting." Rein spoke as he planted himself in front of the boy. Dismas, did not see him as he walked past him. Not shoving him, but his shoulder pushed away Rein as he kept on walking.
"Dismas…" Ian spoke his name. His eyes wandering as he approached the boy. Lora, Graham and Bill following behind.
Graham, the jokester of the group was about to crack a joke. Though, as he opened his mouth his mouth closed instantly. Dismas's once warm brown eyes…now were, cold. Freezing, they were open but had bags under them. Cold and sharp, but there was something else hidden inside…
Insanity, rage…fear? Maybe all three…
His voice was cold, almost chilly like Puck's ice magic. "Come on…it's time." He spat out, his followers behind him. "We move forward. This is an extermination."
His duster flapped in the wind as he took out his holsters. Examining the blades as he reconnected them back to his waist. There was something horribly wrong with him, it was like his whole movement, and even his stance had changed.
Lora walked to his side. "Dismas…are you?" She shook her head as she just walked by his side. 'It's not my place. I follow him, no matter what.'
Dismas and his followers sat down in the clearing. Staring at their leader…the corps taking strange glances at him. Dismas now sat in the middle as he began working. Strangely, he modified a musket…sawed off the barrel and the stock.
A pistol he called it to those that asked. Mitch quickly took notes and even began to plan to adapt them into the tether gear. Though, it would take time and he was not sure if it would be worth it. The pistols took a long time to reload and even using them in the air would pose much difficulty.
The second items were what began to freak out the followers…paint. His shirt, armor and helmet were removed. The only thing keeping him protected from the bare cold was the duster.
His left and right hands were bare as the gloves were removed. Both doused in red and white paint. His helmet on his lap. Eyes…red eyes, those that were sewed on the cultist garbs. Three were now painted on his watchmen helmet, the one that looked and functioned like a gasmask. On the glass eye holes, two red identical eyes were badly painted, streaks of red dribbling down on the helmet giving off the impression of crimson tears.
One red eye in the middle on the forehead, the other two placed on the eyeholes though there was something else. White lines, badly painted over the helmet like scar lines running in an angle from the top left to the bottom right…
Sloth…the sin archbishop. The one that welcomed him into the witch cult and announced him as pride. Faintly, it faintly resembled a mix of the witch cult's standard hood, and even bits of the sin archbishops face, even the trademark eerily ghostlike pale skin.
Finally…when he was finished, he took his attention to his armor. His finger coursing through the middle of the armor. The same red eye that was ingrained into his forehead…poorly drawn, a massive red eye of the witch cult was planted right on the upper to lower chest near the mark of Flugel, bits of red paint dribbling down and decorating the armor in fibers of red.
"Sire…" A purple haired demi human spoke, as he whispered to his comrade to the left of him. "What's going on with Dismas?"
"I don't know…" The member of the infantry corps spoke as she hesitantly watched her king. Many of the followers stared at Dismas, fear washing over them as they watched their leader.
"He's…insane…"
Bill walked over hesitantly to Dismas. His hands coursing through his hair as he began to sweat. He looked up to Dismas, he wanted to believe in the future the boy was going to create. Though, this was strange.
"Ay, Dismas. You are starting to freak some of us out. You good…" He called out to the boy. Dismas did not look up, Bill began to comb through his hair as he tried to search for the next thing to say. Dismas's knife went to his helmet as he began to carve something into it. "Oi, Dismas what you writing. I thought you weren't literate…" He swallowed his spit as he began to read over what Dismas was writing.
"Forgive me."
Those two words shook Bill. 'What did he need to be forgiven for?' The green haired bastard son thought as he tried to figure out the next thing to speak of.
Dismas's eyes trained onto the crowd as he got up from his seat. Many slightly taken aback from the rapid movement. "Followers, this is the plan…we are dealing with the cult of the witch. Sloth, to be exact." He turned around as he grabbed onto his chest piece, he took off his duster and began adjusting the armor still speaking in the process. "The sin archbishop of sloth has a strange power that allows him to conjure invisible hands. The plan is for all of us to pelt him with explosives to cripple him, I want him alive…then move forward. Save the mansion and village inhabitants."
"Shouldn't we go after the villagers first?" Graham asked, his hand being raised as a couple members nodded their head in agreement. "There innocents and aren't we…"
"Graham, I understand. Though, we need to deal with the archbishop…we must cripple him. I want to make sure that bastard doesn't hop bodies like last time." Dismas interrupted him.
Dismas grunted as he put on the helmet. The scary red eyes gave off a sinister impression as many members were reminded of their own times with the cult. "Don't get this wrong…this is an extermination. Slaughter them, annihilate them…kill them all!" He cried out; his words reached the followers as they threw up their weapons following their leader's declaration.
Though, the leaders of their own corps watched Dismas with their own concerned glances. "There is something wrong with him…" Ian spoke as he glanced towards Graham. "Yeah, I know…but we will worry about it later." Graham replied.
Did not take long to ride to the estate…
The smoke from the village protruding a horrific cloud as the followers pushed towards where Dismas believed the archbishop was. "Watch out for the half devil…she may be trying to play hero. Time your attacks and make sure she doesn't get hurt, or her spirit will give us hell." Dismas warned to them as they rode.
There ground dragons crunched along the grass and loose bark of the already burned trees. Pastrche, groaned as Dismas forced her to ride faster. They only rode together once but even the ground dragon could tell that her master was different…something horrible happened to him.
It nuzzled his hand, only for him to stare blankly. His eyes now hidden under crimson eyes as the followers broke through the clearing.
It was the sin archbishop they saw first. Dismas, now realizing that in the prior loop that they only found Emilia's body, and how sloth was missing. Though, as he used his tether to burst himself in the air, he saw him.
It did not take long for them to dispatch Sloth…he was only one man and he relied on those hands. Graham, Dismas and Ian both used their spears to blow the legs from Sloth as he collapsed to the cold grass floor.
They left to support the mansion inhabitants and the villagers. Though, there leader stood still and stayed behind with the archbishop. Pastrache the loyal companion staying close to her master's side.
The archbishop protruded a horrible scream as in a last-ditch effort another unseen mystical hand came from his lower back. Dismas, now ready for the attack pulled out his sword and swiped with his left hand, the mist being dispelled.
"I know…that even though you're using your witch factor you must have had a lot of training." Dismas mused as Sloth tried to crawl away, he grabbed the holster with his right hand as he clicked in the sword. "So, that must mean your all out of gas. So, I won't let you die or get away to use it!"
Dismas's used both of his blades to slash at the bishop's legs as he easily cleaved through them. Bone and flesh flying as the archbishop screamed from the horrid pain.
Dismas heaved as he finally cut through the legs of the bishop. Feeling the distinct pressure of bone as what remained of the legs flew cleanly free. Dismas grinning under the mask as the archbishop simply cried crimson tears from the pain.
When Dismas was finished he slammed his sword into the archbishops left hand. Piercing it in place as the archbishop could only fight against the blade, digging into his wounds.
The faint clicks resounded from the helmet as it began to disengage. "Sorry…" Dismas spoke as he took off his helmet, the sin archbishops smile widening as he seen the face. Laughter ensued as Dismas held it with both hands as he stared at the archbishop. "I am too prideful to let anyone else get the glory of this kill. So, I am going to make your last moments on this earth a living hell."
Sloth began to chuckle, then blow out in extreme laughter as he simply stared at the royal candidate. Memories, of the wind the boy could create, of the shadows that could cloud the sun itself...and the boy whose blood dribbled from his mouth.
"Something funny?" Dismas spat as he got read to bash the archbishops head in.
He stopped laughing as he stared at the boy. "You...are...pride." The three words were spoken as the archbishop only giggled, the blade implanted inside of the bishop causing more wound and blood to sputter out.
"Pride, you have made the half elf truly proud." He responded with a yellow toothy grin as Dismas attached the helmet to his belt.
Dismas's hands went to the flintlock as he rested the barrel on the archbishop. "I doubt Emilia would like my methods." He scoffed as his grip simply tightened as he loaded the pistol.
"Not the girl...Sattella." He used his free hand to point at Dismas, the boy's eyebrow rising as he stared at him. "Look at you...gave up on being the half elf's knight, and now a full-fledged sin archbishop!"
"What…" Dismas sputtered out. Then he simply closed his eyes and shook his head. 'The fool is insane; I should just cap this motherfucker and get this over with.' "You really are delusional if you still think I am some sin archbishop."
Sloth tilted his head at Dismas as he stared like a confused animal or a faulty machine that was given a strange order.
"I still can't believe it...the timing, the hypocrisy and irony of what you and your followers are!" Sloth mechanically laughed. The boy getting more and more confused of what the monster was even speaking about. "Who knew...that you were a true natural. Even being able to build your own sect in a span of ten days, even able to arm and train them to decimate the enemy!" Sloth shouted as his pride was apparent in his voice.
Dismas's eyes narrowed at Sloth. Aggravation forming as his finger tightened along the trigger of his flintlock. "Me and my followers are nothing like you or the cult!" He screamed at Sloth, his teeth gnashing together as he tried to hammer the point in.
"Don't be so courteous!" Sloth screamed back out, with a wave of his hand as he stared at the boy. "I admire you. Hell, I look up to you…" Dismas glanced towards the village and the mansion, hearing gunshots and explosions.
"In a span of ten days you were able to recruit over seventy young adults. Healthy and able-bodied to fight back against the enemy. Finding those that follow your principles, those that are…"
"Stop it!" Dismas cut him off. "Those people are nothing like you. They are like that because of you! Those that follow me are like this because they are lo…"
"They are loathed by the world. The outcast, the rejects...those that the government and the royals have abandoned and forgotten. Forced to hide in darkness, until someone gives them a dream, or a promise." Sloth finished his sentence.
Dismas swallowed his spit. His gun shaking in his hands as his eyes began to horrifically shake. "Like a true archbishop…" Sloth mused.
"You found those that were unloved and promised them…"
Dismas remembered that night before they set out. What he and Bill spoke about…
"Gave me a bag of coin and kicked me out. I want my name and status back."
"Trained them and gave them a reason to fight. Made them loyal to you and your cause…"
His hand went to his mouth as he remembered what happened during training.
"Liberate this world from the stain of the witch. Because hope shall ride with us who carry the flame."
"No…that's not true…"
"I bet that they all want to change the country too. Some maybe even want to destroy the foundation…"
Dismas grabbed his chest as he felt how difficult it was to breath. His heart thumping along his chest so fast he was worried of a heart attack.
"We take the throne by force…"
The pained expression of the boy only caused the archbishop to smile. He quickly looked back towards the bishop as he rushed to defend himself. "No…we wish to change Luginica. To make it better, for everyone!"
"How…by killing and taking it by force." Sloth clicked his tongue. "Like a true sin archbishop…you really are worthy of pride."
Dismas remembered the time he was talking to his followers. The only other option was to take it by force. "Oh god, what have I…"
"Your just like the witch cult. Hell, you are one of us…you just do not wear our robes and do not abide by our customs. Heck the other members of the cult despise Sattella so that's another comparison."
"I can't believe this…the other archbishops would laugh!" He broke out as he fought against the blade. "I made you…I created a sin archbishop, one that will free my love from her torment. This is you…not a knight, or a leader of these followers…but the person who shall take the empty seat of pride!"
"Happy birthday, Dismas!"
"No…"
His maniacal eyes shined as he stared at the boy's helmet. "Even your armor. You are slowly becoming one of us…the white paint represents me. So, that means today that you are reborn. I am you, and you are me…"
"No, I am not a monster!"
"Without us listening to the gospel you would not have made your sect. The gospel which I follow of my love has never led me astray. You are the one that shall free her…"
Dismas felt tears well up in his eyes as he slammed the pistol across Sloth's face, feeling his nose break in the process. "Fuck you, and your gospel!"
"Failure…your no hero! You will drown the world in darkness. Do you think that if you don't join your comrades here will stay safe, you can only leave them behind as they hunt you down?" Dismas kicked the archbishop as blood spurted from the insane man's mouth. His laughing continued as he spoke. "Pride…can't deny…"
Dismas stomped onto his mouth, teeth flying free as he once again kept chanting the same word…pride. Dismas's foot smashing into his face as he felt bone break. Until he felt skull, and felt something break inside of him…
Tears, of fear…of anger…of wraith. What were they anymore? His hands coursed through his hair as he continued slamming his boot into the man. Until his pained laughs stopped…and the only sound heard was the faint residing sound of a young man sob.
After
"What are you doing up here…" Ram called out to Dismas. She was leaning along the door that led to the roof. Dismas's arms were slung over the railing as he absentmindedly stared below to the front of the mansion.
He could hear it…the sounds of cheering and music that were getting played. The followers decided to make camp for the night in front of the estate. Turns out a couple of them knew instruments and the followers already raided the beer and ale of the village.
They were celebrating and a drunken hue fled through the crowd. Fire was raised on torches as they cooked meat and drunk from the very moon. A victory, though for Dismas he simply stared off in the distance.
Everyone in the village was killed…due to diverting there force solely on Sloth, the cult began to execute the inhabitants of the village. One girl, Petra. An orange haired young girl was the only survivor of the village.
Luckily, the followers made it in time, but it was already too late. Taking from the houses was discouraged but the followers knew money was tight so without the knowledge of the Margrave estate some of the followers snuck in and stole. Food, equipment, Medicine and even money.
They failed…they luckily saved the inhabitants of the mansion, but they failed in the village. The drinks helped morale, though many could not overlook the fact of what happened today.
Dismas sluggishly took a glance at the pink haired maid. "Nothing, Ram." He scoffed as he turned his gaze back to the long expanse of wood and forest. "Just thinking…we took down an archbishop today, one that is very elusive."
"You…are…pride."
The madman's words resounded in Dismas's ears. His eyes glancing down at the helmet that he constructed in his own afflicted state. 'Maybe…after all these deaths, some of his madness rubbed off on me too.'
The thought that the archbishop had a mark on Dismas freaked him out. Even now…something felt strange within him, a piece of the archbishop…
One final gift…from Geuse. Something was stirring inside of him, but he did not know what or how to confront it. He scoffed as he shook his head. Ram walked over towards him following in his movements as she leaned on the bannister of the roof.
"Rem told me what happened…I should kick your ass for rejecting her." She jabbed as a shiteating grin formed across her face, waiting back for Dismas's own smart ass retort, though she didn't get one. The boy dreamily just stared at the trees. "Come on…I know that you sent her back early. Though, must of have sucked not having a beautiful girl like Re…"
"Im sorry, Ram." Dismas spoke interrupting her. His gaze still focused ahead as the cold wind fluttered through his dark hair.
Ram sighed as she turned away from him. "You should be sorry…for existing."
"Yeah, I guess I am…"
The words carried weight through the air as Ram processed his words. 'maybe I was too hard on him? She thought as she glanced around.' "I bring everyone into my business. My whole nature…everything I am, and everything I do is only going to bring those I love and cherish to their demise."
He scoffed as he pushed himself from the ledge. "I should of have died that day. Before, I should of have died in that crappy town." He grunted out as his fingers dug into his palms.
"Dismas, I don't know what's wrong with you, but I don't appreciate you talking about your life like this."
Ram was getting worried. She knew Dismas well enough to know that he was not like this…it felt strange. She knew she seen Dismas over a week ago but the way he looked at her…reminded her of the way someone would look at someone they haven't seen in months.
"Ram…I love you."
The sudden words caused a faint blush to form across her face. The heat simmering down as she was ready to punch Dismas for speaking such stupid words. "Relax…" He surrendered as he raised his right hand…that was when she realized it. That was the first time she saw him smile, and it wasn't even a true smile. Though, a soft smirk.
What happened to you…Dismas?
"Not in that way, but as family. I know I sound stupid right now, but I would do anything to make you guys all happy. I want you all to live long and happy lives…"
"Dismas, of course we a…"
"Sissy, Dismas!" A voice called out from the door as blue hair clouded her vision.
"Hey, Rem!" He called out to the blue haired demon maid. His hands colliding with her as he wrapped his hands around her. The exchange caused both maids to nearly fall from shock.
"Oi, Rem…I did good right?"
"Of course, Dismas! You always do good!" She affirmed as he tiredly nodded his head. "Excellent."
Rem's smile only brightened. "What do you want for Breakfast? Rem, will make you anything you want!" She spoke again her hands on her hips as her pride radiated from her.
Dismas's fingers traced his cheek as he stared at the blue haired girl. "Anything…okay. I want an omelet. Bacon, eggs…and cheese." He finished as he snapped his fingers as he concluded his sentence.
She nodded her head furiously as she received the order. Dismas's hands lightly patted both twins on there heads. "You guys…I got to speak to Betty and then Emilia. Though, I have some things I got to say."
He released his hold as he walked past them. He stopped at the entrance of the door as Dismas took one final glance at them. "See ya Dismas!" Rem called out as she waved to him. Ram huffed at her little sister. "Don't let the door hit you on your way out."
Dismas nodded tiredly the same faint grin over his face. "Goodbye." He stated as he continued walking down the stairs. The two maids getting worried as they took glances at the other.
"Sissy, Dismas…is he?"
Rem turned to Ram. Ram, simply shaking her head as she tried to ponder what to do now. "Rem. I don't know but he is home, that's all that matters."
Ram took a glance off the edge seeing the followers assembled. "I wonder…what is going to happen now?"
They continued speaking as Dismas approached a door on the main hallway. His hands grasping the bronze handle as he pushed through the door. His gaze lighting up as he made his way through the library.
"Dismas!" She pouted as she spoke, the boy staring in front of her. "Fool, so you give Frederica gifts and flowers…but for Betty you don't give anything. Not even a note!"
Dismas scratched his neck as he continued to stare at the spirit. He approached her as he kneeled in front of her to be at equal level. "Sorry, Beatrice." His eyes were droopy, bloodshot and he looked like he was just finished crying. Beatrice's own eyes widened as he pulled her into a hug. "I'm…finally home."
Beatrice struggled from his grip but slowly stopped as her own hand went around him. "Dismas, it's okay. Betty…shouldn't have been so hard." She nodded her head as she listened to his uneven breathing.
"I love you Beatrice…my little sister and I am so sorry. I never thought I would leave my little sister again, but here I am."
He released his hold from Beatrice as she quickly wiped her own eyes. "Have you thought about…"
"No, Beatrice." Dismas shook his head. The spirit's rejection evident on her face. "Relax, I haven't given up on finding your they. Hell, I may have a better chance now."
"What do you mean?" She asked as she stared up at the dark-haired boy.
"Sorry, Beatrice but I need a favor." He rested his hand on her shoulder as they both maintained eyesight of one another. "Protect Frederica for me…please?" He begged as he stared at her shoes, shame plastered on his face.
She huffed as she once again pouted. "You really would ask a great spirit for such a trivial thing. Fine, but why? Aren't you going to be here…"?
He caught himself as he quickly waved shook the question off. "Yeah, of course but if something happened to me." He once again pulled the spirit into a hug as he repeated those words. "I love you Beatrice. Thank you for teaching me magic…I am forever in your debt." He whispered into her ear as she felt the light sting of tears form.
"Stop it, Dismas." She huffed as she picked up her book. His eyes now teary as he quickly wiped them. "You truly are foolish. Betty needs some time to herself now, but we shall speak more tomorrow!" She commanded as Dismas's hands closed around the doorknob.
His body stopped moving…like he was frozen in place. "Goodnight, Dismas." She spoke as she glanced up from her book.
"Yeah…goodbye, Beatrice."
He closed the door behind him and there was silence in the library. Though, Beatrice glanced back up at the door as a horrible feeling began to emerge. "No…you of all people wouldn't leave Beatrice behind." So, she went back to reading her book as she took in the dark-haired boy's promise. Though there were bits of sadness laced with hopelessness nestled in her heart.
He stopped in front of Emilia's room…his heart hurting as he took a deep breath. How long has it been since that day? Well did time even truly matter to him anymore. He began to count the times in his head of how many loops it has been.
Five, six, nine…maybe even over ten. Some things in his head did not make sense, blanks which should not be there were laced in his subconscious so he had begun to accept the idea that he may of have very well repressed a couple of memories.
He shook the thought away as he got ready to turn the doorknob. "I can't do it…" He stuttered as his forehead rested on her door. His breathing quickened as he tried to move past it…but he could not as sweat increased on his brow as the rhythmic thump of his heart only grew louder.
How could I…how can I face her and him, after what he did to me? No one…no person, on this Earth could ever understand this pain I feel. They died…murdered and frozen in time! It did not make sense; it was so unfair and unjustified…they were slaughtered like animals. By a force that I could not comprehend, a force that made me feel so small and weak! They were all so young, they could have done anything…
His comrades frozen in ice…Graham and Lora's hands intertwined as they braced through the ice to only be stuck together for eternity. Of Frederica's body in his hands…
They were all gone…in an instant. Each and every one…to me…was special in their own way. HOW CAN I FACE HER OR MOVE FORWARD AFTER THAT!
Tears in his eyes as he rounded the corner as he moved his gaze away. The thumping in his heart refusing to stop as he continued moving. Everything, was her fault to him…all the suffering and the pain was for her to take the throne. Due to her incompetence he and the rest were forced to suffer.
He quickly wiped his eyes away as he continued towards down the hall. He had to see her…one more time. He hesitantly approached the door as he rested his hand on the knob, fear…it took over his mind as he questioned his actions. 'I will not ever see her again, I don't deserve to see her again because of how much I failed to save her.'
The door opened as Frederica's face came into view. "Oi, Freddy…" He spoke as her lips quivered at his sight. She was wearing her grey nightgown, she must of have just woken up due to the exhaustion her beast mode caused her. "You know how beautiful you look with barely anything…" He played as he tried to smile. Though, as his lips spread, he realized how hard it was to truly fake a smile.
Her hands wrapped around the dark-haired boy. Faint sobbing came from her as he rested his chin on her head. 'Do I even deserve to be happy?'
He finally wrapped his arms around her as she finally tore herself away from him. "Your safe…your followers they…"
"It's okay beautiful. Everything is okay." He whispered into her ear as he felt exhaustion slowly take him. Memories of what Puck did to her flashed within his mind as his knees felt like jelly, his body failing him as he collapsed into her stomach. Anger…
He sighed as he began to speak to himself. "I really was…to weak. I can't do it anymore."
"It's okay." She spoke as her kindness overwhelmed him. His hands wrapping around her lower back as he cried into her stomach. "I can't…god."
She hushed his words with a soft kiss on his forehead. She sat herself on the bed as she lightly patted the corner for him to sit on. "What is this?" Dismas mused as he took his seat next to Frederica. Both of there cheeks going red as both have differentiating thoughts. "Wait are me and you…"
"No…but I wouldn't mind." She softly grabbed his hair and placed his head on her thighs. "It was hard wasn't it?" She asked as his eyes shot open in fear that she was able to read minds or something.
Flashes…like a horrific burst of an ocean wave. That was what his memories were like. Rem slaughtering him, Elsa slashing through him, dying from his mana and decapitation. He quivered as tears spilled from his eyes. "I am so sorry!" He apologized, not just apologizing just to her…to everyone he failed to save. Even to those who he failed in the loops which he never wanted to remember.
He clutched onto the girl as she smiled at him, her hand resting along his back as he sobbed more and more. Hiccupping from how rough his spasms are. "I'll save you…" He spoke as he closed his eyes, tears free falling like rain decorated her dress.
"I love you, Dismas…please stay with me." She spoke as her other hand rested on his head. He opened his eyes for the first time as he stared at her. "Please, everything is okay now. Your home, aren't you?"
Puck freezing her heart, her cold pale skin in both of his hands radiated like fire in his eyes. 'They'll come for her, but I'll slaughter them all like dogs…my followers shall exterminate them all. Followers and Cultist, doesn't matter anymore…the lines of white and black have always been skewed in grey.'
His eyes closed as he fell asleep…the final thought sending shivers down his side. 'Forgive me…Frederica.'
Dismas Dream
It was a dream not a nightmare. The sudden sands clouded my eyes as I saw something that caught my view. A pillar reaching forth from the sands…the hot air tickling my face as my cloak held sturdy from the storm.
Though, I saw her. In the middle of the sands. Her long brown hair was tied in a strange ponytail as she faced away from me. Her dark black cloak had strands of orange lining it, though something felt strange…
I reached out my hand as the girl's face was hidden away from me. My right hand…Then I felt it, like pillars of heat slamming into me. A strange feeling as guilt traveled through my body like a wildfire.
A promise lost…four hundred years ago…
A confession…forgotten…
A love…a love so powerful that I could feel it now. A love so strong that I knew somewhere in this world, that it was there…
"The girl who I loved…the girl who I have forgotten, a confession which I never told her. Her name was…"
Awaken
Beatrice and Frederica both walked side by side. Beatrice huffing as she slightly pouted from the beast maid's explanation of what happened the night before. "Miss Beatrice, I promise you that all that happened in my room was him falling asleep. I assure you nothing else happened."
"You expect me to believe that!" She huffed as she walked farther from Frederica. "This isn't some pleasure mansion remember your duties."
Frederica was vibrantly blushing as she stared at the little spirit. "Of course, Miss Beatrice I am very mindful of who I am as a maid."
They walked to the dining room as they spotted Rem and Ram running towards them. "Miss Beatrice…" Rem heaved as she took a breather. "Have you seen Dismas? Me and sissy have been looking for him all over."
"Oh, really now?" Beatrice sighed as she took glances up and down the hall.
"You're looking for Mr. Dismas…" A soft voice came from right behind them. The four women glancing behind them seeing Petra. She was different from the previous girl they knew from before. This Petra was something else…not fun anymore, strangely reminding them of Dismas.
Beatrice's eyes trained on the girl. An item in her left hand. "Petra, where did you get that weapon?" Beatrice asked as she observed the blade.
Rem and Ram's eyes widened as they realized that the child had a knife but also realizing that it was none other than Dismas's knife. The one that was always attached to his toolbelt. Petra's gaze went down to her feet. "He told me to be strong, so he gave me the weapon."
"Wait…" Beatrice spoke. She knew how special the weapon was to Dismas so parting with it was like parting with a part of himself.
Petra shrugged her shoulders. "He left maybe a couple of hours ago."
Ram quickly peered through the dining window as she saw it. Tracks of ground dragon carriages and extinct campfires. "Dismas…he's gone." Ram spoke plainly. She took a step back as she recoiled from the shock. "Goodbye…" She repeated to herself as she snarled. 'I should of have known you were not okay.'
"No…your wrong!" Beatrice screamed at Ram in disbelief, her tiny feet going through the halls of the mansion. The spirit's eyes beginning to well up with tears. "He promised me he would come back, and he did come back to us with an army. He wouldn't leave us behind!"
Frederica took a glance as she took a step back. "Why?" She spoke as she felt sick in her stomach. "Why did you leave." She repeated as she took a seat at the table. Horrible thoughts filled her head as she glanced at the table.
"He wasn't okay…he was borderline going insa…"
"Shut up!" Beatrice screamed at Ram. Poison in her voice as she lashed out. "If Dismas left…he is gone because of your sister nearly tried killing him, maybe that's why he was partly going mad!"
Rem's eyes widened from the declaration as she took a seat herself. Her eyes slowly watering as she remembered his words from before. In this very dining room where she stood trial and he defended her. Though, afterwards he told her how he really felt. It was her fault…
"It's all my fault…if I only paid more attention." Ram groaned as she slammed her fist into the table.
"Dismas…I thought you were going to find them for me." Beatrice tears welled up as the book clumsily fumbled from her small hands. "You promised not to abandon me but…why?"
Conclusion – Of Season 1
On the outskirts of the frontier, they rode. Over seventy of them rode as dust and dirt clouded in massive clouds under there wheels. The will to fight and exterminate spread through the followers as they stared ahead.
There was more witch cultist to slay, and their leader had already decided on there next crusade. To get enough money to upgrade their equipment to conquer the great whale.
Dismas rode in front of them…Lora the ex-demi human slave, Graham the burn man, Ian holding the title of the self-proclaimed greatest swordsman, Bill the bastard, Mitch the genius mad inventor and Rein the greatest healer.
They rode side by side as the followers rode behind them. Though there was one that stood out…a dark-haired boy brandishing a helmet with three red eyes as he boarded his black ground dragon.
It's eyes staring ahead as it pushed forward just like it's master. Ready…to fight the next battle and to keep on going. He bore weapons unfamiliar to the world…and an urge to take what was rightfully is.
The insignia in his right pocket glowing a bright yellow…brighter than any of the royal candidates as they pushed forward. They were like wolves, ready to take back their territory one mile at a time. Because each of them was like mangled dogs…a pack forged from broken promises and dreams.
This…the capitol…and everything else. These were their woods…
Though the boy's eyes trained ahead as he felt a lone tear come from his right eye. A smile coming across his face as he began to remember something.
"Ah…I see now." He squinted as he blinked away the tear. "Her name…was Shaula."
Author Note
HOLY FUCK WE FUCKING DID it BRO!
We did it finished season 1!
LETS FUCKING GO!
Thank you everyone! You thousands of people that have read the story, the hundreds that followed and favorited and reviewed the story. Thank you all of you for giving me the drive to finish season 1 like holy shit! It's done. Oh god, I got to go to bed. Thank you once again. I don't know when I'll continue this but I wish to write an epilogue or a bonus chapter.
Season 2 for at least 1-3 chapters will focus on the followers vs the whale. Then we will be back on track though the followers aren't going to play a role in season 2 but we are going back to our roots!
Thank you all and have a great fucking day!
I will offer an explanation of what the fuck happened because I know some of you guys must be confused so thanks again for being apart of this journey. I don't know when I'll be back to finish it but I sure as hell will try to keep it going and make this story better and better!
Explanation
Dismas has some really fucked up PTSD and his gate completely shatters from it. He is slowly going insane and he draws witch cult symbols and weird shit on him due to being batshit insane, and after they confront Sloth, Sloth basically explains the strange comparisons between the followers and the witch cult.
SLOTH LET DISMAS KILL HIM: This was because in Sloths gospel it was stated how Dismas is going to be the one that frees Sattella more will be later reveled in the story.
Dismas leaves the main group due to feeling that he is drawing too much danger to them so he decided to move away and confront the witch. Won't be the last time because I am going to adapt season 2 and we are going back to our roots. Though now Dismas and the others must learn to work together after Dismas leaves them all.
Dismas remembers a girl in the sands...Shaula and he states how he is in love with her and he had something to tell her. Though, this mystery girl he hasn't met before but has a strange feeling that he was supposed to tell her something.