I really enjoyed working on this chapter.
Today is the day of the conference and all the buzz in Ravia is about the conference. From the crack of dawn, the streets were busier than usual with many journalists and pundits in the city to cover the conference occurring later in the day. For those staying nearby in the hotels, it was difficult to get those extra hours of sleep due to the noisy crowd outside. Over in Octaria, it was also noisy, but for a different reason. Traversing through the villages while darkness still covers the underground, A vigilant Hatu and a yawning Sky were on an early patrol through the villages after receiving some complaints from the villagers about a mysterious figure out on the outskirts seemingly stalking the town. A quiet morning with only their footsteps on the rugged turf to accompany them, Sky wondered if her little brother was still asleep like the villagers here, hoping he had a good rest in preparation for the mission he had today, aware that the day of reckoning has arrived. Though she hadn't kept up to date with everything happening on the surface since communications were a little inconsistent the past week, she was aware of what today meant. Hatu holds a lantern to guide them, moving his arm side to side to cast light in the darkness; Sky begins to pass the time by with some idle chatting about her little brother, knowing Hatu enjoyed her company and brought her along because it must be lonesome to do patrols alone. Everything's better with company, and she figured that her speaking aloud told him that she was making an effort to keep a lively mood on such a mundane task. As an hour passes by, her small talk spiraled into an anthology of stories from her past, getting deeper into the tales the longer they walked.
"And then, Azule also did this thing where he tried to drive a cart downhill and wiped out. It was the funniest thing ever!" Sky laughed recalling some wonderful moments she shared with Azule, making it clear how deeply she missed her little brother. Ever since reuniting with him, she'd grown an attachment much like a mother with her child; Hatu couldn't help but smile a little when he heard her tone, able to tell from the lively pitch that she shared a strong sibling bond-a nostalgic feeling.
"I see how much you cherish your little brother, admirable to see such a sweet bond." he said in a solemn tone, giving a tiny smile while doing his usual patrol; the pair were on their usual stroll through the villages to make sure all was safe and sound. After seeing some of the children playing in the streets, it reminded Sky of her life before being in an orphanage, recalling the times she played with Azule and Lime. They take a short break after clearing a couple of the villages thanks the 6th Leg offering to rest, but mostly so he could engage in more conversations with Sky after she told a great story about some of her wild escapades as an agent.
"Taken an interest in my family?" Sky said with a little smirk putting her hands behind her back watching the archer take a seat on the ground crossing his legs.
"I could feel the sincerity in your tone." The light in her eyes was so genuine it felt like he was watching an innocent child tell her favorite story, the emotions she wore enough for him to read. From the bond they shared, he could tell that though she had the best intentions of fighting here in the underground for the octarian's cause, her heart belonged on the surface by her brother's side. From his experiences, he knew what it meant to desperately return to the people one cared about the most, understanding that sense of anxiety and restlessness of fighting battles knowing they might never return. As such, he felt it right that if there was anyone that might understand him, it'd be the unique inkling with sky blue hair.
"Is it weird? Sometimes I think my love for him might be a misunderstanding. I mean, growing up we had to fend for ourselves for years. At times when I looked out for him, I didn't feel like I was his sister anymore, y'know? For a long time it was just us, and I guess I can't help but just think of him as something different. I always feel the need to protect him from any danger, and be there at his side whenever he struggles." she clenches her hands recalling the experiences that led to their separation, remembering the anguish of nearly losing her brother; Hatu noticed the considerable force she applied, guessing that if she continued she'd start bleeding.
"I guess we aren't so different after all." Hatu remarked, hoping to get her out of state that clearly went down a dark path of remembrance; "I'm sure of it, now. Sky, I'm glad we could be friends." he said in that same monotone, the warmth in his smile erasing the latent turmoil within Sky.
The speechless Sky stood there processing his statement wondering what he meant by that. Should she bring up Aaron to let him down gently, or was he appreciative of how much he had in common-though he didn't talk much about himself. There was also her own personal thoughts. Though she never admitted to it, she was aware that deep down unconsciously, the strongest reason for her dislike of her mother wasn't just because she left them behind, but more so that in that terrifying time it was her who had to step up and fulfill that role. For those years, not only did she have to look after herself, but she also had to protect her little brother the entire time. In that span, she grew such an attachment that by the time the reunited and Azule turned his sights to seeing his mother again, she couldn't help but harbor some sort of envy. Why her? Was often the question her unconscious asked, though the answer never came as it buried below the sea of thoughts that flowed endlessly. However, in this moment with a person she barely knew yet trusted so greatly, she found herself at such peace that it felt right to be so open and vulnerable. It was as though Hatu played the role she was for Azule, in his own way-at least. "Same here. I don't know too much about you, but I'd love to know you better once this is all over."
Hatu nods, "Just as time moves on its own accord, so too shall the trials we are in. Remain vigilant, and an era of peace awaits." He looks down at his weapons and gives a pained look, "It's been so long that I almost forget what life looks like on the surface…" he said in a distant tone with a hint of nostalgia, looking over to the staring inkling watching his movements carefully like a calf does their parent or a student does their teacher, observant of him and even mimicking his mannerisms. Indeed, Sky sort of looked up to Hatu in a light she couldn't do with Lime or Verde, which he appreciated since it brought back some memories for him.
"You've seen the surface?" the curious inkling asked politely, interested in knowing what was on his mind.
Hatu took a deep breath and sighed, "The last time was with my sister." The mood between them quickly turned awkward. Sky wasn't sure whether it was her place to ask about his sister since he gave off the implications that it was something discomforting. "Her name was Nali."
"Nali...that's a lovely name."
His irises dulled as a melancholy smile appeared remembering her image, "Not as lovely as her radiant soul. She was like a sunshine in the storm, and she could make flowers bloom with her laughter. She valued the bonds of family and friendship and believed in unity and harmony. For years, she was the strongest mind of our tribe and even now I consider her voice to have a soothing tone like a distant lullaby."
The further he continued, the more his emotions showed in his words. His eyes lost light, but his tone strengthened. Slowly with each word spoken, he found himself returning to his past recalling the lullaby she used to sing. Every night, she would sing him to sleep since their parents were hunters in the tribe and she was old enough to watch after the household. In an island surrounded by crystal waters and white beaches, it felt like paradise to live on a land with such abundance from their game to the crops they were able to farm. The waters were peaceful, and the neighboring lands much the same though they were much larger and required some form of governing from what their parents said when they returned home carrying dinner on their shoulders. In the tribe, it was like a big family: everyone knew each other and rarely was there ever any issues since the tribesmen and women came together to sort them out. The only time a weapon was to ever be raised was for hunting. A general rule known in the islands was to keep a distance from the mainland and never communicate with them, for their involvement spelled doom for them. This was apparent many years ago when people who hailed from an island in the far east known as Ikayumu traveled to the mainland that would later be known as Inkland. Apparently, the mainlanders began to fight among themselves which led to various wars and conflicts-and they were contagious.
"If you ever see a strange boat, look away!" A teenage Nali said pointing a finger at her little brother, a young Hatu who could barely stay focused. From her soft features to her vibrant brown hair, at the age appropriate for marriage in the tribe, news got around that the chief wanted her hand in marriage, to which she gracefully accepted as it was an honor and within the tribe's history it was believed that the chief's bloodline was directly related to the god known as Cthulhu. On this day where she was warning her little brother, it was her wedding day. Leaving home with her parents a little more aged, it was young Hatu's responsibility to take care of them and pick up a spear since he was finally old enough to hunt. For weeks prior she taught him everything she knew and even passed on some secret tips on how to improve his archery that she learned from visiting the other islands on nautical journeys with her father.
"Why can't I look at them?" Hatu asked, curious to why it was so dangerous to ever lock eyes with the strange ships. Nali explained that the ships belonged to people from very far away who would steal people away from the islands and that they would never again be seen. She claimed that she witnessed it while at sea and learned that whenever a strange ship appears, trouble followed. Usually, a warning was sent to the chief and they handled it by setting up a defense that steered them away. The ships never boarded any of the islands but instead drew people out to sea to get captured, since most of the people lurked on the shores as the first defense. Those who simply watched the ships would go missing in the middle of the night that none could explain and instead attributed it to the appearance of those ships. Although she was a little reluctant to leave her family behind, Nali knew the honor that came with this marriage and how well it would help her family, but on that fateful wedding day is where it all happened. It started right after she explained everything to Hatu. Several strange ships appeared in a formation and neared the shore, and unlike previously where they kept a distance, they looked as though they had intentions to land. The people of the island realized what was happening once the trail of smoke from over the horizon resembled the direction where neighboring islands were and sprung to action promptly, mass panic occurring in the blink of an eye. Nali and Hatu's parents warned them to evacuate with the others while they would defend the land from the invaders. That was the last time the siblings would ever see their parents again, and their island. Fire followed as the land burned a bright orange enough to turn the blue sky into a sunset with its flames, or into a storm with the thick black smoke that emerged from the inferno. Nali clung tightly to Hatu as they were snatched by soldiers who raided the little boats attempting escape-the men thrown overboard and the women spared.
Sky's face turned cold as she realized that this was one of the secrets that was kept between Inkopolis and Octaria. It was illegal for Octarians to come to the surface, much less set sail to the uncharted waters of independent lands-no way would Inkopolis allow this which meant that they turned a blind eye to their actions and allowed them to invade lands isolated from the mainland. Hatu continued to explain that after being captured they were submerged underwater, later arriving at an underground path where there were several other ships filled with people just like them, only they were in shackles and chains. He recalled how confused he was at the time, unable to process what had happened to their parents, to their home, and the many people they considered family. Crying uncontrollably, Nali did her best to comfort him much to the displeasure of guards who continuously told them to shut up until they were beaten. After several beatings along the way, Nali conditioned her mind and abandoned all of her senses, instead turning them to protect her little brother since he was all she had left and she refused to let him go. After traversing the underground and then getting transported in secret to the palace, they found themselves in the presence of Candice Octavio, who addressed them as her new property and gave them a new purpose in their life. She explained that Octaria was suffering a fertility crisis due to the impoverished land and lack of women at the foundation and explained that their purpose was to change that, noting that only the women were allowed to be kept alive for the sake of birthing a new population. Many of them were disgusted while others were already broken at losing everything. For Nali, she didn't care as long as her little brother wouldn't be harmed, but Candice Octavio quickly noticed the siblings thanks to Hatu's cry, who finally understood what was happening and became distressed knowing he was the only boy in the crowd.
"Hm? I see a male among the slaves here. What is the meaning of this?" she asked with a slight surprise raising her head to take a better look at the kid; Nali held him tightly and glared at the queen, which alarmed her since that type of look wasn't becoming of a child.
A younger soldier steps forward bowing her head with her arms behind her back, "Apologies, your highness. We figured it would be fine to let the child live if they-"
Candice raises her hand, "Sahie, I thought I made it clear that I only desire women and girls. We need them for the sake of my population! We have enough men as-is, another poor brat is the last thing I need. Dispose of him out of their sight, I can't fathom the sight of a child slaughtered. Goodness, I thought sending you as a Grand Elite would've ensured things went smoothly."
A cold sweat drops down Sahie's face, "But your highness…" her reluctant tone told Candice everything-she didn't like the idea of harming an innocent child.
Candice closes her eyes with irritation and calls for her two most trusted guards, "Weiden, Anzi! Take the child!" she shouts, looking over to the young Grand Elite and reminding her that if she lets that boy live, it'll only be torture for him. It was better to kill him off.
The two top guards split the horde of slaves and find the pair, shocked by the deathly glare they received from Nali gripping the sleeve of her brother's torn shirt. She had the eyes of a beastly mother protecting her cub, swearing to murder anyone who dared mean harm. But Weiden and Anzi weren't about to let a child get the best of them and moved in, pointing their weapons at her if need be. Nali slapped their weapons away and yelled a warning, only to get smacked in the face with the sharp end of the weapon that left a mark. The other knights moved in and as they snatch away Hatu, Nali fights them while desperately holding onto her brother's hand, "Please! Don't take him away from me! He's my little brother! He's all I have left! Don't take away my little brother!" she screams in her native language, shedding tears as her grasp on him weakens. The harder his shriek grew, the more water impaired her vision. In the blink of an eye, she was losing everything. Her family, her home, her future, and most importantly, her little brother. Hatu screams his sister's name desperately, knowing that if he gets separated from her-he dies. Like the string of fate that held a family's bond together, Nali felt hers about to be snapped in half, and with bloodshot eyes, she wipes away the blood from her cheeks and breaks through the duo and after her brother, throwing her safety out the window and putting Hatu first. Following after the group of knights who have her brother, murmurs and whispers fill the crowd as many mothers in the group slaves felt heartbroken seeing the display of what it means to love one's family: even as a mere adolescent, the older sister understood the meaning of protecting those she loves-especially if it meant death. Watching how valiant Nali tried to fight her way to the guards, they open the path for her to reach them if it meant she could at least hold his hand one last time. She gets nearer and nearer to reaching him but knows the other two are hot on her trail will surely punish her, but she doesn't care. Almost about to hold his hand one last time, she's surrounded by extra guards who arrive to cut off her path, and everyone can feel the despair settling in. Nali doesn't care, charging straight ahead despite the enemy raising their weapon at her and with a war cry, she headbutts one in the gut through his armor and knocks him over-bleeding her head in the process. "Give him back!" she shouts in her native tongue, clenching her fists fighting through the pain.
"Oho…?" Candice muttered with a sly grin, which made Sahie's heart drop at the thought of what she might be thinking. Candice raises her hand and commands them to stop the process and allow Nali to reach her brother, curious what she might do. As Nali reaches Hatu, she hugs him tightly and grits her teeth-showing her "fangs" to the enemy, and sending her glare towards Candice with eyes that read "Lay a finger on my brother, and I'll kill you." which excited Candice at the thought that she might've just found her two newest guards. Allowing them to be together, she gave them special treatment and took them in as her newest knights, documenting their progress instead.
Years went by and Octaria saw growth thanks to Candice's efforts in the absence of DJ Octavio, and so too did Hatu and Nali who endured hellish training and living under the microscope of the fellow knights and her majesty that they finally became members of the Royal Guard-much to the dismay of some within the ranks. In that time, they showed unmatched strength and a unique fighting style that made them popular among the grunts, and despised by the other royal guardsmen. Hatu made it to ranking of Elite, demonstrating amazing skill with his spear and dagger, and Nali had ascended to the rank of Grand Elite, considered by many to be the strongest knight of Candice Octavio alongside Weiden and Anzi. As a young Grand Elite among the royal guardsmen unit, Nali stood out and had many admirers throughout the force of knights and from some of the other higher standing members in the government with her combination of intellect, brawn, and beauty alluring for even the most coldhearted of individuals who felt their hearts melt when she flashed a smile. However, there were those who opposed her out of envy, and some out of discrimination since she was a foreigner meant to be a slave. At the same time, Hatu had reputation opposite of Nali. Where Nali had a gentle, motherly personality about her and always wore a smile with a caring gaze despite speaking few words, Hatu always looked angry with a permanent frown and glare worn everywhere he went. He didn't like the idea of being a knight to the queen who took everything away from his family, but he couldn't dare raise his spear at her knowing it was disrespectful to be ungrateful for what she did. It was due to that inconvenience that Hatu's frustration built up and he usually took it out on others and earned the reputation of being a hot headed knight who was ready for a fight at any moment, intolerant of even the slightest of behavior not on the spectrum of what he accepted, the opposite to his sister's patient and sage-like aura.
"You should be more careful with how you carry yourself. I heard your brother making trouble again and got into another fight. If he keeps it up, people will start looking towards coming after you since they know you're his biggest weakness." Sahie, a member of the Grand Elites warned while walking beside fellow Grand Elite Nali, who wore a bright smile bowing her head to everyone she passed by.
Nali looks to her with a confident gaze, "Hatu is still young. I wouldn't expect him to forgive her highness so readily."
However, Sahie wasn't warning her out of the kindness of heart. Lately behind the closed doors of the palace, Queen Octavio had become increasingly cranky and had set her sights to taking Hatu. Many believed the Queen had finally set her sights on the boy she spared and took a liking to his combative attitude, however, the only time Nali ever showed her old self was whenever Hatu was in trouble or when the lecherous eyes of the queen locked sights on him, battling the obsessive matriarch at every turn without fear of consequences. In fact, the only people who knew of Nali's true nature and feelings toward the Queen were only her and the other Grand Elites, who saw firsthand that Nali was willing to make an enemy of her highness if it meant her brother would be in danger otherwise. Not only were the personalities of the foreigners so strong, but lately there were rumors making the rounds that Sahie happened to learned that were alarming. Apparently, someone spread a rumor about Nali and Hatu being seen conspiring with a mysterious figure who was associated with a freedom fighter group in the dead of night on some occasions, an alarming development since Queen Octavio was especially intolerant towards insurgence. The siblings denied the rumors in their own ways: Nali gave the queen her word when in her presence, and Hatu punched people in the face who brought it up and told them try him again if they thought his fists tasted like a traitor's. During this time, they wanted to know who it was that started the rumor, and as such, that's where Sahie came in. Not only was she against attacking them when they were children, but it was Sahie who took care of them and trained them to become the warriors they were today. If there was one ally they had, it was the "Grand Elite" Sahie and her calm presence that even rubbed off on Nali.
One night while making rounds, Sahie overheard a couple of Wild Cards talking in which they revealed that their plan to frame Hatu and Nali was a success and that Queen Octavio was scheduling their execution anytime soon. When she identified their voices it was none other than Root and Cortes who revealed that it was all just a lie meant to screw them over, jealous that a couple of slaves surpassed them and fed up with the attitude of Hatu especially after he caught the queen's attention and refused it. Sahie was horrified to learn that a hit was placed on them, especially off a lie built on envy. After learning that all the members of the Royal Guardsmen unit were on board with the plan, she knew she had to warn them quickly so they could make an escape or surely meet their death, but before she could do so, Anzi appeared around the corner and told her that the queen was summoning all the guards. Sahie's heart sank, knowing it was too late. As all the guards arrived, surprisingly there were two guards absent from the meeting: Hatu and Nali. Queen Octavio addressed the rumor and asked for the opinions of her closest unit, believing in their opinions while deciding the fate of her two brightest stars in the Royal Guardsmen unit. Octavio explained that it was drawn to her attention that rumors have been swirling about the appearance of Hatu and Nali conspiring with a notable radical from an upstart group of "Freedom Fighters" led by a traitor who was once a decorated hero of the Octarian army. Much like Sahie expected after hearing Cortes and Root, every guard was on board with the idea of killing the pair, calling upon their recent behavior and track record. Sahie knew it was foolish to try and advocate against her fellow knights as it would risk her safety as well. More than anything, she resolved herself to having to find them first and escape with them since she was fed up with the queen's rule. But when Candice Octavio calls her name and question's her loyalty after observing her and noticing that she was the only one who looked indecisive, Sahie knew she had to be careful. After convincing the queen that she'd never betray her and pledging that she would slit her belly should such insolent behavior came to fruition, Candice held her to it and no longer assumed any suspicion.
In the dead of night, the order to kill Nali and Hatu was given by Candice Octavio and it was directly for the Royal Guardsmen only. Anyone who brought their heads would receive a promotion: If an Elite brought either head, they would be promoted to Grand Elite, and if it was a Wild Card who brought their head, they would be promoted based on who they killed. An order that quickly turned into a hunt, Hatu and Nali became the game in this wild hunt. Sahie felt a terrible sinking feeling heading out with the other Grand Elites, who decided to work as a group knowing the skills of their opponents; the Elite and Wild Cards opted to work together since they knew it'd take far more than them separately. Meanwhile, Hatu and Nali were on separate sides of the palace. Hatu was in his favorite room: the training courtyard where he spent most of his time perfecting his techniques as the only place he could let out his anger freely. As for Nali, she was in a corridor looking over in the metropolitan of Octaria, pressing a button on a device in her hand before crushing it in her palms and sprinkling the remains out the window-likely a signal being sent before destroying the evidence to prevent it from being tracked. Briskly leaving the window, she rounds the corner where she meets a trio of Grand Elites.
"Weiden...Anzi...Sahie…!" she uttered in surprise, though she already knew the reason they were there since she had her hand on her bow and ready to draw an arrow.
"You are wanted dead on the suspicion of treason by her majesty's order." Weiden said with no emotion, simply carrying out orders for his queen.
"Cease any form of resistance and we'll make this quick." Anzi added, also putting aside what personal feelings she had to carry out orders.
Sahie kept silent, though it was clear what her eyes were saying. Nali realized she was in grave danger and that more than likely, so was Hatu. But if she tried to escape, she wouldn't be able to outrun them, but engaging in a difficult battle against Grand Elites would require everything out of her. Even if she could escape the battle unscathed, that was more time spent for Hatu having to handle the fort on his own. Weiden, Anzi, and Sahie readied themselves for battle, and likewise Nali. Meanwhile, Hatu is met by the rest of the Royal Guardsmen. Gnarby, Finn, Leone, Cortes, and Root surrounded him with weapons in hand ready to take his head; Hatu was just finishing up his training when he turned around to see all his fellow knights holding their weapons.
"Your head is wanted by the queen, Hatu!" Gnarby jokes while twirling a pair of guns.
Root raises his chin with a sly grin, "It's your lucky day! Her highness must really like you if she wants-"
Before he could finish his sentence, there was an arrow through his eye. He drops to the ground and screams in agony, squirming around as blood gushes and much to the surprise of the other guards who didn't notice Hatu holding any weapon since he looked as though he was digging through his bag for something. "I was wondering why it suddenly smelled like shit." he stared with a calm gaze, though judging from his protruding veins on his face he was past the point of boiling.
The other guards assumed battle positions, "Resistance is futile!"
Hatu drops his bag and brings out his trusty spear, "I hope you picked a god for your prayers..."
Sparks fly in the hallway where a violent clash is born Sword and Scythe meets the Bow, their users already wearing scratches on their faces from a brief yet intense skirmish that swept them like a storm. Engaged in a defensive with both Weiden and Anzi weighing her down forced to use her bow as a shield, she forces them off by pure strength after setting her legs and proceeds to do an acrobatic flip to put some distance between them. Aside from her, who stood as the strongest of the Grand Elites, Anzi and Weiden were closely matched to her in strength that carried over from their years in war. Back in those days, they went by different names. Weiden was known as the "White Blade of Eight" for versatile technique with the blade that had 8 variations of battle techniques-each more devastating than the last. It was believed that had he crossed the legendary Agent 3 during the war, he might've defeated her. On the other hand, there was Anzi, a skilled fighter in her own right who took a liking to the scythe and earned the nickname "Grim Reaper" for taking the lives of her enemies in cold fashion. Two monsters of war tamed by being at the side of the queen, they never showed their true power. Nali knew that even if she was the youngest of them with the most energy, their experience in war far outnumbered hers as a huntress. On a battlefield where it came down to skill in close quarters combat, she was at a major disadvantage. No words were exchanged as they battled with high intensity forcing Nali to use her bow as a shield to deflect attacks and prevent her firing an arrow, knowing that the moment she draws her string and fires, it'll all be over. The strongest archer of the islands, Nali captivated everyone with her precise marksmanship that carried a swift impact like a hunter to its game, yet as graceful as a gentleman thief making an escape. The way she could manipulate the physics of her arrows and ricochet to the right angles made her feared by many, but that wasn't all she had in her arsenal. Nali's glare sharpens as she pushes the pair off of her, overpowering them with her sheer strength, then firing a quick shot at Sahie to put her at bay. As a fellow Bow user, Sahie knew most of Nali's techniques but found she could never keep up with her prodigies, and soon saw the young talent surpass her the moment she became a Grand Elite. From the very beginning, Sahie hated the idea of what Candice was doing, from the proposal that the way to start fixing the problems in Octaria was through extreme and despicable actions such as taking in slaves, which was no different from what their enemies did with them, to force the assimilation of Hatu and Nali in abandoning their tribe's culture and become one of them-something also done by their enemies. In all this time, she loathed the idea of Candice always getting her way. From the moment she saw the queen for who she was, she was disgusted. A stubborn, obsessive, and impulsive ruler, Sahie spent her days wondering how the queen would fall. Would she lose her nation like the ancestors of old? Would someone new take over? Would this be the end of a rich history? She found her answer looking over at Nali…
"Nali…" Sahie shouts, firing a pair of arrows at Weiden and Anzi to separate them from their target; "Please aid Hatu! He should be at the training grounds fighting the rest of the guard. This is a mission only meant for us to handle. So there's no worries of being stopped by the grunts." she said hurriedly, firing another set to keep them at bay; Nali wasn't shocked, for she knew to hold back because Sahie was there the entire time. With a simple nod and a relieved smile, Nali made her exit with her Bow and drew an arrow. All that was left was a standoff between the two Grand Elites, and their traitor of a former Grand Elite.
"To think the great Sahie would turn her back on her majesty. Oh, how the mighty fall." Anzi scoffed.
"What is the meaning of this, Sahie. You're aware that you are defying her majesty's orders!"
Sahie clenched her bow and pointed her arrow, "A nation ruled by her is as good as gone. It won't be long before she's taken down."
"Taken…?"
Anzi looks at her with disgust, "Down…? Who could dare oppose her? Those ruffian freedom fighters?"
Sahie shook her head, "Those ruffians will give birth to something greater. I'm sure of it. As for me…" She fires another arrow to split them up; "I'm happy with this being my final battle…" smiling as wide as she can with a fire in her eyes; "Come at me, my brother and sister!" she shouts, prompting the pair to accept her challenge since there was no chance she would let them pass easily; the expressions on their face show reluctance despite being prepared to raise their weapons.
Meanwhile, Hatu had his hands full with the Wild Cards and the Elite guards. Even though he was managing to survive somehow, it was by the shred of a hair. From nearly slitting his throat and eyes to just barely grazing his face, the efforts of the guards weren't wasted as they succeeded in tiring out Hatu-the man known for his unbeatable stamina. By working him triple the usual by coming at him from all angles, his sharp dodging became dull and in time, the hits started to land. From Gnarby's downward swing that strikes him across his body to a lunge by Leone that pierces his shoulders. Hatu powers through it and flexes his muscle to clog the bleeding, quickly knocking her away, but in turn that leaves him open for Root and Cortes to come at him. It felt like when he was able to pry a pair off of him, three more came at him. In this 5 on 1 battle, he was sure he could take them if he just had another hand. The attacks worker in quick succession: Leone went for his built arms in hopes to knock the spear out of his possession, Gnarby went for the legs, Cortes went for the head, and Root took the torso. It was through this method they felt it was possible to defeat him, rather than just waste away their attacks in a hack and slash combo that he could block thanks to his skilled defense. One problem. The same way it helped them in singling out where to launch their attacks, it aided Hatu in knowing what to expect and in turn allowed him to read and predict their next actions and work accordingly. Combined with his athleticism and agility he soon found himself out of the corner and near the exit. At this rate, he could make his escape and probably outrun them-the only reason they ever bothered to corner him in the first place. Except, he found it humiliating to run away from opponents he knew he could defeat. No way could he accept their challenge. Abandoning the option to run away, he stares them all down and unsheathes his dagger-placing the hilt in his mouth and going to a two handed style on the spear. The five guards knew that Hatu was serious about killing them now that he brought out his dagger, which was the only telltale sign that he acknowledged a threat, which meant they succeeded in their plans. Now, they couldn't hold back either. Gnarby brings out his dual blades, Finn has dual spears he kept reserved until this moment, Leone finally drew her sword along with her shield, Cortes has his famed axe, and Root had his bare hands.
Without another word uttered, the real battle begins. Hatu lunges at Root first, who catches his spear and seemingly traps him. Gnarby does a double swing on the trapped Hatu, but Hatu uses his upper body to lift the spear and Root up in the air and use his enemy as a meat shield, able to block the attack by sacrificing Root's back instead. In an instant, Root releases and Hatu's able to capitalize by stabbing Root in the chest and do a quick twirl to block a blindside attack from Finn, who still had a hand free. That free hand works in his favor, aiming it at Hatu's head and scratching his face after he barely dodges the attack. It was only a split second, but that was enough time for Leone to step and back them up. She trucks Hatu with her shield to stun him and follows up with an overhead swing with her sword. However, Hatu still had his wits about him and refused to be out muscled by anyone, and instead of dodging the attack, he points his spear upwards and meets the descending blade-the impact stunning Leone. Hatu takes advantage and disarms her, only to follow up by maneuvering behind her with his twirling spear and land a strike on the nape. In the span of a few seconds, he out worked two powerful guards. But here comes Cortes with his axe, the real challenge. Gnarby and Finn also overwhelm Hatu, and with their coordinated teamwork, they finally spill Hatu's blood. After dodging an overhead power swing from Cortes that nearly took his leg, Hatu was met by Finn, who managed to finally pierce him with his spear and slow him down, followed by Gnarby nicking his legs with his sword to slow him down. A trail of blood forming from his tracks, Hatu realized he was in danger. A quintuplet of powerful enemies who methodically cut his chances of survival to a quarter of a chance by going after his legs, he knew there wasn't much time left for him to survive. Suddenly, his belly felt warm and cold at the same time…
"I found it strange that none of my attacks landed on you, but I guess it doesn't matter. Hatu, this is the end for you!" Finn shouted with exhaustion, much like the blonde warrior with a single long bang overhanging, his comrades were also fatigued-opposite to Hatu, who still had plenty of energy despite the injuries suffered.
Hatu grasps his ankles and can feel the faint moisture, realizing that the subtle pain he felt was none other than his ankles giving away. A dirty move on their part, he realized that they were serious about making sure he couldn't escape the palace alive. A huge open wound on his gut and chest as well as strikes to his legs and on his ankles, Hatu was bleeding in multiple cases and at a slow rate, though any movements sped up the process. Falling to his knees with the adrenaline rush stalled now that he knew the condition of his body, Hatu starts to give in to the pain. Like a wounded animal prepared for defeat, Hatu saw Root and Leone back on their feet and the trio he just battled already moving towards him ready to end his life. All he could do is close his eyes and accept his defeat. The looming scent of death on his nostrils and the fear he kept bottled up finally showed itself and wrapped their cold hands around his heart and reignited his stagnant emotion with a squeeze. Just then, trio of arrows fire and hit their marks-stunning Finn, Root, and Leone. Gnarby and Cortes knew immediately that the overwhelming pressure sucking the air out the room with its chilling presence was none other that the wrath of Nali, who was beyond enraged. Upon seeing her brother covered in wounds, something in her snapped-proceeding to rush at them and dropkick the remaining pair at the same time. She rebounds off of them and does a backflip, grabbing some arrows from her quiver and launching in midspin-then firing as her flip completed rotation. They land squarely in their legs and keep them grounded for a bit. In the blink of an eye, the battle quickly shifted with her appearance as she was able to slow down the skilled guards all on her own. When she drew an arrow, none matched her: Known as the Archer of the Eight Gates, the most skilled archer to ever hold a bow, it was believed she was capable of matching the legendary soldier who abandoned her homeland and sided with the inklings.
"Hatu!" she calls running over to his side, examining his injuries while still keeping an eye on the opponents.
"What caused this? Has that queen lost her mind?" he winced, holding his ankles.
Nali had a guilty look that told Hatu right away that indeed, something very bad was happening. Without a word uttered, they both knew they needed to escape before it was too late. However, much to their expectations, the guards were up and ready for a fight. The arrows she fired didn't hit their vital spots, and indeed, they were the top brass of soldiers that Candice Octavio trusted; of course they would be strong enough to withstand a few arrows. Ready for a second fight, they charged at the duo; Nali pats hatu on the shoulder with a serious look: they were the hunters in this battle, and their opponents were their prey that gathered together to swarm them in defiance. Around that same time, Sahie battles Anzi and Weiden, but she was barely hanging in the battle as they clearly held back preferring to save their strength for the real challenge in Nali. However, Sahie refused to let them pass, firing as many shots as necessary. After what felt like an eternity, but was only a few minutes, Anzi had enough and got serious. In a quick succession, she defeated Sahie and had her on her stomach with her legs separated from the rest of her body and pool of blood where they used to be. A sword is pointed at the downed Sahie, its user wavering between killing her out of spite and sparing her because of what she meant to them.
"Why...would you choose now?" Weiden asked with sorrow in his eyes, "How can you say those things, when you're the biggest believer...?"
Anzi shook her head with disappointment, "Even in the darkest of moments, you carry the brightest shine."
Sahie looked at them with tears falling, unable to bear the pain much longer, "I'd rather die than see this nation fall. Losing my legs to one comrade and having my heart pierced by the other, I can only hope that this is the length you're willing to go to support that queen of yours!"
Weiden and Anzi looked at each other with empty gazes and then to their defeated comrade, "Then perish…" a gush of blood covers their garments as her body turns lifeless, both of them looking away with a grimacing expression.
Nali and Hatu fight in a 5 on 2 survival against the other guards. From the chemistry of Cortes and Gnarby who coordinated their attacks though to no success whenever it was Nali on the receiving end to Leone, Root, and Finn struggling to best the reinvigorated Hatu who found new strength now that his sister fought beside him. Blood splatters the wall, but it isn't Hatu and Nali's but rather, the faces of their enemies, who were getting whipped in the face and body by the slaps of the sibling's weapons. Hatu knelt and soon afterwards, Nali leaps off his shoulder and fires some arrows that pins Root. Hatu follows up the opportunity by stabbing him in the shoulder. They weren't aiming to kill as much as they were trying to create separation to make their escape. But as they tried to make their escape into the halls, the other followed them closely. After fighting them off for 10 minutes and making it to the entrance of the corridor, matters only worsen. In a last gasp effort to ground them, Finn throws his spears and one of them hits Hatu in his thighs, making it even tougher for him to walk with his already injured ankles. Nali was also in trouble with defending herself against their onslaught of attacks, and with her brother injured she had more baggage to carry, but if that wasn't enough, a scythe and sword were now with her peripheral in addition and both swung furiously for her head, barely dodging and rolling away with her little brother in her arms. Finally, the Grand Elites joined the others to make in a 7 on 1 battle. Nali looks over to her brother, who now had his wounds opened wider. Not much longer before he'd pass out. Times were desperate and she couldn't afford to die here nor let him die either. Setting him aside, she stood before him and gripped her bow and arrow with a fierce glare. A sight she never showed, everyone there felt their bodies hesitate for just a moment as their instincts screamed to run, but their bodies far too disconnected to react to the blistering speed. In the span of a millisecond, the surrounding walls were riddled with cracks, the floor tiles torn, and the guards blown away. Only Anzi and Weiden were standing, but they too were getting pushed back by the monstrous strength of Nali, who had her bow clashing with Anzi's Scythe and her feet connected to Weiden at an angle that worked against him. If they wanted to kill her, it would be at her strongest. She uses their bodies as a spring and does a horizontal spin away from them, firing a couple of arrows at them. Irritated by her crafty combinations, Anzi slashes them in half and bursts with terrific speed to reach Nali before she can land, and does an upwards swing with incredible power, connecting with the blunt end of her scythe to her back and send her into the ceiling; the wind gets knocked out of Nali as her back arches in response to the critical blow. She smacks the ceiling and crashes to the floor, bounding a few steps away from Anzi. The Grand Elite guard slowly approaches her like an executioner and holds her weapon wide, ready to behead her, but the next step she takes, she felt a terrible chill, instinctively taking a leap backwards to rejoin her recovering squad. A feeling she hadn't experienced since the war when she went up against many great warriors, her body reacted on its own. It screamed at her to retreat, and before she could react, she already withdrew her advancements. Rightfully so-too, because as she look at Nali, she saw death in her eyes. It was known that under that calm smile and polite manner laid a powerful beast on par with a mighty kraken, but she never witnessed it first hand until that moment where body warned her that another step would lead to her death. Nali rises to her feet gripping her bow and spoke in her native tongue, possibly or prayer or an enchantment, because unlike before where she was mindful of the arrows she used and more on the defensive, she instead went on the offensive pulling out a sparkling arrow and fired it at the crowd who were so foolish to believe that with all their numbers, they could hold their own against her at her best. She moved so fast it was as though she teleported, her bow and arrow both hit hard with furious swings and sharp angling, the trajectory of some arrows even bending and doing a curl. She lands a trio of hits on Anzi in midair that has her reeling, then firing a shot in midair that strikes Weiden in his shoulder and renders him immobile for a few seconds after speaking a quick enchantment. A type of technique only taught to masters of archery in their tribe, Nali perfected a way of enchanting her arrows to equip a certain function on them, such as giving them lightning, or even paralysis. Once she spoke her enchantment and wished for a personification to the arrow, it would follow. In an attempt to turn the tide and hopefully create space, she was bringing out her full potential in crunch time…
"Papa, what do you mean it's dangerous?" a young Nali asked sitting in her father's lap holding the Bow that would soon become hers; a time when Hatu was just born so her mother had to take leave from her duties as a huntress, it was the first experience Nali would have a true huntress unlike the times she went to practice under her father's supervision. It was known for a long time that she was a prodigy, but none wanted to take the risk of having her hunt on her own, but with a brilliant archer duo put on hold, now was the best time to put it to the test.
"Even though enchantments allow us to receive a blessing from the gods, there is a law of exchange. If we ask for their blessing, we must return the favor with an offering…"
"An offering…? Like food, right?"
Her father chuckles looking at her and then to his wife nursing baby Hatu, "On special occasions, yes. But, if it is done with a special ceremony, the gods will be upset and require something more."
This memory returned to her after years of being locked away because the offering she made to ensure she'd have enough strength to outlast her opponents was none other than her very life! In exchange for the incredible durability she had, she offered up her defense that served as the foundation of her life, this meant that certain attacks that would usually never even leave a scratch would be very effective and possibly wound her. Luckily, since it was rushed moment, it would be effective within that slot of time and would wear off after a night of rest once she prayed for forgiveness, but in this case, she wasn't thinking so far. Her only goal was to get her brother out of there.
"Don't let her escape!" Anzi screamed, remembering that Hatu was open and out of the range of battle, so she could easily retreat.
"I'm not going anywhere!" she responded, firing dozen flame and frost arrows to create a cloud of steam; "You hurt him! There's a price to pay, you bastards!"
Deciding to inflict punishment for harming her little brother, Nali wouldn't leave until they were all so deeply injured that they couldn't move a muscle; family surely doesn't hide. One after the other, they come for Nali's head and instead eat some type of arrow: Paralysis, Spark, Frost, Flame, Poison...she shot any type of arrow that came to mind. Though she was doing well to keep a distance, it was getting difficult to avoid them since they were slowly and surely closing the gap. Their bodies grew more accustomed to the pain and began to endure. A rush of adrenaline. She realized that soon there would be no chance to keep her space and instead shifted her battle style to get the jump on them. First attempting a retreat, it was meant to be a feint that worked at baiting Finn and his dual spears. The only one foolish enough to follow after her, Nali fired a couple arrows that ricocheted at pierced his wrists, making him drop his weapons, and in an instant, he was met with a clothesline from Nali, slamming into the ground and out for the moment. Moments like this occurred frequently in the battle against the guards, as the moment one was so foolish to come at her, she made them pay with a grapple or a swift combinations that a burst of blood gushing from their limbs like a jelly dessert; the only opponents who put up a decent challenge were Anzi and Weiden, but after getting beat several times during the course of this confrontation, it gets frustrating trying to go up against an opponent who seems unbeatable, especially one who was in the prime of her life. Cortes, Gnarby and Weiden pull a rush attack on her with their combination of Cortes and his axe swings, the swift swings of Gnarby and his dual blades, and the powerful swings from Weiden with his trusted sword. With this approach and the fact that this battle had been nonstop for almost half an hour, they were able to start landing hits on her, which worked in her favor since she seemed more vulnerable than usual from how she responded to taking a scratch from Cortes' axe. He quickly notified the others, and like a breath of revival, they caught their second wind. Nali however, wasn't having any of it, and responded to their attack by rendering them almost useless: she snapped Gnarby's blades in half and pummeled Cortes and Weiden to debilitation. The battle became fiercer as the archer struggled to defend herself with a combination of grapples, throws, strikes, and finally shots from her arrows to fight them off, but unfortunately, when one wave was put down, another followed. Each wave saw her taking more scratches and scratches, until finally she took her first wound from a powerful punch from Root so hard that she coughed up blood. The first sign that the tide of battle was changing, Nali cranked to another gear and defeated the trio of Root, Leone, and Finn after they started to inflict the first of damage after minutes of having her defenses chipped away. When she thinks she can finally catch her breath, the last opponent she wanted to face in a solo battle approaches.
"Anzi…"
"Nali…"
Without another word uttered, the two go at it. Nali fires her arrow, but Anzi deflects it and goes for the wide swing, it misses and instead Nali lands on the scythe and fires a shot at Anzi before jumping off; Anzi barely avoids the arrow to the face, and only suffers a scratches, but based on the immediate pain she felt when the arrow grazed her, she knew that wasn't a normal arrow.
"That's dirty…!" she shouts, feeling her face where a line of blood forms at the cut.
Nali catches her breath, "I'm not a saint."
Enraged she managed to get poisoned, Anzi shouts and begins swing at her furiously, vowing to take her head to Queen Candice. Nali's able to dodge the scythe, but can't avoid the boot to the gut that sends her skidding on the floor and into the wall on her side. Luckily she bounces off the wall and fires a shot in midair, but this time Anzi can see it so clearly and instead rushes at her while she descends. Nali fights her off, and narrowly avoids the huge swing she had planned for her in midair-one so big it felt like the entire building got slice in half based on the air pressure alone. Crouched on the ground after dodging the attack, Nali does a switch uppercut kick and clocks her right under the chin with enough force that Anzi staggers away from her; Anzi's blood spills on Nali after that kick from her already opened wounds, and she fell to Nali just she took down Root, Finn, and Leone. Nali crouches on the ground for a moment to catch her breath since it took more than she wanted to finally put down the Grand Elite. Luckily Hatu was still safe and all she had to do was grab him and get the hell out of there now that they should've been slowed down enough. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her neck. Gnarby was beside her, gasping for breath as he used the last of his strength to mount one final attack on her. Luckily she already snapped his blades in half earlier so the piercing wasn't deep, however, the location was alarming. Gripping Gnarby, she breaks crushes his hands and flings him to the wall; he wouldn't be getting back up. But the damage was done. That surprise attack knocked her defenses down greatly, and following such a critical hit-a sword pierces her from behind, nearly taking her heart. It felt like one after another, she was being dealt blows that would nearly bring her to death, as if a trial to test her resolve for asking so much from the gods. She quickly escapes before the attack and go any deeper. Luckily, when she turned around staggering, Weiden was already collapsed on the floor. A last gasp effort to try and slow her down, Nali managed to survive yet another attack, especially the Grand Elites. All was over, or, at least, that's what she thought. Gnarby comes swinging with his axe and this time, it was a deep cut. Fed up with every seeming to come back as a zombie, Nali lands palm strike in the dead center of his chest and sent him flying, out of breath after unleashing the last of her strength. Bodies and blood laid scattered around her in the corridor, the walls were painted red and torn, much like the floors too. Somehow, she won, she managed to beat Wild Cards, Elites, and Grand Elites in one standing, there was no one left to fight her, or so she thought. She can hear dozens of footsteps down the hall and figured it must be the other knights who heard all the commotion and felt that one powerful and desperate swing from Anzi that prompted them to appear. If she stays any longer, they would surely be captured and brought to the queen for an execution; the last thing she ever wanted. Looking over, she gets a view of far down she'll fall, and then she looks over to her brother. Desperate to make her escape from death, Nali's will overpowers her agony. Her pain tolerance increases with each staggering step she takes while carrying her bleeding brother on her shoulders, in turn opening her fresh wounds even further. It was a lucky thing this assassination took place at night because if it was in broad daylight, they could easily track her trail of blood. But able to separate herself with enough distance, she was on the cooldown. Rendered to limping, she begins to lose her breath the closer to her destination, as though she was only hanging on until she arrived there. As they finally reach a dark alley way far out of the reaches of the main streets where the knights wouldn't dare to search, she sets her brother down and takes her rest against the wall wiping away her trickling blood and setting him in her lap. She tends to his wounds, and covers him up in an emergency supply she had in her small pouch, but it was just enough to save him. More than likely, if she saved some for herself, they both would die.
"This is the only way…" she whispered with quivering lips, shutting her eyes to stop the tears from forming. She holds her unconscious brother in her arms, and begins to sing the same lullaby she always did when they were little children back home on their island.
It felt like a long dream that could never be interrupted, the warmth he felt of the snugly warm breeze and the salty sea air hugging his face. The peaceful crystal blue waters and mellow waves crashing on the white sands on the shore. The endless horizon of a white band that extended beyond his vision, only to be met by a setting sun. Staring at the breathtaking sight, he hears a set of names repeating. Cortes. Gnarby. Weiden. Over and over, it replays like a broken record. The beautiful sight before him turns red as the sun becomes stained in blood before it can set, the waters poisoned as well with the scent of iron replacing the salt. He jerks his head and wakes up immediately to see his sister hunched over, her eyes losing light as she wears a relieved look and a soft smile.
"Thank...goodness." she whispers, barely able to keep her eyes open. "I can't have you die on me." she said, holding him tightly and bringing him close. As their cheeks rub together, like a mother embracing her cub, Hatu could feel the coldness in her body. It felt like he was trapped, unable to move his arms and legs and return her warmth. So desperately did he want to warm her up and prevent her from bleeding out, but when he looked down and saw that all the wounds he had were covered, he realized the selfless act his sister pulled. He didn't recognize the area, but he was aware of what his sister had been up to, and as to why they were even under attack in the first place.
"Nali…?" he called with a broken voice, unable to say a hurt from the intense pain. "Help…! Someone...please, help!" He cried, unable to do anything other than watch his beloved sister dying before his eyes and in her very cold arms.
"They...won't make it, Hatu…" she said, hushing her brother. She gives him a gentle kiss on the cheek as the tears run down hers; "I love you very much." she whimpered, the last of her strength leaving her body; Hatu froze.
Helpless, all he could do was stare at her lifeless body as she passed onto the next life with a smile, holding the one she loved the most in her final moments. He wanted to scream. He wanted to bawl. Unfortunately, Hatu knew better. They were on the run, and were no doubt in the area more than likely. In silence, he had to clench his teeth and weep in the darkness knowing that he was the last one. The last of his tribe, and the last of his family. He looks over to Nali, and views her open wounds. She suffered so much that it was impossible to treat them all. She knew she was going to die the moment she escaped there. She probably made up her mind that she'd die the entire time. But she still made the effort to fight, made the effort to think ahead, and made the dying effort to bring him all the way here out of love. Out of survival. Even if she didn't tell him directly, Hatu remembered everything she said before her finals words. The trio she recalled while tending to his wounds had to be the ones who inflicted the blows that led to her death. The marks left by their weapons all too evident. An axe mark across her torso, the mark of a pair of blade jabs in her neck, and a single pierced marking in her chest that narrowly missed her heart. Oh, how she suffered…
"Huh? Nali…?" a voice called from the darkness, hastily approaching to confirm the pair of bodies. "OH NO!" she screamed, rushing to their side. As she felt the nonexistent pulse on Nali, he eyes watered looking down at Hatu who laid in his sister's arms. Her face told the whole story. She couldn't apologize, and she couldn't even share in his grief. She felt that if she had been there a few minutes earlier, maybe there was a chance to save her, but Hatu knew different. And so, putting their arms around her neck, she helped them to the sanctuary. And later, Nali was buried...
Hatu's irises dulled, "And that's how she died. She fought until her last breath to keep me safe and her dying wish...I could tell it was for me to keep the legacy alive. My family. My home. I carry it all on my shoulders. This mission to fight Candice Octavio is more than just retaking the throne for DJ Octavio and bringing a new set of change to this land. It's my vengeance. I don't have anything else left to do in this life other than kill the one who was the cause for my sister drawing her last breath. I want to kill the one made her bleed the way she did. I want the ones who rendered her to the state she was in when I woke up to experience the same suffering she underwent while carrying me on her shoulders like a burden. I-" he couldn't say anything else. His combination of rage and mourning for her death made it impossible for words to come out. His emotions couldn't be put to speech. He could only wring up his face with so many wrinkles and veins that the message could be seen.
Sky felt like she couldn't breathe after hearing such a tragic story, the heat he gave off from his steamed anger latent under his calm voice scorches her throat like a spice-a strange sensation as she felt her skin run cold watching his dead stare. A story of slaves forced to fight under their murderer's command, only to get betrayed and forced to fight for survival. A sister who had to be hurting and yet still worked her hardest to put her brother first, and even paid the ultimate price of sacrifice. It sounded just like what she would do for her little Zule, understanding why Hatu saw Nali in her. Their situations were similar in so many ways despite from being from two different worlds. That thought alone opened her eyes to what her purpose in Octaria was truly for. Not only was it about her personal goals and helping those she cared about, but it must've been destiny to meet Hatu and become friends with him. It was her destiny to fight alongside him for his cause. "I'll help you continue your legacy. I'll fight with you, Hatu. I'll avenge your sister's death and take down the monsters who caused this." she said with conviction; "So, in return, when this is all over...come with me to the surface. I'd love to introduce you to my little brother!"
Hatu could only look at her with surprise and give her a genuine smile, thanking her for choosing to fight by his side. Unlike before, he now had a reason to fight beyond his battles in the underground-not only for his vengeance, but for his future. To see the surface again and make new friends, Hatu knew he could never replace what was lost, but at the same time, he was given a second chance thanks to Sky. They didn't share the same blood nor were they from the same origins, and yet, they felt like family.
