EDIT: As Fanfiction.net messed up, I have replaced all asterisks with addition signs, but those don't work either, so I'm trying underscores, which don't work either, so it's up to "-"s.
Hello! Sorry for the hold-up in updates. I was meaning to update, but then I would get distracted and . . . OOOH! SHINY! (Cookies to whoever discovers where I got that from [hint: it's a webcomic])
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EchoKazul -- I'm glad that you like how I wrote Camellia. Fate knows that I have trouble a lot when she comes up to a situation she isn't prepared for. Takes a bit of thinking to get her out, I can tell you. MWAHAHA! Yes, fear mortal, a CLIFFHANGER! Ahem. I'm probably going to do a lot of those in this fic.
MercuryAdept -- GAAAH! I CREATED A MINI! -bangs head against the wall- Ow.
The Faction's Lord -- Thank you! A new reviewer—HOORAY!!!!! -gets struck by punctuation storm-
Alfred: -sweeps up punctuation-
The Mysterious Al -- Message received, but since you didn't actually review this fanfiction, I'm going to delete your review. An update to Weyard Weekly is the next thing on my fanfiction to-do list. I've already got it started, in fact.
Vyctori -- YES! FEAR THE CLIFFIE! -cough- Continuing on. . . . The blindness is most difficult, I admit. Several times, I'll have to rewrite a "Simon looked" or whatever. Simon and Camellia are very amusing to write as well. You caught the meaning behind the nose comment. I'd say she's more blunt than honest, really. Rectangular wasn't meant to be literal--it was to describe that she had absolutely no curve to her figure at all. Yes! I adore making odd characters! It makes it easy to have humour! Soon, I'm going to have to edit the things being pointed out by my reviewers.
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Okay, here's my attempt at being angsty, so be prepared. I haven't had much practice at it, but . . . here it is. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Chapter 4: The Reaper's Call
-san: Respectful title (Mr.)
Gambatte: Press onward (fig. Good luck)
Everyone's head turned towards the sound. Even Simon, out of habit, and Shi Maido, although the latter kept one eye on Marlel, looked through the broken door.
In the outer sanctuary, a swordsman, dressed in the Tolbi style, wiped off his short sword on the body of one of the priests. The priest was still alive, but the wound, if untreated, would cause a slow and very painful death. The door, sliced roughly in two showed at least three others outside.
The swordsman in front looked scornfully at the four priests who had backed towards the wall. He didn't even glance at the fifth, who had picked up a pole and was holding it in a swordsman's stance. After seeing the battle between Camellia and Shi Maido, Maura knew that he wasn't up to either of their standards, but appeared to have some experience.
"Now," the Tolbian pondered out loud, blue eyes flitting from one priest to the next. "Who will die first? Decisions, decisions, decisions . . . ."
The priest with the long wooden pole grunted slightly and drew himself up to attack. His feet prepared to launch him to almost certain death.
A hand on his shoulder stopped him. The priest looked up into the brown eyes of Shi Maido. He smiled at the priest.
"Foolish to go against real swords with only a stick," he commented lightly, reaching into his shirt. "What is your name?"
"Frederick," the man said warily.
"Fredrick-san," Shi repeated. "I would rather you didn't kill yourself. Take this."
From the depths of his shirt, he withdrew a sheathed sword. He handed it to Frederick, whispering in his ear, "If you will give me a moment to prepare, I will help. Two swords are better than one." He straightened and turned to Camellia, not even bothering to look at the swordsman, who was paying full attention to taunting the prisoners.
Shi stooped and picked up Camellia's sheath. "I believe," he remarked, sheathing Camellia's sword with a snap. "That this is yours. May I ask the name of my former opponent?" He handed the sword to Camellia.
Camellia stared for a moment, but then took the sword. "Camellia," she replied, a little stunned. Maura didn't blame her for being stunned.
"Well, Camellia-kun, it appears we will have to join forces for the moment," Shi told her. "The same applies to Marlel-san. I'm sure your swordsmanship from your days in the Tolbi army haven't diminished too much." He reached down the back of his shirt and produced another sword. He tossed it to Marlel, who caught it. "Please don't do anything hasty with this," Shi informed him. "Or I will be forced to do something we will both regret."
He surveyed the room.
"Now," he said brightly. "I believe everyone is prepared. Keep together, everyone."
With that, he strode into the outer sanctuary.
Outside, the swordsman flicked back his black hair, looking grimly at the four priests. His face was twisted upwards in a smirk, apparently having just finished a taunt. He looked on for a moment longer, savouring the expressions of fear on his victims' faces.
"I hope you've finished your prayers," he said scornfully. "Because now you are going to die. I hope this shows that Fate doesn't answer the prayers of even a single one of his--" He made a noise of surprise as the sword sheathe of Shi Maido pressed itself against the back of his neck.
"I do not believe in the slaughter of innocents." Shi Maido seemed not to notice the disbelief clearly stamped on Marlel's expression and the shock displayed on most of the others. "Please, leave this area. I would prefer not to kill you, if it is possible, and I have lost all but the deadliest of my weapons."
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen." Maura, peeking out of the inner sanctuary, viewed the four men who had entered. Two were clearly of Tolbi and one appeared to be from the islands that dotted one side of the Karagol Sea, but the other was surprising to anyone who could identify the barbarians from beyond the barriers of Tolbi's empire. Having both groups working together was unheard of.
A smile tugged at the corner of Shi Maido's lips. "It is not? May I ask why?"
The Tolbian who had spoken drew his sword. "Because you're gonna die!" He raised his sword and brought it down.
Shi Maido was apparently ready for this. He took two steps forward to avoid the swing, driving his sheath forward to hit the wall in between two of the priests. The unfortunate swordsman was caught in between it and the wall. His windpipe crushed, he slid down the wall as Shi Maido stepped backwards and circled around, releasing the sword from its sheath with a fluid movement, born from long practice. As his body swirled, the opposite hand caught the sheath. He slashed across the four swordsmen who had yet to react to Shi Maido's fast movement. The blade cut the muscles in the shoulders of the first man, who had brought his entire body with the downward attack. Before he even cried out, the sword had slashed across the stomach of the second Tolbian and skittered across the breastplate of the Karagol islander. Shi Maido stepped backwards and placed his sword swiftly into a defensive position and blinked.
It was if that blink had released them all from a spell. All at once, they began to move again. The first dropped his sword and stumbled backwards, clutching his bleeding arms. Marlel, sword drawn, cut him down in a single stroke as he attempted to flee. The second made a noise as the air blew out of his lungs and toppled forward, blood spewing from the open wound. The third seemed almost frozen, looking at his dead partners and at the wicked looking scratch left in the metal.
The barbarian, blond hair waving about his shoulders, reacted first. He ran at Shi Maido, roaring a battle cry. Shi Maido glanced quickly at him and looked for a moment at the Karagolan before twisting around and striking horizontally. The warrior blocked with a shield, but the steel ripped through the wood, splintering the shield and leaving a long cut on his arm. The man stumbled and fell forward. Shi Maido grabbed his neck when he was passing and shoved him into the floor, cracking the floorboards in the process. The man grunted as he hit the ground. He had been unprepared for the fall and had landed on his sword, giving himself a fatal wound. Shi Maido didn't bother to look longer than was necessary to assess that the warrior would be no worry.
The Karagolan grabbed his long spear firmly and thrust it at him, but Shi Maido jumped over it almost before the soldier had thrust at him. He flipped the sword and cut behind his back, taking off the deadly spike at the top of the spear. Skidding slightly on the smooth floor, he jumped at the soldier, left side open. The soldier took the bait, swinging the remaining part of the spear at the open side. Shi Maido, obviously prepared for such an attempt, sliced across and cut the pole in two. He reversed the blade and the swing, cutting again across the pole and hit just between the breastplate and helmet, slicing the straps of the helmet in the process, seeking the throat. The Karagolan was dead almost before he hit the floor. His loosened helmet rolled across the floor to rest at the feet of his killer, who was sheathing his sword.
As the sounds of the dying barbarian fell away, there was silence in the room, as everyone inside stared at the swordsman who had so calmly slain five warriors in shorter time than five ordinary swordsmen could do working together.
Shi Maido looked at them. "Shouldn't someone look at the injured priest?" he said questioningly, as if nothing unusual had happened.
This released everyone from their paralysis.
"Maura, get me to the invalid, please," Simon requested, patting his pockets and producing a roll of cloth bandages.
She grabbed his hand and guided him around the dead bodies, feeling dizzy. She was dimly aware that Shi Maido was instructing the swordspeople to follow him and that the four left the room. She saw Simon's lips moving, but couldn't hear his voice.
She noticed more clearly Simon's reaction to being vomited on.
---
Camellia followed Shi Maido outside and froze when she saw what was outside.
The houses were on fire, and at least a dozen swordsmen were chasing down the priests that were in her view. She watched as the people of the temple were cut down mercilessly. Down the stone hallway that led to the outside, she saw the town's militia trying to enter the temple, but were being held back by a small group of barbarian warriors.
Shi Maido, apparently used to carnage, stepped forward and drew his sword. He slew the nearest swordsman. "Stay together, and no heroics," Shi Maido told them calmly as he killed another man.
Camellia shook herself and drew her sword. She heard orders being called. She looked for their source.
"To your right!" Marlel yelled.
Automatically, she blocked, and barely missed dying by the short sword of the tall, raven-haired Tolbi soldier who had chosen to attack her. It appeared that the order was to kill the swordspeople, and he had chosen her because he believed that, as a woman, she would be the weaker.
She grinned. People like him always made things easier for her. She blocked and backed up, letting his confidence grow. She made it appear she was struggling, when in fact she was surprised that such a weak fighter had made it here. She supposed it was because they weren't expecting any resistance from priests, so that's why he was here.
She glanced over her shoulder. Most unfortunately, another opponent was approaching, so she'd have to finish this quickly. This time, instead of blocking, she slid to the side. Her opponent was overbalanced by his own swing and fell on the ground. He attempted to scramble up, but she struck his hand with her hilt. He yelled and dropped his sword. She kicked it away and brought her sword up for the kill.
A force hit her side, causing her to fall and slide across the ground, raising dust. She scrambled quickly to her feet to see Shi Maido fastidiously wiping his bloody sword off with a cloth. Her opponent lay dead at his feet.
He smiled at her once he saw that she was standing. "I am most sorry for that, Camellia-kun," he said, nodding at her. "But I would rather you need not experience the feeling of blood on your hands." His eyes went hard for a moment as a serious expression rested on his normally cheerful face. "I assure you, it is not a pleasant feeling." He smiled at her again, thrust the cloth into his shirt, and attacked an approaching warrior.
Camellia, after a moment of surprise, engaged another opponent. She found things beginning to repeat themselves. Every time she attempted to give a killing blow, Shi Maido would block her sword or push her out of the way and strike down her opponent. Once, too, when she had left her side open, Shi Maido was there in moments, finishing the mercenary who threatened her. She was beginning to wonder if he thought her unfit for the task.
After several more minutes of fighting, the priest, Fredrick, relaxed and put his sword down. "I think we have finished them," he smiled.
His expression quickly changed to one of shock when he felt cold iron pressed against his neck.
---
Maura watched as Simon's hands glowed a continual blue as he knelt over the wounded man. It felt like it had been ten minutes, although she knew it couldn't really have been more than just one.
Finally, he stopped casting Ply. "He should be fine, as long as he is kept from moving for too long." He was breathing quickly and sounded out of breath.
Simon started to stand, but collapsed. One of the priests caught him and helped him over to a bench at the side.
"I'm fine," he assured them, still out of breath. "I just . . . haven't tried to heal someone that close to death . . . before."
Hal came out of the inner sanctuary, holding the book and sheathed sword that they had seen in there. When one of the priests protested, Hal shook his head. "If the battle goes ill, we must get these to safety."
The priests looked at each other, and after a moment, agreed.
One of the priests frowned suddenly. "Be ready to get those things out of here as soon as possible."
"Gregory?" another priest asked in surprise.
Gregory took a deep breath and stepped to one side. Within seconds, a sword protruded from him. The sword went straight through and stopped, just centimetres from Simon, who was still sitting against the wall. As the sword was withdrawn, he fell forward, and Hal caught him. Maura looked at the break in the wall now filled with soldiers. One of them looked angrily at the fallen man.
Gregory looked weakly up at Hal. "You know how . . . I complained that Jupiter powers would not let me change the future, only predict it?" He coughed and sucked in air painfully. "Well, I finally had the courage to change things . . . for the better." His body went limp in Hal's arms, a pained smile on his lips.
"Old fool," his killer muttered. "We were so close to killing the boy . . . so close. It don't matter. All he did was speed up his own death and slow the death of this 'un. It doesn't matter, anyway, if we kill the priests fast enough that 'e can't 'eal 'em!" He raised his head and looked back, a savage grin lighting his face. "All right, boys, kill 'em! Kill 'em all! There should be even more through that door!" He pointed with his sword at a door that led to the living chambers of the more important priests.
"No! You fiends!" Another priest launched himself at the Tolbian who was about to open the door. Regaining his balance, the man shoved the priest off him and ran him through.
Hal watched, horrified, as a soldier killed yet another of the priests in the room. There was now only him, another priest, the boy, and . . . . A shiver went up his spine. And Maura. There was no reason to believe that they would spare women or children. If he weren't so helpless . . . .
His hand brushed the sword he had placed under his arm for safekeeping. Phaeton's Blade . . . as he well knew, it was quite possibly fatal to use. People were said to even get burned from just touching the hilt. He had never attempted it before. Now, however, he didn't care about anything but protecting Maura.
"All right," he shouted as he held the sheath in his left hand. "Playtime is over!"
With his right, he drew the sword. It shone white, brightening the dark corners of the windowless room. All but one of the torches flickered and died, leaving the sword's unnatural light being the only thing lighting the darkened room, save the sunlight from the door in the room, viewable through the breach in the wall.
This had a most desirable effect on the attackers. Most of them stumbled and tried to block the light with an arm. All except Gregory's killer looked terrified. Gregory's killer looked stunned, but he also looked intrigued.
"Now, there's a fine piece of workmanship," he commented, recovering quickly from the shock. "Now, lessee which would win. A good sword and no swordsmanship, or," he smiled nastily while settling himself into a ready position, "a normal sword and superior swordsmanship. Come, let us fight."
---
"Very interesting," the voice behind Fredrick did sound intrigued, if rather unconcerned about the dagger pressed against the young priest's throat. "This was most unexpected. Of course, this would be why the diversion was made of such inexperienced men."
"Diversion?" Camellia asked.
"Oh yes." The man was still hidden in the shade cast by the main temple, but Camellia could see he taller than Shi Maido. "How stupid of me. I forgot to mention the group who have broken into the main sanctum and have probably already slaughtered half of the higher-ranking priests."
Marlel gasped slightly and made a move to go back inside.
"Don't move," the man instructed harshly. "One false move and this one dies." He drew a small line on the priest's throat to emphasize his point. Fredrick whimpered softly. "Drop your weapons, all of you."
Shi Maido dropped his sword immediately. Slowly, reluctantly, the other two placed their swords carefully on the ground.
"Very good." Camellia saw the shadow of his head move. He nodded at a Tolbian soldier. "You, pick up their weapons."
The soldier picked up the swords obediently, nodding almost apologetically at them.
"Please be careful with my sword. It is of very good quality," Shi Maido told him politely, somehow still relaxed.
"Thank you, soldier," the man told him. "Now, to take care of you."
The man, in a quick motion, slit Fredrick's throat. Camellia gasped in shock, her hands automatically reaching for her empty sheath.
"Fools." The man stepped out into the light. "Never trust an adversary. Never trust a stranger. Never trust a friend." His black hair and dark eyes were now discernable. His Tolbian armour glittered in the sun. His clothing was finer than the others and his armour suggested rank. "That is what I have learned after so many years with this group. No one can be trusted. Love will only harm. People look out only for themselves. That is the truth of the world. I have learned it, so I have risen far. That," he remarked, drawing a sword, "and my skill. I am known as the Merciless, but I prefer to be known as the Bringer of Truth." He held his sword in front of him. "It is unfortunate that you learned the truth too late. Now, learn the truth of death."
He raised his sword. His eyes displayed no emotion as he walked towards Camellia.
"It is but the truth," he said coldly.
He brought the blade down in a deadly stroke.
---
The swordsman placed his blade and settled his feet.
"I may only be a decurion in the army now," he said. "But should I win tha' sword from you, then the group may pull a few strings, an' ya never know where I may be when you look t' Wey'rd from Tar'trus."
He brought his sword around and aimed directly for Phaeton's Blade, obviously teasing Hal. Hal tried to attack, but it was repelled, and only luck made sure he didn't die. He was obviously going to lose, unless he was able to take the power of the sword and use it. Even at the cost of his own life.
"Wasa matter?" the soldier taunted. "The legendary sword is working . . . for . . . ." His voice died away quickly.
The sword was now glowing a searing white light. Hal's hands were also glowing a slightly less bright that diminished as it moved down his wrists and starting into his arms. He swung it at his opponent.
The young Tolbian screamed as a blinding white rush of power struck him and threw him across the room onto the wall. Thin white streams of light struck him, growing wider as his screams grew fainter and fainter, until they died completely. Moments after, the light vanished. The body slid down the wall, his limbs stuck at odd angles, a trickle of blood running from his mouth.
Hal attempted to put the sword away, but it would have none of it. As the light trickled down his arms, the sword pulsed brighter and brighter until it flew to all corners of the room. The dozen men who had broken in and the remaining priest were all lashed by the streamers that emanated from the sword. Their limbs stretched, trying to escape the restraints of their bodies. The light threatened to tear them apart. When the light disappeared from their bodies, their corpses dropped, splattering blood on the floor from where their skin had refused to hold.
Maura had seen the streamer approach her and attempted to dive out of the way, but her arm was caught by the light. She yelled as her body was engulfed by the hungry energy that tried to rend her in two. She struggled against it, but to no avail.
Suddenly, she felt the pain lessen slightly. Simon had risen unsteadily to his feet, still not recovered from his draining use of Psynergy, his hands glowing.
"Ply. Ply," he hissed desperately, but the light refused to let go of its newfound home. He struggled against it, its power greater than any disease he had faced before. He growled in concentration, and then raised his hand high. "Ply Well!"
A line of blue light connected his raised hand to Maura. Her body shed the light as she dropped slowly to the ground. She had sustained a deep cut on her arm, but was otherwise none the worse for wear. She looked at Simon thankfully. He smiled, but was now swaying from exhaustion. She got up, intending to help steady him.
A bellow of pain, arising from a steady growl that had been growing since the first attack, distracted them. Maura looked over. Hal was now completely glowing, and in obvious pain. His whole body shook.
Suddenly, the sword's light died. It skittered across the floor as Hal's hand finally let go. Hal fell, crashing to the floor, no longer making any noise.
---
Camellia was about to dodge it when another sword raced up to intercept it. Her attacker reacted as fast as she had seen Shi Maido do in battle, taking up his sword's sheath and spinning it. It absorbed most of the damage from Shi Maido's second sword. It fell to the ground in pieces. Both swordsmen jumped backwards, and Camellia dodged back to a safer positon.
"You will not bloody your hands any more," Shi Maido said when he had landed. Camellia nearly stared. She had never heard him, or anyone else, speak so coldly to another. "You already have caused more suffering than you could ever realize."
"Swords in your sleeves, mm?" the Bringer of Truth murmured. "I made a grave error. That is the truth." He nodded at the much smaller swords that Shi Maido had taken out of his sleeves. "If I have been watching carefully enough, that makes one blunt iron sword, an elven weapon, two Izumo iron swords, and now two shorter ones. Pray tell, where did you find them all?"
"It is none of your concern, Claudius Perfidus," Shi Maido replied, still just as cold.
Claudius's eyes widened. "Who are-- How did you-- This is none of your affair, peasant!" he growled. "What are your concerns with me, insolent dog?"
Shi Maido's eyes narrowed into slits. "You do not even deserve to know that. I will tell your body once I kill you." He glared at the Tolbian. "As you once killed my joy," he said quietly, almost to himself.
The Bringer of Truth matched him with a chilling stare of his own. "Die, and learn the truth of it." He brought a small round shield from where it was hanging on his back to his hand.
"Shinu," Shi Maido hissed.
Shi Maido launched his attack with lightning speed. His swords aimed for different parts of his enemy's body, his left heading towards the thigh, his right cutting at the side. Before Camellia could even register this, Claudius had blocked with both his sword and his shield.
"Too slow," he hissed and pushed both swords away and brought his straight towards his opponent's chest.
Shi Maido's swords were already there, blocking and returning with a blow that didn't allow Camellia to even see the blade. The Bringer of Truth still managed to block it and disengaged, sword at the ready.
They stared at each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Shi Maido's eyes flicked to one side and back for a fraction of a second. A moment later, he leaped sideways and gave a twirling kick to the face of the man holding their weapons. He sheathed his swords in an eye blink, and was out of the way, holding the sword, before Claudius's sword struck. He hit his own soldier in the shoulder, severely, although not fatally, wounding him. Shi Maido was back in position even before the Bringer of Truth could even yank his sword out. The Izumo swordsman attacked, but Claudius was able to spin and block it with his shield.
"Do you think Shi Maido can win?" Camellia whispered to Marlel as the two swordsmen began a furious block and parry routine.
"I have no idea," Marlel answered honestly. "They appear nearly equal in skill, but I believe Shi has a very slight advantage at the moment."
At this point, Shi Maido had launched another attack that was blocked by the shield. This time, however, Claudius twisted his shield, trapping Shi Maido's sword in its wood. He attacked with his sword and, unwilling to let go of the elven sword, Shi Maido dodged, one hand still on the sword. He continued to duck and manoeuvre as Claudius's sword whisked around. He lost a few hairs and several slashes in his shirt showed places where he had escaped a deadly blow by centimetres. Finally, Shi Maido kicked out at his opponent's sword arm, delaying the next attack. He shattered the shield with a move and disengaged.
The Bringer of Truth smiled. "It appears we are equals in swordsmanship. That is the truth. However, there is more than one way to fight a battle. You are not gifted with Psynergy. You have a disadvantage, therefore. That is the truth. Learn this truth as you lose your life."
His raised left hand twitched, glowing purple. The glow intensified and then disappeared.
For a moment, Camellia thought nothing had happened, but then she glanced at Shi Maido. He was glowing the same purple and wasn't moving at all.
The Bringer of Truth laughed. "None, unless skilled in Psynergy, have escaped my spell of immobilization. That is the truth. I could kill you now, but I would much prefer if I let you watch as your friends die because of your inability to kill me."
He walked over to Camellia and Marlel, who were looking for a way out. Unfortunately, they were trapped in the middle of a circle of soldiers and hardened mercenaries.
"Never trust an enemy."
He smiled, but that smile did not reach his eyes.
"Never trust a stranger."
The sun glinted off the longsword that he held with such confidence. The crossbar on the hilt was stained red, as were the splotches that ran along the leather wrapping the hilt.
"Never trust a friend."
He waved a hand at the frozen Shi Maido. Shi Maido's face was a mask of concentration.
"That," Claudius remarked, levelling his blade, "is the truth."
"Iie!" a voice cried.
"What?" Claudius cried, barely blocking the swift strike from Shi Maido. He stared, disbelieving, at the man and at the spell that lay shattered at his feet. "How did you break my spell? I will know the truth!"
Shi Maido made no reply as he prepared his blade.
Claudius was about to attack when he cocked his head, as if listening. "Hmm? . . . Fine. If that is your will." He looked back at them, sheathing his sword with a confident smile. "Most unfortunately, I am not allowed to finish you. This is no longer my affair. That is the truth. Attention!" he said, addressing the soldiers. "A retreat has been ordered. That is the truth, and it is her will!"
In a flash, he vanished.
The soldiers looked at each other in alarm and began to flee. They were met by the ragged remainder of the town militia, which had been aided when Shi Maido struck down any stragglers from the barbarians holding them back.
"Marlel-san," Shi Maido instructed. "Please help the militia. Despite the inability of these ones, they may benefit from your help."
He walked over to the fallen man, who was still clutching their swords, and picked up the one he had given Marlel and Camellia's sword. He handed the iron blade over to Marlel. Marlel nodded and ran over to the militia, who were doing very well.
Camellia tried to join him, but Shi Maido placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We cannot forget the soldiers inside the temple, Camellia-kun," he reminded her. "Come. We will be needed."
He walked swiftly over and opened the door to the inner sanctuary.
---
Maura tried to say something, but nothing would come out. She ran over to her adopted father.
She grabbed the front of his robe. "Wake up, father," she said desperately. "Wake up."
"He won' wake up," a ragged voice said.
She looked over to the source of the voice. The leader of the group that was now scattered across the room rose unsteadily. His sword was broken against the wall, but his hand held a knife. His left arm hung uselessly from his side. A trickle of blood still flowed from his mouth. His trembling legs somehow supported him across the room.
"I'll make sur' of it," he said, coughing up blood. "I'm sure I'll be rewarded if I can still manage t' retrieve the temple stuff and kill all three o' you!" He dived forward with the dagger.
He was almost on top of Hal when a rush of focused air shot at his neck, and he stumbled backwards. He coughed more blood onto the already bloodstained floor and breathed even more unevenly and labouredly.
"I din't expect tha'. Wind spell. Nearly crushed me pipes. But now, I'll kill ya first!" His dagger raised over his head, his eyes alight, he staggered over to Maura.
He didn't make it. Simon, who had been making his way over unnoticed, judged where the man was by the sound of his voice and swung his staff across to hit the unsteady man in the chest. Normally, this would not have affected him noticeably, but, in his weakened state, he tumbled backwards. He noticed the sword clutched and still held upright by one of the dead warriors. He tumbled through the air and managed to twist himself sideways. As the flesh on his back was torn by the edge of the blade, he noticed, too late, that he couldn't stop his rolling motion. He impaled himself through the stomach on the sword held by the man who had fallen beside his comrade.
Simon didn't even seem to notice the dying man, but kneeled down at Hal's side. After a few moments that seemed like an eternity, his hands glowed softly the blue colour of Mercury. He had only used Ply for a moment before his eyes widened and he stopped.
"Why have you stopped? Simon, you have to . . . ." Maura pleaded.
"It's no use," he said softly.
"No use? What do you--?"
"When someone tries to heal another who is beyond the aid of healing spells, they hear what is said to be the Reaper's call. The Reaper has already decided his death and now comes to claim his soul."
"No!" Maura yelled. "You must be able to . . . you're a healer, and you're just leaving him!" Tears began to stream from her eyes.
Hal stirred slightly. "Maura," he said weakly.
"Father?" she asked, stopping, scared that if she moved, she would burst the dream that she thought it must be.
"You're safe? Thanks be to Fate . . . ." He coughed for a moment, and then continued. "Don't grieve for me. I have only one regret with leaving this life . . . ."
"Father, don't say things like that!" Maura reprimanded quickly.
"It's no use. I see the Reaper at the door. He beckons me . . . . I apologise. If I was . . . stronger, I wouldn't leave you . . . forgive me."
"It's not your fault," Simon assured him. "I'm surprised you're still alive after what happened to you."
"You survived too . . . ? Then I at least helped a couple of people . . . through my death."
"Father, no!" Maura exclaimed.
"Do not worry, Maura . . . I go to a better place . . . . Be happy. If I was stronger, I would stay with you . . . . I'm sorry." His hand brushed her cheek. He whispered, so softly she could barely hear him now, "I'm so sorry . . . ."
He stiffened and his hand fell. His eyes closed gently.
"Father? No, Father!" Maura screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. She sobbed for a few moments and then rose. "It's those soldiers fault!" she said angrily in a choked voice. "I'll kill them!"
She started towards the door where the sounds of battle still rang, but Simon grabbed her arm.
"Let me go!" she ordered.
Simon shook his head. "I'm not going to let you lose your life over this."
"Let me go!" She struggled against his grip and squirmed loose.
Simon made another blind grab and luckily caught her collar. "Listen to me! Your father risked his life in order to keep you safe! Are you going to annul the sacrifice he made for you?"
She stared at him defiantly for a moment, but then just sat and began to sob. Simon, unsure how to handle things, just stood there, listening at the sounds of battle outside.
---
Maura was still crying when she felt a hand on her shoulder. A handkerchief was pressed into her hand.
"Be strong, young one," Shi Maido told her. As she blew her nose, he sat down next to her. After a moment, he began to sing softly, a haunting tune in his native language. Maura's crying grew softer and she finally was lulled into sleep, leaning against the man. He stared off into the distance as he cradled her in his arms, still humming the tune.
Camellia, hanging back uncertainly, wondered what he was thinking.
When Marlel entered later, his sword bloodied, he looked at the Hal's body and then at Simon. The blind healer nodded sadly. Marlel swallowed as a solitary tear slid down his face.
"Marlel-san." The soft request came from the floor. Marlel looked down and was surprised to see the ruthless killer holding Maura comfortingly. "Please take care of this child once I've left. I no longer wish to kill you. Claudius is now my target, and I will need my sword back. If I can kill him, I will have no need to kill any more," he told him, and added wistfully, "Perhaps I'll be able to be at peace with myself."
Within minutes, Shi Maido had left and was on his way, searching for the Bringer of Truth. He turned back once to look at the temple.
"Gambatte, little one," he murmured, and left, on the trail of his next victim.
---
Yoshimi: What do you think of my first attempt at angst?
Alfred: -wearing apron over cloak- -washing dishes in sink- I thought it--
-CRASH!-
Yoshimi: What in the world? -looks out the window-
Guy: Hiten Mitsurugi Style! Ryu-son-sen! -attacks realistic life-sized Matthew effigy- -trips over his own feet- -falls to the ground- -gets up- Grr! I will defeat you, Matthew!
Yoshimi: Oh. It's just Guy. -sticks head back inside- I wonder where the dummy came from.
Alfred: I asked him to be a muse in exchange for food.
Yoshimi: -sighs- Not Guy, the Matthew dummy that Guy is whacking about.
Alfred: Oh. -pauses, positively pensive- I don't know. -continues washing dishes-
Yoshimi: -looks back outside- Hey, why is Guy on top of that . . . oh no.
Guy: Hiten Mitsurugi Style! Ryu-tsui-sen! -jumps and falls sword first- -misses Matthew effigy- -falls on his face-
Yoshimi: Oh dear.
Guy: -wobbles about, dizzy- -spots something- Must . . . train . . . be . . . best. Hiten Misturugi Style! Ryu-sho-sen!
Yoshimi: Wrong direction . . . Guy . . . -trails off- -runs towards the door- NO! STOP, GUY! THAT'S NOT THE DUMMY!
Guy: -sword bounces off something- Not the dummy? Then what. . . ? -looks up at enraged figure-
Yoshimi: -covers eyes with hands- It's Vyctori's muse, Menardi.
Menardi: -growls at Guy- And just what was that for?
Alfred: -sticks head out of window- Oh, hello, Menardi! You've come to do the review-threats? -yanks head back inside as Pyroclasm rushes by-
Yoshimi: -squeaking- We're dead.