RAGNAROK ONLINE FANFIC
TRANSGRESSIONS OF FATEBy: RAGNAR (that really is my name)
Chapter 19: Broken CrossMeshido and Kevin's ears were filled with the choir's singing as they went through the huge oaken doors of the Holy Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary's great halls were filled with Acolytes and Priests of every height and color going about their business. A path opened before them as the curtain of black and brown robes parted when the occupying Servants saw them.
Murmurs followed in their wake when the people found out who they were.
Two years and it would seem the entire Guild of Servants still hasn't forgotten why he left.
Meshido inwardly cringed when the memory suddenly came back to him.
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It was too early in the morning for even the first rooster to crow.
The Sanctuary was filled with the cleaning lady's scream when she found Azarel's dead body lying near the altar. The Bishop's corpse lay on a pool of his own blood with his throat cut and belly open. The man's brains spilled from a gaping hole on his skull.
Meshido was the first Priest on the scene. He thought that it was only an injury and that his only concern at the moment was to Heal the man as soon as possible. It would seem that Azarel was already dead before he even hit the ground.
He closed the dead Bishop's eyes before placing his hands over the man's head.
"MARUS? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"
The memory slammed into him with such great intensity that he broke his link with Azarel's mind.
The Bishop had only been dead for a short time – the memories were still fresh. Meshido rubbed his forehead before trying again, this time, with less focus.
Darkness fell around his consciousness. Every sensation faded away from him as he wandered on across Azarel's last moments.
He felt panic when he found out that he was no longer in control of himself. Panic that quickly turned to acceptance when he was now in Azarel's body.
The world around Meshido faded away as his consciousness was taken over by Azarel's thoughts. Mind lost its identity as he wrapped himself tighter in the dead man's memories.
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Then, he was Azarel.
Azarel turned around to find Marus Rain-Seeker behind him. The Black Assassin's cloak billowed behind Marus even if there was no wind.
"Marus? What are you doing here?"
Marus Rain-Seeker was a strange man to Azarel. He hardly spoke unless spoken to, not to mention that cloak of his that was very unsettling from the way it floated in the air.
More unsettling about the Assassin though, were his eyes. Even if the left eye seemed completely blind, Azarel had a feeling that Marus can see more than he let out.
Suddenly, Marus charged at him with knives in hand. The blades whistled as they passed through the air.
Azarel was lucky enough to cast Kyrie Eleison on himself just before the blades slammed on his chest.
The Assassin was thrown back a few feet when he hit the barrier. The man's lips peeled back into a snarl when he charged again. This time, Azarel fought back.
Azarel was no fighter, nor did he know what was going on, or why his friend was attacking him, but he had no choice now. Marus will no longer listen to reason when he is within a few feet of his target.
It's either fight or die.
Azarel swung his chain in an attempt to stun Marus. The blow swooped by the Assassin's head when Marus back-stepped to avoid it.
That was the biggest mistake Azarel ever made.
He felt his barrier split and shatter when Marus' knives slashed repeatedly at him. He then saw the Assassin turning around with a blade glinting in the penetrating sunlight.
Pain erupted from his leg when he found himself hamstrung by Marus' weapon. Before he could scream, another knife went past his throat and belly.
Suddenly, he felt a sharp tug on his head.
And everything went black.
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Meshido gasped as soon as the link with Azarel severed itself. His mind tethered at the edge when he tried to regain a semblance of balance.
Who was this Marus Rain-Seeker?
He didn't know that he spoke that last though aloud until he heard a voice speak from behind him. "Marus Rain-Seeker Shadow-Eyes is a murderer, Meshido... I am sorry for your Bishop friend."
Meshido didn't need to turn around to find out who just spoke to him. The High Priest's voice was always heard every Sunday when he preached to the attending Acolytes and Priests.
The High Priest Ruven placed his hand on his shoulder as if to comfort him. "It is wrong to seek vengeance, Meshido, we are to place all in the hands of God and He will deliver justice in His own good time."
Meshido hardly gave him any heed, but he spoke anyway, "Why are we to wait, High Father? Why are we just to sit here and watch as the one who did this run off free?"
He stood up and met the man's gaze, "Are we supposed to be martyrs? Flogged and beaten for all to see? Slaves to the very people we were meant only to serve?"
Then, the High Priest did something he didn't expect. Ruven smiled. "Very well spoken, Father Meshido. That is why I put you in charge of finding Marus Shadow-Eyes and to bring him to the Court of Prontera. The Special Forces is lucky to have men such as you in their ranks."
Meshido turned to Azarel's dead body and asked, "Why can't I resurrect him?"
Ruven let out a sigh as he stood over the Bishop's corpse, "Azarel did not wish to run from death." The High Priest let out another sigh, "he may be a Bishop of the Order, but he still has the sands of Morroc in his veins."
Meshido picked up his staff from the floor before heading for the doors, "I see."
Ruven sighed again while turning to him. The man's eyes looked tired, "I regret losing such a talented Priest like you, Meshido. But please, come back safe and sound when you find Shadow Eyes."
"I will."
Meshido let the gates close behind him as he walked away from the Sanctuary.
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"WHAT?! YOU LET HIM GET AWAY?!" Ruven slammed his fist on the office table when he heard the news.
Meshido winced in surprise at the High Priest's anger "We had some complications, High Father. The situation demanded that Shadow Eyes be released."
Ruven gritted his teeth as he glared at him. "Oh, so the you let Sei – " the High Priest seemed to catch himself in mid-sentence, "I mean, Marus go because the 'situation demanded it'?"
"Yes, High Father."
The High Priest stood up from his chair and stood next to the stained glass window. His back was Meshido, while he crossed his arms behind him. "And what might that 'situation' be, Father Meshido?"
Meshido looked away "... I can't say."
Ruven drew himself up into full height as he viewed the city from the Sanctuary "Very well... as of today, you are stripped of rank and privileges as a Priest of the Order. You are to pack your belongings, other than the items granted to you by the Church, and leave the Sanctuary at once... You may go."
And just like that, he was stripped of his Calling.
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Kevin turned around to find his friend with a bag slung over his shoulder.
The Sanctuary's halls were next to deserted now that most of the Acolytes and Priests went out to the city to perform their duties and errands.
It didn't take long for him to find out that Meshido had actually been excommunicated. It was unjust, he knew, but "the High Priest's word is law within the Church" and Kevin can do nothing about it.
Kevin saw that Meshido was wearing his old clothes again. The now former Priest was wearing an old grey Japanese gi, which was basically all that the man had left in his possession, his clothes and all the items in the bag. The way the man walked made him look like some sort of shamed ronin.
And the look in his eyes made him look like Glast Heim's wanderers.
He took the bag from Meshido's weary shoulders, it was the least he could do, "Look, Meshido, you're still a Priest, you know? His Holy Pomposity can take away your clothes and title, but that still won't take away your purpose."
Their footsteps can be heard despite the choir's singing.
Meshido spoke in a tired voice, "I know, Kevin. It's just... tiring, to find yourself no longer called something you tried so hard to be."
Kevin punched Meshido lightly on the head, "Hey, you're looking at someone who knows exactly how you feel, you little shit-head. So cheer up a bit will ya?"
Meshido rubbed his forehead from Kevin's punch as he glared at him for a moment, "If I recall correctly, you weren't kicked out of the Crusader's Guild. You quit."
Kevin grunted, "All right, I quit the Guild. That doesn't mean I quit being a Crusader. Sure, I say that I'm not one anymore, but to hell with it, I still am no matter what I do."
"Whatever."
After a long silence, Kevin heard another set of footsteps.
"Meshido! Wait!" Someone cried out.
Turning around, Kevin saw a woman running towards them. Her long black hair flowed behind her in a braid while her eyes were filled with concern.
"Mara", Kevin heard Meshido speak the woman's name with a touch of sadness.
The woman stopped in front of them while hugging Meshido. "I heard the news, Meshido, I am so sorry."
Meshido cupped Mara's face, "There's no need to be sorry, Mara, what's done is done. There is no longer anything neither your nor I can do about it now."
"Sister Mara!" a Priest emerged from a darkened corner, "don't you have duties to be done at the city infirmary?"
Mara wiped tears before turning to the Priest, "Forgive me, Father Elan, I was just seeing my friend off."
Elan took a look at Meshido and nodded, Kevin couldn't tell if it was approval or disgust. After a long silence, "Very well, but don't be late. I can't handle all those injured Treasure and Bounty Hunters on my own."
Mara bowed, "Thank you, Father Elan."
She pulled off her necklace and gave it to Meshido. The center jewel was a ruby that sparkled gently on the sunlight. "To remember me by," she said with a small smile.
Meshido looked at the jewel at and placed it in his pocket. "Thank you."
Mara hugged Meshido one more time, "I... have to go." And with that, she ran off towards Elan's direction.
Kevin turned to Meshido while trying to adjust the bag on his shoulder, "Can we go now?"
Meshido just stood there before saying anything, "Lead the way, Kevin."
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Jarade and Michelle lay in the shadows as they tried to hide from a passing Minorus. The monster's hot breath turned to steam as the thing passed by.
Tonight was another raid on the enemy food supply. The stuff the invaders fed on wasn't exactly healthy, but at least they can live off it for a while. It was a wonder on Jarade's part that the missing supplies weren't even noticed.
Pulling Michelle behind him, they both dashed for the next alley, a few more blocks to go and they would be able to take the food they need.
Footseps...
He covered the Acolyte with his cloak as he melded to the nearest shadow. The passing squad of skeletons ran past them in two long files. Jarade's heart hammered on his chest when he found a Nightmare drawn carriage flanked by a squad of skeleton archers and five Majorus. If those horses get any closer, Jarade and Michelle will be sensed and the both of them are as sure as dead.
As if sensing his anxiety, Michelle clung tighter to his chest when she heard the noise of the wagon's wheels on the city's cobblestones. Her body shook at the effort of trying not to cry.
Lucky for them, the Nightmares were driven by the snap of a whip. The horses were probably busy running to even notice them.
Then, risking a short peek at who might the passenger be, he found that it was a... thing with a flaming skull for a head. The man – he supposed he should call it that, for now – was wearing a Wizard's uniform from the little he saw from his vantage point, that was all could find before the carriage rushed pass their hiding place.
Releasing the shadow, he took a look at Michelle, "Are you all right?"
The girl nodded nervously.
"Let's go."
The next few blocks were easier for some reason. The streets lacked the guards that they encountered the last few days. He found out why when they finally reached the stockpile.
The two of them found a way up a pile of empty crates and barrels to take a peek from the overhead windows. Below them, they found the skull-faced Wizard speaking to the gathered undead and monsters. He was speaking behind a pulpit on top of a makeshift stage as his voice rang across the warehouse.
"Brothers, creatures of the night, and servants of the Shadow, hear me!"
The Wizard threw his hands up for silence. "Too long has Prontera stood in our way! Too long has its Priests barred us from OUR dream of the eternal grave! Too long have they hunted us!"
The gathered creatures shouted their agreement. The noise almost shook the two of them from their little perch.
"Not anymore! Brethren, when we finally have our forces gathered here, we will finally deliver our wrath to that wretched Order of the Light!"
Shields were rattled, swords were waved as everyone in the warehouse cheered the Wizard's news.
Michelle's grip on him tightened, her face was pale and her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke, "Oh my God... Jarade, we have to warn them! I can't let this same thing happen to my home!"
Jarade tightened his grip on her hand, trying to calm her down, "We'll find a way out of here, Michelle, I promise you that."
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Leish wathced the creatures leave the warehouse as he waited for his agent to arrive.
Suddenly, a portal opened behind him. The newcomer who came out was human by all outward appearances, but in Leish's opinion, only a fool would call a doppelganger human.
Leish spoke, "It took you a while to come here, what news of our seeds in Prontera?"
The doppelganger dropped to one knee as he addressed him, "Master Leish, everything went as planned, however, we were unable to capture Sei'Gash."
Leish dismissed the news with a wave of his hand. "The demon no longer fits into the equation now. Return to Prontera and continue with your mission, High Priest Ruven."
The doppelganger grinned as his face slowly morphed into that of another person. Likewise, his clothes changed into the robes of a Pronteran High Priest.
"As you command, master, so shall I obey." Still on its knee, the doppelganger wrapped itself in the glowing pillar of a portal before disappearing.
If Leish had lips, he would have smiled. Soon, Prontera would only have the Undead for an army, and its Priests would stand against it all on their own.
Everything went according to plan. Sei'Gash was never part of it, just a bonus to add to all the chaos.
The demon no longer mattered since he had visited enough graves – and made enough deals with more than enough monsters – to raise an army that will be more than a match for Prontera's forces.
He would have preferred the carriage again, but he had other things to do. Opening a portal, he formed more plans in his head.
He liked planning; he liked it if they were executed flawlessly. The flames coming from the collar of his uniform flared up as he stepped through the portal.
Yes... everything must go to plan.
And every plan must be done precise.
Yes... precision must be attained.
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Marus found himself in the dream again. But somehow, it was different. It felt more... real.
He walked the bleak wasteland. The sea of blood was black beneath his boots. His knives were tucked and well concealed all over his body while the Twins lay sheathed at his back.
Lightning with no thunder flashed across the sky as he walked alone in the world.
He saw the hooded man speak to him, but this time, the words were different. "The blood of the innocent is as thick as that of the guilty, Shadow Eyes. How many more people, however evil they are, must you kill to finally know this?"
Part of him was surprised at the man's new words. Aside from the time when he was appointed his new mission, a change in the dream never happened before. But, nevertheless, he answered, "Someone has to pay for Sei'Gash's crimes. If it was to be me, then so be it."
His double threw back the black cloak while motioning towards the sight behind him, "Then let it be Sei'Gash who carries out the sentence, not you! You know full well, just as I do, that you are as innocent as the ones he killed!"
Marus shouted back, "I am not innocent! Look around you! Everyone and everything lying there is MY doing! Every dead body here is there by MY hands! Tell me, how am I innocent!?"
The man's face contorted from anger, "Because it was not you who killed those people, Shadow Eyes! It was Sei'Gash who ruined El'nalla to the last cornerstone. It was Sei'Gash who walled up the city of Redonis and tortured everyone to death. It was Sei'Gash who made this sea of blood before you. None of that was your doing, Shadow Eyes, NONE!"
Marus was at the brink of drawing the Twins, "MY NAME IS MARUS!"
The man thumped his fist to his chest and spoke back through gritted teeth, "NO! I am the real Marus! I was the one who was born from my mother's womb! I was the one who was driven deep inside this soul by the demon's voice! I was the one who tried to stop him from taking over!"
The man thumped his chest again, "ME, Shadow Eyes! I am real! You are just the product of the demon's madness!"
Marus had only a few moments to feel his shock when he was jerked awake.
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"Marus! Marus! Are you all right?"
It was the Keeper's voice. Sunlight broke through the canopy of trees as his eyes slowly opened.
It was already late in the morning.
Marus rubbed his good eye as he tried to wake up, "I... I guess. I just had a bad dream, that's all."
Mae nodded as if to acknowledge his reply. She then turned to the city's direction, "They're back."
Marus looked up to find Kevin and Meshido walking up the road towards them. The Priest was wearing different clothing now. Why he was dressed like that was a question he would leave for later.
Placing the Twins at his back, he stood up to greet them.