"Kiran! Wake up! Kiran!" Alfonse said while shaking me awake.
"Ughhh… my head… curse that stupid hag…" I muttered while still half awake.
"Kiran how many fingers am I holding up?" Anna asked while holding up three of her fingers.
"Im fine Anna. It's three fingers. More importantly… where the heck is the marshmallow girl? I owe her an apology" I groaned.
"Marshmallow? Don't you mean Mercedes, Kiran?" Anna asked with concern.
"I didn't know her name because I blacked out before I could ask her. Her hair is a little floofy, like a marshmallow so that's what I called her."
"It's all right Kiran… Professor Eisner calls me Marshmallow sometimes too. I'm Mercedes by the way! Prince Alfonse has already filled me in on everything, so you don't need to worry about the details. What's more important is that head injury and the magical exhaustion you are having trouble with. I need you to sit still for just one moment, please."
I swore this girl was heavenly. Her healing abilities and her angelic voice instantly obliterated all of the pain I was feeling. The warmth of the healing magic radiating through my body was comforting to me.
"Mercedes, I am in your debt. Every summoning has been agonizing for me and summoning heroes is part of my job. I'm sorry you had to see me collapse like that. I'm kinda embarrassed that I fell asleep before I could introduce myself properly. So um… Im Kiran Knight, and as you may have heard from my friends, I am the summoner and tactician of the Order of Heroes. "
"You're very sweet. Now you must remember… do not overdo it with your magic. I've never seen anyone this magically drained."
"I wasn't using magic exactly. I was just using Breidablik. I wouldn't dare bring my tome with me when I can barely control my own aim. I'd end up hurting my allies instead of hurting my enemies with how bad I am at magic"
"Is it possible that Briedablik uses a bit of your magic energy when you summon heroes?" Mercedes asked a bit unsure of how this could be happening to me.
"Unfortunately, there's not much I know about Breidablik. I mean I know a lot about how some of it sort of works, but I don't know why it works. I don't even know if the orbs are a power source, or if I am somehow subconsciously providing energy to it. I just load it with orbs and pull the trigger. Sometimes… I feel like it's speaking to me. It doesn't 'talk' persay, but sometimes I will take it out, and suddenly I know that I'll have a higher chance of summoning for certain heroes. There's a lot more to it, but if I try to explain everything in one go, we'd actually be dead before we finish."
"Oh my… it certainly sounds a lot like the Heroes Relics from my world. It seems like a weapon beyond our mortal understanding… I am sure that Professor Hanneman would be interested in it if he ever saw it. Do you happen to have a Crest?"
"Probably not. I don't even know what a Crest is, but I've never been to your world so I very much doubt that." I said, shaking my head at her.
"I see… at any rate, I've decided to stick with you from now on. If you're going to be going against death, you are going to need all the healing you can get. I'll be praying to the goddess for your victory and safety." Mercedes said, with her voice sounding sweet like honey.
"Thank you for agreeing to help Kiran. I'm afraid she has a terrible habit of pushing herself too much. I can't help but worry for her wellbeing, especially since we are in enemy territory." Al's face scrunched up.
"Gee thanks for your vote of confidence there, Al. I know I'm a serial workaholic, but I'm just doing everything I can to help you guys win this war. If we can manage that, then..."
"All I am saying is that I don't want you to risk your health just for us. That stunt you did earlier… I don't know what I'd do if you got yourself killed. I care about you… and I do not wish to fight you if you meet your end here.You promised me that you wouldn't recklessly endanger yourself"
"It's sweet of you to worry about me but… we are at war, you know. There's a real possibility that any of us here could die. If I die here… do not hesitate to shove a blade through me if I show up to fight you from beyond the grave. I will do everything I can to make sure you and Sharena stay alive. It would pain me greatly if you die. Promise me that you'll do everything to stay alive and I will keep my promises and stay close to you."
"Of course, Kiran. I wouldn't have it any other way. It makes us even in a way."
Mercedes giggled at little at this exchange.
"Mercedes… why are you laughing?" Asked Sharena.
"Oh nothing… I was just thinking about how dedicated Kiran and Prince Alfonse are to each other. It's almost like the classic story books in Fódlan. They are very sweet with each other."
"I dunno about it being sweet… I just value the time I spend with Al. We are partners after all." I say, while trying to hide the fact that I could feel my face turning beet red.
"A-agreed. Anyway, I think it's best that we continue onward for now. Do you think you can stand now?" Al asked extending out his arm to help me up
I nodded. "Yeah I think I can stand on my own now. I'll let you know if I start feeling unwell again. I don't want to slow us down on the account of my own mistakes." I then took his hand and got up. I felt a bit wobbly at first, but after a minute or two, I regained my strength and balance.
"If you ever feel like you can't stand on your own, I will let you fly with me and Lyfja. What Mother is doing to you is cruel. I don't fully understand why she is doing this to you. On your own, you are relatively harmless. Unless…" Eir fell silent. Her face looked a bit more morose than usual.
"Is there something you know about her condition, Eir?" Anna asked.
"Only a theory. The weapon Kiran uses to summon Heroes… it can bring Heroes bound to Kiran's contract back from the dead if they fall in battle, correct?"
"Yeah. I try to minimize the deaths though. I can only imagine what it would be like to be killed over and over again. I don't wish to subject them to that." I replied
"A weapon that can be used to cheat death… I think I understand why Hel would target her now. Is it enough to be a threat to her?" Al didn't look too happy about this new bit of information, but part of him seemed hopeful to get a new lead on a possible weakness on Hel.
"No, but it's enough to earn her ire. You saw it earlier didn't you? The way King Gustav had seemed to fixate all of his attacks on her. I'm certain that she is intent on killing her." Eir sighed.
"Well color me shocked. A death goddess wants me dead. I knew what I signed up for so this doesn't change much for me. The only thing this changes is how we will need to approach our strategies. Eir, do you know where Hel is?"
Eir nodded. "I know where her stronghold is. I can take you there. Follow me I know the fastest route."
"Thank you Eir. I just hope we don't encounter too many enemy troops. I'm not sure if I'm physically ready to run circles around an undead army just yet"
"I can't guarantee that we won't run into Mother's generals, but where we are going… there won't be many of her troops there. The place we are going to go through is no longer in use, so Mother wouldn't be guarding it heavily."
"Fair enough, but let's still be cautious. Alfonse stay with me. Chrom, I want you to let Mercedes ride with you for now. Anna, I want you go ahead and scout the area as we go. Use Noátun if anyone gets too close. Sharena, I want you to stay close to Eir and make sure to keep any stray arrows away from her." I said giving out orders to everyone.
Eir then flew ahead and we followed her into the vast and dark expanse of Hel. It was the first time I could really take in the scenery. Well… it wasn't exactly scenic per say, but that would be because Hel wasn't exactly a colorful and lively place to begin with.
"This place really is as they say. It's dark as a crypt... We really are in Helheim." Alfonse said aloud to himself.
"Yeah… it's pretty surreal to me. If it weren't for the inhabitants trying to kill us, I would wonder if this were a dream of some sort." I muttered
"This land is ruled by my mother. After death, those who deserve nothing more than eternal suffering come to reside here. The dead gather here from all the realms, and each soul that enters Helheim grant my mother more strength and power."
"What about you Princess Eir? Are you… one of the dead?" Alfonse asked with curiosity.
"I think she is alive. She sure doesn't look like any of the dead we've encountered so far" I supplied
"Yeah I agree with Kiran. Remember Líf and Thrasir? They have those weird glowing see-through body parts and you can see their bones. It's kinda freaky and gross, honestly. But look at you Eir! Your skin is positively glowing! A dead person can't possibly have skin that good." Sharena said.
"My… skin?" Eir looked at her with confusion
"I've always sort of assumed that you were alive. I mean... I suppose it would be natural to assume that you could be dead, considering that you are the princess of Hel. I have been watching you for awhile and based on my observations, I have a hard time believing that you would be dead." I say calmly.
"Yes, I am mortal. I can't rise again like my mother's troops can… sometimes… I would wish for my own permanent death. If I could die and rise up like they could, then perhaps Mother would look at me. I'm practically worthless to her alive."
"Eir…" Al was quite speechless when he heard her confession.
"That's… Awful! I have no words that can describe my disgust towards her right now… it's sickening to me." I balled up my fists tightly. I always sort of knew that Hel was cruel and uncaring but… even her own daughter was given this treatment.
We were then approached by Lif, who had seemingly came out of nowhere. His eyes glared at us. His killing intent had made it clear enough just from that alone, but his entire body exuded a murderous aura. There was also this weird sense of familiarity that I just could not shake off of my mind. I tried telling myself that since Líf was the first king of Askr, that maybe it was just the family resemblance to Alfonse but… somehow, that didn't feel like it was the right answer. I kept getting the feeling that we knew each other. I mean we've met before a few times as enemies but… it felt like I was seeing an old friend. Again, Alfonse and Líf were distantly related so maybe I was just misattributing my feelings of friendship towards Líf as them looking alike and possibly sharing some of the same mannerisms. Líf was much more cruel and cold and that's where the difference was. Alfonse was serious, yet warm and kind. None of it was making sense to me.
"You again." Lif said moodily.
"Líf... First King of Askr." Alfonse said.
"The land of the dead is not for the likes of mortals, living boy. That goes double for the girl with the ancient relic. I could crush her windpipe in half easily." Líf then literally went straight for my throat. That was a big mistake on his part.
I've never seen Al so… angry before. You could practically see the steam coming out of his ears as he protected me from Líf's attack. Alfonse countered his opponent and the battle began in earnest. It all felt like a blur to me… but one thing that stood out to me as a strategist was the way Líf commanded his own troops. His sword was quite powerful, so much so that it hurt even his own allies. The most interesting part was that they were equipped in such a way that getting hurt only made them stronger and faster. This made getting rid of Líf a top priority for my plans. I shouted out orders to everyone, all while staying close to Al like I had promised.
I was starting to worry about Al since he was beginning to let his anger get the best of him. I had Mercedes stay close to us incase he got too reckless and got himself injured. I paid special attention to Alfonse's movements and the way he handled his sword. He was starting to get sloppy and it wasn't going to be long until Líf notices this and tries to take advantage of it. I wasn't going to let Alfonse die like this.
"Alfonse! You need to calm down and focus! I need you to stay alive!" I shouted.
"I'll be fine! Don't worry about me! I won't allow him to harm you!"
"I know, but don't get too carried away!"
Alfonse's blade intersected Líf's blade kinda like how you see it in the movies where the two opposing blades are pushing on each other. Sparks were flying from the friction between them. I wondered if I should step in and somehow give him an edge. If Al dies, it would mean his father's sacrifice would mean nothing in the end. My heart would break too, but the state of my heart would be inconsequential to the greater picture here. If Al dies, Sharena would be left to take over Askr. I knew that it wouldn't be an arrangement that she would be happy with. More importantly… I fear that Askr wouldn't be very stable if he died and we survived. At the very least, the kingdom would be weakened enough to make invasions from Embla much easier for them. Veronica would definitely try to take over Askr if Alfonse died.
"Kiran I know what you are thinking! Don't. I'll deal with it."
"Then go for the knees! You're shorter than him so he has the advantage over you. Don't let him use it!"
Alfonse followed my advice and gave him a powerful kick to his knees. The force of which, actually toppled Líf over like a house of cards. I was legitimately impressed by the amount of sheer force that was applied to make him fall over like that. I felt a weird sense of pride from seeing Alfonse fight like this… it made me feel just for a moment… like I was contributing to the actual fight even if he did all of the work.
Alfonse hovered over Líf, pointing Folkvanger at his throat as if to emphasize Líf's defeat. Though it probably didn't matter as much since Líf was already dead anyway. Kinda hard to fear death when you are already dead and all, so such threats were empty at best.
"You are but a fool. You cannot deny Death. Like all mortals, you'll try to avoid it but your efforts will fail. You will never understand until your death." Líf spat.
Lif then disappeared into thin air as if he wasn't ever there to begin with. Al was clenching his fists and was nearly growling with anger. It startled me and even Sharena who had known him all of her life. I slowly approached him, reached out for his hand and grabbed it. I interlaced my fingers with his and held his hand with a firm grasp. Oh boy, I have really done it this time.
"K-kiran! Wh-what in the name of Askr's light are you doing?" He was surprised by my… direct approach.
"I just want to calm you down a little. He's gone now, but we'll get him next time. I can't have you lose your head to your own anger. You'll get yourself killed if you keep rushing in like that. I feared that you weren't going to make it without help." I said softly
"B-but… why are you holding my hand?" Alfonse blushed intensely.
"Because I want to. You are always protecting me and I can't help but feel like I should do more to support you. Your hands feel pretty nice and warm by the way." I grinned mischievously at him. I was enjoying his reaction way too much.
"T-this is a war zone Kiran! You are acting a bit strange…"
"I guess I am still a little scatterbrained from the side effects of whatever Hel did to me. I honestly don't know. Or maybe I just feel the need to be closer to you. Either way, we need to keep moving. Our next stop is just ahead." I let go of his hand.
"I… j-just warn me next time."
"Of course. I only meant to calm you down but if you really want me to do this again, just ask. I won't mind." I winked.
"Kiran and Alfonse sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-" Sharena teased us as if she were still a schoolgirl.
"Don't even dare finish that thought Sharena" Alfonse reprimanded his sister.
"Hey! I'm just saying what everyone here is thinking. It's not my fault you are both acting so lovey dovey!"
"Kiran was just concerned for me… i-it doesn't mean that we are…"
"Alfonse, just let her think whatever she wants. In the meantime, we'll continue forward towards Hel's castle."
"R-right. We need to focus on our goals first." Al agreed as we started walking again. Sharena pouted like a kid, disappointed by our dismissal of her claims.
Eventually, we arrived at a place that could only be described as… well honestly it would hard to describe. There was this heavy and ominous atmosphere that loomed over us. That is not to say that the rest of Helheim wasn't like this, but it was even more apparent. It smelled like… blood. Lots of it, in fact. I have grown accustomed to the smell of blood more than I would care to admit, but it comes with the territory of accompanying the Order onto the battlefield.
"Careful… this place" Anna looked at the area in disgust, pinching her nose to block the stench of rancid blood that just seemed to emanate from the place.
"There's blood crusted everywhere" said Al
"No kidding. I think I can see a few buckets of the stuff around here too. Ugh… I want to hurl." The sheer amount of blood and the smell… Oh dear God the smell.
"Is this an execution site? Or are people tortured here? I just can't fathom it"
"This… is where I lived." Eir said
"But how can that be so? Princess Eir, if you really are still alive then… this is horrendous! How did you…?" Mercedes was probably the most surprised out of everyone in the group.
"My duty was to die. I'm not like most mortals… when I was born, I held thousands upon thousands of lives within me. It was a gift given to me by the dragon of Life. At least, that is what Mother told me."
"Then… all of this blood… is yours?" Sharena asked
"Yes. Most mortals only have one life but I had countless lives stored within me. Even if I die, the next day… I will live again. My mother… she brought me here and she killed me." Eir said.
"But that's… awful! I cannot believe someone would do this to their own daughter! How could she?"
"Each time a mortal dies, my mother grows stronger. She killed me… day after day… over and over again. I was executed everyday by my mother until one day… she had exhausted all of my lives. This one is the only one I have left. Most mortals… they only feel the pain for a brief moment and that's it. They only get to experience it once. For them, it's quick and merciful. For me, however… everyday was like agony with no end in sight. Everyday I died. Everyday I would beg my for my mother to stop. Everyday I felt the pain of dying like it was brand new."
"Eir…" Alfonse was left nearly speechless.
"That dastard! I have no words…" Chrom had been quiet up until now but he could no longer keep to himself.
"Patience, Chrom. We will put an end to Hel somehow." I said.
"You'll have your work cut out for you then. All of my thousands upon thousands of deaths have become my mother's strength. This life is all that remains… to my mother I am worthless. It would be impossible for you to…"
"Even so, we have to try. We're already too far in Hel to go back now. We are in this together now. Of course, you could always go back to your mother and fight for her side if you wish. It would hurt to fight on opposite sides on the battlefield but… even if it does come to that, know that I wouldn't hold it personally against you. Until then, you are still my responsibility. Not only to protect my friends but to protect you as well. No mortal soul should ever have to endure the kind of suffering you did."
For a moment Eir fell silent… I then realized something very important. It was entirely possible that Eir had rarely been shown kindness in the thousands upon thousands of lives that she had lived. That her room in the Order was the first real home she had that was actually suitable for a living breathing person.
"I agree with Kiran. I now understand why you ran. What your mother did to you was unfathomable." Said Al.
"Yes… Yes I suppose you are right."
A/N:
So Im uploading this alongside a chapter for my one shot series Mordern Shorts which is pretty cool I guess. Also my next few chapters might be shorter than what I have originally had in mind. Lately the chapters that I have already uploaded have been around the 4,000 word count mark before counting for author's notes. Right now however the chapters I havent uploaded are around the 1,000- 2,000 mark. I suppose it doesnt matter too much so long as the end product is to my liking but it bothers me because I like consistency in the lengths of my chapters. I wont force myself to hyper extend a chapter nnecessarily, however. I guess I havent got anything much else to say so I bid you farewell until next time.