Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, but y'all already know that. Man, why do we gotta go through this hassle so many times? Ohhhh, because there are cheating bastards who'd try to steal the great Hiro Mashima's work and claim it as their own? Well, that's just plain dumb, and also I don't think I could ever write anything with such a Shounen vibe, randomly displaced plots of land, and magic rules so soft it borders on how much I consider that they make absolutely zero sense! Now Seinen is another beast altogether, but we're not here to talk about mine preferences (we kinda are if you're reading it), and instead to find out what other mysteries does Earthland hide that its author was so gracious to bless us with... Oh wait...
Indomitable Heart
Chapter 18: All Masks Off
Fate was a fickle mistress, or some liked to believe. What gives meaning to life if its just one straight line of causality? People get up every day not expecting what it may bring, or rather they rationalize that whatever set routine they have to follow.
But really, how many expect to stumble upon an evident crime scene? Because, from at least Iona's point of view, they were in a rather compromising position. And it was very, very unlike what most would think.
''I asked you something...''
The irritated voice of one upper-class woman by her appearance spoke. Even if she wanted to appear somewhat ordinary for whatever reason, no ordinary person can afford that kind of jewelry. That sapphire and pearls looked like one's from the stories she heard about her homeland... ''No, not now, we have greater problems.'' Like how to respond without causing a misunderstanding.
''We w-...''
''We came seeking the man who lives here.'' Igneous cut her off, ''The house was in this state upon arrival.''
A quick look behind showed Iona that the secret door were only partially opened and in this poor lighting could be attributed to a dilapidated state of the stone. Igneous was also smart enough to move in such way that he almost completely blocked the sight of it, so that was one less problem.
Caecilia raised her one finely styled brow at the unknown man's bland answer, someone obviously wasn't brought up on good manners, ''Oh? Then tell me what is your connection with the Medicus? You both seem well of form.'' More than well at that, she noted with slight envy.
Igneous was clearly losing patience by second, Iona easily noticed the slight changes in his posture, and most importantly the steady raise in the amount of heated air around him. Bellatorians couldn't see it at this point, but to her it manifested as a swirling mass of flames outside of normal human sense perception. Ironically, it was up to her to come to their rescue, and she will hardly get a token of thanks from it.
This woman was perceptive, she was older and probably had her share of noticing things out of the ordinary. Two could play that game then, ''We,'' Iona emphasized, putting herself between a steadily rising disaster in both senses, ''Are Darrhon's associates, as well as old friends. At times we visit and provide him with necessary ingredients of his trade.''
For someone so young-looking this girl was doing a very good job at redirecting the conversation, much better than her apparent partner. She didn't like it, with the brutes it is always easy to string them on a wrong path and make them stumble, but she desperately needed to take control of the conversation again. It was required of her after all, her upbringing would allow no less than being embarrassed by some commoner girl and her bodyguard. All that in front of her own daughter and parts of household!
''I see, yet I have never heard a voice of you from Darrhon before. This is a recent development? Or is there anything of interest to you?''
She just called them thieves in the most obvious manner.
Neither of the Crypteia's pair much appreciated the underhanded suggestion. Iona in particular tried to reign in her partner's temper by forcibly squeezing his hand and giving a smile that made the edges of her mouth hurt, ''Ahh, but what you do not know is that different ingredients can only be found at a certain part of the season. Some prefer colder weather to dry, others higher planes than low. You see, the white chamomile is a – ...''
''By Gods young lady!''
It was the second time she's been cut, the flustered tone was worth it though, even if she most likely could have worsened the already volatile situation.
The Bellatorian woman waved her hand as if the sudden influx had an adverse effect on her brain, even her child let out a giggle that she had to shut with a reprimanding look. Heavens, even Philo and Vidia found it somewhat amusing, she is sure of it.
''She knows lots!''
Shaking her head, Caecilia tried to keep her faculties straight, this kind of mishap was simply unlike her, ''Evidently, daughter. I realize you take pride in your craft, however you have yet to give me an honest answer; What is going on here? I am certain if you are Darrhon's friends there should be no problem in providing clarity on subject?''
'Where' and 'why' are the question Iona had no clear answer, even if she tried to create a fabricated version on spot she was sure that the woman would not be deterred from the original question. Trying to be this diplomatic was harder than she originally thought. She had to give it to her cousin for being more convincing in his disputes. Laertes was simply more practiced in standing to the faces and spinning whatever story to meet his ends while hers was strictly pertained to fixing problems by spotting the ailments and working out the kinks with minimal talking.
''That one was already answered.'' Igneous took up where Iona couldn't, ''The house was in such state before we stepped foot. I don't care about your lack of trust, but why would someone like you bother coming to this part of town?''
Where Iona's was with a grace of a willow and ocean's tide, Igneous' was the very opposite. It did bring to question why was someone of their status even bothering to come to the not very sightly side of Duranius.
Caecilia scowled, trying to appear unimpressed, but the piercing gaze and sheer force of the man's voice gave her goosebumps, and she is yet to determine their nature, ''A half-decent lady with an unreserved man.'' She muttered behind her hand, hearing a scoff from halfway across the room. Utterly savage.
Caecilia gave her bodyguard a look, weighing her options. If worse comes to worse she will claim self-defense, honestly, Darrhon's associates associates or not, she owed them no answer, ''Altercation is bringing us nowhere, be prepared if-''
''Lady – Hugh!'' Philo stepped forward, hand twitching to the back of his belt where he held a concealed weapon, and a second later before sealing his fate.
She watched in shock, unmoving as something flew past her. A sickening crunch was heard behind her, child's cry for help... No, the other girl was also yelling something... To her partner?
If possible, the room got even darker, Caecilia's frozen form obscured by overhead taller man's, ''Prepare for what?'' He growled, not truly expecting any response from the frightened woman, ''Bellatorian high class... You are all the same.''
A blur passed him, kneeling in front of the impaled man, the other girl slave holding a small sobbing child behind an old table. ''Why did you do that?!'' Iona asked angrily, trying to stop the by pressing her hands against the wound, but it kept flowing, Igneous probably hit the heart directly or was very close.
''We do not have time for this, Iona.'' He said matter of factly, keeping a firm one-armed grip on a still trembling woman. ''Finding the medicus is our priority, not having a needless talks with Bellatorians.''
Iona glared at him, her hands never ceasing her original purpose, ''You are at it again, we had this same discussion not long ago! Igneous, you can't kill people like that! I could have talked them out of it, I could...''
''You could have what?!'' He screamed back, his already thin patience reaching its limits, ''My ears never fail to reach, if I did not act first, he would have. And this woman's words shadows the obvious truth... You know exactly what Darrhon is, right?'' He asked the captive, squeezing her arm uncomfortably.
Caecilia's eyes widened, but for an entire different reason, ''T-That name... You-You are Igneous? The slave who slaughtered his mast – Ahh!'' She was pushed roughly, her knees scrapping the floor.
Words travel fast, it seems. He fully expected them to reach the capital already, however, the reason for his more brutish treatment stemmed from another source, ''I am no slave.''
It was a very poor choice of phrase, Iona could practically see how the small embers sparkling from his clenched hands. Could such a simple word incite normally stoic Igneous so much he'd seamlessly regress from tranquil fury into a fit of rage? Then how did he went on all those years without purposely revealing his inner nature? After all that time it stayed buried underneath, and now his true colors are starting to show.
''All that repressed sorrow in your heart...''
Iona sighed somewhat pitifully, her hands stalwart yet limp. In her head she knew there was nothing more to be done at this point. Casting one last glance at the freshly made corpse, she closed his eyes and let her own momentarily wander blankly over the room.
The spear throw was strong, but lacked actual precision, the intent was to cause as much damage as possible...
-...Because of that heart, you hate...-
I am no |Fighter| slave.
... The downed people in the room, three females of varying age...
Gods above, save |Kill| us.
-...Because of your heart, you scorn others...-
... This was the product of her family's... No, her people's belief and teaching...?
Rebellion |War| forward.
-...Because of your heart, you get angry...-
-MOTHER, FATHER IS-!
Killing, murder, pillage, pestilence, ravage, desolation, devastation...
_...Over and over and over and over..._
A never ending cycle.
~YOUR ONLY ESCAPE IS IN... |DEATH| DYING~
XxX
''Ahh, the solstice has finally started its transcending path.''
''...''
''You know, in olden times, the daughter of the Sun Apollousa would compete with her sibling Lycoreus over which should preside the seasonal equinox. Being the goddess of healing and direct descendant of the one supreme deity there was no question which one the gods' held in favor...''
Casually sitting with his legs crossed, Darrhon cast his gaze on the ruined field of formerly buried remains of people. The bleak weather, the darkest of clouds only amplified the current atmosphere.
''... And behold! Apollousa, the Lightbringer, the fairest of them all brought warmth, for all to bask in it! People soweth, people laughed, their hearts and smiles as bright as the brightest of Sun's rays!''
''...''
One of the gathered youth, Theomethes he assumed, raised his hand. With a nod of affirmation, the teen asked, ''But then, how we came to have cold winters?''
''Excellent question!'' Darrhon exclaimed, ''How is it that one half of the year is dominated by warm winds pleasantly caressing one's skin and other by unforgiving and bone piercing frost... Hmm, now then, the simplest of answers would be; impertinence and greed.''
A ghoulish moan could be hear behind the group as a pale-skinned woman trudged the path. She seemed aware, but her eyes, teeth, nose were almost completely shriveled. Titling the head, the undead stared for a precious few seconds longer before ignoring the odd group and continuing towards the destination unknown. Many more similar to her slowly began rising, dirt clinging to their bodies, their expressions vacant, their purpose currently unknown.
''You see, Lycoreus was filled with resentment upon what he thought was an unfair treatment, being ignored in obvious favour of his sibling he plotted revenge in secret... But when it came the time to set his plan in motion, he made a surprisingly odd choice there. What would be the point of removing his sister and being given the consolatory prize of overseeing her domain? Was that what he truly desired? Or is it a mere whim born out of his own childish grudge? No one can know for certain, and so the godling decided to pursue his own ambition by not merely trying to overthrow his sister and act as her meager replacement; he traversed many domains, until finding a place some of you might have heard of – Kokytos.''
Several gasps escaped the gathered, ''T-That one is in the Underworld.''
''Correct!'' The old medicus clapped once jovially before continuing his storytelling, ''Make no mistake, children, we mortals might never come to share the knowledge, yet it is important to honor our ancestors by passing what we know to the next generation...'' He paused suddenly, ''Take a good look behind you and tell me; what is it you see?''
The did so, and the answers varied from one to other.
''Dead people...''
''Magic...''
''Humph, it's justice being done...!''
''Retribution...!''
''A stomach-twisting sight...?''
''... Oh, Phoebe, you are always such ...!''
It soon became an endless chatter about a finer points of the view, seeing as it might turn to physical violence, Darrhon cleared his throat loudly, making everyone turn to him, the bickering died down almost immediately, ''Those are all interesting points, heh. And I have to admit that every last one of you is not wrong in their assumptions. The outside world is as we perceive it with our own minds. Each one of us is able to make deduction about it in accordance to our ego's experience.''
There were of course, dead people rising from confines of their graves, the wrong assumption was in that they were dead and suddenly became alive. There was magic involved, but even Darrhon himself was far from being the master of it, even those few left with enough knowledge and power would hardly dare tapping unto an unknown veil that was soul resuscitating. Mages like that valued their lives too much. Was it really justice? Who can say that these people had the most noble of endings, the scattered remains of dead Hellenians certainly weren't put to a proper rest. Retribution? In a manner of speaking, why is it so wrong for some to live and for others not to? Just because of their belief, teaching, Appearance even?
There once was a younger man, serving in the army, not a combatant, his skill more in line with the likes of those who worked with blood to save lives. War is a terrible sight, it carries a heavy burden on all involved. The single man watched a relived man smile after hours upon hours of work, being able to walk again, to run and breathe again. The soldier, worn around the eyes but grateful, gave the physician a small satisfied smile and the grateful pat on the back. 'You did good' and 'Many thanks' were just some words he heard from those whose lives were spared from the impromptu passing.
In the next days, as the medicus was receiving the new batch of wounded, there came a body he recognized. It was the same man he gave clearance of recovery not a week ago.
-His face was unrecognizable, helmet almost merging with flesh on his head. His family, both mother and daughter teary eyed looked his way... No, it was the little girl, ten-eleven years old maybe, staring in his eyes. Only one word was uttered; Why?
-He never heard from them again. 'Why' what? He did his job right, didn't he? How is it any of his concern that man was unlucky enough to die on the battlefield. That wasn't his fault... 'NOT MY FAULT!'
Years passed as situation changed, he made contact with a strange group of people, well more likely they barged at his home with little to no invitation, strange woman and her escort. Twins? Both looking very virile, and the woman, small in stature, but a single look from her made him fear whatever she could do to him than a simple beating from the two idiots tagging along.
''You are the one named Darrhon?''
Straight to the point then. ''Huh, coming this late in my home and asking questions. You know me, but I don't know any of you.'' Spending too much time in military camps made him quite crass toward most non-patients.
The twin who stood closer to the entrance, for there was no way to distinguish them otherwise in a setting sun, stepped forward, a crack was heard, ''Hey, old man, you will show respect to mother! We didn't come a long way just to hear your s-...''
''Castor, stay out of this, the adults are talking.'' The woman, identified as their mother, said dryly, not even sparing her son a glance.
It worked like a charm, as Castor, red in face opened and closed his mouth several times but nothing came out. Slumping his head, he withdrew closer to his brother who scowled and muttered some inappropriate words.
''I will have you know that I am not that old, but you likely do not care. You know who I am, and if you have done your research right, there are only two things you might need.''
His slightly presumptuous attitude did not deter the woman in the slightest, he was sure she even blinked once since coming in.
''Then this should not take long. You are needed.''
She sure didn't mince words, this one. ''Well, when a woman suddenly comes to my humble abode, who am I to refuse such advances. I must say, I did not think Colchians are this forward.''
Castor was ready to come and do unspeakable things to him if not for his more level-headed brother who dragged him out of sight. For the first time, the woman sighed, ''That child... Your have quite a tongue on you, I see. Are you this good a healer as you are a good at provoking people?''
Darrhon pursed his lips, exchanging witty remarks would only take them so far, ''I do not know who you talked to, but I am mostly not taking clients these days. Even the ones who claim to have noble intentions.''
''You did not even listen to my proposal.'' There was no disappointment in her tone, like she wasn't too concerned if he outright showed her his cock and said 'no'.
''Eh, at least tell me your name and then I might remember until next day who I was such imbecile to send away.'' He answered with sarcasm. If they came at any other reasonable time, he might have even listened to her sad story of a sick family member who couldn't wipe their ass properly and got infected.
She blinked there, ''Very well, I am Idyia of Colchis.'' She introduced herself with a minimum respectful inclination of her head, ''And I apologize on behalf of my eldest son. Should you wish to know the nature of my request, find us tomorrow in the port when Helios is at his peak.''
And just like that, she walked out, the doors closed with nothing more than her thought, he reasoned. Gods thrice damned, a nobility of the highest caliber came to him of all people?! He spend the rest of the night, and many unhealthy hours awake contemplating the nature of what just might involve her so called 'request'.
He didn't know if he was crazy or was it just the effects of sleep deprivation that drilled at his head, as he walked many hours to reach the only port he knew in the area, Aegina. It was also hot, uncomfortably so that even his most casual daywear felt suffocating.
The first thing he noticed was the lack of any Colchian vessel, and asking around led him to a small dingy that was obviously somebody's great idea of a prank. Fucking merchants, can't get a decent information without having your purse fingered.
Squinting his eyes at the Sun, he took one last drag from his last drop of water, ''At his peak...'' He scoffed, ''Right, at his peak he can take his fucking cock and shove it down his fucking...''
''I see you changed your mind.'' And there she was, standing as she just came straight out of a bath, all fresh and tidy.
''... – ass!'' He cursed inadvertently, startled by her appearance.
For the lady of higher class, she didn't seem to mind the profanity that much, ''Is talking about posteriors in the broad day a habit of yours?'' She asked with a raised eyebrow.
Darrhon coughed the water through his nose, ''Gods, woman...!'' He took a heaving breath, ''Are you out of your mind making appearance like that, I could have died!''
''A healer drowning on his own drink...'' Idyia mused for the moment, ''Some writers would find that a good material for tragedy.''
''Some writers should mind their own damn business.'' He snarked, getting his breathing under control again, ''I hate theaters.''
''Just so, the more greater tragedy would be wasting your talent.''
He almost rolled his eyes, getting the gist of what she wanted from him, ''What do you want from me exactly, I am just a simple man with some above than average talent on mending wounds. Is your country lacking physicians? Don't you all have some manner of healing magic that serves you?''
For the first time, he glimmered real emotion from her, ''There exists no such thing as 'Healing magic'. Even if it did, whatever scripts and teachings were lost in the rivers of time.''
He scratched his head, all of a sudden uncomfortable to be in her proximity. First thing he said it just had to strike a deep nerve with her, ''Uhh, right...''
Idyia exhaled through her nose once, ''Your knowledge, your skill and everything in your life you have ever achieved... You think there is nothing more you can do with it, that there is a great wall in front of you, insurmountable, impassable. That is why you have closed yourself from people, something or someone made you lose all hope to move forward.''
Darrhon's face was contorted in a grimace, like someone just took his own life in front of him and dissected it with a blade, the images of the dead and wounded strung in front of him like in some twisted play.
''You- Damn wench!'' He screamed, eyes wide and reddening, ''I have tried and tried and fucking tried everything! And no matter how much I tried, no matter how much I pleaded those Gods' accursed fools, it always ended the same! My work was all for nothing! Arrows, swords, spears, maces, fire – it all ends the same! I save one only to let him go out in the battle to die, over and over again!''
He grabbed the front of her robes, but she made no resistance whatsoever, ''You and your enlightened people can all fuck yourselves! There is no hope, there is nothing in keeping people who crave death from the precipice of fucking Underworld!''
The taller, imposing man who just yelled at the short seemingly harmless woman collapsed on his knees from sheer exhaustion. This was the first time ever he could rant out what was gnawing at his very being, screw the public decency, screw if they're preening royals with their pedigree.
They remained that way for some time, Idyia watching with a small amount of pity and sorrow as the once proud man's life crumpled in a span of moments. However, now was not the right time to dawdle, she reminded herself. She came to recruit him for the important role, his life was still worth more than just sitting in that small house of his all day, counting his remaining years and working on undeserving lowlifes for chump money. Waving Castor and Pollux who stood farther back hidden very awkwardly, well Castor more so than his twin, a negative, she kneeled down to Darrhon's level.
''That was quite unexpected, I think that now we-...''
''Just leave me...'' Darrhon moaned in a hoarse voice, drained physically and emotionally.
''I refuse. You may think giving up now would clear your clouded consciousness, but you are mistaken. I – no, we still have high expectations of you. I will not allow you to give up, not when there is yet an untapped potential within you.'' When his only response was more groans, she started chanting, ''Άνεμος, ανύψωση.''
Darrhon yelped ungracefully as he was picked up by an invisible force, ''What in the...?'' And before he could finish the sentence, the damn woman showed a small bottle down his throat. He resisted at first, his mind concluding she's likely done with him and will dispose of his body. He didn't expect that after drinking the thing, which had a very weird taste, his head was getting clearer, and his tired body getting second wind out of nowhere.
''Better now?''
He looked at her incredulously then at the small vial, the remnants of the liquid were fairly on the blue or turquoise side. ''What in Hera's cunt did you just do to me?'' Was the only thing his slowly booting brain could come up with.
''No, what I just did for you. I expected you to be stubborn and highly obnoxious, but to this length, making me use a spell and the entire elixir... You should be honored. It is a privilege to share such secrets with a complete outsider.''
Darrhon was oblivious to her little tirade, starring at the drink that can raise a persons vitality bu just consuming it once, and the effect takes almost instantly! What are the chances? ''What is this... blend? Certain herbs can give a temporary increase in one's stamina... but this kind of effect...''
''Now you are interested? Whatever happened to your bleak view of the world?''
He glanced at the bottle, as if trying to unravel its secrets, ''It's a simple enough question. What is this, I feel like I can run the entire port and then have the strength for a lay.'' He then moved his eyes to glare lightly at the royal woman, ''A moment ago, I didn't know there was a drink that could restore health in a few seconds. And you were carrying it all this time? Do you know the applications this thing could be used on, all the u-''
She took the bottle from him, interrupting mid word, now was the crucial time, they were on a proverbial fork-road. Well, him rather than her, ''This was the product of an entire generation of my family's work. You are delusional in thinking I will simply tell you everything. You have a choice, Darrhon, to sate your curious mind, you can come with me.'' She left it hanging in the air, before giving him the other offer, ''Or you can forget about ever seeing me and continue with your life... If you can call that life.''
''I can't in my right mind forget something like this. You are the one who is delusional!'' He crossed his arms in refusal. ''Hmm, and what would happen should I decide to report this to the authorities?''
It almost made her smirk, the minor uptight of her lip would pass as barely a twitch, ''Indeed, you could try that. Then what? You hope they would endorse any of your attempt at replicating my work? Do you really think the clout that currently rules the land will ever part with their money for that? Even if they do, what guarantee can you offer to a success?'' She didn't mention that she would never allow to even come to that, her sons weren't accompanying her for no reason.
The man winced to her argument, knowing that she's mostly right in that regard. As an upper echelon in her country, she was surely well privy to any kind of political situation. From what he'd heard recently, it wasn't good. He could also lose his head should he fail, and running from authorities would be next to impossible for him alone. His options were as it is. ''Alright, but if I agree to this – whatever this is... I need your word, no, an oath from the future ruler; I wish to be treated the same and everything shared equally.''
''Agreed.''
''Huh?! J-Just like that?'' He clearly wasn't expecting her to give her assent that fast.
The robes on her shoulders lifted a bit, ''Does it seem like holding a ceremony for one man is viable now? To be quite fair, you are not the only one I had my eye on.''
He had no intelligent answer to that last one. She did agree, and he thought he shouldn't push his luck too far for now. ''Umm, right, right... I see. Then, uhm, I should probably pack?''
''Whatever for? We are leaving right now.''
''But there is no ship in the... Don't tell, magic?''
And tell him she didn't, merely turned on her heel and signaled him to follow. Mages, what a weird bunch. Technically he now knew one, but who in Gods knows if her sons can do the same kind of shit like her. With not much left, he shook his head and went after Idyia, feeling a sensation akin to being doused by water as he made the next four steps but left it for another occasion. Certainly, that knowledge couldn't come without a price, but for now his inner animal can be content with reaching from out of darkness into the new and unexplored heights.
''... Isn't that right, Elder?''
Darrhon blinked dazedly, ''What?'' He asked in confusion, like having swallowed something nasty, ''Dittany, bryonia and mandrake.''
''...''
''Elder?'' It was Theramenes, having recovered from the tussle with a slight application of Darrhon's brew. Laertes was lying behind the old man, and it didn't seem right by him to be so reckless. ''Should he just stay like that?''
The eldest man in the group turned and whacked the prone man on the head with his staff. There wasn't even a grunt from the action. ''There, no need to worry, my dear friend! He is so drugged he couldn't get his cock high even if goddess of love danced on his lap!'' He said, cackling madly.
''I, uh, trust your judgement.'' Theramenes stuttered briefly, it wasn't usual that he used more colorful language around younglings like that. Then again, any distraction was appreciated right now...
Darrhon was glad that he managed to avoid the unpleasant conversation after his memory slip. To think he'd remember that day specifically, back when things were much simpler for him. That day, when the crafty witch peeled his layers and managed for just a second, let out his depraved self. How long had she known, or did she know at all?
''That devious woman, heh. I wonder if I could only see your expression for the last time... Would you laugh at me for my stupidity, or curse me to the deepest parts of the Underworld? Well, Idyia, you held my heart in your grip that long...''
His last vestiges of humanity, unknowingly at the time, were starting to die out.
Just like the soldier he has sent to die...
Just like that girl who probably died...
Just like his adopted daughter that died...
~Over and over again, I wish you only for myself!~
''Arise, over and over again, and claim the warmth long lost!''
XxX
''Aahhhhhh...'' The man breathed, yet he found no air passing his mouth. The man stood, yet felt no protest from his body. There was something, right on his chest...
''A hole?''
It's cold...
Cold? Did he sleep outside? No that's impossible, lady had him a quaint little room, and kind enough to have a decent covering... Then why does it feel like he'd just stepped into the freezing waters...?
''The lady, wasn't he... walking somewhere?''
A series of gasps were heard from his left. In a dingy room, four girls were there, one he definitely recognized, even if she looked a little disheveled at the moment.
''Philo...! You-You live! Gods...!''
Of course he lived, he'd still will to serve after all. Her husband would kill him if he found out about more detailed version of his wife's eccentric activities... Kill?
''Haugghhhh...''
''Fucker...!''
No, it wasn't him obviously, he valued his head more than to have a one night stand, though he had accompanied on several occasions.
''Igneous...!''
Who the hell was Igneous?
''Don't come closer to him, Iona!'' The red-headed man grunted, extracting himself from the small dent on the wall he'd been pushed into. ''Ugh, he is not normal!'' He wasn't alive, he was definitely certain of that. He made the damn shot and while his throw wasn't powerful like Hector's which can pierce stone, it was still good enough to kill an armorless man. This thing standing on legs of a meat shell made even Igneous' battle-hardened stomach lurch.
Caecilia quickly stood on her shaky legs, and did exactly the opposite, ''You saved us! Philo, you saved us!'' She cried with relief, taking the man by shoulders, her panicked state and adrenaline making her ignore the fact that the man still had a spear stuck in his chest.
His eyes turned to her, as usual, she looked fairly nice even with dust on her face and hands... 'Her hands are warm, and I'm so so cold...' If only he could get some more of that warmth, it'd be okay... She wouldn't mind sharing just a bit?
''...- you can now finish this scum!'' The hysterical woman encouraged him, until he finally turned to look her in the eyes. ''Eh?''
There was no reflection to them.
''You dumb woman!'' Igneous regained his bearing, now clad in his standard dark red armour. ''That man is not even alive!''
''Eh?'' She let out, dumbfounded.
''Heeeaaahhhgggghhhh...''
The last thing she heard was the sounds of her own rib bones cracking under the intense pressure of the man whose only duty was to protect her.
It was the most dangerously breath-taking hug in the world.
''Fuck!'' Igneous sprang to action, the way his spear was still embedded in the original target made the scene even more twisted and the usual affectionate gesture brutal as the Bellatorian woman was crushed between his weapon and the giver. Even with him running, the undead didn't even seem to react to a potential threat. Great strength in exchange for awareness?
Grabbing the shaft with his hand, Igneous yanked it along with adding the push of his leg. The pair was instantly separated in the spray of blood, Philo now tasting the wall with Caecilia slumping to the ground not too long after.
It was all a fairly gruesome sight. ''What a mess.'' This had to be one of the weirdest things he'd come up against. Well, if there were giant, bloodthirsty beasts, dragons and even gods, it really shouldn't surprise him anymore. ''Iona, we are movin-...''
He paused, small footsteps hitting the ground. And even the toughest of the heart would flinch with sympathies as a sobbing daughter ran to her mother's cooling body. Turning his head away from sight that bubbled up wrong kind of feeling to have at the moment, the warrior addressed his companion again, ''We are leaving.''
Iona was snapped out of her reverie, which might have been a prayer for all Igneous was aware, she looked at him ad then at the halved quartet. ''W-No, how can we leave them like this, this... It's not right!''
The man let the air through his clenched teeth, ''This is not up for a discussion. I will take my leave, and if have to, I will carry you over my shoulder like a sack of wheat. Your choice.''
The fair-haired girl almost snarled in his direction, ''So this is who the great Igneous truly hides away. I thought you crude, but honorable at first, but you are like hellhound they named you as. Long as it's not in your way, you don't care about anything.''
''I do not care?'' He repeated, his eyes shadowed by a stray bangs, ''I lost my fucking freedom because I wanted to care... I gave away my childhood because I cared! And all for you!'' He pointed an accusatory finger at her, ''For you, and your entire cause, and look where we stand. Cleaning after Crypteia's shit and rectifying their past mistakes. I have long since forgotten what it means not fighting for my life, not because I have to, but because I must fight for it. So, do not lecture me about how I should care.''
He turned, thinking the whole thing over, it pissed him even more than it should, but at least he could get that little piece off his back for a while.
''That is horrible.''
Rolling his eyes, he turned his neck toward Iona, expecting tears and remorse all over her face. But surprisingly, there was nothing he expected. If anything, she seemed apologetic, or something. ''I don't want pity.''
She quickly shook her head in denial, ''No. What was done to you was not right... But Igneous, lashing out at the rest of the world won't make things right. You might end drowning in the ashes of your own fires.''
''What?'' Is the only thing that left his mouth. Beside the fact how illogically ridiculous that statement sounded, he couldn't help but find it... What was it? Resonance...
A twin pair of groans broke his thought process that wasn't getting him anywhere at this point. ''Perfect...'' Whatever was it that got into that bodyguard now apparently affected the woman.
''M-M-Mother...'' The little girl whimpered, fresh tears replacing the dried lines over her old ones. Mother was alive?! And standing again! The only thing that her instincts told her was to take hold of her waist, bloody smears notwithstanding. The warmth of her parent was always good enough to calm Messalina's nerves...
Except mother felt... A lot colder than usual...
''Mmmmaaaahhhhaaaa...''
''No, don't...!'' The strange lady shouted when the mother's single hand fell upon her daughters head.
It was like somebody was trying to put a really, really heavy thing on her head, like one of those playing stone balls. The pressure was uncomfortable enough to make her cry out in pain, yet not long it disappeared, and wet splotches fell on her cheeks. Wet, and red... There was also the pair of very angry red eyes that nearly looked like they shined, not the bad kind but not good either. She only remembers seeing them once when her father came from the meeting with the grown ups that were too boring for her to understand.
''...''
He spared her a single glance before calling back the only other remaining living person. ''You, girl!''
''Wha-Me?'' Vidia's slightly trembling voice called.
''No, my imaginary wife!'' He didn't know if the child shook in his arms when he swiftly scooped her up, but could she find it amusing at this time? ''Take the little one, stay with Iona! I will clear us a path!''
He had the same commanding tone like her father...
''We are not using the other way?''
Igneous gave a negative, the two abominable bodies, rising like nothing even happened. If steel can only slow them momentarily, that only left him with one viable option. ''Not enough space! I will distract them, you get out of here together! Do not turn back!''
Making a quick exchange with the handmaid, he returned his sword into the in-between his pocket dimension. Taking a deep breath, twin wisps of orange flames erupted around his fists, and he fell into a proper stance, ''Now then, let us raise the heat up.''
His plan was simple enough that it relied on the fact that his enemies lacked any kind of normal cognitive functions, and were unlikely capable of strategizing or coordinating their attacks. As much as the limited space gave him room, he went down the straight line only to divert in the last moment as he punched the one armed woman who made to grab him sloppily.
His flaming haymaker struck true, the body momentarily separated from the solid ground, yet the feeling was completely off.
There was no reaction, no acknowledgement of pain, not even a wheeze... Dead don't breathe, but then how...? ''No, behind me!'' He barely managed to spin on his foot to dodge the flying punch that surprised him the first time. Just barely, these things, for they certainly can't be called human, didn't exude any normal signs that would make this fight more to his advantage.
A great many reasons why physical confrontations were one of Igneous' fortes lies in the fact of his heightened senses of hearing and smell. He has long since managed to shut off the loud crowds and focus his intent on his adversaries. Their, breathing, the way the sweat trickles down their brow, the flow of blood and beating hearts; they all accounted for his timely reactions and finding ways to counter with a good application of martial training ingrained from former soldiers.
To say the least, Igneous had quite an advantage in every fistfight he ever fought, very few could claim to keep up with his stance. This situation, however, was completely opposite. If anything, an annoying part of his mind even complained that his top used tool was now mostly unusable.
The dead don't breathe, don't have a working hearts and most of all; they feel no pain whatsoever.
That is so unfair.
Only years of accumulated experience saved him, and now as he was rather unprofessionally ducking and grabbing his enemy by the waist, ''NOW! HOOORAAAAH!'' With a great heave, Igneous flipped the body in his hold, completing the arch and dropping it on the other end he definitely heard a crack. It wasn't the best suplex he'd ever done, but it served its purpose. The girls quickly took the presented chance, scurrying out of the house.
Iona didn't have the luxury to admire the completion of a fighting technique, taking Vidia by hand she pulled the still uncertain girl along. ''Come on, don't fall behind!''
They made it out without fuss thanks to Igneous' effort. But even so, the outside air didn't feel that much different than the one inside, Iona realized, somewhat out of breath. Everything happened so suddenly in the last hour. She barely had the chance to recollect her thoughts from being rudely manhandled to dealing with undead people...
''Undead... How is something like that even possible?'' If going by the natural flow of life and death, once the person is killed their soul essence leaves the physical body to the Underworld. Well, that's what most ordinary people know, being a part of a family of well-versed mages had much pros in learning theory and the concept of how the |World| oversaw the transcendence of soul.
Even dead, the person's remains still retain their connection, the memory, of the original inhabitant. There have been rare cases when communicating with the dead is a possibility, though few would resort to obscure arts of Necromancy. Reviving the body of the deceased shouldn't be possible like this, and even if it somehow, someone, has managed to link or rather to forcefully prevent the souls of the deceased to properly pass on... Then how was it that there were no incantations or any inscribed glyphs she felt activate?
''Unless...'' She bit her inner cheek hard, the pain felt almost numbing in comparison to her burn, ''Did they actually cover the entirety of the area?'' The dark skies, the wind painfully funneled, could it be that this was prepared years behind and nobody even once paid notice at all? If so, the entire town was one huge trap from the beginning.
''Gods above, Mother of all, please protect us...''
Right, she had company, but did the girl really have to resort to prayers at this exact moment? Gods don't just send miracles like that, it was kind of pathetic.
Shaking her head softly, Iona tried to steady her breath, snapping at random strangers won't help, ''We will be fine. Igneous can take care of that.'' She tried to sound as much encouraging as possible.
It seemed to shake the handmaiden from her orison, ''He will - He wi... What?'' Vidia stuttered, before taking her hand from Iona's grip, cradling the quiet child of her late Domina to her, ''He-He killed Philo...! You, no no no no, you are with those ravagers from Conlina?!''
Damn, maybe she should've kept her mouth shut, but the deed was already done, ''Calm yourself, we didn't come here meaning harm. If you just allow me to-...''
''C-Calm? You expect me to calm after what I saw?'' Vidia blurted out, still keeping her voice normal as to not disturb Messalina any more, ''You people... This, all of this, it's your fault. Magus filth...!'' She hissed out the last word.
Iona frowned deeply, hating that derogatory name, ''We helped you, can you not see it? If not for Igneous you could have all perished there, or worse, ended like those two in that hideous state!''
''If not for him, this would have never happened!'' Vidia couldn't contain herself anymore, the child in her arms tightening her grip almost painfully, ''Why did you have to come on this day?! Why come at all?! Everything was well before you showed yourselves here!''
~What an ungrateful wretch...~
Iona clenched her eyes shut, forcing back the dark voice beneath... If she could just convince her to trust them, even for a little while... She didn't know how, unfortunately, and the girl's panicking state was getting worse.
''...- be alive, this child is now without her mother...!''
~Shut up, shut up, shut up...!~
''Just let me think, Gods...!''
''... you will all suffer eternity for this, a crime of...!''
~LITTLE WHELP, SEIZE TONGUE!~
''Girl, cease your voice, now!''
The rush of power prevalent in her command override any further complaints the slave-girl would likely continue to spew. It took Iona a second to realize what she has just done, her eyes stopped glowing. As if her own power affected her mind, it was unthinkable, she has only done it once.
And now Vidia was steady as a stone, her eyes half-lidded, mouth stopped working were stuck in an awkward angle.
Iona just used her inherent ability of Charm Speak. An enchanted voice command that induced the manipulation of other's will and bend to the users purpose.
''I-I didn't mean to...'' The mere thought of doing it to another person has always been wrong in her opinion. She was literally making a slave out of her, worse than Bellatorians, she completely stripped the girl of her ability to think for herself.
It was a terrible |deserved| fate.
''I'm sor-...''
A haggard shout interrupted her apology, ''Iona, why are you all still here?!'' Igneous suddenly appeared from behind. His armor sporting dents and was missing a pauldron. ''I told you to run, and you girl – What is wrong with her?''
Even in the rushed sate, he picked how the other one was just standing there as a lifeless statue or someone just waiting for a command, like a dog.
''I, well, she didn't... And it was an accident on my part...''
''Never mind... We have bigger concerns.'' Igneous suddenly rebutted her excuse, turning to the house, his top armour was called off and now he stood with a bare upper half. ''No matter what I tried, those two refuse to stay down...'' Cutting obviously didn't work, meaning they'd never die of blood loss, stabbing was automatically excluded, the most harshest of pankration techniques barely slowed them down. Punches strengthened by fire only seemed to make them more active (alive?), there was no reason to stay anymore.
Iona gulped, partly because of his shameless act and partly for what she was afraid would come. ''But, you cannot mean that... You know what by doing that would cause?''
The former gladiator glanced back briefly, rolling his shoulder, Iona could faintly see on his healed skin the imprint of her grandmother's work, ''No other choice,'' His lips forming a smirk, ''And besides, I am really sick of hiding who I really am.''
Before his companion could even speak, the temperature raised drastically, the very air around Igneous started simmering not long before his hands gained the red hue and sprouted crackling flames. Yet, unlike when he was getting ready for a direct confrontation, the flames began to grew steadily before consuming almost all skin until his elbows.
''Steady now... Two streams of fire gather becoming one!''
Forcing two sides into one on his palms, an arduous process of shaping the luminescent sphere was complete.
''O' tempestuous river converge upon my command and-!''
Both Iona and Vidia who came to her senses momentarily from sheer presence of power-clashing force the red-headed man was calling upon, both couldn't take their eyes off from a brilliant light that grew bigger, and bigger until a raging unsteady-surfaced ball of destruction formed.
_...For my father..._
~For my God~
''-BURN STRONG!''
FIRE DRAGON'S |RADIANT| FLAME!
With a great heave, Igneous threw the critical mass of fire straight onto its target, Darrhon's residence. The effect was imminent, as the flames engulfed the structure, bursting through stone and taking everything else one step from steadily turning a charred mass.
Igneous, turned to the two active observers, his face the very opposite from theirs. As if he wasn't pleased by something, he quickly focused on Vidia, ''Girl, where is this town's burial grounds?''
''...'' The demure girl only stared at flames in awe.
He had to remind himself that what he's just demonstrated was perhaps once in a lifetime experience for someone who knew nothing but a servile lifestyle in a sheltered manor under richly uppish folk. ''Girl, your and the life of that child are hanging on unbalanced scales,'' He returned his chest-armour and stood in front of the wide-eyed Vidia, ''If you value it enough to protect her from harm, then allow me the knowledge to finish what others cannot.''
Her lips twitching unsteadily, Vidia let out a whimper finally closing her eyes, a moisture caused by fear and heat flowing out, ''I can't... I don't know what to do anymore...'' It was all so much overwhelming, her already fragile emotions couldn't handle the pressure of taking the burden of handling a child, the distant fear of Dominus' reaction to everything if she told him. She was barely standing on her own two feet!
Igneous clicked his tongue lightly, ''Then do it for her.'' He asserted a little forcefully, but there was no other choice right now, he'd hardly get a straight answer grabbing a random passer-by. And who knows how many just witnessed his display.
Iona adder her own two cents, though standing half-hidden behind Igneous, ''Your only purpose now is keeping Messalina alive. Do it by helping us.''
Her face twitched once, a new reassuring resolve washed over her like a morning dew. ''I-I will help you... You, promise me, no matter what, that we will live through this day...''
Igneous glanced back at Iona, a sudden shift in attitude like that, he expected her to be a bit more uncooperative since he was partially responsible for the death of persons she was familiar with. Not that he'd show it bothered him too much, he acted accordingly, on the other hand, an oath? ''Very well, on my name Igneous, son of Igneel, I promise you shall not be harmed long as I draw breath.''
Vidia sniffed one last time, wiping any stray tears, his voice carried such strong conviction she couldn't know otherwise. Nodding once, she began steadily moving one foot after the other, ''Gratitude... Follow me then.''
And they did, both keeping a close distance for any unexpected appearances like more undead or anyone brave enough to cross their path. Given the last stunt of fireworks, Igneous theorized most common folk had enough brains to give them a wide berth. And except a few odd stares and some baleful whispers better left ignored, it turned out to be true.
Although one thing kept bugging him, ''Iona,'' He called rather quietly, now equipped with gladius and a sturdy shield, ''What you did just now, was that-?''
''I don't want to hear it from you.'' The blonde girl cut him with a dry voice, her eyes focused on front, ''It's bad enough you brought down the entire house, but in front of all those watching eyes... What were you thinking?''
''I regret nothing.'' He said, returning a glare at a suspiciously looking man who wanted to try his luck if judging by the stone in his hand, he quickly covered inside his hidey hole, ''To think you had something like that hidden... Hmm, those stories about women enthralling others, is this how they came to be?''
Iona's brow twitched violently, she checked that Vidia wasn't paying too much attention at their sudden conversation about her origins, ''If you must know, I have never used it on others for a mere thought of enslaving another mind so disgusts me. And yes, there is truth in those myths, now please forget about it and focus on keeping your promise.'' Small lie that she once did in fact made use of it. Purely experimental since the other person managed to overpower her meager attempt, but the very idea was never appealing to her since that day. And if going by the stories, her mother's ancestry might have something to do with it.
But with so much concentrated power in one nexus, even her carefully controlled mind found it harder and harder to restrain something that she was told came naturally to her unlike others... The power in a nexus... ''A nexus? So that's how it's done...''
If going by that theory, it created an intricate connection that was intertwined in such way it allowed a passage unto the Underworld to distort, hence the souls never being able to properly leave the body, but still not managing to separate from the physical realm and the corporeal body... It must be such agonizing existence, surely driving the host mad by being torn on two different planes. ''Gods...''
''We have to make haste!''
Two pairs of eyes turned to her questioningly.
''What is it?''
Iona ushered them to keep walking, ''If my presumption is right, then this will only get worse the more day we lose. If all who die or have died at one point can return to the other side, our side... Then this isn't just a separate occasion.''
The other two were alarmed by it, only Igneous voicing his thoughts, ''Does that mean even those long fallen in battle can sprang to life? The outskirts, that is where all those years ago... Fuck...''
She nodded solemnly, ''I'm afraid if so, they are on their own,'' There was nothing they could do for their camp.
Igneous' grip on the handle was so strong it turned his knuckles white, ''Tch, they will have to manage for now... Hector is there, and I can trust in Ganicus and others to handle themselves. But you are right, we must hurry. Let us be off!''
He fastened his pace with two girls plus one child tried to keep up, leaving a smoking and smoldering construct behind, now completely forgetting about its existence.
Because if they did, they wouldn't see the carefully approaching witnesses, and those who tried to mount an effort to keep the fire from spreading further.
And they would certainly miss how beneath the ruble, a hand, seared from fire struck out with inhuman force.
''Survivors! Hurry, bring more water!''
_...Finally... Warmth..._
XxX
Meanwhile, the outermost part near the town wasn't filled with much, since the strange phenomenon started, the forest inhabitants have gone strangely mute.
Leaving the other temporary inhabitants to wander up and about...
''This is all your fault!''
Ganicus almost let out a strangled yelp, dodging a degraded, filthy spear by bending backwards, ''My fault?! To my last knowing, I can't talk with the dead!'' He grunted, straining his muscles so much it began to hurt.
Fortunately he was saved by Argos' timely arrival, the man using his own spear to now stuck in an old decrepit curias, he could only push his momentum, and ram the nightmarish-looking thing to the nearest tree. ''Wait, hold, fuck...! This was your doing?!''
Kastos, red from exertion, heaved a sizable stone to crush the skull of the immobilized corpse, the effect was temporary though. ''Of course it's him, he pissed on their graves!''
Three heads immediately snapped in the accused man's direction.
''You pissed on the dead man's grave?'' Argos asked incredulously, ''What were you thinking? These could all be our people!'' He didn't want to believe it at first, but the evidence was definitely starring at him, or was at least.
''Then do be so kind and tell them to fuck off!'' Sevius angrily stomped on the wiggling forearm that was sticking from the ground, trying to emerge to the surface. ''I'm of Thrace, I'm not dying just because you goat-fucks can't aim with your cocks!'' It would be one of the stupidest reasons on top of his head.
''For the last time,'' Ganicus exclaimed tersely, skillfully propping himself up again, ''I didn't piss on anybody's grave! You two were there, you saw me!'' He pointed at the Galian and Tracian.
''Fucking idiot...'' Sevius said internally, finally kicking of the offending limb that flew somewhere into the bushes. ''Scream louder why don't you?''
Ganicus blinked for a second before it hit him how he shouldn't have worded it like that, a bit late though, if Kastos' angry sneer and Argos' amused face were any indication.
''You were watching Ganicus take piss?'' It was inevitable at the end, ''What else were you three doing by your lonesome in the forest?''
''Ohh, choke on shit Argos.'' Sevius fired off, bumping the man's shoulder harshly, ''We have bigger problems than discussing Ganicus' latrine habits.''
Said man rolled his eyes, giving his blades an experimental spin, ''Hmph, not everyone is gifted by Gods, I admit. But our friend speaks truth, Morios and Doctore should be on their way in departing with the others. Whatever wasn't necessary was left behind, and we will have to find more supplies somewhere...''
Kastos snorted lightly from his position, tracing the treeline for anymore incoming surprises, ''I can think of one.''
A collective sigh followed the declaration.
''It does seem tempting, but we have never done it to a place that big.'' Argos commented, and it was true for the most part, towns like Duranius with enough fortification and a nearby garrison were a very risky option.
Ganicus was of similar thought, but so far with their limited range of options, things didn't seem too bright. They'd need to restock for sure, and winter is coming, food will be scarce, not to mention that this was the largest populated area by seven days walk. ''We will ponder upon it on the move, let us first find the rest to re-group.''
Now in agreement, the four fighters fell in a familiar low trek speed. The short peace was soon interrupted by a loud gurgling noise, and it was coming straight from the largest member.
''Really...?''
He heard Sevius mutter behind him. Huffing like a bull, he shot back, ''Don't even start, none of us had a proper meal since morning.'' And now because of this whole mess, Kore's lovely meal was probably cooling on the ground somewhere, trampled.
''Mh-hmm,'' Argos chimed in, ''I could kill for a nice slab of meat...''
''What a great idea, our stomachs are empty, let us all talk about food like it's waiting for us to be served...''
The trio were about to start a small bicker if not for the leading member's sudden halt, Argos almost collided with him, ''Ganicus why did you-?''
''Do you all feel that?'' He asked suddenly.
The former hoplomachus looked back at the two bringing tail, and back to him, ''Not sure what you mean...''
''It's cold,'' Correction, it was getting colder all of a sudden, from all their strain they didn't notice it at first, but Ganicus was positive that a shift in temperature like that wasn't natural. ''No, it getting more cold, something is drawing all the warmth...''
Sevius glared to his right hand, and squinting harder he saw a small inkling of frost actually gathering on his blade, ''Fuck the Gods, he's not lying... I feel like cold is trying to crawl up my ass.''
''Well, now there is a remed-''
''Shut the fuck up.''
A branch snapped.
Kastos let out a breath that was now misting before his eyes, just what in hell was going on? ''We must not keep here, forests are dangerous like this and...'' He didn't finish the sentence before he was pulled back by Sevius, both man tumbling on the ground.
Something just jumped through their formation.
The leaves were crackling from getting crunched.
''What was that?'' Argos frantically pointed his spear in non-particular direction. ''Did anybody see anything?''
The usually potty-mouthed Thracian, didn't comment at first, it's like somebody laid a fat hog over his stomach, ''I saw...'' He wheezed, helping Kastos move up and stand in a proper line, ''I don't know what I saw, it's like shadows were moving toward us.''
The problem is there was no sun to make the shadows.
The quietest member of the group was having a bad time organizing his thoughts, his body reacted to only one way, ''Men, back-to-back, now!'' Like a well-trained unit, they created a circle of impressively cornered armed animals. ''Open your eyes, do not falter!''
The presence of death hanging in the air was palpable, to Ganicus, an old memory of how being able to feel one's doom approaching became fully active, something out there was hunting them. When you live a good part of your young life in fear of being watched over the shoulder, the picture of knife stabbing you becomes so much ingrained that a person develops one out of two basic instincts.
Fight or flight. And right now, they were denied that option.
''This thing thinks us its prey, then let us show them how we embrace glorious death! AS GLADIATORS! AS WARRIORS!''
''Fuck yes!''
''Right behind you, my brother!''
''Hnh!''
Four different nation, four different bloods, but united under one iron-forged bond of brotherhood. Their will to carry them where no mere mortal dares step towards, if only to their last dying breath, the promised award waited.
Three pairs of eyes watched from the growing darkness.
The balance has been broken.
Onto the duty bred for a singular purpose.
~BRING ABOUT THE DEAD.~
A single howl echoed the small patch...
XxX
''Did you bring it?''
A nervous shuffle, a wildly beating heart, ''C-Centurion, I...''
''Well, where is it?!''
The soldier gestured to the tent surrounded by an entire troop, an unusual sight for an encampment.
''I need to see it.''
''I think that is not the wise-''
''Damn you, soldier, take hold of your cock!''
They slowly passed the guards, a very trepidatious lot even more so than the one leading him. ''My group has brought in just this morning.'' He added weakly, parting the curtain and redirecting his gaze. He'd seen it once, and promptly lost his breakfast.
Ubriculius was a soldier his entire life, his father practically raised him in the camp. Yet even his words died in his throat upon seeing a previously thought deceased man from a cohort chained and struggling against his binds that pinned him.
''He broke the ropes, we had to use metal to bind him.''
''...''
The silence was nerve-gnawing, as the young man fought the urge to retch what little he had left. ''W-What shall we do with him?''
The commanding officer slowly turned to his subordinate, and in a dead serious voice said, ''Send for Tribune Aurelius. And bring me dark salt... Lots of it.''
Well, hello my peeps, fans, readers, quick passers-by!
We've crossed into another decade of the 21st century, those of you alive and well Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to all who follow the Gregorian calendar! I wish you all well and most importantly, stay healthy, it's the least i can do since the struggle against this pest is still ongoing. Though, I have fait we will survive and one day talk about it while sitting in a bar, drinking scotch on a nice day in the future. Well, at least that's how I see myself.
Now, the main reason you're all here; the story!
-What does Darrhon plan to achieve with his scheme that turns out to be on an even larger scale than anyone could imagine? And how'd a formerly good old medic gain knowledge to even pull it off?
-Iona's family is fucked up. Whoever had the thought that crossed his mind, I think you're mostly spot on.
-Natsu/Igneous calls his first official move! Well, technically, it was the Dragon's Clutch from a flashback, a juvenile version of Fire Dragon's Grip Strike from the anime, but semantics, ya know!
-Just what is it that stalks the four friends in the forest? Would they be able to overcome it? Them, mortals, armed with sharply pointed toothpicks...
Who knows, if you're curious, then PM me or put a few words in a comment section, I always try to be prompt with my responses.
See ya all on the next take; and since the holidays are still kinda in our heads, spoilers downwards, wohoo!
''Secrets only pertaining the inevitable! It's the knowledge of the Gods!''
''I tire of this charade, prepare yourself boy, you just might die from it.''
''And I was just thinking about our beloved leader... Good dog, heel!''
''Those are wrong words, you dumb fuck!''
''For the Republic, for my men, I cannot allow leniency. Even if it's my own blood... Fall to command, Tiberius.''
''No, father...!''