Disclaimer: Hello, not owner of Fairy Tail here, just checking in so IRS, ATF, CIA and the rest of the merry band can see that my intentions are 100% pure and in no way am I attempting any sort of unlawful activity. I know big brother's watching, so you can turn eyes some other way, there ain't no secret code, incriminating content or otherwise harmful instructions on how to make an IED in my story. Capiche? Swell! Let's roll chapter No. 20!
Indomitable Heart
Chapter 20: Forebears' Sins
''You really know how to make a good first impression.''
''...''
Again, Galatea didn't utter a single word, blatantly ignoring her ally and turning her attention to the slain beast, slipping a strange looking hollowed-out object behind her back.
Seeing as there was no reaction at all to his vocal jab, Hector turned back to man who was presumably a leading authority in this region, ''Right, to the main topic,'' He muttered dryly, casting one last glance at the seemingly careless woman, ''As I have tried to explain before being so rudely interrupted by a flock of harpies, we would like to join forces against the common threat that struck the land. In that regard, we can provide knowledge and manpower enough to keep this strife from spreading further. What say you to that?''
In retrospect, his negotiating skills might have rusted over the years, but he thought he'd used quite enough carefully constructed words to pass their intentions as nothing sort of malicious. The way the younger man seemed to relax for a moment gave him reson to believe that everything might go smoothly as possible.
''Now hold down a moment...!''
Well, there goes that ship, Hector sighed.
''... You appear out of no-where, coincidentally just after this entire fucking blight, spitting curses and magicks and expect us to willingly comply!'' Brick the centurion slowly stood up on his shaky legs, still in disbelief over the recent surprise attack on the camp, he pointed the tip of his sword at the offending man, ''No man of sane mind would have fallen to that trickery, why I even think this entire ordeal orchestrated – ...''
''Centurion,'' The downed Octavius said through gritted teeth, ''Seize tongue now.''
Alarmed by the tone of his superior officer, Brick looked at him affronted, ''Octavius, you cannot –...''
''Centurion,'' Octavius repeated again, heavily emphasizing the position, ''I am of the belief that this is not a dream and our positions not miraculously reversed.'' Giving his old friend and part mentor a glare, he grabbed him by the arm, rather forcefully, stumbling on his legs and nearly bringing Brick back to the ground. ''And as such, the last word in decision making falls to me, yes?''
Brick winced, more at the silent reprimand than a grip on his arm, but bowed his head in compliance, ''Yes, my Tribune.''
Getting his breathing under control, albeit a rather slow process for now, Octavius regarded the man in front of them carefully, if not for the way he spoke, he'd passed as a mercenary or a bodyguard of sorts, ''Stranger,'' He started, testing the water, ''You seem fairly competent, if judging by that display... I can understand the sparse time we have on our hands, but neither can I stand to trusting an unknown factors and bringing my people into a greater peril.'' With a measured steps, he walked towards the magic wielder, signaling Brick who looked as if he wanted nothing more than to get this over with, with steel naturally.
But Octavius Aurelius did not come to his position by making rash decisions and poorly constructed tactics. Being only a mere two steps from the stranger, who didn't even flinch, though one of his arms was hanging more loosely than the other. In one swift motion, as much as he could with his still rapidly beating heart, the Tribune swung his sword and promptly put it in its sheath with a soft click.
Brick bristled at the action yet dared not say anything, but he did notice in the back that the other person stopped doing whatever they were doing with a slowly decaying corpse of the fiendish creature.
''Tell us then, who are you and why in gods' name should we even bother to put any merit in your offer?''
Even if the words themselves came out with more bite than necessary, Hector could understand the man to a degree, and apparently he was willing to at least hear him out to the end. ''Much as I would like to stand here all day and have us exchange strategy, as you have so eloquently put it 'time is sparse' and each passing moment works against us. At first I had thought this to be nothing but a old man's bones problem, yet with the appearance of the chthonic creatures now things are even more complicated.''
''Then you know what was the cause for...'' Giving the camp a once over and confirming the quite disastrous condition, he waved his hand around, not having anything that could describe the current state.
One of Hector's shoulders dipped slightly, ''I have other people working on that... I myself was also on the way to join them when my dear companion showed.'' He indicated to the now cross-armed woman behind him, ''In that regard, if we are to work together, we may at least give a common courtesy of introduction; my name is Hector of Illum, the quiet one is Galatea of the Hunt.'' He was painfully aware that that earned him negative points with the woman who was definitely glaring at the back of his head now.
Octavius raised a brow at the mention, Illum was fairly know to those who were in the last war, though he never made it that far, being stationed at playing tug-of-war with the blasted Daemonians throughout most of his service. The woman however, was a mystery that sparked a brief curiosity, ''Does she not talk?''
''Never.''
Blinking in surprise since Hector was the one to provide answer, he spared her a look and most what he could see under the mask is that her brows were scrunched. Anger? At what exactly? ''I see... Am I to believe that only the two of you will be providing council? Not to belittle your... prowess, but only two of magus-oriented people, however capable, surely isn't going to be enough.''
The mage of the wind thinned his lips, seemingly in deep thought judging by his brief dazed look.
''Seriously?''
It was Brick who uttered the question, but got no warning look from Octavius who was asking himself the same thing now. ''I have to agree with my centurion on this, have you given no thought on the matter when approaching us?'' Now he was getting rather impatient, he had a whole garrison to inform, and was wasting time with two shady people that were slowly turning out to be less useful than he imagined?
''No to both.''
Octavius's face started to flush again, this time from rage instead exertion, ''How in the gods will you – ?'' He was forced to quiet down with how a man's visage became very somber with the weather pattern above. ''Wait, 'both'?''
''You would assume that numbers of your men would prove to your advantage,'' Wind started to pick up around the area, it flowed like a gently breeze and quickly transformed into a step from a full-blown squall weather, ''It is not fighting men you face here, nor is it some rogue mages. We are of Crypteia. And we are more than prepared to do what is needed to put an end to the approaching catastrophe.''
Closing her eyes in concentration, Galatea pressed her lips to one of the openings of the elongated tube like object and blew softly.
SYLPH'S CHORALE: WANDERING CHORUS
~Yesterdays enemies are today's allies
To preserve order and restore balance
For the great evil they shall bring demise~
Expression somewhat catching a sombre note, Hector dispersed the winds and let them carry the note in the air. Truly a marvelous technique she developed all on her own. Too bad the beauty of it didn't reflect on her personality.
Octavius was barely able to snap out of the short trance-like state. ''...That was simply heavenly...'' He quickly pounded one ear so he was sure he wasn't imagining things. A magic can make such beautiful thing come true, the songstresses would've envied such talent! A hand entered his field of vision, he swiftly tried to compose himself before he appeared a bigger fool. The man was asking to make the alliance official.
''To be clear,'' He added, noting that his opposite didn't back from the tightening of his own grip, ''I shall have my men noted not to provoke yours. If your side abides by the same rule we should have no problems in the duration of our mutual accord. Agreed?''
There was so much wrong that could come out of it, but then again, Hector learned long ago never to set his hopes too high with these people. ''I see no reason why not. Hmm,'' A small pinprick alerted him that he turned to Galatea who had her right hand up, thumb pressed against her temple and only pointer and middle finger raised while showing the number five with her left hand. ''Then you can start with your coming riders before they judge us a common threat.''
Both Octavius and Ubriculius not long after heard the rapid hooves against the ground sounds. So someone did send for reinforcements? The leading man seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite tell from this distance. Just how did that woman, who may or may not be a complete mute, hear them come before everyone, and even guessed the right number?
They were wide-eyed at the mess they came upon not even bothering to address their superior officers properly, this will require further drills in the future.
''What in Gods' name...?''
''How could have this happened...?''
''What even is that atrocity...?!''
His veins actually pumped against his forehead that they might burst, Octavius had had enough of this disoriented mockery of a discipline, he was right there standing! ''Men! Still yourselves now!''
And as expected they all directed their attention to him, relief, embarrassment and anxiousness flooded their faces. The leading one swiftly dismounted, and only now could the Bellatorian Tribune see why he was so familiar.
''Fath – apologies my Tribune!'' The young man with tawny hair and green eyes inherited from his mother's side, bowed quickly with a fist to his heart. ''We were too late to help and were ambushed on our way from base, again I –'' His rant was cut short when Octavius, still stern in face but with no actual malice in his eyes took his son by shoulder plates.
''Calm yourself, Tiberius.'' He spoke quietly, yet strongly to his eldest child. ''You will tell of what happened, but first we have a new development to discuss. It is of greatest importance as of now.''
Tiberius, now visibly calmer, but not by much, noticed Brick nearby, the man looked no worse to wear. The shadows were littered with bodies who in their ironic twist hid the unpleasant sight from eyes by a small margin. ''What has... transpired here? And who are those people?''
For the first time in the whole day, Octavius showed a smile, yet it never reached his eyes, ''We have a set path to follow now, you will not falter. Promise me, by Matris, we have a long struggle ahead.''
How could he say anything else, when his father, like in the old days when he was seated on his knee listening of the things from the family's glorious past, and spoke with the same confident voice. ''I understand, I shall not fail you!''
Eyes dipping slightly as if to say that he has done something wrong, Octavius made to talk with the rest of the cavalry, ''Men, these are trying times, but like with every obstacle in our nation's past, we will show unwavering courage and strength! And once more shall we...!''
The part of his droning was so sickening that Galatea found herself rolling her eyes. All it took were few loud words for them to make the little sycophants in armor fall in line like a bunch of marching ducklings at their mother's tail. She pointedly jabbed Hector on the knuckle where he had no protection and as expected he gave her a mildly rebuking look.
Snorting through her nose, she pointed both fingers at the dog parade in front of them, and then used her right hand to imitate a sitting human body while adding a prolonged whistling sound.
If not for the fact that the man grew up in the coastal area, he might not have gotten the message. Fortunately, it was clear as a day what she was trying to convey. It took his all not to show any visible reaction, though he couldn't help a damned twitch of his traitorous mouth.
''Everything in order?''
He managed to recompose his face into a flat, dour expression that betrayed nothing in just about the last moment. The Bellatorians were still apprehensive in their approach to their temporary relation now, it wouldn't do well to ruin it when he was the one to start it in just one sitting. Even Galatea must've agreed, not that he could tell from her default stance, though he'll take what he could.
''Perfectly. Now, let us work on making you the hunters instead of the hunted.''
The extra flick to his side went unnoticed by many, but it was so worth it.
XxX
A geyser of fire exploded into a brilliant pillar as Igneous was yet again forced out of his opponents space. Digging his heels into the earth and leaving a noticeable trail, he bent his knees lightly and pushed himself against the hot blowing steam blocking his way.
The charge was intercepted halfway by a grinning face of the man whose presence defied their current knowledge of the dead. But same could be said about the entire town in general.
''Haha! Excellent!'' Castor bellowed cheerfully like he wasn't in a death match, ''What else can you do, young warrior?! Show me more of that fire!'' A flaming fist was intercepted, the flames almost dying to a pitiful flicker belonging on a candle, Castor's flat palm against Igneous's torso, as expected the red head immediately went to a joint lock only to be blown away by the blast from the same hand.
Igneous, huffing and puffing, glared at the now ten meter long distance he has been pushed for the umpteenth time. Every time he would find even a small opportunity for a counter Castor would immediately switch to the fire based attacks. Never mind that he now as an undead reanimated corpse possessed above human strength, and the fact that he didn't seem to tire, but his abilities were something of an odd mix with his fighting style.
''Have to find out what it is before I run out of air...'' Or before Castor decides he'd had enough of dancing in circles with him. If not for the fact that it took every ounce of his enhanced senses to keep him from being pulverized, he would've at least consulted Iona on how her late father's magic worked, though he guessed that it might be a stretch. Raising his fists, he set into a proper stance, blocking an incoming strike, a downward elbow that would've broken bones only served to slow the other fire mage down.
''No! What are you doing?!'' Castor exclaimed, now a chiding tone replacing his previous one, ''This is pathetic, a real man should never hold back when fighting for his own life, and by all accounts you seem to carry several at once. I'm disappointed!''
By Gods above and below, did this man have an off switch somewhere? ''And what of you?'' Igneous grunted, managing to break away out of the hold before he was overwhelmed, ''Why do you even fight against members of your own group?!''
It did the trick, as Castor suddenly paused in his advance, raising his eyeridge, ''My group?''
It wasn't ideal, but Igneous would still take any second of reprieve right now, ''Crypteia. Were you not once a part of, or did that old man dig through your head that you can't remember your comrades?''
''Comrades?'' The pale skinned man tutted, ''You clearly haven't been there long enough to know just what they consider comrades.''
Now it was the red-head who was confused, sure there was tensions in the group, like any other, but the way Castor talked about it made him think about just what could it be that provoked such reaction. Didn't his own family hold high place in the Crypteia's hierarchy? ''You say that as if the place is more of a viper's nest than a sanctuary for those being persecuted by Bellatorians.''
''That was the original purpose, yes.'' The dark behind his eyes seemed to fill the rest of his sockets, ''But ever since its inception that purpose has been twisted and bent to serve the needs of a small group of power holders instead of actually serving the other outcasts as a whole. I took it with the elder lodge and was rebuked for my actions. It was never in anyone's interest, those few of alike mind were either threatened into compliance or killed when trying to escape.''
Both Igneous's and even silent Iona's eyes widened. Did they actually condone those actions? If so, it opened doors to a whole bunch of dark holloways than they previously were aware existed.
''Wait,'' The former gladiator interrupted the rant hastily, ''How can it be that people stood aside and did nothing?! There are good men and women there, strong too! Why would they... Hector, Hannibal even L –''
This time Castor burst into a fits of disparaging chuckles, it was not the one he used when fighting, it lacked any joy or excitement behind, it was simply dead.
''Hannibal was one of the first to join in culling the so called traitors, those who bled together with us!'' His face morphed and an ugly sneer replaced any sign of mirth as he spat the name, ''And Hector is nothing but a selfish liar and a disgrace! All of them, it was all of them behind it! Even my own mother and brother would refuse to side with me and stood watching!''
''That is a lie!''
''Haah...?'' It occurred Castor just now that there was someone else observing, he didn't give the person much thought since Igneous was clearly the main threat, ''You ...''
She wouldn't let him finish though, ''It was you who tried to take the Sol's Gift and caused the deaths of almost entire sanctuary! You call others selfish, yet your actions prove no better than them!''
''Girl,'' Castor sighed, unusually since he shouldn't have functioning lungs, ''You were obviously introduced to only one side of the story. What I did was for the benefit of our people.'' His voice dropped an edge, and he looked up to the clouded sky in clear derision, ''I remember it all too well now, the day was almost exactly like this one... I was restless for a long time, barely able to make ends meet, emotionally tortured by my failures I couldn't even bare to show my face to my only child... Hmph, if they were so resigned to let things run its doomed course, the change was needed. Sometimes the hand of fate must be forced!''
''And...'' Her voice hitched, but she managed to brave through, ''And it had to be you?''
Castor shrugged, ''If not me, who else? Those willing to stand by and do nothing in the face of incoming disaster despite having power to change things deserve nothing but contempt. The real heroes are those that were long passed from this world, whose lives were given so that others may continue and make for their sacrifices... And just how were we repaying them?''
''...''
''Did they see justice? Or even the –'' He turned his head just in time to bat away the flying fireball. Expectedly, it vanished even before hitting the ground. ''Hoh, and I was thinking your plan was to talk me to death here.''
''You are dead, fool,'' Igneous said dryly, a wisp of smoke coming out of his extended fist, ''And I think you need to be reminded of that.''
A fresh smile started to appear on the dead chapped lips, Castor spread his arms wide in anticipation, ''By all means. See if you can give me one last entertainment before there is no one left to give me a challenge.''
''Entertainment ...'' A savage smirk mirrored the opposing adversary, ''You have no idea just who you are dealing with.'' In one breath, Igneous spun once, and struck low with both fists, twin streams of howling fire broke out of the air plowed across the distance in mere seconds.
''This again?'' Castor muttered in amusement, taking his own stance making an elaborate movement of his hand not too different from opening a gate, the rushing jets were dispersing on both sides of him, he couldn't help but whistle a praise across, ''Hah, for someone that young you have really large pools of Mana! But not everything is solved by pouring a lake over a blazing mountain!''
Igneous cut the stream of fire and used the remaining flames as the cover, calling onto his hidden armory, and having both sword and shield at the ready.
Upon exiting the flaming curtain, the displeasure on Castor's face was noticeable again. ''Not bad.'' A flash and the younger man was stabbing a gladius at his collarbone, Castor let the steel graze his forearm, grabbing the elbow of his opponent and swiveling him to the other side, only for Igneous to suddenly recall the sword and use the gained momentum and slip his weight behind the back.
They were both literally tangled, even if Castor knew he could eventually break the way out of the lock, ''And what of it, you just wasted a –'' He never got to finish as twin jets of fire beneath him exploded and separated them from the ground. ''What in Gods...?!''
Igneous didn't waste time as he completed the areal maneuver by flipping him over his head and catching him by torso he bend back once again expelling the fire from his feet. They both slammed into the ground, though Castor was used as a shock absorber mostly.
Slightly dizzy form the involuntary recoil, Igneous hastily stood to find balance, saw how the undead man's head was stuck in the ground, unmoving for the duration, he turned to a shocked Iona. ''Iona, I need...''
Shock quickly turned to anger and he'd no doubt she would just as soon turn apoplectic on him. ''You thoughtless, careless ...! You could have died!''
''Had to stop him somehow, but now I think...''
''Oh, suddenly you grew a smart side? Do you happen to have a spare encephalon in that depository with you?''
''The fuck is encelphal – Iona listen to me,'' His urging tone was good enough to stop her panicking tirade, though he didn't know why she'd worry he couldn't handle the fall, ''He will recover soon, and I... I cannot defeat him. Not like this.'' The only way that came to his mind included total obliteration, and he'd never willingly subject the environment with her and children around.
Iona opened her mouth, but closed it just as fast. For him to admit something like that, it was almost unfathomable. Seeing Igneous fail at something, be it a crude specter of her father, it did nothing but slowly crush her hopes of living to see another day. ''Then what are we left with, if not even with your power...?'' She daren't finish it.
His eyes shifted from her to the now twitching body, almost out of time, ''I need you to trust me on this.'' Boldly taking her hands in his, he broke his vigil for a second, ''You are the only one who can.''
''B-But I'm just a healer.'' She stuttered, feeling a sudden flush on her face, not unpleasant, but certainly not appropriate for the occasion.
''You can. Treat this as nothing more than a disease that needs to be routed.'' Brute force has failed them, and even if he did learn something out of this ordeal, to move further is to put trust in his companion. ''Here he comes, follow my lead, you will understand.'' He had her pulled slowly behind, as Castor was in a process of digging his head out and trying to regurgitate an unhealthy amount of dirt.
Rounding his head about, Castor finally cleared all excessive waste from being stuck in a chuckhole, ''Well, that was very unpleasant way to die... You are quite brutal, I admit had I been alive no amount of fire would have saved me from that. Ah-hah-ah-ha!''
Time for a plan to start, in spite of how Iona might come to hate him for it, ''I hope you enjoyed that, for soon you will be back to reveling in it permanently.''
Castor clicked his tongue, shaking his head for he was far from feeling endangered, ''You might have caught me with my guard low, but that will only help you so much. And do you really think bringing another will make your chances any better? Why, the girl is hardly a fighter!''
In a fight one on one, the best way of gaining advantage is to goad your adversary so he loses his cool and makes a slip that will cost him dearly. Those are basics gladiators learn about throughout their short, but filling careers, ''No, you mistake. She might seem harmless at first glance, not being a fighter with such physique is plain obvious...''
The girl in question eyebrow twitched at the blatant description of her body, ''... What are you doing?'' She whispered through clenched lips.
He went and ignored the words along with the way she tried to squeeze his hand, it felt more pleasant than harmful, ''... Yet this person is your worst match. Castor Colchis, meet Iona Colchis, for the second time.''
His eyes slanted, the undead man did his best to look unfazed, routed to the spot as he was, ''What, Iona ...?'' The brief fatherly affection that might have been there was lost, as he glared at them, ''This changes nothing.''
''Hmph, I don't thinks so.'' Igneous mocked, narrowing his eyes while enacting his plan, ''I found it odd how you always seemed to get pass my guard and struck such powerful counters... Your control over flames is great, perhaps even surpasses my own, but therein lies one massive flaw.''
Both father and daughter tensed at the proclamation, for slightly different reasons, Castor's fist slowly clenched so much it might draw blood if he had any coursing through his veins. ''What are you trying to achieve with that? If you acknowledge my fire is superior to yours, then you've nothing but empty boasts to throw around. Boy.''
Igneous withheld a twitch of irritation, a jab on his age still follows him, ''Ready yourself, and listen closely.'' He leaned down to whisper in Iona's ear, making a three steps with her staying back, ''I but acknowledge your technique is better refined. Yet no further than to call it fire. Now that I know the truth behind you magic... You, Castor Colchis, are a pretender; there is no inner fire burning within you, and I think there never was any. All you do is steal. Constantly provoking me to add more and more heat to the fight, for that is your magic... No, your true power. The one that absorbs any and every bit of my flames and have them turn on me.''
Iona gaped at the young man's deduction. If that were really true, then all the stories she ever knew about her father's great gift with fire were nothing but... ''They were but one great fabrication...'' She thought, saddened by having a revelation in such a way.
And worst of all, Castor didn't even start denying it, nor did he look any less indignant at having his prized ability dissected and presented by, to him, a complete stranger.
Instead, the newly risen man started chuckling. Unlike his boastful laugh, this was nothing sort of a vicious, erratic gasps that left his mouth. ''... Aahahahahhahahahah! To think that some youngster who brely entered adulthood... This is just too much...'' One hand grabbing his face, as if it'd hide the venomous smirk, he peeked one crazed eye, ''And what of it?! You think this comes as a miraculous way to turn the tides of battle, that this would have any impact on the outcome?! If we have met when I still drew breath and walked the realm of living, but now... Your best punch can't break my bones, steel will not make me bleed and no fire you can conjure by the Sol can have any hope of stopping me! Boy, you have absolutely nothing!''
Igneous closed his eyes briefly, head slightly bowed, ''Yes... Nothing I am willing to do would get us past you. However,'' He glared now with renewed ardor, his right eye glowing a luminous inferno, the red-hot feeling permeating through his veins, ''That does not mean I'm left without as much as a chance. The walking corpses I managed to plow through to reach here, resistant to fire yet held little to no common reason... You on the other hand, how exactly did you find way to this plane with no body to bind your soul?''
''Impossible, is that...?!'' Castor blanched. Darrhon might have not talked empty about this one.
''No body?'' Iona repeated in a clear measure between curious and disturbed, ''To even try and summon a soul back from the realm of the dead it would require... No, Laertes?!''
Igneous nodded stiffly, pointing a finger at the undead form of her father, ''If that is truly him, he might yet live, but for how long in this state I cannot tell. You would sacrifice even family for your so called righteous cause?''
''Silence!'' Castor snapped at him like a growling dog, teeth bared in sight, ''I have heard enough! Interfering in my path to justly deserved revenge, having the gall to bring my family in as if a tool for bargain and you dare talk about righteousness?!''
''I dare!'' The red-orange strands of Igneous's hair stood in reminisce of an ever burning ingle, ''Ever since comrades I failed left this world, I swore to get stronger that I might prevent those horrors from happening to others! With this new power vested by Helios himself, I pledge to right the wrongs in your wake!''
He was in his own way making a gesture of good faith, and with such strong words at that. Castor would have smiled and answered back in a more positive note, if only not the fact that his soul knew no respite ever since his death. Tormented by memories and his failures, he would not extend a hand to an equal, for he wasn't like that or did he have an inclination to make himself cower in the presence of this young man. No, he would reply back in the only way he, or rather his soul demanded, for there was nothing less that held meaning in his current existence.
''Very well!'' The son of high sorceress made a beckoning gesture, ''Let us see just how much far your will can keep you from failing!''
Two roaring souls clashed, two fists connected, neither giving room to yield. The winds that blew from the mere punch sent the dust flying in all directions.
Igneous was literally glowing with potent power, it's majestic glaring shine covered his entire being in a protective blanket almost acting as a second skin.
''Tch, he's good. He prevents all the heat from leaving his body, stores it close to his skin to act as both offense and defense. Not bad, but all that has to put great strain on you.'' True to Castor's thoughts, a sheen of sweat was appearing all over Igneous's body, only to rapidly evaporate in a small tendrils of steam due to the amount of fire force he made his body generate.
''Hngh...'' Igneous grunted, the decision to stoke the flames beneath his skin and not to exude them in a destructive fashion like he's used to was only going to pay off if he could keep up with the pressure of his inner self not to burst. He honestly had no idea what exactly were his limits on this kind of method, the only thing he knew for real is that he would endure.
The pain suddenly flared on his flank where Castor managed to find an opening, but just as it came it quickly went away.
To say that both were shocked would have been an understatement. ''How? None could have withstood that much force...''
His resolve reaffirmed even more, Igneous sought to return the favor tenfold! Two more times did he land a clear straights to his face before Castor properly managed to mount a defense and put up a guard. And no matter how many it struck him and the released energy he tried to absorb, Castor could barely follow up on the upcoming flurry of onslaughts.
''Where... Where does it all keep coming from?!'' He desperately thought, a silver of doubt slowly worming its way through his previous confident gait. Was it the sheer difference in skill? Their upbringing or approach to magic? Tired of of being on a receiving end, Castor struck back, in spite of getting a blow that would crack ordinary men's skull, his fist connected directly to the torso. ''Perfect... Begone!''
Putting a large amount of thermal energy into the fist, he instantly released it, caring little if the current form suffered for it.
BLAZING PEARL STAR BRINGER!
His victory was short lived when the smoke cleared to reveal Igneous, his form none worse to wear, although the whole upper battle armor has been blown away, now a useless mass of charred trash. The man himself on the other hand, stood, if now even more brighter figure heavily contrasting a dour weather that tried to consume the environment bit by bit. He was like a star shining in the vast sky, one lone against the intermingling darkness of primordial chaos...
''Nonsense...'' Castor mumbled, his eyelids never blinking to remove his gaze of the burning light his opponent emitted, ''It's an utter nonsense... What kind of a monster are you?!''
''I...'' Igneous wrought his hands into a strange facsimile of a snapping jaw, ''Tire of this charade.''
''Charade?'' Castor repeated, the grievous insult further lighting his fury, ''Why you ...!'' He brought his other fist to bear, but all too late before the bright haired youth before him didn't allow any moment respite.
''Roar under the bright skies, O' mighty one!''
STAR-FIRE |CREATION| MAGIC: LEO IGNIS!
Iona had to cover both her ears and dive flat on the ground. She didn't know what's worse, that she would be blinded, deafened or had another terrible skin burn to add to the current collection. The only thing she saw before the clangor in her ears started, was a very, very luminous flare that for all intents and purposes threatened to consume the whole location they were in. Her eyes were either playing tricks on her, but the shadows around them seemed to tremble in anticipation and apparently had some sort of semi-conscious instinct of self preservation if judging how they flickered in and out of existence.
When she finally got her bearings after what it felt like an eternity, the first thing that anyone would notice is the new addition to the scenery in visage of a crater, who expelled smoke and where fire licked on the rims of the dented earth.
Nine out of ten people would run away scarce from the scene. Iona was the tenth kind, the idiotically moved one. Her inner self was screaming, and her body was fighting against the urge to throw up from being near the hot zone of events. To say nothing of her current emotional state, even she wasn't so sure how to take all these revelations at once and manage to stay relatively composed. ''Right,'' She rasped, the dry air not helping her burning throat, ''Step by step Iona, one after another...''
First things first, she had a stupid cousin to save and hope that Igneous didn't need any extensive patching up, the reckless fool that he was. Carefully avoiding small still burning pockets of fire, she reached her destination, glad that Igneous was mostly fine and immensely disturbed at the state of her father.
The husk that held his outside seemed more than a crumbling piece of ceramic. It was like Igneous claimed, this was not Castor's true body, but merely his soul, dragged through his death and tormented to form this horrid shell. Her heart shriveled at the thought, but she moved carefully forward, somehow the aura of light that Igneous now gave out having an effect of calming balm to her nerves.
A muffled sounds escaped the downed undead man's body, the both living persons noted how the dust was converging again in effort to recreate the lost bits and fill the gaps in order to keep Castor Colchis further chained to this plane. One eye opened, darting to take in the surroundings, and it landed on the warrior – healer pair side by side. ''Told you... it's pointless...''
Igneous, still sporting the light that filled his scars, lightly put his hand on Iona's shoulder. The girl almost released a surprised gasp until she felt a protective warmth envelop her. Reassuring her, that she had to be brave to do what must be done. No, it was as if Igneous's own thoughts slowly guided her, a tangible embrace that left her soul bare. She felt she should be embarrassed that it all happened in the presence of her father, but strangely her doubts seemed content to lie buried.
''Father...'' She started, moistening her lips to gain a little bit of time, ''I never knew as a child the burden you carried each day. Now I can finally see, your words were not in vain, I... No, we all of us, will not stand idle and let the ruin consume our people.''
Castor said nothing, for he was lost for any further words. He knew she believed her own, yet until she shows that she is willing to make the decisive step, all would have been for naught.
''That is why,'' The young mage and heiress continued, ''I won't stop in my effort to help. Starting with you,'' She made a quaint looking symbol with her hands with her eyes closed, one that apparently symbolized ascension.
Castor finally let his head rest against the soft ground, ''Σολ...''
''... πατέρας των ουρανών, σας χαιρετώ.'' She finished in the Ancient tongue of her ancestors, ''Laertes Colchis, awake and rejoin us.''
''Io- I'm glad...'' Was the last line Castor managed to get before his visage slowly crumbled to dust, revealing the body of his recently abducted nephew beneath.
Igneous, unbeknownst to Iona, turned his head to the up. Not to avoid witnessing at the scene but to be able to see the modestly sized spirit enveloped by light that began fading. He wasn't certain, but he was positive that the little will-o'-wisp was staring at him as it slowly vanished.
~... BeVAre thE faLse AuGUrs...~
The voice suddenly calling out in his head made Igneous take involuntary step, head whipping around, but other than a strange patterns that tried to crawl to the heavens, nothing and no one was in the near vicinity. ''What in the... What was that?''
He didn't really expect a reply, but surprises just kept marking this day. ''The wisdom of the dead. They are quite the tenacious bunch, their parting gifts to be wary of.''
''And what am I to make of this gift?''
''How should I know? It was meant for you, not me.'' Helios added acerbically, ''Oh and your little wench calls for you, best to not keep her waiting.''
''Wait ...!'' Damned that whimsical divine, but he knew it was pointless. He never stayed any longer than to have a succinct explanation and then leave without a small sardonic poke. But he was right, Iona was asking him to help her bring Laertes from the crater, while she did who-knows-what to restart his breathing while he was in his little world.
After doing a bear's portion of the work in carrying Laertes's body to the closest shelter, a dilapidated crypt, the light that Igneous emanated vanished, the man slumping heavily against the demolished part of the wall.
''You should rest for now.''
He snorted lightly, of course she'd say that, ''Worry about your cousin, who knows what being in that state did to him.''
His deflecting had a desired result, as Iona once more focused of her older relative, ''I have done everything in my power, he will live, that I am certain of. As for the consequences of what was done to him...'' She sighed, shaking her head in how she can't do anything more. Something like this would require aid and knowledge of more than one person with distinct esoteric expertise. Said experts she could probably count on one hand.
But the important thing is that Laertes will be alright. She took comfort in that as she too, unlike Igneous sat on her bum, legs splayed in a most undignified pose that could leave a very mixed signals to any watching party outside of her family. ''Who even cares right now?'' Feeling unperturbed by all, she used her long robe to create a makeshift pillow for Laertes, leaving her in a modified version of dark chiton, a zoster and leather grieves that covered her limbs. She dared take a silent peek, and surprised or not, her companion was staring blankly through the small gap between bricks.
An uncomfortable silence quickly took over, and it went without saying that Iona found herself more frustrated by second. Sure, she wasn't expecting that he'd ogle her form or anything, but did this man really crave no social interaction outside of battle or when absolutely necessary? That was, in her opinion, a very grim outlook on life. Sad, yet grim all the same. How is it that such a person can even think of helping others like so with such low expectations? ''Ugh, you are the most annoying man I have ever met! I'm nothing like that cavern-mouth, I value my private space reserved for thoughts, but Gods...!''
The young woman's flustered thoughts were moving at such rate, she almost didn't notice Igneous trying to leave.
In an act that seemed as a desperate and completely out of character for her, she reached and managed just barely to latch to his hand. He didn't protest much, but nor did he return the hold, ''I'm going to finish this, do not try to stop me.''
''It's not...''
''If you are concerned about any possible attacks from those undead, don't. There are none left.'' In fact, there where none when they entered, all possible grave beds were empty, upturned and vacated.
She rolled her eyes at him, a teasing smile played on her lips, ''I think I realized that while you fought. Don't think you are the only competent one, I have studied aspects of magic far longer than you!''
He turned half way, her hand slipping and she placed them at her hips, her gaze expectant and annoyed, ''My sincerest apologies, great sorceress. I really do must go. And...'' Igneous hesitated, trying to choose his phrasing, funny how he did that more often around her, ''I cannot have you follow where I venture next.''
He didn't know why he'd expect her to understand, ''You...! You are impossibly obtuse, you know that?''
''And you can be insufferably smothering just as much. I guess we stand equal in that regard, do we?''
He did not accuse her to be unbearable right now, the brute, ''Keep talking and I will show you how much you bring out the worst in me... By Gods!'' She threw her hands in exasperation, and dug into her supply to pull out a faintly glowing blue vial. ''Here, drink.''
Naturally he was suspicious at first, but he knew Iona wouldn't give things like these without good reason. Just so he could have the last say in a mini debate, he pinched his nose and downed the whole thing in one go. The steamed look suited her just fine, a reaction worth the trouble.
His body's reaction to the concoction, was what surprised him the most. ''Huh, this is... quite the improvement. What is this?''
''A family secret.''
Well, that explained it. He felt that he could almost go and have another round of trading blows with Castor, ''Right.'' He capped the small bottle, and instead of giving it to Iona, flicked it toward prone Laertes where it struck him in forehead. Iona was about to have a scandalous conversation about treating injured like that when a curse at her feet changed her mind.
''Ph'ck...''
''He woke when I was leaving.'' Igneous said with no small amount of bemusement and looked to the downed Laertes who tried to give him the best glare a man recently possessed and drugged could, ''Be a good little man and listen to Iona so you don't die for real this time.''
''...''
''I thought as much.'' Igneous said in parting, turning on his heel and walking towards the deep, abysmal recess of the graveyard.
''Igneous!'' The man didn't stop, but slowed his stride, ''Promise to come back.'' He said nothing in return, but she knew, deep down in a warmth that spread through her chest. He will make it out, for he was the ever-shining hope they have long waited. And now, left to her own devices, to keep her family from failing apart and losing any other members in the near future. Starting with one of the hardest cases in her uncle's only son.
She turned her eyes once his form was nothing but a bright spot, barely noticeable in the distance. Laertes was giving her a look. Something in between accusatory and perplexed. ''What?''
The man held her gaze, still feeling exhausted but mounting strength for several words, ''... Him of all?''
''Dear cousin,'' She started softly but her eyes told a different tale, crouching to get a better eye-level with him, ''I'm sure I know nothing of what you speak...'' Upon his look of disbelief, she chose the first topic she knew would shut him up, ''Just as I am sure aunt Pleione is likely never to know about this.''
Let it be said that Laertes was a wise man who knew when to keep his mouth shut. Especially around volatile family members.
Left to their devices for the time being, neither could see the grim look Igneous sported, all the goodwill replaced by a hardened heart, for he has lost sight while battling the fire manipulating mage. Theramenes was gone, along with him the other like minded and misguided children.
They took Vidia, and they snatched the little girl right under their noses. It was the new priority for the red-head as he advanced further into the shadowy maw.
XxX
''Ow! Fucking bitch bit me...!''
Darrhon turned in confusion, watching his two aides, Batos and Khalis trying to wrestle with a evidently smaller than even them, a servant girl. ''Odd,'' He murmured, switching focus for a moment, ''I'm sure I administered the dose properly.'' The amount of calming draught he made her drink would put down greater men, he was sure of it.
''She is like an animal, that one.'' Theramenes spoke, perturbed by the sight, ''We could barely constrain her, and then she bit through the rope...'' And chafed her mouth in the process so much that most would avert eyes before trying to taste her lips.
The old man went through his pale beard slowly, ''Curious, in all my visits to the household, Vidia was always so demure.'' Housebroken and bent to her masters' will certainly, but not likely to a degree she could ever lapse into fits of rage like a wounded animal struggling for life. ''Hold this for a moment, will you, gratitude.''
''Wha...?'' Theramenes stumbled, surprised when the spellbind holding the semi-conscious Messalina dropped her in his hands. ''Are you sure this is wise, elder?''
Dahhron worked his jaw uncomfortably, yet waved his free hand unconcerned, ''Wise? My boy, as I have told you numerous time, to be wise is to gather knowledge, and to gather knowledge one must always be prepared to make room to add more to it, else where would knowledge even serve.'' By now he was speaking on a whim and not actually cared if good-intended Theramenes or others followed. Peers of similar mind to rival were a rare commodity these days.
''R-Right... Agreed.'' Was all the man on child-caring duty could muster.
''Now you two, what have I taught you of treating uncooperative patients – first step; prevent them from harming others, least of all themselves. Batos, arms, Khalis, legs.'' Watching your part time students fumble with a simple maid, nearly ripping her undergarments in the process, a mistake Khalis gained an angry whack on the hands and buttocks, they finally managed to put the somewhat docile Vidia down. Not being in a real hospice, and out in the field, improvisation was their only choice.
Crouching down, his old bones still uncomfortably grinding against each joint despite the strengthening potions and the blessings he received, Dahhron took a good look at the girl, ''Hmm, let us see... Vidia, do you know who I am?'' A simple approach was always the best one at first.
Wild eyes, and blood stained mouth greeted him with all their hatred, ''Coward... Liar... Blasphemer... Non-...'' And she went on searching for all the insults she could find.
Batos seemed like he wanted to protest with physical violence, but a stern gaze stopped him at once, ''All asked was for a 'yes' or 'no' dear girl, have I always stood so low in your eyes? Or is it just recent events that spurred your hatred of me?''
''... Defiler... N-nnnooooo... Grave-robber ...ngh...'' Vidia continued the rant with irregular pauses.
''Curious, indeed, very much so.'' Dahhron mumbled, fascinated, for even with the drug already fully working through her system she only shows some minor signs of succumbing to sleep, unlike Messalina. Still, a child and an adult, the metabolism wasn't anything to be especially aware of to make all that much difference, and far as he knew Vidia was an ordinary girl with no latent magical potential. That only left one thing to consider – an outside influence. ''Your thoughts my tadpoles; we rule out the possibility of her having and extraordinary resistance to our medicine, she was not blessed by the gods certainly which can only be...''
Both young men looked at each other contritely, as if they had to go through the sudden 'quiz' as elder called them at this time, but still quicker-minded Batos answered through struggles both mental and physical, ''If she can still be awake with the essence of nightshade... Ugh, then a different herb to oppose the effect?''
Khalis snorted derisively, ''Damn inlander,'' Making the elder turn to him, he replied hastily with colored cheeks, ''I-I mean... 'er mind was entrapped.''
Dahhron nodded slowly, at both conclusions, ''My dear tadpoles, you are absolutely on the right trail the both of you. If this were our normal outing, you'd both deserve a rest and a better portion of portokalópita...'' They immediately brightened, lifting their eyes in gratitude until the elder decided to put his foot down, ''However! Bearing in mind that Vidia is hardly an imposing threat in forms of physical violence... The winner of the sweet isssss – Khalis!''
''Ha!'' The once native of Port Megaris puffed up, while Batos deflated almost dropping his hold, which got him a nasty scratch on forearm, ''Inlander, 'ow you plan to hold a woman if ye can't this much.''
''Oh swallow cocks, you salt-wife!'' Batos exclaimed, taking offense, nothing was wrong when growing up in a village Boura, well, except the war.
A hand, faster than what age should permit slapped the arguing parties, ''Boys...'' Dahhron huffed in exasperation, ''Discord leads us to pointless altercation which in turn leads to getting us as far away from our goals!'' The healer harrumphed, his finger raised in his standard lesson pose as they dubbed it without his permit, but he didn't mind, ''Now, returning to the right path, Khalis, what reasoning made you choose the the way to, at the end, good deduction, mhh?''
The young male frowned, reaffirming his hands, which didn't go past elder, though he didn't scold the inappropriateness, ''Living in por' city, you lear much... I think. And all the time dem Colchians would pass, people would be... 's 'weary' the word?''
Before elder could speak, Batos rolled his eyes, ''It's 'wary'. All that blown salt must've nestled in your ears and brain... No wonder Phoebe always has to yell at you.'' Seeing Dahhron's head slowly craning his way, he explained with barely a thought, ''Is all true, elder! Half the time I told him to, everyone does all the time!''
Dahhron sighed again, for the umpteenth time, well it was a luxury after all, and he was going to spend it in these last hours he probably has left imparting whatever last bits of wisdom he could, ''Ear hygiene is important, as is all hygiene. Always remember that, my boys! Filth is what disease starts as the detritus and slowly goes to corrupt that which touches, our bodies in this instance!''
The so called tadpoles, didn't get upset, since this was their dear to heart elder's way of looking after them, ever since he would spend whatever coin he earned to buy their freedoms. And as such, they owed him nothing but their most sincere gratitude and as he would teach them later, they should thank him by listening.
Even when in the dreary environment around them made for a complete contradictory term of what Dahhron was preaching to the young, willfully impressionable minds before him.
''Now,'' He coughed gently to his fist, then in an ancient tongue, muttered a spell Γη, δέσε! Shackles made of thick clay and mixed earth that made the terrain snapped around Vidia's limbs. ''I believe we were reaching the right destination... Continue, Khalis, no interruptions I hope, neh.''
The light-hearted jape covered the unseen threat, and so Khalis tried to focus again, ''... The Colchians... Every people'd say ye've to watch yer back when passing dem. O'er there once, one came pass rich man I think, was a boy I of six, ehhh five! An' mine auntie was bein' on her duty at taverna, said that day owner Naxos an' some other were yellin', arguin' fer whole day... Nothing to it much, happens every other day... Just, dat next day she went to open work, him master Naxos, 'e was lyin' and screamin' an'... His eyes, it's like some or other stole his sight... He was fine the day 'fore, she swore, I swore! The man once caught and whipped me once fer tryin' to take one fig! 'Twas small, on me mater!''
Dahrron was amused and disheartened by what was a selfish use of magic by most likely one of acolytes of Sol, from the Helioperium if his memory recalled right. The poor man most likely suffered an intense light attack right to his face, resulting in an irreparable damage to the cornea and the remainder of his life spent in darkness, taken from him by light of all things! How often did people attribute those two with good qualities versus bad, the folly of smallfolk.
''... that Colchians're all magic crafters and evil spellusers!''
Now that was concerning there, Dahhron mused, is that how it all probably started. The arrogant and uppity magic users brought it on themselves, and still there would be no justice in the end. Not from Bellatorians, however hard the barbaric lot tried their best to suppress it.
''Well, you are correct young Khalis, that owner was likely to have lost his eyes to a magic. Though, not all magic users are Colchians nor are all their people apt at the craft. I should know, haha, I was once taught under them, no matter their poor treatment of foreigners!'' And he considered that an actual accomplishment, to survive Idiya's tutelage to boot and to get to brag about it. Too bad it didn't last, those idyllic days all gone to ashes rather quickly. ''But what most don't know is that in special occasions, one's aptitude for magic is found in their blood itself! For 'tis true that sometimes hard work is naught when faced with the natural user whose ancestry grants them such boon!''
''Then that magissa Iona and that beast she has...''
''You will chose those words very carefully, my young tadpole.'' Dahrron's voice changed to the very one whose slumbered under for millennia. ''It is easier to dry out the pond than refill it...''
''...''
''...''
With the snap of his finger, the sudden dread slowly lifted, leaving the ever-darkening veil still swirling above them, ''Ah, but I digress... Iona is the most likely culprit for Vidia's state of, mhmm, vigilness? Not a small thing to bend ones mind but also their will and ensnare them in such state that they would try to go beyond their natural limits... Yes, only one thing comes to mind, the enrapture of Seirína.''
Khalis paled, his knees suddenly feeling weak for a different reason.
Batos on the other hand didn't really understand the significance of the name. ''Is it that bad? Uhm, no offense elder, the ehh, princess, hehe, doesn't look that scary...'' She was downright gorgeous, even without a smudge of that fake blush and powdered color that those Bellatorian girls fretted about and even some of their lady friends lately.
Khalis looked at the peer he had the honor to share house and knowledge for the past five years and wanted to throttle him for being a dumb Inlander once again. A dumb, stupid Inlander! Didn't the peasants tell scary stories to their children about dangerous monsters who bewitch and devour men to keep them from mischief?! What the hells kind of village did he grow up in then?
Dahhron, unlike the dull-eyed Batos noticed how Khalis was literally trying to suppress the trembling from his body, which despite the good effort gave away on what was going on in his head. Well, of course someone well-versed in the nautical topics would know, even if much of the stories were twisted and perverted over the ages, the source was the same. To think that throughout the generation, no better person would emerge with the powers and now, suddenly in his own lifetime at that! Life was too cruel!
''Too cruel indeed,'' He muttered through a ghost of a smile, then he turned spying something approaching, the light of hope. ''So it will be like that in the end.'' Gods know if he didn't want it to end on this note, but what a man must do now coming this far, retreating was simply not an option for him anymore. ''Leaving Iona aside, we should prepare for the final guest, my dear students! For the Champion has finally arrived!'' He spread his arms wide, the staff in his right hand dragging through the slowly unsettling earth. ''Welcome, welcome! You will forgive me Igneous, I may have forgot to clean the house!''
Igneous, eyes hard and ablaze stared down at the one who turned the last day for many people, and his own, all to the worse. If Castor was any indication, it is that this old man is more than proven his guile, the next fight will be the last and the sun shall finally rest over a clear sky.
It's been a year! And man oh man what a year it was since my last update! At least the world's in great shape, right... Pfft, hell no! All's going to shit Gorge Martin style!
But alright, I'm here for us little people, so let's keep it outside of worldly affairs that are too many to count right now, and stick to what we do best; reading, writing, and such.
So, it's also been a six years since I last posted this FIC, and wow do I feel old right now. I don't know what that young version of me was thinking back then posting this, eh? But no matter, my honor and upbringing dictates that I must go on, and go on I shall for all of you... And me as well.
Any questions I'm willing to answer almost anytime of the day, except during my eight hour obligatory rest period. So, feel free to PM or send I review, other than that stay safe and keep it up, next chapter isn't that far!
This chapter has seen a lot of magic using, the most since like ever in my story, so shall we clear and mar some details here, let's do just that then;
-Natsu/Igneous can obviously use more than Fire Dragonslaying magic, and what better than to give him the 'Gift of First Fire', if I remember he once ranted to Igneel he'd like to try to eat the Sun... Weeeelll, close enough, but I can't reveal much here.
-Hector and Galatea are both using very different variations of wind manipulation, while he's a real juggernaut in terms of power, Galatea is more refined and precise.
-Iona, due to her ancestry has inherited a very rear ability that for now will remain as 'Charmspeak', but it has much more potential, and it's not all good.
-Dahhron along with his knowledge of potions and other blends in medicine can clearly use earth magic and a little something extra. More to come soon.
-Castor, Iona's father could also manipulate fire, but unlike our protagonist, he cannot use it freely, most he can do is redirection, reflection, absorption, expulsion etc. But he was a bright, stubborn man, and didn't let not having 'inner fire' stop him, so he developed and worked with what he had. And yes. before anyone wonders, in this state him and Natsu/Igneous would've either killed each other if not for Iona.
-Laertes as part of his 'Blessed Sol's gift' uses primarily illusions, in a way it bends light and perception. It also has other complementary purposes, but that's also for later.
-Circe/? is a distant cousin of Iona and Laertes, and so far she only used simple sealing spell. She can be a bit fritzy, that scatter-brain.
-Leonidas is lucky to be alive with what happened to him. TBC.
-Idiya, the matriarch of Colchis family (of what remains now), is quite powerful, maybe not Irene Berselion level, but she is a high tier sorceress, well above anyone in magical knowledge at the current area of land.
-Hannibal comes from the unforgiving savannas of the south and you already saw what some of his people can do, or at least the practitioners of the same branch.
Welp, I gave out 10 for now, I think y'all deserved to know, next chapters shall introduce even more, OCs and otherwise.
Axel calling out!~