Chapter 1: This Fire Burns... Always

The sun began to rise, sweat beaded upon his brow as he hungrily inhaled oxygen. He surveyed the area, he tightened his grip around the borrowed sword. The ghouls started to flee, atop his steed the Skull Knight continues his watch over the mortal in astonishment. His glowing eyes took in the sight of the warrior. Strong-willed and a changer of fate, Skull Knight was impressed, to say the least. He had been watching over the man the entire night. Battling ghouls and demons alike, for he was now a sacrifice. Doomed to the same fight every night until he gives in. However, Skull Knight couldn't help but feel as if his falling wouldn't be the case. At least not for now, rage and determination boiled within this one greatly. A certain refusal to die, going against the grain.

Said man looked over his shoulder to see the Knight looking upon him. He fully turned toward him still catching his breath. His body ached, treated wounds reopened from the stress of battle. Blood trickled down his cheek from his lost eye. He eyed the Skull Knight, familiar with him at this point. He looked at him expectantly waiting for an answer on what just happened.

"Bearing the mark of a sacrifice for the unholy and wicked. This is only your first testament of rebellion, ghouls and demons will haunt you every night. It seems as though you have a fire within you that refuses the likes of death." The Skull Knight foretold Guts continued to steady his breathing before taking in a long inhale. Exhaling quietly, he then began to collect the words that were spoken to him.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked first, clenching the sword and gritting his teeth. He looked upon the Skull Knight with fury in his eyes, collecting energy he didn't know he had. "Where's that bastard Griffith?" He asked venom laced in his tone, he wanted to know the answer badly. The Skull Knight remained silent for a few moments taking in his image before replying.

"Currently in a place where you cannot reach him, but more importantly if you have any interest in protecting your comrade I suggest you come. The spirits have merely found another torch in the darkness to feast on." Guts' eyes widened at the revelation, he then took off running toward the direction of the mountains where Casca and the others were. Skull Knight's horse galloped behind. As they closed in on Guts, the Knight grabs his shoulder and pulls him up on his horse. With a whip of the reigns, their speed increased significantly. "This is the second time you have mounted my steed." Skull Knight then takes his sword back from Guts and sheathes it. Guts gave a confused look as they speed through the forest.

"What do you mean the second time?" Guts asked, the Knight looks over his shoulder at him. His eyes shone brightly under the darkness of the forest.

"Who do you think got you out of the eclipse? Don't thank me it was incidental." Guts was shocked, to say the least, his rescue was entirely because of the Knight who now aided him in rescuing his lover. Getting up to Guts and his comrades place of temporary refuge. They saw Casca in the middle of a field on the top of a hill. Ghouls and spirits could be seen floating around her. Skull Knight was also puzzled at the display. "This is very peculiar, she bears the mark of the sacrifice yet the spirits keep their distance."

Guts hopped off the skeleton horse before running toward Casca. Getting up to her, he could hear her grunts and moans of pain. Guts studied her body looking for any signs of blood or wounds. She then collapsed to the ground on her knees. Guts frantically lowered with her holding onto her wrist.

"Casca please talk to me, what's wrong? What's hurting you?" Guts asked panic in his voice, then he saw blood dripping on the ground. After a few moments, a fetus dropped on the grass. Guts saw a deformed satanic-like miniature child laying on the ground. Blood covered it, and the ghouls and demons began to leave as the sun started to show over this horizon. Guts looked at the poor thing in sadness, then in rage. This was the spawn of Griffith and it needed to be vanquished. Guts then picked up the fetus as it looked him in the eye. Casca still in an infantile state fell back as Guts towered over her.

"It would be best to kill it, that's no human child. Someday it will bring woe upon you both." The voice of Skull Knight was heard. Guts held it up to his eye and began to tighten his grip. Casca grabbed his arm and pulled it down. Guts grunted trying to keep his arm steady.

"No Casca this is a demon, just like the others who devoured our comrades!" Guts tried to explain to her but his attempts were futile as Casca bit his arm. Skull Knight looked on in knowing.

"Demon or not tis still her child, due to her sexual relations with the new Godhand. It is a cursed child, I've warned you on what could come if it remains alive." Skull Knight reinstated, Guts pushed Casca down with his stub. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He shared her gaze for a brief moment before looking back at the fetus that was in his hand. The baby looked at him with his eye, Guts locked eyes with it and the realization hits him. A stray tear leaving his eye, Skull Knight still at a distance watching the scene develop. As if the Knight was right beside him, Guts heard his voice quietly. "So... It's your child." Guts then threw the fetus to the ground and stomped on it. Casca cried out reaching a handout, Guts gritted his teeth as he squashed his wicked offspring with tears in his eye. Skull Knight unsheathes his blade and throws it to Guts. The blade lands in the soft grass beside Guts' foot. "Finish it off quickly before the sun fully rises." Skull Knight said, Guts without thinking picks up the sword and takes his foot off the fetus then drives the sword into it. Guts and his premature child lock eyes one last time before the fetus' eye closes. Turning to ash around where the blade punctured it at. Casca then began to fully sob as she pounded his shoulder and chest with her fists. Guts was zoned out for a few moments mumbling to Casca.

"I had to Casca... We don't want our child to have to live that kind of life... I-I couldn't let that happen, our child doesn't deserve that." Guts spoke trying to convince her and himself it was the right thing to do. He tried to hold her but she violently pushed him off of her. She fell to the ground before getting up and running off. Guts stood there alone on the hill watching her run away.

"Do not worry yourself, Struggler, you have done the right thing and have yet again deferred causality. A dreadful fated moment has been altered by your hand." The Knight spoke now directly behind Guts, his steed behind him. Guts was still saddened bringing the reality back to his situation. "On your journey to exact vengeance upon the causes of your pain, I shall do you a favor." Guts hearing his words brought him back to the conversation. Having already saved him and given him his sword in the time of need. Guts was wondering what he was offering so much to him for.

"Why exactly are you helping me? Who are you?" Guts asked turning toward the Knight, Skull Knight looked him in his eye.

"We have a common enemy, I myself am the enemy of nonhumans. The killing of your own wicked offspring in a sense saved the world. Yet as the future shapes again there's no telling what could transpire. For now, this is all I can say, but I will do you this favor. Your Lover over there, I know of someone who could save her psyche." Guts' eye widened at what he had just heard, he rushed the Knight and grabbed him by his arm.

"You must tell me how." Guts demanded, Skull Knight, eyed the mortal man's hand as if he had a death wish. He flicked his hand away effortlessly which made Guts fall back on his bottom.

"I shall transport her to the Lord of the Fairies, but understand this Struggler." Skull Knight spoke as he approached the two on his horse. He reached down and picked her up, then placed her on his steed. "Your wishes might defer from her own..."

"How do I know you'll take her there?" Guts said studying the Knight, who looked into the mortal man's eyes. "And will you protect her from those demons?" Guts continued, he didn't want to leave her. He felt it was best if he was with her especially now. He felt as if he was the only one who could protect her. He'd lay down his life if it meant her safety.

"The land of fairies shall protect her from the mark of sacrifice. Once more I shall remind you, I've saved you both from a path of pain and suffering..." Skull Knight then looked at the rugged man that stood before him. "Well one of you at least, the path you're on currently is won't be an easy one. However, this is because your heart is filled with vengeance. I'd take it that you wouldn't have it any other way." Guts listened to his words and looked at himself. He wanted nothing more than to kill Griffith. Even the other demons that lurked in hell that killed all his comrades. He despised them all, it was like a pang of hunger or thirst that needed to be quenched by any means. He wanted, no he needed Griffith's throat, he needed to put him through the most agonizing death. The year he spent being tortured wasn't enough. He needed to die by Guts' hand and him alone.

"He will pay with his life, Griffith owes me and he can burn in hell for the rest of eternity." Guts seethed, speaking to no one in particular. Skull Knight nodded in understanding, he knew the path Guts was on all too well. He knew better than to advise him against it. Knowing that it would only fuel him more. For now, all he could do was aid him in his journey.

"Once I give her to the Lord of the Fairies, I will meet you at an old friend's home. She has something there that will aid you in your journey. You must go to the spirit tree, it is near a small village. It's called Enoch, from there find her and tell her I've sent you and I will be there shortly." Skull Knight informed him, Guts snapped out of his thoughts taking everything the Knight said in. He weighed what little options he had, which realistically were none at all except the one Skull Knight was offering. Which he knew was his best bet to save Casca and get revenge on Griffith. He understood that this was a path of great peril, nothing he wasn't used to, however. He looked to Skull Knight and nodded in acceptance.

"Okay but please, you must ensure her safety, better yet guarantee it." Guts demanded, he then cut his eye at the spirit. "If I find out even a hair was harmed on her head-"

"Worry not Struggler, this is a promise I can guarantee no harm shall come of your lover." Skull Knight promised, they both then turned their heads toward the direction of where Casca ran off too. "You should know, that I once walked the same path you currently tread." Skull Knight spoke pausing before continuing. "Don't make the same mistake such as I did and let the darkness consume you. I'll elaborate more once we meet at the spirit tree, her name is Flora by the way. Now we must be off, he has much to do." Skull Knight said before he tightened the grip on his reigns and his horse galloped off into the distance toward Casca. Just as he left Rickert ran up to him, the teen having caught a glimpse of the warrior he had seen before having saved his life from an Apostle. 'Was that-?' He thought as he ran up to Guts, who was stoic as ever, standing tall looking out to the distance.

"Guts where's Casca?" Rickert asked as he looked up to the warrior, he looked as if he had just got done going to battle. "Guts what happened are you okay? Please tell me what happened with Griffith and the others." Rickert pleaded, Guts finally broke his gaze and looked down at Rickert.

"Come, we have to go I'll tell you what happened on the way back." Guts commented before turning around heading back to camp. As they walked on up the mountain, Guts firstly told him about Casca and where she was headed so she could regain her psyche. Then he went on to explain what had happened with the Band of the Hawk and what Griffith had done. Rickert was in disbelief and didn't know if he wanted to believe what Guts was telling him or not. Guts was getting angrier by the second reliving the horrors he had endured during those moments. Rickert was saddened deeply knowing that all of his very close friends more like his family was dead and gone because of Griffith. Then to hear of Casca's torment of how she was raped by Griffith and led her to have a mental breakdown to the point where she lost her mind.

As Guts ended the sad story, Rickert then looked upon him. Guts was almost like the only survivor of that hell that they went through. Having been the only one to survive and to bear the burden of having the memory of seeing his comrades cut down. His lover violated and his close friend betray him. Rickert felt the worst for Guts he'd remember the stories he'd told them of him coming up in age. He dealt with tragedy his whole life. Rickert wondered how he truly felt about his life and the hand he was dealt. He probably would brush it off as nothing, like it was normal to deal with hell since birth. Well of course it was for him it was all he knew. As they continued the trek up the mountain Guts informs Rickert of the new journey he must go on. Rickert stops Guts before they enter Godot's shop.

"Guts you have to take me with you! I want vengeance as well!" Rickert says determinedly, Guts looks down upon the young man.

"Rickert it's far too dangerous for you, I won't let you die or walk the path I'm on when you have plenty of life to live" Guts foretold as he moved to go into the shop however Rickert stepped in front of him.

"And you don't? The Band of the Hawk is just as much my family as they are yours. I can fight Guts you know that." Rickert argued, Guts shook his head not letting up on his decision.

"Your hate isn't strong enough Rickert, plus the battles are different now. We're not dealing with humans anymore. These spawns of darkness and evil are far too powerful for you." Guts spoke seriously, Rickert clenched his fists in anger. Guts saw this and bent down to Rickert's level. "Do you think you could kill Griffith, could you say right now that without a second thought you'd gut em like the wicked swine he has become?" Guts asked looking into Rickert's eyes, the teen in question gritted his teeth as he took a step back. Guts stood back up, his question being answered. "Stay here with Godot, protect them and practice your swordsmanship. I will return soon enough but until then gather your strength." Guts spoke before entering the shop, Godot was there along with Erica.

"So what's your plan?" Godot asked as Guts stepped through the door. Guts looked upon the older man and gave him a serious look.

"Revenge" Guts said simply but sincerely, Godot shook his head in disagreement.

"There's nothing there but pain and sorrow, isn't that what you're trying to make up for?" Godot asked the man, Guts shook his head.

"No to avenge my comrades who died in vain." Guts answered him, Godot continued to shake his head.

"You think you'll feel better afterward? That avenging their deaths will bring you some sort of peace?" Guts opened his mouth to answer but Godot cut him off before he could say anything. "NO! That pain will still be there, avenging them isn't going to bring them back! Nor will it ease your mind!"

"I will not stand by idly knowing that Griffith is out there alive and well." Guts spoke before clenching his fist tightly a crazed look in his eye. "Without him paying the debt that is owed to me!" Godot pointed at him in rebuttal.

"His life isn't going to suffice for the many that you have lost!"

"No, it won't just be him..." Guts said quietly, lowering his head so his eyes weren't seen. "It's all of them, all of those wicked creatures that cling to the shadows. I'll kill every one of them as long as I'm breathing and able. They'll all die by my hand."

—

A week later Guts felt as if he recovered enough to embark on his journey. He was in the main lobby of the blacksmith shop donning his armor which was all black. Having been equipped with his new sword 'The Dragon slayer' he was ready to take on any and everything. Rickert stepped in along with Erica with a prosthetic arm in hand. Guts' eye had widened at the sight of it.

"Here you go Guts, try this on." Rickert said as he placed it on his stump of an arm. "I made it from all the gadgets around Godot's armory in the back." Erica threw her hands up in the air in excitement.

"I helped too!" She exclaimed, Guts donned a small smile something he hadn't done in a while. Which didn't go unnoticed to Rickert who felt proud of his self to bringing some type of light to Guts. "It's magnetized so you should be able to grip the sword." Rickert informed him as they finished up latching it onto Guts' arm. Once on Guts lifted his arm to the grip of his sword and just like Rickert foretold the hand latched onto it.

"That's groovy" Guts commented on it, Rickert smiled glad he had liked it.

"It's also equipped with a cannon you can use it by aiming it and pulling this lever here" Rickert explained to him showing him where the lever was. As they were going over more functions of his new prosthetic arm. Godot walked in with his normal stern demeanor.

"Are you ready?" Godot asked Guts looked back toward the Blacksmith and nodded.

"I owe you a lot." Guts stated, Godot waved him off.

"Ah, it's nothing the boy will work off the debt for you." Godot replied as Rickert deadpanned. "Be careful out there and make sure you come back in one piece and see us." Godot said sincerely, Guts nodded it was a deal. He then went to take a step out the door but Rickert stopped him with a hug. Guts looked down at the teen in confusion.

"Please Guts make sure you come back alive," Rickert said, Guts then put an arm around him embracing him back.

"I will Rickert you can count on it." Guts promised, Rickert let go with a few tears in his eyes as Guts stepped forward grabbing his cloak and throwing it on. He then stepped out the door with a determined gaze as he began his journey to the Spirit Tree.