Chapter 2: Stricken
"It seems as if your corrupted offspring and gateway back to the living has been killed Femto." Void spoke, the God hand we're all at a Temporal Junction point. Femto having been waiting patiently for his tainted seed to be brought to him. However, now that he was informed of its passing, he was intrigued to know how it by what?
"And how did this come about?" Femto pondered, Slan was the next to speak up leaning against her wings as they also covered herself.
"It seems to be the one called Guts, he took his own child's life." She licked her lips in hunger. "My my what an interesting man, where did you find such a specimen?" She asked, Femto crossed his arms deep in thought. This wasn't planned at all, Guts was supposed to be dead by now. This would surely put a halt on his return.
"What must we do now to get a new body?" Femto asked looking back to his kin, Ubik floated toward him with a wicked smile that seemed stuck on his face.
"It's nothing to find another woman with child, you just have to do the same thing again and taint her child." Ubik informed him, Femto nodded his head in understanding.
"However since this new woman wouldn't be a sacrifice your human form will be even weaker than that of the original host." Conrad explained, Femento waved it off not batting an eyelash.
"As long as the sorcerers in the realm are dealt with I can make do with anything else that dares stand in my way." Femto commented, he then raised a hand, and just like that, a few Apostles rose from the fleshy ground. "Go fetch me a newly made mother, I want her alive please." Femto ordered them, the three Apostles standing before him nodded and then ran off.
"The fact that the one you call Guts remains among the living is very peculiar." Void spoke as he looked to the others, Slan gave a devilish grin as she glanced at Void.
"Yes such rage, such drive and valor he's oh so scrumptious." Slan commented on him in infatuation, Ubik shook his head the smile still plastered upon his face.
"It matters not, he is but a man and will eventually fall. He will succumb to the effects of the brand sooner rather than later." Ubik said, Void didn't seem to agree with his words.
"If it wasn't for that forsaken spirit of the mist he would have, it begs the question of why would he go through the trouble?" Void reasoned, Ubik scoffed point his nose upward.
"Whatever it maybe it only prolonged the inevitable, he knows of the brand of sacrifice. He won't be able to protect them for long." Ubik commented, Slan then followed up on the conversation.
"However it's not like the mortal would need his help, did you see how he was slicing his way through the damned? I'm sure he can take care of himself." Void silently agreed while Ubik continued to growl his distaste for the conversation.
"Enough talk of him, regardless of what they plan it won't matter. They are nothing but mere pebbles when it comes to the road to my dream." Femto inquired, Ubik agreed heavily his smile widening as if it were possible.
"Yes as I said, whatever they're planning will with time be fruitless." Ubik added onto Femento's piece, Void had turned his letting it go while Slan just shrugged and left it at that. The Apostles had soon returned with a female who bore jagged clothes rips and tears could be seen from where it seemed she struggled. She had blonde hair and green eyes. She looked horrified being held by her arms in front of the God hand. Femto inspected her up and down, he then approached her laying a hand upon her cheek. The woman flinched at his touch, a tear streaming down her face.
"Yes, she'll do perfectly."
Out in the outskirts of the Enonch Village, a long sword impaled an apostle. Said monster shrieked for a second before being cut off by the blade rising upward slicing it in half. The owner of the sword being Guts in his all-black armor and cloak. His teeth were clenched and eye filled with anger as he began slicing and dicing the creature. It had been a week since he started his journey to the Spirit Tree where he would supposedly meet this old friend of Skull Knight's. He didn't know what she was supposed to give him but he wouldn't doubt the spirit now. He had already made it this far, although exhausted mentally and physically he pushed on. He found some solace during the day however, it was the only time he could truly rest. Having had demons after him all through the night he cherished the day. However, even then on his journey to the Enoch Village, He fought smaller apostles. He wondered why they kept popping up, definitely more frequent than before.
He thought that maybe Griffith was the cause, it was still so much he didn't know about what was to come. Was this something that was destined to happen? Or was it all Griffith's greed to make his dream come true? Guts was still revenge hungry for Griffith's blood, that wasn't something he felt was going to leave him any time soon. He could never forgive him, never look at him the same after what he did. Frankly, it was no going back he destroyed the little family Guts had ever known. 'We should've let him stay in that cell to rot away" He thought knowing what he does now. Before he left the mountains and where Godot and Rickert were, he and Rickert and built a memorial for the fallen Band of the Hawk members. They had placed swords all throughout the plains on the side of the mountains. He missed them dearly, only hate and anger filling his heart now. He then sheathed his blade and took a breath before moving on through the forest. His mind finally settled on Casca, he could never catch a break from the never-ending madness.
He wondered if she was okay, or if she was even going to be okay. What if the Fairies couldn't help her and she's like that forever. He couldn't be able to handle it, this world had been so cruel to him that he couldn't put it outside the realm of possibilities. He wasn't naive enough to believe that it couldn't happen however it didn't stop him from not wanting it to go that route. Yet he continued on, he would place his trust in his new ally the Skull Knight. As he was making his way through the woods he saw light breaking through the branches. It was morning already, he didn't remember the last time he slept. Another night that he survived, another night he succeeded in beating back those monsters. He found that each night that he overcome evil he wasn't as tired as the beginning.
He was getting better, the vermin were all the same to him anyhow. Just helpless victims in his eyes, they wouldn't stop him not now, not ever. He pushed a branch out of his way before he heard a twig break in the distance. He gripped the hilt of his sword quickly his head on a swivel as he looked into the direction the sound came from. His eye settled upon what looked like a little girl. She wore a purple robe with a pointy hat on her head. She had turquoise hair and blues eyes holding a staff in her hand. She froze where she stood and eyed him carefully. Guts didn't drop his guard, nor did she.
"...Who are you?" Guts asked, the girl looked as if she would take off at any moment. Feigning silence Guts let go of his sword and relaxed as best he knew how to. "Maybe you can help me, I'm looking for someone who goes by the name of Flora." Guts asked, the girl then seem to loosen up a bit.
"So you're the struggler?" She asked in return, Guts paused for a moment wondering how she knew who he was. Having them made the connection of Skull Knight informing her. Though he wondered how she, a little girl knew of the spirit.
"So I take it your Flora then?" Guts assumed, the girl shook her head making Guts puzzled.
"No she's my Master, but we have been expecting you. Follow me, we're not too far from the mansion." She instructed, Guts shrugged as he followed the young girl through the forest. As she said, it didn't take them long to arrive coming to a wide field with a big tree standing in the middle. He could see why she called it a mansion. There on one of the balconies stood an older woman. Guts could barely make out her features from the distance he was currently but could see her there nonetheless. The woman raised her hand and waved as the girl waved back. As the two made their way to the entrance a small fairy flew down to the girl. Guts at first was a little surprised but didn't show it. Then realized that they fought demons, ghouls, and some Apostles every night so this wasn't far from his ordinary.
"Schierke! Your back!" The fairy exclaimed overjoyed, it then looked to Guts. "Is this the struggler King was talking about?" It asked as it flew toward Guts. "Is your name really the struggler?" It asked, Guts looked at the Fairy noticing it had pink hair and matching eyes. Wings of course and pink halter and skirt. Schierke opened the door to the mansion tree walking in along with Guts.
"Its Guts" Guts answered her dryly, the fairy was a little frightened by Guts' demeanor flying behind Schierke's hat hiding while peering out looking at Guts. Schierke looked back at him gesturing to the staircase.
"Master Flora is upstairs we'll go up so you can meet her." Schierke spoke, Guts merely nodded following her upstairs now. They got to the same balcony that the woman was on when they walked up. She was now sitting on a makeshift couch made of the tree. She wore a smile, had gray hair that was straight, she wore it in a ponytail. She too had blues eyes and a warm and welcoming smile.
"Why hello there, it's nice to meet you." She greeted Guts, said warrior gave a curt nod in return.
"Likewise, so your Flora that I was told to find." Guts stated, Flora nodded with her smile still gracing her features.
"Yes, I was told a lot about you, it seems you have a long journey ahead of you. My old friend had requested me to lend you a helping hand." Flora spoke, Guts then looked around the area not finding who he was looking for.
"He said he would be here as well." Guts said, hoping that everything was alright with Skull Knight and Casca. Flora could see the worry etched on his face.
"Freight, not my friend, he will be here shortly I'm sure of it. Elfhelm is a ways away, but I'm sure he'll pop up at any moment now. He has a knack for timing." Flora ensured him, Guts didn't comment. Flora then looked himself over, seeing his eye and half of his arm missing. "Seems you have been through a lot warrior. Let me start by lending some help to you now." Flora insisted, she looked to Schierke and Ivalera who were watching Guts as if he were a monster himself. "Schierke be a dear and fetch some of those healing herbs." Flora requested, having snapped out of her trance like state, Schierke nodded and went off followed by Ivalera. Flora then signaled Guts to come closer which he obliged. She reached up and put a hand on his eye that was gone. "Can you open it?"
"I can but it's nothing there but scar tissue." Guts replied, He then opened it, and just as he said nothing remained but the outlines of his eye socket. Coming back through with the herbs, Schierke gave it to Flora. It was like a paste that was contained in a jar. She opened it and put some on her hand and applied it gently inside his socket. Guts could barely feel it having lost most of his nerves in that area as well. After applying the herbs, Flora then began whispering some sort of chant. She raised her hand slowly holding three fingers up and pointing them toward his eye. A blue aura streamed to where his right eye used to be. The aura resonated there then vanished making Guts cover his eye with his hand feeling a weird sensation. He grunted a bit before he heard Flora speak. "Now open your eyes."
Guts did just that and found that he was using both his eyes to see now. He blinked a few times and was astonished that what she did actually worked. He then looked at Flora who wore a smile. Curious as to what sort of power she possessed.
"I'm what most call a witch, I've been around for a long time and have a plethora of knowledge when it comes to spells and healing properties. Flora explained, just as she spoke galloping could be heard outside. Guts and the others turned their heads to see Skull Knight coming in fast. His horse came to an abrupt halt as he glanced up to them on the balcony. He then dismounted walking toward where they were. Guts raised a brow wondering what he was about to do. The entrance was the other way, the Skull Knight jumped effortlessly to where they were. Landing as if he weighed nothing more than a feather. Guts immediately noticed Casca wasn't with him.
"Did it work? Where is she?" Guts asked quickly, Skull Knight looked at him and slowly nodded.
"Yes, I've successfully given her to the lord of the fairies. She has agreed to help her regain her psyche." Skull Knight assured him, Guts heaved a sigh of relief.
"How long will it take?" Guts further questioned, Skull Knight was unsure.
"The process I'm not familiar with, though in Elfhelm time slows whereas the outside world it quickens. One day could equal anywhere from months to decades." Skull Knight explained, Guts was stunned but didn't know how to feel about the information. It was a price he was willing to pay to hopefully get her sanity back. "Your concern for her safety should cease. The consequences of the mark of sacrifice do not reach her in that realm. As for the time, once we deem it worthy we shall go back to obtain her." After hearing that Guts felt himself calm a little. 'At least we know that she's safe' He thought to himself. Skull Knight glanced at Flora who he greeted. "Did you bestow upon him the armor?" He asked, Flora then gestures to all black armor that came with a helmet, upper and lower body protection. Guts eyed the helmet which was morphed into a demonic skull of some sort.
"This is the Berserker Armor, forged by a dwarf in Elfhelm. It was made with a powerful source of violent od that draws power from the wearer's fear or hate." Flora explained Guts could feel the ominous aura the armor projected. "In your case, rage." Guts picked up the top portion of the armor and looked into the eyes of the helmet. "Beware though, the armor can cause more harm than it does good. The Armor could consume you while using it. If it takes over you, you can begin to lose your reason and become a true monster. All the while killing yourself while inside. You cannot feel pain in the suit, without the thought or feeling of pain you become more meta than you are human. All physical attributes are heightened along with your sense and IQ of battle." Flora informed him, Guts then turned to Skull Knight.
"This is what you wanted me to have?" Guts asked, Skull Knight nodded.
"In your current state, you have no chance against the Godhand. With this armor the chance of obtaining the vengeance you seek becomes attainable. I myself wore this same armor before you, it gives you strength but it also is your biggest enemy." Skull Knight explains, Guts gave a small smile. He was getting all sorts of new toys and power-ups. "Now, don the armor I wish to see how it reacts with you." Skull Knight spoke, Guts then started suiting up. As he put the armor on he couldn't help but think how indebted he was to the Spirit. He's done so much for him in the past week. From helping Casca, to helping him meet Flora, to now giving him this crazy armor. He wondered if this armor was really going to give him a chance now. Although he felt as if despite the armor he stood a chance against Griffith. All the other Godhand he didn't really too much care for. As he put on the bottom portion of the armor he stood tall. He felt an ire inside of him a small flame at first. Something ghastly, like a puddle of water from a vast sea of wrath.
"I think I feel it, but I still feel like myself. Is something supposed to happen?" Guts asked, Skull Knight chuckled, the first time Guts ever heard him do so.
"You're about to take a trip... Down memory lane. Followed by your first lesson about the armor." Skull Knight foretold, Guts furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Memory lane?- OOF!" Guts grunted as Skull Knight connected his fist with his stomach. Guts flew off the balcony and landed hard on his back on the ground in front of the tree. Guts then felt a surge of rage flow from within him. "Free me, let go and let us..." Guts heard a deep abrasive voice from inside his head. It felt familiar as if it were a warm embrace. It was enticing, inviting like it was second nature. Then he saw it deep in the crevices in his mind. It was a black hellish wolf-like dog, its eyes glowed red as the blood he spilled from numerous victims. "KILL GRIFFITH!" The dog roared, outside of Guts' consciousness, the armor began to contort and bend. The helmet morphs into that of the dog in his consciousness. Red eyes gleamed as Guts took out his sword. Skull Knight who put a foot on the ledge of the balcony looked over his shoulder to Flora and the others.
"Don't worry we won't make too much of a mess..." Skull Knight spoke before stepping off, he landed a few meters in front of Guts. Who was now more dog than human, he snarled in warning as Skull Knight took out his own sword. "Now Struggler, let us test your strength at your 100 percent." Skull Knight spoke taking his shield off his horse. He then squatted down in a defensive form and cocked his sword back its edge pointing toward Guts. Who with a speed that was almost too inhuman ran to the side. 'He's much faster' Skull Knight thought as he watched him come his way. Guts went for a slash at his side but Skull Knight held his shield up to block. Guts then opted out of the hit to step on the shield. Skull Knight swung his blade at him but Guts pushed off of the shield missing the Knight's blade by three feet. Guts flipped over then in mid-air twisted his body back toward Skull Knight and swung his blade.
Skull Knight blocked it with his own, the first connection of the two swords made a loud ring throughout the forest. The added strength from both parties caused a wind to blow about. Flora, Schierke, and Ivalera all watched in awe at the swordsmanship. Guts landed on his feet pressing the blade against Skull Knight's. 'His strength is almost on par with my own' Skull Knight took note of before switching to the offensive. He beat Guts' sword back with his shield before swinging his blade down on Guts. Who blocked it before Skull Knight pulled his blade back and struck again this time on his side. Guts blocked again before ducking another swipe. Guts shot up from under his sword and aimed for Skull Knight's chest thrusting the Dragonslayer. Skull Knight in the blink of an eye was behind Guts. Said warrior stumbled a bit from the attack but regained his footing and with a pivot was charging straight for his opponent. Who was already peering over his shoulder awaiting his attack. 'He can sense where I am too instead of having to actually look for me.' Skull Knight observed, he then redirected Guts' sword with his own. Thinking Guts would have stumbled forward again he impaled his sword into the ground. Coming to a quick halt then pointed his hand at Skull Knight who looked puzzled at first but then raised his shield as Guts fired a cannon directly at him.
The cannonball hit his shield igniting an explosion off the impact. His shield flew in the air, the Knight looking up towards it. Realizing he made a mistake he looked down to see the tip of the dragonslayer mere inches from his right eye. Skull Knight then vanished again causing Guts to miss him by a hair once more. However, he kept running adjusting his route slightly before lifting his sword behind his head. Skull Knight then appeared where Guts was headed. Impressed by Guts' keen sense, he picked up his shield quickly. Guts then slammed his sword into the ground using the momentum to project himself into the air. He flipped and brung his sword down hard on Skull Knight's shield causing a big dent from the impact. 'Truly his rage is a force to be reckoned with, I've seen enough' Skull Knight thought with a swift shift in his stance he swung his sword heavily. Guts blocked it but was thrown back a few yards from the blow. Skull Knight breathed in a deep breath then let out a ghoulish wail.
Guts charged him again but stopped himself quickly. He then looked down at his hand, he blinked and a woman lay in his arms. Guts saw the brand of sacrifice etched on her shoulder. She reached up and caressed his face.
"Don't let your anger consume you beloved, I will always be... with you." The woman then fell limp in his arm. Guts felt a massive wave of rage come over himself. He then looked up and screamed at the top of his lungs. The Berserker helmet still in its original skull shape unhinged as if the skull was screaming as well.
Guts coming back to reality realized that the helmet from the berserker armor was being ripped from his head. Guts coming back fully to himself looked at Skull Knight who had removed his helmet. They both stared at each other for a few moments.
"That was... That was y-"
"That was the end of a foolish king and the beginning of a dead man stalking the endless night." Skull Knight answered for him, he then began walking toward the tree. While Guts stood watching him, eyes still wide. "Come we have much to discuss and much for you to learn Struggler." Skull Knight insisted glancing over his shoulder, Guts snapped out of his daze and shook his head trying to shake the vision from his head. So much had happened in the past half hour it was a lot to take in. Half of it he didn't even remember. Blacking out here and there throughout their fight. Then that memory of what seemed or what had to be Skull Knight. He was the previous owner of the armor. That had to be him, then he must've been correct on them being the same. Them being the vengeful ones.