In the front lines. Route A
Route A - Hephaestion breaks free from Anonumos' control-
Everything is so… dark.
Hephaestion thought as he opened his eyes.
What was I doing a moment ago?
He recalled the painful feeling from before.
An image slowly begun to appear in front of him.
Who are you?
To his surprise, he encountered an image of himself. But something was…. different. His hair was now tinted dark violet; eyes black where there used to be white. Red, bloodshot pupils and a sinister smile on his face. He shuddered at this image of himself.
"Hephaestion…"
Someone called. Hephaestion turned to see who it was.
Alexander was staring at him with a troubled face. His hand trying to reach him.
"Hephaestion!"
Alexander's voice struck him like lightning, so bright that it lightened everything around him.
He opened his eyes again, and found himself holding a bow, ready to shoot at Waver.
It took him a moment to gather the strength to move his arms.
Anonumos watched him point an arrow at her, startled.
"How…?" She grunted.
His hands released the arrow, piercing her shoulder. She screamed in pain and frustration, then moved away in haste, vanishing into the shadows.
"Waver!" Hephaestion dropped his bow and ran to him, panting heavily. The magical marks on the ground were now gone, yet Waver lied still on the ground. Hephaestion held him in his arms.
"No, no, no…". Hephaestion repeated, shaking him desperately, but there was no reaction.
"Don't you dare die, Waver Velvet".
He held him close, resting his chin on Waver's head, softly rocking him back and forth.
"You can't." He whispered, hopelessly. "Please, for him. I beg you…"
He looked around for someone, anyone who could help. But the camp was dark and still as the night. The fire had extinguished, darkness falling upon them. The soldiers who survived crawled their way out through the roughness of the sand. Alexander gave Hephaestion a last glance before he passed out.
In the distance, Hephaestion heard footsteps running at full speed towards them. His face brightened with hope as he distinguished Parmenion and Ptolemy's voices calling their names.
Back in Pella, Alexander and his troops entered the palace in haste.
"The physician!" Requested Ptolemy, carrying Alexander, half-conscious on his back. "Quick!"
Behind him, Hephaestion stormed in with Waver in his arms, his head and limbs dangling with dead weight.
"I'll take him to his room". He said. "I know he has some sedatives and serums there. He's treated me in there before".
Ptolemy nodded and Hephaestion disappeared with Waver towards his room.
General Attalus came in with the old physician behind him.
"My lord". He watched Alexander's weak breath with concern yet tried to remain calmed.
He turned to Parmenion with a serious face.
"The king awaits for your report". He said, then walked back to the throne room.
Parmenion fixed his eyes on the prince's wounded body, hesitant.
"He'll be fine". Ptolemy assured him, holding Alexander while the physician changed the bandage around his thighs. The floor was a bloody mess. "Go".
Parmenion agreed, making his way through the hallway crowded with curious faces. He listened to the gossip as he passed by.
"…he is dangerous." A woman said.
"We don't know anything about him, or where he came from…" Commented an old man.
"Did you hear? He has magic."
"I heard he used alchemy to summon something. My cousin told me; he drew some strange markings on the ground".
"He must be a Persian Alchemist"
"A spy!"
Parmenion gathered they were talking about Waver.
"My husband was there". Another woman whispered. "He saw him casting a curse at that boy, Hephaestion."
"Dark magic!"
Parmenion stopped to gaze at them. The group scattered in haste to return to their daily activities.
When Parmenion entered the throne room, the council had already gathered in there. Dozens of puzzled faces and worried eyes travelled around the room.
"Silence". Ordered the king. "Parmenion, tell us what happened", he demanded.
Parmenion stepped forward in the middle of the room.
"We were celebrating our last victory". He recalled, "It was in the middle of the night... Most men were sleeping, some of us, drinking. We didn't see them coming".
"The Persians?" Inquired General Attalus. "I thought you wrote back to Pella saying they had been defeated".
"They were". He reaffirmed. "But I saw them, from far. They came back from the dead, spitting fire at us. Ptolemy and I followed them, but they vanished as fast as they came."
"An illusion, a trick". Added an old priest from the other corner of the room, his dark robes revealed he oversaw the oracle. "Dark magic".
"Then the camp was covered under some sort of- barrier that wouldn't let us back in. The camp was burnt down to ashes. Only a handful of men survived".
"A trap…" The old priest assumed.
The room was suddenly filled with gossiping again.
The king raised his hand, calling for order.
"And the boy?" He asked. "The mage… what happened with him?"
"I am not sure. I did not see it".
The king sat back, scratching his beard, troubled.
"It was him!" Suddenly yelled one of the priests, "He wounded the prince!"
"It was him!" Echoed the crowd.
"Your highness, if I may…". This time Attalus stepped forward. "There is no evidence for these accusations".
Orestys frowned at him from the king's side.
"Why are you suddenly so fond of him now?" The guard questioned him.
Attalus ignored him.
"We should use the boy". Suggested Attalus. "We can use his magic to win this war, to wipe out the Persians once and for all".
The king put his hands together in silence, fingers touching, evaluating his words.
"Your highness," Orestys said, the king sensed the exasperation in his voice, "You cannot seriously be considering it! This boy came out of nowhere, from a place we do not even know about! We cannot trust him!"
"What do you suggest we do, Orestys?" Asked the king in a severe tone.
"We kill him, of course". He said. Low gossips filled the room again.
Attalus' veins popped from his temples, his face red with anger. "Your highness! Do not listen to this guard!"
Orestys raised his spear; Attalus unsheathed his sword in response.
"Enough!" Yelled king Philip. "I am tired of you two. I have enough with two wives fighting each other. I have no time for this! Next time I'll put you both in the dungeons! Understood?"
The men exchanged a long glare, then slowly lowered their weapons.
"May I speak?" Parmenion interrupted them, all eyes were on him now.
"I did not witness what happened to Alexander, but Hephaestion was there. He can tell you all about it".
"They say lord Hephaestion was enchanted by him", said the old sage, "Can we trust his word?"
"Your prince trusts him with his life; so should you. Or do you question your prince's judgment?" Parmenion asked, defiant.
"I dare not". The old man slightly bowed and went silent.
"What is your judgment then, Parmenion?" Asked the king.
"I have seen the mage boy risk his life for Alexander many times. Ptolemy and Hephaestion seem to trust him too. Even princess Cleopatra".
The king fidgeted with his fingers anxiously against the table.
"Still…" He finally said. "…his magic may be too powerful for us to control; we don't know anything about magic".
"He is unconscious now, he is no threat". Parmenion explained. "I suggest he stays in his room under vigilance until he fully recovers, then we interrogate him. Meanwhile, Hephaestion and Alexander can tell you what they witnessed".
"And who will be the person brave or stupid enough to risk their life watching him?" Argued Philip.
"I will". Parmenion offered with determination.
Phillip scoffed, displeased by the idea yet unable to come up with a better solution.
"Fine". He finally agreed. "Bring Hephaestion".
The first thing Waver remembered was the feeling of emptiness in his stomach. His feet were light, as if he were falling into an endless pit. He slowly spun in many directions until he finally stopped. His feet kicked and fluttered a little before he could find his balance, as if walking on an invisible surface.
"What is this place?" He wondered, looking around him. Infinite, tiny sparkles in the distance, moving fast towards him with every step. Violet and magenta clouds swirled around him.
He looked down -if there was any "up" or "down" in this place at all- and a wave of vertigo hit him in the guts. He closed his eyes, terrified, thinking he would fall again. But someone held his hand.
"Careful". A soft, cheerful voice. "There is no bottom…".
Waver opened his eyes to find himself kneeling on a bed of flowers. He looked up, and a man in a white hood and extravagant robes was smiling at him. His face, half-hidden under his cloak, letting only a few locks of white hair show. He was holding Waver with his right hand, and in his left hand, a crooked wooden staff. An image so stunning Waver could only imagine in a dream.
"Y-yes". Mumbled Waver, grabbing onto the man's hand. He straightened up with his help, and the man slightly bent over to his eye level. Eyes like sharp amethysts studying Waver's every movement.
"Am I… dead?" Waver wondered, more to himself than anything.
The man giggled in response.
"Who are you?" Waver asked.
"I am known as The Mage of Flowers, but you can call me Merlin", the man said, politely. "Nice to meet you, Waver".
"L-likewise", he replied, slightly confused by the fact this stranger knew his name.
"Wait…" He took a moment to connect the dots. "The Merlin?!"
"Correct"
"This must be a dream…is this a dream? is it real?"
"Yes". Merlin nodded with a smile.
"…"
Waver gave him a silent glare, which made Merlin chuckle in amusement.
"Just because it's a dream it doesn't mean it isn't real". He explained.
Waver frowned in confusion.
"Look carefully". Merlin pointed up with his staff. The colorful clouds that spiraled like small galaxies turned slowly into images. The closer Waver looked, the more he could distinguish them clearly.
"W-what?!" He yelled, shocked at the image of himself bleeding on the ground with his chest opened, in the middle of the dessert. Hephaestion holding him in his arms.
"So, I guess I did die after all…" He assumed, slightly disappointed.
"You are dying, you mean." He corrected him. "This is happening right now as we talk in here".
Waver gulped, then followed Merlin as he moved.
They walked closer to the clouds. Slowly, the images materialized into vivid scenes. Waver found himself walking under a starry night along the streets of a familiar city.
"Fuyuki", read a sign on the side of the road. Where had he heard that name before?They kept walking into an alley, people passing by did not seem to notice them. Then he recognized the image of his slightly younger self with shorter hair.
"That's right". He suddenly remembered. "That was the Holy Grail war".
The images moved like in a movie. The events of the grail war flashed before him, yet they felt distant, as if he were watching somebody else's life in a theater.
"You cannot remember well, can you?" Merlin said.
Waver went silent.
"Your body is starting to get drawn back to you time"
He gulped.
"Do you know what is going to happen if you stay there for longer?"
Waver shook his head slowly.
"Look again", the mage pointed down, "But this time, look everywhere".
Waver looked carefully. Different scenes passed before his eyes. They were now everywhere, moving back and forward, recording infinite events in infinite universes. Different realities, different futures, pasts, and presents. Waver begun to feel dizzy.
He recognized the graceful image of the King of knights in one of the scenes. He watched her fight as a saber servant. But instead of fighting by Kiristugu's side, as he remembered, he saw her standing next to a ginger-haired teenage boy. Another girl in a red turtleneck and a black skirt stood by their side, commands seals in her hand revealed she was a master. Her green eyes and black hair looked somehow familiar. They were fighting a little girl that resembled Irisviel, the same white hair and red homunculus-like eyes.
"What is happening?" he wondered. "Is this a different reality?"
Merlin turned on the next street, ignoring his question, they kept walking until they reached a bridge.
"Finally!" Waver said, excited. "London! I can see the Clock Tower from here!"
He walked the crowded streets of London followed by Merlin. At the entrance, he could see the king of knights again, except this time she looked younger and wore no armor. Instead, she wore a school-like uniform, and a grey cloak. A short, blond-haired girl walked by her side, and a tall man with long-black hair was smoking next to them.
"EH!" Waver yelled in surprise, recognizing his face. "Is- Is that..?!"
"You". The mage confirmed. "Or, let's say… one of the possible "Wavers" existing in the future".
Waver eyes opened wide with shock.
"So I… I'm going to become a professor?" He sighed, disappointed. He grabbed his head, dramatically. "There goes my last hope for becoming a renowned mage!".
"It's alright". Merlin smiled, lacking any empathy towards his misery. "You will not remember any of this anyway".
"Oi! " Waver frowned at him.
The Mage of Flowers turned to him, suddenly serious.
"Waver, have you ever wondered why you have managed to survive in this era for so long?"
"What do you mean?"
"Listen, Waver. You have something that Zurvan wants. You cannot let it have it or humanity will be beyond saving".
The mage pointed his staff towards Waver's chest. A bright light shinned as he touched him with it.
"You thought your experiment didn't succeed; you were wrong".
He lifted his staff and Waver brought a hand to his chest. A small, golden object with the shape of an hourglass and a gem glowing in the middle emerged from his chest. Waver gasped in surprise.
"I can only help you out this time". Merlin said, "When the moment comes, you will have to choose, and choose wisely".
"What are you talking about?" He asked, slightly alarmed. "What moment?".
"I cannot hold you here much longer…"
A strong thunder shook the air behind them. Massive clouds turned suddenly bright red. Silver and orange lightning spiraling erratically. Waver felt as if they were being dragged by a magnetic force into a dark vortex.
"Stay close". Merlin said, and a halo sheltered them in a small whirl of petals. Waver clinging to Merlin's long sleeves.
The force slowed down, yet they were still being swallowed by it with some turbulence.
Waver looked around one more time. The pictures became now blurry. The faces, all unfamiliar to him.
"You need to go back, Waver. Remember that".
Merlin's sleeve slowly begun to slip his hands.
"What do you mean!?" He yelled, clinging onto him. "Will I be able to return to Alexander again? And what about Zurvan? Why does it want to travel in time for?"
"We will meet again soon". Merlin said, his voice calm and warm. He brought his staff to Waver's forehead, gently touching it.
A soft, warm light made Waver's eyelids become heavier. He closed his eyes and let himself feel the light surrounding him.
When Waver woke up in his bed, every inch of his body ached. He slowly tried to sit up, grunting in pain.
"You are awake". Hephaestion helped him up. "Take it easy, you have been unconscious for two days".
Waver noticed Alexander was sleeping on a stool beside him, resting his face against the end of the bed. Bandages and bruises all over his body.
"He is fine", Hephaestion read the worry on Waver's face. "The physician has come to check both of you several times".
It occurred to Waver that, in that state, it couldn't have been Alexander the one who brought him safe back to Pella.
"Thank you…"
Hephaestion smiled, faintly, watching Alexander's peaceful face as he slept. "He hasn't moved from your side, you know. Not for one moment".
"He would do the same if you were in my place…" Waver said, thoughtful. "He did…"
Hephaestion smiled, a bitter-sweet taste in his mouth as he recalled the unfortunate battle where he had almost died months ago.
"Now we are even"
The sound of footsteps outside interrupted them. Parmenion appeared at the door.
"Waver!" He said, surprised. "You are ok!"
"I guess…" He said, rubbing his head.
"Hephaestion, the king wants to see you again".
Hephaestion sighed. "Alright, see you later, Waver. Get some more rest." He left the room.
"Huh?" Alexander mumbled. He had woken up with the noise. He lifted his head with his mouth opened, drooling. His cheek had gone red by resting it against his arm for so long.
"AH!" He got on his feet as soon as he saw Waver was awake. He knocked the stool over to the floor.
"WAVER!"
Tears of joy dripped from his eyes.
"H-hi". Waver gave him a shy smile.
Alexander jumped over him, dramatically, crushing him between his arms.
"YOU ARE ALIVE!"
"N-not…for long!". Said Waver with trouble. "I- I …Can't…Breathe!"
"Thank Zeus!" Cried Alexander, roughly rubbing his cheek against Waver's.
Ptolemy sighed.
"Sorry to disturb you in this emotional moment, boys. I just came here to check on Waver. I have news for you".
Alexander let go of Waver, sitting on the bed by his side.
"I am sorry to inform of the situation right now. You cannot leave this room".
"What? Why?" Waver asked.
"There has been rumours about your magic. People are commenting and afraid. You are suspected to be a Persian Alchemist and a spy".
"That is ridiculous!" Complained Waver.
"Sorry kid. You could've had it much worse. I am the one who will be watching you from now on."
Alexander clenched his fists against the bed to restrain his anger.
"Don't worry Waver, it's all a misunderstanding, I'm sure everything will be cleared soon".
Waver nodded in silence, half-convinced.
"Anyhow, I will be outside if you need anything." Parmenion walked out, stopping right at the door. "Alexander, let the boy rest, give him some space".
"I will let him rest!" He said, defensive. "I am not going to disturb him".
Alexander crossed his arms against his chest, offended, pouting like a little kid.
Parmenion gazed at him.
"Fine…", he scoffed, pointing a finger at him in a threatening way. "But you boys better behave. Remember I will be outside listening to everything… so be good… you know what I'm talking about".
"EH!?" They yelled in unison.
Waver felt a wave of heat coming up to his face, he thought for a moment he was going to faint again.
"W-what the hell are you trying to say?!" Alexander yelled, his face as red as his armor.
Parmenion left without saying more.
Alexander got off the bed, avoiding Waver's eyes. He picked up the stool from the floor and placed it beside the bed.
"I'm sorry, I- I will let you sleep now". He said, tapping his fingers on the stool, anxiously. "I will give you some space…"
"No! It's fine!" Waver said, hastily, grabbing Alexander's wrist tightly. "You can stay as much as you want… please".
Alexande0'sr heart raced. He turned to him, and Waver slightly lifted his face, still not able to look at him in the eyes. There was something about Waver's innocent expression that made Alexander's stomach flutter.
Unable to resist that look on Waver's face, Alexander bent down and cupped his face in his hands, kissing him tenderly. Waver kissed him back, then hid his face on his chest.
Outside, Parmenion dropped a heavy, metal object that banged loudly against the ceramic floor.
They immediately reacted by separating from each other.
"Ahem". Alexander coughed in an attempt to ease the tension. He sat on the bed. "There is something I wanted to show you".
He took out a cloth from his armor. Waver noticed there was something wrapped in it.
"Be careful not to touch it with your bare hands". Warned him Alexander as he handed it over to him.
Waver could feel a small, metal object inside it. He unfolded the cloth, revealing a small dagger.
"What is it?"
"It's the dagger you were stabbed with".
Waver inspected the object with curiosity. He observed the black hilt, noticing some red and golden details that reminded him of Alexander's armor. The blade was peculiar, something he had never seen before: a strange metal, curved in a zigzag shape, with an odd purple inscription on it.
"Is this Greek?" Waver recognized some of the characters, wondering why he could not read the rest. "Can you read this?"
Alexander tilted his head and squinted, trying to read the characters.
"Woah!" His face suddenly brightened. "I know what this is! It's an ancient dialect from Kolchis!"
His eyes shinned with excitement. "I can't read it, but remember seeing something like this when I was reading about Jason and the Argonauts! It must be a very ancient relic!"
Both admired the dagger for a moment, dazzled.
"That is correct!" A third voice joined them, a mellow, playful voice.
"It belonged to a sorcerer named Medea".
Waver and Alexander gasped, amazed. Then they suddenly realized... Who had said that?
They turned to look behind them. A man with strange, long, white hair down to his waist and a pair of flower-shaped earrings was standing behind them, with a hand to his chin and a thoughtful expression.
"Oh, hi there!". The man smiled in a natural way, rising his hand to salute.
Waver and Alexander Jumped from the bed.
"Who the hell are you!?" They pointed at him, alarmed.
"My name is Merlin." He placed a hand on his chest, gracefully and bowed his head with respect. "Pleased to meet you again, Waver".
"W-Waver?" Alexander blinked several times, startled.
Waver observed the man carefully, suddenly realizing why his voice sounded so familiar.
"Mage of Flowers?" He asked, hesitant. Only a very vague memory came to his mind.
Merlin's smile confirmed it.
"So, it was not just a dream!" Waver smiled, excited.
"Do you know this person?" He asked Waver, puzzled.
Waver just sat there staring at the mage, stunned.
"How did you get in here?" Asked him Alexander in a threatening tone.
"I am just a wandering traveler!" Merlin shrugged, waving his hands as if he were declaring innocent. "Please be kind to me, my lord, I am your humble servant".
Alexander did not like the fake modesty in his voice.
"Waver". The prince scowled at him. "How do you know this guy?"
But Waver was too shocked to hear Alexander's words.
"I- I never could have dreamed to meet you in person!" Waver chuckled, stuttering. "I-I can't believe it! How did you- why are you here?!"
Merlin smiled. Then picked up the dagger to inspect it.
"This dagger was created to nullify magic". He said, wrapping it in the cloth with caution. "It can temporarily cancel out mana. Which is why you "disappeared" for two days. A body that does not belong to an era is only able to remain in such era with the help of a magical artifact or someone else's mana".
Merlin paused to give Waver a look, Waver gasped.
Alexander's eyes went from Waver to the stranger, back and forth several times.
"I supplied you with a minimum of mana to keep you alive, however, the amount I can transfer you is limited".
Waver nodded, and lowered his gaze, thoughtful.
"But, how did that soldier have it?" He asked. "How did they get such a precious dagger?"
"I'm not sure. The creature Zurvan must have stolen it from Medea's tomb and gave it to them."
Waver gulped. "It must be immensely powerful to raid a sorcerer's tomb".
Merlin nodded, his face turning slightly gloomy.
"This enemy we are dealing with is nothing of the kind you have faced before. It is not a servant, or a heroic spirit. This creature is one of a gods' caliber. You need to be careful; your mana is at its limits. You will be dragged back into your era at anytime at this rate. The timelines have already been altered, who knows what world you will be going back into".
Waver's face showed panic.
"Also…" Merlin bent down a little, placing a hand on Waver's head. His face and voice softened. "We cannot afford to let Zurvan near you. You are humanities' last hope after all. I will stick around to protect you".
Waver gasped, somehow relieved.
"That will not be necessary". Scoffed Alexander, smirking confidently. "He is perfectly safe here in Pella with me. And his friends-".
"I shall go now." Merlin cut him off, suddenly serious. "Someone is coming".
"Why are you acting so suspicious if you are just a traveler?!" Alexander pointed out, skeptical.
"Wait!" Waver said, pulling Merlin's sleeve.
Merlin gave him a gentle smile, taking Waver's hands in between his.
Alexander's eye twitched.
"I know you both have many questions. The answers will come in time. But for now, I shall go. You will see me again very soon".
"Where do you think you are-" Alexander jumped to tackle him, but Merlin vanished before he could finish his sentence, leaving only a trace of petals and a soft scent of blossoms in the air. Alexander landed with his face on the floor.
A second later, Attalus came through the door.
"My lord?" He said, puzzled. "What are you doing?"
Alexander grunted, annoyed. "NOTHING, ATTALUS…"
He struggled to get up with dignity, patting the dirt away from his armor. "What are you doing here?"
Attalus glared at Waver from a distance.
"It is not safe for you to be here with him alone, my lord".
Alexander scoffed. "I will decide what is safe for me or not".
Attalus sighed with resignation.
"Your mother is here…"
Alexander's eyes shined in hope of seeing his mother after so long. They had been almost 8 months in the desert, and now the queen had finally come back from Pella. Which meant, King Phillip must have pardoned her. "But…why?" He wondered. Some deal must have been made between them.
"Go. I'll be fine". Assured him Waver with a smile.
Alexander nodded, and left the room followed by Attalus. Just before he exited, the old general slyly turned to Waver.
"I will be watching you". He whispered. Even though he meant to threaten him, his eyes showed pity, perhaps disdain, yet no anger.
"Actually", Parmenion peeked in from the door, "I am the one watching him. If you were so concern about the boy, why didn't you look so eager to volunteer to watch him before?"
Attalus scoffed. His long, silver hair waved like whiplash when he violently turned to leave the room.
Parmenion winked at Waver, who smiled in return. Once Parmenion left, Waver's smile slowly vanished.
He could finally relax and have some time for himself and his thoughts. He sighed and looked out the window. The night was dark, clouded with rain, no moon lighting the city. He lied down, and something suddenly stung him in the chest. He brought a hand to his chest, instinctively, and felt a small, metal object between his robe and his skin. He slid one hand under his clothes and grabbed a golden object.
"It really wasn't a dream after all…"