Chapter 5: Haunting Memories
After Bruce has brought the villagers home and bid them farewell as he now travels the land with the newly formed group, Ester and them continue on their way, until Ester's stomach begins to growl.
"Ooh, it's been a while since I ate." says Ester. "I guess that rabbit didn't fill me up as much as I imagined it would."
"But you just recently drank blood." says Trip. "Shouldn't that fill you up?"
"Hey, let's not deny the lady a meal." says Vash. "Don't worry, I'll hunt us up some game."
"I'll go with you." says Ester.
"Well, if you insist." says Vash. "Just don't stab me in the back and pounce me for my blood, okay?"
"Why would I do that?" asks Ester.
"Er, nevermind." says Vash. "Anyway, let's go."
"Trip and I will stay behind and build a campfire." says Sam.
"I guess that leaves me to find firewood." says Bruce. "I don't feel good about that girl going out to help that guy, but... I suppose if we're going to be a group, we may as well learn to trust one another."
"I will help you." says Ophis.
"I... Suppose you could." says Bruce. "Don't worry, just enough pieces of wood will be enough for a nice, reasonable fire."
Ophis nods, and the groups head off to do what they've assigned themselves to do.
As Ester and Vash go to hunt, Ester still has an uneasy look about her, but Vash soon spots a deer, and says, "Ah, a nice big buck! Perfect! Should feed all of us nicely."
"I guess I could get Sergus and Aiya to help out with this." says Ester.
"Don't bother." says Vash. "Deer are tricky creatures to hit, but I'm pretty acclimated to this. Watch the master bowman."
Vash readies an arrow, and soon, he aims carefully, having the point centered right for the neck, and with a quick finger-flick, hits the deer there.
As it falls dead, he says, "And that's all she wrote."
"Not bad." says Ester.
Vash and Ester go up to the deer, but as Vash leans down to pick it up, it's much heavier than he expected, struggling with all his might.
He soon gives up and says, "Well, this boy is bigger than he looked. If we don't find a way to lug this guy back over, we'll have to get used to eating dirt. Er, those of us that don't drink blood, of course. I... Hope you won't decide to turn on us then."
"Don't worry, I can handle this." says Ester.
Ester bends down, and with little to no trouble, lifts up the deer as if it were a feather, and Vash says, "Holy smokes! Well, you ARE a vampire, so I guess incredible strength comes with the territory. Anyway, let's hurry on back."
After a while, as the others have built the campfire, Vash says out loud, "DINNER IS HERE!"
They all look to see Vash and Ester return, with the latter carrying the deer.
"Whoa! A deer THAT big should keep us fed for plenty of days!" says Trip.
"Yeah, and especially surprising to see a girl of Ester's size lifting it up." says Sam.
"Vampires. What can I say?" asks Vash.
"Alright, let's get to cutting the choice meats, and cooking them." says Sam. "I'm starving!"
Later that night, the group are then cooking the deer meat.
Soon, Sam checks a kebab of meat, and says, "Yeah, I think that should be perfectly cooked! Should be at least a medium rare."
"That's how I like my meat." says Trip.
"All of us do in our family." says Sam. "Alright, guys! Let's dig in!"
"I am not used to eating." says Ophis. "Never had a need for it."
"Well, get ready to do so, now." says Sam.
Soon, Vash, Sam, Trip, Ester and Bruce each take a kebob, with Ester taking two and handing one to Ophis.
Ester soon bites in and says, "Mmm, this IS good!"
"Yeah, my sister always had a deft hand with cooking." says Vash.
Ophis bites into the meat, and has noticeable look of surprise on his face, and after swallowing, he says, "I don't normally need food. But this is admittedly quite good."
Bruce just scarfs down the food, not caring about the taste from his expression, but he is secretly enjoying it.
"So... Ester." says Sam, to which, Ester replies, "Yes, Sam?"
"How did you become a vampire? And how long have you been one?" asks Sam.
Ester says, "I... I can't remember anything."
"You can't remember?" asks Trip.
Bruce just gives Ester a wary eye.
"No, I can't." says Ester. "The last thing I remember was waking up in some kind of cave, and then, the last thing I remember, my instincts took over, and I attacked these three men, killing them and drinking the last one's blood. When my conscience took over again, I realized what I did... And I was devastated. I didn't know why I was what I was, and who made me that way."
"Ah, a vampire suffering amnesia." says Sam. "That must be really rough for you."
"You have no idea." says Ester. "And because I haven't drank enough blood or ate enough souls, my powers aren't complete. That's what Sergus and Aiya told me, anyway."
"You mentioned those two before." says Vash. "Back before I killed our food. Who are they, anyway?"
Soon, appearing out are both the Eye of Chaos and Sphere of Order, both of them speaking, Sergus saying, "I am Sergus, Eye of Chaos and Demon Knight." And Aiya says, "And I'm Aiya, the Sphere of Order and Warrior Angel."
"Two talking balls." says Vash. "That's not freaky. Especially the red one being all fleshy and covered in various eyes. Boy, I'm not going sleep peacefully."
"Well, the blue ball looks pretty, with those different colored things on it." says Trip.
"We represent different powers that Ester can use based on her vampire abilities." says Aiya. "I represent the familiars she can summon, each glyph on my ball form symbolizing one of them."
"And I represent Ester's transformations, each smaller eye designed to represent that creature." says Sergus. "As for our more creature-like forms..."
Sergus and Aiya change into their warrior forms, freaking the others out more.
"Wow." says Vash. "This is getting even crazier."
"Gosh, Ester, you must be quite the vampire to have such sentient beings within you like this." says Sam.
"I think they look pretty cool." says Trip. "Even if Sergus looks a bit scary."
"We only harm those that threaten Ester or she seeks to destroy." says Sergus.
"And so far, you all have proven trustworthy, but make sure you don't betray her." says Aiya. "Or else-"
"Of course. We plan to keep our word to you." says Sam. "At least, I hope Vash does."
"You're going to be sore with me for a long time, aren't you?" asks Vash.
"Is Ephraim currently the King of Renais?" asks Sam.
"Good point." says Vash.
"It's quite rich you want us to be trustworthy when one with such power could be far more destructive, and thus, harder for others to trust." says Bruce.
"Say you want, old-timer, but our request still stands." says Sergus.
"And my cautious side does as well." says Bruce.
"So, you really think I'm bad just because I'm a vampire?" asks Ester.
"I've yet to meet a truly good Terror." says Bruce. "And believe me, after 2 years ago, I have no reason to trust any."
"Why is that?" asks Sam. "Would you share your story with us, Bruce?"
"Hrmph." Bruce goes before going back to eating.
"I guess he doesn't feel like it." says Trip.
"He's a stubborn old goat." says Vash perturbed.
"What about you, Ophis?" asks Sam. "What's your story?"
"It would be hard for one such as you to understand me." says Ophis. "I have existed since time began, and have lived here underground when this world was young. Currently, my actual body is still underground, while I use this 'puppet body' to observe and hunt down the one who has robbed my power."
"Robbed your power?" asks Trip.
"A thieving fly that sought power for some selfish purpose." says Ophis. "I will find him, and make him suffer. Actually, that fly was about to kill Ester here, but he flew off when he saw me be present."
"Fly? You mean that dragon?" asks Ester.
"Yes." says Ophis. "To one such as myself, dragons are merely flies, so I refer to them as such."
"Gee, that sounds a little arrogant." says Vash.
"I only speak the truth." says Ophis. "It is why I will not share my full origin with you all, for you would not understand it."
"Well, can you share some other details?" asks Sam.
"I suppose." says Ophis. "About 500 years ago, humans chipped off pieces of my actual body for hopes of obtaining power. I felt this power all over, and it sickened me, especially those who would use such power for conquest, abusing what is rightfully mine."
"Humans also used your power?" asks Ester. "I wonder if part of this was what turned me into a vampire."
"I cannot say, but your power does feel familiar, though not what I originally felt." says Ophis.
"Still, there had to be a reason I was sealed away the way I was." says Ester. "I need to learn more about my past, and what led me to be the person I am now."
"Maybe you'll find the answer one day, but until then, we'll be by your side." says Sam.
"What about you three?" asks Ester. "What's your story? You say you recently became mercenaries to work off debt that was Vash's fault."
"Eh, let's just say we kind of got knee deep with the sharks, and now we owe them." says Vash.
"...You owe money to fish?" asks Ophis confused.
"A metaphor." says Vash. "Honestly, someone needs to teach you the definition, pal."
"When Vash says 'sharks', he mostly means we owe someone who did us a healthy favor when we were down on our luck after we got some money to help our village." says Sam. "But this idiot older brother of ours spent a lot of it on gambling, falling for some pahnzi scheme."
"Hey! I only wanted to get a quick fix! It wasn't my fault they made the whole deal so juicy and the game I played so addicting!" says Vash. "Seriously, you try a few hands at President, and see if you don't get caught up in the moment!"
"I got to admit, it did sound fun, the way you described." says Trip.
"Trip, don't encourage him." says Sam.
"So who loaned you the money?" asks Ester.
"A pirate captain named Jack." says Sam. "He leads a band of chivalrous pirates that wonder from place to place around Magvel, and they like to help the common man that the rulers admittedly-and unintentionally-overlook. However, he does like to be paid back since he say even his own pirates need to eat. But like I said, Vash pissed away our gold, and now, we're trying to earn the money back as fast as possible so Jack doesn't find out."
"Yeah, or else, he'll break my knees." says Vash.
"Does he actually do such a thing?" asks Ester.
"I don't know, and I'm not about to find out!" says Vash.
"Already, we're sounding like a pretty noticeable company of misfits." says Trip. "A vampire who can withstand sunlight and supposedly has a lot of powers, an old man that seems to have a grudge against Terrors..."
Bruce just growls lightly.
"...Three siblings trying to get out of debt." says Trip. "And... Whatever Ophis is. Still, with you and Ophis, Ester, we might be able to earn a good bit of money, and maybe make a name for ourselves."
"Yeah, but we could also be targets if they find out Ester is a vampire, and try to find out what Ophis is." says Sam.
"Yeah, that would be a big problem." says Trip. "Still, if we're going to be a mercenary company, don't you guys think we need a cool name or something? You know, to give ourselves some recognizeability so people hear of our exploits, and possibly hire us for jobs here and there."
"I don't know..." says Sam.
"Hey, our little brother has a point." says Vash. "Part of being successful is being popular, and a good name would make us household names, along with a good reputation, so we could really make a killing. And I think I got a good name for us."
"I dread to hear it, but go ahead and tell us." says Sam.
"How about the 'Dawnbreakers'?" asks Vash.
"Dawnbreakers?" asks Sam.
"Yeah!" says Vash. "It kind of subtly stems from the fact that Ester is a Daywalker, and thus, well... Dawnbreakers!"
"That is admittedly a good name." says Sam. "But I think the purpose of a good name is to NOT give away the fact that Ester is a vampire, let alone one that can withstand sunlight."
"Like I said, subtle." says Vash.
"I like it pretty well." says Trip.
"I do too." says Ester. "What do you think, Sergus, Aiya?"
"If you like it, we've no reason to object." says Sergus, and Aiya says, "And I have to admit, the logic is sound."
"Ophis?" asks Vash.
"I don't entirely see the logic behind this, but I have no personal say, so I'll accept it." says Ophis.
"Bruce?" asks Vash.
"I personally don't care." says Bruce. "I'm not for showmanship or bragging rights, so I'll just play along as if it's important to you kids."
"...Very well! We're officially the Dawnbreakers!" says Vash. "Piercing the black of night like the light of dawn, we strike evil down wherever it hides!"
"Please, the name is one thing, but let's not get overly dramatic, okay, Brother?" asks Sam. "Anyway, I've had my fill of deer, so I'm turning in for the night."
"Yeah, I'm tired, too." says Trip.
"Yeah, time to hit the hay." says Vash. "Good night, everyone!"
Ophis looks oddly at them, and asks, "Turn in? Hit the hay? What odd ways to say one wants to go to sleep."
"Metaphors, Ophis." says Ester. "Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep, too. What about you?"
"I've slept long enough, and I wish to not do so." says Ophis. "My dreams are empty, and thus, sleep is pretty meaningless for me."
Ester just looks Ophis with a coy expression, then says, "I suppose that's just you. Anyway, good night, Ophis."
- Foreboding Images -
At night, the newly dubbed Dawnbreakers are fast asleep-save for Ophis, who's still sitting by the campfire.
Ester is asleep, but soon, she begins to fidget a bit, and her face shows distress. Suddenly, from our point-of-view, a flash of white occurs. After that, various images play of the world being attacked by the various Terrors that the heroes of Sacred Stones had to deal with, all flaying the bodies of the people, leaving no person alive they come into contact with.
The knights fight as hard as they can, but many are killed within mere seconds of the beginning fight.
Some do manage to kill some of the Terrors, but more show up out of the woodwork, and before we know it, the various villages are on fire, the destruction growing and spreading like a contagion, and before long, the one commanding the charge is the Fomortiis, the Demon King himself, as he smashes through houses, crushes establishments, and uses his dreaded magic to kill and seer many humans trying to fight against him.
As the carnage continues to play out, the shot soom immediately zooms past the army of Terrors until it comes up to a person in the background, hiding in the shadows, and before long, coming up to their head, lightning strikes, lighting up the area, and revealing the person's face to be... Ester? And not only that, but she seems to have an expression that screams pure evil.
Soon, Ester wakes up with a gasp, her eyes wide open, and she sits up, rubbing her head.
"Emmmm... What was that? A memory?" asks Ester.
"So you saw it, too." says Aiya's voice.
"Aiya?" asks Ester.
Aiya appears in her Sphere of Order form, and afterwards, so does Sergus in his Eye of Chaos form.
"What was that dream? Was it a memory?" asks Ester.
"Who can say?" asks Sergus. "But if it was a memory indeed, we might to look more into it to see what message it holds."
"Yeah, but... After what we saw... I don't know if I want to find out who I used to be back then." says Ester. "From what it showed, it seemed like I was a destroyer of some sort. But... I don't want to hurt anyone close to me. Still... It's all so confusing."
"Let's just take things one step at a time, and not let it get to us." says Aiya.
"I suppose that's all we can do." says Ester. "But... I don't think I'm getting any more sleep tonight."
Ester gets up and walks over to Ophis while Sergus and Aiya follow behind, and Ophis looks at Ester and asks, "Is everything all right?"
"I don't know." says Ester. "I had this horrible dream that felt like a lost memory, but one that kind of frightens me to my core as to exactly who or what I could be."
"I see." says Ophis. "I kind of envy you."
"Why?" asks Ester, and Ophis says, "Unlike me, you can have dreams. It must be quite an experience, to sleep and see what images can appear before you."
"Hrmmm... I suppose so." says Ester. "But dreams can also be nightmare, and thus, can be more of a curse than a blessing."
"I would still take that over having nothing appear before me while I slumber." says Ophis. "That is why I choose not to sleep right now. In fact, while my actual body sleeps, I use this one to see the world around me, so in many ways, this is my actual body dreaming, but it is real."
Ester says nothing for a bit, but then says, "You're an interesting one, Ophis."
"I do not see how." says Ophis. "But I guess to one as you, you would be interested. For me, I have known what I am, what I was, and what I will always be from here on out. To me, it is people like you on this rock that are truly interesting."
After another pause, Ester looks around says, "Where is Bruce?"
"I saw here near the campfire earlier, looking as if he could not sleep." says Ophis. "He then pulled an object out, and opened to look at something. When he did, he had an expression that I believe you humans call 'grief'. When I asked him why he was that way, he ignored me, and went off elsewhere."
"Odd. Maybe I should go look for him." says Ester. "I know he doesn't true you or me, but... I just need to make sure he isn't planning anything that could make him regret his actions."
"I will continue to sit here." says Ophis. "I know I would not be good at consoling anyone experiencing grief."
"Right." says Ester. "I'll be back soon."
- Regretful Heart -
Ester goes off into the woods.
As Ester looks around, using her enhanced senses to see in the dark, she then spots another fire, and wonders if they are other campers, but looks close to see it is Bruce, and as Ophis said, he's looking at an object that is actually a locket.
Ester gulps a bit, but proceeds forward. As she begins to approach the brigand, Bruce then says, "You know... Appearing behind someone at this hour is a good way to lose your head when one such as myself am used to sneak attacks."
"I-I'm sorry." says Ester. "I was just curious."
Bruce just grunts.
"What are you doing?" asks Ester.
"Reminiscing." says Bruce.
"Wow, you actually told me." says Ester. "I'm surprised."
"Knowing your types, you'd still continue to pry, so why should I bother fighting a fruitless battle?" asks Bruce.
Ester then walks up and looks over Bruce's shoulder, and in the locket is a small painting of a man and a woman, the man having light black hair and the woman being quite beautiful with blue-violet hair in curled pigtails, and wearing a fancy attire of what looks to be leather and colorful feathers.
"Who are they?" asks Ester.
"The young man is... my son." says Bruce. "The woman... is... *growls* ...his lover."
"You don't seem to like her that much." says Bruce.
"...I thought I did once." says Bruce. "...At first, I detested their union, but... When I saw how much my son loved her, I gave in, and accepted her into the family. This was 2 years ago."
"What was wrong with her?" asks Ester.
"...She was like you." says Bruce. "...She was a Terror."
"Wait, do you mean-" Ester starts to ask, and Bruce says, "Yes. She's a vampire."
"...What were their name?" asks Ester.
"My son's name was Ryland." says Bruce. "The... Girl's name was Alexis."
"So, I can easily assume your son is dead." says Ester.
Bruce shakes his hand holding the locket angrily and says, "He didn't die. ...He was stolen from me. ...By this little succubus."
"What do you mean?" asks Ester.
"It was 2 years ago, as I said..." says Bruce as a flashback plays. "Ryland met Alexis at the time, and he grew deeply in love with her. She was nervous at first, because she knew what she was, and didn't want to hurt my son... Despite the fact she wore a charm created by a powerful mage that allowed her to walk in the sunlight, at the cost of greatly suppressing her powers. As I said, I grew to detest their relationship, knowing the girl wasn't a human but a creature of darkness. But... She clearly showed she loved my son, and he loved her very much as well, so... I felt I had no choice but to bless the relationship. Then... About five months later, Ryland said he and Alexis were going to go into the forest to share some quiet time. I was a bit nervous, as any caring father rightfully should be, but... I let them go. I trusted Alexis with this dearly. What a mistake that was. After about several hours had passed... They showed no signs of returning, and I was getting worried. Next day came, still no sign of them. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, that maybe they got caught up in something, but would find a way out. Needless to say, my son was a good fighter, trained by yours truly. Our village then sent a search party for them. About 30 minutes later, they brought my son back. Correction: they brought back what was left of him. His body was torn apart, looking like a wild animal got to him. ...No, it looked worse, because he didn't have any parts of him eaten. However, on his neck, I did noticed bite marks, clearly belonging to a vampire. And Alexis? She was nowhere to be seen."
The flashback ends, and Bruce says, "That no good harlot killed my son, and from that day forward, I swore that if any more Terrors came to my village, I would lay waste to them no matter what."
"How awful." says Ester.
Bruce closes the locket, then stands up and looks at Ester angrily as he says, "Whenever I see your face, and knowing what you are... I'm reminded of Alexis. You may claim to be on our side, but as far as I'm concerned, creatures like you are all the same, no matter what. Let this be known to you: I'm merely giving you the benefit of the doubt, but I'm also keeping my eye on you. You may be considerably stronger than me, but your amnesia clearly makes your more vulnerable... And those two beings are no better. So, if for any reason you do ANYTHING suspicious that appears to be a threat to our lives... You'll end up like how my son did."
Sergus and Aiya transform and Sergus says, "And if you do that, you'd better be prepared for the fight of your life."
"Exactly." says Aiya. "We may be in the dark as much as Ester is, but we won't stand by while her life gets threatened."
"Believe me, I'm more than ready to die if need be." says Bruce. "But if I have to go down, you're all coming with me. Keep that in your minds closely."
Bruce then kicks dirt on the fire he started, putting it out, then begins to walk back and says, "You all better follow close behind, so that way, I know you won't try anything."
Bruce then walks again, and Ester says to Sergus and Aiya, "How do you even help someone past that kind of trauma?"
"I do not know, but he didn't threaten you, so he's on our watchlist just like we're on his." says Aiya.
"And may he hope he gets off of it sooner than later." says Sergus.
To Be Continued in Chapter 6