Glaucus was impressed. If anyone but him had been searching for them they may very well have remained safely hidden for quite some time. As it was however he truly was the only looking for them, so he couldn't feel too smug.
The two he sought had been on the run ever since Arachnophobia and the DWMA had their little battle at Baba Yaga's Castle. Their reason for running was their foolish allegiance to the snake witch. Of course said snake witch was as dead as dead can be at this point. Without even the chance of inhabiting another's soul. He wondered if this made them think anyone considered them a threat. Surely the high witch would no doubt enjoy seeing them dead, especially the wolf. But it certainly wasn't a priority on her list.
So in the end, all the running and hiding had all been for naught. The little hovel they called home was remote enough to keep them safe for quite some time if any did decide to start sniffing them out. it was hardly noticeable amidst the trees and fields of green that surrounded. It may even seem homely to someone with lesser tastes than himself. The structure was a simple log cabin. It probably had been there for a while before its new occupants did. Or perhaps they made it themselves in their desperation for sanctuary. He wouldn't put it past them, and it certainly looked shabby enough.
As impressed as he was he hadn't come all the way there just to enjoy the countryside. He had a proposition for these two fugitives. One he knew they'd find quite to their liking. He was clad in his favorite white robe, hiding his hands as they hung at his sides. Covering his face was a scarf as stark white as his hair. The soft fabric covered his face all the way up to his eyes so they were all people would ever see. He had learned at an early age to dress for success. But if looking the part was all it'd take he wouldn't have been born with a tongue so clever.
Walking up to the door he did the polite thing and gave it a gentle knock. No response. Brows narrowing, he knocked again, still no response. With a frustrated sigh he knocked a third time. And for a third time no one answered. Well that simply won't do. With a flick of his wrist and a burst of light the door went flying."I'll let myself in."
Glaucus didn't know whether he should be amused or vastly disappointed. Asleep on the couch, completely undisturbed by the blasted door, was the man who stole the witch's eye. He had imagined the meeting would be a tad bit more dignified than watching the sleeping werewolf snore with a snot bubble forming in his nose.
"Hrmm" With no one else to be seen he entered. From the inside the shack looked somewhat livable. Expensive furniture and electronics were arranged haphazardly throughout. The lack of organization wasn't to his liking but with a little work he could see himself being quite comfortable in a similar place. That is of course if he let himself settle for anything less than everything, which he would never do.
With little patience left he approached the couch. With a gentle nudge to the shoulder he began."Greetings, I have been look-"And was quickly cut off as the sleeping wolf woke with a growl and a hand to his neck, pushing him against the wall and lifting him off the ground. I suppose I'm not surprised.
"Who the hell are you and why are you here?"The wolf demanded, two different eyes glaring with dangerous intentions.
With a quick slip of his sleeve the grey wood wand he kept at all times was in his hand and launching the fugitive to the other side of the hovel."If you would have let me finish I would have already explained all that."Glaucus seethed, the wand still raised."As it stands I dislike interruptions when I'm speaking."
He hit the wolf with a another blast of white light for obedience training while a wall fell on top of him. He had hoped the girl would be here as well. Dealing with her probably would have been easier than this brute.
"Now as I was saying. I have an offer you might be interested in hearing."He continued."I understand your previous employer gave you your freedom. I also understand that she is no longer among the living. As it happens I am currently in need of a man of your particular skills. Name a price wolf, and you shall have it."
A spike of ice whizzing next to his head was the first reply."My name," came the second."Is Free!" The third reply came as a tackle as Free, now in full werewolf mode, charged him head on. Glaucus barely managed to slide to the side as he shot two more zaps from his wand, Free barely even acknowledged them as he started his onslaught.
The wizard in white however was no stranger to an attack, and weaved in between his claws with relative ease."So your name is Free, my mistake." He dunked, blocking ice with light."But now I know, this is how people learn." The werewolf didn't seem to want to listen to his reasoning though and before he could make another dodge he found his feet frozen to the floor."So now that I can address you properly we can conduct our business like civilized people. There's really no need for anymore unnecessary violence."
"That's your opinion."Free graveled as his backhand sent Glaucus right out the wall he had just blasted.
For several seconds, he was airborne. It wasn't too unlike flying on his broom. The difference came with the landing. On his broom he could slow himself down before making a gentle descent to the ground. Right now, his trip was neither gentle nor slow. He hit the ground hard, bouncing on mud and grass as his once pure white robes grew dirty and stained. When he finally lay still and the full impact sunk into him, only one word came to mind."Oww."
He was almost on his feet again when the wolf was back. In human form now, but that probably wouldn't stop him from beating Glaucus to a pulp if he wasn't fast with his spells. The weight shackled to his leg jingled ominously. With astonishing ease the former prisoner had him hoisted into the air again, barring his teeth at the young witch boy. If he wanted Glaucus to panic he'd be sorely disappointed. He'd had closer brushes with death before fighting with this lumbering oaf.
He was about to say as much, but then the werewolf threw him to the ground. And everything went black.
Stein didn't know whether to admire the girl or be annoyed by her. Her loyalty and determination were certainly impressive, but she made his job difficult. Always asking the same questions whenever he came into the room as if the answers might change. Nygus had to deal with her even more and yet she was always patient and gentle with the little redhead. Stein didn't know how she did it.
"So is he going to wake up today?"She asked, clutching the poor boy's hand even harder than she usually did.
Stein could only ignore her. There were only so many ways to say "maybe" and he had used all of them.
That did naught to stop her questioning."Is he still healthy? Are the stitches healing well? How's his pulse?"
He had already answered those questions too and he refused to repeat himself. Yes, Rodriguez was in relatively good shape considering, and yes the stitches were fine, the only problem was his pulse. Which was still too slow, he had lost so much blood from his injury that'd it be a while before it was back to normal. And unfortunately for him, they only had a little of his blood type in the reserves and he had already had all of it put inside him. It was pure luck that he had lived at all. Arondight should've realized that and gone home. Stein suspected that's what Rodriguez would have wanted anyway.
Honestly, the students these days were far too sentimental for his tastes. Between the girl and the pile of get well cards Stein was slowly getting sick. He had resorted to doing twice as many dissections when he got home just so he could go to sleep without thinking of all the sap.
The boy would live. He had already survived the toughest part. The rest would all come down to waiting. And if that stubborn Brit of a sword planned on holding his hand through the entirety of it, he hoped she brought a book.
He would have preferred to kick her out of the room, but Nygus would have no part of that. She had insisted that Arondight be allowed to stay. Eventually Stein had conceded and agreed not to torment the girl any further than she had already suffered. At the beginning he had even tried his hand at being pleasant. That worked about as well as ignoring her was now. His low level of patience was proving insufficient with tolerating this girl.
Finishing his inspection on Rodriguez, he rolled out of the infirmary and back into his classroom. Class had finished hours ago, but there were always papers to be graded. He'd make sure his patient received all the assignments he'd missed as soon as he decided to wake up, whenever that may be. Stein hoped for his sake it was soon.
Rolling in his chair down the hall, he passed the assignment wall. That girl with the shadow weapon, Masterson, was looking through each mission with daunting concentration, weighing each one over each to see which one would prove the most beneficial, or challenging. With a girl like her Stein couldn't be too sure.
"Hello professor," Masterson greeted him as he passed."May I inquire how Lance is fairing?"
Another one? This was more surprising. From what he knew Rodriguez and Masterson were far from friendly with one another. Why should she care about his state of health?
"He's alive, for the moment. I expect he'll make a full recovery after a few weeks of physical rehabilitation."Stein answered. The same answer he had given all the others who had asked.
"A few weeks you say, hmm."A crease appeared in her forehead, as she took a moment to ponder something. "Would you say he'd be back in shape soon enough for this?"A long pointed finger went up to one of the higher assignments on the board, A high level assignment with a requirement of two meisters and at least two weapons, with warnings about serious danger. The only way Rodriguez could go on such a venture would be if he started his training today.
"Unlikely, he's still yet to regain consciousness. And such a mission could prove hazardous to someone with an injury such as his."Stein explained."Why is it you want him to accompany you on this instead of one of your other class mates?"
Her hesitance with answering managed to get Stein interested, if only a little bit so.
"Everyone I've asked so far has said no."She admitted."Felix and Kyla are even planning on completing it themselves. As it stands Lance is currently my only option."
"Surely there's someone else who'd agree to go with you."Stein said, making her squirm.
"I'm afraid not. All the students with the gall to even go on the mission are either too intimidated by me or just don't like me."She stated with a downcast gaze."I apparently have not done a good job of making friends during my time here."
"Well that's unfortunate."Stein declared, resisting a smile."Have you considered not going on this assignment or perhaps choosing a different one?"
"Not for a second sir."
"I thought as much."Stein sighed."I suppose I could take you to his room, everybody else has barged in there already so I might as well."
"That would be very kind of you sir."
"Yes, it would." Uncharacteristically so some would say. All this sap is finally rubbing off on me, between this and my own wake up gift I prepared…"Here this way."
And so he rolled his way back to the infirmary. Masterson proved ill suited for the task of making casual conversation and they spent the whole time in a cool silence, and Stein found himself wanting for a cigarette. He'd have to have one after humoring the stoic little girl. He had already made good headway with depleting the pack he had found in Rodriguez's pocket.
That hadn't been the only thing the professor had found in the fascinating boy's pockets. Stored within his plain black long coat resided an arsenal of junk, the sort of junk that could save your life twelve times over. Resourcefulness apparently ran in the family. Natsumi had practiced swordplay and archery as well as fighting with a scythe during her years at the academy. From what Stein had seen so far, Rodriguez was a mixture of both Damon and Natsumi. He possessed his mother's skills and intellect, while having his father's charm and appearance. Stein had only been an underclassmen when the two were graduating, yet still he remembered the pair with perfect clarity.
Damon was much the same as Rodriguez was now, only taller and more talkative with a fondness for suits, if he recalled correctly. A perfect example of everything a weapon should be. Everywhere he went his band of friends followed. Natsumi was less outgoing, more concerned with her grades and her mission, but still loved by all. No one was surprised when Damon ate his witch soul and became the youngest Death Scythe in decades at only seventeen.
People were surprised however, the day he snapped.
It had been a few short weeks after Natsumi's untimely demise. In the end all her extra training hadn't stopped the witch fire that had incinerated her. Poor little Lance Rodriguez was barely out of the crib when he lost his first parent. At that time his father had said his last farewell to his son and set forth on his quest for blood and retribution. The official report said he never found the witch that killed his wife, only those assisting her. After that he didn't stop. He was still on mourning leave when he killed the Death Scythe residing over Africa at the time. Six weapons and several meisters as well as a dozen innocents were slain in his thirst for vengeance. His target being Lord Death himself, the man waltzed into the streets of Death City, singing and mumbling to himself when he was finally killed.
Of all the men the professor had fought Damon Rodriguez had been the toughest. Even with a death scythe in his hand and three others to assist him, the fallen hero had not gone down without a fight. Laughing as he was repeatedly stabbed, shot, and slashed, his silver hand shining in the moonlight like a scalpel ready to make the first cut. His soul was on the precipice of being a full blown kishen. Stein still recalled the strange and terrible beauty of it, so strong and so twisted, so unlike the soul of his son.
His soul was interesting for all the opposite reasons, as he suspected Masterson knew full well of them. Maka may not have thought to examine his soul but a girl like Masterson was different. She was probably examining Stein's own soul as well as Rodriguez's and Arondight's. Her eyes never missed a thing.
"What is she doing here?"Arondight questioned accusingly.
"I merely wished to see Lance's condition for myself."Masterson stated in monotone.
"You didn't seem too concerned about his condition back at DeathWood."The redhead growled, her hands forming into fists.
The brunette didn't seem concerned at her anger. Taking a chair next to the bed she examined the unconscious boy more closely."Hmm, you said it would be a few weeks before he would be ready to go on any missions, correct?"
"Yes, his body would be too weak for fighting otherwise."Stein answered.
"And you've tried everything you could think of to wake him up, correct?"
"Everything within standard protocol, yes,"
Masterson considered that for a moment."I'll be right back."She said abruptly, leaving the room in the direction she had came. The spurs on her boots clinking audibly as she made her departure.
"What's up with her?"The remaining girl asked."Why is she so anxious for Lance to wake up all of a sudden?"
"She needs him for a special assignment she can't do alone."Stein answered, seeing no reason to keep it a secret from the girl. She'd find out about it sooner or later anyways."And she has a deadline."
"Bah, as if Lance would agree to work with her with that stick up her arse," She snorted, crossing her arms."How Reiji puts up with that I will never know."
The clinking of spurs signaled Masterson's return. In her hand hung a bucket of ice and water filled to the brim, threatening to over flow with every one of her steps.
"What do you think you're doing with that?"Arondight jumped up.
"Trying something outside of protocol," She said, raising the bucket."I would suggest giving him some room."
"You're kidding right?"
"Have it your way then, don't say I didn't warn you."
With that the water was sent flying. Soaking meister and weapon alike, and two separate shrieks filled the room, followed by a groan.
Stein could only smirk, still dry in his lab coat. Well I'll be damned.
Cracks appeared in the dream and a tidal wave flooded his senses. The water was cold, so cold. And Lance had nothing on to defend him from the shivering. The enemies surrounding him were pushed away with the current of the tide, only his sword managed to hold onto him before the wave sent him crashing into the earth.
With a startled jolt and a gasp from his mouth, Lance was awake. Cold and wet with a hand that felt like it had been under a steam roller, but awake nonetheless. Brushing the wet hair out of his eyes, he let out his first sigh in days and examined his surroundings.
The scorching desert had been replaced for a clean white room. His clothes too had been replaced with a paper thin medical gown that showed a little too much leg for his taste. He'd have to switch it for something more covering the second he could. Preferably something black and long, if there wasn't too much blood on it. Not to mention the rips.
Speaking of rips, his sword had at long last retched herself out of his crushed hand and was slicing at Josilyn, who narrowly parried her slash with the empty bucket in her hand.t.That explains why I'm wet. He thought as she blocked another strike. Veronica was so consumed in her wroth that she hadn't even noticed Lance was awake. It was only when she heard his voice that she realized the gunslinger hadn't truly harmed her meister.
"Ronnie."Lance said, his voice soft from lack of use."What have I told you about stabbing people just for making you mad?"
With a shimmer her blade was gone. Only a pale fist hanging in the air remained as she turned to see if he really had spoken or if it had just been a cruel joke made by her teasing mind. With widened eyes she stared, daring to believe. Transfixed by the sight as if all the weight in the world was being relieved from her shoulders and there was finally rest. She hardly seemed to move at all.
It was all Lance could do to end the silence."It's nice to see you too."
And then she was on him, squeezing his whole body as she had squeezed his hand. His stiff, sore body was crushed in her iron grip. But he wasn't about to show pain now, after all her waiting. So he hid his cringe and wrapped his arms around her how she had hers around him . She was in the same exact clothes she had worn days ago and she needed a bath. Her hair was messy and there were bags under her eyes. All together she was breathtaking, both figuratively and literally. And Lance could not for the life think of a better sight to wake up to.
And then the tears came. At first a single drop slid down her face, followed by a second and then a third. After that the flood came again, and she was sobbing into his chest as he cradled her in his arms, rocking gently. Guilt overcame him. He had reduced her to this by his weakness, if he had only been stronger, been quicker she never would have gone through this. She cares so much. About me.
"I think it would be best if we gave these two a few minutes alone."Stein suggested.
"If that's what you think Professor."Josilyn nodded."I can discuss my arrangement with Lance afterwards."
Arrangement? Lance decided not to dwell on that ambiguous statement. He had more concerning things in his arms.
"You're back."Veronica whimpered with a smile."When the mummy hit you, I thought you were going to die. But now you're back. You're back, you're back, you're back."
"I certainly am."He said, placing a soft kiss upon her brow. Just like the one he'd placed before falling asleep."And I plan on keeping it that way."
A little fire returned to her eyes at that."Oh you better."Her fingers gripping him harder, "Or so help me I will hurt you so much you will be begging for another's little scratch from that samurai."
A smirk crept on to his face. The one he always used to annoy her."Good to see you're back to normal, a partner who wasn't a total psychopath would be ever so dull."He jested."Speaking of partners, where's Mark?"
"He's fine."She said, wiping the remnants of the last dried tears from her face."Lord Death's been watching over him. Trying to distract him from, you know. You."
It only then began to dawn on him that Veronica wasn't the only one worried about him. The stack of get well cards on his stand was evidence enough of that. He'd have to go through this with all of them. Hopefully he would have a change of clothes by then. But at the moment there was another pressing subject on his mind."Veronica."He said."Tell me. Did we get the witch? Are you a death scythe?"
He knew the answer before she uttered a single word. The sad smile that took over her lips and the way her gaze moved to the floor told him that fast enough."Take a wild guess." She teased, trying to make light of it."Do I look like a death scythe to you?"
She did a decent job at hiding her disappointment, but it was still there."I wouldn't know."He sighed."You look the same as ever."Beautiful,
"Maybe after a nice good bath I will. The same could be said of you too, pretty boy."
"I've always adored the way you manage to put me down and compliment me at the same time."
"Thanks, I put a lot of effort into it."
"So how pretty would you say I am?"
A familiar groan that he hadn't heard in days answered his query. He really was back.
"Seriously, this is a matter of grave of importance. How else am I supposed to know my chances with all the female students of this school?"He asked in a serious voice."I'll need to rely on my looks if I'm going to keep hanging out with a seven year old and his sister."
That finally did it. A vein appeared in her forehead and suddenly he was reliving his everyday life once again. Her blows were noticeably softer then her usual assault. But he reveled in her annoyance all the same.
"Well you're obviously doing better."Veronica grunted as she stood up, pretending to still be angry."So I'll send the good doctor back in for you. Bye."
"Goodbye."He said as he watched her go, a big part of him wanting to leave the infirmary and follow.
The doctor was back moments later, along with Nygus. Together they poked and prodded him for well over an hour before they were satisfied. He'd have to stay there for the rest of the week, but after that he was free to go, so long as he took three hours out of everyday for exercise to help restore him to his original strength.
After his examination, the doctor stuck around, smiling that creepy smile of his. Only after Lance was fully and completely uncomfortable did he voice his unease."Can I help you, professor?"
That seemed to amuse him."I wouldn't think so. But I may just be able to help you."The way the light hit his glasses almost managed to make the young meister shiver."You certainly are a talented young lad. Most aren't as adept at hiding their discomfort as you. If it wasn't for my soul perception I might be convinced you actually are as stoic and strong as you'd have the rest of us think. Though we both know better than that don't we?"
Lance only glared, his face giving nothing.
"It is rather impressive how much you've accomplished, what with your handicap and deep rooted emotional traumas and all."Stein continued."Tell me Lance, does that hot tempered sword of yours know about either of those things?"
His gaze moved from the doctor to his feet in an instant. He had wanted to tell Veronica, had even attempted it once. But the words never came out. How do you go about telling one of the only people who has genuinely cared about you that your dad was a murderous monster?
"As I expected," The professor sighed, cleaning his glasses."Well we all have our secrets to keep."
"So what interest is it of yours?"Lance finally snapped."If all this is about you being worried about me being like my father than save it. It's nothing I haven't heard before."
"Clearly you have misinterpreted my reasons for being here. I didn't come down here to lecture you about things you already know, or to scold you for crimes that weren't your fault. The reason I am here is quite simple. I have a proposition for you that you may just be interested in, so tell me Lance will you hear me out? Or should I go to someone else? Josilyn is still waiting right outside the door, maybe she might like what I have to say more than you."
Lance eyed him suspiciously, not entirely sure what to think."Go on."
"Despite all your shortcomings, you've managed to pique my curiosity. So much so that I've invested a great deal of time studying you and your life."He began, getting straight to the creepy point." Your soul has been a most invigorating specimen, and I think in spite of its flaw, you could be something great, under the proper tutelage of course."
Lance didn't know what the doctor meant by flaw, but he thought he knew what he was getting to."And you think you could provide me with this tutelage I desperately need so badly?"
His smile returned at that."Yes, yes I do."He said."As a sign of my goodwill I've brought you something, a gift of sorts."From beside him he pulled out a bag and began to pull out its contents. A single black sleeve was enough to make Lance sit up straighter. As the rest of the coat followed he could hardly contain his amusement.
His coat had been fixed. The white stitching that held it together was in stark contrast to the rest of the black cloth. Up the back and through the sleeves the white thread went, even to places where it hadn't been cut. It was lighter than normal when he held it in his hands. The pockets must have been emptied during its repair. But it still felt right. With one swift moment, he had his trademark coat on once again. It kind of clashed with his medical gown, but still he felt snazzy.
Pushing his glasses on all the way he stood up, his legs wobbling from lack of use."You make a strange offer Professor Stein."He remarked."But hell if I'll turn it down. I'm your guy, through and through."
"That's what I hoped for."Stein smirked, shaking the young meister's hand."Meet me alone on Sunday nights, tell no one what you're doing and never be late."And with that he made his way to the exit."Oh and you have business to attend to with Ms. Masterson out her, oblige her if you will."
Right. One task exits, another enters. It seemed there was no rest awaiting him now that he was awake.
His head was still throbbing as he awoke. His hands were tied to a chair, he discovered as he stirred. His scarf had been removed as well, he noticed to his annoyance. If it had been harmed lives would be lost.
He was back in the hovel.
The whole in the wall gave that away easily enough. The mutters coming from the room to his left also made that clear. He could recognize the low growl of the wolf man as he and his accomplice conversed. It was the other voice that he didn't know, a high pitched feminine voice presumably belonging to the other person he came to see in this backwater shack in the middle of nowhere.
With an annoyed 'tsk" he let a small stream of energy cut through the rope, releasing his hands. his wrist were raw beneath it and he rubbed them tentatively. The next spell he utilized cleaned his robe, restoring it to its former magnificence. He couldn't fix the rips, but most of his appearance had been saved.
He may have been able to free himself, but without his wand he dare not engage either of his captors in combat. It appeared he'd have to resort to cunning once again. Glaucus, being the master of caution that he was, quietly approached the wall where the voices were coming from, pressing his ear against it to get a better foothold on his situation. The voices didn't seem to share opinions on what ought to be done with him.
"Don't you think we should hear him out? You did say he was talking about some kind of offer."The girl's voice said, behaving more sensibly than her brutish companion.
"He's obviously a spy sent by Arachnophobia. Why else would he be here?"Free asked.
"Oh I don't know, but if it could get us out of this freaken cabin I'd be happy to find out."She whined.
"Eruka our lives are in danger. He could bring the spiders right down on us, or worse he could be with the witches."He explained with a hint of agitation."They'll lock me up again and make sure I can't pee on the bars this time."
"You didn't do that last time."
"Yeah but I could have!"
This is going nowhere. All Glaucus wanted was an opening, some point in the conversation where he could leap in and explain his purpose in grandiose fashion, making them see his honest intentions. They'd agree to his plans in a heartbeat if only he could speak.
"I say we knock him out again to buy us some time and take off. He won't track this dog twice."Free declared.
"I don't think that will be necessary."Glaucus said, seizing the barely subpar opening that he had."I very much think you'd want me awake once you hear what I have to say."
The wolf recoiled and fell from his stool in his efforts to man a defense. The witch for her part was quick in conjuring some sort of black orb in her hand, aimed directly at him. Impressive."Fear not."He said, raising up his empty hands."As you can see I'm without weapons."
"That doesn't really stop people like us from doing harm now does it?"She challenged, her slimy black orb holding firm.
"True, and normally you'd be right to keep your guard up."Glaucus explained calmly."But I've already expended a fair share of my power already playing with your pet over there. and without my wand I frankly wouldn't pose much of a threat to you and your beast. So please, put your attack spell away."
The witch hesitated a moment before complying. She was a slim your girl of an age with Glaucus. Her silver hair had a hint of blue that shimmered as it fell from her orange frog hat and landed on a black dress with white pokey dots. Cute, those spots on her cheeks aren't hideous either. Only one thing was wrong with her appearance and that was draped casually around her neck.
A minor twitch was all the anger he could show. The wolf was already growling from behind Eruka. And her eyes still said danger. He'd have to keep talking before his scarf would be safely wrapped around his face once more.
"As you may know, I came here seeking to tell you of a proposition you may find to your liking."Glaucus explained smoothly, flashing a disarming smile.
"Let's hear it then."
A smirk, more dangerous than his smile, crept onto his lips. And my victory is set in stone."Well, Eruka, If I may call you that, I'm well aware of your current predicament, chased by all sides without an ally in the world, left alone to fend for yourself with naught but your companion here. But what else could you do? The witches want you dead for following Medusa. As well as assisting in the escape of Free over here. Arachnophobia would like nothing more than to see you captured and chained for not siding with Lady Arachne and again for aiding Medusa. And the DWMA would have you killed just to power one of their Death scythes, as well as for assisting Medusa. It seems you've made some very poor decisions with your choice of alliances."He surmised."What did siding with Medusa for so long ever bring you but enemies and pain?"
Her downcast gaze showed he struck a chord."I had no choice."She said, her eyes not meeting his."She would have killed me otherwise. Her snakes, they were…inside of me."
Snakes?"But now she's gone. And there's no one here to control or protect you. But I could change that last part. Hear me out and you will have no need to ever fear a foe in the dark ever again."
"I don't buy it."Free huffed."What could this punk do to help us that we couldn't do ourselves?"
"Let's just hear him out Free."Eruka replied, transfixed by Glaucus's words.
"My terms are simple. Join me. become my solders and you shan't be sorry. I'll bring you protection, I'll bring you purpose, and best of all. I'll bring you power. More power than you would have ever thought you could want."
"And what will bring us this power?"Eruka asked, her eyes already saying yes.
"The single greatest magic tool ever invented, from before even Elbon's time, forgotten by almost all."Glaucus said, stepping forward and sliding the scarf off her neck only to wrap it around his face once more."Merlin's Staff.