Okay so I planned to have this chapter up yesterday, but something got in between. I won't have a lot of time the upcoming 4/5 days so I at least wanted it up before then. the chapter will be swapped later. Don't expect major changes; mostly grammar edits and rephrasing to make sentences flow better. Normally I'd wait for my beta MiracleofOracles to have worked her magic, but as said, shortage of time. Plus, I always prefer posting a chapter before going to bed in the hopes of waking up to reviews and starting the day in a good mood.
I expect to have the next chapter up in max two weeks. For now, enjoy!
Emil woke up early the next morning, mainly because of the penetrating smell of death. He opened his eyes and wrinkled his nose at the sight of what he assumed must have been either a large fox or some wild dog. Either way, there was little left, most of the flesh chewed down to the bone. That didn't make it smell any less though.
''You could have eaten it elsewhere.'' He murmured at the monster lying a few feet away from him, whose only sign of recognition was a twitch of the ears and an irritated glance from the corner of its eyes. Emil sat up and looked behind him. His breathing hitched and his heartbeat sped up. He understood Richter was mad at him, but would he really leave him on his own just like that? He scrambled up and walked around, observing his surroundings. The sun had not yet fully risen, casting the forest in an amber glow. Birds were already up and about, happily chirping. There was no sign of Richter though. Emil's shoulders slumped down. Feeling all sorts of guilty, he turned to gather his belongings only to have them roughly thrown into him.
''Oomph!'' He caught the supplies, albeit clumsily, and looked up at Richter.
''R-Richter! You're still here.'' He stuttered out, quickly feeling ashamed.
Richter arched an eyebrow. ''Of course I am.''
''I thought you left.'' Emil spoke, hoisting his bag up.
''Don't be ridiculous.'' Richter grunted. ''Now hurry up. I found a waypoint. We should be less than two hours away.''
Emil nodded, noting that although he didn't sound mad (which he wasn't sure was a good sign), Richter did sound...off. He was definitely occupied with his thoughts. He hurried after the man, relieved to be able to continue alongside him. Although, as it turned out, the man's silent musing made for a very silent trip. Emil continuously remained a few steps behind the older man. Luckily for them, Richter was able to keep mind and body separated enough for them to fight like they usually did.
''Ack! You little shits!'' Emil, now taken over by his red eyed counterpart, sneered as he swept his arms in various directions and slicing through multiple insect like monsters in the process and finishing the battle. He smirked as he sheathed his sword, his shoulders rising and falling as he caught his breath after what must have been the 11th battle that involved those damn hornets. It required so much dodging.
He turned around to grin at Richter, only to find the man staring at him intensely.
''What?''
''Nothing. Aren't you leaving?''
The younger smirked. ''What, already miss that wimp?''
Richter's hand twitched. ''Just bring him back. I want to ask him something.''
Ratatosk remained silent for a moment. He spoke then, much more gently. ''Be gentle. He's terrified. It's a nuisance.'' He added, masking what could have been concern. Richter merely nodded and red eyes closed, twitching lightly before opening to reveal bright green. His face flashed as he realized Richter was staring at him. ''Ah, sorry for keeping us down.'' He quickly marched forward and passed the man without looking at him. Richter remained on the spot as he watched the boy walk without waiting for him. He sighed.
''Emil.''
Emil visibly tensed, but turned around.
Richter pointed east of them. ''That way.''
Emil blushed and nodded in response, quickly turning to walk in the right direction. Richter observed him and sighed in defeat. No point in asking him now. He followed the boy, glancing to his side, where the padfoot was happily trotting alongside him. He scoffed.
''He could use your company better than I do.'' He murmured. As if musing on it, the monster tilted it head, then took a short sprint to walk beside the blonde.
They continued in silence. Richter decided that before he´d ask the questions he wanted, he needed Emil to be calm first. Having the boy stutter out answers he probably wasn´t even sure of would only annoy him and as much as he hated to admit it, he could use the boy´s help. Scaring him off would be of no use.
But that´s not the only reason, is it?
He inwardly shook his head, as if though would empty his head from their thoughts.
He subtly increased his pace at the same time Emil slowed his and they fell in their usual habit of the youngest of the two following close behind.
The lush green around then rolled in the wind as they progressed, the sky above them graced with only a few clouds, floating peaceful and undisturbed. With nature being so peaceful Emil managed to forget about the awkward shuffle their footsteps had fallen in, horribly out of pace really. And as, after what seemed little to no time, Emil almost bumped into Richter as the man halted and his eyes that had previously been on the woods and its inhabitants now lay on the elegant, withered gray towers of th ruins scratching the sky, the knot in his stomach disappeared. Before he could gawk at it however, the padfoot by his side let out a sound between a whine and a bark (which may have been the weirdest sound he could have emitted in his opinion.) and bumped into Emil on purpose.
Emil crouched down and rummaged through his bag, grabbing paper and pencil. He whistled at his monster companion, who after having walked away again, trotted back over to him in response while still keeping close tabs in his surroundings.
''I promised to inform the others when we arrived.''
''Is that really necessary?'' Richter scoffed.
''It's better than to have them come searching for me.'' Especially Marta. ''And it's always better than having Tenebrae along.''
Richter had to agree on that. While it was not the centurion himself that bothered him, the constant bickering between Aqua and him definitely did.
Richter waited impatiently as Emil scribbled down his message on a note and tied it around his monster companion's neck before sending it off. The blonde stood up and turned to the mansion, falling silent.
Although indeed fitting the description of a ruin the once have been mansion still stood tall and impressive. Given its secluded location it had an air of mystery around it and Emil was sure, had Raine come along, they would hear a lecture on every little detail. From remnants of roots to the material of the stone.
Over the years, roots and plants had grown to constrict around remnants, walls and towers, making it seem as if the ruin was about to be dragged down into the earth. Numerous flowers grew on the branches and bushes surrounding the ruin, attracting butterflies and bees and all that thrived from the state of the mansion. It made Emil smile to see the little fauna in this area. As if a little world of its own in the middle of a forest. Richter, although remaining silent, noted this from the corner of his eyes. It always surprised him how...young Emil's mind was. Much like a child, he still knew how to notice and appreciate simple things like that. Although the man would never admit it, he praised the boy for the ability. To be able to keep that to heart with a journey like his was truly something he should cherish.
However, being a realist what Richter noted about the mansion and it's fauna, was that it had become almost impenetrable. Doors or holes in walls that may have once allowed entrance were covered and overgrown by nature.
''Emil.''
''Huh?'' The boy turned, shaken from his peaceful moment.
''Let's see if we can find a way in. ''
Emil nodded and they split up; Richter turning right and Emil left. They walked around the house, occasionally cutting away a few plants to see if they may have found a possible entry. They met again at the back of the mansion, neither of them successful. Richter cursed.
''Now what?''
''Uhm...''
Emil, who had visibly calmed down now that he had a clear goal ahead of him pointed to where he had came from.
''It's a bit high, but there is a smashed window that doesn't seem to have been completely overgrown yet. I can't see what it's like on the inside though.''
Richter arched an eyebrow. ''Did you?'' He mused over it for a few seconds. ''I suppose it's the only option for now. Show me where.''
Emil nodded, something crossing his face that Richter had come to recognize as a sense of content and pride. The younger of the two led them to the side of the mansion to what had presumably been the stair tower. To say it was a bit high...
''It's quite the distance.'' Richter grunted, looking for a way up. He perked up. Leading from the window to a breach in the wall a few meters to the left was heavy growth of vines that had attached themselves to the stone. With a bit of luck, the roots and vines were sturdy enough to hold. He gestured Emil to follow and approached the wall. He turned to Emil.
''Think you can climb across?''
Emil looked at the vines for several moments before nodding. '' If I can find a way up.''
''No need. Step up.''
Richter had meanwhile turned his back to the wall and braced himself against it, bent his knees and clasped his hands together. When Emil didn't immediately respond he scoffed. ''Well? Hurry up.''
''R-Right.''
Emil approached the man. He felt a blush creep on his cheeks as he put his hands on Richter's shoulder. Refusing to look anywhere near the face now much closer to his, he stepped on Richter's clasped hands and nodded.
With a quick motion, Richter forced his arms up, lifting Emil in the process. Emil quickly placed one foot on Richter's shoulder while simultaneously moving his arms to grasp the wall. Finally, with another push from both Richter's arms and Emil's now extending legs, the boy reached out in full length and was able to grasp on to the biggest vine within reach. He wiggled and kicked with his legs a bit, trying to find some grip on the wall to hoist himself up. At first he was afraid to lose his grip on the vine and fall but eventually his left foot found its grip, quickly followed by his right.
''Got it!'' He called out and Richter stepped away from the wall and turn around to watch the younger male.
''Think you can make it to the window?''
Emil nodded but realized Richter may not be able to see it from his angle. ''Yes,'' He pulled and hopped a bit, without actually removing his feet from the vines, to test the vines their strength. Better fall now than higher up. ''These don't even budge.''
''Don't assume they're all as strong. Now hurry before you get to tired.''
Emil felt the urge to object but he knew Richter was right; hanging on like this put more than your average strain on one's muscles. He shuffled to the right, carefully placing one foot and testing the rooting to the wall before putting more weight on it. At some points there were some vines and roots that were more dried out than others. Some crumbled like dried up tree leaves when Emil placed his foot or hand on them while others only lost their rooting to the wall but remained intact. He progressed to the window quicker than Richter expected.
Emil, now directly beside the window, mused on how to get inside. True, the glass was broken, but it was not a window big enough to easily get through. Preventing himself from falling while at the same time squeezing himself through without cutting himself would be a challenge indeed. He kicked as much glass inside as he could. The real problem was the wooden '+'in the center that split the frame into four. It didn't seem rotten enough. He twisted his neck in an attempt to make eye contact with Richter.
''I don't think I can get through it like this.''
''Hmm...I have an idea, albeit a risky one.''
Emil knew where he was heading. Burning the wood would allow passage but brought the risk of burning the vines before Emil could enter.
''I suppose we don't have a choice.'' He murmured, dropping his head and letting out a sigh.
''It's okay. J-just try not to burn me as well.''
Richter scoffed. ''What do you take me for.'' He grunted, not audible enough for Emil to hear, while calling upon his mana. He stepped closer to Emil, should the need be there to catch him. With well aimed precision, the man released the mana from his body. The heat that radiated from the flames licking at the wood mere feet away from him warmed Emil's face and gave him the urge to increase the distance between him and the fire. He eyed the vines. A lot of them were already beginning to lose their roots to the wall and being turned into swings rather than ledges.
At that moment, he felt himself slowly being lowered. The vine he was putting most of his weight on began to lose its sturdiness.
''Emil!'' Richter called out, urging him that he had to act now.
Emil nodded. Seizing his chance, he extended his legs while pulling himself up and towards the window. He swung his right leg up and in a quick leap found himself on the stone ledge in front of the window, just barely big enough to crouch on with both feet. He kicked the wood as hard as he could with his current position. It broke and, along with numerous parts of attached glass, flew inside.
''Got it!''
Just as the words left his lips, the vines he had been holding on to gave in to their weight. He yelped and reached forwards with flailing arms, trying to get something to hold on to and pulling. He stumbled inside with a yelp. He shot up, looking at his left hand. The frame had been his saving, but unfortunately, the glass still attached had not. He flinched as he pulled out the glass. Fortunately, it wasn't very big. However, it was still glass, and its razor sharp edge had left a nasty gash, from a little below his pointing finger to well below the center. There were several small cuts as well and, although no nearly as deep and painful, they bled vigorously.
''Emil!''
''I-I'm okay!''
He stood, ignoring the pain in his hand. First he would try and find a way for Richter to get in. He would be able to heal him. He looked around what turned out to be a study and not a stair tower. The room was in shambles however. The door creaked as he pulled it open. He blinked. Another door? He pushed against the wood, confused. It wasn't a door. He moved his hand around the door frame, fitting his fingers between the gap left between the frame and the object blocking his path. He took a step back.
And bodyslammed it.
He didn't exactly have much of a choice. Shielding his left hand from anymore damage, he used the right side of his body and slammed against the wood repeatedly. It budged, that much he could tell. After a few slams, whatever had been inside the now concluded bookcase filled with- well, anything but books judging from the sound of breaking glass and ceramic- fell to the floor. With the extra weight gone Emil was able to push the object over and allow himself passage.
He now found himself in a long hallway. He saw a railing far to his right; which as he approached it belonged to the stairs leading down the front hall. He stood at the top of the stairs and looked around.
The roof was gone, mostly. Gaping holes allowed sunlight to shine through, illuminating the view. Carpet and wood were wet and rotten by the numerous times of rain it must have experienced over time. Broken and fallen marble statues which once served as decoration now gave the mansion an eerie feeling. Vines as big as trees themselves seemed to constrict whichever they could like a deadly snake. From the outside, he mansion had looked peaceful and beautiful, even as a ruin; But now that he was standing there alone at the top of creaking stairs, with leaves swirling around his feet from the wind blowing through the many holes in the stone it felt as if nature was about to swallow the mansion whole, with him still inside.
He slowly made his way downstairs, careful to test out the steps first. Fortunately, they were sturdier than they seemed. He walked straight to the door, at least, to the massive bookcase in front of it. The tall, slim and colored stained glass that framed either side of the door had cracks and holes in them.
''Richter?''
A few moments followed before he heard the padding of footsteps. Richter approached him.
''Good, you made it, now open the door.''
Emil shook his head. ''It's not that easy. There's a bookcase in front of it.''
''Well then move it.'' Richter grunted. Emil's fingers twitched in slight annoyance. A habit that had accompanied his personal growth.
''I'll try, but I hurt my had pretty badly.'' He raised his left hand to emphasize this.
A flash of something crossed Richter's face. It was gone too fast for Emil to be sure but...had it been concern?
''I see,'' Richter crossed his arms, musing over it for a few moments. He crossed gazes with Emil again. ''Try throwing the books out and get them out of the way before topping the case over. Without the books, I may be able to push it away while opening the door enough for me to get in.''
Emil nodded and stepped back to get to his assigned task.
Meanwhile, Richter focused on cutting and burning away the many plants covering the door. It was a boring task, not challenging by any means. As of such, it gave him more time to think. During the time Emil had been inside he had been musing on the many thoughts and theories revolving around Aster and him. They may look the same, but ultimately, were about as similar as water and fire. That raised the question as to why their handwriting was identical. He gritted his teeth. This whole situation brought up so many memories and thoughts that it only succeeded in frustrating him.
He perked up as he heard a crash, quickly followed by the sight of the blonde teen in front of the window.
''It's down.''
Richter nodded, choosing not to comment on the obvious. As it turned out, the door was pretty rotten and it was easier to just smash it than actually try to open it all the way.
''That should do it.'' Richter kicked one last piece of wood inside. He motioned at Emil. ''Get over here.''
''Huh?''
Richter resisted the urge to huff. '' I'm going to heal your hand, but I rather do it out here. We don't know what might be holding up inside.''
''R-Right.''
Emil stepped through the hole and back into the outside light. They crouched down a few feet further before Richter gestured for Emil to show him his hand. Emil's cheeks flushed red as Richter took his hand and pulled it closer to examine.
''Good thing you didn't pull the glass out.''
Emil could only nod as Richter took of his brown gloves before taking a hold of Emil's hand again. While Richter had healed him before, it was usually a scrape or small cut on his forehead, arm or leg. It never required for the two to actually touch. Maybe it was for the better. Emil thought as he tried to calm his rapidly beating heart. He winced as Richter quickly removed the various pieces of glass, shortly followed by the casting of First Aid. The large gash itched uncontrollably as the skin slowly but surely sutured up.
Richter looked up, catching Emil quickly looking away. The smaller hand resting on his was trembling and the man briefly wondered if it was because of the mana and his body's response to it or because of him. Judging from the pink gracing Emil's cheeks, it was likely the latter. Richter interrupted his casting, and Emil took off his torn and blood stained glove. The wound had closed almost entirely, but it was definitely still prone to damage.
''For now it's all I can do. Give your body a few hours to adjust to the mana and I'll see what else I can do.''
Emil nodded, gently rubbing his hands together.
''Here,'' Emil looked up at Richter holding out one of his gloves. ''Seeing as we'll likely have to get our hands dirty you better put this on.''
''T-thank you.''
He took the glove and put it on. It was still pleasantly warm on the inside and while it was obviously too big, it would serve its purpose. Richter stuffed his other glove in one of his pockets, finding it an annoyance to wear only one. ''Now let's see what we can find.''
Richter stepped through the hole first, followed by an unstable Emil. His cheeks were still colored a light pink and he clenched the glove as tightly as he could without risking reopening the wound on the inside of his hand. The boy eyed the back of the man's head.
''It's in a better state than I expected.'' Richter noted. ''I didn't think we'd have so much roof over our heads. To block the door with a bookcase though...''
He continued to look around, stepping over and around various objects. He halted and scoffed in front of one of the statues.
''Trophees carved in marble.'' He turned to Emil for further explanation. ''He was famous for his research and collection. Of course, to research something, you need the means.'' He gestured to the various statues which Emil now noted shared a resemblance to various species of monsters.
''He hunted monsters?''
Richter shook his head. ''Not hunted. Caught them. Observed and tested on until they served him better dead than alive.''
Emil's brows furrowed. ''That's so sad. Just because he wanted to study them...'' He traced the marble beak of a bird like creature. Richter observed him in silence before a chuckle escaped him. Emil's head shot towards him.
''Always the compassionate one. Let's move on.''
He turned away, but not before catching the corners of Emil's lips turn upward into a smile.
''What's wrong with that?''
''Nothing per se. If you like putting yourself at risk.'' He grunted, walking towards the large set of stairs that Emil had earlier descended from.
''There's a room full of books to the right. It's where I came in.'' Emil said, before adding; ''I don't think I'm putting myself at risk any more than you.''
''Do you now.'' Richter kicked more books out of the way and stepped over the bookcase Emil had pushed over much earlier before entering the room and walking straight towards the bookcases standing on the length of the biggest wall. ''How so?''
''I may not be as intimidating as you,'' He ignored the glare he received ''But people are quicker to trust me. They don't think telling me things is fine and they don't see me as a threat.'' Richter opened his mouth to mockingly reply are you then? But was prevented from doing so as Emil added one final sentence. ''They underestimate me.''
Richter paused, his hand hovering in mid air in front of a book. The air had become thick at the unmistakable undertone Emil's words held. He resumed his actions without acknowledging this though.
''So,'' Emil tone had gone back to normal. ''What are you looking for?''
''As much as I appreciate the help, I'll do the searching myself.''
''Oh.'' Emil sounded disappointed.
''However, I do have a question for you.''
Emil perked up and cocked his head slightly to the right in a questioning manner, looking up expectantly at the other man.
''When you read Aster's research notes-'' Emil's body stiffened, guilt overtaking him again. ''Did you recognize anything beside the similar handwriting?''
This threw Emil off. ''What do you mean?''
Richter turned back to the bookcases while continuing. '' His choice of words or the way he formulated sentences? ''
Emil mused over it for a few moments. ''N-no I don't think so. He's a lot smarter than I am.'' He dropped his head.
''Well he was a prodigy.'' Richter muttered, not audible enough for Emil to hear. '' There's something else I need to know.''
He turned back to Emil, crossing his arms across his chest. ''Do the things he wrote ring a bell. Anywhere. In other words, do you remember them?''
''What?'' Emil's eyes widened for a bit in surprise. ''N-no, I don't.''
He followed Richter out of the room after the man threw a book on the floor in annoyance, muttering something about an ''cooks'' under his breath.
He thought back to the letter, recalling the words to see if maybe he did remember them. Richter didn't ask him anything else. Instead the pair moved to the next rooms. Finding at least 4 rooms not containing any books at all they halted at the top of the stairs.
''He must have been desperate to keep people out if he blocked every door with furniture.'' Richter huffed, crossing his arms and observing the now pushed over furniture that previously blocked the doors on the second floor. He turned his head to look at Emil, who seemed to be still pondering. He huffed. ''Don't worry about it too much.'' His low voice pulled Emil out of his train of thought. The boy looked up, still somewhat down. ''If anything,'' Richter continued. ''It's a good thing.''
''Why?'' Emil almost whispered the words.
''Because it means you may not be Aster after all.''
Emil's head shot up again. Richter was right. This did strengthen the theory it was only Aster's body he shared, not the mind.
He was about to speak when the wood started to creak. Both males looked at the ground they were standing on and both jumped away as the wood started to break and cave in. However, only Richter found himself on stable footing. Emil landed on more unstable wood that immediately gave in to the sudden force. The boy yelped as his surroundings were elevated from his vision as he fell.
''Emil!''
Both males reached out in instinct, to no avail. Emil landed first, his weight accelerating his fall in comparison to the wood and shambles. He had little time to react however, as the beams that supported floor and stone gave in as well. He could only turn and cover his head as his surroundings came crashing down.