Chapter 20 - Restraint

My head is hazy.
My arms are hazy.
My body is hazy.
My everything is hazy.

I slowly open my eyes to discover never-ending darkness. The surround air pulsates like a heartbeat. It vibrates strongly. In an attempt to move, I realize that I have complete control.

My mind is still dizzy. My confusing state doesn't exactly help either. I take a walk around, not knowing where I'm even going. A snap and a crackle ring loudly through the dark. The sudden sounds bring me to attention. My body reaction kicks in immediately and my head clears almost instantly. Blood begins pumping faster as if to match the pulsating darkness. The heart races to deliver the blood throughout the body. Though I'm prepared to face my fear, I don't know what exactly is in here with me.

A snarl reaches my ears seconds later. I turn towards the direction of the sound and begin walking in that direction.

I don't know how long I've been walking. After a while I feel the darkness becoming thicker as thicker as I walk deeper and deeper into the dark hazy miasma.

My feet first come in contact with chains linked to whatever I'm standing on and I follow the trail created by loose chains littered on the floor.

Before long, I come face to face with...myself. The major difference between the two of us is that one of us is restrained by unbreakable chains.

"Ah ha ha. You've finally come."

The other me speaks up the same way the pulsating whispers have been for the past weeks.

"So it's you."

I stare at him.

"You're the one who's been calling out for me."

"Yes yes. It is indeed I."

He answers with a snicker and a sinister smile that slowly crept up his face.

"Who are you?"

"Well I don't know. Do I look familiar to you?"

He said with a sarcastic tone. I am not getting a good impression of this guy.

"I'm not here for games."

"Oh nooo... Of course not. Of course I can't play around even after all this time I've been trapped in here. Of course you're not here to hear me answer your question with another question, even though the answer is pretty obvious right in front of you. Who am I? Who am I, Lethita?!"

"Who exactly is this unique individual before you? It seems like this one know a lot about you. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like it can be said the same to you."

"Did you really forget about me? The one who dragged you out of your miserable state? The one who granted you POWER?"

I keep staring at him unresponsively, not knowing what to say.

"No. Nooo. I guess you couldn't have. You did receive a nasty gash on the side of your head. It is only natural for you to lose some memories in your life."

Things are slowly starting to connect. I'm recollecting scattered events from before Colhen. A sharp throb suddenly forms in my head, beginning at the scar. The ever-so-often aching pain has returned.

"Gah!"

I grasp my head as the lasting pain numbs my body. I lose all senses as the influx of memories engraves into my mind. That's right... I borrowed his powers and killed every Fomor in the village. Then, I killed some more in another village. And lastly, I fell down the cliff...

"Oh? Are you starting to remember now? C'mon, release me already."

Slowly, the pain diminishes as I feel my body return back to normal. I discover myself collapsed onto the floor. I get up immediately to face the familiar stranger once again. What happened afterwards flashes through my mind. A very annoyed sigh escapes my mouth.

"Berserker."

He chuckles obliviously as he shakes his hands around the bounding chains.

Berserker: "Good. Now release me."

"No I don't think so..."

I growl in annoyance. A look of rage sweeps over his face. He leans forward with a loud roar.

Berserker: "Why not?! You are testing my patience, mortal!"

"Tell me, why exactly are you all chained up in this place?"

His tone of voice takes a turn as he sees the anger in my eyes. He must have realized how much I truly remembered, and how much power I hold over him. He is bound up in MY restraints while I was unconscious because my body identified him as a danger.

Berserker: "... I don't know..."

"Feigning ignorance, are we? You're taking me too lightly, Berserker."

Berserker: "..."

"I honestly did not expect this from you. How did it feel to use me around as you wished? Was it exciting? Was it satisfying to see how your little plan worked out?"

Berserker stays in silence. A dark shadow covers its body and my image shapes into something formless. A dark entity replaces its body inside the chains. The shackles that bind it rumble threateningly as if to engulf the restraints. However, much to its disappointment and their resistance, they give no quarter.

Berserker: "Release me, now!"

Even in its "true" form, I feel no intimidation from this ghastly figure.

I see the scene at the cliff plays out in my mind. I had given Berserker the control of my body in order to activate its powers; as that's how I activate it, from what Berserker had told me.

But that's bullshit.

I believed his words. My belief restricted me from testing out manual activation as I did not realize what new possibilities I had. We fell unto a ledge that stuck on underneath the edge, barely containing even a few of the fallen victims of the dastardly and vicious cliff. While I had been unconscious, Berserker eliminated all Fomors that fell down with me in the limited space. He imbued more power in my fatigued body, causing it to kick into overdrive. Certainly, the extra strains would leave me immobile for a while but at least that would still keep me alive. And by no means was I going to complain about the results.

That would be the end of it right?

I was wrong.

My subconscious allowed me to notice what exactly Berserker had done afterwards. He executed several complex combos without limits.

And it did not seem like it would be relinquishing control back to me, seeing how I had absolutely no resistance left in my tired body and mind.

It was free to do whatever it wanted. He flaunted his new physical body around like a toy.

Unfortunately, the immense pressure from the brief skirmish and his horsing around had collapsed the very ledge we were standing on. We fell into the fast flowing rapids below and crashed against the sharp edged rocks sticking out. That explains the nasty wound on the side of my head. It was enough to knock me out unconscious while we drifted down the rapids which eventually led me to Colhen.

The devastating injury and severe blood loss weakened its control temporary and my conscious worked furiously to block out the intruder. It created a mental barrier and trapped Berserker in this "prison," leading us to where we are now.

While he is trapped like this, I believe I am still able to extract its powers manually. Just like how I've been able to do so in the Bell Tower and the training site. Thus, everything he has explained can be ignored. As long as it is soul bound to me, I can use it at will. I need to master it from now on. It would be "greatly" beneficial to fully control the activation of Berserker.

Ah who am I kidding, this power is fucking amazing. I am going to abuse this for days to come.

I laugh coldly while thinking about it.

My scattered gaze eventually falls back to staring at the shapeless form, Berserker.

"I think not, Berserker. Your deception has left behind a very bitter experience. And I rather quite enjoy my time not talking to a second voice in my head."

Berserker: "Fuck! You! Mortal!"

"Enjoy your stay. Ahahaha!"

I cackle maniacally, a sound I never even imagined myself making. I'm going to enjoy this.

Berserker was right about one thing. I definitely was not sane. Trying to kill the Fomors by myself is something no sane man would do.

Things are different now. Well, things were different before when I first experienced Berserker. But things are more different now.

I have control.

And I will drain Berserker for everything it's worth.

I awake with the biggest grin ever, to the point that it's hurting. And for the life of me, I cannot wipe it off my face.

I feel...refreshed. The headaches and the throbbing are no longer present. That may have been the sleep of my life.

I'm rejuvenated.

I'm energetic.

And I'm...bloodthirsty.

I prepare to leave for the Perilous Ruins immediately. How can I contain my excitement? How can anyone contain their excitement?

Upon arriving at the main floor of the inn, silence has covered the entire floor. Everyone seems to have taken a pause and a step backwards from an area near the entrance. Fiona can be seen in the center of attention. She appears to be pinning another mercenary down. A loud grunt escapes the mercenary. He is not in a comfortable position.

The scene before me immediately takes the bloodthirsty out of me. Even a moron would have noticed something had horribly wrong in the bar. The eerie silence from the bystanders only creates a more pressing situation. I ask around to gather up a story to make of.

Apparently the mercenary on the floor of the bar had a little too much to drink and tried a hand at Fiona, who had been sitting alone in one of the tables. He thought he'd keep her company for the day and maybe show her the warmth of a man. He slid his hand around her and tried to cup a feel which she clearly did not appreciate. So she laid it to him and the results are what you see right now.

Fiona: "Stay away from me...if you don't want to lose something..."

After warning her molester, she gets up and storms out of the bar. She meets my gaze on the way out. Anger seemingly dissipates in her eyes and is replaced with an even stronger emotion. She pauses for a slight moment before continuing out the inn.

Being left in the aftermath, it is hard to return the casual and relaxed atmosphere in the bar. As a scumbag that he is, many still worry for the mercenary. However, it is discovered from a snore that he has fallen asleep on the floor as if nothing happened.

A few chuckles about the event and the state of the drunk mercenary slowly eases the tension in the air. Eventually, the chuckles turn into a full blown laugh fest and everyone is back to their usual selves. Ernmass attempts to lighten the mood further by offering everyone breakfast, to which most accepted graciously.

Evie hops down the stairs in awe. She notices me sitting by myself on the stool and decides to join beside me.

Evie: "Hey, what's going on? Why is there a guy lying on the ground over there?"

She points at the snoring drunk in the middle of the bar. He has officially passed out and making a mess of himself in public. I bring her up to date with the recent happening while shoving the food down my hungering mouth. Ernmass passes her a plate of warm food and she wolfs it down just as fast.

Evie: "Wow... Things like this actually happen?"

"I guess so."

Evie: "So what are you up to today?"

The changing the subject feels forced. I give her a quick glance and recognize the meaning behind her question.

"Nothing much, just going to hang around Perilous Ruins."

She eyes me hopefully with puppy eyes with her hands together. Here it comes...

Evie: "Can I come along?"

"No."

Evie: "Wh-"

My response takes her back. She never expected such quick answer, certainly not one of refusal. She recovers from shock after a huff and a puff.

Evie: "Why not?"

"Because rookies aren't allowed."

She drops her head in disappointment and squeaks out a reaction.

Evie: "Oh..."

What I said was bullshit. There is no such rule that restricts any mercenary from entering the Perilous Ruins or anywhere else for that matter. I had to shrug her off somehow. I don't want danger to come on anyone that I know if I can help it. And to be honest, I just don't think Evie is capable of handling herself in the Perilous Ruins. It is much more dangerous than anyone may expect.

"Glad you understand. Now please excuse me, I will be heading off."

Much to my disappointment, she follows me out of the inn. I was about to say something to her before I was interrupted by a messenger from the Mercenary Outpost. I need to go see Captain Aodhan now. Thus, I make a right turn just before the docks and head to the Outpost. Evie still lingers behind suspiciously.

Captain Aodhan sets down a stack of paper as he notices me enter the Outpost. Evie also enters moments later.

Aodhan: "Good, you're here."

His voice is stern with slight irritation. He places his hand on the papers as he gets up from his desk.

Aodhan: "I've been receiving reports that you've been completely missions by yourself in the Perilous Ruins. In all my years being in the Crimson Blades Mercenaries, I have never seen anyone do anything as daring as this. I'm sure I don't need to remind you just how dangerous it is to enter the ruins alone. But I still need to make sure. Lethita, why are you going alone?"

I'm taken back by the reason for this visit. I never realized that entering the ruins alone was such a big deal. Not sure how I shall approach this question, I come to a conclusion that straight up honesty will explain everything.

"I thought there won't be as many casualties if there's only one of me. So I've been completely all my missions by myself. It has been working well so far so I don't think I'll be changing the method."

Aodhan: "Lethita, I ask of you to look for a party next time you head off. For your own safety and efficiency, your teammates will watch your back and cover anything that you may have missed."

"No sir, I can't do that."

I stand my ground before the visibly angry Captain of the Crimson Blades Mercenaries.

Aodhan: "Lethita, this is an order. You WILL find a party and you WILL not travel alone. Is that clear?!"

He slams his fist down firm with a loud thud as if to make the final decision. The Outpost hushes down and watches as the scene unfolds. Evie quickly evades being in the center of attention and joins the quiet crowd to the side.

I sigh unnoticeably as I open to speak. I didn't want to do this, but Captain Aodhan is leaving me no choice. I never want to experience such sorrow again, not if I can prevent it.

"Sorry captain, there just isn't any mercenary that can keep up with me.

I say so with a scoff.

"I've just had it with these incompetent mercenaries dragging me down. I do much better when I'm off alone. At least I'll accept my own mistakes. I'm tired of having to cover their asses for their lack of abilities. If they're so weak, why bother becoming mercenaries? Why not just go into arts and crafts?"

By no means are any of it true. I just had to tear off all relations to me. Every person in sight is stunned and takes a moment to soak it all in. I inhale slowly to steel myself for the upcoming outbreak.

Aodhan: "Wh-"

Before Captain Aodhan can even get his word out, the mercenaries in the Outpost rises in uproar. The building is about to get chaotic.

"What the fuck did you just say, you little shit?"

One of the older mercenaries walks up and grabs me by the collar. His face is bright red, driven mad by rage, and is reflected by other mercenaries who display the same expression. I just became the most hated person in the town.

"You think you're some hot shit now just because you took down the spider and the gnoll chieftain?"

The mercenary swings his fist across my face. The impact knocks me to the ground. I get up immediate and spit out a bit of blood while staring at my assailant dead square in the eye.

"Is that all? No wonder you mercenaries are a bunch of morons."

"Fuck you!"

Another mercenary jumps in and delivers a kick to my stomach that knocks me backwards. The older mercenary picks me up and was about to get another punch in but Aodhan steps in between.

Aodhan: "Stop this immediately!"

The captain peels the mercenary off of me. He staggers back into the crowd.

Aodhan: "Everyone is dismissed. Is that understood?!"

The older mercenary takes the lead and signals the way out.

"Remember this day Lethita. C'mon boys, we're leaving."

The crowd stares me down with hatred as they walk out the door. Aodhan walks up to me with a shake of disproval.

Aodhan: "Lethita, you are prohibited from entering the Perilous Ruins unless you find a party. I will make sure of that."

After Aodhan enters another room, Marrec walks up.

Marrec: "Lethita, you-"

"Tch!"

I cut him off short before leaving out the door.

Evie finds me sitting on the edge of a cliff in the plains outside of Colhen staring at the blue ocean. I look up to discover her cautiously treading towards my spot. She lays her staff on the side and sits down besides me without a word. I raise a brow at her sudden appearance. She catches my quizzical expression and opens to speak.

Evie: "Why...?"

I take in her one word question surprisingly well and immediately thought up an answer.

"Well Evie. You wanted to experience adventures and explore the world. The conflicts occur outside of battle too. This is it. This is what you are so in love with. Welcome to the real world."

I drop my head down after.

"If you didn't get the message, Evie, I'm bad news. Don't hang around me."

I say so in a defeated tone. She gulps with an understanding nod.