~March 29th, x800~
The embers of the bonfire dance like fireflies as the last of the wood burns away. Hunter dumps a bucket of water to douse the remains, and a wisp of smoke curls into the sky, fading amongst the stars. Midnight fast approaches, and Craish and Bors help Catie bring the leftover food back to the guild. Silver keeps Leflin and Blue from drawing on a sleeping Razi, while Henry and Evander gather everyone's trash. Ajax talks quietly with Calypso near the edge of the woods.
Apolla and Ria are nowhere to be seen.
"They left about an hour ago," someone suddenly speaks behind him, and Hunter nearly jumps a foot in the air.
"Oh Scheiße!" He says.
After only barely meeting her, he forgot about Eris, and he certainly didn't expect her to sneak up on him.
"I'm sorry," she says. "I didn't mean to upset you. I was simply trying to assuage your worries. Ria asked Apolla to follow her about an hour ago. She wanted to discuss something in private."
"Alright?" Hunter raises a brow and crosses his arms. "I'm not sure why you're telling me this."
"Because you care for Ria, and were concerned about her whereabouts." Eris tilts her head to the side and furrows her brow. Her eyes squint like she's trying to see without glasses. "Now you are uncomfortable. Was it odd to inform you?"
"Yeah," Hunter says. "Odd is one word for it. So, are you just good at reading faces, or is that some kind of magic?"
"I don't understand." Eris shakes her head. "Why are you irritated?"
Hunter throws his hands in the air and rolls his eyes.
"You're so good at reading my mind. Why don't you tell me?"
Eris tilts her head again and blinks, slowly, like an animal measuring up a threat. A small black haze of smoke leaks from her eyes for a second, then dissipates.
Hunter grips his arms as his lachrima ache.
"I see," she says. "It's not normal. I'll be more careful." Eris bows, her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders and nearly touching the ground. "Thank you for speaking with me."
As Eris walks over to Evander, the ache fades, but Hunter can still feel his Himmel Magic on edge. He watches her tug on Evander's sleeve and whisper something to him. Whatever she says makes Evander frown and tug her by the hand towards Ajax.
"I wouldn't if I were you," Leflin says suddenly to his right. He drapes an arm over Hunter's shoulder while Blue mirrors him on the left.
"He's right," Blue says. "Evander's definitely called dibs."
"First, you can not call 'dibs' on a person." Hunter pushes them away. "Second, I'm not interested in her."
"Of course not. You only have eyes for Ria, right?" Blue asks.
"Verpiss dich," Hunter says, stomping away.
"You can't run away from your feelings forever, Hunter!" Leflin calls after him. Hunter flips him off.
"You know they only pick on you because you react." Silver says, sidling up beside him. Razi's sleeping face peeks over her shoulder as she carries him on her back.
"You are the last person I want to hear that from," Hunter says. Silver opens her mouth as if to argue, but shuts it quickly.
"Alright. Fair." She shrugs as much as she can. "They both really have a knack for pissing people off, don't they?"
"It's only worse when they're together." Hunter sighs. "I just really don't understand why they keep teasing me about Ria. She's gay, they know that. They know I know she's gay. What, they think I'm so pathetic to be pining over her? And I wouldn't be interested in Ria even if she wasn't! She's far too stressful! And irritating! I almost accidentally stepped on a bug one time, and she punched me. Who does that? Do you have any idea how many bugs the average person steps on in their day-to-day life?"
"A lot?"
"Yes! Exactly! Yet she expects me to live my life being mindful of every step I take? I refuse to believe she has never killed a bug by mistake."
"If you act like this every time they even suggest you might like Ria, it's no wonder they don't leave you alone," Silver says.
"Yeah, Hunter. You got so angry your face turned red," Razi says, eyes half lidded with sleep.
Silver feels a vein twitch in her forehead.
"Just how long have you been awake?" She asks.
"Hmmm... Since Hunter started complaining, I think."
"Why didn't you say something, then?" Silver releases Razi's legs, forcing him to land on the ground.
"It's rude to interrupt people while they're talking." Razi rubs his eyes and yawns. "Do you think there's still some food left?"
"Anyone who doesn't feel up to walking back home is welcome to sleep in the guild," Ajax calls once they've finished clearing the area. "Catie, could you grab the extra bedding from the infirmary?"
"Of course. I think we have some extra cots as well." Catie stifles a yawn. "Anyone staying, come with me."
Everyone bids their goodbyes and goodnights as they split into two groups.
"Dad? Should I take Eris back to the infirmary?" Evander asks.
"I think that would be best," Ajax says, turning to Eris. "Considering your ability, it's likely best we isolate you until Apolla can examine you again. You weren't able to 'read' at the start of the night, correct?" Eris nods. "Then we can assume this power is growing. It'll be less confusing if you have fewer people to focus on should this continue to develop."
Eris blinks a few times, then covers her eyes with her hands.
"I believe that is a wise decision. You have a red ring around you."
"Now that doesn't sound good." Evander takes one of Eris' hands. "Can you only see it with your eyes open?"
"Yes."
"Then keep them closed. I'll lead you back. You've just got to follow the sound of my voice. See you later, Dad."
"Be careful." Ajax watches them until they blend with the trees and disappear. Then he too exits the woods. However, he does not go home. Instead, he walks through the empty streets of Barberry, taking his time winding down the familiar roads. He rarely takes nightly strolls through the town; he's forgotten how peaceful they can be.
Eventually, he ends up at the beach. The moonlight sparkles on the water, and the tide is low enough to expose the tiny pools of water home to the creatures that live near shore. When Ria was young, she used to beg Ajax to take her to the beach, so she could gaze into the little tidepools, always so careful not to disturb them. He picks up a tiny shell and places it in his pocket.
He decides he should stop stalling.
When the tide is low and the moon is bright enough, a path no wider than a palm glows amongst the damp sand; it trails from the beach into the water, hovering just below the surface. Walking on it is a careful balancing act. One slip and it's down into the ocean with the path no longer visible. For years now, Ajax hasn't needed to walk this path. He stumbles a few times, and his pants legs become heavy with salt water.
Soon, though, he makes it to the cave normally hidden by the ocean on the cliff side; he has to crouch to fit past the entrance, but once inside the ceiling vaults overhead, stalactites glistening with the ocean water. Dotting the walls are gentle moonstones, glowing with the light of the moon creeping through cracks. He still remembers how excited Lina looked when she dragged him here the first time and declared its name was Poseidon's Mouth.
"You're late," a soft, tenor voice says as a man with wavy blond hair brushing against his shoulders. His deep-set, dark brown eyes edged by smile lines, but the rest of his pale, freckled skin is smooth. He's not a very tall man, slightly below average, but what he lacks vertically, he makes up for with the bulging muscles packed onto his frame.
"You'll have to forgive me, Donovin. I only received your note today. Perhaps you could have given me more warning."
"Do not speak to Admiral Jones in such a tone." Sebastien Achilles says as he leans against the cave wall. "And refer to him by title, civilian."
"Sebastien, don't go picking fights," says Wren as she examines one moonstone. "And you're getting your uniform wet, by the way. Good to see you, Ajax."
"You as well," Ajax says, stifling a laugh as Sebastien furiously wipes at his shoulder.
"Commander Stoneward," Donovin says, "if you could please ensure our privacy."
"Yes, Admiral." Wren puts up a purple barrier, disguising the entrance of the cave. She and Sebastien move so they are guarding it. Ajax straightens up at the precautions.
"This is serious, then?"
"Indeed." Donovin sighs. "I'm growing quite concerned, Ajax. What your guild discovered at the Gaius Mansion was quite disturbing." He holds out a blood stained scroll. "This was all the evidence we could secure. Shortly after your mages left, someone burned the mansion to the ground."
Ajax skims over the note and frowns.
"So he really was trying to create a Phoenix?"
"We believe he was trying to turn himself into a Phoenix," Donovin says.
"Then he was a fool and a monster." Ajax re-rolls the scroll and hands it back. "It's impossible to create a True Phoenix from scratch, Donovin. You only need to look at the tragedy that befell the people of Fire Village. They were the closest anyone ever got, and they created an abomination they had to seal away."
"But it could still grant immortality, and for men such as Gaius, that is enough. Even a mockery of a Phoenix is fearful, Ajax." Donovin hands the scroll to Sebastien, who tucks it away in a Requip space. "I'm sure Catie explained the state of the young woman."
"Yes." Ajax reaches up to curl a hand around his throat. "I don't think she'll ever be able to forget them."
"I don't blame her." Donovin sighs. "But I believe the attempt at a Phoenix is the least of our worries; the complacency shown by the Rune Knights active in the area concerns me greatly. The fact Gaius could even secure permanent Rune Knights in such a small town also raises several questions. I plan to uncover just far the poison has spread. "
"I had a feeling you were the one behind the Veritas Division," Ajax says. "I can't imagine how you find the time. How does Michael feel about your latest endeavor?"
"He's very upset with me, especially since I haven't been home in three months."
With a shake of his head, Ajax turns to Wren and Sebastien. "Please make sure he goes home before the only good thing he's ever had leaves him."
"Not to worry, Captain." Wren smiles. "We already made plans on behalf of the Admiral's husband. He'll be home by dinnertime tonight."
"I'm sorry, what?" Donovin asks. Before he can fully process the statement, Sebastien steps behind him and knocks him out with a karate chop to the neck. Sebastien catches Donovin before he can fall to the floor, supporting him with one hand.
"See?" Wren smiles. "Everything is under control, Captain."
"There's no need to call me 'Captain,' Commander Stoneward." Ajax raises a brow at Sebastian. "He'll be upset when he wakes. I'm surprised she could convince you to commit such insubordination, Sebastien."
"Do not speak to me about insubordination, Ajax," Sebastien lifts Donovin over his shoulders in a firman's carry. He rifles through the man's pocket and pulls out two papers for Ajax. "He only called this meeting to give these to you. Mr. Gaheris should be able to understand what they mean."
"I appreciate it." Ajax tucks the papers away.
"I wanted to give you more time to talk, but he was taking too long to get to the point. We were going to miss our boat." Wren explains, shutting down her barrier. "We should just make it if we leave now. Until next time, Captain Cinerus."
Ajax doesn't bother correcting her this time. "Until next time, Wren. Take care."
She grins and ducks away. Sebastien hesitates to follow her, turning to Ajax with an apprehensive air.
"I'm glad she's been able to live as her true self. She seems much happier now." Ajax says, trying to break the tension. It seems to work, as Sebastien's shoulders relax.
"She is. The Admiral even got her old records rewritten with her new name, so she's been even more bubbly than usual."
"That's great. It'll save her a lot of hassle in the future."
"Indeed."
They stand in silence, the sound of water slowly trickling back into the cave surrounding them.
"...You should get going before you miss your boat."
"Very well." Sebastien ducks under the lip of the cave entrance, careful not to jostle Donovin too much. He stops mid crouch and faces Ajax at the last second. "The Siren's Song was spotted in a raid off the north coast a little more than a week ago. And she was flying the Serpent's Nest banner."
Ajax closes his eyes and inhales sharply. That's not at all what he was expecting.
"I take it Donovin wanted to keep it a secret?"
Sebastien nods. "He wanted to investigate it further before informing you, but after everything, I thought you deserved to know."
"Thank you for telling me."
"Keep on your toes, Ajax." Sebastien finally leaves.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Ajax takes a second to compose himself; if he leaves now, he's not sure what he'll do. There's a desire to charter a boat and track down the Siren's Song himself, and burn the entire thing to ash, likely what Donovin was concerned about. He knows he needs to be smart about this, however, and leaving his children and his guild vulnerable isn't an option. Preparations are needed.
Once the water in the cave rises enough to soak his ankles, Ajax knows it's time to leave, lest he be trapped. The path has lost most of its glow by now, but fortunately, he's still able to mostly make it out. By the time he returns to the beach, however, the light has faded entirely; the Poseidon's Mouth will remain hidden for at least another month.
Ajax is ready to retire for the night, but a glint in the distance catches his eye. For a second, he's certain he's seeing a ghost; Lina would often stand in the middle of the ocean, curls blowing wildly in the wind as she stared at the moon and felt the waves beat against her. It seems her daughter has inherited another of her tendencies.
"Victoria!" He calls, and Ria turns to face him. In her hand is a small glass vile, what caught his attention.
"Dad," she says, voice barely audible over the waves. "I can't move."
Ajax wades in the water after her; as her face comes more into focus, he can see dried tear tracks on her cheeks and rushes forward.
"Ria, what's wrong?" He grabs her wrist. She feels like ice. "How long have you been out here?"
"I'm not sure." She leans her head against his chest. Her voice quivers, and she's shaking, but he doesn't think it's from the chill. "I'm so tired. Can you take me home, please?"
He scoops her up, and she circles her arms and legs around him, clinging like she used to as a small child. Her face buries in his neck, and Ajax pats her back gently. He incrementally increases his body heat. It seems, however, that his warmth isn't transferring to her at all. He can feel the cold glass of the vial Ria still grips against his neck.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He asks. Ria shakes her head furiously. "Alright."
Their clothes dry as Ajax silently carries Ria through Barberry and home. None of the lights are on at home, so Ajax can only assume Catie and Evander opted to stay at the guild. Just as well. He takes Ria into the restroom and begins drawing her bath.
"I'm gonna grab you some clean clothes. Is there anything in particular you want?" Ria sits on the closed toilet, staring at the glass vial still in her hand. She shakes her head. "Alright. Don't let the water overflow."
In her room, Ria's bed is unmade, and a few dirty clothes are strewn across the floor. Ajax swiftly dumps them in a hamper. There's no use straightening her bed up, since she'll likely go straight to sleep after her bath, but he does it anyway. He spots Lina's journal on her nightstand and picks it up with a sigh.
"I hope you left some advice for our daughter behind, Lina," he says. "I'm not sure I'm equipped to handle this."
He returns to the bathroom with the fluffiest towel he could find, as well as a simple t-shirt and some shorts. Ria doesn't seem to have moved, though she must have since the water is off. With a sigh, he holds out his hand for the vial. Ria clutches it to her chest, but only for a second. She hands it over with a quivering lip and shaky hands.
"Dad," Ria asks, voice hoarse. "Did you love anyone before Mama?"
"I did," Ajax says.
"Did they love you back?"
"Not always."
"... Did any of them kiss you, even though they didn't love you back?"
Ajax closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He purposely relaxes his hold on the vial, knowing he'll crush it otherwise.
"I can't say that they did. Take your bath, Victoria. It'll help you feel better." He presses a kiss to her forehead; she smells like saltwater. "I'll be in the kitchen if you want to talk more."
He leaves, shutting the door behind him.
"Daddy," Ria calls after him, voice muffled. "Will you make me some cocoa?"
"Of course."
As Ajax heads into the kitchen to pull out everything he needs to make hot chocolate just the way Ria likes it, he glances down at the glass vial in his hand.
I'm going to kill Apolla, he thinks, tossing it in the trash.
Sorry for the late post! I had to catch up on some work stuff. This chapter is a little short, but it also marks the end of what I consider the first act! We're about a third of the way through the story now!
Thank you for reading!
Till next time!