Tormented
Intermission: The Eliksni
Edited: 01/16/2022
This chapter used to be a part of the previous two (yes, the last two chapters were once one chapter and then this one was included) but decided to write it out as its own chapter as it felt out of place. So here you are!
Suspicion could clearly be seen in Axtris' eyes as she glared at the familiar silver and white garb of Inkolas in the distance, the latter of which was helping repair a broken pike that the scavenging team had brought back. From the way he kept waving to the other Vandals to bring him certain tools and shaking his head, they seem to be giving him the wrong ones; in her eyes, Inkolas knows what he's doing. And for some reason, that puts Axtris in a dour mood.
"If you are going to keep staring, then talk to him already."
A sputter and a stumble over her feet snapped Axtris' attention away from Inkolas and abruptly turned around, glowering at the Eliksni who chuckled at her.
"Vellak!" She hissed out; her brother tilted his head innocently at her as he leaned against his staff, "Do not sneak up on me!"
Vellak, in turn, let out a low rumble, amused before he leaned over and patted Axtris on the head, much to her chagrin. She missed the days when his rank was the same as hers although, he did more than enough to earn the rank of Captain.
He's always been the tallest between the three of them but, once he accepted the rank, his height ballooned, and his mass expanded as well; Axtris still recalls the time when he easily hefted a troublemaking Vandal by the collar mere days after his transition was complete. However, despite his new rank and strength, this didn't mean that the extra rations of ether healed his spine. In retrospect, to Axtris, the extra weight seemed to burden it even further, proven when moments later, Vellak huffed and hobbled over to a nearby seat.
"You have been keeping a close eye on Inkolas lately, Axtris." She watched as her brother fixed his robes, "Has your suspicion not been sated?"
Instead of giving Vellak an immediate answer, Axtris simply grunted before crossing her arms and turning her attention back towards Inkolas; the latter had jumped onto the Pike and turned it on. The vehicle hovered as soon as the engine roared to life; both he and the surrounding Eliksni cheered.
"It may have been a year and he may have passed the inspection." Axtris said, turning her eyes back towards her littermate, "But I still doubt his allegiance."
A rumble, a sigh from Vellak; not surprising, since this was not the first time they had this conversation.
"He has done many for the House of Spirits, Axtris." She huffed at her brother's words, "If it not for him, we may not have had crafted the turrets in time to drive back the remnants of House Devils."
"It may be a ruse." Axtris retorted; this earned her another sigh from Vellak. She opted to continue, "He is trying to gain everyone's trust and, as soon as the suspicion is gone, he will strike. I know it."
"Axtris." She scowled at her brother, "Not only is your suspicion out of place, this is also not the time to act like so." Vellak grunted as he heaved himself onto his feet, his legs buckling momentarily before steadying himself with his staff, "We have to focus to ensure the safety of Kell Ixrsis and her pups."
That prompted Axtris to pause, going rigid at her brother's words.
He wasn't wrong; with how rare pups are nowadays, it was of great joy and concern when Kell Ixrsis found herself with a litter. No doubt a result of her relationship with Sirahks, the latter of which had recently taken up the mantle of Archon. Their relationship was no secret.
Nonetheless, the news of Kell Ixrsis' pregnancy must be kept quiet. The last thing the House of Spirits want is for their enemies to know that their Kell is expecting. If they were to catch wind, no doubt they will try to attack when Kell Ixrsis delivers, a point where she will be at her most vulnerable. Where the House will be the most vulnerable. As such why the House's defenses are top priority, and not Axtris' suspicions towards their top, and more than likely, only Splicer.
"I know." She finally grumbled out, lowering her eyes to the dry hearth and kicked at it; a habit she picked up from Pure One during their short stay with him at the Tower, "but I just cannot brush off the feeling that Inkolas is planning behind our backs."
A low chuckle emitted from Vellak and once again, he hobbled over and patted her on the head; this time though, Axtris didn't mind it.
"Do not worry, sister." He rumbled, "Even if he does betray us, the House of Spirits are strong enough to handle it." Vellak then paused, a thoughtful looking glazing into his eyes, "And if not, the Guardians will be there."
The mention of the inhabitants of the Tower prompted Axtris to nod – and started to miss the company of Pure One.
She hadn't understood why he tried to send her and her littermates away; something about him not being able to leave the Tower as often? Which didn't make any sense to her, even when Vellak had tried to explain it. Did the Guardians not have freedom to move around as they please? So why should they be stuck, trapped in a space for long periods of time?
Fortunately, they convinced him to let Olkar stay, although more for his connection with Trikxas than their task with keeping Pure One safe. The look of longing and upset can easily be seen in his eyes whenever the Ghost must leave his sight.
Although she knows that her brother is at the Tower with Pure One, this didn't make her miss him any less.
"As long as it is the Guardians and not the Ashen Ones, I am more than happy on the help we receive." She paused momentarily, contemplating on her next words, "'If' we need it."
Another chuckle from Vellak, his four eyes filled with amusement before she watched him glance over his shoulder, "Ah, greetings Anikis, done with scouting?"
Hearing the name of the Vandal, Axtris immediately felt the discomfort, the awkwardness as she turned and her four eyes locked onto Anikis' blue; much to her chagrin, he, like always, lowered his gaze.
"Y-yes." Anikis stuttered out and, somehow, he managed to lift his gaze and stare right in Vellak's eyes, "there have been no signs of the Devils as far as my team and I could see."
"Good, good," Vellak sounded pleased, "and the defenses?"
"Still operational."
After his brief report, Axtris saw him turn his eyes towards her and again, he couldn't make eye contact with her. Normally, she would be annoyed – she still is – but Axtris also couldn't help but notice that he seemed more nervous than before, actually clasping and wringing his hands together.
"I will take my leave, perhaps give you two more time to acquaint with each other?"
"What?" Axtris snapped her wide eyes towards her brother, "What did you just say?"
A cough stopped any further words that she had to say towards her eldest littermate, prompting her to turn her eyes back towards Anikis; he was fidgeting and rocking back and forth on the back of his feet.
"I-I wish for you to stay, Scribe Vellak. As a witness."
Axtris blinked.
Witness? Witness for what?
She then understood when Anikis leaned over, took her upper hands into his, and asked, "Axtris, would like to be my life mate?"
Time seemed to slow down for Axtris not long after had Anikis asked, her mind screaming at her, drowning out any sound in her vicinity. It was only when she heard her brother wheeze that she was pulled back into reality, glancing over at Vellak only to see that his four eyes were wide and clenching his staff in a death grip.
"I-if that is alright with you, Scribe Vellak?" Anikis stuttered out, his face flushed as he fidgeted nervously. In turn, Axtris stared at the hand that was still clasped in hers, mind reeling. Not that she knew how to answer, this was the first time that 'anyone' had asked her to be her mate. Then again, she is young, inexperienced, and a cripple; in the eyes of her people, not the best choice when it comes to a life mate. But Anikis saw otherwise.
And yet.
"I do not have a say in this arrangement." Axtris turned her eyes back towards Vellak, listening to him finish, "If she so wishes it, then I cannot deny her a path to a happy life."
"Olkar will not agree." Axtris found herself saying, which, wasn't untrue; he always had a weak spot for those younger in years than him and he could get quite defensive, herself included.
Nonetheless, she noticed just how stiff Anikis is, and she could hear him breath heavily behind his ether mask. Axtris swallowed nervously, pressured by both Anikis and the eyes around her, she took in a breath and parted her mandibles to answer.
"I challenge that hand in unity!"
The sincerity and rage in the words were made more prominent at the sudden silence, the shock as everyone turned their attention towards the one who made the challenge. And Axtris couldn't help but suck in a breath as Inkolas walked through the crowd, eyes narrowed at Anikis.
As the cogs in her mind rolled, that is when Axtris heard a snarl and it was the first time that she had ever seen Anikis take on a threatening posture, taking a step forward as his mandibles clicked together.
"What makes you think that you are worthy of her?"
"When I beat you to a bloody pulp!"
No sooner had Inkolas spoke when Axtris felt Anikis' grip rip out of hers and instincts told her to scramble back, to place as much distance between herself and the two males; something told her that she shouldn't get involved in the fight.
This was proven true when Anikis bodily slammed himself into Inkolas, causing the older Vandal to stumble back, more so that he was taken by surprise than the actual hit. Nonetheless, it did little to curb his anger as Axtris saw the glow of his eyes grow bright and in turn, he took steps forwards, shrieking.
"Enough!"
It didn't take long for Axtris to recognize the shout, as she spotted many of the spectators suddenly turn and salute; and that Sirahks form easily towered over everyone, even Vellak. Then again, when consuming the amount of Ether that is equivalent to his rank as Archon, it was a given.
Much like the rest of their house, he is adorned in silver and white colors however, unlike Vellak, who followed the same color code, the neck of his cape is patterned with feathers; a sign to show that he is below, if not the same, rank as the Kell. And judging from the way he had his shrapnel launcher in his arms, he was not pleased. Again, Axtris doesn't quite blame him; being the sire of Ixrsis' pups had put the Archon on edge.
"What is with all this commotion!?"
Axtris watched as Sirahks' eyes shifted towards Anikis and Inkolas. And his four eyes narrowed. This immediately made Anikis crouch towards the hearth, releasing quiet chitters of submission under the Archon's glare. On the other hand, Inkolas let out a low rumble but nonetheless, slouched, making himself appear smaller, to appease Sirahks' rank. Fortunately, it seemed to be enough as Sirahks let out a huff before his gaze lingered over the crowd. And stopped on Axtris. She couldn't help but go rigid under his stare, especially since the way he was looking her up and down, he was clearly scrutinizing.
"I see." Although Sirahks eyes filled with understanding, Axtris couldn't help but let a sense of dread fall into the pit of her stomach at his words, especially when he turned his attention back towards Anikis and Inkolas, "All this commotion for the right to be Lady Axtris' mate, I assume?"
Axtris wheezed; that was not the words she expected to hear.
"A challenge has been set forth then?"
She wanted to scream, to shout. A challenge? For the right to be her mate. What absurdity! But somehow, despite her protest, despite her chagrin, Axtris couldn't seem to gather up the words, the courage to let this be known.
"Good, good." Sirahks seemed pleased, "I did not wish to think that the males of the House of Spirit are lacking." A chorus of chitters echoed around them, Axtris spotting many of the spectators' glance at each other, most in confusion and interest; she noticed that only those with years, those who clearly had lived beyond those present, seem to have a look of understanding in their eyes. In other words, they knew exactly what was going on.
"Then let this Challenge be set forth!" Sirahks raised his two right arms, shifting his shrapnel launcher to his left, "Hand to hand combat. No weapons. Only the armor upon their backs and their skill." Then, Axtris watched as he pointed his hands towards her and she looked up at him in horror at his next words, "The victor shall be Lady Axtris' mate!"
"Do I not get a say in this!?" Axtris gawked, hearing the crowd cheer and shout, easily drowning out her words, "Archon Sirahks!"
"This challenge shall be set for tonight!" Her words were lost, deaf to the Archon's ears, "With nothing but the stars and the darkness as witness to this fight!"
This was followed by more cheers and Axtris couldn't help a groan, placing a hand onto her face; why her?
It was then, she felt a hand settle onto her shoulder, and she glanced back to notice that it was her brother, the latter of which gave her an amused look. And pity.
"I wish you luck, Axtris."
She mentally prayed for the Great Machine to save her.
Xxxxx
Axtris couldn't help but bring her cape over her head and lower herself to the ground; a vain attempt to hide herself amongst the crowd. They were all shuffling around to create a makeshift ring in the area where Sirahks had designated last minute; it was nothing more than a simple circle cleared of stones and debris. Nonetheless, it mattered little, especially when Anikis and Inkolas were already inside of it, staring each other down.
As per the rules, no weapons were allowed with the exception of their armor; even their capes were absent to ensure that they would not be able to turn them into makeshift weapon. However even with the precautions all in place, it did little to ease Axtris' nervous edge, barely having gathered enough confidence to force her way to the front of the ring purely out of curiosity.
Pulling her cape further over her head, Axtris then jumped when she felt a hand touch her shoulder, snapping her head to the side, "Vellak?"
"Did you think I would leave you to witness this fight yourself?" Her brother's eyes glowed softly, Axtris spotting regret and shame in his gaze, "If there is anything you need me to do, then all you need to do is ask, Axtris."
Admittingly, it took Axtris longer than it should have but she finally realized what he meant; if either male win and if by her request, Vellak will step in to ensure that the unity between them will not come to fruition. Relief flooded Axtris' senses and as such, she gave her brother a nod, thankful for his intervention.
That is when a great roar echoed through the area; it was Sirahks, and his cry signaled the start of the duel.
The chittering of those around them ceased immediately, and Axtris turned her eyes upon the two Vandal standing in the middle of the makeshift area. It didn't take long before Anikis let out a screech and then charged.
It was supposed to be a bluff, a sign of dominance but, Axtris wasn't surprised to see Inkolas charge as well, and then flinched when the two Vandals collided. There was a chorus of snarling, screeching cries as Axtris only saw a tangle of limbs, unsure of which belongs to whom.
"Does Kell Ixrsis know about this?" She suddenly realized, "I am certain that she will not appreciate the noise this late in the day."
Axtris heard her brother rumble softly, "In honesty, I am not certain if she knows this duel is taking place." She then saw Vellak shift his gaze towards Sirahks, the latter of which, Axtris noticed, was enjoying the fight more than he should; she wouldn't be surprised if he had gotten bored for the day and had intervened for his own amusement, "Nonetheless, I find little to worry about. Our home is secure, and Lady Ixrsis is far from this location for it to truly bother her." Her brother nodded, "There is nothing to worry about."
Rumbling softly as she nodded, Axtris let her littermate's words lull the worry in her chest as she fixed her eyes back to the fight, only to reel when she saw Inkolas sitting upon Anikis' chest, his four arms pinning the latter to the side. In turn, Anikis struggled and snarled underneath him. Considering how hard he struggled, Axtris had half-expected Anikis to successfully buck the older male off but instead, she watched as Inkolas not only kept his balance, but tilted his head and chittered casually.
Moments passed and Axtris quietly said to herself that this fight was over; Anikis had ceased his cursing and instead focused all his energy into trying to throw Inkolas off. This only made the older male shift his weight to accommodate the action.
"Enough!" Axtris let out a breath of relief at Sirahks' call; she wasn't sure how much longer she can watch this humiliation, "Scout Anikis is unable to free himself and continue the fight. I hereby announce Splicer Inkolas of House Spirit the victor!"
"Archon Sirahks!"
Anikis' cries of protest were drowned out, Axtris unsure if anyone but herself had heard it as the crowd erupted into cries of victory and celebration. Nonetheless, Axtris couldn't help but feel relieved that Anikis had lost; the Vandal was nice yes, but she would rather have a strong mate when she sires pups 'If' she ever sires pups.
Keeping her eyes upon the two males, she watched as Inkolas stepped off of Anikis, the latter of which glowered at him before scuttling off, quickly disappearing into the crowd. It was then Inkolas turned her way, prompting her to freeze as he tilted his head at her, as if waiting. Letting her cape fall so that her eyes were visible, Axtris blinked when Inkolas suddenly looked away and scoffed before disappearing into the crowd as well. She had to rewind what she had seen; had he been blushing?
"H'm, I believe he will claim you later." Despite his towering size, Axtris couldn't help but look up and give the Archon a blank look as he approached; she wonders just how old he is to be this old fashioned, "Perhaps when the dawn rises?"
"Archon Sirahks." She heard her brother sigh, "That custom is 'years' old. We are not animals."
There was a chuff and a shrug before the Archon dispersed from the crowd, disappearing behind one of the many building that their House had built. Seeing her littermate shake his head, Axtris then went on guard when she saw him go rigid, turning around as his four eyes scanned their surroundings?
"Vellak?"
"There's a light nearby." Axtris went still at her brother's words, "What are the scouts doing? And why is this light so…"
Hearing her brother's words, Axtris then blinked at him as the tension in his shoulder soften and she heard him chuckle, "Pure One, there is no need to cloak yourself when you visit. They do know what you look like."
No sooner had she heard the Hunter's name when Axtris perked in attention, glancing around the Darkness until she spotted it; an edge, a shimmering shadow approaching them.
"I do this to ensure that your patrols are paying attention." Pure One's form gradually faded into view; this warranted a couple of yelps from nearby Eliksni, "And so far, I have only caught the attention of ten out of the twenty that have been sent out."
A sigh can be heard from Vellak, "I will inform Kell Ixrsis, see if they need further training." There was then a hum, "For now, Pure One, what brings you here?"
That is when Axtris noticed the friendly aura around Pure One fade, replaced by a dreary and somber air. It didn't take Axtris long to put together why.
"Come." Vellak had noticed as well, putting a comforting hand on the Guardian's shoulder, "We shall talk inside."
Seeing Pure One nod solemnly, Axtris waited until Vellak and Angel take the lead before following after them, shooting warning looks towards any Eliksni who wanders too close; she knows that there are still members of House Spirit who do not completely trust the Guardians, even towards Pure One. As the three entered one of the buildings, Axtris glanced around one last time to ensure there will be no threats or interruptions before she shut the door behind them.