Tormented

For the Better

If I keep updating late like this, might as well move updates to Thursdays lol. Anyway, going to give it one more try to make it on time for Wednesday before moving it on Thursday because apparently, I can't seem to update on Wednesdays.

Anyways, thanks to lazypersons, Fin the Demi God, and And-on-and-on for the reviews!

Lazypersons - Pluto is going to react. Badly lol

Fin the Demi God - Their relationship will be expanded upon in the next book. For the better or worse, you will see :D

And-on-and-on- oh! Thank you! ^_^. Always wanted to incorporate the Elikisni although I feel like I am not really building up on their culture, really need to work on that lol. And thanks for your submission, your character might not make it in this book. But they most likely will make an appearance in the next book :D

Edited: 02/02/2022

Reading through these old chapters and fixing them made me realize that I like to jump around 'a lot' with perspective lol. So, I'm attempting to keep chapters in one perspective, or at least in one area, but it seems wonky and weird. To me anyway.

Edit: 2/21/2022

I forgot to say this but WARNING! SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IN THIS CHAPTER! SPILLED GUTS ARE DESCRIBED!

"What do you mean the House of Devil attacked?"

"It is just as I said." Olkar released a low growl at his sister's words, "We were attacked on our way to the Haven. They must have spotted our Skiff and sent several of their pack to investigate."

Releasing a huff, Olkar glanced over to see Trikxas had glided over from Orion's shoulder, the latter of which was keeping an eye out. Ironically, scouting a party of House Devils. This was one of the few moments that Olkar was glad that Orion did not understand the Eliksni tongue.

"Is everyone okay?"

"Mostly. Two deaths and Vellak was the only injured during the scuffle."

Olkar perked up at that, "Vellak was injured? How is he?"

"Hit by a scorch cannon." Olkar flinched at Axtris' words; he had seen the aftermath of most shots, "Fortunately it wasn't a direct hit, but it was serious enough that the call was made to abandon the mission." He heard her sigh and he watched her shake her head within the communicator in his hands, "Why did everyone have to be so stubborn and say no when to contact the Guardians for aid?"

"I think it's easy to know why." Olkar muttered; he had heard of the aftermath from Pluto and the others. Not to mention his treatment by other Guardians. Following Orion on his mission was perhaps the only way he could leave the Galaxy Clan quarters without being harassed, "Right now the situation doesn't seem good."

"You think so?" Axtris said sarcastically, "Only three Vandals were shot by two idiotic, naïve, uninformed Guardians. It is not as bad as it seems."

Olkar sighed, "Do you want me to ask the Guardians if they could escort the lot of you?"

"I wish I could say yes but we already voted on that." Judging from Axtris' scoff, it was already telling what happened, "I understand why they are upset. Why 'we' are upset, but we cannot drop an alliance because of two morons."

"And three deaths." He saw his sister flinch, "There have been centuries of war between the Guardians and our people, Axtris. Keeping this alliance stable will not be easy."

"I know." Axtris let out a breath, the glow in her eyes dimming, "I just wish our people weren't so stubborn about it."

"And they are not the only stubborn lot." Olkar glanced over to Orion; the Titan was still hard scoping down at the Devils below them, "The Guardians are just as stubborn."

"This is going to be difficult to fix." That is an understatement, "What says you we just kidnap the leaders of the Tower and drag Kell Ixrsis to a secret location so that they can handle it?"

Despite himself, Olkar chuckled, "I feel like that would cause more problems than solve anything, Axtris."

"It's just a thought." His sister sighed, her voice heavy, "Olkar, there is another reason I called you."

Olkar blinked, "Besides the failed delegation? What else do you have to tell me?"

There was silence, a moment of hesitation, and Olkar couldn't help but feel nervous, "Axtris."

"A decision was made." She started, "it was made that all Eliksni currently outside of the House of Spirit domain has to return home. No matter the reason."

Olkar blinked. And blinked again.

"What?" He started, "All Eliksni? They do know that I am currently the only one of House Spirits to be outside of our territory?"

"They do. And that is exactly why they voted upon it." Olkar reeled, "They claim it is for your safety and that if they have to, they will drag you back."

"But I do not want to leave." He protested, "Despite what is happening, I like it here. I like it here with Pure One. I like it here with Trikxas. I even like it here with Orion."

"You talking about me?"

Shifting his eyes away from his communicator, Olkar saw that the Titan had turned his attention away from the House of Devil and, even though his eyes were covered by his helmet, could easily feel his gaze settle on him.

"My siblings ask question of you." He lied, "and I simply answer."

That is when he heard Orion snort, sensing a smile behind his visor, "Well, don't talk too badly of me. Didn't sound so good when you said my name."

Nodding his head to signify that he understood, Olkar waited until Orion turned his attention away to speak once more.

"I refuse." Olkar said, "Even if they threaten to drag me back, I refuse to leave. They cannot force me."

"That is exactly what I told them." Axtris sighed, "but, they refuse to relent. They are even speaking of sending me or Vellak when he recovers to come and get you."

Olkar couldn't suppress a growl, "And Kell Ixrsis isn't doing anything?"

"She did 'everything' to convince them to let you go." Axtris argued, "But even so, they want you back. Even Sirahks voted to bring you back to our territory."

Olkar sputtered at that; it is well known that Sirahks would do anything to appease the Kell. To hear that even he went against her words is a surprise.

"I will try to buy you time." His sister said, "But I am sorry to say that a decision has been made, and we are only delaying the inevitable."

Olkar couldn't help a snarl, a low growl, clicking his mandibles together but nonetheless, he couldn't find anything to say. Taking in a trembling breath, Olkar reluctantly nodded, signifying the end of the call as his frequency ceased with a beep.

"You aren't truly heading back, are you?" He turned his eyes to Trikxas, her pink optic glowing with worry, "The Little One had just started getting used to your presence and I…"

"Either I head back, or the Haven will be in trouble. Our 'pack' will be in trouble." Olkar sighed, glancing back towards Orion; he could see that the Titan's attention was still on the scouting Devils, "Perhaps it is for the best. I mayhap can help mend the alliance between the Haven and our House."

"But there is also a possibility that Little One and I won't see you again."

Olkar blinked, "Why would you think that?"

"Do you see how unstable the alliance between the House of Spirit and the Haven are right now? Perhaps you may be able to mend the breaking treaty, but there is also a possibility that things may go awry."

Pausing at Trikxas' words, Olkar couldn't help but think that she spoke some truth. Especially considering that centuries of grudges won't be overwritten so easily by a treaty that hadn't even been around for a handful of years.

"Then what do you propose?" He asked.

He heard Trikxas let out a breath of relief, "How about we take things slow? Tell that that we will return after we stabilize things back at the Haven."

Olkar tilted his head at her, "That could be a while."

"They won't know the specifics."

Hearing this, he couldn't help a snort.

Xxxxx

"I am not going to drop dead so stop your fidgeting."

Despite herself, Axtris couldn't help a low rumble, which in turn earned her a glower from her eldest littermate. The tension quickly dissipated when Vellak started to hack and cough.

"And I say not to overexert yourself." Axtris dared to say and, much to her relief, her brother let out a breath as he settled his head back onto the pillows; one of many that is part of his makeshift nest.

"I have been through worse."

"And I believe that. That does not mean you shouldn't be resting." Axtris heard Vellak huff at this, only for him to cough and rasp at the simple action, "Although it seems like this is your first time breaking your ribs."

"That tends to happen when a shrapnel gets lodged into your side. I recommend avoiding it at all costs."

"I will keep that in mind."

Listening to her brother huff once more, Axtris then watched as her brother pulled blankets closer to his form and buried himself until only his eyes could be seen; a conditioned response that nearly all her race does when they want to hide any weakness. Any vulnerability. Normally a hatchling response. Adorable in her eyes when any of her brothers do it.

"Now that I have been informed of Olkar, how about you? How are things between you and your mate?"

Despite her best attempts, Axtris was unable to suppress her groan, hearing her littermate chuckle and then cough in response.

Ever since he had won the challenge, Inkolas had been acting strangely. Then again, to her when has he hadn't? At first, they were straightforward, asking her to mate the next day after his victory. She had to admit, she was nervous, hesitant, recalling stories from her sire that back then, females had little to no say when it comes to mating. As such, she expected a violent response when she rejected him, only to be surprised when he had taken it well, simply nodding, and then running off to who knows where the Splicer runs off to. Then the next day, he approached her with a can of ether, said nothing as he held it out to her, and only disappeared when she accepted it. Since then, he had been giving her items, from small objects like flowers to items that she needed such as shock blades. He even went as far as upgrading her prosthetics, making them more light weight and fluid, allowing her to perform movements that she could only have dreamed of. However, although she enjoys receiving these gifts, she is still confused as to why.

"I will never understand him." Axtris answered, "He has been giving me items when I have done no favor for him? Or even when I am done with my share in maintaining the House. Yes, Ether is handed out freely but that is a necessity." She shook her head in exasperation, "I do not know what he is trying to gain from this."

There was a thoughtful hum from Vellak and Axtris looked on, as he pulled the blankets back just enough to reveal his head.

"I do believe he is courting you, Axtris."

She sputtered, "What?! Courting? Me!?What makes you think that?!"

"…He gave you prosthetics, Axtris. And without asking for anything in return. You do recall how long it took us just to get you proper ones back when we were with the Devils? And the favors we had to endure in order to 'pay them back?'"

"I… yes." She grumbled, "But, really? Courting me? I thought he doesn't like me?"

"…Now what makes you think that?"

Axtris gave Vellak a blank look, "Brother, please."

"You still think that he dislikes us back when we were at the home of the Ashen Ones?" She nodded, "Axtris, our time there may not have been the most pleasant, but I doubt that fight you had with him would have made him dislike you."

"… Have you ever seen me get along with anyone that I had fought before, Vellak?"

"…Good point." Her brother hummed, "but perhaps this could be different. It seems that he has taken a liking to you."

"Then he is going to be sorely disappointed."

That is when Axtris heard her brother chuckle, and then coughs.

"Soldier of Light!"

The cry prompted Axtris to perk up in her seat, and more likely the same for Vellak, as she heard him hack and wheeze. Harshly.

"I will be back." She said as jumped up; a sinking feeling had settled into the pit of her stomach.

"Be careful."

Nodding her head at her brother's words, Axtris found herself running, practically jumping out of her brother's hut as she made it outside, and her worry grew at the sight of Eliksni running about, snarling and crying out words of outrage. She could already tell they were out for blood.

That is when she heard the familiar shot of a wire rifle echoing through the air. Followed by a shout of pain.

Time then seemed to slow down as Axtris turned her four eyes towards the source, spotting a Vandal not too far, weapon in hand, a satisfied look upon their face. Dread settled deep in the pit of Axtris' stomach as she followed their aim, settling upon the opened entrance.

Why it was open in the first place, Axtris doesn't know, but all she could worry about spotting a humanoid shape stumble back and then disappearing back into the rocks. And trailing behind them, were streams of blood.

"What have you done!?"

Before she knew what she was doing, Axtris found herself already grasping the Vandal by the front of his armor, trembling with rage as she practically shook them. The first concern that popped into her mind afterwards was if it was Pure One. Had this one shot at practically the only Guardian who was wholly on their side?

In response, the Vandal seemed taken aback, surprised at her reaction.

"The Soldier of Light was getting too close. Almost made it inside. I had to – "

"That does not mean you fire to kill!"

Then that means it wasn't Pure One then, as he tends to sneak and then make his presence known. He wouldn't be spotted so easily. Right?

Snarling, Axtris shoved the Vandal back before snatching the wire rifle from his hands and then threw it to the ground. The weapon in question broke into parts, the shell crack and flying everywhere as the inside spilled onto the hearth. Ignoring the squawk of indignation, Axtris turned towards the entrance eyeing the trailing blood. No doubt that with how close the Devils are, they would have already picked up the Guardian's scent.

Huffing at this, Axtris pulled her communicator from her pocket, turned it on and said, "Olkar. I need help."

Xxxxx

The House of Spirit, despite their alliance with the Tower, always ensured that their location was hidden, secured; they maybe a fresh house, but they know fully well that not all Guardians accept them with open arms.

As such, they had started building in a valley, surrounded by high mountains that are only possible to cross with ships. Or tunnels privy to those of House Spirits, and Pure One. And to add extra security, walls made from scavenged parts surround their home and scouts are placed on top to keep an eye out for intruders. However, that doesn't mean that the valley itself was safe and Axtris knows that the Devils vaguely knows their location. At least, just enough where they lay outside, waiting for a chance to strike. Thus, one of the reasons why Axtris is more concerned over the intruding Guardian's safety than 'how' they were able to find their way in the House of Spirit's territory. And to make matters worse, snow had now started to fall.

Grumbling to herself, Axtris pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders before she asked, "Can Guardians die from the cold?"

There was a rumble, soft and full of thought before she heard Olkar turn and repeat the question back to the Guardian next to him. If she had known that her littermate would bring him along, she wouldn't have asked him for help. But too late now to turn them away.

"Orion said that their armor should have insulation to keep them warm but how long, he does not know."

Axtris let out a huff, frustrated, angry. She would have to talk to Kell Ixrsis after they find this injured Guardian and tend to their wounds. If of course, their Ghost hadn't healed them already. Although, if that was the case, the trail of blood that she and the others were following would have ceased by now. Axtris wonders if the Vandal who had fired the Wire Rifle had somehow done more than just injure the Guardian.

"We need to hurry then." She decided to say, "before the cold can claim them. And pray that their Shard is safe."

There was another rumble from her brother, the latter of which lifted his gaze upwards, as if contemplating the falling flakes of snow, and then brushed them casually from his shoulders.

"And hope that they have found shelter." Olkar decided to add and Axtris couldn't help but mentally agree. With their injury and with the worsening weather, perhaps he hadn't gotten far.

Sliding down a path, Axtris scanned her surroundings, blinking past the falling flakes.

"Wait, what's that?"

It was Orion, Olkar's friend that seemed to have spotted something first, speed-walking past her and sliding down the rest of the path. When he kneeled next to what she had thought was a rock, that is when she realized, that it wasn't. And her heart dropped.

It was a vehicle, one that she had seen many Guardians ride throughout her years, and a design that Splicers had taken and made their own. A Sparrow she recalls, and it was flipped on its side, scraps of metal trailing behind. Signs of a crash. The tracks were short, brief, an attempt to flee but perhaps from their wounds or from the lessening visibility, they didn't go far. And next to it, Axtris can see another trail. One marked with red.

"We have to hurry." Olkar spoke what was already in her mind, "Before we lose track of them."

Nodding, Axtris forced her eyes away from the crash and instead, followed the red trail, lifting her eyes up to an archway, and through it, she can see a cave. Shelter.

Trudging up the path, it didn't take long for Axtris to approach the entrance. However, as she went to step in, her gut twisted, warnings flaring in the back of her mind. This caused her to hesitate, pressed her hands on the side of the entrance and, despite her better judgement, peeked in. And promptly reeled when she felt a bullet brush past her head.

"We friends!" She squeaked, pressing her back against the wall of the cave entrance "We no harm! Help you!"

There was a snarl from her side and Axtris didn't have to look to know it was Olkar, and he was getting upset. Not that she can blame him; her head was nearly blown off.

"Like how you helped injure my Guardian!?" It was telling from the voice – an echo, synthetic – that it was the Guardian's Ghost who had spoken, prompting Axtris to let out a breath of relief. They were intact, that is a good sign. Then, she grew worried over the Guardian's injury.

Axtris can hear labored breathing, clearly pained, and she can understand why. Eliksni weaponry are after all, mostly shrapnel and heat, and a graze is considered painful. A direct hit, one that Axtris had struck the Guardian, would also implode, leaving a mess of bone and meat. It's a miracle that the Guardian is still alive. But who knows for how much longer?

"Not our intent!" Olkar spoke out, "Our own fired, but promise he done on his own. Did not mean harm to you!"

A scoff can clearly be heard, "What makes you think that I will believe you? How do I know that you won't harm my Guardian? Or kill him?"

There was another deep rumble from Olkar and Axtris couldn't help but follow his sentiment. More than anything she wanted Vellak here; despite his reputation, he is the most diplomatic between the three of them. Likely, he would know what to do in this kind of situation.

"Is this proof enough?"

Before Axtris could realize what was going on, Orion stepped into the entrance of the cave, standing tall, chin up.

Cursing under her breath, Axtris almost reached out to pull him back behind cover, only to hear a sharp intake of breath, and a stutter.

She waited, and when she heard no shots, no signs of a threat, Axtris dared to take a step into the cave. Olkar let out a whimper, some clicks, but she didn't hear him move to stop her and instead, heard his steps follow closely behind. Much to her relief, she heard no shots when she fully stepped into the cave, allowing her to scan inside, and she spotted the Guardian, leaning against the farthest wall. And she winced at the sight.

As she expected, the Vandal that had fired the shot had gotten a direct hit, impaling through the Guardian's side and imploding within. She can easily see the broken ribs, spilling of insides that is barely staying in, and pools of blood spilling around him. From her position, she can easily see his weapon, a scout rifle - one that he had surely used to fire at her - on the ground next to him, but still in his hands.

How he was able to fire accurately enough where he had grazed her head, Axtris may not understand. Perhaps Guardians are hardier than normal humans? After all, anyone else would have died instantly from the injury. For the Guardian – a Titan, if Axtris recalls, judging from his black and red armor – it was merely crippling, and not enough to kill. Barely.

Seeing the Guardian's hand twitch against the trigger of his weapon, Axtris couldn't help but tense, gritting her jaw together.

"Do you mind? Could you please put your weapon away?" It was Trikxas, Axtris seeing the Ghost materialize into the air from the corner of her eyes, "You are making us 'all' nervous."

If Orion's presence didn't completely calm the Guardian's nerves, Trikxas' presence did, as Axtris saw most, if not all, of the tension leave the Titan's shoulders, and – much to her relief – he moved his hand away from his weapon. At least, the best he could while keeping trying to keep his insides intact.

Debating whether to approach or not, the decision was taken from her when Orion took steps forward, quickly closing the distance. His fellow Titan hardly flinched the entirety of it.

"Traveler," Orion knelt next to the injured Guardian, "you tried to heal this?"

The Ghost huffed, "It's either I heal this, or he eats a bullet, risk a scavenger hearing nearby, and putting myself at risk. We didn't have a lot of options."

"I say just eating a bullet would have been safer than trying to heal something like this." Trikxas glided over and Axtris, her optic narrowed. Then, she turned her attention to her and Olkar, "Is there a safe place nearby we can safely tend to him?"

"Only our House." It was Olkar who answered, huffing, "other places will have Devil curs."

Unless they leave the safety of the valley, Axtris wanted to say, but considering the Guardian's injury, that wouldn't be an option anyway. In other words.

"We home." Axtris can feel all eyes on her, "Apology. Only right of wrong."

The words felt awkward on her tongue, and she couldn't help but quietly think to herself how Vellak is able to speak it fluently. Nonetheless, they seem to understand her enough where the Guardian, despite his injury, sat up.

"You are talking about the House of Spirit's base?"

He was weak, judging from how his words were hardly a whisper, that Axtris had to strain to hear what he was saying. In response to his question, she nodded.

"Fair treat home. Since one us attack you." She glanced towards the entrance of the cave and chittered at the sight of the falling snow; it was getting thicker, "Hurry. To safety."

There was a deep inhale, a release of breath, and much to Axtris blinked when the Guardian attempted to stand, only to collapse. His Ghost squawked in response.

"Why are you – don't move by yourself! You can barely keep your insides inside you!"

"Oh for the love of – here. Help me."

That is when Trikxas glided past her and Axtris watched as she beamed her light to the Guardian's side. From there, her eyes grew wide as the light condensed, curling against his side. And keeping whatever that was falling out in. It didn't take long for the Guardian's Ghost to understand and moments later, the Titan could relax without fear.

"Axtris. Help me carry him."

Snapping out of her shock, Axtris saw her brother move forward and in turn, she followed. From there, Olkar brushed Orion to the side and knelt down to scoop his arms underneath the Guardian. That is when Axtris heard a noise of protest however, this was quickly followed by a 'thunk' and an audible ouch. She glanced up to see the Titan's Ghost shaking their shell and Trikxas releasing a small 'hmph'. Whatever protest the Ghost had was now gone, but that doesn't mean they couldn't turn and give them a dirty look.

Ignoring them, Axtris went to the Guardian's other side and slid her arms underneath. From there, her lower arms clasped onto her brothers and, as they lifted the Guardian, she used her upper arms to steady him, leveraging him to sure he wouldn't fall. The Titan groaned from the action but, hearing no other sounds, Axtris considers it a victory.

"No worry. We take care you."

If the Guardian had taken any sign to acknowledge her words, he didn't show it, but not that Axtris could blame him. In honestly, she wouldn't be surprised if he had lost consciousness, judging from the way he suddenly went limp, and his head leaned back against her upper arms. Nonetheless, as she and her brother steadily headed their way back, she prays that no further harm comes to the Guardian. Or to Orion, as the latter followed.

Yes, there are lots of House of Spirit/Eliksni perspectives lately and that's because back then I would just put out chapters which jump to 5 different perspectives in one chapter. I felt like it confused a lot of people so when I am editing chapters, the first perspective I see is the one I work on first. Which apparently are the Eliksni lol.