- Don't let her esca…! - yelled Wild Hunt soldier, seconds before his head was chopped by quick slash of Zireael. Before his body could even fall on the ground, Ciri already run past it, further into the ruins
Persistent fucks she thought while running deeper into what once was a giant fortress, now infested with dozens of Wild Hunters.
Aen Elle hunted her for years now, always being one step behind, and, to frustration of their leader Eredin, she was always able to outrun or outsmart them, no matter their efforts and tactics. When she was finally able to lose them for some time, Eredin used Geralt as a bait to lure her out. She of course went to save her foster father and while she was able to free him from Eredin's captivity, she couldn't lose the wild hunt ever since and from that moment she could feel their breath on her back again. Often literally.
She dashed under the pouncing hound, slicing it in half with her sword, then used short-range teleport to avoid three soldiers jumping from around the corner.
I can't stop to fight she thought Only dead stay idle
She could hear Aen Elle chasing her inside the ruins, screaming to each other her position, calling for reinforcements to cut her escape route, and dozens of hounds following her closely behind. She couldn't look back, aware that Navigators may lay a nasty trap for her at any moment, but she was aware how many of pursuers are behind her.
And how close they are.
She suddenly turned around like a panther, cut off legs of two nearest Wild Hunt hounds with her sword, and used quick teleport to gain distance. With cheeky smile Ciri watched how rest of the pack, and some soldiers crash into two maimed monsters, causing confused howls and curses from there.
- I hope Avallac'h finally broke Navigators blockade - she thought resuming her escape - There are certainly more on their way.
Eredin meanwhile looked at the vast ruins of fortress from a distance, enraged under his mask.
- What is it taking you so long? - He asked, trying to hide anger in his voice
- She is fast and agile, but net is closing around her neck - stated giant warrior with multiple holes on his mask – This time, she won't escape.
- As always, you underestimate her, Imlerith - criticized him another armored warrior with iron halo - She already escaped many times from our grasp.
- If your Navigators don't fuck up the job this time, she won't run away.– countered Imlerith
- Don't you dare… - Wizard started
- Caranthir. – Eredin said, causing his Navigator to calm down immediately – Did you find the traitor?
- My master hides his presence very well - Caranthir answered - But he is in the ruins. I know it.
- Find him - Eerdin ordered - He is the only one who can help her now.
With single nod of his head Caranthir lifted his staff and made a portal, which he and his personal guards used to look for rouge elven seer.
Avallac'h was once a very important figure in king Auberon's court and Eredin's ally when they had Ciri in their hands for the first (and last) time. But something changed and now he opposes Eredin's plans. That's why eliminating him is his one of top priorities, for as long as he is alive, they will never catch her. And Caranthir – once Avallac'h best student – was more than well suited to deal with him. Especially with small surprise King of the Red Riders gave him.
- Imlertih - he said to his general, getting his attention in an instant - Enough of this charade. Bring me Zireael. You don't need to gentle.
- As you wish, my king - Imlerith said with deep satisfaction, already imagining ways he will break little Swallow. He grabbed his enormous mace and rode out into the ruins, and his bodyguards followed closely
Eredin watched his right hand departing and then turned his attention back on the ruined castle, where Zireael fought for her life. He recalled all moments she escaped him – that accursed bridge, those cursed swamps full of bodies, that city of shining lights, and this bloody jungle with invisible hunter Preying on them. But this time was different.
- You have nowhere to run - he stated and put little smile on his face - Only divine intervention may save you now.
- Aen Elle! - one soldier yelled and attacked with his sword, but Ciri, within blink of an eye, parried the attack, and with quickly aimed strike pierced him through his eye. But another portal opened right before her and another soldier run from it, his sword already in motion.
She quickly drew her sword out of the eye socket and deflected incoming attack. With quick counterstrike she cut off soldiers hand, causing him to shriek in pain. Just when she was about to finish him, more portals started to open, reminding her how futile this fight is.
- Avallach, where are you? - she said while defending against another three of Eredin's soldiers - I could use some help here.
Just as she said that one of the soldier turned into ash, second started burning in blue flame and third's one head exploded.
- Right here Zireael – Avallac'h said while burning soldier screamed in agonizing pain
- You just love to make dramatic entrances, don't you? - she said, watching in awe as Elven mage with singe spell closed all Wild Hunt's portals, stopping hunters for now
- I don't know what you mean.- he said with serious face
- Forget it - She scoffed and put her sword back - Did you broke through the barrier?
- Yes, we are able to get out of here. - he answered
- Finally! - Ciri breathed a sigh of relief - Now, gi…
- Not like that Zireael - Avallac'h said - Follow me, and move fast, I won't hold Caranthir away for long
- But why… she wanted to ask, but Avallac'h already turned and started running on the wall - Sometimes you piss me of. A lot. - she commented before joining him
As she run, Ciri quickly looked for any sign of hunters. Luckily for them (Or as planned), none were on the wall, leaving both of them opening to the tower at the end of the path. Wild Hunt knew that too, and she saw dozens of them running to the tower right under them, both on foot and horses, led by none other but Imlerith, Wild Hunt general. She looked at him while running, and he exchanged the eye contact. Although brief, she understood message this brute wanted to tell her.
She then heard portal opening behind her, bringing some of the Eredin's warriors on the wall, but both Ciri and Avallac'h already reached the tower. When she crossed a line where once stood door, Avallac'h casted magical barrier in its place.
- This will hold them away for now - he stated - I have another barrier downstairs, so we have some time
- Prepared as always - Ciri added - But why you bring me here? I could just took us from this reality already.
- Only for Red Riders to catch your track minutes later? - Avallac'h countered - This would only give us few minutes of peace. We need to lose them for longer.
When Ciri thought about that briefly, she couldn't really disagree with elven sage, Wild Hunt was just way too close, using her power would leave them track strong enough to renew the hunt elsewhere.
- Fair enough - she agreed - So I guess you have better idea?
- Yes - Elf said - Now, upstairs, quickly.
When they got on the top of the tower, she saw many glass poles forming a circle in the middle of the room, and at the center of this circle – a large, crystal-clean diamond on a stone pedestal.
- Teleportation circle? - she asked, surprised a little
- Indeed - Avallac'h said - When you use your power in the circle, diamond will absorb it, and glass pipes will ensure that all of your used power will remain inside the circle. When we teleport away, diamond will explode along with the glass, sending billions of pieces into the air, destroying the tower and spreading them in the large area.
- Dirty trick on Eredin? Fine with me. But it didn't mean Wild Hunt will just need one shard to find me?
- Single, small shard won't be enough - Elven mage said with confidence - They need much more. And it will mix with shattered glass. This will give us much needed time.
- I understand - she said, while going into the circle - So, ready to jump?
- Always - he said, and grabbed her hand
As they heard furious hunters bashing against the barrier downstairs, Ciri started counting in her head to three, preparing for another jump into new reality. Avallac'h instructed her to clear her mind and think about a place, or a person, she wants travel to, then focus on this image with all of her willpower.
Although travelling blindly from one world to another helped her numerous times, this time she wanted to not only get away from Eredin for as long as possible, she wanted to also rest and train with Avallac'h to develop her powers further.
For a brief moment a single thought of Kear Morhen appeared, but she quickly threw it away. If she travel to home right now, not only it will waste Avallac'h distraction, she will also put her friends in danger, unprepared for onslaught of the Wild Hunt. But she will return one day as promised.
She started to make image of the perfect hideout for her:
Hidden valley deep in the high mountains with green grass not covered by snow and nor touched by both humans and elves. Pure land with large trees with vast crowns, small pond in the middle to for fishing. She could feel a slow and comforting breeze, gently moving her ashen hair and comforting her aching muscle while she laid under the tree, with rays of the sun going through gaps between the leaves, warming her skin. Place, where she could be free from this endless hid and run at least for week or two, where she could regain her strength and finally fight back against Eredin and his minions. Place, which resembled Kaer Morhen just a little bit.
While she was resting, small blue swallow landed beside her and stared at her for some time. She looked at it and smiled when swallow started its song, giving Ciri hope for the future..
Without any warning, upon the swallow descended large purple crow, and violently devoured little bird right before her eyes. Before she could do or say anything, beast looked at her with its nine glowing eyes and smiled.
- Hello, descendant of Lara - it said with thousands of voices - I awaited our long predestined meeting.
Avallac'h looked with small satisfactory smile as the diamond started to glow with green energy
- It's working - he said, proud a little - Now, let's jump.
But, to his astonishment, nothing happened
- Zireael? - he turned towards her - Is something…- and to his horror, he saw her face twitching in pain
Ciri watched in shock how mountains around her crumble into dust, and fall like houses of cards, how grass under her feet blackened and died. In mere seconds water pond started freezing right before her eyes. Her instincts kicked in and she jumped away from the tree. She turned around to see that once old and majestic tree with long branches was set on blue fire and started twisting into unnatural shape. And when she turned back her attention towards the nine-eyed crow, it already changed.
It grew to enormous size, its wings from avian turned into those similar to giant dragons, but covered in silver-like fish scales. Its small legs also grew, with each claw spawned another nine claws. On its wings and belly countless faces appeared and disappeared in rapid succession, like they were fluid.
- What are you? - She said, not believing her eyes - Some kind of demon?
- So, you inherited some of their knowledge - creature chuckled - But not even close enough, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon.
- Zireael! - Avallac'h yelled when Ciri fell upon her knees. He tried to reach her mind through magic but something prevented him for doing this.
Not something. SOMEONE.
- How do you know…? - Ciri started
- I know everything about you, your ancestors, and grand plans of old blood creators - being opened its beak, showing Ciri, to her disgust, countless tongues inside - And I have plans for you as well
- Enough talk then - Ciri said, drawing her sword and assuming combat position - Just another monster, who want my power - she added
But abomination just laughed at her.
- Just another monster? - It said, amused - You never faced something like ME - and immediately started swinging its massive wings, hitting Ciri with powerful, freezing snowstorm.
- CIRI! - Avallac'h screamed in desperation, trying to break the spell engulfing her mind and to reach her, but nothing helped. When he prepared another powerful spell, with corner of his eye he saw diamond glowing with purple and green energies combined. Before he could counteract, purple lightning flew from the crystal and hit him with immense power. He only survived thanks to his magic protection, but still blow forced him to his knees.
When he wanted to stand up, all of the sudden he felt something holding him, like a giant hand keeps tiny bug in place. Avallac'h was shocked to his core – he never felt that kind of power ever before.
- Don't interrupt God in the middle of his work - He heard from all directions - Especially when his plans finally bore fruits.
Ciri felt her feet's slipping, so she plunged her sword into the ground, desperately holding it while her body was nearly flying. But snowstorm grew stronger and stronger with each swing of mighty wings. She could feel her fingers freezing but she held to Zireael with all her power. However, ground around the sword shattered, sending screaming Ciri into the air.
When she opened her eyes, she watched herself falling into the tunnel made of water without visible end.
- Ciri! - she turned to see her mentor and friend fall into the another tunnel
- Avallac'h! - she yelled back, just before elf disappeared inside the tunnel
Imlertih bursted through the door alongside two soldiers, only to see whole room engulfed in blue fires, forming strange symbol atop the teleportation circle. Before he could react, glass pipes exploded, sending millions of pieces all around the room. Two soldiers, who stood closer to the circle were pierced by thousands of these remains through the gaps in their armors, shattering their organs, bones and skulls, killing them both in an instant. Imlerith should share the same fate, but thanks to quick reaction of Caranthir, who opened a portal right behind the general and pushed him through it, following him shortly after, he escaped his gruesome death.
Both fell right under Eredin's horse, and their king seemingly not even noticed them, instead staring at the top of the tower, which exploded, sending burning stones and sharp glass everywhere.
- Track her! - he turned and yelled immediately to his navigator, determined to keep going after her, and Caranthir focused his power.
- I… I can't find her - He said, abashed - She… She is gone.
- What…? - Eredin said and again watched how tower remains started landing everywhere. Eredin finally stopped holding back, and roared so loud, so furious, that even Imlerith shivered. This roar, full of rage, frustration, hatred, and generally inability to do something else caused him to yell for few seconds straight. He was this close! How was it possible!?
The only answer he got was sound of falling debris and quiet, distant laughter.
Ciri fell deeper and deeper into water tunnel, still shocked about all of this. What was this demon, how it influenced her teleportation, what has he done to Avallac'h, and finally, does this water tunnel have an ending?
This cannot be real She thought, looking how water, which flowed into the sky, and changed colors multiple times around her. Still falling, she tried to reach it with her right hand, wanting to test if this is real or not. Only when Ciri touched the waterfall and felt it's truly water she realized it is not an illusion.
- Our master truly did it! - She heard voice behind the veil of water, immediately withdraw her hand from the waterfall, and reached for her sword, thankful that it is still there.
- Lady of the End is here! - another voice screeched in excitement
- What a powerful magic! - third voice joined, admiring her
- Her soul smells… tasty - fourth voice added,
- Don't you there interfere with plan of the Changer! - fifth voice said with anger
- But I only want a single touch - sixth voice defended himself
- I just want a drop of her sacred blood! - seventh voice exclaimed
- I just want one of her limbs - eight voice stated
- I just want one of her memories! – ninth voice wished
- WE ALL WANT JUST A FRACTION OF HER SOUL - multiple voices screeched as one
From all directions hundreds of hands burst through the waterfall towards her. Some resembled human hands, many ended with sharp claws, some with jaws. All united in one purpose.
Ciri slashed first pair of hands, causing angry hisses from its owner, but more and more hands appeared. As she was falling, she fought off countless of those, full on instincts – she slashed, pierced and tore without mercy, but just as she cut one hand, several more appeared. Her mind stopped comprehending how many voices she heard, because it would make her realize that there are tens of thousands of her assailants, which would cause her resolve to shatter. So instead she focused on not giving up her skin so easily.
How long she fall while under this constant assault of these greedy and lustful monsters? She lost count, because currently she felt that seconds are longer than hours while whole months passed around here like seconds. She could feel her muscles ache so badly, causing her so much pain, but she didn't stop fighting. And she never will! She won't surrender to Wild Hunt, she won't submit to Tir ná Lia, and certainly she won't give those monsters what they want.
I promised you that I will be back Ciri thought about Geralt and Yennefer, her family. About Eskel, sometimes annoying Lambert, her uncle Vesemir. She wanted to finally get rid of the hunters and spent some time with them, to spar with her witcher mentors, share stories, and maybe drink together.
- I will be back - She stated with confidence, defying everyone and everything, who wants to control her.
But she was weakened, with no time to rest after Wild Hunt pursue caused her body to start failing her. Her reactions slowed down, her strikes were far less powerful than before. Thanks to this, one hand found its opening and grabbed her arm, which caused hand's owner to roar in triumph.
Before Ciri could do anything, hand holding her started burning with green flame. In an instant daemon drew it away, but fire didn't stop, and being which touched her screamed in terror. She couldn't see it, but entire daemon was soon covered whole in fire and dissolved into nothingness, little to no essence of it remained.
Anathema! Anathema! thousands voices screamed in panic, all hands withdrew and whole attack stopped at once.
As she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she finally landed in deep snow, somehow making her long fall less painful.
- Avallac'h! - she yelled while raising up, not caring about protesting legs, but no one responded her. She looked around, but nothing could be seen through the thick snowstorm. She closed her eyes and thought about her mentor, wanting to teleport to him. But, to her surprise, she couldn't. She tried again, but nothing happened.
I am alone she thought, finally recognizing her situation Alone, in the middle of snowstorm without warm cloths, in unknown world, which is probably already destroyed by White Frost, and for some reason I can't teleport out
- Fuck. - she said out loud and started walking forward, hoping that maybe someone still lives in this harsh conditions, and help her before she collapse into the snow to never rise up again.
Realms of Chaos
From the top of the impossible fortress hooded figure looked into the unnatural sky, awaiting something. Then, It raised multiple hands into the air and grabbed something falling from it.
- There I am - Being said, looking at diamond with small green fire inside - I did a very good job - It added with satisfaction. Tzeentch should one day thank his brothers for shattering his previous form. Although that feeling was… unpleasant, to say the least, it finally allowed him to push his plans further.
He carried his infused shard deep into the fortress. Holding it closely and with great care, like scientist carrying his greatest achievement. He went through the paths only he knew exist, until he reached stone pedestal in the middle of the fortress. There, he placed the diamond on it.
Tzeentch wanted to leave it for now, but he couldn't help himself, curiosity overtook him. He reached with his top right hand for the crystal and drew some of the power from it. He felt unstoppable, able to shatter stars, whole galaxies!. What he could do if he took all now…
His hands grabbed and pulled away reaching one, making Tzeentch chuckle to himself.
- No need to rush my plans now - He said - Let it grow, let it grow. And soon, nothing will hold me anymore! - laughing, he turned around and walked from the chamber, thinking about the glorious fate he orchestrated for the entire universe.
When he left, green fire inside the diamond slowly but surely started to feast inside.
Author's note at the end:
To clarify: More worlds will be added, just I could only pick two (Which is, honestly, little sad). All will be revealed in the future.
What else? Ah yes! I don't own franchises nor characters used in this story (Not sure I should always mention it, but better to say it than be sorry later). There will be some OC sure, but I will use well-established characters.
And the most important: Update time. I will try to update this story regulary, and, from now on, it will be two weeks between each update. I love to write, but at the same time, it takes a lot of work.
With everything settled, thanks for reading this chapter, and see you in the future.