Queen's note: have at thee! I done did the chapter after all the distraction of writing other things lol
Garnets
Chapter Sixty Three:
Homebound
Jade gave a low growling groan-like sigh that ended in a higher pitch than she meant it too. Her eyes closed tight still even if the searing pain had actively stopped. The hand on her back was still hot, and the ach was lingering like a leach as it seeped into the muscle and almost to the bones.
Gods, her bones did feel hot.
It took everything in the woman to not let out more sound than that, she clenched her jaw hard enough the muscles strained. The old dried firewood she picked up was semi crushed in her right hand and the left hand that held only the Great Slayer's left forearm was white as his armor did not give out. It was so hard to not let out the screaming that was lodged in her throat. The physical pain still lingering, the mental pain she had been tightly holding in since her husband had died was shaken loose from where Jade had tried to hide it in her heart.
Gods, why did that have to bubble up now?
…Jade almost whined again, the bulk beside her not the build of a carver of her love, but of a fighter.
The fighter.
The God King of War, he hummed a surprisingly soft note. It had Jade looking up, shivering in reaction to the after effects and the pain of feeling her arm for the first time in weeks. Not all from the Slayer's burning power, but what she just could not feel the… lich blood was doing to her.
Had been doing to her.
Jade finally stopped shaking and she looked up, watching with a mix of emotions as the Slayer's eyes shifted from glowing green to that eerie, almost wraith blue. He gave a low chuff like sound, head tilting. It took her a long minute before the woman could get any sort of sound out in the shape of words. "...great…slayer?"
"Hm?" the thunder deep rumble came from the chest beside Jade.
She swallowed, shoved the pain of loose back down. Not now, this was not the time to let herself grieve. "Why are… are you looking for…us. A geo witch?"
Jade watched as the Slayer opened his mouth, rasping a not really sound before closing it. He looked down at her arm and then at the thick, pale Wintherin tail The Slayer had sat the woman on. He was crouching on his heels beside her.
Want. Protection.
The Primordial words vibrated through Jade just as she was about to say something. The guilt of asking him something she thought at first could not be answered, as she did not know the silent language. It was not the same 'lighter' tones of the Wraiths she had heard before in her life.
The emotions were blatantly clear though, no attempt was made to hide them in that earthquake-like 'sound.' The Slayer lifted a hand, rubbing it over and through his short hair before flexing his hands and then measured a small distance between his hands.
Want-love. Home. Affection-love.
The demigod reached out, tapping Jade on the chest lightly, and then pointed back to where her family was inside. Then tapped his own chest and motioned upwards.
"...home?" Jade echoed, thinking of her homes over her life, and her surviving family and extended family.
The Slayer nodded, smiling in a fond way, thinking of his Fortress, and his humans. His Flowers.
Affection.
"...you have a home that needs… repairs? Fixing? That's why you're interested in us?" Jade realized, she accepted that they were not saved for that reason, but that it was a bonus so to say.
The Slayer was nodding, and Jade also realized he had the same fond look given to her son and the other younger kids. She blinked as something fitted into place, that the War King had time between escaping hell and finding a way back to Argent D'nur. He had that look that her husband, and even brothers in law, had when watching their kids. Lily herself too when looking at their own children.
He had a home, with someone the Slayer cared about in space that needed a geo-witch for repairs. The old rumors that he could not have any heirs with Argenta, not being one as well… what if… given the 'affection' mentioned.
Did the Great Slayer have a form of family, with being stuck at his old, his original home world?
…did the war king have a child? Even if not an heir to pass a throne to, Jade could understand that want to find a safe place for a child. A throne room was not that really, even before Hell's invasion from what she heard. Finding somewhere safe was all that she has been doing since her oldest was born-
"This home…is it safe?" Jade asked, black eyes looking back up.
The Slayer nodded firmly, paused and then lifted a hand flat to tilt back and forth. He looked down to pick up two small rocks, holding them between his fingers to show Jade, almost against each other and shifted to let one drop
"Safe but needs repairs?" Jade guessed, getting another firm nod. The pain in her arm and shoulder was if not ebbing, at least something easier to handle. "Lord Slayer, if I get my wraith gift back, and… if I help fix whatever home it is. If it is safe, can my family be sheltered by you?"
The Slayer tilted his head, arms resting on his legs again as his Wintherin twisted her head around again to watch them. Leaning to try and lick at her person, only to snort as she got the Argenta woman's leg instead. Viola was not mad about it but looked notably disappointed.
Turning back from looking at the old house they had spent the night, the kids…
He reached out a large hand, running it over Jade's back to bleed some of his energy over. Then curled it against the side of the woman's head before awkwardly patting it with another very firm nod.
Determined-want-promise.
He liked this offer, the Slayer could do that. Even if they did not want to stay in the Fortress once it was fully repaired… He had the idea of using an engine like in the Fortress that should be in one of the old cities if they were still there.
And…
He was asked for help.
The Slayer saw no reason to deny that request at all, even if there was nothing this family could offer. He would not just leave them unless they refused to come. There was no corruption, the Argenta were just tired and flagging and…
And kids.
Such young, new, and tiny little lives. They did not need to stay in a world that was lingering in Hell's jaws.
The Slayer looked between Jade and the house before getting up. As Viola finally got to give a grooming lick up his back, he stepped in front of the white haired woman. Offering both large hands, rumbling a reassuring sound.
Besides, even if he technically fell as a king for a not so short time. The Slayer did swear to protect those that could not, well, well before he ever stepped foot on Argent D'nur the first time.
And Jade did ask for that help.
Vega. The Slayer signed in front of his helmet before picking it up to put on. Only after helping Jade up and let her shakily step ahead of him.
"I am here." Vegas's voice said once the helmet was back on.
The Slayer stayed outside, motioning Jade inside first before turning his attention to signing. Can you make portal here?
"Of course, I have been locked on to your current location for several hours. Are the survivors coming back to the Fortress?" Vega almost chirped, though knowing full well that was the case, the colony AI seemed so pleased at the idea that it had the Slayer tilting his head, but smiled at the clear emotion he heard.
When had he heard Vega so… happy?
A thought dose pop up though, and the Slayer gives a small wave for attention. Something he really had not needed to do for a long while. Vega?
"Yes Slayer?"
He flexed his fingers, staring at them, trying to sort out how to word what he wanted. Be careful. Argenta kids, bigger. Stronger. My flowers are small.
Tiny really.
The Demigod was suddenly remembering Iris' still thin arms. Heather has next to no weight compared to even Jade's son. Neither the humans or Argenta were that overall healthy if he had to judge. A few exceptions, but even his Sentinels with him were not in the top most shape.
"Asa and I have already been discussing the general risks of Argenta youth coexisting with the human youth. She thinks there will be little risk with proper supervision." Vega's voice was still notably upbeat and just that bit lighter.
Has the Slayer ever heard him like this? That even calm tone back on Mars seemed dull if not empty in comparison… had Vega been grieving his human charges on Mars in his way, all the while leading the Slayer?
The low, affectionate chuff that came out was not for Viola or the Argenta still inside. Trying to make it so only Vega could hear.
Can you find Lich? The Slayer signed after a quiet moment.
"I have never come across records of such a demon." Vega admitted after a full second, almost two. "I can scan from your, and the suits of the Sentinels. What should I be looking for?"
Dead. The Slayer paused, thinking of the thing he had met. What it could do. Like a big zombie. Massive dead thing moving with burning core.
"Burning with heat, hell energy or something else?" Vega asked, rearranging what he could of the long distance scanners but could only do so much without moving the Fortress itself.
There was a low growl, the Slayer had to spell out the letters as it was somewhat different in the Argenta signs. Argent. It rotted who was there. Or look for lot- lots of moving dead things.
"I will keep my scanners active in your suits." Vega both reassured and promised, doing so already, even with Valen and Milla's armor. "When are the survivors coming aboard?"
The Slayer considered and then huffed a chuckle like sound as he rubbed his knuckles firmly against Viola's head before walking back to the house. Small bit. Soon.
"They will have personal rooms for each sub family unit next to each other." Vega reported, and that upbeat tone of before was back. If Argenta were anything like humans, once they were safe, cleaned up and well fed, they would want a safe place to rest in. He also was already planning how to keep the kids well entertained to give the parents likely some well needed bonding time alone. Or decompressing time, whatever they might need.
Vega continued as the Slayer was walking back to the Argenta house, "Lily, misses Laurel and Rai are heading to make some easy food and tea for them. Rai seems sure that homemade tea will help with their morale."
Vega was inclined to believe it, given it did help humans too. Something about warm drinks and having a few moments or more to sit quiet. Vega could get deeper into it but the Slayer did not seem that interested or needing the mental distraction right then.
The Demigod did give a low, approving grumble sound at what had been said. Reaching out to open the door, and almost reflexively grabbed the sudden movement with too much force. He recognized the other argenta woman just barely in time that he semi aborted. The Slayer found his hands closed on the smaller form, and then realized it was something harmless. She was gripping his armor tight and trying to cling or hug and the Slayer just awkwardly stayed very still before trying to pat her shoulder and head.
A muffled voice was speaking but the low repetitive words into his lower chest were soft with a mix of desperation and more than relief. This feeling of reassurance that there might be more, of hope that cracked open possibly for the first time in years that vibrated off the young Argenta women. "-thankyouthankyoulordslayerthankyou-"
The sudden burning faith in him for giving this hope and gratitude for this chance at survival had any lingering hesitation in the Slayer at more people bleeding away. It was a raw and honest reaction. The girl could not be much older than Lily, or the equivalent age, definitely younger than Jade. That thought made it a bit easier to carefully pat and then run his right hand over the semi long hair in a not so awkward way. Like he would for Lily.
He still had no idea what to do with his left arm or hand and just awkwardly held it to his side. He did not think squishing the young woman like he did for offering Lily comfort was right…
Then again considering the shivers… John sighed and stooped. Large arms closing over the unarmored Argenta, getting a different, but not unwelcome squeak that jarred the girl out of her state. Then patted her again before lifting her up like holding a confused cat and setting down beside Zanin to let the cling happen to him instead.
There we go, he was being a good ex-War King.
The Sentinel beside him sighed and shifted, able to handle the young woman just a little bit better. "Okay, let's not trigger the war king's reflexes again, yes?"
"...sorry…"
The Slayer chuffed, glancing over at those inside. Awake now, except the smallest two infants. Asin and Zanin had gotten the Argenta survivors ready to move, not knowing about the offer to the Fortress unless Vega said something. It seemed like Jade had just explained it given the reaction with the other young woman. He walked over and crouched down beside Haco, giving his Sentinel an almost playful poke.
"Ow," Came the dry replay, Haco looking up at the helmet. "Your affection hurts Lord Slayer."
There was an amuse chuff like chuckle back. Can you keep going?
"Why would I not be able to?" Haco demanded, sitting up some more where he was leaning on a solid counter. The Sentinel scowled back at his commander, his own dark green gaze glaring. "I might be rear guard instead of Zanin for a day but if you try and send me away Lord Slayer. I will take that crucible."
Did not matter if it would never work for him, and realistically the demigod could get it right back. The intent was clear as the Slayer gave a rasping laugh, delighted at the sass. It meant Haco was, in fact, doing better from the day before. Part of the reason being the chance at real rest, the other likely that Haco had stayed inside the armor he had been given. Though not as advanced as the Praetor Suit, the prototype could and did work to help the Sentinel's normal accelerated healing with its own system.
The Slayer reached down, bleeding over a jolt of energy that made Haco grunt in surprise. Making sure that proto type suit was fully charged to keep working on healing.
"We are ready here at the fortress for the Argenta survivors." Vega announced in the Slayer's helmet, as well as the sentinels.
My crucible. The Slayer signed at Haco, but also pointed him to stay sitting there for now. Getting up to look over, at the civilian Argenta seeing that Jade was shooing them outside, lingering behind as her oldest daughter, Amber, was awake. Looking both confused and worried.
"Why aren't you coming mom?" Amber demanded as the Slayer paid attention now, she was looking between her mother and Asin.
"It's safer for you and others to stay at the Fortress," Asin pointed out, he at least was likely filled in by Vega by the headpiece as his helmet was under his arm. "Can't really put five to a Wintherin's back long term. Unless you want to ride in Viola's jaws again."
"...eeeaah…" Amber squirmed a bit, she still smelled like Wintherin saliva. Not bad as the creatures were naturally very clean, but not that comfortable either. She looked up at her mother, still worried, "Why can't you come?"
"I can, but I have a feeling I will be better use here. More so when my wraith is back" Jade reached out, running her hands over her daughter's head and braid while looking up at the demigod coming over. She got a nod back, as the Slayer would like some more info, but having a full strength geo-witch would get his idea going faster.
"I can help!" Amber said, looking up at the Slayer, hesitated a moment as she remembered the strength she sensed the day before. "My gift is still active, and I've been getting stronger!"
The slayer rumbled a low note, startling the teen as he shook his head. Too young, not a fighter.
"The Lord Slayer is right girl," Asin said after a moment, shaking his head as well, "You are not a fighter. As impressive as it was how you defended your younger siblings."
"Is there anything Amber can do to start fixing your home Lord Slayer?" Jade asked, and smiled as her daughter stood up a bit more. Watching Amber perk up as the demigod tilted his head in though.
"There's the King's Retreat, and several other areas from the last siege that needs help." Asin said with a smile, "If the Lord Slayer is gives permission, I'm sure the Atlan, Vega, will let you start on repairs."
Strong enough? The slayer signed with an amused look at the girl's expression. She looked to Asin for a translation.
"He asked if you are strong enough for the work."
Amber puffed her cheeks and stood up as tall as she could, "Of course I am! I'm not as strong as mom, but I come from the same line of geo-witches!"
The Slayer hummed, looking at the girl and then tilted his head at Jade. The sense of 'oh really?' coming through even though he did not sign it.
"Come Amber, instead of bosting, you should put your effort into action instead of words." Jade said, leading her oldest child outside.
Strong will in tiny thing. The Slayer noted when it was just him, Asin and Haco left in the house.
"Reminds me of Asa, at that age. She was so excited to show you what she learned." Asin noted and smiled at the agreeing nod and amused sound.
The Slayer stood beside the house, watching the group as a blue portal opened. Zanin made sure they all got through as the Wintherins shifted to watch and scent at the portal itself.
For just a moment, just a little moment he was tempted to go through. Make sure Lily was not sitting on the main bridge and treating wounds again. Vega was not mentioning any 'incidents,' and his human was likely making food.
He had to go at the last moment to touch Amber's shoulder. Startling the girl and he signed something before pulling a half shell of a Wintherin egg with something inside and offering it. Once the girl had it he walked over and headbut Viola as she demanded attention as the babies were leaving.
"What did he say?" Amber asked Zanin, confused as she was pushed towards the Portal by her mother. Glancing at the egg shell that had a small pink flowering plant in the moss.
"He said give that to his flower." Zanin chuckled, adding at the last second, "Just ask for his human, she'll be in the Fortress."
Added note: if you want to come hang out with me and some others, I have a discord server for Garnets and doomy things! Come hang out, I do prompt requests and just random stuff lol just take the slashes [-] out
h-t-t-p-s-:-/-/-discord-.-gg/QypAHw83
XFireStoneX: ALL the small treasures shall be taken and put on a shelf in his room! And I'm feeling better finnally!
