Sol trailed the woman, oblivious to the bustling crowds around him, his attention laser-focused on her every move. He shadowed her through street after street, pausing only when she paused for purchases or to gaze into shop windows. Sol experienced an unprecedented pull, not of desire but of something far more sinister—an unsettling animosity festering deep within him. As he followed, a troubling thought raced through his mind.
She couldn't be her, this is another world, there's no way that bitch is here.
Sol continued to trail the woman, maintaining a cautious distance. Whenever she glanced around, he nonchalantly veered away, masking his intentions. But as soon as her gaze returned forward, he resumed his pursuit. Uncertain of her destination, Sol remained resolute in his determination not to let the woman who had stolen everything from him escape.
I will get my revenge, I will avenge Zephyr.
Sol cautiously approached the woman's home, situated in a quaint suburban area. The house, constructed of sturdy timber beams and thatched roofing, exuded an aura of rustic charm. Ivy crawled up the sides, adding a touch of natural elegance to the humble abode. Hiding behind the wall from a nearby alleyway, he made his way to the house's window.
Sol peered through the window, the dim light within revealing only fleeting glimpses of the woman's silhouette, shrouded in mystery, and obscured the details of the interior.
The woman yelled out into the empty house, her voice echoing faintly through the rustic interior.
"Mateo? Where are you?"
A young boy burst out from inside the house, his quick footsteps echoing in the quiet surroundings, before throwing himself into his mother's arms. "Here, mama, what did you get?" he asked eagerly.
"Lunch and dinner," Rosa replied before tossing an apple to Mateo.
She knew he would struggle with it; however, he was at the age where his teeth needed removal, so she hoped this would aid him. To her surprise, Mateo ate it all relatively quickly before claiming.
"I was hungry before, but now I'm ready! Let's play hide and seek mama!"
She chuckled at the young boy's boundless energy. "Didn't see this energy when cleaning the dishes, now did I?"
Mateo slumped at her comment, his enthusiasm momentarily dampened. Rosa noticed his reaction and winked at her son.
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt if it was for a short while," she conceded with a smile.
She sat down on the chair before facing the table top and closed her eyes, she began counting out loud.
Excitement glinted in Mateo's eyes as he dashed off to another room, eager to hide from his seeker. When the countdown reached twenty seconds, Rosa shouted out, "Ready or not! Here I come!"
But before she could take her first step, a knock came from behind her - someone was at the front door. Internally groaning, Rosa had hoped she could spend more time with her son than dealing with unrelated tasks. She even wanted to set the table nearby and wanted to feed Mateo a new recipe she discovered. She approached the door and peered through the eyepiece.
As Rosa peered through the eyepiece, her eyes widened at the sight before her. Standing at the front door was a towering black-armored knight, the darkness of his armor contrasting sharply with the golden lining that creased through his helmet and body. The intricate details of his armor gleamed in the faint light, catching her eye. A small shield with a similar textured design was strapped to his left arm, adding to the imposing figure he cut. At his left hip, a formidable blade was holstered, hinting at the knight's readiness for battle.
A knight!? What would one be doing here? Maybe it's an announcement from our Lord? But his armor is different than the other knights, not even the paladins wear such armour.
Rosa hesitated for a moment before opening the door, revealing the imposing figure of the black knight standing in the doorway. Towering above her, his black armor exuded an aura of strength and mystery, highlighted by the intricate golden lining that adorned it. The knight's presence commanded attention, and Rosa couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity as she faced him.
"Sir Knight, has the lord announced anything?" Rosa inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness as she shook the knight out of his trance.
"You... have we met before?" he queried, taking a tentative step forward.
"Um, what?" Rosa stepped back, feeling dwarfed by the knight's towering presence, before his voice boomed in a sudden shout.
"Yes we have! Tell me, why did you do it? Why did you take Zephyr from me?!"
The knight forced her back onto the table, its surface slanting slightly backwards as Rosa found herself pinned beneath the imposing figure. With a menacing aura surrounding him, the knight questioned her, his tone intimidating. Despite the fear rising within her, Rosa summoned her courage and responded firmly, her voice steady despite the situation.
"I-i don't even know who you are? Or who this Zephyr is!"
"Don't lie to me, I saw what you did! Tell me, do you really enjoy seeing good men suffer?!" The knight's grip tightened around Rosa's arm, causing her to wince in pain. "Tell me! Why did you do it?!" his voice thundered, demanding an answer from her.
"I don't even know who you are!" Rosa cried out in frustration, her voice tinged with fear and desperation.
"Now let me go!"
With a burst of adrenaline, she slapped the knight across his metal visor. The impact reverberated through her hand, causing her more pain than it did to the knight's armor. However, the action ignited an ancient rage within Sol, fueling his determination even further.
How dare she soil the armor of the immortal, I shall make her yield before me.
He quickly placed his palm on the woman's face before throwing her onto the table, grabbing her arm he quickly twisted it, a short scream emerged before Sol kicked her onto the ground, a part of her clothing torn off.
"Now you understand how he felt. This isn't even a fraction of the misery he went through!" Sol screamed at her, his voice filled with fury and vindication. However, Rosa could only weep at her fate, overwhelmed by pain and fear.
Across the room, Mateo peeked out from the closet, his curiosity piqued by the commotion. However, as he witnessed his mother being tortured by the black monster, horror washed over him, freezing him in place. Unable to move or make a sound, his fear and anxiety consumed him, tears welling up in his eyes as he watched helplessly.
It had been a few agonizing minutes since Sol had begun his torturous interrogation. With each passing moment, his relentless assault on Rosa intensified. He delivered brutal kicks and punches, each blow calculated to inflict maximum pain while carefully avoiding delivering a fatal blow.
His goal was not just to harm Rosa physically, but to break her spirit and maximize her suffering. Despite her cries and pleas for mercy, Sol showed no signs of relenting, his determination to extract whatever information he sought unyielding.
"I'm going to humiliate you in the same way you humiliated him," Sol declared, his voice dripping with malice as he drew out his vile blade with his right arm.
With deliberate cruelty, he proceeded to strike Rosa's hair, each cut designed to strip away her beauty and dignity.
"The greatest way to inflict misery on a woman is to take her beauty," he sneered, before ruthlessly shaving her scalp bare.
Sol had instinctively wrapped cloth around her mouth to stifle her screams, the entire scene feeling surreal to him. It was as if he had performed such acts countless times before, as if he were an expert in the art of torture and cruelty. And yet, how could it be? Sol had never committed such horrors before.
Sol's descent into depravity reached its zenith as he mercilessly shaved off Rosa's eyebrows before delivering a final, brutal kick that sent her crashing to the ground, unconscious. Her labored breathing filled the room, her torn clothing leaving her bruised stomach bare and her hair scattered across the floor.
A strange sense of fulfillment washed over Sol, as if a weight had been lifted, yet a deep horror began to grip him as he slowly realized the extent of his actions. Collapsing to the ground, he was consumed by overwhelming guilt and horror at the atrocities he had committed. The realization of what he had done sent shockwaves of revulsion through him, leaving him shattered and broken.
What… What have I done?!
Sol, overcome with horror and confusion, ripped off his vile helmet and cast it to the ground. His mind raced with panic for a few agonizing minutes, grappling with the enormity of his actions and the darkness within him.
Finally, with a deep breath, he managed to calm himself, his resolve returning. Determination hardened in his eyes as he commanded TEL, steeling himself for what lay ahead. Despite the horrors he had committed, Sol knew he must press forward and confront the consequences of his actions.
"TEL I need you," he cried out, a hollow response was his reception.
Why isn't he responding?! He always appears when I command him.
Sol called out again, his voice tinged with anger and frustration. A blue halo emerged from the corner of the house, signaling TEL's response. The robotic dog solemnly walked towards Sol, its head low as it glanced at the unconscious woman. With a sense of gravity, TEL finally responded, acknowledging Sol's call for assistance.
"Yes, what do you need?"
"TEL, what do I do? I... I don't even know what happened," Sol confessed, his voice wavering with uncertainty and guilt. He struggled to articulate the events that had unfolded, the weight of his actions bearing down on him. Taking a deep breath, he settled into a seat, attempting to calm himself amidst the turmoil of emotions swirling within him.
TEL gazed up at Sol, his metallic face devoid of any expression, the visage of his helmet lying discarded on the floor nearby.
"I think I need to kill her. I can't let anyone figure this out," Sol confessed to TEL, his voice strained with desperation. With trembling hands, he readied his blade, consumed by fear of the consequences and the darkness lurking within him. He felt the chilling presence of the other self, the one who relished the idea of what he was about to do. But before he could act, TEL swiftly intervened, halting Sol in his tracks.
"We wouldn't need to kill her, master. We could erase her memories of this incident," TEL suggested calmly, offering a more humane alternative to Sol's desperate plan.
Sol's tense expression softened with a sense of relief at TEL's suggestion. "You can? Please do it, TEL."
TEL nodded slowly before approaching Rosa. With careful precision, he placed his robotic paws on her forehead, his blue halo fading in and out as he began the process of erasing her memories of the traumatic incident.
Mateo watched the entire incident unfold from the safety of the closet, his young eyes wide with both fear and fascination. The sight of the majestic robotic creature with its three blue eyes sent shivers down his spine, yet he couldn't tear his gaze away. His heart pounded with horror as he wondered if the creature would lead him to the black monster who had taken his mother from him. However, to his relief, the creature seemed to look away, as if disappointed, before departing, leaving the black monster alone.
As the black-clad figure donned his hideous black crown and departed, leaving poor Rosa lying on the ground, her once beautiful hair strewn across the floor, blood spattered all around, and her fingernails cruelly clipped, Mateo's heart ached with sorrow and fear for his mother.
Mateo slowly emerged from the sanctuary of his closet and approached his comatose mother with hesitant steps. Strangely, he didn't scream or cry; instead, he felt numb, unable to fully process the horrific events that had unfolded before him. All he knew in that moment was the overwhelming sense of loneliness that enveloped him, as he realized he was now all alone in the world.
…
Hours had passed since Sol went on his escapade and Caulot's worry grew proportional to the time he spent searching for Sol, after he had bought breakfast he had made his way to Rodrigo. Of course they asked him where Sol went. Caulot had told them honestly what had occurred before both Rodrigo and Gareth glanced at each other with concern. Rodrigo mentioned how they had to make themselves present to the castle before sunset. That was their deadline or else they'll miss their opportunity.
Caulot quickly scanned the nearby alley, taking note of the sun's position, we still have some time, come on Sol, where are you?
Caulot checked another alleyway before accidentally stumbling over a metallic object. As he looked up from his fallen state, his eyes widened in surprise. However, his surprise quickly turned to relief when he realized it was Sol.
"Sol, where were you? I've been looking all over for you," Caulot exclaimed, reaching out to grab Sol's hand and pull him forward.
But to Caulot's dismay, Sol didn't budge. In fact, he remained completely still, resembling a statue in the middle of the street.
"Sol! Snap out of it! Remember why we came here?" Caulot urged, his voice tinged with concern and urgency.
Sol's body quickly snapped out of its trance, and he glanced at Caulot, confusion evident in his eyes.
"How long was I out for?" he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment.
"Nearly half the day. Look, it's nearly sunset," Caulot replied, pointing at the sun sinking low behind him.
"I see, I don't really remember what had happened beforehand, we should make our way to Rodrigo."
Caulot wore a worried face before explaining to Sol the situation, Sol, understanding what was going on, questioned Caulot "I see, and where would this meeting place be at?"
Caulot pointed behind Sol, a castle on an elevated hill greeted the duo. Sol glanced at Caulot giving him a nod before they both began jogging to the castle.
As Sol and Caulot approached the castle gate, they were met with the sight of guards wearing formidable plate armor, each bearing a symbol on their caps. Just as they were about to enter, the guards stationed above on the castle walls halted them in their tracks.
"Halt! This castle is under our Lord's control. State your business!" one of the guards commanded, their tone stern and authoritative.
Sol responded "we're here with orders from Sir Rodrigo."
The guard acknowledged his answer before questioning further "and who might you two be?"
"My name is Sol, and the one beside me is Caulot," Sol answered confidently, providing their identities to the guards.
After a brief pause filled with tense anticipation, one of the guards left momentarily, leaving an uneasy silence hanging in the air. Moments later, the guard returned and nodded to the guard controlling the gate. With a creak, the gate was opened just wide enough for Sol and Caulot to squeeze their way through, granting them entry into the castle grounds.
"You are allowed to enter, meet with Rodrigo at the barracks"
As Sol and Caulot entered the castle courtyard, they were greeted by a scene of bustling activity and disciplined order. The gate closed behind them, sealing off the outside world and enveloping them in the protective embrace of the stronghold.
The castle grounds were immaculately kept, with well-manicured lawns and neatly trimmed hedges bordering the pathways. Tall stone walls surrounded the courtyard, their imposing presence a testament to the castle's strength and fortitude. Towers loomed overhead, their sturdy battlements manned by vigilant guards keeping watch over the realm.
Within the courtyard, men sparred with each other, their movements fluid and precise as they trained with wooden swords. The clang of metal against wood echoed through the air, accompanied by the shouts and grunts of exertion from the combatants. Soldiers drilled in formation, their disciplined movements a testament to their rigorous training regimen.
Sol couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over him as he observed the scene before him. It was as if he had witnessed it all before, as if he had once commanded his own troop and led armies into battle. Yet, deep down, Sol knew that he had never wielded a blade or held command over soldiers. The feeling of déjà vu lingered, a puzzling mystery that added to the enigma of his 'buried' past.
The exterior of the barracks presented a formidable sight, standing tall and imposing against the backdrop of the castle grounds. Its walls were constructed from sturdy stone, weathered by years of exposure to the elements, while wooden beams reinforced the structure, adding to its strength and durability.
The entrance was flanked by two stone pillars, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of battle and valor. Above the doorway, a wooden sign bearing the emblem of the castle swung gently in the breeze, creaking softly as it moved.
They arrived at the doorstep of the barracks, to their surprise Rodrigo wasn't waiting for them inside but rather outside of it. Ordering the guard to leave the duo he faced Sol asking him.
"You sure enjoy causing grief to others eh?"
Sol went cold, a chill traveled across spine.
Does he know? No Rodrigo couldn't have known.
Sol readied his stance preparing for an attack before Rodrigo chuckled and faced Caulot.
"Man it must be rough for you kid, does Sol always have the habit of leaving you alone?" He then faced Sol "can't believe you let the kid do all the chores, next time do it together."
"Tonight, you two will be tested," Rodrigo declared, his voice solemn yet resolute.
"Whether you are worthy of joining our ranks. This will test both your skill and, most importantly, your honor. To see whether you bear what it takes to be a knight of our Lord, who was granted the title Purple by our pompous royalty."
As Rodrigo announced his plans, a knight approached the trio, his imposing figure clad in armor reminiscent of Rodrigo's but on a grander scale. Behind both Sol and Caulot, the knight stood, his presence commanding attention, adorned with a cape bearing the emblem of the old purple flag.
Rodrigo, ever vigilant, immediately saluted the approaching knight, a gesture of respect and recognition. He then waved for Sol and Caulot to follow suit, signaling the importance of the newcomer's presence.
The knight's armor was an impressive display of craftsmanship, resembling that of Rodrigo's but more grandiose in scale. Each piece of armor was meticulously forged, boasting intricate detailing and embellishments that spoke of the knight's noble lineage and status. The chest plate bore the emblem of the old purple flag: a striking purple cross with a majestic blue eagle emblazoned upon it. This symbol of honor and loyalty to their cause was proudly displayed, gleaming with a polished sheen under the sunlight.
His helmet, adorned with a plume of feathers, obscured his face, adding an air of mystery and authority to his presence. A flowing cape, bearing the same emblem as his armor, trailed behind him as he moved, billowing with regal elegance. The combination of polished armor and flowing cape created a commanding silhouette, signaling the knight's esteemed status and unwavering dedication to his cause.
"Sir Wasfed, these two will be the ones who will be tested tonight."
Sir Wasfed wasted no time in addressing them, his attention focused particularly on Sol. "So, you must be the black knight who took on Rodrigo and won without using martial arts," he stated, his voice resonating with a hint of admiration.
"Impressive indeed. Gareth has spoken highly of your exploits. You will undoubtedly make a fine addition to our order."
Sir Wasfed's voice carried both authority and honor as he addressed Caulot.
"And you must be the young boy who took on Gareth," he began, his tone respectful yet firm.
"Despite lacking strength, you still challenged Gareth, a superior opponent. That is bravery indeed."
Caulot stood a little straighter, a flicker of pride shining in his eyes at the acknowledgment of his courage.
"You will also be needed," Sir Wasfed continued, his words carrying weight as he acknowledged Caulot's importance in the upcoming trials.
Sir Wasfed's gesture of placing his palm on their shoulders conveyed both reassurance and encouragement. Sol and Caulot felt a sense of solidarity as they stood side by side, ready to face the challenges ahead.
Turning his attention back to Rodrigo, Sir Wasfed spoke with authority, "It'll soon be time for the initiation. Let these two prepare themselves." His words echoed with a sense of inevitability.
Rodrigo nodded in understanding as Caulot voiced his question to Sir Wasfed.
"Prepare ourselves? What do you mean, sir?" Caulot inquired, his curiosity evident in his tone.
"For the duel, of course," Sir Wasfed replied, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Within the barracks is an armory. You are allowed to use any equipment available to you."
Caulot's eyes widened in excitement at the prospect of the duel, but then narrowed in curiosity as a question formed in his mind.
"Wait, if this is a duel, why would we be using steel weaponry? Wouldn't wooden swords do?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty.
Caulot's worry gnawed at him as he contemplated his lack of experience with actual weaponry. The memory of his near-death experience flashed through his mind, reminding him of the dangers that awaited him in the upcoming duel. Doubt crept in, overshadowing his confidence in his ability to wield a sword effectively. Would he be able to survive, let alone win, against skilled opponents?
He glanced beside him at Sol, who stood almost motionless, his expression unreadable. Sol's calm demeanor contrasted with Caulot's inner turmoil, adding to his apprehension. But amidst his uncertainty, Caulot found solace in the knowledge that they were in this together, facing the challenges ahead as a team.
Sir Wasfed, noticing Caulot's expression, addressed them with understanding.
"You still have time to prepare," he announced, his tone reassuring.
"I'd recommend polishing your skills with Sol. In the meantime, Rodrigo and I will attend to our lord. Once that's finished, we'll come back for you."
With that, Sir Wasfed departed, signaling for Rodrigo to join him. The two knights left the duo standing at the entrance of the barracks, leaving them to contemplate the upcoming challenge and prepare themselves for the trials ahead.
Sol motioned for Caulot to enter the building, and together they stepped inside. The sight that greeted them was one of deserted beds, still kept in good condition despite their lack of use. Ahead of them stood a door leading to the armory, the room where they would find the weapons and armor needed for their preparations.
Making their way to the door, they pushed it open and entered the armory. What they saw took their breath away: numerous weapons and armors were scattered across the room, each one designed in a similar fashion to what Rodrigo and Wasfed wore. Swords gleamed in the dim light, shields stood proudly against the walls, and suits of armor stood sentinel, waiting to be donned by the warriors who would wield them in battle.
"This will do," he affirmed, his gaze sweeping across the array of weapons and armor before them. "Caulot, I know you are worried, and you have every right to be. Neither of us know martial arts. The only way we can win—no, survive this—is by choosing our equipment wisely."
With Sol's reassurance echoing in his mind, Caulot felt a sense of relief wash over him. He trusted Sol's judgment and knew that they would face the challenges ahead together, as a team. With renewed determination, the duo began preparing for the climactic duel that awaited them.