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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Jan 16, 2024 19:27:24 GMT
Post by Dobu on Jan 16, 2024 19:27:24 GMT
At What Cost?
Part 4
Each room extravagantly decorated, each window blocking out all light which would dare attempt to enter from outside, each hall illuminated by a dim rose red. The shadows almost seemed to boil. Twisting as if alive and yet there was no fear coming from a single life wandering the halls. This was normal… almost as normal as the well-dressed men and women, some in suits and tuxedos while others wore frilly dresses and expensive robes. Their steps muffled by the royal red carpet, their shadows moving across the walls crafted from smooth stonework and lacquered dark oak. Curtains embroidered with silver and gold draped themselves over almost every crimson pane; the chandeliers hanging with lit candles seemed to burn indefinitely with a ceaseless, blood red flame.
The atmosphere was enough to choke the very air out of your lungs. Moving through the halls felt like wading through molasses, and yet the denizens did not seem to be affected at all. Perhaps it was their sense of immunity or maybe they were just too engrossed in their pleasures to care. Indeed, the only thing which could be heard – besides the steps and small chatter of the occasional passersby – were the unbridled and consistent moans and screams of others. It was no torture. No death dealing. Just the normal standard of lustful debauchery. A massive estate, almost like that of a cathedral made into a mansion but showered in immense darkness. Such is the nature of the hiding place for the gates of hell, and Lilith’s personal home.
“This place is just as disgusting as it was the first time I was here,” Mayray commented as she slid the door shut silently.
“It’s not that bad. Then again, I could probably say even the Forge isn’t like this... I think it would be a funny change.”
Hellfire was busy, but not busy enough to leave his siter’s comment alone. He twisted his sword deeper into the chest of the human who had previously occupied the room before them whilst another finger pressed against his lips as if to signal any sound he made would be his last. Kikana stood close to her daughter, almost in a protective way, but her daughter was consistently wary of her presence and made that impossible.
All of them wore clothes of the same quality as anyone else in the building. Mayray wore a black backless cross-split dress; Hellfire chose to wear an outfit the likes of which he could only bring out on an occasion like this. Black slacks and a black turtleneck, a somehow even blacker leather cloak with a pair of long boots which looked to be made from leather and fastened with ruby clasps – the same ruby which adorned the rings on his fingers and the ball of his walking cane.
“Shut your dumb ass up, Hellfire. Did you really have to show up dressed like a fucking gay vampire?” Mayray spoke in a hostile tone.
“Watch your mouth, bitch. First of all, I look cool as fuck... second, you’re the only one missing out with that last comment. Maybe if you didn’t marry an ancient's forsaken dumbass, you’d have gotten the chance to realize that.”
“Says the person literally screwing an ancient...”
“Psh, and is that supposed to be a fuckin’ insult? Because it ain’t.”
“Can you two be quiet?” Kikana finally spoke up. “For the love of all, you’re both horrible! It’s like watching two children!”
She stopped for a moment and focused, something the two with her had known her to often do. It was a form of meditation she had come to master, a form of focus which allowed her to focus entirely on her surroundings. It was difficult to do and left her entirely lacking in physical response, but it made up for that by allowing her to remain entirely calm and single out certain sounds. It was something she had forced herself to learn... specifically after directly seeing real madness. It was a must, not that the two with her would need to know that. For now, however, she was doing her best to hear though the fully active estate.
She shifted slightly before standing motionlessly. It was a certain calm, a perfect calm; calmness so still not even the crimson shoulderless asymmetrical dress made the slightest movement. All she wanted to do now was listen. Hear their secrets, hear their plans. There was so much she needed to know and so little time to prepare. It was enough to eat at her mind, filling her with uncertainty; burning at her psyche with doubts. She needed to know what was happening to her son.
“We’ve been avoiding this place on purpose, I presume?” Hellfire asked his sister.
“Yes. If possible, it would have been best to not come here.”
“Why? If you ask me, I’d say this is the place we should have checked first. You’ve both been holding secrets from me. I won’t be playing catch up now, and especially not when you have the answers.”
“Secrets aren’t cheap, Hellfire.”
“And neither are my services,” his response came with far more depth than normal. As if each word were rattling through their bones. “You may have forgotten, or perhaps I simply did not make it clear for you... I am consort to an ancient. My ancient. I’ve kept this from them just as you’ve asked, but I will not be left in the dark anymore. I expect answers.”
“Then allow me to give them,” Kikana started again as she moved to sit on the bed located across the room. “This is Lilith’s home, but it also acts as Gahbreal’s first home. It’s his true home, where he stayed during his first life. Lilith left it to all the aikekunai who would come after her, but she had chosen the one who would become Gahbreal’s catalyst.”
“Arc’l, if I’m remembering correctly. The Black Knight?”
“Yes... however, Arc’l was a second choice.”
“What?” Mayray questioned her. “I was made to believe that Arc’l was the only choice she had at the time.”
“No, that is incorrect. In fact, Arc’l was known for being particularly weak among claimants with the nickname of Black Knight being more of a joke. He had no overwhelming power or strength that could topple armies. He was entirely capable only in weapon skill.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Arc’l fought through... wait. Are any of his battles recorded?” Mayray’s question caused her mother to look at her with a serious stare.
“All of his fights, both wars and skirmishes, were never recorded. He didn’t want them recorded, and he certainly didn’t want anyone to know how he fought. Simply put, that’s because the Black Knight was just a cutthroat. A thief. A murderer. He was most known for his almost fanatical loyalty, but even more for his standard of depraved morality. If he was not strong, he wouldn’t act like it... and his enemies would suffer the most for it.”
“So, shadow wars.”
“Correct. He was liable to attack you in your sleep than face you head on, and his abilities only made it worse to defend against. You’d have to stay up for days if you expected him to attack you, and even still he would stay up longer just waiting for the perfect time to plunge his sword into your back. That's why Lilith called him a Lord's Sword, and our ancestors called him Shadow Lord.”
“Then who was the first choice?” Hellfire spoke.
Kikana looked at the male, still impaled by her son’s weapon, and watched as he finally relented. His final breath was calm, simple, serene. Almost as if undisturbed by the thought of dying here in this manner. She thought to herself if that were a decent way to see things, to view all of this; then she closed her eyes and could only see the face of her son before opening them again. The two before her, the one they could not find... that is why there is no decency in failing or giving up. There never was. She had to recall her own teachings and reinforce them; remembering that there is no point in questioning what must be done.
“My grandmother. She was the first choice, Kana Dimea. She was Lilith’s most trusted advisor and warrior, and our family has been working to keep that standard of warriors for both our family and our house. I, personally, harbor fragments of her soul. It was her request that I be made to mimic her entirely... she refused the position of aikekunai for that. Then my son was made to take her place.”
“Why Gahbreal?” Mayray asked.
“I still don’t understand myself. She had even been the one to choose the name, but I didn’t even feel the desire to oppose the decision. It almost felt right. The final say was Lady Lilith's.”
“All of this is nice, but it still doesn’t answer my question. Why didn’t we come here first?” Hellfire spoke up to which Kikana sighed.
“Because that means our entire family is allied with this place. Not just allied, but in terms of connection we are settled firmly beneath it and haven’t been capable of rising above it. The denizens of this place are mostly human, but any claimants residing in these halls other than us are all going to be affiliated with either Lilith or Gahbreal. Aside from my grandmother, no one else from our house had been allowed in these halls as far as I know.”
“Okay... and?”
“Fucking idiot,” Mayray growled out as she rushed over to him and grabbed his collar. “It means that our only opposition are people Lilith herself thought were worthy enough to be here or people Gahbreal’s past lives chose to be here. In other words, his apprentices. We still haven’t brought them up to you for a reason, and I don’t care how important you think you are because we’re still not going to do that until we have no choice. Long story short, if we get found out for being here, we likely die.”
“I would like to say your sister is wrong, but she is correct. These people were all specially trained and chosen for a reason. Even the humans here can be troublesome. I’m hoping that two of them are specifically not here, but I am not sure. The walls are too thick, and it’s difficult to hear with all the noise already.”
“Seriously? I don’t believe you, but I’ll apply myself. Not that it’ll matter. I’ll just kill anyone who gets in the way.”
“For the love of... fuck it. You’re going with mom. Stick close to her. Do not let her out of your sight, for both of your sakes. I’ll be doing my own thing. If I find anything interesting, I’ll send a message.”
“I will do the same if we find something,” Kikana responded before leaving the room and closing the door behind herself.
There was a moment of silence. Kikana was tired, she looked tired. Dark circles forming around her eyes only served to strengthen the idea she had not been sleeping. Her ears seemed to twitch constantly, her hands constantly finding themselves clasping in front of her chest, but everyone knew she prayed to no ancient. Her head lowered, eyes shutting tightly; it was as if bells were tolling in her head and there was nothing she could do to stop it. However, the feeling of Hellfire’s hand on her shoulder caused it all to cease. She nearly jumped out of her skin which was odd; a reaction he had never seen before.
“Don’t do that!”
“There’s no point in worrying about it,” his words lacked all the subtle plays they normally carried. “If something is wrong here, we will find it. If someone stands in our way, we cut them down. Don’t forget who we are. Before our houses we are all one thing.”
“Yes... let’s go.”
The click of her heels was nonexistent. Kikana’s every step like a waltz through a realm of silence, meanwhile Hellfire moved with a more relaxed stride. For the first time in a very long time, he chose to leave his sword in the Forge; beneath Evyette’s watchful gaze. As calm and carefree as he seemed, he also moved in the same manner as his mother. Thier every step cloaked in silence as they passed by multiple people who seemed almost not entirely there. It felt as if they weren’t truly aware of anything around them and were simply doing as they were commanded. It was slightly unnerving. As if they were husks of humans and not humans themselves.
“Weird. These idiots aren’t even paying attention,” Hellfire whispered as he watched a human male walk by.
“That doesn’t mean you should drop your guard. Remain vigilant. There may be particularly dangerous claimants here.”
“Are you ever going to elaborate on those two you were hoping to not see?”
“No,” she started as she peaked into a room only to find several nude individuals before closing the door with a disgusted scowl. “If I can avoid it, I won’t tell you at all. You are enough trouble as is. The last thing I need is you finding another way to get in the way of my work.”
The boy chuckled, an action telling her that she was completely correct in her assumption. She stopped at a door and attempted to open it, but when the handle did not budge Hellfire stepped forward. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a small set of gilded tools. It only took him a second to undo the lock, and the moment he did Kikana cracked the door ever so slightly. Now they’d both be capable of hearing the conversation held inside. A woman and a male, their words more coherent than the others they had seen so far. Both dressed in white, black and gold; both looking as if they were preparing for some sort of important duty. Thankfully, neither of them noticed the door.
“I told you this was going to be something big,” the woman spoke.
“I must admit, I didn’t believe you when you said they would be coming. I had thought it’d be another of those nonsensical rumors you’re always falling for.”
“They're not rumors, it’s all legitimate information you fool!”
“Duly noted. However, what does that mean for all of us? They rarely have anything good to say and will surely end up killing another patron.”
“If a patron falls then it is deserved! Do you not remember our creed? Desires above all else. If a patron’s desire falls to another’s then the death is well deserved. They should just stay out of their way.”
“That still doesn’t answer what exactly they’ll be doing here. Perhaps an inspection? But it is not time for that. It makes me believe something has changed,” the male spoke as if getting lost in thought.
“It may truly be time! We’ve been waiting for so long, what other reason could they have to gather?”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. Without Lord Gahbreal, it is meaningless.”
“He will come around. our lord always does.”
“And what of the last life? He went and died without reaching the proper depth. We can’t rely on simple hopes.”
“Then we rely on fact... He has been on the move.”
“You’ve seen him?”
“No, but others claim to have spotted him in other realms. Places he normally wouldn’t go around the world, as if searching for something.”
“We can’t rely on the information of others.”
“Yes, but even the idea that it may be a possibility is reason enough to be prepared. If it is wrong, fine; but what if it’s true?”
“Then I suppose we should prepare... We should tell the others and discuss how to proceed.”
Kikana closed the door without a sound, her footsteps moving much faster than they had been before. Hellfire was right at her back, looking down at her as her eyes focused and her expression immediately switched to default. It still scared him to this day, the way her face showed so little mercy when she was serious. Perhaps it was burned into his psyche. Regardless of if that were the case now, it was certain that one thing was true. Someone important was already here who isn’t Gahbreal himself. Kikana already seemed to know where she was going, but both stopped the moment they spotted a small black rabbit in their path.
“It’s May. Let's go,” Hellfire spoke before the rabbit dashed off.
The two moved quickly, following behind the rabbit which did not slow down at all. Kikana zipped down the halls in a standard fashion, yet her speed was not something to laugh at. Hellfire, surprisingly, stayed extremely close behind. His heavier and more cumbersome clothing did not slow him down at all as his longer strides kept pace. They only slowed back to a walk when finally spotting Mayray who looked in their direction before gesturing towards a vent. Kikana nodded, and they both immediately dashed into the small space while melting into the shadows; leaving Hellfire on his own on the ground floor.
“Really? Fuck you guys. This shit’s so fuckin’ annoying.”
He quickly looked around the area, his eyes settling on a secondary staircase to lead him to a possibly better position. He moved quickly, sticking to shadows and making sure to keep himself as concealed as possible. Times like these almost made him glad he endured his mother’s training behind his father’s back. He couldn’t confidently say he could sneak around so casually if he hadn’t faced all her trials; especially when he was entirely geared towards direct combat in a normal setting. He stopped once he found himself coated in the deepest shadow he could find, his eyes peering down at a large room. A throne, placed in an area where it would be a spectacle to watch from any direction. In the center sat a long table which stretched from the entrance to the foot of the area where the throne had been raised. A grand hall. One which, no doubt, belonged to Lilith.
“Fancy. I’ll say this, Lilith has some taste,” he said with a glare around the corner.
“She thinks herself a queen,” Kikana started as she slipped from the darkness. “Her loyal servants certainly act like she's one. If you think this is nice you should have seen how she dressed. Your great grandmother would say ‘Lilith only wore clothes a god would wear’.”
“Now I sorta wish she’d show up.”
“So you want to die? Just be quiet,” Mayray demanded
“Calm down. Fuck.”
“No, you need to listen. I called you here for a reason. I heard someone speaking and so I followed them. I planned to ignore them, but then they said something specific. We’re here to make sure he wasn’t lying.”
“Then run us by it, dumbass. What are we listening out for-”
The doors burst open, causing his question to stop short. Several maids flooded from the kitchen carrying prepared meals, deserts and beverages. Each dish placed in a certain section of the table; each dish accompanied by a gold-lined glass filled with a reddish pink liquid. With each dish in its place the maids would leave the hall. Then, following their departure, arrived a somewhat elderly looking male. He wore a white and black tuxedo with gold trinkets such as cufflinks and a watch adorning his outfit, all of the finest quality and his silver hair was slicked back in a clean manner. Then, upon pulling a letter from his pocket, he would begin to speak.
“Enter, arch-servants! It is time!”
That was when the hall became filled with the sound of footsteps as twelve more others dressed in white, black and gold entered the room; two of them being the ones Kikana and Hellfire had been eavesdropping on prior to meeting with Mayray. Seven male, five female, most of them claimants and all rather young. They did not sit, and they did not move from the positions they found themselves stationed around the room. What they did do, however, is speak.
“So, it’s finally time, huh?” one of the ladies started.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” the shortest of the males spoke. “D-didn’t someone die last time?”
“If you can keep from acting like a coward you might live,” the woman at his side commented in disgust.
“No need to tease the boy. He’s still young, and he is just human.”
“Being young won’t matter if he’s dead and being human just means he already has to try harder than the rest of us.”
“I think we should all just try to get along. At least for today.”
“Who gives a damn! The faster this is done the better!”
“Calm down. No one was even talking to you.”
“Huh?! What was that?!”
“That will be more than enough,” the initial male started. No one chose to speak over him. “Your opinions aside, we have a duty to uphold. I assume that none of you will hinder that duty?”
A rhetorical question, needless to say. He held a look in his eyes which said more about his desire to kill than it did his experience doing it. Everyone stood up straight and everyone now held a stoic expression. He placed the simple gold monocle in his coat pocket over his eye and lifted the letter to a proper reading level. The white gloves which covered his hands the exact same color as the paper, and his eyes quickly skimmed over the page before he even began to read.
“I, Leonard A. Ventras, shall begin! A summons has be issued and all the attendees are present! Each shall enter and be seated! Each shall be called on! And then, the banquet may begin!”
The faint echoing of footsteps began to fill the throne hall, slowly but surely. There weren’t many; the clicking of heels, the thumping of boots, and what sounded like bare feet stepping on the marble floors. It didn’t take long for them to start speaking, or for at least one of them to start speaking. The voice sounded both lighthearted and annoyed at the same time. A strong Welsh accent in a flowery tone... Kikana and Mayray recognized it immediately.
“Might someone please bring me a glass of wine? This is already beginning to annoy me,” the voice emerged from the hall accompanied by two others.
“Just be quiet. If you’re going to act like a spoiled child you can leave,” this voice was one they all knew. Commanding, unimpressed, but unexpectedly present. “All your noise is bothersome.”
“Bothersome? What bothers me is being in the same room as all of you for no reason. Oh! Look! There's already wine at the table!”
Emerging from the corridor and entering their sight were three individuals; two of which were the ones both Dimea women had hoped to avoid. One dressed in relatively casual clothes, or at least he had chosen to get as formal as possible. Slacks and a vest with a button up shirt and silk tie. All black, all paisley. A single handkerchief rested in his vest pocket, accompanied by a pen made from exquisite materials. Over it all rested a black hood, unzipped and with a scruffy fur interior; the only thing which looked like it didn’t belong. He didn’t speak and his umber skin almost seemed to remain cloaked in shadows, even in the light, but his eyes were a normal deep black, much like his short cut hair.
At his side, and thus centered between the others, was the clicking of black thigh high heels. A head of middle red purple hair, which specifically was a point to be proud of in their perfect opinion, bounced just at the edge of the earlobes. Cobalt eyes which held no proper morals. A high neck silk dress of deep crimson, complete with a gold chain around the waist; split thy to reveal black fishnets underneath. A black fur scarf was thrown over the shoulders while black leather gloves covered each hand. A claimant in a black suit walked just behind them carrying what, by the looks of it, was a black fur ushanka. No doubt it belonged to them, and the smugly crazed smirk on their peachy features was the defining touch of their character.
The last of them was the one unexpected. Perhaps it was because none of them had considered the connection, or maybe it was forgetfulness on their own parts. Hair so black it was like looking into the depths of space. Her skin a deep shade of purple yet faded towards tones of gray. One eye covered with a patch, the other as if an amethyst geode were at its center. They walked casually, step by step, her bare feet tapping against the floor as if wanting to be elsewhere, her dress of pure black draped over her rounded belly. Her exposed shoulders almost seeming reflective in the dim lights. Zorelle. Matriarch. Usurper. There were no such things as good intentions wherever she’s found. Following their entrance into the hall, the servant Leonard began to speak again.
“The summoned attendees are as follows. You will answer according to your name. Such is the way of these halls.”
“Hurry up already! The faster the better!” the redhead demanded.
“Of course, madame–”
His quick response was followed by an even quicker death. The fork didn’t bother stopping, passing through the servant’s neck entirely and lodging itself in the wall at his back. He grabbed at his neck, a look of subtle panic on his face as blood splattered all over the table and pooled at his feet. He stepped back, his foot slipping in the crimson paste as he fell to the floor. A moment passed of the normal gargling and coughing… then silence.
“You idiot. Do you know how long it’s going to take to replace him?” Zorelle started before turning to the shortest servant. “You!”
“M-me?” he responded.
“What? Who else? Go get his papers and read them. No need for any extra speaking and get the titles right, or else this jackass will kill you too.”
“O-of course!” He spoke before walking across the room. He looked at the now deceased head of the servants and paused for a moment before inevitably picking up the fancy scroll. “W-well! Lady Zorelle Kinoz!”
“Present. And stop yelling. By the ancients, you're all trying to give me a headache.”
“Of! I-I mean, of course... Sir Addinia Desdon.”
“Here!” The voice echoed directly from the one wearing the red dress; the one who had just killed their head servant. The servant could only focus on how he sounded like a girl. “By the way, I suppose I should make this known for any who may have forgotten. I kill on whims but if you call me a girl... I’ll do it because I want to.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t dress like a girl if you don’t want to get confused for one,” Zorelle responded with a yawn.
“I can wear whatever I want! You’d do well to remember that!”
“Well, if you want to be treated like a princess don’t get upset when you get called one. You already sound like your balls have never dropped, dumbass. Looks are what people see first, they don't know you.”
Hellfire could see the seriousness on Mayray’s face as he struggled to hold back his laughter. Her face twisting towards malice as she whispered, “don’t you fucking dare!”
“U-uh, the last name is Sir Ardess Dimea?” the servant spoke.
“Here,” the voice was accompanied by a raised hand but not much else. He was entirely invested in his phone and didn’t even look up. “Speak with a bit more confidence next time. That’ll be all; you can go. You can all come clean up the body later. Preferably when Addinia is gone.”
“Yes, Sir Ardess,” one of the female servants spoke before quickly gathering the others and ushering them out.
With the hall cleared of servants, and a single corpse decorating the hall, all that was left now sat the three summoned and the one still holding Addinia’s hat. Addinia immediately grabbed the goblet and downed the liquid inside. Zorelle simply looked at him with disapproval written all over her face. Meanwhile Hellfire, Kikana and Mayray were all quietly waiting for what would be said next. What was the purpose for them all being called here? More specifically, they wanted to know Gahbreal’s whereabouts. Hellfire, however, was more concerned with discovering who the two males even were. The names were entirely unknown to him.
“So, Ardess.” He looked annoyed the moment he heard his voice.
“What do you want, Addinia?”
“No need to be so stiff. I just wanted to talk. I don’t think I’ve seen you at the table in quite a while.”
“We don’t always get called together. I don’t always see you here either. We all have our own work to deal with.”
“I know that, but I’m curious,” he said with a smile. “When was the last time you were summoned? I hear you’re rarely ever called.”
“True. I believe the last time I was called for anything serious was when they wanted me to help with a siege.”
“A ‘siege’?” Addinia looked confused.
“You still just call them all massacres?” Zorelle asked with a lowered brow.
“Isn’t that what every fight is? Perhaps it isn’t for failures.”
“Please. You just don’t care about the lives around you.
“That’s true. Anyway, tell me about this siege you took part in.”
“It wasn’t anything special. Gahbreal was dealing with a certain issue I shall not name. He requested that I deal with his work in the meantime. Apparently, he had to tend to a friend… he did not tell me much else,” Kikana could tell from the tone of his voice. Ardess was lying at the end.
“I wish I’d get called for things so fun. I just get asked to do paperwork.”
“What did you expect? When Gahbreal took on a new apprentice you specifically made their life a living hell,” Zorelle sneered.
“That’s no apprentice! She was just a catalyst slipping into his bed; crafting up a false heir. I’m surprised you all let it slide. Now we have that hellion to deal with.”
“Calm down, Addinia.” Ardess’s voice echoed through the hall. “It’s not your place to decide. What each life chooses to do is their own decision. Cyva was just a stepping stone for that life, and he always returned where he belongs in the end.”
“And yet the last one did not adhere to those simple terms.”
Addinia’s comment brought an almost still quiet over the hall. As much as none of them wanted to admit it... he was right, and even Kikana knew it. When Gahbreal’s previous life had ended in such a simple way she could tell immediately that something was wrong. A cycle spanning for such a long period of time does not simply break on a whim. That was why she had become concerned to begin with, and bringing her children here was nothing more than a means to secure the information she desired. She believed Mayray would be willing for the sake of her younger brother, and she assumed Hellfire would if the chance for learning more about the claimant he so desperately wanted to kill were a possibility. However, a part of her wanted them to understand the depth of the situation their family is now in. Only if by a little.
“There’s always a chance he just chose to end it himself before the time came,” Zorelle started.
“It’s a possibility. I wouldn’t be surprised if he figured it out and attempted to set a standard for his next life. His body is carefully crafted along with his soul. I did a lot of research in the past on the matter of his soul and how it functions. For instance, the other aikekunai are all truly their own claimant, but Gahbreal has always been built to come back the same. He looks the same as he did with his first life, functions almost entirely the same as well. The only outlier was Gabriel, but he still couldn’t shake the attachment to the madness in his soul he so desperately tried to deny.”
“Ardess. Why have you never brought this up with us sooner?” Addinia questioned him.
“Because I wanted to be certain of two things; that I wasn’t jumping at straws, and that no one acted on my suspicions. At best I’d be led to assume that you, Addinia, would attempt to intervene in some way. I wanted to avoid that. Now, however, I don’t know what might be going on... long story short his body doesn’t change, and his tendencies don’t change. The only major change is the life itself which leads in its own direction and gives its additions to the original soul before returning to standard. However, his previous life cut that cycle short.”
“Wondering won’t solve the problem at hand,” Zorelle said as she began tasting the meal at her seat. Filet mignon doused in a red sauce, the scent of savory red wine emanating from it. “Let’s just discuss whatever the topic is for this meeting and be done. So? Who summoned us?”
“Lady Zorelle,” Ardess started as he placed his phone on the table. “I was led to believe it was you who had called us; at least that was my assumption.”
“I thought it was you,” she responded.
“Same,” Addinia added. “You rarely ever get summoned with us, so I had believed you were the one who called Ardess.”
They all looked at one another for a moment. Then, as if feeling a sense of imminent threat, Addinia stood to his feet and turned on his heel. He was nervous, and that was more than enough to draw everyone’s eyes to what he had noticed. Everyone in tandem felt the same chill on their spine, but none more than Kikana and her two children. Standing right beside the throne without a single sound, no one knowing when they had gotten there or how long they had been there, stood a woman with the exact same build as Kikana but with much longer hair. She wore a veil which covered her face; a long sheer dress which did little to conceal her bare skin beneath, but her skin itself was covered in a thin layer of darkness. Even her face was hidden beneath it, but Kikana and Mayray's eyes could easily see through such darkness. Flimsy clothing covering what looked to others like a living shadow. Mayray, Hellfire and Kikana knew exactly who it was.
“Lady Nokstina?” Zorelle spoke. “You’re here?”
“Mother,” Hellfire’s voice slipped to Kikana’s ears. “What is our cousin doing here?”
Before she could even answer him, the woman herself began to speak. Her words were like a whisper directly into everyone's ears. “You’ve become complacent, Addinia. I expected you to be the most aware... Don’t forget what you were taught. That life of yours is more valuable than you may believe.”
“Of course,” the words nearly hissed out of his mouth as he spun the chair around and sat now facing her. Legs crossed and face fully displaying his displeasure, Addinia retrieved the fancy slice of cake which occupied his position on the table and began to eat. “So, it was you who called us?”
“Indeed. Does that disturb you?”
“From my experience you never choose to call me unless you want something from me. Am I wrong to assume this is the same type of situation?”
“Most certainly. While I do enjoy having you wag your tail for me, this is more important. We’re waiting for orders.”
The mere mention of orders was enough to surprise even Ardess, but it was exactly what Kikana had been waiting to hear. If this could lead them to Gahbreal that would be the only thing she needed. There were preparations which needed to take place, not to mention the condition of his family. This wasn’t something that could be left alone like it could be in the past.
Why do I care so much? There was a time when thoughts like these, second guessing, were purged from my mind. There is a duty I am sworn to accomplish, a purpose it is my oath to uphold! My very life was brought about for the sole reason of having this boy be the perfect aikekunai, and yet now I find myself here... breaking that oath. What am I doing? Why have I chosen now of all times to rebel? This isn’t for that loathsome ancient, it’s not for my family and it’s not for me! So why? What leads me to make these leaps and jumps like this? Why do I feel so compelled to do this?
“Do not insult me, Nokstina!” Addinia snapped as his eyes locked with hers. “I will not hesitate to end you.”
“And which attempt would that be for you? The hundredth? Thousandth? At least you're sharpening yourself as we speak. That anger is befitting of you.," Nokstina whispered as she watched his expression dramatically turn sour. "Just calm down and be quiet. We have more important things to prepare for... he’s chosen to pay her a visit of his own volition.” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Post by Dobu on Jan 20, 2024 7:02:47 GMT
At What Cost?
Part 5
The soft clicking, echoing out in the dark as if to remind anyone close enough to hear that they were never truly alone in this place. A calm, consistent breathing could be heard in the dark, filling the chamber with depth and foreboding. However, there was no malice behind it. It was pleasant, welcoming, almost as if happily content with the metal box they called their home – its materials like a black iron held together with unknown alloy bolts. But what is calm without a descent? What is calm in this dark room, blood as dark as the void pooling along the ground and sliding down the carved paths in the stone below. A system for drainage, cleansing oneself of the impurities of madness.
The chains rattled for a moment, soft and subtle, as the box shifted ever so slightly. From within a low and relaxed yawn, as if it came from a person who had just finished sleeping through a century. Then, a set of deep blue eyes carrying a subtle glow opened just near the top of the metal box; a small compartment allowing only those eyes to be seen on a scruffy male’s face.
“It’s finally time,” the voice bellowed out from within the case. “Who’d have thought you’d come so soon, and with such a distinctively sour expression... Gahbreal.”
“You were expecting me?” his voice echoed off the stone walls.
“Indeed. No matter how long it takes, your lives always find their way here. Well, excluding the last.”
“How do you know about my lives?” The question came out more like a demand.
“What, did you think I just sleep all day in here?” the male responded with a low chuckle. “I have my visitors; claimants who tell me about what’s happening on the outside. It’s... calming.”
The conversation felt far too natural. Perhaps it was because of the distinct connection between the two or even as if it had played out several times in the past. But these thoughts themselves felt entirely different. The subtle dinging of the chains now subtle rattling as Marz shifted within his metal box. His chosen prison. Yet now, in this single moment above all others, he felt as if something were odd. Like some small detail was different from what it normally would be. No, better yet... different from what it normally should be.
“I thought this prison acted as a prison and only certain claimants were allowed to visit.”
“You’re not entirely incorrect. Those who can visit are limited. However,” he started as his eyes came closer to the opening in the box. “There are more, much like yourself, who can go where they please whenever they choose.”
“Is that correct? I came here looking for answers.”
“Answers... answers? Didn't you come here because you already have the... wait... you aren’t awakened yet.”
“What?” Gahbreal spoke with a confused glare.
“You aren’t awakened, you’re still asleep! That means I’m not really talking to Gahbreal; I’m talking to one of his wolves, his lives! Do you know what this means?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. What do you mean?”
“Have you stared into the abyss?” The question sounded so new it was shocking. Then again, the idea of the abyss was something he did not believe could be viewed. “Answer me, claimant.”
“The abyss is not something you can just look at. It’s a punishment. A destination for those who have done exceptional wrongs.”
“You’re correct, but what abyss are you talking about?” His words were like a drug. Each one becoming more addictive than the last. “I’m talking about the very extent of darkness. Where everything collides but is also nothing. Your senses bombarded, your thoughts unraveled, and your morality diminished.”
“Why have I not heard of this darkness you speak of?”
“Heard of it? My boy, you created it. You were the one who sought deeper depths of power; you were the one who strove to delve even deeper into what darkness is. You’ve struck others with it, but have you truly felt it yourself? Or has the current you been holding it back?”
Gahbreal looked at himself. Cloaked in shadows, covered in darkness which tickled his skin and yet... it was separate from him. With each passing second, he found himself noticing it more and more. Marz’s words carried truth behind them; he was subconsciously keeping himself disconnected from his own darkness. He took his eyes off Marz for a moment, looking down at his own self, and there he saw the darkness covering him almost entirely. It condensed itself, forming a tight ball in the palm of his hand and it was there he saw it, that swirling ball of darkness so deep it felt like an entirely different world rested within it.
“So, I assume you know why I came here then.”
“Yes, I do... but humor me first.”
“Excuse me?” Gahbreal said with a raised brow.
“Is that too much to ask? I suppose this would technically be my first time meeting a new face in several thousand years. I’m beginning to grow tired, so just for a moment.”
“Didn’t you say you’ve met with my previous lives? What makes me so different?”
“You aren’t awakened yet. Once it happens, I won’t get the chance again.” The following pause was enough to make him believe Marz had fallen asleep. Then, “how have you faired? The work has not been too hard on you, has it?”
“Sometimes... well, sometimes it can be overbearing. However, I do it because it must be done. Someone must do it.”
“Are you proud?” his words gave the aikekunai pause.
“No... never.”
“I see... you are indeed your own person as of this moment... what of this life? Has it pleased you?”
“My life? Yes. My previous life married a chaos claimant, and now I have a daughter.”
“A daughter?” Another pause. “She won’t be too happy about that.”
“What?”
“Do you treasure your daughter?”
“That question is quite an understatement.” This, given their conversation, was the first time he chose to smile. “That girl is everything to me.”
“Good,” Marz’s voice calm; like a river. “Then remember this... When you speak with her, those feelings are going to become difficult to maintain. She will make you see what your truth. Knowing that, are you still certain? Do you still plan to follow this path?”
“I must,” his response came immediately. “A part of my mind keeps telling me that she knows why my mind falters. I will have her give me the answers I seek.”
“Well... I will not stop you. You know what you must do, Gahbreal. Face yourself. And do not falter.”
He could see Marz’s blue eyes blink once more before closing entirely. Several calm breaths and the entire metal box became still, as if no life were within it at all. Gahbreal looked at the ball of darkness in his hand before letting it drop to the floor; watching as it burst upon impact and filled the room with a dense and dark miasma. It was like a summer fog, resting in the air before melding with the dark already around them, but it was more than enough to touch Marz with even the slightest trace of madness. A madness so surreal it could be taken for a dream entirely. For a moment he could swear he felt his chest tighten, but then a light yawn arose from within the box. Only a moment more and where blue eyes once rested now opened a set of glowing ruby-like circles.
He could once see the parts of Marz’s face accompanied by his gaze, but now the darkness within the box seemed so thick even he could not perceive the features within. The black blood once trailing the floor to each drain began to gain color. So much in fact that what was once liquid darkness had now become streams of almost glowing bright red. It filled the room with a somewhat addicting aroma, filling both his senses and his mind. It was at this point he had realized the eyes peering at him and, once again, he felt his chest tighten. It wasn’t fear nor some childish nervousness. He almost didn’t want to admit it or accept it, but it could not be denied. It was something he felt every time he entered his own home... nostalgia.
“Me and Marz,” she started with a perpetually pleasant voice. “We both share the same memories. Almost like a dream within a dream. Ideas within our respective slumber. You’ve no shame.”
“What are you talking about, Lilith?” Gahbreal asked.
“What do you mean? Or perhaps the assumption was incorrect... you truly are not fully awake, just as Marz thought. How troublesome.”
“Answer me, Lilith.”
“My, you keep saying my name like that and my heart will fly out of my chest. Right... Gahbreal.”
He could feel his heart pounding, the pace speeding up exponentially. He almost thought it best to draw his weapon and yet there was no reason to do it. Not because he felt it futile or because he saw himself as too weak. Rather he found that there was no reason to do it at all. His heart wasn’t just racing, but it was fluttering. He was pleased.
“What did you do to me?” he started with a scowl.
“Don’t look at me like that. As always, I’ve been the one waiting for you. But, seeing as you aren’t awake, I suppose you came here for something else? So bold, and even after going off and having an entire family of your own! Well, I suppose I could let that slide.”
“No games, Lilith. Tell me why you keep filling my mind. Why I keep finding myself drawn to this place.”
“You’re so serious, but I suppose that works for you. You are one of a kind after all. Well then, do you want to do this the quick way or the substantially shorter way?”
“What?”
“If you desire, I can explain it all. Or, if you’re feeling like you’re up to it,” she paused as a pale slender finger poked out of the box next to her eyes and pointed in his direction. “You can unlock the box and let me out.”
“Are you mad?” he responded with a furrowed brow.
“I can assure you that I won’t do anything crazy and go right back in, if you so desire. Besides, Marz was the one who chose to be locked away here and I, as the one with all the good qualities, chose to accept that decision. When I’m ready to leave I’ll do so without opposition. Or, well, at least none which would matter.”
“Even so, I’d rather you explain things from inside the—”
“Actually, I’ve changed my mind.” Lilith cut him off whilst giggling. “If you want your answers, you’ll have to open the box. Now... what will you do?”
Gahbreal watched for a moment, his own eyes staring directly into her own without either blinking. He came here for answers, that was the entire reason for appearing before this woman, but now she had already managed to twist things around in her favor. She was just as sly as he could remember, but what memories were those he had recalled? Why did he feel as if this was the exact type of thing she’d do, even though this was technically his first time ever having met her? That curiosity alone was what drove him to step forward and undo the heavy clasps which kept the box sealed.
I will have my answers. I will not have come here for nothing!
The moment the final clasp came undone was the exact moment, he backed away from the box slowly. From what he had known Lilith was certainly fast, but her raw strength behind that speed was the most dangerous thing. Rarely ever using her weapons was something she herself was known for – whether that be lacking the desire to rely on them or simply finding no need – but her techniques in combat were unknown to him entirely. He had heard his family’s combat was tied almost directly with her own, but what would that mean for him?
The box creaked open slowly, revealing the woman who had been sealed within mere seconds prior. He could feel heat rising on his face as she stepped down onto the cold stone floor. The holes in her body, no doubt from the spikes which lined the inside of the metal box, quickly closed as if being stitched by her blood. Even he had to admit how exquisite she was, a head of white hair piling around her ankles as if having never been cut from the day she was locked away and a figure he found entirely perfect. She stretched with a high-pitched groan before looking in his direction with an expression he did not expect. A smile, but not one with malice. Her eyes were soft, her skin even softer as her arms wrapped around his neck.
When did she get so close? I didn’t take my eyes off her for a moment. Did I blink?
A part of him thought it was over here. This would be the moment he died. Xainayne himself had told him of how flawlessly Lilith could snap a neck or pull a skull from its socket. Yet here, in this odd moment, he was still alive. Not only that, but he could also see her so close and so clearly it was almost painfully pleasing. He pondered for a brief second why he was feeling this way, but that second soon passed, and his eyes grew wide. It was an unmistakable feeling; one he knew so well it made his senses tingle, but he couldn’t even bring himself to deny it. The warm and familiar sensation of her lips on his own before she pulled away.
“Do you remember now?”
My eyes were never closed as far as he could remember, and yet my surroundings are all entirely different. Have I been transported somewhere else? No, I would have noticed something like that. This doesn’t seem real; more like some memory I’m only just remembering. This very moment isn’t happening but has already happened. The past. A past I, mere moments ago, could not even recall no matter how hard I tried. It’s all becoming so clear; everything which was kept from me is now filling my mind. It’s overwhelming… but this single memory feels so important. I must remember it all.
The air was thick, but not something unfamiliar. It was the same old same old thing, a harsh and war-torn environment; the buildings and structures around him in ruin as if to symbolize the aftermath of a desperate battle. However, there wasn’t a single soldier in sight. Civilians lying on the cold winter ground steadily being coated with snow, their blood staining that which was there before them. It was a desperate sight and yet, even looking at it so closely, his heart was still. Above all else he would remain prepared.
He raised his axe and rested his eyes on the shape. Tracing each curve and turn upon the metal, each stain and mark left on its face; yet none of it seemed to please him. His fight wasn’t complete. And so, with a deep breath as he raised his arms outward, he looked up at the sky dotted with clouds and sunlight. His cape billowing in the wind as a calm rushed over his entire being. This all felt correct, was correct. This was all for a reason. And that reason was steadily approaching again.
“Kana did a good job, but I had not expected this much from you.”
“A compliment?” he responded with a smile. “I admit, I wasn’t expecting that from you.”
“Oh please, give me at least a little credit. I’m not that heartless, dear aikekunai.”
“I am not my title.”
“Oh? Then please accept my apology,” she spoke as she came into view, stepping through the veil of heavy snow into sight. “I will not make the same mistake again, Gahbreal.”
“Are you prepared?” His axe now at the ready, his heart slowly gaining speed.
“Of course. Let us continue this dance of ours.”
Precious seconds passed them by, both looking at one another in a manner befitting their status. Gahbreal’s eyes piercing through the white haze, attempting to measure the value of her soul. A measure he already knew. On the opposite end, rubies shining through the snowfall, Lilith’s eyes were focused on something else entirely. It wasn’t combat prowess or his power she was concerned with. She was looking at something deeper.
Gahbreal made the first move, his steps unimpeded by the snow as the gap was closed. Lilith watched him closely; shifting her weight in a manner that looked almost as if she were preparing for an elegant dance. To her surprise, she watched as his axe came flying directly as her. She stepped aside with a twirl, but paused when she spotted the quality of his approach. Her eyes followed him intently, unlike before in the way they measured his grace. He didn’t run; the darkness retreating from him person to reveal the armor he wore underneath the cloak, but that armor was also soon discarded.
“Do you plan to give up already? We were just getting started. I must say, I am quite disappointed.”
“Quiet,” he stated as he took his stance. “I’m serious.”
“You’re certain?” Her question caught him entirely off guard. “I still don’t know what you aim to gain from this.”
“Is that so?”
Lilith looked almost panicked for a split second, stepping to the side as his foot nearly decapitated her. She knew he was strong, that was easy to tell just being in the same vicinity, but something wasn’t quite right about all of this. The more she looked at his movements the more she saw the intent behind them. At first there was a belief he had aimed to kill her, but now she wasn’t so sure.
With each strike she threw he would avoid it gracefully, and when he attempted to attack her, she would return the favor in kind. Had they been fighting for multiple days, thrown all these lives away, just for this? Could he possibly be so petty? Could he truly be so willing to throw away all these lives like this? There was a point at which she could remember herself contently being capable of doing the exact same, but was this right? The very thought infuriated her. And with that frustration, she let her strength slip for a single moment.
It was a surprise even to her, the way she so casually became upset with this. Perhaps this was a proper test, a trial for himself, her morality against his own. Or at least that was what she believed before she watched him avoid her strike. An attack she placed her all into, an attack meant to take his head, and he avoided it with a smile. Not only that, but as she raised her arm to defend herself there was an unmistakable weight behind the strike. His fist was more distinct than any other she had felt.
“More,” his words dragged her attention away from combat.
She could feel the shift in their fight almost immediately. Perhaps she had made a mistake letting her frustration get the best of her, or at least that was what she thought. It was only natural that she would feel that way, and especially when each blow he committed was stronger than the last.
“What more do you want from me?” Lilith questioned him.
“This isn’t enough. I can’t accomplish anything with this power!”
It was indeed uncanny. Perhaps she had believed it to be impossible because of who she was, or what she was. However, in this very moment, she had chosen to give her all in response to his resolve; yet Gahbreal was still unsatisfied. Each attack, each strike, each blow looked as if it were filled with an unsettling, unending desperation. Even now, while fighting nearly on par with her, he still desired more?
“Is this not enough? Who would challenge you as you are now?” she asked as her own movements followed his.
Step after step, movement after movement, it all soon fell into sync. Gahbreal’s own form of combat, inherited from Lilith’s own teachings, now displayed in this destructive display. Any onlookers might have been swayed to believe this wasn’t combat at all and, despite the situation, Lilith herself saw it the same way.
He could feel his heart racing in his chest, unlike before where he felt entirely safe, and it vexed him. His enemies remained the same, but nothing ever changed. If it is his duty to protect these claimants, to weed out the ones who had lost their way and turned on their ancients and their houses, then how could he call himself a protector if he isn’t the strongest? How could he move forward if he was so far behind? So, lacking?
It’s so surreal. I remember this all so clearly now. I remember the desperation, the desire to rise above what I was and become so much more. For my house, for my family, for the people I love. That purpose, so overwhelmingly present that not even one of my lives has ever forgotten it. That was why I chose to face her, my teacher, my…
His thoughts ceased; the words couldn’t fix themselves properly in his mind, as if going against the here and now. All he could do was remember it all in a state of awe and astonishment as his body moved in a way he didn’t once believe it could, but now that he was seeing it he knew it was all possible. These were his own feats, his own past actions and actions which were tailored into his very being. His body was made for the very purpose of reenacting those very things. That was why it came as no true surprise when he watched himself battle with Lilith. Although slightly different, they both dance the same.
“That is enough!” Lilith shouted as her weight shifted once again.
“Show me then!”
His response wasn’t her expectation at all. Then again, none of this seemed to fit his description. Before her death Kana had told her many stories about her family, and this boy was present in those tales from the moment he was born. She was told of stoicism, strength, and honor. Of a person who didn’t falter or yield in the face of adversity. A claimant whose willingness to learn and grow past who he was to etch the meaning of who he wants to be into his very soul. Yet as she watched him defend against her kick, she saw something else… anxiety.
“That’s enough, Gahbreal. You haven’t eaten or slept in days.”
“Neither have you… this is nothing,” he attempted to step forward, but only found himself falling to his hands and knees.
“Look at you. It is quite the pathetic sight.”
“Don’t you think I know that!” he started as he forced himself back on his feet. “How many people do you think have died because I was tired? Because my body lacks the qualities I need to press forward? My duties are not the same as yours once were! Pathetic is all I’ve ever been!”
“Gahbreal, that isn’t what I—”
“Do not act like I’m a child!” She could see the exhaustion on his face. The desperation… The disgust. “You will not insult me!”
“Then I apologize!” her words were met with his collapse. She did, however, catch him before he could fall completely.
“What a fucking embarrassment…”
She could see the frustration on his face. His eyes, once like red stars seeking out her heart, now resembling small sapphires. She questioned how stubborn one person could possibly be, then reflected on herself for a moment before nestling his face against her chest. His warmth was certainly reassuring, and his expression was something she found herself content with. Far too much weighed on him, and he allowed it okay purpose. She was sure there were some people he cared for more than others, but every death seemed to shrivel his soul.
“I had thought you heartless during our battle. Watching as I believed you didn’t care for a single one of those lives trampled beneath us… was I correct?”
“Sometimes I ask myself the same thing,” each word filled her with a sense of warmth.
“And what is your conclusion?”
“Mine? Well, I believe I shouldn’t let those types of things weigh on my mind… but I can’t help it. Each death is like a splinter in my soul. I’ll never get used to it.”
“You almost sound like an old man recalling the past,” the woman chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his head. “Then would you be willing to admit defeat?”
“Hah, I suppose I don’t have much of a choice… you’ve bested me, Lady Lilith. I’ve lost this fight.”
He didn’t feel pleased, but he felt entirely content. The freezing air biting at his skin like snakes striking from the shadows, but her warmth wasn’t unwelcome. It almost put his heart at ease. Moments ago it was racing as if he might truly have surpassed the limits he believed were in his way, but now it drummed at a simple pace. Perhaps this was fine. Perhaps there wasn’t anything wrong with not having the title of strongest…
“You aren’t planning on giving up, are you?” Lilith asked. “You know I won’t be willing to accept that.”
“What? You think I care what you choose to accept?”
“Of course! You wouldn't have come to me otherwise... You know, I am well versed in your family’s traditions. I helped Kana make those traditions after all.”
“What does that have to do with… wait, you can’t be serious.”
“I’m afraid I am. You even admitted it yourself. You lost, Gahbreal. You were defeated by me. Now, you are my consort.”
“You didn’t plan this, did you?” he asked as his face lifted to see her own.
“Quite the opposite, actually. I never planned to see you until I was ready to come out on my own. You simply made yourself a desire, and I always get what I desire. Unless, that is, you are displeased with me?”
He looked at her for a moment, his eyes meeting her own as they had done multiple times during their battle. This wasn’t a public display and, reasonably, he had kept the entire things a secret from everyone else. This was meant for him to use as an experience to grow, but now he found himself in this situation that didn’t make any form of sense. From what he understood… this wasn’t anything like her. However, looking in her eyes now, what he was seeing wasn’t anything like his family had described. Malice? Dread? Fear? Where were those things?
“Why me?” he asked.
“Why? Well, let us see… would you believe me if I said because you’re strong?”
“No.”
“You certainly are perceptive… you remind me of a point in my past which I found most pleasant. Your frustration, even as prevalent as it is now, doesn’t mask that peaceful nature. You truly do desire a peaceful world, don’t you?”
She could see his eyes grow slightly wider as he responded. “Yes. As aikekunai I do as I’m told, but that will not be enough. Not if I want the peace I’m looking for.”
“I knew it.”
“What?” he inquired only to find her face right in front of his own. There was something about the way she smiles, a familiar radiance which evaporated his guard.
“I knew you’d be great, I planned for you to be great, but even I didn’t foresee this. You’re carrying all the qualities I love. So, I want you to be mine,” she said as her hands patted the top of his head. “Now it is your turn to answer me… would you be displeased with me?”
He looked her in the face. Partially confused, somewhat incapable of understanding what was going through her mind. She was, without a doubt, mesmerizing simply to look at; yet that wasn’t all which rested on his mind. Looking at her he felt as if he could see something everyone else was missing. Everyone else made it seem as if she were someone to be respected, admired, feared; he couldn’t deny how understandable those qualities were. Perhaps it was because he didn’t view her as competition. Even coming here now was a test – something he felt he needed to if he’d ever see if he were strong enough to achieve his goals. But now? He wasn’t so sure.
Looking at him right now at his lowest stood Lilith, and yet she did not seem to care for his flaws. Him covered in dirt and snow, her in the same condition, just how long had this fight been going on for? The sun had risen and set multiple times, but he hadn’t been counting. However, here where no one else could see them, he saw something no one else had told him about. The warm and welcoming presence of someone who had power; yet chose compassion over it. Right here, in this very moment… Gahbreal felt his heart stir for the first time. |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
Global Moderator
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Post by Dobu on Mar 11, 2024 4:58:01 GMT
Ancient Fearing Individuals
There weren’t many people Gahbreal trusted when it came to his work. At best it was good to leave others out of it; at worst he would need the help and be left with no other choice. Then there were the special cases. When the types he was left to deal with were simply the rowdy sort who didn’t know when to quit. Our classes but still willing to fight for their beliefs… in that scenario he wasn’t necessarily angry because he could understand. That’s what he was doing, fighting for his beliefs, but then it would be left measured by who was strong enough to defend their beliefs. Him or them? And the answer was always painfully obvious.
This time however, more problems were occurring than he’d have hoped. Claimants were growing far more accustomed to melding into the whims of societal norms within the human realm. Where once there was a degree of mysticism in the world, those phenomena had come to instead be judged by science. It some ways it was good for keeping humans out of claimant affairs; in other ways it wasn’t so great when actions once presumed as possibilities became impossibilities. A claimant running faster than the average human could ever imagine was once normal, but now a human could scale the speed a typical human could reach. Same with strength and other situations. That meant the claimants needed to temper themselves in situations like these.
His eyes remained forward, not willing to allow a single claimant out of his sight. He would have once called a place like this a tavern, but humans now referred to them as saloons. Walls of sturdy wood planks, floors of the same, dusty carpets and air, windows covered in a thick yet sunny haze. He’d grown used to it and had come to enjoy the sound of piano playing as a normative form of entertainment. The crowds were always full of life in these types of places as humans and claimants alike shared drinks more often than they knew. But he was in a different situation with the claimants at his table.
“This would all end easier if you just comply,” he spoke in a low tone.
“Comply he says. Isn’t that rich?” The claimant who responded looked just as shady as he was. Then again, his entire group all wore the same dusters and clothes accustomed for riding horses. Typical outlaw types. “We don’t got no reason to comply with you, Wolf.”
“More reason than you care to think,” Gahbreal responded with a frown.
“Is that right? And what might be the consequences if we don’t?”
“You really want me to tell you?”
The two stared each other down. No doubt this one would claim to be the leader of their group, but all foolish leaders are destined to fall in Gahbreal’s judgmental eyes. The other three with him were in the same position, although one seemed privier to talk, seen by the timid expression on their face.
“I don’t know. Maybe we should just give this up,” he spoke in a hushed voice.
“What was that?” the one in the front responded. “I don’t believe I taught you to be a coward! We claimants have always had the short end of the stick. If no one else is going to change that then I have no need to cooperate.”
With that voices were raised lower enough for others to hear. Terms such as claimant were nowhere near as common as they were in the past, so it naturally flew over the heads of anyone unlearned in the subject. What everyone did know was that tensions had immediately risen above a descent level. The claimant sitting across from Gahbreal now standing on his feet with an overtly hostile expression. The aikekunai didn’t seem too trouble. Instead, he sighed and stood up to his feet as well.
He had already gained his fair share of attention upon entering the establishment, and now it was back in him again. He wore nothing but black in the middle of the day, the sun beaming down amid summer and yet he didn’t care. The boots on his feet were well worn and his clothes looked as if they had been damaged and patched up on multiple occasions. His own coat, however, was completely pristine and almost seemed to move slightly. Almost as if it were alive. He removed the large, brimmed hat from his head and placed it on the table, a small ponytail of loose, black curls tied behind his head while he placed a cigar between his lips surrounded by the same black curls.
“This is boring,” a female’s voice spoke at his side. This one didn’t care about volume at all and spoke as if to announce her intentions. “I already told you this ain’t gonna work, sha.”
“We had to try,” Gahbreal responded as he lit the cigar and took a single deep breath.
“Tryin is for people who think their own choices are better than others. There wasn’t a reason to try from the start. Let’s just kill these devils and be done with it!”
“Hey now! Hold on a moment!” The male sitting behind the service counter finally chimed in.
“Damnit Noir, come on.”
“If y’all have a problem then take it outside! I won’t have fighting in my-”
“I’ll pay for the damages,” Gahbreal said as he watched the claimants begin to brandish the revolvers at their hips. “It doesn’t seem like these men will cooperate.”
“Really?” the woman spoke as she examined a crudely carved spoon on the table. “Why do so many claimants these days use those damned things?”
“Because guns are easier to use while also keeping your nature secret. It’s why bullets for claimants are more common among us, although the guns and rifles themselves are crude.”
“What? And you expect me to use one of those here?”
“No. I expect you to do a decent job.”
“Enough talk!” the claimants snapped as they drew their guns and aimed them at the aikekunai and his company. This was when all the other patrons fled the scene in a panic. Neither humans nor claimants present wanted to be caught in this type of crossfire. What that did do, however, was reveal just how outnumbered they really were. Seeing the several others who remained in the area made it clear whose side they were on.
“Change of plans,” Gahbreal started. Those words only had true meaning to the woman at his side.
“Oho? You don’t mean to tell me-”
“Yeah,” he responded immediately while snuffing out his cigar on the table. “Negotiations are over. We do this like normal. Kill em all.”
The words were akin to a death knell with how quickly gunfire rang out through the building. The aikekunai’s immediate response was to grab the woman and move them both with his traversal ability – not that the darkness did anything for her stomach - and with them now behind the bar their cover was descent but limited. He was clearly frustrated and the woman now laying on the ground at his side laughing wasn’t doing any good to change that.
“This is great! I told you it’d turn out like this!” she exclaimed.
“Damnit Noir, just focus! You wanted death and now you have it! Put that unhealthy obsession to use!”
“You ain’t gonna get me to cooperate like that,” she responded as she sat up and began tying her locs into a less than presentable bun behind her head. She looked indefinitely out of place with the frilly dress she proceeded to tear apart. Both her face and body were covered in white and teal lines of paints in a ritualistic manner, but they stood out more than expected due to her black oak complexion. With the sleeves removed and the bottom ripped up to her thighs she sighed in relief.
“Wonderful. Now you’re barely clothed.”
“It helps me move better, just worry about yourself! Now then. How we handlin this?”
“How do you expect? Same as always. We adapt.”
He grabbed an intact bottle of liquor which had fallen to the floor before standing up and tossing it at the head of the first claimant who stood out. His movements were just as seamless as anyone who’d seen him fight would remember; his anticipation of his attacker’s shots the only thing truly keeping him from being riddled with holes as he rushed the now dazed claimant and tackled him to the ground.
“You fuckin serious?!” Noir called out as she rushed to the far end of the bar before jumping out from cover and latching onto the nearest person from behind. It was almost as if she only wished to accentuate the chaos as she proceeded to stab them nonstop in the neck with what looked like a long sewing needle. Even when the body had fallen to the floor she didn’t stop; even when the others around her started aiming their guns at her she didn’t stop. But her attention was pulled to them all when they all received a bullet to the head and fell limp on the spot.
“Get serious! I’m not your babysitter!” he shouted as he held the claimant he had tackled up to block several bullets before using the revolver on their side to return fire.
“Don’t give me that! You know this is crazy crazy!”
He could almost turn and shoot her himself, but when he saw her launch herself directly at the claimants he was aiming at it only reminded him why he brought her along. She fought in such an unorthodox manner it was difficult for shooters to keep track of her unless she was already attacking someone. That meant all he really would need to do is cover her while she went wild. The crudely shaped and sharpened dagger, pulled from Extius knows where, plunged itself into the claimant’s chest multiple times before she darted off to ambush whatever poor soul was next. Gahbreal simply continued to fight while attempting to negotiate.
“You’re not cut out for these types of fights! Give it up!” He called out as he flipped a table for the sake of cover to block against their own bullets.
“You think we can’t fight?” one of the shooters called out.
“No! That’s not what I’m saying! I’m saying you’re not going to win like this unless you plan on throwing elements around, and we both know that isn’t an option!”
“You’re still tryin to talk?” Noir asked him as she dragged one of the still warm bodies behind his cover and proceeded to dig her hands into the gaping chest wounds. “It didn’t work before; it ain’t gonna work now. Death is a gift after all.”
“Ugh!” He exclaimed in response as she wiped the blood on her face and chest. By now the clothes she had been wearing were completely unrecognizable, leaving only its tattered remains wrapped around her waist. “You’re already this exposed? And you’re not even Desdon anymore! Pull yourself together!”
“So, you think we can’t win without our elements?” one of the men had finally caught his attention.
“What? No! That’s not what I meant!”
“Then let’s show em boys!”
“Fuck!” Gahbreal yelled as he turned his attention to Noir. “Change of plans! No holding back but keep it to a minimum and in the building! Don’t let them cause too much damage!”
“Water?” she responded.
“Yes water!”
In his mind he knew the difference between fighting humans and fighting claimants, but he also knew the difference between humans fighting one another and claimants fighting one another. His family has always been the type to, against all odds, give humans their credit where it was due. They couldn’t use elements; they had no supporters like the ancients and their physical capabilities and lives were lacking in comparison. However, that meant the time they put behind their skills and the effort put into perfecting them often reached levels far more capable than that of claimants. While a claimant could spend thousands of years perfecting a technique, a human would only have a limited fraction of that time to overcome something tempered for such a long time.
“It has been proven time and time again that the effort placed behind your accomplishments is the direct measure of what that effort will measure to. That is why it’s my belief that a human can no doubt defeat a claimant on their own. A claimant can spend forever practicing to use the sword, but a human can easily spend their entire life dedicated to bypassing that sword alone.”
Words his mother had used, but as a child he had believed it was a bit unfounded. Considering what it takes to defeat a claimant, your typical human wouldn’t even have access to the weaponry capable of killing one of their kind. As he grew older, he began to understand it a bit more. More specifically how his mother’s words solved that issue as well when he wondered what it would take to keep those weapons out of the hands of a human who dedicated their entire life to finding one. Even with all that knowledge and dedication there was one large factor, however, which separated humans from claimants. That was the element.
Where a human might gain the skill above a claimant, only one could possibly erase the other with a single touch. Those were the claimants. That was why a fight between humans using simple weapons to replicate their conflicts, was often made to be kept on smaller scale. Yet when fireballs and shards of earth started flying a small-scale battle for claimants could easily encompass an entire town. That was why he panicked the moment they started preparing for that type of conflict.
“Let’s do this!” he called out as he rushed forward.
“Alright alright!” Noir responded as all the spilled alcohol and blood on the floor began to take the form of snakes. They lashed outward, grabbing at the limbs of any claimant who looked as if they were preparing to do something involving their element. Those claimants were pulled closer to her while the ones who were left standing and shooting were the chosen targets for Gahbreal.
“Remember to call out if you me!” Gahbreal spoke as he moved between them all as if sliding on the shadow at his feet. Every chance he got he fired a bullet into a target, and when not doing that his focus was on evasion now that he had no way to cover himself.
“I’m not a child! Don’t come at me with that crap!”
“You certainly act like one!”
“Piss off!”
Her attacks were as ruthless as ever. Her dagger flew into the chest of a claimant before she launched herself forward to grab it and drag it through their flesh. Gahbreal was in his own type of battle entirely; left with the claimants who chose to rely on their weapons instead of their elements as bullets were flying everywhere.
He made his way up the stairs to those on the second floor. He could honestly give more credit to luck as to how he had managed to go unscathed in the process, but the moment he had finally found himself on equal ground was when things had begun to get more chaotic. There was barely any space and his only way to avoid getting shot was ducking or moving to the side. Meanwhile Noir was still dealing with the claimants who did choose to turn to their elements, focusing more on keeping them from causing too much property damage.
“These guys fight like newborns!” she laughed as she moved around in a manner akin to an eel moving from cover to cover. Any attempt to target her with elements so far had been mainly ice, earth and air. Even so they were each just that… an attempt.
No matter what type of attack she would block it or grab it out of the air with any form of liquid she saw fit. Shards of sharp stone and spines of ice being caught with blood before they could reach her or destroy property, the impacts of winds against the furniture dampened by walls of alcohol, and the occasional gunshot when it was believed they might have the chance to land a shot. It was always in vain though, and even more apparent when someone was eventually caught off guard and dragged to whatever corner she hid in by one of the snakes crafted from blood.
Gahbreal couldn’t help but feel disturbed hearing the blood curdling screams from below as he kicked a chair from the floor and into a claimant’s head. Charging them as they were dazed and slamming them against a wall before using them as a shield for himself against the other gunmen. He checked the gun he had already taken from one of the others, examined the two bullets in the cylinder, then fired them both off into the left knee of two different others before taking the gun off the claimant he was using as a shield and continuing his offensive.
Noir, however, was now in a face-off with the last remaining claimant of her group. Female, slightly taller than her, most importantly throwing fire around as if it weren’t as dangerous as it was. The more she defended the less liquid she had to work with in the area, and her opponent was free to go wild as all their allies on the ground floor were corpses. It was truly a terrible match-up and she knew it, but that just meant she had to get a bit more involved as the next wave of fire was launched in her direction. From the perspective of the fire claimant all there was to be seen was a large ball of fire. There wasn’t a chance to notice anything strange until the fire was doused with a large ball of blood… blood Noir had thrown herself forward with.
The claimant stepped back, but that only threw her balance off completely when the woman latched onto her chest and caused her to stumble backwards before falling onto the stairs at her back. Noir then pulled her backwards into a roll so that she was on her back and the claimant was placed between her and the ceiling. “Gahbreal!”
The aikekunai looked away from his own conflict just in time to see the water claimant launch the woman into the air with her feet. He grabbed hold of the claimant’s collar at his front and turned the gun in his hand to the other before firing two shots into the woman whose body then landed on the banister of the balcony before aiming the weapon at the claimant he was engaged with, only to be met with a frustrating click. The claimant, of course, responded with a fist to the aikekunai’s face. Gahbreal responded by grabbing his collar with both hands and head-butting him into a daze, a spin which lifted his feet from the ground, and a throw into the rafters before they fell to the ground floor below with a thud.
Needless to say, Draugnoir immediately pounced on the opportunity to stab them several times while they were down... They never got back up.
“Novevu be praised! The Void be praised!” she called out as if in some blood-addled trance standing above the bodies on the floor below.
“Calm down,” Gahbreal started as he descended the stairs. “We still need to move these bodies before anyone sees them. The last thing we need are claimant corpses found by humans… and have some class! You’ve been Testua for far too long to be like this!”
“Old habits die hard, baby. Besides, you’d be stupid stupid to think I ain’t gonna respect my dear Novevu.”
“Of course, silly fuckin me,” he responded as he looked through the bodies before picking up the one who had acted as leader of the group. “I’m taking this one. Do what you want with the rest. Feed them to the Void or some shit, I know you get off on that.”
“You just don’t understand the pleasure of feedin such a cute creature,” she said as she began collecting the bodies in a pile. “It’s like feeding your own creature.”
“You know the Void isn’t some animal… right?”
“Don’t go actin like I’m wrong.”
“I’ll never know what Novevu sees in you that gains you his favor, but I’ve never been one to question what he does. Not like he’s made any stupid decisions yet. Well, aside from getting Xainayne to adore him.”
“You think that was stupid too?” Draugnoir asked.
“Of course. Anyone who can see how close he and Florita are now knows that. Even as his aikekunai I’m not going to say Xainayne isn’t petty enough to cause trouble.”
“Hah! Don’t let em hear you sayin that. And I expect my payment later! Currency is a precious thing.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t forget. You’re gonna need something if you plan on getting Naiick to pay attention to you.”
Xainayne looked in partial disgust as Gahbreal tossed the claimant’s body onto the floor. The multitude of stab wounds across the chest and stomach were… abstract, to say the very least. Disturbing at best. The ancient’s eyes turned in his direction, the aikekunai waiting as if with the expectation of some form of confirmation. Then their eyes returned to the body.
“I see work has been… stressful?”
“Shut up,” Gahbreal responded as he tossed the claimant’s gun to the ancient. “The body is Draugnoir’s work. The weapon on his person is human design.”
“Well, I could have told you that much,” Xainayne spoke whilst holding the revolver with the tips of the fingers as if not wanting to even touch it. “Wait. Did you say Draugnoir? You asked for help?”
“I wanted to keep the damage in the area to a minimum and she was in the area, but that doesn’t matter. The bullets. Look at those.”
“Hmm. Remind me again which one Draugnoir is?”
“Seriously?” Gahbreal responded as the ancient removed the bullets from the cylinder. “She used to be Desdon but changed to Testua? You know, the one Novevu didn’t want to give away?”
“Doesn’t ring any bells…”
“Then why did you even ask? She switched houses after Naiick became available with the expectation that she’d have a better chance at gaining his affection if she were closer. Novevu approved without telling Naiick the reason, Naiick approved without ever knowing the reason. Now she’s too shy to even approach and he doesn’t even know she cares. It’s an entire fuck-fest of inconsistencies.”
“These bullets don’t look like they’re made by claimants, treasures or ancients. I’m assuming that’s why you wanted me to see them.”
“What... Don’t ask me to remind you of something when you don’t care to listen. I still have work to do and time I’d rather not waste instead of doing it.”
“But this is actually important,” the ancient responded only for Gahbreal to squint his eyes in disgust.
“Then go ask Nammay about it. I’m sure he’d love your company and be just as interested in the topic of weapon craftsmanship as you currently are.” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Jun 27, 2024 19:17:05 GMT
Post by Dobu on Jun 27, 2024 19:17:05 GMT
A Justiciar's Final Inquisition
“I don’t believe I could have ever made it this far without your support, but I don’t know how I could ever repay you. Everything you’ve done for me has been against your own purpose in some way.”
“Purpose.” The word didn’t seem to rest well with him. “My purpose is as I ordain, my lady. No one else may decide that.”
“And yet you freely allow me the privilege.”
“You’re simply putting too much thought into things which don't matter.”
Her eyes, white as the clearest cloud, looked out over the horizon. She had never been the type to put great plans together, that was simply within the nature of her element which flowed so strictly within her veins. Chaos. But that was why Audomattadjia was so accustomed to asking questions and seeking to discover what she could. Especially when it involves her allies who she often confronted with important decisions. It was only this ally who was different from the others. Her advisor and her closest friend.
“I swear. You’re the most mature claimant I’ve ever known, but you can also be so childish. If you want something from me you should just ask.”
“With all due respect, my lady. I don’t believe you could really give me what I want.”
“Is it not within my power?” She sighed. “I may not have everything I once did, but isn’t it at least a possibility?”
“I’m afraid not.” His head tilted upward, but his eyes looked downward as he approached her side. She looked so tired, and yet still so flawless. Perception was on his side, but also against him. So he turned his attention to the claimants tending to the courtyard below. “My teacher had a saying: It is unwise to apply the body where one may not first apply the mind.”
“What? You sound like an old man.”
“I suppose I would be.” He chuckled with a small grin.
“So?” Her inquisitive eyes looked directly at him. “What does it mean? I know you have your own answer.”
“I do, and I’ll tell you. I thought about it for a long time. As if I might find some deeper meaning. But, I’m ashamed to say, my teacher was just old fashioned.”
“How so?”
“It is unwise to apply the body where one may not first apply the mind. He could have just as easily said it’s important to think thoroughly before you act.”
“Are you telling me to think about what it is you might want and, through that, I may discover why it is I cannot grant it?”
“You’ve got me. Perception. I’d go as far as to say it is the most important element both in my line of work and regarding my duties. It’s my sole role to administer a swift prosecution. Yet here I am… I wonder how I let myself get so soft.”
“Soft? You? Surely you jest.” Audo laughed as if he’d told some strange joke.
“You’re correct. It is a joke, but one in poor taste.”
“You’re a mystery, as always. If you expect me to get the answers I want from thinking about what might be on your mind I’ll be stuck thinking about it for several thousand lifetimes.”
“That would be good for your health to put in the practice and effort. You're extremely perceptive, but only when it involves the battlefield.”
“Yet I would appreciate a hint.”
He chuckled again. She called him childish and yet, even after so long, she had not changed from the woman he knew. Someone truly worthy of being hailed as a queen among her peers. He didn’t know a single entity alive with which he could compare. Which claimant or treasure or even ancient could claim to care for the claimants more than she did? Wide-eyed confidence and a sense of justice and pure forgiveness. A claimant who sought peace for the claimants above all other things. Willing to go to war with anyone or anything to leverage that peace. It was admirable…
He looked up to the sky, above what she called a home and he called a place of longing. A thought of just how selfish he truly was. Countless starts lining the sky and yet he was so fixated on a single one. Perhaps that was why his frown faded away... All things have an order. Within order there can be nothing else, lest it be made impure. But even his own soul was not so sound. Even his heart could ache. So, he questioned it time and time again. Eyes reflecting the universe they saw, but no matter how far his all seeing eyes looked the answers would never be within his reach so easily. He sighed.
“There’s a matter I must attend to, my lady. I’ll return when it has been settled. In the meantime I guess I’ll leave you with your hint.”
“Hopefully it’s not another riddle. I’d prefer more straightforward answers.”
“Don’t worry. It wont be easy, but I won’t strain you too much… so consider this. Our houses are closely connected but, essentially, polar opposites. This conflict you’re in is one deriving from your personal self and your capabilities as a whole being more than sufficient to tip the scales of balance. Of order. Jayhe was not pleased and acted to have you contained in some way. From that point till now your primary enemy has been Jayhe and the ancients who chose to allow her obvious actions without protest.”
“Well, I do know my own history. She chose to start this when she sowed the seeds of distrust and betrayal between me and Jaiho. All it did was open my eyes to how easily we claimants are tossed aside on whims.”
“And you simply can’t allow something like that. Aside from that distinct chaos, that kindness is also a part of your nature.”
“I’d appreciate your hint rather than your flattery.”
“It’s no flattery. I’m stating the obvious. You’re too kind. So kind, in fact, that you don’t even truly realize what it is you’ve set yourself up for. This path is chaotic even at its best, a conflict which could easily tear apart the very fabric of order itself between the ancients and their claimants. So then, Audomattadjia, what reason would I ever have to follow you?”
“What?” She asked instinctively. She had no immediate answer because, to her admitted shame, she had never once thought to ask such a question. It had always seemed so natural.
“That’s your clue. You don’t need to give me your answer. Indeed, I don’t mind if you ask around for the opinions of others. But once you get the right answer to that question you’ll understand. What reason would I, the one who stands at the head of the peacekeepers, be loyal to you?”
She had no idea how to respond. Of all the effort Audo had put into problem solving and perceiving battlefields and strategies… nothing ever prepared her for the things her most trusted advisor had to say. He was always stoic and his words were so decisive she couldn’t help but wonder if they were meant to have some strangely deep meaning behind them all. He would often say as he previously had, refer to his teacher’s lessons before giving some fancy phrase, but they always managed to fly over her head. He made them seem simple, but it was clear to her that he had put a lifetime’s worth of thought into each particular lesson. That was why, as he exited the room and shut the door behind himself, it made her draw on something he had once told her in the past.
“A lot of people like to act as if justice and order are of the same nature, but that is only assuming that justice may be served by order. Consider the nature of justice just as you consider the nature of the elements. It is a formless entity in comparison, but may take the shape of whatever it so chooses. In that same regard we must be formless if we wish to serve out proper justice and order.”
At the time she felt he was rattling on about all sorts of confusing things, but with each passing day he showed her what it meant. He never went too far, always did just as he was asked and nothing more. Gahbreal could be called an arbiter, of course, but what he did was the work of a judge. Perhaps that was why the aikekunai had been called an executioner and a hunter, but never once had anyone referred to Gahbreal as a judged. In comparison her advisor was thoughtful when it was needed, flexible when needed and malleable even beyond herself. Thinking about it before made her feel as if it defied order itself, but then she didn’t know a single order claimant who embodied their element more than him. An aikekunai she could never find herself easily understanding.
“What could possibly be on your mind, Koi? How will I know if you refuse to tell me?”
“It’s not very often I find you flustered.” The woman’s voice made her face light up with a distinct elation. “I admit, I rather like the sight of it, all things considered.”
“Kana!”
The darkness claimant looked as if she wanted to vanish the moment she saw her longtime friend approaching, but that would cause more trouble than it was worth. Besides, she hadn’t come to hide, although the tight squeeze from her overly excited company was pushing her closer to making that choice.
“I see you are as forceful as ever.”
“And I see you’re still as cute as a button! How long has it been since we last spoke?”
“A while, and that’s for a good reason. I make a habit of avoiding my daughter who finds herself hanging around you often. However, now is as good a time as any to visit.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“Very perceptive. As always.”
“What did you learn? I know you well enough to know you don’t just make house visits. Should I be worried?”
Kikana’s eyes were as stalwart as ever, same as her expression, but even Audo could tell her comment had managed to hurt the claimant in some way. Perhaps it was because of how long they had been friends, she could clearly see that Kikana was almost immediately in a less chipper mood than when she had made her presence known. “I suppose there are some omens.”
“I’m sorry, Kana. I did not mean it like that.”
“Don’t apologize. There’s no point. Even I know I’m not the most pleasant company these days… but enough of that, you were muttering something to yourself when I arrived?”
“Ah! Well, it was something Koi had said.”
“Koiva?” She almost seemed surprised. “You still let him confuse you so easily? What did he tell you this time?”
“It’s not really what he told me and more like what he didn’t tell me.” She returned to her balcony with Kikana following closely behind. “Tell me something, Kikana. If I told you I’d give you whatever you wanted within my power, what would you ask for?”
“Reasonably? A dictionary of your profoundly ridiculous personal language. On a more personal note, I would ask for you to keep your eyes on my rebellious daughter.”
“You’re still a very modest individual. However, I did not get the same straightforwardness when I told Koi I’d give him anything he wanted if he requested it.”
“You told Koiva that?”
Audo was once again caught in a state of surprise. This might have been the third time since she had known her which emotion was clearly visible on Kikana’s face, and she looked both interested and flabbergasted. “Did… I do something wrong?”
“Look, Audo, I know you’re stupid… but you can’t be that clueless.”
“I’d prefer you refrain from insulting me, Kana.”
“Well you do deserve it. You mean to tell me you have known Koiva for so long, even longer than you have known me, but you don’t know why that’s a stupid thing to ask him?”
“What? What did I do wrong?”
“Look, you don’t need to take my word for it. If I stay here any longer I’ll be stuck here all day talking through this ridiculous situation with you. I’d suggest asking my daughter for the answer you want, I’m not going to be the one to tell you his secrets and she won’t spare your feelings.” Kikana paused as she placed a small letter on a table out on the balcony near Audo. “This is the main reason I came. Open this after you talk with her. I would prefer you have a clear mind when you read it, but I will warn you. The moment you discover the meaning behind his words... everything is going to change, and he'll most likely do something foolish.”
It didn’t do her well to dwell on topics which confused her. That was why she knew Kikana had told her exactly what to do in order to gain the answer she wanted. Both of them knew Mayray wasn’t the type to wait around or beat around the bush. Her straightforward nature would only make her say the immediate truth she knew, but only if she knew it. But if her mother was sending her in Mayray’s direction that only meant she certainly had the answer already. Her parting words however, just before she faded away into the shadows, were certainly something to be considered. But even with that consideration it wasn't something she felt could just be ignored.
“You’ve arrived, justiciar.” The order claimant approached with careful steps. “The situation is stable. Your intervention would be greatly appreciated.”
“I see. How many lives have been lost so far?” Koiva questioned the man.
“Only a handful during the initial approach. They attempted to push us back, but it was futile. More were lost on their side, but their leader is believed to be within these doors.”
He hated monasteries. Looking at the massive doors only served to remind him of how quickly the masses bent their knees to those undeserving under the guise of faith, but faith was always easily broken when built on unstable foundations. He watched as the male standing next to him flipped through several pages of a small book before his finger settled on a single name written in the log. Koiva knew what that meant. Whoever led these rats would need to be punished. The Prism would serve as that eternal punishment.
“Tell me, inquisitor, what they’ve done.”
“Several mass killings of humans, mostly regarding their simple religious quarrels. It seems they are adept at manipulating the minds of their followers. Very interesting.”
“I’d suggest stowing your interest, Inquisitor Manas. I’d prefer not having to find your name in the book due to your uncanny interests.”
“Rest assured, justiciar. You won’t find my name within these pages so long as I remain your loyal compatriot.”
“Good. Now then, let’s settle this quickly.”
“Will you be taking the lead, sir?”
“Of course. That is my duty and something only I can do. Not as a Justiciar, but as the aikekunai of the house of order.”
“Then, allow me, sir.”
The inquisitor stepped forward towards the large doors. Their size only comparable to their weight, but that was something no claimant would ever truly need to worry about. They relented under the force of his push and each creak of its hinges echoed within the silence surrounding them. A silence only they could hear. A silence among the burning and piled bodies scattering the streets, screaming corpses being pierced with pikes by the inquisitors, the squirming cadavers crucified on wooden poles and filling the air with a foreboding scent of charred viscera. Indeed. This was his calling as the one who leads the peacekeepers of the Prism. The one who demands and ensures order.
He stepped inside, the wailing of the suffering at his back upon his entry, and each step carried with it the weight of his position. The clothes he donned not fitting for a priest, but assuming more the role of that which would be worn by someone who lived to hunt creatures of the night. A white shirt with deep gray slacks and black shoes clicking with each step. A gray ties keeping his collar in order, tucked into a brown paisley vest. Over it all a black duster which matched the gloves covering his hands. He reached into his coat and pulled from within a book chained to his belt which held no trace of dirt or wear. The covers a dark brown leather, its pages difficult to see from a distance. He could only catch a glance of the contents before the conflict began.
“Now!”
The voice was followed by a rushing of footsteps. He could tell at a glance, both claimants and humans alike within their ranks, but none of them were truly prepared. Their weapons held high with so much conviction, and yet they all ceased with a single command…
“Stop.” The strained voices of their attempts to move, but to no avail. “Fall to your knees.” The multitude of thuds as they did so without hesitation.
“Damnit! What do we do now?”
“Don’t worry! The father will save us!”
“Come out now! You will be judged! Your words have both corrupted the minds of humans as well as misguided the actions of countless claimants! You will stand trial!”
It didn’t take long for a male of rather tall but lengthy stature to come walking from behind one of the pillars. He wore the types of robes one might expect to see on a high ranking priest, but it was all a farce. Koiva had been searching out this man for long enough to know just how dreadful his actions had been. In truth, he claimed that he could make a plea, but his fate was already decided. The same fate of all claimants who chose to disrupt the order which had been so painstakingly crafted. The fate of the Prism.
“Justiciar Koiva, I hadn’t expected to meet you here. I was anticipating someone else.”
“How very unlucky for you.”
“Oh, on the contrary. I was expecting Gahbreal to come running like the lapdog he is. Instead, I get a far weaker aikekunai in his stead!” He stretched his arms outward as if to put himself on display. “See how your words have not swayed me? How the others fold where I stand tall? That means you can’t control me with your words! You will be made to fight and die by my hands, and then my faithful will continue with their work.”
“Very interesting. A tale just as grandiose and foolish as I had expected.”
“Call it foolish all you wish, but the ones who survive are the ones who decide what is foolish and what is righteous! You will die here and I will rise to even greater heights!”
“Oh? And who has ordained such a fate for me?” Koiva questioned him as the man pulled a long curved blade from within each sleeve.
“Fool. I myself have ordained it.” “You’re serious?” Mayray asked the woman as she dusted off the shrine. “You came all the way out here to ask me that?”
“I don’t know who else to ask!” Audo responded as she lay her head on the grass. She wouldn't dare tell her that it was Kikana who sent her.
“Even I know what Koiva would want, but it’s honestly surprising you don’t realize it. I thought you’d been using him this entire time. Maybe I was just thinking like my mother, but you aren't like that.”
“Using him? I’d never do that! We’re practically like family!”
“Yeah, but you’re not.” The words hit hard. Kikana was right, Mayray watched her words with the same grace she pulled her punches. “You’re as dense as ever. That man has been a thorn in my side since we’ve met and you mean to tell me I know him better than you?”
“If you can answer my question then just tell me already. I didn’t come here to be insulted.”
“This is unbelievable. Have you not considered the way he speaks with you compared to everyone else? I can barely hold a conversation with him, but he talks to you and enjoys it. I don’t know when it happened, but that fool has been smitten with you for far longer than I know. Perhaps from the very start. Almost everyone else hates him and he treats them with the exact same disdain.”
“What? That cannot be right. Why would he—”
“Think for second, right?” Mayray paused her cleaning to approach the woman and place her pointer finger on the woman’s chest. “All that perception and it’s only for battle. If he could ask you for anything and get it, what would be the one thing you can’t offer him, Mrs. Vall?”
“Oh…”
“Honestly. I feel as if you’ve never seen him work. I’d go as far as to say he vents his frustrations on every living thing that isn’t related to you. Even now I’m sure he's purging an entire town with all his might.”
“Purging? I thought he was a peacekeeper.”
“He is. Koiva Woxia is the current leading head of the Prism’s peacekeepers, but most importantly he's Justiciar Koiva Woxia. If I’m being honest, I’d probably say that the bit of peace he has with you is the only peace he personally experiences. And yet you make stupid requests like that. I'm personally surprised he has stayed with you for this long. I'd have probably left a long time ago.” “Fall!” The command. No. The order forced his body to the ground just before his weapons could strike. Not even the chance to do so normally, almost as if his very flesh were pulled to the earth as he struggled to get back up.
“What is this? I can’t move!”
“It’s called and order. If you thought you’d be capable of escaping my orders, then it’s surprising that your little band of heretical scum managed to survive this long.”
“I will not be controlled—”
“On your knees.” Koiva watched as he rose to his knees along with all the others. More than he had anticipated. If he were truly expecting Gahbreal it looked as if he planned to overwhelm him with numbers, but that would never work against someone like himself. “You misunderstand. You may not want to be controlled, but you have no choice. I would have learned your name, but it’d be best forgotten. A plague on the tongue.”
“You will not make a fool of me!”
“You have made a fool of yourself! You should have simply done as you were told and kept your infidel beliefs out of mind! Now you face justice for the lives you’ve sacrificed with you pitiable words.”
It was at this point the temple began to fill with the sound of boot steps filling the hall. The inquisitors, donning slim fitting iron plate and draped in black tabards and cloaks. Their pikes and person stained from tip to haft with the blood of the fallen and their bodies stank of burning flesh. It was enough to even outmatched the scent of the houses separating whatever claimants were present, but that did not matter. The separation of house merely served as a means to disturb the order of justice which would soon be administered. Such is the way of the inquisitors, and such is the way of the justiciar leading them.
“The town has been cleansed, justiciar.”
“Good. Then we are nearly done.” His eyes, dark circles encompassing them, looked around the room with a disapproving glare. “As Justiciar I have made my decision! The life of a human is much too short to face the time of imprisonment needed to cleanse this filth from their soul! As such, the claimants will be brought to the Prism to face their punishments in full. The humans, however, will die here before they may spread their corrupted ideals.”
“What? You can’t do this!” A voice called out.
“Who are you to decide our fates like this?”
“Silence. Your pleas are meaningless.” He responded as he drew an almost too ordinary anelace from his side and placed it across the eyes of the one they called father. “For the sake of order.”
An ominous shift of metal as the spearheads rose into the sky, followed by the repeated phrase almost like a chant. “For the sake of order.”
The anelace dragged across his eyes, sight replaced with the red of blood then the darkness of lacking sight. A stinging pain, but outweighed by the human screams bouncing from wall to wall. The inquisitions did not show mercy, nor did they relent, nor did they take chances. The inquisitors were not normal by any means, they did not have a holy mission or a religion to follow. It was all for the sake of justice. And through that justice, order. And it was for the sake of that order everyone was tested. The pikes were not of claimant design, and so they did not harm the claimants. They were driven against the chest of every present individual, but only the humans would die. The claimants who called them compatriots shackled by their wails before being lead off into the Prism. One by one, step by step, moving to face their eternal punishments. The one whose sight he stole away was dragged off with the rest until all that was left rested an empty temple and a floor splattered with several thick pools of fresh blood beneath human corpses.
“Another victory, justiciar.”
“Don’t patronize me, Manas. There is no glory to be gained from our work. We simply did what had to be done, and even through that some people on our side perished unjustly.”
“Then would you call this a failure?” The male asked him with a raised brow.
“I’ll say we’re victorious when we’re no longer needed.” “Our mission was successful, as usual. The perpetrators have all been brought into our custody and their resources have been seized. I will submit a detailed report on the matter soon.”
“Good. You haven’t failed me yet, Koiva.”
He was always at odds with himself when speaking with Jayhe. She acted as both a symbol of admiration when in reference to his house, but also an icon of scorn when considering the well-being of Audomattadjia. It was Jayhe who suggested he and Audo be partners from the start, a ploy to have a method of keeping her eyes on someone so capable and close to her brother, but it inevitably backfired in the end. No one could have anticipated just how well the two claimants would get along. It should come as no surprise, to anyone who knew, that Koiva had grown to hate Jayhe for the woes she’d thrust upon Audomattadjia.
“Then I’ll be taking my leave.”
“Wait.” The ancient’s voice made him stop mid turn.
“Is there a problem?”
“You look tired. Have you been taking proper time to rest?”
“I don’t understand. Why does it matter whether I rest or not? Does my rest appease the rampant desecration of order? If so I’ll gladly laze away the rest of my days.”
“You know what I mean, Koiva.”
“Then you should know the answer too. Now, if we’re done here, I’ll be going to finish my work.”
He rarely spoke with the ancient of order, regardless of their shared element and name. When they did find themselves in one another’s company it was always the same. Short interactions sparked with vestiges of conflict and disdain for one another. On one hand Koiva heavily disliked her attitude and actions towards Audo. On the other hand, Jayhe could clearly tell that Koiva had no respect for her whatsoever outside of her being an ancient. If she weren’t, it was almost impossible to assume he wouldn’t dispose of her immediately… but she had no idea why.
Koiva was good at keeping his secrets. Even better at it than the most reclusive claimants. Jayhe couldn’t keep her eyes on him at all times and he tried to make sure she couldn’t even when doing the most mundane tasks. When he wasn’t doing his duties he was entirely off the grid, and even when doing his duties his actions were secretive until the very last steps. She couldn’t count how many times she had seen him walk out of those doors, but every time he did it was like he disappeared from everyone’s sight. This time would be no different. The door closing behind him and silence from the opposite side.
Walking down the halls where prisoners were kept didn’t bring him pleasure, but it was necessary to reach his office. It was necessary to pass the other Woxia and Gimnai who lowered their heads with both caution and respect. It was necessary to hear the echoing of his own footsteps bouncing from the walls. But what was different was seeing a new face waiting at the door to his personal quarters.
“Kikana.”
“Koiva.”
“What a surprise.” He paused for a moment before stepping past her and walking into the room. “It’s not everyday I get a visit from you. I assume something is wrong.”
“Sharp, but you will not make me out to be a bad omen.” Her response was stiff as she followed behind him and shut the door. He could almost feel the walls rattle beneath the pressure as the lights dimmed to nothing. He stood motionless, but he felt as if he were submerged in water. Darkness.
“Well? I'm listening. I’m assuming you’ve already talked to lady Audomattadjia about this?”
“I informed her in my own way, but I’m here to tell you because I know she will attempt to keep it from you. No doubt wanting to shoulder the task on her own.”
“Of course. Then let’s get straight to the point.”
“Indeed. From what I have learned a plan has been put into place to entrap her. As things stand Audo is in a position where there is no reason to really go after her. She hasn’t done anything to illicit, or is deserving, of negative attention because… well… she’s Audo.”
“Not really the violent type or one for confrontations. If we were dealing with decent people we’d be fine.”
“Her faction is currently being made out to be enemies to the ancients. At the center of that is Jayhe, of course. The real issue is that Xainayne has sided with her.”
“And that means we’ll have to deal with Gahbreal.”
“His current life is problematic. One of his strongest, but still too young and stubborn. He rejects who he is too vehemently.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying he’ll be someone Audo can overcome. She is not weak by any means, and her skill with weapons makes her dangerous to anyone in a real fight. If they fight she will win.”
“And then his allies will step forward—”
“And my son is allied with everyone. He works for all ancients which means that his death will, in turn, call for a full retaliation. Gahbreal is a universal asset to the ancients. Audo will win the battle against him, but she will not win the following war.”
“A setup. Is order so meaningless?”
“Audo no doubt knows all of this by now. I trust you will do what you can to help her prepare in the meantime.”
“Yeah. I understand. Although I trust she already has an idea in mind. This type of situation suits her well.”
“Good… by the way, Audomattadjia asked me something odd when I spoke with her.”
“Asked you something odd?” It took him a moment before he looked genuinely taken aback. “That’s new. I wasn’t expecting her to actually approach anyone else for answers. As stubborn as she is I expected her to want to figure it all out herself and be stuck thinking about it for a millennium. And what did you tell her?”
“I would have normally assumed she’d do the same, stubborn as the Void’s hunger. I told her I wouldn’t reveal your secrets, but I did tell her to go to Mayray if she wanted the answer.”
“That daughter of yours will tell her exactly what she wants to know.”
“I know. That was my intent. Under other circumstances I’d have refrained, but the answer is important for her.” Kikana approached him until they were face to face. Her eyes did not know how to display empathy, but he could see it nonetheless. “You two have been friends from the beginning, even when you were children. The answer matters to her because it involves you. I suggest you be prepared to confront her response with your entire being.”
“I wasn’t expecting you to be so concerned. I hear you, I’ll tread carefully and with consideration.”
“Good. I expect a good outcome.”
“Kikana.” The woman was prepared to leave, but stopped upon seeing the serious look in his eyes. “You realize you’ve concluded your own son’s demise in all this. Would you not have us find another way?”
“No. If he dies, then he dies. That boy isn’t my son. My son lies within his persistent soul. Gabriel lacks the understanding to be Gahbreal. It’s for that very reason he will die.”
He almost felt as if could understand her just a little. Kikana was and still is one of Audomattadjia’s closest friends, with the only other comparison being Eva who was now deceased. The death of the last of their trio had clearly taken a toll on them both at the time, but Audo had always said it hurt Kikana more than herself. The darkness claimant growing even more distant than she had originally been. Perhaps this was just a part of her reluctance to give up on the past. She, after all, was the only one who referred to Gahbreal’s current life as the name he had personally chosen. Gabriel. She'd become overly protective of her children, but she clearly did not see this life as the son she knows.
She left just as quickly as she’d arrived and, just like that, the flickering lamp resumed its job. All Koiva could do was sigh. The darkness claimant had always made a habit of getting in his way, specifically when it came to Audomattadjia. No doubt his oldest friend would want to talk when he returned. And he would need to make sure he chose his words wisely based on how she perceived it all. Although, in his mind, he hadn’t believed it would really matter.
“Open the path.” The primary way he moved from place to place. Like a command directly to the realms which answered by connecting the space before him with where he desired to go.
He had believed his words would have been less likely to cause a stir. The words of a friend meant to confuse or irritate her in some way. He had believed it would take her a lifetime to discover the answer, stubborn to the very end as she had always been with things like this. Audomattadjia had always been the type to want after growth, to trust in others, but never rely on them too heavily. With that thought in mind he expected her to find the answer well after his time had ended. And so he was surprised when stepping through the path he had opened. Met with silence. A tightness in his chest.
She wasn’t in her room. He could tell because, even though he had only appeared outside, her door was ajar. And so, he walked through the night-shaded halls. Moonlight pouring in through the windows and illuminating what darkness it could touch. If she were away then perhaps it would be best to return to his own space within her home. The large estate like an elongated pagoda featuring a multitude of rooms for different purposes, easy to get lost in if visiting for the first time, but he had been there many times. It was why even the darkness of the night did not cause him to lose his way. But he did pause upon reaching his office. There were eyes staring at him from the dark.
“Mayray. I thought you were at home, tending to the shrines.”
The darkness claimant was not pleased. He could tell by how sharp her stare had become. She had always shared that same stare with her mother, no matter how much she hated her. “I couldn’t very much leave her like this.”
“Leave her?” His eyes shifted to the cracked door at the end of the hall. “Is she in there?”
“Lady Audomattadjia has been in there for a while. I’ve been watching. Now that you’re here I’m leaving. At least try to talk this through with her properly. You’re both awkward people. Something has to give.”
“Something has to give, huh?” Mayray could tell he was thinking. But above that she could tell his conclusion wasn’t anything good.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Koiva. A lot of claimants call her a queen, and I know how you feel, but she still needs you.”
“You’re still young, May. Smart, but young.” He responded while placing his hand on her head. An action that would normally cost several fingers, but something about it made her hesitate. As if what he were saying was a bit too important. “Claimants, especially aikekunai, are at times meant to be replaced. A need is never so simple. Especially not like this. I'd also suggest you take that same advice and apply it to your relationship with your mother.”
Mayray had spent her entire childhood with Kikana before choosing to leave her family behind. It was why she felt her intuition wasn’t steering her wrong, although she certainly ignored his last suggestion. His words were serious, but most importantly… ominous. She couldn’t tell what it was Koiva was trying to say, but it wasn’t entirely good. He was the type to know what he wanted and only do what had to be done. He considered everything. So what would he do to appease Audomattadjia?
“Talk normally. I can’t understand you when you’re that vague.” An attempt to make him clarify, no doubt. But he only smiled.
“It’s nothing important. But I’ll make a request before I go.”
“What? You know I don't do favors, especially not for you.” She responded while finally removing his hand from her head.
“The way you fight is very efficient, especially for someone with my type of job. Inquisitions are too costly for both sides. There's too much bloodshed overall. So, why don’t you teach me a bit of your way of doing things.”
“Really? You know the way I fight isn’t suited for battlefields. Besides, I've never known you to be one for mercy.”
“I know, but sometimes change is a good thing. Besides, I think you’d be an excellent teacher.” A compliment? It made her pause for several seconds before she relented.
“Fine... I don't know what you're planning, but hurry up and go. You’ve wasted enough time.”
Watching as he walked to the door made her heart thump in her chest. Mayray’s brow furrowed, her gaze letting up just the slightest bit. This wasn’t like him. The Koiva she knew was characterized by order, defined by his strict nature and inflexibility when concerning matters like confrontation. He never bent or relented and his arguments with Audo when it involved plans for her future could get heated when she did not consider every possible detail. But right now? This Koiva? It made her feel as if he were preparing for the unknown, beyond himself. Then again, unbeknownst to her, this would be her last time ever speaking with him. The door opened with a slight creak, but that was more than enough to catch Audomattadjia’s attention. She had been waiting, clearly. He could tell. His personal room as neat and tidy as ever, his desk and furniture all in perfect alignment. The only imperfection among it all being the woman whose head rose from the cool wooden surface where all his unfinished documents were spaced out neatly. Even with her head now lifted, her hair covered the desk like a black curtain. Her white eyes stared at him without relenting. Eyes which often unsettled others, but he could see all too easily.
“Koiva.” She didn’t look happy at all.
“C’mon. Don’t look at me like that.” His speech was quick and accurate as he closed the door behind himself and placed the book hanging from his side onto the desk. “You should be resting. It won’t do you well to be tired.”
“You know I don’t get tired, Koi. I have rested far too much.”
“I know, but you know what I’m saying. You didn’t even light a lantern. I’m pretty sure I remember you preferring brightly lit places—”
“I’m sorry, Koi.” He paused when she began to speak. “I have caused you so much trouble. Even from the day we met. Even I can tell what Jayhe wanted from you after all this time, but I ignored it. I was and have been selfish.”
“You’re not selfish Audo.”
“Don’t baby me, Koi. Even I can accept my mistakes… This entire time I ignored it because I believed I knew you better than anyone else. I truly thought there was not a single person alive who knew you better than me. It was presumptuous, conceited and, as I already stated, selfish! Meanwhile I’ve caused you unneeded suffering with my actions. I personally didn’t want to face you even after being told the truth.”
She could see him so clearly, compared to how she once looked at him. Suddenly it all began to make sense. She could remember when they were both much younger, before they head reached the point where they no longer grew physically with age. She had committed so much to her memory and especially after having been imprisoned for so long. She could remember his smile, his caring expressions, the luster of his skin and the brightness of his eyes even with such dark colors. Always wondering how such a deep, cool gray could be so expressive… but looking at him now and considering the truth she knew? It was all so matted and muted. She looked in the mirror and saw herself, but she looked at him and saw someone else entirely.
Audo couldn’t help but wonder. Question how many smiles he had faked? How many things he had done without any real reason to do it?! A claimant with one of the highest stations of his house, made secret betrayer by someone he loved enough to turn his back on everything, and yet she hadn’t even noticed. He looked tired. Exhausted. His face still young but his features maturing steadily. Dark circles around his eyes and creases upon his expression from a lifetime of somber looks. His hair which was once black had, to her current notice, faded to a slight gray. Even the luminescence of his eyes seemed to be dulled and fading. Yet still his response to her was as standard as always.
“That’s not something you need to worry about, Audo. You don’t owe me anything. Life simply moves as order ordains.”
“You’re wrong.” A retort as childish as ever.
“Some things are already decided. I’m not inclined to push back against the order prescribed by fate.”
“But you’ve already done that multiple times!” She couldn’t recall the last time they had argued with one another. She had playfully assumed he was being on his best behavior, but now it seemed more like he just wanted to avoid the conflict. She approached, placed her hands on both sides of his face, and made him look directly at her. “You’ve gone against your very nature time and time again. I was simply too horrible to realize you have been doing it for me.”
He sighed. His hands moving to remove her own from him. “You’re too stubborn. Don’t you understand that it doesn’t matter now? Honestly, if I’d known it’d cause this much trouble I’d have never said anything.”
“Koi…”
“Enough, Audo… Enough.”
Neither of the two had chosen to say anything. Silence, accentuated by the dark. Audo had very little time in general to work up anything to say. She had only recently realized what was truly happening between them both. Koiva, on the other hand, had spent the vast majority of his entire life hoping on something which now simply wasn’t meant to be. There was nothing to be done, but Audomattadjia was not willing to relent.
“There must be something I can do.”
“What?” By now he was beginning to look annoyed.
“Something! Anything! It doesn’t matter what.” He had assumed she was becoming angry due to his responses, but his frown deepened upon seeing her now. Thousands of years had passed them by, but he had never once managed to make her cry before. “Is there truly nothing I can do for you? After having used you all this time, I can do nothing for you?”
“Audo, this doesn’t matter.”
“How can you say that? How can you so eagerly throw away your own feelings?”
“Audo!” He rarely ever yelled, but now his voice sounded hoarse. Almost as if he’d been yelling all day. “Over a thousand years have passed since we met. Centuries have passed within that time. Do you truly believe I’ve been eager or quick to act?”
“No… you’re right.”
“I’ve taken my time. I’ve put a lot, a lot, of thought into everything. Please don’t make it all meaningless now. If you need something to do for me then just act like nothing has changed because, truly, nothing has. Save your energy for the future.”
“I don’t know if I can do that, Koi.”
“Truly, you're just as difficult to deal with now as you were when we were children… I know what I have to do now. You may not be able to ignore this now, but I don’t plan on giving you the choice.”
“What do you mean?” He could tell she was both curious and cautious. That was why he acted quickly.
“Go to sleep, Audo.”
“Don’t you fucking dare…”
She couldn’t even fight it. The force which caused her to act without her own desires considered. Her eyes shut, her body going limp as she fell forward into a deep sleep. Koiva didn’t allow her to fall. Catching her like this merely reminded him of how often she’d fall asleep and needed to be carried back home when they were younger, from the small lake shrouded by trees and filled with her favorite lotuses. Perhaps that was why he chose to stay on this chaotic path with her. Love played a big part in it all, and he had come to love her more than anything. But that had become both a boon and a curse.
He carried her out of the room and down the many halls, making sure no one disturbed her rest. Her face still looked distraught even when sleeping. There was no doubt it would take time for her to get over this, but it was his choice. She would have to respect it. He entered her room, finding within the man made claimant and Audomattadjia’s consort. His eyes immediately caught them both and he sprang up with a worried expression.
“Is she alright?”
“Lady Audomattadjia is fine, just resting. Her day was... arduous.” Koiva responded as he placed the woman down on their bed. “I would suggest allowing her to sleep, for now. She will no doubt require gentle words upon waking.”
“I appreciate your continued efforts for us, Koiva.” He was certainly a bright and caring man, but Koiva’s glare carried palpable discontent.
“Of course. That is my duty… come to me.” The order was clear and, within seconds, the book he had placed on the desk came flying to his grasp. He did not open it, however. He merely placed it on the end table beside their bed.
“You always carry that book with you. Do you plan to retrieve it later?”
“No. I no longer have a use for it. Lady Audomattadjia will most likely get more out of it than me now.”
“I see. I will let her know you left it in her care if you aren’t present when she wakes.”
The order aikekunai looked at him for a moment. He didn’t blink or show a single crack in his character, purely the cynical gaze of a justiciar weighing the worth of someone standing before him. The male looked as if he wanted to say something, but refrained for good reason. It didn’t seem wise to speak, at least not yet. That was when, for what was the first time ever, Koiva held out his hand in the male’s direction. It was nothing so worthy of great accolades… only a simple handshake, and one he cautiously and eagerly returned. However, while there was caution, there was an even greater feeling of respect.
“It has been my honor to work alongside everyone here. So many claimants coming together for a common goal. For their form of peace. I could not have accomplished something like this with my own methods or my own two hands... I’m grateful. So don’t fail my expectations, Liu Vall Gimnai.”
“Of course.”
The mutual shake did not last long, and just as it ended did Koiva approach Audo once more and place his hand on her shoulder. She seemed to tense in her sleep, almost as if attempting to wake up, but to no avail. “Sleep well... Goodbye, Audo.”
A one-sided farewell, but one anticipated by fate. Deemed eligible by order. Liu watched him walk through the doors which shut softly behind himself and that alone was the last account of anyone having seen Koiva. Almost as if he simply disappeared from existence. Audo would wake up later that night, his order to sleep made null and void. An impossibly in her mind. A breach of nature, a breaking of order as she knew it. An outcome which could not take place so long as the aikekunai were alive. Not unless he gave the order to cease himself… she knew immediately that he was never going to come back when she awoke and he wasn't there.
For a long while, she did not speak. For even longer she refused to eat. After the days of wailing for inexistent life she mourned in silence and what solitude she could gain and not even Mayray could keep Kikana from coming to attempt consoling her closest friend. A feeling as if a part of her very soul had simply vanished. Then, she chose to read. The book which he had left her. The tome she had assumed carried scriptures and hymns, notes from the beginning of order and words of wisdom passed down by his teacher and theirs before him… all she found was a journal. Words written on pages which never seemed to end no matter how many times she flipped through them. Words dating back to even before they had met.
And so, she read. She read and through those words she learned. Not of the secrets of the world or the machinations of Koiva’s mind. Instead, she learned of the heart of someone who loved and was willing to do anything for that love. All until the final entry on the final day they spoke. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything at all. I hate to think she’d figure me out, but if she does it’ll only make my plans more difficult. I’ve given up. I’m ashamed to say it. I’m tired, and there’s no respite in sight. Audo once again asked me what it is I want, but she can’t give that to me and I have no right to request it. Every time I think about it, it aches more.
I’m getting old, and my mind is starting to affect my body. I’m slowing down. Even today I almost perished, my command slow to act and the condemned able to struggle against it. I’ve already made my choice. To start again, but I’ll have one final command for myself. A command on my lives, one to not interfere. The same suffering will not befall who comes after me and through that, I’m content. Perhaps I’ll be kinder in the future. Smile more often and be more friendly. But above all else I hope I’ll be loved. So I’ll only have a final command in my final moments, far removed from everyone's eyes and away from the notice of others…
“Koiva ceases here. Who I was will be no more, but that new life will return to her.” It was then Audo realized the truth. The first to realize that truth. Wherever he had gone he would never return, and whoever would replace him would no doubt come to exist without anyone’s knowing just yet. An aikekunai born in secret because the life before him chose to conceal their death. It was when she reached that ending of the book she finally began to move again. When she read those very words that she began to act. So, she searched and demanded everyone she could trust search as well. Whoever he was born as she would find before anyone else and she would dictate when his role as aikekunai would be revealed. No matter where, no matter who, no matter the means and no matter what would need to be sacrificed, she would ensure his soul remained loved... It was within that very same year she found him among her own trusted company, and that same year Koven Vall Woxia was born.
"Koven Vall Woxia. My personal love, and my personal means to atone." |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Post by Dobu on Jul 24, 2024 6:42:38 GMT
Red Queen and Fated Consort
The waves smashed against the shore and carried away with a slow retreat. The land itself looked as if a long war had been fought across it. An island of modest size, once capable of holding an entire village of humans, now reduced to a smoldering derelict of rubble. The earth filled with fissures and the results of impacts, the grass painted and splattered with a smoldering red blood. The sky itself a melted painting of deep blues and cascading orange emanating from the sun approaching the horizon. The smokestacks billowing against the sky as if wishing to flow along with it, meld into it, the souls of the lost wishing to become one with it. There was calm.
Perhaps that was why her heart was beating so quickly. Maybe it was the horizon’s beauty in the distance, but she wasn’t dumb enough to be so careless with these things. A ruler cannot be so weak. A queen cannot be allowed to fold. And yet, in this very moment… she was folding. A strong gust of sea air passed them and she could taste the salt on the air. Her white dress, now tattered and severed in certain places, waving in the wind like a war-torn flag. Her hair nearly just as long flowing with it. Her eyes locked onto one specific thing.
“Gahbreal…”
The warrior, her replacement by all means. She looked at his exhausted face, held up before her and by her very own right hand. Her left severed entirely and lying on the ground. He did not struggle, he instead seemed oddly content. That stoic expression he had since the moment he’d arrived to bring her here, ever present. He himself covered in cuts and bruises, his clothes not nearly as damaged as hers, a sign he would have mainly suffered from blunt damage. At least aside from the torn sections.
“Why do you hesitate?” His voice caused her jaw to go slightly slack. “I requested this challenge. This is meant to be a fight to the death.”
Her eyes went wide, her heart thumping again. Rubies glowing in the sunset as her grip loosened, but not enough to let him drop. She exhaled, as if something she had been holding onto for so long was released, and with that she responded.
“No… I will not.”
“What?” Gahbreal’s response was rightfully confused. She knew that. He had come to challenge her. To test himself against his predecessor. And he did so expecting to either walk away victorious or not at all.
“You will not die here. I refuse such a thing.”
He was baffled, but also left with a lingering rage. Perhaps that was why he did not attack the moment she lowered him to the ground and placed him on his feet. It made no sense, so he had to understand. Perhaps that was also why he did not yell. His eyes were certainly filled with malice and his brow furrowed, but his voice was calm despite his expression.
“Why? What reason do you have to do this?” He spoke while standing tall. “The conditions of this duel were simple. We fight and one of us survives.”
“This fight is my victory. Normally, I would not care for something like this… but you? You are magnificent.”
“Excuse me?”
“The way you fought, the way you… carry yourself and speak. Your ideals, your ambitions. They are all in alignment, but you have strength. You have power.”
“Power? You would claim someone weaker than you has power?”
She spoke as she began to walk past him and to the edge of the cliff at his back. “If a god were to look down on all of its creations and proclaim them weak, would that be realistic?”
“Would you believe a god capable of being slain by its creations?”
“Of course. I know your grandmother must have taught you, but perhaps I will push this lesson into you a bit more.” She turned back to face him. “Power does not simply encompass one’s physical attributes. It is the culmination of everything. The knowledge, the skill, the ability to put it into practice. We do not seek to be the strongest, we seek to be the most powerful. The one with the power to defeat all who would challenge us.”
“The idea of overcoming all obstacles with one’s entire being. Yes, I know those words.”
“Then you should know that even the highest among us can fall if a single person has gained the power to topple them.”
A moment of silence, peace, serenity among the end of their battle. Gahbreal knew those ideals well. They were the same things taught to him by his mother and his grandmother. Words he had heard time after time, engrained into his memory and a part of him as a whole. It was one thing to hear it from them, but it was an entirely different experience to hear it from the source. The driving force behind his growth and the growth of his entire family. The words which first made him decide how to go about his purpose. The humbling truth, that one may never forget their own weaknesses.
“I did not believe you would be so adamant to those words. You truly are an admirable person... If you refuse to kill me, then I have no choice but to respect that. What would you have of me as the one who lost this battle?”
He watched as a slender finger rose from her side. It was at this moment he had noticed the full extent of damage she had taken. Sections of her legs and arms sliced open, her entire left arm severed, a gash going down her chest and to her hip… and yet still she looked no different from the moment he had met with her at the beginning of this. Then he noticed the finger resting on its target.
“I will have you.”
“Pardon?” They had fought for three days straight and yet not once did he look as surprised as he did now.
“You heard me. I will have you. I know your family’s customs well, Gahbreal.”
“You’re serious. You know the complications this will cause across the realms, correct?”
“Oh, I know. But I see it so clearly in you. The ideal character of my consort. Those in your family have a tradition, that those who are bested in combat must become bound to that opponent if they so desire. And I do desire. I desire you as my consort.”
“And what of everyone else’s opinions?” Gahbreal questioned with a glare.
“We will only tell our most trusted allies. Even if it is only a handful of people you may decide. I will even remain in my prison for the sake of keeping up a guise of separation, but I will expect ample pampering on a regular basis. We can both keep secrets, but I will have my desires.”
It was almost… unreal. Nothing had prepared him to believe this figure of power he had been told about since he was little would be so... normal, if you could really call it that. She was oddly proper and direct, but spoke in the manner you expect from some spoiled princess. Perhaps that was why she had chosen to make this decision. No matter the reason, it didn’t keep him from laughing. It was almost reassuring to laugh like this. As if all the tension he’d ever had was relaxing away.
“If you want me, then you shall have me. I’m not opposed. I was prepared to fight you and yet I was not prepared for this. Your desires really do lead your life as they say.”
“And is that so bad? My desires must be met, because my desires are everything.”
“Then tell me this. I've been bested as a warrior, my power proven to be lacking in comparison to yours. What are you seeing in me right now that you desire?” Gahbreal’s question caused her to begin walking her way back from the cliff down to his position as she responded.
“I see someone who cares for those who require that care. Someone who is willing to do anything for the sake of those he calls family and allies. I see a proud warrior, but most importantly I see a gentle and caring man. You may be the aikekunai of the ancients, but for me you will be my champion. The champion who cares for those weaker than himself and defends against the terrors of his fellow claimants.”
He knew it when he asked, but he wasn’t expecting it to be so genuine. The sun finally falling behind the horizon and blanketing the sky in the darkness of night. It was almost as if she were purposefully targeting the gaps in his heart, yet at the same time clearly stating her own vulnerabilities. She was telling him what she was missing and requesting that he give her what she desired, and stating that he had the means… with that, he had no reason to remain firm. Especially when he was being guided so caringly. The hundreds, even thousands of claimants he had seen, battled and defended in kind; yet none held such a stern sway over him. And looking at her now it felt less like the demand one might choose to view it as. Her eyes gave her away. The conviction to place vulnerabilities on display just for this desire and request.
“I’ve heard enough,” he stated as he lowered himself to a single knee and rested his axe on the ground. Since their fight had started it was the first time she had seen his right hand release it. A part of him, and yet he was placing it aside to lift his hand toward her. “Then I will honor that tradition here, just as my mother and her mother before them has. I will be your consort and your champion.”
“And you will not change?”
“No matter how many lifetimes may pass me by, I will always remain the same. Even if one may stray momentarily, I will always find my way to you in the end. You've convinced me to do at least that much.”
“Oh," she responded as if she had expected him to refuse. "Well, I do not personally mind if you have a second or possibly third wife along the way, as I am sure things will get a bit lonely, but you will promise me that I will remain the most important. Even if it’s a secret. You will always leave your heart with me.”
“Then I will make that promise; a vow on my very soul. Throughout all my lives. I will always return to you. No matter how my soul may twist or bend, you can rest assured that I will find my way to you.”
“Then call on me and make it official. Gahbreal. To claim me, state it like a desire. As if the choice never existed... like it is fate. Our destiny.”
“Then I shall say it like this, for every shadow throughout all the realms to hear." She placed her hand on his palm, eyes which were once as red as the essence of life now like crystal clear blue waters. She could feel it again, the thumping within her chest. Even more intense than she had remembered. She wanted to believe it entirely right then and there, but her eyes like roses refused to give in until she heard the words. A proclamation no one else had ever made or was willing to make. "Just as you have claimed me as yours, so too have I claimed you as mine... You are mine, Lilith.”
His eyes grew wide, the motion of his hand stopping entirely atop his daughter's sleeping head. Gabi did not mind. Entirely lost in whatever dream she could possibly be having. His brow furrowed, his heart pounding as his eyes turned to the window and peered out at the night sky. Each star sparkling in the distance like their own little world apart from theirs. The symphony of life and eternity. The universe outstretched. He thought for a moment about how peaceful everything was around him, and for a moment he despaired. However, that disparity was quickly brushed aside and cast away. For what reason did he have to despair? All he had managed to do was remember something he had somehow managed to let slip his mind. Something he could never possibly forget.
"Gahbreal?" Cyva's voice pulled him back to reality and from his thoughts. "You seem troubled. Are you feeling well?"
"Yeah. I'm good... I just remembered something very important." |
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Spira
Citadel Mastermind
160 posts
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last online Nov 23, 2024 13:53:45 GMT
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Jul 25, 2024 16:27:00 GMT
Post by Spira on Jul 25, 2024 16:27:00 GMT
Catalogue Spread Volume One
Saccharine aromas overwhelmed the senses, with notes of burnt incense intermixed with the overly astringent hint of orange; tempered by the crispness of a freshly bitten green apple. Soft waves of patchouli, charcoal and warm cinnamon, evoke the sensation of an autumn breeze.
These are not scents, that immediately spring to mind, when walking into the contemporary dream of modernity. Here, located just a stone’s throw away from the breath taking views of the Matterhorn. Camouflaged as a classic example of an Italian chalet.
The subject of today’s interview, lounges lazily in head-to-toe ABON. Sat atop a custom Koket Geisha Curve Couch in polished silver.
A glass of Chateau Margaux 1870 in hand. The uncorked bottle resting atop a polished Purple-wood side-piece. The quietly intelligent gaze of our guest, brings to mind an audience with such rare and ethereal creatures like a perched phoenix.
The view is breathtaking and the interior layout, paired artistically with subtle thematic choices are calculated. There is nothing here that ought not to be. Down to the very fibres that make up the glorious Vicuna covered arm-chair.
There’s naught but indulgence, authority and a shroud of quiet mystique that surrounds technology’s Prima-Dona. The President and head innovator of the world’s technology empire. Heiress DeVian Law, 28, knows she is a woman of power.
No effort or energy seems to be exerted by Law, all movements are swift and minimal. One could hardly be faulted, missing the softly almost imperceptible rise and fall of her shoulders.
Law, is no stranger to gossip and tabloid attention. Especially now, with the announcement of her intention to marry a private citizen. Long suspected to be attached to one or two anonymous figures, the news of Law’s upcoming nuptials caused widespread jubilation and surprise. With many foreign dignitaries, celebrities and other persons of note quick to congratulate the heiress.
‘The fuss, was expected. The notoriety of my name? Not so much.’
For all of the troubles of day-to-day life, Law is down to earth and quick witted. Conversation comes naturally. Wise beyond her years, a instantaneous lift of an eyebrow, shaped perfectly with its sister. Law gives nothing away, though teases the potential for summer nuptials. When pressed on if the press would be given access, she laughs.
‘The arrangements could be made. But don’t hold your breath. Getting down the aisle is more important.’
Law was raised in the hard and gritty privilege of Brazil’s top brass. Having excelled academically, Law propelled into the world of technology at eleven. Prodigiously talented, Law never allowed her family name to speak for her.
Having completed a double-masters in Commerce and I.T from both Cambridge University and Stanford University. By age thirteen, Law felt ready to take on the family business.
Much to the surprise of investors and shareholders globally, this has not stopped her from proving her place amongst the monochromatic geniuses of rigid traditionalist Silicon Valley. With at least 700 confirmed patents and counting. Law has no plans to slow down.
[Off the Record]
“N-nice to meet you Ms Law.”
“The pleasure is mine, Miss Gaine.”
DeVian had already memorised the file provided by Truman who was ushering another mousey looking intern photographer around the surrounding rooms. No doubt to create double spreads and to make sure no one was sneaking off and looking into rooms they shouldn’t.
She had set down two conditions to the press. The first was that her interviewer and the team sent had to be interns. The second was that any questions that were overtly personal were forbidden. When asked about the latter, Truman had helpfully supplied that the papers were more than welcome to delve into DeVian’s own history. Her upbringing, her schooling etc. But asking about her partner, her family or anything else below or above board would render the interview over and the press pushed out into the cold.
So, Miss Gaine. Freshly turned 21, a journalism major interning from the University of British Columbia had drawn the hypothetical short-long straw. Even if the article was read by no one, Miss Gaine’s career and those of the others chosen to come to the Italian Alps, was all but guaranteed.
DeVian had silently sneered at the lack lustre clothing of her interviewer, but she supposed college students didn’t have the time or budget to spend frivolous amounts on clothes.
“Please, take a seat. Get comfortable. When you’re ready to begin. Just start asking.”
“T-thank you.”
The poor mortal, DeVian observed that the girl was a pencil chewer, a nervous foot tapper and preferred to drink the glass of water without ice, over the options of juice, champagne, some other less impressive vintage of red. Her notebook, leather bound and aged - suggesting well loved and replaceable. Pen, ballpoint, but not her preferred writing implement based off the clumsy weight applied.
[On the record]
On the subject of her wardrobe, Law held nothing back. Long known to collaborate with the elusive fashion house ABON. Law is perhaps the only individual with full stakes, having what is described as an intimate relationship with the designer. ^See page 3 for a closer examination of Law’s engagement ring, reportedly worth a jaw-dropping 25 million.^
‘ABON will be designing my dress, and all other details I leave to my entourage.’
Though usually a hands-on perfectionist, Law seemed almost exhausted by the thought of having anything to do with her special day. Stating the pomp and ceremony were for the public, rather than what she would have done personally.
‘Mmm. No honeymoon. There’s no time for one. Coordinating my wedding and shoehorning it between events. An unexpected miracle.’
The guest list will likely be a closely held secret until mere days before the event. Law did not feel the need to elaborate. Venturing to ask if there would be a theme or a location, Law rolled her shoulders.
‘It’ll have something to do with the joint heritage of my own. Plenty of black, red, greenery, opulence of an unparalleled degree. Location will just have to come down to space and weather.’
Moving onto topics like the eye watering jaw dropping fortune Law will likely inherit one day. She was ambivalent, almost feigning ignorance laced with sarcasm when proclaiming:
‘I have not had anything to do with money since I graduated from my alma maters. There is little point in dallying in something so trivial.’
Looking past the fortune and academia. One would be surprised to find out that Law invests heavily in non-government organisations and movements. Most controversially, Law has never confirmed nor denied her connection to CMUR. Nor was the heiress willing to speculate on the theory of her being a supposed claimant.
‘I do believe, that Claimants are strictly forbidden from interfering with human society. Or at least they say so.’
^Spread 1: ABON sublime line; 65 carat Sapphire Asscher cut, white gold earrings. ABON Guild line; 350~ carat approximately Sapphire/Diamond Princess cut, white gold chain. ABON Base line; silk day-shirt shade nocturnal, defiant velvet-chiffon tights shade electra, minim beige ankle socks. ABON Rust line; Suede loafers, King Cobra Leather shade marble.^
[Off the Record]
Dismissed for the allotted 3 hour lunch break. DeVian nearly bolted up the stairs - Truman had kept the mortal visitors away, mostly by taking them to the nearby town for food and to sightsee.
Coming to a silent but measured halt in front of the bedroom door, the metallic-wood panel which looks like a wall slid to the left. Opening up to a currently darkened chamber, the black-out curtains were drawn tight, hiding the fantastic piece of portraiture on the far right wall. Eyes immediately focused on the giant floating bed in the only rugged area of the room. Sprawled and unconscious to the world, half tucked under the duck-feather filled blankets; Stasia Noba slept.
DeVian could just make out the inked pair of eyes that rested at the base of Stasia’s neck. She could have sworn the tattoo was capable of blinking autonomously. Stealthily, DeVian felt the panel-door click shut and moved straight towards the wardrobe. She barely missed the plushie elephant, dressed as she was. It would likely somehow change into what she was about to do next.
The portrait shimmered and disappeared, revealing a Queen’s ransom worth of one-of-a-kind pieces, displayed on mannequins or tucked away in custom built shelves. Stripping out of her current attire, flinging them into the open laundry chute - Needle and Thread would be by later to collect any/all garments in need of laundering and repair.
Down to undergarments, DeVian opted to just slip into one of Ritunen’s large business shirts. The buttons half done up. She shut the lights and moved towards the bed. Above, an illusion of the Northern Lights were on display, the brilliant hues bouncing off Stasia’s alabaster skin.
She was just a tad bit dismayed, having lifted the covers to find Stasia partially nude, but those accursed bracelets. Still there. A permanent reminder of the separation between them. DeVian knew it was for their as well as her own safety, but those stupid things prevented a level of intimacy DeVian just knew was waiting.
Stasia’s shoulders rose and fell, occasionally the electricity aikekunai would sigh or shift minutely. Burrowing further into the pillows - scented with a hyacinth and spearmint mist. DeVian gently pulled them into her arms. Resting her own chin on her partner’s shoulders. Immediately all the tense muscles of Stasia’s upper back, relaxed.
Time trembles when Stasia finally comes back to the here and now, eyes opening slowly. DeVian hasn’t moved from the position she had first settled into, her muscles and limbs numb from lack of movement. The bed dips as Stasia shifts so they’re facing her.
“I thought you had an interview?” The words are groggy, heavy with the last vestiges of sleep.
“I do. Lunch break. I wanted to check up on you.”
“Mmm. How much time do we have?”
“All the time.”
“I don’t think your guest or Truman would appreciate you nicking off indefinitely to be in bed with me.”
“You still have dark circles under your eyes. When was the last time you slept unaided?”
This gives Stasia pause.
“Guessing not very recently. I thought you said you were getting better.”
“I am. At least when I’m here. Or wherever you choose to stay. It’s difficult otherwise.”
“Do we need to speak to Alvax? Or maybe Xainayne about it? Have the nightmares lessened in their severity?”
“No, there’s no need to trouble them.”
Now it’s DeVian’s turn to face away as their positions are reversed and Stasia begins the slow work of kneading the tense knots, the stress caused by long hours standing, sitting, debating in heels.
“You are allowed to feel at peace. This isn’t…”
“Don’t. Just, I’ll speak to Xainayne. I’ll consult the lexicon in Eviax’s library.”
DeVian nods at this plan. Though she partially wonders how Stasia could jam this new side task into their jam-packed schedule. |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Post by Dobu on Jul 28, 2024 6:47:41 GMT
Angel Tears
I hate the rain. It’s almost always some type of omen for something terrible, dreadful… unforeseeable… That’s why I knew things weren’t good the moment these warm droplets began to fall from the sky. When I looked up into the vastness of night as saw nothing but storm clouds looming overhead, it felt as if I were being called here. Perhaps I owe it to that girl for being the one to call me of all people. Not out of trust, but instead obligation.
“She’s normally never like this, and as much as I’d like her to talk to me… I know that’s not going to happen. Don’t get me wrong. Love is love, but some things are just impossible for her to admit. I think you can draw those things out of her if you try.”
Responsibility really is a pain. Why’d I even agree to do this? I should have said no and just went back to the forge, let them settle this themselves… no, I know I’m not like that. Or maybe I was and things have simply changed. My blazing rage flickering like an ember amidst the black. That’s right. I don’t need any encouragement or a push for this. If it’s something I can do then I want to do it. Not out of hate… but because I care.
When he had heard about a request for his business being rented out he didn’t pay it much thought. Al he knew was that the money was good and it wasn’t something he planned to refuse. Now that he was there himself he was having second thoughts. A crowd formed around the building, people both human and claimant alike attempting the gain entry. Faces he’d never seen before, faces he didn’t much care for especially now, but some things always remained the same.
This time around it wasn’t intimidation, his normal tactic. The bustling crowd calmed instinctively as if by force of nature. His steps, normally as silent as the calm breeze, echoed aloud as if to announce the lack of his cares for anonymity. They weren’t on his mind, but he was on theirs. Each footfall evaporating the water beneath his soles, eyes like blue diamonds, the only stars out at night. But he still had a single obstacle to pass. Her arms outstretched as if to say even he was not welcome in his own place of business.
“What are you doing here?” He knew Lizbett hated him. One of the many people who believed he didn’t care about anything, but human nonetheless.
“You know exactly why I’m here. I’m not going to argue with you.”
“Good. Then turn around and go.”
A part of him was agitated, but he couldn’t display it. Something about seeing this human woman standing out in the rain with no protection only served to make him feel… pity? No. It wasn’t so callous. That was why, after looking at her soaked clothing as if she had jumped out of bed and thrown on the first things she saw just to get here, he placed the umbrella he had been carrying in her hands and wrapped his arms around her for only just a moment.
“I appreciate what you’re doing, but all I need you to do now is wait. I’ll take care of this now.”
She watched as he moved past her and entered the building, too distracted to even realize her clothes were entirely dry again. A part of her was confused, but happy all the same. She had heard many things about him. That he was violent, absurdly powerful and egregiously merciless. The reason itself was unclear to her, but she couldn’t help but let the pent up worry do her in. His presence was a relief. His confidence a blessing. And perhaps he would be capable of doing for her what she could not… even as her closest friend.
The windows had been covered to keep the eyes of the unwelcome from peering inside, but the moment he entered the building he could tell something was wrong. Familiar keys crafting a tune in the air, her voice saying no words but forming a sincere melody, the lights dimmed to a low file hue which was the darkest light he owned in the building… but his eyes could see through it too clearly. The dark was nothing to him, but her song was currently everything. The grand piano he’d ordered for her, custom made to her liking for this building as if to welcome her anytime she desired, making such a sad sound with her at its center. He knew she could sing, proclaimed to have the voice of an angel when not yelling at others, but were angel’s meant to sound so defeated or have their wings hang so low?
He moved forward quietly, as if wanting to hear her song for a bit longer, but each moment hurt more than the last. Pain was a foreign concept for him, but this was enough to cause it. She moved with such passion, ghostly fingers walking along the keys in a way only a practiced master could accomplish. A deep purple dress just as damp as her hair; a tell she had been here for a while after making her way through the rain. The expression on her face barely visible behind the curtain of black hair which attempted to hide it, but her eyes like midnight sapphires did not lie. Nor did the redness around them.
How often has this happened without my knowledge? How long has this being going on? No, it doesn’t matter right now. What matters is the present.
And so… he called out to her.
“Hey. I didn’t think you made music like this, Gabi.”
Her eyes twitched, but did not turn to him. Her fingers halting before falling to her lap. Her head tilted downward ever so slightly before she formed her own response. “Hey, Hellfire.”
“C’mon now, I ain’t that strict. It’s just the two of us here anyway. Relax a little. You don’t need to put up your guard.”
“Sure, Uncle Mia.” He’d kill anyone else who called him that.
“Alright then, let’s get straight to the point,” he said as he approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Gahbriogyva. Talk to me about it. I’m willing to listen.”
“You don’t need to waste your time. There’s no point.”
“I’m not wasting my time. You can take as long as you like, but I need you to talk to me. Otherwise I can’t help you.”
She looked as if she were entirely reluctant to speak. Perhaps this was the punishment for being who he is and not making the effort to keep their connection strong. Then again, his opportunities were always rare. Everyone though of her as abrasive and crass, but Hellfire was different. Maybe it was because he knew her mother well, but a part of him always knew Gabi was the same as Cyva in a fundamental way. His assumptions were justified the moment he saw her tears falling onto the ivory.
They’re both such crybabies. But I suppose that’s what makes me care so much…
“Uncle… I’m such a stupid girl. I often think that maybe I’ve been doing all of this for nothing, and I just want to disappear. What should I do if everything was for nothing?”
“I don’t understand. You’ll need to explain it to me, kid. What’s causing this?”
She tilted her head upward, eyes looking into the dark roof where small lights attempted to illuminate a dark they could not breach. Like countless stars twinkling in the night. It was even easier to see her expression now, and it made his chest ache.
“Ever since I was little, I wanted to be like dad. Not an aikekunai, but strong enough for him to see me as an equal… or maybe not even that. I just wanted to be someone he could rely on. I thought if I could do that it would truly make me his daughter and gain me the acknowledgement which came with it.”
“I see. I can understand that type of desire.”
“Yes… but I was wrong… he suddenly became such a huge advocate for peace. I don’t mind peace, I can understand the allure of a peaceful world without war because I’ve seen what the opposite of peace looks like.” He could feel a slight shiver through her body with that comment. “I just… didn’t think it’d turn out like this.”
“What do you mean? He still trained you, right? You fight almost exactly like him in many ways from what I can tell. Not to mention how powerful you’ve become.”
“No. He didn’t. He stopped before we even got anywhere. I learned from mother before that, then when dad stopped teaching me I turned to grandma. Then Uncle Nier taught me some things, and I had been learning from Uncle Eric throughout the entire process. But by that time I was already fed up. I was angry, unreasonably so. When he told me he wouldn’t teach me anymore I stormed out of our home and never went back until I felt I’d be acknowledged.”
“You know there are a number of people you know who understand just how much power you command. Why is this so important to you?”
“You know… I asked myself the same thing once.” Her head finally lowered, but turned in his direction with a cheap smile. It was faked, but too believable. Almost like it had been used millions of times in the past. “Like I said, I’m stupid. Even after all these years I’m still the same little girl I was back then who fawned over her father’s attention. I’ve always been a dummy, that’s why I’ve always had to work hard to make up for it.”
“What exactly are you aiming for? Why not just talk to him about this?”
“Talking won’t solve anything.” Her head returned to its original position. “If I talk to them about it, they’ll just give me what I want. Lie to my face without knowing anything. That isn’t genuine. That isn't meaningful.”
“And what would you call genuine?”
She paused for a moment. A silence which made his ears tingle and his breathing hesitate. “I hate Stasia, and I hate Verin. I hate them because they have what I want. That unconditional trust. That trust which allows them to fight at his side because he wants them there. A trust they didn’t even earn… a trust earned for them by their past lives.”
“That’s how aikekunai work. Their lives are merely an extension of themselves. Though different they may be, they still have the same expectations.”
“But it’s not fair.” He could see her eyes narrow, her brow attempting to furrow as if to dispel the blue hues of her eyes, but it failed. “The pain, the suffering, the hardships I endured just for this power… it’s not fair that it means nothing compared to them. It’s not fair that he isn’t even willing to see it! Even when I attempted to show him, he refused me. My own father, an icon among claimants for his own strength, refusing to even see my own.”
“I doubt he wants you to be a warrior like he is. If I know him as well as I believe I do, the man hates that he was raised to be a warrior deep down and is only using it as a means to an end. Ever the advocate for peace, but only knows how to fight. The irony is jarring.”
“…I don’t mind being peaceful.” The very words were a shock to him. But watching as she raised her hand and placed it on the piano, almost as if petting a companion, made things clearer. “You know, after I tried to show him my own power and he denied it… I decided to take a different approach. I settled. I’d be acknowledged in a different way. So I taught myself to play the piano and the guitar. I taught myself to act. I taught myself to sing. I chose to become a name everyone had on their mind.”
“Wait, you taught yourself all of that on your own? Hell, I knew you were talented, but I thought you’d at least get a teacher or tutor.”
“I had made up my mind. I wouldn’t rely on anyone else for power of any type ever again. So, I moved to gain fame and wealth. Then, after I gained it all, I went back expecting to finally get what I’d wanted. What I’d needed!”
“…I assume that’s not what you got.”
“No… it wasn’t… he was angry. He doesn’t listen to music, so I knew he’d never hear a single song. He said that I’d made myself a target for others and that I should have remained anonymous for my own safety… that’s when I started to get it. He’d never acknowledge me because he didn’t want me to be anymore than some standard child who needs to be protected. A delicate doll.”
“What makes you think that?”
The question was stupid, but he had to be sure. It’s not that he didn’t already know the answer. She called herself dumb, but she clearly knew how to get what she wanted when she wanted it, so the information would have found its way to her feet eventually. That’s why it didn’t surprise him at all when she spoke the secret which had been kept from her on purpose. A secret he distinctly remembered even Evyette saying not to tell her.
“Stasia.” The very name was lined with venom from her tongue. “When I find out about what happened with the Program, at first I was shocked. Worried, even. But then it started making sense… why he started getting so overprotective, why it felt like he didn’t want me to do anything but hide and be unknown. Why he’d never acknowledge me for being strong like him.”
“Because he never expects to have you fight.” He could see her lips press together. Her teeth clench as if to hold it all back.
“My entire life has been nothing more than trials and tribulations I personally chose to subject myself to, all for the sake of having him acknowledge those efforts! I’ve pushed myself to my very limits and even further, faced my fears even when my body and mind refused, even killed the undeserving and the unwilling! Stained my hands with blood I’ll never be able to wash off or forget! Even now I still look at my hands and see the countless faces of everyone that I—”
Hellfire caught her quickly. She attempted to stand in a fit of anger, but merely recounting her own memories was enough to nearly make her vomit. He thought she’d have lifted herself back to her feet, but instead she remained on her knees as she removed her hand from over her own mouth. Beads of sweat rolling down her head, and all he could do was rub her back as a form of comfort.
She’s not my kid or anything. It’s not like this is my responsibility. Shit, this sucks. Why am I even doing this?
“Everything… it was all for nothing.” The question answered itself. Not even he could ignore her when the tears started pouring down her face after she spoke those words. He’d seen many expressions on her face, images saved in his memory from her smiles as a child to her anger as an adult… but not once had he seen her cry like this. Forget being like Cyva. She was entirely worse when it came to handling tears.
He lowered himself, one of his knees resting on the floor as his arms wrapped around her shoulders. There wasn’t a single sign in his life which made him believe he’d ever be doing something like this, but now he felt as if he had to. Pulling her head to his chest and placing his hand on her freshly damp hair, but a single deep breath and he’d make certain she was dried. He could recall Kikana doing this exact same thing for him when he was still a child, the gentle petting of a hand on the head. Albeit his hand was gloved. But he knew just how effective it was.
“I’m sorry, Gabi. It may not be worth much, but let me speak for a moment. All you need to do now is listen… I know you have power. I know you have talent. Gahbreal may not say it now, but I know he’ll say it in the future. He won’t have a choice when he sees what you can do. But for now, you’ll have to settle with this.”
Why am I doing this? Why am I saying this? I don’t know the future and my brother may never give this girl what she wants. He's typically always been that stubborn and it would make me into a liar if he did the expected… but still, I can at least say this.
“Gahbriogyva.” Her eyes turned up to look at him. Her expression still somewhat worn out. “I have never acknowledged a single person in my entire life. No one is worthy, everyone lacks the power and the drives to reach beyond themselves and become something greater… but, I acknowledge you.”
“What?”
“I surpassed your father in the realm of power decades ago. You’ve lived to be acknowledged by him, I’ve lived to surpass him for my own reasons. So don’t worry. You’re not lacking; I can tell. He’s simply being stubborn.”
She dropped her face back down, hiding it away from his view as if struck with embarrassment and yet he knew she was just crying more. “But I’m impatient. I don’t know if I can wait that long… I’d already made up my mind. That I’d reach a position he can’t refuse to acknowledge. That I’d become an ancient.”
“You want to usurp Xainayne?”
“No. I’ll become my own ancient. An ancient for the abandoned, an ancient for the misunderstood and forgotten. An ancient of blood against anyone who’d reject those who come to me. An ancient of violence, but also an ancient of peace. The most powerful ancient to ever exist so no one can deny me. That's what I'll become.”
“You think that will be enough?”
“I have hope that it will be. If not… I may just lose my mind.” It sounded like a joke, but he could tell it wasn’t. “What I desire, what I want, what I need. If he won’t give it to me I know I’ll eventually try to start taking it from those he’s chosen to give it to. Even if I try to resist that urge, I know I can't do it forever. That's how I've survived for this long. A part of me hates him so much it makes me sick... but there's still a part of me which loves my dad more than anyone else. a part of me which views him as my everything.”
He frowned hearing that she’d be willing to go to such lengths. For his brother he cared nothing about, she was prepared to make countless enemies and she did not specify who would have to go. Anyone with her father’s respect… and Hellfire knew that list included ancients. In a lot of ways Gabi was the very embodiment of their family’s ideals. In other ways she was the exact type of claimant they feared. A kind heart in the shell of a dominator. He wouldn’t call her misunderstood. That would cheapen her resolve. She was simply playing the game with the poor hand dealt to her, and he had his response.
“If you’re prepared to make that choice, then I will make my choice now as well.” He declared as he stood tall and unwavering. “When that time comes, if that time comes, call on me. If you desire to be an ancient that fights the very world itself… then I, Jerimyha Rhihon, will be your champion... I will always be on your side.”
Several hours had passed by, the rain weakening to a soft drizzle on the city streets. Lizbett was entirely disgusted with how much time these people had on their hands to still be out here trying to catch a glimpse or take a photo of Gabi. Paparazzi made her stomach turn, and yet her undivided attention was pulled back to the door as it was pulled open from the inside. First Hellfire stepped out, then Gabi right behind him. She looked exhausted, as if her energy were completely drained, but her expression looked far better than when she had arrived.
“Gabi!” She rushed over quickly and held the umbrella over her head. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, Lizbett.”
“Really?”
“Really, I am. Let’s go home. I need a fucking bath. This city sucks.”
Hellfire smiled as the two began walking to the car parked on the opposite side of the road. It wasn’t anything special, most likely Lizbett’s own personal vehicle, but it would be enough. All was well… or at least until a flash from the crowd accosted Hellfire’s attention. Maybe it was instinctual, or perhaps it was because she knew enough about him to consider it, but what would normally be standard journalism nosiness had quickly become an alarm bell in her head. Turning to see her uncle staring the culprit down with enough malice to draw everyone’s attention.
Fear. True terror. Real horror. Even she felt it looking at him. He was no wolf like her father, he couldn’t even be called a monster. Just as he had never seen the vulnerabilities in her character until today, neither had she seen the purified rage he held onto like a child coddling their favorite pillow as they slept. The blue in his eyes from before only a memory, replaced with a red that could sear the sun, a single step in the photographer’s direction was enough to clear the air of all rain and replace it with a heat that could not be faked. It made her shiver, but it didn’t stop her from moving forward.
“Disrespectful swine! I’ll wear your skin as a—”
“Uncle!” Her words were enough, but her hand wrapping around his wrist to stop him was more than enough. “It’s fine. Just let them do as they please. you don't need to get mad on my behalf.”
“Alright, alright... If you say so.”
“Thank you. I’ll get in touch with you later… I love you, Uncle Mia.”
She smiled and his eyes widened. Compared to before? This was genuine. Had he managed to, in this moment, at least cheer her up? Before it had been unclear, but now the question was on his mind as the heat dissipated and the drizzle began to fall again. He watched as she returned to Lizbett, waving before entering the car. He wasn’t used to it at all, but he chose to wave back and did not stop until they were far enough down the road for him to feel at ease. his belief was that she’d be okay. for now that was all which mattered. However, there was a single loose end which needed handling.
“I ain’t nearly as kind as she is. That girl… my niece. If I find even a damned shred of this night open to the public, I’ll find who did it. There won’t be a pain imaginable for you to expect. Call it benevolence or call it a curse, either way you’ll wish death could be far easier."
…
….
…..
“You rushed off in such a hurry, I was wondering if you’d be gone all night,” Evyette said as she pulled him across the room. “I take it everything went well then?”
“I’d like to hope so. Although I can’t be certain… things may only just be beginning for her.”
“I haven’t heard you talk like that in a while. Uncertainty doesn’t suit you.”
The ancient watched as he removed his shirt and shoes. Even his gloves were removed and placed off to the side. Expectations were the same, even if it had been a long time since he required the release of strain and stress. The only difference was the cause, and that was why she did not intervene at the start, only watching as he clenched his fists and black flames began to pour from every single pore in his body. A normal ritual for himself, the release of flames which heightened his sensitivity to rage. A quick release so that it would not overflow on its own later. A means to enact self control.
The way fire cascaded from his very soul, something about it was always alluring to a degree she could not describe. His fire always looked like darkness. The way it concealed everything within it including himself, how the cold became heat fueled by his rage, and even the way his eyes like two red suns were visible through it. It was hard to resist, and so she approached as she always did. Stepping into the violent twister of overflowing flames to place her hands on his chest. His heart thrumbled like a war drum, his own heat like a boon to her own. Like this the ancient could face his feeling head on and share in them alongside him. Even if it was only slightly compared to himself, she would feel that rage and understand him more for it.
“You know you can always just talk it out. Right?”
“I know,” he responded as the fire immediately faded to nothing in the air around them. “This is just faster, and you still understand it anyway.”
“It tingles the skin and scratches at the mind. That rage of yours seems to keep getting worse.”
“Not without reason, but tonight posed a bit more of a challenge than I anticipated. Maybe I’ve grown soft, or maybe this is how I’ve always been.”
“Don’t make it sound so bad. You’ve always been a good person, Mia. You were just dealt a poor hand. That and you’re terrible at showing it.”
“Ha ha. I’ll remember that next time you ask me for something.”
“You say that like you’ll refuse if I do.”
“Maybe you know me a bit too well.” He laughed before his expression curled into a frown. Hellfire noticed the way the ancient seemed to shiver slightly. He knew he’d have to say something, and he knew it couldn’t wait. His eyes steadily returned to blue, and he returned to the bed where Evyette joined him sitting on the edge. He had made a choice and he planned to share it with the one he loved.. even if he knew it wouldn't make them happy.
“What’s on your mind, Mia?”
“My niece is truly something else. I think if I didn’t go out tonight, I may have missed something important. Something I’d regret for all eternity.”
“It was that bad?”
“Evyette, I’ll apologize now in advance.” The words brought with them caution from the ancient, but also worry. “My love isn’t something easily gained, but you have it. That is why I’ll tell you now what I won’t tell any others… my niece believes she’s being selfish to want after her father’s adoration, but he doesn’t approve of her methods. She wants strength, he wants his kid to be safe.”
“Seriously? Well, she almost sounds like a younger you but without the lack of care. But she has a lot of fans as far as I know.”
“I know, but those people don't matter. They simply aren't her father... Gabi is kinder than anyone gives her credit, although I’m certain she’s too angry to show that. I don’t know who wouldn’t be after a lifetime of rejection from the one person that matters to her most.”
“You almost sound jealous. So? What will you do?”
“I’ll do all I know how to do. That’s why I’m apologizing now… for her sake I’ll leave him be. I won't forgive him, but I also won't keep him as my enemy. However, if my brother fails to give that girl what she desires of his own volition before something happens to her, I don’t mind making an enemy of every single living thing. Anyone who tries to stops me from ending that man won’t survive, and I don’t care who it is.”
“Is that what you’ve decided? And I can only assume that this is the product of your rage.”
“No, it’s not.” His quick response made her brow rise. The ancient didn’t know anyone outside of herself that wasn’t subject to his rage. It guided most of his decisions, at times pulled him by the nose, unrelenting and uncompromising. But she couldn’t help but feel somewhat at ease when he said his answer. “Today I saw my niece crying. I saw that little girl despair, and it properly hurt to see it... I chose to do this because I love my niece. That’s all there is to it.”
Evyette smiled. Her expression softened as her head leaned against his shoulder. Normally this wouldn't be a huge deal, and it made her wonder what exactly he and Gabi spoke about, but for him it certainly was a large step forward regardless.
"You may choose to deny it, but I always knew it was true. You really are kind, Mia." |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Jul 30, 2024 13:34:52 GMT
Post by Dobu on Jul 30, 2024 13:34:52 GMT
Harbinger's Dream
My father once told me something very important. He told me it was both a lesson and a warning, but at the time I was very naïve. I believed in people, both human and claimant, because I trusted them. I believed that, regardless of our origins or our respective natures, that we could all get along with the right effort. I believed in unconditional love and peace… I still do.
“You will be strong, there is no doubt in my mind about that. You will have many allies and many enemies along your way. Through it all you must never forget, that the most dangerous enemies are the ones standing at you sides and back. The ones disguising themselves as your friends.”
My father was a strong man, an intelligence man and an honorable man. But above all else he was kind. A man who loved his family with his utmost even while fighting his enemies on the field of battle. I’ll never forget that man. I’ll always love that man. His words were the ones which solidified my resolve. He warned me of this and it was because I did not listen that I must now suffer the consequences of my actions. This worst of fates. This waking nightmare.
Her eyes fluttered open as if the action itself was difficult to adjust to. Had she been especially tired? Or perhaps she had merely been asleep for a long while. A belief that she may have possibly forgotten that she had been asleep for a long time. As she lifted her head from the soft silk cushions and removed the velvet blanket from covering her chest, the first thing she took notice of what how stiff every muscle in her body felt. A yawn exiting her system before she used her fingers to sluggishly push the hair covering her face aside.
Immediately she felt panic. Then there was horror. Her steps echoing off the stone walls of the empty chamber as she attempted to rush across the room, the dim blue light of stationary flames guiding her way. Her legs gave out, buckling under her own stiff and unused body and she fell to the ground. Even in that state she did not relent, pushing herself up and continuing forward until her hands collided with the absolute worst fear imaginable. The completely clear wall separating her from the rest of the room.
“No… no. No no no! No!” She screamed out as she pushed against it with every ounce of strength she could summon. Her toes digging into the stone at her feet, the very room shaking violently from the force, but it did nothing. “This is… this is all wrong. Why? What’s happening?”
She backed away from the clear wall, stumbling to the center of the room before turning in all direction as if searching for an answer. Yet all she could see around her was a large empty chamber bathed in darkness, save her the almost glasslike cube she found herself within. Inside that cube were selecta bookcases filled to the brim with books. A bed which she had just risen from, and a shallow pond at its center filled with blooming lotus flowers. The area illuminated by floating blue flames at each corner atop stone pillars.
“This can’t be…”
She had to catch herself, the energy exerted far more than she had to spare after having been asleep for so long. But then she began to wonder just how long she had been asleep. She fell to her knees, thankfully catching herself just before her head collided with the stone floor bellow. How she had needed up here and when were unknown to her, but this very room was something she was entirely familiar with. A prison meant for locking away claimants with the utmost defensive properties. She knew everything about it, because she was the one who had designed it.
Flawless defense. No means of escape. The prisoner capable of using their abilities freely, but it would all be kept contained inside regardless of house or element. It was designed for aikekunai and treasure, but more importantly for the horsemen. That was why Audomattadjia nearly bit her tongue off when she realized she had been imprisoned within something she had made, not realizing at the time that she had been essentially making a prison her herself.
“Jaiho. Jaiho, help me!” She screamed, but she knew that wouldn’t work. That was how she had made it, after all. “Koiva! Kikana! Please! Anyone!”
Her teeth pressed together, face curling in despair as tears began pouring down her reddening cheeks and nose. There was no need for putting up defenses or saving face. She wailed as if her entire world itself had fallen apart because, as far as she knew, this proved only one thing to be a benevolent fact… her father was right. She had been fully and wholeheartedly betrayed by everyone she had put her trust in.
“But I loved you. I loved you all! How could!” She stopped herself before curling up on the ground. “How could you do this to me? I gave you all my everything, I trusted you. How could you do this?”
She knew that there was no coming back from this. If Jaiho cared to get her out of this he would have already. That was the point of this type of prison. Simply placing someone inside was act of separating the ancient from the claimant. He knew she could not be felt, and yet he ignored it. That was what hurt the most, knowing Jaiho knew about this.
She clenched her fists, the despair steadily shaping its way into a disgusting rage. An expression only a proper manic could make as she raised her head upward and yelled to anyone who might hear.
“Is this what we are to you?! Is this what you would do to the claimants who give you their all?!”
She rose to her feet as if prepared to do something that could insult all of creation, but instead she curled in, lowering her head into a blood curdling scream that shook the very walls. The very air of the room swirling in terror as ribbons of black hair flowed around her. Her expression growing more desperate by the second as if aiming to will her very voice across the realms.
“I will not be caged here! You will never cage me like this! I will not rest until I have my freedom, and when I get it—”
She paused as if everything clicked together in her head. Her head rising as the madness calmed do a delicate and careful anger. Her white eyes like milk filled with hate as she took several deep breaths. Then, she made her promise.
“I will be free, but I will still be kind. A kindness to your houses and to your claimants. I will gather every claimant who is willing to fight for peace and together we will slay every last one of you. Every ancient, every treasure unworthy. And we will place in their positions those who are deserving of those titles. That is my promise! I will not stoop so low as to throw away peace, but I will not allow the wolves among my sheep to live.”
“You’re finally awake.” The voice echoed from the darkness around her.
“Who’s there! Show yourself!” Audo called out with tightened fists.
She could not hear a single sound, but out of the surrounding shadows she spotted the woman approaching with silent steps. Covered from head to toe in solid black robes akin to a shrine maiden, but her face all too familiar. A face she could vividly remember as a child, but now looking much older than they had then. The last person she expected to see. Mayray.
“It took me a while to find you, but I eventually managed… there isn’t anything I can do to open this, so I waited. The design, there’s no means for me to open it and I have no idea where I should start looking for that information.”
“That is because it won’t open unless being interacted with by every single element simultaneous. Specifically from the ancients or their treasures. You can’t open it, it can only be broken... and only they can do it.”
“Then what do you plan to do? I heard you earlier. If you’re serious, you must have a plan.”
“A plan.” She paused for a moment, wondering why exactly this girl was probing her in this manner. “I actually don’t have a plan at all. If I’m being honest, I don’t even know where I’d start.”
“You don’t plan to back down?”
Audo looked at Mayray with a stare that could kill, but the expression softened quickly after. The girl wasn’t deserving of such scorn, especially not from her. There’s no telling what throws of madness she’d be in if not for her presence. But perhaps Mayray had ordained to rest her resolve. With that thought in mind she responded.
“No. I do not. I already made up my mind. This was their sign that they could not trust me, and I won’t let them get away with it.”
Mayray closed her eyes. A sigh as her own expression softened ever so slightly. Audo was surprised to see her smile, no matter how small it was. “Good. I wasn’t going to follow you otherwise. Just tell me what to do and I’ll get it done. That’s why I’m here and what I’ve resolved to do.” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
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Post by Dobu on Aug 1, 2024 17:42:24 GMT
Queen of Company
“Quickly! Time is not on our side! Get the important supplies together and ready for transport!” Her voice was as demanding as always. Mayray’s eyes like two void seeds. “There’s no telling when we’ll need to move, so we must be prepared!”
The countless claimants and humans working in tandem, the efficacy of their movements, maids working alongside warriors and civilians alike. Everyone was busy moving items ranging from suits of armor and weapons to boxes of food and garments, the normal provisions that would be expected for such a large number of people. Everyone was serious about their work, but the banter and conversations among them all were as casual and relaxed as ever. It was enough to drive Mayray’s temper through the roof. On one hand it was good to see everyone in high spirits, it made moral more easy to manage, nut on the other everyone was too relaxed. Especially considering the situation they were all in.
“I swear, no one takes anything seriously around here.”
“Oh my! Is that Kikana I’m hearing?” Her voice was unmistakable… as well as her audacity and sarcasm. Mayray’s disapproval was almost physical as she looked in her direction. “You’re sounding more like her every day!”
“I do not!” Her own outburst drew multiple chuckles from everyone in the surrounding area. Enough to turn that disapproving glare into an embarrassed shuffle. “Come on! You always do stuff like this Audo.”
“Of course! Your cute little mommy is one of my best friends, so it’s only natural that I do my best to make you act just as cute!”
“It’s no wonder she rarely visits…”
Mayray paused for a moment, eyeing the infant resting peacefully in Audomattadjia’s arms. He was uncannily similar to her despite the lack of blood relation. The same pale complexion, although his cheeks and ears were admittedly slightly redder. She noticed Audo looking at her with a smug expression, and it quickly pissed her off, but she remained relatively focused as she placed her finger on the small boy’s puffy cheek.
“Isn’t he cute? I know you think he’s cute, just look at his little face!” Audo teased the Dimea assassin.
“Please stop, you’re being annoying again,” she responded as she watched him open his eyes in a relatively tired state. “Hey, Koven.”
“Here you go!” Audo said as she handed the boy to her.
“H-hey! What am I supposed to do with him?!”
“You’re his aunt aren’t you? You’ll figure out something, leave all the preparations to me for now! Relax a little!”
A part of her couldn’t believe how this lady could be carefree while also being so desperate. The amount of scheming and strategy exerted by Audomattadjia alone was praiseworthy, but then she also proved to be one of the most combat efficient claimants of her generation. Mainly due to her old friend Eva, a person who was once referred to as a queen of blades, to which Audomattadjia had done the unheard of thing and proclaiming her as a rival to her face... in front of her ancient. Needless to say Phita wouldn’t let her back down, but what no one expected was a friendship to blossom from it.
She was too charismatic and easy to get along with. On top of that she was, and still has managed to be, overtly innocent by nature. Kind and incapable of truly harboring malice. A person who, even when fighting her enemies, can’t find it within herself to hate them or truly want them dead. She fights for proper causes and refuses to back down when she knew she was doing something right, but that was also what made her dangerous. It was also why, in Audomattadjia’s own words, ‘the reason your mother chose to be one of my best friends’. But Mayray had never been that gullible, and it was troubling to realize that her mother is.
Unless Audomattadjia had a clear reason to be mad, she was never mad. Unless she had a clear reason to be sad, she was never sad. The same could be said for all of her feelings, and that was something Kikana truly needed at that time… a person she could truly trust and rely on, on an emotional level. Eva as well fell in love with that honesty, and with them truly began to show her true self beyond the swordsman she had become. That was why, among them, she was often counted as the airhead who simply just loves a peaceful time. Audomattadjia’s very existence seemed to shape the world around herself due to her ideals and character, but Mayray knew all of that. It was truly the most chaotic part about her.
She could recall it easily, always like a thought in the back of her mind. The very moment it became clear to her, because she also found herself drawn to this woman. Words which revealed it all, but not spoken to her. Her mother, holding her in the presence of Audomattadjia as they spoke freely about their ambitions and hopes.
'I don't think I have any enemies, it'd be crazy to assume I do, but I must still be ready to fight. If a challenge is ever too difficult, I can rely on all my friends to help me out. In that sense, I don’t believe there’s a force alive that can stop us all from having fun. That’s why we have to be as kind as possible. We can have all the strength in the world, but that alone won’t be able to build peace. I’d love a life where everyone can smile with one another, so that’s what I’ll always fight for.'
Mayray had been instantly captured by this woman. She couldn’t convince herself that there was a more caring person alive. She was joyful, honest, kind to a fault and wanted to earnestly spread peace... so long as she wasn't being an unintentional flirt. It was no wonder so many of the other claimants who follow her started calling her a queen, and at some point most of them even started treating her that way. She looks nervous even interacting with everyone most of the time, no doubt seeing it all as too much, but unwilling to turn down their enthusiasm. On one had you could see it all as extremely good, but on the other it wasn’t so clean for everyone.
That was exactly why Mayray could see the reason for Jayhe, or really anyone, wanting to subjugate her in some way. Looking at it from the perspective of a friend or someone enraptured by her charismatic innocence, you wouldn’t be able to notice that massive amount of claimants who’d begun to vehemently side with her. Her faction wasn’t Gimnai alone, her faction encompassed all claimants. That meant she had already unknowingly converted many claimants from their respective houses directly to her side with ideals alone. Thinking about it positively, she’s making houses get along. Seeing it without rose colored shades any conflict would then be heavily determined by which side she agrees with, because most of those claimants would likely follow her.
It was no doubt how she had ended up imprisoned, and in that way the ancients had played right into her hands. If she needed a reason to make their fears come true, that was it. She went missing and several large groups of claimants has begun searching out her location in secret. Everyone knew she wasn’t dead because that would be unavoidable news for all houses to hear. At that point she was counted amongst some of the strongest claimants alive, so the chances of her perishing without any notice was impossible All they had to do now was find her, and that was when the claimants she had called friends began to move autonomously for her sake… and Mayray was the first to discover her location... Her prison.
Audomattadjia was quick to seek out her retribution, but that word would not do for her. The ancients had assumed she was capable of evil, and yet Audomattadjia simply was not. The possibility of rebellion before her confinement was nonexistent, but now they gave her a reason to rebel. Now she is fighting because she felt this was all unfair, and because it was unfair she felt it might be done to any other claimant that she called friend. And she called many claimants friend. With that she had a reason to be angry, and with that reason the claimants had found her. The woman who could not be defeated by just anyone, who loved and cared for each of them on a personal level, and saw their protection as the utmost priority. Someone truly worthy of affection in their eyes, because it was the same affection she offered to all of them.
“Make sure you take this seriously and get the job done, Queen of the Claimants! We have a schedule to keep!” Her words dragged a frustrated yet embarrassed face from Audomattadjia.
“C’mon! I told you to stop calling me that! It’s always embarrassing enough that everyone else keeps doing it!”
“Hai hai~.”
“And there isn’t really that much work to do… is there?”
“Come on little prince,” Mayray said as she lifted Koven into the air and began walking in the opposite direction. “Auntie will take you outside. Mommy has a lot of work to do!”
“Wait! May! Switch with me, I’ll take him outside! May?”
“Sorry, but me and Koven already have plans,” she responded as she held the boy at her chest. “I’ll be back in about an hour. Try to stay focused until then. The last thing I need is to find you making everyone goof off again.”
"I wouldn't call it goofing off if we get the job done," one of the males in the room responded.
"That's not how that works."
“We’re not goofing off, we’re just… enjoying our time working is all!”
“So that’s what you call it? At least try not to make my work harder.”
She looked back out the corner of her eyes as she walked away with Koven in her arms. The picture behind her similar to how it quite literally always was when people were around Audo. Several claimants from differing houses and even humans all together laughing and smiling with one another as if there wasn’t a single border between themselves. That was the affect Audomattadjia has on people, drawing them together like family. Even she laughed honestly among them all, as if proving to them then and there that she believed herself as an equal, even if they called her a queen. It wasn't the relationship between royalty and her subjects, it was the bond between true friends.
They were all her friends, and in that sense this was no army. It was just a group of people crowded around a common ideal. People who saw the purity of her ideals and wanted to help her just as much as she wanted to help them. People who simply wanted to make one another happy. It was what made her so dangerous, and yet all that danger could have been avoided if she were never imprisoned. If they could have just trusted her a bit more then she’d have no reason to fight. But what type of world would this be if everyone trusted one another... or if everything were fair?
“What do you think, Koven?” Mayray asked the boy who had no words to respond with. He looked at her as if unable to process who exactly she was, but moments later he was giggling and attempting to grab at her curly hair. “Yeah, that’s about what I expected.”
Extra: And Then There Was Two
The air was dry, but that was mainly due to the heat. A part of her was ready to crumble and fall; of course she wouldn’t allow herself to do that. She raised her head and clutched the spear in her right hand. Both a weapon in this fight and currently a means to stay upright. This fight was far tougher than she had imagined, but it was her choice to be a part of it. That was also why Audomattadjia wouldn’t back down.
“You look like you’re just about ready to be done,” the woman standing in front of her began to speak. “You weren’t bad, but you weren’t needly enough.”
“Is that a compliment?” Audomattadjia responded excitedly. "Thank you!"
“Partially, but I’d prefer you take it as encouragement. You need practice, and lots of it.”
“I know that. That's why I'm here.” Her response caught the woman’s attention. Her brow furrowing slightly. “As things currently stand, I’m too weak. I want to be strong enough to save everyone if they need me. I can’t do that the way I am now.”
“And that’s why you came to me? To test yourself.”
“I just needed to measure myself up to someone strong. Now I know what I need to reach.”
“Huh?” The woman said in a confused manner.
It was odd, watching as Audomattadjia seemed to gain a second wind. She raised the spear in her direction as if to challenge her, but the look on her face wasn’t one of anger or malice. As she had been speaking, Audomattadjia looked serious, as if she would not be moved or barred from what she was seeking, but she looked at her with a bright smile. The type only someone who truly loved someone could give. It was so odd it almost made her freeze.
“I’ll probably lose hundreds of times, possibly thousands, but I won’t stop until I’m strong enough to protect you too! If I have the same strength as you then there’s no doubt I’ll be capable of keeping everyone safe.”
“Wait, that’s the only reason you’re fighting me?”
“Of course! If I’m weak then I can’t make my ideals reality. And my ideal existence is one where everyone can live peacefully.”
“Pfft!” The woman burst out into laughter, the tension of battle having faded away entirely as she could barely remain standing. She lowered her sword down to her side, her free hand wiping at her eyes as she returned her focus on Audomattadjia. “I haven’t laughed that hard in ages. You’re funny!”
“But I was serious!” Audomattadjia yelled as the woman who was relaxed entirely with her sword now being used as a pillar to lean forward on.
“I know you were sweetie, but you’re very nice. It feels like I was waiting for someone like you to show up. So how about this,” she started as she began to smile herself. It was peculiar, like an air-headed older sister giving a caring grin. Audomattadjia couldn’t believe this was the same person she had been fighting making such an expression. “I’ll fight you as many times as it takes. You can follow me around as long as you want to and I’ll fight you until you’re satisfied. Will that work?”
“Y-yes! That would be perfect!” Audomattadjia answered with an honest smile.
“Then it’s settled! Starting from today, we’re going to be the best friends!”
“What?! But we don’t even know each other...”
“That’s fine,” the woman said as she approached until her face was right in front of her own. At this range she could smell her, somehow emanating a strong scent of cherry and vanilla along with the natural scent of her house of fire. She was enchanting, but herself looked entranced. “We can always learn all we can about each other along the way, but I want to keep smiling like this. What matters with friends is that you make it official! So you’ll be my friend, right?”
“Yeah… I mean, of course! I’m always happy to find more friends. I was raised not to assume everyone wants to be close, but when someone offers I can't refuse. I’m glad!”
“Then let’s start over, as both friends and rivals,” she said as she reached her hand out to Audomattadjia. “My name is Evalyn, but you’ve probably heard other titles. Just call me Eva.”
“Hi!” She started just as excited as one might expect while grabbing her hand. “My name is Audo! You’re going to be my first best friend! I didn’t even know there was an upgrade to the normal friend! I wonder why mom didn't tell me. Maybe I should start calling everyone best friends!”
Eva didn’t even try to stop herself from bursting into laughter again. On her face she looked as if she had been told the best joke in her entire life, but in her head there was only a single thought. Along the lines of, ‘this girl is honest to a fault’. She hadn’t even realized she dropped her sword to the ground, instead using both hands to hold her stomach.
“Well, it’s good to meet you Audo!” She laughed out while trying to keep her balance. “And don’t you dare call everyone your best friend! I’m not going to share you with anyone else that easily when you’re this funny!” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Post by Dobu on Aug 3, 2024 2:34:14 GMT
When Kindness Hurts Most
Against popular knowledge, after managing to gain her freedom the first time, Audomattadjia did in fact return to her work in the Prism. It wasn’t due to some obligation to Jaiho or Jayhe – they were the first to directly betray her trust, after all – but she had numerous obligations which needed tending to. Several claimants imprisoned for reasons she felt were undeserving. In the past she had outwardly objected to having them confined, but in the end she always did what she was told to some degree. Now, things were different.
“At this point I feel as if we should just fight them directly. Give the claimants a choice now while they still have the means to choose.”
Inma had always been direct for as long as she knew him, but that was also why she couldn’t agree with his decisions at times. Unlike his mother, Inma had always been extremely strict. Perhaps it was the loss of Eva which caused such a change in him, but he clearly wasn’t shy of the idea of revenge.
“That’d be stupid, Inma.” Of course, Mayray would be the first to respond to him. Always quick to shut down decisions that didn’t please her. “It would cause too much chaos, and that’s not what we’re trying to do here. Not to mention that leaves the humans on our side with very little choice in comparison.”
“And what exactly are we trying to do?” He inquired of her with traces of frustration.
“First you need to calm down,” both of them went silent the moment Koiva began to speak. “Do not forget what we are all working towards.”
Audomattadjia, as they spoke, eyed a glass of water sitting right in front of her. The tip of her finger dipped in the liquid and swirling it over and over again into a spiral. Her expression itself was, surprisingly, calm. Elbows on the table, her head leaning against her hand as she pondered things which no one could ever truly guess or understand. Not unless they could view her troubles from her own position. Her attention was completely absent from the goings on of the room.
Inma wasn’t the type to put his emotions on display, so his face held onto the stern yet stable expression he always had… but Audomattadjia knew he smiled when around his family. Mayray was just as frustrated as her mother always put on, but Kikana was somehow far more careful with her wording. Then Koiva was the same as always. Like an older brother attempting to keep everyone in check and yet he was always the most strict. She couldn't help but believe he'd be terrible with children, but she knew that wasn't true. she had grown up with him, after all. She had seen the way he cared for the injured, both man and beast, with such careful hands. He had always been kind, even from the start.
“You don’t look too happy.” Her voice drew an instant smile from Audomattadjia’s face. Her very expression lighting up.
“Mothie!” She yelled excitedly as she jumped up and embraced her friend, the tall fire claimant with an almost insect-like mask with horns instead of antenna.
“I’ve told you before, my name is Zammoia’lyore. I even said you could call me Zammy for short if that was too long, and you still call me Mothie?”
An old friend, specifically one who had been relatively close to Audomattadjia. Not nearly as close as Eva and Kikana, and especially not Koiva. She was just as mysterious by nature as always and naturally mystic. It was even difficult to know when she had entered the room, but regardless of the surprise of the other… Mayray was not entertained. Zammoia was accustomed to wearing long robes with exposing accents, drawing attention to her skin which looked to mimic stone or an exoskeleton. Her face hidden behind a mask of the same type of material, but she raised it ever so slightly to reveal rose colored lips on skin that looked as if light never touched it.
Two assassins, one fire and one dark, and both using their own preferred form of approach to their work. A rivalry which was both unexpected and unrelenting between them.
“I know, but isn’t Mothie cuter?” Audomattadjia asked while refusing to release her.
“I think Mothy fits her,” Mayray added. “Maybe whore or prostitute would also work better.”
“I see you’re still upset because I have more to offer a partner than you,” Zammoia responded with a curt smile.
“How surprising. The first thing you think of is sex.”
“The subtle technique is the best. Just because I prefer to get a job done without murdering leagues of people doesn’t make me bad, May.”
“Of course not… it just makes you a slut.”
“Are you fucking serious?” Audomattadjia could feel the woman attempting to pull from her hug and get to Mayray.
“Okay you two, I think that’s more than enough,” she spoke up as she returned to her seat with Zammoia in tow. “You can at least try to be kind to one another. You don’t need to be friends, but I'd like it if you two could get along a bit better. The most I'll ever ask you for is kindness.”
The room went quite for a moment. The fireplace which lit the room crackling as embers dispersed and faded away. The table they surrounded, disheveled and covered in documents and maps, acted as the place holding their common interests. Their focus had been so strict and directed at the problem at hand they had neglected to consider the one person this all surrounded. Audomattadjia did not look happy. She looked troubled and confused.
“Fine.” Mayray was first to answer. “I can't argue when you say stuff like that.”
“Of course, I can be more reasonable if you ask. I did come here to support you, after all.” Zammoia was direct in her movements and actions, as if knowing exactly how to move her. Placing her hand on Audomattadjia’s head and petting her like a spoiled child. The woman slouched forward, hiding her face behind her arms crossed in front of her and groaned where no one could see her.
“This is so boring.”
“Audo, this quite literally decides your fate,” Mayray said with a worried frown.
“She’s right auntie,” Inma added. “As much as I’d like to let you do what you want, this isn’t an issue you can just ignore. You decided to follow through with this, and the people you’d call friends chose to follow you.”
Koiva approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder. It was rather surprising to everyone else present, the order aikekunai was never one to show leniency or be lighthearted. But even he was capable of showing concern for Audomattadjia. Mayray’s frown deepened. Her eyes flashing red for a moment, uncommon for someone as mentally hardened as her. In her mind, perhaps this was the exact reason the ancients feared her. The way she so casually stole away Jayhe’s aikekunai and didn’t even realize it.
“You cant keep running away from this, Audo. What is it that you want to do?” Koiva’s question needed a response, and as Audomattadjia raised her head but only enough for her eyes to be seen they knew they’d have her answer.
“Honestly, I just want to keep things as they are now. Even if some are just pretending... I’m not stupid, I know how everyone looks at me. A part of me was hoping that getting this freedom would be the end of things. I’d go back to the Prism, Jaiho would apologize and things would go back to normal like nothing ever happened.”
“Audo…” Mayray rose to her feet quickly.
“I was wrong… That’s clear to me… It won’t be that simple and it will likely never be that simple. At one point I thought of giving up. Just letting them have their way if it meant that we could avoid all of this conflict, but I can’t do that! Not if it means that any of you might be in my same position in the future… A prison with no escape, hundreds of years passing by as you just exist apart from it. Family dying and you unable to even see them through to the end. It's a true Hell.”
“Just tell us what you want to do. There isn’t a single person here who wouldn’t help you, but you have to make up your mind on this. You’re our strategist.”
“I have made up my mind. I just need to call on the one person I know to tell me the entire truth... Even if it hurts to hear.”
Everyone watched as she raised her head and lifted her right hand up so she could see the palm. A whisper, a calm and peaceful word none of them had ever heard of, but after it was said a black feather formed in the palm of her hand. There was a moment of confusion for everyone… excluding Mayray. Her eyes went wide, the feather a memento onto her mother ever gave out to certain special people. It served only a single purpose, given with a single phrase:
“If you need me, destroy it. I promise I will save you.”
Something she only gave to the people she loved, a word Mayray would say with distaste in regards to her mother. However, she was more concerned believing Audomattadjia had called on the item to get her mother’s attention. The issue was that Kikana wasn’t that kind, and she did not specify to only call her if her life needed saving. It was exactly why she sprang into action the moment the feather was crushed between her fingers and faded into dust.
“No one move!” she called out as she took a step forward and the room was quickly shrouded in darkness.
It was cold, as if they’d been thrown into the belly of the Void, every breath echoing in their ears. A loud clang and a flash would have the room bathed in light once more, but with the added presence of Kikana holding a blade dripping with poisoned shadows a simple hair away from Koiva’s neck. Thankfully Mayray had already acted and was holding her mother’s sword back. It was at that moment Kikana’s eyes opened a subsequently grew wide upon seeing her daughter, someone she hadn't seen in decades.
“Are you don’t now?” Mayray asked as she pulled her own weapon away and placed it back into the sheath on her side. Kikana balanced herself and looked around the room.
“What is the meaning of this? What happened?”
“We’re just as confused as you are, Kikana,” Koiva responded.
“Not everyone,” Mayray said as she refused to even look at her. “Just another case of you refusing to elaborate on anything or properly do your job, leading yet another person to almost be killed.”
“May,” Audomattadjia’s voice was calm and held no anger or frustration. “Enough, please. I needed your mother here... because I need her guidance.”
Kikana turned her attention towards her closest friend and could see she was troubled. The way she approached was different from what anyone would expect from her. The weapon in her hand returning to its scabbard as she placed a delicate hand on Audomattadjia’s cheek. For some of them this was the first time they’d ever seen her show care at all, and yet it was so genuine and warm.
“Tell me what happened, Audo. Is there anything I can do?”
“I just need you to answer a question for me. I’m sure you were busy, but this won’t take much time.”
“Ask your question. Take as long as you need.”
“My next step, if I want to make sure this becomes a battle only I need to take part in, what do I need to do?” Audomattadjia’s question brought with it a common disapproval of everyone present.
“What are you talking about?!” Mayray demanded.
“I don’t understand why you would ask something so reckless. You have more than enough allies.” Koiva reminded her.
“I can understand wanting to do this alone,” Inma started. “But this isn’t that type of situation.”
“Are you sure you want the answer?” Kikana did not care for the comments or opinions. Her closest friend asked her a question and she had the answer to give. Everyone else looked as if they were ready to skin her alive, but they knew that wouldn’t do anything more than getting them killed in the attempt. “It’s an answer I know you won’t like.”
“That’s fine. I’m ready.” Audomattadjia answered slightly hesitantly.
“For a battle you can be a part of on your own will... it will be a battle of time. A time which you will have to spend imprisoned again.” Even the mention of it made Audomattadjia’s face curl. “A fight will never have to happen if it’s only focused on you, so we will set you up for failure and have you captured.”
“And what will happen while I’m imprisoned again?”
“We prepare for your release, but we do so by helping put the pieces in place to assure it. I don’t care how many terrible thing I’ll have to do. I will make your return something the ancients can’t ignore. I’ll help every villain and monster throughout the realms until something appears they cannot overcome without the help of many claimants with the same level of power as you, and when that time comes we will insure you are free… indefinitely.”
“Indefinitely?” Audomattadjia inquired.
“By making sure the ancients are replaced. I don’t care how, but we must be prepared to have them in a situation where it’s likely they’ll be slain. If you can convince them when the time comes, then that will be fine. But if not we need to be prepared to have them in a situation where death is an option we can grant them. Even if we can't get all of them, we will work toward the disposal of whatever ones we can.”
“Then that’s what I’ll do, and before anyone says anything… I know. I know this isn’t what you all thought would happen, and I know you were all prepared to fight for me… but I don’t want anyone to fight for me. I don’t want to drag anyone into a fight at all! What peace can we get from all of that?!”
She paused. For most of them, this was a side of her which had not been seen. Only two of them could tell just how much she was suffering, just how frustrated she had become. She never said she was flawless and never acted like she was better than anyone else, but she did certainly believe the opposite. She never lived up to her own ideals no matter how kind she was, and so when Audomattadjia crumbled she did it desperately. But this time, Kikana was there. The overbearing guilt derived from a person who did not enjoy the concept of fighting, being made to fight. Her heart truly went out to anyone who had to suffer. Even when she was in her prison she mourned the losses suffered by the claimants and felt the emotional impact which came with the troubles of the ancients. That was just how she had always been.
Mayray was frustrated and obviously so, for anyone who would have turned to see her face that is. Devastated even, seeing her mother pull Audomattadjia’s head to her chest and petting her like a child. She couldn’t even remember the last time her mother offer her such comfort or care, and most importantly she never showed her those blue eyes. A blue that was difficult to ignore as she looked down at her friend. She did not interrupt, clearly it wasn’t the time, but she would certainly remember this.
“There there. You’re fine. I know it’s not easy.”
“I don’t want to go back to that prison. I spent so long in there it… it began to feel like the person I am now might change. Like a moment longer would have changed me into something I’d hate to imagine.”
“But this is your choice. Even if you’re afraid, will you abandon your ideals because of fear? You know there isn't a soul who would blame you for wanting to turn away from this.”
“No.” Her expression grew serious in a way that was foreign to her face. As if every negative emotion she’d never felt was rushing through her. “I won’t ever let that happen because I could never forgive myself if my friends were hurt because I ran away.”
“I thought as much... So you should spend the time you have now enjoying yourself as much as you can,” Kikana said. Words which drew a collective confused stare from everyone. “Leave the planning to May and Koi, let little Inma rest and spend time with his family, Zammoia can go back to managing her book collection and gathering information… and I will make sure everything goes smoothly. Count on us, and just enjoy yourself. That’s what you can do to help. Prepare yourself mentally. We will handle the rest.”
Koiva could recall memories of Audomattadjia’s face as a child, when she was still just as kind but so soft she could cry at even the slightest form of bad news or misfortune. He could still recall that day she watched a frog get eaten by another small creature at the side of a pond and burst into tears. Mayray, on the other hand, remembered the day she found her awake in her prison. A desperate display of hopelessness for someone who just wants to laugh and play, but as a person who didn’t like to fight all she could do was cry. Kikana was the only one who truly remained hardened, but that was entirely due to resolve.
“She’s right, Audo.” Mayray said as she placed her hands on the table and sighed as if defeated. “All you need to do is count on us to handle the rest, you just need to prepare for your one battle. Have your fun and keep everyone happy. That’s what you’ve always done.”
“You’re all way too soft on her,” Koiva responded. But his words were the ones which garnered her attention.
“I know I’m being selfish, but if I’m ever going to be selfish in my life then I’m glad it will be for this. I will suffer the brunt of the punishment, so everyone else can just focus on themselves and remain safe. Let them focus on me, not everyone who chose to be a part of my life. My friends.”
“Then don’t cry, Audo.” Kikana’s smile drew her attention as she leaned forward and placed her own forehead against Audomattadjia’s. “Smile, because that’s what they’ll all need from you. Your confidence in them is displayed by how much you can enjoy yourself with them. So be the queen they want and continue being the claimant who loves everyone.”
Audomattadjia was slightly shocked to hear words like this from Kikana, but a part of her always knew she was this kind. That was why she stood to her feet and embraced the woman. Everyone present was both pleased and envious. It was no wonder Kikana was referred to as one of her best friends, a title which was only previously held by the deceased Eva. The three were inseparable for a reason, and that reason was fully on display now. No matter what anyone chose to say, there was no denying that they all had something for one another that no one else had. An unbreakable bond and an irreversible love.
She held her tight, Mayray noticing Audomattadjia’s lips move ever so slightly before Kikana’s eyes grew wider for a moment before returning to their naturally troubled gaze. Frustrated and clearly upset. Whatever she said had immediately caused her mood to become foul, but she did not lash out. Instead, it looked as if a tear had almost begun forming in Kikana’s eye before it almost looked as if she’d just been seeing things. Then, Audomattadjia stood straight and faced her allies and friends.
“There’s a good chance that, when I go back into that box, I will not come out the same person I am now. Speaking truthfully, it was hard enough to stay composed the first time… but now I’m prepared for the worst. Or at least I’d like to believe I am. Honestly I’m terrified of who I might become. But I must face that reality head on.
“I will spend however much time I have left with everyone I can. I plan to savor those memories and use them as the anchor that keeps me stable. Just like I did the first time. So please bear with me until then. I may be an annoyance, and clumsy, and difficult to be around, but I hope we can still keep having fun as friends and family.”
Mayray broke the following silence with a chuckle, just before bursting into laughter. “Are you serious? Why are you talking like that? You realize we’ve all been around you for decades and you’ve been the same way the entire time.”
“She’s right, Audo.” Koiva started with a smile. “I’ve been with you since we were both kids. If I were going to walk away because of stuff like that I’d be gone already.”
Inma had nothing to say at all, simply sitting at his corner of the table with his face in his hands. No doubt questioning her logic, but Zammoia did say her piece.
“Sweetie, we like you because you’re awkward. That awkwardness is what makes you lovable and bit too honest. That and you’re hot.”
“Whore~!”
Zammoia’s head nearly snapped of her shoulders turning to look at Mayray leaning back in her seat. “You’re such a pest. Can’t you be quiet for once?”
“Hai hai~.” Mayray felt a shiver slide up her spine when she heard Kikana snort before covering her mouth with her sleeve. A double take before realizing that the woman was laughing!
“Oh wow, you weren’t kidding. She does say it,” Kikana said while leaning closer to Audomattadjia.
“I told you.” She responded with a crafty smile.
“But I didn't think May would be so childish.”
“What are you two talking about?” Zammoia demanded before Kikana looked at her with a disappointed grin.
“Don’t be so upset. It’s not my fault you can’t win any arguments with May. She’s just better with retorts, it runs on the family.” Kikana responded while lifting her head in a snooty manner.
“Your daughter is one thing, Kikana, but don’t think I’ll just let you say anything to me. Do you understand?”
The woman looked at her for a moment before closing her eyes and acting totally unphased. “Hai hai~!”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me…”
“Hai hai~.” Mayray responded while leaning towards Zammoia with a smug stare, before Kikana responded again.
“Hai hai~!”
“Hai hai~.”
“Hai hai~!”
“Hai hai~.”
“You two are so fucking annoying, I can’t understand it! It’s like there are always two children when you’re both around!”
Audomattadjia couldn’t help but laugh as the argument ensued. Zammoia attempting to reprimand Kikana and Mayray who, in tandem, continued to treat her like a nobody. Koiva doing his best to mediate the situation and keep everyone as calm as possible, while Inma watched from the side as if enjoying the entertainment itself. All Audomattadjia could do was think to herself.
-
I’m sure there are many people out there who would call me stupid, but I can’t help it. I want moments like this, where everyone is smiling and laughing and interacting with one another, to last forever. I don’t need the world and I don’t need everything this world has to offer. All I need are my friends, every claimant and human, anyone who wants to live in a peaceful world with a peaceful existence. I’d give up fighting for the rest of my life if everyone could just get along and trust one another… but now they don’t trust me, and I can’t make them.
But that’s why I love moments like this. Whenever I get discouraged or feel like I can’t go on, I remember these times and remind myself of what it is I’m fighting for. These smiles. These experiences, for everyone. This wasn’t about her, it was about them. She needed to protect them and every other claimant who might be condemned. That was why she needed to constantly remind herself…
-
Audomattadjia smiled in a way which calmed the soul entirely. Sitting down on her seat and placing her elbows down before leaning forward and resting her chin on her palms. She didn’t care if none of them heard her, but she said it if only to remind herself of what she already knew. The words which shaped her purpose and the words which caused her to ever go this far in the first place. The reason she was willing to suffer her prison again even if it cost her everything. Words directed to every living being throughout all the realms as truth.
“I really do love all of you.”
Both Kikana and Koiva heard her… and both smiled. |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Post by Dobu on Aug 4, 2024 6:11:18 GMT
Sleeping Lover, Waking Queen
The dust settled, dawn illuminating the morning sky with a grayish-blue haze. Amidst it all the heavy panting of Audomattadjia could be heard in the aftermath of a fight no one wanted to be a part of. She wasn’t proud. She wasn’t pleased as silence befell her; in fact, she was both disturbed and disgusted with herself. Convincing herself it was all part of the plan she needed to see through in order to keep her fellow claimants, her friends and her family safe. That was why her stomach turned so violently as her eyes remained forward.
Perhaps it was as form of respect or duty she felt needed to be done, but her eyes remained on what she had done. The egregious sin she had committed. She had slain many others in the past and subjugated countless rebellions as a claimant of her house, but looking at the pyre of spears before her did little to offer comfort… Especially when Gahbreal’s body was mounted atop them like some sick offering.
She covered her mouth, heaving both blood and vomit onto the ground before shutting her eyes tightly. She had to focus because her job wasn’t done yet. Seeing this through to the end was exactly how she planned to overcome this entire situation. If all she had to do was endure, that would mean everyone else involved could just be safe. But there was more to it than that. She needed this to work! If she would ever make sure the claimants had true peace this would all have to work perfectly. And so, her mind wandered to a memory she had chosen to rely on throughout all of this.
She sat in her bed, a smile on her face she was truly proud to wear. Humming a melody the likes of which was meant to calm the soul. The door opened slowly, the room just barely illuminated by the moonlight flooding though the open window, but it was enough to let Audomattadjia see Koven’s little face peeking around the door. A smile as soft as clouds as she waved him over. His steps were staggered, and he nearly fell, but Mayray was quick to catch him before that could happen.
“I see you’re as overprotective as ever. At this point he’ll grow up thinking you’ll save him from everything.” Audomattadjia chuckled as she watched her friend set the boy back on his feet.
“It’s meant for confidence. If he doesn’t experience falling he won’t fear walking, this he will attempt it more and learn faster… but you’re not wrong.”
“Don’t worry May, I’m not reprimanding you. You love the boy and he feels the same way. I can see that just by how happy he always is to see you!” She responded as she lifted Koven up on the bed the moment he reached her. “And you, my little prince, are curious. You want to see her, don’t you?”
He did not speak, but he did watch as his mother brought his attention to the infant held close to her, sleeping in her other arm. Pale, but with rosy cheeks. Fast asleep moving ever so slightly with each breath.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she? A little princes, just like my prince. This is your little sister, Koi. Her name is Yvaxiphoria.”
The boy looked lost for a moment, but his eyes did not look at anything else. “Yva…”
“You think that’d be a good nickname too? So do I! It sounds just like your auntie Eva’s name. Yva, my little princess. I can already tell she’ll have a terrible attitude.”
“What makes you say that?” Mayray asked as she leaned against the wall.
“Because she’ll no doubt be just like me and be close to her brother, and he already enjoys mischief. Not to mention she’ll be just like me and be extremely picky with her food! She’ll likely only have one or two people in all the realms she can trust… and I won’t be one of them.”
There was a moment of silence. Koven continued to look at Yvaxiphoria as if she were some foreign object, but Audomattadjia watched over them both with a smile only a mother could give. Then her attention turned to Mayray. She could tell the next words they’d share would carry significant importance, but she also questioned if she was meant to hear them. Then again, regardless of how she felt, this wasn’t something she’d run away from. Audomattadjia had watched her since she was a child. If she could give her a shoulder to lean on even once, she’d take that opportunity.
“Mayray, I’ll be leaving their growth in your care.”
“Wait. What?”
“There are many choices, I know that, but I want you to do it.” Her eyes turned to the window where she eyed the stars scattered across the sky. “I’ll be playing my part very soon, after just a few more days with these two. I want you to experience taking care of them.”
“I don’t understand. You could have asked anyone else. Why not ask my mother?”
“We both know that’s not a good idea.” Mayray could see Audomattadjia’s posture go slack, as if she were exhausted. “I’m asking you because I know you can do it. You can keep Koi out of trouble, and you can make sure Yva learns how to love like I do.”
“But I’m not like you, Audo… I’m not kind, all I’m good for is fighting. That’s what I was raised for. I don’t think I’ll be capable of teaching them what you want me to teach them.”
“May,” she responded. “I know you can, because I’ve watched you become who you are today. I need you to teach them so that they will stand up for themselves, but also so they’ll love everyone in their own way.”
“Their own way…”
“Hey, May?” Mayray’s eyes lit up, watching as Audomattadjia smiled in a way both desperate but cheerful. Warm, gentle, calming. Honest. “I believe that peace can only be realized through love. I’m trusting you to teach them the meaning of love in your own way. Please. For me.”
Mayray couldn’t possibly refuse something like this, but it was only Mayray who felt that way. Audomattadjia had expected her to refuse. For all the things the girl hated about her mother, they were both very much alike. However, this was an opportunity she had taken on a whim with low expectations. Planning to be turned down, but feeling butterflies fill her stomach upon hearing Mayray’s response.
“Fine. If you’re asking, I suppose I can’t really refuse… you can leave them to me. I’ll do the best I can to look after them. That’s a promise, Audo.”
"Thank you, May! I love you! I can always count on you."
"Hai, hai."
She attempted to slow her breathing, but it had proven to be more difficult than anticipated. Kikana had told her this version of his life was different from the others. Specifically stating that he ‘lacked the aptitude to truly be Gahbreal’, but all she meant by that was the boy had been stubborn. He refused to be the Gahbreal he was born to be, so he fought against the influence of his previous lives continuously. However, while trying to be a different person other than Gahbreal, he managed to lack all his most prominent qualities. Most importantly his bond to madness and his skill with his weapon. Even so, that didn’t mean he was easy to fight.
Even if he wanted to call himself Gabriel and claim to not be the Gahbreal who came before him, that didn’t mean he wasn’t still one of Gahbreal’s lives. The damage she had sustained paid homage to that. All the times she had sparred with Eva and it was nothing like this. A part of her also wondered if he would be upset with her for killing this life, but that wasn’t a question she could dwell on. The numerous cuts and bruises all over her body, the remaining vomit she wiped aside, it was all just things which had to be ignored for this conversation. She could already hear the footsteps behind herself.
“I knew you'd be coming.” It was odd. She couldn’t call her breathing before, but she certainly could now. “What do you want?”
“Audo. What did you do?” Jaiho asked as if fully confused. Jayhe was not the same.
“Isn’t it obvious? We can see it right in front of us. Don’t coddle her as you always do! You’ve clearly stepped out of line, Audomattadjia Vall.”
“You’re right.” Jayhe was confused to hear her so agreeable.
“But why?” Jaiho asked. His curiosity eating away at him. “You realize we can’t just let you go free after something like this.”
“I know. No one else had anything to do with this. It was all me. I will not pretend as if I am innocent, nor will I act pleased. I simply am not happy about all of this. That is all.”
“Just throw her back in her own personal prison, but this time we’ll keep her in the Prism. Clearly your idea of wanting her to remain out near her birth home was flawed,” Jayhe ordered, but Jaiho was hesitant.
He looked at her closely, considering how he’d never seen her so damaged before. She looked thinner than before, dark circles forming under her eyes her breathing had slowed, but it was still heavy enough to be heard. Beads of sweat covering her face, exhaustion plain on her features. She looked as if she hadn’t slept in days. So before he did anything else, he asked.
“Are you alright? You don’t look well.”
His words brought a smile to her face, but it was odd. She looked too happy for the situation, but perhaps that was why it felt so disturbing that her milky eyes had decided to view them both with disdain. “I’m fine, just finally realizing what my father meant was right… not everyone can be trusted.”
She felt several things. Fear. Agony. Dread. Anxiety. But she had to remain composed. That was the most important thing for all of this to work. She had to be willing, had to be unfazed. Had to be strong enough to endure. Compared to the effort everyone put into finding her and helping her escape, this was just a drop in the pond. That was why she didn’t fold even the tiniest bit. Not when her wounds were healed, not when she was given a new dress of black silk, and not when she stepped into the center of the room.
A large room with stone walls and floors. Almost akin to a dungeon, but with a small pond at its center. A single bed and several shelves filled with books. A desk and a single chair, it was all just like she had remembered it before. Even the same torches standing tall in their respective places, all lit with blue flames.
She stopped just before her feet touched the water, standing still as if waiting for something. Perhaps even praying for something… but it would never come. Instead she would only be met with the sound of her prison being prepared. The walls shaping themselves into the clear large cube which she could not escape. In that same moment, she felt something she had never known before. A feeling of not only losing a friend, but someone she had considered to be almost flawless. That may have been what fueled her to break her silence, but only once more.
“You know, I was so desperately hoping things would be different… I was hoping you’d be different, Jaiho. I once loved you, truly I did, and even know I can’t stop myself from loving you! But it won’t be the same.”
She approached the clear wall which separated them but stopped right before getting close enough to give herself some form of useless hope.
“I never saw you as wrong. I didn’t know why things happened the way they did. To this day I still don’t know! But I was prepared this entire time to just stop all of this. Hoping that you’d just call on me and genuinely say you were sorry. Sorry for tricking me. Sorry for locking me away in that cage for hundreds of years! All I ever did was trust you and give you my all, but now I see I was wrong for that. If you really cared, that time would have come so long ago.”
“Audo. I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Jaiho responded. But by now Audomattadjia was unfazed. Unwilling to listen.
“I always grew up believing that I have no enemies because I want everyone to get along. I want peace. But now I see that I was thinking too carelessly. I was too carefree. I do have enemies. The very ones who would stand in the way of my desire for real peace among everyone.”
“Audo, you can’t just jump to conclusions. You have to explain what you're saying!”
“One does not simply jump to conclusions after a thousand years!” This emotion she felt as her voice rose in a ways she did not know possible. Rage. One she did not feed, but also did not push away. “You ancients have shown me your true colors. Now I will do whatever I deem necessary to protect the claimants who I call friends and family. All claimants.”
Jaiho could see she would not listen, and he wasn’t willing to entertain her tantrum. But surprisingly she was the first one to turn her back on him, walking to the bed and lying down with the blankets covering her entirety. Jaiho wanted to demand answers from her, but that wouldn’t accomplish anything. So instead, he walked away. Not knowing why she was so angry, acting why she felt so blindsided by all of this, but most importantly not knowing that this was the last time she’d ever speak with anyone so long as she was within those crystal clear walls.
It wasn’t until he had left the room that’s he began to feel anything other than anger. The solitude of being locked away in this cage for who knows how many more centuries. But this time was different. Before she had been put to sleep and remained asleep until she was found. Now she would need to be prepared to wait with no one around until the others felt it was time. It felt suffocating even when there were people around, but now she would have to face this alone. But one thought remained on her mind as she recalled the words she had just shared with Jaiho.
I knew coming back to this place would change me…
And so, she focused. Gathered all the memories she had collected over the years and prepared to pull herself to sleep with them… but that was also when she realized just how difficult this would be. The way she clasped her hands over her mouth, a silent cry of both desperation and agony. Coming to understand the true horror of having to go without watching her children grow. Without holding and spoiling them.
...In the end, that was what destroyed her… |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Aug 13, 2024 23:00:15 GMT
Post by Dobu on Aug 13, 2024 23:00:15 GMT
Assassin's House Call and Hearth
Warmth. A concept in which she would never truly grow accustom, but she had to admit it was pleasant. A melody playing in her head, the notes projected through a hum as she swiftly moved back and forth through the kitchen. Against popular knowledge, she loved to cook. Perhaps it ran in their family, but it wasn’t a topic she was prepared to think about. Instead she moved between the prepared dishes with deft footwork. A dance akin to what might be seen at a lavish party or ball, but its defenses were unnaturally high. It was no wonder she was capable of carrying each piece of the meal from its place in the kitchen to the table without so much as a tip in balance, even through the pitch dark building.
Dish number one would be a steak, or rather three steaks cooked to perfection. They smelled heavily of rosemary, brown sugar and pepper. Second would be a hardy soup filled with an equal share of vegetables as it contained lamb. It’s scent clearly inspired by the alpines with traces of mint. Third dish was several baked potatoes topped with a meaty brown gravy and cheese, a meal she had picked up during her travels across the states. The fourth was a simple baked salmon and asparagus, of which she gladly tasted herself to check the concentration of lemon pepper. A small smile the sign she was pleased with her work. The fifth meal was...
The ringing of her phone made her actions halt immediately. She placed the final dish in her hands down on the table, filet mignon with a savory red sauce and a small bowl of chunky mashed potatoes. Then, she lifted the phone from her pocket and answered… but only after seeing the contact name.
“Yes, princess? I hope this won’t take long. Today is my day off.” Despite her casually lazy tone, she wore a comfortable smile.
“Shut up. You take days off just about as much as Koven does.”
“I heard that,” she could hear the brother’s voice in the background of the call.
“Good. Now then, I wanted to ask something auntie.”
“Then by all mean, ask away Yva.”
Her response was simple, but she continued moving the dishes from place to place. Quickly moving the remaining several dishes to their places before washing what had been used.
“Wait, are you cooking? Why didn’t you call me over?!”
“Auntie is cooking? Wow, I wonder what kind of special occasion is going on over there... or who's about to die.”
“I’m wondering why I didn’t received a fucking invite.”
“Focus, please.” Her voice calmed Yva considerably.
“Right. Well, I was calling because I wanted to ask if you knew about Koi and his relationship?”
“You know you don’t have to say that with so much sarcasm, Yva.” Koven added.
“Sorry, but I can’t see you actually giving a shit about anyone.”
“And you’re saying you do?”
“I love all claimants, dumbass. Or have you forgotten who I am?”
“Yeah, I know what you are. A sadist, specifically.”
“Fuck you!”
He gasped sarcastically. “S-sis! I know you love me, b-but that’s a line that brothers and sisters should never cross!”
“You fucking idiot! I swear, I’d rather live with cats than live with you!”
“What’s wrong with cats?” She inquired of the siblings. Koven was quick to respond.
“Oh? She didn’t tell you?” He asked between laughs. “Last month she tried to adopt a stray cat she found. Turns out, cats don’t really like her at all so it kept hissing at her and attacking her until she got rid of it. She tried getting cats all month to convince herself it was just that cat, but they all treated her the same.”
“I’m sorry to hear about that Yva. If it makes you feel any better, I remember Audo wasn’t good with cats either. She’d be too clingy and they’d all avoid her. Perhaps it's a family thing.”
“Hah, so it runs in the family?” Koven laughed. "Hear that baby sister? I guess it's not because of your terrible personality."
“Shut up! That doesn’t matter, you didn’t answer my question! Koven! Kiran! Did you know?!” Yva tried desperately to change the subject.
“Well, that’s news to me. Congratulations Koven! I’m glad you’re making progress on your path to a suitable partner. I’m hoping for your success!” She spoke in an extremely lazy fashion.
“Ew. When you talk like that even I can tell you’re lying.”
“I assume that means you already knew, auntie?” Koven asked. She chuckled.
“Of course I knew. If I don’t keep a proper eye on you two, who knows what might happen. But seriously, don’t do anything stupid. You’re now making commitments to a person who is very important. And that goes for both of you.”
There was a silence over the line after she began to speak seriously. She untied the apron covered in a pink floral design and removed it from around her neck before placing it on the counter. Full black, a slim fitting turtleneck dress with no sleeves. Her hair pulled back into a curly ponytail as she placed a cigarette between her lips. She only started speaking again once it was lit and the darkness settled around her.
“Yva and Soivan, Koven and Kiran. I know both of you are honest kids, just like your mother. I did my best to raise you in a way she could be proud of. With the plans in place you will have to make a decision at some point. The choice to betray them if it comes to that. There is no doubt that what everyone has in store, including your mother, will cause a great deal of problems. You will have to be the ones to decide how you go forward when the time comes.”
“Are you suggesting that I may betray my mother?” She could not see it, but she could certainly hear Yva’s anger. That was one major difference between her and her mother. The daughter was more than willing to wear any emotion she felt freely.
“That’s something you have to decide yourself. It’s simple when it’s you against the world, but now it isn’t so simple. You may have to make a conscious choice to betray yourself, deny the claimants you love. You’re both old enough to be told this and prepare, but I can’t decide for you.”
“What about you, auntie?” Koven’s question was reasonable and sound. She was in the same situation, after all. It made her smile knowing just how little he had changed. “What will you do if that time does come? Will you be willing to betray Eric?”
Her eyes twitched for a moment, barely lit in the dark by the embers clinging to the edge of her cigarette. Red jewels focused entirely on the meal she had prepared on this particularly calm night. It was primarily the reason she had chosen to tell them herself. This had just managed to be good timing with them bringing up the subject on their own. She wasn’t oblivious to the idea of choices which must be made. In that way she was much like her mother. Kikana would never let the opportunity pass her by to teach her children an important lesson… Even if they lost a part of themselves in the process.
“I plan to side with Audomattadjia to the very end. I made my choice when I sided with her at the start of all this. I know you’ve most likely already made your choice as well, Koven. You’re just that meticulous with these types of things. You always have been. That just leaves you, Yvaxiphoria. You don’t need to tell us, but you will need to make a choice, and trust that no one will hold it against you when you do.”
“Yeah, I know.” It had been too long since she’d heard her speak so calmly. She was in a bad mood, but it had to be done. Just like her mother, she knew her daughter would be equally as allergic to seriousness.
“Good… you know I love you both. Right?” There was a moment of silence before her question, but Yvaxiphoria responded immediately.
“Of course! We love you too, auntie!”
“That’s never going to change, even if you're an awkward conversationalist,” Koven added.
“Just making sure. But I have to go now. You two take care, and try to get along, will you? You’re both adults, you should be more than capable of enjoying one another’s company.”
“If he wasn’t such a piece of shit it’d be easy.”
“Why thank you, I appreciate the compliment.”
“You see what I’m talking about?! He doesn’t take anything fucking seriously!”
“Alright, bye you two.” She said before hanging up the phone as they continued to argue in the background.
Like a serpent she slithered through the dark building, only stopping upon reaching the door she knew he would use. It had been a while since she’d had him to herself and perhaps that was why she felt so excited. Watching as the door opened, falling down from the ceiling above without a sound, her blade drawn and homing in on his neck. But without much effort her ambush was caught, the blade which had been slicing through the darkness dropping to the floor with the echo of clanging metal, and with that she was hanging in the air by her arm. Now, with the lights flicked on, Eric had a clear sight at Mayray with a large grin on her face.
“WHAT was THAT?!”
“Oh. I’ve been caught. Defeated in my entirety. I have lost.”
“What?” Eric responded to her lazy acting.
“I have been bested completely, but the pain is so great. I don’t think I can move my body at all.” He could see how she immediately made her entire body go limp, just hanging in his grasp. “If only there were a strong claimant who could, I don’t know... carry me around the house? Maybe then I could survive this pain.”
“You know, if you want to be carried you can always just ask to be carried like a NORMAL PERSON.” Eric responded as he threw her over his shoulder and carried her to the kitchen. She seemed to ignore his suggestion entirely.
“I made dinner. There are lots of dishes. You will have to try them all and tell me what you think or else... I don’t believe... I will survive this pain.”
“PLEASE stop the acting. I’m ALREADY CARRYING YOU.”
“Fine. But you will try the food. I will watch and you will tell me if you liked them.”
“OKAY BOSS,” he responded upon reaching the dinning room to see a large spread of meals he knew a lot of effort was placed into. From five star replicas to barbecue and simple recipes.
It was at that exact same time he realized she had begun to slide off his shoulder and position herself in front of him. Her hands reached up to his face, fingers pressing gently on his cheeks as if to guide his attention rather than force his attention to her. Mayray had always been an odd claimant, shrouded mostly in secrets and doing things relatively as she pleased if no one paid any attention to her. When he had met her she had tried to assassinate him, but when she failed the attempt she ended up saying they'd have to become partners due to her family's traditions. What she didn't know, or what Kikana never told her, was that it was entirely up to the victor. In that sense she was entirely incorrect, but that only made it more genuine when she inevitably did end up falling for the man. Eric had become someone she felt she could not live without.
Mayray, who previously had chosen to rely on no one, placed that reliance entirely in Eric and expected him to do the same with her. It was impossible to miss. The first to notice wasn't Mayray herself after all, but Eric who had to put up with her endlessly clingy behavior and endless desire to please him personally. At times some might consider it overbearing, but it actually ended up being the opposite. Especially when Mayray had a tendency to be extremely lazy in both conversation and downtime. The only serious moments were during fights, but there was also one other occasion... when she wanted his direct attention.
“I'm not your boss.” Her face was as relaxed and expressionless as ever, but her cheeks were red enough to show she was serious about something. Yet her hazel eyes stole all of his attention. “I'm your wife.”
“...My wife... who OFTEN tries to KILL ME.”
“Yes. Now, the food awaits! And then we will watch movies.” Her voice had slightly more excitement to it… but it was all still extremely lazy sounding, even when she stood so confidently. Everything seemed so sarcastic when she spoke so excitedly.
“You’re so ENERGETIC tonight.”
“Honestly, we’re both normally so busy. I wanted to do a lot this time. Like a date maybe? A date but at home.”
“A DATE, but at HOME? Have you been lonely?”
“Without any of the typical annoyances to disturb me? You could say that.” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Aug 13, 2024 23:51:52 GMT
Post by Dobu on Aug 13, 2024 23:51:52 GMT
Death Dealer's Reunion
It had been a long while since they had last spoken to one another. Gahbreal silently sitting at his desk with a clearly underwhelmed look on his face, or perhaps it was disappointment. His eyes looking over the documents at his desk while the silence itself was periodically broken by the flipping of a page. The room was dimly lit, the walls patterned with tiles designed to keep out sound and the floor covered with low carpeting of deep red coloration. On one side of the room rested a cabinet filled with extremely fancy bottles of alcohol while the other was occupied by rows of locked compartments where paperwork was stored. A single high-hanging chandelier above them with dim lights, just barely illuminating the oak desk itself. The only vibrancy coming from the photos placed on the walls of Cyva and Gabi, with the occasional photo of Mayray and Eric, a younger Stasia and Verin, as well as a picture of Eva. Other than those, photos of the previous lives of the other aikekunai held their own personal positions.
It really did all suit his tastes, but something was wrong. Part of him recognized that many people disliked the way he went about doing his work. In some ways it was entirely opposite to Gahbreal’s, savagery held back and suppressed into a careful dance. Meant for battlefields, but meant to bestow peace. Mercy in the final moments. On the other hand, Addinia strove for the opposite and always has. Desdon, but specifically one who held death itself in high regard and strove to treat it like an art.
Gahbreal sighed once he finished looking over the files. Placing the papers down on the desk and leaving back in his chair. “I feel as if you already know why I’m going to say.”
“I believe you are going to compliment me on a job well done. It has been a few hundred years since we last spoke, after all.”
“You haven’t changed, just as stuck up as always… You’re being too extreme with your methods, Addinia.” The words themselves seemed to draw dissatisfaction from him.
“What? Is that not why you chose me to begin with? Was it not you who said this would be an opportunity to live around others without scrutiny?”
Indeed, he wasn’t recalling a situation which had not occurred. However, the Gahbreal he was referring to was a life of the past. One which had yet to face the dramatic changes of the more recent lives he had endured. In that past Gahbreal had approached Addinia with the consideration of his nature fully intact. Knowing full well that the boy had an unhealthy obsession with death and the methods at which it was bestowed upon others. In that regard he approached him thinking it would be good to teach him; while also giving him a space to vent those urges… The claimants who were already a lost cause.
That was the reason Addinia even cared to be taught by Gahbreal in the first place. He killed on whims, and whims could easily come as rarely as they could come often. It was all inspiration, because inspiration has always been the fuel for art, and death itself was art in his eyes. Eyes which did not miss a single detail. Eyes which could see the very span of a person’s life and lead them to a beautiful death which could be recorded and catalogued.
Addinia killed when he desires; that was why Lilith had bestowed upon him the gift of her blood, and he was the first non-Dimea to received it. That was the most critical moment in his entire life and for many reasons, but the only one which mattered remained the same. Having someone who was held in such high regard tell him that his urges were valid meant that he could keep committing himself to his art. Art which required blood. Art which required lives. Art which serves to feed the void and all its hounds. However, that was also the issue. An artist is always seeking to improve, an artist grows, and Addinia was young when he had first been brought into the aikekunai's care. The initial invitation was meant to be a way to make use of his habits, but overtime it only began to grow more intricate and elaborate. The battles and wars of the past were done, so many of their targets were currently living in peaceful places. But that didn't matter for Addinia for a single reason. He is an artist, and...
...death is art...
“I know what I said, Addinia. But you are crossing lines.” He paused as he reached for a file and placed it at the center of his desk. “This, for example. The claimant you were assigned to handle around a month ago.”
“I did my job, did I not?”
“No one is saying you didn’t do your job, but you also killed eighteen humans in the process... and they were all children.”
“Okay? I don’t see where that is my problem.”
“Take this seriously. You killed her while she was on a field trip with her students. All of those deaths could have been avoided and there was no reason to handle it that way.”
“Charrose Excia. Lived for approximately three hundred seventy one years. Female. Blue hair. Hazel eyes. Ancestry connected to Mayans if you could believe it. I was assigned to hunt her after she murdered several claimants in cold blood. The reason was and still is unknown. However, as it seems, there was no reason. They all had no connection. It was just murder for murder. Random killings. Charming.”
“I know the information.”
“Did you know she loved each and every one of this children as if they were her own? All of them, every last one, a teacher and at times even like a mother. Heartwarming really… so I had to see the expression on her face when bus flipped over the side of that bridge. When she realized the bus was sinking faster than normal. When she, attempted to jump up from her seat only to find that her seatbelt was made to be durable against claimants... The look on her face as she realized she’d have to watch each and every one of them die before her very eyes and there was nothing she could do to stop it... It was so beautiful I chopped her head off then and there to keep as a trophy. It’s still on that shelf in my study with that same beautiful expression.”
He stood and looked at Addinia who eyed him from the seat opposite his own. He looked just as he had remembered in his memories from past lives. His features almost entirely like Cyva’s but with slightly bigger eyes and shorter brownish red hair. Both blue eyes, both an obsession with bothering him as best they could. He still could not count the number of times he’d called the boy a girl by mistake when he was tutoring him, but it was difficult to avoid when he wore dresses and sounded like Cyva with a Russian accent. He had hoped the boy would grow up into a person who would come to care for the living in his own way, but it seemed as if that was not the case.
“Addie, you must understand that times have changed. This isn’t the world you grew up in filled with battle. Societies are different, and as such the realms have attuned to those differences.”
“What are you talking about?” He could tell Addinia was getting more bothered with every word.
“I can’t tell you what to do, but eventually you will gain unwanted attention from people I can’t do anything about... I know what you’ve been doing in the time I wasn’t myself, and I know the methods you’ve used are keeping you out of direct blame, but that won’t last forever and I won’t condone unnecessary killings.”
“What? But was it not you who told me that I could do as I please? That I would not need to answer to anyone but you and Lilith? I’ve done exactly as I have been told this entire time, even when you started ignoring us entirely! Now you’re telling me what I’ve been doing is wrong?”
“I’m saying you’ve been causing too much damage. There’s no need for the collateral when your job is to only take a single life.”
“What a load of bullshit!” Gahbreal flinched unexpectedly. A reaction to feeling as if his wife were yelling at him. “You know, I should have expected this. After you just stopped caring to even show up and started this kind crusade you have been on? Acting like a merciful advocate of peace, but don’t fool yourself! Because you are not fooling us.”
He stood to his feet as well, staring directly into Gahbreal’s eyes with an expression that equated to both disgust and malice. He pulled his black jacket over his brown dress, and lifted the ushanka from his lap to be placed atop his head. Gahbreal could tell that he was done here, and he had expected the conversation to devolve into something like this. Addinia had never been known for his patience, and when his patience was tested he was direct and to the point. He wouldn’t waste time with anything he thought beneath him, and this conversation had proven to be just that.
“Were not done talking, Addinia.”
“Oh, we’re done. Unlike what you’re doing and how you’re acting, the rest of us haven’t forgotten why we started this. We are all advocates of peace, but we bring peace by wiping out those who disturb it. This is it’s own war and I do not care what must be sacrificed for my enemy to die in a state of the highest suffering imaginable. If that calls for me to erase an entire nation then so be it. But I will not be told I am wrong by the person who accepted and taught me those values!” He turned towards the door but stopped. One more thing left to say weighing on his mind. "I was your first apprentice. The only one that was deemed worthy enough to persist, and you just disappeared without a word. You left us all behind, you left me behind, and this is what you have to say when you finally come back? It is just so fucking... typical."
Gahbreal did not attempt to stop Addinia when he turned away and walked out of the room. He didn’t slam the door and use any extreme movements, but he had always cared for etiquette and only did things in a formal manner. Even his fighting turned out that way. But his words always had direct implications, which made it difficult to argue. To some degree he was right, and he wasn’t planning on forcing him to stop doing things the way he had been. He did not have the right to make such a decision, and that was why he simply brought up the choice. But it did not seem like they agreed in the end. For a moment he cursed his first life. A life marred by its own desire for both power and peace. His traits had managed to attract the attention of people that sought detestable things at times, and of course it brought the attention of Lilith. She was the only person he knew would understand his position now, but that brought with it its own slew of problems.
The clicking of heels towards the entrance of the home did not falter at all. This discussion was done, and Addinia would not be playing these types of games again. Even so, and with that intense anger on his mind, it did not stop him from crying as he made his way to the entrance of the home. A part of him hated Gahbreal for this, but a part of him looked up to that man like a father he could never hate. It was difficult to manage, such twisting thoughts and ideals, however once the door was opened and he stepped outside... he stopped in his tracks. It wasn’t because of something like fear, but rather because he hadn’t even noticed anyone else present until they were so close they could touch him. Then, with the sight of black wings came fear.
“So, you must be one of my father’s friends,” Gabi said as she sniffed the air. “Desdon claimants are always so dramatic. But I don’t remember seeing you arrive, which means my dad brought you here.”
He had heard about her and how Gahbriogyva was someone no one could easily approach, but he didn’t expect it to be like this. Seeing her in movies and music videos was entirely different from a face to face confrontation. It felt as if he could die at any moment. It was no wonder everyone was told to avoid approaching her. She looked nothing like she normally did on screens, dressed in casual loose jeans and a frayed black t-shirt with a blue cap over her head. But he had to answer and be cautious about it.
“Not a friend, more like an employee. I was brought here by Gahbreal.” He responded without even turning to look her way, but her fingers pressed against his chin and tuned his head almost immediately.
“Seriously? My dad can actually hire someone this cute? And you have a Russian accent. You'd definitely make a good maid… How do you plan on getting home?”
“What?”
“Home? If my dad brought you here then you didn’t drive here, so do you plan to walk?” Embarrassment could not have felt anymore intense than upon hearing those words. Now he’d have to go back inside and ask Gahbreal to send him back home.
“Fuck…”
“Yeah. You’re definitely one of the cute ones. I’ll take you home, but in return you’re going to give me your contact information. I think we can have some personal fun, and you won’t have to do something I’ll no doubt find hilarious.”
The implications were damning, but he wasn’t in a position which made him willing to refuse. “Fine. Anything to keep me from going back in there.”
“Good. I’m Gabi, by the way.”
“I am Addinia, but you may call me Addie... also, won't Gahbreal be upset that we're even talking with one another?”
“Even a cute name. I’m definitely going to make you a maid... Oh, and that idiot doesn't even know I'm here. Things stay better that way, for now.” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Aug 20, 2024 19:23:00 GMT
Post by Dobu on Aug 20, 2024 19:23:00 GMT
Makings of the Moon: Seriously Unserious
There was something reassuring about the peace and quiet which filled the main hall of the building. It allowed the maids and butlers to move around freely, without much trouble or anxiety to weigh on their minds. It didn’t, however, stop them from flinching with every loud bang which seemed to shake the entire mansion. Only a handful of staff members would really come to grow comfortable enough to ignore it, but that was mainly due to them having had to deal with the source on a personal level on multiple occasions. One of those few who could rest assured in that comfort walked the halls in her uniform, the tailor made black dress and white apron complete with a pair of white gloves.
“Yoo-hoo! Mistie~!”
The voice was both carefree and bubbly, akin to what you might expect from the typical air-headed individual. Ironic, then, that its source was an air claimant casually gliding down the hall ahead with a male of the same house following behind her on foot. Her uniform was the exact same, but she was noticeably less formal in her mannerisms.
“Sharoleen. You’re still here?” Mist asked the woman while checking the schedule in her hands.
“I know, I know. My shift ended about an hour ago. But when I hear the master say she was expecting company I couldn’t help but feel motivated to get this place as tidy as possible!”
“That’s what she says, but she roped me into this shit too.” The male added while placing a few pills between his teeth and chewing them thoroughly.
“Don’t complain now. You said you’d help me out! Besides, we all know how awkward she is with her own love-life. We’ll have to work twice as hard if she’s going to succeed.”
“Yeah, I said I’d help, but I’ve been spending most of this time cleaning things which are already clean. I already told you I handled most of this stuff... and she’d kill you if she heard you said that.”
“You can both leave now, I’m sure everything is fine. At least try to follow your schedules. By the way, Damien. Have you seen Freddy?” She asked them both while writing several notes.
“Yeah, I know where he is,” he responded while wiping dust from his own uniform. A black suit with a split tailcoat and loosened bow tie. “He was in the kitchen last time I spoke with him. You know how he gets when Gabi has company over, so he’ll probably be cooking more than anyone can rightfully consume. He doesn’t like to talk, but he and Sharoleen share the same thought process with these things.”
“That’s fine. So long as he leaves on schedule… Emmy! Lars!” Her voice echoed through the halls before two sets of footsteps could be heard quickly approaching.
From down the stairs a female wearing the same outfit as the others and carrying a pot containing a large otherworldly plant. She looked far happier than necessary, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that she came when called. The other was a male who emerged from one of the upstairs hallways. He looked far more nervous, but that was mainly due to his uniform being the same as the female workers but lacking the apron. In his hands was a bottle of bourbon which looked as if it had been polished to perfection.
“I-is something wrong, head-maid?” Lars asked as if he were prepared to slink back into the room he had come from. Retreat at any moment.
“Oh! Is it a holiday? Are we throwing a party?” Emmy added as she needlessly carried the plant up the stairs.
“No, but I like your energy!” Sharoleen responded with a smile.
“You’re both done for the day. If anything is left undone I’ll handle it for the night. A visitor will be here soon and I’ll be having everyone other than Lespin and myself leave the premises. Nothing wrong with a bit of privacy.”
“Oh yay! Company! Come on Lars, let’s not get in the way!”
“Why are you so excited? A-and why do I have to leave with you? I’m fine leaving on my own.”
“Nonsense! Besides, we can catch up on all the gossip we normally don’t have the chance to talk about!”
“Gossip? W-what gossip are you talking about? We rarely even talk.”
Mist watched as Emmy talked Lars into submission while dragging him out of the building. A sigh which could be felt in the soul before turning her attention to the air claimants who shrugged their shoulders and also made their way to the same exit the others took. Sharoleen waved as she was dragged towards the door by Damien, as if without his intervention she’d never leave.
“Make sure no one disturbs the lovebirds! I can only imagine how lively this place will become if we have one or two little angels running around!”
“Please don’t joke about that.” Damien was quick to respond. “It’s hard enough dealing with the one angel we already work for. We don’t need anymore.”
“Don’t be such a downer, Damien. Besides, could you imagine it? Only Lizbett has seen what a little Gabi looks like! If she has a daughter we could see it for ourselves!”
“She’d literally kill you if she heard you say that.”
Mist pinched the bridge of her nose. “Speaking of Lizbett, tell her she can head home too. Let her know I’ll drive if a driver is needed.”
“Will do!”
After the two of them left the hall had become eerily quiet. The previously echoing thuds through the house no longer present, meaning the exercises had ended and Gabi was now winding down for the night. Nothing and no one would ever tell her what possesses her to workout before a date, but that wasn’t something she cared to question. Instead she looked over her paperwork once more to make sure nothing else would need to be handled before descending the stairs one slow step at a time.
It was around that same time the cook had emerged from the double door leading to the dining hall. He was always punctual which made him easy to managed, and he used very few words which made him easy to work alongside. His uniform was already gone and, with a single tip of his hat, he made his way to the exit and left without even needing to be told.
“Good work today.” She made sure to tell him.
“You as well.”
With the door shutting behind him she sighed again and placed the paperwork in her possession down on a small table near the main entrance. The lights dimmed to something less overbearing and the air conditioning lowered to a comfortable temperature; she retrieved the plant which Emmy had placed down and looked over the odd thing before placing it atop her head for transportation.
I suppose I can go see what Lespin is up to. That’ll be better than sitting in my office all night giving them a means to disturb me.
Darkness illuminated by nothing more than a large screen on the wall. A room much smaller than anticipated in such a large home. Then again, Gabi was never the type to really enjoy the space. That was why the building was created from the ground up; taking the shape of four smaller homes combined into one and making up the four separate wings of the mansion. The two wings on the northern side containing the place most like a normal home, as well as the place which served as locations for business. It was where Mist’s office was located as well as the changing, supply and meeting rooms for her employees and guests.
On the opposite end of the building was purely things for entertainment standards as well as guest quarters. One wing with a pool, exercising areas, and practicing rooms for her instruments. The other containing the dining area, guest rooms for rest and trophy rooms where she stored the majority of her earnings from both work and battle. However, she mainly spent the majority of her time in the living areas of the northern wing and the exercising areas of the southern side.
Indeed, the Dimea prodigy was far more relaxed than normal. Her hair tied back in a loose ponytail, normally expensive attire replaced with a deep crimson crop top and black sweatpants, and she herself seemed entirely more passive along with the changes. What she was watching wasn’t nearly as important – some classic slasher film complete with all the blood and gore you could hope for – but with each step it only seemed more possible that her defenses would not be implemented and a quiet approach might work.
Jaffe was sneaky. Sneakier than sneaky, even. Possibly the sneakiest in this situation, and the closer she came to Gabi’s back on the couch, the more it seemed she might finally catch the winged claimant off guard. But her impromptu attempt at surprising the woman was cut short. All it took was a simple change, watching as she removed the band holding her ponytail in place to let her hair fall down over her shoulders. Then, as if inviting her, positioned her hair to reveal the right ear. Jaffe merely sighed while moving her lips next to Gabi’s ear.
“How long did you know?” She asked while wrapping her arms around her collar.
“Let’s see… you did a good job staying quiet, but I picked up on your scent when you entered about a hundred feet?”
“So, before I even entered the house. It’s impossible to surprise you.”
“C’mon now, don’t be upset. I think it’s cute. Or maybe sexy, that predator instinct to pounce on your prey like a little blonde fox. The day you pull it off I’ll probably force you to marry me.”
“Or you’ll kill me,” Jaffe added as she rounded the couch and plopped down next to Gabi.
At first it wasn’t a thought which she’d entertain, but something felt good about today. So she gestured to the power junkie, two pats on her lap, and surprisingly Gabi was willing to lay aside the gummy candies she’d been snacking on and lay her head down in the exact spot. Impossible, was the first thought. A couple more tests. A hand petting her head, which she allowed; the other rubbing her stomach, also allowed. Was she ever this obedient or submissive? Perhaps it would be good to start taking notes.
“You’re in a good mood today.” Jaffe remarked while continuing to pamper her.
“Hmm, not really. I’ve had a lot on my mind and I’ve been quite busy. Maybe I needed a quiet day.”
“Is that why you didn’t immediately tear my clothes off when I showed up?”
“Possibly. I still plan to later, or maybe something more relaxing. Although I’d have to count on you for that. The vanilla shit pisses me off.”
“Your mom’s influence is as strong as ever.”
“Shut up,” Gabi chuckled as she returned her attention to the movie.
The experience was definitely weird, having Gahbriogyva of all people not being directly overbearing in all aspects. A girl who either got what she wanted or took what she wanted, but wasn’t afraid to earn those things the right way. She took pride in all her achievements and even more pride in herself, ever reluctant to bend the knee to anyone. If she had any weaknesses they were well hidden, but the only one Jaffe really knew of was herself. While Gabi would likely never say it, she certainly was unwilling to give her up. Too aggressive to show proper affection, but too obsessed to make her love unnoticeable. Like a never ending one night stand.
But maybe this calm could be used… perhaps, with a bit of luck, this would make her liable to say things she normally wouldn’t. It was always difficult to get any real information out of Gabi, especially when her family was so overly secretive with everything they did. Most claimants still don’t even know where their main family home is, and the only reason she knew was because Gabi had brought her there to introduce her to her grandmother and great grandmother, Kikana and Kaya respectively. That was the type of information liable to get her killed if she ever brought it up to the wrong person. But now, maybe she could learn something more personal? Disguised as an honest and normal question.
“Hey, Gabi.” Jaffe matched her energy. The currently relaxed mood.
“Hmm?”
“What was the hardest fight you’ve ever been in?” A perfect question. A topic she enjoys while also opening the door to gauge a physical comparison to Gabi and what she’d need to eventually overpower her.
“That’s an odd question, but I guess it’s not nearly as out of pocket as other things you’ve asked before. Why are you interested?”
“Just wondering. The expectation would be your dad, but I can’t be sure.”
“Well, you’re not wrong. Dad was mainly taught by his own mom, and learned several other things from tutors like Zorelle and Koiva. With Uncle Nier as a rival at one point and his own father as a secondary teacher later in his life, it serves to stand that many people forget those types of open facts. Dad is the aikekunai of darkness, yes. But he has influences from multiple houses, not to mention our family is split between both fire and darkness. My grandmother believes in survival through absolute power and my grandfather is one of the Rhihon known for his devotion to Phita.”
“That’s… oddly perceptive of you.”
“Rude? If I care about something, I’ll pay attention to it. It was good to learn as well. It makes sense. Gahbreal, a darkness claimant who functions on a completely different spectrum from the other darkness claimants. An outlier who functions on both Kikana and Phita’s ideals. Haven’t you noticed that, just like fire claimants, he rarely ever lets go of his weapon?”
“Now that you mention it, he does have an odd way of fighting too. It would make sense to use a lighter weapon when the movements are so dance-like, but he uses a battle-axe of all things.”
“Right? He utilizes a heavier weapon to better simulate the heft behind the longswords and great-swords my grandpa would have him use, but that just means he had to edit his dance to better fit that choice. A longer weapon means longer range, so longer strides and stronger swings. The same typical techniques, but with range and strength that makes it far more deadly without sacrificing power. He could ideally decimate entire groups of enemies at once if he wanted and, at some point in his previous lives, I’m sure he did. All Chisuke family members have their own dance, and his is currently hailed as the apex of them all.”
“You’re such a sexy fucking nerd, holy shit.”
“Fuck you,” she responded with a bit of hostility. “Anyway, to answer your question, I know too much about dad to make that fight hard. I’ve learned from the same people although I never learned anything from Xainayne, but I did get to learn from Uncle Eric. In that regard we’re fairly close in power. I had more difficulty with Uncle Nier and my mother in comparison, but my mother is too kind and Nier relies too heavily on his element and isn’t capable of outlasting me. DeVian is a sure fighter, and that makes her threatening. Her actions with the halberd are filled with years of expertise, but she’s greener than you’d expect and doesn’t have the experience of her past lives. Stasia is certainly extremely dangerous, but suffers from the same issue. Not to mention the lack of real, hungry warriors among their lives aside from Eric.”
“You’re listing off aikekunai like they’re just your average claimants... and you’re forgetting Arthur?” Gabi looked at her to acknowledge she heard the comment about Arthur, but still ignored it to symbolize her lack of care.
“What did you expect? My dad is an aikekunai. I’d be an embarrassment if I couldn’t at least match his own physical level, and I refuse to bring shame to my family in any measure. Maybe that’s why the most difficult battle wasn’t even a real fight… it did more to test my resolve than my strength.”
Somehow this had gone over smoothly. Gabi was, surprisingly, more loose lipped than she had originally anticipated. This gave Jaffe more information than she could have initially asked for. Saying her family was “split” making it seem like there were Rhihon claimants somewhere among them other than Harvel. Her descriptions of how aikekunai fight, almost as if she’d fought them herself despite that never having happened, as far as she knew. But more importantly was her answer. It was indirect and avoided the person in question, but it didn’t challenge her strength as much as it challenged her “resolve”? Did that mean there was actually a limit to how much carnage Gabi was willing to cause despite the beliefs of others and her own words?
“It almost sounds like you have a conscience when you talk like that. There, there. You’ll be fine,” Jaffe said while patting her on the head.
“You’re such an annoyance. Did you think I feel nothing?”
“I mean, I’ve made you feel a few things before.”
“Yeah, you definitely have… I mean, anyway! Enough of that! No more questions. We should go eat something. Freddy made a lot of food and I want to try it all.”
“Aw, but you're cute when you yap about nerd shit. I don’t know why you’re trying avoid doing what I know you want to do. You’re not even doing a good job.”
“What? We can’t act like a normal couple every once in a while?”
“Hey, you’re the one who’s addicted to rough foreplay. Although you do make it feel good and look hot doing it. I’ve only seen Arthur sore after nights with you. Makes me think you’re going easy on me.”
“That was uncalled for and vulgar!”
“But not untrue.”
“Can’t we try to be more causal today? Relax, watch some TV? Just enjoy each other’s company and all that other weak crap?”
“Why are you asking me? This all depends on if you can manage to stick to your own plan. You’re always the one who starts everything.”
“No I’m not.”
“Really? I can bet you that by the end of the night we’ll be covered in sweat and bite marks, and you’ll be the one who made it all happen.”
“That’s does sound nice, but I’m serious. I at least want to try.”
“If that’s what you want,” Jaffe said as Gabi lifted herself from her lap and leaned on her shoulder instead.
“Yeah, it is.”
“Alright, but I won’t take back what I said. I’m not backing down just because you’re acting cute.”
“Fine!”
A challenge set and accepted. Jaffe was as confident as ever and Gabi was the same, but the former knew the latter well enough to make that bet with only the most certainty. The information collector followed behind Gabi carefully as she began making her way to the dining area. The lights in the house were dim and even completely off in some places. It was quiet, and ominous, but that was how Gabi liked it no doubt due to her house. Just enough darkness to feel comfortable, but much like some haunted mansion when considering aesthetic. Walking down this hallway was the best moment for Jaffe to prove herself right.
Gabi stopped for a moment, looking back over her shoulder to see Jaffe looking at her intently. It wasn’t devious by any measure, but it was calm and inviting. The water claimant knew exactly how to play into her weaknesses like this, and Gabi was always quick to fall for it. As much as she claimed to hate normal relationship practices, she fell for every single one. They didn’t exchange words, but the winged claimant still turned and approached her. Lifting her arms and placing them over Jaffe’s shoulders. By now it was already an assured victory. Vestiges of swirling red in the woman’s eyes as if in a self-induced trance.
“Yeah. Definitely serious about all that talk,” Jaffe remarked as she watched Gabi almost ignore her outright. Almost as if the words didn’t matter as she focused all her attention on placing kisses all over her neck. “Alright, enough. Didn’t you want to eat?”
At least that was the idea, but perhaps the definition of eat had gotten lost in translation the moment she felt Gabi’s teeth.
“See? I’m eating.”
“So that’s how you want to play?”
The next passing moments for Gabi were like melting into a fizzy deep red. It was partially difficult to focus, but not unlike any other time she had Jaffe’s company. Everything always seemed to just blend together, as if every feeling were mixed within a pool of madness made physical. The deep ambrosia of illicit emotion made manifest. And then, after moments became minutes and minutes became hours, her eyes flickered open and she found herself exactly where she didn’t want to be. Lying down in her bed, Jaffe’s head on her chest and both covered in sweat and the marks of excessive kissing and biting.
“Shit,” she remarked to which Jaffe’s responded by chucking while half asleep.
“I told you, big brat. I know exactly how to treat you.”
“I’m so fucking hungry.”
“The food is probably still good, but I’ll be more concerned with thinking up a reward for our bet.”
“I hate you.”
“I love you.”
“I know… I love you too, although I’m starting to think it might be unhealthy.” |
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Dobu
Ilnonta's Husband
163 posts
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last online Nov 28, 2024 5:19:38 GMT
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Aug 21, 2024 21:14:03 GMT
Post by Dobu on Aug 21, 2024 21:14:03 GMT
Makings of the Moon: Nightmare Fantasy
Her wings carried her to the ground with a slight wobble. She stumbled and fell to her knees, removing the wolf like helmet from her head and tossing it to the ground before heaving up both bile and blood. A thick black, viscous sludge from her mouth as if to signify the very condition of her mind. She did not let it hinder her any further and rose to her feet. Continuing onward with several things on her mind. Each step feeling heavier than the last. Perhaps this was the reality of exhaustion. Years passed by so casually it didn't feel natural. Even after so long she barely changed herself, but the world around her continued to look more and more unnatural. The truth of the paradox as others even seemed to age faster. Even still, it was no doubt real in its own way... The stink of blood still clung to her no matter how often she attempted to clean it off, after all.
This was Gabi’s most difficult trial yet, and it had taken time to complete. All she could recall, day after day, were the lives she had taken in this place. This world, tailor made to test her. After the events of the first year she concluded this would not end until all her enemies had been slain, and her enemies were vast and many. Encompassing every single living human, claimant and their creatures. And so, on this day, she returned home after confirming her final kill and leaving not a single soul alive. All living things now bound by the blood which seemed to flow everywhere, even having dyed the seas and oceans in their deep vital repositories. A world bathed in blood and violence.
In that moment she could feel a space within her mind sizzling with elation and joy. However, there was one thought which outweighed every other thing. She looked around as she walked, wondering for a moment if she were truly prepared to face reality.
If I’m still here, that means the trial isn’t over. But there’s only one more left…
She nearly fell over again, but steadied herself on the tree which stood dying and falling apart. She began coughing more, blood like fuming oil escaping between her fingers as she attempted to cover her mouth, but each droplet on the ground beneath her feet reflecting the dim red orbs which looked as if they were getting closer to madness by the second. Even so, she moved forward. Possibly by will alone, but not due to her own desires. It was also why she hid the shade of her eyes, displaying the blue she called normality.
In all honesty, she wanted to run away.
Gabi looked over the house as she made her approach. A place once called a family home, now dilapidated and falling apart in certain places. Complimented with makeshift repairs and reinforcements over the span of several years, but sturdy enough to remain standing tall and surviving almost any disaster. When she reached the door her nose twitched, followed by a sigh of relief upon the heavy scent of blood being replaced with something more comforting. However, she did hesitate to open the door. Her own mind standing as the last remaining bulwark from the inevitability she refuted.
“I’m back.” Contrary to the outside, the inside was well furnished. Walls painted and repaired, furniture well maintained and decorated, the rooms lit by functioning lights and the building kept cool with air conditioning. Among it all, however, remained the most important thing. Kiran.
“You were gone longer than normal this time.”
“I know, things got pretty… hectic.” The image of DeVian and Stasia flashed through her mind, marred by violence, and her eyes twitched. "We won't be discussing it."
It was around this time Kiran took noticed of her appearance. She was a mess. It looked as if she had attempted to clean herself off in some river, but that did very little to elevate what stained her entire being. The feathers of her wings, normally a beautifully reflective black, were a deep crimson due to the blood which matted them together. Her armor was smudged and scratched in multiple places, stains where dried viscera once had been. The cape which was once a banner of her very presence now tattered and falling apart. Once off white with a gold design now purely red, same as the cloth which was tied to her belt and draped around her waist.
Her helmet was missing, cast away outside, but it only served to show her face fully with her long black hair pulled aside. The hair itself had hints of red in its deep black. A sign there was blood staining it as well, and the scent of multiple houses. Her face looked as if it were covered with faint remnants of viscera, no doubt due to her attempt at cleaning her hair. Even attempting to hide the gore was useless. But what he said did not match her expectations, nor anything she could have ever anticipated.
“This was the last time. Right? Now you don’t have to go out anymore and fight?”
“It’s… yes. It’s the last time, but that doesn’t mean I’m done. We’ve survived this, but we’re still here. That means the way out still needs to be found.”
Kiran knew that was a lie. Gabi had shared with him quite the hefty sum of knowledge. She always told him things like physical strength alone won’t earn him power and a sound mind will serve you better than any blade. That was why she never lied and never hid anything. She told him about the world they shared and her intentions to be freed from it, and she also told him that she would bring him with her. But there was a flaw in all her promises. She said her trial involved every claimant falling by her hands, and he fit into the criteria. Knowing they were the only two left made that all the more clear for him.
“No loose ends.” He whispered the words and Gabi hadn’t even noticed.
“We'll take a few days to relax, but not too long. You’ll be coming with me this time and we won’t be coming back here for a while. The search will most likely take quite some time.”
He watched her as she walked around the room fixing things and placing items in their rightful place, but he had other things in mind. The final part of her trial. It was all he could think of as he reached for the shotgun she had always left near the front entrance… a gift from Nier.
“I’m sorry, auntie.”
“What are you talking about kid?” She froze the moment her eyes saw Kiran aiming the weapon in her direction. “What are you doing?”
“I’m doing what has to be done. You taught me everything! How to talk! How to read! How to learn and listen! You taught it all to me with every ounce of your free time, so I know I’m right!”
“Kiran, put the FUCKING gun down.” Her voice sent a shiver up his spine, reaching an octave he did not know she could manage, but her eyes remained stark blue. He had never seen the red behind those eyes, no doubt due to her efforts to hide the madness. But he wouldn't be letting her protect him this time.
“You’ll never make the choice unless you’re forced. So I’ll be thanking you for everything, but I’ll make the choice for you! Fight! Kill! Become who you need to be and finish the job!”
Gabi’s body moved instinctively before the shot echoed through the building. She had taught him how to use the weapon in case someone else had shown up and he needed to defend himself, but as she stopped for a moment to assess the situation it became clear that had been a terrible idea. She couldn’t rest, and the moment she gave him a chance he took the shot. Her next thought was to flee, but the moment she made the attempt her entire body felt weightless, then heavier than it had ever been before. She was barely capable of regaining her footing fast enough to respond to the next shot fired.
“I won't let you run! Wasn’t it you that taught me power is everything?”
“It’s not everything! Power can’t replace what you’ve lost!”
“But you’ll be losing nothing. This world will fade along with the trial’s completion. So you have two choices! Abandon that power you seek or take it! Because if you don’t, I will!”
She could feel it for a fleeting moment. Despair. The despair of having taught the boy far too much and crafting an enemy she couldn't bear to fight. It was the same feeling as a waterfall bearing down on the shoulders. Each second more unbearable than the last... and yet she did cast the thought aside. Just as her mind settled on survival and her heart ached with the eternal hunger for power, so too did her red eyes fill the room with a bloodied glow. A flash of light within the dark and the sound of piercing flesh which haunted her dreams and made her stomach churn.
She didn’t want to move; didn’t want to allow this moment to become reality. Her breathing refusing to slow down as she cursed herself for putting so much effort into the boy’s mental growth. He had come to the same conclusion she had, but he was more prepared to make a choice than she was. He was willing to force the choice on her she was unwilling to make. One of them had to die, but only his death would spell freedom. And it was because of that she took his goading to heart and struck at him with her gauntlet. Sharpened claws piercing straight through the chest and out the back. It didn't hit her until after it had all passed. The reality of what she had just done.
“Wait… what did I… Kiran!”
“I’m not the Kiran from where you came from. It's like you're frozen in time sometimes… You’ve done everything for me, some copy based on someone you’ll still be able to see... I won’t be the reason you’re held back from reaching your goal.”
“That wasn’t for you to decide! What am I supposed to do if this isn’t the answer?”
“I know I'm right... and if I’m wrong, then you’ll just need to keep going forward.”
“You talk just like the characters from the books you asked me to get you and the shows you always watch. Stories about heroes fighting demons, and unspeakable evils. But you were supposed to survive this.”
“There they are,” the boy spoke as he moved his hand toward her face. “Never got to see… red eyes… so cool…”
His hand fell from her face, fingers smearing trails of blood across her cheek until it descended down to his side. The rank sound of bone scraping against the metal of her gauntlet as his body slid from her weakened grasp and fell to the floor in a pool of his own blood, akin to a spilling universe. She could hear herself before she could even feel it, the hyperventilating beginning to occur as she looked at the blood coating her hands. It almost seemed to spread and cover her body, as if becoming a part of her very being. And in that moment she was afraid.
Perhaps it was due to having something physical to fight for; a purpose going beyond herself. Power existed at the top of her desires and would forever remain a thing she needed if she expected to see her goal through to the end. It was for that reason she chose to attack rather than continue looking for opportunities to flee. Not just her resolve, but Kiran’s as well... but she still couldn’t tell if she were hallucinating or if this was all reality, but all she could see now was blackness. The darkness swelling all around as her fingers curled and her jaw twitched before unleashing a soul sundering scream.
Jaffe, deep in her sleep, resting alongside Gabi in the large bed she had acquired through extremely forceful means. She preferred sleeping spaces where both she and her wings could occupy all at once, that was why she would lie in either one of two ways. The first and most common was with Jaffe at her side resting on one while the other covered them both. The second, and the one she had settled on for the night, having Jaffe occupy her chest while the wings themselves were sprawled out. Both were comfortable, both were feasible, both allowed them to remain close.
However, Jaffe’s eyes slowly opened to find that they had been separated at some point during their rest. Then, with little warning, sound began to steadily flood into her ears. Who knows how long it had been going on, but what started as muffled noise soon became a blood curdling scream which shook the very room. Rising quickly she would find Gabi sitting up with her fingers digging directly into the mattress between her legs. She didn’t even notice her, didn’t even react to her getting up. It was as if her eyes, stark reminders of madness, couldn’t focus on anything. At the start fear seemed reasonable with the possibility of anything happening, but fear wasn't a luxury Jaffe found she had.
“Gabi?! What’s wrong?” Words fallen on deaf ears. She was entirely incognitive, so she placed her hands on the woman’s shoulders and tried again. “Hey, look at me! What is going on?!”
It was at that same moment the door burst open and, of course, Mist was standing on the opposite side.
“What happened?!” Her demand was direct, but Jaffe wasn’t hearing it.
“Out! Now!” She snapped with her eyes set on the other water claimant. Mist did not take kindly to that.
“Excuse me? As if you have the right to—”
Before she could continue a thin hand fell on her shoulder. Long fingers, attached to an even longer arm. He did not speak, but Jaffe knew Lespin well enough to know he would handle the situation with his subtle actions alone. And just as expected, the moment Mist looked in his direction he shook his head and lead her away. Mist, her expression barely remaining stable, relented. And he door was soon shut quietly in contrast to Gabi’s continued panic.
“At this rate all your staff is going to hate me more than they already do.” Jaffe joked, but remained serious enough to solve the issue as best she could. Wrapping her arms around her and resting her head on Gabi’s shoulder. “I didn’t think you had nightmares. It’s only me and you here now. Just take deep breaths.”
The screaming did not stop immediately, but she could feel the changes as slight as they were. Jaffe’s chest pressed against her own; she could feel her beating heart, at a breakneck pace, beginning to slow more with each passing second. Her voice lessening from the high pitched scream to typical wails and eventually dying down to, unexpectedly, a calm and meager sobbing as her face nestled itself into the water claimant’s collar.
“There there, you’ll be okay. Want me to get you a glass of warm milk?”
“Shut up. I’m not some kid.”
“Well, that’s true. But you sure as hell act like one sometimes.” There was a pause. A silence accompanied by spaced sniffling and steadying breaths. “So? Are we going to talk about it?”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Gabi, there’s definitely something to talk about. That’s the first time you’ve ever done anything like that and I don’t plan on wondering why forever.”
“Oh please. Don’t try to act so thoughtful now. I love you, but I also know you.”
“Then you should know I’m serious, Gabi. Look at me.”
She didn’t want to, but Gabi did listen despite her instincts. She lifted her face and looked directly at Jaffe; it was what most others would call a mistake. Perhaps she had considered why it was that her father so often gave in whenever her mother made such crazy demands of him in the past. Now it was all so obvious that it made her sick to her stomach. Her skin, even in the dark, akin to evening sands. Eyes beckoning all her attention and yet the strands of blonde which attempted to obscure them had to be pushed aside. She was so dreadfully alluring, perhaps only in a way she could truly see. That was the reason she responded first with a kiss and then with her own words.
“I’ll love you forever, but some secrets aren’t ready to be shared… so give me some time.”
“How much time?”
“Enough to steel my heart.”
“You're talking like this is a movie... Fine. I know you won’t change your mind, but if anything like this happens again you will tell me everything immediately. Promise me.”
“Why do you care so much?” Gabi asked as if expecting another answer, but instead found the human and claimant trafficker she called a lover staring at her with deathly serious eyes.
“Promise me! Swear it!”
Her heart ached, but she did not know why. As if she had done something wrong yet did not understand what it was. Seeing Jaffe like this was troublesome in two ways. On one hand she didn’t think the woman was capable of showing this type of entirely serious aggression, and it only drove home how upset she really was. On the other she didn’t have to heart to outright say no to her when she looked like this. Gabi’s own hands lifted from her lap and positioned themselves on Jaffe’s cheeks as she leaned in with an expression unlike normal. Less like her father’s moderate gaze, and more akin to her mother’s deliberate empathy.
“I promise.”
“Swear it.”
“I swear, but don’t get ahead of yourself. That aggression doesn’t suit you well.”
“I know, but you won’t listen otherwise.” Jaffe remarked as she fell forward onto the power addict, reclaiming her position lying on her chest.
“You should be more concerned with what you learn. I won’t let you escape me after you learn my plights, even if I have to chain you to a wall for the rest of your days.”
“Kinky, but you won’t get rid of me that easily.” Her response was coupled with the plucking of a black feather causing Gabi to jolt.
“Ouch! You bitch!”
“Calm down. It was going to fall out anyway, and that’s at least worth a few bands.”
"Charming." |
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