“This crap is ridiculous... hey! What the fuck are you doing?” Eva called out to a group of claimants who looked to be on the brink of exchanging blows. Of course, none of them paid her any mind. “Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be?”
“You should probably intervein. Just for the sake of having everyone know you’re doing your job,” Koven spoke as he watched his sister pick up the heftiest stone she could find on the ground.
“Shut your dumb ass up. If they can’t follow the first order then they don’t get second chances. Perhaps they should pay more attention!”
She tossed the stone, about the size of a fist, as if attempting to take off one of their heads. It was obvious that was her intention, as the stone smashed against the side of one of the claimant’s heads. It didn’t do an extreme amount of damage, but it was enough to cause a stagger and gather their attention. This was when they turned to see Eva standing furiously in the middle of the road. Needless to say, none of them were impressed.
“Who is this little girl?”
“Who is what?” she spoke as she approached at a quick pace. “Disperse, trash! Or I’ll have you all kneel as you properly should!”
“This kid is cray. Did you just throw a rock at one of us?”
“Damn, is that more than five seconds of not following my orders? Let me help you then. Kneel!” she spoke as they all fell to their hands and knees. It was at that moment she reached down drew a sword from one of the claimant’s sides, lifting it into the air as if preparing to strike them all down. “Your punishment for insubordination will be death!”
It was a correct and proper execution, one that only royalty could deal and yet she was surprised to find that the weapon was stopped before it collided with her target. She looked at the blade, held in place by a hand which did not bleed, what seemed like sand crumpling from the palm where the sharp edge was held tightly. She could only question why Koven did not act immediately.
“Come now, there’s no need for that. Everyone makes mistakes. What’s important is that we learn from them,” of course it would be him.
“Stay out of my way, Ballafex. These clowns seem to believe they can do whatever they want.”
“Well, I’m sure they realize that isn’t the case anymore. Isn’t that right?” he spoke as the claimants nodded profusely. “See? Now let them go, Evagelyne.”
“You are a thorn in my side I will cut and burn with the flames of death. Get the fuck up, and get the fuck out of my face,” she spoke to which the claimants all quickly got up and scattered in different directions. “That goes for you too asshole. The next time you even think to touch a weapon in my hands I will have you kill yourself.”
“I will try to remember that.”
“And NEVER use my full name again. You don’t deserve that courtesy, peasant!”
“I will try to remember that as well. Stay safe, Eva.”
“Shut up and go die somewhere!”
It was only slightly shocking as she watched the male seemingly vanish. It wasn’t his own ability which caused it, but instead it almost seemed out of his control entirely. Something which had been done on occasion and yet not something she had ever seen happen so suddenly.
“Koven! Where are you?” she called out to which she received no answer. “Are you serious? Goddamned asshole.”
Meanwhile, looking down from the rooftops down onto the street stood a shadow taken human form. Eyes as red as rubies gazing down at the girl’s every step. Eva did not care to hurry or put herself through any more stress than was needed. It was because of this that she believed it would be a simple task to watch over her.
“Koven.”
“Yes, aunt May?” the boy responded.
“There should be no major problems, but things may not go as smoothly forever. A lot of the ancients chose to uphold peace, but some did not agree with those terms. Specifically, Novevu and Xainayne.”
“Does that mean those claimants will be dangerous? Should I treat them as immediate threats?”
“No, that will only cause problems. The only death claimant who is confirmed in Rome is DeVian, who will no doubt always be in close proximity of Stasia.”
“Two people who would be an annoyance to deal with. Even if I am an Aikekunai, it would be bold to assume I could take on two at once. And with Stasia here I’ll assume Verin is here as well?”
Mayray took a moment to absorb the facts. It was easy to forget that Koven was also an aikekunai. He played an important role in Audo’s plans, his previous life going as far as to set up his own death just to fulfill that purpose. However, he was never the strongest person and was never meant to be seen as an aikekunai. That was the role of his sister. Yvaxiphoria, daughter of Audomattadjia, currently acting under the name of Evagelyne and living as the order aikekunai in her brother’s place. All for the sake of getting close, all for the sake of learning more. All for the sake of their desired future. Koven’s orders become law, and as such it was only natural that he would act as her true voice when she gave those orders.
“You will refrain from fighting at all costs with any of them. Your physical strength might not be anywhere near its peak, but your orders are capable of changing the course of most things. We both know they become less effective against people who rank higher than you, and if you try to order other Aikekunai it will only work for a moment. It’s a card you cannot play right now, so hold off on using them in combat unless you must.”
“I will. For now, I will observe and act as I must to assure my sister’s safety.”
“Good, I’ll be taking my leave... there is also one more person in this city you won’t need to worry about as much, but it will be good to have you know she’s around.”
“Who might this person be?”
“Yeah, hello?” Gabi spoke as she leaned back in her seat. “Yeah, I’m already here. This place is fucking horrendous.”
“Don’t be so upset, sweetie. I know you wanted to stay at the other place, but it seems your sister got to it first.”
“She's not my sister! What I don’t know is why everyone keeps telling me to stay away from her.”
“Well, that’s simple, it’s because you don’t like her... at all. Are you meaning to tell me you wouldn’t try to start a fight the moment you spotted her? That’s trouble we currently don’t need. Barely anyone even knows you exist, save for close friends and important people, but you know all of that.”
“Everyone knows I exist! I’m a media sensation, a star! Some people are just too stupid to realize I’m a claimant.”
“Yes. And your father and I have gone to great lengths to assure that. Tonight, however, I suppose that doesn’t matter. Just try to refrain from revealing your relationship with your father and I unless you absolutely have to.”
“Fine... I still think I should just level that entire building.”
“Again, you cannot destroy the building DeVian and Stasia are using just because you wanted it for yourself.”
“Why not? I fucking hate her! Did you know I’m sharing a room with Verin? Verin?! She didn’t even want her sister in the same place! You should all just let me kill her and maybe we’ll get a better one next time.”
“I’m likin’ this one more and more! If the lass keeps it up, she may just rival ya in ruthlessness!”
“Oh quiet. I’m not that bad.”
“The fuck? Who was that?” Gabi questioned her mother as she leaned forward in her seat. “Do you have me on speaker?”
“Tell the lass to come over here, meetin’ her sounds like a feckin riot!”
“Sorry dear, I’ve just been patrolling with an old mentor of mine. Shut the fuck up Haden.”
“Haden?”
“Patrol my arse, don’t lie to the lass! We’ve been drinkin’ for the past hour. We’ll get around to searchin’ for shite after we’re done here.”
“Damnit Haden!”
“Oh, so you can go drinking with work buddies, but I can’t knock down a building with an enemy inside of it?”
“It’s one of the biggest buildings in the city! Of course not, and I will not say it again! Now then, I’m going back to patrolling-”
“Patrollin’ she says.”
“Shut up! Let me know if you need any help or anything. Bye my little raven.”
“Bye mom.”
Just as quickly as the call ended did Gabi rise to her feet and drag a chair out to the balcony which Verin stood. There was no need to exchange words, so she did not. The winged woman simply lifted the chair and tossed it out into the distance. Where it landed could be someone else’s surprise for all she cared.
“What the fuck? Are you crazy?” Verin questioned her to which Gabi sighed and slumped her shoulders.
“I just want someone dead. Is that too much to ask?”
“Psychopath.”
“A beautiful psychopath,” she spoke as her eyes lit up with excitement. A smile as devilish as could possibly be mustered by the woman as she gazed out upon the changes taking place within the city. “That’s more like what I wanted to see. Lizbett!”
“Yes ma’am?” the woman responded as she rushed to her.
“Bring my guns, I want both of them!”
“Of course, ma’am.”
As the woman left to retrieve the weapons Gabi could not help but marvel at the structure which rose in the distance. No doubt this would be exactly the type of thing she was looking for, and hopefully she would come to find a proper challenge at the place, but for now she could only watch as stone rose from the earth. It was on a scale the likes of which she had never seen before, something entirely out of a horror film crafted by humans. A construct of devastating stature, blackened stone and bedrock come together in the shape of what she could only call a tower. However, the design looked completely unnatural. Almost as if it were crafted by something outside of their realm, outside of their existence, as if the one making it saw beyond what could be made by the average mind. Perhaps it was for that reason it looked to be a place where living monsters no doubt would reside.
“Here you are, Gabi,” the woman spoke as she approached with the two shotguns in hand.
“Thank you, dear. Watch over my things while I’m gone,” she spoke before turning to Verin. “It goes without saying I’m going to check that thing out. Call me, but only if something important happens.”
With those few words she was gone. Out to have a closer look at what looked to be a construct crafted to house an alien deity.
His eyes were glued to the scene, his face riddled with confusion unearthed beneath the normally relaxed gaze. He could not understand it, could not fathom it, why this was happening the way it had. He looked on, having been whisked away from his current task on such short notice. It was all so obvious and yet things were not turning out as they should. It was because of this that Ballafex, as he looked directly into his ancient’s eyes, was more conflicted than ever before. Not just because his ancient seemed relieved, but because of the reaction which the other claimants of his house.
“I don’t get it,” Marjorie whom he was stood next to at the time turned to see the claimant’s face. It seemed as if she were the only claimant who had even noticed him speak. “What are they all celebrating for? As if this conclusion is proper.”
There was no time for the champion to get a hold of him before he was sent back to where he had once been along with everyone else. There he found himself, standing on the streets of Rome, although he barely even noticed. His eyes were still forward.
“Flori... Flori!” he called out, but received no answer. He could almost feel the severing of what connection he had with the ancient. “Impossible.”
He wanted to cry out, but to whom? He wanted to plead for the answers he desired, but who would give them? It was unexpected, like something that was always a possibility and yet he had believed it to be nothing more than a falsehood draped in empty words. At least that was what he thought until today.
“What a... what a,” he stammered out as he fell to his knees. His palms against the ground, he watched on as his skin cracked and crumbled. “What a farce. What diabolical treatment, what horrendous despair. Is not earth everything? Does not everything reside upon the land provided? What say you?!”
He cried out to anyone that might answer, but who would hear him with the answer he sought out?
“He always seemed to act as if he were dealt an unfortunate hand. Almost as if he felt everyone were staring at him through blazing eyes and with hardened hearts. Perhaps, I was a fool to have doubted him,” he spoke as he dug his hand into the earth and pulled from it his rifle and bayonet. “No. I was certainly a fool to have doubted him. If I desire proper justice, then just as he I must force it out.”
He began down the roads, a dust steadily rising about him as he proceeded further. Each step ate away at the minerals beneath his feet, pulling traces of earth from the structures around him as the dust formed a thick haze about his area, following him with every step he took. It didn’t even seem as if he were walking on the ground anymore, as if walking in the dust itself as he proceeded forward. It was easy enough to tell by the look on his face. He did not seem angry. Instead, he looked more disappointed than that, as if he had expected far better from those he saw as most capable.
“What?” he spoke as if insulted in some way.
“I said I don’t know how you managed to get your freedom from the Prism, but that doesn’t matter right now-”
“Yeah, I know it doesn’t matter. What I’m askin’ is what you said after that?”
“Evyette, go and find her! No one has time to play games with you.”
“The fuck?” he spoke as a deep laugh escaped his throat. “Alright, I got you. I’ll definitely find her. You can count on that. But don’t get the wrong idea. Things ain’t the same as they once were.”
“Is that supposed to mean you’re still as weak as before?”
“It means that I give as much of a fuck about you now as I did the last time I saw you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go about doing the job of your lackluster lackeys. Just like old times, huh?”
“You know your father is one of the people I sent, right?” he laughed in response just as he did before.
“Yup. Just like old times.”
He exited the bar in a casual manor, a yawn escaping him as he slipped his arms into his coat sleeves. On the inside he was clearly pissed, coming to the knowledge that Evyette had simply just been demoted the way she had been. On the outside however... he was equally as pissed, black flames turbulently dancing over his frame as the echoes of his footsteps accompanied him along his way. On one hand he didn’t believe it would be difficult to find her, but on the other hand he did not know just how well hidden she was. One thing was certain, however. He had the perfect person to call for help.
“Come on guys, I didn’t mean it! I promise!” Nier spoke as he maneuvered his way through a fight he found himself in. Perhaps they were not familiar with him, but what was he kidding. No one knew him for anything more than fawning over Chaemai. “I said I was sorry!”
“Are you fucking crazy?!”
“You can’t just attack us then apologize for it!”
“It was a joke! A joke! I didn’t even hit anyone with those knives! Oh, wait.” He reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone before looking to see the familiar name he hadn’t seen in a long time. “Hellfire, how’s it going brother?”
“No time for games, I need you to... are you in a fight?”
“What? Oh yeah, I upset a few people. Nothing too serious.”
“Sure. Anyway, I need to call in a favor.”
“Oh my. You know what the price of that favor is, right? I’m going to need to... what? Wait a second.” There was a long pause before he began speaking again. “Alright. What was I saying?”
“Did you just kill those people?”
“Of course not! I just knocked them out for a little bit.”
“Hmph, sure. You were talking about the favor?”
“Oh yeah, the favor. I’m going to need both you and Evyette’s ring sizes. I will accept nothing less.”
“If you can manage to find her location before me then by all means. But I’m not gonna do a damn if I find her first. Not that I don’t already believe I’ll be doing a better job at this than you. Just make a few calls, ask a few questions, and get back to me. Also, let me know if anything happens to Gabi or Eva. I heard they were both out there, and I’ll come if I have to.”
“That’s probably not a good idea.”
“Yeah, no fuck. That’s why I said if I have to. Evyette is currently more important anyway.”
The phone hanging up was Nier’s sign that he was now left undisturbed. He looked down at the unconscious frames which now laid upon the ground. A sigh escaped his lips as he continued on his path of information gathering. For someone like him that was the first of things that needed seeing to. While he was here on official business given by Nammay it didn’t mean he would be doing things any differently from his normal work. And as always, things were going well.
So far, he had come to discover that both DeVian and Stasia were present in the city. If it were just Stasia he might have contemplated killing her, but that would make the point of no violence null. Even if he chose to target DeVian that would result in the same, even if Novevu had refrained from agreeing with the others. Speaking of which, Xainayne’s own Verin was present as well and joined by Gabi. Both were wildcards in his eyes, and both needed to be watched closely. Harm coming to them might be enough to start a war. An air claimant he had heard little about, one of Evyette’s who seems like they’ll be joined by Shinzo. Taking the samurai into account was impossible without bringing up Haden. And he was currently with one Cyva, who could be the most dangerous asset at play yet also the one who warranted the least worry.
For now, he simply typed a bit on his phone before slipped the item into his pocket before continuing on his way. He had done enough searching for the time being. Now, he would simply go about looking for the item of everyone’s desires. Whatever Echowix was doing here he planned to find it first. He had two ancients counting on him, after all.
“I told ya we’d get lost if I listened to yer directions,” she hissed out the words as she pressed her palm against her forehead. “What an imbecile I am, trustin’ my directions to a mouse!”
The mouse looked at her only the way a person sick of her shit could. A few aggressive squeaks were all he could muster out at the woman before pointing down another road.
“Well, no I don’t know where we are. But that don’t change the fact we’ve been walkin’ around fer hours! My feets are startin’ to ache from all this.”
The mouse squeaked at her a few more times, crawling across her shoulders as it sniffed the air and pointed down another street. As much as she was complaining, she certainly listened to every single direction the little mouse gave.
“Dex, I swear. I’m not used to walkin’ around like this and ya know it.”
Another subtle squeak.
“I know the humans are asleep, but I ain’t gonna go slitherin’ about the streets like a snake. Who knows what kind of attention that might bring to us!”
More squeaks followed by the mouse raising its hands into the air.
“I mean... yeah, I suppose not havin’ been knocked out with the other humans is enough to catch the attention of others. But that don’t change the fact that we’re still,” she paused as the mouse pointed her directly to a building. “Oh! Would ya look at that! What would I do without ya, little rascal?”
The mouse rolled its eyes, tucking itself into the multitude of curly hairs upon her head before she stepped into the building. While she had just arrived, it was clear that the people had to be claimants. As she and Dex had just discussed, they would be the only ones left awake. However, it was at this time that she decided to do something that would no doubt be a horrible thing for someone like her to do. She would interact with them. While she thought it would be a smart move, Dex knew it would be far too difficult for someone like her. Especially when she was properly on her meds.
“Yo, my peoples. How are ya doin’?” It was horrible! Worse than he had initially imagined it being! It’s like she was drunk but wide awake! “I am Kel. I mean, Anna. I mean, Lamia. Fuck!”
She took a deep breath, her forked tongue flicking out to which she came to a sudden realization. One of them was a fire claimant. If she made the wrong move and they decided to make things too hot she’d start to hallucinate. She couldn’t fight like that! And so, she decided to keep it cool. Or at least as cool as someone like her could possibly muster. The attempt already falling apart as she leaned against the desk which was occupied by another claimant.
“My name is Kel-Anna. Kel fer short.”
Neither Stephani nor Vivian could possibly fathom what had just taken place. They could only watch on and feel sorry for Florita who had apparently been left with no other choices better than this girl. Meanwhile Kel-Anna had completely believed she nailed the introduction. First impressions were everything, and she had certainly succeeded in that.
“Now then. I would like a room, if ya please good person,” she spoke as she handed the order claimant a card.
“This is a rewards card for... a videogame store?”
“Ah! Wait! Hold on a second,” she spoke as she shuffled through her pockets to no avail. “It turns out, I don’t have any money. Would it happen that Florita mentioned my comin’,” she questioned them only to receive her card back along with a shake of the head. “Well, that is a problem.”
The mouse quickly scurried from its hiding space to only do what looked and sounded like yelling at the nature claimant. To her it was rather normal, but to everyone else it was nothing more than the sight of a mouse reprimanding someone for forgetting to bring their wallet.
“I know, I know. Nothin’ fer it now. No need fussin’ over it,” she spoke as she pulled a blunt from her pocket and placed it between her lips. “We’ll slither around town and find somethin’ to do.”
The mouse quickly slapped the item from her mouth to the ground and picked it up before running about the lobby with Kel-Anna hot in pursuit.
“Damnit, ya fuckin’ rat! I oughta eat ya for this!” she called out after the creature as she tumbled around attempting to capture the mouse.
He stepped forward, looking down at one of the humans which laid unconscious upon the ground. It wasn’t the type of look you’d get from someone who cared. Instead, it lacked any form of enthusiasm or pleasure. There rested nothing more than disappointment in knowing that he would not be capable of seeing their faces as he went about his work in its full capacity. His frame was that of stone, his face carrying no features of which could be understood. No eyes, no ears, no mouth, nothing outside of the cragged and rugged earth of gray coloration. He opened his palm, sharpened fingers spread outward before clasping them into a tight fist. In doing so the very ground seemed to open up like some jagged maw and crush the human now made corpse within. It was as if the very earth had devoured them itself.
“Now rise, golem of mine. Let stone, and mortar, and dust, and blood become your frame. Let death and despair be your guide. Rise from the mire and do my bidding.”
With his words the blood and flesh seemed to almost soak into the shifting ground. Then, seconds later, from the very spot the earth would rise up in the form of a monstrosity. Arms long and thin with several fingers more akin to blades on each, legs with no feet and rather sharpened points which hit the ground with sharp pings. Its torso was thin and almost looked as if it could fall apart at any second, yet of course it did not adhere to such a thing. The earth from which it was built soaked in blood, making it look to be made from a dark and murky reddish gray and the bones and organs of the human which once existed a graft into its being. Ribs protruding from its chest cavity, bones peeking from under the surface of its limbs, fresh meat visible all over, but most importantly rested the human’s skull upon its shoulders. A longer than average neck holding it up straight, stone barely covering it as horns of pure onyx broke through the bone and jutted out to either side. It did not move, did not react, did not act.
“Good and proper work. A being of which only I might create. Only I might dig from the mire of earth. Now, all you need is a final touch,” he spoke as he reached forward and dug his finger into the remaining eye which rested in the construct’s skull. He drew it outward, crushing it in his palm before using the blood to carve a red symbol onto its forehead. “Now then, with this you are complete. Awaken creature of despair, general of my invasion. Your name will be Harrow.”
Upon receiving those words the creation began to shake, as if being brought to life in that very moment with its limbs snapping and churning. The bones could be heard creaking, some breaking as its limbs twisted to life, its jaw gaping open in a way which suggested pain.
“Good, it seems I’ve made proper use of the vocal cords. So, tell me, my creation. Speak, and relinquish unto me how you are feeling.”
“I... I... I am,” the golem stammered out in a female voice, as if struggling to make the words proper. “I am... pain... extreme... pain...”
“Does this pain disturb you?”
“It... does not...”
“Good. Then you will be the first of many. Now watch on, my creation,” he spoke as his feet rose from the ground. “Marvel at the sight of my creation! Bear witness to the monument of despair I bring! Will shall drown this place in distress! Condemn these lowly creatures to the darkest mire, the agony which resides behind their courage. We shall take their corpses and from them build up an army of the vilest dregs. Then, and only then, will they come to understand fear.”
With his own rise from the ground, so too did the earth before him shift and stir. Arms outstretched he would shape the earth into a greater structure, a monument, a citadel of his own. A tower which rose from the darkest earth, taking the form of crags and celestial apprehension. To him it was an icon, a marvel, something to be praised for its greater design. To others? Nothing more than a foreboding icon looming in the distance. It could not be properly understood or registered without complications or confusion. An unnerving feeling drawn from the very sight of it. Its design more akin to that of what one would call the nightmarish abode of a clandestine Great One, but was that not normal for someone who had seen what he saw?
“This will do for the time being. I was told to simply cause a stir, so anything larger than this might attract too much attention... now then. As for you,” he spoke as he descended back down to his golem. However, this time he refrained from allowing his feet to touch the ground.
“My... master...”
“You have a very important job, my creation.”
“What will... you have me... do?”
“Go forth, cause a stir, kill to heart’s content. That pain you feel? Smear it across the bodies of anyone and everyone you come across. No mercy. No morality. And when they are unable to fight back any longer you will simply cry out so that I might hear. Then I will craft them into your brethren.”
“Yes my... master...”
With those orders the golem proceeded to hobble down the road in a manner which suggested a struggle to move, but it didn’t take long before it began sprinting at high speeds. It wasn’t until it had no longer remained in his sight that Famine chose to make his way to the top of what would currently act as his camp, but it also wasn’t long until he could hear it echo in the distance. A scream, or rather a blood curdling howl, the likes of which only one of his nightmares could make. He could only laugh as he looked down on the city of Rome from his throne of anxiety.
“Perfect. It seems I’ll be getting some fun out of this yet.”
“Maybe we should go and check out what that thing is in the distance,” Cyva spoke as she placed down the glass she had been drinking from. Haden simply scoffed at the idea.
“There isn’t a single point in that lass. Ya know it’s probably just one of Flori’s kin tryin’ to be a bother. Let the order brats deal with it. I’m sure the lads need somethin’ to do anyway.”
“You say that, but it has been there for quite some time and it doesn’t seem like anyone has even approached it. Not to mention that crazy scream we heard a while ago right after it was put up. You don’t think it’s odd that they would go about building something like that out of nowhere? The Kinoz did agree to no conflict, after all. Besides, something about it doesn’t seem right. It barely even looks like normal earth.”
“You’re thinkin’ on it too much. I ain’t gonna worry about it. We’ve still got a job to handle, so leave it to the peacekeepers and put it off your mind.”
“That’s easy for you to say. Four of my own loves are currently in this city. If something were to happen to them I might just-”
She paused as they both heard the sound of quickly approaching footsteps. The scent of Naiick’s house wafting on the air let them know who exactly it was, but the moment they came into view it was clear that something was awry. They were injured, holding onto a damaged arm and running with a leg damaged just as badly. It was to neither Haden nor Cyva’s surprise when they fell to the ground with a groan.
“What the feckin’ hell?”
“Hey, what happened to-” Haden quickly stopped her and pulled her behind the bar before she could finish speaking, or give away their position.
“Be quiet.”
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“I said quiet, lass. Look.”
Following his words, she peaked over the counter at the claimant who struggled to their feet. Their weapon was still clutched tightly in their uninjured hand. It was a handgun she did not get the chance to properly examine before he was promptly charged down by what looked like a large hound made from stone and bone. Then four more rushed the claimant as well.
He attempted to fire on them, the bullets landing yet seeming to have little to no effect. The moment the canine skull which rested on one of their heads clasped around his ankle the claimant was dragged back down onto the ground, and it was then that the stone hounds crowded his position and began tearing him limb from limb. Their screams could be heard as Haden chose to look away. Cyva, on the other hand, did not flinch or waver as she looked on at the gruesome sight. However, it wasn’t until the creatures ceased their assault and backed away that she found herself wanting to hide away. The very same howl they had been hearing at a distance, now just outside of their building. It made her ears ring, her jaw ache, her eyes water, as if someone were having death throws right outside, and yet that was not the case at all as the first golem approached the now dilapidated body which rested on the ground, barely breathing.
“All for... my master... you... will become one... of us.”
Cyva nearly vomited in her mouth, the sight of the very earth churning beneath the claimant and grinding him into the very gravel and cement beneath their feet. It was horrific, and yet not nearly as horrific as the bloodied stone creature which emerged from where the corpse once was. Alongside the stone hounds which were covered in blood and gore with the skulls of dogs, now stood another golem who looked to be barely capable of standing. Reddened stone and bone melded together with flesh, the long brunette hair which once rested upon the claimant’s head now covering the skull which was now this creation’s own, clawed hands and feet with a tail that looked to be made from the claimant’s spine. It was at this point that an order claimant approached, no doubt due to the screams which were heard.
“What the hell is this? Your houses both agreed to refrain for these types of actions! Stand down immediately?”
“How... bold of you... to assume...”
“What are you talking about? You’ll be answering for this murder,” the claimant spoke as they approached. It was at this time Cyva could get a decent sight of them. Male, taller than her clearly, but that only made it shockingly more obvious as to just how much taller these things were.
“Holy fuck, that thing is almost double my size,” she spoke as Haden drew his gun.
“Well stay hidden so we don’t have to deal with it. I don’t even want to look at the things.”
“Bold... of you... to assume you have... the same authority... of my master...”
Those were the words exchanged before the golem raised its clawed hand to strike. The order claimant quickly jumped out of the way, swinging his sword towards the golem’s midsection where he would find a clean connect. The weapon now buried deep into the golem’s stomach, or what one might call its stomach.
“My master,” it began as the claimant watched on in what had quickly become horror.
“Are those, real bones?”
“My master ordains... that you experience... terror!”
It was over as quickly as it began, the golem’s fingers stabbing directly through their body before lifting the claimant into the air. It was there where they would remain for a brief moment before being tossed to the side where they staggered against the ground. The golem, with talons now drenched in blood, approached the other freshly crafted stone construct and carved upon its skull the same symbol which was visible upon its own before letting out another howl and standing by for several seconds. It only took those few seconds for the body to begin creaking and shaking, as if stifled by its own existence before inevitably falling flat on its face. Steadily it picked itself back up, rising to its feet where it now stood alongside the first golem.
“You... belong to the master... I... belong to the master... we... are the... vanguard,” it spoke before pointing one of the bladelike fingers towards the order claimant which was still struggling to stand to their feet. “WE kill... for the master... WE sing... for the master... WE feel pain and WE give pain... for the master... now create death... for the master... and sing... that he might know...”
With those words the newly formed golem stepped forward, slowly and carefully, as if gathering its bearings, just before diving forward as great speeds. The claimant attempted to defend themself, but there was no chance as the golem tore away at him until his flesh barely clung to bone. Tenacity be damned as he still clung to life, Cyva straining every fiber of her being to resist the urge to help, but as the creature leaned back with the bones in its chest cracking under the pressure did she find herself once again frozen in place. The howl this one released like that of a man who was forced to die in the most gruesome manner over and over again for all eternity.
“Whoever you are, you won’t get away with this,” the claimant spoke as he struggled to even remain conscious.”
“I am... Harrow... you are... one of us...”
It didn’t take long before the earth beneath him wrapped around his frame, like a hand sprouting from the ground under his feet. What then took place was no doubt a painful end, their body being dragged into the solid earth without comfort, without mercy, without peace, as their screams turned to gargles, and then silence accompanying the crunching of bone and the sloshing of meat and sinew. Then, from the puddle of blood upon the earth, rose another stone golem. An odd mix between what looked to be a creature and a human, hunched forward on all fours with sharpened bones covered in stone protruding all over. The skull now malformed and its teeth in the shape of large fangs. That was when the first golem approached and dipped its fingers into the pool of blood at its feet to carve out the same mark on its skull.
“Now... you are... kin... go and... find more meat... for our master...”
The newly formed golem began to move, just as the last had, before shaking about as if uncapable of remaining still. They stood for a moment as if listening for something which could not be heard before the stone hounds sped down the road and the three golems all went their own separate ways. The first continuing down the road as the other two climbed their way up buildings and out of sight. It wasn’t until she was sure they were alone that she finally spoke.
“Haden, I have no idea what I just saw.”
“Yeah, maybe ya shouldn’t have been lookin’! I ain’t gonna have anything to do with those feckin things, that’s for certain!” he spoke as he gathered himself and rose to his feet.
“We should call this in. This could be something no one here is capable of handling alone. Can you get ahold of Shinzo?”
“I’m gonna assume he’ll show up in Rome eventually. Until then I doubt he’ll answer any calls while he’s talkin’ to his damn mother.”
“Gahbreal has business to take care of as well, I doubt he will show up even if I could get to him... perhaps we should search out the nearby Aikekunai. If they know about this, they may have some means of resolving the issue. Or at least the ancients might listen to them long enough to do something.”
“Aye. You’re not wrong. They may intervein if their favorites are in danger.”
“My thought exactly, and that makes our target a simple find.”
“Who are ya thinkin’ lass?”
“We’re going to go pay one of my esteemed daughters a visit,” Cyva spoke as she stepped out and surveyed the area. “If we find her, based on what Gabi said, we’ll no doubt find DeVian with her.”
“Welcome, sir! As I have been informing all the others, everyone else has been knocked unconscious. I am here to welcome all claimants and Aikekunai, as well as inform you that this place will be acting as a base for everyone. So long as you keep things-”
“So, it seems I’m in the right place.”
“Excuse me, sir?” interrupted again?
The heavy sound of boots across the floor told a tale of terrible of his journey to the building. Each step left a fading footprint in blood behind as he approached the order claimant who acted as greeter and informer. He wore anormal pair of dark blue jeans along with dark brown boots which looked to have been walking through corpses before his arrival. A tucked in black shirt and bulletproof vest rested under an unzipped hoodie of the same color, the hood resting on his head, his hands covered in worn out gloves and a short sword hanging from his belt. That too was covered in fresh blood. He casually stopped just short of the order claimant.
“How many claimants have arrived so far?”
“I have no obligation to give that information. I must also request that you keep things peaceful.”
It was odd. The entire situation. It hadn’t been a problem at all up to this point, but there was no telling what house he belonged to. There was no scent on him, or rather he carried the faint scent of multiple houses, nothing stood out enough to give him away.
“You’re as useless as they come,” he spoke as he removed the hood from his head to reveal a gaze that suggested he hated him entirely. Not just due to his answer, but rather before they had even met. His head was closely shaved with a full beard of medium length. He also looked as if he hadn’t slept in days.
“I apologize, sir. However, if you could you please tell me what house you belong to then we may get you sorted out and into a room.” The faster the better with this one.
“My house? I belong to the house of Karr.”
“That’s not a proper house, sir. I’m going to need to ask that you take this seriously?”
“This is why I hate claimants. You all seem to act without the slightest regard for those you trample beneath your feet. How quickly you all forget,” he spoke as he reached into his hoodie and drew from it a handgun the size of which did not look as if it properly made sense.
“What are you doing? All but two of the houses agreed to remain peaceful!”
“You just said it yourself, didn’t you? My house isn’t a proper house you know of. Just as my ancestors and those before them, I will do my family’s work.”
The projectile fired from the gun tore through the claimant with little issue, the hole left in their body as they fell to the ground a marvel of raw damage that was also displayed in the crack which snapped in their ears when he pulled the trigger. He pulled back the bolt on the handgun and allowed the now empty bullet casing to fall to the ground, placing the bolt in the same hand as the gun before reaching into his hood and pulling out another large cartridge. He looked down at the male who now stammered and gasped on the ground, not dead yet clearly close to that fate.
“I suppose this is why Levei gave me those new bullets. I suppose I should use those from now on to make things easier for myself,” he spoke as he placed the new round into the bolt and loaded his handgun before placing it back under his hoodie. “Sorry about that, my own bullets are gathered from battlefields you claimants have used in the past. While killing you all with your own weapons is effective, that doesn’t mean it’s easy, and most of you can just heal yourselves back up. I have to be accurate, thorough, precise, perfect.”
“Levei? Who are you?” the order claimant spoke as the male drew the sword from his side and held it with the blade pointing downward at the claimant.
“Don’t be so naïve, claimant. And who am I kidding? I’m not sorry at all. If anything, I’m sorry for myself. Lacking the satisfaction of knowing that your family won’t be present to watch you die as you all should.”
His way of doing things were twofold with the sword. He did not trust the ways in which claimants could heal and as such did not trust their ability to die normally. It was due to this that he had come to learn two methods of slaying his targets. Beheading, and utterly destroying their hearts. Not knowing if certain claimants were capable of surviving the former or the latter alone, he always chose to do them both. This was why he plunged the blade into the order claimant’s chest and twisted it about violently before lifting the sword skyward and slicing directly through their neck. The motionless silence was what he needed to know that they were dead and done in.
“I believe in no gods for they would have saved us from you. I believe in no mercies for those have been robbed away. I do not believe in your ancient lies, nor do I believe in your Elysian and your Void. I believe in the beginning of life and I believe in the end of the very same. Die and become nothing, just as my family has. Ashes to ashes.”
He placed his sword back within its scabbard before reaching into the pocket of his hoodie where he retrieved a fragmentation grenade, and the only one in his possession. Normally it would be useless against claimants, the only real things which carried any form of effective use being the tools he had come to either craft or do extensive research on, but it would certainly be useful for one particular measure today. He pressed the button for the elevator and watched as the door opened, pulling the pin just as the door began to close and tossing the item inside before backing away to cover himself. The loud boom shook the floor around him, but that just meant he had successfully put the elevator out of proper use. Now he could go about doing his business without the thought of anyone slipping by him too easily.
He placed the hood back over his head. His gun drawn and held steadily in his right hand; the hilt of his sword squeezed tightly between his fingers. He did not shake or falter as he began to ascend the stairwell to reach the next floor. He’d take this slow, or as slowly as he wanted to. Snuffing out whatever claimant were within the building as they either came his way upon discovering the elevator to be useless or simply waited without a care for him to do his proper duty. Of course, there would be some who could just fly or possibly survive jumping out of the building from the upper floors, but that wouldn’t alter his plan. He was wearing the title of Claimant Hunter after all, and the last of his line. If they tried to escape then he’d just have to hunt them down.
