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With the scent of meat taking up his thought process, Farnus further ignores Lox-aan as he finishes climbing over the counter and heads straight for the kitchen. The kobold in his way is ignored, and if he does not move he doesn't provide any resistance, knocked aside by Farnus walking into him. The hybrid walks straight to the steak in the pan and snatches it up, biting and ripping chunks out of the half-cooked meat and quickly swallowing before continuing. The steak disappears quickly, and his attention turns to other delicacies in the kitchen. He is ravaging their supplies like he has never eaten before.
Their journey through the village is full of winding paths through the trees, homes attached to those paths in an organic way, settled in between or built into small hills and along the streams that flow past. In time they see a collection of homes built on flatter ground more closely built together. Vance can see one of them is noticeably larger than the others, and on the porch he can see Gregor and Heimrich's mentor looking at a very new front door and talking about it.
Surprised that the fight had escalated to such a level, Alice looks at Heimrich to see if that was true. "Sam could of, rather easily, if he had powered up. He only did so at the end when there was the threat of the bomb. Atticus could of seen it as well, though he also didn't feel a need to. The only two that saw everything at the end were Salem and Alice."
Heimrich's expressioned darkened at the mental image of the tattooed God. "He's going to be bad news later, for sure. Luckily for us, he still thinks his Vengeance is inside Duncan, waiting to be reactivated. By the time the other morons let slip about you around one of his minions, my plans should already be complete, and you'll be ready to deal with whatever he throws at you. Not that he can track any of us anyways. I made sure of that."
The subdued and cautious expression on Heimrich's face when Revan refers him to a bomb says it all. That is something he has feared ever since he first stepped out of that gravity well in the Mirror Realm. The power he contains is wild and does not want to be controlled. Only with his united transformations can keep them in check without destroying his environment, and even then he suffers from each stage's downsides. If Revan was calling him a bomb even whole his true power is sealed away, Heimrich couldn't imagine how he'd react if he began cracking that seal. He doubt it'd be good. Learning how to protect the environment from himself, treating it like the indestructible ground of the Mirror Realm, is one of his highest priorities.
Hope that Revan may know of what took over Duncan begins to sour as he declares he does not know of anything that could do what it did. And a pang of loss hits him when Samantha tells Revan Duncan is gone for good. Though it is not one of regret. The Death of Duncan will always haunt him, yet over these years he isn't sure anymore when Duncan truly died. And the sight of his body, a hole bored through his chest, yet feeling more alive than ever, will never stop haunting him. Heimrich is ready to answer when Revan demands he explain himself. Though he isn't sure how to properly paint the horror into words. "I truly wish the choice was made because I was naive to what I had done. I've been with the Order too long to not be aware of Aetheran reincarnation. ... With Aura, we're able to see a person's life force. We can see the soul, and the emotions held within the heart. My Aura was unlocked just before my final fight with the monster. And I have grown very accustomed to what Aetheran souls look like now. And no matter how hard I focus on the memory, I do not remember that monster having souls. But it was alive. No matter what I did to it, no matter how horrid the injury, it was alive. Like every cell was its own living thing. No matter how strong I became. Compared to everything else I've experienced. Nothing felt more... Alive, than that thing."
Heimrich had never received an extensive education, and his words are failing him in explaining the horrible truth of the monster that consumed Duncan, he can see it in Revan's eyes. There was only two ways he could show Revan what had happened. And one of them he isn't sure he has the aptitude to do it. "I don't know if your magic allows for mind reading, or if you know a wizard that can, but... That might be the only way to truly explain my reasons why I had him erased. My other method is... Just a theory, at the moment."
Vance narrowed his gaze as he looked to Heimrich. "Atticus. You're new mentor? He's on Sam's level? My old boss didn't know about any werewolf this powerful, or if did he didn't tell me. Then again..." Vance trailed off, if the fake Salem had any idea that Heimrich could use the Mentat, he wouldn't have bothered using the Godling to fight him. He likely would have sent the Harbingers to kill Heimrich instead. Or resorted to using underhanded methods... The Fake didn't have the real Salem's Godly strength and martial skills, only the knowledge of secrets and curses.
That's how the Divine Parasite began. A curse.
He hoped that Heimrich was right. Though knowing the fake Salem, his reaction to his defection thanks to Heimrich will come with a disproportionate amount of violence. He'll either send Beorin, Helios, or more likely the third Harbinger since those first two are overseeing the Holy War. Or maybe he would be stupid and send in some lower levels to see if Heimrich had just captured him and assess if he was truly a turncoat...
He'd prefer the second possibility.
As much as he trusted in his own abilities now, a Harbinger... They existed in the realm of the Gods beside their master. None of them have ever fought the Harbingers, the closest they got was facing Vengeance as a Godling, but even the Godling pales in comparison to a Harbingers full might. He would need to be at full power like he was against that copy of Samantha to stand a real chance against just 1 of them.
"We've got a while before he likely figures out where to start looking for me. He'll try the area around the Citadel first to track where you went after the rematch, if he doesn't already have people looking for this place." Vance says as he looks to Gregor and the familiar Werewolf that must be called Atticus. "Salem will use methods outside of scrying since he must know you can block him now. He'll use new methods no doubt, he has no idea what you know so any method readily available is out... That still gives us a month or two to prepare."
Heimrich's initial explanation had Samantha's master furrowing his brow, forehead creasing as he examined his failing words. The inadequate explanation was still enough to form an initial opinion. One thing that screamed out at him immediately was something impossible... The lack of souls present in Duncan's body. His gaze warped with a serious glare, no longer being accusatory but concerned for what had heard. "It was... Alive? Yet lacked the souls?" Revan took a moment, recounting every scrap of knowledge available to him. A hand that was clasped behind his back now briefly clasping his jaw and massaging his cheek with his fingers. Taking a moment to look deep in thought before saying anything else.
The question on mind reading has the mentor looking back to the young templar after a moment. "All things are possible with magic, you simply needs the know how and aptitude. That said, yes. Mind reading and the power to view memories is trivial compared to whatever happened to Duncan... You hand please." He asks as he reaches out. "Just think of what you wish to show me, and no matter how painful do not spare a single detail... I have a theory already. But I must be sure."
The recon squads close in on the target: a shining wall that blocks off the crag they have been traveling through, that extends far above them. <[Scanning now,]> Gara-2 softly says as he begins to take readings of the glowing obstacle in their path. The Wabachan and Synnadinean squads wait, prepared for anything emerging through that shield. Though it seems their battle readiness is not needed. <[Energized plasma, bent into shape by a magnetic film. We're not getting through that without a shield cutter.]>
<[A command vehicle isn't going to have a reactor strong enough to generate this much plasma,]> One of the Synnadine commandos says as they all slowly begin to move back to the shield to find a more defensible position.
<[The ship they landed in is still online. Gara to Mobile.]>
<[This is Mobile.]>
<[The crashed vessel is still online, presumed combat capable. Sending collected data now.]>
<[Good work. Pull back, prepare for renewed bombardment.]>
<[Copy.]>
____________________
The glittering of particle cannons against the darkness of space is hidden by the lances of burning energy in the wake of the cannons firing down upon the planet. The Warlord watches with annoyance, his eagerness for a battle failing to be curbed by the crashed vessel still being alive. Still, he is the head of this Wabachan fleet, and lives are on the line. "Maintain a constant barrage on that shield. I want it at the verge of breaking at all times. Prepare The Claw for a broadside on that ship- If there is even a sign of a planet cracker coming online I want it wiped off the map. Continue pulling the scouts back to a calculated safe distance from the broadside."
"Aye sir."
"Maintain the evacuation. If the machines are content to hide beneath their shield and let us get the Athailians off world, we will not let the opportunity slip out of our claws. Commund Wunnil."
<[Yes Warlord.]>
"We are going to make use of your fleet. Command your research vessels to maintain a constant geological survey of the planet. I do not want the machines tunneling away undetected."
<[We will begin immediately.]>
Rath returns to watching the machine's shield ripple and struggle to maintain integrity, and the tiny tags of the commandos steadily falling back. The first wave of vessels carrying Athailians in stasis are arriving in the fleet now, docking and offloading the civilians to make another trip planetside. It will take time to scour all of the underground facilities. They will just have to see how many they can get off world, before the machines respond.
"I'm certainly aiming for longer than that," Heimrich admits as they approach Atticus' home. Gregor notices them approach and turns, smiling at first when he sees Heimrich and Alice, before he realizes there's someone else with them. Much to Vance's surprise, Gregor doesn't recognize him. Atticus however when he turns seems to be a lot more aware of what's going on. "Heimrich? Who is this with you? And why does he feel familiar..." Gregor starts to question the odd sense of recognition in seeing Vance, though the hand on his shoulder breaks that concentration.
"It's nothing to worry about," Atticus reassures him. "He's here because I agreed to it. Hello there Vance, it's about time we were able to meet and have a little chat." He walks past Gregor as Vance, Heimrich, and Alice approach the porch and offers his hand to Vance to shake. Atticus has a charismatic smile, and seems to be full of energy- His energetic personality the only thing Vamce can sense out of the man. If it were not for Atticus speaking to him, or the strong grip of his hand as Vance accepts the handshake, or the handsome smile on a face gracefully aging- He would not know Atticus existed. He is a void, a blank. A ghost, missing in the world of the living. Vance finds himself unable to break Atticus' gaze, finding himself in some sort of test as Atticus peers through his eyes, like he can see his soul. And he seems to like what he sees. "Yes. Yes you'll do well. Welcome to the Village of the Wolves, and to the pack."
"For the longest time only two non-wolves knew about this place. Now in just a month I've let in everything but the demon king himself!" Atticus chuckles as he releases Vance's hand. "So," He places his hands on his hips and looks between the confused Primal man and his other two guests. "How did you like your new abodes? To your liking?"
"They're beautiful," Alice thanks him. "We came by to move our things."
"Oh they grow up so fast," Atticus mimes wiping a tear out of his eye.
"Already leaving the nest," Gregor grins, before looking at Vance again. "Apologies stranger, but I have to ask. Have we met before?"
Heimrich nods silently, before he takes Revan's hand.
____________________
The memory is unnaturally crisp. Normally edges and finer details are blurred in a memory, especially one over ten years old. But everything is perfectly captured. Revan through Heimrich's eyes relives the horrors of the Long Night, with 'Duncan' killing Ghyll and causing the Golems to run amok, Heimrich being mortally wounded and being saved by Sam, 'Duncan' nearly being bisected by Heimrich's Crescent Breaker, and the monstrosity showing itself fully as mottled flesh tries to pull the shrieking man-shaped monster back together. It runs off, flailing its split body as it does so. Heimrich's aura is unlocked, and Sam leaves to get Isle and whomever else survived to safety. Heimrich tracks down the monster, and finds it already fully healed like nothing was done to it.
Already Revan has seen enough to know that this was not Duncan. Using his own methods of detection, he found that Duncan's souls were in fact in his body- Until the monster was wounded by Crescent Breaker.
In an instant Duncan's souls vanished, and the most alien sensation washes over Revan as the true flesh of the monster revealed itself to pull itself together. This was certainly no work of Salem, and this was unlike any creature both mundane and magic he has seen in Aetheran or in Purira over the last five thousand years. It bursts with vitality, every cell screaming with life. That scream is gone when Heimrich finds it again, but it still lacks the souls. Like the creature discarded it's disguise once discovered. But to be able to feign having souls as camouflage, to where they looked real even to him, is a disturbing concept.
These thoughts flash through Revan's mind as Heimrich begins his second duel with the monster, where it taunts him in asking who Heimrich was referring to. This creature wasn't merely a mimic, it was self aware. A thinking, calculating creature, that reveled in the despair it is causing in Heimrich. Revan experiences the monster's blade lodging inside Heimrich's arm and side, before Heimrich blasts a hole in it using his enochian artifact.
Here is where Revan senses what Heimrich had felt. The earlier crawling sensation of vitality is a whisper compared to the psychic scream emanating from the collapsed form of 'Duncan'. Heimrich was lucky that his senses were so unrefined, he likely would have been reduced to a mind-broken husk if he was able to hear it. Every single cell is filled with life, each cell its own organism. Each cell desperate to feed. There is no doubt that this grievous wound has done nothing to harm it, only stop it momentarily. There was no way to kill it. Even if a single cell survived, it would return. Heimrich had felt it. Revan does now as well. But only Revan knows how truly dangerous and lucky Heimrich was to survive this encounter. The monster was capable of faking souls, and Revan found no sign of Salem's parasite inside it. Meaning it consumed both and added them to itself. If it was capable of doing that, the creature may have been capable of using their abilities, if it had the time to mature.
The memory ends with Sam's arrival, saving Heimrich from a death from blood loss yet again, before Heimrich asks him to destroy 'Duncan' thoroughly so that nothing was left. With a use of aura's Destruction nature, every cell was vaporized, leaving nothing left of the monster to return. And Revan sees Heimrich and Sam being thorough in following the monster's trail, wiping out every speck of the creature's passing from Sam's enhanced senses.
The memories end.
____________________
Heimrich's other hand is locked in a white knuckle fist, burning hatred flowing through his body that is kept in check by his will. He will not let it control him here. Heimrich releases Revan's hand and controls his breathing, doing his best to get himself under control. He doesn't speak, waiting wordlessly for Revan, praying that what he had seen falls in line with the Overlord's hunch.
The man reborn from his former origins did furrow his brow in surprise when Gregor did not seem to recognise him. How could he not? His appear wasn't that different to how he looked before. Minus an inch or two off his height, not bound by muscle on muscle... Not looking like a divine abomination either likely helped in the lack of recognition.
Though that falls to the momentary wayside as Atticus steps down from the porch and approaches him... And he is hit with a new issue. He cannot sense this werewolf. As if an emptiness in the world had just stepped before him. For a single instant he was worried he was looking at Victor again, a beats lacking a soul and just raw vitality... But it wasn't that. Atticus just... Didn't register at all. No signature at all. Even Victor still radiated with strength and recognisable power. Atticus was a complete absence.
Then it clicked.
Vance takes Atticus's hand, unable to break his gaze as a sliver of motivation rises in his chest. "You're the reason then, the Mentat before Heimrich." He says, not expecting an answer. He didn't need it. Only someone with Mantra could be so absurd as to be a walking absence in the world. He didn't even realise it until he had looked at the werewolf. He would have missed it otherwise. Missed an entire person. No wonder no one has found another Mantra user, likely thinking they all went extinct if they could do things like this.
He could feel the wolf stare into him, not just at him. Assessing him deeply... Likely seeing what Heimrich had seen... And he looked pleased? Well. Looks like he passed whatever test he had been given.
Being asked how he liked his new home, the Primal Man took a moment longer than Alice to answer. "It's more homely than the last place I was living. It's nice."
Being asked by Gregor directly if they have met before, Vance took another moment to consider his answer. How should he even answer? 'Oh, sorry I tried to have you killed to draw out Heimrich and kill him to complete my ascension. Lets hug it out.' No. That's stupid... He'll answer honestly. He won't run from what he was. He has to prove that he's someone different now. "You and I haven't personally met, but you know Duncan Cross. I used to be Salem's Divine Parasite that dwelled inside of him, the creature that became the Godling Heimrich defeated." He says as he reaches up and strokes his chin. "The reason you recognise me is probably because I have a family resemblance to that moron... Sorry about the whole 'trying to have you killed for treason' thing. But you did make his bullsh!t sword." He says as he points shamelessly to Heimrich.
Aiden unconsciously takes a rather loud gulp at the casual insinuation dropped by Akina, still in disbelief at what just happened, disbelief that quickly turns into shock as the quickly gives him another kiss. Halfway star struck he simply watches and listens as she more or less compliments him and, somewhat hilariously, redirects his attention to a certain pink ball of hyper lethal fur.
Oh my god I forgot about Chloe! I mean, she's a rabbit. Pets watch their owners do things all the time so this isn't that weird! Then again she's not exactly normal, and not really a pet either...feels wrong calling her a pet. But she's still a rabbit at the end of the day so like, she probably don't think anything of it! Gods why am I getting self conscious over a rabbit seeing some PDA. Hell this isn't even PDA, this is MY house, she just happens to be here!
"Er,-" Aiden starts to meekly speak, directed at Chloe. "Sorry...I think? Um, I didn't quite expect...THAT..." He turns his attention back to Akina but can't quite look her in the eyes, his face is far to flushed and is entirely too shy, though it's evident he's trying. His pupils simply refuse to sit still, darting around to look at her ears, neck, nose, cheeks or lips. All over and around her face, everywhere except her eyes. "I uh...thank you then, for the compliments. I aim to...live up to your expectations. Your interest won't go to waste on me, I'll prove I'm good enough for you."
The knowledge that he wasn't the one that killed Duncan was... Even amidst hearing the horrible potential that beast would have possessed, that horror was tinged with relief. A great weight was lifted off his shoulders, the doubt, the uncertainty, the guilt of loving Samantha. It all faded away. That relief also clouded his mind, not understanding that the creature had experienced this before, and still survived to carry a millennia old grudge. In time, perhaps when his mind has a chance to clear of this Salem plot, they would remember.
Both luckily and unluckily, Revan moves his attention to thanking Heimrich for what he had done, and offered anything. Even though Revan tells him he can ask him later, Heimrich looks to Samantha. In a moment he relives meeting her for the first time, the anger and grief, aimed at him as they fought. Their realizing together what they had both lost. Each moment in the Mirror Realm they locked eyes, their quiet conversations hidden by fireballs and explosions. He remembers her face, when he finally confessed.
"In Tropica, the village I am from, we have a tradition. Its a little old fashioned.," Heimrich now looks to Revan. "When a man seeks to marry the woman he loves, he must prove to her father or the head of her family that he is strong enough to protect her, unbreakable in hardship, and loyal, so that they can know they can rest easy, knowing they will never fear for their daughter's safety and wellbeing. And know she will forever be loved, until the day I die."
There is not a hint of a tremor or uncertainty. Heimrich stands proud in his blatant love for Samantha, telling Revan quite clearly his relationship with his descendant-apprentice and what he wishes to do. "You did say you're Samantha's ancestor, right? After this business with Salem is through, all I ask is the opportunity to prove myself. That I'm more than my anger. And if your father is still with the living, I'll prove myself to him too."
Atticus had smiles cheekily at Vance's comment about him being the Mentat. He doesn't seem bothered about Vance's past, likely knowing already through some strange Mantric method. Or Heimrich had already told him. Gregor however reacts in a way Vance moreso expected. Gregor's polite nature slowly changes to one of confusion for the slightest second, before it becomes one of serious horror, as he slowly looks at Heimrich as if silently saying 'what have you done'. Heimrich was prepared for that though.
"The Vengeance you came to know and the man standing here had split, and Salem had erased him. You may have noticed that Vengeance became a lot more violent and prone to more outbursts and taking over Duncan at some point. That was when Salem did what he did." Gregor at least was taking the time to think about it instead of throw out the idea as preposterous immediately. He had known Heimrich for a long time, he wouldn't bring Vengeance back for nothing. Gregor at least does seem to notice a trend of Vengeance's outburst becoming more brazen after a certain day.
"... Apology accepted. Things certainly have become... Strange, after what happened at Fort Arcius. If I'm able to accept what had happened to Heimrich, I suppose it would be hypocritical of me to not at least give you a chance."
If the werewolf was already aware of his past, it likely was because of Heimrich having likely talked to Atticus about this beforehand. He doubted his position here wasn't a topic that was discussed between the two of them. This little meeting now was just to see if he would be acceptable... Seemingly he passed that. Atticus likely seeing that he had the ability to take up Diego's old job for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile Gregor's response was more... Expected. Given their history. Then seeing Heimrich speak up on his behalf to explain the situation saved him having to justify himself.
Hearing Gregor accept his apology, the Primal Man let out a small huff of relief. He was expecting a whole song and dance about how he couldn't be changed so quickly... Though that opinion could certainly be challenged with one piece of evidence. "Thank you, Gregor. I honestly thought you'd hold more of a grudge... But I guess you're as weird as the rest of Heimrich's friends." He says, not wasting an opportunity to take another dig at the man who saved him from a pathetic fate of being remembered as nothing more than a mad creature.
"Don't take my words lightly. I've known Heimrich since he was ten years old. I taught him and came to see him like a son. When he needed help, I gave it. And he risked his life to save mine. I owe him my life, and I know what kind of man he is." Gregor's voice doesn't carry malice or hate towards Vance, but the tone holds heavy weight. Heimrich is silent as Gregor glances over to him before facing Vance again. "I do pray, for your sake, that Heimrich is making the right decision to trust you. Excuse me."
The dwarf walks between him and Heimrich and trundles off into the village, his conversation with Atticus apparently over. "You must have been a good adopted son to convince a dwarf to go against their own judgement," Atticus snacks.
"Shut it."
"Haha, kidding. Now, I assume you're not here just to say hello."
"We're going to collect our things so you can have your guest room back. It was very kind of you to allow us to stay there." Alice thanks Atticus, who waves it off.
"And make you stay in our hunting cabin? It was the least I could do."
"We'll be back out in a few minutes. The king of the werewolves doesn't like strangers in his house," Heimrich tells Vance as he and Alice walk onto the porch.
"We'll be right back! Play nice!" Alice points at Vance and Atticus both, who crosses his arms and huffs with a shake of his head as Alice follows Heimrich inside.
"Now who do they think they are, telling the leader of the pack what to do? Humans, am I right?" Atticus looks to Vance with a charming smile. At least he seems to be playing nice, or at least doesn't seem to care about his history. At least, as far as he can tell. The werewolf is difficult to read.
He keeps going without looking back. Like their duel and becoming Master Wabani's Apprentice, something that has never happened before and likely would never happen again, is just a footnote on his journey. What a weird guy, Kiysa thinks to herself as she puts her other hand on her hip, watching him walk back towards Reonne.
I don't know about you, but I could use a nap. And probably a blacksmith.
Yeah, yeah. Jingo slices though the air in Kiysa's hand, cutting open a rift in space. Kiysa pauses, just before walking through. "See you in three days, Boy Scout." After that she disappears, and the rift closes behind her.
____________________
Irondale Inn, Irondale Village 9:33AM
A tear in reality opens in an inn room, unkempt just the way they left it. The rift closes behind Kiysa and Jingo, and now that they are somewhere quiet the weight of the exhaustion creeping over her finally takes its toll. She doesn't even bother taking off her robe as she flops onto the bed, groaning as the impact makes torn muscles scream in agony.
"You were faster than you've ever gotten before," Jingo remarks, still a damaged sword clutched in one hand, though also on the bed from Kiysa's face first landing.
"Yeah, and I think I hate it."
"At least you know you still have a long road of growth ahead of you."
Kiysa lifts her head so that she can lay it on the bed facing the sword in her hand, thinking about what Master had said about Chi. "Compatible demons are hard to come by. If Master is right about you having your own Chi, we would be able to make you stronger too."
"But how am I supposed to have that? I'm Enochian."
Kiysa falls silent in thought, before the spell that came so naturally to her when she the initial need to defeat a demon first arrived in her mind. "When I used Osmogrophon and made you, I thought I had kept you fully separate from me. But maybe, part of me went with you. Granting you spiritual essense."
"Hmm. ... Maybe. I guess we'll just have to see what Master has in store for us."
"Don't say it like that."
"Like what?"
"I can hear the smirk."
"Well I never! You just have to get used to the fact he's my master too!"
"No way. He was talking to me and Duncan."
"He was looking at me though."
Kiysa scoffs. "In your dreams."
"Just accept it. I'm his favorite."
"Favorite paperweight."
"You take that back."
"Shut up and heal already." Kiysa doesn't really try and hide her smile as she brings Jingo up and thumps him back down onto the bed, before letting go of him and rolling over onto her back. She looks up at the drab wood ceiling, her body having used up the last of its energy and now unable to move. Three days... They can't end soon enough.
She doesn't have a lot of people that she keeps in contact with, but she knows she has to find Utu and tell him the good news herself. And she wants to find Priscilla as well and let her know she's going to be gone for a while, and let her know too. Who else does she know really? Besides her brother, watching from Perdition.
She slowly starts nodding off, but her final thoughts are of the mysterious teen that sought her out. He said he'd pull her heart right from her body, and take Jingo for himself. She hates to admit it, but now is the perfect time to do it. But she certainly doesn't feel like a botched heart surgery right now. What is his play? Was it just to light a fire under her, to make sure she doesn't get soft? Or does he want to beat her at her best?
Who knows... Kiysa muses, as she drifts off into sleep.
(John/Richard challenged me that I wouldn’t come in here to top his big bag. I’m here to prove him wrong)
[Somewhere In Deep Space]
A strange cosmic rift manifested for a short time. Long enough for a grand vessel to emerge from it. To far too many it would have been a familiar sight if any had been around. Perhaps it would have made them frozen in fear. Or devolve into panic. How could they not? For it was the ship that the fearsome hydra god, Erox resides in.
It was a good thing that no one was around to be sent into panic. For it would have been a comical misunderstanding. See, there is something very different inside the ship. So much so that many wouldn’t believe it. Not even the many, many enemies of the hydra. They would likely not even believe what they were seeing even if it was right in front of them. Erox is aboard this ship. Just not the one they know.
For starters, the Erox on this ship was a woman. One who was currently sitting on the lap of the man who redefined her life. Nuzzling cutely against him. Who gave her salvation for her sins instead of death. Now he was having her go down a path of healing instead of ruin. He’ll be with her for the first couple of missions to ensure that she will be alright on her own. And his name was Spike.
Spike kept his gaze locked with either of the Erox personas. Consisting of Athia, Riiso, and Mhett. He was happy with how far they came in rehabilitation. They understood deeply that what they did was wrong. It was their true purpose to spread life rather than reap. That was why they were here. For the female Erox to stop others like her. She was quite eager to make new sisters.
“We’re close to our first destination now,” purred Spike as he cupped the cheek of Athia. “I take it you’re excited as I am?” He was especially looking forward to how Erox will go about getting to her counterpart. A large part of this was that Erox is learning how to take said counterpart down. The triad were very eager to show off how good they were to the man who saved them.
Spike’s thoughts drifted to Vance. He knew what was happening here due to events being such a mirror to the other. A part of him wanted to do something but he knew that would be doing too much. Plus it would be outside of why he was here in the first place. To ensure that the blight of Erox comes to an end. That was his moral obligation and duty.
Oh nooooooo, my worst fear realised
On the bright side, this will actually get Erox's plotline going to a conclusion after so many years. Just one that past you wouldn't have expected. xD
Coulda sworn I had vacation mode on. Whoops.
"Hm, you're right about that. You'd have to have a few screws loose to end up here," Atticus gestures out at the village as a whole, where large dark shapes skulk between the trees and some werewolves walk about fully transformed between the houses. This definitely is not a place for humans, yet here they are. Definitely not a place for dwarves either, but Vance can see Gregor walking through the village and exchanging pleasantries with these monsters from folklore. It may just be an inevitability to become part of this world if you know Heimrich.
____________________
Now that they were alone for a moment, Alice has a chance to ask Heimrich something about the newest addition to their ragtag group. "Did you see Vance's face when we met him upstairs?"
"Hmm?"
"He looked... Well, sad." Something more accurate slipd into her thoughts as they enter their room. "Like he was lonely."
"Oh. Yeah, he is." Heimrich realizes he hasn't mentioned Vance's situation yet. They both begin to collect their things and repack them into their travel bags, Alice watching Heimrich with rapt attention, curious beyond measure how a man just born could be lonely. "During my fight with Vengeance, there was a blonde there with the others."
Alice thinks back for a moment, before her eyes widen. "No way..." Heimrich smirks and snorts through his nose at the face value ridiculousness of it, the Vengeance everyone saw valuing anybody sure looks iimpossible.
"Yeah. When we were running from the Templars, that girl, Scotti, appeared in Duncan's life, and Vengeance was smitten by her. Vengeance was a lot different then, and she changed him entirely. Vengeance was even planning on separating from Duncan entirely so he could be with her." Alice's packing has slowed to a crawl as she hangs on every word. "But eventually, Salem had enough. He erased Vengeance's memories and turned him into a madman. All the while Scotti was lost, trying to find the man she also was falling in love with. She's the reason I didn't kill Vengeance when I had the chance, in that flash of light. I heard her calling out to save him."
"Wow... It's like a real life fairy tale."
"Worst part, she doesn't know fully that the man she fell in love with is Vengeance."
"Oh no!"
"She knows he isn't Duncan, but not the full extent passed that. But she's the one who gave him his new name."
"Oh my. So there's Duncan, Vance, and the Vengeance after his memories were erased?"
"Yeah." Heimrich finishes zipping up the bag he was working on, pulling Alice back to earth and remembering they were packing. She continues and Heimrich starts folding the lovely quilt one of the wolves had made for them. "I don't plan on leaving her in the dark for long. But it's complicated. Her and Duncan's friends hate Vengeance, but don't know about Vance. Course they probably don't care. They'd just see him as Vengeance."
"What are we going to do then? We can't let things stay like this."
"Right now we have to wait. I need Scotti to get angry, to want to find us. Once she does, should only take a few days at most, Vance and I are going to go somewhere where they can sense me. Then I'll have the fun time of trying to wrangle them all to give Vance a change to meet Scotti face to face."
"That sounds risky."
"It will be. But I have to have faith in Vance and Scotti. Once she recognizes them we can make our escape. Then, once she's had enough time, she hopefully will want to find us. Blud will help me with that."
Alice finishes packing her bag as Heimrich scoops up his and slings it over his shoulder. This all sounded dangerous, and full of hypothetical and maybe's. "Do you think she will?"
"People do a lot of crazy things for love," Heimrich picks up the quilt as Alice puts her own bag on. "I happen to be an expert on the subject," He says with a grin, being granted a little blush from Alice as they leave the room that has been their home the last week. "I have faith she'll be as irrational as me."
____________________
"You two getting into any trouble?" Alice announces their return as they exit Atticus' home, rejoining Atticus and Vance.
"You didn't give us enough time," The Nexus replies with a grin.
"You mind carrying this?" Heimrich asks Vance, lifting the folded quilt a little ways to denote that it was what he was asking about.
Location of the Rematch, Vedran 9:36AM
It has been quiet. Quieter than the Citadel and Wabach, quieter than the battlefields of Aetheran. The quietest place she has found since she found herself in this future world. There is just the gusts of wind that rustle the grass and the songs of the birds. It almost reminds her of home. Lost to her forever.
Her eyes open, intense green shaded by the tree she is resting against on the edge of the clearing, looking at the earth that was slowly recovering from Heimrich and Vengeance's fight. Gone were the days where the missions were simple, quests were completed with nothing extra tied to it. When a battle was done that was it, the book was closed. Ever since they came here, the students from the Golden Age found themselves tied with all new problems that refused to go away. Things that wouldn't let go.
A cloud has the audacity to move into Scotti's line of sight. Her lip curls as her eyes glint with dark power. The cloud turns dark as black fire grows within it, consuming the cloud and causing it to evaporate fully once more. Now once again without an outlet for the frustration growing next to her loss, Scotti stands up and begins to walk into the clearing. Everything has been going wrong. As soon as they arrived in the future, they faced the same monster that put them here, and even worse faced her 'father'. He had killed Saria and brought her back just to show them how small they really were. Tobbi had the worst break of his life, the Spider wreaked havoc on Zocom and his mind. Then he went and found a new girl, just weeks after losing Natalia, and finding out he was a father. Crash and Colton at least seem to be adjusting well, which only served to annoy her more. How can they do well, when everything has gone wrong for her? Where was the justice in that?
Scotti stops as she reaches the battlefield, wind blowing through her messy bangs and pponytail. For the first time in her life, she allowed someone into her heart. And immediately had everything taken away. Her Duncan was gone. And every day, she can still see that bastard Heimrich's face.
Now, we're even.
He lied.
Heat builds around Scotti as she clenches her teeth. He didn't bring him back. He brought back Duncan, he brought back Vengeance. But he didn't bring back...
The heat winks out as a light shines in Scotti's soul. It expands like a bomb, filling the field and bursting as Scotti stops hiding her full potential. It can be felt across the Sector, even by those lacking released aura. An intense release of pressure far in the distance, like an erupting volcano. It is far worse for those who can sense life energies, startling many. Bringing foreboding fear to some, who do not know who it is or why it is happening. Sympathy and guilt for some, like Tobbi, who can only look out to the distance towards his sister, knowing he isn't welcome. And a grim anticipation for one man, far away in the Village of the Wolves.
____________________
Heimrich, Alice, Vance, and Atticus all can sense Scotti's rage, though only Heimrich and Atticus with their more refined senses can detect the loss hidden underneath from this distance. Atticus whistles at the sensation. "This much pressure is impressive. Must be that girl who was at the fight."
"It is." Heimrich doesn't say much else, focused on Scotti's anger and hate for what the world has taken from her. It's regrettable, but it has to happen. Heimrich glances at Vance transfixed by Scotti's presence, even at this distance. Alice looks to Vance as well, now knowing what they are going through. But giving Vance a chance to talk with Scotti without it ending in disaster will be even harder than it already is. "Come on, let's head back," Alice breaks the silence. "We can figure out a plan later, once things calm down."
She's right, it'll be of no help to Vance to stay focused on Scotti right now. "Yeah. We'll catch up later Atticus. Thanks again," Heimrich tells his mentor.
"Don't mention it. We'll talk once things calm down. Blud will find you once he's free. Something about training Vance," Atticus waves goodbye to them before putting his hands on his hips. "Try not to cause too much mayhem, you hear?"
"You got it." Heimrich and Alice have to work together to coerce Vance into moving again, with Scotti's energy still burning hot in the west, like a second sun.
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