A/N: Wi-Fi or DATA connection recommended playing the audio above
Reader discretion is advised for the gore you are about to read
_______CHAPTER SIX_______
MIRROR
~
"Ignatius!" Ethan wined for the fifth time now from both the tremendous heat and hunger he's been feeling--scratch that it's what we've been all feeling for a while now. The boy clung to the older female dramatically making the latter almost choke on her drink "Brah! what do you want? and get off me!" the redhead tried to shoo the raven away but the boy just reached out his hand over the jug full of firewater Ignatius brought for herself "I'm starving!!" Ethan threw a tantrum hitting the redhead with his other hand complaining about his grievances more. Zero tsk-ed in annoyance kicking the dirt beneath his boot standing up in the process having a tight grip on his rifle as his best friend left an hour ago to catch us lunch, therefore he left(forgot) to bring the one's packed for this mission due to procrastination sometimes--most of the time I wonder on how is he even my right-hand man(second in command) in the first place "Oi, Oi!!" please not now "It's not water okay?-Nox, help me over here!" the redhead desperately held her jug of firewater up high from the young boy who was dying of thirst and hunger "GIVE ME THAT WATER!!" Ethan screamed a battle cry and jumped at Ignatius biting her on the scalp like the little boy had sharpened teeth "He bit me! Get this thing off me!" Ignatius ran around in agony in hopes it'd shake off the raven chomping her scalp with Nox chasing after them in an effort of aiding the antagonized alcoholic.
The rest of us adults just stayed still on our seats, well me and Sting since Zero stood up from his seat and is now leaning on the tree, waiting for the orangette's return our stomach's grumbling in sync from the hunger "Milady, can't you just return time? So we'd be eating by now--we're gonna die of hunger before Hibiki returns and that's the lamest way for us to die." by hearing the word us come out of the blonde's mouth my fiancé glared daggers at his starving comrade(frenemy) who was too hungry to even care about what the taller male had to be displeased about. "You're gonna decapitate me!" Ignatius was overwrought in the distance as Nox tried to pull Ethan from Ignatius' head, only causing the teen to chomp on her scalp harder "You have a better idea?" the white-haired male kept on tugging Ethan out of his forloned victim to no avail at all.
"Zero?"
"Yeah?"
"Do have a spare bottle?"
"I do, why?"
"Stop asking questions and fill that spare bottle with water, afterwards give it to me I don't want to lose another valuable member of this team." Sting sweat dropped in his seat from what I said, squinting his eyes like I did something to offend him "Don't stare at her sunrays." Zero reminded him before crankily walking to his bag rummaging the spare bottle he claimed to have as the ruckus orchestrating behind the three of us is getting out of hand, Ignatius yelped another scream of agony with Nox yelling back at the redhead to stay still giving an inducement to the young teen. Once my husband found the bottle from his bag he immediately did as I told him opening the lid and filling it with water using his magic as the reservoir in this locale is not compatible for human consumption, handing me the bottle once filled.
I held the bottle above my head shaking it lightly just enough to catch the attention of the little monster who promptly ditched Ignatius scurrying to my side without delay like a baby his eyes sparkling in delight--I gave the water bottle to the suddenly enthusiastic boy who sipped his water like tea that's piping hot "Why didn't you do that before this monster freaking bit Ignatius? Milady?" Sting commented as Nox and Ignatius sat back behind us tending to her bite marks--teeth marks she acquired from the stressed(food-depressed) boy who did not hold back to annoy the redhead amazon, once done Nox made Ethan some ice cubes for his water the raven complained again.
"It's your fault, Ignatius! on why we're starving here in the first place!"
"Me? Quit blaming me for everything you stupid brat! and besides, it's Hibiki that left that food behind not me."
"I don't care. You should have been the one to hunt our lunch instead of trading with Hibiki! BLEHH!"
"Why you--Quit victimizing me you, stupid child!"
"You suck! and I hope your liver rots!"
When will this bickering end? Now I know how Arcana felt beforehand and she's so right--it sucks being the only sane-minded among these fools "Can't you do anything about this, sunrays?" Zero shielded his eyes as the shade of the sun adjusted and the heat became more unbearable, scanning the area for any signs of Hibiki's person "Do I look like the blazing ball of fire to you Yugen?" Hermes save me from all this noise. Having enough of their rants and bullshit I stood up from the soft round rock I've been sitting on for the past hour now, walking out of the shade the huge tree provided, my actions caused them to tense and finally shut up their mouths. None of them dared to follow me wherever I was heading not wanting to risk attracting a heat stroke.
As I walked deeper into the tropical jungle in search of Hibiki, a small tree branch being stepped on made me halt in my tracks to materialize Hathor levitating in my palms loud purring began to decorate my surroundings "Hctef" the spell worked once felines stalking me pounced, catching them mid-air--five in total the biggest one was levitating behind me "Hathor." upon hearing her name be called she turned all the tigers into mist and sucked them all inside her orb form. "Ethan will surely be delighted with you're catch, Milady." Hathor praised my unintentional hunt when I was just trying to locate Hibiki's whereabouts "Why did I even take in that kid?" the orb levitating in my hands chuckled at my calm demeanor in addition to telling me about the orangette's "lost" self, I hovered above the tropical jungle as the trees are bothersome to my search--this would be the part where I'm supposed to say the horizon is pretty but it's literally fucking unbearable to look at right now and I am not even looking at the stupid thing hence it's beginning to dry my eyes of moisture.
My train of thought was paused when I heard a girly scream below, the birds flocking the trees flew away by pure instinct...that's got to be none other than Hibiki, no doubt about it. The hunch was proven factful when we met each other's eyes the latter almost shouted for my name in the process but before he could even mutter a single word, I teleported myself in front of his person and slapped him to his senses for good measure "If a living being so much hears my name being invoked, the cretins inhabiting this reservoir will waste none of their time to try and kill us--got it?" the orangette nodded repeatedly in response, goosebumps visible on his arms when a loud sniffling and oinking animal's growl zoomed along with the bristles of the trees surrounding us, I stared down at Hibiki in retribution whilst he just smiled nervously at me "Oink, Oink!" a small(cute) pig with antlers jumped out with a grumpy expression on its face from the tropical jungle's bushes that sprouted like pubic hairs, the orangette jumped to hide behind me the same time as the piglet did. I looked back and forth between the two of them contemplating upon what has happened before I came to his rescue even blinking a few times making my brows furrow in confusion
"Catch it." I ordered a second time making his eyes widen with cold sweat forming on his face unable to move from the simple task of catching a small pig with antlers "Hibi--" I was about to scold him about his sudden lack of self robustness he usually has but the orangette interrupted me before I could finish my lines "NO! Please!" what on Hades has gotten to him? "Catch it. Now." I ordered him a third time growing impatient from the hunger he's made us endure--water began to collect at his bottom lid, dampening the corners of his eyes, did he just cry?
"What the--"
"Y-you try catching it Mirror! and see how that goes."
His voice cracked as tears fell from both of his eyes and desperately clinging on to the safest person he can find. I cringed on his childish gesture and removed his arms wrapping around my waist to go and crouch down to the level of the miniature pig with antlers picking it up in my hands--and a fucking bigger one appeared behind it, its eyes filled with rage from holding its offspring seriously? I turned around to face Hibiki unfazed by the enormous piece of meat glaring dangerously at my small figure "You got outwitted by a pig?...with antlers?" I tantalized him "MIRROR BEHIND YOU!!" Hibiki panicked as the mother of the piglet jumped in efforts to pounce me with its extremely heavyweight in which case I summoned Hathor bigger than it knocking it out cold with just one hit the sight made the piglet in my hold squeal in fright of its only protector being hit, who wanted nothing to do but squabble like a scared pirate. "Let's go." I grabbed Hibiki by the arm tightly dragging his astonished self back to where the other's took shade upon this tremendous place, ireful of his cowardly actions, for good measure I levitated the huge piece of meat behind us the piglet panicking in my hold as the both of them are about to become lunch for me and the entire starving team.
Their jaws fell agape on the dirt when they saw me return blinking twice to make sure it wasn't a mirage with Hibiki's defeated form, a strange piglet with antlers on my arm, and an enormous piece of meat levitating behind me. Once within the shade, I dropped the huge creature beside the tree. The little thing tried to bite my arm as revenge but my stare had it choose not to. "Ignatius." I began calmly "Next time you'll catch us lunch, this imbecile right here got chased by a pig with antlers. It bested him, clever animal."
"But I'm the one who taught her everything she knows!" the orangette protested whilst I placed him back on his feet "And yet she's smarter than you...Ethan, I got you this." I gave(passed) the annoying piglet to the boy who accepted it wholeheartedly. We ate half of the meat and later on materialized the felines who dared pounce on me--caught earlier to finish off the rest that left uneaten.
~
I had the team rest for the day since getting them over fatigued can cause another series of hissy fits. I cradled Riona's sleeping form in my arms while watching the sunrise unfold a brand new day "Mommy..." the little girl called me in her sleep who snuggled closer to my chest seeking warmth from the cold morning breeze that brushed by, strands of pink framed her sinless features a soft chuckled escaped my lips due to her demure. I tangled some of her soft locks around my fingers who seemed to be pleased with what I did as a satisfied hum elapsed in the course of her adorable slumber...I never knew that such a cold heart could be softened by a toddler with candy hair called daughter "And here I thought I'd wake up again to my best friend's saga of daily screaming." the father of my daughter kissed my temple as a "good morning" greeting admiring our offspring sleeping soundly in my arms.
"I still fear for her safety." I breathed out snaking my hand over Riona's head protectively, involuntarily reminiscing the inhumane ways I've used to fathom endlessly as nothing was clear to me--you try being fed of grudgeful lies, and let's see how will that benefit you later on in life suffice to say my upbringing was unfair. My youth, innocence, and gaiety were all stolen from me at a young age by Father, who wanted nothing but to turn me into a vengeful shell shambling around infilled with rage "Mirror." rubbing his hands on my shoulders in efforts of easing the past trauma that arose.
It was already noon time and the other's still haven' risen up from their ever so earned(needed) rest, Sting on the other hand still woke up early to cook some food just in case someone goes hungry they'd nourished properly not wanting to attract that one misfortunate time Hibiki plagued us with hunger "Milady," he greeted me in I nodded as response and seated Riona on the table entrusting her victual cravings to the blonde's hands, giving her a kiss on her temples before leaving. I parted the frontal cover of their awning upon my entrance and the first thing that I saw was Nox, loading magazines for his foster father's arsenal who paused in the middle of his task to entertain why I am here.
"Mi-Mom," the white-haired male acknowledge my presence nodding as a reply my eyes wondered behind him where Ignatius and Ethan slept on their individual futon beds snoring loudly "Where's Hibiki?" the orangette made his entrance at their awning simply at the mere invocation of his name, a cup of steaming brewed coffee present in his hands, hair combed back, a towel hanging on his nuchal, and wearing an unironed tank top and flannel pajama trousers on his person "What's up Milady?" I moved out of the way as he walked further inside the awning, sitting on the foldable chair opposite of Nox making himself comfortable before the conversation furthers on taking a sip on his cup while he's at it "You're temporarily in charge for now...Nox, hence fourth I and your father will scavenge the area in hopes of any possible finds while the rest of you rest up."
Upon the elicitation of Nox's name being temporarily in-charge in mine and Zero's absence the orangette choked on his steaming coffee the little accident wasn't enough to bother the two youngsters sleeping behind the white-haired male, Hibiki once survived on his hot drink gave me a look of incredulity at the lack of trust in his leadership skills "I'm kidding carrottop, you're in-charge whilst we're gone--Nox. Watch over him and you're sister." I waved turning on my heel as Hibiki ranted on Nox's unfortunate soul from being ganged up on again, oh please he likes the attention nonetheless "Shall we go?" I convoked a question to Zero, leaning on the tree with his eyes closed waiting for me and opening them once hearing my voice call to him "Hibiki's gonna be fine on his own right?" Zero crossed question taking a short glance back to where we've made camp, making me sigh defeated of other opinions left therefore if I leave Sting in charge he'd be too strict on them despite the fact that the blonde had a heart of gold thinking about their nutrition and Zero would not have the end of it from insulting him about how can't keep Ethan in check once the raven awoke's from his beauty rest.
"Carrothead is Loki's offspring he'll be fine." I retraced the steps I took the other week, rearwards to the escarpment. I lied about the part of looking around the place to Hibiki and Nox but with the orangette being himself I presume that he deduced(read my mind) that early on but still chooses to remain tranquil about the matter for the betterment of everyone safety--for now. Zero was the only one I've told about the detestable(intolerable honestly) ravine. Once we've set foot near the fangs domain I placed a hand over my temple a headache fazing me nearly losing my footing if it wasn't for the nearby tree catching my searching hand thanks Zero "Now you turn around?" I bantered once recovering from the radiation ward escutheoning the fangs dwelling inside the ravine. Once we've set foot near the fangs domain I placed a hand over my temple a headache fazing me nearly losing my footing if it wasn't for the nearby tree catching my searching hand thanks Zero "Now you turn around?" I bantered once recovering from the radiation ward escutheoning the fangs dwelling down the cliff the man known as my husband offered to look whilst I stayed back due to the effect it just had on me or the same occurrence will repeat itself like my first(last) sojourn as Hathor previously warned me to not provoke it directly by showing up again, therefore, I was unwanted...how lovely it's nostalgic.
The older male scrawled his hands steadily to his hips where the pulse gun hung in its holster a tight grip becoming visible as he protracted down the steep cliff "Zero." I called his name but the latter remained unmoved in his standing point accompanied with a howling wind "Zero--" his hand retired back to his sides losing the strong clasp he formerly had on said weapon, I also noticed for the past week that...that gun never left either his person and sight once whereas the rest of them ditched the excess weight of their weapons to their awning extremely relaxed as if we're on vacation while on the contrary my husband remained guarded "No need to call for my name..." He began huskily giving me his full attention temporarily abandoning the frets succoring me "How old are you again?" I bantered placing my hands on his chest preserving the little space he almost enclosed, chuckling at the impressive restraint I've clutched on to me from the tempting distance he's provoking me to cross "I ain't deprived to the dim." he continued the unsaid words before I intervened a smirk graced his lips when I raised a brow at his commentary, hands tracing their way down to my hips holding me closer to his body with a gaze ever so steadily staring on my dark orbs, using his right hand to lifting my chin teasing.
"Did you just call me evil?"
"Well balanced...not evil."
The warmth of his soft lips dipped down to my cold ones, the tenderness of his touch stayed consistent no matter how many years had gone by. Thy tongue dancing in sync with mine "I missed you," he himself brought up an ache pressing his forehead with mine, both hands placed at my head leaving a loving kiss on my temple "You're the last of my worries nowadays." Zero leaned back avoiding my playful stare grumbling something incoherent under his breath the vibration of the compact theodolite halted the little tattle we are lavishing and escaped his embrace opening the tool I stole from Faust to be faced with its glowing hues of red pinpointing straight at the cliff "Pack everything."
Upon hearing the words leave my lips was the green light to the heir of Lireo clearly overjoyed. Manipulating time to make it look like to those prying eyes we've teleported from this place back at camp "They've made their move didn't they?" Zero asked taking out both of his guns from its holster oxidizing them in the absence of his pulse rifle. The compact theodolite snapping in two within my grasp was enough of a reply to answer his question...the target is neither anyone from the team but our daughter. I should have known his ulterior motive this was never about collecting diamond fangs it's about him getting my undying devotion back to his cause.
Upon our return the entire camp was desolated to nothing but debris, we waited until the assassins' cleared out and the rest of the team had gone to hide from them, their valuables all left behind in efforts of self-preservation. I crouched down to the sandy dirt tracing my hand over the dried blood staining it summoning Hathor in my palms within utmost haste whilst Zero had a steady hand on his weapon similar to that of a legendary marksman who targeted the recoil to none existence. We intentionally went our separate ways to investigate or rather gather the valuable left behind by the team making the sniper think that we've been playing right at his trap on lurking around the vicinity of the trashed campsite that was formerly dwelled on. I mystified the belongings inside Hathor safekeeping them, whilst Zero checked every nook and cranny of our own awning only to see it completely vandalized beyond repose except for a necklace he saw me holding the other day swinging eerily in the middle of the awning, snatching it with his right hand analyzing it thinking to himself on why it wasn't stolen like the other things inside the tent.
Meanwhile on my side of things, once I stepped outside the tent a hanging lamp alit as the next one beside it shattered as it fell on the sandy ground stopping me in my tracks not looking at the direction of thy shattered material like what the sniper wants whose currently aiming the gun at my head, instead I tapped my foot twice on the ground alerting my husband that the stage is set awaiting its beginning, once the warning sign elapsed outside my circle bullets rained down in my former standing point(spot) the blue-haired male caught me just in time as I levitated the dining table brought by Sting using it as our shield "Anything?" I half yelled asking whether if he found anything in which case he brought up his hand a necklace present in his grasp giving it to me to jack an enigmatic magazine on his gun sexily licking his lips knowing I'd stare at the action "Nothing but that necklace...but I gotta hand it to sun rays for bringing an invincible dining table. " Zero commented once the weapon seizures with his system making his eyes glow momentarily upon its synchronization, shooting back at the sniper a couple of times before ducking behind the table again with me, pocketing the jewelry.
"Whoever that sniper is he's got talent." I played fun at our current dilemma as Zero's been itching to fire back at the cretin aiming for us giving me a look of irritation on the side whilst gritting his teeth "Markman's man Zeus' ass--" his clap back easily silenced at the invocation of the curse as a bullet almost grazed his temple due to his enormous height "Holy Hera!" he cursed madden as the cretin almost got his foot and shot back at it aiming directly to the scope it's been using catching his eye in the process, Zero triumphed over his goal leaving his foe at a disadvantage from the lofty vantage point--or that's what he had us "To think that the fucking imbecile had a Hawkeyes." mystic eyes it's a form or rather variant of a talent called/named Skin "How did a freaking low class know about that?" frustrated my husband almost yeeted his weapon, in the rain of bullets, therefore, aiming through the scope to blind an enemy became an infamous caution to anyone who wanted the profession of wielding a gun in their hands.
Taking the matter into my own hands I stopped time around us after the cretin loaded bullets laced with explosives a tactfully hidden ploy was used in the Autarchy War, and only those with a high rank in RHEA knew about that...that fact alone solidified my assumptions more creating a small hollow void inside me "Itativel!" the cretin's hands stiffened its entire body frozen to form any robust movements and zooming out of his hiding place--male, 56 years old, clad in combat clothes from head to toe, mercenary, divorced and in jeopardy of Cyhea a good amount offered to him in hopes of trying to kill us. I removed the mask he wore using my magic unveiling his face, Zero got up from hiding behind the damned table whilst I nullified the lace bullet as he kicked the table to oblivion taking out some of his pent-up frustration.
I created a circular talent haze(mist) around the three of us preparing the torture of this imbecile, the exasperated male known as my husband stormed his way in front of our captive a loud clicking escaping from his weapon pointing its mouth straight on his left eye bewildered beyond repose becoming aware of his current state processing a probable escape in his mind which is futile "Each lie you spout costs you important assets of your body." I began calmly, the impending sadism rising with every letter the cretin swallowed the lump in his throat hearing the warning.
"Any comrades?"
"It's just me."
"Lies." upon the spouted lie Zero shot his eye collecting the pulse resonating within it, pointing the gun next to his crotch, despite the 56-year-old thing wailing of unwanted pain at the loss of his left eye which had the most mana of his mystic eyes "Your kind are those one's...who's afraid to be stabbed." I whispered the last part in his ear the goosebumps appearing at an alarming rate looking down at the gleaming peaking underneath his vest, Zero chuckled at the factful statement but partly(mostly) due to irony "A fang dagger?" another shot fired at the current body part target, pointing further on to our captive's wrist the blue-haired kinou watched him bleed to death with bored eyes, whilst I examined the dagger as it bore a huge resemblance to the dagger that hag had during Ignatius' unfortunate/impending recruitment into the team. "Where or preferably...who gave you this dagger?" I asked using the same item to lift his chin a bit since the thing has begun to hang his head low due to the uncontrollable blood loss.
"The thrift shop." upon the lie Zero, shot both his wrists, never forgetting to collect its pulse same as the rest "Buddy, I suggest you give my wife the truthful answer she demands. You do still wanna see your child right?" upon the mention of his offspring his bleeding body tensed up in fear of never seeing his beloved spawn whom he hasn't given a proper goodbye yet "Well?" I weighed his lifeline in my fingertips. "O-our employer, h-he gave each of us one to assassinate the child." Despicable as always father "What does he want with our daughter?!" in the mention of our child Zero's blood boiled his tone seething, extracting the mercenaries pulse at vast making our captive giggle maniacally "I guess we're both parents..." the taller kinou clutched his source of pulse blood pooling his mouth but despite the liquid flooding his laughing gear it served its purpose of smiling dangerously "See you in Tartarus." famous last words and with it, I dropped his body on the sandy dirt.
"Did they leave any encryption behind?"
"No, but all the shards are gone."
"Hathor, amplify my talent."
"Yes, Milady." Once the order has been applied I immediately traced Hibiki and the other's location without any difficulty establishing a telepathic connection between Hibiki and me once I've found his scape.
"Milady?"
"You seemed surprised, why didn't you inform me the moment you've been ambushed Hibiki?"
"Just relieved, and to answer your question I tried to Milady but someone was blocking me."
"Any casualties?"
"Ethan almost, if it wasn't for Ignatius and me."
"You don't really want to be fired are you now Hibiki?" I jested at the orangette feeling him sigh on the other half whilst I said it.
"It's the only job I'm suitable for."
"What about the pellets? (baby orbs)"
"I've distributed them to everyone." he took a side glance at the rowdy bunch behind him
"Wait for us there."
"May I suggest that you hurry Milady--the raventte's getting cranky, sleepiness has begun to leave his system."
"We'll be there in a minute." Hibiki nodded and dropped the connection between us, I turned to face Zero whose been staring at me all this time listening to the conversation with his best friend. "Ethan's awake." He smirked.
"GIMME THAT BOTTLE YOU FLAMING ASSHOLE OF A BITCH!!!" was the first thing Zero and I first heard upon our arrival in their hiding place. Nox, you better have covered your sister's ears henceforth none of them hold back when it comes to cursing especially Ethan, once he regains proper consciousness from his drowsiness. I've put up a bounded time field within the vicinity before the sound could echo having it look the same in our perpetrator's line of time. The building of choice was ten-story high proven to be on the verge of collapse in a single look(sight) at it "Still rowdy?" hearing the voice of her mother Riona jumped out of Nox's arms almost tripping in which case I returned time avoiding to get her knee scraped "Mommy! Daddy!" I crouched down to her level catching her, get back up twirling her around passing her to Zero who caught his daughter ruffling her soft locks "Uncle carrot protected me! He was so cool Daddy!" via the nickname her father didn't hold back his laughter whilst his best friend glared at him, mouthing a "thank you".
"Ethan!" Nox lured the teenaged boy with a bribe who immediately took off from his chasing his prey to snatching the bottle full of water and ice cubes "Listen up." I began foregathering their attention not asking Zero to leave the room with Riona in his arms...it's best not to lie to her and let her hear everything about why those mercenaries are here after all leaving her in the dark will only result in further hatred of not being informed despite being a child "We're leaving tomorrow, I can't risk losing our daughter." all their eyes turned to look at the innocent toddler clinging to her father's clothes the most unlikely predicament made Nox frown pausing from chewing the piece of meat in his hands "Any escape routes?" I asked him while his adam's apple bobbed swallowing the food made by the blonde cook "I've marked down each passage we can take and none of them offers the term safe." finishing the meat with one last bite leaving the bones on the platter. After on the rest either voiced their suggestions or asked necessary questions about our grand escape out of Crynic and where Zero and I went early on in the day.
"They've successfully stolen all the fangs we've tirelessly tried to find for the past week." (Sting)
"Why steal from us? surely they're aware of that ravine existence." (Zero)
"Ravine?" (Ignatius)
"It's where Mirror took a detour--wondered on, while we waited for her on the other side of the mountain." (Zero)
"Aaannddd I'm assuming this is where the two of you went?" (Hibiki)
"You read my mind earlier kept quiet about it and did not assume." (Mirror)
"I needed to state facts." Hibiki giggled at his own jest
"Mommy!" Riona reached her arms to me from the arms of her father pleading for a hug in which turn I received her from Zero who gave me a kiss on the cheek passing our daughter to me, taking his leave to grab a plate of food for himself squinting his eyes at the blonde cook who stared daggers back at him "Hibiki, Nox, the both of you will come alongside me and Zero back to the ravine collecting the entire hoard of diamond fangs to compensate those we've lost. While the rest of you will leave Cynic first with Riona remember to keep those pellets extra pellets with you therefore losing them will cost you your own heads--Ignatius!" the redhead spared me a glance in the midst of her chugging firewater some of the intoxicating liquid smearing her cheeks blinking a few times at me for interrupting his life-shortening process "Yes, Milady?" she inquired curiously, of what I had to offer her "Proceed on with your original task...keep our daughter safe." such given task weighed down on Seraphine unlike it used to beforehand knowing that the neoteric command/order ain't no fun and games--both life and death danced before her bracing herself to not disappoint me.
Acquiring training alongside Nox in Hibiki's guidance "I-I..." she had trouble forming words stuttering in fear proposing a promised claim she couldn't comply with, a reassuring hand placed on her shoulder brought her back to reality the trauma eating her away causing her body to tense up looking up seeing Sting smiling at her "I'll be with you kids, I'm strong enough to protect the three of you if it comes down to that." the blondes words solidified Ignatius unwavering anxiety in her system whilst the father of my daughter softly ran his hand on her back lulling her to slumber, we both have no choice but to entrust Riona's safety in their hands well in his point of view--at the hands of his rival/frenemy "And don't forget about me flame brain!" Ethan jumped in front of the redhead catching her attention that worked quite like magic souring her mood at the sight of the annoying ravenette.
Both of them continued to back irritate one another, I took notice of Ignatius's trembling hand whacking Ethan in the head avoiding suspicion among the rest for now. "I'll take watch, rest up you'll need all that leg work tomorrow." Sting gave each one of us seconds in portions well in my case first nourishment a slightly effective distraction on the younger ones from distress. Once dinner has long passed over an hour ago, Hibiki approached me to discuss matters about the diamond fangs far from the others preparing to rest up in accordance with tomorrow's main event.
"I should have been the one to protect Riona, the task seems to take a toll on the redhead's scape Mirror."
"As much as I want to have you protecting her, I can't henceforth we'll be needing your ability and expertise on keeping us sane inside that ravine."
"Is it still necessary to collect what we've lost?"
"Yes."
"Is it the same amount?"
"We're collecting its entire hoard."
"What?!"
"An additional to Ethan showing his face at father's domain, therefore, the ravenette's a thorn in my father ego."
"So it is an exchange to not have him annihilate the kid?"
"Precisely."
"And how are the four of us going to do exactly just that? all of our equipment has been either stolen and trashed by those mercenaries, we have nothing left."
"We have Hathor."
"Are you crazy?-"
"I always was."
"Mirror, this is suicide. That much amount of diamond fangs will take a huge chunk on your scape!"
"You're worried?" I poked fun at his overwhelming concern for my mental health "Of course I am! we've known each other for years, I won't let a few damn gems backbite us like that." silence remained still as a distant memory arose within me unable to reply at his care of my well-being.
"Hibiki?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry...I truly am." though it sounded bitter his gaze fell back down below the building softening upon hearing a long-awaited(overdue) apology, closing them heaving a sigh pressing a hand over his forehead "I know you are Mirror." are you? the following actions became unlike me as my arms moved on their own accord embracing the shorter male in a hug who returned the gesture once his shock calmed down. I did not do the unthinkable of forwarding time there if I do our perpetrators might arrive sooner than later and I do not want to deal with them just yet especially if it has something to do with my daughter's life. So I'd be wise to avoid it at all costs and just conquer sleep, dread of the night ran cold as I've put out the fire Ignatius made earlier because it might unwanted attention, light from the moon illuminated above relaxing my nerves. Hathor remained by my side at the hour's duration just like old times.
~
The ball made of jade levitated before my eyes refusing to leave me alone in its stagnant nature of saying that I'm its new master? wielder? "Why won't you leave me alone stupid inanimate ball?" It floated closer to my face almost invading my personal space clearly it is trying to irritate me to the bone, repeating what it has been saying multiple times in a row now for the amounts of time I've rejected its ridiculous offer "Your Majesty of Helium." she began whilst I prepared my self to copy(repeat) each and every one of her words returning the favor of her own medicine hence it's not back down no matter how many times I've rejected it, inanimate objects don't have feelings after all "I am Hathor, and you are now my new master, I will swear my undying/eternal loyalty to you no matter what it is you are championing of, wield me and you shall have RHEA in your hands. " A smirk appeared on my lips as the stupid thing stayed quiet noticing I imitated her little tattle of a speech "You definitely are an annoying child." its comments did nothing to exasperate nor vex me as it was the best kind of praise father would constantly applaud me for.
"Thank you, you stupid thing--"
"I have a name please refer to me as it was given."
She interrupted me finishing off with her insult, shutting my trap whilst I crossed my arms on my chest "Listen here you ball of trash, I don't want ultimate power--offer that kind of juxtaposition to my Father, he'd take that in an instant." I ushered it away hoping that it was enough to convince it into finally giving up on pursuing me to be its wielder, since what use would this thing be in my possession anyway? it's not like I do anything major for the time being "Only you deserve this power I so hastily offer, take it and--" now it was my turn to interrupt raising my left hand to pause its monologuing that has been nothing but utter nonsense once more, like seriously is it programmed to say that over and over again until you agree or something? jeez that's rough.
"Look here you, you??... what are you anyway?"
"An orb."
"Okay then, 'orb.' leave me alone--" before I could truly shoo it away, Zeus' pole it freaking rambles on again with the stupid bullshit. Yammering on for the past hour, frustration left me with no other choice but to put earplugs in, hoping to deaf the noise in this current predicament "I am a sacred relic to Helium..." annoying, annoying, annoying! will this stupid thing ever stop talking? "I am a gift from you're Mother..." A gift?...from my-my mother? I looked back at her clutching its round form with both of my hands trembling in joy at the revelation she has unfolded "What did you say?" I shook her roughly to repeat the words in which turn she happily responded to "I am a gift from you're Mother." oh Nike's whip you've prayed that was enough to convince me yet, I still don't know why it did finally gave in despite the fact I've rejected her offer several times.
Saying that she's a gift from my mother, Evergreen. overwhelmed me with such joy...she did care I allowed my hands to fall back on my sides staring at the orb--Hathor "Shall we start over?" I can't believe I'm finally entertaining her proposal, glowing at the wanted/anticipated reaction "I'am--" I immediately put my hands up for her to stop chuckling at the misapprehension "Not that far silly." offering my palm to her by instinct, properly introducing myself to her.
"Cyrene Mirror Verity."
"Hathor."
She levitated in my palms and upon saying her name in my hand she sported a new kind of luster losing the jade guise she once had, dawning a clear appearance to that of glass. Once the transformation has been complete my wrist slowly gained a mark, vanishing once I got a soft glimpse of its design I had to blink a few times making sure it wasn't a hallucination, Hathor took notice of my bewilderment "It's an indication of our bond, no one will be able to wield me for as long as you live--that reminds me, how would you like me to address you, Your Majesty?" once Hathor clarified she proceeded to ask on how would I like to be addressed as "Milady."
~
Hathor has always been by my side ever since I've come to notice her existence, who remained dormant as the jade pendant of my necklace all those years one year prior to my arrival at Lireo proving of great use to all my endeavors in my life as father's most loyal no faithful underling that was surprisingly never challenged by Conri. Hell, the dubious man even trained me a few times when father had highly important matters to attend to than molding his firstborn daughter's morals to be just like him, wanting to see fit that Helium's inheritor isn't going to be some wuss who'd ditch the empire (like King Loki that one time sorry Hibiki) in all it's glory and strife, therefore, being the Emperor of RHEA's tribes the raven-haired man known as my father needed to keep his prestige and glory(ego) among its inhabitants while basking in its glorifying reign over this cosmos.
The morning sun rose to shine its light on RHEA but Cynic remained gloomy due to its past, Sting woke up first preparing breakfast for everyone waking up Ignatius to start a fire, a few minutes later once the fire got going Ethan awoke seemingly startled by his dream, hair messy and drool painted his cheeks plopped his face back down the pillow, "You sure did stay awake." Zero wrapped his arms around me from the back cupping my face with his hand softly kissing my temple, his breath warm despite last night's cold temperature "Sleep needed to be conquered." I felt his chest vibrate whilst chuckling "Keep telling yourself that." he gave me his cashmere blanket saying that my skin resembles melancholia's winter song leaving to feed Riona breakfast, Nox tapped my shoulder moments after Zero left handing me a bowl of food to start the day.
I gave Hibiki the table in regards to pep talks therefore I cringe at the feeling of delivering such words due to my father's upbringing, while they're at it I walked a few distances out of earshot and quietly pulled out an old jaded folded photograph taken not so long ago justifying our existence on Ehepdia by King Loki's persistent request to take one every year, the orange-haired man just gotta love those theatrics we've given him under his mentorship. It's because of this team's pure and naive households that I've truly felt like acting my age unwillingly unlike this estranged persona father had instilled in me "Do you miss them Milady?" my loathing pondering caught me off guard when Hathor's voice ran silently on my head, unwanted tears barely clinging to my lower eyelids on this pining of Hathor's million Cyhea question.
Sting's heavy footsteps walking up behind I instantly wiped my ridiculous tears away hiding the damn photograph back in my shirt's pocket upon turning around to face him the slightly puffy eyes didn't go unnoticed by the blonde his former expression changed quickly seeing the old folded photo peek through my pocket. I beat him on speaking up first so no further questions might arise on why their sadist boss is suddenly feeling emotion.
"Everyone ready?"
"Yes, Milady."
I walked past Sting, facing them before we participate in this carnage, Hibiki cleared his throat as awkwardness tried to prevail its a good thing he had to deal with being everyone's voice of reason therefore some random stranger might assume I'm giving an inspirational speech of blood lust to our murderous group--No. I ain't that cheesy to these bunch disgusting. Summoning Hathor levitating in my palm I've created a secondary pellet (baby orb) catching it with ease via my other hand offering it to anyone who wants to volunteer to be bait.
Ethan took a step out of the circle taking it out of my hands swallowing it, Zero was astonished by his bravery due to his age and diminutive build "Milady personally trained me so why not, put that to use right?" Ethan shrugged his shoulder proudly as I took the opportunity to ruffle his hair on taking initiative via dire efficiency, my husband hesitantly gave Riona to Ignatius who gave her a kiss on her forehead telling her that everything will be alright when it was my turn I tied her hair into pigtails kissing her cheek in the assurance of her father's promise. "Protect our daughter and the pellet will return the favor to you."
Thereupon we went our separate ways in finishing this game. If your wondering what those pellets do lucky you that can I provide some context before our arrival to that damn ravine, sneaking behind enemy lines. Pellets or baby orbs as I like to call them are pretty versatile when it comes to usage effects and purpose will vary depending on me the only person wielding Hathor in this era, to set an example let's have Ignatius, shall we? I temporarily granted her pellet the power to use Brisk Bound(leap), magic that grants its users extreme haste in their mobility--a speedster in short like the messenger god Hermes. Pellets are also edible so that's why Ethan swallowed it. "Nox. status, now." Sting voiced via telepathy with the pellets aid so Hibiki can focus on stabilizing us rather than struggling to maintain six telepathic connections and stabilize at the same time he'd faint from stress "Jeez, you sure are bossy." the white-haired male wisecracked while doing a 360 within the vicinity.
Standing guard for Hibiki in case someone tries to attack him "You try to be surrounded by enemies-" Sting's thought got cut off for a split second when a mercenary took advantage of his distracted self out of the shadows only to fail miserably at the process of trying to stab him, Sting threw the knife first "Sunrays I suggest you run." Zero advised picking up another fang throwing it mid-air having me mystify the delicate gem inside Hathor "And why would I cower away Yugen?" the latter breathed out slowly being outnumbered "You're smart enough, Sting." it was the first time he called Sting by his first name since I've met them way back in Ephedia (Lireo) "Oh, you flatter me Yugen." throwing another knife at his opponent before escaping striking dead with its left shoulder got cleaved a supposedly beating organ visible.
Running after Ethan and Ignatius who got away in time unlike him, well in his defense, he did it on purpose buying them time to escape. Hibiki on the other hand did his theatrical role well keeping us sane throughout our exploration down in the cave full of diamond fangs. In the middle of mystifying a boulder-sized fang clamped up together when sand began to fall above us following next was the cave crumbling stronger by the seconds passing by a bit a sign of an upcoming quake, amidst it all, I lost my footing and by pure instinct, I used my magic relieved that it stopped. Short-lived relief washed over real quick out both Zero and I's system when the ground sitting underneath our soles tilted upward in a blink of an eye.
I managed to catch Zero's hand before he fell over deeper inside this ravine but when Hibiki and Nox fell down on us, from the sudden terraforming of Cynic's landmass my focus startled causing us to plunge down its chasm of darkness "Hctac emit!" I've levitated all four of us mid-air before we could hit those sharp diamond fangs three meters far from us which in turn is clearly not helping at all therefore inside the huge blob of this diamond fang is a dead body of a Fusion whose been fossilized due of time passing "Do not fret, it's dead what you see before you is nothing but fossil, remnants of time." why do I sound like a fucking museum tour guide?
"That doesn't seem right Milady, that kind of process takes millions of years to eradicate!"
"Not to a time mage."
My three companions looked down at the frozen fusion once again "Look closer and you'll see." I pointed a finger shooting a tiny drop of time loop clarifying its vagueness to those not gifted by time, the calm looking shackled window was instantly replaced by a mortifying sight of its skeleton taking a guise of how it last breathed life angrily screaming "F-fusions can't be re-revived right?" Hibiki asked in a hurry with his voice trembling whilst keeping our thoughts straight, veins on his forehead becoming visible in the task becoming even more difficult being surrounded by millions of fangs "Once they've truly died out the answer is no, but if it's recently deceased that's a different narrative on its own." the ground has begun to shake again this time proving to be destructible huge chunks raining like cats and dogs.
I managed to encase both Zero and me, inside Hathor as he was closer to me than Hibiki and Nox luckily the white-haired male managed to create a water sphere the same time I did "Milady..." Hibiki began placing both of his hands beside his head grunting in pain a frown etched on Zero's lips hearing the distress of his friend "Mom, I don't think Hibiki can hold on much longer--mystify every now hurry!" my husband placed a hand over my shoulder making me turn to face him "Do as he says, I'll steady you." I nodded holding my forearm upfront time present generating tremendous amounts of mana at my disposal as our stabilizer startled to wail, voices of the undead trying to invade his scape repeatedly yelling "Get out, get out!" but still remained using his talent despite the consequences it might toll on him, even with the pellet residing in his system.
"RAAGGHH!" the whole entire hoard vanished in thin air mystified inside Hathor, giving me an excruciating migraine "Wrong person bitch." I heard Ethan speak telepathically allowing me to view his perspective, therefore, one of the hired mercenaries caught up to him holding him by the neck presumably assuming that he has their target at hand due to the pellet. An angered frown graced Ethan's pursuer whilst the raven-haired teen smiled victoriously earning him a pipe slapped directly to his adorable face "Catch the speedster! the child is with her!"
Pardon the intrusion, but may I narrate from here on out? fear not it is I, Hathor. I suggest you reinforce some courage as time cannot be repeated once it has passed beware mortal.
A javelin was thrown at Ignatius' left side it's owner teleported themself above her quick on their feet to obey orders from the woman who unfortunately caught Ethan, the redhead easily dodged the thrown weapon at her side turning half of her body into flame careful not to burn her passenger at hand running further forward out of Cynic her hold tightening around Riona whose remained quiet in defiance of her overwhelming fear "Gotcha!" a masked person appeared midway holding an axe swinging it directly at Riona who almost yelped seeing its sharpness gleaming before her eyes leaving Ignatius no choice but to muffle her mouth with her free hand feeling the child's tears hot on her skin.
Igniting the mercenary's chest aflame leaving themself in a state of panic desperately rolling down the sandy dirt in hopes of dying it down but to no avail at all, it burned his being both inside and out, just a few miles out of that situation a familiar face haunted Ignatius losing her guard in which her foe took advantage of slashing her huge draping coat yanking Riona out of grasp. Once the warmth left her skin, eyes blared with eternal fury retrieving the damsel-led child by decapitating the child thief. Gore demonstrated upon her eyes, Riona was unable to control her fear screaming from the bottom of her lungs calling out for both Milady and Zero's presence (comfort) Ignatius on the other hand felt bad about her horrendous actions but escaping was more important right now rather than preserving Riona's innocence.
Such cries did not fail to catch Ethan's perpetrator, punching the grinning raven in the abdomen causing his body to be flung across the building, rusting metal bars skewered his arm upon all the debris yet still refusing to back down just yet thinking that I'd be a shame henceforth he carried Milady's teachings and still tumbled down into this when he had no problem murdering people in the past. Provoking his foe "Is that the best you can do mercenary?" once she looked back in his direction Ethan used the concrete debris that have fallen on him as ammo to her standing point. Unaware of his unsuccessful attempt at killing a person thanks to the smoke that cloaked his enemy but managed to leave bruises and a few cuts, concealing herself behind it all making the raven-haired boy think she died.
A liquid playing inside a cylinder with ice cubes clinking inside rung in the teen's ear cold sweat forming on his face upon how this person could know of his deadly obsession a satisfied smirk etched on her lips as if she read his mind finally emerging from the smoke sporting an answer to his worry "We've been keeping a close eye on you, it's kinda pathetic to not use this weakness in exploiting you kid." gritting his teeth in both anger and ecstasy at the sight of his obsession Ethan leaned deeper down his uncomfortable seat distracting his urges to jump the woman holding a cylinder stealing it out of her grasp.
Amused at the sight of his rejection the woman threw it within his reach smirking one last time at the injured raven. Leaving to capture, torture...and kill Milady's daughter.
Taking out the tool Nox gave her, once outside of Cynic's lawless scenery, Riona tugged Ignatius' shirt making her look down at the endearing child "Thank you, Tia." the bluette placed a hand on the redheaded amazon's wrist creating a sensory link between the two of them bringing a smile on her lips "Let's go home strawberry." pressing the tool's button light enveloped indicating their teleportation back to Helium...in the last minute an unknown person's tattooed hands passed through the illuminating light surrounding them purloining Riona before the redhead could even react a response she was sent back to Helium alone.
Realizing that she failed on her task, Ignatius took out her anger on Helium's pavements tears flowing down her cheeks as the sensory bracelet disappeared on her wrist. Her past overshadowing such emotions took over her system asking why? why? must she experience such punishment when she only wanted to save her and yet again she failed, Ignatius Seraphine you poor soul.
Meanwhile back at Cynic, Riona was taken inside an unknown building tortured by her captors enjoying the sight--some of her fingers chopped off for fun, traces of slices drawn on her back and thighs, hair yanked back pulling her earings out leaving them to bleed dry...such lengths of pain unbearable by her small fragile body whose cried out either plea's to stop or better yet to be saved from all this discomfort being inflicted none stop. For excitement took over the mercenaries' leader smashing a huge chunk of concrete on her left knees breaking them in the process the bonus jollification made them all laugh...the bluette barely breathing.
Once out of the diamond fangs' ravine Milady, Zero, Nox, and Hibiki we're bombarded by the sight of Riona's body covered entirely in deep wounds, dried blood decorated her fair skin, eyes puffy, lips busted, uneven breaths a sign of her failing organs and two daggers stabbed through her abdomen holding her body in place Milady's reaction that mercenary grin under her mask infuriated Milady took one step and without haste, this masked woman aggressively dragged the daggers across Riona's body slicing her ribs apart--making the organs fall out like rain such sight mortified not only her parents but the two kinou's standing behind them rushing over. The toddler fell to the sandy dirt as a parting goodbye Riona's killer teleported mid-air above Milady cutting off a considerable length of her black locks as a trophy in their successful hunt of the lady's daughter.
Time collided with the weather pouring tears it gloomed her knees crumbling down her hands beside her biggest enemy--death. Milady couldn't bear to stare at its eyes so the cold breeze closed them for her it hugged the mother of the lifeless child is kept close to her body the wine stains all over her clothes laughing at those whom thy despair has sworn that karma will have its arguments with fate until it gets what it wants.
_____