The scenery they were presented with upon arrival to the Underworld wasn't a pretty one. Around them was dark, it appeared to be night, but neither the stars, nor the moon shone in the pitch black sky. The land the duo stepped upon was cracked, tinted a greyish-black colour, and the air reeked of blood. There were trees and some form of vegetation around, however, they were all withered. Not a single trace of life was anywhere to be seen. It was obvious to Christopher that he had to be ready for battle at any second.
"Gosh, now this...wasn't what I was expecting the Underworld to be like..." Christopher, surveying his surroundings, let out a half-hearted laugh. Azure returned it with a disturbed face.
"Mm. The Underworld wasn't always like this. The last time I came here, it was filled with life. What in the world happened?" Azure exclaimed. She kept on staring at the barren wasteland they set foot in. "Poor land...there must've been quite the war..." The girl spoke. "...Just what monstrosity happened here to reduce it to this horrible state?"
"Whatever it is, it must've been bad." Christopher approached his distraught familiar from behind, and hugged her. "Don't worry, Azure. We'll solve it. And who knows, maybe it'll return to what it used to be one day." He sent her a positive grin, which she found comfort in.
"Yeah. Maybe." Christopher retracted his arms, and Azure met his gaze. "For now, let's focus on locating your sister."
"Mhm." The two of them peered off into the distance, though all they saw was a never ending shade of darkness-as if mocking Christopher's thoughts. "Erm, you do know the layout of this place, right Azure?"
"Yes master." Azure replied, though her voice told him she wasn't very confident in her navigation skills for the place. "I haven't been here in a long time, so it may be a little off but I should be able to navigate here."
"G-Good...eh?" Suddenly, Christopher thought about something. "Just how long is a while?"
"Mmmm...fifty or so years." Azure told him nonchalantly.
"F-Fifty years?! B-But y-you look like a kid! J-Just how old are you?!" The boy yelled out, completely flabbergasted at whaht she said. Azure didn't take kindly to Christopher's words. Glaring at him a little, she pouted, then growled.
"Mmmm!! D-Don't you know it's impolite to ask a lady her age, master?! Sh-Show some respect! I-I just haven't been here in a while, okay?! Geez..."
"I-I'm sorry!!" Seeing how furious she was, he immediately apologized, though what she said didn't go past him at all.
Christopher and Azure began their journey into the Underworld. The endless pitch black sky seemed neverending, and the original scenery they witnessed appeared stretch on forever. Soon, they found themselves what the top of a cliff. And underneath it, the figure of a small, isolated village stood.
"Hrmph..." Christopher muttered. "...How do we get over there?"
"We'll have to find another way around, master. Jumping from here would result in your death."
"M-My death..?" That was expected. No one except for Azure could've survived a fall from that height. "Y-yeah, l-let's find another way around...I don't wanna be a pancake when Roselina finds me..." They turned around, and walked away from the edge.
Finally, the environment changed. Nearing the village they found, the ground became grassy. Still barren, the feeling of dried grass begot Christopher's feet as he walked. A minute image of a building appeared. It was tall, and had a triangle shaped roof. The sight of it excited the young boy, and he darted towards it with Azure tailing behind him.
When close enough, he realised it was a church.
"A church?" He questioned himself.
"Yes, master. This is a church dedicated to the Goddess Achlys, the Goddess of Death and Destruction. She usually is seen before calamity strikes." Azure answered him with a grin.
"Goddess Achlys..?" Strangely, that name sounded familiar to him. "I don't know her...but...why does she sound so...familiar to me..?" He found himself drawn to her. It was as if his very being belonged to Achlys. Unknowingly, he started nearing the building. Azure saw this, and tilted her head, somewhat baffled.
"Huh? Master?" She asked. She hovered in front of him, but all he did was give her a blank stare.
"Ach...lys..." He whispered. Slowly, but surely, he was getting closer.
"Masterrrr! Masterrrrrrr!!" Azure exclaimed. Christopher was drawn to the church-he had to get there. Achlys was pulling him in, he wanted to walk into her embrace. Every inch of his being was screaming 'Achlys'.
"Master!!! Wake up!!" Achlys was comsuming him. Achlys was calling him. Every inch of his being was screaming the Goddess's name. Achlys wanted him. Achlys-
"Bwaaahhh!! A-A-Azure?!" Breaking him free of his trance, Azure summoned a ball of fire, and sent it flying into her master's face. It got a direct hit, and his entire right cheek was burned. He ended up collpasing onto the ground.
"Nnrng...what the hell was that for?!" He glared at her, but after seeing her tear filled eyes, he quickly was concerned. "Az...Azure..?"
As if on cue, she threw herself into Christopher's arms, and tightly hugged him.
"M-M-M-M-Master..." She muttered, doing her best to hold back tears. "...I...I was so worried. I...what in the world happened to you?!"
"Huh..?" Christopher was completely dumbfounded. What's Azure...talking about? He wasn't sure what to do, nor say. "What do you...mean by that, Azure?" He ended up questioning her.
"Huh?!" Her eyes fell onto her master's. Azure was deathly confused. "Y-You don't remember what just happened?" She asked him. Unfortunately, Christopher did not. The only thing he remembered was looking at the church, then his mind went blank. No memory of what happened next filled his thoughts, no matter how hard he tried to recall it.
"Nope, sorry, Azure. What was I doing?" He asked anxiously. Despite her being highly reluctant, she explained everything to him.
When he finally grasped what occurred, he was stunned.
"That...happened to me..?" He stammered. "But...but how?"
"I don't know, master." Azure replied. She finally regained her composure, and continued hovering next to him. Christopher stood to his feet, and stared in both fright, and confusion at the church.
"Let's just get out of here and enter the village."
"Right." Christopher replied. Next, they averted their gazes from the building, and strutted toward the entrance to the village.
HEEHEEHEE...HAHAHAHAHA...OHH CHRISTOPHER...DISCIPLE OF ELDER GOD AMATERASU...WE SHALL MEET SOON...DON'T YOU WORRY...
At the entrance, they were met with a not-so appealing scene. The village, just as they expected, was run down. The buildings were all made of a deteriorating wood. Nearly all the houses seemed to appear abandoned, though people were living in them. Walking through the village, unfriendly gazes fell onto them from all directions. The citizens there weren't human, nor were they beasthumans. They were demons. The skin of the individuals varied from pure, pitch black, to fiery red, to swampy green. Some of them were of the cyclops species, some a vampire species, and the strongest of the villagers, the pure blood demon species.
The village was poor, and it was clearly shown.
"Urk, glad I don't live in this filth, right Azure?" Christopher quietly spoke to Azure, who returned it with a slightly forced smile.
"Yes, master. I wouldn't want to live here either." They both peered forward. In front of them, the entrance to the church was seen. Azure asked Christopher, "Would you like to enter the church, master?"
"Yeah." Christopher gave her a nod, an uncomfortable look befell the boy. "From what happened earlier today, I've definitely got some business in there."
"Right, master."
Immediately before the duo set foot inside the building, a deep, masculine voice called out to them from behind.
"Hey, you two! Don't you dare set food into the Demon Goddess, Achlys's holy ground!"
"You heathens! Beastmen! How dare you enter the Underworld! Don't you know it's prohibited for beastmen of your species to enter here?!"
"Huh?" Hearing the enraged tones of two of the citizens, they turned around. The moment they turned, the two men who shouted at them trembled.
"Oh, are you talking to us?" The young boy inquired.
"Y-Yeah!" Azure's tone was higher than she had anticipated it to be. Hiding behind her master, she yelled out, "A-A-And I'm not a beasthuman! I-I'm his familiar!!"
The two individuals were demons. Both of them had fiery red skin, and their eyes resembled a lizard's. Large, narrow, and oval shaped, their pupils was massive, and pure black. The one on the left, who seemed much older than the right, stepped back in fear of the two.
"E-E-Elder God Amaterasu..?" He muttered. The right saw his intense fright, and panicked.
"E-Elder, w-what's the matter? They're just two kids! There's no reason to be fearful of them." Alas, despite his words, the Elder only trembled even more, and eventually, he collapsed onto the ground. At the top of his lungs, he yelled out at them,
"YOU!! Y-You have the blessing of Elder God Amaterasu, but why do you smell like the Demonic Goddess, Achlys?! You have the Clairvoyant Eye to, don't you?!"
"H-Huh? W-What are you..?" Christopher was deathly confused. What did he mean by he smelt of the Demonic Goddess? And how did he Elder know he had Amaterasu's blessing? He wondered. Peering over to Azure, who clenched onto the back of his shirt, he asked her,
"Azure, what's that guy talking about?"
"Demons can sense if someone has a God's blessing, Master. They also have a keen sense of smell, and they can see a person's abilities." Azure spoke, then her face grew bewildered, "Mmm...I don't know why he said you smelt of the Demonic Goddess Achlys though...I don't smell anything off about you at all."
"Hrm...okay." Christopher's gaze fell back upon the Elder. Letting out an anxious chuckle, he exclaimed, "Ahahaha, err...sorry we intruded upon your village, erm...demons. I don't really get why you're so afraid of me cause...I only harm bad people, but you don't have to be! I don't mean any harm to you, or your village." He finished his remark with a light bow. But the Elder didn't believe a single word. He was petrified, his entire body frozen in place. The mere sight of the boy and his familiar made his legs feel as heavy as a pile of bricks.
"NO! NO! I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" The Elder lashed out at them. "GO AWAY!! BOTH OF YOU!! YOU'RE NOT WELCOME HERE!! HELP!!! SOMEBODY EXECUTE THEM!!! HELP!!!!"
"E-Execute?!"
"W-What?! B-But we said we didn't mean any harm!" Azure came out from behind her master, then glared at the Elder.
"LIES!!!!!" The Elder yelled out. "EXECUTE!!! EXECUTE THESE BEASTMEN NOW!"
"Hoo boy...well! Here we go, Azure!" Without even a second thought, about seven demons, all clad in iron, silver, and bronze armour with their weapons drawn, appeared. Their weapons were swords, spears, and battle-axes. Christopher and Azure didn't wish to harm them, so they decided on only knocking them out. Drawing his weapon, Christopher looked at Azure.
"Ready? Don't kill them."
"Right, master. Ready."
"Alright. Here they come!"
Two of the demons struck at Christopher at once at high speed, Christopher dodged it immediately, and struck one of them with a spell.
"Al Heim!"
"Ahh-!" In exactly five seconds, the demon's armour shattered, and he felt the mana inside him drain to nothingness, the demon lost all consciousness as the drained mana was absorbed into Christopher's body.
"...!!!" The remaining one watched in fright. Christopher stopped, and snickered at him.
"You still wanna fight me?" He confidently questioned.
"Grr...you witch! Haaaaahh!"
"Oops, wrong choice." Christopher didn't want to hurt him too badly, so he sped up behind him, then brought the hilt of his blade onto his opponent's neck.
"ARRGH-!" The adversary was instantly felled, and lost consciousness.
Christopher and Azure regrouped in front of the church. Azure successfully took down three of them, which meant only two remained.
"W-What are you?!" One of them questioned. "Y-You can't be a normal beasthuman! Us demons are supposed to be one of the strongest species out there!"
"Hmph, you should know, I'm a disciple of the Elder God Amaterasu, and that there's my familiar. No way in hell are we just 'normal beasthumans'." Christopher announced, proudly holding his knife above his head.
"A-An Elder God..?!"
"Y-You mean...b-but Amaterasu never accepts anybody as his disciples!" The two demons didn't seem to believe him at all. "No way you're his! Lies! Kill him!" Both of them lunged at the duo, but their movements were far too slow. In a blink of an eye, Christopher destroyed their armour, and stole all of their mana, resulting in their loss of consciousness.
"Man that Al Heim thing is good! Thanks for teaching me this, Azure!!" Christopher and Azure were victorious. Looking at him with a prideful gaze, Azure chuckled.
"You're welcome, master! Now, let's go check on the Elder..."
The Elder had fled from the scene the moment the battle started. The villagers all were both shocked and shaken at the sight of the two. They couldn't believe seven of their knights were defeated with such ease. Though they were more startled by the Elder's reaction. Walking through the village, Christopher found himself feeling incredibly awkward.
"Soo, do you ever feel awkward, Azure?" Christopher questioned his familiar. In response, she shook her head.
"No, master. I'm your familiar, if you don't tell me how to feel, I just feel according to how Amaterasu created me."
"And that is..?" He looked at her with great curiosity.
"Pretty much the same as you or Eloise does." Azure replied, grinning.
"Ahh, I see..." Despite that being the expected response, Christopher ended up feeling a little disappointed.
After a bit of searching, the Elder of the village was found. He was at the very back of the church, leaning up against the walls, he appeared as though he was in prayer.
"Ah, found you." Christopher said. His weapon was sheathed, so he did not appear threatening in any way.
"N-No! Stay back!" But alas, the Elder was still petrified of him. "D-Don't you dare come close to me or my church!"
"Oh for God's sake..." The young boy was sick of his behaviour. Approaching him swiftly, Christopher grabbed him by his collar, and yanked him upwards. The Elder shrieked, but Christopher covered his mouth.
"Look. Azure and I are just passing travellers, we didn't come here to harm you OR your people!" He shouted out. "Now please, even if I really do smell like Achlys, which I probably don't, I do have Amaterasu's blessing. You should be able to see that, right, demon?" Unknowingly, Christopher gave him an intimidating stare. The demon immediately agreed with him.
"Y-Yes...I...I do see it..." Elder remarked.
"Okay then!" Dropping him to the ground, Christopher felt as though he finally made progress. "Anyway, clearly we're not welcomed here. Azure, let's go."
"Yes, master." The two turned around, and began to strut away from him. Though suddenly, Christopher felt something pull on his legs.
"Huh?" It was the Elder. He was pleading with him to stay. Eventually, the duo agreed to. With a sigh, Christopher bobbed his head,
"You really know how to make people feel welcomed...don't you..."
The Elder, whose name was Gobta, took them to his home. Inside, he sat them down upon two soft, cotton mats. The home's exterior looked the same as the others, and the interior wasn't really any different. Firstly, there wasn't any furniture whatsoever inside, the only things they had to sit or lie on were small mats, which were unsurprisingly torn. Christopher and Azure sat at a minute table, which to Christopher, resembled a coffee table. There, Gobta sat at the other end.
"What brings you to our village, oh disciple of Elder God Amaterasu?" He inquired to them.
"Oh uhh...y-you can call me Christopher, you know? A-And that there's my familiar, Azure. We didn't really come for any particular reason...just, have you seen a female fox human walking around with a familiar anywhere?" He mouthed back, stammering a little.
"Hmm...Alright, Christopher..." Gobta continued, after lowering his gaze, "...No, I don't think I have seen another fox human or familiar anywhere. May I ask who she is?"
"She's my little sister. She's a year younger than me." He stated. "I-If you're wondering why she's here in the Underworld, well, it's because...she came here searching for something here and well, it's been a few days now so, I just came to look for her."
"M-Mhm." Azure nodded in reply. She gave Christopher a gaze which told him she approved of the lie. To his surprise, Gobta believed it.
"I see." He said. "The Underworld is a dangerous place for children like you two. Tell me, do you have any parents?"
"No." Christopher stated, "None that we know of." The statement was a bit of a surprise to him. Though he didn't go into it.
"Alright. I won't go any further." Gobta mouthed. "Also, I am sorry for my behaviour earlier. That was truly unbecoming of a village elder. I apologize for causing you such difficulty." He bowed his head to the duo.
"No, no, it's fine, it's fine. My master can handle anything as long as I'm there." Azure spoke next, a bright smile plastered on her lips. "A-As you said, h-he has Amaterasu's Clairvoyant E-Eye so battles are no problem for him...so far anyway."
"Mhm. Azure's right." Christopher gave Azure a smirk, then looked back at Gobta. His face gave off signs of his bewilderment at what was spoken.
"Clairvoyant Eye...I haven't heard of anyone having that in over two hundred years. Truly, Elder God Amaterasu has bestowed upon you his blessing." He said to them. Meeting their gazes, he groaned, "Christopher. Despite having the God Amaterasu's blessing, your scent is that of the Demon Goddess Achlys. Has she blessed you to?"
"Huh? B-But Azure can't smell Achlys' scent on me..?" Christopher muttered. He wasn't sure what Gobta spoke about. If Azure can't smell it, then it mustn't be on me...I think.
"But it is. We demons have a keen scent of smell. The Goddess' scent is all around you. Ever since I found you in our village, it's been the only thing I can smell." Gobta acknowledged it greatly, he was so sure the scent came from Christopher. But he didn't believe it. He peered at his familiar, who was at a loss for words.
"I-I'm not sure, master. Gobta's right in saying demons have a really good sense of smell, but I can't smell anything." Azure stated, her face told Christopher everything he needed to know of how she felt.
"I see..." Christopher didn't dismiss that he smelt of the Demon Goddess. Yet he didn't believe it either. "...H-Hey, b-before we got here..." He stopped himself right there. Gobta noticed his silence, and acknowledged him.
"Yes, Christopher?"
"Erm...well..." Before he told Gobta his remark, he leaned over, and whispered to his familiar. "...Azure, think I should tell him about what happened before we arrived here?" Azure was a bit reluctant, but she approved of it.
"Yes master. The church is in this village. Gobta might know what went on."
"Alright." Finally, he decided to tell Gobta about what happened to him the moment he saw the church dedicated to the Demon Goddess Achlys. After finishing, Gobta seemed all the more intrigued about them.
"That happened to you...?"
"Yes. Do you have any idea why? What happened scared the hell out of my familiar." Christopher told Gobta.
"M-Masterrr!! D-Don't tell him thatttt!!" Azure's gaze suddenly darted to her master's, with a flustered face, she lightly shoved him. The action startled him, but he paid it no mind.
"Ah-sorry, Azure. Ahaha." He stated.
"Geez..." Next, Azure let out a sigh. "You really are hopeless, you know..."
"Ahhhh..." Christopher peered back at Gobta. "...Anyway, back to the question, have any idea why it happened, Elder Gobta?"
"Hmm..." Gobta fell silent for a minute, deep in thought. Never before had he ever met someone like Christopher. Christopher possessed Amaterasu's Clairvoyant eye, and Demon Goddess Achlys' scent-or so Gobta thought. Finally, he spoke. Though it was not the answer Christopher had hoped for.
"...Christopher, I am sorry, but I cannot find a reason for tthat occurance." He remarked, "Perhaps you might find an answer in the church, if you wish to visit it. But I cannot guarantee that you will."
"Oh..." The boy knew that he probably didn't know, but he was disappointed. "...Well...thanks anyway, Gobta." Continuing, he forced a smile, "And as for the church...sure, why not? You're okay with it, right, Azure?" Christopher bekoned his familiar, who replied with a cheery nod.
"As long as it's okay with master, then sure!" She exclaimed.
"Alright, in that case, lead the way, Gobta."
Without a second thought, Gobta led Christopher and Azure to the church in the village. The moment the doors were opened, an instant heaviness came crashing down upon the young boy-nearly identical to the one he withstood just minutes before entering the Underworld. Azure quickly took note of this, and her face went somewhat pale.
"M-M-M-M-Master?! W-What's the matter?! I-Is something wrong?!" She yelled out. Hovering in front of Christopher, she immediately started chanting a healing spell.
"N-No Azure I-I'm fine...nnrng...but that heaviness...d-did that protection spell you casted on me wear off or something?" Christopher struggled to speak.
"N-No I...I don't think it did...l-lemme check!"
"..." Azure quickly took a closer look at Christopher, none of the effects Azure casted on him were revoked. Then, what was the meaning of the heaviness that befell him? They both pondered. Inside the church was nearly all black. The ceiling was dyed a blood red tint, the floor the same way. A long black carpet, about fifty centimeters in width flowed from the entrance, all the way to the podium at the front. The walls were all black, with lit candles evenly spaced out, giving the room a dimly lit, particularly eerie atmosphere.
Azure swiftly helped Christopher to his feet, and aided him in his steps. They were clueless as to what was going on, Gobta especially. The three made their way further into the church. When they closed in on the podium, Christopher noticed about two marble statues.
"So that's...Goddess Achlys?" He questioned out loud.
"Yes, master. Goddess Achlys is one of the three Elder Gods, she is the supreme deity of the Underworld, and ruler of the Gods assigned to this half of the world." Azure explained to him.
"Wow...now that's a mouthful." He stated. Then suddenly, he raised his voice. "Hey, Achlys! If you can hear me, what the hell happened to me earlier?!"
"M-Master?!"
"C-Christopher?!" Christopher's gaze was fixed on one of the deity's statues. The statue was completely coloured grey. The only distict features were the Goddess's clothing, and hair. Her hair was long, wavy, and reached up to the bottom half of her back. The clothes the statue seemed to have on looked like a kimono. A fancy one, at that.
"M-Master I-I don't think that's...a good tone to speak to her with..." Azure laughed nervously at her master. Though Christopher continued.
"I'm talking to you, Achlys. Look, I get if you're interested in me because Amaterasu was to, but that doesn't mean you could put your scent all over me, nor is it okay for you to control me or whatever it was that you did to me earlier. Just leave me alone, okay?!" He shouted. Then quickly, he nearly collapsed over the invisible weight put onto him.
"ARRGH-! *Gasp*"
"Master!" Christopher fell out of Azure's grip, and onto the ground. His entire body was overcame with an unbearable amount of force. Out of the blue, his pours raised, and the feeling of being watched enveloped him.
"Nnrng...Az...ure..."
The boy raised his head, and glared at the statues. W-What the hell is going on..? He wondered. As if on cue, a figure formed just ahead of him.
"Huh..?" Everywhere went quiet. Christopher found himself unable to move an inch as he stared at it. The being was about six feet tall, and pitch black. No features at all were seen. The only thing Christopher noticed was the blackness eminating from the body. The miasma seemed to remind him of death itself.
"What the..?" His eyes were glued onto it. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't look away. "Who...?"
"Heeheehee...hahahahahahahahaha...hahhahahahhaha..." The being in front of him giggled. Though the mere sound of the voice made Christopher's head fell as though it were being split in two.
"AHHHHAARAARHRRHHGGHH!!" He screamed. Around him, the scenery changed. Instead of being inside of the church, he was now laying upon the ground. The smell of fire, smoke, and blood filled his nostrils.
The view wasn't pretty in the slightest. Yells of terror were heard in all directions. The sound of swords clashing filled his ear drums. The young boy was forced to watch as the world was set ablaze.
"HAAAAAHHHH!"
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH-!!!" Splatter!
"Fires of hell...I summon thee! Burn my enemies to the ground! Leave no traces! Iblis, come forth!"
"RAWWWWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRR!!!" It was as if the entire world was at war. A blazing inferno was summoned right before the boy's very eyes, and he watched as a twelve foot monster, all covered in red appeared. It's face seemed mutilated, with pieces of it's skull open for all to see. The being's body mass was more than he could've ever imagined. It growled at the individuals ahead of it-an army of humans and beasthumans, and immediately, they all were engulfed in flames. Not a single one of them survived.
"...!" Christopher was met with a sight of a lifetime-not one he would've hoped to see. The sky was pitch black, and what appeared to be a meteror was rapidly approaching.
Every single person around them were in terror. And soon, he was as well. Directly ahead of him, a familiar face appeared.
"Rose...lina..?"
"Quickly! Everyone! Follow me! We have to get out of here!" It was none other than Roselina. But was it? She appeared much older than how Christopher remembered her. Her face was slimmer, hips, broader. Body shape much more built, and she possessed a more mature figure than she originally did.
Roselina's eyes were a shining green colour, and looked filled with life. Her skin was white, and stained with cuts and bruses-all of which appeared recent. She had a steel rapier in hand, and was ready for battle. She wore a metal breastplate, leggings, and shoulder plates, all of which Christopher had yet to see.
Then, promptly, there was a loud crash from behind her, out from which came a tall, not-so-friendly warrior weilding a great sword. Roselina's focus immediately fell upon him, and she readied herself. Though seeing her in battle, he couldn't help but want to stop it.
"N...No..! R...Rose...l-lina..!"
"Haaaahh!" Roselina struck first, the warrior blocked it with great ease. Then she sidestepped, and swooped in toward his head. However, her opponent was quicker. In nearly a split second, he dodged, and plunged his blade straight through her chest. Roselina let out an ear-splitting screech, then her weapon dropped from her hand. Her face turned toward the enemy.
"No....pl...please...I..."
"You're too late, Roselina Hallowswift. Now, die, and be free from this pitiful existance."
"*Gasp*" Mercilessly, Roselina was thrown to the ground. Her adversary stared down at her. Roselina was horrified. She didn't want to die. One person filled her thoughts, and it was that individual, she knew she had to protect. To live for. He was the only thing she truly valued.
"N-No...please...don't...I...I need to protect...Ch-AAHH-!" But alas, the adversary paid no heed to her insignificant pleas. Without even a second thought, he raised his blade, and plunged it deep into Roselina's windpipe, grinding away at her bones, which killed her nearly instantaneously.
"ROSELINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Roselina was dead. The very person Christopher was desperately trying to find was killed right before his eyes, his younger sister, Roselina Hallowswift.
"N-No...you...you can't...die...! I...I still need to...find you..!" Christopher tried to move toward her, but his body wouldn't allow him to.
"N-No! Move! Move, dammit! MOVE!!!" Still, nothing. Neither his arms, nor his legs allowed him to move even an inch.
"MOVE!!! I NEED TO GET TO MY SISTER!!!"
"Heeheehee...hahahahahahahahahahahaha...ahahahahahahahAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..."
"..?" Christopher moved his head to the direction in which the laughter originated from.
"YOU!" It was the pitch black figure from before. The being was staring at him, it's face completely hidden by black mist.
"CHRISTOPHER...DISCIPLE OF AMATERASU..." It muttered.
"N-No! Don't you dare come closer!" The figure started slowly gliding to him.
"St-Stay back! I'm warning you, I'll kill you!" His rants didn't scare it one bit. The entity stopped directly at Christopher's face.
"Kill..." It muttered. Immeditely, the boy's blood ran cold. "...Heeheehee..." The entity fell silent. Despite having no facial features whatsoever, Christopher clearly felt it's eyes on him, as if mocking him for his situation.
"Kill...killkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkill..." 'Kill' seemed to be the word of the day, as it repeated that over and over again. Normally if it were any other person, Christoper would've ignored the speech, but it wasn't. Each time 'kill' was repeated, he felt as though it were eating away at his sanity, robbing him of all reason. Eating away at his soul. Soon, he just wasn't able to take it any longer.
"ARRRGHH STOPP!! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. The being stepped back, and laughed. Laughing at Christopher's suffering. Tears were alreday flowing down his face, his teeth were clenched together with nearly enough force to completely shatter them.
"No...please...just...just leave me alone..." Christopher pleaded. He was still trying to process what he witnessed. Roselina she...she died...and I wasn't able to do anything to stop it... He thought to himself. Christopher knew Roselina wouldn't go down without a fight, but that seemed all too real to him. Just what was it that he saw in the first place?
"Christopher..." Promptly, the tormentor spoke out.
"Huh..?" This caught him by surprise. Christopher peered at it, and fell silent.
"You..." It said. "...You are the one...you are the one who will decide..."
"Decide..?" By what it said, the boy was utterly dumbfounded. "The heck do you..?"
"You...Amaterasu...will...you will...you...
"Huh..?" Christopher was speechless. He heard what was being said, but he didn't comprehend it. But before he asked anything, for the forth time since arrival, it laughed. Laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Laughter was all he heard. The never-ending, distorted laughter. Laughter enveloped him, laughter was beaking his mind piece by piece. Laughter stole away all reason from the boy.
"ARRGH!! MAKE IT STOP!! MAKE IT STOPPPPPPP!!!"
Finally, it ceased. Christopher was at his breaking point. The being gaped downward at the young boy with a sinister grin, and whispered these words into his ears,
"We will meet again soon, oh disciple of Amaterasu..."
"No I...I don't want...to...just..."
"Hahahahahahahahaha!" However, before he was let go, he was met with horrible images.
"NOOOO!! MASTER!!!!!"
"GAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"AZURE!!!"
"Hahahahaha...you've lost, Christopher. Look how the disciple of Elder God Amaterasu has fallen, along with his puny familiar."
"No...Christopher!! Christopher!!!"
"Master, master!! Wake up, master!!"
"..."
"Masterrrr!!! Wake up!! We've gotta find Roselina, remember? Wake up already!!"
"..."
"I'll burn you if you don't."
"..."
"Really, I'll burn you, master."
"..." Christopher was released from his torturous visions quickly afterwards. His body was laying on a bed at a nearby inn, Azure sat beside him. The inn they were in was a lot better off than the other houses. The walls weren't deteriorating, there were beds, comfortable ones at that, and the rooms were closed off to the others. The only thing Azure didn't like was that food in the Underworld didn't look, smell or taste desirable.
The young boy's consciousness finally stirred, Azure was elated at the sight.
"Master!!" Her face near his, she eagerly awaited his awakening.
"Ugh...what...what happened..?" His baby blue peepers slowly opened, and the first thing he saw was his familiar excitedly looking at him.
"Welcome back, master! Had a good nap?"
"Az...ure..?" Christopher's voice was hoarse, and dried. He rubbed the blurry from his eyes, and looked around the room. "Where...where are we..?"
"We're in an inn at the village, master." She responded, grinning. "Before we left the church, you collapsed while shouting at the Goddess Achlys's statues, remember?"
"I did..?" It made sense to him. The figure he encountered was the Goddess he wished to speak to, Goddess of Death and Destruction, Achlys. I spoke to Achlys...but...why did she look like that? And why'd she show me such horrible things happening to my loved ones? His gaze fell onto Azure. Her innocent smile, her small, petite figure, her optimistic, loyal personality. He couldn't believe what he saw happen.
"NOO!! MASTERRRRR!!!" He recalled the scream he heard from her lips. What the heck happened to cause all that? He wondered. No...I must protect Azure...Roselina...Eloise...everybody...
Before he knew it, tears formed in his eyes. Azure took note of it, and immediately went closer. Wiping some of them off, she spoke,
"Master? What's the matter? You haven't been well ever since we entered the church."
"Az...Azure..." Christopher replied. His voice started to crack, and he whimpered. "...Azure..."
"M-M-M-Master??!" Despite the laziness in his body, Christopher shot himself upwards, and wrapped his arms around his familiar. Tightly, and closely, he embraced her. Azure returned it, and let out a sigh.
"You really like sniffing my hair, don't you, master?"
"Y-Yeah..." He said. A soft chuckle escaped his lips. "...Ahaha..." The feeling, along with the scent of Azure brought a feeling of tranquility to Christopher. He was relieved. Was all he saw just a dream? Or were they future events that Achlys was trying to warn him about? What did she mean by what she said about the Elder God Amaterasu? All these questions plagued his mind. Azure...she might know...
He didn't wish to let go of his familiar just yet. Meeting her gentle gaze, Christopher said to her,
"Azure..."
"Yes, master?"
"Do...do you know anything about the Demon Goddess Achlys?"
"Achlys?" Azure tilted her head. Though in a flash, a sharp gasp escaped her lips. "Y-You mean...she didn't speak to you, did she?!"
"Yes. She did." Christopher said. His voice was serious, Azure knew he spoke the truth.
"So that's why..." Azure, still hugging Christopher, swiftly looked at his face, "...Master, while you were sleeping, you were muttering my and Roselina's name, and you looked like you were in pain."
"I was?" That surprised him. Before, he never used to talk in his sleep, let alone look stressed. "W-What else was I doing?"
"Y-You were also grinding your teeth, a-and you seemed to be struggling to move. I-I-I tried casting some body relief magic on you, b-but nothing seemed to be able to help you." She said. She obtained a pretty concerned expression. "Master...I was really scared, you know."
"Oh..." Her master let out a sigh, then grinned. "...Sorry, Azure." Following, he placed a hand at the back of her head, and embraced Azure even more. She didn't mind, and melted into it.
"That's alright, master. S-Since you've apologized I'll let it slide." Next, her tone grew louder, "B-but next time that happens I-I'm going to burn you!" Christopher smiled, then giggled at the reaction.
Retracting, the two were met with a comfortable silence, then he told Azure everything he saw in the dream. Azure wasn't at all surprised at it, just anxious.
"Mmm...sounds like you really did meet the Goddess Achlys, master...but why did she show you these things?" Azure inquired curiously.
"Don't know." Christopher responded. "She told me well, other than laughing like a maniac, she told me that I'll be the one to 'decide', whatever that means."
"Mmm..." Azure folded her arms, "...Well, by the visions you had and Roselina being older, could that have been your future, master?"
"My future?" He peered at Azure, and his body ran cold. N-No...b-but how..?
"*knock**knock* Christopher, are you up yet?" Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, which startled the boy. The voice sounded like Gobta's, and he came in.
"Oh, good, you're up." He said. In his hand was a cup of warm water, and a meal. Approaching, he handed Christopher both of them. "Here, you must be hungry."
"Th-Thanks, Gobta." The water appeared to be normal, but the meal. The meal consisted of a black mushy liquid with purple-like orbs inside it. Christopher assumed they were the Underworld's version of potatoes. Though one thing made him very reluctant to eat it.
"Erm...is that an...eyeball..?" There was a floating eyeball inside of the soup-like meal. It appeared to be one from a monster, but despite having already eaten meat from the Overworld's monsters. He definitely didn't want to taste the Underworld's fiends.
"Yes master..." Azure gave Christopher a sympathetic look. "...That is an eyeball."
"It's a delicacy in the Underworld. Go on, try it." Gobta optimistically twinkled at Christopher, and urged him to taste it.
Well, I don't want to come across as impolite to these people so...here I go! Ultimately, the young boy decided to try the meal. Taking a spoonful of the black mushy liquid, he hesitantly took it up to his mouth. The stench made his skin crawl. I'm really going to eat this stuff... There, he opened his mouth, and swallowed.
"Eh..?" Though to his amazement, it wasn't gross. The meal Gobta gave him...was actually good. "This...this is great!!" Christopher exclaimed. He took another spoonful, and swallowed. "Man, this tastes awesome!"
"Told ya you'd like it." Gobta was pleased by the reaction. "Now, I'll be waiting outside to talk to you. Eat up in the meantime."
"Alright. I'll see you in a minute." Gobta left the room.
Azure stared at her master in partial disgust as he chowed down on his meal. She couldn't believe he actually found it tasty.
"M-Master...you...you actually...like it..?" She questioned him.
"Yeah, it's good." Christopher replied. "Though I'm not sure about the eye..." He took the eyeball in his spoon, and held it out to Azure. She shrieked, and backed up the moment she viewed it.
"Want it? I don't think I'll eat it."
"A-Are you crazy?! N-No way I'm eating that, masterrrrrr!!!" Azure eating that was definitely out of the question, along with Christopher eating it. So he came up with an idea. He placed the eye into his back pack, decided on saving it for later.
"Gosh...master...you know we're not going to eat it...so why keep it? Just give it to Gobta." Azure asked. She wasn't at all surprised at what her master did.
"Yeah, I know." He replied. "I guess I'll just save it for when I find Roselina."
"You're giving her an eye for your reunion?" Azure couldn't help but laugh a little at the response, hovering beside her master.
"Yeah, she's always been a weird girl. I'm sure she'd like it." Christopher halfheartedly said. Even he didn't believe his remark.
"Gosh..."
Azure and Christopher left the inn shortly afterwards. Just as anticipated, Gobta waited near the entrance.
"Seems like you're all finished. Feeling better, Christopher?" Gobta questioned. His gaze fell upon the boy with great peculiarity.
"A lot better, thanks Gobta." Christopher replied. He let out a loud yawn, and stretched out his arms. "Also, for such a weird looking meal...it actually tasted really good!"
"Well...n-not that good, master..." Azure was a little disgusted by Christopher's taste buds. The meal didn't sit well with her at all. "...A-Anyway, w-we're back, Gobta!" Azure's face went a little red as her tone raised by a pitch, she was clearly nervous.
After all that, the three started speaking of what happened back at the church. Gobta asked Christopher if he knew what happened to his body upon entering, in which Christopher responded by shrugging it off.
"W-Well...I...I don't really know what exactly happened...but that's okay! I-It's all in the past now so, we don't need to think about it that much. Ahaha..." He more was trying to keep his encounter with Achlys a complete secret. By how he reacted when they first met, Christopher really didn't want to worry Gobta any more than he already was. Luckily, he bought the reaction. Putting that aside, Christopher wasn't sure what to make of what he saw. The images were painted into his mind, unable to leave.
"Well, I'll keep a close eye on the church for any suspicious activity. You really are one of a kind, young Christopher, Azure." Gobta gave the two a positive grin, he didn't suspect them of anything bad of them any longer.
"Thanks, Gobta." Christopher said. "Well, we'll be on our way now. My sister is somewhere in this Underworld, and I've got to find her."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Elder Gobta." Azure gave him a small bow, he returned it.
"You're most welcome. Come back here any time you wish. You're all welcomed." He said. Before long, the duo bid their farewells to the elder.
"Huh? What's this..?" The two were near the entrance to the village when they encountered a notice board. Azure hovered close to it, and read the news.
"Missing children. Many of the children of the village have gone missing with no traces. If anyone has any information on this, please contact the village elder, Gobta, immediately."
After reading, Azure turned to her master with a slightly concerned expression.
"Mmm...master, I'm concerned. Should we look for them during our search for Roselina?" Christopher immediately responded with a nod. Not only would locating the children boost his reputation in the village, but it would also ease the minds of the worried parents.
"Of course, Azure. The parents must be worried sick about them. And with slavery being a big thing in the both the Underworld and Overworld, I can't even begin to imagine how worried the parents must be." Christopher said firmly.
"Great!" Azure seemed elated by his reply. She hovered back to his side, and gave him a smile, "Heehee, for someone who took down all of Babalonia, you've sure got a big heart, master!"
"Hey..." The gaze of the boy locked onto his familiar. With a smirk, he started messing with her hair. "...You know, you're just as involved in that as me, Azure!" He let out a giggle, then continued, "So don't you dare play innocent."
"Mmmm masterrr!! My hairrr!!"
"Hahahaha!"
Suddenly, a voice emanated from behind them.
"Hey, you two."
"Oh?" The high pitched tone gave away that the person was female. Turning to the origin of it, Christopher was thunderstruck the moment he laid her eyes on the entity.
"Huh..?"
"A-A-A dark elf!! Master, look out!!" Azure was immediately alarmed. She readied her magic, and shielded Christopher, her blazing fire magic flowed through her like a waterfall. It was none other than a dark elf. She possessed dark, greyish skin, and plain white hair. Her ears were pointy, and most of her skin was exposed. The woman wore a silver breastplate, along with golden gauntlets and shoulder plates. Her lower half was covered with a copper-made belt, and seemingly heavy underwear. She had on copper leggings which reached up to her ankles. The dark elf's face was oval shaped, and eyes were small with pure black pupils. Her weapon was a long, iron spear with a sharpened tip. If anything, she appeared to Christopher as someone with great fighting experience.
"Master, you can't fight them just yet, let me handle it! I'll have her incinerated in a second! Confrig-Ahhh!"
"H-hey, A-Azure, y-y-you can't just incinerate someone the moment you see them! Are you crazy?!"
"M-Master?"
Right before Azure finished chanting her attack spell, Christopher covered her mouth completely with his hands. He stared at the elf with a slightly distraught expression.
"Ahaha...Sorry about that! A-Azure's just shy, that's all. A-Anyway, w-what's your name? Y-Y-You definitely...look the warrior type..." Christopher fumbled with his words, the girl approached, and gave them a slight grin.
"That's quite okay. My name is Rukat Dustmite. I'm a dark elf reigning from the east. What are you fox-beastmen doing in the Underworld?" Rukat's tone was strict, she was clearly much older, and mature than both of them. Azure finally broke free of Christopher's grasp, and went right up in her face.
"Mmmm!! What're YOU doing her, you filthy dark elf! Master!" Azure's eyes darted over to Christopher, who immediately responded.
"Y-Yes?!"
"Whatever you do, do NOT get involved with these...these fiends!! They're not like other species here in the Underworld! Dark Elves may seem nice, but they're the most cunning, mischievious and dirtiest of them all!" She shouted. Looking back at at Rukat, Azure shot daggers at her, "Don't you dare try to harm my master!! He's a disciple of Elder God Amaterasu so he'll beat you up if you try anything!!" Next, she proudly grinned, and puffed out her chest, "Hmhmhmmm!! He's even got the scent of Goddess of Death and Destruction, Achlys for that matter! So my master will definitely beat you-Waaahh!"
"Ahaha...pardon my familiar...she's just...you know..."
"H-Hey!! I was talking, you know!" Christopher promptly went in front of Azure, and gave Rukat a funny-yet slightly irritated look.
"A-Anyway...I'm Christopher, and this is Azure. Nice to meet you, err..." The Dark Elf didn't seem disturbed by any of what Azure said. She was more surprised to see where Christopher's gaze was.
Christopher had never seen a woman's chest much like Rukat's before. His eyes were glued onto it-and he seemed completely unaware of how obvious it was. Rukat was an 'F' cup in bust size. She smirked naughtily, and tilted her head.
"Oh? Interested in my breasts, are you, Christopher?" She questioned. Christopher's eyes immediately darted back to her face as his face turned beet red.
"A-Ah-n-no! N-Not at all!!" He shouted out. Azure hovered next to him, and pouted greatly.
"Master, I have them to, you know..." She muttered. The familiar peered down, and put both her hands onto her chest. "...Mmm...masterrrrr..."
"U-um..." Christopher found himself at a loss for words. "...So...what was it that you approached us for...Azure and I were just about to look for my sister..." He spoke.
"So you're looking for your sister, I see." She mouthed back to him. "I approached you because I saw you reading the notice. You're a kid. I doubt you can handle those kidnappers alone."
"W-We totally could, stupid!!" Azure grumbled for the millionth time since Rukat arrived. Christopher peered at her with a forced grin.
"Azure...come on, aren't you being a little too unfriendly here? I mean, she hasn't tried anything, has she?"
"I know, but..." Quickly, Azure sighed. "...Forget it. Don't say I didn't warn you, master." She appeared as though she gave up, and remained silent.
"O...kay..?" Christopher's attention went back to the Dark Elf. "Well, we could use the help if we're up against them...but I'm sure we'd be able to handle it." He spoke.
"I see." Rukat noticed it. His stance, along with his posture, and tone of speech gave it all away. "Well, in the case that we really do go against the kidnappers, how about we team up? I can help you on the way to find your sister, you can help me capture the kidnappers and rescue the missing children."
"Team up?" Christopher wasn't expecting her to respond that way. He immediately agreed to it, and grinned.
"Sure! You look like a capable fighter, and with those big boo-I mean, a-armour, I'm sure you'll be a great asset!"
"..." Azure looked at him as if he were an idiot. But at this point, she wasn't even surprised. Rukat was satisfied. She smiled as though she had fulfilled something. With a pleased voice, she spoke,
"You won't regret this, Christopher. Heh...You won't regret it one bit..."
Rukat, Christopher and Azure withdrew from the village, and commenced their journey. The Dark Elf the duo teamed up with seemed to already know where the children were possibly being held hostage. Christopher somewhat trusted Rukat's word on her motives, but Azure didn't in the least. She kept her eyes glued onto her, her gaze piercing her flesh. It was as if she was attempting to stare straight into her soul.
"Master may trust you, but I still don't, you know!!" Azure grumbled.
"Hmph. Figured as much." Rukat replied. She paid no mind to the girl.
"Azure..." Christopher said plainly, his eyes on his familiar, "...If Rukat wanted to hurt us, she would've done so already."
"I-I know that!!" Azure folded her arms, and pouted at both of them, "J-Just! Y-You're too trusting, master!! Mmm! If you knew as much as I did about this world, you would've known where I'm coming from!!" She glared at her master, then sighed, "Gosh, if Roselina were here, she'd be mad at you by now..."
"R-Roselina?" Christopher was surprised Azure brought his sister up. "Err...but...does she know about Dark Elves though?" He timidly scratched the back of his head, and let out an anxious giggle.
"H-How should I know?! I'm not her familiar!" Azure had a point. Christopher, realizing this, sighed.
"*Sigh* Alright Azure..." Lifting his head once more, he gave Azure a sympathetic expression, "...So what will it take to cheer you up?"
"Huh?" Azure wasn't expecting him to question that. Suddenly going silent, she stared at him. "Erm, well, g-getting rid of the Dark Elf would, duh!"
"Not happening." He plainly mouthed back. That only served to anger Azure even more. She shot daggers at her master, then finally gave up on convincing him.
"You're not going to listen to me no matter what I say, are you, master?" The girl, in a slightly dejected tone, stated.
"Nope." He said. "Sorry, Azure."
"..." Azure was stunned. Never before had Christopher ever said that to her. "O-okay then!! W-Well I'm not going to help you when Rukat betrays you!!" She at last exclaimed.
"Ahaha..." She's not going to betray me, right..?
They arrived at their destination soon following. Though it wasn't what Christopher anticipated.
"Is this where the kids are being held?" He questioned out loud. The trio stood at the entrance to a pitch black cave. No light was found anywhere ahead of them.
"Yes, master. It seems so." Azure remarked. She hovered to Christopher's side, and conjured her flames, and lit a small fire centimeters above her right palm. There, she held the flame in front of her.
"I'll light the way. Be careful."
"No need to tell me, familiar." Rukat proudly announced. Her demeanour only irritated the girl even more. "Come on, Christopher. They're further in."
"Mmmmmmm...master....."
Inside, the cavern was blanketed with white, hazy mist, and with Azure's lighting, just barely, were the three able to see. Water droplets fell from the ceiling, and the ground was rough, rocky, damp and covered with moss. Large, sharp rocks were littered around the area, as well as the walls. Christopher knew that if he wasn't careful, he would sustain a potentially fatal wound.
"Gosh..." Christopher was shaking. He had gone inside caverns before, but none of them were like the one he was led to. "...Azure?" He beckoned his familiar, and moved closer to her back.
"Yes, master?"
"N-Nothing..." An anxious laugh escaped his lips. Azure took notice of his state, and gave the young boy a knowing grin.
"Don't be frightened, master! You're way stronger than those normal cave monsters." She blurted out. Azure continued, "And I'm here, if I find any monsters around, I'll incinerate them!!"
"I-I know, th-thanks Azure..." A feeling of security enveloped Christopher as he stood behind the girl. "...Phew..." He peered over to the Dark Elf, who showed no signs of fear at all. Rukat noticed his gaze, and stared blankly at him.
"What?" She inquired.
"N-Nothing, Rukat..." He couldn't help but be intimidated by Rukat's fierce demeanour. "...Just, how much further until we reach the kids?"
"Not long. Let's keep going." She replied.
"Oh, a-alright..." Christopher only hoped she was correct with the location. He didn't want to go into another cavern like that one. Just looking at the spiked rocks gave him an upset stomach. Goodness...what have I gotten myself into now?
Not long afterwards, Rukat stopped. The trio arrived in a spacious, widely opened area. The roof was high, and ahead of them, there appeared to be a sturdy wooden door. They stopped in the middle of the surroundings, and suddenly Rukat looked around.
"W-What's the matter, Rukat? Why are we stopping?" Christopher questioned, his voice shaky.
"..." Rukat gaped at the two, then suddenly, a single word escaped her lips. "Restraint."
"...!" Azure's suspicions were correct. In an instant, Christopher's body was rendered immobile. All his movements were stopped, and he was completely unable to move an inch.
"W-Wha-I-I can't move! R-Rukat?! W-What's the meaning of this?!" Christopher was stunned. He didn't believe in the slightest that the Dark Elf would betray him. But she didn't betray him-she deceived him, it was just as his familiar warned him about.
"Master!!" Azure conjured a ball of fire in her hand, and shot it at Rukat. Rukat dodged it in a flash.
"Hmph, so my spell didn't work on you, huh?" Rukat glared in anger at the young boy's familiar, who returned the stare.
"Grrr...I just knew this would happen! Masterrrr!! You should've listened to me! Dark Elves are NOT a species to get involved with!" Azure yelled, she continued, "And as you can see, the spell you did has no effect whatsoever on S class familiars like me. Dispel magick: Dark."
"Dispel..?"
Swiftly after Azure chanted her spell, Christopher felt the Dark Elf's magic release it's grip on him, and he regained control of his movements. Collapsing to his knees, Azure hovered down, and gaped at him, her eyes filled with both fright and worry.
"Master, are you alright?" She inquired to him.
"Ugh...yes, Azure...I'm sorry I doubted you about this good for nothing elf...Dark Elves really are bad guys after all..." He responded. Azure helped him to his feet, and he drew his knife against Rukat.
"Rukat, you're a liar! You tricked me!" His voice was filled with rage toward the Dark Elf, who only smirked.
"Heh...hahahahaha! So you've finally realized, Christopher! Yes, I DID trick you! And now, both of you are going to die here! Hahahahahahahahha!"
"Die?" Christopher tilted his head. "No..." He said, "...You're sorely mistaken. You're the one going to perish, Rukat. I'll kill you with my own hands." There, a mischievous-yet wrathful grin was plastered onto the boy's lips.
"Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?" Rukat read the boy's expression, and it perked her interest. "So you are a killer, huh? That face, you've killed many people, haven't you?"
"..." Christopher knew she was correct. But the only ones he took the lives of were bad ones. So the remark didn't disturb him in the slightest.
"Yes, I have. But they were kidnappers, murderers, swindlers, and thieves. So what does it matter?" He replied to the question.
"Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..." Rukat grinned, "...And yet you were so trusting of me. Hahaha, I'm going to have fun with you."
"MASTER!"
"Huh?"
Azure shoved Christopher out of the way with all her might, and they both just barely dodged a throwing knife that narrowly passed Christopher's face.
"W-What the..?" Christopher was shocked. Seeing the blade, his entire body shook. That...That could've killed me... He thought to himself. ...I really could've died here...without finding Roselina...
"Master!! Get up!! This is no time to be frightened!!" Azure pulled Christopher to his feet, breaking him out of his trance. About seven more Dark Elves emerged from the shadows, and they all stared at the duo.
"Hmph, that's some familiar you've got there...that smart, eh?" One of them said.
"Good job bringing them here, Rukat. You've done well." Another one stated.
"Why thank you...it was surprisingly easy. The boy just believed every word I said. Quite foolish, if I am to say." Rukat giggled.
"Gnh...this is not looking good, Azure..." Christopher looked around him, and knew he was completely surrounded. Not by foes he had fought before either, they all appeared much stronger than the knights at Babalonia, as well as the kidnappers he recently put down. Azure at his back, Christopher at her back, they were ready for battle.
"Don't get distracted, master. Dark Elves are masters at both normal and advanced magic, and physical combat. One false move could get you killed." Azure sternly spoke to him, "B-but we wouldn't be in this mess if you had just listened to me, st-stupid master!!"
"Errhahaha...sorry Azure..." Christopher wholly regretted not listening to Azure in the first place, though that was not something he should've been thinking at that moment.
"Nnrng...before we battle! Tell me, why did you bring us here?" Christopher blurted out to the Dark Elves. Rukat was the one to respond.
"Isn't it obvious? In case you were wondering whether or not we wanted to sell you off as slaves, you're sorely mistaken. We just wanted you here...for revenge."
"Revenge?" Azure and Christopher were both baffled. Azure stated,
"Revenge? What revenge? We didn't do anything to you!"
"That's correct." Another one of the eight said. The one speaking was male, he remarked, "However, Christopher Hallowswift..."
"Wait, how do you...know my full name..?"
"...That it was your younger sister-a fox-human, who battled and defeated us, stealing away the other slaves we captured just recently."
"My sister?!" Wait, Roselina fought them?! Christopher was shocked. He wasn't expecting Roselina to be involved in that as well. The young boy scowled at them, he was ready to fight-and beat them all.
"What did you do to my sister?! You freaks!"
"What did we do to her? What did she do to us!? Hallowswift, your sister, YOUR sister attacked us, and stole away the slaves WE captured! And because of her actions, you're going to pay..." The Dark Elves all drew their weapons. Half of them used long swords, the other half used staffs and great swords. "...You'll be our revenge on that bitch you call your sister, oh fox-human!"
"WAIT!!" Immediately before the battle commenced, Azure yelled out for a pause. "B-Before you fight us and all die, t-tell us, h-h-how do you know we are the ones you're looking for?!"
"Oh? You don't know?" Rukat answered the question, "Because. Christopher's the only other fox-human in the entire of the Underworld who has a familiar like you, my dear. An S class familiar...nearly nobody has one like you..." Rukat showed an enormous interest in his familiar, Christopher took note of this, and felt protective of Azure.
"You're not getting my familiar...none of you are! Azure belongs to me, no one else!" He shouted out.
"Come on, Azure...kill as many of the Dark Elves as you can, and I'll do the same, but spare Rukat, I've got my own plans for her. We'll show these bastards not to mess with us demi-humans..." A fearful, yet determined grin emerged on his lips.
"Yes master." Azure remarked. Next, she came up to his ear, and whispered. "If needs be, use the magic I taught you, but do not use it constantly."
"Alright. Thanks, Azure." Christopher smiled at his familiar, who sent him a cheery giggle.
"You're welcome master." And instantly, the two lunged at the Dark Elves.
Azure chanted her spell, Confringo, which killed two out of the eight instantly. The others backed away from her. Christopher had been cut on his shoulder, and his cheek. He was in mid battle with one of the elves.
"Haaahh!" He swung his sword at the elf, who blocked it with great ease. "Nnrng..." A second, then a third strike, none of his attacks had fallen on the opponent.
"Hmm, is that really all you can do, my dear Christopher? The elder brother of the girl who nearly killed us?" The Dark Elf, Beldun, stated.
"Gah...SHUT UP!!" His attacks quickened. He started using his Clairvoyant Eye, the power Amaterasu gave him for incoming attacks. Sidestepping, the boy managed to strike Beldun's right leg just barely.
"Ah-!" Except immediately, as a counter, Beldun sent the hilt of his blade crashing down to Christopher's back, and by a hair's breath, he dodged it.
"So you managed to dodge that?" The elf was surprised. "I am surprised. Seems like you are a fighter after all."
"I said, SHUT UP!!!" Christopher lunged at the elf with great speed, speed at which Beldun did not anticipate. Beldun couldn't find an opening on Christopher, and that was the point that confused him.
Christopher decided on taking a risky move. The boy jumped up, over Beldun, and simultaneously after, he struck Beldun's left arm with his blade, plunging the knife through the elf's arm, and then slicing sideways. From elbow down, Beldun's left arm was missing. However, before he struck again, Beldun chanted wind magic, and blew Christopher about two meters away from him.
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH-!" The pain in Beldun's body was none like he had ever experienced. The scream caught the attention of the others, who all were thunderstruck at the sight.
"B-Beldun!" One of the others shouted. Beldun peered at them with a completely panicked face, tears streaking down his cheeks onto the ground. He was utterly terrified.
Alright, let's use the spells now... Christopher thought, watching as Beldun cowered.
"D-DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THEM, ELVES! THESE TWO ARE NOT LIKE ANY OTHER WE'VE FACED! ESPECIALLY THIS-AAARRRGGHHHHHH!!"
"Avade Kedoura." Christopher gathered up his mana, and locked onto Beldun. After chanting, Beldun's face twisted up , and he appeared as though he was choking. His right hand latched onto his throat, and his left moved to his neck. Blood from his left arm rapidly spewed out of the wound, and made it's way all over his clothes, and his bare body. Soon, Beldun's eyes rolled back in his sockets, and the man collapsed onto the floor, lifeless.
So that's what the killing spell does. It takes up a helluva lot of mana though... Christopher wasn't bothered by the sight of what he did. He was more concerned about the fact that the spell he just did took up about a quarter of his magic capacity. Better not use that spell again until my mana levels increase... The boy stared at the remaining five.
"What?" The Dark Elves all regrouped. Azure joined Christopher at his side. "We said we'll be killing you all, why do you look so surprised?" Christopher tilted his head, his eyes fixated on the remaining opponents.
"W-What are you..?" Rukat stared at her fallen comrade. She expected Azure to finish at least one of them, but she heavily underestimated Christopher. "You...you're not a normal fox-human. J-Just what are you and your sister?!" She shrieked.
"What are we?" Christopher smirked. His eyes showed no signs of fear any longer. "You're forgetting one thing. That the Gods are watching what goes on down here. I, Christopher Hallowswift, am a disciple of the Elder God Amaterasu, and my familiar, Azure, was given to me to keep me safe, and aid me in my journey in this world." Christopher aimed his blade straight at Rukat, who flinched at the sight, "No matter what you do, you just cannot win against me."
"Elder God...Amaterasu..?" The Dark Elves knew about the deity, but wasn't knowledgeable of it's disciples. They didn't believe what Christopher said.
"Bwhahahahahahaha! You're lying." One of the five remarked. "Prove it to me. Prove to me that you have the blessing of Elder God Amaterasu, boy."
"Well then, shall I fight you in combat, elf?" Christopher swiftly responded. "Oh, by the way, if you're wondering, I have Amaterasu's Clairvoyant Eye, so I can see your attacks."
"..." The five stayed silent. It was a life or death situation for them. If what Christopher said was true, then fighting him would prove to be difficult for them. The same Dark Elf who spoke before answered him, "...Heh, lies. Hallowswift, I will fight you one-on-one, and when I beat you, I'll cut your head off your neck, and deliver it to your sister, for her to see the consequences of messing with us Dark Elves." The elf moved forward, then aimed his great sword at Christopher. "Get ready. Falter, and you're dead. No one that battles me comes out alive, other than your sister, whom I shall have my revenge on."
"Hmph." Christopher, wielding his knife, snickered. "We'll see about that. Azure, don't interfere." Hearing what her master spoke, she was reluctant, but Azure obeyed. "Yes master, I will not. Be careful."
"I'm always careful."
"No, you're not." Azure hovered further back of Christopher to watch.
"Begin!" The two hurried at each other. Christopher made the first move, and his attack was instantly blocked by the Dark Elf's, Poidun, great sword. The two were locked in combat. Christopher's speed was nearly matched by his adversary's-by just a small amount, the young boy was faster. One slash, two slashes, all his attacks were blocked. Jumping back, Christopher conjured a ball of fire, and shot it at Poidon.
"Ha! Don't think such amateur magic will stop me!" Poidon stopped, and held out his hand, but it was that, Christopher hoped for. Faster than before, he darted behind Poidon, and was about to strike.
"Behind you!" Rukat yelled out.
"Huh?" He then took note of the movement, and just barely managed to escape.
"Gah..!" Christopher shot daggers at Rukat. Azure saw this, and swiftly flew behind Rukat.
"B-Bwwaah!" Rukat saw this, though before she had the chance to respond, Azure said an incantation, and Rukat collapsed, losing all consciousness.
"Great! Now without further ado, masterrr!! I believe in youuuu!!"
"Thanks, Azure! Haaaahhh!!" Christopher lunged with great strength at Poidun, the elf blocked, then countered. Christopher dodged his swing, then slid between his legs and aimed for his back. More or less, the attack landed, and he managed to cut somewhat deeply into Poidun's back. Poidun, noticing the damage, retreated a meter away from him.
"Nnrng...you really aren't like those puny fox-humans, boy...but that's not enough to defeat me!" Poidun stood his ground. Christopher failed to see any openings with the stance his opponent possessed.
This doesn't look good... The two were locked in combat. Neither of them were winning. Each time Christopher attempted to counter, it was always seen. He knew, Poidun was a dangerous match.
"Ha! I haven't had this much fun in years!" Poidun seemed to be enjoying the battle. "You're quite the skilled fighter, Christopher."
"No shit..." Christopher's stamina wasn't at the least depleted. Though he grew irritated. He wanted to kill him already, but from how it looked, it seemed impossible. The weapons clashed together, Christopher pressing his blade forcefully against the great sword.
"...!" However, out of the blue, his knife, the one from the very beginning of his journey, cracked.
"W-What th-?!"
"AHAAAA!! NOW I'VE GOT YOU!" It didn't take long for the blade to completely shatter. And when this happened, Christopher was rendered completely open for a second. Poidun didn't miss this opportunity, and sent his sword crashing down. Christopher promptly jumped back, and dodged. Though that wasn't enough. The Dark Elf raised his weapon, and struck in his direction once more.
"Raaaahh!!"
"W-Whoa-!" It took skill to dodge the attacks. One after the other, Christopher was demanded to evade. "Nnrng...this is bad!"
"Master!! Look out!!" Azure quickly alarmed her master, but it was too late, The blade came crashing down upon Christopher's left arm, and in a single blow, his entire arm was sliced clean off.
"Eh..?" At first, he didn't feel anything. But the moment he looked at where he was struck, his mind went blank.
Huh..? M...My arm..? W-Where..? Time itself seemed to stop when he looked to the ground. Oh no...no...this...this can't be...real...is it..? There laid his left arm. Splattered along the floor as blood gushed out of Christopher's wound.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-OH GOD-AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! M-MY ARM!!!!!!!! OH GOD IT HURTS!!! OHHHH GODDDDDDDDD!!" Christopher grasped onto his wound, and shrieked at the top of his lungs. The pain in his body was more than he had ever experienced, even more than the fight against the king of Babalonia's shield, even more than the pain from the accident that killed him back at his previous world. An unbearable pain flowed through his entire body, like a never-ending flow of sharp needles piercing through his flesh with each movement he made.
"NOO!! MASTER!!!!!" Azure saw the injury that one mistake Christopher made gave him, and wanted to help him. But it was her master's wish for her to not interfere. So she couldn't. Though she wanted to. "Master, master!! Don't stop!! He's coming!"
"Nnrng..." Christopher had to move. With the next blow, Christopher just barely dodged. He couldn't give up. Looking around, he found a bloodied long sword from the elf he previously killed. Manoeuvring himself to the position, he raised it, and drew it against Poidun.
"Ohhhh so you've still got the strength to fight, huhhhh?? That missing arm not hurting you anymore?!"
"Nnrng...it hurts like hell...But I'm not going to give in just because I don't have a left arm anymore." Christopher replied. His resolve was clear-he had to survive the battle. Not just for Roselina, or the missing children. But he remembered Eloise, whom he was betrothed to. "I'm not going to die here." The boy's voice was shaken, but stern.
"We'll see about that, Christopher Hallowswift!! HAAAHHH!" Poidun sprinted over to Christopher, and he read his movements. Dodging one blow, then the next, he waited for an opening.
"Fire magick: Fire ball!" A ball of flames escaped Christopher's right palm, and it was blocked. But this was a trick the enemy did not fall for. Christopher's blood was still gushing out of his wound, slower than before, though he had nothing to cover it with.
"You're not going to fool me with that again, Christopher!" Poidun lunged at him once more, and a loud clash was heard. The strength at which the swords clashed sent a vibration through Christopher's body, and even more pain filled him.
"Nnrng...I...I WILL...NOT...DIE...HERE!!! HHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!"
"What?!"
"HAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!" Christopher parried, and was finally able to land another clean hit. This time, his blade sliced just below Poidun's neck, severing deep into his flesh. Next, without wasting a single second, he sliced his chest, stomach, then his cheek in quick succession.
"Arrgh!" Poidun wasn't expecting that. He shot daggers at the young boy, ready to murder the child.
"Nnrng...you will regret this...Hallowswift..."
Poidun went all out on the boy. Striking his blade with great speed, Christopher's body was nearly worn out. He was ready to collapse, but he refused. He still had to find Roselina, and he made a promise to return to Aznos.
"Gahh!" Christopher lost his ground, and he was sent flying by a single punch from the opponent, into one of the cavern's walls. His head slammed into it first, causing a crack in his skull, and the force at which he was slammed caused blood to spew out of his mouth. Face first, he fell flat onto the ground.
"Ah...ahh...ahh...n-no...I...I mustn't...die...here..." Just barely, he was able to raise his head. And the only thing he saw was the monster menacingly approaching him. "...R...Rose...lina..." He compelled himself to raise his blade, and used it to hold himself up. Though the immense agony in his small body made him fall over.
"N-No..!" He knew this was his end. It was foolish to trust a Dark Elf. This was the moment his journey in the new world ended.
"Bwhaha...so this is the brother of the one who defeated us huhhh?? Such a puny, weak boy...and you call yourself a warrior...what foolishness!"
"..." Christopher couldn't move, nor could he speak. The pain was too much for him. This world...what kind of hell was I brought to? This...this pain...It's too much for me... He thought to himself. ...I'm going to die here, aren't I?
"Now, say goodbye, boy!"
The great sword Poidun wielded was raised, and the Dark Elf snickered. "It was a pleasure meeting someone with your fighting skills, but this is goodbye. Thank you for the battle." He listened as the weapon plunged toward him. Just before he was killed, a voice spoke to him.
Oh my, is this really the way you meet your end, Christopher Hallowswift? To lose to such a puny, insignificant species, I am surprised...You need more practice if you are to survive in this world.
"Huh..?" Christopher recognized the voice. "That..That vo..ic...e..." The boy painfully raised his head, and the moment he looked, his eyes shot open. Standing in the way of the blow, was a dark, feminine figure, identical to the one in his visions, except this time, he clearly saw the colour of it's skin, and it's facial features. It's skin was ghostly pale, with pure black eyes and pupils. The being's hair was long, with blackish brown hair, and it's face was oval shaped. Clearly, to him, the being was female. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see much else.
"You..?" He murmured. "What are...you...doing...here..?" Everywhere seemed to be paused, no one but him, and the figure were moving. The being turned, and looked at him.
"Heh...hahahhahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahahaha!" It seemed to be mocking him, but Christopher didn't feel any negative intent toward him from the being. In fact, it seemed to want to aid him. It turned back to the elf, and everything resumed.
"GOODBYE, CHRISTOPHER HALLOWSWIFT!!! HAAAAHHH!!"
"Die."
"Huh? W-WHAT THE-AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!HHHHHHAAAAHHHH!!!" As soon as the figure spoke, the Dark Elf dropped his weapon. Poidun's body seemed to have been affected. His flesh was bulging out, his eyes grew in size, and his body was turning the colour of exposed skin.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MEE?!?! IT HURTS, IT HURTS!!! AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-!" Christopher watched as Poidun's eyes burst in their sockets, blood was sent everywhere around him, and soon, his flesh started melting. The Dark Elf's skin drooped from his body, and onto the ground in a puddle, exposing the underskin. Everyone watched in terror as the figure laughed at it's creation. Not long following, his body exploded, the entire being that used to be Christopher's opponent was now splattered along the cavern's floor. Pieces of his now ruined body made it's way onto Christopher's face, and the walls.
"Now...You will pay for what you did to my Christopher, Dark Elves..." The figure started approaching the remaining Dark Elves. Azure was utterly baffled. What was that figure doing here, and what was it? She wondered. Though it seemed to be protecting Christopher, so without any hesitation, she hovered over to her master. Whereas the Dark Elves, viewing what happened in what seemed like a single motion from the being, all cowered. Rukat was to be spared-the entity knew that. But no mercy was to be shown to the others.
"Now...Heeheeheeheehee...Which one of you would like to die first?" The being spoke, it's voice was so distorted, it made everyone who heard the voice feel as though their heads were being split open.
"N-No! Pl-Please...we...we don't want to die!" One of the Dark Elves exclaimed.
"Y-Yes!! W-We're innocent! We did nothing to Christopher!!" Another one yelled. That was a lie.
The figure grew furious by their remarks. It knew the individuals were speaking untruthfully. Raising it's tone, it yelled out,
"You dare speak untruthfully to me?! You liars! You tainted his body, deceived him, and you dare speak to me like that?! YOU WILL PAY FOR MESSING WITH MY TOY!!!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Two of them suffered the same fate as Poidun, their flesh becoming inside out, and their eyeballs burst inside their sockets. The remainders knew that their ends were approaching. One of them drew their weapons, and struck at the being. The attack landed, but nothing happened. The blade shattered the moment it hit.
"Th-The hell?!" He was shocked. The being stared at him, it's gaze made him feel as though his very soul was being sucked out of his body.
"Die." Was all it spoke, and immediately, the Dark Elf's head exploded, sending his blood, and brains all over. There, only one more remained. The final one dropped his weapon, and shuddered.
"W-What are you..? J-Just what kind of monster are you?!" He shouted out, his voice cracking.
"Hmph. Filth, there is no point in telling you, if you're going to perish anyway." It remarked. And soon, the final one was murdered, which only left Rukat, whom Christopher wanted to take care of himself.
After all but Rukat remained, the figure stopped. Azure was tending to Christopher at the time when it turned, and approached her. The being peered down at Christopher, and didn't take it's eyes off of him.
"E-Excuse me!" Azure, fearful at it's power, exclaimed. "U-Um...Y-Your aura...you...you can't be..."
"Quiet, familiar. You are not in a position to speak to me."
"Mmm!" Azure swiftly closed her mouth, every inch of her being trembled at the energy emitting from it.
"Azure. How dare you leave Christopher alone during the battle. You are much stronger than these puny Dark Elves. But you knowingly nearly let your master perish. You are a failure as Christopher's familiar."
"Huh..?" Azure raised her head, and looked at the being. It was only now, did she realize what she did. Tears suddenly formed in her eyes, and she covered her face, weeping bitterly.
"*Sob* I...I really did...n-n-nearly let master die...ooohh!! Forgive me, master!! I-I failed...I failed...how could I…do such a thing to you..? I…I'm supposed to be your familiar, but I…I nearly let you die…W…Waaaaahhhhhh! Please forgive me, masterrrrr!!!" Azure regretted what she did at that moment. And seeing Christopher's condition, he will never be able to use his left arm again, nor will he be able to fully recover, both physically and mentally from the trauma he received.
"Do not fail me again, Azure." The being spoke. Following, after one last glance at the boy, it vanished, leaving Azure and an unconscious Christopher alone.