Ashley slowly regained consciousness. Pain seared through her chest, and her vision was blurry. Her ears rang as she struggled to focus. She looked around and realized she was lying in the mud. Memories came flooding back—Nacht killing the other bandits, his cold, piercing gaze as he towered over her, and those final words he spoke before plunging his sword into her chest.
"I'm giving you one last chance. Go back to being a bandit, clinging to the hope your family might survive a few more days, or take matters into your own hands and rescue them yourself. One of your cowardly 'friends' is hiding in the bushes, watching us right now. I'm going to 'kill' you, but when you wake up, you'll have a blank slate. Everyone, including the other bandits, will think you're dead. This is your only shot. Don't waste it." He said before plunging his blade into her chest.
Ashley slowly came to her feet and noticed a cloak and dagger on the ground next to her. "He must've left it here for me," she murmured, grabbing the cloak and putting it on. She unsheathed the dagger, staring at its shining blade. "He gave me an opportunity to make that choice again. I will make the right one this time."
Determined, she walked over to one of the bandits' bodies, retrieving a pistol from the dead man's hip and tucking it inside her boot. She glanced at the decapitated bandit, a grim smile forming on her face. "I will become just as strong as you, Nacht. After that, no one will take anything from me or force me to do anything ever again." She pulled the hood of the cloak over her head and began her descent down the mountain.
After hours of walking and climbing, she finally reached the bandit camp. The sky had darkened, and a heavy rainstorm had set in. In the distance, she saw the cabin where her mother and younger brother were held captive. "I will save them and make you pay for what you did to father," she whispered, crouching down and sneaking into the camp.
Each step she took was treacherous, the mud beneath her feet threatening to send her sliding down the ridge. She steadied herself against the rocks, climbing over them until she reached the back of the cabin. Peering through the window, she noticed a faint light inside.
Someone must be inside with mom and Jack. I need to deal with him first before getting them out
She slowly pushed against the window to see if it was unlocked, and lucky for her, it was. She opened it cautiously, ensuring not to make a sound, and climbed over the window frame, landing softly inside. Scanning the room, she saw a pile of cargo that the bandits had been stealing, and then her eyes fell on a bandit standing over her mother.
Quietly, Ashley unsheathed the dagger Nacht had left her and crept behind the man. She grabbed his mouth to stifle any cries and plunged the dagger into his back repeatedly until he stopped struggling and collapsed. She turned to her mother, who was unclothed and unresponsive, as if possessed. Tears welled up in Ashley's eyes as she took in her mother's scar-covered body.
"Mother? Mother?" Ashley whispered, gripping her mother's arms gently. She glanced around, searching for her younger brother, Jack, but he was nowhere in sight. "Mom? I'm getting you out of here. Where is Jack?" she asked, slowly pulling her mother to her feet. The mention of Jack's name caused her mother to start shaking, tears filling her eyes.
"Mother, are you alright? Mother, where is Jack?" Ashley's voice was filled with urgency and concern as she tried to steady her trembling mother.
"They took him. They took my son, they took your brother!" her mother shouted. Ashley quickly covered her mouth to prevent alerting the other bandits. "They took him?" Ashley asked, panic rising in her voice. "Where?"
"They sold him to some woman who came a few days earlier," her mother replied. Ashley sighed in desperation but quickly collected herself. She helped her mother up. "I'll get him back after I get you out of here," she said, leading her towards the window she had entered through.
They carefully made their way down the rocks, moving slowly to avoid slipping in the mud. After putting enough distance between themselves and the camp, Ashley gathered some rocks and sticks to start a fire. "There should be a city nearby. If it was a rich woman, she must be from somewhere in that city," she said, spreading her cloak on the ground. She helped her mother sit down and then sat beside her.
"You can't go there, Ashley. You'll die," her mother said, clutching Ashley's hand tightly as if afraid she might disappear.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll just take a look first. If they have a lot of guards, I'll try and hire some mercenaries to help me," Ashley replied. Her mother sighed and lay down on Ashley's lap.
"You can't hire mercenaries. We don't have any money, remember?" she murmured before drifting off to sleep.
"I know … but if I can find him, he might help us," Ashley whispered, looking at the dagger in her hand. She remembered Nacht's words and the chance he had given her. With renewed determination, she resolved to save her brother and make things right.
It was morning when Ashley and her mother finally reached the base of the mountain. After hours of walking, they arrived at a seemingly deserted village. "What happened here?" Ashley asked, noting a burned and collapsed building on the main road. The smell of death was thick in the air, forcing her to cover her nose with her cloak. She grabbed her mother's hand and led her through the desolate streets, littered with bodies covered in burns and blood.
Ashley knelt next to one of the corpses and inspected it closely. "These people were just ordinary villagers, not fighters. Why would someone kill them?" she wondered aloud. As she stood up, she noticed a young girl watching her from across the road, aiming a rifle directly at her. Startled, Ashley quickly raised her hands to show she meant no harm. "I-I'm not here to fight!" she shouted.
The girl hesitated, her eyes filled with fear and suspicion. She was clearly trying to determine if Ashley and her mother were infected. After a tense moment, she lowered her rifle but remained cautious.
"Who are you?" the girl demanded, still wary.
Ashley let out a relieved sigh. "My name is Ashley, and this is my mother," she replied.
"This village isn't exactly a vacation spot. What are you doing here?" the girl asked, her tone still tinged with suspicion.
"We escaped from some bandits last night and made our way down the mountain," Ashley admitted, seeing no reason to lie. It was clear the girl wasn't working for the bandits. The girl nodded in understanding, though her eyes remained cautious, and gestured for Ashley to follow her.
Ashley and her mother quickly caught up with the girl. "What's your name?" Ashley asked, inspecting the girl from head to toe.
"Lillith," the girl replied curtly.
"Can I ask what happened here?" Ashley inquired. The girl pointed towards the door of one of the houses.
"Inside," Lillith said firmly. Ashley nodded, guiding her mother inside while Lillith held the door open. "Mother! We have visitors!" she called out.
"Who is it?" asked Orianne from the kitchen.
Orianne quickly entered the room, her expression shifting to caution. "Welcome" she said, inspecting Ashley and her mother closely. "Please, take a seat," she added, gesturing to the table in the living room.
Ashley nodded, helping her mother into a chair before sitting down herself.
Orianne set out bread and tea before taking a seat herself. "So, what brings you two to this forsaken place?" she inquired, eyeing Ashley and her mother. Lillith chimed in, "Seems they ran into some bandits and wound up here," echoing Ashley's account.
Glancing at Ashley, Orianne poured tea into the cups before her. "I see," she replied. She was clearly worried about Ashley and her mother. "What's your plan now? This isn't exactly a safe haven for you and your mother." She settled back into her seat, her gaze thoughtful.
Ashley nodded. "Could you tell us what happened here?" she ventured. Lillith replied curtly, "The village was hit by an outbreak a while back." Ashley frowned. "Outbreak? Like an illness?" she asked, trying to grasp the situation. Lillith shook her head. "Worse. People started turning on each other, attacking and killing after getting infected." Ashley's brows furrowed. "Did you... deal with those bodies outside because they were infected?" she inquired. Lillith denied it. "They were infected, yes, but it wasn't us who took them down," she clarified.
Curiosity piqued, Ashley pressed for more information, but Orianne immediately shut down her question. "We promised not to tell anyone," she deflected, her expression unreadable.
Lillith's gaze fixed on Ashley's cloak, a familiar sight. "Where'd you get that cloak?" she asked, her tone tinged with suspicion. Ashley hesitated before posing her next question. "Have either of you seen a young man around?" Ashley motioned to her own cloak. "He's got black hair, wears a cloak and mask like this one. And he was traveling with a girl, blonde hair, wears fancy clothes. Any chance you've crossed paths with them?" Lillith, her grip tightening on her rifle, exchanged a wary glance with Orianne. They seemed hesitant to answer, but Lillith finally spoke up, her tone cautious yet firm. "Why are you looking for him?"
Ashley's expression softened with relief as she realized the possible link. "He... he saved me a few days ago," she explained, hope flickering in her eyes. "Gave me a chance to set things right. I'm looking for him to ask for his help in rescuing my brother. He's being held captive, and I can't do it alone."
Before Lillith could speak, Orianne grimaced in pain, her hands flying to her head. "Mother, are you alright?" Lillith's concern was evident. Ashley hurried to Orianne's side, her heart pounding. Suddenly, Orianne's features twisted, her eyes glowing with an unnatural purple light, her teeth elongating into sharp fangs, and dark veins snaking across her skin. Memories of Nacht's face flooded Ashley's mind, her grip tightening on her dagger in instinctual defense.
To Ashley's relief, Orianne's transformation halted. Lillith reacted swiftly, grabbing a knife from the table and slicing her palm, offering it to her mother. As Orianne drank, her demeanor gradually calmed, the unsettling changes receding. Ashley remained on edge, her voice trembling with fear. "What... what just happened?" she managed to ask.
Lillith sighed, weariness coloring her tone. "Lower your knife," she instructed, guiding her mother to her room.
After a while, Lillith returned to the living room, finding Ashley and her mother still shaken by the sudden change in Orianne. "It happens sometimes," Lillith offered, attempting to ease their nerves.
"You know him, don't you?" Ashley pressed, her desperation evident. Lillith sighed, taking a seat. "We do," she admitted reluctantly. Ashley's eyes lit up with hope as she approached Lillith, grasping her hands. "Please, tell me where he is," she implored.
Lillith shook her head. "I can't," she replied. "And even if I could, I don't know where he went," she added, her tone apologetic. Ashley's disappointment was palpable as she looked down, processing the news. "I see," she murmured, helping her mother to her feet.
"Where are you going?" Lillith inquired, concern coloring her voice. Ashley offered a soft smile. "We have to continue searching for him," she explained as they slowly made their way to the front door.
Lillith reached out, gripping Ashley's arm. "You promise you won't hurt him?" she asked, her worry evident. Ashley nodded earnestly. "I thought you didn't know," she remarked, puzzled.
Lillith nodded. "I might have followed them for a while after they left and overheard them," she confessed with a sly smile. "You did?" Ashley exclaimed softly.
"Shhh! Mother doesn't know, and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't want the lecture about respecting someone's privacy again," Lillith urged in a hushed tone. Ashley nodded, understanding. "I heard they were heading towards the city of Nira. That is all I know," Lillith divulged. "Follow the trail to the right, down the mountain, and you should reach the main road. Continue for a while on it, and you will reach the city gates," she instructed.
After thanking Lillith and bidding her farewell, Ashley and her mother followed Lillith's instructions. After a day and a half of travel, they finally arrived.
Ashley and her mother stood at the imposing gates of Nira, the sprawling city that lay ahead buzzing with activity. The contrast to the eerie silence of the deserted village was stark, and the noise and bustle felt almost overwhelming.
"We made it," Ashley said softly, a mix of relief and determination in her voice. Her mother, still weary from their ordeal, gave her a tired but encouraging smile.
The guards at the gate eyed them suspiciously as they approached. "State your business," one of them demanded, his hand resting on the grip of his revolver.
"We're looking for someone," Ashley replied, trying to keep her tone respectful. "A man named Nacht. He's traveling with a young woman, around my age, with blonde hair and a rich-looking dress."
The guards exchanged a glance. "Nacht, you say? Haven't heard of him," one said. "But a lot of people come and go. Might want to try the taverns or inns, maybe the arena too."
"Thank you," Ashley said, nodding. She and her mother stepped through the gates, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
As they made their way through the crowded streets, Ashley kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. The city was a maze of narrow alleys, bustling marketplaces, and towering buildings. Street vendors shouted their wares, children darted through the crowds, and the air was filled with the scents of cooking food and the sound of haggling.
"We should find a place to rest first," her mother suggested. "Then we can start looking for Nacht."
Ashley agreed, spotting a modest inn on a quieter side street. They entered, the innkeeper greeting them with a warm smile.
"Looking for a room?" he asked.
"Yes, please," Ashley replied. "Just for the night."
They settled into their room, taking a moment to rest and gather their thoughts. After a short respite, Ashley decided it was time to start their search in earnest.
"Mother, you should rest here," Ashley said gently. "You've been through a lot, and you need to regain your strength. I'll go out and look for Nacht."
Her mother looked concerned but nodded. "Be careful, Ashley. Don't take any unnecessary risks."
"I won't," Ashley promised, giving her mother a reassuring smile. "I'll be back soon."
With that, Ashley left the inn, venturing into the bustling city alone. She began by asking around at the local taverns, inns and modern hotels, describing Nacht and Alice to anyone who would listen. Most people shook their heads, but a few gave her vague hints that someone matching their description had been seen.
At one particularly rowdy tavern, an old man nursing a mug of ale perked up at her description. "Aye, I've seen 'em," he said, his voice slurred. "Black cloak, mask, travelin' with a lass in a fine dress. Saw 'em headin' towards the eastern part of the city. Dunno where they went after that, though."
"Thank you," Ashley said, slipping him a coin. "You've been very helpful."
Following the old man's lead, Ashley headed towards the eastern part of Nira. As she got closer, the atmosphere grew more chaotic and lively. The air was thick with the roar of crowds, the clamor of metal on metal and gunshots being fired. The eastern district was home to the city's arena, where the Duke's gladiator festivities were in full swing.
The streets were lined with vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs related to the games. Revelers shouted and sang, many of them drunk on ale and the thrill of the combats. The noise was almost deafening, and the throng of people made it difficult to navigate.
Ashley asked around discreetly, hoping to avoid drawing too much attention to herself. The people here were more focused on the games than on answering her questions, but she persisted.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the city, Ashley felt a sense of urgency. "I'm getting closer," she murmured to herself, determination in her eyes. "I have to be."
The Arena
As Ashley ventured deeper into the eastern part of the city, the noise grew louder and the streets more crowded. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the cheers of people heading towards the arena. It was clear that something significant was happening.
Curious, Ashley followed the crowd and soon found herself in front of the grand arena. Banners flew high, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. She overheard snippets of conversations about the gladiator contests and a mysterious fighter who had been captivating the audience with his skill.
"Step right up! Tickets to see the finest gladiators in all of Nira! Don't miss the fresh blood, The Black Blade!" shouted a vendor.
Ashley's curiosity was piqued by the vendor. "Maybe he has entered the Arena too." she thought. She hurriedly bought a ticket with the last bit of her money and entered the arena, finding a seat with a good view of the central stage.
The arena was a grand structure, filled with cheering spectators. The air was electric with anticipation. Ashley scanned the fighters, searching for any sign of Nacht.
The announcer's voice boomed over the crowd. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for a spectacle of strength and skill! Entering the arena, the newest fighter, the Black Blade!"
Ashley's eyes widened as she saw Nacht step into the arena. He moved with a predatory grace, his black cloak flowing behind him, his face obscured by a mask. It was him.
As the gate swung open on the opposite side of the arena, a towering figure emerged, clad in formidable steel plate armor and wielding a massive spiked mace. His imposing presence silenced the murmurs of the crowd, drawing all eyes to him. Whispers spread through the spectators, questioning why last year's champion was competing in the preliminary battles once more. Speculations swirled about his intentions, shrouding the arena in uncertainty. Suddenly, the giant figure bellowed, commanding attention and quelling the whispers. Amidst the hushed anticipation, the ring announcer's voice boomed, introducing Nacht's formidable opponent. "And on the other side of the arena, hailing from the Empire, last year's victor, the Warhammer!"
Nacht's gaze locked onto his opponent with unwavering focus as the Warhammer charged towards him, unleashing a deafening roar. With calculated precision, Nacht shifted his stance, positioning himself for the impending clash. With a serene calmness, he closed his eyes momentarily, attuning his senses to the approaching threat.
In a blur of movement, Nacht drew his blade with lightning speed as the Warhammer hurtled past him. The crowd fell into stunned silence, witnessing the swiftness of his strike. As Nacht reopened his eyes, he observed the crimson stain adorning his sword, evidence of his decisive action.
Behind him, the Warhammer's triumphant cry turned to agonized screams as his arms fell to the ground, severed by Nacht's masterful stroke. A hush fell over the arena before erupting into thunderous applause, celebrating Nacht's skill and prowess. Nacht slowly wiped the blood on his blade using his cloak and put it back in its sheath.
Approaching his fallen opponent, Nacht knelt beside him with solemn determination. Drawing his dagger, he fulfilled the grim requirements of the arena, delivering a fatal blow to the Warhammer's heart. The cries of the fallen warrior faded into silence, marking Nacht's advancement to the main contest amidst the roar of the crowd.
Ashley watched with astonishment as Nacht stood back up and raised his arms, basking in the adulation of the crowd. The thunderous roar of applause echoed through the arena as Nacht was declared the victor. Amidst the excitement, Ashley's mind raced with possibilities. She had found him, but now she needed to find a way to speak with him.
As the crowd began to disperse, Ashley made her way to the area where the fighters exited the stage. She waited patiently, her eyes scanning the crowd of people, hoping to catch sight of Nacht as he left.
Finally, Nacht emerged from the crowd, his imposing figure drawing attention even in the midst of the bustling arena. Ashley took a deep breath and stepped forward, calling out his name.
"Nacht!" she called, her voice cutting through the din of the crowd.
Nacht turned, his eyes narrowing in recognition as he spotted Ashley approaching him. "Girl Bandit?" he said, surprise evident in his voice. Despite his initial shock, a faint smirk played at the corners of his lips as he regarded her with amusement.
Ashley watched as Nacht's expression shifted from amusement to skepticism, his eyes scanning their surroundings warily. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead.
"Nacht," she began, her voice steady despite the nerves coursing through her. "I know I'm just a stranger to you, but you saved me once before. Now, I need your help to save my brother."
Nacht's chuckle cut through the air, tinged with cynicism. "And why would I do that?" he countered, his tone laced with skepticism. "Do you think I'm some kind of hero from a children's story, swooping in to rescue random strangers that I encounter?"
Ashley shook her head, meeting Nacht's gaze with unwavering determination. "No, I don't," she replied firmly. "But I know you're capable of more than just fighting in the arena. You have skills that could help us, skills that could make a real difference."
Nacht shook his head, a faint sigh escaping from his lips. "I'm sorry, I have my own things to take care of," he stated before turning around and walking away.
"Things like winning the gladiator festival?" Ashley asked, her determination evident.
Nacht's interest piqued. "So what?" he questioned.
"I heard the contest involves two-on-two battles. After you win the entrance rounds, you'll need a teammate," Ashley explained, pausing to gauge Nacht's reaction.
Nacht's curiosity showed on his face. A faint smile touched Ashley's lips as she continued, "I can be that teammate."
Nacht's soft laughter filled the air, almost mocking. "You?" he challenged, eyeing her skeptically.
Ashley's frustration grew. "Do you doubt a woman can fight alongside you?" she countered.
Nacht shook his head, taking a seat nearby. "Don't misunderstand," he began. "That's not the issue. Last time we met, you didn't exactly put up a fight. You just fell and begged for your life," he said with a chuckle. "I need to win this contest, not die from embarrassment."
Frustration welled up within Ashley, her hand clenching into a tight fist. "I remember what happened last time," she declared, her tone determined. "But I've changed since then. I'm ready to do whatever it takes, but I need your help. I rescued my mother, but now my brother's been taken by some woman. I can't find him without you."
Abruptly, Nacht stepped back, drawing his sword and pointing it toward Ashley with chilling resolve. "W-what are you doing?" Ashley stammered, taken aback by his sudden aggression.
"You claim you've changed, right? Show me," he retorted icily.
"What do you mean, 'show me'?" Ashley questioned, confusion etched across her features.
"If you win, I'll take you up on your deal," Nacht explained bluntly, his tone unwavering. "But if you lose... you die."
Without warning, he lunged towards her, his sword slicing through the air. Ashley dodged, but stumbled and fell to the ground. Quickly regaining her footing, she seized the dagger Nacht had left behind for her and readied herself.
Nacht smirked, launching another attack. Their blades clashed briefly, but he swiftly pivoted, striking Ashley with the hilt of his sword on her shoulder. She staggered, dropping her dagger, and fell.
As Nacht closed in, raising his sword menacingly, Ashley scrambled to defend herself. In desperation, she grabbed her pistol and pressed it against his gut.
"You let me hit you on purpose, huh?" Nacht remarked, his tone mocking.
A flicker of triumph crossed Ashley's face, but it vanished as Nacht's next words hit her like a blow. "Now then, finish it," he instructed with deadly seriousness.
"What?" Ashley gasped, incredulous.
"I said, shoot," Nacht reiterated, his gaze unwavering. "If you don't, my sword will come down and split your head in two."
Ashley shook her head in refusal, unable to comply with his demand. But before she could react further, Nacht swung his sword with full force. Ashley closed her eyes, bracing for impact.
Bang! The sound echoed through the streets of the arena followed by an eerie silence. Slowly, Ashley opened her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. She saw Nacht clutching his gut, blood seeping from the wound.
As the blood flowed from Nacht's wound, something unexpected fell to the ground along with it—the lead from the bullet. Ashley's eyes widened in astonishment as she watched the wound slowly close up, the bleeding coming to a halt. Nacht let out a sigh of relief, the tension in his body visibly easing.
Without a word, he extended his hand towards Ashley, helping her up from the ground. "Meet me behind the Arena later today," he instructed tersely before turning and walking away.
Ashley stood there, stunned by the turn of events. It took a moment for the realization to sink in: Nacht had accepted her proposal to help her. A surge of joy coursed through her, and she couldn't help but jump with excitement. She collapsed back onto the ground, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over her.
Closing her eyes, Ashley let out a long sigh. She was one step closer to rescuing her brother and reuniting her family.