The duke's fingers hovered just above Nacht's face, his touch lingering without contact, creating an air of anticipation. "My Black Blade, you've endured so much in solitude," he murmured, his voice a blend of dark power and unexpected tenderness. "Abandoned, left to fend for yourself in the shadows, yet you never broke. Remember this—I will never abandon you. Now that I have found you, you will never be alone again. I'll always be by your side," he whispered, his words carrying both a promise and an unspoken threat.
Just as his fingers moved to finally touch Nacht's face, a woman's voice called from outside the chamber. "Sebastien?"
The duke sighed in frustration, stood up, and walked outside. A few minutes later, the woman entered the chamber and looked at Nacht.
Nacht awoke in an unfamiliar room, his head pounding and his vision blurred. The last thing he remembered was being dragged into the duke's carriage, the world spinning as the alcohol overtook him.
Where am I?
The woman stepped closer, her expression stern. "You are awake, I see."
"Who are you?" Nacht asked, his voice raspy.
The woman sighed and sat on a chair near the bed. "I am Eleonora, the duke's wife," she introduced herself.
Nacht tried to stand up, but the ringing in his head grew louder, forcing him to sit back down. "I thought the duke was about to marry someone else," he inquired, referring to Alice.
Eleonora nodded. "Yes, he is. But that is a political marriage. Ours was love at first sight."
Nacht attempted to stand again and this time succeeded. "I see," he said, seemingly uninterested in the Duke's and Eleonora's relationship, grabbing his cloak from a hanger and putting it on. He looked around the room for his sword and revolver, but they were nowhere to be seen. "Where is—"
Before he could finish, Eleonora pointed toward a cabinet near the door. "Your equipment is in there," she said, irritation evident in her voice.
Nacht nodded thankfully and retrieved his sword, dagger, and revolver from the cabinet. He turned back to Eleonora, observing her closely. "I have a feeling you don't like me very much," he remarked. "Have we met somewhere before?"
Eleonora shook her head. "It's just, you and the duke… What is your relationship?" she asked, desperation etched on her features.
Nacht tilted his head, confused by her question. "I mean, you are a pretty lady, and Sebastien is constantly talking about you, even when we are alone. It's like he is obsessed," Eleonora elaborated.
Nacht, recalling his earlier masquerade with the duke, treaded cautiously. "Eleonora, please understand," he began, "my dealings with the duke are... complicated." As he spoke, memories of his fabricated identity as a woman flooded his mind, but he refrained from divulging the details to Eleonora.
"Really?" Eleonora asked, searching his eyes for any hint of deception.
Nacht nodded, choosing his words carefully. "We have no such feelings towards each other. It is just business, I promise."
Eleonora took a deep breath, seemingly satisfied by his answer. "Ah yes! Sebastien wanted to talk to you when you woke up. He is in his chambers and says that you know the place," she said quickly.
Nacht nodded and left the room, making his way through the grand mansion to the duke's chambers. The opulence of the courtyard struck him, a stark contrast to the inns he was used to in his travels.
As he approached the duke's chambers, the door opened before he could knock. The duke stood there, a smile on his face. "Ah, Nacht. Come in, come in. We have much to discuss."
Nacht entered the room, noting the lavish furnishings and the heavy scent of incense that hung in the air. The duke gestured for him to sit.
"Drink?" the duke offered, pouring two glasses of a rich, amber liquid.
Nacht shook his head. "I think I had enough alcohol for a week's worth last night," he said.
The duke chuckled and took a sip before closing the bottle and putting it away. "Indeed you had. If I didn't take you away last night, you would have killed that bastard and my men," he said.
Nacht sighed and nodded. "I suppose I would have," he replied. He looked up at the duke. "Why am I here, Duke? You could have just dropped me off at a nearby inn."
The duke nodded. "I could have, but I decided to bring you with me," he replied.
Nacht's expression turned cold as he observed the duke. "What is it that you want, Duke?" he asked.
The duke smiled, his eyes glinting with a mysterious light. "First of all, I want you to call me Sebastien instead of 'Duke'," he said with a grin. "The other matter that I wanted to discuss is... your past," he continued.
Nacht looked at the duke. "My past?" he asked.
Sebastien nodded. "You have forgotten it, haven't you? At least most of it, no?"
Nacht sighed. "What do you know?" he asked.
Sebastien leaned back in his chair, studying Nacht intently. "More than you might expect. You see, Nacht, I've been following your journey for a long time. Not just as the Black Blade, but even before that."
Nacht's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Sebastien took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "You and I, Nacht, we share a history. There were events, people, and places that tie our fates together. Actions that both you and I took that led us to our reunion now. I've been searching for you, not because of your prowess in the arena or your connection to the Empire, but because of who you are, your true self."
Nacht's skepticism was evident. He smiled and shook his head."And who am I? What is my so called 'true self?'"
Sebastien leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "You are someone who has faced unimaginable trials and emerged stronger. You are a survivor, Nacht. You have been called a monster countless times, simply because of what you are."
Nacht remained silent, processing Sebastien's words. "What do you want from me?" Nacht finally asked.
"I want to help you remember," Sebastien replied softly. "And in doing so, perhaps you'll start trusting me and who knows … I might be able to call myself more than just an acquaintance to you."
Nacht's mind raced. The duke's curiosity was genuine, his intentions layered with a complexity that Nacht hadn't anticipated. For the first time, Nacht felt a sliver of doubt about his own perception of the duke and the path he was on.
"Alright," Nacht said finally. "But I want answers too. Who are you? Where do you know me from? When did we meet?"
Sebastien nodded. "Of course. All in due time, Black Blade. All in due time."
The duke's smile grew enigmatic, leaving Nacht with more questions than answers, sensing that the path ahead would reveal not just secrets of his past, but the true nature of what he was.
Suddenly, Nacht's head began to throb once more. The scent of incense intensified, enveloping him in a disorienting haze.His vision blurred and black veins appeared on the sides of his face and neck. Fangs elongated within his mouth, and his ears sharpened to points. Eyes that once held a human gaze now glowed with an otherworldly purple hue, piercing the dim light of the chamber. His hair whitened and lengthened, cascading like a spectral veil around him. Through the haze of transformation, he looked up at Sebastien, whose lips curled into a knowing smile. "You knew?" Nacht managed to utter before an agonizing pain consumed him.
Suddenly, images flashed in Nacht's mind. He saw his younger self and his sister traversing mountains, trekking through a rainy forest, and crossing desert sands before both collapsing on the warm sand. Another image flashed through his mind immediately after that. A woman, whom he recognized, carried him in her arms while a hooded figure next to her in black clothing carried his sister.
Abruptly, everything went dark. Nacht blinked, finding himself kneeling on the floor of the duke's chamber. He glanced up, catching the duke's smile. Rising quickly, he covered his mouth and nose against the incense's effects, drawing his sword and leveling it at the duke. "What have you done to me?" he demanded.
The duke calmly redirected Nacht's sword and met his gaze. "I helped you remember a fragment of your past, as I promised," he explained. Nacht eyed the swirling smoke of the incense, then back at the duke. "This incense is made from 'special' blood. It triggers your other self while incapacitating you to prevent harm. In this state, your memory begins to return," the duke elaborated, closing the incense holder to contain the smoke. Nacht's appearance slowly began to turn back to its usual self.
Nacht exhaled heavily, sheathing his sword. He settled onto the floor, facing the duke. "Whose blood is it?" he inquired. The duke shook his head. "That, I cannot reveal yet," he replied. "Very well… How do you know so much about me?" Nacht pressed further. "As I said, I know more than you think," the duke replied cryptically.
"If the blood smoke can restore my memory, why not allow me to remember everything?" Nacht questioned. "Because inhaling too much would prove fatal," the duke answered plainly.
Nacht mulled over the duke's words, a sense of unease creeping into his mind. The revelation of his past, even in fragments, stirred emotions and questions he had long buried.
"So, you know my past, yet you keep it secret from me," Nacht remarked, studying the duke's expression for any hint of deception.
The duke's gaze remained steady, his demeanor unreadable. "Some truths are better revealed in due time," he replied, his tone measured.
Nacht clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "I've spent years searching for answers, haunted by memories I couldn't grasp. Now, you show me only fragments!" he accused.
The duke leaned forward, his voice soft but firm. "Patience, Black Blade. The path to understanding is not always clear, but trust that I have your best interests at heart," he assured.
Despite his reservations, Nacht sensed a sincerity in the duke's words that gave him pause. Perhaps there was merit in the notion of patience, of allowing the puzzle pieces of his past to fall into place at their own pace.
"Fine," Nacht relented, easing the tension in his muscles. "But know this, Sebastien. I will not be kept in the dark forever. The truth will be revealed, one way or another," he declared, his voice carrying a steely resolve.
The duke nodded, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "As you wish, Nacht. The truth awaits those who dare seek it," he acknowledged, a flicker of anticipation dancing in his gaze.
With an unspoken understanding between them, Nacht and the duke settled into an uneasy alliance, bound by shared secrets and the promise of revelations yet to come.
A Silent Understanding
Ashley paced back and forth in the inn room, clearly worried. "Where is he!?" she asked angrily.
"Calm down, Ashley. I'm sure he's fine," replied Livia, trying to soothe her daughter.
"I hope you're right, but he almost killed that gladiator yesterday, and those guards were seriously hurt. Who knows what kind of prison he might have been thrown into!" she exclaimed. "Who's going to help us get Jack if he's gone?" she continued, her voice rising in frustration.
Livia sighed and sat back down in her chair. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door. Ashley quickly grabbed her sword, unsheathed it, and slowly opened the door. Without looking, she pointed the sword at the person standing there, but to her surprise, her sword was swiftly yanked away. She looked up to see Nacht standing in front of her.
"Nacht!" she exclaimed, relieved.
Nacht nodded. "That's still my name... last I checked," he replied, handing Ashley her sword before walking inside and dropping onto a chair next to Livia. He took off his cloak and set his sword aside.
"Where were you all night?!" Ashley demanded angrily.
Nacht remained silent, lost in thought as he tried to piece together the fragments of memories that had resurfaced, attempting to solve the puzzle of his past.
Livia placed a comforting hand on Nacht's shoulder and smiled. "Are you alright?" she asked.
Nacht looked at her and nodded. "I'm fine. Just drank myself silly last night. It won't happen again," he explained.
"Drank yourself silly?!" Ashley exclaimed angrily. "You almost killed three people last night, and you call that drinking yourself silly?!" she asked, her frustration evident.
Nacht sighed and walked into the kitchen, heating some water in a kettle and adding a few leaves and herbs to his mug.
"Word sure travels fast," he replied.
Ashley huffed, crossing her arms. "You can't just brush this off, Nacht! You need to stay focused like before, otherwise, we will never be able to win the next battle!"
Nacht nodded. "I understand." He carried his mug and set it in front of Livia. "Drink up," he said. Livia nodded gratefully, taking the mug with a small smile.
Ashley sighed, frustration still evident, and sat next to Nacht. She grabbed a few notes and a map of the arena from her bag, spreading them out on the table. "I went around last night and this morning asking about those twins, Liphia and Seraphina. I've noted a few weaknesses."
Nacht nodded for her to continue, his eyes scanning the map. "Their flanks are very well-guarded, so flanking them is out of the question. We need to be ruthless in our attacks and not let them breathe," she explained, tracing lines on the map with her finger. "We need to make them use all their hidden attacks in the first few minutes so they're out of tricks."
Nacht took a moment to consider her words. "I can handle that," he said shortly. Ashley nodded, trusting his ability. Nacht slid his finger over the map and pointed to one of the front-row seats in the arena. He explained his plan while Ashley listened carefully.
After his explanation, Ashley glanced at Nacht, noticing the fatigue etched into his features. "I… I'm sorry," she apologized softly.
Nacht looked at her, confused. "What for?"
"I've put a lot of pressure on you. You're always so strong, so I relied on you too much, made you carry a lot on your back," she elaborated, her voice tinged with guilt. "I forgot that even you need a break sometimes."
Ashley smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "You can do what you want in the arena, but I will prevent you from giving them a 'vicious death.' That's my choice, remember?" she said, turning his own words against him.
Nacht chuckled, a small smile playing on his lips. "If you say so," he replied, standing up and donning his cloak and sword. "Let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes our way."
Livia watched them with a mix of concern and pride. "You two have always been a formidable team. Just remember to take care of each other," she advised, her tone gentle but firm.
Nacht and Ashley exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. Despite the tension and uncertainty, Ashley knew she could rely on Nacht.
"Alright, let's go over the plan one more time," Nacht said, refocusing on the map. "We need to anticipate their moves and adapt quickly. No room for mistakes."
Ashley nodded, determination in her eyes. "We'll show those twins that we're not to be underestimated," she declared, her resolve unwavering.
As they discussed their strategy, the weight of the upcoming battle pressed heavily on them, but with their combined skills and unwavering support for each other, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. The arena awaited, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The Seraphic Spears
The atmosphere in the arena crackled with electric anticipation as the announcer's voice thundered through the air, setting the stage for an epic showdown. "Ladies and Gentlemen, brace yourselves for the second round of the main event! On one side, we have the indomitable duo, feared and revered alike, presenting 'The Seraphic Spears'!"
With a flourish of grandeur, the metal gate swung open, revealing Liphia and Seraphina, their forms emanating an aura of lethal elegance as they brandished their gleaming spears. The crowd erupted into a chorus of awed whispers and hushed reverence, acknowledging the sisters' prowess with eager anticipation.
The announcer's voice boomed once more, punctuating the charged atmosphere, "And on the other side, undaunted and unyielding, the formidable 'Black and Silver Blade'!"
All eyes turned expectantly, but instead of the anticipated duo, there stood Ashley, a solitary figure bathed in the spotlight of the arena. Yet, her presence radiated an undeniable intensity, her unwavering gaze locking onto her adversaries with a steely resolve that commanded respect.
A collective gasp swept through the audience as they realized the absence of the famed Black Blade, replaced by the lone warrior who now faced the daunting challenge ahead. Yet, there was an undeniable thrill in the air, a palpable tension that electrified the arena with anticipation.
With a thunderous roar, Ashley launched herself into action, her movements a blur of speed and precision as she closed the distance between herself and the twins with determined strides. The crowd held its breath, hearts pounding in rhythm with each step of the unfolding spectacle.
In a dazzling display of skill and ferocity, Ashley's blade clashed with Liphia's spear, the resounding clash echoing throughout the arena like a battle cry. Sparks flew as metal met metal, the intensity of their confrontation igniting the crowd into a frenzy of exhilaration.
With a swift dodge, Ashley narrowly evaded Seraphina's retaliatory strike, her instincts sharp and honed as she danced on the edge of danger. The twins, undeterred by Ashley's defiance, pressed their advantage with calculated precision, their coordinated assault driving her towards the arena's edge.
Yet, as the tension reached its crescendo, Ashley's resolve remained unshaken, her spirit unyielding in the face of overwhelming odds. With a defiant roar, she rallied her strength, bracing herself for the clash to come, determined to defy the odds and emerge victorious against all odds.
The sisters finally reached the barricade where Ashley was leaning onto. Liphia crouched down, giving her sister a jumping boost, while Seraphina leaped into the air, spear raised above her head, ready to strike. But before Seraphina could bring her weapon down upon Ashley, a hooded figure leaped from the crowd, unsheathing his sword with deadly precision. With a swift, merciless stroke, he slashed Seraphina's throat open.
A fountain of blood spurted from the gaping wound, drenching the sands of the arena in crimson. Seraphina staggered backward, clutching her throat in agony, her gurgling screams drowned out by the roar of the crowd. With each gasping breath, her lifeblood ebbed away, staining the ground beneath her with a pool of crimson.
The hooded figure revealed himself to be Nacht, the infamous Black Blade, his eyes glinting with a chilling resolve. As Seraphina collapsed to her knees, her strength waning, the crowd erupted into cheers, reveling in the spectacle of death before them.
Nacht glanced at Ashley, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Separate the sisters and halt their coordinated attacks," he remarked, his voice tinged with satisfaction. Ashley nodded, her eyes lingering on Seraphina's lifeless form with a mixture of remorse and determination.
Liphia watched in horror as her sister's life slipped away before her eyes, her own heart pounding with dread and despair. Tears streamed down her face as she scrambled to her feet, her grip tightening on her spear. With a mix of fear and fury, she backed away from Nacht and Ashley, knowing she was no match for their lethal prowess.
With a final, desperate glance at the gate, Liphia turned and sprinted toward freedom, her breath ragged and her heart pounding in her chest. But her hopes were dashed as the gate crashed shut with a deafening clang, sealing her fate within the arena's merciless grasp.
Choices and Consequences
Nacht refocused on Liphia and sighed heavily, his grip tightening on his bloodied sword as he slowly approached her. Ashley stood by his side, her eyes fixed on him with a mixture of concern and anticipation. The crowd hushed, waiting to see what fate the Black Blade would mete out to his defeated foe.
Liphia, now on her knees, threw her spear away in a gesture of surrender, pleading for mercy. Nacht's expression softened momentarily as he looked down at her, a flicker of empathy in his eyes. He closed his eyes briefly, as if wrestling with an inner turmoil, before reopening them and moving closer to Liphia.
With a tense silence enveloping the arena, Nacht raised his sword to his side, poised to strike. But instead of delivering a fatal blow, he gestured toward the open gate on the opposite side of the arena, offering Liphia a chance to flee. It was a rare display of mercy from the infamous Black Blade.
Relief washed over Liphia's face as she realized she had been spared. Ashley breathed a sigh of relief, recognizing that Nacht had made the right choice, finally breaking free from the Duke's hold. Liphia slowly rose to her feet and made her way toward the gate, her gaze fixed on Nacht with a mix of gratitude and trepidation.
As Liphia reached the threshold of freedom, she suddenly spun around, seizing her spear with a swift, treacherous motion aimed at Ashley. With deadly precision, she lunged forward, intent on ending the life of her unaware adversary.
In a split-second reaction, Nacht acted, swiftly moving to protect Ashley. He embraced her tightly, using his own body as a shield against Liphia's lethal strike. The crowd gasped in horror as the spear pierced Nacht's back, the sharp tip emerging from his chest.
Nacht gritted his teeth against the searing pain, his vision swimming as he felt the warmth of his own blood soaking his clothes. Liphia's whispered words echoed in his ears, a chilling reminder of the consequences of his actions."You thought I'd let you go after you killed my sister? Go to hell!"
Meanwhile, Ashley watched in shock and horror as Nacht staggered backward, the wound gaping and oozing black blood. She fell to her knees, her heart wrenching at the sight of his suffering, realizing the depth of the danger they were in.
Liphia ignored Nacht and moved towards Ashley but before she could deliver the final blow to Ashley, she felt a sudden, searing pain erupt in her own back. A blade, wielded by Nacht himself, pierced her flesh, slicing through her torso with ruthless efficiency.
Liphia's agonized screams filled the air as Nacht twisted the blade, severing her upper body from her lower half. She crumpled to the ground, her life fading away in a pool of her own blood, a testament to the brutality of the Black Blade.
Ashley looked up in disbelief as Nacht struggled to stay upright, his strength waning with each passing moment. With a surge of adrenaline, she rushed to his side, catching him before he could collapse, her hands trembling as she tried to staunch the flow of blood from his wound.
"Nacht! Stay with me!" she cried out desperately, her voice filled with fear and anguish. But despite her efforts, Nacht's eyes began to flutter shut, his consciousness slipping away.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating the downfall of Liphia and the brutal triumph of the Black Blade. But for Ashley, all she could hear was the sound of Nacht's labored breathing, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the unforgiving world of the arena.