"Yes lord Terragon." As he said this, he stood on the branch he was seated on and bowed mockingly, but also deeply.
"I knew they would send you to spy me but not to bring me in. You don't have the arsenal to fight these many Creeds, let alone the Capitaneus leading this group."
"How you underestimate me, but I really don't have the arsenal to deal with his speed since you ruined my present. Which is why I was hoping to tire them with pawns and give you the chance to run. Being far from home is hard. It is even hard to find good quality bandits in this country—except for the guys I blew up or should I say to you. Lord Terragon." he followed with a laugh after casually explaining he killed two men, signs of a fein. "But your grandfather will be proud to hear you've gotten stronger. What was that? You couldn't do that four years ago when you were still that mean little shrimp, but now you've grown."
"Shut up! What are you doing here!?" Titen spat.
"Rescuing you from the evils that want you to kill your own family, they kidnapped a child. What kind of sick, twisted individuals could do that? Nobles, I then remembered that the Creed was full of spoiled noble brats who wanted to play hero. That flash Artemer was so convinced that taking you away was heroic." No, he isn't referring to who I think he is. "Alone, I couldn't possibly rescue you—but with my new friends and yours truly." He pointed at Titen as he said that. "We will all be home before dinner, I can promise that Lord Terragon."
"No. I'm not going with you, I'm leaving with the Creeds to take their exam and become one of them. Seeing as if I too am a noble or royal, it doesn't matter though—what does is me, is not leaving with you."
As Titen said this, the caramel skin-coloured man's face distorted for only a second and returned to his grinning self.
"To spy on them? Don't worry. We already have spies in their ranks. Such minor work is beneath you, my lord. Your family misses you, especially your uncle Lyon."
"You're not understanding me, Spade. I plan to join the Creed in order to stop my family."
"Oh my! They really have corrupted your young mind, my lord. How sad." A single tear fell from his left eye, but his grin grew wider. "Don't worry, I'll save you! My friends kill the Creeds or die trying to! I have been a naughty boy and am being summoned right now." He began wincing as if in pain for some reason and began to turn his back. Tattoos appeared on his body and quickly disappeared, his pain subsided you could see it in his movements. "It was a pleasure seeing my young lord's face. Don't worry, I know that they did something to you that prevents us from retrieving you. The code received my lord!"
"I see your leash is being pulled."
He turned around again. "Come now, Titen, you're not very good at taunting me. You know that—maybe the Creeds are gullible, but you and I know we have our own date very soon. I got what I came for, a man with a spine. You of all people should know how important that is to your family. When I'm given the order to bring you in, I'll be sure to let you know—for now I suggest you enjoy your freedom, a gift from your grandfather. See the world before you destroy it, Lord Terragon. Hahaha!" He began to disappear into sand that flowed in the direction of the wind.
"Where are you going, you bastard!?" Nam screamed at the top of his lungs and lunged from his position into a flashpoint. Heading straight for the man on the branch, a fiendish smile crept on Spade's face.
"No Nam stay back. No one gets close to him!" Titen screamed, Capitaneus Dakila quickly let go of me and also seemed to flashpoint himself was distracted by Titen restraining his arm.
"What are you?"
During this, Nam had made it to the tree branch where Spade stood, and a gust of sand exploded and imploded. As the dust cleared, the figures of Nam and Spade were gone. He teleported Nam away instantaneously. It's no wonder why Titen retrained Dakila—he too would have been swallowed by the teleportation. North of me, another spatial warp of sand appeared, is it more foes as a parting gift. No, it's much worse. The body of Nam appeared bloodied and lifeless. Sand debris covered his entire body, and in some wounds, the sand was still moving like maggots on a corpse as it dissolved into chi.
A scream took me out of my daze, I looked toward the source. It was Hong. Her scream and tears reminded me of when I received news of my brother's passing and how I cried. The rest of the Flash Tyrants were in shock, Isa was in tears as she dropped her spirit weapon spear and she fell ro the ground. Nimuel's grip on his axe was shivering.
"You won't even leave behind his axe, you monster! That's his soul you're taking, haven't you taken more from him!" Nimuel shouted. "I won't forget you, Spade! Give it back, give it back!" A tear ran down his face. A laugh echoed throughout the forest.
The bandits revelled in this. They began laughing and talking amongst themselves. Seeing us shaken gave them the confidence to be on the attack again if Spade's threat wasn't motivation enough our weakness was.
"Warriors!" Dakila shouted. "Fight on. We still have a mission. Our brother will be mourned but not in battle when his body is still warm." He took one look at Titen, and the boy quickly let go of his arm that he'd restrained. The Capitaneus cladded himself in lightning as he activated his point, and Titen focused on his own foes that crept closer to him, ignoring the fact that he was standing next to the angry Capitaneus.
I brandished and spun my spear, I grew tired of this mission way before this confrontation with the enemy but now I'm fucking pissed. Not only did we lose a comrade, but the enemy, for some reason, had no intention of taking Titen yet. The part that makes me furious is the fact that I couldn't go anywhere near the man who killed my brother—and even though I was given lethal force on Titen, I'm sure Dakila was given different orders. He wasn't holding himself back in that battle. He was watching me. I hate this mission very much.
"Try not to kill me." The boy said back, turning to me. This taunt would go unpunished in a different matter but now I need to focus, the mission is not over yet.
"Don't get in my way!" I retorted, enraged I lunged forward into a point. The others joined in battle, these bandits were not going anywhere. Death by our hands seemed to not rival death from Spade's sand mine. I do not blame them nor do I pity them, the life of an outlaw is harsh. The life of a Creed is just if not harder; we just have to carry on fighting. Nam understood this which is why I cannot mourn you even if you and my brother were…
****
"I see Electruim!" Ong shouted from the coachman position, the two soldiers that served as the coachmen before were injured in our battle last night. Ong had to serve as our replacement by his request, leaving me in a coach with Mila and another female from the Luxian military. A military captain in rank by her sash, she and I were easily matched in strength. Elementiss high-tier or Elementa low-tier from what I sensed. She and her scythe were covered in blood head to toe, it was clear it wasn't hers but why couldn't she rinse it off a little? She reeked of her victims and her closing her eyes with her arms and legs crossed—pissed me off. The grin and humming was clearly that of a psychopath, this is why I never joined the military. They just allow anyone who is willing to risk their lives for their nation to join, regardless of their mental state.
Isa sat next to me thankfully when she quickly realised she would be sharing a coach with the three of us. I know she wanted to be at Hong side but with Nam dead it made her the fifth fastest person in the convoy—that's valuable in a fight, at some point she insisted on sitting with Ong. I wouldn't let her, there was no way I was going to sit with bitch Mila and the crazy all by myself for twelve plus hours. One of us would be the only one to walk out it alive. Ong might have had the same idea, that's why he was so insistent on driving, news of nearly arriving at Electruim was a godsend. First me and Dakila would have to report to Lord Justice and then I'm going to take a much needed wash. I smell like crazy as well.
"Ah! Electruim it's been a while since I've visited the city." The crazy began talking. "Apologies if I've been too quiet up to this point, I was just thinking about how powerful that Spade guy was and what fun I could have had with him—for of course killing our comrade."
"No need to apologise, it's fine if you don't want to waste your breath, it's full of lies anyway."
"Yes it is, I couldn't care less. I just so happy to be had been assigned to such a wondrous mission—at first I was bored but after meeting a Venalicium for the first time." Her body started to squirm, freaking out Mila who was beside her. "I can't wait to kill my first Venalicium. I had hoped to do that during the mission but it seems I was invisible to him. No worries I'm sure to find more opportunities in the future, especially now that the Terragon boy will be used to kill his family. I've waited for too long, the chance to kill a Terragon will finally fall upon me."
Isa completely ignored her monologue as she was looking outside through the broken window.
"Isa, is it?" She finally opened her eyes and looked directly at Isa as she asked.
"Yes." She responded nonchalantly, not even looking at the blood stained woman.
"It was an honour fighting alongside you in battle, the Flash Tyrants are famous after all even in Lux—and you surely didn't disappoint, as expected of the notorious 'Flash Ballet'."
"Ah thank you, I'm honoured um…"
"Ah yes, our identities were not disclosed to you Creeds by request of our higher-ups for security reasons." She crept closer and unfolded her legs to widen them and seat as a man, her grin grew wider and extended her bloodied glove. "Nice to meet you Isa, my name is Captain Leona Marble. I'm from a secret military division and that's all I can say—but to be formally requested for this mission by his majesty. One can only hope to be so fortunate and be on a mission with the Flash Tyrants again. I just hoped I performed adequately."
"I'm sure your victims would agree, if they could." I said as I kept sights on her filthy glove, causing her to lower her hand and take a long look at it.
"How improper of me, there just wasn't any time for a lady to tidy up. Apologies to all for my unsightly scene and stench, those bandits just weren't familiar with water—or maybe it's because some of them shitted themselves before their demise. That last shit is said to be the most...what's the word."
"Concentrated!" Mila interjected, handkerchief still covering her nose.
"Potent." Isa nonchalantly chanted.
"Partridge."
"All serve as great words, thank you."
"Well since it's been a while since you've been to Electruim, I'll find you an escort to guide you to the perfect inn. To help you clean up the blood and grime."
"It would be an honour to be appointed an escort by the famous Legatus Maya, I just hope your choice isn't the gentleman coaching us."
"How'd you figure it out?"
"Just the convenience of the situation and I might kill him for…"
"Say no more." That fool has zero taste in women, now I'm going to be lumped in the same group as this crazy.
"I would appreciate it if my escort could be lady Kovo right here."
"Take her." I grinned.
"Ah, why me!?"
"Do you have a problem with that Creed?" I stared daggers at the lower rank.
"Well I'm glad it's settled." The crazy said with a loud clap, her grin even grew wider as she looked at Mila.
Mila, unpleased with this, could only stare daggers at me till we arrived at the city border walls. Isa looked out her cracked window at the direction of the public gate, we were heading to Creed's secret entrance. East of the main gate.
"The line is as long as ever, I guess it can't be helped with all the security checks and all." Isa commented.
"Luxxa is no exception to the long lines and we have more than just four entrances." Leona also commented. For instance I saw real emotion at the mention of her home.
"Moss has the same dilemma, one of the many reasons why I hate going home." Mila added.
"Let me guess, the other reason is because you and your family are racist. I hear your capital is crawling with Metalloids." I said sarcastically.
"I'm not racist!"
"There is no shame in being racist, all countries have some sort of animosity directed at another." The crazy woman said to Mila, Mila simply looked away. "After all, Fulgurians hate Luxians. Am I wrong about that Legatus?"
"Only because you greedy Luxians took so much of our ancestral land and claimed it to be yours!"
"I wouldn't know or even care less, to me it's just the bickering of nobles and royals. I'm just glad I'm not into politics, they bore me."
"Spoken like a Luxian." Isa got a word in.
The coach swayed side to side as it picked up speed, up and down we went—we were going deeper into the tunnels. I'll have to make my report and take a shower. We eventually came to a stop meaning we were under the Creed headquarters Maximiliano, the home of the Creeds. Isa quickly got out of the coach and I followed suit, leaving Mila to her new friend. Ong seemed to be leading to the passageways that lead to the surface, unlike him to run away from women. The crazy must be that much of a deterrent, what can I say—I'm also deterred.
Titen was carried out of his coach, a bag covered his face and his arms and legs were tied. His sword that should have been confiscated when we met, but wasn't because of cultural reasons—was in the firm grip of Dakila. Isa was at Hong's side who was probably comforted by Nimuel and one of her friends from the Thunderclaps. Now Isa was hugging her deeply, face swollen from crying the entire trip but her face lit up with anger. The figure of Titen being carried was the cause of this distortion on my juniors face. Titen was being carried to the passage by two Creeds and exchanged to other two guards who stood in front of the passage after salutation were given. The bandaged body of Nam appeared from one of the coaches, quickly bringing Hong to tears again. Seeing his body just cemented how lucky we were that the Terragons didn't appear, what am I thinking? That's the thoughts of a weakling, but now I'm more vengeful towards you—Spade.
Titen's POV
My actions last night did not sit well with my escorts, the once friendly Capitaneus Dakila had me tied up and dragged.
I assumed we would use one of the Creeds' many secret entrances in Maximiliano rather than using the conventional entrances in the city. I was right when for a moment I heard the bustling of the city then the next moment silence. My only companion was the echoes of the horse hoof steps and yelping—followed by the wooden wheels turning on stone. The smell of sulphur got stronger the deeper into the tunnels we went, a pleasant smell I might say. Hot Springs are Electruim's main attraction, they outclass even that of Metallum—that's what Nam told me. I could feel the tension between me and those in my coach, especially the Capitaneus heavy aura.
"The Oracle said one of us would die when she was whispering to you.?"
"Yes, she also said I would have to choose."
"Why?"
"Why did I choose you or why didn't I tell you? I would have many questions in your position, so it's hard to know which is which."
"That's true, how did you know it would be me? Shall we start with that one then."
"She didn't tell me directly who it was exactly, but living with her for four years you can't help but pick up on certain things about her premonitions." I paused hoping for an interruption, I guess I've gotten used to being interrupted. "She see more than one future at a time, she probably saw futures where I was taken or other members of your party—dead. Her actions in a way must cement those futures, what if saving Nam meant you would be dead. What would have happened to us without someone as powerful as you to lead us. Surely you get where I'm going with this. The way she said I would have to choose, meant to me that there wouldn't be such great consequences. I prioritise and the way I did it was ask your parties questions, in my conversation with Nam I learned alot about him. His reaction was unavoidable in the presence of the man that killed his love."
"Wha!?"
"You didn't know, well I hear nobles keep it a secret not only from their families but to think not even his commanding officer knew. A coward till the end, weak."
"He wasn't weak! And definitely not a coward." The Capitaneus shouted as he grabbed me by my shirt, then he quickly let go of me.
"Physical maybe not, but emotionally he was. The Terragons will exploit that for fun. Nam fell for the oldest trick in my grandfather's playbook, you saw for yourself. I knew that if I made Legatus Maya focus solely on me I would keep her far from Spade, her abilities are famous throughout the entire world. I also knew that no matter what I did on the battlefield, you would protect me no matter what." I giggled. "I'm more important to the Creed than I am to my family, you the man said to be strong as an elemento. Spade would not fight you head, so was Kaya but he has his ways to deal with powerful individuals. I saved you from his intellect, so you can hate me all you want—but remember I'm the only reason why you aren't half way across the world in enemy territory!"
"I once met Princess Ayame, she used to speak so highly of life. 'All must be treasured' she used to say, but you. You compartmentalise everything don't you, you take after your father."
"I recognised my father's strength because my mother was weak."
"Then why fight in her name?"
"Who said I'm fighting for her?"
"Then what are you fighting for?"
"Survival."
"Survival? *Hmph.* It's hard to believe you're a child."
"Shouldn't you know better? This world is cruel. What is it that we can truly fight for then ourselves to the best of our ability? Everyone is doing it, I just didn't want to be the last to know. Am I not the one who is going to kill his own family."
"Desperation, kid, leads to regrettable actions."
"I'm way past regrettable actions, I'll do anything to get to my goals. Anyone who's in my way will be removed." The bag hid my face but I'm sure he knew it was emotionless as I said this.
Our coach came to a halt and I was escorted out of the coach by one of the personnel with Dakila, another to hold off me outside the coach as I descended. I tried to walk with my feet but at the pace my escorts were moving, I was essentially carried. The staircase was a little challenging, I stumbled a few times as I ascended. I know this path , I was escorted in the same manner four years ago but instead of taking the topside. I was still underground heading in a direction unfamiliar to me, the sounds of savages was deafening. These were the dungeons, the noise subsided little by little then there was silence.
"Untie him." The Capitaneus said to his men.
With my hands free I removed my bag from my head, expecting to awaken in a cell. To my disappointment it was a door.
"This is where you will stay the night, be ready for tomorrow." He said as he opened the door, to a room with a single bed and candle lit. "Food will arrive on the hour and supper a few hours later."
"Thank you, but no windows? I really would of liked to see the night life if Electruim tonight. I guess that will have to wait."
His eyes widened for a second, I wonder why?
"Remember."
"Yes no trying to escape. I'm not a fool, I can tell that this building is laced with Chillium. I'm just shocked that a Chillium bracelet wasn't on me this entire trip instead of the coaches." I walked into my five stars dungeon lined with more concentrated Chillium than that of the coaches, just walking in took away my ability to manipulate the chi within me. A bucket was to my right with its own candle lighting it. "I wonder how I'm going to breathe after I've taken a shit, yesterday's meal was a tad too munchy."
"Try to hold it in."
I giggled. "I'll keep that in mind, may we meet again Capitaneus Dakila Stastny."
The door closed, I lost my grin and went straight to the bucket. I survived the ordeal of travel now to fight for my position in the Creed, I'll recruit the finest into my brigade—so I can defeat you father. The sound of my shit hitting the bucket brought me back to reality, after wiping my ass with the paper provided I went to my bed. I closed my eyes for what felt like a moment and opened them to the sound of the door unlocking and opening.
"Food!" A woman wearing a grey pallium barged in with a tray at hand. The pallium is colour coded to differentiate where a warrior comes from. Grey means Metallum, yellow is Fulgur, blue is Aqua, white is lux, red is Ignis, brown is Terra, black is Umbra and lastly silver is Ventus.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me scum, I might have spit in your rice."
"Really, I'm sure you added poison as well." I grinned.
"Cocky bastard, come take your food. I'm not permitted to enter."
I stood up from my bed and walked to the tray with beef stew, rice and bread. My eyes were solely focused on the food when I took a moment to look at her face. I just saw disgust, I don't blame her with how focused I was with the tray near her chest area. She quickly shoved the tray into my chest, spilling some of the red liquid in the cup. It smelt like wine, would they give me alcohol before an exam? The woman crept closer than crouched till we were at eye level.
"Don't worry the wine is boiled, what you have to worry about is your competition in the exams. Even with all this chillium lining the walls, I can sense you aren't that great."
"I guess I could have really used the kick, disappointing." I joked.
The woman was unamused and simply mumbled something as she walked away, leaving me astonished. The door closed on me and I went back to my bed, I quickly devoured my food and went back to sleeping. A knock and opening of the door woke me up again, this time I didn't sleep for a few minutes, hours had passed. A different woman walked in with a tray of food at hand, she wore a Ignis maid attire with her red pallium. She was beautiful when we locked eyes, her aesthetic hypnotised me even her movements—as she walked and placed my new tray of food on my bed gently and took my old from the floor. We stared at each other in silence and she bowed and turned her back to me, those deep orange feline eyes. She's an Arc, her chi signature is something I've never felt before. It's warm I thought to myself in surprise, it was like touching a hot surface that could melt steel—but once you touched it the warmth enveloped you like an embrace. She turned again and bowed
"Thank you." She muttered and left. The door closed behind her.
This new tray had hot tea and five dumplings with what looked like mochi balls on a stick. I took a closer inspection of this suspicious substance, it can't be mochi, is it mochi? I quickly took a bite of one of the dumplings, and by the gods. My insides were singing, in fact they were thanking me but I quickly put down my dessert.
"I shouldn't spoil my supper." I scolded myself.
I took a bite of one of the dumplings, and by the gods there was no way I could spoil this dinner. The pork chashu elevated me, was it that woman who cooked for me? If it was, I'm in love. Though Nelly said to bring her rivals, against this cook it would be unfair. I appreciate Nelly's good cooking but it never was her strong suit, so it can be forgiven. Sorry Nelly maybe in another challenge you would win, but in terms of looks they look more or less the same. The black tea tasted like black tea, nothing special. I quickly devoured my dumplings and treated myself to the rest of the mochi. I made sure to savour each bite and washed it down with the tea. Sleeping on a full stomach of great food is something I missed. My eyelids closed and this time I would only wake when morning felt approaching. The exam is tomorrow. I can't lie and say I'm excited, I just want this to come to a favourable conclusion.