What Is This?

The air was as clean as it always had been around their home. Home. It still felt odd letting the words conjure themselves up in her mind. This was Gahbreal's home as well as her own and the feeling of even knowing that were the way things were made her chest warm. He was an amazing man and far too misunderstood by his fellow claimants, yet none of that seemed to matter when they were together. All he was to Cyva was a big softie and she wasn't capable of seeing him in any other way unless he wasn't having any nonsense.

His home was well taken care of, staying in perfect condition even when he was injured. Her Wolf always managed to find the time to take care of the little things and it was because of that she often found herself lacking in things to do around the home. He's often go without sleeping if she didn't force him to do so and yet when he did fall victim to exhaustion waking him up could take days if he had been too busy beforehand and today managed to be one of those times. She found him sleeping on the couch under the spinning fan. Every window in the home was opened with the rays of the setting sun casting themselves onto the hardwood floor and leather couch. He looked so peaceful, so calm, so docile when he slept. He was just a big child at times and yet none of those compared to when he slept, curled up with a smile on his face. He must have fallen asleep before he could join her in the bed again, his outfit for work was still on save for hi coat which was lying on the floor next to him.

"Gahbreal, sweetheart, let us go to the bed", her voice like that of a mermaid's song. "You will cause yourself back pains if you stay here."

"Mmm, just a few more minutes."

She frowned. He wasn't going to make this easy as always. She pressed her hands against his arm and pushed him with all her might. He was so heavy it was difficult to even move him and yet he turned over on his own which caused her to lose her footing and stumble to her knees. Now she was mad, cheeks puffed up like that of a toddler preparing to throw aa tantrum and yet she wasn't going to let him rile her up so easily. It was a mistake to turn over on his back.

"So you're going to be like that? Okay then." She huffed as she spun around and plopped down on his stomach. A cough fled his throat as he lifted himself up quickly, his arms wrapping around the culprit. His eyes opened slowly and he was clearly still groggy as it seemed that alone was a struggle, but what was more important was the vestiges or red which rested within those eyes of his. "Hard day of work?"

"I'm up, I'm up", he responded without letting go of her. "You could always just wake me up like a normal person, right?"

"Well I always try that but you do not wake up. So I did things my way."

"Yeah, well your way tends to hurt", he picked himself up with her in his arms and spun about the room in the hues of orange and purple which flooded the room. She smiled knowing he wasn't too upset with being woken up so suddenly. It was always a fifty-fifty chance that he get up in a good or bad mood, but knowing he was in a good mood meant he wouldn't go back to sleep and their plans wouldn't be put on hold for the night. "So what have I done to be woken up by an angel today?"

She laughed at his words, motioning to be placed down on her feet. Quickly fixing her clothes she grabbed his hands and held them in her own. He smiled as well which he knew she was trying to get out of him and yet she wouldn't have to try hard to begin with. She often woke him up just to do simple things like lounge around in a different room or go outside and get fresh air, but he could tell she was planning something this time.

"Go and get ready, put on something casual and meet me outside." She rushed out the front entrance of the house which made him cautious yet filled him with an unwavering sense of excitement. What could she possibly be planning? Normally they would just relax at home or go out for dinner, but this was different from her normal way of doing things.

"Alright then. Let's see what you've got for me babe."

---

She waited patiently by his bike, a vehicle she had never even seen him use and yet he took great care of it. So many parts were custom made it couldn't properly be called by any branding and looked as if it were something from a movie. There was even a place on its side where his axe could be secured and taken with him if he so desired. It was clean and covered in multiple stickers and decals that depicted wolves, a few with bunnies which she had personally placed on there herself. He never told her she couldn't and instead seemed glad she did at times so she would continue adding little things as time went on. There was a picture of him and another woman on the gas tank which he told her was his previous love, but he resigned to calling her his best friend. She was a special person obviously and he had told her that she was human no less. To be a human capable of taming him was more to be respected over anything else, but even still he never spoke the girl's name.

Just as her mind began to wonder more about his past the doors flew open and out stepped Gahbreal. He wore a pair of blue jeans and a flannel black shirt with the sleeves rolled just above his elbows. His boots were a deep brown and the gloves he normally wore on his hands were replaced with a brown leather fingerless gloves. He closed the door behind himself and approached her with his normal confident stride and once within range he placed his hands on her waist quickly followed by a kiss.

"So what have you got planned for us today?" He asked with eyes examining the chaos claimant. She wore a white sun dress and with a black denim jacket and a pair of black boots. Her hair left down, a mix between strait strands of hair and braids which brushed against her shoulders. Her cheeks were a rosy red as if she were already embarrassed by something, but then he remembered he started this conversation with a kiss which never failed to make the German woman blush.

"Well let me show you!" She spoke in an excited manner as she jumped onto his bike, an action that made his heart drop. She grabbed her helmet which rested  on one of the handlebars and secured it over her head of hair. "Get on and lets get going."

"Um, are you sure about that? You do know what you're doing right?"

He had never once seen her get on that bike without him at the helm and he hadn't the slightest clue as to what she was doing. The bike was always in the same condition he had left it in so she never used it for practice. Was she trying to say she wanted to learn? If so it would be better to do this during the day and yet she looked as if her patience was slipping away from her. No matter, if things went awry he'd simply have to prioritize her safety and things would turn out just fine.

He approached the bike and sat behind her which was already something new. She was so small, a whopping five feet and seven inches compared to him. It was a reminder of how much he simply had to protect her even if she was against his constant worrying. He trained her to be more than capable of handling any situation and yet he worried about her any time he got the chance. He grabbed his helmet from its spot hanging from the side of the bike and secured in over his head with a deep breath. She looked back at him and smiled the moment she felt his hands wrap around her waist. She knew why he enjoyed riding this thing with her at that very moment and as the engine revved and they took off down the dirt road it became even more clear. The feeling of his hands pressing against her stomach was beyond any other type of euphoria she could imagine. A feeling of reliance and stability, as if he put all of his trust in her and it only made her speed up even more.

"Hey you're pretty good at this. How long have you known how to ride?"

"I had to learn when I was a part of the Spezialeinsatzkommando, before I was assigned to Grenzschutzgruppe 9 or as they call it, GSG 9 and counterterrorism. I can operate any vehicle you put me behind the wheel of including motorcycles." He could tell by her confidence and control that she knew what she was doing, but he didn't know she was that experienced. Why hadn't she asked to drive before?

After riding down the dirt road for what seemed like hours they finally managed to reach the end of his property which connected to a paved road. Cyva turned onto the road and increased their speed as if they were running late. She hadn't told him where they were going and yet he wouldn't dare question her on it, no need to waste time asking her something he knew she wouldn't answer. She enjoyed surprises and surprising others even more. This was no doubt a plan of hers that she'd put together and he wasn't going to ruin it by prying the answers out of her as he normally did. The cool air was rather calming as it brushed past them and the feeling alone was enough to make him settle into the situation. Cyva on the other hand was quite pleased.

She could feel his heart beating on her back, slow and steady just as he took an approach to everything yet speeding up ever so slightly with each bump in the road they encountered. He was so comfortable and his presence alone made her want to just keep driving forever. Was this how it always felt for him when she would hold onto him? He rode his bike in a casual and loose manner, taking hard turns and driving as if he wanted a thrill from the road itself meanwhile she drove as if she wanted to experience him more, having him put his trust in her capabilities and looking to her for direction. He didn't speak however which made things even more comfortable and serene. The sun had just managed to creep beneath the horizon so deep purples and blues melted into one another throughout the sky until indigo and black spread about like thick ink in water. She'd certainly have to drive more from now on to experience this with him again.

As they arrived at a nearby town the buildings came into view, none that he cared to remember or commit to memory and yet Cyva knew them all, she had to if her plans for tonight were going to work out. The chaos claimant drove as if the law was simply a word that carried no meaning, swerving though cars, ducking in and out of traffic and speeding through stop signs and red lights like they didn't even exist.

"Woah woah woah, take it easy now! There's no rush!" It was almost as if her words weren't reaching her as she made so many close calls the night started to feel like it might be their last! "Just slow down woman, the roads not goin anywhere!"

A few more sharp turns and scrapes past death and the bike came to a screeching halt as they turned into the parking lot of a restaurant he'd never even seen before. He sat for a moment, eyes as wide as the ocean until the chaos claimant tapped him on the forehead. His attention shifted to her as his heart finally began to slow down and he hastily stood from the back of the bike and stumbled onto his feet.

"Alright... I'm drivin us back because I'll be damned if I experience that twice in one night. You drive like that all the time? We ain't runnin from the cops Rabbit."

She giggled at his reaction yet shrugged it off as if it were something to simply be shrugged off. "Well I couldn't be late. We would have left earlier but you were sleeping so soundly I actually let you sleep until we were an hour late."

"You what?" He questioned as she led him inside the building. "Do they even hold reservations for that long at these places? I've never even heard of this place before... and why the hell are all of the damn lights off? I swear I go between work and home so much I don't understand anything anymore about these places! Who else is even supposed to see in here except for me?"

As easily as he could see in the dark it seemed as if it were more difficult than normal. What was happening here? Or at least he would have asked the words aloud if his walking wasn't interrupted by tripping over something he couldn't even see! He fell forward, unable to see anything he could catch himself on as the sound of tumbling and the crashing of tables and chairs filled the silence in the room. The lights flashed on the reveal him lying on his back in a pile of now broken or toppled dining room furniture. He seemed as if he would refuse to get up for a movement yet slowly lifted his head as if expecting to find thousands of reasons to pick up his spouse and walk out of the building and instead was met with a conversation between his wife and a familiar face.

"Really guys? You cannot be serious." She questioned Shinzo who seemed to be speaking on behalf of the others actions.

"I apologize. We told them it would be a poor idea and yet they clearly wouldn't listen to us."

"Just let the feckers do what they want. They'll be the ones who get into trouble so don't apologize for them", Haden spoke from a table at which DeVian, Stasia, Steph, Vivian and Evans all sat together. "You're making it seem like we all had something to do with it Bruce Lee."

"What? He looks nothing like Bruce Lee my guy", Evans responded too the Irishman's words.

"Well shite, I'm sorry but I'm having trouble trying to find out when I asked ya Bobby Boucher!"

"I don't even know why you tried reasoning with him Evans. It never works and you know that", Stasia shook her head at their exchange. How could he still manage to be so childish even after all this time?

"Maybe we should just stop letting him watch movies so he discovers less shit to insult people with because he wont stop unless we stop him clearly", DeVian interjected.

"I don't know if that would be enough to solve the problem", Vivi responded to her suggestion.

"Guys... what the fuck?" Steph questioned the group as if everyone forgot what the reason was for them even being here.

Cyva placed her palm against her forehead. How could things have managed to become so chaotic so quickly? She had heard his friends were quite rowdy when they were all together and yet they seemed as if they were all on the very edge of collapsing in on one another. It was comforting to see that so many people with differing personalities were able to at least be in the same room for the same purpose, but from what she understood most of them were polar opposites of one another and 
Dev specifically wanted to do everything to make Steph's life miserable. All this planning for nothing.

"Happy birthday!" Verin jumped up from the ground just in time to keep Gahbreal from charging Nier who he spotted laughing out of the corner of his eye, no doubt responsible for this.

"Wait a minute. What?"

"Would you look at that, at least one person was able to remember what we came here for", Shinzo spoke as he and Cyva shook their heads in tandem.

he didn't hesitate in the slightest to pick up Verin and hug her with everything he had. No matter how much she struggled, there would be no escape. "I'm lost, what are you all talking about?"

"Well I spoke to Xainayne who told me that your birthday was today and I wanted to gather all of your friends I have met and bring them here for a birthday party. I have never heard you speak of your birthday as long as I have known you and I wanted to at least celebrate it once with you." Gahbreal looked at her with a confused look which caught her off guard which he could see. He didn't want to make her upset and he was happy that she had been thinking of him yet that wasn't the problem.

"I'm glad you put all of this together... but I don't get it. What exactly is a birthday party? I thought you were just born and that was it you mean this is a normal thing that people do? I've heard people talk about birthdays but I just assumed they were talking about the day they were born and not a party."

"You've never had a birthday party?" Verin questioned him from her position constricted against his chest. "Now that I think about it you never did show up for my or Stasia's birthdays."

"Wait a minute... you're right. In fact Lucas doesn't have a single memory that involves Gahbreal being present for anyone's birthdays", Stasia spoke as they all came to the same conclusion.

He looked about the room at everyone who looked as if the situation had changed drastically. Had they really set up a party for something he didn't even understand? How had Xainayne allowed him to go for so long without a birthday party? Didn't he watch over him since he was a child? What no one expected however was for the wolf to start laughing the way he did. It was pleasing to say the least, as if he was happy regardless of what was going on.

"Look, I don't know what's going on but if I get to spend time with my friends and family then I'm more than happy to figure it all out later. For now let's just enjoy each others company." He spoke as he moved to sit at a table with Verin still in tow. "Besides, if I get to see my little baby once a year just because I was born then I ain't gonna complain about a damn thing."

She continued to struggle and fight against his grip and yet it was to no avail. Relief swept across the room after he spoke, this had managed to work out after all. Gahbreal was known for his strict nature and hard working attitude. He wasn't one to play around or act like a child and he certainly wasn't the type of person who'd just take things as they were without asking questions or trying to find the proper meaning behind things presented. He was a man known for his work and attention to his family known as claimants, he didn't act in a way that would ever prove to make him seem weak and yet everyone who looked as him laughing and smiling with the wolfling in his arms and his wife at his side could see for a fraction of the vast amount of time he had been alive what type of person he was. The things that truly made him happy.

"So was my driving worth it?" Cyva asked with a smile that filled his stomach with a heat that caused him to feel more comfortable than he'd felt in a long time.

"I suppose, so long as you don't drive like that again... Thank you beautiful Rabbit", he spoke in a manner she was only used to when they were together on their own. A glance in his direction and she could see the blue eyes she could only ever see so often, a thing that anyone who spotted it in the room other than Cyva would be seeing for the first time. A Gahbreal without a single trace of madness. "I love you Cyva."

Her eyes began to tear up at his words, just as emotional as ever and yet he was glad to see it. "I love you as well Gahbreal, my wolf."

Never Let This Happen Again


The sound of their footsteps echoed throughout the hallway, he made sure to keep pace with the ancient who accompanied him. As per his contract Evyette was to accompany him everywhere he went within the realms as a deterrent for his behavior. It was always dangerous for him to be near certain ancients and treasures yet especially so for Jayhe. The boy held a special hate in his heart for her and although he never spoke the words aloud or showed it physically Stasia pried it from the few memories she could obtain from him. She had said that going through his memories was the equivalent of being stabbed with thousands of needles, slashed by hundreds of blades, flayed by whips on all sides and all whilst wading through a sea of shadows and flames. She had only ever touched him once and everyone agreed that it shouldn't ever happen again.

Although it did seem that his head was clear for a short while afterwards. She managed to be one  of the few people he cared for in all existence. Whatever unseen connection the two brothers had to the electricity claimant was unheard of, but as it stood they just simply disliked the idea of her suffering. Now however he wasn't allowed to be near her anymore unless she approached him. Caution and yet no doubt something else he'd find unfair and a reason to hate the other ancients even more.


"It's about time I was done with this shit. Now his lazy ass can get up and do his own damn work", he spoke as the room came into view. "Now as I said, I'll continue to do jobs for all of you but only if I get my bar back. I'd like to at least make some money off of my drinks."

"Well I'm sure we can make that happen. If I can get to drink even more of your specialty drinks then I'll vouch for you and I'm sure everyone else would as well." Evyette always said the types of things that made him feel as if he were worth more than he would believe himself. He learned to make drinks as a means in the past to lure in victims, but knowing that they were worth something more to someone he actually cared for was a good feeling.

The moment was ruined however as the door ahead of them opened up slowly and two others stepped through. A rather large male who held the door open for a familiar female.

"Now that we're done here lets go meet up with Quinnox in the kitchen. He'll take us back home and fill you in on your next job. How does it feel to be back in action?" Quina seemed to be in a rather good mood as she spoke with her company.


"Well it feels like I'm gonna be busy again already. I ain't even willin to find out how upset Cyva is gonna be when I start comin home late", he spoke with his attention set on her. She smiled and patted him on the back with an open hand.

"You'll be just fine. If all else fails and she decides to leave you I'm always... free." Her words trailed off as she caught Evyette in an equally as panicked state as she was. How could this have managed to happen? What was he doing here right now of all places. "Fuck, um, why don't we just head to the Breeze now with your void and meet Quinnox there later. I've been wanting to get some alone time with you."

The dark skinned male raised an eyebrow and laughed a bit before responding. "Sweetheart I'm in a committed relationship. Besides, I know exactly how poor of an idea it is to be alone with you. I swear I'd think Evyette were your sister by blood sometimes. Well speak of the devil." He raised a hand to wave at Evyette who he had now spotted approaching with an unfamiliar face at her side. A new claimant maybe?

As they came closer to one another Evyette laughed in a nervous manner as she raised a hand for a quick wave. "Heeeyyyy you. Have fun with your work?"

"'Have fun with my work'? What the hell is going on? Well alright, thank you ma'am." He continued on her way without stopping, Quina at his side letting out a sigh of relief that neither of the two spoke to one another. "Hey... you."

Fuck.

She hesitated to even look in his direction, as if wanting to avoid the possible existence of the scenario she believed was taking place and yet she looked anyway... Gahbreal looking strait at the worst person he could ever pay attention to. "Damnit, Hellfire of all people", she spoke to herself under her breath. "Why is he even here?"

"Are you talkin to me? How about you watch your damn tongue before I take it from you."

"So I assume you don't understand the position you're in or maybe you just ain't capable of realizin when you should keep yourself in check."

"Oh? So we're doing this then? Ain't that about the luckiest thing today? I thought balls were in short supply and yet here you are pullin yours off and puttin em on display for the entire world to see. Well I ain't the one to play around with boy."

"Well you're playin with life and death clearly, I can smell the stench of blood on your person and I'm just wonderin who'd have the gall to walk by me as a clear murderer and think they'd get away with it."

"Comin from some flaccid fuck who has the exact same scent. Sounds like you just decided to conjure up the thought in your mind that you're above me in some way, but I can assure that it's a misplaced thought."

The ancient and treasure watched, neither knowing how to handle this situation without everything exploding into chaos. Out of the corner of her eye Evyette could see Quinnox rounding the corner, no doubt growing impatient waiting for Gahbreal and Quina yet the moment he saw the situation at hand there was no hesitation for the laid back ancient to slink back around the corner. Evyette wouldn't say it aloud but the look on her face screamed help us you son of a bitch! By now things were only getting worse as the two had approached each other and were face to face, looking directly into their counterpart's eyes.

"Who the hell are you and why are you here?"

"I don't have to answer a single fuckin question from you, bitch. Now back off before I decide I've had enough."

"Oh?" Gahbreal's eyes began to glow a deep red as his patience was clearly wearing thin. "You must really like testin people's god damn patience, but I ain't got time for your shit, kid!"

"Kid?" His eyes flared up in turn with a crimson glow. "Oh you must really hate livin if you thought I'd just let you say somethin like that and walk away with your sorry life! You can die right here and right now just for the audacity to piss me off this much."

"Them give it your best damn shot you lost fuck."

"Now you're just beggin to die, but there's no need for all of that. you've already convinced me to kill you where you stand."

The two boys stood still for a moment, silent, the calm before the storm. It was as if light itself was being erased around the two of them and just as it seemed they'd attack without holding back the unthinkable happened. From Gahbreal shadows rose from his person like water flowing around him in a thick smog, his counterpart in the same scenario as black flames emerged from his existence and in moments the entire hallway was bathed in a mixture of both their respective darkness. The crimson red mixing with the indigo hues and crafting a hell-scape of violet and black shadows that danced as if locked in a battle between themselves. They swirled about like walls of flames colliding and clashing with a tide of water and in the midst of it stood the two brothers who couldn't even be seen save for their respective glowing eyes. Just being in the area made Quina's stomach turn and Evyette was in no better condition. They hadn't even managed to throw a single attack and yet their confrontation was far too much to handle. This was them sizing each other up? This was them just pissed with one another? Staring each other down?! they could not be allowed to fight! there was no telling what might happen!

"Hey", Jayhe's voice broke through the situation like a knife. Even when angry it was hard to take her seriously. "Stop fucking up my house and get in here! I don't have all day you know! And you stop slacking and go talk to Quinnox! Do your job!"

The shadows dispersed slowly, the two boys both clicking their tongues in tandem as they turned their separate ways and continued on with their duties.

"Saved by the bell, you got off easy this time. It ain't happenin again."

"Shut your fucking mouth filthy cur. You'll die the next time I see you, a death plagued with so much sufferin your soul wont even survive."

Jayhe, Evyette and Quina all looked as if they might pass out. How they managed to avoid the worst outcome of this situation was beyond them and not allowing them to have seen each other beforehand proved to be a good decision... they couldn't be allowed to meet again however, clearly they were completely incompatible.

5. two times they didn't say 'i love you' and one time they did


The swordsman Shinzo Hazashi sighed contentedly to himself as he whisked the blood from his blade. He admired the reflection of the landscape around him as it waited to be sheathed. The metal reflected the burning remains of a mansion. It used to stand proudly, a landmark of wealth backed by a lake the further stood to outline the burning property. The mission had been relatively simple, and certainly easy--things had gotten a little out of hand in terms of liveliness, but it all worked out. It didn't matter now.

He sheathed his weapon, straightening to find his partner. It had only been a moment before he could see the white-haired man angrily marching towards him as he loaded his revolver.

Not this shit again.

"Ya missed one ye idiot," the smaller man spat in his familiar thick accent, prompting a skeptical eyebrow raise from Shinzo.

"You're lying," the black-haired man huffed as he cast a glance around. The mansion was enclosed in thick woods, but even so, he was fairly confident they'd taken out all of the security on the way in. Unless Haden really was lying... again. "Last time you--"

He didn't manage to get the words out as Haden angrily snatched Shinzo's face and brought it down to his level. Shinzo gasped, caught off guard and off balance when he was forced nose-to-nose with his yellow-eyed companion. Time moved at half pace in that moment. Here, the nuances of Haden's eyes were much more obvious. Here, Shinzo could appreciate the subtle beauty that enhanced Haden's handsomeness--not that anything like that would ever come out of the Japanese man's mouth.

Just as he was preparing to complain, a bullet whizzed past his head and landed just a few inches behind them in the ground. Shinzo was visibly surprised at it, Haden moving from in front of him to shoot back. Two shots later and there was the sound of someone falling out of a tree before complete silence.

"Go on, then." Haden put his gun back into its holster and crossed his arms.

"Go on and what?"

"Say you knew he was there. Only thing bigger than your ego is yer huge goddamn head."

Shinzo shook his head as he considered what he should say. He couldn't help but stare at the bullet hole in the dirt that had been meant for him. While teaming up with Haden in the past had more often than not ended with the shorter man shooting at him, lately hadn't been so bad. It originally felt like Phita and Daenu liked playing games with them by pairing them up together. Now a few drunk nights had certainly softened them up to one another.

"Thank you," the fire claimant finally relented. Haden was caught off guard by it, his crossed arms slacking slightly. "Drinks on me, I suppose."

The ice claimant's pale cheeks lit up with excitement, a wide smile crossing his features. "Oi, I'm gonna drink you out of house and home, swordboy."

---

Haden snorted himself awake, a vivid dream forcing him back into the world of the conscious. His eyes bleary with sleep and grogginess, he rubbed at them with the back of his hand before turning over and patting the bed next to him. Curiously, it was still empty. He groaned loudly--he knew he and Shinzo didn't have a label yet, but by god, that man's ninja antics got annoying. He woke up alone so many times it was starting to make him wonder if he'd always started there and hallucinated the hours in between.

He could smell something burning... somewhere. Smoke wasn't an unusual smell in Shinzo's house, but this intensity was strange. Haden considered just dealing with it when he woke up, but the consistent smoldering, burnt hair smell was becoming bothersome. The young man dragged his legs out of bed and grumbled to himself about how he wasn't going to sleep there anymore if Shinzo hardly did. Then again, Shinzo's bed was insanely comfortable--somehow even moreso when the swordsman wasn't in it.

Haden padded down the hallway as he got out the last of his yawns. The smell led him straight to the front door, where he could see a dark pile in the doorway. There was a small, weakening flame spread across Shinzo's shoulders like he was warming up a pot of boiling water. He was just a lump on the hardwood floors, breathing shakily and shallowly. Haden couldn't be sure how long he'd been there, rushing forward to tend to the injured man.

"What in feckin' hell!" was all he could think to say. Maneuvering Shinzo against grunts of protest, Haden could see he wasn't bleeding too much, but did look like he lost a street fight to twelve bodybuilders. "Was this Phita? Again? Or did ya manage to get stomped out by every able-bodied kid in the city?"

The white-haired ice claimant kneeled down and got Shinzo onto his back, uncurling his fingers from the hilt of his sword and relieving him of it. There was no blood on it or its sheath as if he hadn't used it. By the gods, did Phita have any mercy? Any consideration for the fact that her claimants were not immortal like her? Haden couldn't count a single time Shinzo had returned from a training session better than he'd left. Daenu had never raised a hand to Haden in such a way. Sure, there was the fact that Shinzo damn near asked for the treatment he got from Phita, but that didn't mean she had to give it to him... Especially not to this extent.

"I was... close... tonight," the black-haired male sputtered, then opened and closed his mouth a few times to get used to the aching muscles. "Should see the other guy."

"How many times are ya gonna get damn near murdered before you realize you can't beat yer goddamn Ancient in a duel? Are you dumb? Is she knocking all yer brain cells around in there?"

Shinzo chuckled weakly. "Maybe I lose because... You doubt me."

He scoffed, settling back on his heels. "I bet you wish you could blame how much you suck on me. Bastard."

"What's with all the worry?" The man struggled to turn over on his side, grimacing the entire time. "I'm--ah--the one who should be worried."

"Hell have you got to be worried about?"

"I didn't give you a key to my house."

Haden frowned and slammed a fist down hard on Shinzo's arm, making him flinch and yowl. "I'm going back to bed." He stood, glaring at the laughing Shinzo before turning his back to go down the hallway towards the bedroom.

"Wait!" The red-eyed warrior shouted after him with a bit of difficulty. "Can't you help me in the shower?!" He waited hopefully for an answer up until the moment he heard his own bedroom door slam closed.

---

Red and gold eyes retained a fierce staring competition as they both held their shot glasses up. It was almost customary at this point to try to intimidate one another with a stare before throwing the shot back.

Haden lost in facial discipline--he broke out into a goofy grin when he saw how hard Shinzo was trying to remain serious. It was immediately reciprocated, the two giggling at the bar like they had an entertaining inside joke. They both threw the shots of tequila back fairly quickly, watching each other's face for a negative reaction. Neither would give the other the satisfaction of seeing them gag.

Shinzo stood, wavering on his feet for a moment before pointing at a dart board that sat untouched on a far wall. This was one of the few places with darts that still let them play--they still got rolling bans from Amarjeet. Given, they deserved it, but it was quite the inconvenience.

Haden followed after his taller companion, paying extra attention to how he walked so he wouldn't look like a drunk idiot. Well--more of a drunk idiot. Being with Shinzo already brought out the most chaotic parts of him; adding alcohol to the mix was practically begging for trouble.

Haden took his turn first, switching with the Japanese man after and getting rowdier by each round. They poked fun at one another, their competitiveness exaggerated by the copious amounts of liquor they insisted on consuming. The other bar patrons ignored them for the most part, but as the fourth round came, it was something of a task. The music wasn't as loud as the fire and ice claimants jostling each other around in front of the dart board. It got to the point that the bartender asked them to quiet down but they could never abide by it for more than a few minutes.

Shinzo and Haden were joking about how bad Shinzo's last dart throw had been when they both received taps on the shoulder. They turned, red-cheeked and confused, to face whatever man was brave enough to ruin their good time. Before them stood three women and two men behind them.

"Excuse me," the woman who'd tapped them started, "are you guys done with the dart board?"

"Aye, do we look done, lass?" came Haden's snappy remark. "What part of this scene screams 'they're finished'?"

"Come on, man," one of the men interjected. "Watch your mouth."

"What's yer plan if I don't? Ya planning ta restore the lady's honor?"

"Look, you guys have already been here for hours. We just want to play a few games before we leave. It doesn't have to be a scene."

"Sure. That's reasonable." Haden's attitude seemed calmer as he glanced at Shinzo, the eye contact making the fire claimant roll his eyes. Not a full moment to appreciate the change of heart had passed before Haden was launching himself on the man that had been leading the talks like a feral raccoon. Shinzo knew his role and immediately headbutted the other one, effectively throwing the two into their third bar fight of the week. At this point, it was as much a part of their nights out as the drinks themselves.

Minutes later, Shinzo Hazashi and Haden Widweim were thrown out onto the chilly New York streets yet again. They didn't put up a fight when the security managed to do it; cutting them all down would've been more trouble than it was worth. Leaving without a ban was a win in their books.

They laughed with each other, stumbling through the dark back alleys of the city. Neither could remember a time they'd been so carefree around the other--especially considering their former title of longtime rivals. Shinzo never knew Haden could be so interesting. Haden never knew Shinzo was aware of what taking a break was.

They ended up lost after aimlessly wandering several blocks from the bar they'd gotten kicked out of. Eventually, they settled on a curb, staring up drunkenly into the sky.

"What do you think is the worst house to be a part of?" Shinzo mused after a quiet moment.

"Water," Haden answered instantly. At Shinzo's quizzical expression, he added, "Naiick is such a prick. Grade-A microdick."

Shinzo laughed. "I was just going to say ice cause you're in it."

Haden shoved him and snorted. "You're not good enough."

They lapsed into another comfortable break of silence, Haden training his gaze on trying to figure out what phase the moon was in while Shinzo admired him in profile. The staring didn't escape the yellow-eyed male, though, who questioned him when the staring persisted for more than a few seconds. "Hell's your problem?"

Shinzo shook his head and smiled, his face a far cry from his usual serious demeanor.

Haden sighed, turning to look at the fire claimant, who immediately caught his face and went in for a kiss. It was sloppy and unorganized, the motion catching Haden by surprise and causing him to move back and screw it all up. The end result was them awkwardly staring at each other, Shinzo looking dually embarrassed and too drunk to fully comprehend how embarrassing it was; Haden staring shell-shocked at how the last few seconds had played out.

Haden had never seen Shinzo so red. In fact, he was starting to see actual flames burn under the man's cheeks.

"Uh... I... Ahem... We don't have to talk about it."

The white-haired man held in a laugh, shaking his head at his companion. Shinzo sat uncomfortably scratching his head and probably preferring sparring with Phita in the Forge to this moment. Haden found it endearing, though--Shinzo had never lacked confidence in anything before.

He rolled his eyes and closed the distance between himself and the swordsman, pulling the taller man down to his level and locking lips. They both tasted like tequila, though Shinzo could faintly taste salt from pretzels on Haden's tongue.

They held onto it for a stretched minute, lips melding into each other and enjoying the feel of one another. While it was true they'd fucked before, they didn't really kiss--it always felt like a level of intimacy that wasn't meant for them.

Shinzo pulled back to look over Haden's face once more, his voice full of wonder as he asked, "Do you think I'm drunk enough to tell you I love you and forget it?"

"How is the kettle asking the pot how drunk they are?" He grinned, ignoring the furious fluttering in the pit of his stomach for the sake of pride. "Dunno if I'll remember," he lied, knowing full well he would recall every second.

"Well... You're not the worst." The red-eyed fire claimant fingered the hem of his pants as he considered his next words. "I guess I like you."

Haden rolled his eyes as he nudged Shinzo with his elbow. "I didn't know Sun Tzu got nervous. Yer a little chickenshit."

"No I'm not, dick!"

"Then say it."

"You say it. Since you want me to so bad."

"Yer thick in the head if you think you can bring it up and I'm gonna say it first."

"Because you're in love with me."

"Duh, you idiot!" Realizing what he'd admitted to, he clamped his hand over his mouth, his cheeks reflecting a solid blue. "Oh you're a dead fecker."

Shinzo laughed, springing from his spot on the sidewalk and running a few feet down the street as Haden halfheartedly chased after him. "You're in love with me!" he teased in a sing-song voice. "I knew it."

"You don't know anything!" he threw a wave of ice after the taller man, which was instantly melted on contact. "You wanted to say it first, so I don't care."

"Now you see what it felt like for you to pull away when I tried to kiss you."

"It was out of nowhere like a feckin' attack!"

The dark-haired man shrugged lightly as he slowed his pace to be back in step with Haden. "I love you, stupid. That better?"

Ice flew from Haden's fingers in a quick gesture, solidifying under Shinzo's lead foot and effectively tripping him up. "Watch yer step ya feckin' daisy."

Home Is Where The Heart Isn’t



The drinks didn’t feel as if they were hitting with the strength the ice claimant had hoped for. How typical for the regular nights out these days. Haden hadn’t even stopped to think of how spoiled he had become with his drinking buddy, his partner, his love. O how he craved more time to spend drinking the nights away, sleeping the nights away with someone by his side. The thought alone made him pick up his glass and down the entire thing without a second thought.


“Another, and try not to take too much time.”


“I think you’ve had more than enough little missy, if ya drink anymore might find yourself sleeping with the saints”, the bartender retorted to which he was only met with yellow eyes. “Ideen? I thought ya were dead?”


“It’s her son ya feckin' coot! Get it right next time or I’ll be blastin’ off yer kneecaps! Can I get. Another. Drink!”


The elderly man behind the counter laughed in retaliation, his accent was even thicker than Haden’s and he clearly didn’t carry a wink of fear. Haden on the other hand was livid. How much more time was he planning to make him wait? All he wanted was to get a few more drinks before turning in for the night and this clown was doing everything possible other than his job.


“I couldn’t even recognize ya, but lookin’ like that I ought to just keep callin’ ya Ideen. If ya didn’t look like a wee lass in the past you sure as hell do now boy! You’re so pale it’s like the sun has never touched ya once in yer life!”


Displeased. Beyond displeased. Seething with anger in fact. It wasn’t like he didn’t know some shit like this would happen when he came back home, but he certainly didn’t expect it to piss him off this much. He wasn’t even feeling drunk yet and he was going to fight some guy who apparently knew his mother the disrespectful cunt!


“Oh so you’re a funny guy eh? Well let me show ya somethin’ a wee bit more entertaining”, just as he reached for his gun a hand pressed against his shoulder and caused him to almost jump right out of his skin. “Oi! The fuck?”


“Sorry for my little friend’s anger problems, I’ll be taking him home now. Put it on his own tab, I won’t be paying for his shit.” Only one person could carry a voice like this. And Little?!


He turned to see Gahbreal, a person he wasn’t hoping to see at all… ever. Not that he didn’t like him or consider him a friend, but past events could only end with a grudge no matter how anyone looked at it. He was wearing casual clothes which was a new thing. He seemed happier than when he had last seen him. At least he had managed to calm down a little but that was the least of his worries. Why was he interrupting his night of relaxation in such an abrupt manner?


“Hey, I’m not goin’ anywhere until the useless bag of bones gives me another drink!”


“Well that’s a shame because you don’t have a choice this time around. I didn’t waste my time coming here and looking for you so that you could believe you have a choice in the matter. We’re going… now.”


The serious look in his red glowing eyes was enough to make him at least follow his lead, albeit angrily.


“Have a nice day ‘lass’, yer mother would be proud to see ya followin’ so closely in her example!”


The white hair male paused, fists clenching which caught his escort’s attention. He could see in the way the shorter male held his mouth in a snarl that he was contemplating a decision that would no doubt be irrational and out of the question, but he would at least try to calm him.


“Haden, brother, don’t do it. I’m telling you.”


A few seconds passed and in the blink of an eye a gun pulled from god knows where was drawn and fired all in one quick motion. The boy’s affinity for killing people was far too keen and if he wasn’t swept into the void along with Gahbreal then the shot would have certainly landed. His drawn was far too fast when he was serious, the darkness claimant hadn’t even gotten to see where he pulled the weapon from. If only ge too his work that seriously.


“Well, just like that another person who needs to die gets to live.”


“Could you at least try not to kill people for no damn reason? You talk shit about other people literally all day if you get the chance, at least try to make my job easier.”


“Yeah, because I care about yer job. Where the hell are we anyway?”


Gahbreal sighed at the question. He was quick upon his travel yet the room he managed to pull them into was all too familiar. Passing through the void was tricky to learn, but was mainly an action that required accuracy. Without thinking about it or putting in effort you could end up anywhere in the void, but with the proper time and effort out into calculating your arrival and departure it would be a simple pass through to the next place or you could appear in a very specific place. He often came here specifically to speak with Novevu for jobs and other business so it was no surprised that they would be standing right in front of the ancient’s door like a couple of thugs, a door that slowly opened not even five seconds following Haden’s question.


“Hello, Novevu… sorry for the interruption”, Gahbreal spoke as if this weren’t the first time a disaster like this had taken place.


He could remember falling in the void at his doorstep when he would fail his starting tasks as a teen and needed to make a quick escape, but he couldn’t recall gunshots being fired ever in all his time coming here. In fact Haden’s gun was the only thing the ancient of death’s eyes were locked on, barrel still smoking.


“Heh, Novevu it’s been a long time. How have ya been?”


“I will erase you so quickly that time itself would shutter at the speed. Never again. You made a mess of my bar for years and you will not do the same to my home. Do you understand me?”


“Yes sir”, his yellow eyes turned to the ground. It wasn’t a normal reaction which both Novevu and Gahbreal had to double take upon even witnessing it, but in Haden’s mind he simply had to survive until Shinzo made it back.


“I’ll get him out of here. Sorry again for the disturbance.”


“Yes, please do. Take care of yourselves.”


Just like that they found themselves stepping out onto a hardwood floor that was of rather fancy design, in fact the entire room exuded the word ‘fancy’. Walls of tiles and marbles that was well kempt and of quality design. The furniture was all made from white soft clothes with silken beige coverings and every window had a similar sheet draped over it. A fireplace rested in the living area which they found themselves in and sitting right in front of it on a loveseat that looked as if it were crafted from comfort itself was a woman who looked to be in her fifties and relaxing as if the rest of the world meant nothing to her. Even so you could see the light in her eyes as she spotted Gahbreal.


“Well if it isn’t the big sweetheart himself. I was just thinking about you. Might this be your wife?” The words made him wish he hadn’t decided to do this and the crack from Haden’s throat made the feeling even stronger. Turning to see his devious smile peeking from beneath his long hair made him want to throw him out the nearest window before he even got the chance to speak, but it was far too late.


“Oh we just got together recently”, he spoke in as feminine a way as possible. “I don’t think I’m ready for that type of commitment.”


“Shut the fuck up Haden! I’m sorry, but this piece of shit is just a friend of mine who’s here to see Nier.”


The woman looked as if she were ready to jump out of her seat in excitement and yet the smile on her face was something Gahbreal dreaded. For fuck’s sake could anyone in this family be taken seriously?


“Oh my! Will he be making your rings? It’s always wonderful to see a new couple going through the motions.” It was as if the woman was feeding the ice claimant more ammo to use!


“Isn’t it? I was hopin' that he would make somethin' that can really represent us and yet this giant ball of love can’t seem to agree with me.”


“You’re both unbearable”, the darkness claimant spoke as he walked to the kitchen serenaded by their laughter. “Haden, go to the basement and through the door on the right and you’ll find the guy. I’m going to get a drink.”


Haden laughed and waved off his new favorite lady as he made his way down the stairs to the basement that was far darker than he had expected. Upon reaching the bottom he could see the long hallway of what seemed like ten or maybe more rooms. What was this place? It looked akin to a dungeon or a prison of sorts and yet the door Gahbreal pointed him to had light peeking thorough the cracks. This Nier must be a pretty dangerous guy.


He opened the door slowly and the moment he did it flew open and it seemed as if the very floor was moving beneath him, dragging him in. It was then that he noticed it, what had seemed like stone beneath his feet and on the walls was a darkened metal of some sort. This was one of Nammay’s claimants and a rather impatient one at that.


“The night is like a sweet mistress pulling in the wishes of my desires and yet I could tell from the weight of your footsteps that you aren’t here to marry me or anything like that. If I heard correctly then Gahbreal called you Haden when he sent you down here correct?” He heard that from all the way down here? “I am Nier and if the tall man brought you here himself then it must be pretty important. Let’s go see what he wants.”


“Actually”, Haden interrupted the boy. “I was wonderin’ what he brought me here for. Who even are you?”


Nier laughed and spun around in his seat to reveal the crafts lying before him. It looked as if he were using personally made devices to grind up rare gems to dust and categorize them accordingly. What a weird hobby, but his mother did say he made rings so it must have been for jewelry of some sort.


“Me and Gahbreal are actually pretty close friends. Back when he and I were a bit too serious we both helped each other relax when the world around us became a little too much to bear. So tell me, before we go up there, what did he bring you here for? I’m sure you have a problem he thinks I can talk to you about.”


Haden was hesitant to speak on personal matters with a person he had just met, but something about the metal claimant’s presence was simply soothing. He smiled in a way that was honest and endearing. In the end he wanted to do anything but speak about it all and yet Gahbreal took the time to personally bring him here? The ice claimant could at least give it a shot.


“Everyone thinks I need to do somethin’ about me damn self because the sword boy died and…” He paused for a moment. Talking about it like that didn’t feel right. “It just doesn’t feel the same, ya know? When the person ya love more than anything just dies on you? I ain’t gonna complain because I’m not some kinda piss baby, but this shit feckin’ sucks! All I need are a few drinks and I can get through the day, but no one ever serves me what I want because the bastards are too busy lickin’ their own dicks to serve a damned drink! It would honestly be nice to go home and get in me feckin’ bed and yet here I am in the house of someone I don’t even know talkin’ about some shite I don’t want to feckin’ talk about because big, brolic and full of bullshite decided I don’t deserve to be in me damn bed and the most fun I had all week was shootin’ the shite with a woman who might be the first person in literal years who’s spoken to me without pissin’ me off beyond belief. I just want to go home, drink me own drinks and fall asleep so I can forget about today and wake up tomorrow if that ain’t too much ta ask for.”



Nier looked at him with a faded smile. He just met Haden for the first time and yet he didn’t feel as if he needed to speak with him at all. It seemed as if he knew exactly what the yellow eyed male needed and all this talk wasn’t it.


“You want to do some practicing?”


“Excuse the hell out of me?”


“You know, a bit of practicing. I think it’ll do you some good. In fact I know exactly what you’ll enjoy… combo moves.”


“The feck are you on about?” The Irish claimant retorted to his statement. “Did ya just say ‘combo moves’ like this is some sorta video game?”


“Yep! That’s exactly what I said! Let’s do it!”


“That might just be the stup-“ He paused as his eyes grew wide, a smile stretching across Nier’s face.


“Yeah… combo moves.”

---

Gahbreal finished off another drink and sat the glass down on the countertop prepared to pour another serving. He leaned the bottle towards his glass and not a single drop came forth. Empty. He sat the glass aside and sighed as the sound of bottle clanging together hit his head. How could they be taking this long? Long enough for him to finish four bottles of whiskey and rye? This was clearly a mistake to let these two spend any amount of time together and he wouldn’t be surprised if he found out they had gone off to cause some kind of trouble somewhere else.


“I’m gonna go check on these two idiots. I’ll be back ma’am.”


“Take your time Gahbreal, I’m not going anywhere”, the woman laughed at his clear state of distress. How she could manage to be so carefree all the time was insane with a child like Nier.


He stepped down the stairs and could instantly feel the change in temperature. It felt like a damn freezer in the basement and it was clear that Haden had been using his abilities at that point. The wolf rushed down the hall to the room that had light coming from it, now at eh very end. Troubling was all this was in his mind, no doubt something he knew could be possible but didn’t expect Haden to attack someone in their own home.


Upon reaching the door he opened it quickly to be met with a large room filed with what seemed like spikes of ice and metal protruding from the ground in a pattern that almost seemed floral, symmetrical even. It was beautiful in a way, captivating as he walked his way to the center of this ornate crater of clear blues and silvers until he made his way to the middle where he found resting two completely worn out claimants, both sleeping soundly.


Nier looked as if he had managed to overexert himself which he tended to avoid at all costs if he could, no doubt going to be asleep for a long while leaning against a sword of his own design to keep him sitting up. Haden on the other hand was resting against the boy’s chest, cheeks red and swollen while his arms clutched to the silver haired claimant. Thank god he had simply been overexaggerating. This had managed to turn out exactly as he had hoped. Haden refused to talk to anyone about his problems, but Nier always seemed to be capable of prying the words from people’s hearts just by asking. Maybe he just knew the words certain people needed or maybe he was just too easily approachable, but it was a good trait to have.


He leaned over and patted the top of Nier’s head as if giving him a notion of approval before pressing a hand against Haden’s cheek and smiling. Still cold yet warmer than he was before when he found him.


“Well you could at least try to relax a bit more now, I’d hope.”


“I’m sorry”, his words made the hunter roll into his own grave before he realized the ice claimant was simply speaking in his sleep. “Next time I’ll stay by your side. To the very end.”


“Note to self, don’t touch this asshole while he’s asleep... and don't let him do that.”

Death Is Only Temporary For The Strong, Mine Is No Different

This job was far different from my normal ones. Even so I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it. Every time I find that I’m sent out for a new job I dislike the taste of death more and more. I sense that Novevu has begun to realize it as he checks up on me more often, even more so that Xainayne does, but that doesn’t change my purpose. Why me? Why must I be the one sent to do these things? I’d rather help people, do something that will make people want to be around me or enjoy my company and yet the more work I do the more people find my presence distasteful.



This time around Xainayne is joining me. Mother and father are nowhere to be found and why they disappeared the way they did I do not know, but Xainayne says he can’t track them down. I feel as if he’s lying but I will not pry, she knows best.



“Tell me Xainayne, why are you joining me this time around? I would not have expected you to tag along for this job as your presence makes me coming here rather meaningless.”



“Don’t worry yourself too much Gahbreal, I simply enjoy looking over my children every once in a while.” That was a lie, I can tell.



She always lies to me, I hate it. I don’t know what it is that she seems to always be hiding but it pisses me off every time she does it. Am I that difficult to trust? I’ve put everything into this, my life, my entire existence and I’m still not to be trusted? It’s no different from the other claimants. No wonder they’ve all started calling me a wolf, it’s not like I can’t look at myself the same way but it still hurts.



“Okay. I understand.” I’ll settle for now. I have a job to focus on after all.



“Good, now come. The battlefield is up ahead.”



“Battlefield? Is that really the proper place for me to be? Aren’t I technically a bounty hunter and a fairly new one at that? How am I going to be of any use in a major battle like this?”



“Well this group of claimants would technically be classified as a bounty target as well so you’re still in the field of your normal duties. Just come with me and things will become clear in time.”



I don’t get it. What is all of this supposed to mean?



I felt as if it deserved more thought and yet in the distance I see a sight more troubling than I had originally expected. Novevu, Phita, Jaiho, Jayhe, Destodai, Alvax, Nammay, Flori, Florita, Chaemai, Solaria, Lunia, Naiick, Daenu and Quinnox. What they’re doing here I do not know but it surely wasn’t going to be good. This was the first time I’ve even seen them all in one place like this and not a single one of them looked happy.



“Xainayne, this goes way too far. You called us out here to watch you send your claimant out into the fray on his own?” Of course Novevu would start. It’s not like I’ve ever known him to hold back when not in a good mood. Although I have no clue what he’s talking about.



“He’s right. This goes far beyond decent in any way and I do hope you realize that”, Destodai spoke up next. It wasn’t often I’d get to hear her voice and yet it was always soothing.



“He’s your strongest, your most capable I’d even say and you’re so willing to do these types of things to him? Do you have no mercy for your children.” Florita is always so kind yet see seemed angry this time around. What is everyone talking about?



“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I know Gahbreal better than anyone else here and you’d be wise to resect his abilities, granted I’ll be giving him a little push this time around. He’s not like anything you’ve seen before and especially so once he’s serious.”



Xainayne was such a fucking talker. To hear her talk me up like this only to take me back to the Vortex and run me ragged in training only served to make this confusing. It’s as if I’m never truly enough yet meant to be proclaimed as the greatest! What does he want from me? What am I supposed to do? As proud as I’d like to make her for doing everything she has done for me it seems as if I’ll never truly be enough and then at times she acts as if I am. What am I truly other than a wolf?



“If you called us all here just to show us your claimant dying I don’t think there will be a single person here happy with you Xainayne”, Phita spoke in a harsh tone.



“If he dies then that simply means he was too weak to hold the position he has. It’s as simple as that.” Solaria really could be harsh sometimes. Maybe it was just her motherly way… better than my own mother.



“Who asked your opinion? If he were to die he’d be just as useful in the Void as you are alive”, Naiick. Always the type of person to make things hard to swallow. Yet if he were ever to hold back it would be out of character. “The boy is simply going to prove himself and that’s that. No reason to overthink it.”



It was odd for Lunia to speak up and yet she chose to do so anyway, a surprise to say the least. “You should be more careful with your child. These types of things can change a claimant easily and he may become a completely different person if this situation isn’t handled with care.”



“Oh please”, Daenu began. “Not everyone is so soft. Besides, you’re just making a comparison to your own failures with that wild child. What was his name? Leroy?”



“It’s Le’eroy. To be fair that kid managed to be a top tier fighter to say the least although it was mainly our own decisions that caused his heartache.” Quinnox is as understanding as ever with these types of things. It would be nice to spend more time with him if Quina didn’t baby me all the time.



“No doubt Little Moon’s downfall was on my claimants”, Novevu interjected. Who is this person they speak of? Le’eroy? Little Moon? I’ll have to ask Xainayne when we’re done here. “This situation however is completely different. I wouldn’t compare the two and I am completely against this.”



“Not even taking into consideration the effects it may have on your claimant overall. Have you even done anything like this with him before? Run tests of any kind?” Nammay questioned her as if expecting a truthful answer of any sort.



“Of course I have. This has been in development for the greater part of his life. He should have no problem taking care of this.” A lie. I’ve never once fought however many people I’m suspecting they’re talking about. The mission still hasn’t even been properly explained to me yet! Whatever this was clearly wasn’t in anyone’s favor outside of Xainayne.



Chaemai and Flori did not speak and yet they seemed at odds with the entire scenario itself. Thinking about it now it didn’t seem like they didn’t want to speak yet refused to do so, as if it would only amount to a waste of time. Chaemai specifically seemed disgusted while Flori looked as if they could care less. Jaiho and Jayhe on the other hand did not seem to be too happy with this at all and yet Jayhe seemed to say everything the both of them were thinking.



“This is crazy. He’s clearly been proven to be effective beyond the normal means a claimant should be capable of and if I’m remembering correctly he’s only sixteen years old! You haven’t even given him time to completely mature and yet you think this is the proper course of action? He may be accepting jobs and has technically been for seven years, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready for war!”



“War?” I hadn’t even realized I said the words aloud but I did realize how quickly it caught everyone’s attention. It made my stomach turn to have all the ancients looking at me like this but I couldn’t help being pissed off. She didn’t tell me anything about this! “You’re sending me out to fight a war? Against who? Who are my allies in this? You thought I’d just run out onto a battlefield not knowing who’s friend and foe? Damnit Xainayne you’re always doing this type of shit! You’re always keeping secrets! Lying! Making me feel like a fucking idiot when I believe I can trust you and for what? Some random crap I won’t know about until I’ve had to kill an entire buildings worth of people?”



“Calm down Gahbreal. It’s time to explain it to you anyway.”



“What’s the point now? Might as well just let me run in blind at this point, it ain’t the first time you’ve let that happen!”



“Have mercy, you didn’t even tell him what he’s doing yet”, Naiick spoke as he watched the exchange of words between us.



“He didn’t need to know until now so I’ll explain it now… Your enemy is a large group, which is why we’re all here. A plot was discovered, around three hundred claimants grouped up and ready to turn on us. They’ve been recruiting for the past year and we’ve been letting it continue so that we could weed out as many traitors as possible. This is a mix of all the houses excluding the ancients who are not present. You will be executing them all tonight.”



“You’re out of your fucking mind. You must be out of your damned mind!”



“They’re about a mile west from here and you will be moving out as soon as I give the order. Do you understand?”



“The only thing I understand is that you’re a fucking lunatic!”



Does she really think I’m capable of fighting an army on my own? What the hell is going on here? If this isn’t just about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard! There isn’t a single person here who believes I can do something like this and it’s clear based on the way they spoke! Xainayne is the only ancient among them all who thinks I can just get up and wipe out an army and it sounds just as crazy as she clearly must be! I refuse. I can’t be bothered to be played around with like this anymore. I’m going the fuck home.



“Gahbreal”, her voice is annoying to even hear right now.



“What?”



“Who are you?” What the fuck?



“What kind of stupid question is that? You just said my name.”



“Looks like things are finally getting started”, Evyette spoke. The words caught my attention, what is she talking about?



“Gahbreal, look in my eyes.” I did as she said, although I didn’t want to. It was a sign of respect although at the time I can’t say I have much for her. “What do they call you? What do all of the others see you as?”



“A wolf? Why are you asking me this? You already know that.”



“Look in my eyes and tell me… who are you.”



“I.” I feel odd. As if the world doesn’t seem the same to me anymore. Shades of red and black, indigo seem to be clouding my vision yet I can’t refuse the question. “I am Gahbreal.”



“What are you?”



“I am a wolf.” The words almost seem as if they’re speaking themselves. What is this feeling?



“No you are not. Everyone else may see you as a wolf, but I know what you truly are. Now tell me, what are you?”



“I am… I am…” I am… I… am… I…



“Tell me Gahbreal! What are you?”



“I am… a knight… I am the one true knight amongst the filth that plague our ranks. The traitors, the lost, the fallen and downtrodden, among them all I am the one true knight! The black knight that will clear out the lost from our ranks.” What’s happening? It feels as if my thoughts are straying further from my own. As if a single push will have me thrown into a place I can never return from.



“Then kneel, my knight.”



I don’t think I should keep following these orders any longer and yet… my master desires for me to move and so I shall do what it is she commands. My knee fells down to the cold ground beneath me, head lowered as if offering my all to her. This is my place, my purpose, my reason for existing. This is the true purpose and reasoning of a knight.



“Xainayne this goes way too far! Did you brainwash the boy? This is completely unacceptable!” Quinnox seemed far more upset than he should be. Brainwashing? No, my purpose was simply made clear.



“He’s simply been awakened. This is what I call the Black Knight Gahbreal, created by precise training and locked behind a specific command that only I can give. All he has to do is look into my eyes and have me ask him the right questions and he becomes like this. My beautiful, perfect knight. Now stand Gahbreal.”



“Yes master Xainayne.” I rose to me feet to stand tall, prepared for the task at hand. I can feel my fingers itching in anticipation for the fight ahead.



“I wasn’t expecting something normal, but I certainly wasn’t expecting something like this. What in the void did you do Xainayne?” Alvax finally spoke.



“Something that clearly shouldn’t be done”, Destodai responded to the question.



“Just shut up and watch, the faster we get this done the better. Just make sure that Eviax is prepared to take care of him if need be and watch like everyone else will.” Ah my ancient, my master, ever so powerful and with great trust in me. I could never be more grateful. “Gahbreal!”



“At your command.”



“Go forth and fight with everything you have. Leave no one standing and clean up this mess.”



As much as I wanted to resist I couldn’t help but let the smile spread across my face. O how I enjoy dispatching my enemies and even more so when my masters are watching me. The ancients will look upon me today and feel nothing but proud to know that someone with my power is on their side.

---

As he walked each of the ancients followed closely behind. It was odd to see him take his time with this as if breathing in the fresh air. Gahbreal was like a completely different person as if he were just waking up the first time in years. This was far from normal and why Xainayne had decided to do something like this went over everyone’s heads, but just like Gahbreal the ancient believed that they would have to see him fight in order to understand.



It didn’t take long for them to reach the area, a field of all places littered with large and small tents filled to the brim with people who were all clearly claimants. The air was thick with the mixed scents of them all and it made Gahbreal’s smile swiftly fade away a poor omen. It was almost instant that a shout from the crowd of people alerted the claimants to the presence of the ancients who were surprised to see them there as well as panicked. However, nothing could have prepared them for what happened next.

---

I stepped forward, heart at the ready, soul bound to my duty. Their faces were symbols of disgust and betrayal to the ones who cared for them most. Things like this only ever happened once in a lifetime and the reasoning did not matter. To betray the ancients, as a claimant, is to betray your own life. I stepped forward and I could feel the words build up within me. It was stupid enough to make a war camp in the middle of the woods, by to place it in a clearing at lower ground was foolish. They would drown in darkness for a mistake like that.


“Lost! Hear me now!” The chattering from the crowd was so clear, as if all my senses were at their peak. Some questioned why I was here, others dreaded my presence and some comforted themselves thinking that this would be easy and the ancients brought themselves here to die… laughable. “You are all guilty of betraying your masters for reasons I don’t care to know, it’s meaningless to question the ranting of upjumped traitors and my actions have already been decided! Your actions are all deplorable, purposes without proper guidance and justice will be the only cure for the disease of you all! No ancient will lift a finger in this fight because they are all caring fathers and mothers who lead their children to victory and peace! I on the other hand! I am their knight, coated in blood and battle with a purpose made fully clear! You sought out retribution and you will be met… with execution.”

---

It was a sight that would no doubt be rare from that moment forward, Gahbreal preparing for war… a battle of great impact… a fight against hundreds of his fellow claimants. The armor that wrapped around his body as darkness was far too defined compared to normal. He looked as he normally did with his armor and yet every piece was sleek and clean without a single part being out of place, the most noticeable thing being a cape which he never used and yet it flowed behind him as a shroud of pure darkness, shadows that melted into the air as they brushed against the ground. His helmet resembled that of a wolf, another thing different from normal with the same long plume waving in the air behind him like a tassel of shadows. He clutched his axe tightly in his right hand and lifted it to his side as if it were just a small strait sword and that was when the fight truly began.



An arrow flew in his direction, as swift as a shooting star, and he caught it just before it struck his heart. He laughed as he snapped the item in has hand and began sprinting forward into the crowed. Now the battle was truly on.



All it took was a single attack and no one was capable of surviving it. If his axe collided with you then whatever it hit was gone, be it an arm of your torso, you were severed. He moved through the crowed flawlessly, tearing through whoever he came across with ruthlessness and reckless abandon of mercy. One leg, one head, one shoulder, through someone’s waist, through the shoulder collar bone and into the ribs, his weapon as fierce as his body.



A flurry of elemental attacks would come flying in his direction, electricity, fire, ice, vines as well seeming like they aimed to hinder his movement. How utterly useless. He moved his axe to take the electricity first, the feeling of it coursing through his body like a wakeup call as he jumped over the vines and strait through the fire. Nothing seemed to phase him and the icy projectiles that aimed to impale him were all shattered by his axe and fists. A quick rush forward and his hand was gripped tightly on the nature claimant who attacked with vines, the electricity coursing through his veins surging through them and causing them to shake and flail wildly. How disturbingly weak.



He turned to the remaining few, not only making them his targets but everyone behind them as well. He didn’t move a muscle and his presence alone invoked a strange fear. What would he do now? How would he attack and how could they counter it? They couldn’t.



“Flee”, his words rang out through the air as a waved of black and indigo darkness rushed forward from his person and enveloped all who stood in front of him. Screams and panic could be heard spreading through the air and the assault on their senses remained as he continued his attack.



Just like that an entire section of the battlefield was removed from play, shrouded in shadows that no one would dare risk going through. Few who were caught within made out it, the rest still inside screaming and begging for help. There was no time for rest however as Gahbreal continued to press on with his axe in tow. He danced around in combat like an otherworldly entity, as if the way he fought was tailor made for him and no one else of his category. There weren’t many people who could be named capable of lifting his axe and even so none could move it around as freely as he did. Nammay could even recall the weight specifications that Xainayne asked for thinking it was some kind of cruel joke, but looking at it now it was a marvel to behold.



In the blink of an eye he took a stance that was different from normal and everyone who even thought to approach paused. Left hand outstretched, axe held tightly in the right with the axe’s head curling back and around over his left shoulder. What attack could this be? Regardless of the answer no one was prepared for the powerful throw that tore through the air like a whirlwind. His axe Flew forward, unstopped or slowed by the multitude of bodies it cleaved through before hitting the ground.



“How many was that? Fifteen? Twenty?”



“I don’t know! At least a forth of our numbers are gone and barely any time has passed?”



“Don’t touch the shadows! They’ll drive you mad!”



“Don’t stay near him for too long either! Switch in and switch out to avoid going crazy!”



“Where are the fucking archers? We need the archers!”



“The archer line was hit by the axe throw! There aren’t many left but they’re getting into position!”



“He threw his weapon! Now it the time to attack!”



“To me my precious companion. Ignore their voices and come to your one true friend”, Gahbreal spoke as his axe became covered in the indigo edged darkness and slowly began the journey back to his position.



“Attack now!”



Multiple claimants rushed his position and he responded in kind, the first to come within range taking a foot to the face so devastating their feet were lifted from the ground. The other claimants stopped for a moment yet continued the attack, if he received his weapon again then there would be no chance. As if they ever had one to begin with.



“What the hell even is this? Why do you believe something like this even need to exist?” Quinnox questioned Xainayne who looked on at his claimant with pride.



“Because aside from us and the treasures we need at least a single claimant who is more than capable of fighting as if they are meant to be a one man army. In battle we can’t always rely on our claimants to be undefeated and even more so when we share a common enemy. With this we my not even need to raise our hands in any battle, although he’s nowhere near ready for that right now.”



“You speak so surely of yourself Xainayne, but what if your knight is the one who betrays us? Did you think of that outcome?” Florita questioned him next.



“That won’t be a problem because he’s not capable of the thought. I raised him from the ground up, sensed his strength from birth and personally crafted him into the person he is today. He may be opposed to some of our choices and dislikes a few of us in his own way, but he holds respect for us above all else. To him we are his family as much as he is mine and that is an undeniable truth. This is just part of the process to make sure he’ll never be defeated when we need him to succeed.”



“So… you’re just afraid he’ll die and want to make sure your little baby is safe?” Novevu teased at the ancient to which he was met with a glare. No response, although he quickly turned back to monitor his claimant.



By now he was still at work, his bare hands breaking bones and grabbing victims to throw and break under the strength of his grip. The axe was steadily making its way back and yet he still moved with the same dancing movements as before, fists and feet pounding and ripping his opponents apart. By now, with the amount of people rushing his position, nearly half of the opposing claimants were done in.



“Is this all you have to offer? You’re like ants marching beneath my heels to be smothered out like waning flames. You should have taken your weakness into consideration before challenging your masters the way you have! Now you’ll die without even getting to lay a finger on them.”

As his words finished an barrage of arrows soared through the sky, their target clear and yet his hands quickly moved to intercept them. It was magical to see his arms like snakes slicing through the air to knock down all the arrows, or at least all but one.



The arrow slammed into his chest and yet he didn’t move or show any sign of immediate reaction. Everyone watched as if they had accomplished the task of finishing him off, a clean shit directly on his heart, and yet he did not fall nor did he flatter. Xainayne had to force herself to stay put, to keep from rushing to her claimant’s side. This was his task, his trail, but it was difficult to see him suffer any pain that wasn’t done for the sake of his strengthening. The laugh that began to creep outward from him however was not a good sign.



“Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful! To imagine that I would feel pain such as this… magnificent. It would be the most honorable of deaths to fight and die for the sake of my masters, these figures above all else and yet you seem as if you believe this is a moment for your own celebration! No. This is the moment where I finally take you all seriously”, he spoke as the area on his armor where the eyes would rest began to glow a bright chilling red.



Simply looking at them sent a shiver up your spine, the armor that was once clean and powerful rippling like water. Even with the worry that came with it Xainayne couldn’t help but smile. The red eyes, the armor moving like sheets of water, the way he now carried himself. Gahbreal was finally taking this seriously. For the first time Gahbreal would fight with everything he has as was the purpose of it all. This entire process was to push his claimant to the limits, make him fight as if he had nothing holding him back. Gahbreal normally hated the fighting, the violence, the power he was gifted with. When he activated him like this, used the brainwashing that had been trained into him for years, then he would throw that all away. This wasn’t the true Gahbreal, it was the Gahbreal that abandoned his true feelings.



He turned in the direction of the archers which had now began to ready another volley of arrows and once again a wave of shadows swept forward like a rushing tide. Of course they couldn’t escape it, it was much faster than the previous time. His axe came flying towards him at an increased speed, his right hand outstretched as the weapon found itself back into his grasp. He continued to laugh yet again as if some great joke were known only to him which no one else could comprehend.



“Don’t mock us! We won’t lose to some claimant!”



“We’ve been planning this for years. You won’t stop us now!”



“Hurry up and die already! You can’t win with a wound like that!”



His red eyes gazed over the crowed of survivors, still about a little under half of them remaining. His work was indeed cut out for him and yet under the darkness that shrouded him he would be found to continue smiling to the bitter end.



“I can’t win? Is that what you think? Mocking you? I won’t stop you?” He laughed as if all of their words were simple jokes and banter. “Foolish. How utterly foolish! I refuse to die until my job is done. Your ranks are sundered, your moral waning and you believe you can stand up to e after landing a few choice hits? I won’t even bother dodging or defending another attack. From this moment on I will fight as if the fates of every ancient, every loving parent who stands and watches… hangs in the balance. That is my wretched gift to you.”

---

The enemy charged forward, their anger and malice clear on their faces and yet I would fret not at the sight of it. None of it mattered to me as I fell backwards to the ground into the loving grasp of the void. As I passed through that eternal darkness I could feel it calling out to me, arms outstretched as if begging me to let go and yet I still was not done with my duty!



I fell forth from the void above the battlefield, my precious companion in tow, my beloved, my Ruinous Edge, and I let my darkness seep into its very core. Before now it was as if the weapon refused to respond to anything else and yet my dedication was everything here and it felt that dedication pumping through me like blood through my veins. It did not coat the weapon as it does me, no, it slipped into the very fabric of its making and became one with the tool. Every edge of it now glowing with the same indigo light that I remember beckoning me from the darkness when I needed it most. It was always there, by my side all along!



Ruinous Edge, O Ruinous Edge, how I have named you so. As we fall together and out bodies are one will you gift me all your power as I have mine? You are not simply just a tool or an item to be used as such, but a glorious friend who will forever be by my side. My darkness is your darkness, my shadow is your shadow, my everything is your everything. Fight by my side until the bitter end! Be by my side until the bitter end! I am a knight and as such you are my one true companion on this lonesome journey! So please… Give me your all.

---

Everyone looked around frantically as if wondering where he might be and yet the ancients already knew, eyes trained towards the sky to see Gahbreal falling with his weapon in tow, glowing as if it had its own heartbeat.



“I’ve never seen this before. He never has been able to use his weapon effectively until now", Xainayne spoke which caught Nammay’s attention.



“When you asked me to make it you specified the material and that I make it an amplifier for his abilities, although he has no abilities for attack so I’ve been confused as to why. Perhaps we will see what he can do with it right now.”



By the time anyone noticed him it was far past too late, his feet planting themselves on the ground and his axe held in reverse, head of the tool plunging towards the ground. Just one look at the weapon and no one hesitated to rush forward. It was ominous, spine chilling, frightful to even see and yet the instincts of all claimants present told them to attack before he could finish the attack. Even so no one was nearly fast enough and as the head of the axe began its decent into the ground until only the handle was left pointing upwards everyone could feel a deep sense of dread overcome them.



The ground beneath them seemed to pulsate, veins of black and blue spreading across the ground like a disease and just when no one believed it could get worse or do too much damage every vein erupted. The ground split open into small fissure, thick plumes of pure indigo spraying forth from the pitch black cracks that had now formed. It was hard to see, hard to move even and simply touching them caused victims to flail in madness and panic. The screaming, the crying out! It was intoxicating for no one but Gahbreal himself.



The ancients looked on in disbelief and disgust as this claimant who they had known to be so sincere and kind even with the duty he bared shows his fangs in a way that no one would have been prepared for and yet even as they thought this not a single one was incapable of denying his dedication as everywhere in the surrounding area was coated in this attack excluding the area around them. All they could do was watch on as it seemed these former claimants were drowning in despair and agony. Some crying out for their ancients, some crying out for their parents, others crying out for mercy and yet still some simply cried like children. A terrible experience.



Through the vestiges of darkness, madness and the void Gahbreal could be seen fighting on as if pain and madness were nothing to him. Spears impaling him, other claimant abilities pelting him head on, he refused to avoid or block a single one just as he had said! He plowed through attack after attack like a tank as his armor reused to fade and his weapon never once imagining to falter. Every slice it made through the air left a ringing vestige of madness that could no longer be passed through, it was as if the weapon and the aftermath of its attack resulted in instantaneous madness, amplifying nothing but the level of exposure! Every cut or tear to the flesh would cause the blood in the body to rush with it, their veins glowing with the same indigo hue as if their very bodies were being infected with madness itself and yet the panic for such a trick took time to set in. His weapon was no doubt far too dangerous in his hands.



It seemed like hours and yet it only took maybe thirty minutes for the silence to kick in, the rushing darkness the only thing that could be heard and it was at that point that the fissures died down and the shadows and madness subsided and fell like waves of water crashing to the ground and fading into nothing. What was left? Nothing short of a bloodbath with Gahbreal standing triumphantly in the midst of it, axe raised high as if declaring his victory whilst weapons of all sorts protruded from his body. Xainayne was the first to rush forward to him as everyone else followed behind.



“My duty is fulfilled. None left standing. Let this be a reminder that no one is to ever raise their hand to the ancients again or it will be me and my companion that they’re left to deal with… me… and me alone… I will fight… on my own…” The axe fell to the ground from his hand and as soon as it did the darkness retreated from its craft, him soon falling to the ground behind it.



“Gahbreal! I’m right here with you”, no response other than raspy breathing. His eyes shined a bright red as he looked on at his ancient’s face filled with worry. He wanted to tell him that this was perfect, that dying in this way was exactly how it should be and yet the words wouldn’t form in his throat.



“Make him send away the armor”, Eviax demanded as she approached the claimant and his ancient. “I don’t want to risk getting affected by his madness while I’m trying to work.”



“You hear her Gahbreal”, the ancient spoke to which Gahbreal responded by sending the armor off of his person like a thick molasses that crept to the ground before fading away. The sight was atrocious.



His body was burned, punctured and sundered in multiple places. There were cuts and slashes everywhere as well as hole that bore into and even through his body in some instances. His veins looked to be burned out, no doubt by the electricity he took in, and his skin seemed to have been effected by multiple abilities in multiple areas. Rotting, degrading, frozen, it even seemed as if in some places he had been torn into by jets of water and yet what did the most damage was the flames no doubt which had burned away most of the skin from his body. He looked as if he shouldn’t be alive and upon looking at his face again Xainayne would find that he was not.



“It’s fine, I can take care of things from here”, Eviax spoke quickly.



“Xainayne”, Novevu spoke before anyone else could get the chance, as if anyone else wanted to speak. “I don’t believe I ever want to see or hear about anything like this again. I don’t care how dire the situation or what you believe should be done. Never let me see something like this again. Your claimants don’t deserve to experience death in this manner and you should be more than capable of understanding that by now.”



“Of course, I understand.”



The words were quick to leave her lips and things were truly distasteful to see end up like this. This was not an expected turn of events, but that just meant the boy would need to be tempered. Gahbreal wished to protect everyone in as best a way he could so this wasn’t just for the ancient of darkness but also for her loyal claimant who was at odds with his purpose and feelings. He would be better next time but for now this ordeal wasn't to leave this group of ancients and Eviax.

---

As his eyes rolled opened he brushed his fingers against his face. What had happened? Where had he been? It felt as if he were walking in unfamiliar skin and even that didn’t feel like a proper description.



He looked across the room at his axe which rested against the wall, a feeling of comfort rushing over him to see it which confused him and yet he didn’t pay it much mind. For now he was far too focused on his newest development, the red glowing eyes that stared back at him from his reflection on the polished metal. Was that really his own eyes?

In the deep wilderness of southern Europe, Loic would find himself meandering about as usual, this time, looking to find a proper meal for him to hunt. For most people, that would mean some quality meat from the local butcher...Not for this man. He needed no money, for he was a hunter. Taking a deep breath, he would pull out his trusty bow, Gaoth, and begin looking about. One might call him a lonesome being, but in actuality, he wasn't exactly alone...


"Oi there, been a while since we talked..." Loic uttered to himself in a slightly different tone of voice, to which he then huffed as he stalked through the bushes, continuing to speak in an ushered tone. "A while? Been fockin' ages, ya scooner..." He then went through the bushes, his furs and mask of dirt helping him blend into the environment. "Whatcha huntin' now, eh? Rabbits?" "Deer, actually...Should be everywhere in this part o' Croatia..." After finding a suitable spot, Loic stood still, as he saw what seem to be silhouettes of deer in the distance. "Easily feart, mate, y'better be a wee bit careful." "Aye, aye, wha'ever." He said, calmly looking on as he could see them come closer. So he decided to blend in even further, the fur he had on seemingly fusing into his skin and having lighter patches here and there, making him harder to spot..."Ooohoho, noice and sleekit. Been thinkin'. Y'ever get bored o' this?" "Naw, why th'fock y'asking me now? "'Coz five years mate. Five bloody years. How ya even manage t' live like tha'?" As he could see a Deer approach, he immediately put an index and middle finger against his lip. "Haud yer wheesht fer once, dammit." He then observed, finding that the upcoming prey happened to be a rather meaty-looking stag...Good think he put his face-mask on and wore his lucky wolf hat. To cap the luck off, he would proceed to pull out a handmade arrow from his quiver, and give the tip of it a brief lick before slooooowly stretching it against the string as he set the bow upwards. He would steadily aim towards the stag aaaaand--

The hunt begins...

With the arrow landing a clear shot at the neck, the buck would immediately run off, but Loic was far from done, because this was where the fun would begin...He would give chase, his body taking on a more canine form as the fur and bow on him melded together, turning him into a wolf of rather impressive size, and moreso in speed. The Claimant ran and ran after the beastie, tracking its scent using his enhanced senses.

Eventually, the shapeshifter found his pray, laying on the ground in a puddle of blood. Since it was dying by this point, he had transformed back into his true form and check for signs of life. Feeling the stag struggle, he proceeded to carress its neck as he would pull out a crude hunting knife that had been hanging from his side, speaking extremely quietly. "Baw's on the slates, buck. Rest now, laddie, y'fought yer best...Sorry, bu' y'kno' how it is, the predators gotta feed. Hope ya found a bonnie doe tha' fancied ya." And with that, a stab in the neck, and all was over. Its soul would now return to the cycle and be reborn as another being, in another time. With that done, he would then disect it, and pull out its heart, burying it next to the corpse so that its spirit could rest, else bad luck follows. A hunter without his superstitions wasn't a hunter at all. Once this small ritual was done with, he would wrap the deer in a blanket of leather, before picking it up by the legs and coming back to his campfire at a calm pace.

The woods were filled with fresh spring air...


"Woo, tha' was a fun one, got me all yaldy. Say, remember me question?" "I live like tha' 'cause Ah wanna. 'Cause is natural an' Ah umnae shoved b'tween walls nor dragged along with money. Why'd I ever get boke o' it? Is th' life ah lived b'fore and I see nothin' wrong with tha', so awa' an' bile yer heid." The convo with himself continued on, with his actual self being a bit irritated by...Himself. When you live alone for a while in the wilds, you tend to learn to take up time in various ways. "Aye, aye, but widnae be fun if ya got someone b'sides me with ya? Per'aps a bonnie lass t'keep ya warm eh--" "Psssh, shut yer geggie. Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye! Naw in a rush fer anythin'. Got me food, got cousins in th' hoose, wha' else would I ever need, eh?" With that, the hunter would go back to his camp and begin preparing the buck, first skinning it, making sure the horns would stay intact for him to make a new hat out of...The last one was getting old and reeking, and since it wasn't his lucky huntin' cap, it means it may as well be tossed in the fire! After the skinning, he would stretch the animal using multiple long sticks, letting it slowly cook up as he occasionally turned it, following with carefully tanning the hide...

An Assassin With Love

A wedding, a pairing between two ancients, how despicable. Between Novevu and Florita of all beings as well! It was as if every action Florita took was to outshine and stand above him. Flori could not see it all any other way and there was no reason to do so. Florita specifically was a thorn in his side, an ancient which would undermine his authority by existing in the slightest manner. Was nature not a part of earth? Should his powers not include everything that exists on and within the earth he controls as well?



“Flori?” The claimant who stood by called out to him.



“You’re still here? What is it?”



“The wedding sir. How will you be going about handling the wedding? As your claimants we should all be prepared for whatever decision you make here.”



“Hm”, the ancient looked out the window for a moment. “Give me more time. I will give my decision later. I don’t have time for this right now.”



The claimant bowed in an orderly manner before turning away to take his leave from the room. He looked so much like a butler it made sense that he acted as a sort of attendant to his ancient of the earth, however he knew this was simply a means to waste time. There was no doubt that Flori would have some kind of plan up his sleeve for this situation but they would just have to wait and see what the ancient would choose to do.



He despised everything that Florita did and didn’t really care much for the other ancients as a whole, or anyone else for that matter. It was the reason why he worked to aid humans in their progression of society, the reason why he ordained to erase what the nature ancient has built. The more power and strength he would gain the better and in time he would eventually gain what it is he truly desires. This wedding, this joining of Novevu and Florita, was just another thing to agitate him further. As if it were a personal assault on himself that she would dare to have a relationship of her own, prove to have her own family in the future while he could not.



“Take your time with the decision. I will be waiting patiently sir.” The claimant spoke as the door closed, that was when things took a rather unexpected turn. Behind the once opened door stood quietly a person who almost seemed completely unfamiliar until his face could be seen clearly. His eyes, his features, hair, complexion, all things that one would be an idiot to not recognize at this point. How he managed to find himself in everyone’s realms at any given moment was still a mystery and yet it was the first time seeing him here.



“Hello Flori. Just stopping by for a chat, no need for alarm.” Nier was dressed quite averagely albeit in all black, alarming to say the least.



A long black silken coat with slacks and a clean button up shirt, the top few buttons undone as if attempting to be unrestricted. Around his neck hung a rather ornate necklace that seemed very out of place yet it stayed quite comfortably there. He never wore gloves as far as he knew and there were black, plain shoes on his feet that seemed as if they wouldn’t leave a single trace behind. He looked comfortable, too comfortable, as if he belonged there.



“What do you want Nier? Shouldn’t you be attending to Nammay’s needs? Or better yet following behind Chaemai like a lost dog? How did you even get here anyway?”



“Don’t worry about it”, he spoke with a chuckle. “I just wanted to speak with you about a rather important matter. This will be entirely off the record mind you as it would be best that no one knows of this conversation.”



How did someone so stupid always manage to speak so clearly and sly? At times he was a complete joke and then at others it was as if he were a completely different person. What could this child of Nammay be hiding? What secrets could he be holding onto? Thinking about it he always spent long periods of time on his own and managed to be on of the few people who kept his distance from Stasia yet would call her a friend. Surely he was hiding something.



“That’s too bad because I’m rather busy right now. Whatever you wish to speak about can wait until a later time.”



“I’m sorry you feel that way but I have to insist that we speak about this very important topic. I hope you don’t mind me being a bit forceful on the matter.” He approached the nearest seat he could find and leaned against the arm of it. It was so difficult to tell what he was doing, far too open to put up any sort of fight and yet confident in a way that was unsettling beyond compare.



“Excuse me? Do you not know who you’re talking to?”



“Of course I do. I’m talking to an ancient who’s managed to be so hard of hearing that it’s unfathomable so I’ll make this very clear for you. We’re going to have a talk and how you feel about that doesn’t matter. If it did then I would have asked if you wanted to talk.”



The nerve of him! Who does he believe he is? “Nier, maybe you’ve forgotten your position or your place in all of this but you do not tell me what to do. In fact no one tells me what to do and you’d do well to understand that.”



“Oh my, well then I guess you’re just going to have to get used to this because I won’t be indulging your personal needs today. What I have to talk about is bigger than the both of us and you’ll soon come to understand that.” He stood up strait and approached the ancient with a rather plain demeanor. “I simply want to talk to you about this wedding.”



The wedding? Was he really disturbing him with something so trivial? No doubt it is a rather serious matter for two ancients to become a pair, but it wasn’t as if it really mattered to him in a substantial way. It would be nice to prevent it, to find a sort of way to ruin this for Florita, to ruin anything for Florita really. She didn’t deserve to be happy in any way as far as Flori was concerned.



“I don’t care for the wedding and, as I said previously, I have more important things to attend to. So if you would be so kind as to leave and go home then I would be grateful to be rid of this annoyance.”



“Dear lord, you’re such a child. No, even some children are more capable of handling themselves in a better manner.”



“What? I will not tolerate some flirtatious imbecile insulting me in such a manner! How far you can manage to step out of line while being one of the biggest idiots of all the claimants is beyond me but I wont stand for this!”



“Is that supposed to be some kind of threat? You sure do love to talk but it’s always the important questions that are missing in this types of situations. I ask many questions, like who is who, what is what, how are things the way they are as well as why it all matters. It’s how I know just how much of an insufferable dick you are and why I decided that this visit was necessary to begin with.”



The atmosphere was tense, both the Nier and Flori becoming more agitated by the minute. Nier wasn’t nearly as intimidated as the ancient felt he should be and yet Flori himself wasn’t as cautious as the situation called for. Only two people knew what it was like to deal with a serious Nier and both knew just how serious it could be. The way his mother ordained to describe him was with compliments, saying ‘he’s such a sweet boy and always cares for others, but he can get a bit out of hand if he feels he must’. Meanwhile Nammay would take to saying things more clearly with a simple ‘he knows how to handle himself and sometimes a bit too well. It’s best not to get on his bad side, if that’s even possible’. Nier on the other hand was a completely different case.



“Just because you managed to weasel your way into the heart of an ancient does not mean you can simply go about saying and doing whatever you want, Nier. Chaemai was more than foolish enough to let herself be swept away by some run of the mill claimant, but that just goes to show how little her judgment can be trusted.”



What a nuisance.



“You see, this is exactly why I came here”, Nier spoke as he moved closer, the tip of his nose nearly brushing against the ancient’s. “For some Void forsaken reason you can’t seem to figure out when to keep your mouth shut. I’d think that a person with so much power would be well beyond these childish outbursts and yet here you are, displaying just how weak you are in front of a claimant of all things. Then again I suppose its only natural for the weaker to protest and whine to the strong.”



“Are you suggesting that I’m weaker than you are?”



“I’m saying that if you weren’t you wouldn’t be standing her like some horny teenager voicing his opinions on how he thinks things are instead doing something about it with your own fucking hands!”



His words were like flame setting upon tinder, insult after insult, phrase after phrase like bullets aimed strait for Flori as if enticing him to react. People like the ancient were never good with handling insults and in this case that was what he had been counting on. He could physically see the anger making an impression on the ancient’s face and the moment he raised his fist to strike the boy was the moment Nier could see this all going in his favor. He came here for this exact reason and he wasn’t going to let it slip by.



Just as swiftly as he found himself in the same room with the earth ancient he carefully dodged the attack. It was easily managed and without so much of a look of worry or tension on his face. Flori was caught, right in the palm of his hands and the look in his eyes revealed that he knew as much. This boy wasn’t to be played with and as his right hand slammed against the ancient’s neck with speed that couldn’t be countered he could feel his grip tighten ever so suddenly.



“This is what I meant when I said weaker you know. You act as if you’re so high and mighty yet when you have a problem you slink around in the background like some sort of midday rat looking for their next scrap of food. Meanwhile here I am with a problem of my own, right in your face without a worry in the world.” His left hand pressed against the ancient’s back and within only a few seconds time he could feel his feet lifted from the ground before his entire body was brought down to the earth headfirst, Nier’s hand still firmly clasped around his neck. “I don’t mind how you feel, some people are simply just less than and it’s pretty obvious. That’s why we have ranks and names after all. Even so I still wish to talk but now it’s just going to be slightly different.”



How was this claimant so strong? If he wasn’t strong then he simply knew what he was doing and this position wasn’t something he could easily get up from. There was a slight struggle at first but it was clear that he wouldn’t be letting him go until he was done and the tightening grip on his neck was reason enough to cease resistance. Would he really kill him in this scenario? The boy was known for always carrying weapons on him, but it seemed he didn’t have any on his person for now and yet he still had him in a position like this?



“What do you want from me?”



“Would you look at that. How quickly someone can become cooperative when their life is on the line.” His words were like needles piercing through his skin. He’s far too dangerous. “I only came here because I enjoy the happiness that Novevu and Florita bring to one another. I may be seen as a womanizer or some flirtatious asshole, but you’d be surprised at how set my heart really is on these types of things. Love is sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect so I’m only going to say this once… leave those two be. I don’t much care for what you personally feel but I do care about seeing the fruits of this pairing. Call it a desire to see what comes of it, if you will.”



Flori struggled for a moment as if trying to get more air, an action that caused Nier to loosen his grip ever so slightly. “What if I were to refuse your little request? Would that displease you?”



Nier sighed. He lifted his left hand and upon doing so a simple metallic fork floated across the room into the palm of his hand and melted into a small ball before reshaping itself into a long, thin needle. He examined it for a short moment before smiling with his work and holding the needle plainly between his fingers.



“I wouldn’t have a need to be upset really because it wouldn’t be my problem anymore. In fact I believe that while Flau would be rather upset with me at first he’d quickly grow accustomed to being an ancient.”



“You wouldn’t dare.”



“Yet I’m right here with you in my grasp because the consequences escape me. The weapon in question would be one of my making, the needle just a display to show you that I could literally make whatever I want. I could make it look as if anyone did it with any weapon I desire and the only thing that would be left to know the difference is dear sweet Stasia using her abilities to search your corpse for the memories… well… if I do decide to leave a corpse. Not that I’m trying to hide anything from the ancients because that would be far too much of a drag anyhow. I’d just like us all to live in peace. Is that too much to ask?”



Too much to ask while holding a life in your hands is what Flori wanted to say and yet the look in this claimant’s eyes at this point was far too foreign. It felt as if the teal eyes were like that of a snake’s preparing to strike him down at any moment. Up until this point he had only seen him as an average claimant with Nammay’s favor but it was clear now that was anything but the case.



“Fine, I hear what you’re getting at. Now will you get off of me?” If he played his cards right it would be rather easy to get back at Nier for this one. Simply taking the fork he had used and getting Stasia to review it in order to have the others see his insubordination.



“Alright alright. No need to get your panties in a twist, dear Flori.” As he released him and backed away the needle formed itself back into a tiny orb which began to compact until it became far too small to even be seen or traced. That plan was out the window. “You just do your best to tolerate things and I will do the same. Nice and easy.”



The boy turned to leave, an action that would have normally warranted an attack but if he was so bold as to turn his back on an ancient he just threatened then there was no doubt something wrong here. Did he not care or did he simply believe himself to be that much stronger than him? What nerve or maybe it was just the level of confidence he carried. Either was it would be a foolish decision to try attacking him in this situation. The ancient could feel that he was in danger just being in the same room as this child.



“Oh yeah, by the way.” He spoke as he did a small motion with his hand as if beckoning a loyal dog to his side. “Never speak ill of my precious Chaemai again. I don’t think I’ll be capable of controlling myself next time if you do. I came here on behalf of two ancients who I respect and hold in high regard because of the way they respect others and how I want them to go without facing hardships, but even though I’m not an ancient I’m more than willing to fight one to the death for the sake of even the reputation of the one I’m in love with.” With another motion of his hand Nier’s two khanjar came flying from the ancient’s own shirt and back towards their owner where they neatly tucked themselves within his jacket. When they managed to get there a secret of its own and yet onw that made the ancient shiver to think that his weapons were always nearby and so close yet unnoticed. “Let’s hope I don’t have to visit again when it’s time for my own wedding.”



With the conversation done and his purpose here complete he quickly and quietly exited the room and snuck his way out of the nearest window, his feet hitting the ground with a thud which caught the attention of the patiently waiting Gahbreal.



“It’s bafflin’ how you never seem to be capable of goin’ anywhere without sneakin’ your way in like some sort of thief.” He questioned the Arab male who laughed in response. “Let’s go before we get attacked by someone else like the last time.”



With those words the two both stepped into the Void where they found themselves standing in a rather empty area surrounded by what seemed like a stark nothing. Nier raised an eyebrow and looked to his friend who seemed to have a far more serious look than he was expecting.



“What’s going on here? You didn’t mess it up did you?” He questioned Gahbreal with a playful demeanor.



“Nier… just how old are you?” the question caught his friend off guard.



“Twenty-nine, why do you ask?”



“Nier I know that’s a lie, I ain’t stupid. Just how long have you been around? I know what your job is, I’ve seen you work and I know that you’ve been workin’ for longer than I know. Tell me just how long you’ve been around?”



The boy looked at Gahbreal, his eyes honing in and shimmering in a way that was off putting. It was as if his gaze was injecting venom directly into his veins and yet Gahbreal gave a look of the same intensity, like a starving wolf prepared to rip his prey apart. This was the first time they had ever spoken about Nier’s work, in fact it was the first time anyone other than Nammay and his mother spoke about his work. It was clear that the topic wasn’t something he was comfortable talking about. Why did it have to be now?



“That’s classified information. My work is quite private and the people who give me jobs wouldn’t be happy to know that I’ve been sharing information that I’m not supposed to be sharing.”



“Oh that’s a load of bullshit! You’re even in a relationship with Chaemai, the ancient who’s closest with Stasia and you avoid her touch as if it would kill you!” His words made his friend ever so slightly more hostile, but it could only be seen in his eyes which were now more coldblooded than ever before. “I’ve shared secrets, told you things that no one should know, hell me taking you around like this breaks rules constantly and yet I do it all anyway because you’re my friend. You can at least tell me one thing about yourself that’s actually serious.”



“Then give me a simpler question.” Nier’s words caused Gahbreal to pause. His gaze had softened and gone back to a far simpler and normal look, the one he was more accustomed to seeing and yet it made him wonder what the other even was. “You’re wording your questions wrong. I won’t answer direct questions like that because it’s classified and I can’t break certain rules… ask me something different. I'll only do this for you this one time so you have three questions.”



Gahbreal paused for a moment. He could learn quite a bit from this alone and yet he had to word things correctly if he planned to gain any knowledge from this. Nier was always an enigma and tended to hold more secrets than anyone gave him credit for. He rarely ever spoke of the past and yet when he did it was always about the same things. He spoke of his childhood but never specified when or where, he spoke of his father but never gave many details about the man. Even when he met him the first time by Nammay’s request he always looked the same and yet it seemed like it happened so long ago. What would be the right type of question for him?



“Do you know about the Chalice incident that happened a while back?”



“Of course I do, everyone knows about that catastrophe.”



He needed a better question.



“Do you remember the Shadow House as well?”



“What? You think I wouldn’t have looked up something like that? If I’m going to hold anything over your head it’s going to be that.”



Another poor question. He needed to think of something that could only be answered in a straightforward way. Nier would clearly dodge all of his questions if he could so this would have to be worded in a way that could only be given an answer he could work with. He was hesitant to even ask the next question, a look of worry replacing his previously more hostile and serious one. For a moment Nier could see traces of fear and dread lingering in the back of his eyes and yet it filled him with a solemn sense of relief to know that his friend was in fact doing all of this out of his own curiosity. Revealing things about himself was always a rather touchy subject and if he could always go about it without repercussions then that would be nice, but the world isn't always so clear cut.


“Gahbreal? What is it?”



“Did you hear about it when Abigail died?” The name tore a hole in his chest and Nier could see the pain it caused him to even use it. He normally used codenames or false names to keep from remembering it too clearly but he wasn’t going to do that this time. Nier knowing the name alone would be proof enough.



“Gahbreal, I don’t think that-“



“Nier, did you hear about it or not?”



Nier paused for a moment. He was hesitant and yet it was clear that it wasn’t because he didn’t want to answer the question, but rather because it was a question he’d hoped not to hear. The implications of this question. The power the question itself held as well as what it meant that he was willing to even ask him made it seem as if he were unwilling to give a half assed answer yet didn’t want to hear a question like this at all. What he did instead was give the simplest response he could. His eyes turned away, regret as well as sorrow shaded in teal resting on him as he finally opened his lips.


“Yes."

Gahbreal smiled, a reaction that caught his friend off guard and yet it put them both at ease.

"That's good to know. I mean it." Nier couldn't keep from returning his smile yet remained silent. "Let's get you back to Chaemai, I'm sure she's missing you already."

A quick few steps and the two men found themselves in a place that was far too fancy for Gahbreal's liking and yet Nier smiled to his friend and patted him on the shoulder. The gesture alone was enough to lighten their moods even more and just before the dark-skinned male could step back through the Void his voice made him pause a moment.

"Give Cyva my regards and tell her thank you for letting me borrow you tonight. I appreciate you always doing these favors for me. I mean it."

An honest smile and he was gone, leaving the metal claimant to stand for a moment with his thoughts. It seemed as if he were prepared to lose his temper and yet at the same time as if he were ready to burst into tears. This friendship in which they shared was far too deep, as if over time they had become more like brothers than he had hoped and it was a rather dangerous development. The two of them were two sides of the same card in certain aspects and yet that just meant they shouldn't get any closer. What worried him most however was if he could even manage stopping that development? Even his mother treated Gahbreal like a long lost brother. At times he felt like the closest person to him and at other times he felt as if they were too close.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was like a soothing melody in his ears.

"My sweet love, I don't believe I could ever manage to be in a foul mood when your voice is within earshot. Like the melody song by a chorus of archangels I can feel myself entranced already."

"So you say, and yet", she spoke as she brushed her hand across his cheek to catch a few teardrops. "These tell me a different story."

His eyes now wide as he realized his situation. He might not have even realized it if she didn't show him. How troubling to think that he would find himself baring these emotions right in front of her, showing signs of weakness like this. "Well that's unsettling. I promise however it is nothing to worry about. Just lost in thought for a moment there."

"You know you can tell me anything, right Nier? What was it that you told me again? When you took my ring and worked on it again?" She lifted her hand to his face to show him the ring he had given her, still the first but even more polished and almost carrying an unearthly glow.

"I said that we are one, everything you carry I will carry alongside you. Even if everything else were to be erased all I'll need is you and you alone. Till the very end of time. Well I'd been chasing after you for so long it makes sense that I could survive with nothing but you, sweet love." He gave the ring a kiss before moving her hand away and leaning in to give her a kiss on the lips. It always felt as if time could freeze when they were connected like this, the tingling sensation on his lips as if he could feel her emotions in volts just as he pulled away. "We'll speak on it later tonight. For now lets go out and have a fun time."

Chaemai nodded and licked her lips, a look in her eyes that he knew all to well by now and could only respond with a nervous chuckle. They were planning to explore the streets of France  for that evening, but if she was going to be like this they wouldn't make it very far. He leaned in once again to give her a far more intimate kiss. This time intent on satiating his lover's desires before they continued with their date.

This Is What It Feels Like?



How this had managed to happen again neither of them could say. How two people, two claimants who had found themselves to be at each other’s throats consistently could spend so much time together was beyond him. All it ever took was a few drinks and things would find themselves going in any sort of direction regardless of whatever quarrel they were swept into prior. Phita and Daenu certainly didn’t help, making them work together on a regular basis despite how much they disagreed with one another, but perhaps they simply had some ulterior motive? No doubt Daenu just wanted Haden to get along with Phita’s claimants at all.



These types of things were dreadful to say the least for Haden, lacking a certain spark he found himself seeking at most times. Anyone who knew the male would say he was missing ‘conflict’ while Daenu would tell him to find a little peace. Neither of the two were really things he wanted after yet they were certainly integral parts of his desires. The moans of his two partners, a rather beautiful woman and a well beyond drunken Shinzo weren’t making his focus any better. His own drunken state was a thing of its own.



Drinks ever only did so much for him, the people back home would simply say he gained his father’s charisma and charm, but all that meant was he could down a hundred pints and not feel the need to stop. His blood was like a toxin in its own right and his body the funnel that buried it all away. The only upside was that alcohol didn’t freeze so he could keep himself cold and intoxicated all at once, but now it had managed to be unbearably hot! Of course it was a poor choice to let Shinzo choose their companion for the night, another fire claimant as he always decided upon. Then again they were some of the only people who could handle the consistent changes in temperature that involved being with the two men.



Haden was displeased, although he wouldn’t voice it this time. Something had him feeling too comfortable and in a sense more tired than normal. Maybe it was the energy expended to keep himself cooled off? Maybe not. It was quite the opposite really and the constant heat made it easy to manage just how cold he became and allowed for a greater energy output without tiring out! It didn’t make sense, but when the female claimant proclaimed a need for the restroom he would take the time to relax and get some rest.



He wanted to sleep and yet he could still hear Shinzo’s heavy breathing on the other side of the bed, not that his own deep breaths were silent either. He could still smell the alcohol on the fire claimant’s breath from there and turned on his side, sheets over his head as he always did, a pocket of cool air under the thick blankets.



The shuffling behind him was unsettling to say the least. The lights were off, far too dark to see anything and he had no idea what was even happening around him. It all seemed so distorted but that was what happened when you drank about twenty pints of liquor and gin, but no amount of distortion was going to make the fingers in his hair go unnoticed.



What in the love of god is he doin? Or at least that was what he wanted to say and yet it felt as if his throat couldn’t form the word, maybe it didn’t want to. He could feel his warm breath on the back of his neck which sent the slightest shiver up his spine. Did he know what he was doing? Maybe Haden was confused himself and had him confused with their company for the night? No, the smell of alcohol was strong and clearly the type of stuff that. He could feel his face so close to him, the tip of his nose brushing against his hair. What could he be thinking right now?



“You smell like lavender. Chestnuts with honey.”



Now hold on a damn moment. Is this fecker smellin’ me damn hair? Oh no no no, I don’t think so! He almost mustered up the clarity of mind to push himself up and protest to what was happening but a heavy hand on the back of his neck was more than enough to keep him in place. Why was Shinzo so strong? Why couldn’t he get him off? He had never realized the disparity in their strength before but then again he always kept his distance when they managed to fight one another, that and regardless of how many times he had challenged him to intoxicated arm wrestling matches he had never managed to actually win. This was different, there was no opportunity to fight back.



Do I want to fight back?


What was that? What the hell was he just thinking about? That was clearly not his own thoughts, surely he was far too drunk to make sense of what he was doing anymore…



This isn’t so bad. Not if it’s him.


He could feel the warmed in his cheeks, the shaking of his eyes as these thoughts grew clearer and clearer. He wasn’t drunk at all anymore and that was becoming increasingly clear. They hadn’t drunk anything for almost and hour and this situation alone was enough to sober him up, but then what did these thoughts mean? Why now of all times? Why was he feeling this way?


This is okay. I don’t mind it.


FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU—



This was odd, but not unwelcome. Up until this point their company had been rather stoic in her role, but now she had managed to become rather docile and submissive. The woman would never be held down this easily so maybe she had finally exhausted herself or maybe was just ready to let him take the lead. Either way he would not pass up on the opportunity.



Their clothes were already removed so this would involve far less work, she seemed nervous and yet this was certainly not a first for her. The swordsman could have sworn she had longer hair and was taller than this but there was no point in questioning it now. With this new development he opted to question how far he could take this, what boundaries he could cross and how far she was willing to allow him to go? Previously she was rather specific in her tastes and yet now was the perfect opportunity to take charge.



Haden nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt the warm hand press against his waist, a nervous shake growing from within his bones yet kept to a minimum. By now he was well aware of his situation and yet unwilling to attempt to stop it. This is fine. This is okay. This is what he wanted. Something within his soul was steadily yearning for this connection and he was more than willing to see it through, for now at least. The even warmer, borderline burning breath that hit the back of his neck instinctively caused him to cool the location off, another shiver sliding down his spine as he did which only seemed to make his yakuza rival even more aggressive. Up until now he had believed him to be running on fumes, thinking he were the lass and yet the moment he felt that warmed on his lower back he was certain that Shinzo knew it was him.



The cold feeling on her person felt as if it were dragging him in, her last attempt to stave him off by fighting away his heat and yet he would not be swayed. Ordained to not hold back any longer he felt his way towards his goal, the dark an obstacle of itself and yet it was a natural feeling to say the least. It was confusing, confounding. Almost as if with every inch, every centimeter he found himself feeling more and more comfortable. It was a feeling of familiarity yet unfamiliarity, fulfillment yet misunderstanding of what had made him fulfilled. What about this had managed to be so rewarding and make him feel so complete? The whimper that escaped his new conquest was alluring and satisfactory but worrying and comforting.



It was painful and yet something he did not want to stop, refused to allow to stop. There was a sense of being strong and yet a desire to melt into his care and aggression. He wanted this, needed this, and whenever he couldn’t keep his voice in and it managed to escape with traces of pain or discomfort the gentle caress of Shinzo’s fingers carefully stroking through his hair lulled him back into peace. What about him was so calming right now? This person who was normally a consistent danger or source of dread was right here giving him something he didn’t know he needed until this very moment and the sound of Shinzo’s pleasure behind him, near his ear, the feeling of it within his body was alluring as well as pleasing. The only thing managing to make this moment even more pleasurable being the moment he felt the male’s lips press against the back of his neck.



She was so cold! How she managed to be so clod was beyond his comprehension for a fire claimant and yet he had to increase his own heat to keep them both from icing over… wait a minute. This didn’t make sense at all. It took him a moment to stop thrusting his hips, the moaning of his current partner ceasing as the realization began to strike him. Their voice, his voice was so familiar now although foreign from how he would normally see it. This couldn’t be real.



A flame alighting in the Japanese claimant’s left hand served the purpose of revealing a more than embarrassed Haden who waited contently to yet surprised by the sudden flame. This had managed to be far more awkward than he had imagined and seeing the surprise on Shinzo’s face was more than enough proof to see he wasn’t expecting to find him lying beneath him.



Shinzo didn’t seem mad, more so confused and Haden seemed embarrassed and yet how could he be expected to be any other way? The fire claimant was still fully erect and hadn’t yet decided to pull away whilst the pale Irishman continued laying on his stomach with Shinzo’s hand firmly holding him down. Why is he looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong? Why is he starin’ at me that way? Christ this is so feckin’ embarrassing. They both seemed completely enveloped in their own thoughts and yet the thoughts were far too different. While Shinzo was in a panic, Haden was feeling rather horribly. What he had deemed realistic and to be a certain way had managed to be the exact opposite. What else could this be seen as aside from a disaster? The swordsman beginning to see it the same way as the tears began to form in his rival’s eyes, a sight that seemed like a myth at best and causing him to back away quickly as if trying to keep from touching him.


“Shit, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—” His words stopping short as the ice claimant grabbed hold of him before he could move out of range. Now they were face to face although back in the dark again, yet the hazy glow of permafrost and a white cold resonating off of the now more furious Haden was more than enough to out him on guard. Great. Now this night will manage to end in a fight of all things. At least with another fire claimant nearby it’ll be a two on one. Or at least that was what he thought until he could feel Haden’s lips press against his own.



He pulled away, the shorter male’s grip stronger than he had expected it to be. “What are you doing?” With the distance closed he could see the burning red face of this bitter cold person who refused to let him go. He wasn’t getting away from him if he could help it now. “Shut up and stop fightin’ me. You started this and now you’re gonna finish it all the same.”



Shinzo couldn’t understand it but he wasn’t going to refuse, Haden was much the same and yet acting on pure instinct, both desperately confused over what was happening or what they were even feeling yet running with it regardless. Haden was quick to fall back and his partner was quick to pounce on top of him. He was visibly still upset and yet once Shinzo fed his desires and reluctantly returned his previous kiss it was as if the cold melted out of the air itself and for Haden it felt as if the deep freezing within himself was also burning away. A feeling that was difficult to explain, as if his flame was filling every part of his being and comforting his very soul. Intoxicating. A desire among desires. A one of a kind experience. Maybe it was the unusual heat but it made him feel lightheaded just holding on like this.



Shinzo could feel the cold attempting to creep into his body like blood through his veins, as if desiring to coil into the fires and grab hold of its source. A hunger, a craving for more that was so demanding yet careful and precise as if afraid to make a single mistake. The way the frost within the coldblooded Haden moved about, this was the first time experiencing it this way. It was normally easy to melt the ice away when around him and yet like this it was far too caring and loving. What had changed about him in this moment? What was causing Haden to act this way? Surely he hated him did he not? They hated each other, tried to kill each other almost every time they came across one another, but why was he acting this way all of a sudden? Looking at his face, running his fingers through his hair, seeing the look in his eyes completely absorbed in pleasure. What was it that he was feeling?



He couldn’t voice it, couldn’t get any words out that didn’t just devolve into moans and groans of ecstasy. He could see that Shinzo was clearly confounded by the scenario but surely he was feeling the same way he was. This odd feeling of fulfillment. A sense of ever-growing desire and want. Surely he had to be feeling the growing need for this as time continued to pass by. For Shinzo it was confusing, still rather drunk and having started this all believing he were someone else. He didn’t turn away in disgust however or lose his temper, rather he was concerned and regretful of how he had done this without knowing. Haden on the other hand knew but didn’t think the swordsman was unaware, pleased and yet having it quickly shattered and left to wonder what it all meant. For Shinzo it was something to question. For Haden the answer was rather clear.



“Wow. Looks like I’m interrupting something.” The female claimant spoke as she emerged from the restroom. “I was barely gone for ten minutes and you two pounce on each other that fast? I can leave you two alone if you’d like.”



The two males looked in shock for a moment, Shinzo had let it slip his mind that she was still around and yet Haden had purposefully tossed the thought aside. It wasn’t nearly important enough to hold onto. Shinzo however was the first to back away from their extended kiss, an action that without question left Daenu’s child upset beyond repair. His breaths were quick and heavy, the warmth circulating through his lungs with each inhale and exhale like a lingering pleasure that he felt a deep disparity to even let escape or end, but with Shinzo no longer giving him what he desired the warmth was soon replaced with blistering cold yet again and the steam that had began to slip through his lips now a white frost that steadily went back to his normal unseen breaths.



“Hmph. Are ya gonna just stand around lass or will ya join us? Neither of us have all feckin’ day and the more of me time ya go about wastin’ the less patience I have to spare!”

“There’s no need to be rude. You don’t have to go anywhere. I suppose we were both just a bit too impatient to wait.”

“Too impatient?” He whispered under his breath.

“Did you say something Haden?”

“No! I didn’t say anything! Now are we gonna do somethin’ or not?”


Dear lord please tell me this isn't what love feels like?

"Drinks Are On Me"


“Remind me again why we’re here with Tarzan?”



“Because Evyette requested that I accompany her for a drink and you decided that you’d tag along. She had urgent business to handle and we’re just waiting. You can go back home if you’d like.”



“I’m not goin’ anywhere without you, samurai. If I do who know how long it will take ya to get this over with?”



“You could always both just leave my bar. If you’re going to whine like a child then I ain’t gonna serve you anything. Just because you look like a little girl doesn’t mean you got to act like one.”



Haden frowned, his eyes gliding over to Hellfire who stood behind the counter cleaning out glasses. His eyes were as red as always as if he could never relax with a look which proved to show his displeasure for their company. Shinzo could see the Irishman preparing to spout any insult or threat that could come to mind yet before he could divert his attention it was far too late.



“Oh? So what’s this now? The recluse thinks it right to get hard on me? Maybe I’d take yer words seriously if ya weren’t just a failure version of Gahbreal but I suppose you’ve spent too much time in here hidin’ away to remember yer place.”



No one had to look, sight served no purpose as you could feel the rage dripping from his person. There wasn’t even a gap in time that anyone could react to before Hellfire’s hand was wrapped firmly around Haden’s neck, his body being lifted into the air with ease. The first person to react was the ice claimant himself, reaching to attempt at freeing himself and the second was Shinzo who grabbed a hold of his fellow claimant’s arm at an attempt to have him release his partner. Of course it didn’t sway him.



“Let him go Hellfire.” Shinzo demanded without even slightly gaining his fellow claimant’s attention.



“Now I don’t know who in the hell made you think you could set foot in my bar, my business, and insult me as if you have the right to do so. My place is far beyond yours and I’m not going to sit by and let you speak to me as if you’re in a place above my own, yopparai.”



Shinzo’s grip tightened on his arm, as if he’d just allow him to insult his partner like that. “Sono yopparai wa watashi no koibitodesu… Satsujin-sha.”



“Sorenara tabun anata wa watashi ga anata no tame ni sore o shinakereba naranai mae ni anata no petto o kanri-ka ni oite okubekidesu.” Of course he wasn’t willing to back down and now all of the other claimant patrons had begun moving into safer positions. Fights were common in Hellfire’s bar and although no one often cared too much for them it would be foolish to overlook a fight between these two individuals.



“I’m not going to say it a third time. Let him go Jerimyha.”



“Oh? Speaking my name so casually? You know that’s a rule you don’t have the authority to break.” The heat which grew around them was intense, unbearable even. A showdown the likes of which many people would have wanted to see, Hellfire’s black flames against Shinzo’s fires tested by Phita. One of the few details they had forgotten about the moment was the person being held in question. Haden who, while having fun watching Shinzo be protective at first, was growing hastily impatient with the situation and the loss of air coming with Hellfire’s tightening grip. Of course he’d lose his temper and be the first to attack.



“This is startin’ to become a feckin’ annoyance. If ya want to be so serious, then how about you just die!”



Haden took a deep breath, something that Hellfire didn’t much care for and yet Shinzo knew what was coming, the drop in temperature around them regardless of the two fire claimants sizing one another up. Of course the small Irishman would show him no mercy, no doubt preparing to blast them both with a wave of point blank ice with murderous intent. Why couldn’t he just let him settle these matters? He always managed to cause so much property damage with everything he did but just as the attack was anticipated… it stopped. A quick glance revealing a hand covering his mouth as well as another gripping Hellfire’s arm. His skin was dark, the markings on his hands leading up to his body a visual reminder of who they had been with this entire time. The person Evyette had brought with her. Le’eroy.



“Haden, there is no need for that. It’s cold enough already in here”, Le’eroy spoke as he removed his hand from over the ice claimant’s mouth. His grip however only tightened on Hellfire’s arm as if preparing to shatter the bone within. “Release him Underworld. You know Evyette will not be happy about this if it goes any further and I’m not prepared to allow you to cause her any unnecessary stress.”



Hellfire frowned, of course he was right but he wasn’t happy about it. His hand releasing Haden who fell down on the ground as he pulled his arm free from the other two. He wasn’t happy and after that he certainly wasn’t going to be happy for a while. He returned to his previous work but didn’t let them go without any last words. “This time, and this time only, you all get to slide by with the thinnest thread of space. Next time I ain’t gonna be so kind and if you ever put your hands on me again I’ll burn you all alive, regardless of if you’re a fire claimant or not.”



Le’eroy laughed as he sat back in his seat, Haden and Shinzo doing the same although the shorter male wouldn’t go without continuing to pout. “Well you’re welcome to try! Phita already did it once but it wasn’t so bad. If your body is strong enough then some burns can be healed with a few good licks and some sleep, although mother wasn’t too happy.”



Haden looked on in absolute disbelief. Was this guy serious? He looked to Shinzo who… looked as if he understood?! What the hell was going on here? Hellfire sighed as if he couldn’t be bothered to even talk to the guy, but was no one confused as to what he just said? Was Le’eroy not a moon claimant? One of Lunia’s children, hailed as her own son for reasons he had yet to discover and he fought Phita at some point? It was madness to even think about!



“Did I… did I hear ya right lad? If ya willingly fought Phita then I don’t know what to say! The only person as nonsensical as you would have to be Lunia for havin’ the screws loose to allow it to happen.”



“Take it back.” Le’eroy spoke without hesitation. His silver eyes didn’t turn away from him or blink once as he awaited his response. When he didn’t receive one he spoke again. “Insult me all you like, it doesn’t phase me, but you will not insult my mother in any way. Take those words back, ice born.”



By now he had gotten back up on his feet, eyes gazing down at Haden who looked to care less. Shinzo on the other hand was hesitant to step into another bullshit situation caused by this troublemaker he shared a home with. In the end he found himself moving once again to diffuse another situation that could easily be avoided if the drunk could swallow his pride and simply apologize, but of course he wasn’t going to do that.



“Le’eroy just calm down. Haden is an idiot, but I’m sure he didn’t mean to—”



Before he could even finish his sentence, as he placed his hand on the lunar claimant’s shoulder in an attempt to be friendly, he felt Le’eroy’s hand coil around his arm before the feeling of his feet leaving the ground caused alarm. The speed at which he was thrown across the room was incredible but then again this wasn’t just any random guy they were dealing with. Le’eroy, the most zealous of claimants who at the same time was known for his past filled with his borderline zealot acts. A warrior and hunter above all else who fought in a conflict that not many living claimants could brag about, he was most known for his acts of violence and overwhelming force. If this was a fight that couldn’t be avoided it would have to be approached with extreme care.



“Stay out of my way, child of fire. I will not allow Lunia’s name to be tarnished by the mouth of such filth. No ancient in fact! Blasphemous in all its ways, you’ll be made to suffer for this.”



“So ya must be quite far from the right state of mind. I’ve been sittin’ here quietly lettin’ everyone do and say whatever the hell they want but I’ll be damned if you think I’m gonna let you do whatever you wish with what’s mine!”



It was impossible to react to, the motion of his hand as well as the ice which formed around it. A wave of blistering cold formed into sharp spikes advancing forward in a manner Haden was sued to using. Difficult to counter at close range without fire, impossible to avoid or react to with little to no room for proper defense. The ice claimant was out for blood, incapable of forgiveness and always prepared to turn to violence. If he hit Le’eroy with the full force of this attack and he died then that would simply be his own fault… or at least that was what he had thought.



The sound of the ice shattering before his was far past unexpected, it was mindboggling. His eyes met with the figure of Le’eroy who with his bare fist alone broke the ice into pieces. What kind of man was this? He had clearly taken damage, his upper body having taken the brunt of the attack and his clothes more than torn and tattered yet his flesh seemed to just brush it off, only having scrapes and small scratches. It seemed as if he took the attack head on, opting to break through instead of retreat or defend and it was that which made this entire situation so dangerous. Someone who had just easily tossed Shinzo aside was right in his face and he couldn’t begin to imagine a situation in which he beat him in close range after his previous attack failed the way it did.



Haden moved to react quickly, ice forming on the ground beneath his feet as he slid back across the floor but Le’eroy was quickly on his trail. They moved through the bar, sliding and weaving between tables and chairs. Haden attempted to move as fluidly as possible in order to leave as much in his pursuer’s way as possible yet it was maddening to see him move right along with him, almost animalistic in nature as he chased behind him with increasing speed. He had to do something to separate them indefinitely and he had just the plan for it.



“Ya must think you’re hot shite, eh? Well lets see if you can handle somethin’ like this you damned idiot!” He spun on his heel, ice spreading across the floor around them in a wide area as he twirled around in a way that seemed far past his capabilities. Without thinking about any type of repercussions or damage to the property he began tossing multiple arrows crafted from ice in Le’eroy’s direction, watching on in awe as of course this guy avoided, dodged and even managed to catch this flurry of items. “You’ve got to be feckin’ kidding me!”



“What did you think, fool? That Lunia’s own child would suffer a death by arrows? You’re beside yourself with foolishness but I will help you understand.” He rushed forward with malicious intent, the ice on the floor making no difference to how well he moved. Haden was clearly in a panic as he shuffled to reach for his gun, for a moment regretting to have cut his hair as his holster made things take marginally longer, but it wasn’t expected that Le’eroy would be so well equipped to move on all terrains the way he did. He took aim, too slow, the lunar claimant’s hand wrapped around his wrist.



“Shite! How are y—”



“Enough talk!”



A twist of his wrist caused the gun to fall to the ground, a twist of his own body with all his strength and Haden was sent flying through the window. He rolled out onto the street, taking a moment to let the pain die down that now sent shocks through his body. In his mind this was all bullshit and yet of course his opponent thought it simply to be just. The main thing on the ice claimant’s mind as he lifted himself from the ground was of course how much it would sting to clean his new wounds, cuts and scrapes from the glass littering his skin. And he was hoping to have a decent night with Shinzo when this was all over.



“This is really startin’ to piss me off. If you’re really lookin’ to fight then I ain’t gonna hold a damn thing back.” Mere seconds after the words escaped the ice claimant’s lips did Shinzo intervein, stepping outside and moving in front of Haden to make an attempt at calming the flame which had been ignited within Le’eroy.



“Listen to me Le’eroy. This is not what we are here for. Just stand down and we can talk this through, Haden is always an idiot and fighting like this won’t change that.”



His words caused Haden to calm ever so slightly, more upset with the insult thrown his way and yet the shape of their opponent stepping out into the open air and taking a deep breath was worrying. Something about being in the open air seemed to revitalize him, not even a moment passing before he kicked off his shoes and pressed his bare feet against the concrete and glass shards. He turned his head to the side and looked as if he were going to speak yet no words came out, however the action was followed by a large wolf approaching him with his weapon in tow. Why he was permitted to have the wolves follow him around was a mystery, but at least it kept his weapon away from his person unless directly brought to him by these companions.



“Step aside Shinzo. Regardless of your plea, and if what you say is true, that doesn’t omit his clear disrespect. If no one else is willing to punish him then I will.”



“And do you believe Daenu would be so pleased to have you do something like this?”



“It would simply be her own doing for allowing a claimant to disrespect the other ancients so casually. Am I not correct?”



“Then you’re saying that you are the one who gets to decide such things? That you can be the judge in this situation without consulting the ancients in question?”



“I am no judge, but judgement adheres to no title. If judgement must be passed on someone’s actions then it matters not who enacts that judgement. If you aim to stand in my way then you can simply share in his punishment. The death of a pathetic wretch.”



Of course reasoning with him wouldn’t work when he was like this. The two hadn’t managed to spend much time with the archer and, in fact, he was kept under rather close watch at most times as Lunia felt it necessary. It wasn’t until after the incident with the chalice that he was even allowed to explore the entirety of the world on his own and yet even still he found himself spending most of his time with Evyette. This situation highlighted the reason as to why things had remained the way they were for so long as he was clearly quick to combat and his tenacity was difficult to keep up with. It was almost like he had an endless source of energy.



Le’eroy rushed forward to attack, sword in hand as Shinzo stepped forward himself to intercept. The first thing that crossed Shinzo’s mind was to test the strength of Le’eroy’s arm as he only wielded his weapon with a single hand but the moment he felt the impact of their weapons clash he stepped aside, deflecting the weapon to the ground. How could he wield so much strength in a single arm? Maybe this was the difference between himself and older claimants or maybe it was just claimants who had faced the same war-torn life as he had. Either way he couldn’t let him hurt Haden or have his way in this fight. Besides, this would be a good opportunity to stretch his muscles in a real fight.



Le’eroy smiled, almost as if he were enjoying the conflict and yet that did not seem like anything he’d do at all. They both rushed into the fray yet again, Shinzo making sure to avoid his zweihander entirely and instead taking to quick and decisive strikes. Although his weapon was faster and his technique more viable Le’eroy still managed to be just as fluid with his motions, dodging and moving as need be and yet the longer the fight persisted the more difficult it became to fend him off. His attacks were speeding up, his movements gaining greater momentum and precision, as if he were simply getting used to combat and eventually, with only a short amount of time, his attacks has begun clashing with his own. He was forcing him into a position he couldn’t easily handle.



What were once dodges and counters were now becoming deflects and barely missed attacks. Haden could only watch on as this close combat encounter went underway and yet he couldn’t let it continue on like this. He had to help. At this rate it was clear that Shinzo would end up being overpowered by sheer force and tenacity unless he took things seriously yet was he willing to do so against someone Evyette had brought along for this night out? That was most likely the reason he was holding back in general. It was annoying.



“Oi! Sweetheart! Move outta me damn way!”



Shinzo heard the words clearly, odd as they were in their nature and yet that was reason enough to take it seriously. He caught Le’eroy’s weapon with his own and directed the attack to the side before dashing away, clearing the space between his yellow eyed partner and the dark skinned male who’s body glowed with moonlit markings. Haden took a deep breath, the temperature around him dropping rapidly, the air freezing and becoming engulfed in the tundra of cold which would normally be held within his body. He couldn’t be bothered in the slightest to care for Daenu being upset with him, this wasn’t the time for worries of that sort and it was for that reason alone he swept his hand forward and with it came a wave of freezing cold air followed by an unavoidable flash freeze.



It was fast, powerful, coated the target area in ice and within that ice could be seen Le’eroy who was rendered motionless by the attack. With his assault finished Haden’s skin grew pale as each breath he took became a blistering cold. Shinzo quickly moved to his side and within moments of being within close proximity of the fire samurai the ice seemed to melt from his very soul.



“Look at ya. Finally good for something today.”



“Well I can’t keep making up for all of your mistakes. If you’re going to keep antagonizing people then you’ll have to face the consequences of those actions.”



“Well aren’t you a dick and a half… at least you’re a dick that I like. Suppose I could call ya mine, just like ye called me earlier.”



The droplets of rain which began to fall from the sky were nothing more than ominous. It was as if the moment they touched the ground it would only manage to be a sign of terrible things to come and the sight of glowing yellow eyes from the roof of the building was more than enough to seal the feeling.



“Are those what I think they are?”



“Yes. Those are his wolves but how they got up there is a mystery of its own. Ancients forbid they’re just as agile as he is.”



“And what if they are? Would it be so crazy that my family is capable of moving with me?” Le’eroy’s silver eyes emerging among the other yellow ones within the dark of the night accentuated by the glowing symbols on his skin was indeed ridiculous. Haden had to check the ground below in order to make certain that he was still trapped within the ice and yet that only proved the sight of double. Two Le’eroys right there to be seen. This was no doubt one of his abilities but would that mean they were just fighting some fake this entire time?



“Jesus, Joseph and Mary you just don’t feckin quit. Get down here and die already!”



“Haden calm down, we might be able to talk—”



“As you wish, ice born. From this point forward lets all fight to our hearts content with our lives on the line!”



The rain surged, now black in color and obscuring vision. Ever so slightly Little Moon could be seen leaping directly into the ice with all his force behind him, the impact shattering the attack and sending chunks of frost scattering in all directions. The moment the doppelganger within was shattered to pieces it also exploded into a plume of black smoke which made the already difficult to see lunar tribesman impossible to see, that is, until he emerged rushing strait towards Haden with sword raised.



Claimants who fought in wars, battles of large scale and with purposes requiring nothing but raw combat experience. It was as if Le’eroy was built and raised for nothing but combat and the smile on his face with his fangs laid bare was a clear sign of his passion. There wasn’t a single moment to react, a single chance to move, his attacks were precise and held a great deal of strength and the ice claimant was still recovering from his previous attack. Shinzo leapt into action, flames coating his very being as he moved to cease this foolish endeavor and yet.



“I couldn’t believe this shit, the audacity in fact.” Le’eroy’s weapon slammed against the flat of a serrated executioner’s sword, a slight push before stopping altogether. “So which one of you fucking disgraces is going to pay for the damages to my god damned bar? Please, tell me!” They all stood quietly, everyone having completely forgotten that in the process of all this that they had caused extensive damage to Hellfire’s place of business. The more time passed the more it seemed his rage only grew even more so than before until he pushed Little Moon’s weapon away with his own, the very action itself sending forth a wave of black flames which engulfed the entire area. His lack of care for anything was unmatched, a small action possibly sacrificing the lives of any and everyone nearby and at range. There were black flames coated in crimson silhouettes as far as the eye could see and the more time passed the more his eyes grew in intensity and the flames burned hotter and more violent. “I will turn this entire place into an uninhabitable wasteland the likes of which no being will be capable of existing! You must all think I’m some sort of fucking joke but, if you all want to die so badly, I’ll be glad to oblige!”



“You mind telling me what’s going on here?” Her voice caused every single on of them to freeze. “I stepped away for a few minutes and you’re prepared to sacrifice everything in sight? I thought I could trust you to control yourself a bit more than that Hellfire.”



“Wha… do you not see this? Look at them all! Red handed in the act of fucking up my shit!”



“All I see are three quite damaged claimants standing here surrounded by your flames with you at the helm, weapon in hand, proclaiming that you are going to kill them. Come on Hellfire, seriously?”



The disbelief was plain as day on his face. Her timing was impeccably poor and he hated it, but he wasn’t prepared to argue with her. He was never prepared to argue with her. He simply snapped his fingers and as he did so the flames subsided and left the area as it previously was, although slightly singed.



“How about I serve you all a drink and have one myself, to make up for this situation.”



“No, we’re fine. I think it’s best that we leave”, Haden spoke as if trying to escape some terrible fate.



“Oh no, I insist. Drinks are on me for all the TROUBLE I’ve caused you tonight.”

King of Pacts


“This is nonsense! What do they have us doing out here watching this guy? He’s not that dangerous, is he? How could he have been caught so easily if he were dangerous?”



“Dude, I don’t know. Just keep your eyes open. We’re supposed to be paying attention to what’s going on out here and you’re not going to accomplish much of anything if all you do is complain all night. Now shut up and keep watch. Remember your callouts and watch yourself. You were briefed and informed, you know this guy is dangerous. Apparently they’re a claimant who leads over a nation that we have yet to find and if his people mobilize we could be attacked by any number of attackers. Just keep watch and keep quiet.”



“Fuck, alright. If you’re going to be such an asshole about it then I guess I can take this ser-”, his words were cut off along with the sound of metal clicking and a snap in the air. The second mercenary turned around quickly to find his ally falling to the ground with a thud, reaching for his radio before the same sound rang out through the air and left a shattered the device in his hands. He raised his rifle, cautious, couldn’t see anything and preparing to call out for aid when a voice was spoken before his own, his heart racing at every passing moment.



“Be quiet. Be still. Lower your weapon and stand in attention.”



He followed the orders he was given perfectly, wondering why exactly he chose to do so. He couldn’t fight it, couldn’t contend against it and in that moment all he could feel was fear. It was then at that moment that he saw the two figures emerge from the darkness of the night. One dressed in fitted military gear. Combat pants with kneepads, boots, combat gloves, a tactical long sleeved shirt, full face balaclava and a light tactical chest rig all colored in black multicam camouflage. The second one wore a lighter yet more off-putting outfit. Fitted cargo pants with a skintight short sleeved tactical shirt, leather straps crossed over their chest which seemed to conceal two weapons which were hidden beneath an almost silk like long coat, fingerless gloves and boots with a hood over their head and a mask over their mouth. All black. One looked like a military specialist, the other almost like they didn’t truly exist.



“Well well, your work is as clean as ever. They didn’t even get to make a sound.” One of them spoke with a rather playful and lighthearted male voice. “Looks like you haven’t slacked on your training at all.”



“Of course I haven’t uncle. While I’d like to enjoy my time Jayhe can’t manage to fuck off for the slightest moment so I need to be ready to fight. Luckily for me I’m not afraid to shoot someone in the goddamned face.” The female voice replied in a harsh and sassy tone. Agitated to her very core no doubt. “Now shut up and let me focus. The faster we get this done the better.”



She approached the merc and as much as he wanted to raise his gun and fire the will to do so simply could not manifest itself in his body. The sense of helplessness, fear, it was overwhelming to say the least and yet all he could do was look on as this person approached with whatever intent they could possibly have with his life. It caught him by surprise, the moment she removed the balaclava from her head and a plume of short brunette hair barely scrapped her shoulders. They looked almost like some internet model, someone you’d see taking photos with books and baggy house clothes yet the look on her face screamed anger and angst. Of course it was impossible for Eva to just force a smile at all times and especially so when doing something she didn’t care for.



“Shut up and look at me. Fucking idiot. Now tell me, what the hell are you all doing out here?” She ordered to which the merc could only answer her question.



“We were all looking for work, got contacted by this group of specialists. They didn’t tell us much about the mission. Just that we would need to know in order to properly defend and said if we did get attacked it would be by high class attackers. We were going to refuse the job, but we couldn’t pass up on the pay. Said they would pay a million per person sent… we did overhear a conversation though. Our boss wanted to know why they were hiring mercenaries when they had access to specialist forces. Their main defenders before we showed up looked like a group we’ve never seen before and they kept talking about something they called ‘claimant defenses’, so we believe they have us defending a claimant they’ve gotten hidden away in this facility.”



“Do you have a map?”



“No. None of us have been allowed inside of the complex aside from those specialists. However from what we’ve seen its rather small and mainly a prison/interrogation location. I believe they all carry maps on them but they also travel in groups of four so it would be difficult to get one off of them.”



Eva looked to her partner who nodded and left the area. She smiled and patted the man on the shoulder, raising her handgun and shooting him directly between the eyes. A soft plume of smoke rose from the barrel for the slightest moment before fading into the air, followed by the snap her teeth made against her tongue. “Thanks for nothing, useless bitch. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t know that much", she hissed as she spat on his still warm corpse. “So, uncle, how are we going to deal with this? A sweep and clear would be nice and easy but that depends on how the target reacts to us. Evyette said he was dangerous but then how did this dumbass get captured to begin with?”



“Well you didn’t receive the full briefing like I did, but I’m the only one who was given the papers for this task so let me explain.” He removed the hood from his head, silver hair accompanying Nier’s teal eyes as a sigh escaped his lips. “This guy goes by the name of Inma, brother to someone who can easily prove to be troublesome if he ever decided to betray the ancients and as such you can expect him to be the same as he is the older of the two. One of the few who uses black flames but in a sense he might be the worst of them all… Come on. I’ll explain more as we move.”



They continued to move forward quietly, quickly, sticking to the shadows and concealing their presence as much as possible. There were patrols everywhere and with each one they came across Eva would raise her handgun and with an accurate eye take them down before anyone could notice. Nier stuck close behind her, mainly watching her back but also giving her useful information based on what he saw. A perfect duo for stealth.



“These mercs are useless. Des morceaux de merde. They serve no purpose being here.”

(Pieces of shit)



“They probably just want as many people as possible. Inma is a difficult person to deal with and we were chosen to come here because of that very reason.” He spoke as Eva proceeded to clear another patrol. She was way too skilled at this but she was also used to the work. “He has a very special ability that is far too much of a concern. While his brother, Oda, is a well known overall friendly individual… the same can’t be said for Inma although most people who actually know him would say otherwise. He’s an enigma and sports one of the most dangerous abilities known for claimants to possess. A form of charm like what Nuvat is capable of but I wouldn’t say they’re the same in the slightest.”



“Dear lord, please tell me we don’t have some other asshole walking around charming everyone in sight. I understand why no one likes this guy if that’s the case.” She spoke as she made a motion with her hand towards the entrance to the small compound where a group of four men stood clad in special gear. They looked well defended and prepared for combat, but that didn’t matter once Eva sprung into action. A quick dash forward, two shots from her handgun downing two of the men with bullets to their skulls. One turned to respond to her assault but she quickly closed the gap and moved their rifle to the side, a firm grip on his arm and a twist spun him around, placing him between her and the last attacker who she then filled with multiple rounds while they contemplated firing on their own ally to attack her. A foolish choice. She finished off her current hostage with a shot to the back of their head before taking his battle rifle for herself and holstering her handgun on her hip. “Please tell me this won’t be some dick who tries to seduce us the moment we enter the room.”



“That’s the problem, he doesn’t do that at all. That’s not how his ability works.” Nier spoke as he searched one of the bodies, pulling a map from one of the many pockets on their tactical vests and body armor. “Follow me”, he ordered as they entered the building. “He’s one of Evyette’s claimants and is known for feats just like his brother. Both capable of enhancing their physical capabilities with flames and having the ability to encompass large areas with flame. Inma is just as physically powerful and fast as Oda and both aren’t to be played around with in combat, but its because if this that they are both prohibited from using combat abilities unless directly given the order from Phita or now Evyette.”



“That doesn’t explain anything, uncle. What makes him so dangerous with his ‘charm’.” Eva questioned as she followed closely behind Nier who flawlessly avoided all patrols within the building. There were many rooms and all of which were far too clean for a supposed prison building, but they still had to go down a few floors to where their target was apparently being kept. The very bottom.



“Well that’s what makes the last part I said so specifically crucial. Oda has an assault ability only used in times of war, capable of tearing through defensive walls, buildings, wiping out massive numbers of people. He’s a warrior made for siege and yet combat is his entire life while he’s also one of the oddly kindest people you’ll meet so long as you’re a friend. Inma on the other hand doesn’t have a final attack ability. He has a form of charm called the black pact. Essentially he doesn’t need to charm, seduce, or drawn in anyone. If someone is willing to accept him as their leader then they will be given the opportunity to accept his pact. It will mark the new pact member and so long as that mark persists they will gain a fraction of his physical power along with pitch black hair to match his own. They can be human, claimant, it doesn’t matter. What this means is that he’s capable of doing something along the lines of what ancients are capable of in making claimants although his pact bound wont be capable of using any abilities unless they're already a claimant. There is a problem though.”



They stopped speaking as they came to a large flight of stairs, massive in size and cylindrical. From what the map had shown the stairwell itself was a holding cell and at the very bottom would be where Inma was held, a large cylindrical prison where they would find him contained. Eva sighed and walked over to Nier who smiled as he lifted her in his arms and stepped right over the edge, the two of them slowly descending into the depths of the prison. “I hate this”, she pouted with her arms crossing over her chest. “So what is this problem?”



“Well if you hate it so much then you should find a way to fly on your own.” He jested for a moment before his smile steadily faded away. “We have to be careful here. We weren’t ordered to kill him, we were ordered to free him. Inma currently leads a small nation of pact bound and although they aren’t claimants and they have no abilities they do have a fraction of his physical capabilities and are all personally trained by him once they hit a certain age… This means that if his people decide to attack then the damage caused could be troublesome. Inma is skilled enough to make me wonder if I could beat him in a fight on my own and powerful enough to make me question how I would fight him. Fighting him alongside his people I believe I would outright lose if I can’t manipulate the battlefield or decide on a place of my choosing to fight. Gahbreal would probably face the exact same situation and its because of this that he’s quite dangerous. Oda hates Inma because he killed off everyone from their entire village, calling them traitors although no one knows why. Inma loves Oda and always has, hoping to keep their brotherly bond intact but it’s never going to happen.”



“If that’s the case then why didn't his own fighters come to get him? Couldn’t they have taken care of this quite easily?” Eva questioned him as they continued to descend. “It would have certainly made it easier for us if he took care of his own problems.”



“Well Evyette wanted us to deal with this personally. It would cause far too much commotion is a massive amount of people showed up and cut down this entire place so we were sent instead. Also they wouldn’t have known the location and ended up causing far more damage simply trying to figure out where he is. That’s why we’re here. Our mission is almost complete.”



As Nier finished speaking their decent speed increased, almost a normal fall until his feet planted themselves against the ground. That was where they found him. He wore a robe of pure white and brown held in place by a black fur belt. Beneath his robe more black fur could be seen as if meant to keep him warm and yet it only really occupied the lower half of his body. He was thin yet had what looked like enough muscle to make it through the average day which caused Eva to look at his with disgust. This was the person that people were allowing to lead them? His hair was short, messy and pitch black with a messy bang falling over his left eye. His eyes were a mix between purple and red with an odd mark beneath his right eye, resting contently on his pale skin. They moment they even began to approach him was when he chose to speak.



“I was wondering when someone would show up… I’m assuming this means I’m finally receiving the order? Or are you both here to attempt something foolish while I wait for word from my ancient?” He spoke in a deep voice that made it seem as if he were far too relaxed. It was as if he spoke with respect and yet his words said otherwise.



“Excuse me? You waste of skin! Who the hell do you think you are? Maybe if you didn’t get captured in the first place then no one would have to waste their goddamned day coming to recue you from your own failures! Le putain de nerf!”

(The fucking nerve!)



“Of course a literal child would be sent. Am I receiving the order or not?” The speed at which his tone switched to a more serious nature was unsettling, frightening even, but Nier didn’t flinch and Eva simply seemed to be even more agitated than before. “I’m beginning to lose my patience waiting around for my answer.”



Eva looked as if she were prepared to speak again yet Nier raised his hand, a sign for her to halt her actions and she did as he ordered with another childish pout. He approached Inma and reached into his pocket to pull out a small slip of paper with words scribbled on it in familiar handwriting. “These are your exact orders and once complete you are to return to the Forge immediately. Do you understand?”



His eyes scanned over the slip of paper before a smile spread across his face. He was excited, pleased and eager to get out of his restraints. He was sat in a metal chair with his legs strapped to the seat and his hands chained and bonded to the floor. “Does this mean I’m free to use my full strength?”



“You are allowed to use all your power until this mission is complete.” Nier responded.



“What? What does that even mean?” Eva questioned Nier who simply kept his eyes locked onto Inma.



“What it means, little girl, is that I can do what I want for a little bit. You don’t understand anything and I’m confused as to why you were chosen for this mission I’d hesitate to call a rescue.” As he spoke he stood from the chair in a normal fashion as if his bindings weren’t even present, the chains and straps shattering and breaking apart as he did so without even the slightest bit of strain. “I am barred from not only using my abilities but also my full strength because I enter quite a bit of conflict with quite a few people. It’s difficult to run a nation after all so war is always around every corner and I suppose my dear ancient would have found it too easy if I obliterated every opposing nation. That being said I’m not so harsh. Only my enemies would be treated with such hostility.”



“The problem is that you see everyone as an enemy, Inma. You don’t trust anyone unless they’re on your side”, Nier responded to his words in an annoyed tone.



“Well if they’re not an ally then that makes you nothing more than an enemy of me and my people, does it not? I have a nation and families to protect. I don’t have time to deal with anyone who opposes these things.” He stated as he walked past the two and looked up towards the ceiling far above them. “Now if you don’t mind I’m prepared to get out of here. Come with me or not but I’m getting this over with and done so I can return to my people. No doubt they’re confused by my disappearance.”



He took a sharp breath and with it came black flames which covered his hands up to his elbows, draping itself over his clothes ahis hair became engulfed in the cold flames and slithered down his back. With a slight crouch he began to jump his way up, leaping from each section of the stairs he could to skip as much time as possible. Nier followed quickly behind, having Eva stand at his side as he pulled a metal sphere from his pocket and shaped it around her waist into a steel belt. As soon as he began floating upward she soon followed closely behind him until they all reached the entrance they had initially started at.



“I can hear people still alive in here. So you left some of them standing? No matter, I’ll deal with the cleanup.” Inma spoke as he calmly walked his way through the building with Nier and Eva following cautiously nearby. Some of the remaining guards looked in awe as if wondering what had happened, others shouted out orders and alerts while there were a few who raised their guns and began to fire. A useless effort as the bullets halted themselves in the air and fell to the ground. “What are you doing? That was completely unnecessary. It’s the acts of that caliber that make these fools believe they can keep doing things like this. Don’t give them a reason to think we fear them. Let them do what they must and I will do the same.”



Nier sighed and looked to Eva who seemed just as confused as he was. Her current guardian’s eyes said ‘stay by my side’ but the look on his face was worried as to what exactly might happen when escorting this person. Her attention was drawn away from him and back to Inma when more shots were fired yet the bullets slammed against his body and fell to the ground. Surely he felt the impact but did he just not care? He smiled in their direction and raised his hand, a small sphere of black flames floating across the room to their attackers before bursting outward and engulfing them in a shroud of death. The act alone was enough to the remaining attackers reposition or retreat to safe areas, an act that caused Inma to laugh and continue making his way towards the exit.



“You see what I mean? Now they know their place, hiding away like rats. Now lets get this over with and done.” He spoke as they pressed forward.



It was a casual walk, a calm walk for the rest of the way. It was as if the moment he retaliated with force then they found it best to simply let him leave. It didn’t feel right to just walk out of the building and continue forward until they found themselves on the edge of the area, stopping to look back at the compound from afar. Nier looked as if he were prepared to say something but stopped himself as the flames receded from Inma’s body and he removed the sleeve of his robe from over his right arm which was now free and raised to his own face. It looked as if he were examining his palm and then a black flame formed. It was small and normal, then it seemed as if flames were forming around it yet being funneled directly into its very being. Flames being fed into flames and as it did so the pressure in the air itself seemed to swirl around them. It was compact, growing smaller and smaller as if being crushed by the weight of a force that couldn’t be fully seen until finally he clasped his hand around it and tossed it forward. A small black orb with a white silhouette, almost like a dying star, floating towards the place they had just left until it was too far to be easily seen. That was when he spoke.



“Yvercuth shithdanma evde pricatharl vr ketm xiquar woraka fidoor zopalia meder garv golordem… burn to ash, return to the earth, become the seeds of new life, and die.”



The small orb expanded in a flash, encompassing the entirety of the area and flooding the air with a stinging wind. Eva watched on as Nier stood between her and the wave of dust and dirt that was thrown in their direction, eyes locked onto the black circle of fire that swirled over the space which was once filled with people and things built and created for defense until the flames dispersed as quickly as they spread, leaving nothing behind but an empty crater and dust in the air.



“Alright, that’s done. I’m heading to the forge to speak with Evyette.” Inma spoke as he continued walking off seemingly to nowhere.



“Are we… are we just going to let him go? Can we do that?” Eva questioned Nier who shrugged his shoulders and pulled out his phone. “Uncle Nier, seriously, I’m not going to have Jayhe annoying me with her bitch ass because we did this wrong.”



“Hey I don’t know. All Evyette wanted us to do was free him and send him in her direction. As far as I’m concerned our job here is done. Now I can either get Gahbreal to take you home and you can enjoy the rest of your night or we can follow this guy around a little bit longer until you’re satisfied. I have to say though, don’t really want to follow around a mad king with a handheld bomb just ready to be thrown out at a moments notice.” He spoke with a playful laugh. “So what is it gonna be kiddo?”



Eva crossed her arms and frowned, eyes looking as if they were ready to skin the assassin alive. “Just call dad... dick.”