You are the Immortal Hero. A legendary hero who's exploits will be witnessed throughout time. Throughout the ages you have lived countless lives and have saved many more. Your nearing you next life and it's time for the next adventure.
You are the Immortal Hero. A legendary hero who's exploits have yet to be witnessed. The lives that you will live through will be tragic, but this is a job you're honor bound to perform and complete until the end of time. You will defeat great monsters, challenge gods, and ultimately save life as we know it. Every hero has a beginning and it's time to begin yours.
Comment driven Looking for an editor and a co-writer, if you think your up for it pm me.
You had this strange sensation like you were falling into an abyss. It was cold. It was dark. It felt kind of like... like you were falling into the depths of the ocean. You leaned back, letting go, allowing yourself to continue to drift away. You were now falling faster than before now. The sensation was incredible. The air that rushed over your skin was ice cold and somehow smooth. It felt something like water, but at the same time like cold air. And the freedom that went with that feeling was just amazing. You found yourself loving the feeling you were experiencing, but then suddenly, it stopped. Just like that, it stopped.
Your puzzled eyes snapped open, and there was suddenly a flash of brilliant light. You knew at this point that it was no use to cry for help. Nothing could reach you out here, falling into the sunset. Then suddenly, in another flash of light, you found yourself surrounded by a great blue, as though you were right back where you had started. Falling into what seemed like the ocean. You spun and twirled through the water-like atmosphere, falling headfirst until your legs grew heavy. As you opened your eyes (with some effort) you found yourself now flipping right-side up. Your feet touched solid ground.
You looked around. Nothing but darkness, and not a soul in sight. You took a brave step forward, and as you did so, another blinding light came up from below you once more. What's up with the light show? You had to shield your eyes as the darkness you were standing on broke away and flew off. You watched as the pieces of blackness began to fly away, and realized that those creatures were not dark fragments. They were birds. Doves, to be more exact. You gaped at them, their white feathers drifting downward all around your body. Until finally, all of them had flown away, deeper into the blackness that surrounded you.
You turned your head slightly to the right, so you were now looking over your shoulder, before turning to look ahead once again. You were truly all by yourself. You were on a small circular platform that seemed to be floating in a dark abyss.
You ran one hand through your hair and began to think. “This place seems so familiar and yet…” You stopped yourself as you continued to ponder the situation you were in. "... I know I haven't been here."
“What to do...” Suddenly, you hear a voice - it seemed to have come from everywhere and yet nowhere all at once. Perhaps it came from within you. Wherever it had come from, it had caused you to look back over your right shoulder. You tried to follow the voice, slowly moving your head from the right side to the left in an attempt to pinpoint the voice's source. This proved to be successful as you began to see a white, featureless female descend towards the ground. The only feature you could make out was the blank frown that was warped onto her face.
“So much to do... So little time... Take your time... For I shall give you some of mine.” She said in a voice that contained a reverberating echo.
You were at a loss. Take your time? But there was only "so little time", that sentence seemed to contradict itself. You found yourself confused and almost frightened by this series of events. What in the world was happening?!
“Do not be afraid. I am a friend... Probably the only true friend you’ll make in this long quest.”
Quest? What quest?
“Now, I want you to step forward. Can you do it?”
For a moment, you weren’t sure if you could. Your feet suddenly felt extremely heavy, as if you had grown roots and were suddenly stuck to the spot. You looked around for a while, wondering if you ought to obey the strange being in front of you. Then, swallowing hard, you lifted your bare foot up off the ground, and took a step forward. Then another. And another. You managed to cross over to the center of the platform, and then stood still, as though awaiting further instructions from the strange being.
“Good. Power sleeps within you, Great power that has yet to be untapped.”
Suddenly, a beam of light appeared to your right. You turned your head to look at it, and saw three large stone tablets bearing three men who were each standing on a pedestal. Each one had a name, which was engraved onto their respective tablet. The first pedestal said, "Here lies Luxaemui, The last Citizen of Somesthia." The second said, "Here lies Aetherraent, The First Archmage of Equestria." The last of the three said, "Here lies Legak, The Lonely Traveler."
“That is… If you give it form...”
“Can you elaborate? Because I’m kinda at a loss here.”
“Of course… You will become the greatest of heroes that this world has ever known.” The being said, sounding as if she was stuck between a crazy mixture of sadness and glee.
“And what world would that be?" You asked, folding your arms.
"The world of Equis."
"I see... So... What if I refuse? What if I don’t want to become a hero?”
“I am sorry, but that is not an option. This is your punishment.”
“My punishment?”
“Yes. Your punishment for committing the ultimate sin.”
“And that would be?”
“…”
“…?”
“I’m sorry. I cannot tell you.”
“So, you punish me for something I can’t even remember. And that punishment doesn't even seem like it's a real punishment. It’s sounds like more of a reward than anything else.”
“The price for doing good, often outweighs the price for doing evil.”
This made you ponder on what she said. Your head was just drawing out blanks. Your knowledge on heroes was gone, so you couldn't even begin to ponder on what she meant by that. Asking questions seemed to be the best idea. “What do you mean?”
“You will find out soon enough.” So much for asking questions. The being formed that same frown that she greeted you with. At a loss for words at the moment, you decided to wait until she began speaking again. “The men in front of you are just empty husks, a body that has yet to be embodied by a soul. You shall choose your body, and your origin.”
“I see. So all I have to do is just pick one?” The girl nodded her head slowly, as if anticipating your next move.
“Allow me to make it easier for you to choose.” You watched as the nearest body towards you began to enlarge itself, as the other bodies’ shrank. Each body she pointed out would enlarge as she described it in order for you to get a better look. “This is Luxaemui, The last citizen of Somesthia. You were born and raised as house slave, who did every bidding of his master. The life as a slave was a hard one to most, many inspired to be something other than someone's property, while only few had the opportunity. You on the other hand, was perfectly content with you mundane tasks and your lack of knowledge. You were that rare person among your species who truly believed that ignorance was truly bliss. You were treated fairly well, and was properly fed everyday. All that was asked of you was to do your job correctly. However, your life changed when you came across a strange woman who had passed out in your master's fields. You immediately contacted your master and brought her into your master's home for safety. You spent the next five weeks caring for a woman you didn't even know. You were told that she had some undetermined illness that kept her bedridden. The other servants were told to stay away from the woman, leaving you to take of her. You didn't understand why, but you felt drawn to her. Every thing she asked for you provided to her without a second thought, like a child who had just discovered his first crush.
It didn't take you that long to figure out that this woman was extremely intelligent. You found yourself barely able to understand what she was telling you. She seemed to understand this as well, and offered to teach you some of her knowledge. At first learning seemed hard, but you were willing to put up with it, if meant that the girl would like you better. Everyday you would visit her and she would teach you everything she knew. Math, Science, History, all the different languages, she taught you everything she could. As you came to enjoy spending time with her, you began to enjoy learning. Everyday, little by little, the woman's feelings towards you grew as well, until one day when you came to visit her, you found out that she had paid for your release as a slave. Allowing you to finally become a free man. You quickly married her and bought a small house within the nation's capital. Throughout the years she taught you many more things, one of these included Alchemy. During your lessons on the subject you found out that you were blessed with the natural born talent of Alchemy, earning the title The Grand Alchemist after the Somesthian army saw what you were capable of. You quickly rose through the ranks and ended up becoming a general for your nation's army at a young age. At the age of twenty seven, eight years after receiving your new found citizenship, a calamity struck your entire civilization, leaving you the sole survivor of your entire country. After the calamity, you found yourself unable to die. A prisoner who's being forced to be reminded of his his past mistakes over and over.”
"Hmm, not at all where I thought that story was going, but interesting nonetheless."
She slowly nodded her head as she continued. “This is Aetherraent. A young human born during times when Equestria was just a bunch of warring states. At a tender age of six your entire family was slaughtered during an attack by a rival city-state, you spent the next six years of your childhood at an orphanage where you isolated yourself from the other kids and caretakers. During your teens you were taken in by an old mage who saw great potential in you and adopted you as one of his apprentices. You spent years growing up under his tender care, learning the ways of magic, and forming close bonds with the other apprentices. For a time things seemed to be almost perfect, that is until his untimely death. Your master's death left you almost filled with despair. You looked to your fellow mage brothers for comfort. You spent years watching each other's backs and traveling as famous mercenaries, well know for your ability to perform high level magic. During the final days of the war, you and your brethren allied yourselves with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and took up a stand against the tyrant King Sombra. The war ended with a victory from the Princesses, but a loss for you as only one of your brethren survived.
No longer needed as a mercenary, you were given a spot along with your surviving brother to become advisers to the new rulers of the newly unified Equestria. During your time as an adviser, you and your fellow comrade had created dozens of magical formulas that revolutionized the arcane world. However, you began to see that your comrade had become obsessed with finding the secrets of immortality. Remembering the past lessons of your former teacher, you reminded yourself to not get involved, as this feeble pursuit for immortal youth would surely backfire with the worst of consequences. For the next few weeks you repeatedly tried to warn your companion about the dangers of what he was searching for, but each time you were brushed aside. You hoped that he would first die of old age, so you could destroy the knowledge of what he had discovered so far, but fate would not allow you to be so lucky. One day during you daily visits, you were told that he had finally discovered a way for him to gain immortality. At first you applauded him with fake admiration, but stopped upon hearing what the deadly cost was: The life of a mortal human, for the price of receiving an immortal one. You didn't realize until it was too late that your once most trusted comrade had become mad, and aimed to kill you. He tricked you into a magic circle which allowed him to keep you immobilized, and walked into a bigger one and performed the spell. It was as quick and painless as he described it would be, but it surprised you when you actually woke to find yourself younger, and a withered old body laying in the very corner your comrade once was. He had gotten both circles mixed up in his excitement. Allowing him to give you immortal life at the cost of his. In his final words he mumbled something about a girl who had betrayed him. For something you did not want to be a part of, together you two were hailed as one of the greatest magical minds in history, even after his death of a sudden illness. For your supposed accomplishment for being the first to figure out how to achieve immortality you were held by the Princesses as well as the masses as The First Archmage.”
"You can't say that the price for knowledge ain't dangerous."
"And last but not least. Legak. He's called the lonely traveler for a reason. Unlike the other two, You will be plagued by your lack of memories, rather than your existing ones. Your real name has been lost to time, but the name you own now is a name you had adopted from a little girl who offered it to you. Burdened with the life you cannot lose, you have been traveling from one kingdom to the next for the last twenty years, living as a mercenary who does the jobs regular soldiers can't do. The only thing that you keep from your past is your skill in the way of the blade, and a pendent that holds a picture of a loved one that you can no longer remember. You prowess in battle has caused you to be feared by those who have worked with you and by those who have worked against you. The fact that, no matter how many times you are slain, that you still continue to rise might be a factor in why you are often called The Immortal Warrior. "
"I see..."
"These are your three choices... Choose well. Because this is the body you will be stuck with until your journey is over."
"Are you sure? Is that your final choice?" The woman asked.
"Yes." You said nodding your head. With a snap of a finger you felt your body become engulfed with a bright and warm light. You watched as your own body began to change right before you. Turning into a taller more muscular form of body. Your once short black hair began to become longer and more straighter.
(If you have any better pics don't hesitate to show me.)
Despite the new body you couldn't help but feel incomplete. You still felt tasteless and boring. Sensing this, the woman informed you that despite having a new body, you weren't done yet. "In order to be whole you will need to have a personality. Something which will define who your are and what you will become." She said forming three different colored orbs. A white, grey, and a black one. "Each orb represents a personality that will define the new you." She said focusing on the White orb.
"Will you be a paragon? A man who does good for the sake of others. Choosing this path cause you to become a very calm and collected mage, even under the most dire of circumstances, leading to many people to confide in you. However, your stoic demeanor will irritate your companions since you respond to their thoughts with sighs or grunts. By your own admission, you have spent most of your time focusing on improving your knowledge and skills and almost no time at all on cultivating friends. This lack of companionship means that you value whatever friendship you manage to create, and will be genuinely saddened when you end up outliving them, especially if you've known them for a long time. Opposed to how you were a few hundred years ago you’ve become a very caring man, and are often willing to take on an extremely deadly opponent alone in order to allow your allies to escape.
In combat, you surprise your opponents with a wide range of powerful magic unknown to most of the population, aiming to end a fight as quick as possible rather than to let drag on. If you can quickly talk someone out of a fight then you would gladly do so, but if you can’t your enemies will find that despite being a pacifist you are not to be taken lightly.
This personality has a very forgiving nature, consistently extending an offer to help even to your most dangerous enemies before putting a stop to their evil deeds. However when your patience has reached its limit or they were duplicitous, your enemies will never get a second chance, and you would often give them a fate worse than death. It is no secret that this personality has some anger issues. You will have to learn that in this world that no one is perfect, and that following the rules to do good is not always going to work. It will necessary sometimes to bend the rules. Choosing this personality will put you on better terms with Celestia, while causing you to distance yourself from Luna.”
The woman at last showed you the black orb.
"Maybe you'd like the life of the free spirit. Your drive for knowledge is one of your man focuses in life. You will often be seen as batshit insane due to how crazy you act sometimes. Most of your choices and actions are solely based on impulse, you move on instinct and think on a whole other plane than the rest of your kind. Most people tend to think of you as a mad scientist, who does what he does for science. While these people are technically correct, only a small amount of people can see that you are a lot more sane than you appear. While the other personalities were born the way they were, something made you into the crazy person you are today. Perhaps the realization that you are destined to out live everyone you will ever come to love was too much for you to bare, or perhaps you saw something that made you go mad with revelation, no one knows because your answer is always changing.
Throughout your time as being immortal you have witnessed every flaw of the human psyche. You are no longer moved by the swells of human drama, and sees beauty where others cannot, such as the simple things in life. You try to keep the number of friends that you have at an all time minimum due to the fact that you'll just out live them or worse forget them.
Despite all of your knowledge you will become rash, impulsive, and determined to do everything your way, whether for good or bad, in stark contrast to the (Good) personality who is calm, and more focused on his objectives and the (Neutral) personality who prefers to stay in the background. You spend most of your time acting as an adviser for the Princesses, giving them useful advice on matters they cannot handle by themselves. On your free time you will often be found in a library reading or in a lab concocting some crazy experiment.
When in a fight, you either come off as crazy and unpredictable, which can be described as an intimidating scene. You are feared in battle due to you tendency to adapt to new fighting styles, and use them against your opponents by taking bits and pieces from their strategies while making up the rest on-the-go as you combat with them, making you a force to be reckoned with.
While naturally a good person you will find yourself naturally conflicted between doing what you want and what others need you to do. Most of your intentions are good ones, but upon supporting freedom of choice you will have a problem with learning how to find balance between doing what is best for yourself as well as for others. This personality is on good terms with Luna as opposed to Celestia.”
The woman then showed you the grey orb.
"Maybe you will want to play the role as being True Neutral. A man who only betters himself rather than others. You only do good because it’ll be most convenient for you at the moment or the long term reward will benefit everyone in the long run, and if you don't see an opportunity for you to benefit off of, you will often refuse to participate in it until you are guaranteed compensation. You are mage who is "just looking out for number one", who provides advice for the Princesses when necessary. It just so happens to be luck that you end up doing more good than bad. You will hold traits from the white and black orb. Your insanity was more developed than caused, you see the world as black and white, you think of the people around you as either entirely good because they do more good than evil or entirely evil because they did more evil than good, because of this you are seen as having a less than stable mind. Due to this realization, you have made yourself neutral by not choosing a side. If it means saving more lives you will gladly do good, but if choosing a morally bad choice for the sake of saving more lives is better, you'll choose this as well, or even choose a third option all together. You will be a shrewd, calculating, and intelligent trickster who uses wit and deceit to attain your goals, preferring to end disputes verbally instead of by force.
In combat, you prove to be a skilled mage capable of holding your own against even the most powerful opponents, but you choose to use your superior intelligence to your advantage during fights, exploiting your environment to turn the tables on your foes rather than relying purely on your skill with magic. When this doesn't work and you find yourself outmatched, you use your immortality and inability to become tired to quickly wear the enemy out. You will usually prefer the strategies of non-violent negotiations or turning your enemies against each other, reasoning "Why fight when you can negotiate? All one needs is the proper leverage." You will invoke parley and tempt your enemies away from their murderous intentions and encourage them to see the bigger picture.
Although an Archmage/Advisor and willing to kill your enemies in a fight, you sometimes show reluctance to kill people who do not actually wish you harm, such as enemies who are only after you because it is their job rather than because they have personal issues with you. You have seen much destruction and death in your life, most of which you were apart of, you will try as hard as you can not to add anymore. However if you see no way to spare them you will show them no mercy.
While at heart you are a very emotionally secured person, if one were to delve deeper into your psyche, he/she will find a broken and fearful immortal that has experienced much pain and suffering throughout the one thousand years that he has lived. This personality will be on neutral terms with both Celestia and Luna.”
The woman expanded all three orbs allowing you to choose who you would like to become.
The woman snapped her fingers as you told her which personality you wanted. You began to feel a little different, there was no way you could actually explain it, but just different. "You'll have fun with this personality, though labeled as insane by the rest of the world, it will take a genius to realize that you are actually a lot more sane than you let on. Now that you've chosen who you've wanted become, it's now time for you to leave." The lady said pointing towards a door that had just materialized from out of no where. "Entering through this door will lead you to your new life as Aetherraent, The Archmage. Your life will be a glorious one. It will be filled with plenty of laughter, tears, and joy, but I promise you, that by the end of your journey it will be worth it." She said signaling you to walk through the door.
You nodded your head and began to take a few steps towards this mysterious doorway. You placed you hand on the know of the door and began to twist it, but began to hesitate. "You know, you haven't really told me your name." You said slowly facing her.
The woman gave you a weak smile. "I've abandoned my name a long time ago. When you become as old as I am, you will realize than names will eventually become meaningless." She said, pausing for a few quick seconds. "But I guess I will need a name, so that you can better address me when we'll be conversing with each other...from this moment forward you shall call me The Visionary." She said sounding proud of the name.
"The Visionary, huh. It suits you. Strange and mysterious." You said giving giving wide smile, before opening up the door and stepping through. As you stepped through the door quickly closed behind you, leaving The Visionary alone.
The newly named woman let out a small sigh as she began to sit down on the floor. "Now, all I have to do is wait. I'm curious to see what type of choices you will make Hero. Will they be good? Will they be Bad? Only Time herself will be able to tell." The Visionary said, letting out a small chuckle as she began to fade away.
----------------------------------- Age 10, The Orphanage
The Orphanage, you hated this place so much. It was supposed to be a place where you were going to forget about the tragedies that had been just recently inflicted upon you, but instead this became a place of even more suffering. A constant reminder of how your family were all dead, leaving you the sole survivor of a family that had been prospering for generations.
Though ten years old, there was no doubt that you were wise beyond your years. It was required in your family if you wanted to be worth something in your family. By the age of just eight, it was required that you have a solid comprehension of abstract concepts, good foresight and an understanding of human nature beyond what most kids your age were supposed to have, but don't get it twisted, your life may sound hard, it was generally a pleasurable one. Your parents were a rare breed that were able to balance their need for wealth and social standing, while still managing to love and comfort their only child, as a parent should do.
In return for the love and support, you did as your parents asked of you. Learning became a first nature to you, with the natural talent of magic becoming a close a close second. Your father was an earth human, while while your mother was a winged human. You were born a horned human. Both your parents mothers, were horned humans. It just happened to skip a generation.
Usually, most horned humans aren't able to learn magic until their between the ages of ten and thirteen, your magic kicked in at the early age of five. While being charged with learning knowledge that most people wouldn't even learn throughout their entire lives, and dealing with the rough teachings of a very advanced magic instructor, you found yourself very busy during your young life, but that all changed when war engulfed your city.
Forces from a rival city attacked your home, and began slaughtering everything moved, including your family. You only lived because your mother had hid you in one of the many hiding spots within the house. When you finally exited from your little safe spot, you saw what no child should have seen at your age. All you can remember...all you wished you couldn't remember was the blood soaked hallways and bodies that were littered everywhere. Their faces, their last expressions, which will be forever engraved into your mind.
Like all the countless other kids who lost their parents during the conflict, you were sent to an orphanage where you would tormented by the constant screams that were both real and dream, and were most of the time not by you.
At this broken moment in your life, making friends was not something that you would be considering. Since all of the orphans pretty much had similar back stories, there was nothing much to talk about except home depressed and lonely each other were. Luckily this place had a library to keep you company. Most of the kids couldn't really read so the library stayed relatively empty, which allowed to read as many books as you wanted without being interrupted.
Ever since you entered the orphanage, your life had been relatively easy, of course the constant memories of your parents being slaughter in front of you, kept plaguing your mind, but as long as you had your books you were fine. You spent most of your time in the orphanages library reading, rather than spending time with the other kids and getting to know them. This act of solitude lasted for two years. It wasn't until an unexpected visitor showed up looking to adopt a child.
Usually all the children would be lining up to present themselves to their potential new family, but this man was only looking for a child that was skilled in the art of magic. Majority of the orphans were just earth humans and Winged humans, while horned humans were scarce. There weren't a lot of them that could use magic, and those that could weren't really skilled at it. Making you stand out above your peers.
You weren't taught much, but you were surely a step ahead than anyone in this orphanage. All you knew was basic telekinesis, teleportation, and a minor invisibility spell. Your telekinesis was more developed than your other skills due to the fact you used it more times in a day than your other skills. You often used it to pick up books that you couldn't usually grab by yourself.
Despite being a prime candidate you had no interest in leaving to go live with some stranger that may or may not take care of you, and hoped that this person would choose someone else.
You used your invisibility spell to hide yourself in the library like you usually did. Your small body frame allowed you to hide on top of one of the bookshelves while still being invisible. You were left largely uninterrupted, until two kids around your age had walked into library seemingly looking for someone.
"Lin, are you sure he's in here? Because I don't see him." The oldest looking kid said as he began to look around the room hoping to see anything that resembled you.
The girl known as Lin sighed as she began to look around as well. "Of course he's in here. Has my magic ever failed you?" The girl said inciting a glare from her companion. "Uhh, don't answer that. Just trust me. He's in here somewhere. He's probably just hiding." She said looking underneath a nearby table.
"Why in the world would he be hiding? He should be glad to get out of this hellhole, the gods know that I was." The boy said climbing up the ladder so he could check the second floor.
"Well, we were bullied at our orphanages. Maybe he's shy?"
"I don't think so. The other kids didn't really seem like they were bullied in any way, shape or form. So I doubt this kid is any different." The boy said. "The caretakers here seem to generally care about the kids their tasked with taking care of."
"Maybe your right, but looks can be deceiving..." The girl said.
You watched as the boy began to close the distance between you and him. You were hoping that he was going to walk right past you which he did before quickly stopping. He looked towards the bookshelf that you were laying on and began to look in your direction. At first you thought he was able to see you, but you noticed that, that wasn't the case. He could sense you but he couldn't exactly see you. It was a good minute that he stood standing there seemingly staring at you. It was needless to say how uncomfortable you were feeling at the moment. "What are you looking at?" The girl asked the boy.
At this moment it seemed to better to just show yourself to them. "Nothing really, I was just-" At that moment he stopped upon seeing your full body materialize seemingly from out of no where. "HOLY CRAP!" He yelled backing up towards the wooden railing. He gripped his chest as you could almost hear his rapid heartbeat.
"What happened?" The girl asked. "Fenris?"
The boy couldn't answer back. He was still in shock. "I believe I just scared your friend. He'll be fine in a few seconds." You told the girl as you jumped down from the bookshelf. You lead the boy back down the ladder onto the main floor, so the three of you could have a proper conversation.
After the boy had calmed down, you decided to introduce yourself. "I am Aetherrant. Nice to meet you." You said giving a small bow.
"Nice to meet you Aetherrant. I am Linnan and this is my best friend Fenris. Say hi Fenris."
"H-hey." He said slowly recovering from the near heart attack you almost gave him.
"Sorry, he's still a little shocked. So tell me, why were you hiding in here?" Linnan asked as she pointed up to the second floor.
"I wasn't hiding." You lied. "I was just reading a book."
"While invisible? That seems kind o unnecessary, don't you think?"
"I don't like to be disturbed. So I turned invisible when you and your friend came barging into my library."
"It's hardly your library. It belongs everyone in the orphanage." Fenris said speaking up.
"Your right. It does belong to everyone in this orphanage, but your not from this orphanage, are you?" You asked raising an eyebrow at the two kids in front of you. "I didn't think so."
"Looks like someone has an attitude." Fenris said looking down on you as you sat down on the floor with your back to a bookshelf.
"Yes, it appears I've woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. If so I'd think it would be in our best interest if you just leave me alone." You warned.
"Calm down. I'm not trying to start a fight with you. I'm just trying to be friendly." Fenris said backing up a few steps to show that he wasn't trying anything.
"If so then you're doing a bad job at showing it. Out of the two you the girl is more a friend than you and I just met her." You said letting out a small yawn as you turned your attention towards the girl known as Linnan. After a few seconds of staring she realized that you were waiting for her to explain why there were here.
"We're here in search of a child mage." She said truthfully.
"And if I may ask. Why are you looking for a mage?" You asked.
"Before I tell you can I ask you to do something for me?" The girl asked while pointing towards a large book that laid flat on the table next to her. "I want to see how good you are at some basic magic. I want you to levitate the book from off of the table and into my hands." You looked at the book for a few seconds before looking back at the girl, raising an eyebrow as you did so. "Just do it." Lin sighed.
You rolled your eyes and turned your attention back to the book. Your horn began to glow a light blue as you began to concentrate on moving the book. The book slowly began to levitate into the air and towards the girl. You weren't really having much difficultly with moving it. Upon reaching her, She quickly grabbed the book from out of the air and congratulated you for levitating the book. "Good job. I could see the expression on your face that it wasn't really much of a test." She said laughing awkwardly causing Fenris to roll his eyes.
"Who taught you magic?" Fenris interrupted.
"My parents paid for a magic tutor back when my magic first began to show. She was able to teach me a few spells before she...uh, left." You answered.
"And how long ago was that?"
"When I was about five years old. I''m ten now." The two of them looked at astonished by what they had just heard.
"Your magic appered when you were five? Mine came to me I was seven and Lin's came when she was six!" Fenris said face palming. You looked at the two of them and raised your eyebrow once again.
"Oh, uh sorry. It's rare for a child under the age of ten to show magic." Lin stated.
"But it's even more rare, when a child at the age of Five can show it." Fenris added.
"Ohh, do I sense jealousy, Fenris?" Lin joked playfully.
"Piss off." Fenris replied.
"Come now, don't you think he's abilities are just splendid?" Lin said clasping her hands together.
"Yes, yes. He'll do just fine." Fenris said enthusiastically.
"What do you mean?" You asked.
"Allow me to explain." An unfamiliar voice said coming from outside the door.
You looked towards the direction of the door to see it slowly open. There was a large man with a wide smile on his face, he had a deep tone of voice that seemed to be filled with both power and wisdom, despite saying only four words to you. "I am Master Titus. I am a world renown researcher and scholar of the arcane arts. I've given hundreds of lectures and written dozens of books based on the newly discovered knowledge hidden away from The Dark Times." He said giving you a small bow.
"I've read a few of your books. There were very interesting to read. What is an educated man such as yourself doing in a wonderful household such as this?" You asked with a bit of sarcasm behind your voice.
"Ohh, Sarcasm, I love sarcasm." He said walking around the library checking out the books that were kept on the bookshelves. "Judging by your looks and tone, and the way how this orphanage is being held together. I'd say you kids are barely getting by. Am I correct?" He said taking out a book and began to flip through the pages.
"We're doing better than most of the other places. This place runs on the donations of all the kind souls that like actually thinks about the children that the gods are seemingly too busy to look after for themselves. So I'd say we're doing alright." You said giving Titus a small smirk as you began to fold your arms.
"But how long from now will alright not be enough? Due to the current state of things, you know the war and all that. How long do you think these donations are going to last?" Titus said inciting a small glare from you and a glance at Lin.
"Excuse me?" You asked trying hide the steady growing annoyance that you were feeling.
"What the Master, is trying to say is that, wouldn't you like to live abetter life than the one you're living now?" Lin asked as she pointed towards the old, cracked walls of the orphanage.
"I don't know...I rather like the creaking of the floors at night, and the steady dripping sound that often drives me insane at night, due the lack of sleep. Without those things I just don't know what I would do." You joked.
"Oh, I'm sure you will be fine." Lin said causing you and Fenris to face palm.
"He was being sarcastic Lin." Fenris said shaking his head.
"Oh..." She said trying to hide redness of her cheeks.
"That all sounds tempting, but there have been a few rumors going around that necromancers are going around taking kids from orphanages and using them for their dark experiments. So don't be offended if you realize that I'm a little pessimistic about your offer. It seems a little to good to be true." You said shrugging your shoulders.
"He has a point you know. I said the same exact thing when you approached me with the offer. You can't really-err" Fenris stopped upon seeing both Titus and Lin glare at him. "I'll...be quiet now."
"Look Aether. I'm not going to force you to come with me, but I am going to need you to trust me." Titus said now face your direction so he could look you in the eyes.
"I swear to you." Lin said stepping forward/ "On my life, that The Master is very trust worthy."
"But I don't care about your life and besides I was speaking to him not you. I can't really take you seriously when the two of you call him The Master. That name doesn't sit well with me." You said shaking your head. "but I will take you up with the offer if a better life to live." You said causing all their of their faces to light up.
"Is that so? Why the sudden change of opinion?" Titus asked.
"Call it a hunch. Besides if you were a bad guy, I'm pretty sure one of these two would have tried to warn me."
"Glad to know that you trust me." Titus said walking over to you and extending his hand out for a handshake. "I'm sure we'll all be one big happy family."
"Yeah...one big happy family..." You said weakly as you gave him a firm handshake.
There was a loud knock on the door. So loud that it actually startled you awake. You’ve come to recognize the banging that has been plaguing you for six years. You had mixed feelings about the banging; at first you hated it when other people would wake you up, but now it showed you that were no longer alone. Master Titus had been kind to you for these past six years. Teaching you a lot of things that didn’t even register within the books you used to read. Many of things he taught you were about magic and history.
You’ve grown to enjoy your life as an apprentice. It’s very eventful and challenging, and you’ve always liked a challenge.
The banging on the door increased in magnitude as you realized you failed to respond. “It’s open!” You yelled at the top of your lungs. The door opened up to show a tall young man with long flowing black hair. You recognized this man as Fenris. For the past six years you’ve adopted him as your brother. The two of you can easily be described as having a love-hate relationship with each other.
Fenris has become an uptight, by the book kind of guy, while in turn; you’ve become an eccentric, follow-my-own rules type of person. The two of you constantly butt heads due to your conflicting ideas, yet still maintain a bond as strong as brothers.
“Good morning sunshine.” He said causing you to groan. You didn’t move much since he walked into the room. You were promised a day off today, by Master Titus, so there was no reason for you to get up early. “Get up. It’s time for another session today.” He said opening up the blinds, allowing the harsh sunlight to shine into your eyes causing you to face away from the window. Your head was already killing you, due to Fenris’ excessive banging, but the blinding sunlight just made it worst.
“Today is my free day, so leave me alone.” You said shifting between annoyance and anger.
“That’s only half true.” Fenris said as his horn began to glow a light blue. You soon began to feel your covers being yanked right off of you, allowing the freshness of the air to overwhelm you, making you grit your teeth in anger.
“What do you mean?” You asked now facing him.
“While you do have a free day this week, it just so happens that it’s not today. It’s tomorrow.” He said watching as rage over took you.
“Your lying. He told me that it was today.”
“No, he said it’s the day after tomorrow. Maybe if you weren’t so drunk from partying with Linna at the tavern, you would have remembered.” He said with an annoying smirk on his face.
“Argh, don’t patronize me Fenris.” You groaned, trying to force yourself up from the bed. Now that you were standing it felt like your head was about split open. You hated having hangovers, which was totally natural, because who in their right minds actually enjoy waking up with their head feeling like it’s about to explode? You suspect Linnan does, due to how wasted she likes to get.
You made sure to make a mental note, to remind you to think twice when Linnan asks you to hang out with her. It almost always ends with the two your going overboard. You were just happy that you woke up in your bead this time.
“At least I know how to have fun.” You said shaking your head as you walked in the bathroom, trying as hard as you could not to pass out while getting dress.
“Your idea of fun, is acting like you were a deranged degenerate with no formal education.” He said walking around your room trying to find anything wrong with it. You kept your room fairly clean. You used it only when you were studying ancient texts and meditating. All the rest of your time was spent on having fun or doing odd jobs for the townspeople.
“Well…at the end of the day I still get laid more than you. So that has to amount to something, right? As in I’m better looking than you.” You said letting out a small chuckle before gripping you head in agony. It hurts to laugh.
“Yes, you take pride in having multiple sexual relations with whores and prostitutes, while I take the pleasure of living my life with only one woman.” He said thinking of his girlfriend Morgana. The two of them had been dating for four years, and from what you heard from Linnan, the two of them have yet to do anything but hug and kiss. From what you can tell, Fenris is trying to keep the relationship chaste until they get married.
Morgana loved your company, comparing you as a “court jester”, she just didn’t care too much for Linnan, calling her a “bad influence” to both Fenris and you. Her claims didn’t really amount to much, when you though about it. Linna was like a sister to you, perhaps even more if you dug a little deeper into your feelings. Of course not everything Linna did was good, but of course not all she did was bad either. You made sure to keep an eye on her though, lest she does something she’ll regret.
“Not all of my relationships are with whores and prostitutes.” You said trying to defend yourself.
“Oh yeah, and I forgot thieves.”
“When was the last time you seen me with a thief for a girlfriend?” You asked trying to recall if this had ever happened.
“Just last month. You were dating a girl named Helena and-”
“And Linna caught her trying to steal her coin purse from out of her room. Oh yeah I remember her.” You said letting out another laugh before holding your head in pain. “Whatever, happened to her?” You said trying to think.
“Linnan cursed her with leprosy.” Fenris deadpanned.
“Oh yeah…I remember now…took me a while uncurse her. Afterwards she never wanted to see me again…oh well, all wells that ends well. That’s what I always say.”
“When do you ever say that?” Fenris asked.
“That’s beside the point. How is Morgana doing lately? I haven’t heard much about her from you or her mother.” You said slipping on some clothes.
“Why would you be talking to her mother?” He asked curious to your last statement. You momentarily stopped what you were doing and looked at Fenris who looked like he was slowly becoming angered as he slowly began putting to pieces together.
“No reason. I do a few jobs for her every now and again.” You said giving Fenris a sincere smile. He looked at you strangely before nodding his head.
“I see… Morgana is doing fine. She’s recently been working at the temple, working as a priestess.” He said sounding proud of his girlfriend’s accomplishment.
“Oh…that…what’s the word I’m looking? Sucks! Yeah that’s it. That sucks.” You said clapping your hands together before shaking your head. “You know, she keeps trying to convert me into her stupid religion.”
“It’s not stupid. Seventy person of our nation follows this religion.”
“Whatever. So I had to slap her a few times so I could get my point across.” Fenris frowned up upon the mention that you hit his girlfriend. “Figuratively! Not literally!” You said holding your hand up to calm him down. “Or do I mean literally but not figuratively…hm…I can never tell the difference, but I’m pretty sure there was no slapping involved…I think.” You said letting out a small grin as you finished putting on your clothes. Fenris looked like he was going blow a fuse, which you found amusing, but slowly forced himself to calm down.
“I’m not going to let you get to me. Not today.” He said turning his back to you as he walked towards the door. “If I were you I’d hurry up and see the Master. The sooner you get today’s lesson over, the sooner you can go back to doing what you do best.” He said pointing towards your bed.
Fenris always seemed to know how to push your buttons, but no matter what anyone else may think, it’s all just harmless banter. At least…that’s what you hope.
Your room was on the top floor of your master’s mansion. You hated when you had a hangover and had to walk down these mass of stairs everyday, if you recall, you actually fell down them a few times. You were happy that no one was there to see it happen, or you would never be able to live it down.
As you walked through the dining room you were greeted by Linnan, who was talking with one of the nurses. She quickly spotted you and called your name. “Aetherrant! Come over here.” She said wearing that same unreadable smile that you’ve come to know and hate. You let out a small groan and looked towards the door which was not more than four feet away and then back at Lin, which felt like she was a mile away from where you stand.
You wanted to keep walking but you decided against. You do live with the girl. “What do you want?” You asked, putting on one of your own fake smiles. You walked up to Lin and nodded your head at the maid who bowed to you, before she walked away.
“How rude. I don’t want anything. It’s what you want.” She said dangling a small flask in your face which held a strange red liquid.
“And what is it that may I want?” You asked rubbing your temple as you headache began to intensify.
“That depends.” She’s toying with you. You don’t have time for this. You let out a small sigh and began to walk away but she called you out a gain. “Wait, don’t you want to hear what I want to say?”
“Well, since my back already turned, I guess not.” You said continuing to walk away.
“I bet having that headache must really suck. It would really help you if you had a potion that could…mend such an aliment.” She said shaking the flask.
You let out one more sigh, before turning back around and taking the flask away from her. You popped open the cork and was about to drink it until you’re conscious stopped you. “What did you do to it?” You said lowering the flask from your mouth.
“I didn’t do anything to it, now drink.” She said now throwing a sharp glare you.
This just made you even more suspicious. “Hell no. The one thing your’re not, is generous. There must be a catch.”
“Fine, it’s a new remedy that I made. It should help with headaches and migraines but I’m not she yet. I wanted to test it on someone. So I thought about you.” She said folding her arms, as she looked at the flask telling you to drink it.
“Is that why you took me out last night? To get me drunk so you could get me to be your test subject?”
“Hmm, yeah that seems about right.” She said nodding her head. “Just drink. I’m pretty sure the potion will work.”
“How sure?” You asked raising a eyebrow.
“About half and half.” She said tilting her hand back and forth.
“What!”
“I’m joking, it should have a sixty six chance of working.”
“Does my life mean nothing to you?” You deadpanned. “Give me one good reason why I should take this potion.”
“I not going to force you to drink it, but if you do drink it, imagine never having to wake up with a head splitting migraine. Plus we can make a lot of money if it actually does work.”
You shrugged your shoulders and drank the potion. You trusted Linna…to an extent, and you were pretty sure she would never try to poison you. “There are only a few minor side affects, though.” Scratch that.
“What do you mean?” You asked.
“Don’t worry. Just tell me if you feel a slight change in body temperature, mild scratching, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, mild discomfort, darkened stool,” Okay that doesn’t seem too bad. “Darkened soul,” What? “Hallucinations, weight gain, diabetes, lycanthropy, trucanthropy, hemorrhoids, mild heart explosion, and a mild case of death.”
You’ve never been more scared in your entire live, than at this very moment. “Is something wrong?”
“No, I was just thinking about something.” You said trying to keep your cool.
“And what would that be?” She asked in a perfectly seeming tone of voice.
“What the hell does trucanthropy mean?”
It turns out that Lin was just bullshitting about the side effects and that none of that bullcrap she said was going to happen to you…in theory.
You made your way towards the training room which was held deep underneath the mansion. Technically you could call it a basement but it was too large to be called that. Titus dug it out so he could practice his magic in peace, and now uses it to teach you and the others magic.
As soon as you entered into the room you saw your master sitting at a desk. He appeared to have been reading a book. As you looked at him you noticed that he didn’t seem to know you were there. You tough about it for a quick second and tried to slowly walk back up stairs. “Aether…” He said closing his book and gently placing it back on the table.
“Uh, yes master?”
“You weren’t thinking about skipping out on today’s lesson were you?” He asked looking at you with a menacing glare.
You quickly nodded your head at his question. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.” You said giving him a small bow.
“Aether I need you to take your studies seriously. You are sixteen years old. In two more years you will be able to leave my care and venture out into the world on your own accord, but if you do not master your magic, I fear that the time spend on you will be wasted.” Titus said letting loud cough. You could see the wrinkles in his face, he’s getting older. When you first met Titus he didn’t look as old as he did now. It appeared that his real age was beginning to show…whatever his real age was. Taking care of three bratty teenagers does not do wonders on the body.
“Yes master.” You said holding your head down low.
“I sense great things from you Aether. Do not prove me wrong.” He said patting you o the shoulder. “Now, are ready for today’s lesson. I first need you to…hold on…” He said placing his finger on his forehead, looking as if he was trying to remember something. “What type of magic do you specialize in again?” He asked.
“What magic?”
“Yes, every mage specializes in some form of magic, even multiple ones. Linnan, is good at Alchemy and Illusion magic, but is best at healing magic. Fenris is good at Transmutation and Summoning, but is best as Conjuration. I’m a jack of all trades myself. I can use all types of magic, but I'm best at none. This makes me an excellent teacher and mage.” He said looking proud of this fact.
You tilted your head to side as you began to think. What were you good at?
It’s been three years since you graduated from your masters class and became a full fledged mage. As historians remembered correctly, you became a full time necromancer. You were enthralled in the dark arts and wanted to learn everything you could for every ancient tome and dead soul that you could find.
The years you spent focusing on dark magic made necromancy, your prime skill, matched only by your skill in conjuration. As you were able summon legions of the dead against your enemies, you would add insult to injury by throwing intense fire balls that could only be rivaled by your closest and best friend Fenris.
When you weren't studying the dark arts and the nature of souls, or hurtling fireballs at an unexpecting enemy. You would be dabbling in other forms of magical arts, but only one of them ended up becoming your third best and most used for my magic and this was summoning.
With the encouragement of Linnan, you ended up becoming an adventurer/mercenary and summoning magic prove to be a great deal of help in this field at work. Summoning animals and spirits to attack and fight for you proved to be an excellent choice of magic to specialize in.
This was the age for you and your friends will learn how to live out on your own.
"Are you sure?" Linnan asked, her face looking dire. "Maybe its just a cruel trick from Aether."
"Do you think I'm lying? What would I have to gain from this?" You hissed.
"Calm down, the both of you. I don't believe Aether would make this type of joke. Besides he specializes in death magic. If he says is true, then it must be true." Fenris stated, not wanting the two of you to start fighting.
"Please Aether, are you sure? Is he really dying?"
"I'm afraid he is Linnan. I can see death mile away, and right now he's full of it." You said rubbing your nose. Your studies in advance necromancy has left your senses keenly aware to anything involving death. You can see ghosts, talk to them, and sense when someone was about to die and right now the scent of death was occupy not your master.
Linnan let out a almost quiet shriek as you could find her fears. You and Fenris could only look at each other in silence as the two of you already had your assumptions that Master Titus was dying, while Linnan remained optimistic.
"Oh come now, you must have realized that he wasn't sick, he's been coughing nonstop for the past 3 years. You had to have figured out that he was dying eventually, right?" Fenris said to Linnan.
"Oh yeah, real sensitive." You said shaking your head at Fenris' insensitivity.
"What?" He asked not seeing what he did wrong.
Out of the three of you, Linnan loved and respected the master the most. She truly believed that she owed Titus a debt, surely he took you in and raised you as if you were his own child but that was pretty much it. Your emotions toward your master was more towards respect than love.
Not aware by you, but somewhat noticeable by your companions, you have become increasingly distant these past few years. Fenris believe that it's been all the dark magic that you've been practicing, saying it has corrupted your mind and soul. Linnan says that it might have been a More emotional and personal reason.
It was not unusual for an orphan such as yourself, who had to witnessed the death of his entire family, to still hold on to some psychological trauma. Deep down you were afraid of losing those of which you would come to love. In fact you made sure that you wouldn't develop feelings for someone just for this very reason.
Your practice in necromancy has made you so much more demoralize towards death. You were pretty sure that if any one of your friends were going to die you would react in a much more calm and collected towards the ordeal. Titus' death wasn't exactly new, death with an everyday thing and the sooner you accept this, the sooner you would be able to move on with your life.
This certain ideal would soon cause problems for you in your later years.
The three of you stayed in silence as you waited for some type of news on your master. As you waited, you notice that Fenris had moved much closer towards you. He slowly leans over to whisper in your ear. "So, how much time do you think he has left?" You hear him ask.
Keeping your eyes on Linnan, you lean back to tell him. "Not long. He’d be lucky if he lives past today… or unlucky judging by his illness" You said watching as Fenris shook his head.
“I know this may sound sudden but, do you what you're going to do after he's gone? I don't think we can sit here and live off his money." Fenris ask trying to keep your voice low.
“Why not? I rather like the life of being cared for and never having to do anything, every.” You smiling at the thought of that.
“And what are you going to do when you’re older and don’t have anymore money to spend? You're an idiot without an occupation.”
You nodded your head. "Yeah I see your point. I don’t like starving. I won’t say I haven’t given it much thought though.”
“So you do know what you're going to do?”
You chuckled to yourself. “I’ve always thought about what I was going to do. I thought about what job I might take before Titus even came to the orphanage. I just never had the right mindset to actually pinpoint on what I wanted to do. Linnan wants me to become a mercenary.”
“A merc?”
“Yeah that seems like a way to go. The war doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. So I get to travel to a few places, see some things, and probably meet a nice lady and settle down. You know the usual. Why? What are you going to do?" You asked.
Fenris rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know. I've been thinking of traveling as well. I'm not cut out for the religious work. Preaching and handing out pamphlets doesn’t seem to be the life for me." He said earning a small nod from you.
"Well, if you think you can tolerate me for a few years then you can gladly come with me if you'd like. We should bring her with us as well. She's most likely going to be a mess after all this. It'll be nice to keep an eye out on her so she doesn't get into trouble. Plus the whole gang will be able to stay together in the process."
"I agree, that's a great idea." Fenris said looking back at Linnan who was looking up at the two of you. She was about to say something but the sound of Titus bedroom door opening up caught all three of your attention.
The doctor that the master hired step out with a grave look on his face. Seeing as neither you or Linnan was going to say anything, Fenris decided to speak up. "So... How is he?"
The doctor rubbed his hands together as he told you the bad news. "I'm not sure if he'll live past today. There's nothing much more that I can do. Healing magic can only do so much." The doctor said watching as the three of you were visibly saddened by this. "He's asked to see you all one at a time, starting with Linnan and ending with Aetherrant."
"He probably wants to get off how much he hates us." You snickered, earning two glare from Fenris and Linnan.
"Yeah, and he saved the worst for last. Alright Linnan you'll go first." Fenris said lightly pushing her into the room. She slowly close the door behind her leaving you, Fenris, and the doctor outside with each other.
You were never a big fan of awkward silence, so you decided to start a conversation with the doctor. "So what type of doctor are you?"
"Oh, I'm a doctor of many things. Not just one. I've studied in many types of doctorates but never really had the time to actually earn one."
"What? So you're not a real doctor?" You asked surprise at this.
"Of course not! Do you see me wearing a doctors robe?"
"Then why did the master think that it was a good idea to hire you?" Fenris yelled out. "You don't even have a horn."
“Do I need a horn to produce magic?” The man asked.
“Yes and no. I guess it depends. Are you a man of magic or a science?” You asked.
“I am a man of both.” The doctor said while looking at his wrist watch. “Now if you excuse me, I have some place I need to be. My debt to Titus has been paid and he no longer needs my assistance.”
“Were you good friends with my master? You asked.
The doctor nodded his head. “Oh yes, close friends. He helped me out a long time ago. He saved my life a few times too. I wish I could do more, but..." The older man rub the back of his neck and began to grumble. “Well I have an appointment I need to attend to. I won't be seeing you around,-” he said looking at Fenris “but you'll be seeing me.” He said now looking at you. He then turned around and began to walk away.
“Strange man, he was.” Fenris said tilting his head.
“Yeah, a lot of them nowadays.” You said shrugging your shoulders.
You turned your attention to the door that we just recently opened showing a face flushed Linnan. “Fenris, it's your turn,” was the only thing she can get out before silently we walking away. “Your return man.” You said patting Fenris on his back and push him into the room.
Fenris' conversation with Titus didn't really take long. They like to keep things sweet and simple, so whenever they talked to each other, they didn't really have to say much. So wasn't long until you're trying to talk to him.
As you walk inside, the smell of death intrude into your nose. You were kind of getting used to it, but it still caught you off guard. The Masters room with mostly clean, a lot of books related out. Most of which you've already read, when you were younger.
When you were a child, the three of you used read books to each other. knowledge was one of your profile and attribute even as a child. You were never able to resist the temptation of a good book, especially stories about old heroes and gods.
You use gaining knowledge as an excuse to hide a way the feeling of sadness or the feeling of being alone. As you get older you found yourself reading less books, Fenris, Linnan and Titus provide good company to you. So books are no longer use as a substitute for your pain.
As you looked at your master, you could see how close to death he was. You could tell how hard he was trying to hang on to the last little bit of life that he had left in him. Your horn let up a dark black, as you placed your hand on his chest. Using a spell that you learn when you were younger, you stopped his need to breed so he wouldn't have to struggle anymore. "Thank you.” He managed to say as he looked up at you.
"Don't mention it.” You said feeling a small amount of sadness borough its way into your chest. You put up a nearby chair and drag it over to his bed. As you sat down, his eyes began to look up on you with sadness and regret, but not towards you or the others.
His eyes were old and tired, he never told you when you were younger so this makes you wonder. How old was your teacher, his physical age showed near 70s, while his eyes showed a lot more.
"I know how you feel about these types of situations, but-"
"Don't." you said cutting him off. just... Don't." you begin to shake your head. “I don't want our last moments to actually be spent on loving each other.” You said watching as Titus formed a small smile.
Titus gave you a small nod you look up at the ceiling. “We never really talked much for the past few months have we?" He asked why I switched with sound calm and tranquil.
"Yeah well, you're dying so... That was one of the reasons.” You said she's shrugging your shoulders.
Titus cracked another smile. "That I am..."
“So any regrets?”
“I'll always have regrets, I have so many in this long life and I've lived. We always take on life for granted but when it's your time to go you finally think about all the things that you could have done right in your life. I just wish I had more time." He said tightly closing his eyes as a tear formed.
"You do know I can-"
“I know... yeah, I know... but I can't allow you to do that.”
“Why not? I'm a skilled necromancer now, I can keep you alive for a lot more time now." You said your voice slowly starting to rise.
Titus nodded his head and smiled at you. "Oh, I know, but I can't allow you to do that." he said letting out a small cough that causes to you slight discomfort.
"Why not? Why are you passing up the chance to live a longer life?"
"Because I've already should have been dead." a cold silence filled the room.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
My life has been preserved by forbidden magic. when I was younger I came across an old arcane formula, created by a very brilliant and insane woman.”
“Who was this woman?” You asked, curious about the story.
Titus shook his head. “I cannot say her name.” You gave him your “Why not?” face, but he stood firm. “I am forbidden to say her name. Not for any personal reason, but because names have power.” He said looking as if he really wanted you to remember this. “That is why I refuse to say her name. She was a mad woman who tried to use life and death magic in order to create immortality.” He said shaking her head at the very thought of this.
“Why would she do something like that? Death magic and Life magic cannot be combined, it’s practically impossible.” You said stating what Titus had already known.
“Yes...It was deemed impossible, but this mad woman succeeded in proving this theory wrong. She badly wanted to test her findings out on a willing subject, but for a long time, there were no takers.”
“Why not?”
“People either accepted death for what it was or feared that the gods would show wrath upon their decision, but there was one man who proved to be stupid enough to take this risk. As you probably already figured out, that man was me. I took the woman’s proposal and casted the spell onto myself. At first, for a time, the spell worked I was immortal. All wounds that I sustained whether on purpose or accidental healed without problems, I didn’t need to eat, sleep, or breathe and my magical abilities never tired out.” Titus smiled as he began to remember this part of his life.
“That’s awesome.” You said truly liking the sound of immortality.
“Of course at the time it was. It truly was awesome, but as you get older and began to learn some things, you begin to realize that as an immortal, time, will have no real meaning to you anymore. Days to everyone else would be merely seconds to you. You would be forced to watch as the people around you were forced to grow old and die while you yourself was still in the prime of your life.” Titus shook his head. “So many years just wasted...” He whispered looking saddened by this.
“So how long have you lived?”
“I’ve lived for about two hundred and three years. To you it may not seem like that long of an immortal life, but to me it was hell. I’ve spent most of my life doing nothing, it was only until recently that I’ve amassed this large fortune.” You asked Titus a valuable question. You asked that if he was immortal then why was he dying right in front of you. “The spell was incomplete.” He smiled. “It was only able to increase my lifespan by a few centuries. My body decayed, it was just a very slow process.”
“When you adopted me, you didn’t look nearly as old as you do now.”
“I know. The spell has just started to wear off. It was never meant to be permanent.” Titus said.
“I see...that’s interesting.” You said standing up from your chair as the option of a longer life seemed to be almost too good of a chance to pass up.
Titus watch you closely as you begin to walk back and forth throughout his room. " I know what you're thinking Aether, there was a reason that the gods gave us mortal lives, there's a reason why are only supposed to live some 70 or 80 years of a life. We're not meant to experience the hardships of a longer life." Titus said trying to stop your thoughts from wandering too far. "I am proof of this."
You quickly let out a sigh and looked back at your dying teacher. "Relax, I was just kidding. I'm not stupid enough text you something as dangerous as that." You said giving your skeptical teacher a small wink.
"Good, immortality is more of a curse than a blessing, but? I'm curious if you did have a mortality what would you do with it?” He said slowly moving up in his bed. As he moved he let out a couple of horrid coughs. This was a sign that he was probably trying to cover up his sickness in order to talk to you regularly.
You gave your shoulders a quick shrug. “Revenge probably…” You said meeting your masters gaze.
"I thought as much…” Titus said nothing about a tired sigh. “You're going to have to realize that there are some things in this world that we have morals cannot control. You have to let the death of your family go, and start a new and better life than the one they could ever give you. They would want that.” he said watching as your eyes began to narrow at him.
"You don't know what they would want.” You venomously snapped back.
“And you do?” Titus said starting to lean forward onto the bed so he could look at you better, despite the pain he was beginning to feel. “Revenge, you're thinking about taking revenge on a man who's probably dead by now.” Titus said his was becoming strain.
“Oh no, he's not dead. He's very much alive and I know where he is.” You explained.
Titus shook his head. “Either way, you're not hearing me. Magic was not meant to be used for violence.”
“We use magic for every day! It's one of the shooters ways to kill someone. Right now, as for your talking to someone has just died by the use of magic.”
"You're right, but it was not meant for that. Why use magic to kill people and you can use it to help someone? True you must see that you're wrong?”
“No, it is you that is wrong Master. This man has killed hundreds and shall hundreds more unless someone stops him, so what better person than me? Someone who has nothing else to lose?” you said as a res for getting over for your senses. Titus laid back down on his bed as he realized that he couldn't get through to you. “I'm not going to ask you for the blessing, because we both know that I don't care, but I'm going to have to ask you to understand. Surely you must know what I feel. 200 years of experience and you must have at least want to go to what I've gone through."
Titus sighed. “Oh I do, that's why I'm telling you not to do it. It may seem like a good idea at the moment but when you accomplish it and fulfill your desire for revenge all you're going to be left with is regret and sorrow like me, I regret my choice for years but I can't turn back time and undo to send that I have committed. He said letting out a few hard coughs. “Please, Aetherrant. I know I can't stop you from taking on this tired pursuit of revenge but please do not drag your siblings into this. This is not their fight, it’s yours.”
You walked over to Titus and grabbed his hand and began to squeeze it. “I can make no promises to you master. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." you said placing the forehead on his hand. “And I hope you can forgive me for what I may or may not do in the future."” You said placing your head on his shoulder and waiting for a reply, but when you didn't receive one, you realize that your master have passed away.
For the first time in years you've felt more alone than you ever have been an entire life
Your first job came to you where first jobs usually did. You were sitting around the Red Barrels Inn drinking and lounging around. You were also discussing tactics that would allow you to gain the most prosperous and reputable jobs before others began seeking them as well, but often the most useful conversations would give way to the more useless ones as the night went on.
“What do you believe would be the best route for us to take, Aetherrant?” Linnan asked taking a large gulp of ale from her glass.
Rarely did you have on your thinking face, but tonight was one of those rare occasions. The three of you wanted to figure out what would be the best way for you to earn money and secure a solid reputation.
Fenris wanted to start things off slow and build experience from the small jobs, while Linnan wanted to take jobs that would allow you to gain the most money and the most notice as quickly as possible.
“If we take jobs that will assure us a solid reputation then we can worry about gaining experience later. I’m pretty sure we’re capable of taking on anything that stands in our way.” Linnan said. You could tell she wanted to pull you over to her side, but you remained neutral in the debate.
“What need is reputation if our skills aren’t polished enough to attain it. You may be fine with dying but I’d much rather be prepared for the jobs that we’ll take in the future, thank you,” Fenris spoke calmly as he took a sip of his wine. “but either way, it’s Aetherrants decision to make, not ours.”
Taking a large gulp of your own drink you came to your conclusion. “Fenris does make a valid point. We should gain experience now and think about gaining a reputation later. That way, it may lower the risk of us actually dying.” You said initialing a sigh from Linnan and gaining a nod from Fenris. You reasoned that starting from the bottom and working your way up to the top, will be better than starting at the top with no experience.
Understanding the importance behind what you were saying Linnan grudgingly nodded her head. “If you say so. Just think about the amount of money we could make if we volunteer to protect some noble ass or go off to search for some lost ancient item, but if you want to play it safe, then by all means that's fine by me.” Linnan shrugged, earning two narrow glances from you and Fenris.
The rest of the night passed like every other one. The most important conversations were rolled over by more entertaining and useless ones.
This repeated for another week until finally a royal caravan guard from the capital of Cantorlot, your hometown, came into the tavern and began complaining that The Princesses royal caravans have been getting robbed between the town that you were in and Cantorlot.
"I am looking for a well abled body group looking for a job." The Guard said watching as most people turn their gazes back towards their drinks. Others let out hearty laughs before doing the same. "I'll pay anyone who can help me." And surprisingly, your group was the only one who responded.
"What is your problem good man?" Fenris asked, being the first one to respond.
Seeing your companion take interest, the guard quickly walk over to your group and began to converse. "Thank you for listening to my plight." The young man said exchanging handshakes with the three of you.
“Don't mention it. Now what is the nature of your job?" Linnan asked politely, as she poured the man a glass of ale.
"Thank you.” The man said swallowing the entire drink whole, giving you the impression that his problem must be serious. You look over the young man trying to determine a few things about him.
The man was about your age if not older. He had a certain aura of freshness that floated about him, he wasn't a veteran yet he wasn't really a novice either. The way he speaks and his small accent told you that he must have had some type of noble background, indicating that he was most likely born in Cantorlot like you were.
"Gentleman and gentlewoman , I am private Jade ace of the Royal farm." he said saluting the three of you, prompting a small guy acts from each other.
"I am Aetherrant, and these are my two companions Fenris and Linnan." You said nodding your head.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Now the three of you might not know this but lately there have been recent attacks on the Royal Caravans."
"Royal caravans? The princesses keep those things well armed and protected. How are they being attack so easy?" Linnan asked.
"I don't think that is the question we should be asking Lin. We are at war with the other countries, so before we agree to any job, we want to know whether or not we will be up against trained military specialist or against bandits and thieves." Fenris acct putting on an emotionless face that she told no secrets as to what he was thinking.
Jade rubbed the back of his neck and began to look around the room almost nervously. "Eye witness accounts say that they were attacked by bandits, but the higher ups have reason to suspect that Equestria's enemies are present them to attack. The Royal Guard would like to ask you to take care of the bandits that are attacking our caravan, and if possible destroy the entire group all together. We will surely pay you extra if you do so." Jade said slowly jingling a coin purse in order to pick your attention.
"This seems like a major problem for the kingdom. Why haven't they sent more so just to protect it?” You asked.
"Majority of the most well trained soldiers are out in the battlefield with Princess Luna, while the new recruits are being trained back at the castle by Princess Celestia." Jade answered. "Most of the guards who are placed on a transport duty are under trained and timid."
“Much like yourself, right?” Linnan joked.
Jade laughed at her joke. "In a sense yes, but I've been a part of the army for 4 years now.” The young man answered.
“If so why do you act like a fresh new recruit?” Fenris asked.
“That's just how I am.” Jade shrugged. “So will you guys be taking the job or not?”
You had no problems with the job, it seems like a pretty good deal when you thought about it. All you had to do was pick out a few bandits and that money would be as good as yours. “Seems fair enough,” you nodded, you outstretched your hand and gave Jade a firm handshake.
"So we have a deal then? That's great. At the outskirts of the city there is a fake caravan that you will use as a decoy against the Bandit."
"When do you want us to go?" Fenris asked taking a small sip of his drink.
Jade shook his head no and he told you that you were to take the caravan in the morning. You were tasked with transporting the caravan to a set destination. The destination was surrounded by a thick woods. It made an attack from the bandits much more likely and a lot more deadlier, but since you were there all you needed to do was defend the caravan and all would be well.
After talking with Jade, you and your group went home so you could get ready for your first job. That night you could barely contain yourself, as positive and negative thoughts entered in and out of your head as you thought about the outcome of tomorrow's job.
The next day you woke up feeling refreshed and ready for a good fight, as well as both of your companions. You met up with Jade on the outskirts of town. Jade wouldn't be accompanying you himself, he gave you some pointers on to how to deal with the bandits when they were to arise.
His intel on the group states that the bandits are a small, organized group. The group is made up of mostly Griffons and is led by a young but feisty woman named Gilvina. She was a skilled warrior with a love for fighting, she likes to overwhelm her opponents with a barrage of attacks. Jade told you that she was a cunning leader and would most likely be bringing a lot of her bandits with her during a raid. So when you meet her make sure to challenge her to a one on one fight. Griffons had strong sense of pride and if they were challenged to a test of might, they would often feel obligated to fight you on a even playing field.
Most of the traveling was silent. You kept it this way just in case the bandits were watching you. If you were to talk and become engrossed in conversation you feared that the bandits would take advantage of this and ambush you.
After a few hours of walking you eventually arrived at the place. You made it look like you had stopped to rest, giving any of the bandits who were watching you a chance to attack, but surprisingly they didn't attack out right. Instead, they casually walked out of the woods to confront you.
"Um, Aether." Linnan said tapping your shoulder in order to alert you of the bandits. You really didn't sense any hostile intent coming from them, they seem to just want to talk to you. About what, was anyone's guess.
“Hello there travelers,” The one who appeared to be the leader said, greeting you with a friendly smile and a handshake. As you walked passed him you spotted four other bandits, each of them were armed and looked ready to fight if necessary. The Bandit pack leader looked ahead of you as well and looked at the caravan. “I see your escorting goods for the princesses.”
“That we are friends. Such is our job, to defend this caravan until our very last breath.” You said folding your arms as you watched the bandits began to tighten their grips on their weapons.
“Hmm, I suspected as much. Are you mercenaries? I can see that you're not wearing the proper armor to be a real soldier.”
You looked at Fenris and watched as he nodded his head. “Yes we are. The Princesses have been losing too many men to your bandit attacks lately and she’s starting to grow concerned.” You informed the man standing in front of you.
“You seem like nice folk, but I can tell that we won't be able to talk you out of this shit, will we?” The Bandit asked looking genuinely hurt when you shook your head. He inhaled deeply before quickly sighing. “Oh well, what can you do?”
“You could turn around and forget your lives as bandits before... You know..." Linnan started.
"...You lose them.” Fenris said stepping forward in order to be side by side with you.
“Lose my life? How will I lose my life, you're the ones who are outnumbered?" The man said, his grin growing wider.
“3 against 5? That seems like perfectly good odd to me.” Linnan responded while looking at you.
The bandit leader let out a small chuckle. “I think you've underestimated our numbers. I think it's more like 3 against 20."
“3 against 20?” You quickly thought. Fenris, sensing that something was wrong, looked towards the direction of the woods. Within them he could see the humanoid figures emerging from out of the bushes. Half of them held onto bows and arrows for the others held onto swords and axes.
“This is bad…” Fenris whispered just barely enough for you to hear.
“I know, me and Linnan felt their presence before they arrived.” You whispered back.
“You sensed them and you didn't tell me about it?”
"Don't worry about it. I have a plan."
“I hope so…” Fenris said backing up a few feet in order to let you talk to the bandit in front of you.
“Judging by the way you act and talk, I can tell you are the leader of the group. Perhaps the second in command maybe? I heard that the leader of the group was a female and since you're not a woman, I take it she must be hiding deeper into bushes.” You stated causing a lot of the bandits to look at each other in confusion.
"Very observant of you." A feminine voice said emerging from the trees. As you looked up and saw a woman with large golden brown wings, slowly descend towards the ground in front of you. "I am Gilvina, the leader of this fine bandit group."
As you looked at her you could tell that she was born of Griffin blood. She had abnormally sharp teeth and nails for a regular human. You had no ill will toward those of Griffin territory, but they seem to have a great deal against those of yours.
"Fine is an ill proper word if I ever heard one.” Linnan said with sarcasm reeling behind her voice.
"Watch what you say. On the outside these men may seem like brutal savage people, but on the inside they are of the nicest and most respectful people you could ever meet.” She said shooting a glare at Linnan.
“Judging by your type of trade, I highly doubt that.” Fenris said following with a snicker from Lin. You shushed the two of them and went back to talking with Gilvina.
“I would like to say that you seem like respectable folk. I mean none of them have stabbed me or shot me with an arrow yet, so that's good, I guess.” You said tactically.
“It is, isn't it? It took me a while to get them to stop doing that. Sometimes I like to give my prey a chance to save themselves before I kill them.” She said looking at you with a certain hunger in her eyes.
"How noble of you."
“Tell me, are you leader of this three man band?” Gilvina asked walking around you.
“Yes.” You said.
“No.” Fenris followed up by saying. “We’re a democracy.”
“Of course you are. Now give me one reason why I shouldn’t break custom and kill you all right now?”
“Because I heard how honorable you are, plus you can’t resist a good fight.” You said gaining her attention.
“Do you perhaps have a deal in mind?” she asked.
“A one on one fight. Your strongest fighter against ours and whoever wins, gets to do whatever they want with the leader and group.” You said causing Fenris to pull you aside.
“Are you out of your damn mind? How dare you put our lives on the line like that?” He said with anger and rage boiling within his voice.
“Your lives were forfeit the day you decided to choose this job. Don’t you dare bitch out on me at the first sight of danger.” You said lightly gripping his hand and throwing it off of you. “Are you not confident in my abilities?”
“No. I’m not.” He deadpanned. “I have much better faith in my own abilities, than yours.”
“Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re actually better.”
“You specialize in necromancy, they’re aren’t any dead bodies around that you can use, and their probably aren’t any animals around that you can use to fight with you. All you have is conjuration.” He stated.
“Then how about we ask Linnan?” The two of you then looked towards your third companion.
“I’ve seen both of you fight, and I have to say that I’m all for my Aetherrant, fighting this fight.” She answered bringing a smile your face while causing Fenris to frown.
“What? Why?”
“This fight isn’t a magical fight, it’s a physical one. It’s going to be close quarters and Aether is much more efficient in these types of fights. In a ranged fight you would win, but in melee I don’t think so.” Linnan said shaking her head.
“I still don’t think he should fight, but fine, if he loses… so help me…” Fenris warned.
You shook your head at Fenris’ distrust in your abilities and looked back at Gilvina. “Will you fight?” You asked.
“Of course. Which one of you are willing fight me?”
You began to think. Who would you choose to fight? You, Fenris, or perhaps Linnan?
You stepped forward and gave Gilvina a fake bow. “I will gladly be your opponent madam.” You said to her causing the bandit leader to laugh with pride.
“Oh this should be easy. You think I didn't overhear you and your little friends conversation over there about your skills and abilities?" Givina said unsheathing her sword. The sword appeared to be made of a different type of metal than most swords. The blade, instead of being silver, had a whitish tint to it. If this wasn’t enough to peak your interest in the strange blade, then strange markings that were engraved onto the blade was. Master Titus taught you and your companions a little bit of ancient dialect and this blades symbols were similar in markings, but overall you couldn’t tell what it was saying.
Not a good sign.
You shrugged your shoulders and gave her a grin that showed her just how excited you were. "You didn't hear everything." You said causing her own smile to fade from her face.
"If you say so mage. Do you not have a weapon? You can loan one from one of my boys if you like." She offered.
You shook your head and pulled out a knife from your robe. You always kept little knives and daggers on you so you could surprise you're unsuspecting enemies. "No. I'm sure this should suffice."
Gilvina let what seemed like a small scoff before getting into her fighting stance. "It’ll be your funeral."
Fenris let out a large groan and facepalmed. "We're so screwed."
Linnan laughed and punched Fenris in the arm. "Come on have a little faith. I'm pretty sure Aether has a few tricks up his sleeve that even we don't know about.” Fenris, who was not sure about that. Shook his head and proceeded to watch the fight unveil itself.
Gilvina struck first, with the use of her wings she closed the distance between the two of you. She let out one hearty swing of her blade but you quickly anticipated this and duck below her, elbowing her in her ribs. She tumbled on the ground and quickly got back up. You swiftly threw both of your knives at her but she used her shield to block them.
Her many bandit friends began to yell out and cheer. Apparently they didn’t really care who won or who lost. One guy pulled out what looked like a leather flask and began passing it around, someone else began placing bets. Something both you and Linnan found hilarious, but you refrained from doing so since you were in a life and death situation.
This woman was a lot more resistant than any man you’ve ever come across. While you didn’t aim for life threatening injuries such as she did. You saw that the hits you did you inflicted on her didn't really slow her down, in fact it only succeeded in causing her to become more agitated thus making her attacks more fierce and quicker.
“You can't dodge all of your opponent's attacks, no matter how much you don't want to harm the other person, you will find out that there is sometimes no other way, but to harm them." Your master's voice said popping up.
Realizing this to be true; when you saw an opening in her technique you quickly let out a quick slash of your dagger to her lower mid section, but she swiftly spun out of the way and hit you directly in the nose with the hilt of her sword. Surprised by this action, you quickly stumbled backwards. Taking the initiative she leaped into the air and tried to bring the sword down into your chest. You rolled out of the way and watched as her sword sank into the ground where your body used to be.
Standing back up, you tried to deliver a quick stab to her shoulder, but immediately spun around in a circle and used her wings to knock you on your back. When you tried to get back up she bashed her shield into your face. “What’s wrong with you? You fight like woman. I thought you were supposed to be a mage? So why not attack me with one of your fancy little magic spells?” She taunted, taking her sword out of the ground and backing up.
“She’s insulting him.” Fenris pointed out.
“Hush. I can see that,” Linnan stated.
If she wanted you to show off your magic, then you would gladly make her regret those words.
While not the most fancy spell, it is one the most versatile ones. It is one of the first conjuration spells that are taught to a young mage, and will definitely be one of the most used spells in a mages arsenal.
Your horn lit up a fiery tint of red. The signal that a fire spell was being casted. Flames quickly began to manifest itself around your hands. You didn’t put much magic into the spell due to there being no need. Just a little bit would be needed to incapacitate her. As you cast the spell, releasing the raging flames from your hands and watched as it hurtled towards your opponent.
Many of the bandits backed away from the sheer heat of the flames, Galivina herself, though, remained strong and held her sword as the only thing blocking your attack. While usually this would be seen as one of the stupidest things you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing in your young life, this ended up being extremely surprising.
You watched as the blade she was wielding protected her from your magical blast. You then watched in awe along with your comrades as she directed the blast back towards you giving you barely enough time to put up a magical shield to protect yourself. Due to the crappy nature of your shield spell and the amount of time you had to cast it, it immediately broke upon being hit with your own spell.
You quickly stumbled to the ground, bruising what felt like your ribs and scraping your knee.
“This is bad.” Fenris stated.
“I can agree with you on that one.” Linnan said growing more concerned by the second. “She’s in possession of an Ancient Arcane Sword.”
These swords were used by a secret order of soldier that consisted of all races in order to combat against the destructive power of magic by redirecting it back at the caster or completely nullifying it. Despite its capabilities the number of Ancient Artifacts are limited and very few as Discord had most of them destroyed and those he couldn't destroy he locked away.
“One of her family members must have been apart of the Arcanes.” Linna stated, growing less confident about the outcome of this battle.
Sweating from the heat and dazed by the impact, you slowly dragged yourself along the ground in order to gather some distance away from Galvina. “I can see that you’re speechless.” She smiled.
You shook your head and stood back up. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t, but I can’t say I wasn’t expecting it. You rarely see swords made with that type of craft unless it was unique in some way, plus you egging me on gave me the expression that you were hiding a trump card.” You boasted while picking up your daggers.
You let out one good sigh and wiped the sweat from your brow. The heat from the flames caused her blade to become red hot. Getting hit would cauterize your wound if she were to cut off a limb and easily break through your daggers if you tried to block. You weren’t the best fighter in the world, you knew that. You also knew that you were at a disadvantage, now that she revealed that she has a weapon that can repel any magic it comes in contact with. So disarming her would place the odds back in your favor again.
Seeing as you were still winded, Gilvina quickly began to attack you, letting out a swift barrage of slashes, doing whatever she could to wound you even if just a little.
Despite her skill with a blade, she only succeeded in tiring herself out. She threw one large sword thrust in which you barely evaded by use of ducking. Trying to regain her stance, you delivered a crushing blow to her ribs, causing her to to fall onto her knees.
Before she could defend herself, you got to your feet and drop kicked her in her face. She let out a loud yelp as she dropped her sword and grabbed her face. Seeing the opportunity, you quickly kicked the sword away and let out a moderate red concussive blast hitting her square in her chest, knocking her on her back. You then took you knife stabbed it deep into her right hand, causing to yell even louder in pain.
The bandits began to boo loudly as you showed that you were a fully capable fighter, who was able to adapt to any situation. A smirk began to appear across Fenris’ face as he realized that you just won the fight. Linnan however remained serious and calm. Fighting back tears in her eyes, Gilvina looked up at you from the ground and began to speak. “You're a pretty good fighter…” Gilvina said, grimacing at the pain you inflicted to her hand.
You gave her a smirk and outstretched your hand in order to help her up, which she accepted. “I can’t rely on magic all the time now can I? It takes quick wit and skill to beat a superior foe.”
“That it does. You had no intention of killing me did you?”
You smiled. “I see no reason too. Your a great fighter and you must be a great leader if you keep these men in check. You don’t seem to be bad, yet you're not good either. You’re just another product of a bad country.”
Using her free hand, Gilvina rubbed her bloody nose. “You…don’t agree with what the Princesses do?”
“Taxes are at an all time high, jobs are low, and we’re in a constant war with an equally powerful nation. The only ways you can really make a profit nowadays is to join the army and fight a war that probably won’t end in your lifetime, become a mercenary and try to make a difference, or become an outlaw and try to make a profit stealing from those around you. So how can I? Discord ran the country better and there were no rules. So no I don’t agree.” You looked back at your companions and smiled.
“Is he just talking to her? Why doesn't he just kill her already so we can leave?” Fenris said expressing great urgency to leave.
Linnan shook her head. “I didn’t take you as a man to thirsts for violence. I would have thought that all of those years in the temples would have fixed that.”
“Shut it. Bandits don’t deserve mercy, and we don’t need to be out here if he’s going to plan on playing savior.” Fenris said angrily.
“If he wants to help people, then let him, but as long as we get some profit out of it then I’m fine with it.”
As you looked at your friends, you could hear the shuffling of your feet, as you turned around to see Gilvina raise her hand up as if she was about to strike you. You were about to move out of the way, but you were still caught by her attack. Her razor sharp claws easily ripped through the flesh on your cheek, causing three long slashes to form. As response your teammates quickly came to your aid but you held them back, when all the bandits began to take out their weapons.
You took a step back and cringed as your face began to sting. “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.” She said licking the blood from off of her claws. “Since we made a pact, I’ll help you with whatever job you’ll have for me.
”Excuse me? What pact?” You asked trying to form distance between the two of you.
“In my culture, that scar I inflicted on you represents brotherhood and promise. It shows other people of my culture that’ve already created a pact and you've been taken.”
“So you’re going to help us just like that? Offering nothing in return?” Fenris said skeptical of her offer.
Gilvina gave your comrade a pained smile. “Not everyone has an ulterior motive, Fenris.”
“How do you know my name?”
Gilvina didn’t respond to him. She just pointed to her ears and smiled again. She then looked back at you and bowed. “From here on out, my bandits and I will forever serve you and your group, Aetherrant. In anyway you deem fit.” She says playfully.
You raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Forever is a long time, no?”
She just shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not doing anything else. I’ll live longer than you anyway.”
“Boss does that mean we have to take orders from these three now?” One bandit asked.
“Why do we have to submit to them? Their just a bunch of mages.” Another one added.
Gilvina sighed. “No, you dolts. You will be taking orders from me, I will be taking orders from him.” She said pointing at you and then Linnan. “Seeing as your leader doesn’t seem to have an objections about me joining you, then will you be so kind as to heal me. I think I have a gaping hole through my hand, that needs a boo-boo.” She winced.
Nodding your head towards Linnan, she responded with a sigh. “I can already tell she’s going to be a pain the ass.”
Chapter Eight: Age 21: Sometimes Dirty is Necessary
You've set a great goal for yourself. With Gilvina and her group joining you right after your first job, you found yourself making a lot more money than you ever could alone with just your companions, plus she proved to be good company. She added more muscle to the group, which you desperately needed. You knew that not everything could be solved with the wonders of magic and when that time came, Gilvina and her group was there to pick up the slack.
Over the course of three years, you and your little group had become rather well known in country, gathering the eyes of a few nobles as well as a few shady characters, who would often desire your abilities for a number of different jobs. The jobs paid extremely well, but sometimes they could be morally challenging. Especially Gilvina's jobs. Especially hers.
"No, I'm not doing it." You said putting down the wanted papers.
"Pleeease? When have I ever steered you wrong?" She said placing her hand on your leg.
Touching you seductively wasn't going to get you to help her. Not this time. "Remember the dragon fiasco?" You said recalling a former adventure you had with her which caused you, her and Fenris to be tail deep within dragon country. While you never had any prior knowledge of dragons in the first person. You did know that after experiencing them for the first time(and hopefully never again) you knew you had developed a small fear towards them.
"Come on, you use that same excuse every time you don't want to do a job that I offer you." She said moving her hand further down your thigh, making you feel uncomfortable.
"I was swallowed by a dragon! I was almost digested twice in the same day!" You said cringing.
"Oh, calm down you big baby. Did you forget that I was swallowed as well?"
"Look I don't care. I'm not going to help you find the-" You stopped for a quick second and looked at one of the job offers. "Banish the...demon...of...Morgas. Look at this! Where do you find these types of jobs? These are jobs for weirdos and treasure hunters...or both! I'm neither. Go ask Linnan, she's into weird crap like this and for the love of Celestia get your hand off of my leg. You nails are really uncomfortable."
Sucking her teeth, Gilvina removed her hand reluctantly. "Linnan doesn't want to do the job with me either. She said something about self-preservation. I don't know what she meant by that but I think she was agreeing with what you were saying." She then took your shoulders and began to shake you. "Please! I can't complete these jobs on my own. I need someone who can control the elements, bend minds to their will, summon monsters and demons at will."
"That sounds a lot like me." You said suspiciously.
"Because I was defining you, you dolt. Come on! I'll die if I do it alone."
"You know she's not going give up on you." Fenris said walking into the room with a warm cup of tea in hand.
"Yeah, and it would be better on all of us if you'd just go with it." Linnan hissed as she put an ice pack on her head. Yesterdays job involved her getting hit upside the head with a club and she could still feel the effects.
"Fine, I'll do it." You said finally giving up.
"Thanks boss. I could almost kiss you." Gilvina said springing out of her seat.
"Please don't."
"Don't worry, I said almost." She said giving you a playful wink. "I picked the best job on the roster."
You then held your head in hand. "I'm going to die."
The town you had been staying in had recently gathered a lot of travelers. Gilvina claimed that the person who gave her this job request had been one of them. "So who's this contact we're supposed to meet?" You asked holding onto your bag of supplies.
"He says his name is Kerd. He hails from a now deserted island to the east." Gilvina said leading you to the pub, where she pointed out an old man sitting alone in the back of the room. "That's him over there. You should go over there and talk to him. I'm not even suppose to be here." She said starting to act fidgety.
"How? I don't recall being in this town for a long time."
"I got into too many bar fights the last time that were here. As a result I've been banned by the owners." She said noticing two of the employees speaking with one another, looking directly at the two of you. "Hey! Don't give me that look! I'm leaving! I'm leaving! I'm surprised you guys still remember me after two years." She said yelling at the two employees nearly starling them. "I'll see you outside boss."
Sighing, you proceeded over to your contact who immediately passed you a mug of fresh ale, as if he had been expecting you. While you were about to introduce yourself, he immediately held his hand up and stopped you. "I know who you are, Aetherrant. That griffon lady already explained to me who you were." He smiled weakly. "As well as the entire populace of the town."
"Believe me, most of the things they've said about my exploits were exaggerated."
The old man chuckled. "Maybe, maybe not, but allow me to ask you a question. How much faith do you have in your own abilities?"
You rubbed your chin while thinking about the nature behind his question. You had of course had faith in you abilities to accomplish almost any job sent your way. However the tone Kerd was using made you feel a little uneasy. "I have enough. So you want me to banish a demon?"
Kerd nodded his balding head and looked almost distraught as he began to speak. "Yes. You see I hail from a small island across the sea. Since we're kind of excluded away from the other communities we've been able to live in peace without fear of intrusion." Before continuing Kerd took a sip of his drink and looked absently at the other bar patrons.
The Isles of Morgas are a group of medium sized islands that laid not too far off from the coastline. It was at first a fishing colony, but after a generation or so it quickly expanded into a large enough state where they could farm other means of food rather than relying on ships from the coastal towns. You hadn't been there before but you'd figured that they've been having a rough time lately. Rumors have been strong about the possibility of the Isle being cursed...
"I'm sure you've heard the rumors about the Isles." You nodded your head. "It pains me to the very core of my being to say this but all 2189 lives that used to reside on Morgas has ceased."
Travelling by boat, you stared at the distant island as it slowly grew larger as time passed. You are consumed by your thoughts as you examine the dark gloomy cloud that covered most of the place. It looked exactly like something from Linnan’s favorite books and that wasn’t a comforting sight.
Gilvina’s constant whining snapped you out of your musings as she was clearly having second thoughts about the entire ordeal. Unlike you or your other arcane companions, Gilvina had no affinity towards magic. she had only her with and her wings to keep her out of death’s grasp. Her fighting skills weren't something to be overlooked either.
Unknown to most people who didn't have the attention span to pay attention to small details would fail to notice the dozens of little tiny blades Gilvina keeps hidden in the thickness of the feathers of her wings. You have witnessed this on multiple occasions as she cut down dozens of her foes with the slight spin of her wings. Most fatalities were caused by the opening of the victims adamant and their contents viewing out onto the ground. When she's unable to do her turn she uses the extra set of knives and daggers as back up throwing objects to come back an unsuspecting foe has there making a move on her. this is an action that has saved your and her butt on numerous occasions.
Despite her lack of magic, she was still a formidable opponent who was to never be underestimated under any circumstances, though you would never tell her your positive opinion of her fighting abilities for if you did you would never hear the end of it.
You turned and faced you're weary companion. “What were you babbling on about?” You asked watching as her already sour expression worsened by your apathy.
“I think I made a bad call.” She exclaimed as she eyed ominous cloud hovering over the island.
“Too late for second thoughts now. We're already halfway there.” You snorted.
Sensing your obvious irritation with the notion of her chickening out, she closed her eyes and sighed. “Why couldn't we have at least brought some of my men along with us? It would at least made the job easier for us.”
She was right. More people raise the chances of you and her surviving but it made things harder to coordinate. You weren't a natural born leader. One person was the best option to have tag along with you. You informed her of this and she rolled her eyes.
“Alright then, so what's the plan? Are we just going to slay the demon and bounce?” That was surely the quickest and easiest way to deal with the problem, however...
“A demon with this much power is not something to be taken lightly.” You said reminding her of the weight of dead fish in tainted water the boat was traveling through. “I wouldn't be surprised if we manage to cut off the demons head and another one or two grows in its place. A fight with this demon will surely bring some scars if not outright kill us.”
Gilvina shivered at the thought and you couldn't blame her. Once more her fear was justified. For a demon to have this much power it would have either been a pride demon or despair demon. You've never fought against beings of this magnitude before. If it's truly at full power then getting close to it without being forced to fight with each other would prove to be taxing on your mind as it would force you to cast a barrier on your minds. You hoped that your skills in necromancy would be enough to combat the threat, whatever it may be.
“Are there any other ways to defeat it?”
You leaned on the side of the boat and began to think. You wondered if the demon was summoned through the use of a summoning circle or perhaps it was necromancy that had done the trick. Luckily you specialize in both. However it was vital that you figure out who summoned the demon and why. If summoning circles were used in the process, you would need to discover where it was located so that you could to dispel it. But back to Gilvina question...
“There are a few ways we can defeat it, but some of them very on the situation. So I suggest that we go along with the idea of killing it. At least until we know more.” Gilvina nodded her head and said she would follow your lead. This was a comforting thought. Though the two of you may have your differences and would argue during the most unfavorable of circumstances you still valued her as a wonderful friend and companion.
A few moments of silence had passed while the both of you steal your nerves for me on coming fight. You half expected that you would meet a horde of demonic spider babies crawling its way to you as soon as you stepped on the docks. Gilvina did not find this joke funny when you presented it to her. Apparently she did not find spiders fun to be around. Neither did you unless you were the one controlling them through magic other than that you did not think of them as your friends. When the boat reached the docks you were kind of surprised to find out that nothing was there to greet you. Everything was silent and that was obviously a bad thing or a good thing depending on how everything turned out.
“Maybe the demon packed its bags and left when it found out there was no one else to kill.” Gilvina nervously joked as she gripped the handle of her sword.
“Always do enjoy a little bit I have good morbid humor. Got any more to elevate the tension?” you said sarcastically as your own hand twitched towards your hidden dagger.
“Oh sure, I got plenty. Ever heard about the Griffin massacre a couple of decades back? That one’s a real doozy.”
You appreciated your partners need to make witty comments in order to release some of the tension. However you found it strange that a demon that most likely values its existence would not have some type of enemy waiting by the docks to kill anyone who entered.
“Take it from here oh glorious leader.” she smirked.
“Stop talking and let me think.” You wondered if there were any survivors still on the island surely not all vegetation on the island have been killed. Perhaps there were still inhabitants who were hold up away from the demons influence. Maybe somewhere in the villages or not... The demon may not know that you're here, plus there might be something of value that could help aid you against the demon or you could hurry up and head towards the demon now. your practice in the dark arts have allowed you to sense evil so you know where to go in order to find it.
