Auvun’s control faltered as his assailant crumpled. The fire that burned from his Heart sputtered and died as his feeble soul was wrenched away, no doubt by the poison. No, he realized. That wasn’t right. This was something different. Where the poison eroded and bleached, this stole. It tugged on his entirety, intent on making his being its own. Already, he could feel his spirit unraveling thread by thread, sapping his strength and forcing him to the ground.

His eyes widened in understanding. That’s why I didn’t feel him approach. His assailant was one of the Empty. Auvun nearly laughed at the irony. He’d nearly been killed by one of those he’d tried to save.

Even as the firebird clamped down on his ragged soul, it slipped through his grasp like so many grains of sand. Though they had different goals, the poison had benefited from the Empty’s attempt on his life. His time was short, now. Any breath could prove his last. Not that it mattered– he’d already accepted his demise.

But now, with the Empty here, he could leave something behind. Auvun laughed aloud this time. He’d never once considered choosing a successor– never mind someone he’d never met before. Someone that tried to kill him. He laughed again, this time at the utter absurdity of the thought. Auvun came to rest before his unknowing inheritor. What do I need to do? His head swam. It was difficult to form a coherent thought. Fire was fickle. Destructive. If taken by force, it could very well burn the boy to ash. But if it was given willingly… Right. The Heart.

There was no need for his memories. His personality. His being. So Auvun threw them all away, saving only two things. First, his anger. At being poisoned. Forced from his home. Betrayed by those he’d called friends. He buried that anger beneath the love he felt for his homeland. He bound those two conflicting emotions together with pieces torn from his soul, molding them into one and driving it into his Heart. That was all he dared to risk.

Auvun reached for his soul as he felt the tightly-bound ball of emotion settle into place. Corroded beyond repair, it was little more than kindling– so he set it ablaze. The pain was excruciating, drowning out even the poison’s anguish. His mind dimmed bit by bit as the flames roared to life, but he continued to stoke the fire, drawing every bit of it into his heart. Deep down, he knew it was a gamble. There was no guarantee that the Empty would receive anything. A roll of the dice. That’s all it was. Still, it was better than leaving nothing behind.

Time slowed as Auvun painstakingly bound flame to his Heart. It was difficult. If even one breath of poison found its way, his sacrifice would be for naught. Smoke curled up from the firebird’s body as he looked down at the boy. I’m sorry. He apologized silently. He would have done more, if at all possible. He owed his successor that, and more. Good luck.

That was Auvun’s last thought before fading into nonexistence.

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

Nyx drew the shadows around her as she flew. She found comfort in their cold, indifferent embrace. The dark had been there long before her, and would remain long after she died. That in itself was no small comfort. She prepared to dive as her lifelong friend collapsed on the ground, His soul shaken by its grievous wound. She knew that only death awaited. She would be turned to ash by the same flame that crashed towards His motionless body, but she cared not.

Better to die alongside Him than to survive on her own. But His death never came. The pale red fire dissipated as the fire-wreathed creature stumbled and fell. Nyx turned out of her fall, spreading her wings to catch the swirling shadows yet again. She could barely make it out. A thin thread being pulled out of the beast and into her friend. Weakening it. Perhaps she could kill it, if it became weak enough.

She discarded that thought as the monster righted itself, taking one staggering step after another towards Him. Nyx stayed adrift in the sea of darkness, watching carefully. Unlike before, there was no murderous intent, no spurt of flame. She watched as the beast knelt, and her heart quickened as it set fire to its soul. Incredulity set in as she felt its Heart thrum to life, stoked by the flames borne from its death. Within seconds, only an empty, soulless husk remained. And then that too was gone, scattered by the wind.

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Only its fiery Heart remained.

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

Selerim gasped as his consciousness came rushing back, then choked as ash filled his nose and mouth. He coughed the thick grey dust out as best he could before rising to his feet. Am I dead? The hunter wondered. It was a reasonable assumption. The last thing he remembered was fire– and then darkness. He shivered. Was this it? Would he wander Umbra after death?

Selerim hesitated, then tentatively whistled. Nyx landed immediately. Not dead, then, he decided. His Wyrd hopped down from his shoulder, kicking up a cloud of ash and pushing at something with her beak. “What is it?” Selerim asked as he leaned down. His eyes widened as he realized what she was playing with. Dropping to one knee, he reached for the Heart. It was warm to the touch. He blew softly over its spherical form, scattering the grey dust that had settled on its surface. How long was I out? Selerim wondered as he inspected his prize. Pale red in color, a deep crimson light burned at its center.

He turned it in his hand, watching mesmerized as the dark red color scattered across the Heart’s surface like a sea of crimson stars. Selerim curled his fingers around it. Did it succumb to its wounds? He wondered. It seemed unlikely. He was certain he’d never open his eyes again. Selerim shook his head. It didn’t matter. Regardless of circumstance, he’d claimed the Heart. All that remained now was to return home– and Feast. He stretched his sore arms as he stood. Realizing his weapon was absent, he looked down at the surrounding ground. His pack lay only a few feet away, but his weapon was nowhere to be seen. He felt around his waist. All he had were two bone knives. Selerim looked down at Nyx, only tilted her head. Who, me? He sighed. “I’ll have a new one soon, anyways.”

The hunter moved both knives to his right side before stooping down to pick up Nyx. “Watch over me.” He watched as the duskwing climbed, taking careful note of her bearing. The journey back would be slower without his weapon. Selerim’s hand crept to his chest as he recalled the pain that had nearly killed him. Will I make it?

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

Senri bowed. Her sparring partner did the same. “Thank you,” she said curtly. Sil nodded, then moved to stow her practice sword in the nearby shed. There was a slight limp to her stride. “You could go easier on them, you know. They’re still apprentices. Senri turned to see Saya sitting cross-legged on the ground, having finished her own sparring session. Senri scoffed. “You act like I’m the only one getting antsy.” Her sister’s very presence at the training ground was proof of her boredom. Normally they’d have gone on another hunt by now. Saya rolled her eyes.

“You act like it’s for the same reason.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“... It’s been too long.”

Saya’s eyes narrowed. “You can’t go looking for him.” Senri fought to keep her voice steady. “I know I can’t.” Saya sighed. “I’m not stupid, you know. That pile of supplies in your room keeps getting bigger– even though all we’re doing is waiting around.” Senri bit her lip. “I know.” Saya jumped to her feet, dramatically brushing the dirt from her legs.

“If you do find him, you’ll ruin it for him, too.”

“I know.

“Is that what you want for him?”

“... I said I know.”

“You say you know, but you still plan on looking for him anyways.”

“...”

Saya laughed. “See? I knew it!” Senri covered her face with one hand. “You can be really obnoxious. You know that, right?” Her sister shrugged. “So?” Senri let out an exasperated sigh. “Fine. I’ll wait one more week. If he’s still not back after that, I’m looking for him.” Saya’s voice turned sickly sweet. “I know. Verad and I will be right there with you!” Senri blinked. “Why?”

“Because you’re our leader. Duh!”

She blinked again. “Even if I tell you to stay home, you’re going to follow me, aren’t you?”

“Yup!”

“... Even though I’m your leader.”

“Correct!”

“... Why?”

Saya grinned. “Because you’re my sister!” Senri’s sigh gave way to a smile. “You know that I’m the older one here, right?” Saya stuck her tongue out at that. “Thanks for proving my point.” Senri shook her head. “Fine.” her sister’s grin widened as she pulled Senri into a hug. “I’m sure he’s fine.”I hope you’re right, Senri thought as she returned the gesture.