Chapter 32: True Selves

Iris: “Master, you’ve come.”

Nathan came running out of the forest, carrying Celes. As he came closer, a very unpleasant smell, invaded the nostrils. They jumped back away from Nathan, who just laughed out loud at their reactions and kept moving closer just to get one.

Anais: “What the hell, you stink.”

Nathan: “Hahahaha, blunt as always.”

Anais: Whatever, just stay away.

Iris: “What is that awful smell?”

Saria: It’s the Myfetus plant, when you disturb them, they release spores that have a extremely foul smell.”

Saria step close to Nathan.

Anais: “How can you stand that?”

Saria: “I have a small air current circling around me, its keeping the smell from reaching me, otherwise I couldn’t do this.”

Nathan: “What the?”

Saria dropped to her knees and bowed her head as low as she could.

Saria: “There is nothing I could say or do that could possibly make what has happened okay, still I’m truly sorry for what you have gone through.”

Nathan: “Its fine, please stop doing that.”

Saria: “I will not, how could you possibly forgive what she did, in my name?”

Nathan: “Get up, Get up.”

Nathan picked Saria up off the ground, he had to force her, she just refused to stand.

Nathan: “Listen I’m not forgiven what she did, it’s just not your fault. She chose to do all those things, but if anything, I should apologize, I can’t guarantee the next time I see her, she’ll will come out unscathed.”

Saria shivered a bit, he just blatantly told her that he planned on hurting her sister. She hated her for what she did, but she didn’t want to see her hurt. However, she also had no right to say anything, because of her actions, they all were nearly killed, he had every right to see to his vengeance. Saria looked down she didn’t know what to say, so she just silently nodded.

Back to her feet she looked down, Celes was in his arms, she looked okay physically, but her eyes were dead and soulless.

Saria: “What’s wrong with her?”

Nathan: “Hmm, oh she’s fine, she’s just being dramatic.”

Nathan sat her to the ground and she ran and jumped at Saria, who quickly stepped to the side. Celes landed flat on the ground, she looked up to Saria, teary eyed, feeling betrayed that she dodged.

Saria: “Celes, I’m am truly sorry, but the current only works at a certain distance.”

Nathan: “It was the only way to lose the Gorgon and keep her safe.”

Saria: “The Gorgon went after her?”

Nathan: “Yeah, I figured out that the Gorgon, tracking us by scent, more specifically, its babies blood.”

Iris: “Blood, you two were the only two who came in contact with it, it didn’t make much sense to me how it knew exactly who killed its child.”

Nathan: “Exactly, even though we wash, the smell must not have faded completely, that’s what is tracking and why we smell like this right now.”

Anais: “Is there a way to get rid of the smell, I dying here.”

Saria: “The smell doesn’t last very long, about twenty minutes or so.”

Nathan: “Once it’s gone, the Gorgon will be sure to head this way, we should get ready, where are your guardians?”

Saria: “They will be here momentarily, they making sure that all my sisters are safe and accounted for.”

Nathan: “All right, once they tag in, we’re leaving.”

Saria: “So sudden.”

Nathan: “Not really, I had no intention of watching the outcome. No offense, but I had enough of this forest.”

Saria: “I………I see.”

Nathan turned to Celes, she looked pretty devastated by the news.

Nathan: “Looks like we’ll be saying goodbye soon, we won’ be able to talk anymore.”

Celes: “(You don’t have to leave right away, do you?)”

Nathan: “Sorry, but we need to go.”

Celes shook her head.

Celes: “(No, it’s okay, however I really wish I could travel with you. When I’m able to control my abilities, can I join you?)”

Nathan: “Ah, so you did know?”

Saria: “What’s wrong?”

Nathan explained to everyone their conversation.

Iris: “Such power, so this entire forest and how lush it is, is all due to her?”

Nathan: “Most likely, it would be a huge problem if we left with her.”

Anais: “Yeah, the moment she left the cave and step foot on the ground, the area around would explode.”

Celes: “(Yes, I just ask that you don’t remove me from the party.)”

Nathan: “Remove you from the party?”

Nathan stuck out his chest and raised his chin.

Nathan: “I’ll have you know, I have no idea how to do that.”

Anais: “That’s not something to be proud of.”

Celes: “(Heheheheheh.)”

Nathan: “But hold up, it’s a passive skill, is it possible to get control over it?”

Saria: “Well, I can’t stop it, but there is a simple solution to prevent it.”

Nathan: “Really, what?”

The girls looked at him in confusion, he usually figures things out right away.

Iris: “Come now Master, surely you of all people know the answer?”

Nathan: “I wouldn’t be asking if I knew.”

Anais: “It’s so simple.”

Nathan: “Okay, then tell me.”

Saria: “There nothing really to tell, it’s obvious.”

Nathan: “Out with it ladies.”

The girls all slowly smirked at him, he really didn’t know. They figured out something before him and all silently decided not to tell him. Nathan realized immediately from their smiles, what they were doing, but seeing them so happy about it was pissing him off.

Nathan: “Alright, I get it, I figure it out eventually on my own, but in the meantime.”

Nathan put his hands out, then jumped the girls.

Nathan: “GIVE ME A HUG!”

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Nathan grabbed at each one of them and pulling them into his embrace. They all held their breath, not wanting to smell the Myfetus as they tried to break away, but he squeezed them and force them to gasp for air.

Anais: “Let me go you…………. Don’t stink?”

Nathan: “Oh?”

Nathan let them down, they took a whiff of the air around him.

Saria: “Ah, the smells gone.”

*Loud Roar*

Nathan watch as the birds scattered, from the Gorgons roar. He turned to the girls, they each given a nod, indicating they were ready. Saria and Celes took off to retrieve the Grassvalley Tribe, while Nathan got into position.

Nathan: “Let’s get this over with.”

_

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Edwyrd: “Father I don’t understand, is that really a reason not to help?”

Edwyrd argued with his father, who decided that they would not interfere with the Fight until one or the other was dealt with.

Edwyrd: I agree, that some of the problems were due to the Hero’s character, but regardless, we should at least attempt to rid the area of the beast.”

Gaelin: “Edwyrd, have you heard even one report of any of the daughters being hurt? If I recall, they have only lost their homes.”

Edwyrd: “Yes, they were reclaimed due to the acts of the Hero.”

Gaelin: “Which he reclaimed by killing the Child of the beast, who now has a vendetta squared solely on the Lycanian. Why should we interfere, when allowing the two to fight and kill one another greatly benefits us?”

Edwyrd: “Greatly benefits……..you mean to slay them both.”

Gaelin: “That’s right.”

Edwyrd took a step back in shock, how could his own father say such a thing. Gaelin sighed at his son’s reaction.

Edwyrd: “Father, he is the Hero, he saved us all from the Demon Lord, this entire world owes him a debt we could never repay.”

Gaelin: “And what do you know of such a debt, you who is only 150 years of age, why you were not even born, let alone a thought, you dare to lecture me about such things.”

Edwyrd: “True, but could you say I would have even been born if not for his actions?”

*Slam*

Gaelin slam his cup down on the able, he glared at his son.

Gaelin: “Edwyrd, what are the duties of our tribe?”

Edwyrd: “T-To protect the daughters of the garden and remove all forces that would do them harm.”

Gaelin: “And what of those intruders, what do we do with them?”

Edwyrd: “……………..The knowledge of the garden must be held in secrecy, only to be known by members of the tribe. Intruders must be dealt with accordingly.”

Gaelin: “You know our duty and you would be wise to remember them. By your words, you have your answer and with it our discussion ends, you're dismissed."

Edwyrd clenched his fists, he bowed to his Father and left his tent. As he strolled past his men he could fear their eyes on him. Surely they heard their discussion, but he didn’t care what they thought, to kill someone, who intention were sound.

Edwyrd: “This is wrong.”

Saria: “Lord Edwyrd.”

Edwyrd: “Lady Saria and Lady Celes, thank the Heavens.”

Saria: “I’m sorry we don’t have time, you must get your forces together, the Gorgon is here.”

Edwyrd: “………I’m afraid that will not happen.”

Saria and Celes looked to each other, they weren’t sure of what they heard.

Saria: “I beg your pardon?”

Edwyrd explain to her what Gaelin had said, but before he could tell her what he thought, Saria was on a beeline towards Gaelin’s tent.

Saria: “Lord Gaelin, is it true what Edwyrd has told me, you will not be helping the Hero.”

Gaelin: “Lady Celes, I’m glad your alright.”

Saria: “Gaelin.”

Gaelin: “What he said is true, we are your guardians and will only act as such. This Gorgon, has only attack the Lycanian, he is not nymph, so we shall not act.”

Saria: “Then know this, the Hero has no intention of fighting, the moment the Gorgon is trapped he will leave and not come back for anything.”

Gaelin: “We will not allow him to do such a thing.”

Saria: “Rather you allow it or not, he will leave, through the Waterfall entrance.”

Gaelin chuckled along with a few other men around.

Gaelin: “He wouldn’t make it through their, my guards a stationed all through that tunnel, anyone unfamiliar traveling through those tunnels, will be stopped. On top of that, the exit leads right into the village, he has no chance.

Saria: “You be surprise at what he is capable of, however, I doubt your guards will have the time, if he runs through that tunnel, take a wild guess on what will be following him.”

Gaelin nearly dropped his cup, no doubt that creature, will undoubtedly follow him through the tunnel and rampage right through their village.

Saria: “On second thought don’t do anything, either way you still technically protecting us, even with your own livelihood.”

Gaelin: “…………..Edwyrd, tell the men to get ready.”

Edwyrd: “Right away father.”

Edwyrd ran off, throwing Saria a smile as he went by. Saria look at a now irritated Gaelin who glance back in forth between Celes and Saria, both smiling.

Gaelin: “…….It seems his influence, stretches further than just two sisters.”

Saria: “No Lord Gaelin, we were always like this, all of us, wouldn’t you agree?”

Gaelin face turn to a sly smile, he always thought of her as a child, but here she is, standing up to him.

Gaelin: “Yes, I believe we were.”

_

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_

The Gorgon rolled through the forest, the smell of blood deafening. Somewhere far off there was another faint smell, but the Gorgon would not pursue. The person who wounded, the smell of its child blood was thick and pungent, so much it was sickening. The smell polluting the Gorgons air, fueling its rage, thicker and thicker it became, until it arrived.

Nathan: “Took you long enough.”

Nathan called out to the Gorgon as soon as it arrived, positioning himself on the far side of the area, only thing in between them was air. The Gorgon looked around several times, something seemed wrong.

Anais: “Why isn’t it charging you?”

Nathan: “Be patient.”

Anais: “I’ve been patient for months now, I want to get the hell out of here.”

Anais Complained next to Nathan, Iris and she remained invisible to the Gorgon. The only two it could pinpoint location for was Celes who wasn’t here and Nathan. The Gorgon was acting strange, it didn’t know there were traps set up, but it did come to understand Nathan a bit. It understood that he would never face it head on and that since he remained here, there was something he was hoping it did. It moved to the left.

Nathan: “Huh?”

Nathan moved to the right as the Gorgon slowly moved to the side.

Nathan began goading it to move, but it was not going to fall into another trap. It opened its eye which took the three by surprise. Taking a real look around, from what it could tell there was no one around. However, not long after looking around, Jagged rocks came flying towards it. It shut its eye to avoid an attack, but it understood now. This person, who it has been chasing did nothing but use plants during their chase, he can’t use magic. There was someone else around, someone it could not see.

Nathan: “Why did you do that, that’s not why I gave you a Mana potion?”

Iris: “Master, she was taking the intuitive, it was an honest mistake.”

Anais: “I saw an opening, I took it.”

Nathan: “Yeah, but now it knows someone else is here, it was going to before, it won’t approach now.”

Anais: “How do you know that?”

Nathan: “I can’t use magic, it probably noticed that and since you just fired off a spell, let’s assume it knows you’re here.”

Iris: “We need something to provoke it, otherwise the tribe will arrive before we’re ready and be massacred.”

Anais: "Something that would make it hate you."

Nathan: “It already hates me. *sigh* I didn’t want to do this, even I think its low, that’s why I gave it to you.”

Anais: “What are you………. no way?”

Nathan: “Take it out and then both of you move away, I have absolutely no idea how it will react, but we don’t have any other choice, do it.”

The Gorgon stood idly, it wasn’t going to foolishly charge, but as it sat there, the smell of blood grew to a new level. It was as if the entire area had become engulfed with it, the air completely taken oven with the smell of blood. The Gorgon opened its eye in was instantly taken with a rage that could frightened the gods. Across the field as plain as day, the corpse of its child laid. Nathan prop up his foot on the dead and stared into the eyes of the Mother.”

Nathan: “This……………… belongs to me.”

In that moment, within the Gorgon all functioning brain cells, all feelings were nulled, except one. Before it even knew what it had done it was already charging him. The desecration, the lack of respect, no more, if nothing else in this moment, it would end this man’s existence.

*Snatch*Snatch* Snatch*Snatch*Snatch*Snatch*

Hundreds of Snyare’s shot from the ground and ensnared the Creature. For a moment, it looked as though it would keep on going unimpeded by the plants. But, the Snyare held tight, not one ripped, it seems Nathan bloodwork had done the trick. The Gorgon rage within its restraints, bouncing around maniacally, roaring and glaring at Nathan. Every inch of its being wanted this man dead, but the plants would not rip.

The Gorgon Eye was wide open, in its rage it had thrown away all caution which made everything easier for Nathan. He raised his hand and the Uzy shot up from the ground, took aim and fired. With the eye, wide open every shot made contact, though he wasn’t sure how much damage they were doing.

Anais: “Is that it?”

Anais and Iris walked up to Nathan, but keeping their eyes on the Gorgon.

Nathan: “Yeah that’s it, look at that.”

Nathan pointed to the snyare’s, they were releasing a corrosive enzyme, that sank into the cracks of the Gorgon outer shell. With it slowly been destroyed from the inside and the Uzy chipping from the outside, soon it would be useless.

Nathan: “Come on we’re getting out of here, put that back.”

Anais: “Your taking it!?”

Nathan: “Of course I am, it description said it will make great armor.”

Iris: “This feels wrong.”

Nathan: “I know what you mean, but consider, that lots of things are made with raw material such as this, weapons, armor, but this is how we survive.”

Anais waved her hand over the Gorgon corpse and restored it in her inventory.

*Maniacal Roar*

The three heads turned around to the Mother again, a clear liquid pouring from its eye. They couldn’t tell rather it was saliva or tears from the corpse of her child disappearing once again.

Nathan: “……………..Let’s go.”

Iris: “Are we not waiting for anyone to show?”

Nathan: “No need, we did what we said we would do, anything else is up to them. Besides, somethings telling me we should sneak away, make sure you change your abilities so you can’t be seen by the Grassvalley Tribe.”

Anais: “Why?”

Nathan: “Just a feeling I have, for now, consider them enemies.”

The Girls did as they were told and with the sound of the Gorgon raging behind them, the three headed off towards the waterfall and their way out.