"Ah... Kynn, it is nice to see you again. How are you-"

"Cut to the chase. What's the plan?"

"Eager as ever, I see..." King Bora smirks. "Thank goodness... Ahem, Sirius, have you confirmed your theory?"

"Yes, the hoarbane's claws can break through their skin. We also figured out how to kill them."

"REALLY?!?"

The king falls out of his throne. Quilo rushes to his side and lifts him back up. The king is brimming with excitement.

"That's right," Kynn leads. "Everyone!" He turns to face all of the warriors and guards. Their expressions are a mix of curiosity and concern. "We are finally able to put an end to the hoarbane's lives! With this, he can reclaim our home!" Kynn throws up the hoarbane claw.

Cheers erupt.

Everyone -which was just depressed and worried- now roars with determination. It's like a scene from a movie. A rallying cry of war.

"Would you care..." the king is out of breath. "To explain how exactly we can achieve such a feat?"

...

After the explanation of the roots and claw is finished, a guard hands Kynn the hilt of a blade-less sword.

With the help of the last remaining swordsmith, the hoarbane claw successfully attaches to the hilt. The claw is small in comparison to the hilt, so it is more akin to a dagger.

"I was only able to obtain this one claw before the bastard died. We'll have to get more from other hoarbanes."

"Well, with a weapon like that, I'm sure it'd be no issue to you."

"Yeah," Kynn grins. "So then, what have you all come up with?"

A warrior steps forward.

"We've deduced that the hoarbane mother is actually a curse."

"A curse? What do you mean?"

"Someone or something, or even itself, must have cursed that abomination to grow to its size. As we know, the poison expelled from the mother is lethal, while the poison from the hoarbanes is slow in effect. We believe that the hoarbanes are offshoots of the mother's curse and have a weaker form of the curse attached to them."

"That being their poison?"

"Yes. And if what you've told us is true, that "brain" you found and destroyed is likely the core of their curse. When that core is destroyed, the curse is broken and detaches itself from the mother, causing the hoarbane to disappear."

"Hm... so what exactly do we do with this insight?"

"If our theory is right, killing the mother would also kill all the hoarbanes."

"...So, we should focus our efforts on defeating it? Would clearing out the hoarbanes first not be easier?"

"It may be that the hoarbanes are produced infinitely."

"Is that possible?" Aureole asks.

"As the mother is a curse, and of such great magnitude, yes."

"..."

...

"Well then," Kynn stands beside the king's throne. "We're going to need a plan. A foolproof one, at that."

The discussion lasts an eternity.

They devise a plan in which everyone has a role they must execute perfectly.

To start, Kynn, along with Pholy and a few warriors, go out to find hoarbanes. If all goes right, they'll be able to grab more claws for warriors' use.

Aureole paces back and forth.

She was against the idea of Pholy helping out, as she only awakened yesterday. But Pholy insisted on going.

"Relax," Rawlin says, leaning against the wall. "Pholy can handle herself. She's been through much worse."

"I know, but..."

Aureole's breathing is visible in the cold air. She continuously glances out near the outpost's main gate, awaiting her friend's return.

"You seem distressed. About something other than Pholy."

"Huh-? Oh, well... It was stressful, you know? Leaving me to do all the negotiations."

"...I know damn well you could handle it. Besides, there wasn't much to discuss, not with this situation. What's really on your mind?"

"..."

"Is it Sirius?"

"Huh? Wha-? What makes you think that?!" Her cheeks burn a bright red.

"So it is."

"No! ...Yes."

"What did he do?"

Aureole shakes her head.

"It was my fault. I couldn't control it..."

"It happened again?"

Aureole nods solemnly.

"It's just... Sirius doesn't seem to trust me. Or anyone. I don't know what to say or how to help..."

Aureole reaches into her pocket and pulls out a golden stopwatch.

Concern flashes across the lord's blindfolded face.

"Where did you get that-?" His tone matches his expression.

"Sirius gave it to me a while back. I told him I'd keep it safe."

"Ah... it's Sirius'."

The lord relaxes and returns to his enigmatic self.

"...Pholy told me it just needs time. But, this hurts more than I thought it would."

"Well," Rawlin smirks, eyeing the watch. "Time is the one thing he doesn't have."

"..."

Aureole clutches the watch and stares at her reflection in the glass.

"..."

"...Thank you, Rawlin. You're right. I can't afford to let things stay this way."

"I'm happy to help."

"I'm going to go return this. I kept it safe, maybe it'll show him he can have some faith in me."

Rawlin smiles.

"You really want him to trust you, huh?"

"Uh... well..." Her ears wiggle.

"I'm just teasing," Rawlin chuckles. "Go on."

"Right..." Aureole laughs it off and begins jogging away.

"Oh, and Aureole..." She stops to listen. "Don't let your feelings distract you from the goal. Your priority is to become the next queen. Don't forget that."

"...I know. It's not like my feelings matter anyway."

Without another word, Aureole runs off, leaving footprints in the snow.

...

Rawlin looks up to the sky and smiles.

"Love is a beautiful thing... isn't it, Allura?"

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

-"I'll save everyone. And I promise you... I will avenge my mother."

Kynn's words resound through Sirius' mind.

Sirius remembers finding Kynn in the ruins of his home. He was sobbing with the remains of his mother in his arms.

Suddenly, memories of his own mother come rushing to him.

-My mom was a scarred person. Fragile and hurt, and yet, despite that, she was always smiling. Whenever I walked into the room her face would light up. It wasn't that she was happy to see me, she just felt the need to wear that mask around me.

I hated her smile. I didn't understand it. Did she think I was stupid and couldn't realize how she truly felt? But... at the same time, her smile was always full of warmth. It was impossible not to feel at ease around it. She should've taken up acting.

The more I think about my mother, the more holes I see in her facade. The more I question everything she said and stood for. Was any of it genuine? Even if I was her son, that doesn't mean she had to love me. She told me every day that she loved me, I grew numb to her saying it. Why was she so persistent?

It's as I told Kynn... her "love" was obligatory. A fabrication strewn together in an attempt to appeal to society. Maybe she thought that if she kept lying, one day it would come true.

...It's not like I'll ever know the answer. I'm dead.

I wonder where my body is... I hope I was buried. I wonder if I had a funeral... I wonder if anyone went to it. I wonder if my mom cried... She probably feels relieved. It's one less weight on her shoulders, right? I'm no longer there to burden her.

I wonder... if my mom died... would I cry?

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

...

Goosebumps trickle up his arms. The world suddenly feels much colder.

He stares at his trembling hands, unsure of what to think or do.

...

He throws back on his jacket and shuffles to the door of the shed. His arm slides it open and he steps out into the pale day. His eyes hang low as he shuts the door behind him.

"Sirius..."

The boy instantly recognizes the voice to be Aureole's. He freezes for a moment before turning to the girl. She holds her hands close to her heart, a troubled look spread across her face.

For the first time since their meeting, a rift stands between them.

An awkward silence fills the space, neither of them is sure what to say.

"Um," Sirius hesitantly starts. "Did you need something?"

"N-no, I just... wanted to talk to you. I wanted to apologize for last night."

"...You don't have to-"

"No, I do. I lost my cool and said something I shouldn't have. I know... I know that you have a hard time trusting people. And what I said made you more suspicious. I'm sorry."

"...It's okay."

Sirius' vocals are shallow. Aureole knows he doesn't believe her.

"I- I can't tell you why I brought you here. I'm sorry, but I don't think I bring myself to."

"..."

"But, just know that: I would never try to hurt you. I brought you here of my own volition, on a selfish dream, but I don't know if that dream is viable anymore. I'm sorry-" She's crying. Teardrops fall from her face and melt in the snow.

Foreign emotions flood Sirius. He has the sudden urge to comfort her, but he can't bring himself to. An inner conflict rages within him. Her words are genuine, without a doubt, but a creeping suspicion keeps pulling him away.

"...I..."

"I'm not asking you to forgive me, I won't ask you to trust me, but... please... Don't hate me." Her words are so full of emotion that they begin to tear apart his walls. His eyes begin to moisten.

"...I could never hate you." His words are genuine. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm too messed up to know how to think right now. I'm sorry."

Aureole shakes her head in defiance.

"Don't apologize. Don't. Nothing is your fault."

"..."

Aureole raises her head to look at Sirius. Both their bagged eyes meet.

"Oh- that's right," Aureole wipes her face and reaches into her pocket. She pulls out a golden stopwatch and extends it out toward him. "Here."

"My watch..." He had almost forgotten about it.

"I know it's not much, but... I kept it safe like you wanted me to. Sorry it took me so long to return it."

Sirius carefully takes the watch from her small hands. The metal is frigid to the touch, he flips over it and stares at his lost time.

21133994 seconds remain.

As he holds the device in his palm, he watches the numbers continue to descend.

-It's been four days since we got to the outpost. Even without my watch, the timer continues to count down. I'm still losing time. Before long, I'll even forget about my mom...

"Thank you... I had almost forgotten. It felt sort of... nice without it on me."

"I thought you kept it on you as a reminder to keep your memories? Are you having second thoughts?"

"...You remember that?"

"Of course I do. I remember everything you've told me."

"..." He gives a weak smile. "Well, while that's true, it also reminds me of things I don't want to think about."

"...What things?"

"...I-"

-You're saying too much. Shut your mouth. You don't know if you can fully trust her.

"Sirius?"

"...Don't worry about it."

Just like that, another barrier constructs between them. Sirius plasters a closed-eye smile on his face.

Aureole feels the distance between them. It runs cold along her limbs.

"A-alright..."

...

Sirius shoves the watch back in his armband and locks it in place. He rolls down his long sleeve and waves goodbye to Aureole.

"See you."

"Mm... See you..."

Sounds of crunching snow eventually fade out of range. Aureole wraps her hands together and fiddles with her fingers.

"...What is this feeling?" She asks herself. "...I don't think this is working. Rawlin, I don't think it worked."

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

"We got the claws!"

Kynn bursts into the king's quarters and slams down a bag full of hoarbane claws.

Warriors and guards alike are in disbelief and astonishment.

"Did it really work?"

"The claws actually can kill them, right?"

Pholy strolls in with another set of claws. She walks to the center and sets them down. Aureole scatters toward the small girl and throws her arms around her.

"You're back!"

"I'm back."

Kynn chuckles and hands out claws to everyone.

"It worked alright! The claws can't break the ice around them, but once Pholy here melts it off, the claws cut through their skin like butter!"

Enthusiasm sparks amongst the crowd, their spirits have officially risen.

"Kynn, Pholy," King Bora begins. "Are you both still able to set out today? If you're strained, we can push our attack back until tomorrow-"

"We're perfectly fine! In fact, I'd say we've just warmed up."

"You don't need to push yourself-"

"How long have you known me, your majesty? You think something as simple as collecting fingers is enough to tire me out?"

"Well no, but..." The king sighs heavily. "Very well, we will proceed on schedule! Once everyone has their weapon, prepare to depart."

Kynn grins. He hands out the rest of the claws and takes the remainder to the swordsmith. Many blades are made into daggers much like Kynn's. As soon as the first one is finished, Kynn heads over to Sirius, who stands in the corner.

"Here, you get the first one."

"You really want me on the front lines with you?"

"I wouldn't want anyone else."

"...You put a lot of faith in me."

-I'd ask why, but his answer would be the same as Nola's.

"Of course, you're a good friend."

...

"...Friend?"

Kynn smirks and pats Sirius on the shoulder. "Yeah, a friend." The boy turns away and meets back up with the swordsmith.

Sirius stares at the back of Kynn's head, and then the new dagger he's received. The claw Kynn gave him is perfect in shape and size. The others have small impurities or shape deformities, but this one lacks imperfection.

"...Don't lie to me."

The King, and every warrior, make their way to the massive hole in the wall where the mother broke through.

Kynn divvies everyone into four smaller groups in accordance with the plan.

-The plan is relatively simple:

First, a small scouting team made up of a handful of warriors will press ahead. Following them is another small band accompanied by Pholy. Once the scouting team makes their observations they will meet up with the second group and share intelligence.

If the mother and hoarbane activity is low enough, they will continue on with the plan. After informing the third group, both the small groups will infiltrate the hoarbane den and Pholy will launch a surprise attack. If all goes right, the majority of hoarbanes will lose their armor and the remaining group members will begin to slay the damaged wolves.

During this time it is likely the hoarbane mother will come out. That is where the third group comes into play. In order to minimize casualties and deal out effective damage, the third group is composed only of the heavy hitters.

Kynn, Rawlin, Pholy when she finishes with the den, Aureole -who insisted despite everyone's best wishes-, and me. The gang.

Once again, everyone is placing unreasonable expectations upon me. At this point, I'm used to it, and despite my lack of confidence, I'll see this through. Clearing up this mess will take me one step closer to keeping my memories. I can't afford to fail here.

Everyone else in the group seems fit for the role, apart from one. Aureole. I've seen her tussle with a foe before, but... can she really do much against that thing? ...Why am I worrying about her? ...Come to think of it, what can Rawlin even do? He insisted so heavily on tagging along, he must have some crazy abilities.

"Everyone!"

The king rallies everyone's attention. The man can hardly keep himself upright. He should be lying down to rest, yet here he stands, determined to take down that monster.

"I know all of you have endured much hardship over the last month. As your king, I fear I have failed you all. But this isn't the time for self-deprecation. We've all lost something due to these beasts. Loved ones, our homes, our pride... But that ends today. Today, with all of your efforts and strength, we will come out victorious.

This will be our last attack. Give everything you are in this battle. Remember what led you here, remember what you're fighting for. Remember what those monsters took from you. You not only fight for revenge, but for the legacy of those who couldn't be here today. You fight for the future.

So, give everything you have! Spare no energy! If you wish to carry on your dreams, if you wish to live a happy life, then hold nothing back! Today! We reclaim our home!"

The crowd erupts.

Determination roars amongst the warriors. Resolve grasps their hearts and refuses to let go. Tears sprinkle from some of their eyes.

Even Sirius feels the drive. He touches the covered watch, reminding himself of what is at stake.

Out of everyone here, Kynn is the most raring to go. His eyes hold a blood-lust almost unquenchable.

"You ready?" Sirius asks him.

"...Remember what I told you. Don't let me die."

"...Right. I won't."

Suddenly, a voice cries out.

"Kynn!"

Nuray sprints over and throws her arms around the boy. She squeezes him tighter than a vise.

"Nuray..."

"Make it back, okay? Please. I can't lose you too."

Kynn squeezes the girl in return.

"You won't. I'll make it back. I have something to tell you when I do."

"I love you, Kynn."

Kynn's eyes widen, then quickly soften. A bittersweet smile raises his lips.

"...I know." He retracts his arms and places her hands onto his. "I'll need you to heal me when I come back, okay?"

Nuray finds herself giggling. Warm tears fall while doing so.

"Jerk... I will. I promise."

"Thank you, Nuray."

"Good luck." She pulls her hands away and folds them behind her back. "See you!" She quickly turns around and sprints over to Nola, who only just arrived.

"Mm, see you."

Nola gives a hearty wave toward Kynn and the boy returns it. Nuray turns around and begins to wave as well.

Similar scenes play out amongst the departing warriors. Families gather and say goodbye to their loved ones. Aureole and Pholy wish each other luck. Sirius watches them with empty eyes.

With the teary farewells behind them, the King motions for the teams to depart. A large portion of guards will remain at the outpost to keep watch.

The scouting team deploys and crosses the boundary into the snowy fields.

Before the third group is sent out, Quilo approaches them. He looks worn out and angry.

"Sirius. I demand you be successful."

"Oh- right... I'll do my best."

"Demand?" Kynn butts in with a loose attitude. "No need to be so uptight, we'll pull through. No matter what."

Quilo looks downward, unsure of what to say.

"He's right!" Aureole steps forward. "We'll stop that thing! You don't need to worry, we'll save your father and everyone else!"

Quilo's expression twists sour. "And why would I believe you-?"

"My, my..." Rawlin interrupts. "Quilo, is it? You'll be the future king of Alsi, correct? If that's the case, you'll need to learn to be more trusting of other people. A ruler without connections isn't a ruler at all."

-Hypocrite.

"Tsk-"

Rawlin's remark only seems to piss him off further. The boy pivots away and stomps off.

The lord chuckles to himself.

"Youth is a fascinating thing."

"Do you miss yours that much?" Kynn jokingly replies.

"I'm still living in it. Despite how I may look, I'm hardly older than any of you. I just find life's different paths captivating."

"Hm... That so-?"

"-Kynn!" The king cries out.

With a simple nod on both ends, Kynn motions his team to begin to move. With the wishes of the king and squallers behind them, with a few deafening steps... They cross over into what very well could be their ends.

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

Sirius fiddles with his dagger. Having a weapon attached to his hip brings thoughts of it accidentally stabbing him.

Visibility is low. They rely on Kynn to carry them through the fog.

By this point, the fourth group would have departed. They act as a "last stand" team, meant to ward off any stray hoarbanes or take back any wounded persons. Two healers occupy their team in case of emergency.

"We'll wait here." Kynn takes a knee on a tiny mound of snow. "Once Pholy is about to light up their den, someone from group two should let us know to head up."

Sirius sits down away from Kynn. Aureole squats and holds her cold knees. Rawlin remains standing.

"Are you not nervous, Kynn?" Aureole questions.

"I can't afford to be nervous now. Right now I need to pour everything in the hope that these claws can hurt the mother."

"So you are, at least a little?"

"I've never really been one to have the jitters, but... I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish Allium were here."

"Who's that?" Sirius asks.

"What!?" Kynn shouts. "You don't know Allium?! The strongest man alive? He could kill the mother by blinking!"

"Huh... Has anyone tried to contact him?"

"Even if we could... he's not allowed outside of Lunalir or Mauvkin's borders."

"Why is that?"

"If he were to step foot outside into another territory, it'd be a declaration of war. Regardless of relations, the country he steps in would instantly wage war."

"Huh..."

"But enough talk about living gods," Kynn faces Rawlin. "I'm more interested in what you have up your sleeve."

"I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise."

"Aw, come on... You do realize this is a life-or-death battle, right? I need to know your blessings beforehand."

"Let's just say I have you covered."

...

"...What does that even mean-?"

Rawlin replies with a satisfied grin.

Kynn turns to Aureole for an answer.

"Sorry, I'm not even sure what he's referring to."

Kynn sighs in disappointment.

"Oh well, what about you? You were also eager to tag along."

"Ah- me... well..." She struggles to find the right words.

"You have a light compatibility, right?" It slips from Sirius' lips.

"Hm? Oh, yes... But... last time I tried to use it... it failed. And the king ended up getting poisoned because of me..."

"Ah, so that's why Quilo was so angry with you..." Kynn says. Aureole nods.

"But this time... I'll do it. It'll work, no matter what."

"Glad to hear it."

crunch crunch

Kynn springs to his feet and gazes off toward the sound.

A warrior trudges toward them and gives them the news.

"It worked. The ember managed to hit almost all of them with a single blow." Kynn and Aureole are equally as excited. "The mother should be showing its face any second now."

"Haha! it already happened huh?" Kynn laughs. "Alright, let's do this."

"I'll go inform group four, you all press on ahead."

Kynn nods and motions for the others to follow him.

The blizzard's wind rips away a sense of safety. Blinding, spiraling snow tears into their eyes. A thick layer of fallen snow slows their movements. Kynn continuously uses his affinity to press away the glimmering white.

An icy chill wreaks havoc on their skin. If not for their boiling ambition, their bodies would have fallen long ago.

Out from the hazy horizon, a pink streak flashes across the sky.

Then more, and more.

"Pholy!" Aureole cries out.

Kynn furrows his brow.

"It's there."

The boy slams his palm down into the snow and lets out a vigorous cry. Full of all his hatred and desire, Kynn roars.

"AAAAHHHH!"

Straining his arm, a pulse of energy explodes down into the ground. Within an instance, all observable snow is blown away. From the ground and sky, all the white crystals are thrown somewhere far away by Kynn's will.

In the clearing before them is the mother. Pholy, along with a few warriors, hold it off while others kill the hoarbanes. The icy armor surrounding the mother is still missing, Pholy's bloodflame remains effective.

"You couldn't have done that earlier?" Rawlin questions.

"It would have seen us coming. You all ready?"

Aureole and Rawlin nod.

"Absolutely."

"Sirius. You got my back?"

"...I'll do my best."

"Good-"

Kynn's icy eyes burn with the rage of a thousand dragons.

He grips the dagger and pulls it from his hip.

Everything the mother has done replays in his mind.

His mom stands at the forefront of his thoughts.

-Then let's kill this bastard."