~Kynn~
My mother had always been a frail person.
Tiny and weak, she had little chance of defending herself against anything.
Even so, when I was little, she always seemed so much bigger than life. So much stronger.
One time, when I was four or five, we were visiting her friends out in Clarment Outpost south of here. Due to labor shortages at the time, an adult came up to me and grabbed my arm. I was too young at the time to know what to think. I hadn't realized he was trying to put me to work.
Just as I was about to be whisked away, my mom spotted me. She dropped everything and sprinted toward the adult. When they entered her range, she did something I'd never seen before. She hit them.
Right into their face, she swung a punch that toppled them. My mom grabbed me instantly and brought me into an embrace. She asked all these questions about whether I was okay or not, but I was too entranced to give a proper answer.
After an intense scolding and authorities call on the adult, my mom began to bring me back home. On the carriage ride back, she tried to play it off as if nothing happened. But being the curious kid I was, I kept pressing her.
"That was awesome! I want to do that too!" I exclaimed, punching the air.
"Geez," she sighed. Her voice back then was the definition of motherly. She was so caring and warm. "Why do you want to do that?"
"Because it looked cool!"
"This kid..." she sighed again. "You must never use violence just because you want to. It is something used only when needed."
"When is it needed?"
"...When someone threatens to harm those you care about."
"Hm..." I groaned.
My mom reached out an arm and placed it on my shaggy hair. She petted me like a bippie. A loving smile had spread across her face.
"Promise me, okay?"
"Eh..."
"Okay?"
"...Okay. I promise."
She giggled, then promptly wrapped her arms around me.
"I love you, Kynn."
...
Sorry, mom. I couldn't keep that promise.
...
I had always been fascinated with the warriors when I was little. I had wanted to be one for as long as I can remember. They protected and provided everyone with their needs. They were my heroes.
Another time, when I was around six, my mom went to visit Nola and Nuray's mother.
I was out playing with Nuray when we heard a scream come from near the stable.
We rushed over and found both our moms surrounded by a pack of Yotls.
Yotls are doglike predators who hunt bippies. Their fur is white as snow, so it is easy for them to camouflage and sneak into the outpost during times of peace. While they aren't typically vicious toward squallers, if one gets in their way, they won't hesitate to bite back.
Trying to protect the bippies, our moms were trying to ward the Yotls off. Nola had run off to grab any spare warriors for help.
Nuray was panicking. She grabbed my sleeve and tugged.
"What do we do?!"
Seeing my mom in danger, I seemed to have forgotten I was only six. Without a glimpse of hesitation, I ran into the stable and grabbed a pair of shears. I barreled out of the building and propelled myself toward one of the dogs with my snow affinity.
I flew across the air and rammed the sharp end of the shears into the Yotl's side. Either the shears weren't sharp enough to kill it, or I was too weak to penetrate far enough. But I managed to damage the thing.
"Kynn!!" My mom screamed in terror at the sight of me. "Get away from them! You'll get hurt!"
Having harmed the yotl, I wasn't going to back down.
"I've got this mom!"
I must have sounded full of myself. I probably sounded like I thought I could do anything. But if it was for her, I could have. The other yotls backed away as I kept swinging at them. The one I had stabbed was struggling to remain upright.
Eventually, having seen my unyielding resolve, they retreated. I had warded them off. My mom was dumbfounded, she couldn't find the right words to say. I had turned back towards her and puffed my chest. That day, I was her hero.
At some point or another, Nola had come back with one of the warriors. The warrior -Chip- had witnessed the back half of my defense. He came up to me and slung his arm around my tiny shoulders.
"That was something else, Kynn! At this rate, you'll be a warrior before you know it!"
"Really?!" My little boy's heart was overflowing. "When can I start?!"
"Haha! You'll need some proper training before that! I could show you the ropes... if your mom is alright with it."
I flung my head over to my mom who was still processing the whole ordeal.
"Can I?!"
My mom wasn't too surprised by my question. She always knew I wanted to be a warrior but was against the idea. She looked to Nola's mom for an answer, and all she got was a giggle.
My mom sighed and stared into my eyes. I don't know what her thought process was but I have a feeling she felt this was happening all too fast.
"Come on, Rina," Nola's mom elbowed her. "Do you really think he'll take no for an answer? Besides, I think he would make a fine warrior. How many times has he protected us already at his age?"
"She's right!" I ran up and hugged my mom's leg. "I can do it! I'll be the best warrior ever! I'll protect you... and everyone!"
At that moment, something in her eyes changed. It wasn't sadness or happiness, not stress or relief, it was almost... acceptance. She flashed me a smile and patted me on the head.
"Alright. I'm counting on you... Kynn."
...
...
How long has it been since she's smiled at me?
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
I wait for none of them.
Exploding from place, I hurl myself toward the thorned bastard.
I feel as if my chest is about to explode. This anger within me stirs, continuing to boil. I grip the clawed-dagger so tight, it feels as if my veins are about to pop. I can't bring myself to blink.
The hoarbane mother is a monstrosity. With its ice armor gone, the beast is nothing more than an infested entanglement of vines. The bulbous at the flower's head pulsates, begging me to stab it. Who placed the curse on this plant? I have no time to think of an answer. Right now, I need revenge.
Due to my scattering of snow, the mother is fully aware of my presence. It turns its attention to me, giving Pholy a chance to breathe. Good. Focus on me. Sirius has begun trailing me... perfect. He knows how to follow instructions.
Aureole isn't far behind, but what is Rawl-
Ah...
So that's his compatibility.
Suddenly, a massive, transparent dome begins to materialize above the surrounding area. A blurry shield lowers as far as I can see, encasing the mother -and all of us- inside.
"Defensive magic, huh?"
Pointless secrecy.
This is good. Alongside trapping the mother, snow will also be unable to fall onto the battlefield. It should also keep out the high winds and any roaming hoarbanes. The only question I have is whether or not this barrier is strong enough to actually keep that monster inside.
As I encroach on the beast, it whips an arm in my direction. I manage to vault the swing and continue to close the distance.
I need to get close.
This plan relies on me and Sirius being able to get close. Preferably, close enough to reach the bulbous on its head. Theoretically, if we're able to smash it, the mother should be temporarily stunned. That would give us a chance to inflict major damage, possibly even kill it.
But first things first... I need to test whether or not these claws can damage the mother's body.
It launches another tentacle my way. The attacks are rapid, I hardly have any time to react. I manage to slide underneath the swing and carry my momentum back into a run. The force the arms carry shakes the ground below me.
A quick glance behind me shows that Sirius is as nimble as I thought.
Two are coming. From both sides at differing heights, two vines come barreling my way. These aren't possible to dodge on my own. I make use of my affinity and launch myself upward with the little snow.
My feet feel the wind rip apart as the two arms slam at where I was. That was close. I need more snow at my disposal.
"Blindfold!" I shout midair. "Could you open a small hole?!"
I'm not sure how he even hears me, but I get a response.
"I'd have to tear down the whole barrier momentarily!"
"That's fine!" I roll back onto the hard ground. "It's focused on me right now!"
Lord Rawlin collapses the translucent shield bubble. Blizzarding winds tear across my skin and manage to get a wincing reaction out of the mother. Piling snow that landed on top of the shield crashes down. This is plenty.
Just to be safe, I pull in snow from outside the barrier. Us snowsquallers are capable of commanding snow for as far as we can see. However, unless we train the affinity enough, we can't reach very far. I'm glad I did all that training.
"This is enough! Place it back up!"
Lord Rawlin does as instructed and the magic dome reemerges.
I become entranced by the materializing bubble, when...
"Watch out!"
That's Sirius' voice.
I hear the air being cut across.
To my right, a massive, thorny arm is being hurled toward me. Shit. If this thing hits me, I'll be killed instantly. Even if I manage to survive the blow, the poison from the mother is lethal, I'd be dead in no time.
Being on the ground is too risky. I'm not used to aerial combat, but at least I'll be able to maneuver more freely. I need to fly.
I explode upwards and carry a long trail of powder behind me. The arm sweeps under me, breaking the ground where I stood. While I'm still in air, I condense my trailing snow into a solid platform. I pull the platform upward under my feet and plant myself firmly on it.
I've never done this before. Technically speaking, snowsquallers can hover indefinitely given there is enough snow and cool enough temperatures to maintain the snow. If I were to leave Alsi and attempt this trick, I'd end up dead.
I catch a quick glimpse of Sirius' face which almost verbally says: "What the fuck. He can fly?!"
Unfortunately not, my friend.
But this should make it harder for this beast to catch me. Speaking of which, another swipe heads my way. I quickly leap off my platform and throw it under my feet. I almost lose balance, but I stick the landing. The attack missed. Good. This will work.
Time to strike this bastard.
It attempts to swipe at me again but I jump away just in time. Again. And again. It's like playing a game of tag... in mid-air. While it's missing me, the other arms try to fend off Sirius' approach. He's dealing with his own struggle right now, I need to hurry before he gets hurt.
At this rate I won't be able to get close enough, I need to get higher. Maybe if I'm right above it, it won't be able to reach me. I parkour up and around the mother. I manage to squeak past every one of its attacks.
I gain enough altitude to stand above the monster's height. I close the distance to get right above its center. From this angle, it's even uglier. That putrid bulbous gurgles as the mother's body weight shifts. I think it's looking at me. Good.
Watch closely.
I launch myself upward with a blast of snow, dismantling the platform. I soar high enough to touch the top of Rawlin's barrier. I maneuver myself so that my feet can bounce off the ceiling.
My shoes collide with the hard material. Using all the strength in my legs, I launch downward. Nosediving toward the mother, I conjure a whirlwind. Funneling my hands, I swirl the distant snow into a tornado.
I spiral the powder fast enough to cause an updraft. The particles tear through the cold air and graze the side of the mother. The snow gradually rises upward into my grasp. With this much force, I couldn't hope to even topple this beast. The whirlwind is merely a distraction.
Down on the ground, I notice Sirius and the others have stopped moving. They must be confused as well. That's alright, if this works we'll have a prime chance to cut this monster down.
The white dust collides together in my palm, continuously growing in size. I'm falling fast, but I can make this in time. The clumping becomes too great for my hands so I hold it out in front of me with my affinity. The snowball rapidly grows larger than I.
It reaches the size of a small carriage, just smaller than the mother's bulbous. This should be enough.
Gathering more momentum, I flip forward along with the orb. I condense and harden the ball to that close of metal. It's heavy, but I've trained this ability enough to be able to handle the weight.
The mother releases from its short-lived daze. I'm within its striking distance, I need to throw this thing. I gather another rotation and hurl my massive projectile at the bullseye.
The ball flies toward the bulbous and the mother is unable to react in time.
CRASH
Direct hit.
The cloud of snow makes it hard to see if it is effective. I rear off to the side to avoid landing on any thorns. In my descent, I gather snow to break my fall. I safely cushion my landing and scramble to my feet.
My massive plume of snow shrouds the surrounding area. I rush over to where I last saw Sirius and blow away hovering particles.
"Sirius! Are you alright?!"
"I'm fine!"
I instantly get a response. He's close. I sweep away more snow and find his silhouette. I run over to assess any damage.
"Sirius! Sorry, I should have told you what I was doing."
The boy fades into sight, his face is bright red from the cold.
"It's alright. I should have worn a mask or something..."
"Get Pholy to warm you up or something. I'm going to head in and try-"
SWOOSH
The dust cloud is dissipated. With two swipes from its arms, the mother reveals itself to be perfectly fine. It violently shakes its head to brush off lingering snow.
"Tsk," I spit. "We can't rely on the snow, huh? We'll have to get up and personal after all."
"How do we do that? I can hardly get close to the thing."
"Fall back. Gather with Rawlin and Aureole, I'll nab the ember."
"Got it," Sirius nods and rushes toward the two.
I sprint under the falling snow, I don't think it can quite see me yet. Pholy is somewhere over there...
Huh... I'm being reckless. I didn't tell anyone of my airstrike plan, this isn't like me...
I spot Pholy.
Her golden hair stands out amidst the white background. She sits on her knees, catching her breath. The dust cloud is thinning rapidly, I need to hurry and get her to everyone else.
I blast myself forward using the surrounding snow and anchor my feet into the ground to stop myself in front of her.
"Come on! On your feet."
"So demanding..." She mumbles. She sluggishly gets off her knees. Taking too long...
"Alright, let's go!"
"Wait a sec-!"
I grab her wrist and propel us forward. She was seemingly unprepared. My grip is sort of tight and she's lagging behind. As I sprint toward Sirius and them, I hoist Pholy toward me so my hands rest under her knees and back.
She is immensely uncomfortable. I think she prefers being dragged.
"You alright?"
"Yeah... do you normally treat girls this way?"
"No. Besides, right now, you're a warrior, not a girl."
"Uh-huh..."
"This is probably out of the question, but do you think you could use your bloodflame again?"
"Not a chance," She lifts her palms to show the cuts she slit in them before. "Even if I could, I'd probably die too quickly to do anything."
"I see..."
"Besides, I don't want you throwing another hoarbane at me."
Her snarky remark gets a chuckle out of me.
"You're still hung up on that?"
I take her to the others. I drop Pholy to the ground.
"Ow..."
"Sorry. Anyways, we need a plan quickly. Rawlin, do you think your shields can contain it to one spot?"
"It'd be difficult," The lord doesn't seem stressed whatsoever. "I can only create a single barrier at a time. This dome around us is my limit."
"Only one, huh...? Take down the dome."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I want you to focus on deflecting its attacks. Don't let anything hit me or Sirius while we advance. I'll try and keep the snow at bay as I fight. The wind will be tricky to deal with but I think we can manage."
"Understood."
"What do you want me to do?" Pholy asks, still sitting on the wet ground.
"I want you to-"
POUND
Shit. It's coming this way.
...Wait.
"Is that a hoarbane?" Aureole questions.
Approaching isn't all it's doing. It's spitting out hoarbanes.
The mother is leaning over. The bulbous on its head bubbles. From the bubbles, the ice-coated wolves are spilling out.
"So that's how they're born, huh? Pholy, don't let the hoarbanes near anyone. Clear us a path. If you can, cut them with your dagger after you scorch them. Sirius and I will do the same."
"I'll try."
I nod to her and she jumps to her feet. She cracks her neck and rushes off toward the encroaching swarm.
"Aureole."
"Yes?"
"You have a light compatibility, yes? What blessing can you use?"
"Mirage. Though I can't promise it'll be perfect."
"That's perfect. I need you to distract the mother."
"Distract it?"
"Yes, create as many mirages as you can. Make it think they're real, make it focus on and attack the fakes."
"O-okay, I can do it. I swear I'll do it."
I nod. I can't say I have full faith in her, but her heart is in the right place. We really should have put in more training before coming out here. Oh well.
Pholy is already lighting hoarbanes on fire. Perfect. Now's our chance to strike.
"Sirius, you good to go?"
"Mm," Sirius takes in a long breath. "Let's go."
In brilliant unison, both of us explode from place. Our bodies fly toward the hoard before us. Rawlin's barrier collapses around the battlefield, and the bitter wind begins its assault. I use what energy I can spare to hold back the advancing snow.
Pholy claps her hands, unleashing a torrent of pink flames upon the dogs. In all my years as I warrior, I've never seen such perfect coordination from my team. Sirius and I emerge from her blaze and begin cutting down the burning wolves.
We mow down the hoard like they're nothing but fodder. If this were a couple of days ago, we'd be dead in seconds. But here we are, slicing through the hoarbanes's bodies like butter. Our claws pierce through the thick skin and tear it apart. I try and aim for the cores of the curse, but in order to stay in my groove, I can't hit them all. One after another they all fall.
What is this rush? I've always loved battling but this is something else. Is it our coordination? Sirius is following my pace perfectly, without a single hint of hesitation. Who taught this guy how to fight so well? Or is he just that good at doing as he's told? Is he just that good at adapting?
Regardless, along with Pholy's help, we forge a path ahead. A bloody one at that. We sprint on ahead, leaving Pholy to clear up the rest of them. I'm still holding back the majority of the blizzard, but I feel great. I haven't even broken a sweat. From the looks of it, neither has Sirius.
I knew he was interesting from the moment I saw him, that look in his eyes said it all. But I never expected this. He's amazing. If he were just kinder to himself, I'm sure he'd realize that too.
The mother has fully recovered from my blow. Hoarbanes have stopped spilling out for now. As long as Rawlin blocks any incoming attacks, this is a perfect opportunity to land a hit. I push past Sirius and draw in closer to the beast.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
It winds back an arm and attempts to strike me. I prepare to dodge, but thankfully, it isn't needed. As the vine is about to fall toward me, a transparent wall materializes in the air. The mother's whip slams into the shield, rippling the nearby air. The sound carries through the battlefield.
Nice save, Rawlin!
The mother seems surprised by the deflection. I can take advantage of this. This is it. All or nothing. I bundle snow under my feet and boost forward. The distance closes rapidly. I jet toward its side while it isn't paying attention. I find myself screaming.
"AAAAHHH!"
I enter striking distance. Just as I'm about to swing, I hear something barreling toward me. An arm on my right!
"Watch out!" Sirius shouts. "Both sides!"
Shit! I can't dodge this!
The arm is intercepted by a shield. The collision of the two objects rattles my footing. Rawlin saved me on this side, but Sirius said watch out from both ways. I whip my head around as fast as possible and find a speeding arm coming my way.
I regain my standing and clump snow beneath my feet quick enough to launch me upward briefly. I leave the ground and enter a backflip motion. Time seems to slow down as I enter the air. The mother's arm is directly beneath me. I could reach out and cut it.
So that's what I do.
In an upside-down position, I hurl my wrist, hoping the claw will cut it. The talon latches into the vine... and glides right through.
It works...
I land the stunt and witness the arm pummel into the same barrier the other did. I stand still a moment, I can't believe it... I feel a smile spread across my face, I almost want to laugh. The claw can cut through the arms.
The bulbous is softer than the skin, meaning the claw will definitely cut it. This will work. I can kill it. As long as I reach the bulbous and can avoid being hit, this will be a piece of cake.
Suddenly, the same vine I just cut begins to wiggle. The mother tries to swipe the arm back toward me but I manage to boost away. Still with a giddy grin, I try to meet up with Sirius. As I run toward him, another arm attempting to strike me is blocked by Rawlin.
I'm grateful. But it does make me wonder... how does a man with a blindfold defend so well??
Sirius rushes toward me and I tell him the good news.
"It works! We can damage it, we just have to get close. I'll try to break into the core, you continue to try and damage the skin, I'll do the same."
"Got it. Man, I wish we finished those sword lessons."
"Ha, when we get back I'll make sure to teach you some things-"
"Shit-!"
CRASH
Rawlin deflects an arm that was heading straight for us. I'm not paying enough attention. I may have gotten a triumph but the battle isn't over yet.
"Thank Alsi he's here. It's too focused on us... AUREOLE! We need you NOW!"
Aureole is off near Pholy, her dagger is in the skull of a hoarbane. The lunim rips out the claw and shouts her response.
"I'm working on it! Just- give me a little more time!"
We don't have that right now. But I don't know how well she does under pressure like this, she probably wants encouragement...
"We're counting on you!"
"I know!"
...
She seems distressed. If I could, I'd go comfort her, but now's not the time.
Rawlin continues blocking attacks for us. For a man so detached from the battle, he sure has perfect accuracy with his barrier placement.
"Sirius. I'll take left."
Sirius nods. His face finds the frenzied mother. He sucks in a breath and lets it out slowly. Steeling himself, perhaps? Is something on his mind?
"You nervous?" I tease.
"...Just trying to not misplace your faith in me."
"Always so thoughtful... Don't worry about that right now. Think about yourself right now, and what you want. Trust in yourself. Don't rely on mine."
His eyes fall to the floor.
"I'll try."
I smile.
"Then that's enough." I gather snow under my shoes. "Let's go."
~
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
Kynn and Sirius circle the enraged beast.
Rawlin flawlessly deflects the creature's blows with pinpoint accuracy.
As the two chip away at the mother, Aureole strains her mind and body.
"Come on... come on..."
Her outline distorts, but only briefly.
"Distort the waves of light that flicker in thine eyes, refract mine vessel and bemuse all which witness. Blessing of Lior: Mirage!... Distort the waves of light that flicker in thine eyes-"
"Aure..." Pholy shuffles up to her. "You've already said it a hundred times. You can cast it."
"But I can't! It's not working!"
Veins bulge from her forehead. She isn't breathing as she should. Her image is blurry.
"You're going to hurt yourself. Just calm down a little."
"No! I need to- I need to do something..."
CRASH
The world shakes as the mother's arms pound into Rawlin's shields.
Pholy glances at the monster, only to find a horrific sight...
More hoarbanes are spilling out.
"Damn it... Another round is coming."
"I need to hurry..."
Aureole's teeth grind together. The dark wings on her back flap aggressively. A mix of frustration and concentration has taken hold of her mind.
Pholy is taken by concern for her friend.
"You really want to do this, don't you?"
"I have to!"
Pholy thinks a moment, then grudgingly places her hands on Aureole. She locks eyes with the girl.
"...This probably isn't the best way to do this, but..." Pholy's air darkens. The look in her eyes sends shivers down Aureole's spine. The ember leans into her ear and begins to whisper.
"Don't be you, Aureole. Think of who you wish to be. Who you should be. You want to be useful, don't you?" Aureole's lips quiver. "...You want to be loved, don't you? Show them someone worth loving. Not you."
...
...
Aureole stares off into nothing.
The black in her eyes is the basin of an abyss. Hollow fragility strings along her mind.
Her body settles and her eyelids fold over.
Pholy removes her hands from the girl's shoulders and backs away. She feels terrible for what she's said. But this is no time for remorse.
The ember takes a last look at the lunim, and painfully runs away toward the oncoming hoard. Pholy enters the fray and assists Kynn and Sirius on the field.
...
Aureole exudes a cold breath. She clenches her fists, the world seemingly burning around her.
Her skin flickers.
Her teal hair, her gradient eyes, her dark wings, her fractured throat, her beautiful complexion, her slim figure, her bundled attire, her mind, her body, her everything begins to distort. She glitches and projects.
Existence and reception battle against her forming clones. Light bends, attempting to portray her form elsewhere.
She effortlessly struggles. Her throat seems to close. A tear leaks from a distant eye.
"Love..."
...
A blinding flash of golden light expands and bursts from her body.
The field of radiance swells and swallows the snow. Fighting stops but momentarily. Amidst the brilliance emerge figures.
Figures with the same shape and color as the girl.
The light vanishes, revealing her sorrow.
Fifty -if not sixty- clones of Aureole are scattered across the arena. She was successful, overly so. But triumph isn't thought of.
"Love..."
As if puppets bound by threads, Aureole controls their movements. Within her tired mind, she puppeteers the mirages. She encircles the mother, which has no idea what to do.
"Love..."
She repeats the word, over and over.
"Love..."
Not another thought dares to form.
"Love..."
She is elsewhere.
"Love me..."
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
~Kynn~
She did it...
She used Mirage on a mass scale. This is amazing. The mother looks confused. The light initially threw it off its stride, but with the appearance of Aureole's clones, it appears overwhelmed.
Aureole commands her clones to charge the mother. They entrap and climb on its thorns. Without physical form, the clones won't have any substantial effect in terms of damage. But they're perfect for distraction.
Sirius has a small grin resting on his face. I do as well but for a different reason than him.
In its uncertainty, the mother swings wildly. Its arms swipe rapidly but are unable to deliver their effect on the projections. I once thought this beast had intelligence, but I suppose it really is just a monster. Just a curse.
As it is without thought, Rawlin rams his shields into the flailing limbs. The sudden entrapment of its movements throws it into a rage. It's losing its composure, at this rate it will tire itself out.
I might as well quicken the process.
I throw myself into the battle again. Pholy is clearing waves of hoarbanes with ease. Sirius and I plow through their curse-ridden bodies and take advantage of the mother's detachment. I swiftly fly in and drag my dagger through an arm.
Again.
I follow through and jump to another. I slice apart another vine, spewing its blood across the white snow.
Another.
Another.
Our momentum is unparalleled.
With flawless haste, I manage to pull apart five arms. Then six. Sirius trails me, cleaning up anything I miss. He's gotten three I believe.
The mother continues thrashing its body. Rawlin walls off its tantrum as I dodge stray swings. Perfect unison. Aureole's clones climb onto the mother's bulbous. If that thing is an eye, its vision is skewed. While it clearly wants to, it resists attacking its head as it would damage the bulbous.
The bulbous. I need to reach it.
Time for round two. I gather snow into condensed platforms and carry myself into the air. I leap between my floating platforms and gain enough height for the bulbous to be at eye level. Running in the air takes more energy out of me, not to mention that I'm still holding back the blizzard.
"Rawlin!" I scream. "I'm aiming for the core! Don't let me get hit!"
While I couldn't possibly hear him from up here, I'm sure he understands the assignment. I blast off and mold more platforms underneath me. I sprint through the sky, slowly gaining altitude. The mother notices my presence and attempts to strike.
CRASH
Rawlin blocks the arm and then another. My advance is protected and perfect. I weave through his forming shields and make my way to the bulbous. I hop off my platform and ready my dagger.
I fall onto the squishy head and drive my claw inside. I adjust my grip and run along the bulbous, dragging the dagger across it. I dash through Aureole's clones, tearing open the slimy vessel. The claw gashes a valley into the bulging mass, its blood leaks from the cracks.
I haul the claw along the entire distance and wrench it out. As I rip out the blade, the bulbous gushes and bursts.
POP
A torrent of fluids soaks the mother and I. A few hoarbanes spray out as well. The mother squirms and tosses itself from side to side. Pain erupts throughout its body. If it could scream, my ears would be bleeding. Rawlin uses a barrier to prevent any violent movements that would fling me off.
Aureole's clones bounce around but continue to overwhelm the beast. I wipe off the juices from my face. I need to go in and destroy the core. I stumble to my knees but quickly recover.
I need to jump in and-
Out of nowhere, a thorny arm emerges into view. It throws itself diagonally toward me. With little time to react, I retract my knees and slide. The whip crashes down into the exploded mass, soaring right over my head.
It struck itself. Its entire body shakes and loses balance. I swiftly bundle snow under my feet and blast away. I form a platform and barely manage to stick the landing. I direct my eyes to the collapsing mother.
Whether it be the blow it brought upon itself or the bulbous exploding, either way, it's falling. The massive plant buckles and topples, crashing into the hard ground. The impact rattles the battlefield.
This is it. The perfect opportunity to destroy the core.
-
I spot Sirius. He tries to regain his balance. Once he does, he meets my gaze and nods. He's ready as well. I nod back, but before I can go, I notice something behind him.
A hoarbane.
"Sirius! Watch out!"
Before he can spin around, the wolf leaps at the boy. With its jaw open, the icy beast latches onto his back and sinks its fangs.
The hoarbane's jagged teeth plunge into Sirius' left shoulder, its claws tear into his back. Pain tenses his body. His mouth is open as if to scream, but nothing is coming out.
"Sirius!"
I explode from my platform and get there as fast as I can. Sirius drives his dagger into the beast's bulbous. The hoarbane releases its teeth and wails but remains dug into his back. Sirius clenches his teeth and muscles, the pain must be unbearable, especially in this cold.
I drive my dagger into the skull and wrap my self around the beast. With both hands on my hilt, I attempt to pry it off Sirius' back. This hoarbane still has ice covering its body, it must have been one that shot out when I popped the mother's bulbous. Pholy couldn't reach this one in time.
"PHOLY!"
It isn't budging. I wrap my hand around the monster's wrist but the ice prevents me from being able to pull it off properly. Sirius is groaning in agony.
"PHOLY GET OVER HERE!"
She notices my plight. Her heart sinks as she realizes what's happened.
"COMING!"
"Hang in there, Sirius! I'll get it off of you!"
His clothes are torn and shredded. Crimson pours down his skin. Shit. Why didn't we bring a healer?? If only Nuray was here... No, I couldn't bring her here. I was arrogant, I got so carried away with my revenge, I neglected bringing a healer thinking that I could avenge without an incident.
This really isn't like me.
Pholy dashes here as fast as she can. She ignites her fists on fire and waves at me to move.
"Get off!"
I unlatch myself so that Pholy can immediately step in. She slams her blazing hands onto the beast's back.
"Sorry, Sirius! This is going to hurt!"
The hoarbane, and Sirius' back, are engulfed in pink flames.
"A- AHHHH!"
Sirius collapses to his knees. He bends over and screams into the snow. The burning hoarbane yanks its claws from Sirius' back, causing another scream to come out his throat. The hoarbane falls back and fries. The ice melts quickly, and as soon as it does, I tear open its head and crush the core's roots.
Sirius, on all fours, sucks in massive breaths. Each one whistles in pain. His back is mauled and gory. The wounds are agonizing, he's in torment.
"Pholy! Cauterize his wounds!"
"Right." She doesn't waste any time, she pulls back his tattered clothes and raises her hands to burn to his aching back. "I'm sorry, Sirius. I wasn't paying enough attention."
The boy is wincing. His eyes are sealed shut, trying to hold everything in. His breathing is rapid, his chest lifts and falls in quick succession. Few whimpers escape his throat.
Pholy burns all the open, bleeding chunks of flesh. I attempt to comfort Sirius as he continues to hyperventilate. He's poisoned, which means if we don't finish off the mother, Sirius will succumb to it.
"I need to finish it off, okay? Take it easy, Sirius. You've done enough."
"..." He responds with more haggard breaths.
I turn to face the fallen mother.
"I'll be right-"
No...
In the time we took helping Sirius, the mother regained enough strength to regrow its bulbous.
Damn it. I'll need to do it again.
I adjust my grip and clump powder beneath me.
"W-wi-will you be al-alright-?" Sirius manages to get out.
"Yeah. I've got all the more reason to kill this bastard now. I've got this..." I turn to face him. "Trust me."
"..."
...
I face the standing mother.
The snow below blasts me upward.
I conjure platforms and fly across them. My feet plant and immediately dismount; I sprint into the sky.
Aureole's clones still wreak havoc and force the beast to swing wildly. Actually, the closer I look, the mother isn't carelessly swinging at her mirages anymore, only out of annoyance. I'm not sure she even knows Sirius is injured.
Rawlin keeps up his barriers, he blocks almost all of its attacks. But the closer I get, the more vines come my way. Rawlin can't deflect all of them. It's risky. Sirius had been cutting most of the arms, so it drew a lot of attention toward him.
It's focused only on me and a select few clones.
Thankfully, a number of the arms have been sliced off, so it isn't as unbearable as before to approach. This is doable.
I need to destroy the bulbous and immediately enter its body. I don't know how many roots the core will have surrounding it, so it may take some time to clear them. The mother regenerates its bulbous faster than the hoarbanes, so I'll have a small window. I'll need to be quick.
I curve my platform path to get in closer. As I run in, I'm immediately backed out. Too many vines. If I'm struck by even one, I won't have nearly as long as Sirius to live. I'm starting to get tired, I can't afford to get careless now.
I continue to go in and out. I slash any arms I can manage to. It's like a game of tug-of-war. That bulbous taunts me with its sickening image.
It's infuriating.
For my entire life, I've been told how calm and kind I am.
I have Nola to thank for that. Since I was little, she has planted her philosophy in me. She would always read the books her father left behind, I think that's where she got those ideas from.
I've always looked up to her. While we're not connected by blood, she's been my big sister since I was born. I tried to mimic her, her personality, her mannerisms... At some point or another, they just became "me."
People are as they are.
Nola taught me to always look for the other's reasoning. To never belittle them or their beliefs, because they could just as easily have become mine. People are reactionary, people can grow, people are kind at heart... I should never hate anyone.
That's what I've always believed.
Then why... Why do I feel such hatred?
This creature... that boy...
I believe his name was Korlin. The boy who caused the death of my mom. I've never felt so much rage for another. I accept everyone. I've forgiven everyone who has wronged me, but him... I cannot. Despite everything I believe, this primal hatred dominates me.
For him and for this monster in front of me.
"When is it needed?"
"...When someone threatens to harm those you care about."
Sorry, mom. But I will atone. I'll make up for everything.
I will kill this beast.
For as I am I shall.
I press on attacking. I lacerate the whips trying to kill me. It's losing steam.
It'll be dead soon. It'll be over soon.
Growing up, my mother raised me with overwhelming love and affection. Despite my father being out of the picture, she did her best to take care of me on her own. She raised me better than I could have hoped, she raised me to be kind.
But it wasn't just her. Along with Nola and her mother, I also had Nuray.
Nuray has had a crush on me since we were little. Being the dumb, and warrior-striving kid I was, I never noticed until a couple of years ago. I never saw her in that way either, I just thought of her as my best friend.
But once I really thought about it, I was in love with her too. Gradually, we started to become more than childhood friends. I was so excited to bring us to the next stage...
I was a warrior, I had the job I always wanted. I had my friends and Nuray as my girlfriend-to-be. Everything was perfect.
I took for granted that simple life I led. I took for granted all that was. Happiness felt like a given... Until...
Mom got sick.
As a result, I pushed aside my feelings along with hers. I devoted myself to helping mom, the way she did for me.
...I... never got to tell her that I love her too.
I saved up everything I got from being a warrior. I made all the preparations I could for her. All she would ever mumble about was dad... I never knew how much that hurt me.
I make a break for the bulbous. Rawlin defends me as I charge in.
I weave through swiping vines. By this point, all its focus is on me.
One time, about a year or so before she got sick, my mom handed me a guitar.
She had a really bright smile attached to her. She was more than excited to give me it. She told me she just found it while cleaning out the shed.
She said it was my father's. Looking back, she was still obsessed with him even then... wasn't she? She just hid it well, or maybe I didn't pay enough attention. Regardless, she was so happy to have found it, that I promised I would learn how to play it.
And so I did. Night after night, I would practice until my fingers almost bled. Nuray would be there happily listening, so she would always be the one to tell me to stop.
By the time I had mastered the instrument...
I never got to play it for mom.
I tried to once, but she was unresponsive. I guess I didn't play as well as dad.
The number is worrying. It takes all of my concentration to dodge evasive arms. At some point or another, I stopped holding back the blizzard.
Just as all is looking worrisome, a beam of pink light blasts into the mother's side. Pholy burns the monster's side, drawing some aggression toward her. Unfortunately, her flames aren't effective in dealing damage, but they'll suffice as distraction in place of Aureole's mirage.
Everything I've done. Everything I am. I've poured it all into helping my mom.
When she died, I felt as if I lost everything. I haven't, I know that. I have Nuray waiting for me when I get back. I have Sirius and the others to thank.
But, despite what I told Sirius, I'm not over it yet. I just didn't want him to worry anymore. My grief keeps haunting me. Her image keeps threatening to enter my mind, trying to remind me of my biggest failure. I need to focus, but she's making it hard.
I still don't feel ready to move on. I can't quite let it go. In truth, I don't even know if getting my revenge will make me feel better.
Probably not.
But even so... I promised. I will avenge you, mom.
I can't live the rest of my life until I do.
"Alright. I'm counting on you... Kynn."
A path unfolds before me. I explode through the flailing vines and ready my blade.
There is nothing between us, my claw and the bulbous. The world doesn't slow and my heart doesn't stop, the moment runs in full.
I pour everything into my arms. All of my strength, all of my love, my hatred, my fear, all of my emotions, everything into this blow.
I wind back my arms and release everything upon this false mother.
SLASH
As it makes contact with the bulging mass, the claw annihilates the bulbous.
Like a bubble being bursted, the lump explodes into a downpour of blood.
My own strength surprises me. I'm surprised my arms didn't fly off.
It's not over yet. I need to destroy the core. I waste no time, as the mother tosses itself around, I leap into the pocket the bulbous sat in. Before an arm can reach me, I plunge my dagger into the plant's body and tear it open.
I grab the massive slit and pry it open enough for me to slip in. I dive head-first into the mother's head cavity. Inside the green walls is a purple glow. Looking up, I find the source of the curse.
Much like the hoarbane's core, roots connect from the cramped body and entangled into a single mass. Only this one is much larger. It emits a purple light and carries an ominous, sinister aura.
I snap myself out of my fixation on its appearance and raise my blade. If this works like a hoarbane, I only need to cut the roots connecting to the core. I get straight to work and bring down my dagger on the first set.
It slices right through. I go to the next and then the next. There's a lot of them, but compared to avoiding the arms, this is child's play. I cut and cut and cut, everything is going smoothly.
I approach the final root.
"The last one..."
I lift my wrist and cut the final thread.
...
Nothing happens. The core remains stationary, floating there unfazed.
"What-?"
Panic ensues within me.
What did I miss? Where is the last one? What do I have to do-? Wait... The core.
I drive my claw into the entangled mass and tear a hole in it from the top down.
There it is. The real source of the curse.
A bright, purple orb hovers in the center of the core. I need to destroy that!
I raise my claw once more. I wind back a stab and-
CRASH
The mother's body is thrown to the side. I'm thrown across the cavity, losing my footing and my chance to strike. I drop my dagger and slam into the ground.
What happened?? What is it doing?! I need to get up and...
The cavity's walls begin to crack. Something from the outside is crushing the inside. No... it's tearing it off. Fissures of light break through, revealing the blizzard outside.
The walls lift and I realize what is happening.
The mother is tearing its head off.
It succeeds. Using its remaining arms, the mother rips the stem upward, exposing me and the core. It's a last-ditch attempt to stop me.
I scramble to my feet and sprint to my dagger. I bend over and grip my hilt. As I turn to face the core...
...
...
My lifespan is shortened.
...
I saw a dream.
An ignorant, selfish dream.
Time and time again it would play in my head. In the dream was my mom, smiling happily alongside my friends.
I saw a future where we were all together. Where we were happy. My mom wasn't sick, I was married to Nuray, and Nola teased us as she does. Surrounded by bliss and contentment, I was always smiling.
How many times have I seen it? How many times... have I wished for it?
For that dream... that can never come true.
The side of my body is struck by a thorned vine.
A massive, poison-full arm slams into me, sending me flying out into the cold sky.
This time, the world does feel slower. A lot slower. A lot colder.
So this is what it feels like...
Carpi managed to return to the outpost after being struck by the mother. I could theoretically get back... But... he only managed to live because Sirius cut off his arm. I wasn't fortunate enough to be hit in such a nice spot.
How high up am I? How long until I hit the ground? Will I die from impact? I can't seem to use my affinity...
I feel myself crying.
Ha... I was so close.
It was right there. If I had been a second faster...
Mom...
I'm so sorry.
Why...
Why can't I do anything? Why can't I do anything for you?
I let you die... What kind of son am I?
I can't even avenge you...
CRASH
My back slams into the ground. My body slides a ways before I skid to a stop.
Something snapped inside of me. How many bones just broke?
I can't tell if it hurts or not.
It's so cold.
I try to move, but a sudden jolt of pain tells me I shouldn't. I crane my neck to where I was launched from.
The mother looks... so silly. Its head is gone... it's just a bunch of vines. It's swinging at the air... it can't see anymore, can it? I think the core is laughing at me.
Red catches the corner of my eye. Blood maybe? Everything is blurry, I'm crying too much.
I hear footsteps. Lots of them. Who is there?
"Kynn!"
Is that Pholy? Is that what she sounds like?
Someone else is there, two people are, they aren't saying anything, who... Ah, it's Sirius. Ha... I love that guy. Isn't his back torn up? What's he doing here? Is he better now? If so...
"Sirius...?"
"You were hit..." I think his eyes are wide. Aw, is he worried about me? What a guy...
"Sirius... Can I ask you something?" My voice comes out as hoarse. I think there's snot in my throat. It hurts to talk.
"What is it?" His arms are shaky. He doesn't know what to do with me.
"Please, kill it. Avenge my mom for me."
"Me? I don't know if I can-"
"You can... You just have to strike the core. Please. I beg of you. I wouldn't want anyone other than you to do it."
"...What about your revenge? Don't you want to be the one to finish it?"
"It's... It's alright. I don't need to be the one. As long as you do it, I'll be happy."
"...Okay. I'll do what I can."
I think I'm smiling.
"...Sirius... I don't want to die."
"..."
Now I know I'm crying.
It can't end like this, right?
...I see Nuray. What's she doing here?
No... she's not here. I wish she was. Forget about my revenge... I just want to see her again.
"I promised to come back... I need to tell her... that I love her too."
Sirius' lips part, something I said must have resonated with him. He stands up and turns toward someone.
He says something to the other person. Is that Rawlin?
A sudden pink light ignites in Sirius' hands. What's going on?
Sirius turns and faces the mother.
"I told you, didn't I?"
"..."
"I won't let you die."
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
~Sirius~
I scatter snow behind me as I run.
With a burning claw as my torch, I leap onto the first of Rawlin's barriers.
I asked him to bridge me over to the mother. Using a similar method to Kynn with his snow platforms, Rawlin creates shields I can run up to gain height. He seemed awfully compliant with my idea, as if anything that comes from my mouth is correct.
The shields are hard to see but I'll manage. Being clear and horizontally positioned, I need to search for the distortions in the air to find them. My legs carry me faster than before. Is it because of Kynn?
"W-wi-will you be al-alright-?"
"Yeah. I've got all the more reason to kill this bastard now. I've got this... Trust me."
Liar.
But this isn't the time for that. You may have broken yours, but I will keep my vow.
Kynn wants more than anything to kill the mother and avenge his own. I'll make sure that happens. You've placed your faith in me, I won't displace it again. I know how much that hurts.
Ack... My back...
I shouldn't be moving like this. That hoarbane mauled my shoulder, I haven't felt this much pain since the wailian in the capital. But even so, I must press on.
Aureole's mirages have gone away. What happened? Did she realize they weren't having an effect? What allowed her to use her blessing in the first place?
That doesn't matter. Not now.
Focus on your target. The faster you kill it, the higher chance Kynn has at survival.
Rawlin gives me a perfect path into the sky. I worry I'm moving faster than he can keep up. The hoarbane mother is swiping at the air, it's lost all control of itself. It's practically begging to be put out of its misery. Ripping off its own head... the mass lies barren by the creature's side.
Now in its place hovers the core. It beams as if a beacon. If I destroy it, theoretically, the curse will go away. The outpost will be saved. Kynn and the others won't be sick any longer. Trade can resume and the squallers can continue on with their lives.
But it all lies on me.
I enter its striking range. One swipe this way, Rawlin will have to block, causing my footing to disappear. I'm so glad I'm not scared of heights.
I minimize the distance, leaping from shield to shield, each one disappearing as the other forms. I'm not sure if it's helping, but I asked Pholy to light my claw on fire so Rawlin could know my position.
An arm flies my way. I jump, and on cue, Rawlin blocks the incoming swipe, causing me to fall. From this height, landing would be fatal, it's amazing Kynn survived it.
With the blow deflected, Rawlin spawns a shield beneath me. My landing is rough and sudden, but it gets the job done. I immediately readjust and leap off, the lord bridges me back up higher. As I run upward, I analyze the scene.
From the looks of it, the mother only has arms left that are closer to the ground. If I get directly above the core, I should be able to land on it with only a few arms as an issue. I vault off the top of the ramp and repeatedly spring upward along Rawlin's winding trail.
A vine barrels toward me, aiming for a head-on-head collision. I adjust my grip on the hilt for two hands and raise the flaming blade. Before it can strike me, I curve my body enough so that all it meets is my claw. I carve through the arm in midair, tearing it right in half. It smells of burning blood.
Rawlin makes a barrier right beneath my feet and I stick the landing. I scan the area once more and spring off. Again and again, Rawlin brings me higher than where the creature's head would have been.
As it is now, the mother can hardly move itself. We've cut too many limbs off it. It should stay in place for this blow. It's now or never...
This is a leap of faith.
I steel myself, but only barely. Just a couple of weeks ago I was doing nothing with my life, and now... I'm risking my life. How can I risk everything so easily? ...Just how stupid am I?
I jump.
As I do, a dome falls on top of the mother. Rawlin is pinning down the mother's flailing arms. He just needs to dismiss the barrier before I reach it, or I'll die from impact.
I'm forced to trust him with this. Can I? If he wanted me dead he could have killed me long ago. But why does this all feel so intentional?
Forget it. This isn't about me. It's about Kynn and what he hopes to achieve. I'll make sure his desire is fulfilled.
Why?
Why do I feel so strongly about this? I barely know the guy.
My reasons for doing this are selfish. My motivations are shallow and weak. I don't actually care about the outpost, I don't care for revenge, I don't care about anyone here... I'm just here for my memories, aren't I?
"Think about yourself right now, and what you want. Trust in yourself."
Sorry, Kynn. I'm not sure I can do that. I lost that ability long ago.
I plunge rapidly, both hands holding my hilt. Pholy's flames kick up, burning my hands.
The mother's arms bang on the dome. They desperately want to attack me. Does this thing still sense where I am?
I plummet toward the core and encroach upon dome's edge. My body feels both heavy and light, I can't tell if I'm hot or cold. My eyes strain focusing on the glowing core. Everything is shifting from reality to slow motion.
The barrier's form threatens to flatten me.
Three seconds until impact...
Come to think of it, I've always wanted to go skydiving.
Two...
Huh, why am I remembering that now?
One...
For some reason, I don't feel scared. Maybe because I've died before?
The distance shuts.
...
The shield breaks apart. Within less than a second of my life, Rawlin removes the barrier.
Ha... I guess he can be reliable.
I continue my fall, ready to stab the scourge.
With the dome gone, the mother's arms begin toward me.
Everything moves so slowly.
The gap between my blade and the core shrinks and closes.
I descend the burning claw before me.
And before my body splatters on its own...
I pierce the mother's core.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
~Kynn~
...
....
......
My body suddenly jolts.
A wave of energy rushes through me. While it's crippling, I spring onto my bottom.
Before me spirals an explosion. A ground-shaking, violet explosion pluming above the clouds.
Sirius... he did it.... right?
The curse is gone. The poison left my system in an instant. Which means the others are safe too, right?
My body is both throbbing and numb at the same time. My bones are shattered, but Pholy seems to have cauterized my wounds and stopped the bleeding.
I want to get over there.
Is Sirius alright? Did he really do it? Where is he?
The initial blast concludes, and the wall of smoke and sparkling particles begins to gently blow away. Someone's footsteps come up from behind me. I carefully crane my neck to find Aureole creeping up. Her eyes are awash with worry.
"Kynn... what happened...?"
"I should be asking you..." My throat aches, dried blood coats the back of it. Just how long was I out?
"...Sorry, I blanked out for a bit." She seems distant. What exactly happened to her? "Where's everyone else...?"
I look back toward the funnel. After a moment, I spot three small figures at the base. Two silhouettes carry the other over their shoulders. All of their feet move. Relief floods over me.
I have a smile on my face, a big one at that.
I attempt to use my affinity to glide across the snow, but trying to concentrate enough is impossible.
The three of them gradually approach the two of us. Rawlin and Pholy look perfectly fine. Sirius... looks rough. He's even more damaged than when I last saw him. His clothing is scorched and his arms are caked with burns. Blood is splattered across his skin and his breathing is labored.
Aureole sprints toward them with tears sprinkling from her eyes.
"Sirius!" She shouts, rushing to him directly. Pholy nudges the boy to look forward, his hearing must be shot. As his head lifts, Aureole leaps into him, throwing her arms around his body. Sirius winces from the pain of the embrace. Aureole immediately retracts and apologizes. "Sorry! I didn't- I'm so glad you're alright..."
Sirius' expression doesn't read as glad, rather, he appears surprised. A faint smile creeps up the edges of his lips. Rawlin and Pholy seem to find the scene amusing, I think it's adorable.
Sirius spots me in the corner of his eye.
As we lock our sights, an even bigger smile spreads across my face. I haven't felt this happy in a long time.
"I-" Sirius attempts to speak but is cut off by his own coughing fit.
"Is it really dead?" I ask. I need to know. Please.
"...Yeah. It's dead."
"..."
"And I didn't let you die."
...
Before I can even process my own thoughts, my eyes overflow with emotion. Warm tears streak down my cheeks and I can't control my composure.
My head sinks and I let everything pour out. I sob like a baby.
"Th... Thank you- Sirius. Thank you. Thank you..." My words are muffled by my snot. "You did it... It's over..."
"...No... You did it... If not for you, we couldn't have done a single thing. You were the one who made this happen. You avenged her."
...
A maelstrom of emotion comes out of me. I cry and cry until my lungs can't take it anymore. The beast that took my mother's life has been slain... My revenge is done...
I can start to live again...
Ha...
I did it, mom...
Were you watching?
Are you proud?
It's over now...
You can rest.