Aramin dashed down the alleyway, trying to trace the trail of the unknown individual responsible for the glass.

“Come on, where did you go…” He said, his eyes going every which way.

He closed his eyes, trying to listen closely to the sounds around him, but he could only hear his footsteps slamming against the wet cobblestone.

BAM!

Before he knew it, he ran right into a dead end, falling on his backside.

“You’ve got to be kidding me… Now my pants are soaked.” He grumbled as he collected himself.

Tap tap

Aramin whipped around and saw a short and shadowy figure standing 5 meters away from him.

“Soaked pants are going to be the least of your worries if you continue to pursue me.” The voice sounded somewhat androgynous, but with a masculine lean.

Aramin raised an eyebrow. “That so?”

They pointed a rapier at Aramin. “You’ll go back the way you came if you know what’s good for you.”

Aramin took a step forward and cracked his knuckles. “No can do, I’m under direct orders to bring you back. And trust me, if you knew my boss, you’d do the same.”

“We all have people we look to for orders. For me, I’ve been instructed to kill interlopers. So do not say I gave you zero warning. This is a fight you can no longer run from.” They performed a flourish with their rapier and leaned it against their shoulder.

“Trying to intimidate me?” Aramin asked, stepping closer. The distance becoming less than 3 meters.

The cloaked person put their free hand up. “Stop.”

Aramin stopped mid stride. “Hm?”

“Draw your weapon, I do not wish to kill someone if they are unarmed.” They said frankly.

“Odd for a criminal like yourself to act chivalrous.” Aramin stated, perplexed.

“Make no mistake, I have every intention of killing you. But I will not bloody my hands wit-”

Crack

With one blindingly fast motion, Aramins fist collided with the criminal's face; sending them tumbling across the ground.

“You left yourself wide open, you dumbass!” Aramin laughed at the criminal, seeing them writhe on the ground.

They could smell blood beginning to pool under their nose. The demon had definitely broken something.

“I see, that’s how we’re doing this…” They rose to their feet, trying to regain an equilibrium. “I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

“Never fought a demon before? We’re notorious for our dirty tricks.” Aramin shook his head mockingly.

From under their cloak a crackle was heard. Wind kicked up all around them, and as their cloak began to flutter Aramin could see what was happening. Lightning was dancing along their rapier.

“I’d thank you for spilling my own blood to use for this, but I plan to pay you back in full.” They gripped their rapier tightly, bringing it close to their shoulder.

“That’s a neat trick. Show me what you can do.” Aramin taunted his assailant.

They made it within range and began their assault. Each potential stab coming close to its mark, whizzing just by Aramin’s face. The electric shocks making his hairs stand on end.

Before he knew it, they stopped and leapt backwards.

“Gotta say, I’m disappointed.” Aramin chuckled.

“Keep laughing, I want to see that face of yours twist in agony.” They said as if they were going through the motions.

Whistle ~

“Wow, you still trying to intimidate me?” He waggled his finger. “That stuff doesn’t work on m-”

BOOM

Multiple ear shattering noises originated from Aramin, the poor demon gripping his ears, falling to the ground.

“Shit shit shit!” He screamed out. His body convulsed, as he receded into himself.

“I am actually well versed when it comes to demons. After all, I used to work for the Demon King’s army.” They stepped towards Aramin.

“Now that you’re defenseless, I’ll make this quick.” They raised their rapier up, ready to stab down into Aramin.

“Gotcha again!” Aramin called out, grabbing their leg. “Flame Retribution!”

From the ground came a pillar of fire. It shot far into the air, reaching well over the height of the buildings that surrounded them.

Even once the flames had dissipated, the heat remained for a time. Aramin looked at the body of his opponent, their cloak still covering most of their body. He stared at it for a moment.

“It wouldn’t hurt to get a look at their face.” He leaned over and lifted the hood of the cloak, expecting a normal face he was shocked and freaked out to see a mannequin instead.

“What the actual hell?” Aramin said with a shaky voice.

Crackle!

From behind the sound of electricity was heard. Aramin turned to see a brown skinned half elf. His rapier raised to attack.

[https://i.imgur.com/65Ei4J2.png]

[https://imgur.com/a/kRnVm7k][https://imgur.com/a/kRnVm7k]

Though he had the drop on him, Aramin was quick to react. He was ready to put an end to this fight. Fire engulfing his readied fist. This had gone on long enough. This elf needed to go.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

However, as he brought his fist forward he caught his own reflection in a puddle on the ground. His flames died out.

The man saw this and wanted to stop. But before his body had caught up with his mind, his rapier struck true.

The blade found itself pierced through the demon’s chest and exiting through his back. Electricity seeped from both puncture wounds. Another crash of thunder heard from within the demon’s body.

The man stumbled back, leaving the rapier in Aramin’s chest.

“I don’t get it.” The elf said through labored breath. “Why didn’t you stop me!?” He began yelling at the demon who was now bleeding out.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Aramin chuckled to himself, his breathing raspy. “Under that dark shadow you carry, there’s someone that wants to change…”

The elf stormed over to Aramin and grabbed him by his vest's collar. “So what!?” He shook him. “I- I just don’t understand…” His grip loosened.

Aramin’s hand touched the elf’s. “Because, I’m also someone that wants to change… I was a split second away from doing something I would have regretted.”

The elf looked at the wound in Aramin’s chest, and from his pouch he produced a vile. He knelt over him and poured the liquid into the wound.

“There, that should at least close the wound up, but you’ll need something stronger to completely fix it.” The elf stood up and offered a hand.

“Feeling generous, huh?” Aramin pestered the man. “Guess you gotta help me get back to my friend then.”

He sighed and grabbed Aramin’s hand before he could extend it. “Do you ever stop with your banter?” He said, helping him up.

“I have to be on top of it if I want to keep up with my boss.” Aramin said with a grin.

“What’s your name by the way?” He said, placing Aramin’s arm around his shoulder.

“It’s Aramin, what about yours?” He questioned, looking at the elf.

The two had begun walking in silence, the elf unsure if he should answer.

“Not wanting to share?” Aramin asked to the side.

“Atear.” He said plainly. “My name is Atear.” He said it this time with a bit more gusto.

“Hmm, nice to meet you then, Atear.” Aramin said, the two slowly making their way back.

~ Meanwhile ~

The pink witch Tyra was doing her best to stall the brutes that were heckling her for free merchandise.

Unfortunately with all the commotion, a crowd was starting to form around them.

“For the final time, I am NOT going to give you free items.” Tyra stood firm.

By this time the brutes were losing their patience. The flame pillar and thunder they heard earlier made them unsure of the outcome of the fight that had surely come to a close. And with the people gathering around they were losing cards to play.

Tyra began tapping her fingers against her arm. “I’m at the end of my rope here. Do I need to call the guards here? I’m sure they’d be more than happy to have something to do.”

The man gritted his teeth, ready to try once more to pester the woman, however, his and everyone else’s attention was turned to the alleyway. A pair of footsteps could be heard.

Emerging from the shadows were Atear and Aramin, both looking worse for wear, but shouldering each other’s weight.

“A- Atear, what is the meaning of this?” The man said.

Tyra caught the man’s slip up. “Oh, so you know this guy?” She coyly asked.

“Shit.” He quickly said to the side. “So what if I do?”

Tyra, catching sight of Aramin for the first time, her eyes looking to his wounds. To her it looked like Aramin had lost the fight. She noted that for later and shifted focus to Atear.

“So, tell me what your relation to these three are.” She motioned to the men that were crowding her stand.

Atear looked at his bosses, they were giving him an intense glare. He shut his eyes and let out a deep sigh. “Those three paid me to distract you two so that they could scam you. In addition, kill if need be.”

The area fell silent, with the exception of metal boots hitting the ground.

Everyone looked in the direction of the noise. From the crowd, a few guards had emerged. Someone must have called for them.

“By order of the Captain of the Guard, you four, prostrate yourselves or prepare yourselves for combat.” The higher ranking guard said to Atear and his acquaintances.

“You can’t prove we did anything wrong!” One of the brutes bit back.

In response the guard pulled his sword from its scabbard. “By all means, resist arrest.” He narrowed his eyes at the brutes.

Slowly but surely, they got to the ground, as did Atear. Aramin found himself leaning against Tyra’s stand for support.

“What’s gonna happen to them?” Aramin asked Tyra.

“Those three will most likely be jailed for a time, but… Atear, he’ll more than likely be put to death.” She said all of this in a matter of fact tone.

“Death?” Aramin asked, shocked.

“He attacked a civilian, and admitted to being paid to kill. He’ll be lucky to get off with his life.” Her voice is serious, but unfeeling.

“That’s not fair.” Aramin balled his fists.

“How so? He’s more than likely killed countless people for coin.” She shrugged her shoulders. “He’s getting what’s coming to him.”

“Still!” He barked out. “I can tell he only did it for survival. Who’s to say that the people he killed didn’t deserve it?” He argued.

“You’re acting irrational. Are you saying that you deserved to be killed?” She asked.

“Maybe… Neither of us know what I did before you found me.” Aramin looked at his hands. “I almost lost control today. This body is one that knows bloodshed, that much is certain… I’m not innocent.”

Tyra looked to Aramin, and then to Atear. The guards were getting ready to haul the group off.

Her exterior was calm, but her eyes betrayed her real feelings. “Damn it…” She muttered to herself.

She briskly walked over to the guards.

“Ma’am, I’m going to need to ask you to take a few steps back.” The guard holding Atear said.

She said nothing, but produced a hefty coin pouch.

The two stared intently at one another, a silent conversation taking place.

The guard looked to his compatriots, who all gave a nod. He took the pouch and stuffed it under his tasset. He shoved Atear towards Tyra, who sidestepped him, allowing him to tumble to the ground.

Without a word, the guards left with the other three. Atear managed to look at the men who had hired him, their faces read that of contempt.

Tyra grabbed the back of Atear’s collar and tossed him towards Aramin. “You two better work your asses off to pay me back, that money was from today AND my savings.”

The two looked dumbfounded.

“Now, patch yourselves up, pack my things and MOVE!” She barked at them.

The two felt a shudder throughout their bodies, Aramin taking two potions of healing, giving one to Atear. “Do what she says if you know what’s good for you.” He said, drinking the potion as he spoke, making his words sound garbled.

Atear clasped the potion and watched Tyra, who was hitting Aramin, trying to get him to work faster.

The sight was alien to him, but the feeling was not. He felt happy, grateful even.

“A 2nd chance…” He said, drinking his potion.

“Hey, enough reflecting! Get to work!” Tyra bellowed at Atear.

“On it!” The elf got to his feet and aided Aramin in the cleanup of Tyra’s stall.

~ Later ~

The trio walked down the trail, Umbradium becoming smaller and smaller on the horizon behind them. Aramin and Atear carrying her pop up shop.

“I’m fine with housing you for a while, but you’re going to work, understand?” Tyra said to Atear.

“Yes, I’ll be sure to put in my best efforts.” Atear said proudly. “If you need someone to track down ingredients I’m your guy, I’ve worked with tons of people that make poisons and such, so I know my way around the needs of an alchemist.”

Tyra perked up but tried to hide her reaction. “That so? I’ll be sure to put that knowledge to the test then.” She turned around to look at Atear. “If this is the attitude I have to look forward to, then I may offer you a permanent spot.” She smiled before turning back around.

When she did, Atear was blindsided by an elbow, knocking the wind out of him. He struggled to look at Aramin who had just assaulted him.

“You trying to make me look bad?” He said with a low growl.

He regained his composure and got a devious smile on his face. “If you’re worried about someone becoming Tyra’s favorite, then you should just work harder.” He carried himself ahead of Aramin, a proud walk taking over his normal stride.

“Damn elf…” Aramin said under his breath, trying to keep up with them.

The three went off the path and headed back through the forest. The trip felt shorter for the two that had already made the journey earlier that day.

“You two live all the way out here huh?” Atear said, looking around at the nearly leafless trees.

“Is it to your liking?” Tyra asked.

“I could get used to it, yeah.” He replied.

Aramin only half listened to the two’s conversation, his attention was drawn to something else.

He’d lived here for some time, so foreign atmosphere was very noticeable. “Hey, be careful you two.” He said, his tone serious, his eyes still looking around for potential threats.

They had just now entered the small clearing that held their home. Atear and Tyra shifting to look at their nervous friend.

Tyra’s demeanor changed as well, the fun and games were over. And sure enough the heavy air caught her attention too. Atear looked at their home.

“I’ll take point, you two stay here, it’s the least I can do.” He said, walking towards their home.

Tyra and Aramin deposited the extra gear that they were carrying as they watched the outskirts around them.

They only heard the sound of slow footsteps coming from Atear within the building.

Suddenly all went silent as something shifted inside and the footsteps stopped.

What felt like an eternity passed, and the whistling of Atear’s lightning was heard, followed by the smashing of wood.

Tyra and Aramin bolted inside, they discovered Atear on the ground, a slash mark across his torso, and a very noticeable hole in the wall, opening up the building to the outside.

Aramin examined the hole while Tyra tended to Atear’s wound.

“What happened in here?” Aramin asked.

Putting aside the obvious hole, the entire place was wrecked, like a wild animal had torn through the place. But the tracks outside the hole looked light, like those of a humanoid.

“It was a girl.” Atear said, wincing and breathing through his teeth. Tyra was cleaning his wound.

“Sorry, I’m fresh out of potions of healing.” She looked at Atear’s eyes. “Now, this girl, what did she look like?” She asked.

“It was hard to get a good look at her, she was almost too fast to see. But she had extremely short blond hair, and ears like mine. She was really short… But that could have just been how she was moving around, it was really animalistic.” He fought to get the words out, his wound was much deeper than they had originally thought.

He passed out in Tyra’s arms.

The remaining two looked to each other. “Should I track her down?” Aramin asked.

“No, based on how quickly she left… And the state of my store, she only came here because she was desperate.” She gently laid Atear on the floor. “I doubt she’ll come back.”

“And if she does?” He asked her.

“Then we’ll do what we have to.” She plainly said before she went behind her counter, looking for more things to patch Atear’s wound with.

As she did, Aramin looked back out the hole, the cold wind stinging his skin. “Just who are you?” He wondered to himself before retreating further into the building, and to help Tyra with Atear.