“It hurts… When will it end?” A young boy let out a sad laugh as the other lay on the ground, the darkness obscuring their features except for the small puddle of blood around the other boy.
“Hmm, I suppose it can’t be helped. This is the way of the world, right? We live, we fight, we deal with them. We’ll eventually die someday.” The older boy sighed as he sat next to the other. “I don’t think Eldritch are that bad. I’d rather deal with an Eldritch than a human. Eldritch, when they hurt you, are just following their nature…"When other people do it, it is more personal since they actively choose to be evil.”
He laughed ruefully. The boy on the ground was wearing bloody clothes and crude bandages made from whatever they had around. The bandages on his torso and arms were stained maroon, but the older boy had managed to stop the bleeding. “They say Eldritch come from a world opposite ours… The Abyss. It’s interesting, isn’t it, that such horrible creatures have a place they call home?”
The older one glanced at the boy, still reeling from his wounds. “You’re strong, you know.” His yellow eyes met the other’s red ones with a reassuring grin. “If I could overcome an Eldritch, so can you!”
“...I can’t do it,” his brother said softly. He felt like he was going to die. The pain, the memories. it was too much. The older brother rubbed the younger ones black-red hair with a smile. He himself had short golden-blonde hair with red highlights along the sides of his bangs.
“Of course you can! Both the Silver Grimoire and the Gold Grimoire are halves of the original grimoire… That means you can be as strong as me. I can’t accept my brother as anything less than my equal!”
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Espoir’s eyes fluttered open as he woke up in an unfamiliar room. His red eyes scanned his surroundings. It looked like a small cabin, furnished with a bed, a desk, and a wood stove. Looking to the side of his bed, Espoir’s eyes widened when he saw Aria sleeping with her arms folded over the desk. A small glow of sunlight fell onto her as she slept. She looks serene…
Looking down, he noticed his chest and sides wrapped in bandages. Realizing he was shirtless, Espoir initially felt flustered before shaking his head. He understood that she had stopped him from bleeding out. I suppose I owe her one, he thought softly. In a bed on the opposite side of the cabin, he saw Sofie and Rachel sleeping. The two girls were peacefully next to each other. Espoir felt a wave of relief wash through him. Aria had managed to get them out of the mines safely.
Reaching inside his coat hanging off the bed frame, Espoir pulled out a simple black shirt from the breast pocket. As he shifted himself up, he winced as pain shot through his body. I suppose I overdid it this time. Espoir hadn’t expected the Eldritch in Rachel to be that strong. Meanwhile, Aria began to stir awake. Espoir awkwardly ran a hand through his hair as Aria blinked a few times, registering where she was. “G-good morning...”
“Morning,” Espoir replied as he began to stand, despite Aria’s protests. “You might reopen your wounds.”
“It’s fine. If I’m good enough to wake, then I can stand.” Espoir stood up and grabbed his coat, ignoring the obvious pain to avoid letting Aria win. “So, I take it you defeated the Mage Corp members after I passed out?” he asked quietly.
Aria shook her head. “No. As soon as I got there, one of them told me to leave with you and the girls… I don’t really know why she let us go. They probably know about the soldier I fought by now.”
Espoir knew who she was talking about. He could only assume his words had somehow gotten through to that Mage Corp woman after all. “Where are we, by the way?”
“The mine Sophie and Rachel were hiding in was an abandoned chroma mine. I figured there would be some kind of lodging. Turns out Sophie knew where one of the old job site cabins was,” Aria explained.
“I see,” he said plainly. “Thanks for bandaging me up, by the way.” The Silver Grimoire passively healed him over time, faster than the average human body due to his aura. Aria stopping the bleeding had helped with the aura withdrawal and kept him from rebounding. The blue-haired girl looked at him curiously, surprised that he could move given he had been bleeding to death just hours ago.
“Mary was a medic during the war. She used to treat me after battles, so I learned some things from her.” Aria could practically hear Mary scolding her for constantly getting hurt and being reckless as she recounted it. The words reckless and stupid were ingrained in her, almost nostalgic now.
A little later that morning, Sophie and Rachel woke up. Naturally, they had some questions for the strange duo.
“Who are you?” Rachel asked. Her mind was fuzzy as she recalled Espoir telling her she wasn’t a monster before waking up in the cave with Sophie, who was back to normal.
Smiling kindly, the Silver Grimoire’s user kneeled as he addressed the two. “I’m Espoir. I’m just a traveling magician who helps people like you.” Rachel looked at Aria curiously as she adjusted her cloak over her shoulders. Seeing the girl’s confusion, Espoir smiled again. “Oh, that’s Aria. She’s my gloomy assistant who helps me with cases for the time being.”
“Gloomy?!”
Espoir had a teasing smile as he got the reaction he wanted. “Anyway, Miss Rachel, I believe you have a family, correct?” He recalled the cave painting and assumed Rachel had made it, as Sophie was an orphan. Rachel’s face saddened as she remembered the terrified looks on her parents’ faces when they last saw her. “I don’t know if they’ll want me back…”
“Of course they will,” Sophie reassured her. “They probably just didn’t understand. I’m sure your mom and dad miss you and are worried.”
Espoir nodded. “Exactly, Miss Sophie. I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to have you back.” Rachel looked down, her eyes wavering before realizing something. “What about Sophie?” The room fell silent as the realization struck everyone. Sophie still lived in the orphanage, so they would have to separate for Rachel to return home.
Espoir maintained a reassuring smile as he clapped his hands. “You don’t have a family, Sophie?” The red-haired girl shook her head sadly. “N-no, I’ve lived in the orphanage all my life.”
“Well, in that case, why not tag along with Rachel?” As Espoir suggested this, Aria yanked on the back of his coat, literally dragging him away. Espoir noticed that Aria was not pleased with his suggestion.
“Are you insane?! She has a home in the orphanage.” Aria whisper-yelled. This was irresponsible even by Espoir's standards. Espoir shrugged casually at Aria's concern. “Hmm, I’ll just tell the madam I found her family.” Aria glared at Espoir for being so careless.
“What if Rachel's family doesn’t accept Sophie?”
Espoir smiled reassuringly. “Well, if Rachel's family doesn’t want Sophie or are no longer around, I suppose I’ll either figure it out or return her. Maybe Roxy would take her.” He had a carefree smile as he dusted himself off. “I’ll figure it out.”
Aria sighed as Espoir walked over to the two girls, ready to begin their journey.
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After a couple of days of traveling, Espoir and Aria arrived in a small town in the interior of Albion. Shockingly, Espoir somehow convinced Mother Lynda to let them take Sophie with them, claiming they had found her a family. As they walked down a familiar road, Rachel excitedly told them about her hometown. The past few days had been fun for the duo as they bonded with the two kids. However, as they continued down the dirt road, Rachel’s eyes fell as she saw her family home once again. It had been months since she had run away…
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Sensing her doubt, Espoir smiled reassuringly. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure your mom and dad are worried sick right now. Seeing you will make it all better.”
“Exactly! Plus, I’m sure they’ll be curious about where you’ve been!” Sophie grinned.
Strengthening her resolve, Rachel walked up to her front porch, each step adding to the drumbeat of her heart. Nervously, she knocked on the door, ready to confront her fears.
Opening the door, a disheveled woman with dark brown hair looked at the strange group in front of her. Her tired eyes widened as she began to shake. “R-Rachel?” she whispered, almost as if it wasn’t real.
“Mom,” Rachel said softly as tears filled her eyes. She was scared, terrified even, that her mom might reject her or try to stab her again. Rushing over, Rachel's mom embraced her daughter in a crushing hug.
“Rachel! You’re... you’re…” Her voice breaking, Rachel’s mom couldn’t believe her daughter was back. She choked back sobs as she ran her fingers through her daughter’s hair. Hearing a commotion, Rachel's dad walked downstairs as his eyes widened in shock. He dropped his teacup, shattering it as he ran over to his daughter. The three of them cried as they embraced. They thought they'd never be a family again.
…
Espoir and Aria loosely explained the circumstances that led them to finding Rachel. Naturally, Espoir omitted his identity as the Silver Grimoire, as that would only complicate matters. Rachel's parents thanked them both countless times, offering them money or some kind of gift. The two were adamant about not wanting anything, caught off guard by the gesture. As Rachel recounted what had happened, she specified how Sophie had been there for her, as well as the reason she stopped being a monster.
“She doesn’t have a family,” Espoir said plainly. “I brought her since I figured I couldn’t bring myself to separate them.” He smiled as he watched the two friends being practically inseparable.
“Of course, we’d love to have her join our family,” Rachel's parents said with smiles. Eventually, Espoir and Aria decided it was time for them to go. Rachel and Sophie hugged them both, Espoir was surprised at how attached they had become to them. Affectionately, he tousled their hair as they began to leave. The girls made Aria and him promise to visit. Naturally, they agreed. How could they refuse?
As the pair left, Espoir noticed Aria smiling softly at the familial scene. "Reminds you of your past?” Espoir asked casually. Aria looked surprised by his question, not realizing she was showing her emotions. “It was nice. I mean to be a part of helping save the two of them.” Aria was happy that they saved them in time, that she was able to reunite their broken family with him. Espoir hummed in agreement as they walked. Suddenly, Espoir stopped causing Aria to look at him curiously.
"By the way…” A small gust of wind passed through the autumn forest, scattering some leaves. Espoir placed his hand overtop Aria’s head, her green eyes wide at the sudden gesture.
"Thank you Aria Corvo.”
Aria blinked a few times as she processed the Silver Grimoire user's words. The same look he had when he talked about his grimoire was on his face, an almost distant expression, it was coupled with a look of genuine happiness.
“W-what for?”
Espoir removed his hand as his carefree demeanor returned. “Nothing. I’m just really grateful for your help. I don’t think I’d have been successful in helping them if not for you.”
“D-don’t misunderstand our relationship… We’re only partners because it’s mutually beneficial to our goals.” she mumbled, caught off guard by Espoir suddenly being sentimental.
Espoir shrugged, a small but content smile still on his face. “I know; you’re only following me because I may lead you to something related to your family.” He waved his hand dismissively as he continued walking. “That doesn’t mean I can’t be thankful. It’s been fun having you around.”
Aria sighed as they continued walking. “If that were true, you wouldn’t call me gloomy to other people,” she mumbled, still bothered by the earlier comment. Espoir snickered as Aria kicked him in the shin. The Silver Grimoire's user winced as Aria used some aura in it. “Roxy’s right about you being horrible at talking…”
Espoir let out a heartfelt laugh as they continued walking. “Nah, I’m just horrible with people I like.”
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Albion South-East Field office
“Sir, the report from Shale Cove has come in.” Kieran Sharp set a stack of papers on the desk.
“Oh?”
“It appears the rumors of the Silver Grimoire being in Albion are credible. Both Charles Dunwall and Eliza Taylor’s reports mention it appearing before them in Shale Cove. Additionally, the Silver Grimoire has allies, according to Sergeant Dunwall’s report. He stated that a young swordswoman with dark blue hair was reported to be traveling with him. According to his report, the woman killed James Blackthorn. Between this and the Silver Grimoire being spotted around Ashmore just before Damien Blackwell died, it seems that the military will move forward with investigating the Silver Grimoire.”
Raza Desir took a puff of his cigar as he spun his chair around. He was a young adult with brown skin and silver hair that spiked in the back. His bangs were parted into two, draping just over his yellow eyes. He was wearing a black three-piece suit with a red-plaid scarf.
“Who the fuck is James Blackthorn?”
Kieran paused for a moment, shocked that his superior didn’t know. “You know, B-Rank Mage, fought in the war in Easenna." Raza blinked for a moment, still confused. "Who?"
"He was the heir of the Blackthorn family. He’s been a part of the South-East division for years now.” Raza looked at Kieran, still trying to recall who he was talking about. Giving up, Kieran coughed into his hand.
“The Cyclops...”
Raza’s eyes lit up as he now knew who Kieran was talking about. “Oh right that guy! Damn, you know, I once asked him why he took that guy's eye.”
“Oh?” Kieran's grey eyes glanced at Raza with slight interest.
“Yeah, he went on some tangent about animals and people. Apparently, the dude was ‘a fucking rapist’ according to Arlen. Good for her,” Raza said casually, not bothered by James Blackthorn's death in the slightest.
Kieran sighed, Raza's disinterest in a ranked mage dying was typical. “Anyway, according to the report, Charles Dunwall was the one who defeated the monster before the Silver Grimoire arrived.” Raza took a puff of his cigar as he pondered Kieran's recap. “Is the council doing anything?”
Kieran nodded. “They are launching an internal investigation. I expect that Dunwall will rise up the ranks; however, Eliza Taylor will likely face consequences. Sergeant Taylor pulled a gun on Charles and let the Silver Grimoire escape with his ally and the two girls who were taken by the monster.”
“I see,” Raza said darkly. “The council will likely hang her for treason soon. For good reason; the type of person who would draw a gun on a fellow member of the military has no business being here.” Raza snapped his fingers, a small glint of excitement filled his eyes. “Death is too good a punishment for someone like that. Before the council intervenes, see that Miss Taylor is sent to one of the colonies in the Southern Isles. A traitor like her deserves a more fit punishment.”
Kieran smiled slightly. “You think the council has gone soft?”
“Of course!” Raza grinned as he rested his head on his hand. “Someone like that should live with the shame of treason for the rest of her life. Killing her would be a mercy compared to what happens in my homeland. No, Miss Taylor should suffer for her actions..."
“You sound excited.” Kieran said dryly, noting the hint of amusement in his voice.
“Hmm? How can I not be? The Silver Grimoire is confirmed to be active in our nation. It’s interesting... Very interesting, my friend. You see; only once before in history have people like us had the chance to witness something like this.”
As the second-in-command began to gather Eliza Taylor's files, Raza stood and looked out at the city below. A wide, sharp-toothed grin spread across his face.
“Yes, I suppose I am excited. I want to see why they call it the Grimoire of Death!"
image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/9fef70b6-0c1b-49e3-9af0-bc8489c8ac74/dih8n70-07eabebe-b9fe-448f-aef2-60cdcdab47ff.png?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzlmZWY3MGI2LTBjMWItNDllMy05YWYwLWJjODQ4OWM4YWM3NFwvZGloOG43MC0wN2VhYmViZS1iOWZlLTQ0OGYtYWVmMi02MGNkY2RhYjQ3ZmYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Sx40PJJuYtu_RU7HcLkEvI9MEkRu1d5tx7NYmwRaEdI]
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Shale Cove…
Walking through the mine, a man in a dark cloak sighed. As he reached the chroma cavern, he let out a small laugh. Removing his hood, he revealed a bone-white mask with red accents beneath the eyes; the bottom part had a small gap for his mouth. His glowing red eyes narrowed as he surveyed the residual magic of the battle.
“It seems the Silver Grimoire has been a bit busy, hasn’t he?” Charlatan chuckled at the irony. “First Ashmore, and now that little experiment. I wonder how many times he will interfere?” He laughed again, a sharp grin spreading across his visible face at the thought of the Silver Grimoire.
“No matter; I’m sure we’ll cross paths again when the time is right. It is strange, however,” he mused to himself. Charlatan recognized that the same girl James Blackthorn had selected ended up traveling with the Silver Grimoire's user. He found it strange that someone like him would willingly want her.
“History has a way of repeating itself I suppose. How greedy of you to choose someone like her... I'm curious to see how this gamble pans out for you, Number 6."