Oh, the dreadful scene of violence had struck this miserable body yet again. He witnessed it all. Deep down inside its soul, something awaken, triggered, and alive. The irony scent suddenly invades from nowhere. From the realm of shadow, it greets.
'A familiar view, isn't it, my dear Theodore.' The wicked figure stands beside its lovely host, obnoxiously grinning. "You-" Theodore grins his teeth. 'Shh..' A finger already sealing Theodore's lips, disallowing any more words from sipping out, 'Still the usual impatient.' In its lunatic laugh, the remaining hand points forward. What's welcomed beforehand is no longer Cecil or Lily, but the image of his younger self kneeling before ashes. As if a statue, the boy stays still, his once pure white shirt is now covered in ash and fire. The little hands burned, with dirt caught up on the reddish fingers. Lifeless as a doll... A puppet.
'I never tired to see the pathetic you... Oh, my bad, it's us," the black figure toying with the boy amusingly. With a light push, the boy falls down to the ground, then breaks into dozens of pieces. What was left was just solitary pieces of glass. Theodore doesn't have to look down to see the usual rusty chains once again tied around his hands. "Let go of me." His hands clenched into fists. The flame of fury and resentment burned his heart. 'It's been a long time since the last time we met, yet you are so eager to leave this soon?' The black figure dancing around him childlike, 'How about No.' Theodore responds back by struggling to get out, the metal sound echoes in the void. The once-calm navy has changed into an enraged, vengeful ocean in his eyes. Patting his shoulder, the black figure sighed in a disappointed tone, 'Though I wish I could play with you longer, it seems someone is not approving.' It lands a light farewell kiss on Theodore's cheek, 'Till we meet again, my dear.'
"Dr, are you alright?" asked Alderic, patting Theodore in distress. After all, it's easy to understand the course of his actions since Theodore is just standing there, eyes spiritless staring into the void. Just like the last time... " Apologies for making you worried," Theodore brushes off, "I'm fine." While he was saying that, the troublesome look on his face was undoubtedly evidence of the mental encounter. But he is not allowed to let it hinder his mission, his goal.
As long as I live, I won't let you get what you want... my dear self...
If there were chains imprisoning me... then I will gladly drag you down into Hell with me. All for our sins...
"Search for any survivors, we will meet here in 2 hours." After hearing Theodore's command, everyone starts to split into groups and search the whole town. To their surprise, only ashes greet them in this ruined place. The flame of violence has consumed it all, not even leaving behind a single one. Lily, who has gained back to usual, can't help but frown at the carnage scene. Never in her dreams did she dare imagine such a battlefield as this. Nothing glorious as depicted in tales and songs, the front line is pure devastation. Not to mention, this place was just an ordinary hustle-and-bustle town with kind and hard-working folks. How can it be destroyed like this? Not even a single trace of weapons can be found. As if the town has turned into dust by the fire of sins. The trip, in the end, served no purpose other than to traumatize its guests.
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Alderic stays silent for the whole process. For a person who has spent half of his life on the battlefield, this particular view is already rooted in his memory. All kinds of bodies, shattered in blood and flesh, have been forgotten in time. Some begged on their knees. Some threaten to take away his life. Yet, all of these acts only delay the inevitable. Guns and knives are senseless, so the battlefields are. Still, he noticed a corpse while wandering around. A completely burnt, black corpse with numerous knife stabs. Merciless torture indeed. There was nothing special about this until Alderic realized the culprit behind this. This killing pattern, this habit of not letting anyone escape... It could only be him. The devil has come to this place, inviting everyone to its domain of despair. For those honored guests, only agony and madness await. "Diabolus venit atlas," he sighs. The rain pounded from the sky, dropping to drops, falling like beads of tears. With heavy steps and a complex mind, he goes forward. Arioch...
Making sure no one is watching him, Alderic goes into an empty yard in the forest alone. Humming a tune, a few moments later, a raven obediently perched on his hand. He tied a black ribbon on its leg, caressing the soft fur, "I'm counting on you to deliver this message to the right one, old friend." The raven quickly takes off, blending into the sky. Alderic, at this very moment, seems to have shifted into another figure. The teasing, the kindness and caring personalities, the usual self... all fade away gradually. To reveal a newfound identity hidden deep under, waiting for prime time to unleash itself.
Oh, nothing more than a cold soul that is filled with the will to complete the mission. How pitiful for those wishing to solely depend on this soul for protection and lifetime care. Then which one is the real one? programmed to complete assigned tasks flawlessly. The eyes, razor-sharp, enough to send any soul utterly frightened. A sinister aura emanates from the surroundings.
What a typical predator.
The merciless soul asks itself, "Now I wonder, what miracles let the King win this round?" Snapping his finger, the amusing smile on his face grew deeper. The excitement of theories running through his mind. "Nice move," he smirks, "here comes my Knight." He then makes his way back to where everyone's voice can be heard.
Luke, not so far away, notices the sight of Alderic coming back to the meeting spot. He approaches with a bottle of water, cheerfully, "Neglect again, comrade?" "I swear I have been good." With his usual tone, Alderic shakes his head, acting innocently. To Luke's surprise, Alderic abruptly lowers his voice, his emerald eyes piercing the other man, "Someone sabotaged the plan," a beautiful yet dangerous smirk craved on his face, "Teach him how to behave, Luke." Not wasting even a second to hesitate, Luke nodded an agreement then disappeared, leaving behind a usual teasing Alderic who is waving to Theodore and Cecil.
Now I'm looking forward to seeing your next move on this chess board, Arioch. Sit ludus incipere...
...
"I hope all of you will enjoy my first move."
A man smirks playfully, placing the Queen piece on the board.