The air around could only be described as “heavy”. Rain fell in large amounts, mixing with blood and guts on the ground to create a disgusting, sticky mess.

“It smells horrible!”

The man in heavy white armor complained. He didn’t wear his helmet. His violet, long hair stuck to his face. He sat down on a giant corpse belonging to a bug-like creature. His armor was very mechanical. That mechanical look would have given him an air of coldness if it wasn’t for several paintings of flowers on his armor and his androgynous look.

“Our helmets have filtering systems.”

Another warrior, this one wearing black armor answered his complaints. His armor was slightly different and not only in color. It also looked more feral. The first one looked at the sky.

“Come on. If I wear my helmet how will I get my dramatic rain shot?”

The other one didn’t react for several seconds. He talked after a small pause.

“You look like a wet rat.”

The first warrior opened his mouth and put his hand on his chest.

“Excuse me?!”

“You are excused.”

“You are just scared of admitting I am handsome because you know that if you did, you wouldn’t be able to help but fall in love with me.”

“Only thing I am afraid of is how your wet hair smells, Lily.”

Lily’s helmet closed on its own.

“I want to continue our lover's quarrel but it seems we have an unwanted guess.”

He grabbed his swords which were stabbed into the corpse he sat on. A helmet-like head popped out first. It was similar to the helmets both warriors wore. Its red eyes shone in the low-light environment they were in. It raised its right arm. A wrist blade gave out the same light as its eyes. It was long, more than half of its arm's length. Considering the creature stood taller than both of the warriors in their power armor that blade was longer than most longswords humanity used before.

“Reaper.”

Lily muttered.

“It’s been watching us for some time.”

Black Armor said.

“A warning would been nice.”

“I already sent you a message and gave you hints to wear your helmet. You didn’t get both of them.”

“Oh. I thought you were just flirting with me.”

“Hmpft.”

“Don’t hmpft me.”

Reaper rushed, not caring about their discussion. Despite the speed it rushed forward, it didn’t make any noises. Its blade nearly reached Lily’s neck before a railgun hit sent it flying back. Lily stumbled back several steps.

“Lily. Fall back.”

“I can do this! I just got caught off guard.“

“And that’s all it takes for you to die. This is an order. You do not have the skills to combat it.”

The coldness in his voice made Lily shiver.

“I can’t run with my tail between my legs when you are in danger! You already killed tens of these! Let me take over!”

Lily shouted as he looked at the Black Armor. He on the other hand didn’t take his eyes off the enemy.

“They killed hundreds of our own. You are too valuable to risk. Strategically retreat and join with other forces.”

Morrigan looked incredibly concerned. Not for herself particularly but for the man in front of her. She was used to people lying to her. But gazing at the man in front of her told her something: He was believing in everything he said.

“Wait. Wait. What?”

Lily threw some wood at the campfire.

“What confused you? Poyraz’s love towards me? My own fighting capabilities?”

“Are you telling me you and Poyraz came from… another world?”

“Yes.”

“After you died?”

Lily stopped and raised his index finger in the air.

“At least I came here after I died. But I can’t think of Poyraz dying. He is tough as nails and some more. Knowing him, he probably sacrificed himself for something. That man simply can’t be killed in combat. Even if he doesn’t win, he will find a way to survive and get back at his enemies.”

Morrigan stretched her hands toward him to stop him.

“And you said Gods brought you there?”

“She called herself a Star. I guess that’s what you guys call your Gods?”

“ Only Archons of Antion are called like that. My belief is different. Wait, Gods are real? And the Gods those bastards worship to boot!”

Lily opened his arms wide.

“Guess so!”

“I can’t tell if you are insane, a liar, or a trickster. But I will be watching you.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“I am probably all of those. I also don’t have a problem with you coming along! It is nice to have a companion!”

He grabbed the handle of his sword.

“When they are not creepy fucks watching us from the darkness. Come out.”

He stood up. Morrigan pulled her daggers and took her stance.

“I am sorry about that. I didn’t want to offend you. It is just that old habits die hard.”

Two men came out of the dark. While both were taller than average, one of them was musclebound and taller. He wore a red mask with holes where his eyes should be. Red and black markings covered his mostly nude body like veins. His heavy breathing could be heard. He held a massive hammer covered with red stains. On his back hung a similarly sized axe.

“I am the Eleventh Apostle of Asmoneal, Mordar Bloodbath.”

Talking man, Mordar contrasted with his partner heavily. He wore a stylish suit. His jacket and trousers were pitch black while his shirt and shoes were blood red. He had a kind and handsome face. His blonde hair flowed to his neck level. His blue eyes sparkled with vigor in mostly darkness.

“My friend right here is the Twelfth Apostle of Asmoneal, Grogon Meatgrinder.”

“You have lovely names.”

Lily said. Mordar laughed lightly.

“We don’t have a problem with you, kind sir. However, the woman beside you attacked and killed people from our group. I hope you do not stop us from passing justice on her.”

Lily looked at them then looked back at Morrigan. He then again looked at Morrigan and talked.

“Hmmm. You guys look like dependable and trustable fellows. I am sure I can trust your words and justice! Come on Morrigan, resisting justice is a sin too!”

He turned around to them, fast while pulling his second sword free from its sheath. A gust of wind blew. Mordar moved, ducking and dodging while Grogon stood still. Blood spurted from his chest. It was pitch black.

“Morrigan, don’t let that blood touch you.”

“I see. We will fight?”

“I don’t think we have another choice. Which one do you want to take on: Bishonen or the Hulk?”

“I don’t know what those words mean.”

Grogon lifted his hammer into the air and slammed it to the ground. A burst of energy traveled on the ground before reaching the duo. They jumped to the sides.

“You will regret this, Elemental.”

A spear nearly pierced Lily’s head. He dodged and looked at his attacker. Mordar’s face which was beautiful and gentle just a second ago was filled with bitterness now. He frowned, black veins popping all around his face. Lily swung his sword. The resulting wind caused them to break up and created some distance. Lily looked at Morrigan.

“Do you think you have the luxury to worry about others when you fight?!”

Mordar rushed with his spear, aiming for Lily’s head.

“I do, actually.”

One of his swords parried Mordar’s sword, pushing it to the side. He swung other, nearly splitting Mordar’s head in two.

“With all that talk I thought you guys were stronger than this. Guess they mean this when they say “All bark, no bite.””

He put one of his hands on his hip while he put the other on his chin. Mordar’s face distorted further with anger. Explosions rang out around them as their partners clashed. This time Lily rushed forward. Mordar tried to keep him at distance but the wind blew, causing dust and rocks to get in his eyes. He tried to guard his eyes but Lily’s sword slashed him, creating a huge gash on his chest.

“Fuck! Fuck!”

He stumbled back. Lily heard him whisper things but he talked too quietly for him to hear. Lily nearly was ready to strike but a bolt of red lightning struck Mordar. Lily moved back, his movements similar to almost surfing on solid ground. The dust settled and Mordar walked forward, changed. Red scales covered his body and two cattle-like horns rose from his head. His hands were turned to claws. Two bat-like wings spread from his lower back.

“Oh, you became a scalie.”

“Growl.”

Lily’s smile died as he felt Mordar move behind him.

“Fast.”

Lily thought as he blocked the spear strike. He was pushed back. Lily noticed that the wound in his chest was healed.

“One time heal or did he gain a healing ability?”

Lily felt his shoulders stiffen.

“Hey, can we talk this over? Violence is not the answer you know!”

“Growl!”

“Oh, shit.”