The one thing a man must keep, even after giving it away, is his word. To give your word is to pledge your confidence, it is a thing given as collateral, only to be reclaimed when the promise is fulfilled. We Gentlemen live by our word, it is the highest standard we can hold ourselves to. The moment it is broken is the moment you betray not only the Gentlemen beside you but yourself as well. Know that the phrase "you have my word." spoken by a Gentleman is an unbreakable promise. Never break its faith, it has been known to steady the doubts of even Kings and Queens at times of corruption, when a Gentleman promises a task fulfilled, it will be. Of that my friend, you have my word.

-Gentlemen's Rulebook, #1. 

"Farewell." Luck said. He wanted to rest his eyes on the table one more time, it was unlikely they would have similar games in the world he was going to, but he was jerked from his place in space before he got the chance.

Pay Heed!

Notice!

Welcome traveler! You have been reborn on the world of Aerae! Explore the far reaches of the world and embark on adventure! Know that the world of Aerae is both fascinating and dangerous. Life awaits you traveler do not waste it!

Luck almost threw up. His eyes alighted onto a strange image similiar to Leah's quest earlier before he focused completely on containing his stomach.

The feeling of dissapearing and being ripped from wherever Jerxos was holed up was wholly nauseating. It was worse when the feeling dissapeared completely. It didn't fade or disperse rather it was like his body just reset and it left him with a weird phantom sensation of the feeling that was somehow more worse. Luck tried to recenter himself as he stared at the sunlight filtering in through the leaves, the transition was almost unnoticeable. It appeared he was on his back and rather comfortably too, the ground was soft.

"Luck?" A voice called to him.

Luck sat up his head swiveled and caught sight of Ace approaching. The motion caused some sand to spray everywhere and he heard a huff behind him. At the same time he noticed three items nearby. A rectangular container and a bag of what he assumed were enchanted seeds. Ace arrived the second his thoughts drifted to the other item nearby.

"Lucky... " His voice was low as if Luck stepped on a pressure trigger mine. "I suggest staying completely still."

Instantly, Luck's mind processed that he was in great danger. Something else... a feeling that came within as well as without let him know that it was simply not true. Luck turned around. He moved his head at a regular speed but with the tension in the air it seemed like he broke the sound barrier.

"Lucky." Ace hissed. 

Luck was face to face with a cat the size of himself. It was lying down too, not five feet away from where Luck was. But when its eyes met Luck's it got up and circled away from Ace. Luck noted the intelligence and positioning the beast took. Luck was between the cat and Ace which effectively cut Ace off from helping him.

"Lucky... back off slowly. I believe the cat could kill you in an instant. I'm not sure what powers you've gotten but right now it's safer to retreat." Luck could feel Ace moving behind him. By the way the cat moved left he assumed Ace was now behind and to his right.

Luck only stared the cat down and in response the cat stared back. Its fur was a matte green so dark it bordered on black. It was lithe and now that Luck could take in its full form he realized it was three feet at the shoulders. The shar seemed to be observing him in kind. It was his companion, the one he snuck past Jerxos, so it could only be a shar. Despite the nature of the creature Luck saw no outward movements of aggression. On Luck's part he telegraphed none either.

"Lucky..." Ace said more urgently. "This is dangerous."

"Calm down Ace. He's mine." Luck smirked, he was glad to slip out of his semi-formal speak he used with Jerxos. "I won him in a card game." Luck's smirked only widened as he imagined Ace's face.

Luck Lockyer was bold, sometimes even cocky but he was not an arrogant man. He knew his own skills and what was within his capabilities. He knew how much he could get away with, what risks he could take, he knew his own limits, it was how he played even Jerxos, a god, like a fiddle. And he knew with certainty this cat was his.

In response, Ace relaxed but it was minute. Luck didn't know what Ace had won himself and they hadn't any time to discuss it, he only hoped that he would stay his hand. And not kill his companion.

Luck bent down in a crouch, felt the sand in his hands, looked at the canopy, and realized something strange. Yes, he was in a forest, but there was no undergrowth, only sand. The only vegetation were the trees themselves and even they looked unusual. But no, the most bizzare thing, the most odd, was that Luck felt at peace in this peculiar forest when he had never been in one before. Safe, he felt safe he realized. He took in the sight and let his guard down, for he felt no real danger from the cat anyways. It took its time circling him but Luck only marveled at the forest and this new feeling, it was pleasant. And sometime during, Luck found himself sitting, gazing at the leaves above.

Apparently sensing that Luck was not a threat the cat silently approached. Its eyes flicked to Ace, wary. In the end, Luck was genuinely startled when the cat came to him, he was so caught up in the contrast between the two conflicting environments that he didn't notice. It padded to him, not even leaving any prints in the sand until its face was mere inches from Luck's. Luck stopped himself from gazing at the swaying leaves. The breath of the shar was heavy and warm on Luck's face and neck. After a minute there was no increase in tension or any visible changes. To an outsider it would seem odd but something passed between shar and human sometime during that uneventful minute. The next second the cat opened its mouth was to lick Luck across the face. Ace jerked forward at the very same moment. The cat was a half a second behind him, jumping in front of Luck with his hackles raised.

"It's ok Ace, he's a friend." Luck gave the cat a meaningful look. It backed off and laid down near Luck, the far side from Ace. It's eyes tracked Ace however.

"You're positive?" Ace was still wary of the predator.

Pay Heed!

Familiar bonded!

You've bonded a familiar! A familiar grows alongside its master. The bond between master and familiar is as mysterious as it is powerful. As your bond strengthens expect benefits related to your familiar. The bond works both ways however so be aware of your own familiar's strength. The bond can manifest physically, magically or otherwise on both ends, be prepared for each.

"Positive." Luck answered, gathering the items around him. He found the messages rather odd but was thankful for the note anyways. If magic worked here on Aerae than anything was possible.

Eventually, Ace took a seat on the sand beside Luck and let out a long breath. Luck left him to himself and there was only silence as Luck checked what he arrived with. Ace sat silently, and Luck assumed he was waiting out the adrenaline rush he probably went through. He opened the bag of seeds to check, it was filled as much as it could've been. The black box had a small metallic orb with a neat little manual inside. The last item was one that made Luck smile however. They were playing cards, the very same he had admired only minutes earlier. Rather than the five different deck colors he saw earlier these were different, they were the color of fossil amber. Luck smiled, Jerxos had come through. On a whim he sent a prayer of thanks to Jerxos and whoever the Goddess of Fun was, he gathered that if his prayer went through to Leah then prayers actually work. He couldn't know it but his actions stopped an already smiling goddess in her tracks, her mouth widening with appreciation. Her own husband who was nearby only shook his head grinning. Luck had spent a good five minutes just shuffling through the deck and seeing each card before he stacked them and put them back in their case. He removed the metallic ball from the black box and rolled it in his palm and was about to read the accompanying text.

Ace's long breath stole Luck's attention. He was sitting beside Luck just as he had been doing for the past ten minutes. Luck didn't feel the need to interrupt him, thinking that if any important matters came up he would let him know. Ace sat there much the same as Luck did. His gaze was fixed on the swaying forest canopy and his hand pulled at the fine sand, letting it fall between his fingers absently. His face was bored, or sad, or happy, Luck was surprised when he couldn't really tell. He prided himself in reading people and at the moment he found himself lost. He thought it was more likely that Ace was sad but that didn't feel right, and he could've been happy but the expression didn't convey that completely. The former mercenary's breath was steady, it was clear the adrenaline had worn off long ago, but he had been doing the same thing he had been doing since he had sat down. Ace Vent was simply looking at the trees. His focus on the motion of the leaves rather than the leaves themselves.

"Has it hit you yet?" Ace said after a while. He hadn't made eye contact with Luck, only looking as far as the canopy allowed.

"What do you mean?" Luck's attention was on him, the items forgotten.

"This is it." He repeated softly. "A whole new world. A second chance, Luck." 

Luck had his elbows on his knees, sitting with his legs crossed. He took his attention off the scenery to pay attention to Ace. There was always a strange command that Ace had when he spoke, more so when he used Luck's actual name, he couldn't remember the last time he did. It was more than enough to give Luck pause.

"Yeah." Luck said. His pleasant feeling of being in the forest supressed it but there was no doubting his own emotions. There were friends he would miss, faces he would never see again. "It hit me the second we left the church." The ambience of the gambling room had kept it at bay but he knew he was leaving and what it meant. Mr. Ark's face in particular came to mind.

"Did you meet Jerxos?" Ace watched the sand drift through his fingers. Luck was glad Ace didn't see the sadness that passed across his face.

Pleasant sounds came from the trees, instinctually Luck felt they were harmless. Ace's eyes sharpened and his head tracked the noise.

"Relax, they're harmless." Luck said. "It's a trait I got from Jerxos. One with Nature, it was called." Luck chuckled. "Well, I guess it was more akin to stealing it." He remembered the man who had taught him the technique. His smirk widened and then fell at the bittersweet memory.

"In the card game?" 

"Yeah. We played cards for 'tools' as he called them." Luck said. "Snuck a few past him."

"The cat as well then?" Ace said glancing at the feline. It was still gently resting to Luck's side.

Luck chuckled. "The cat too, yeah."

"To challenge the Devil of the Cards at his own game." Ace chuckled softly, his features brightening, shaking his head. "Foolish even for a god."

"You know Mr. Ark was the one who taught me everything I know about sleight of hand?" Luck's voice was low and shaky, but he persisted. "He was a great teacher. " He could've broken into tears, but he wouldn't in front of Ace, his pride wouldn't allow it. A gust of wind blew sand at their backs, sending the leaves in another flurry.

"I can only imagine." Ace said, finally. "Etsuji Ark. I've heard the stories, you know. He was a great man. What he did... well, even a man with a heart of gold wouldn't have tried." Ace rubbed his arm.

"Almost no one would've." Luck said softly. "But Mr. Ark was something else."

The two men talked about small things they would never see again, people they would miss, or regrets that they had. Luck was used to a hidden agenda but sensed nothing from Ace. No queries at Luck's tools or any sign he was even curious of his new capabilities. Instead Ace seemed content to sit in the sand and enjoy the scenery, tallking with Luck. Luck himself was curious to what the former mercenary recieved, but staring at Ace, he didn't have it in him to break his reverie. He seemed at peace. And suddenly the expression Ace had on earlier was obvious to Luck. It was peace. Not something Luck came across very often at all in the business. He couldn't shake the thoughts away, that world was a part of him, the underground would always be. It was a huge part of his life and it would remain so. But this was a world of new possibilities, of magic. And with that, thoughts of the business faded away as he talked with Ace and his mind moved to the future.

As his thoughts drifted to his other tools Luck remembered the other things he was supposed to be capable of. 

"You wouldn't happen to have a knife or know another language would you?" Luck said, rather abruptly.

"How about French?" Ace said. "Or would you prefer Japanese?"

"Either is fine." Luck shrugged.

Ace blinked. "You can speak French? You have almost no accent." His eyebrows were raised.

It was Luck's turn to pause. He had spoken perfect French without even realizing.

"I can speak Japanese too." Luck said with surprised smile. He didn't think it would be this... simple. He doubted time magic would be.

"Is this from Jerxos as well?" Ace said in perfect German.

"Yeah." Luck responded in kind. "A trait that allows me mastery of all languages written, signed or spoken." 

Ace drew something in the sand. It was a character in kanji. "Can you read it?" He said moving aside.

"Luck." He responded, recognizing the character for what it was. 

Then Ace started signing. "And this?" 

"American Sign Language." He signed back. "ASL."

"That'll probably be very useful in case we ever need to talk in code." Ace said, reverting to English.

"And in the event we meet the locals." Luck reminded him.

"Ah, that's right. I almost fooled myself into thinking this world was like our own... actually, I guess we call this world ours now don't we?" Ace sighed, staring at the trees. "Aerae, right?"

Luck followed his gaze. "Yeah. I guess we do." There was a small pause in which both men thought of different things. "So you got the initial message then?"

"Right when I arrived." Ace confirmed, nodding. "I'd try Morse Code but there's nothing to tap, unless you want to move to the trees."

"No need. I already knew Morse Code from before. And i'm pretty sure its proven itself." Luck responded.

 "Shall we get moving then?" Ace stood up, dusting himself off. 

"Lead the way, I admit I'm not really one for wilderness survival." Luck smiled apologetically. He picked up the bag of seeds, the black box, and the card container in one hand.

"Don't worry about it. I've spent enough time in the forest for both of us." Ace said moving to the nearest tree. "Although, I don't think we can consider this an actual forest. It doesn't make sense, at least, by our standards, these trees shouldn't be here." Ace noted the sand and how it surrounded the whole area. Not a patch of dirt or grass anywhere.

The thing looked bloated. In fact, when he looked closely he realized all the trees looked wet, as if they were sopping with water, he pulled his hand back and found that they actually were. Luck took a look at the surrounding sand. It was completely dry. How odd. The trees shouldn't be able to survive in this environment unless it was raining all day and even then they looked all too hydrated and the sand looked much too dry. What he would do, to be able to talk to these trees. Luck mentally slapped himself. He remembered his magical trait and as he was trying to recall the exact wording a helpful little not-holographic image displayed. The same kind of not-so-holographic display that popped up from the cards.

Magical Trait: One with Nature

Individuals who can truly commune with the world are rare. You treat the world not as a resource but as a brother, content to enjoy its company as it does yours. Beings such as yourself find themselves at home away from civilizations. Communication with animals and plant life becomes trivial for those such as you. Nature protects you in subtle ways when you find yourself in its embrace. 

He should be able to communicate with the trees. And It should be trivial for one such as him apparently. He placed a hand on the tree, it was cool to the touch, the bark was soft but not weak. If he were to stand back the the tree would look like any other normal tree but when he moved closer it was almost dripping wet. The surrounding sand gave the place an almost alien feel, the gentle breeze changed that alien ambience to one of solitude, and then the swaying canopy leaves made the place seem almost tranquil. To Luck's surprise he felt something brush against his awareness, not weak, only very light. The connection was small yet strong, definite, and with it came a certainty, he knew it was the tree. He opened his eyes, everything was normal, Ace was there, his hand was on the tree, said tree was not moving, and yet... it was talking to him. In a strange way. It involved images and emotion and was fluid and illogical, there was no structure to it. But, Luck laughed, he found it trivial, as easy as it was talking to Ace.

Luck asked why the environment was so dry. He recieved only confusion. He asked why the tree was wet. The tree responded that there was no food. He asked where civilization was but the tree didn't understand the question. He asked if he saw any humans. He was met with confusion again. Luck asked what the trees ate. It sent pictures of animals. That gave Luck pause, he almost pulled his hand back. Luck sent the tree a picture of himself and asked if he was food. The tree responded with a set of messages that roughly conveyed Luck was a friend or protector. When he asked the same question regarding Ace he recieved "friend" twice as if to indicate he was Luck's friend and therefore a friend of the tree's. The same went for the shar which was now sleeping soundly.

"Anything?" Ace said.

Luck jumped slightly. "Yeah, they're carnivorous." He flicked his hand of water.

"What?" Ace backed off a bit from the tree. "How?"

"I'm not sure. I just know they are." Luck shrugged. "Anything specific gets lost in translation." 

"That's all then?"

"Yeah, it doesn't know what civilization even is." 

"I thought you were supposed to be omnilingual." Ace said. "Does that not go for trees as well?" Ace had a wry smile on his face.

Luck gave him a flat look. "I don't think it counts as a language. A language is a structured form of communication." Luck stumbled, trying to find the right words before giving up. "This... well, this wasn't that at all." Luck said, staring at his hand.

 Luck reminded himself that these experiences were new to him. It was the nature of the traits that made them seem so natural, because they were, in a way, a permanent part of him now. But his dad had always taught him to cherish both the old and the new things in life. So depite the fact that talking to a tree and being in a forest felt as natural as nature itself, Luck was fascinated. The fact he just talked in four different languages he never even studied, amazing. It felt natural to his body, but his mind was in awe. The child in Luck came out, in awe of all the wonders he was experiencing.

He took a moment to just inwardly feel his body. Anything at all that stood out, that was his target. And he found... nothing. He expected some feeling of vitality given his Troll's Blood and Exceptional Regeneration traits, yet he felt nothing. He wanted to test it out, but Ace didn't have a knife and although he could've gone self destructive on his own body his instincts of self preservation detered him. He expected an additional feeling since there should have been another tangible tool around but he only saw the three.

He wondered exactly how he was supposed to access his dimensional room since it was probably the most useful right now. Technically, Luck felt that nature would find a way to provide for him, a part of Luck's personality that existed before he became in tune with nature won out, his practical side. The surroundings didn't seem to contain any vegetation so there was no hope for berries or fruits, and there were no harmless animals that might help either. Luck only assumed they would from his second hand experience watching the man in the images. The animals that the tree flashed into Luck's mind were large and aggressive enough that he didn't expect to be able to do anything against them. It might've been possible if he knew the first thing about time magic paired with his shar. But of course, he didn't. The man in the time magic holograms demonstrated skills Luck felt were the result years of practice. His shar might be able to face off one of them, but they seemed vicious so Luck didn't feel comfortable with relying on the cat and Ace completely. Despite how dangerous Luck was, nothing ever prepared him to fight monsters and beasts the size of himself.

Speaking of his shar familiar, he really needed to name him. He decided to name him right then and there, it wouldn't do to go on nameless for much longer.

Luck clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers, crouching at the same time. The cat's ears flicked at the sound then it yawned and padded over. Luck could sense the cat was drowsy, lazy even. Omnilingual had no say in the matter, and while One with Nature had some affect on their communication the cat understood Luck's intention entirely from the bond they shared as familiar and master. Luck wondered what they would accomplish, he wanted to help people, he knew, and he wanted to find his family as well. There was no telling how long that would take but they would help everyone they could along the way. Luck would be what Mr. Ark was in his eyes, a hero. He would be a savior for the small folk, he would ask nothing for it, and he would thrive in the anonymity. There would be no titles that announced his person. He would write his own story. And only his familiar and Ace would know it.

"Saga." Luck smiled. "I'll name you Saga." The cat purred and settled down nearby. 

"A story of heroic achievement." Ace smiled. "You did say you wanted to help people." Luck might have compromised himself a little too much... no, Ace was his friend. He had to learn to trust him or he wouldn't trust anyone. It was funny, he could trust the man with his life but not his desires or dreams. He didn't even deign to tell Ace about the dimensional room, or any of his other tools. It was an old habit but Luck liked to keep cards up his sleeve so to speak, the fact that Ace hadn't revealed his hand also somewhat stayed Luck's. 

"I do." Luck said, absently scratching the cat's ears. The cat wasn't doing anything endearing like nuzzling him, it was content to lie down beside Luck.

The dark green feline was a handsome thing. Its fur never caught the light and Luck knew Saga was dangerous as a hunter. He was glad they were bonded, it was another set of eyes to watch his back as he explored this new world. He would need all the help he could get to find his family.  He cringed at the thought of Tate meeting Saga, at first she would be scared, but give it a few minutes and she'd be hugging the cat like a baby kitten. He smiled despite the challenges ahead. It would be hard, but to see his family again... that alone would be worth it.

"We should get going, find somewhere to set up." Ace's voice took on the tone he used when they were planning their kills earler. To put it simply, it was mission oriented and to the point. "The sun's over there. I know it's probably unlikely but lets continue on the assumption our cardinal directions are the same here."

"Sure." For all the experience Luck had he couldn't tell you where the sun set. It was probably best for Ace to take the lead.

"That's west then. It's already beginning to set." Luck could barely see the sun through the thick leaves overhead. "Since the temperature right now is pleasant let's assume the climate is perfect to settle down. Meaning, moving north from the equator wouldn't make sense unless people like the cold here. If we move towards the equator it'll get warmer, we'll have better chances at finding people there. So our choices are any direction but north."

"Wow, how much time have you spent in the forest?" Luck eyebrows rose. "It seems like you've been stranded a couple times." 

"Occasionally, I'd have to get dropped off remotely and make my way to the target, annoying if they holed up in a tropical paradise or rainforest." Ace told him.

"Ah... thought you just spent some time in a wilderness class or something."

"There was never enough time for that, Lucky."

 "No, I guess there wasn't." Luck reminisced. "Where do you think we should go then? I'm at a loss." 

"Southeast, probably. The sun will be at our backs tommorow that way and not blinding us the whole time." Ace said. "It's as good as any other direction."

"Lead on then." Luck said. Saga rose as if understanding they were about to depart.

Fortunately, Luck had changed before he got to the church and was transported thus. He was wearing breathable clothes that would've done well in the heat. He looked good in them too. Snug, sturdy black pants you couldn't tell were covered in pockets and a custom shirt with pockets on the side which were concealed when he wore a thin jacket over them. He placed the playing cards in a pocket on the inside of his jacket, of which there were many. The enchanted seeds he slipped into his pants pocket.

Sounds came from the forest and Luck couldn't tell whether they were normal or completely alien, he had no reference. He found it odd that they encountered nothing dangerous though, on one occasion there was a brightly colored bug that fluttered onto Luck's shoulder. Luck took a moment to admire the strange creature and kept walking, he didn't mind the company. Ace turned around and gently let Luck know there was a gigantic bug on his shoulder, calmly informing him that bright colors likely meant poison. He only shrugged and sent the bug flapping its wings to steady itself. Ace gave a resigned look and kept walking, moving just a little farther from Luck. He truly found it satisfying, being in the forest, he simply walked on, amused how his first stroll in the forest was in one from a magical land. 

When the bug left him he felt more comfortable to sift through his pockets again.

 He really did find those playing cards magnificent, he was insanely happy to have them. He laughed at his materialism but dismissed it, a good deck of cards always felt right in his hands. With the intitial awe of the amber cards fading his attention went to the black box and manual he saw. 

Please Read! English Version.

Instruction and Warning Manual for Supportive Intelligence Mk3.

The Supportive Intelligence Mk3 is an advanced piece of magical technology designed towards enchancing the individual. The Mk3 has a wide range of capabilites that the Mk2 does not. It is the first among the Supportive Intelligence line to incorporate magic in the design. Thorough testing and hundreds of trials have additionally removed the corruption and deficiency of the Mk2 model. The Mk3 takes a more subtle approach to binding with the hosts brain, it will bring up its capabilities as the need arises. In addition, you may query the Mk3 for the full scope of its facilities. However, be warned that the Mk3 or any other SI model are designed to augment the user, refrain from abusing the abilities of the Mk3 unit to an extent that your body cannot handle. Please heed the warnings of the unit itself and keep in mind it is designed completely to fulfill the user's benefit and well-being. A general information package is included.

The text then went on to indicate a slew of side effects that Luck would rather he not have read. It did note that any problems during the process are almost nonexistant, the Mk3 had been improved upon to a large extent and had almost eliminated all side effects and chances thereof. Luck noted the fact that magic was incorporated and that it wasn't listed as a tool category when the Mk3 was just a card. He assumed that either Jerxos had overlooked that particular aspect of the tool or that only two categories would've been shown either way. He wondered what he supposed to do with the ball and scanned through the manual again. Apparently, all he had to do was eat it.

Luck popped it into his mouth and swallowed it whole. 

After a moment of nothing happening, Luck pocketed the black box and manual in case he needed it again. His stomach rumbled, there were more pressing matters, and he doubted that the ball he just ate had any nutritional value. But Ace had insisted they continue moving. The trees were just as thick as they were before and the sand was just as sandy. The monotony was broken by the faint sound of yelling.

"Hear that?" Ace tilted his head. "Company." He moved ahead, there was a cluster of trees that hid them well enough.

Luck clicked his tongue and Saga went up into the canopy. There were more than enough thick branches between the trees to support the shar. Luck placed his hand on the one of the trees and asked what was happening. The pain and sorrow that assaulted him shook him to his core, it was like the tree was wailing. There was a brother, family, in suffering. It was not dying, it was being changed. He pulled back. It lasted for less than a second but Luck felt something twist inside of him. Something was wrong. Something was hurting the forest.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Lucky!" Ace was snapping his fingers in front of Luck's face. "You zoned out, you okay?" Ace was facing him now. He blinked. "You're crying?" 

A single tear rolled down Luck's face. "We're going hunting Ace." His smirk was gone. His scar, more noticeable than ever before. 

"Lucky we can't." But Luck was already running forward, following the cries of the forest.

He passed through a handful of trees, his feet kicking sand. As he did he ran his hands over them, more pain, more suffering. Luck's jaw clenched. What twisted bastard was doing this to his forest? Luck ran faster than he ever did before, above him a shadow followed, running along the canopy. He could feel Saga's excitement for the hunt and Luck only let it wash through him. The trees wailed louder and Luck roared in unision. Someone was going to pay, someone was going to pay with their lives. He could hear the yelling now. He was nearly on top of it.

When he burst into the clearing he immediately went for the first person he saw. His movements were quiet but swift as he got behind her.

"What the- " The woman choked on her words, dropping her weapon. "Who-" Luck struck her in the throat.

"What the fuck are you doing to my forest?" Luck's voice was a whisper that carried. He had switched into their language without a second thought, it was like a constant gurgling.

"Seft- " A man snapped his head back alarmed, distracted from the tree they were assaulting. He was blasted away by a jet of black water and was sent crashing to the sand.

Luck eyed the rest of her people. "Answer me!" Luck screamed. 

"Can't... breathe." The woman wheezed. Luck eased up on his grip. "Tree." She managed to cough out.

Luck eyes were frantic with anger and landed on the woman for the first time. She had scales. And fins too. Aside from those two caveats she looked as human as Luck. Then his eyes tracked the tree she mentioned and suddenly he realized how exactly they were carnviores. The tree was moving, its branches looked more flexible than they should be and it was shooting water, spouting it. The strange fish-looking people were being blasted into the ground with the force the water was expelled. And because the ground was what it was, they started to drown in quicksand, the tree hosed their faces with water all the while. It was using water to hunt. He got distracted, does its prey sink into the embrace of its roots? But Luck's anger flared as one fish person slashed at the tree.

The interruption to his concentration cost him. And Luck's breath was painfully knocked out of him. The woman had thrown her elbow into his gut. She twisted Luck's arm and slammed him into the sand over her shoulder. His breath was knocked out of him again and he grunted as he landed. His ribs were broken. He knew the feeling. The worst part was he felt something poking something else in his chest with a faint pressure. The woman quickly dropped down and picked her weapon up. In the next moments, Luck had trouble keepig focus. Ace was yelling his name. A roaring shadow leaped from the trees. And the woman plunged her strange looking sword deep into Luck's chest. 

Luck let out a blood-curdling scream. The pain was raw, excruciating. It was his world. He could only scream as he lay there impaled to the sand. Blots of white flashed into his vision, the pain taking even his sight.

His mouth caught with blood as the weird sword wrenched in his heart. There was a roar but Luck's vision was blurring. The fish woman gurgled loudly as she was tackled by something large. A shadow loomed over Luck. But the shadow was blasted by what Luck thought was water. Moments later something bit into Luck's jacket and he was dragged across the sand. The sword caught and jerked inside of him. His vision flashed white again and he couldn't even hear himself yell anymore. 

There was a commotion that took a backseat far away from the pain Luck was experiencing. He didn't have time to process it. His mind was firing off with the pain and damage to his chest. His hairs stood on end and he felt something growl beside him. Saga. It had to be. He had dragged him away. There was a loud boom, followed by more yelling. A large something moved in front of Luck, protecting him. Saga. There were whispers of caution. Something pulled on the sword in his chest and it was finally enough. His last vision was of a figure above him. Ace.

Luck blacked out.

He had no idea how long it had been but he awoke feeling weak and painfully hungry, he was leaning against a nearby tree and didn't eve know how he got there. A strange-looking weapon lie off to the side, it seemed familiar. A drip of fresh water came from the tree above directly into his mouth, he would've been dehydrated without it. He thanked the tree, but he only got feelings of worry. It was less in anguish now but more concerned. It's feelings were stemming from the singular tree in the middle of the clearing, the ones those fish people were attacking.

Luck's eyes widened and his breath quickened as he patted his chest. He had been stabbed hadn't he? He mastered himself and slowly looked to the weapon nearby. It was dry with blood that stayed scarlet, his blood. Troll's blood Luck realized. His thoughts shifted to his current feeling of weakness. His other healing ability had kicked in too then, but why? The wounds the man took in the demonstration were much worse. This should've been nothing. 

"You bastards killed him." It was Ace's voice, the same calm it normally was, but the control was almost gone. 

His voice along with something else set Luck's hairs on end. He remembered the feeling, the air smelled of ozone.

"Saga, down." The cat complied. He had been shielding Luck with his body. 

Luck sat up and gripped the weapon that almost killed him. It sparked with flame and Luck almost dropped it. That would explain it, Luck thought. No wonder his regeneration kicked in, fire would've done the trick. Unfortunately, he couldn't figure out how to activate it again, even if he did, he didn't have any skill with a sword. For now, it was best to stay low.

Ace was facing down eight or nine of the fish people. A larger number was drowning in quicksand behind them. Luck almost snarled as he saw one of the survivors chop at the tree in the middle of the clearing. There were only about a dozen left attacking the tree. But then Luck's attention was drawn to Ace's hands and he was almost blinded. They crackled with electricity, with lightning. And he looked as angry as the lightning in his hands. The arcs of energy threw sharp, dancing shadows across Ace's visage. Ace was generally cool and collected, controlled. But, in this moment the man was a thunderstorm. 

Then Luck watched as Ace took a breath. The moment was almost eternal, the fish people tensed at the movement, like the calm before the storm. Ace was dripping wet Luck noticed, had he been jetted by the tree? Suddenly, he hurled a bolt of lightning towards a man in the front, instead of hitting his supposed target the lightning forked and took out three separate warriors. They charged him yelling obscenities, swearing vengance. A man and woman in the back were calling for them to stop however. Ace was a storm, his aim was pathetic, but the power was there, and the attacks so wild it didn't even matter. If he had a gun all the men and women would already be dead, if they were unarmed Ace probably would've charged them himself. But Luck knew he didn't have the luxury of either. Ace Vent, former mercenary had to make do. He had to settle for magic. Ace sent a man flying backward, the voltage wasn't there however and the man was left unconscious but alive. A woman got close enough to slash at Ace but he redirected the blade with his hand. The jolt of electricity that traveled up the sword and into the woman surprised Ace just as much as it did the woman. She was left smoking on the floor.

Luck translated the frantic gurgling. "Stop!" The man in the back yelled. "He's a druid fools!" 

A warrior in the front yelled back. "He will kill us all if we do not kill him first!" 

"Seht do you not see his familiar!" The woman in the back, who was calling for peace, was limping. She had claw marks on her face and a mangled arm. Luck was pretty sure he was holding her weapon. That was the bitch who had stabbed him.

"The forest of the drowned has not had a druid in centu-" A charred body flew through the air and knocked the current speaker into a pool of quicksand.

 "Stop! He may help us purge the corruption! It is our only chance!" The man in the back gurgled with authority. "The lives lost here are but pebbles to the pools! We must try!" 

Ace didn't stop and Luck didn't blame him, he had no idea what these people were saying. Luck sat up though, peering at the tree in the middle of the clearing. Yes, it was sopping wet similar to the trees previously, he knew why they were now, but this one was nearly black. Not the healthy brown that Luck knew from the rest. Saga growled at an approaching man with a spear, circling him. Luck observed the man. He had fins across his legs and forearms. And his clothes, Luck's attention was always drawn to the clothes, they were all wearing loose white. But his inspection was cut short as Saga teared into the man's neck, the man managed to free himself but Saga swiped at him and sent him stumbling to the sand.

"You killed him!"  

Ace was surrounded now, but it was like he was infused with lightning. He had stopped trying to aim, instead he opted for hand-to-hand combat, dodging and tapping at weapons as he went. Luck could see him bleeding though, but the wound looked gross, there was a dark gash in his thigh. Luck took a closer look, he was dripping with black water. Even now, Luck watched as it seeped into his wound. Ace ducked forward, slapping the flat side of a womans sword, she was sent to the sand twitching. The charge was lost in the sand and she got back up, slightly smoking. Unnatural dark blood flowed from Ace's thigh and he stumbled to the sand, his electricity dispersed as his hands went out to steady himself.

Luck whistled for his familiar's attention. He met Saga's eyes and he knew the shar wouldn't fail him. Luck moved into the forest, and positioned himself behind the closest tree to where Ace was, he laid his hand on the tree as he peeked around it, imploring the whole clearing for aid. Luck grimaced, he could've got Ace's attention earlier but it was better that he went unnoticed for now. He didn't think he could hold out as long as Ace if they decided to gang up on him. A fish person brought his sword down intending to kill the former mercenary and Luck inhaled sharply.

Fortunately, Saga rammed into the three fish people snarling and interrupting the sword stroke. The shar's paw swiped powerfully, knocking one of the warriors down. The strike was glancing however, as the warrior got up. Luck's familiar lunged forward, chomping at the second fish man but the third's presence forced Saga to back off. Saga growled, raising the pitch as if to indicate his attack, when the warriors moved to block Saga's attack didn't come. Instead Saga took advantage of their confusion and swiped at one's shield a beat later, his claws dug into the outer leather and the man was forced to relinquish it. They couldn't advance on Ace, everytime they did Saga inched forward menacingly, daring them. It was enough of a threat for them to play safer. Saga couldn't attack either though, the men were covering for each other, shoring up each other's defenses.

Then Luck's bottom left peripheral exploded with light blue script, running down his vision.

Intializing Systems Check...

Initializing Subroutine Diagnostics...

Creating Biological Profile...

Assessing Host Health...

...

...

System function and host within operable parameters...

...

Confirm further integration...

Luck confirmed it, hoping it would help him sometime during the whole commotion. Right now he needed to focus though. Of the original nine enemies, three were posing an immediate threat. He needed to act now. This was a world of magic and the warriors in front of him had lived in it their whole lives, whereas Luck had only just arrived. He didn't know the first thing about this world. They wielded their weapons with a skill that could only have come from a life of practice. Luck had lived training for a life of danger different from theirs. They moved with a grace that even Ace succumbed to. Luck didn't know the first thing about the sword. Their skills in pack hunting and group tactics were obvious in the way they moved against Saga. Luck had no magic, he didn't even have an inkling of an idea of how to use the weapon in his hand. But as he stepped from the trees, Saga backing away, one thing was certain. 

He knew a thing or two about deception.

He spoke in German, his voice initially loud for all to hear. "I call upon whatever the fuck can help me right now. Gods above I hope you're watching, because this is going to be quite the show." Then he brought his voice low and raised his hands to the skies as if imploring the world itself to lend him its power. His eyes closed in concentration, brows furrowed and voice rising again,. If anyone listening spoke German, they'd just be confused. At some point, actual words devolved into his own guttural whimsy. Luck was always one to get into character. And he was even better at improv.

"A friend of the druid's?" The man in the back gurgled, noticing Luck. "Stop this now! The druid can help us! Leave him be, perhaps we can help each other!"

"Silence Mern, he is no druid." One of the warriors yelled. "He has killed one of our own, his hands are bloodied, we must finish him!" Saga was protecting Ace's unconscious body however.

"That is the man I killed!" The woman paused for a moment, and blinked as she realized what Luck was doing. "He is chanting! Retreat!" She screamed, limping away. The warriors were too focused with Saga to hear her.

In German, Luck intoned deeply. "Saga, now." The shar dropped his guard, perked up his ears, snapped his head towards Luck and whimpered. Saga's ears flattened and he hissed before sprinting for the trees, tail between his legs. Luck had assumed the cat would be against the idea, his pride in the way, instead the shar met him with the equivalent of a grin. His familiar would be doing his own part now.

Two of the men jerked in surprise as Saga left them, but their eyes tracked what spooked the shar. "Magic!" Luck locked eyes with them as he chanted, taking care to cultivate a wild, uncaged smile. One glance as Luck and they scattered like rabbits.

The last warrior ran straight for Luck, hefting his spear as if to throw it. Luck could see the decision play in his eyes, killing Ace would guarantee vengance but Luck had to die lest he finish his spell. Luck kept his hands in the air and kept blathering random nonsense in deep German. On cue, the trees started to shake and Luck's voice rose to a fever pitch. The man moved with a renewed fear and urgency, his head swinging around in fear of the trees surrounding the clearing. The nearest tree swung out and slapped the man to the ground, jetting him with water and trapping him in quicksand before he could get close enough to throw his spear. The man groaned and sunk into the sand before realizing the futility, he stopped struggling when only his head was above ground. 

Luck finished with a sudden, deep voice. His face was a mask of a rage, he lowered his hands, feeling for every movement, and thrust towards those still watching him. His eyes were wild, his face was one of a man drunk on power, he let his hair fall to his face and yelled. They scambled for the trees, some running in fear, others retreating. Luck could easily make out the veterans in the group. They were the ones that ran while keeping their heads, the rest were running around like headless chickens. But their training didn't prepare them for this.

Just as Luck planned, absolutely nothing happened. The trees ceased shaking and the only commotion was the black tree at the other end of the clearing. The retreating fish people were at the edge of said clearing, right below some of the nearby trees. Right below a certain shadow camoflauged in the canopy leaves. The shar had proved himself, he was more than capable of carrying out his task.

The man in the ground's eyes were darting around wildly. He was hyperventilating, probably due to the fact he was at ground zero of what should've been some magical nightmare.

"What? Where?" Even his words were breathy with panic, he jerked his head around, looking for the coming magic.

"Why, hello there." Luck said, glancing down. He was still using German. "Bit stuck are you?"

"Who are you?" The man snarled, strange considering the gurgle-speak he was talking in. "What did you do?" Luck didn't bother to answer him. instead walking away.

He had a friend to help. He jogged over to Ace, ignoring the screaming man. The man's yelling was incessant but Luck quickly found an easy fix. His hand brushed against a nearby tree and a constant jet of water applied itself to the man's face. Luck's smug look faded as he caught sight of his friend. 

Ace looked terrible. His eyes were staring at the sky, and Luck's heart skipped a beat thinking he was dead. Ace let out a breath, he was breathing, Ace was breathing. His chest rose and fell, but the sand was soaked in blood. And unlike Luck's own blood it was caked brown. Luck checked the wound, and found it was festering and the surrounding skin was black. Ace twitched as Luck examined the wound, he knew a thing or two about first aid. But this was like nothing he had ever seen before. He didn't have time for this, the fish people would soon find out no magic was coming. He was surprised the trees even went with his plan, all it did was buy him time to check on Ace and regroup. That was another thing, if only he knew how to manipulate time this would've been a number of degrees easier. But no, Luck shook his head of things that weren't going to happen and focused on Ace. 

Something tickled his mind. This wasn't a natural affliction and if the tree at the other end of the clearing was evidence enough Ace would be up and about rampaging. It was a corruption. Luck realized the fish people were here to purge the corrupted tree a while back. Luck had interrupted them, got himself fatally injured, and dragged Ace into it too. All the while, they were after the same thing. To cure the forest. Luck's only problem was that he wanted to save the tree. The fish people were trying to kill it.

First though, Luck had to cure Ace. He stared at the blood-soaked sand and a stray idea brushed against his mind. Taking his stolen sword he sliced open his palm. If the affliction is magical, then he hoped his magical blood might do the trick. It was gross but blood trickled from his clenched hand and dripped into Ace's thigh. The whole idea was a long shot, Luck didn't even know if his blood worked like that. 

 Almost as if on cue, Luck was presented with an option that might just save his friend.

Full System Integration Complete...

...

...

Warning! Large laceration, right hand...

Warning! Blood loss, right hand...

...

Rate of blood loss, inconsistent...

...

Commencing Targeted Analysis, blood... 

Warning! Detection of foreign agent, blood...

Cursory Analysis. Benefits to the host...

...

Blood Assessment. Regenerative properties, healing agent...

Reestablishing Threat Level, bodily harm...

...

Awaiting Designation...

Luck wasted no time. "Designate Spirit." He said.

His troll blood seemed to heal the physical wound but Ace was still unconscious. In addition, the black corruption only faded before coming back completely. At this rate Ace was a goner, the black skin had crawled up to Ace's hip now, visible through the tear in his pants. Luck didn't know exactly what the corruption did, but it made a tree go crazy, so he didn't really want to find out. He did note that the fish people weren't corrupted but quickly came to the conclusion that it might have to do with Ace's open wound.

....

Designation Accepted: Spirit...

Awaiting Directive...

...

...

Luck had entered this world with Ace. He was damned if he let Ace die here. They had a whole world to explore, and Luck was damn curious how lightning magic worked.

"Spirit, options." Luck's whole focus was on the wound of Ace's thigh. Spirit didn't have to ask for clarification.

Instantly, a transluscent line sprang from the Ace's wound and connected to a floating box nearby. Numbers and lines shifted but the box was largely question marks. It was an active thing, adjusting and refining itself as Luck took it in. He assumed it was adapting to his own preferences. Luck was left with a light green box that was giving him real time info on Ace. Most of it was question marks, but he had rate of breathing, assumed blood level, spread of corruption.

Analysis Complete...

Incomplete Analysis...

Insufficient Perceptive Input...

...

Commencing Targeted Visual Analysis...

...

...

...

Detected! Visual Similarities to Black Char, Dark Vein, Lord Affliction...

Detected! Parallel Symptons to Black Char, Lord Affliction...

...

Scanning Data Banks...

Insufficient Data, virus unknown...

...

Calculating Possibility of Cure...

Cross-referencing, Black Char remedies...

...

...

Cross-referencing, Dark Vein remedies...

...

Cross-referencing, Lord Affliction antidotes...

...

Probability for creation of cure 57%...

...

"How?" Luck said, face grave. 

It looked like the data that was displayed over Luck's vision had become more thorough. The information listed in the box stemming from Ace's thigh was extensive. Even as he watched it was calculating Ace's estimated survival chance based upon the other diseases that Spirit had drawn similarities to. They ranged from an extremely low 23% for Dark Vein to an optimistic 89% for Lord Affliction, but even then they fluctuated. Other less likely afflictions were listed as well but it seemed Spirit operated under the assumption whatever was affecting Ace shared more commonality with those three diseases. The symptoms Ace was experiencing were also displayed, unconsciousness, lowered breathing rate, apparent paralysis, and a myriad of others.

Warning! Threat Level: Orange...

Risk of Death: 42%...

...

Accounting for Regenerative Properties of Host...

Insufficient Data, Effects Uncertain...

...

Risk of Death: 42%...

Warning! Threat Level: Orange...

...

Awaiting Introduction of Virus to Host...

...

 Introduction to the host... that made Luck hesitate. The fact he even paused had Luck disgusted at himself, Ace earned his trust, his friendship. He saw the rage in Ace when he thought Luck was dead, if that wasn't friendship, he didn't know what was. He would have to infect himself. That was that. And with that simple resolve came clarity, Ace would live, or they would both die.

Luck didn't come to this world to live for himself. There were only three things that drove him. One, he wanted to say goodbye to his old life, he was good at it no doubt but now he was free, only now realizing what he missed out on. Two, he wanted to enjoy life, to find his family and see what it meant to be normal. And three, he wanted to help the little guy, the stepped on, the ignored, the ones just scrabbling by, the people to which a helping hand meant the world to. That one was something he could never do living the life that he had in the city. The nature of the business wouldn't allow it. He found it odd, Luck felt like an old man in his old world, someone beyond his years. Now that he was in Aerae, it was like he was a child, sneaking out with his best friend and exploring the backyard he never had.

 But now that friend was dying. And Luck was the only one who could save him.

Luck cut open his own hand again and there were no warnings as he grabbed Ace's bloodied clothes, effectively introducing the virus to his bloodstream. Luck's own hand twitched, he could feel the corruption flow up his arm, the wound closed. It was the first time Luck saw himself regenerate, his injury simply closed, his blood seeped into the surrounding the skin and the cut shut itself. His hand twitched again, it started to go black. He felt its progress up his arm, it felt like it was clogging his veins, and it burned. But it stopped halfway up his forearm.

Commencing Containment...12%

...

...

Containment Progress... 100%

Isolating Virus...23%

...

...

Isolation Progress...100%

...

Deconstructing Genetic Makeup...25%

...

Deconstruction Progress...72%

...

Luck's reprieve was short lived. It felt like the inside of his arm was ripped apart. His whole right arm spasmed. Luck clenched his jaw, held his elbow down, and breathed through it. His hand was spasming, every muscle clenching and straightening to their limit. He could feel the strain the spasms put on his muscles. What was happening? Luck was taking shaky breaths when his whole body siezed. He jerked in place, involuntarily, and trying to compartmentalize the searing pain running through his arm.

Warning! Unprecedented Reaction to foreign agent, blood...

Warning! Spread of Virus increased...

Warning! Mutation of Virus, increased spread, strength...

Enacting Emergency Containment...

...

Detected! Unanticipated Bodily Reaction...

Detected! Flood of white blood cells, right arm...

Detected! Blood flow increased, right arm...

...

Effect Determined Beneficial to Host...

...

Containment...100%

Deconstruction...100%

His body was reacting to the virus? No, Luck reread that last log, his body was helping the process of containing it. Of course! Exceptional Regeneration was supposed to react to beneficial effects accordingly. It reacted violently to harmful effects and facilitated healing. Luck must have instinctually known the process was ridding him of the virus and his trait kicked in. Even now he could feel the corruption flowing back down into his hand. It wasn't even an ache anymore, only the knowledge it was there. 

As he regarded his hand another light green box stemmed from the original wound. It listed the containment of the virus, limited biological data of his hand, and some unusual effects his body was producing to facilitate containment. His blood flow in his hand was slowed, to an extent this meant his whole arm was slightly numb. The last part however lit a fire in Luck's heart.

Creation of Cure possible...

Creating Cure...7%

 Unfortunately, it gave him five minutes to completion. He checked Ace's life expectancy, it was harsh but the data was there. Luck's eyes ignored the other shifting numbers and information and found what he was looking for. Just under four minutes. Luck breathed a sigh of relief.

"Stranger! Who are you!" The trapped fish warrior yelled. 

Luck gave him a tired look, ignoring the man.

"Is he really a druid?" The trapped warrior's gaze was on his now approaching comrades, not even expecting an answer from Luck. "The forest of the drowned has not had a druid in centuries." He was mostly speaking to himself, unaware that Luck could understand him.

Luck's ears perked up. They were mistaking Ace for a druid weren't they? Luck couldn't place the word, he could only assume it was a type of job tied to nature. Then Luck recalled one of the fish people remarking on Saga. Did druids have familiars then? Luck filed the information away, at some point he might need to play the role.

"If he is, we may have doomed the pools by killing him. Even now I can see the corruption spreading." 

Luck didn't have time to dwell on that last phrase. He could see Saga being pushed back into the forest at the other end of the clearing. The shar was backed into a tree, trying to keep eyes on everyone around him. Saga met Luck's eyes and with a nod the familiar bounded into the forest, retreating.

The ones that weren't after Saga or assaulting the corrupted tree were cautiously moving towards the trapped warrior. These were the veterans Luck noted, he didn't know a thing about technique or group tactics, but Luck knew the look in the eyes of a capable man, the confidence that marked someone dangerous. The group of approaching men all possessed that confidence. In truth, Luck was outnumbered and in unfamiliar waters, while these people probably swam in them. But Luck was a showman at heart, and not one to give up.

"You tricked us, stranger. Whatever that gathering of magic was, it did nothing." The lead warrior was the first to speak. At his voice many brought their weapons down, respecting his decision to talk. "Your friend, he is corrupted. You must kill him, if allowed to live the corruption will spread further." Luck only gave them his most confused look.

"Uhet, I do not think he speaks Subaq, try Common." Another one suggested.

The leader eyed Luck suspicous, more keen than Luck thought. "So it seems." He switched to Common. "Stranger, your friend is corrupted." Luck looked to the leader in recognition this time. Tongues were more loose when their owners think those around them are ignorant.

"Corrupted?" Luck asked, looking down at Ace. As if sensing his intent another line of data appeared on Ace's vitals screen.

Creation of Cure...78%

"He is touched by a virus birthed by corruptive magic." The leader, Uhet spoke, then paused. "If allowed to live... he will not be himself, ever." 

"My friend won't succumb to something as simple as a virus." Luck spoke in perfect Common, crossing his arms. "He's made of stronger stuff."

"That he is. He is quite the mage. It is not often one trains in hand-to-hand combat to supplement their magic." Uhet nodded to Ace. "Is he a druid, your friend?" The man titled his head.

"Uhet, druids do not kill, their temperments are never that of murder." A warrior said in gurgle-speak. "It is unheard of. Impossible."

"I am aware Subh." Uhet snapped. "There are firsts for everything, Subh. Anything is possible." Uhet looked to the man and sighed.

Luck expressed no visible outward reaction. He could definitely play the druid, if he wanted. Even now he could sense Saga somewhere behind him. But Luck didn't really want to lie, it was unnecessary. In adddition, Uhet had spoken in Common when responding. Luck knew he didn't have to but did so for the benefit of Luck.

"No, he's not a druid. Neither am I for that matter." Luck said in Common. "We're just wanderers, fascinated by nature."

"Then all is lost. A druid of power may be able to purify the corruption, but as it is your friend will surely die." Uhet said.

"I don't think he will."

Creation of Cure Complete...

Luck already knew what to do, his pilfered sword opened his palm for the third time. It flicked across Ace's thigh and Luck allowed their blood to mingle. The motion was swift and sudden, horror finding its way onto many of the faces watching him.

"Uhet..." One warrior warned in gurgle speak.

"That was not wise stranger. Whatever magic you attempted will fail, twist upon itself, and attack you."  Uhet said sadly, relaxing his weapon. "It is a matter of time." He was shaking his head.

He was an older fish man, probably the oldest of the whole group. His hair was graying and the fins on his legs and forearms were a sunset orange, like some type of tropical fish. He held his sword and shield like someone who knew them as close friends. But his face was the most interesting. It was a pure sadness, as if he took sorrow to watch the corrupted go. Or perhaps what he must do to them. As if he had done it many times before. There was a story written in those features, something of grief. He stood with a quiet resolve, he had the demeanor of a man who got things done when others balked. 

"Uhet, we must kill them now. You know as well as I the danger posed-" 

"No, Subh. It will be as it always is." Uhet again spoke in Common. "Stranger, it is your choice. Do you wish to fight the virus or have us end you now?" His face took on a grim expression.

"I'll fight it thanks." Luck said smiling at the information he was recieving from Ace's diagnostic window. "And my friend here, he'll probably appreciate not dying too."

Uhet nodded his head slowly. "As you decide-" But Luck interrupted him.

"Right Ace?" Luck shifted back into German.

Ace's eyes blinked open. "What... Lucky? You're alive?" Ace said groggily. He propped himself up on his elbow. "Lucky... I remember you getting... stabbed. Then... I used magic."

Luck allowed his smirk back onto his face. It was the habit that was the hardest to break when he went into training to control his facial expressions, he was always smirking. It was still a pain to hide the tendency but he did it diligently. Other times he just couldn't help it. Like now for instance.

"Why are we using German...oh." Ace said, taking in the surroundings.

"We've got an audience Ace." Luck gestured. "They think we're druids, and right now we're supposed to be zombies or something."

The whole contingent of warriors were simply staring.

Someone laughed, mirthful and loud. "Do not be surprised Uhet, Subh, he is favored by nature. The trees move to protect him." The trapped man, the one that was swatted down by a tree, the one currently shoulders deep in quicksand chimed in. 

"One with Nature?" Ace ventured, getting to his feet. Somehow guessing what the man was on about. Probably due to the fact he was somehow trapped in quicksand while Luck was unharmed.

"One with Nature." Luck confirmed. "Looks like you were infected by something. Don't worry I had you cured, you're good." He explained seeing Ace check himself.

"And now?" Ace questioned, noticing the rips on his clothes and his uninjured state. "By the way you're gonna catch me up on everything when we have the time."

"Now we help these people, then see if they know the way to the nearest major city." Luck offered his hand.

"Help them? I'm pretty sure I killed some of them. You think they'd accept our help?" Ace took his hand and stood up.

"Look at them." Luck said simply, as if they spoke for him.

The whole crowd of warriors were still staring like school children. Ace had just stood up. He was corrupted not a minute ago and he was moving about fine, no trace of black corruption anywhere on his body. It must've been truly confusing to these people, the other stranger had gotten away with trading blood with the infected, no ill effects at all. There was a gleam in their eyes that Luck couldn't place, he mentally filtered through likely emotions, but caught himself. He instead thought of possible postive emotions and quickly realized what he was seeing. 

Hope. But there was a distinct lack of it on Uhet's face.

"Stranger... the tree. Can you save it?" Uhet was straight to business, his words had some deeper meaning. The fact that Uhet had gone still, unnaturally so didn't escape Luck's astute scrutiny. The question was as if Luck's answer would have more implications.

And Luck could feel it, the command of the moment, the spotlight, the intangible power that came with the amount of eyes that you drew. The potential for a show.

Ace arched an eyebrow at Luck.

"Easily."

And Luck walked straight through the contingent of warriors, moving through them like a general in his army. They parted in a hesitant awe, allowing Luck to pass without a word. Warriors tensed, unsure. Their eyes darted to their peers only to find the same uncertainty. Eventually their eyes were drawn to their commander Uhet, but their leader's eyes were only for the stranger that approached him. Ace walked beside Luck unconcerned, he was not slow, and neither was he a stranger to Luck while he was in the moment. But they all stared at Ace like a miracle, a gift, a promise of hope. Luck didn't bother to look at the warriors around him, he didn't even bother to glance at Ace. He only walked on as if it was the most normal thing in the world, and that perhaps was what held many back, that casual nonchalance that exuded power. Luck moved with an easy confidence, he walked projecting the same danger that many of the warriors around him did, and yet none could guess why. He had no weapons on him, he wasn't threatening, his magic didn't even do anything, but it was undeniable to all those around him. What screamed obvious vulnerability whispered certain danger.

If he was back in the city no doubt his audience would already be whispering it. They would speak it in a number of conversations that had a single phrase in common. The hushed words would draw the ear, the change in volume attracting curious listeners. But they would only pale when they heard it. That title.

The Amber Demon.

Luck thought Uhet would eventually move, parting to the side like the rest of them, instead he blocked his path. Ace was unimpeded, but he waited, amused and watching Uhet off to the side. Uhet's eyes were still only for Luck, peering at the young man as if he was something more. Slowly, Luck raised his head to meet Uhet's gaze. They locked eyes, an unnatural sunset orange and unique fossil amber. Aged, that was the impression that Luck got from Uhet, his features were weathered but remained strong, his mouth was set in an indomitable line, as if refusing to accept the gleam in everyone else's eyes. And scared, Luck realized, scared that it was all a fluke, that it wasn't possible. That miracles don't exist. It was eternity in a moment, the type of interaction that said much without a word even spoken. Warriors gripped their weapons tighter, shields were hefted, the sound of tightening leather and sheathing of swords clearly audible. They awaited Uhet's judgement, ready to attack at any moment. Sure that the stranger was a blasphemer, a hoax, a liar.

But then Uhet bowed, stepping to the side, and the way was cleared to the tree in the middle of the clearing. He had seen something below the smirk, behind the amber, something of man with a good heart. Luck looked to Uhet and met his eyes one more time, then walked on. The warriors around him relaxed again, confused but curious.

"Uhet, approves?" One was holding his weapon, still relunctant to relax. 

"He is the best judge of people. We will see what the stranger does." Another gurgled, he had fully relaxed, leaning on his sword and planting his shield in the ground, watching Luck go.

"He is not a druid. So what can he do?" And then they fell silent again for the other two did not know.

And as Luck passed into the patches of black quicksand nearby warriors looked at him, then to the band of warriors following him. Silently, they threw their lot in and followed behind. They were surprised to find shelter behind the stranger for the corrupted tree ignored him.

Luck watched a man get blasted away with a jet of black water and looked at the tree in front of him.

"It's never quite simple with you is it Lucky?" Ace shook his head, glancing back at the impromptu parade.

"No, no it is not." Luck gave Ace a sideways smirk. "But where's the fun in that?"

Pay Heed!

New Quest!

The Blight of the Pools.

The Forest of the Drowned has been infected with a virus that contaminates the water. The water that infected absta trees take in is filtered through corruption and released back into the sand. The Forest of the Drowned has been under this influence for centuries, its people the Subaqa have been suppressed by the virus for generations. The virus is magical in nature and adapts to better assault its victims. Clear the forest of the virus and purify the Pools.

Reward:

Variable.

Luck approached the tree and started chanting random German. But he didn't have the energy as he got closer, Luck felt the tree and realized with a start it was crying. He called for something and then there was a dagger in his hand. The crying was both angry and sorrowful, and altogether painful. The corrupted tree was suffering, he knew. There was no wailing from the trees nearby, they were silent as if content that Luck was doing something, or simply trusting Luck to cure their brother. And he was, Luck had been communicating with the tree, it was clouded with negative emotions but under it all was an understanding. That Luck was there to help, it only needed to stop assaulting everything nearby. And moments after, the tree stilled. Then immediately jerked in rage as Luck pierced the bark with the dagger, but was subdued in its rage when it felt through the connection that Luck had stabbed himself too. He pressed his hand to the bark, bleeding into the tree, trasmitting the cure. He didn't need to bleed for so long, a single drop would eventually cure the tree, the tree would then begin to produce the neccessary antibodies for the virus itself, but bleed he did. His wound didn't close and he didn't question why. He only knew the tree was something he wanted to help, and Luck resolved to act upon the instinct whenever he could. Random German shifted into an actual conversation, soothing and kind, soft and caring, simple. To everyone else it was magic chanting, a magic so strange and powerful it could stave off a magical corruption. But to Ace it was a conversation that was both everyday and wonderous, even if he only heard one side of it.

One between a man who had spent his whole life in the city and a tree who had never heard of one.

In minutes, Luck fainted.

And upon his face was a soft smirk.