Dwarfed by the tall grass surrounding her on all sides, the stale, warm breeze making it feel like she couldn't take a full breath, Nyx sat wrapped in the remnants of Dimi's robe as she carefully examined her hands. Her once soft and delicate hands had turned extremely thin and translucent, almost skeletal-like since her tribulation, which gave them a sickly, unhealthy look.
As she continued to observe her hands under the blazing sun, Nyx's exposed skin started to turn reddish pink, and the itchy, burning sensation began to grow.
Enduring the somewhat painful sensation for a few minutes, Nyx finally released a sigh and turned her hands over. Slowly, she curled her fingers into a fist. -"What a waste..."
The ear-piercing cry of a predatory bird, soaring in the clear blue sky above, momentarily obscured the soft, muffled sound of a man and woman talking nearby.
Nyx glanced upwards at the circling bird, the squint that marred her features becoming even more profound as she glared at the bird. As she did, the weak, lightening in her eyes flickered as a faint pulse rippled out from her core and into the surroundings.
Whether it was due to discovering that the body below wasn't dead or feeling an instinctual sense of danger was unknown, but the hawk quickly tilted to the side and flew into the distance with a piercing shriek.
After watching the hawk fly away with a hint of envy, Nyx looked back to her hands and released a sigh as her shoulder sagged. -"There is always a balance... The greater the reward, the higher the cost. The greater the ability, the more extream its weaknesses will be. I have jumped three minor realms but not only has it crippled my physical body and damaged my soul but my foundations are now on the verge of collapse."
Unclenching her fists, Nyx closed her eyes. -"I need refined shadow and dark beast cores... herbs and fruits of darkness. Otherwise, it will take too long for me to break through to the twelfth layer and form my GemStone."
Having reached her passive tolerance limit for the pain caused by the sun, Nyx hid her hands under the robe as she stared into the grass, her eyes becoming unfocused.
It wasn't long after that the conversation in the distance, the volume fluctuating due to the slight breeze, stopped.
With an emotionless expression, Nyx continued to stare into the grass as if she couldn't hear the sound of rustling grass and heavy footsteps gradually increasing.
Thirty seconds later, Dimi's figure broke through the sea of pale yellow and green with a bright smile on her face.
Seeing Nyx starting off into the distance, not reacting to her appearance, she frowned slightly. "What's up?"
Even though she hadn't been with Nyx long, and thus didn't understand her moods and behaviours, Dimi felt it was extremely odd that she would be so absentminded when she was so weak and vulnerable.
"Just thinking about ending this world," responded Nyx as she took a deep breath.
"What? Who pissed you off this time?" Dimi stepped forward, chuckling at what she believed to be a joke, with a bundle of light blue tucked under her arm.
Nyx sighed as she shook her head. "No one in particular. It's just that I am tired of this damn cycle repeating itself. If I want peace and quiet, it feels like I will need to destroy this world or at least all life on it."
"Oh, and how would you do that?" Dimi stopped chuckling as a frown appeared on her face, sensing that Nyx wasn't actually joking.
"The only way I can think of is to destroy the sun, eliminating the foundation of all sentient life food chains." Nyx's tone was cold, void of any emotion as she stared at the grass. "Anything else just leaves loopholes or ways for life to find a way. If you are going to cut the weeds, its best to remove the roots. Plus, I like the darkness."
A cold, crawling sensation washed over Dimi's skin as she stared at Nyx.
"But..." Nyx shook her head, turning towards Dimi. "If I was that powerful, I doubt anyone in this dimension would be strong enough to bother me so I guess it would be pointless then. Probably more hassle than it's worth."
Dimi forced a smile. "I see you still haven't cheered up, Miss doom and gloom."
Nyx's top lip twitched, but she said nothing as she stared into Dimi's orange-brown eyes.
Having come close to the small patch of ground that she had flattened around Nyx earlier, Dimi threw a light blue dress and a roll of bandages to the ground. "Hurry up. I managed to convince a travelling healer to give us a lift to Corban".
After staring at Dimi for a few seconds longer, Nyx scanned the dress and bandages. "No shorts?"
Dimi shook her head as she revealed an amused expression. "The healer's apprentice had some underwear, but as it was... slightly risque, I didn't bother as I thought you would probably prefer to go natural."
Seeing Nyx was staring at her, her right eye minutely twitching, Dimi snorted as she placed her hands on her hips. As she did, the leather armour she wore creaked noisily. "Come on now. It's you that demanded I get you some clothes when my robe was covering everything a human believes should be covered. You're just lucky I had my sect token and could trade on credit."
Nyx remained motionless causing Dimi to snort. "We are in the middle of nowhere. Take it or leave it, I don't care. I've done my bit."
Shifting her weight to the other leg as she waved her hand to cool her face, Dimi continued. "Now hurry up. I really can't be bothered to walk the rest of the way in this heat. Don't think I won't leave you behind."
Taking a deep breath, Nyx struggled to her feet. After waiting for the dizzy spell to pass, she let the white robe loosely wrapped around her body fall to the ground.
"I wonder if this is the kind of look necromancers go for?" Seeing Nyx's famished form, Dimi brows lightly scrunched as she stepped forward, ready to catch Nyx if she lost balance and fell to the floor. "Well, the ones that are still interested with mates that have a pulse."
"Who knows." Nyx paused for a moment as she looked down at her almost flat chest, a weak smile appearing on her lips. "I could never understand necromancers. Their thoughts and actions always contradict each other. They think they worship death when they actually break its laws and fight for life."
As Nyx spoke, Dimi's smile grew significantly. "So you aren't anti-them?"
"As long as it doesn't affect me or my plans, I couldn't care less what they get up to." Nyx shrugged, not really paying Dimi's words much attention.
After trying to wrap the bandage around her chest with shaky, weak hands a couple of times, Nyx threw it to the floor and released a small rumbling growl.
Dimi chuckled as she watched Nyx intently. "Why are you bothering? Until you bulk back up, there isn't anything to bind anyway."
"Piss off," hissed Nyx as she opened her hand over the dress. She didn't understand why but she couldn't help but respond to Dimi's provocation this time.
However, Dimi didn't realise that she had just found a chink in Nyx's armour as she flinched and stepped back as a wisp of black mist rose from the ground, along with the dress, and ended in Nyx's hand.
Dimi's mouth opened and closed a few times before she "You can use your essence already?"
Looking up at the position of the Sun, Dimi fell silent for a few moments before voicing her thoughts. "But it's only been five hours? A single breakthrough should take at minimum twelve, let alone a triple."
Nyx looked into Dimi's curious eyes for a few moments before letting out a deep breath.
While she didn't trust Dimi completely, she found the lioness very good at distracting her from the memories triggered by the tribulation. As such, as long as it wouldn't expose any weaknesses, she decided to humour her. "Just because I can't refine at the moment doesn't mean I can't manipulate natural essence."
Dimi quickly closed her mouth and masked the shock that had appeared by smiling. After a few seconds, she shook her head and chuckled. "I still can't quite believe you are... you."
Right eyebrow-raising, Nyx blinked a few times. "Who else would I be?"
Dimi laughed and decided to change the subject. "Anyway, I didn't realise you would be so humanised. They are such hypocrites. They say that they need to be modest and cover up yet are always trying to take their clothes off or reveal enough to attract the opposite sex."
At this point in time, the dress was mostly over Nyx's body, but due to her weak state and the awkwardness of sliding into the dress, she stumbled slightly as she tried to pull it down the last bit.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Dimi moved forward and helped Nyx pull down the dress the rest of the way and ignoring Nyx's weak, half-hearted protests as she smoothed out the fabric. As she did, she felt Nyx's protruding bones.
"When we get back, we are going to have to fatten you up," said Dimi slightly absentmindedly.
"Fatten yourself up." After Dimi stepped away, Nyx released a small growl before folding her arms. "And clothes are a type of armour and weapon, both physically and psychologically. Also, I don't see you walking around naked."
"That's because human males are too thick to understand that unless I am in heat, I'm not interested. And the females all start acting weird if I move about in this form without covering myself." Dimi snickered as she stretched. "And human bodies are pathetically weak. Their hide is so thin and easily damaged. If it weren't because we were in the southern lands of the Sect, I wouldn't bother with this form at all."
"Honestly, I don't care about others seeing this body," Nyx grumbled as she bent over and picked up the robe on the ground before wrapping it messily around her head and shoulders, covering the areas that were exposed to the sun. As she did, she pulled the dress' long sleeves over her hands. "But when one is weak, they must appear strong."
Apart from the small slit for her eyes to see through, Nyx was completely covered from head to toe. Her emaciated body had been completely concealed and in its place was a mysterious figure that released a dangerous, somewhat wild vibe.
"Oh, so you're not worried about your looks?" Dimi stepped forward and helped smooth out the robe, pulling it so it covered more of the dress and wouldn't expose any skin as Nyx moved.
"Why would I be?" Nyx's voice was muffled by the robe, but her narrowing eyes couldn't be concealed. However, she no longer resisted as she knew that Dimi's actions would benefit her.
"Well, you never know when a strong, fit male will appear." Dimi stepped back from Nyx, noticing that intensity of lightning in her eyes had started to recover. "Then again, some like the mysterious, unseen type. Also, I doubt any male would find you attractive in your current state. You look like a sickly beast on its last legs. One that even vultures would pass up for fear of catching some sort of disease."
"Good!" Nyx responded without hesitation before staring at Dimi, her eyes narrowing slightly before relaxing again. "I can't tell if you are trying to pick a fight or if you think that I need distracting?"
"Can't it be both?" A surprised expression appeared on Dimi's face for a split second as she subconsciously took a step back and scanned Nyx for any signs of movement as a vague feeling of danger washed over her.
After pondering for a moment, she continued. "Look, I don't even understand what I saw, let alone the emotions that came with it, but I know it didn't just hurt you physically. It wouldn't be an illusionary tribulation if it did."
A shadow passed over Nyx's eyes. "Forget what you saw. What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger so I will be fine."
"When you say it..." Dimi shook her head as she chuckled. "I actually believe it. And don't worry, I'm going to drink myself into a stupor, return to my natural form and repress everything I have seen the moment you can look after yourself."
"Well, except that we are now friends." Clapping her hands and not letting Nyx respond, Dimi turned around. "Brooding is boring but then again, so is walking. Come on. If that guy leaves us behind I'm going to make you carry me back."
-"Friends?" Seeing Dimi marching off into the grass, Nyx revealed a small smile before taking a deep breath and following her. -"Sorry but that's impossible."
Even though Dimi had purposefully flattened a path, wading through the grass made Nyx feel as if she were trying to run through water. It wasn't long, no more than a couple of meters before she was breathing heavily as sweat ran down her forehead and back.
Stopping and turning her head, Dimi's eyes sparkled slightly. "What's up princess? Want me to carry you?"
The term caused Nyx to shiver slightly, the recent recollection of the fat man and the betrayal she felt in the Welshmar Capital still lingering at the back of her mind.
"No." Nyx stopped behind Dimi, greedily sucking in air as she repressed the urge to lash out.
Dimi smirked, not realising that if Nyx were in full health, she would already be in a fierce battle. "I know you need to push your body to its limits after a breakthrough to get the most out of it but don't you think you are pushing yourself too hard?"
"Not really," replied Nyx as soon as she managed to catch her breath.
"I'll ask again when you collapse." Sensing that Nyx had reverted to her short, abrupt answers, Dimi turned around and started walking again but this time, at a much slower pace. "That's if you are still conscious."
After around a hundred yards, Dimi stopped and held her hand towards Nyx.
Seeing Nyx's confused expression, Dimi smiled. "I thought you wanted to keep a low profile? If so, you need to keep hiding those eyes of yours. The robe's material is special, and no light will pass through it. The dress is too thin so just close your eyes, and I will guide you."
"I'm sick of hiding who I am." Nyx, still trying to catch her breath, placed her hands on her knees as she slightly bent over.
"Because of the tribulation?" Dimi frowned slightly. "I know you want to live free and unrestrained but don't be a fool and ruin it all now. While we are in the sect lands, there are many outsiders here. Once you are accepted into the sect, it won't be a problem, but for now, if you draw too much attention the amount of help we can offer will be limited."
"Who said I need your help?" Snorted Nyx, straightening.
Dimi's right eyebrow rose as a mocking smile appeared on her lips. "The five or six hungry, core three-layer beasts that wanted to have you for breakfast and lunch earlier might have something to say."
The two continued to stare at each other in silence, Dimi still holding out her hand.
Without saying anything, Nyx slowly reached out and grasped Dimi's hand, surprising her with how cold and frail it felt.
"Don't worry. I know you can't use your abilities at the moment. If there is even the slightest hint of danger, I will let you know." Dimi spoke in a low voice before turning around and pulling Nyx behind her.
As she did, Nyx reluctantly closed her eyes.
After a meter or so, they had exited the tall grass and were standing on a narrow, dirt road. In front of Nyx and Dimi was an old, flatbed waggon with a tall man and teenage girl standing beside it.
On each side of the cart, four guards fully covered in black, leather armour stood at ease. They only briefly looked at Nyx and Dimi before returning their gaze to the surroundings.
The man and woman stopped talking to each other and turned in Dimi's direction.
"Is this the disciple you told me about?" The man, dressed in light green robes and wearing a belt with many pouches attached, looked at Nyx as he spoke with a deep, gravelly voice.
Upon hearing the man's voice, Nyx's body slightly tensed, causing Dimi to frown before answering. "Who else would it be?"
Dimi's tone was cold and arrogant, immediately dismissing the man as she pulled Nyx towards the back of the waggon. "We're ready now, let's leave."
After reaching the back of the waggon, without waiting for approval, Dimi turned and picked Nyx up at the waist. In a smooth, graceful move, she was placed down on the backboard.
Jumping up herself, twisting her body so she could lean against the four foot high sides, Dimi folded her arms.
Feeling the wagon slightly shake as the man and girl climbed on at the front, Nyx turned her head slightly and peeked out through the slits of her eyes.
The back of the wagon was littered with many odd boxes and barrels, no two being the same size, and stank of herbs and vinegar. The smell was so overpowering that it made Nyx cough, but due to the robe wrapped around her head, she couldn't spit out the flem that had risen in her throat.
"She OK?" asked the girl, her mousey brown, curly hair swinging as she turned around.
"She's fine." Dimi didn't turn her head to respond as she continued to stare at Nyx intently.
The girl quickly turned around, facing the front and within moments the wagon started to shake as it moved forward.
After nearly falling off, due to her weakness and slight weight, Nyx scooted over to Dimi before resting her back on the sideboard.
"Wondering why I am acting differently?" While the sound of the wagon moving wasn't that noisy, it was enough to mask Dimi's voice.
"Because this group is made up of a necromancer and their puppets and most beasts naturally dislike anything to do with death," Nyx responded without a moment's hesitation, her voice loud enough to cause the two sitting at the front, as well as all the guards, to flinch. "In fact, it would be stranger if you didn't treat them with some form of hostility."
Dimi nodded, only slightly surprised that Nyx already knew. Her eyes flickered to the man and woman and only returned to Nyx when she was sure they weren't going to make a move. "What gave it away?"
"Excluding your questions earlier?" Nyx shook her head, reminding herself that Dimi wasn't a human but a beast. While beasts were cunning and devious in their own ways, they often said what they thought and made lousy tricksters.
Without waiting for an answer, Nyx pointed to the boxes. "Ignoring the smell, these are embalming materials and the tools at the side are for dark rituals."
Nyx bounced with the wagon, her boney frame hitting the wooden floor with each lurch of the waggon causing her extreme discomfort.
"Don't worry, we don't mean any harm." Seeing the guards tense up, their hands moving to the hilts of their swords, Dimi waved her hand to the man at the front of the waggon. "The Sect is currently actively recruiting necromancers and, as long as the rules are followed, won't act against any rouge practitioners."
"We are in fact heading to the town of Corban for the recruitment selection next week." The man in front looked back, his dark blue eyes locking onto Dimi's. After a few moments, he sighed. "Do you really hate Necromancers that much? Is that the view of the sect?"
"No, there are no limitations on what can be studied as long as the main rules are followed, so the sect has no issues with your kind... As for me, I just believe that once something is dead, it should remain dead. Also, I can't stand the stench of your minions."
Nyx shook her head. "He's not the necromancer."
Once again, the guards, as well as two riding at the front of the wagon tensed.
"It's the girl." Nyx didn't pay their actions any notice as she slid down, so she was laying flat on the wagon and stared into the blue sky above them as if she didn't have a worry in the world. "He's a Draugr, and the rest are high-level zombies. She must be at the second or third gem rank. Probably third due to how well they are holding up in this environment."
Not only did the girl suck in a sharp breath, the man beside her shaking slightly, but Dimi was stunned for a moment.
Not paying the others any attention, Dimi stared intensely at Nyx's form. "How did you know?"
"Soulmancer, necromancer, elementalist, mage, specialist, high-level beast, cultivator, warrior," Nyx responded in a lazy tone as she shifted her weight slightly. "That is the priority kill order of the prime content, or at least it was back then."
While the girl and draugr frowned, not understanding how that information would reveal so much information about them, Dimi's eyes widened understanding that Nyx's training and experiences would make it nearly impossible for those who practised methods similar to the prime continent to hide from her gaze.
Nyx's face contorted slightly as a frown appeared on her face. After a moment's hesitation, she sighed. "Dimi, I'm going to sleep."
"Don't worry. I've got your back." While she was still shocked to discover this new side to Nyx, Dimi revealed a gentle smile. She felt that even though it had been a short amount of time, Nyx was starting to trust her.
Nyx nodded her head slightly as she rolled onto her side, her back facing the man and woman who had turned around to see their passengers.
Seeing that Nyx and Dimi weren't going to cause any trouble, the girl slightly relaxed as she left her minions watching over them, ready to act at a moments notice.
Closing her eyes, Nyx forced her heartbeat to slow as she slowly circulated the thin strands of essence that remained in her body. -"The only reason the Twilight sect would be gathering necromancers is that they are preparing for a large scale war. The question is, who with?"