Chapter 4: The Outlaws

Zack

Zack stood on the soggy marsh as he gasped for air and sweat drew across his head, his mask obscuring some of it and making it difficult to wipe away. Zack saw the man who had perhaps saved him and the girl in the moment. A tall man who was accompanied by another man. The two stood on a higher plateau of cliffs that surrounded the marshland.

“They're all gone mate, Bring the las and yourself up ere!” Shouted the man atop the cliff. Zack was so confused, who was this man? What were those swords? Is he an enemy? Still, it's not like he had many options. He was exhausted and alone. He couldn’t defend himself and he wouldn't be able to bring himself to hand the girl over to the Atlus knowing the situation she is in. His heart was racing and he wasn't able to think clearly. He picked up the girl and brought her up to the cliff the two men stood on and placed her against a stone rock, sitting her up as she layed unconscious.

“Colour me impressed, there she is, the frost queen erself” Said the taller man. Zack looked at the man as he spoke. He looked to be in his early thirties and had pulled back raven black hair and had a face that radiated smug confidence with a faint, mature stubble to his face. He wore a dark crimson jacket that extended to his calves at the coattails and a black cloth vest underneath with baggy grey cloth trousers and a pair of black boots with it. He had what looked like an intricately designed hourglass that hung around his waist and was held by a small string of beads wrapped around a black belt worn under his jacket with a steel broadsword tied around the belt in an open scabbard. He certainly looked odd for a man with this much confidence.

“What did I say? Told you she’d be here didn't I?” said the other man with him. He was a man of average height who wore standard civilian clothing with leather armor atop and a hood to match to cover his bald head which he had taken down. He had the same sword as the taller man tied at the waist as well. They both looked to be quite friendly with each other and looked far too carefree to be walking into a skirmish.

“You came to take her?” Zack asked

“Takes not the right word mate. More like set er free” The taller man replied.

“Still, didn't expect to find an Atlus assassin here as well,” said the shorter man looking towards Zack. Zack looked back at him - despite being exhausted - his cold eye filled with only hate and vengeance peered into the man’s eyes. Paire with his somber expressionless face and it clearly gave him a bit of a scare.

“I do hope you didn’t come to kill us did ya?” He asked half as a joke

“Who are you people?” Zack asked the two of them. The taller man cracked a smile.

“So glad you asked young man, it is the first step in the job. The names Yami, and this is Thomas. Were part of a wee group that wants to bring an end to these bloody kingdoms and their killing - and better yet - make a world where people arent judged by factors of magic and are treated equally. That's the short of it at least.” Yami? Zack thought to himself. He was the leader of the freedom fighters named Red Wings. All he had heard was the leader was a force to be reckoned with but no nation had the whereabouts of their hideout.

“So that was you, with the silver swords? Are you a devil relic user?” Zack asked him.

“I was hoping for a wee thank you at least but aye, I am”

“Uhh Yami? We should probably get going, theres no telling when their back force will arrive to retrieve the girl” said Thomas.

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“Aye, good shout. Pick up the girl and let's go!” He commanded back. Zack panicked in that moment, as Thomas went to retrieve her. Zack drew his blade and held it up ready to strike.

“Do not lay a hand on her!” He wasn’t sure why he did it but he felt the need to protect this woman. Thomas jumped but Yami stood there unfazed and chuckled, he placed a hand on Zack’s shoulder. He didn't react as he was too panicked and nervous about the whole situation after being told he was a relic user.

“Relax mate, If I wanted you or her dead I would have done it already, believe me. Were going to take her back to our wee sanctuary and get her fixed up. From there, her life is her to live, not under some nation using her as a tool.” Yami told Zack. Zack lowered and sheathed his sword slowly unsure of what to do next. He couldn’t quite pinpoint his accent but he knew Yami wasn't from Elden

“No need to give me a fright like that!” Said Thomas as he picked up the unconscious girl. Clearly showing he wasn’t comfortable around Zack. Yami turned and faced Zack.

“You should join us, I think we both ken full well what will happen if you return to Atlus empty-handed.” Zack seemed hesitant, remembering he joined as an assassin to get the chance to go on a mission and kill Matthews's killer. Not to mention leaving the empire of Atlus would label him as a deserter. He couldn't argue with Yami’s words, however. His armor had seen better days and he was without food or water, not to mention he was alone now that he was the only remaining member of his squad. He was in a bad spot and could use help, but could he move on so suddenly or was too afraid to move on, too afraid of failing. Still, Zack made a decision. Zack gave a slight nod to his head. Still caught up in the strange events of the day, not to mention the loss of his comrades. It felt like the world he had known for the last eight years had fallen apart, but that didn't mean he would give up on his revenge. He would hunt Matthew's killer. Yami gave him a smile and turned to walk off.

“Right, Zack you carry the girl. You are in our debt after all and that sounds like a low price to pay us back with.” Zack hauled the slender Keta over his shoulder and the three set out.

“Is it really ok to be bringing an Atlus assassin with us? The fucker could reveal our location to Atlus if he wanted.” Thomas stated worryingly

“I won…” Zack was interrupted by Yami. “He’s no gonae do that. The lads considered a deserter by Atlus now. Even if he did give our location he will still be executed, he’s no got a reason to do so…have ya” Yami finished as he gave Zack a smug look as if expecting an answer”

“No, I…wont” Zack shook his head with a somber expression and continued walking

“See? Dinae worry boot him.” Yami told Thomas

“If you say so” Thomas replied if sounding a little unsure about Zack.

“Besides you're my top spy. You could know what the lad was planning before he left if he tried that couldn't ya mate?” Those words brought some relief to Thomas as he blushed and walked ahead. The three continued through the torn and cracked mountains. The scape began to slowly become more natural as they distanced themselves from the battlefield.

“Aren’t you worried about being hunted by the Ashians for taking her?” Zack asked curiously.

“Pfft as if we aren't already” Scoffed Thomas as he hauled their supplies on his back.

“Aye, he’s right. Every bloody nation wants us gone. Dinae worry though. You're in safe hands with us,” Yami told Zack.

Zack felt confused and unsure of what to say but decided to go with them, for the girl’s sake at least. He wouldn't be staying long in this “sanctuary”. It would only hold him back from his revenge. He didn't want to involve anyone else in his mission, they didn't share the same hate he had for him as he did. The hate that had pushed him this far. It didn't matter that he was now a deserter or hadn’t eaten a warm meal in god knows how long. He would see this through, It was the only thing driving him forward in this horrible world.

Hours had passed and the three arrived at a small forest. The land looked bleak and lifeless but the flora and trees still looked like they were fighting to live. They had green to them but nothing compared to a piece of land inundated with mana. The forest was devoid of magic that gave land its attractive hue and contrast to everything around it. Zack began to feel his magic wane. He no longer felt the sharp sensation that he could enchant his hand with lighting like he could before. This always happened in areas that were weaker with mana but nothing to this extent. It had been a long time since he had to rely on just steel. Hopefully, he would be safe when he arrived, however, and wouldn't have to rely on just steel.