Hinterlands - Dawn Coalition hideout -

The moment he woke up– in his own body– Eamon was elated and couldn't contain the excitement of being in his own head without feeling like someone else was in control of it.

That all went downhill when the shifting sensation of someone else in his body other than him made him realize nothing had changed.

“You seem unhappy today. You were filled with excitement just a few moments ago.”

Eamon could feel Blackthorn smirk as he mocked him. He wasn't going to allow him to get to him.

“Well, since you are in a good mood. Mind telling me what you have planned for today? You've been getting Buddy-buddy with some of the members of the Dawn Coalition and Ludwig Klause.”

He needed to keep his composure and thoughts to himself so Blackthorn wouldn't catch on.

“Isn't that what we're supposed to do? You need him. I'm just getting him to trust us because you would have gotten us arrested or worse.”

Blackthorn said nothing except for the glare from the inside. A cold shiver ran over his body.

“Don't play coy with me. If you're planning something, I'll know. We're one and the same person, but unlike you, I'm stronger for being imprisoned in the Void. I can find my way out easily.”

Eamon didn't doubt that it was true and did not want to test the theory otherwise.

“It's nothing. If you want things to go smoothly, you'll need to be patient and trust me.”

With no more bickering to be heard, Eamon assumed he had the upper hand and got ready to meet up with Klause.

On his way out, the Ash Borne Demon was still in the corner. It was like he didn't sleep or eat, for that matter. Blackthorn said he wouldn't cause any issue; he'd follow, and if something needed to be done, he'd carry that order to end the threat.

Eamon cleared his throat. There was no reason to have him near when he was trying to gain people's trust.

“You can stay here,” he told the Ash Born. The Homunculus said nothing. Eamon wasn't sure what to do but decided that he understood.

He left the room. No one followed him.

He sighed with relief. At least that's one less thing to worry about.

He proceeded to find Klause.

•†•

Eamon finally found him lower Underground after asking a few Dawn members– who begrudgingly gave him Klause’s whereabouts– he was off to the side watching a practice fight with a few of the Dawn Coalition members.

Eamon cleared his throat to address his presence.

“Oh, good you're up…. E.B., was it?”

“You can tell that it was me, sir?”

He had his hands on his shoulders and shrugged. “Nothing like how Locksmiths or Custodians sense things, but everyone gives off a certain amount of energy and vibration. Yours is surprisingly low, but it’s there.”

“I see,” he said. He wasn't sure what he meant by sensing his energy and vibrations. It wasn't like he had Essentia-related energy, and he wasn't sure if a Homunculus– a nonliving being– could have the type of energy that could be sensed.

“You look lost in thought.” Ludwig looked at him with a raised brow.

“More or less,” Eamon said. “There's just a lot on my mind, that's all.”

He hummed. He walked to the side of the cavern's walls, where a tool shed of weapons hung against the wall. Ludwig grabbed two swords.

“What are we doing with those?” Eamon questioned when Ludwig returned. He handed a sword to Eamon.

“Practice. You didn't join us to frolic. Everyone works here; that means you, too.”

Understanding, Eamon prepared his stance.

“You have a good form. The military has taught you well, physically, at least.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because,” Ludwig Klause stood in a fight stance, less refined but still capable. Their purpose is to drain you emotionally until you become a mindless soldier, like how they want.”

The two clashed their swords together. Klause wasn't as strong but nimble and dodged Eamon’s swing.

“So, will you tell me what's been on your mind? I don't want you distracted while we're on a mission.”

“Choose your words carefully.” Eamon could hear the menace in Blackthorn's words.

“Not much to tell…” he ducked after a swing his way but came back up quickly to charge at him with the sword. “I've been someone who I wish I weren't. That part of me has driven those I love away.”

“And what drove you away?”

Eamon pursed his lips together. He parried a few slashes that came his way– a good distraction in need. “I didn't want to hurt them.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Klause hummed. “That's an admirable response, but there's one wrong thing you did.”

He furrowed his brow at the question. “What is that?”

“Did you let your loved ones also make a decision?”

The question seemed to throw him off-kilter, and he tripped, falling backward on his butt. He hissed from the pain, and when he opened his eyes, Klause was over him with the silver point of his sword at his face.

“Those you love, dear, should also have a say. Instead of running, probably without their Knowledge? You should have talked to them. Without communication, you'll be at war and continuously fighting because one or both parties refuse to work things out.”

Klause sighed. Though he spoke to Eamon, he talked about the very cause they were doing now and rebelling against the Empire. He wished there was another way.

Eamon bowed his head. Thinking on his words. His mind went to Lyra. Seeing how much pain she was in as she tried to make him stay, that they could figure things out together. Perhaps… they could have worked together and fought through this, fighting Black–

“I think you've had enough time to yourself. Time to go back.”

Eamon gritted his teeth as a sharp pain struck his temple. He grabbed his left eye, trying to bite back a scream as Blackthorn forcibly tried to claw back to the surface. His chest tightened, and he started to sweat profusely. It was like he was repeatedly submerged in freezing water, without taking a breath.

Seeing his pained expression, Klause knelt to his side and grabbed his shoulders. “E.B. Are you all right? What's wrong?” he asked, trying to shake him back to reality.

It was, unfortunately, too late, and the innocent, lidded eyes disappeared and were replaced with the furrowed glare of Blackthorn.

“...I'm fine.” The words came out sharp and acidic, catching Ludwig Klause off guard momentarily. He shook the man's hands off his shoulder. “I think I'm done with training.”

Blackthorn stood to his feet. Klause mirrored him.

“Let me know when we're going on our next raid or mission, whatever you call it. I'll be in my room preparing.”

Klause didn't stop him, finding his sudden reaction strange, but he didn't know him from the thousands of trees in the forest. He let him go, yet he still couldn't help feeling a strange presence—an energy—that had split into two and was far more malicious than before.

•†•

The mission was simple: release civilians who were persuaded to join the draft. They were being carted away to the Empire; it was their job to stop it before it reached Argonian territory.

“Is everyone prepared?” The voice belonged to a woman Blackthorn remembered as one of the members who had been by Ludwig Klause’s side, Captain Isabeau, the same captain who had led the charge on prison escape in the Empire months prior.

“Hey, that means you too, newbie.” Her harsh tone directed itself to Blackthorn.

He smirked. “Ready and prepared.”

The Dawn Coalition headed toward a trail from a hidden tunnel at an open-face Cliffside. A couple of miles in between was a trail leading directly to the Empire and another city south of it.

Under the guise of night, the Coalition trekked through the forest, hiding among the tall grass and hills as they waited for a cart leading to the Empire.

Had it been only him and the Ash Borne, it wouldn't have required waiting or sneaking. They wanted to loot the cart filled with people, release them, and return them home. The military would only be knocked out if that wouldn't have consequences.

“Here it comes.”

There indeed was a cart, but it was trailing behind a large military truck. The discovery caused a hiss of annoyance.

“We need to fall back,” Captain Isabeau hissed the order.

“No,” Blackthorn said. He turned to Isabeu's sharp gaze as if instilling him to listen. “We only have one opportunity, right?” He looked around to the group of The Dawn Coalition men and women.

The rebels looked at each other with uncertainty.

Blackthorn continued. “As soon as that cart enters the military, that's it. The one chance to free those people is over. They become mindless soldiers, too. Is that what you really want?”

The people murmured to themselves and shook their heads. They were unnerved but defiant. Blackthorn's words of empowerment fed their fear, uncertainty, and hatred for the Empire.

An ever-faint mist of miasma circled the area.

Everyone seemed to be under the influence of negative influences, except Captain Isabeau, who grabbed Blackthorn by the arm.

“What are you doing? This is mutiny. Klause strictly said no violence.”

Blackthorn smirked. He leaned closer to Isabeau, who recoiled in fear. The bright reds of his eyes made him look devious and evil, and the whites of his hair made him look both young and old. It was eerie, and discomfort weighed on Isabeau like she was submerged in water.

“Ludwig Klause isn't here right now, is he?”

Her face paled. Wide gray eyes dilated as she saw the monster hiding behind many faces.

“You're… you're a monster. I knew we couldn't trust you.”

He shrugged. Her words were an afterthought. “You're right…” she gasped at the same time a slice sound was heard. Isabeau gasped for words that didn't come. Her tightened grip loosened, yet she still tried to grab onto his shoulders for support.

Unfortunately, The Ash Borne Demon had been behind her and kept her steady in his arms. The weapon he had used back in its sheath.

Blackthorn leaned closer once more to say his last words to her. “... You shouldn't have trusted me.”

The Ash Borne pulled the captain away, if not to dispose of her, as Blackthorn faced the now inebriated –crowd of Dawn Coalition members.

The cart was only a few distances away now.

“We Fight Tonight… or die trying.” The slick grin spread across his lips as the soldiers roared angrily and charged for the military.

Upon the military spotting unknown figures hurdling closer to them, they sounded the alarm to let their battalion know of the attack.

They fired from the tank, hitting a few of the Dawn Coalition; scattered debris and bodies flew in the air, but more were coming down the hill and out of the forest.

Soldiers emerged from both tank and cart, guns at the ready, to shoot if they didn't stop.

“Stand down, civilians!” One of the military men shouted at them.

Blackthorn emerged from the crowd of the Dawn Coalition. “Don't let them strike fear into your hearts. They have done plenty already.”

“This is your last warning! Stand. Down. Now!” Another warning from a soldier called out to them.

“Don't back down!” Blackthorn chanted back to them.

“My, my,” a soft but masculine-looking male said, emerging from the cart. “I thought that was your voice, but I didn't think to believe it.”

The uniformed navy blue Imperial Military soldier walked toward the commotion, standing behind the soldiers.

A tall, blonde-haired, chiseled-jaw man looked directly at them with piercing gray eyes that smiled almost menacingly without even smiling.

“So this is where you've been hiding, Eamon. The trouble you must have caused and the worry you put the poor little Ashbourne through. Tsk, tsk, guess the relationship didn't work out?”

“Nikolai!” Eamon shouted, but within his ‘Thoughts.’ Blackthorn hissed. They both knew that Nikolai would have the means to pull Eamon through besides Lyra or anyone he cared for.

“Stay in there.” Blackthorn hissed out loud. He grabbed his left eye. A pulsating shot through him– Eamon was trying to break--but Blackthorn pushed back, forcing his Dormant into his abyss.

Nikolai's brow rose. Realization crossed over his features momentarily, putting two and two together.

“You aren't Eamon anymore… are you?”

Blackthorn seethed, glaring at the Imperial. “What gave me away?” Hissing at him.

Nikolai laughed. He removed his sword from his sheath. “Call it a lucky guess, but I would know all about the weapon designed for me. Isn't that right, Blackthorn?”

A disgusted look of vial anger flashed across his face. Memories of being used by the Empire because they forced Walsh to make super soldiers. They wanted to use them as prototypes and test out what the future of the Empire could be.

Blackthorn removed his weapons and charges. Both the Ash Borne and The Dawn Coalition mirrored his reaction.

The military fired.

Blackthorn didn't care as his target stood unfazed, waiting for him.

“Give me your best shot,” Nikolai said when blades clashed with each other.