Two weeks of tireless work later…
Gathered around the drake scales, Siegfried and October set all the parameters for their demonstration to Gael.
“So, you’re saying silver has an effect on these scales? How is that possible?” he asked.
Siegfried shrugged his shoulders and October gave a more concise answer with his usual sigh of disappointment.
“We’re not entirely sure, but we know for certain that these scales in particular are the only ones affected by silver. We harvested fresh drake scales from several different parts of Guilder and found no reaction.” He explained shortly before having everyone step back. After a safe distance was created, October threw silver shavings onto the scales and watched as the violent violet flame emerged. Gael jumped from the surprise, but Siegfried and October stood unamused.
“That’s what happens if we use pure silver. The silver itself will combust and be lost in the reaction. Watch what happens if we take a piece of steel covered in silver coating.” Siegfried explained, pulling a dagger out of his lab coat.
He pulled one scale closer and motioned for Gael to take a close look. Siegfried stabbed the scale with the dagger and a smaller, more controlled, violet flame emerged. Once the silver coating eroded, the steel of the dagger pierced the drake scale and the entire scale disintegrated into ash.
“At first, this phenomenon completely puzzled us. We spent a solid week just throwing silver at the scales before Siegfried suggested a more paranormal approach. Through his connections, we were able to ascertain what we thought was a byproduct.” October explained, looking to Siegfried to have him finish the explanation. He picked up the scale and handed it to Gael, who was surprised by the intense heat the scale was radiating.
“I brought in an expert who claimed to be a master of ‘Spirit Magic’, or magic of the soul. She identified the violet flame as a sort of defense mechanism for the magic sealed deep within, not allowing any type of weapon to pierce their host. October and I originally thought that this was a byproduct of testing, but this is the test.” Siegfried explained holding another scale. “The Femian Church is poisoning all of the flora and fauna of the world and according to my expert, it is meant to control the minds of all who consume the poisoned subjects. And those who are consumed by the spell are left as empty husks that only obey orders. This also explains the brain-dead of those affected in the report we read earlier. They aren’t actually brain-dead, just awaiting orders from whomever created the spell in the first place. Their souls are tethered to his mind, which also explains how he will be able to fully control each of them from his throne room.”
Gael dropped the drake scale with a look of horror on his face.
“So, Gilgarian. This is how you will build your army…” he muttered.
Pulling another dagger from his lab coat, Siegfried explained more of their findings.
“As I mentioned before, the flames are a sort of defense mechanism for the spell. But it also works as a weakness. The spell uses its own Mana to expel the danger of silver leaving a small opening. Since the host is practically an empty shell, we can use the silver coating on any weapons to create an opening for the steel to pierce their body and allow for the killing of the host.”
“Is there no possible way to save the host?” Gael asked, though dreading the answer.
“No, Your Highness. The spell causes too much deterioration in the host’s psyche. Even if we were to remove the spell, the hosts would just become nothing but mindless husks. It would be a mercy to simply end their pain.” Siegfried explained.
Gael took a moment to consider this, even seating himself to feel some sort of reprieve from the weight of ruling on his shoulders. He rose shortly afterwards, face still covered in a grim expression.
“I’ll inform Parliament of your findings. Though I doubt they’ll approve of any action against Gristkhal, I will keep you both in the know. For now, take the next few days off while I decide on our next approach.” He said, leaving the two scientists to themselves in the laboratory.
October took his lab coat and safety gear off, sitting for a moment to think to himself.
Now that we know what’s causing the disruption in the ecosystem, what do we do now? Of course, we have to stop Gilgarian. But how can we do so without causing a war? Even if we were to release this information to the world, they would either ignore it or believe as a will of the Goddess. What do we do, or better yet, what can we do?
“October.” Siegfried said, knocking October from his infinite loop of thoughts. “Let’s go out on the town tonight. There’s not much more that we can do here.”
With a sigh, October stood and stretched.
“You’re right, we’ve done what we can. Let me get dressed and I’ll join you.”
After donning his dragon wing sweater and silver bracelet, October left the laboratory to find Siegfried waiting for him outside.
“How long has it been since we sparred, October?” he asked.
“Not since our academia days learning to fight. Why do you ask?”
Siegfried threw October’s bastard sword to him, surprising him.
“Hope you haven’t gotten rusty, I think we’ll need these soon enough. Follow me.”
The two walked down the alleys of the ‘Market Street’ of Guilder with their swords sheathed, Siegfried’s at his side and October’s on his back. This caught a lot of attention from the citizens surrounding them, but Siegfried pushed onwards without a care.
What’s gotten into him all of a sudden? I’ve never seen him this serious…
After nearly an hour of walking in the florescent street lights, Siegfried stopped at a gigantic building with a massive dome covering the top which stood on the crossroads between the ‘Market District’ and the ‘Military District’. On the front double-doors hung a neon sign that read ‘Coliseum’.
“What are we doing here, Siegfried? We could have sparred back in the Military Research Wing.” October asked.
“I want you to give me everything you have, October. We can’t go all out in those confined spaces.” Siegfried answered, continuing through the coliseum double doors.
After travelling through the lobby and into the contestant entrance, they entered a gigantic arena with floors made of sand. Rows upon rows of empty seats stretched out for at least fifteen stories into the air surround all sides and covered by the dome, which itself was a screen to display the fight below.
“I signed the both of us up to compete in the ‘Guilder National Martial Arts Tournament’.” Siegfried explained.
“What?! Why would you do that without consulting me?” October protested.
Siegfried drew his sword.
“Regardless of whether Parliament or His Highness allows it, I am going to stop Gilgarian. We not only know what he’s doing and how he’s doing it, but also how to stop it. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try to end it.” He explained.
Siegfried took his battle stance, befitting an elegant dancer balancing his full body weight and the sword’s full weight.
“If you don’t at least place second in the tournament, I will not take you with me. I can’t jeopardize your life for my sense of heroism. I need to know that you can handle yourself.”
He knew I would have argued to go. Fine, Siegfried. I’ll prove how much I’ve grown from the little boy I used to be!
October drew his longword and carried it like a former soldier with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
“Don’t expect me to hold back, Siegfried!” October yelled as he ignited his scarlet aura. Siegfried in turn activated his teal aura, forcing a new wind to rage in the arena from the clashing auras. The two stared into each other’s eyes, waiting for the other to make the first move. Simultaneously, the two let loose a battle cry as they charged one another. As their blades clashed, vying for advantage over the other, their Ki also battled for dominance in this hurricane of energy. Sparks flew from their blades as they both resisted the other’s advances. The ground shook with the force that both aura and wielder put forth, drawing spectators from all over the city. After what seemed like hours to the fighters, they split to reassess the situation. By this point, the coliseum was filled end to end with spectators cheering for their favorite fighter.
Teal, Teal, Teal!
Red, Red, Red!
The sound would have been near deafening to the two fighters if they hadn’t been so focused on their own battle. Relaxing for a moment, Siegfried took in the magical sight.
“It looks like we’ve drawn a crowd, Oct!” he yelled.
October looked around, then up to the screen displaying an image of himself looking up.
“Crowd or not, I’m still going to kick your ass!” October yelled, rushing full force.
Siegfried readied himself for the onslaught ahead of him, blocking every slash and thrust October sent his way. He then shifted his defense to a hard offense and sent his own hurricane of slashes and thrusts. Though the human eye could follow their strikes, nothing could follow the true fight…the battle of the mind.
With each strike and each parry, their auras grew and grew. Neither would admit defeat on this day, taking the form of dragons engaging their own battle. October’s, a dragon of pure fire and rage. Siegfried’s, a dragon completely composed of the harshest winds and finesse. As the combatants increased the speed and strength of their blows, so too did the dragons follow suite.
“We’ll never get anywhere at this rate, Sieg!” October yelled, sending a kick straight into Siegfried’s blade forcing him back a few paces. “Put everything into this last attack and we’ll decide the winner now!”
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The two raised their blades into the silhouettes of energy above them, causing both dragons to form their energy around the blades. October, with is scarlet covered hand-and-a-half sword and Siegfried, with is teal longsword, both readied their blades for a full-frontal assault. Running forward, the two combatants pushed their Ki to their limits, causing azure lightning to accompany their respective auras. Passing faster than the human eye could see, the fighters swapped locations, neither looking back to their foe or releasing their battle stance. After a minute of silence and stillness, the battle finally caught up to real time. Dozens upon dozens of scarlet and teal sword slashes clashed in between the opposite facing combatants followed by the loud snapping of the both of their swords. The crowd was in an uproar at the dazzling spectacle, jumping up and down with approval. The two rivals looked down at their blades and then to each other.
“A draw, then!” Siegfried said, laughing and closing the distance to his friend.
“I supposed I’ll accept it this time, Sieg.” October, doing the same.
When the two stood face to face, they extended their arms and clasped the other’s in a display of respective rivalry.
“I won’t make it so easy for you next time, October.” Siegfried said, a cocky smile lighting his face.
“Likewise, Sieg.” October replied, same cocky smile, displaying the ignited competitive spirit within his heart.
The audience roared at the sight, leaving October and Siegfried laughing amongst themselves.
******************************************************************************
Upon leaving the coliseum, Siegfried drew his sword again and looked sadly upon his broken blade. But instead of dreading the sight, as October thought he would, he burst with laughter.
“I suppose a visit to the blacksmith is in order. How’s your sword?” Siegfried asked.
October pulled his blade from the sheath and was devastated. The bastard sword was hardly a bastard sword at all.
“It would be fine if I was wielding a bastard hilt. I’ve had this sword since school…” October sighed.
Laughing, Siegfried patted October’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry, my friend. This is what swords are made for, not breaking them at least once is disrespect to not only the sword, but the one who crafted it.” Siegfried explained. “Besides, it’s about time you had an upgrade anyways, you swing that thing like it’s a paperweight. You’re much bigger than you used to be, perhaps it’s time for something heavier.”
The two made their way down ‘Market Street’, exchanging stories of past battles that the two had individually. Upon hearing the other’s story, they exchanged proper ways to control their Ki mid-battle. Somehow, in their own way, they created a tangent that lead them to favorite places to eat.
After a lengthy walk, Siegfried stopped October in front of a small hut at the edge of ‘Market Street’. A wooden sign trimmed in steel with a steel tree engraved read ‘Gift of Life’.
“We’re here, the ‘Gift of Life’.” Siegfried said, entering the hut.
October stood outside a moment, examining the building. In more modern days, shops like these are built stronger than any other buildings with such materials as titanium and cement blocks with a system located near the center of the building to circulate air so as to not kill the owner. This, was not such a building. As October noted before, it was a shack made of wood. The only metal to be noted was on the sign and the only vent was in the top of the building, most likely above the forge itself.
This dump? I haven’t seen blacksmith shop looking like this outside of history books…
October made his way inside, finding Siegfried already speaking to the owner. At the sound of the door closing, she made her way out from behind the counter. She stood taller than even October, who stood a fair bit higher than Siegfried. Grabbing a cloth, she wiped the grease and dirt from her hands and face revealing her bronze skin and bright gold eyes. She tied her pure white hair into a pony tail behind her long, pointed ears.
“October, this is Masamune Sora. She runs the ‘Gift of Life’ and is the best swordsmith in all of Guilder.” Siegfried introduced.
“Wait, you’re the ‘Sword Master Masamune’?!” October exclaimed.
Sora rolled her eyes and sighed.
“You’re thinking of my older sister, Masamune Miyu. Honestly, that glory hog gets all the credit though she would be nothing if not for my masterpiece.” Her deep, womanly voice vented.
Siegfried pat his friend on the back, laughing.
“You certainly have a way with first impressions, my socially inept friend.” Siegfried jested. “Miyu, this is my best friend October Mourne. We’re working together on official B.I.O. business, but we have decided to take part in the upcoming tournament.” Siegfried said, as he pulled his broken sword from the sheath. “We just came back from some intense training and well…”
“You come here looking for a discount, eh Siegfried?” Miyu asked, rolling her eyes.
“Well, a discount would be nice!” Siegfried laughed. “But discount or no, your blades are by far the greatest. No smith could ever come close.”
Blushing, Miyu turned her back on Siegfried.
“Fine, fine! I will make a strong blade for you, but for him…” she said, pointing to October. “I haven’t decided yet.”
October crossed his arms and turned away.
“I assure you, Miyu, October is really a big softie underneath all this tough guy exterior. He would absolutely- “
“I don’t give a rat’s ass what his personality is like, you moron. I’m worried about his strength.” Miyu interrupted Siegfried, smacking him on the head on her way to October. “Let me evaluate your strength.”
Without warning October, Miyu put her index finger on October’s forehead and casted a spell. Her golden eyes grew brighter as if they were glowing, brighter with every word of the incantation. Once she finished the incantation, October’s eyes were forced shut, only to open in a pitch-black area. Nothing could be seen for miles around, except for his own body.
Where the hell am I?
Panes of glass formed underneath his feet stretching outwards, creating a path forward expanding for miles. With every step he took, the glass appeared to be shattered and ready to break. But the longer October stood on the cracked panes, the more confident he became in its durability.
No use standing around waiting for an explanation. Might as well push forward.
October reached behind his back where his sword would be, but felt nothing.
Oh…right. Even if it was here, not like it’d do much.
Quickly, but cautiously, October pushed forward. The farther he went on the trail of broken panes, the more and more cracked they became until a large horizontal mirror formed up ahead with four weapons floating in mid-air. October stepped on this mirror and looked upon his reflection on the floor.
The same figure with his black ponytail and bangs stared back at him, as he remembered…though something was different. His eyes were not the same hazel he saw every day in the mirror, but the color of dark blood and flame. Disregarding this weird occurrence, October approached the row of weapons. A great sword, a battle axe, a rapier, and a pair of bladed gauntlets all floated before him. He reached for the sword and a voice assaulted his mind as if it was screamed directly into his ears.
The soul of the Dark Knight. One who fights for justice through…alternative means. Your affinity with this destiny is higher than any destinies present.
October jumped back and took a fighting stance, prepared for any earlier unidentified presence.
“Who’s there? Show yourself!” he yelled.
You, who will struggle against those whom you deem trustworthy, will have a difficult path ahead. Battling ally after ally, even against your very own mind. The path of the Dark Knight is not one traversed lightly, for there shall be little light to guide your way. Neither shall that light shine upon those with betrayal in their eyes. Goddesses grant you luck, weary traveler. You will certainly need it for survival.
The sword disappeared from in front of October and appeared in his hands. Anger growing, he took the stance of a seasoned soldier and called out to the darkness surrounding him.
“Enough games! Come out of hiding or I’ll force you out!”
Odd…you have also displayed an affinity for the Berserker. Your path will be treacherous indeed.
The battle axe evaporated into small orbs of energy, traveling into the great sword that October held.
The Berserker cares not for allies, for he will surely harm them in their rage. Though they possess good intentions, they are cast aside once their mind succumbs to the mountain of rage they hide within their breast. Your path will be one of solitude and fear of harming those you hold dear. Combining the soul of the Dark Knight and the Berserker, you will be a powerful warrior. Though your control will be weaker than the tiniest mouse, armies will shudder at the very mention of your name…allies and enemies alike.
October’s anger finally exploded, taking the form of a small orb of light in his right hand. He held it above his head and crushed it in his hand, shining light upon the darkened area. This shattered the darkness like glass, revealing plains stretching far with a setting sun overhead. The light, northern breeze caused the tall grass to sway, creating an orchestra that only nature could create.
October turned to find the shadow that the sun created taking a shape much larger than himself. Twisting with crimson and ebony smoke, a massive dragon with blood dripping from its teeth took form. Its eyes burned like boiling blood, and violet lighting illuminated its back in the form of wings. It roared an ear-piercing roar, causing storm clouds to form in the evening sky. Taking flight, the dragon only had one goal…October’s death.
Activating his aura, October readied himself for the coming onslaught of crimson and violet. Just before the moment of impact, the dragon launched bolts of lightning in his direction.
“Shit!” October yelled, rolling out of the way of the spears of electricity.
Regaining his balance, October ran towards the dragon that was now flying his way. Sword at the ready, he waited for his opportunity to strike. Just before the dragon would launch its lightning, he would attack.
Come on…come on!
The dragon lifted its wings, ready to fire the lightning.
There!
October jumped high into the air and onto the dragon’s back. With the dragon’s increased speed, he was launched towards the tail. October drove his sword deep into the scales and ignited his aura brighter.
“Take this!” he yelled as he scaled the dragon’s back, sword still deep in the dragon’s flesh.
Once he made it to the dragon’s neck, it fell to the ground with the gushing wound spurting black blood. October drove the sword deeper into the dragon’s neck with both hands, ending its life. After the dragon’s final breath, the entire body evaporated into red and black energy. All the energy violently entered the sword with such a ferocity that sent the sword flying out of October’s grasp and stuck into the dirt standing upright. Upon October grasping the sword again, everything was once again enveloped in darkness. Siegfried then appeared, clad in pearl colored plate and engulfed in a teal flame.
No…not again.
Closing the distance, Siegfried plunged his teal blade into October’s heart.
“Why…Siegfried?”
Siegfried only smiled before setting October aflame.
******************************************************************************
October opened his eyes to find that he was on the floor of the ‘Gift of Life’ drenched in cold sweat, Siegfried standing above him worried.
“Hey, are you alright? What happened in there?” Siegfried asked.
“Give him some space, Siegfried!” Miyu yelled. “Run to the convenience store down the street and grab some water and chocolates. We need to get his blood sugar and Mana back up.”
Siegfried nodded and ran out the door to fulfill the request. Miyu pulled October to his feet and sat him down on a nearby chair.
“W-what the hell was that…?” October struggled to ask.
Miyu crossed her arms and began her long explanation.
“That was supposed to be a compatibility test to help me determine what your weapon would be. I was examining you the whole time.” Miyu explained. “That dragon was a manifestation of your inner anger and struggle against yourself. What I need to know, is why the hell that malicious looking Siegfried was there.”
She stared, frustrated and looking for answers.
October clutched his head from the massive pain shooting all across it.
“I had a dream a few days ago…a nightmare would more accurately describe it. I was in a blank void, running. I then came across Siegfried in full plate armor and a teal flame surrounding him. He encircled me in flame and began to burn me alive. That’s when Gilgarian came out from behind him and tipped his hat.” October explained. “That’s where the dream ends.”
Miyu touched two fingers to her right temple, brows furrowed in concentration.
“Does your family have any Fae ancestry?” she asked.
“Not that I know of…”
“Any Elvish relatives that you can think of?”
“No, I think I’d know- “
“Dwarven cousins? Father indulge in any Pixie prostitutes?”
“Pixie prostitutes?! What the hell- “
“Any halfling relation? Any- “
“What the hell does any of this have to do with why I have these dreams?!” October screamed, standing fiercely and throwing the chair aside.
Surprised at the sudden shift in tone, Miyu continued with her explanation.
“Humans don’t possess nearly the required Mana for anything above basic spell casting, October.” She explained. “And from what I’ve been hearing, these aren’t merely dreams. They’re visions of the future, grim ones at that.”
Moments later, Siegfried burst in with almost all the items that Miyu asked for.
“They didn’t have any chocolates, so I bought different sweets instead. I hope that it- “he stopped suddenly when he saw that the two others were staring at him.
“They’ll be fine, his Mana seems to have stabilized now.” Miyu reassured. “I’ll make your sword, October. If you’re fine waiting a while.”
October nodded, sending Miyu back to her forge with a little bit of attitude in her body language. Siegfried just stood there holding the sweets, confusion written all over his face.
“What…happened while I was gone?” he asked.
October laughed, pressing his hands in his temples trying to stop the headache.
“I don’t really know, but could I get that water now, Sieg?”