“Hello there.” The woman said with a smile as watched us.

I was surprised by her tone of voice and expression as well as her speaking in common. She seemed happy to see us at first.

“Are you two from the front lines? How is the war going?” She asked as she stepped forward clasping her hands together.

When she took a step towards us I instinctively raised my shield. This seemed to surprise her as well. She stepped back and lowered herself into a curtsy.

“Please forgive me… I haven't heard any news and I’m worried for my father.” She said from her curtsy before slowly rising up and looking at us with a smile.

Again I’m speechless as I’m stuck there trying to think of something to do or say.

“Sorry my lady… we were... sent to speak with Sir Ge’us.” Nix said covering for us as she gave a smile to the young woman.

“Oh I’m afraid you just missed him… he said he was going out to hunt for dinner tonight. You're more then welcome to stay until he returns.” She offers again with what seems like a genuine smile.

I glance at Nix as she does the same to me. Both of us are trying to see what to do next. Until a thought came to mind.

“Pardon my rudeness… are you lady Aly’cia by any chance?” I asked her, seeming curious of her answer and slowly figuring out what was going on here.

“Aly’cia Mek’see future duchess to the Mek’see estate at your service.” When she spoke her name a big red flag went up in my mind.

I was wrong… Whel’a isn't here; what idiot would keep two lovers together under the same roof. Ge’us must be keeping Whel’a somewhere else; and that means both me and Nix are in deep shit. I look to Aly’cia as my mind raced with thoughts and plans of what to do. We were supposed to find Wehl’a and get back to town… but now we have the reason why those two monsters are fighting in the first place right in front of us. I mentally cursed at myself at the first plan that formed in my head.

“Lady Aly’cia… we actually have some… information that may disturb you.” I said as I looked her in the eyes.

“We believe… Ge’us to be a… trader.” I spoke with slight hesitation as I looked at Aly’cia.

There was a moment of silence as I waited for the information to sink in. I then watched as she raised a hand up. Her fingers outstretched as she pointed them towards us. Acting on instinct I tackle Nix to the floor just as a torrent of fire shot past up and crashed through a nearby window. The stones that made up the walls now charred and black from the fire as we slowly rose up.

“To think that insergents would be stupid enough to try and decive me.” She said in rage as I watched her prepare another fireball.

“Wait wait… We can prove we’re not trying to trick you!” I screamed out as I raised up my shield trying to protect the both of us.

I didn't realize at the time I had shouted to her in Me’cus tongue.

“How… how do you know that tongue?” She asked, seeming surprised and still angry.

Seeing as tricking her was and still is a bad idea I began telling her the truth. She doubted me and said there was a way to test my claims of being a shifted one.

“Show me your records.” I swiped my hand down bringing out my records like I did with Elva before.

I watched as Aly’cia stepped forward towards the small screen that displayed my records. I witnessed as she leaned close to the screen and gently whispered something to it. The screen seemed to deform a little between us as the records that were displayed changed showing something else. It now displayed the three scores that I first saw on my arm with my records. It also displayed names. I only knew one name that I could remember. Though from the look on Aly’cia’s face the fact I had two of these names was strange. I kept my knowledge about one of the names quiet as I waited to see how Aly’cia would react.

Her wide eyes told me; she was just as surprised as me by the two names. I watched as she quickly knelt before me, placing a hand over her chest. And for the… honestly after that point I lost track of how many times this world surprises me.

“Please forgive me… I did not realize…” She begins to say before I interrupt her.

“It’s fine… it’s fine… but we need to figure something out.” I started trying to stay on track.

“Do you know any buildings… structures outside of town that Ge’us knows about?” I ask, trying to work fast in figuring out possible places he may have hid her.

Aly’cia tells us about an old hunter that used to live in the woods and would come by selling furs. Aly’cia grabbed a sword from the castle and began leading us towards the hunters cabin. The three of us rushed through the forest following her directions. When we finally arrived at the cabin which honestly had seen better days. It was easy to hear something coming from within the building. We began making our way towards the cabin only to stop as we saw a figure being thrown from one of the windows out onto the yard in front of the building.

The figure that slowly rose up from the ground was Whel’a dressed in again torn clothing. The remains of a weapon in hand that had been broken. Though the one thing that drew everyone's attention was arm dangling by a small piece of flesh. She was breathing heavily as she stood up and looked toward us. Though I noticed that Whel’a’s attention was solely fixed on Aly’cia. Reason why I know this is because as we made our way to her I tackled Whel’a to the ground avoiding a familiar ahlberd that had been thrown like a spear at her. The Halberd passing by us with great speed and force that caused it to punch into the trunk of a nearby tree.

“I should have ended you all those years ago.” Came the familiar voice of the male revenant as he stepped out of the hut through a side door.

The look of anger in his eyes caused me to go into defensive mode out of instinct. His gaze slowly turned to Aly’cia; she seemed to be just as angry as him. A short silent moment passed between every one; though from the intent everyone was admitting that short moment felt like hours passed. Without warning Aly’cia fired off a spell; a small torrent of fire shooting out from her hand. Seeing our chance I quickly wrapped my arm around Whel’a and began pulling her away. Nix rushed around to meet us halfway where I placed Whel’a against a tree. I could still feel the heat from Aly’cia’s fire even from behind the tree. Setting Whel’a down I look to her wound as I notice her arm still dangling only by a small chunk of her flesh. I honestly wanted to vomit as I watched it swing back and forth like the pendulum of a clock. Though seeing Nix vomit made me reconsider; swallowing the vomit back down I looked at Nix.

“Help Aly’cia…” I ordered her as I began treating Whel’a arm.

Seeing the wound it was easy to see she had suffered a massive cut; most likely from the halberd Ge'us had used. Looking back maybe I should have taken the halberd with me; but in the moment I had let it slip my mind. After quickly wrapping Whel’as arm I placed both my hands on it. I took a deep breath hoping that the one healing spell I have could at least make this wound less severe. As I breathed out; feeling the breath leave my lungs past my lips I began to feel a warmth in my hands. As I let the warm collect between my hands and into Whel’a I could feel myself grow only slightly weaker. My muscles didn't ache or were tired. I could just feel my awareness grow heavy; almost like I was over do for some sleep. When the warmth ended and I looked down I watched as Whel’a slowly moved her fingers about before curling them into a fist. I then smack the back of her head.

“You run off like that again and Ge'us will be the last thing…” I began to say only to be interrupted as the Whel’a pushed me away.

Avoiding the axe head of the halberd that was swung down where I was. Seeing Ge’us not too far away I pulled my sword from the sheath swinging at him. I only knocked against his armor before I charged forward trying to thrust my sword between the plates of armor. Though I didn't get close as I was pushed away with a kick and the hit with the side of the halberd that sent me a small distance away. Rolling backwards before I came to a stop; looking up I watched as Ge’us was hit with a blast of ice from Nix that froze his feet. Before a stream of fire hit him in the back of the chest plate.

I quickly scrambled to my feet as I ran around him out of his weapon’s reach. Whel’a rushing back away as Ge’us let out an angered roar that almost… sounded demonic. The blast of flames early seemed to only enrage him as he pulled his foot free of the ice. Breaking the frozen shackles easily before he turned back to face all of us. His hair was a mess and the demonic roar from earlier gave way to a mad look in his eyes. He began talking though it was hard to tell what he was saying. He seemed to be rambling incoherently switching between the four of us. Though I noticed his attention slowly grow more fixated on Aly’cia. My eyes begin glancing between the two as Ge’us kept talking.

“And then finally… after the witch was gone you began to see me!” Ge’us yelled out loud enough to scare some birds nearby.

“I… won't let it be taken away again!” After he said that he began speaking gibberish again.

Though looking back on it now; maybe the gibberish he was speaking wasn't that at all. I only saw out of the corner of my eye as Aly’cia’s eyes seemed to twitch slightly before she dropped the sword she had brought with her. Nix readied another spell and was about to use it before I pushed it away making a small fireball miss both of us. When I looked to Aly’cia I saw her eyes giving off a faint glow to them. Her expression was cold as she pointed another fire spell at the two of us. Whel’a watching in horror soon gained herself as she caused Aly’cia to misfire during a struggle. My attention quickly changes to Ge’us as he rushes forward. Quickly picking up my shield I rushed him. Bashing into his shield first and getting him away from the girls.

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“WHY!!!???” He yells out as I raise up my sword and shield taking a fighting stance.

Ge’us thrust the halberd spear to me; glancing off the shield. I swung the sword down only to be blocked by the shaft of Ge'us weapon. I stepped back avoiding a quick slash from the spearhead before blocking the same thing that tried stabbing me. When he raised the halberd high to try and bring the axe head down on me I brought my shield up letting that push the blade off to the side. I pushed forward keeping the shield between me and the polearm. Soon bashing against Ge'us; I stabbed my blade up under the chest plate of the armor forcing it deep. I watched Ge’us double over in slight pain before I felt a metal fist connect with my head. Having hit me with a back fist of his gauntlet I staggered back a bit unaware that I had a small wound on my forehead now. Though I became aware of it when the blood dripped down the side of my face.

I braced my stance again though too late as I blocked the axe head of the halberd but was sent stumbling back by the force behind it. I landed on my side and rolled off to the side to avoid Ge’us as he stabbed at the ground where I had been. Quickly getting to my feet one thing became clear to me at that moment. I couldn't kill this guy with normal means; after being stabbed by a sword in the gut he should at least have a hard time moving and yet it seemed like it did nothing. I thought for a moment that maybe if I called out for help from Nix and Whel’a they could help. But then that would mean having both the; what I assumed to be mind controlled Aly’cia and crazed Ge’us at us. I could hear the sound of the Nix and Whel’a’s battle going on out of sight. Though I didn't pay much tension to it; the least I could do now was keep this guy’s attention on me.

I lost track of how long we had been fighting; his movements seemed aquirate in some areas why wild in others. His thrusts only missed me by inches thanks to my shield; which was beginning to grow weaker and weaker the longer this went on. The wide movements with the axe head showing the wild side he tried to hold back. The axe head swinging at me off by such small angles that the force behind it would be the only thing I would feel from it. During the fight I gained sight of Nix, Whel’a and Aly’cia. Whel’a holding Aly’cia as Nix trying frantically to figure out what was giving Ge’us control. During one engagement where I pinned Ge’us against a tree I noticed something that had slipped up out of his armor. A small purple jeweled necklace that must have been hidden under his armor; only to be tossed loose into view by the constant fighting. Ge’us and O look at each other as we both realize his secret weapon has been revealed.

I keep him pinned to the tree as I stable my sword through his leg staking it to the tree. With my sword now keeping him from moving along me pressing down on him I rip the necklace from him. I guess it was that action that sent him over the edge into a wild fury. He let out again an almost demonic roar; being so close to it my ears ached in pain. And I couldn't cover them unless I wanted to give him a chance to attack. I press the edge of my shield up against the underside of his chin trying to silence him as best I could.

“NIX!!” I screamed out before tossing the jewel towards them; the best I could.

The jewel landed part way between us; I guess Nix saw it and connected the dots like I had. Leaving Whel’a to hold Aly’cia down; Nix rushed to the jewel; it was here where I lost my concentration and was sent down to my knee by a stomp. I quickly looked up only to be kicked away. I scrambled to my feet again; just in time to watch Ge’us raise his pole arm up and throw it like a spear. My eyes watched the moment carefully; I don't know why but I remembered everything in that short moment; the feeling of my muscles aching; the way the polearm flew through the air aimed at someone I cared for. Even with sore muscles and aching body; I still moved; pushing forward; dropping what remained of my shield. One arm outstretched; in a vain attempt to try and catch something that was out of my reach.

At that moment I thought of why had this happened; had this world's goods seen this as a game from their seats? And yet here we all are; A beast girl fighting for strangers she barely knows. Two women who shared a fate; a man driven into madness by time or self isolation. And me; a guy simply wanting to survive and go home; maybe it’s the old teachings my family put in me; or those old cheesy cartoons I used to watch as a kid. But seeing this scene before me; I couldn't help my instincts; wanting to aid these three in setting themselves free. But then again who am I to be a hero? All I’m good for at the moment is taking the hits.

Suddenly just as the spear point was about to pierce Nix a deep metallic ringing could be heard. I can't speak for Whel’a, Aly’cia, Nix, or Ge’us; but hearing that deep ringing I felt something in me shift. My soul felt light as I watched the polearm fall to the ground not leaving a scratch on Nix. Nix holding the jeweled necklace seemed just as surprised as I did. Though her surprise expression soon turned to confusion when she looked at me. I had stopped in my tracks seeing the danger to my friend passed; though I think stopping is what made me take notice. My chest began to ach; even though I felt a little lighter. My breaths became labored; half of my body suddenly became heavier.

I then felt something warm running down my stomach and side staining my shirt and pants. Looking down to my chest I saw the problem; I had begun to bleed; a large narrow bloody stain appeared on my clothes. Confusion began to take over my face as well; as I looked back up to Nix who sat there on her knees. I wanted to yell to Nix about breaking the jewel; to destroy it. But my voice came out in a horsed tone that made it impossible to understand. I tried taking a step only to fall to the ground; I had landed on my side. My vision grew blurry; my thoughts focused on telling Nix what had to be done. I took hold of the grass that had grown in front of me. Using what strength I had to pull myself closer.

“BREAK IT!!!” I screamed out with what was left of my voice and the air in my last good lung.

I believe I looked at Nix to scream so she could hear me. My vision was still blurry as I watched the hunched over figure of Nix drop the jewel and quickly grab the halberd Ge’us had thrown. That familiar demonic roar could be heard again from Ge’us; he was struggling as the sword I had used to stack him to the tree through his leg kept him bound. Nix raised the halberd axe up high, struggling as it was heavy. Using all her strength she brought the axe head down on to the jewel. As the metal of the blade struck against the hardened jeweled an explosion of darkness burst out from the jewel.

What followed soon after the explosion of darkness was the sound of metal snapping. Ge’us had broken my sword in half; as it was the cross guard keeping him from sliding his leg off. And the sword didn't want to be removed from the tree. So breaking the sword and pulling the broken half from his leg was his only choice. He watched on in horror as the darkness pulled in a small cloud just over the remains of the jewel. Before rushing off into the sky out of sight. My breathing was still labored at this point; I only knew of what happened from the audible sounds around me; and seeing the faint dark cloud out of the top edge of my sight.

After the cloud had rushed off a deep silence fell over us all. The silence didn't stop Ge’us as I watched him step over me. The hilt of my sword and it's broken blade held in his hand. I don't know why; but seeing the look of pure anger and rage on him brought a smile to my face. Maybe it was because I pissed off the bad guy; or maybe it was because even though I lost the battle for my life I had won the war for theirs. Either way, seeing the small smile on my lips seemed to only enrage him even more. He raised my broken sword up; my guess to try and deal the killing blow with the broken blade. I continued to watch him still smiling as he brought down the blade.

But to his and my surprise the blade was stopped by something; a sheet of ice that had formed over my chest blocking him. In that moment the two of us had forgotten the one thing universal to all worlds. Don't forget about the ladies; which Ge’us was reminded of when he was forced back by a ball of fire that had hit his chest. Another quickly followed pushing Ge’us back further; the male revenant unable to fight back against the machine firing of spells aimed at him. My vision continued to grow blurryer and blurryer; I had barely registered when Nix rushed to my side in a panic. Ripping my shirt open and beginning to tend to my wound; My body felt cool and calm as Nix placed her hands over my wound. I could feel something dripping onto my bare chest as I heard varying voices speaking all together. Feeling what I assumed was Nix’s magic flowing through me to heal me, I let out a chuckle; though it hurt like hell.

“You fucking Moron!” I heard one of the voices call out to me as my vision slowly grew clearer.

“Whel’a the sword!” I heard the affirmative voice of Aly’cia call out.

When the pain in my chest had begun to fade and I could start to feel the weakened part of my body better I took in a breath. Feeling the cool mountain air fill my lungs gave me a bit more energy. My eyes shooting open and my vision returning to normal as I see Nix huddled over me, her hands pressed firmly over my wound. Her cheeks were stained with tears as she covered me. I begin to laugh at the situation I was in; after all any good man would love to have such a lovely girl laid on top of him.

“Hey… you didn't roofie me did you?” I asked jokingly, seeming to surprise Nix as her head shot up and she looked me dead in the eyes.

I saw the tears begin to stream from her eyes again. I reached a weakened hand up to try and cup her cheeks. I hadn't noticed her raising her own hand that then smacked me across the face.

“Owww…” Is all I say as I cup the cheek that was struck before I feel a pair of lips against my own.

Needless to say I was fully awake at the moment when Nix pulled her lips away from mine. And yet again my fathers joking nature began to override everything in my head at this moment.

“Was I that bad in…” I didn't finish the joke as I pulled Nix close and rolled with her away from where we were.

Ge’us having just landed where we once were with a hard impact leaving a small foot shaped dent in the earth. He and I lock eyes as I cover Nix with my body now; my mind racing with thoughts of what to do. With Aly’cia back we have the upper hand but so far her magic isn't causing as much damage as I thought it would. Considering he’s an undead, magic should work on them; but then again this world might have different rules. Ge’us’s attention was drawn away as he looks to Whel’a. I look in the same direction he was; seeing Whel’a now holding the sheathed sword Aly’cia brought with her. He began charging at her; whether out of rage or because he wanted a weapon I didn't know. I lean down quickly kissing Nix on the cheek before rushing off; why I had done it; I still don't know. Rushing to Ge’us I tackled him to the ground where we began to wrestle. His heavy armor proved difficult for both sides as I tried what little grappling I thought would work. Closest thing I could manage to get as a good hold was the top mounted arm bar.

Though it didn't last long as I heard the sound of bones snapping beneath me. And the normal hand quickly twisted back grabbing my arm. I guess because he’s undead, normal human body mechanics don't apply to him. As seen when he tried to force me to face the plant into the ground. Having been pulled from the mount I heard the sound of bones snapping again before I was thrown a small distance away. Ge’us honestly seemed to have lost all sense of his normal self; at this point one could easily mistake him for a demon. Another fireball hit him in the chest, sending him back a little. Looking to Aly’cia it was easy to see she wasn't going to last much longer. We have to end this; I regroup with Nix, Aly’cia, and Whel’a.

“Damn I thought magic worked well against the undead.” I said as I placed my hands on my knees trying to rest for this short moment.

“Normally yes… but considering he… along with us are revenant… this is a difficult case.” Aly’cia said panting as well; she took the sheathed sword from Whel’a and held the handle to me.

“Which is why I brought…” Again we were interrupted when Ge’us roared and threw his halberd at us.

We dodged the thrown weapon as I wasn't looking forward to that feeling again. I grabbed the sword and pulled it out; this one was different from one I had previously. Rather than a double edge sword this one was single with flared tip; like a straight bodied scimitar. The handle had a large open D guard to it; I didn't look at the records of the weapon as honestly we didn't have the time.

“You guys got one more fight in you?” I asked as I kept my eyes on Ge’us who was now charging at us like a wild animal.

They agreed with simple hums; I took a stance that came naturally; the system again telling me or using me; I don't fully know. I took a deep breath as I began to charge forward on my own. If this sword was special like Aly’cia told me then hopefully I could use it. Again my mind seemed to slow in the moment; as I saw Ge’us legs being shackled to the spot by ice around his legs. I slipped to the left letting a fire pass by my head by inches as it struck Ge’us armor making it crack and open up parts of it. Continuing my charge I rushed forwarded; thrusting the blade through Ge’us chest down to the guard of the sword.