When we returned back to Lurc; me and Nix talked amongst ourselves. I was hesitant to bring Whel’a into town. Mostly because bringing an undead into town would cause a massive panic if she was found out.

“Since there’s no official Mosque here, I don't think there will be any problem.” Nix said as she looked from me to Whel’a.

I guess Mosque’s are important in this world as well. But still I was curious about one thing.

“Should I report her to the lord?” I asked Nix as I looked at Whel’a who seemed to only be looking at Lurc.

Given that she was buried for so long I guess seeing the world change would be a shock.

“True… thought I’m unsure what he’ll say…” Nix said thinking out loud.

“I’ll go in and speak with him first… Nix can you keep an eye on her?” I asked as I noticed her glance to Whel’a for a moment in thought.

I mostly kept to myself during the walk to the lord's house, waving to a few of the townspeople as I walked past. When I arrived at the lord's house he greeted me at the front door. We spoke rather frankly about how Nix and I came to find Whel’a. When I asked him about the Me’cus tongue he mentioned that it’s considered a dead tongue these days. Mostly known to those studying history; apparently the old kingdom that used to sit between the oligarchy and theocracy was a large mystery to ‘modern’ people. When I brought up Whel’a and her being from a nearby town Gryff seemed to grow concerned the same as me.

He leaned back in his seat, seeming to be in thought. His eyes looked off to the side as though he was trying to visualize something. I remained quiet as I also thought about a few things. It was unavoidable that Gryff would find out that I knew Me’cus, but what concerned me is that I knew that language without even studying it. Whatever this world; these gods are doing I can't help but feel is changing me. Being able to fight with a sword and shield even though I’ve never held them before. Being able to speak a language I’ve never known I could, being able to see things others can't. Surely this world is turning me into something that’s not me. After a short silence Gryff began to speak again.

“A remnant of all things… and you say there’s two…?” He asked, sounding worried which was understandable.

I simply nodded my head yes as my answer.

“Are remnants rare?” I asked curious as I knew they were a monster but curious of how they’re viewed in this world.

“There are stories… some say that a small few of the elite are ones… there are also some religious tales as well… Such as the goddess Larethian bringing back a devoted follower. Though between you and me I can't help but feel some of these stories are… fanned.” Gryff said as he shifted in his seat; in the end he allowed Whel’a into the town; under the condition that either me or Nix keep a close eye on her at all times.

I agreed to the condition; after all, leaving a second undead out in the wild while the first one is still roaming around is just waiting for an explosive to go off. There was also the condition of my reports having been updated weekly now. I didn't complain after all. It gave me an excuse to speak with Gryff. And during normal conversation he’s rather interesting to talk to. After confirming that everything was ok with Whel’a being allowed into the city I went back to the location where her and Nix had stayed. I found them seeming to try and form a rough way of communication. Though that’s a rough guess, they seem to be growling and making various animal noises at each other.

When they noticed I returned I saw Nix blush a little. And Whel’a looked at me, though her look seem to be more judgmental than before where it was harsh and cold. I spoke to Whel’a about her being allowed into the town along with the conditions that were discussed. She reluctantly agreed; I then said the same thing to Nix who nodded in understanding. Walking through town we stopped by the general store; much like before to mostly get Whel’a some proper clothes. After all, she can only wear the sleeping blanket for so long. She ended up picking some femine clothing and quickly changed. As she changed I spoke with Nix; mostly curious what she and Whel’a were speaking about while I was gone. Her face blushed quickly as she seemed to stutter over her words.

“Oh… w...we were speaking primal tongue…” Nix said as she seemed to dance around something.

I didn't pry, everyones allowed their secrets, until they are ready to tell them. Turns out Whel’a knew an older form of primal tongue which is the main language spoken among beast kin apparently. It didn't occur to me that Whel’a might be able to talk in multiple tongues. Though it makes me curious why, after all there’s a few different reasons why you learn a second language; either it’s because it’s needed or because you're curious about it. After Whel’a was dressed in proper clothing, me and nix led her to the inn we had been staying at.

Though this is where a new problem appeared for us. Given that one of the conditions of Whel’a being able to stay; that one of us has to keep eyes on her at all times. We all three sat in silence for a bit before I came up with an idea. I spoke with the innkeeper and managed to get Nix and Whel’a upgraded to a different room. It made sense that they should stay together. At least this way their privacy shouldnt be a problem. Though the amount of coins a day went up by two. Between me and Nix we had earned a good income but this would add to our work load.

A week passed and so far no one seems to notice that Whel’a was undead. I think mostly because she stuck to town and seemed to be rather calm. Me and Nix alternated who would watch her. During my time watching her she mostly stayed quiet; I tried asking her for information if any that could help us. But she still remained silent; I guess whatever that other remnant did made her distrustful of Shifted Ones. During the days where Nix watched her I would go out hunting. During these times I mostly kept close to town; after all that other remnant will come across the hole we left.

I had managed to grow my skills with bows and arrows. I’m no Robin Hood but I can at least hit Cervos now. Though it takes three to five shots to bring the thing down. And unlike deer that try to run away these things will charge at their attacker. I had to keep my distance when hunting those things. I can only hit one a day; thankfully some of the other hunters helped with transporting it back to town. Though today… was different, I was walking through a trail when I noticed a familiar figure in the distance. What tipped me off first was the subtitle clanking of armor. Appearing from the tree line in the distance was the same armored figure, carrying with him that old halberd axe. I stop as I watch him closely, what drew my attention to most right now was the furrowed brow and frowning lips. He held the long pole weapon face up. He stops a few feet in front of me; that hard aggressive expression on his face. His expression quickly changes to a more softer tone though. I remained on guard though as I watched him. Giving him a smile of my own so nothing started.

“Hello again my friend.” He said as he waved his free hand to me.

We both began walking towards each other.

“I’m sorry I don't have anything to sell you this time.” I said giving an empty arm gesture to him.

“Oh no… truth be told I’m on the hunt for something… unique.” I noticed his eyes looking over me for a quick moment.

I could feel the air grow stiff as we looked at each other.

“I see… well I hope you have…” I begin to say before I step off to the side watching the axe head of the halberd come down smacking into the ground where I once stood.

Out of instinct as I stepped to the side I pulled back the arrow on the bow’s draw string. Keeping it pointed to the head of the man. The cold eyes looked at me with the gaze of a man wanting to kill. I said no words. I kept the arrow drawn back. With such a close distance between us it wouldn't be hard to hit him with the arrow.

“So you are one… interesting.” He said as he slowly drew the weapon back.

I kept the arrow drawn as I began to step back. My eyes never left him as he gave a rough chuckle.

“So, guess you're a Shifted One as well?” I asked as I watched him stab the spiked butt end of the halberd into the ground.

“I am…” Is all he says; leaving me to wonder how he had figured out where I slipped up.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Did I start speaking Me’cus without realizing it again? Or did I do it when we first met? He raises his hands up slowly in a surrendering gesture. I didn't believe him and kept my aim trained on him.

“I’m guessing your american....?” He asked as we both stood there.

I debated on firing my shot and running away at that moment. After all, I can't hold this forever.

“Born and raised… and I’m guessing you're not hunting me…” I stated a matter of factly.

“Observant… though I’m guessing you don't know the full story?” He asked.

I remained silent, curious about what he meant. I did have questions such as why he was hunting her.

“Just so you know… that woman is dangerous.” He said, grabbing my attention.

“Says the man that just tried attacking me.” I pointed out as we continued to stand there.

Once again silence fell between us as we stood there. He gave a small smile as he bowed his head slightly.

“My apologies… but I had to make sure she didn't sink her claws into you like she had done before.” He stated simply.

I remained silent as I slowly lowered the arrow though keeping it notched just in case.

“Guess she wasn't able to use you for some reason?” I asked curious about what he would say.

“While she once had a far reach it didn't stop me from achieving what I wanted.” He said with a prideful smile.

I remained quiet as I allowed him to speak.

“After all, why would such a witch lay a claw on my beloved?” He said with an ominous tone of voice.

The conversation between us ended rather quickly. The man who I had given me the name Rush’la had been the one to bury the girl alive, by order of his mistress. He said that Whel’a had been caught selling military information to an enemy spy. And her punishment was to be buried alive; apparently execution by blade, or poison is considered taboo among Mechanus followers. They believe that the body is a blessing from their god and must be returned in proper condition. Though honestly I was taking all this information with a grain of salt. I also noticed something that made me question Rush’la. Whenever he talked about his Mistress I couldn't help but notice a strange look in his eyes. It reminded me of some crazed people I used to deal with back when I worked security.

The look in their eyes that showed they desired something. The endless depth that told you their soul had long faded from them. One thing was clear with him; he valued his mistress; almost like something that he wished to covet for himself. The topic of him being a remnant didn't come up and I honestly didn't want to press on it. After all that would be showing my own hand as well. And right now all he knows is that I’m not from this world. I haven't spoken about any of my abilities or such. Though there’s the chance that he can see my records as I can see his own. After parting I made sure to keep my guard up; I didn't want to follow him as that would tip him off that I don't trust him. Though that doesn't mean I didn't consider his words.

When returning back to town I sold what I had gotten from the hunt. Most of which went to paying for the rental rooms and much needed items. That night after Nix had gone to bed I stayed up late with Whel’a sitting in the common area of the inn. We sat by the fireplace, at the time the only people there were me and Whel’a along with the innkeeper's daughter tending to things in the back. I kept quiet even though I wanted to ask questions; the main question I wanted to ask was what she knew about the other remnant. But considering the last time I spoke of him and how it had gotten such a negative response it made me pause.

“So… how did you learn to speak Me’cus? I’m guessing schools aren't common in this world?” I asked in our shared language.

“The Study Hall… all children attend when they’re young. Or used to…” She said as she turned her attention from me to the small fire.

I guess she had learned that her old home must have faded.

“What would you learn there?” I asked curious.

“Whatever one wished to learn. So long as they had the desire to learn, the hall was open to them.” I was surprised by that; mostly because it seemed like a possible place where I could learn more about Shifted Ones.

“Really? Guessing that caused a few problems?” I asked, which seemed to make her look at me cautiously.

“Yes… thought from what I’ve heard of your world you have many more problems.” She said calmly to which I shrugged as my world did have problems.

“I guess idiocy is a multiverse language.” I said with a small chuckle at my own inside joke.

“More true than any of the three gifts.” She said with her own smile.

“I’m surprised you know of Mechanus’ teachings. I heard the gods left your world long ago.” She said as she turned to face me again.

“I don't know much about Mechanus… but I have studied stoic teachings back in my world.” I said as I reached over and tossed a log into the dying fire.

“I used to listen to various stoic works during work to help keep me awake.” I said as I couldn't help but notice the look in her eyes.

“Tell me… why are you helping me? After all, I drew your blood.” She asked a question that was all too familiar with me.

I remained silent for a moment. Honestly in the moment it felt like I should say something about just wanting to do the right thing. But I knew that wasn't true to me at least after all Whel’a was still an unknown factor to me.

“Don't know honestly… either my family’s teachings about treating people right. Or maybe the fact that none of this world sits right with me.” I said thinking out loud.

For the next minute we both sat there in silence before Whel’a spoke up.

“Tell me… what will you do once our business ends?” She asked as she looked me dead in the eyes.

I guess she’s thinking I'll end up as the other shifted one before me. Can't blame her for being worried about the future.

“If you want my honest answer… try and survive as best I can. That’s all I can do right now.” I said solemnly; knowing that answer might make her more mad.

The next morning it was my day to watch Whel’a as Nix was asked to water the field again. The two of us mostly went out shopping for supplies. Whel’a seemed to socialize well with the citizens as we went about shopping. She also began to speak in broken common. The day passed by rather quietly until later that evening. Nix sat and spoke with some of the residences of the Inn while I went up to my room. I wanted to clean out my gear bag. Mostly throw away things that were no longer needed. Such as empty food bags and such; Though I did keep a few to hold various herbs and wild fruit we came across. I also wanted to keep a few because they could make quick water filters.

I was half way through cleaning out my pack when I heard the door to the room open. Looking up I saw Whel’a standing there; she held a knife out close to her side. I stood still with one hand still on my pack to use a shield if needed. The two of us stood in that silence for the longest time; I felt the tension in the air between us as I watched her closely. Waiting to see how she would move so I could defend myself.

“If I’ve done something to piss you off… I’m…” I begin to say but stop when I hear her speak.

“Stop… lying…” She said with a shaky voice.

I kept quiet waiting to see if she would say anything else. The look in her eyes, a panic manic look that showed instability was all the confirmation I needed to know the one clear thing. I was in danger at that very moment.

“Why… are you here?” She asked again in that shaky voice.

I kept quiet thinking that whatever I said might set her off.

“If you're not working with him… then why…?” She pressed her empty hand to her head.

“I honestly wish I could answer…” I begin to say but stop when I see her raise her knife; pointed towards me.

“You're just… wanting to use this world… why hide it… why lie about that?” She again asks me as her eyes focus on me.

Hearing her words I assumed she must be thinking I’m the same as the other guy. And given that she was buried alive for a hundred years or so. I can only assume that things are repeating in her head at this point. I take my hand off my pack and turn to fully face her. She takes a stance as though she would dual me. I let my arms hang at my side as I looked her in the eyes. The next thing I knew she charged at me with the knife. We fought for control of the knife; that at this point now had my blood on it. Whel’a looked down at me with gritted teeth as she pinned me to a wall.

Her undead strength forced the knife closer and closer to me. I had both hands braced against her hands trying to push her back. Thinking quickly I kicked out her leg and pushed the knife off to the side. Letting it stab itself into the wall behind me. I then quickly elbowed Whel’a across the face before pushing her away with a kick. Though that didn't seem to stop her even as she smashed against the bedroom door. We again fought with the fight quickly turning into a wrestling match. Before long we smashed through the bedroom door where I managed to put her into a hold. Though the way she was trying to claw at me wasn't helpful.

“Give her back to me! Give me my Aly’cia!!!” Whel’a screamed out in absolute rage as I felt her bite one of my arms.

During the fight Nix had noticed the sounds we were making and rushed up to help me. Knocking Whel’a out with a hit to the head from her staff. I let go, letting Whel’a fall to the floor before I fell into a corner of the hallway. My eye still looking to Whel’a as if waiting to see her rise back up and attack again.