Walking along the road. Ent felt the sun bear down upon him. Almost as if the celestial body itself was judging Ent for every second wasted. But he had experienced the Premuda deserts of this world nearly dying in 3 separate occasions but still making it out alive. Every step made towards Yokoga was a step towards Pean. His perseverance was rewarded with him arriving at Yokoga’s foot once again. However now no longer enclosed in the limiting view of a car. Ent was able to fully grasp how big the towers were. Seeing the hundreds of glass windows that linked most buildings. The individual bricks in others, and the artistic accents made him wonder how long constructing them would have taken. Depending on lay of the land and the materials at hand it would take at least 10 years to make at least one of these buildings and this city had what looked to be hundreds of them, all neatly divided by the black asphalt road. Perhaps this world had somehow managed to grasp how to build architecture with magic? Whatever the case was they existed, and they were a sight to behold. However, strolling through the city with your head high in the clouds give you tunnel vision. So much so when Ent turn to face the direction of an all too familiar horn, he saw a large car. heading right at him at full speed.
There was not enough time to react. It was already a few feet away from him. Even with his speed and reflexes he was not going to get out unscathed. Until he felt a presence tackle him. Forcing both him and his unknown savior to tumbling across the cement floor. Following this the large car was heard honking loudly for some distance before encoring a loud ‘CRASH’ in the distance. Both bodies have managed to settle, now just a groaning pair of men on the floor just thankful to be alive. Ent stayed down from shock of what had just happen, hearing the murmurs of a small crowd collecting around him. Most in a foreign language, few from what he can understand were comments of shock and concern referring to a “runaway truck” whatever that meant. His vision was blurred, but saw the silhouette get up and leaned down to examine him. The sun made it hard to tell their features, but they seemed have a familiar presence exudating from them.
“Well. I’ll be damned.” said the silhouette extending their hand.
Ent reflexively accepted it tightly griping at each other’s forearms and lifting him up in one swift motion.
Ent’s vision was still blurry even when rubbing his eyes but even then, he could recognize the voice. After all it was one of the first voice’s he’s heard upon coming to this land
“Ar... Are thou ‘Arty’?” Ent asked blinking his eyes.
“Huh I didn’t think you would remember me. But ya, its Arty. Arty Maximillian, nice to see ya again cosplayer.” He said with a hint of glee.
Blinking Ent’s vision became sharper allowing him to fully take in Arty’s form. Arty stood just a bit taller than Ent and was lithe in build. He was wearing a black leather blazer that was tailored to fit. Along with pants much like to the blue canvas pants that Ent had found, however they were a darker blue nearly the same shade as the blazer. He also wore a pair of expensive looking black leather shoes that also seemed to be custom made to fit his feet. A quick glance at Arty’s face He wore his square framed sunglasses that covered his eyes along with a smug smile he wore. His hair was a high contrast yellow almost bleached that seemed to be stylized in a spikey way.
“You gonna stand their all-day cosplayer?” Arty tapping his foot on the cement.
“Sorry Sir Maximillian. This is the first time I’ve seen you outside of your ‘car’ as you call.”
“Well a word of advice Cosplayer; Look both ways before crossing the street next time. Hate to see someone like you get splattered on the asphalt. Especially on my day off.” He said pulling out a square box and a lighter.
“But it looks like you owe me one, I don’t know if I will see you again. So why don’t you walk with me. We’ll call it even if you buy me a drink.” He said walking down the road lighting up a cigarette.
Ent was about to retort but realized but gave it some thought. It might be for the best after all he still knew next to nothing from the city other than the basics that Pean told him. This would be a good opportunity to find out more especially where this “industry district” is. So, without missing a beat Ent followed him.
The walk however wasn’t that long. The tavern in question was only a few blocks away from where they met. The building was hidden between 2 taller buildings made of dull red brick and was nearly all back except for a bright sign outside reading “The Tin Cup” in black text with a yellow background. Arty was the first to the door holding it open for Ent to enter. Inside the sounds banter can be heard even though the sun showed it just turned to the afternoon. Regardless Ent went into the tavern.
Inside was an array of metal tables, chairs, and a polished metal bar respectively lined with high stools made of a shiny metal topped with a shiny black leather padding on top each one. The lighting inside was odd not provided by the warm glow of a candle, brazier or even a hearth but rather a strange tube that seemed to be exuding a harsh white light that was suspended in a rack that itself was affixed to a pipe that extended from the pub’s ceiling. Looking directly at the tubular lights was uncomfortable, Ent looked elsewhere. Along some sections of the walls were strange windows that showed another land altogether. they seemed to be showing a sport of sorts focusing on the players hitting a white ball with a wooden bat and running as fast as they can to a tile in the dirt. Not only that but looking closely at the other screens showed other sports involving a ball. One where they kick a checkered pattern ball into nets using only their feet, another showed armor cladded men tackling each other over an oblong brown ball. In every one of these sports there was a large stadium housing what looked to be thousands of people all cheer, or at least that is what he can guess, the tavern was silent other than the few patrons that strew the pubs tables. Some seem to be celebrating an event clinking their cups together and taking big gulps of the drinks of their choice. Others seemed to be quietly drinking while looking at the strange windows and getting an immersed in what they showed. Few however seemed to be passed out or not wanting to lift their head up from their place either from a hangover or maybe from sorrow.
Arty took a seat at the bar where Ent followed, taking a seat right next to Arty. Almost immediately the bar tender popped up from behind the bar hand polishing a tin enameled cup. The bartender had sienna skin and had a thick brown mustache that covered his mouth but other than that and his eyebrows he was bald. Though even with his mustache you can still see his soft smile. He wore a dirty apron with a blue collared button up shirt with its sleeves rolled up. This inadvertently showed of his very defied forearms and strange tattoos that decorated them. Ent could not tell what they were, as they showed abstract imagery and what seemed to be quotes in another language. all except for one that was on his right hand. It looked to be barbed wire that wrapped around his hand with one word caught in between, that being “Repentance.”
The bartender quickly turned his attention to Arty.
“Ahoy Arty! Fancy seeing you here. How long has it been? Two or maybe 3 months by now?”
“Two and a half. Nice to see you too Red. How’s things been going around here?”
“Oh you know same ol same ol, but business has gotten a bit better after getting those flatscreens installed. I got to remind people to buy something or leave since they just coming and stare at the screens all day. I don’t want too but having gawkers won’t pay for the bills.”
“At that point why don’t you just get a bouncer? Make em pay upfront and they can look at all the pretty lights and images for as long as they want.”
“Nah, a place like this suddenly getting a bouncer and an entry fee would sooner or later drive my business under. Plus the folks around here already know not to mess with me, and I don’t need some slab with his only experience is just looking mean. I’ve heard some folks have been lying just so they can get into a job they want. Though sooner or later the weeds do get plucked.”
“I know a few guys Red I can hook you up and you know it. Think on it. Least I can do for a friend.”
“That’s a kind offer Arty, but I’ll be fine. I’m more curious about your friend you’ve got here. Not every day we get someone lugging around a prop like that.” Red gestured towards Ent’s sword. “Is he one of those… what chu call again. I wanna say ‘street actor’ but that aint it.”
“It’s called a cosplayer Red. But now that you mention it, for as long as I’ve known him, he’s been acting like he’s from a play.”
“I’ll have you both know I am no jester. I am a knight. I’ve told Arty this, but he still thinks I jape him.” Ent interrupted giving out a dejected sigh. Red had a bemused look while Arty on the other hand gave a slight ‘I don’t know’ shrug.
Red the bartender then gave a chuckle. “Is that so Mr. knight? Well then what’s you name if you don’t mind me asking?” Red then reached out his hand.
Ent paused for a moment but reached out to shake the bartender’s hand. Noting immediately that his grasp was rough and firm but compassionate. Along with another feeling however it was faint but familiar.
“My name is Sir Ent Lockheed. What be yours barkeep?” Shaking his hand.
“Name’s Rederth Biloba or just Red for short. If you don’t already know I own this place and I intend to run it till the day I die. Now what kind I get you two?” They stop shaking hands and red plants his palms on the bar and leans in. His smile becoming just a bit wider.
“I’ll have the usual.” Arty said leaning back slightly and getting more comfortable on his stool. Red quickly turning his attention to Ent.
“I’ll just have water.” Ent said sheepishly. He wasn’t a day drinker. It causes red to raise an eyebrow but did not question it.
With that Red went to work behind his bar wordlessly. Gathering a few bottles from behind the bar and mixing them together in metal cups and unusual tools. While he does Arty turns his attention to Ent, taking of his sunglasses and showing off his deep lavender eyes. The sight itself surprised him. Not many people have that eye color, and he knew one of them. After all they were someone that they considered a friend. Though that thought made him feel melancholic for some reason. He was still alive as he had written letters to him every so often even after ‘That day’. Arty had taken notice of Ent’s gaze however looking a bit concerned
“Uhh, I’m not looking for cosplayer besides you’re not my type.” Arty said giving Ent an awkward sideways glance.
Ent realized, and his face quickly changed in color. Turning his gaze to the bar.
“I did not mean to entail anything Sir Maximillian. It’s just your eyes are a rare color, and I got into thought of an old colleague. I wonder how they are faring; I haven’t written to him in ages.”
“Jeez dude, do you do everything old fashioned? Why don’t you just call them.”
“Call? I don’t think my voice would carry that far. Last I heard he was south in Vepur, hunting down a troublesome group of highway men. Saying that he will write to me again once’s he delt with them. that was over 5 months ago.” Ent said idly twiddling his thumbs on the bar.
“Really now? Well birds of a feather, I guess. Writing might be better nowadays. International calls get real expensive. So, writing might be smarter.”
At that moment Red then placed a black metal cup in front of Ent filled with a clear liquid. Arty however got an orange one filled with a green cloudy drink. It smelled very herbal like, with a faint dash of alcohol. Arty then took up his drink and was about to sip it but paused before his lips could touch the cold vessel. He then held it in front of Ent.
“But if he’s out there fighting the good fight. He doesn’t sound that bad. So why don’t we cheer to his good health?” Arty said waiting for a response.
Ent looked up astonished by his words and wordlessly, took up his cup and clinked it with Arty’s. The force caused the drinks to mix and make a slight mess in the process. Both then greedily quaffed their drinks. Red then silently wiped the splatter away with a rag wearing a gentle smile.
The taste of the now watery mixture was very reminiscent of a medicinal drink he had long ago. While leaning more on the alcoholic side, the herbs used for this drink would be grinded and used for a medicating salve. But people would instead mix water with fire wine or mead with the salve, let it ferment for a day or two and the flavor would change drastically. Mainly becoming minty and slightly bitter along with floral notes with a hint of cinnamon. The drink was called “Aduro”, and it is favored by travelers and solders alike. Since the herbs needed to make it were abundant nearly everywhere. It was also speculated that due to the herb’s qualities; drinking it would not only accelerate the healing process, but also purify your body from any poisons and diseases. Though this was just a myth, made up by soldiers to tell their superiors if they were caught drinking. With a content sigh, they slam down their empty cups finally having wet their whistle. Red immediately then took the vessels and went to work mixing another drink for the pair. Smacking his lips, the minty taste of the drink still lingered in his mouth even when diluted. It was refreshing if anything, but the smell of booze reminded him of Pean’s shop. While it is nice to relax and reminisce there is something that is more important than a few drinks.
“Sir Maximillian, I don’t mean to be rude by cutting our reunion short but, do you know where the “industry” district is?” Ent asked Reaching into his pocket.
Arty raised an eyebrow. “I do. But I recommend that you stay out of that place. Nothing but crooks go there now. Here in Yokoga, honest folk have a better chance working somewhere else or be self-employed than working a 9 to 5 in that place.” He shudders thinking more on the subject.
“Please, I need to go there for an urgent matter. Just pointing me in the right direction would be enough.” Ent said clutching the paper.
Arty raised an eyebrow upon noticing the paper. Giving out a sigh he stretched out his hand. Ent promptly gave the portrait and waited as he unfolded the parchment. His eyes widen as he saw the image and flipped it over reading the note. He then neatly folded the paper and slid it back to Ent.
“Well looks like you’ve already made some enemies. I’d say your best course would be to get the hell out of here because that is a trap, plain as day. I don’t know what else to tell ya.” He said shifting his body towards the bar.
“Don’t you think I know that. I wasn’t born yesterday. But I can’t leave yet. He’s been captured because of my own pride, should anything happen to him It would be because of me the regret will follow me till the day I die. I’m not asking much from you Sir Maximillian just an indication on where to go.” Ent said replacing the paper back in his pocket.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The sound of soft clinking and muttering was the only thing that filled in the silence between the two but after a tense minute Arty sighed and lifted his hand pointed due west. Ent saw, fished out his coin purse and placed 2 golden coins on the bar. Sliding 1 to Arty. With that he got off from the stool and hurried out of the bar not bothering to look back.
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The trek though the town took time. Some roads lead to dead ends and walled off areas but eventually Ent made it to the fabled industry district. Huge buildings made of pipes and stone constantly emitted a strange hostile smoke that drifted into the sky. The voices of workers yelling, and the sounds of gears grinding against one another came from all around. Among the roads, very large ‘trucks’ as the locals called that came in and out of the area in tandem. Thankfully keeping his head on a swivel had saved his life more times than one here. Not many people in the area paid him any mind as he made his way though. Even as night came, no one second guess why he was there, and no one ever confronted him or called him out. Thankfully even without the sun the city never sleeps, and the streetlamps came on lighting up the main roads for easier travel.
Eventually Ent found a fenced off area housing large metal structures. Further exploration reviled a sign. On it read “Warehouses 50 – 100” other languages decorated it, but it was safe to assume they said the same thing. He only had to go a little bit further now and he would find Pean. The area was walled off with a chain fence with the entrance locked with a strong looking padlock. But with some effort Ent squeezed though the gate’s entrance and proceeded down the road. Ent could feel eyes all around the moment he entered the area. Shadowy figures hiding out of reach of the light that the large structures generously provided. The hair on his neck was standing on end and focusing he could hear faint voices talking in Roshi, likely about him. Eventually he reached his reached his destination. A large structure with the number 54 shown on it, painted in a faded red paint. This night was going to end in a fight even if he did his best to appease Oren. The odds were stacked against him. But he was a Lockheed he thought himself. A lowly gang won’t get the better of him. Facing the building, Ent squared his stance, whispered a prayer to his amulet and kept one hand on his sword.
“IM HERE OREN! SHOW YOURSELF YOU CUR!” Ent bellowed, his voice echoed though the buildings, and the whispers silenced.
Slowly the structures doors slid open with an awful metal scream that only silenced when the double doors were no longer in view, revealing nothing but a void. However, birthed from it was formerly dressed man, wearing a nose bandage and lit cigarette. Inhaling deep and exhaling out a large plume of smoke that danced in the air. His eyes were locked with Ent’s, showing off a slight smirk when he recognized him.
“Here I was thinking you’d skip town.” He then inhaled and exhaled again. The smoke plume larger than the last.
“I’m happy I was proven wrong. Especially now, honest.” Oren chuckled
“Where’s Mr. Buckso?” Ent demanded, tightening his grip on his swords handle.
“He’s fine. Me and him had a little wager with him not too long ago, though It looks like I may have lost. But that doesn’t matter now.” Oren said. smoke dripping out of his now wicked grin.
“Show me.” Ent commanded. His muscles tensing up slightly.
Oren snapped his fingers and the void behind him was illuminated showing man tied down to an uncomfortable metal armchair. He wore nothing but undergarments a shirt and a sack which covered his head. The sack and shirt themselves sporting a few blood stains on them. The man heaved slowly and did not bother looking up.
“Unhood him.” Ent asked.
Oren snapped his fingers again and 2 more formally dressed men came out from the interior’s shadows and approached the bound man. One shook him awake while the other unhooded him. Slowly the man woke up as one of the men whispered in his ear. When he came around, he looked bewildered and was gaged but that was Pean. Though a bit roughed up. Eventually his eyes spotted Ent. Though the sight of him only made his eyes widen and his breath heavy. Though after a moment he closed his eyes and bowed down.
Oren chuckled to himself again. Seeing Pean so low. But he quickly turned his attention back to Ent.
“If you want him free you throw that sword over to me and I’ll get my boys cut him loose.” Oren demanded.
Ent’s grips tighten on the swords hilt. But slowly he pulled it out from the belt feeling its weight in his hand before tossing it over to Oren. Clanging as it landed on the hard stone surface. Oren then walked over to the sword and picked up. Whistling as he felt its weight in his hands and giving it a few practice swings.
“And here I was thinking this thing ‘ere was a prop.” Oren quipped he then looked at his men and nodded. They then went to work quickly cutting Peans bindings and forcing him out of the chair with a forceful shove. Pean scrambled away as he hit the floor. Rushing over to Ent who helped ungag him.
“Why’d you come kid? You know you’re not gonna get out of here alive now?” Pean said in between heavy breaths.
“Mr. Buckso I knew how this would play out. But your safety was my first and foremost concern. I only ask now that you retreat from here. I’ll handle what comes next.”
“But kid you’ve got a whole life ahead of you I’m just some middle age-.” He was quickly hushed by end by a gentle finger on his bloodied lips.
“Mr. Buckso please flee. If you truly do care about me, you will do as I ask without another word.” Ent said.
Pean was about to retort, but all he did was look down, clench his fist, and run away from the area. His bare feet slapping hard against the stone path as he ran. Growing fainter with every step until it was silent. Now that remained were Ent and Oren. Both locking eyes.
“Well kid You know, what he said is true. You aint getting out of this alive. Not after how you treated me and my boys yesterday.” Slowly from the shadows came more properly dressed men now armed with various weaponry. Like chains, crowbars, steel pipes, and wooden and metal bats all slowly crept around Ent. Every one of them had an array of expressions mostly one of rage others with a depraved smile and few giggling to themselves.
“Shooting you would prevent my boys from ‘enriching’ themselves in your screams. Plus, I wanna finish you off personally. Be sure to stay alive and give us all a good show why don’t ya. This is the only mercy give you.” With that Oren let out a final exhale of smoke. He then plucked out the cigarette butt from his mouth and tossed it to the floor.
Time slowed for a moment as it fell. Ent took this time to take in his situation. Around him roughly 20 men armed and ready to kill. While they did look imposing it was safe to assume that they aren’t really wearing any armor underneath their clothing. It is also noted that they don’t really know how to fight. Looking tough and knowing how to properly swing a sword are 2 different things, and Ent could tell from a mile that they had no former training whatsoever. Their stances were all over the place. From too loose to too stiff. They also seemed to care more about their looks rather than their form. Even with their soon to be melee, and they weren’t taking this seriously. This was enough to reassure Ent that he will win this. After all he was a Lockheed. Being underestimated is a something he’s come to welcome.
As soon as the used butt hit the floor; All the men charged, roaring in unison. Ent raised his hand and quickly pulled it back an astral chain lit up from his wrist to his sword and violently pulled itself from Oren’s grasp making him fall in the process. The sword flew in a flash, flying hilt first through the mob, tripping some attackers before slotting itself into Ent’s outstretched hand. The mob was still advancing and being attacked from all angles will put him at a disadvantage. Concentrating Ent jumped up into the air, focusing a burst of air into his hand. The force causes him to go flying in the direction he was heading. However, he was not graceful enough to land with both feet, tumbling a bit as he landed but was quick to get on his feet. That was strange, he usually is able land that. He thought to himself. He then dusted himself off and squared his stance ready to fight the mob again.
However instead of everyone charging the mob stood still. All looking at him with wide eyes with murmurs of confusion on what had just happened. However, from the warehouse a voice called out.
“WHAT ARE YOU JOKERS DOING!? GET HIM!” Oren commanded. Still getting up from the floor.
The mob in unison shook their heads and continued their roaring assault. Ent begin to concentrate again focusing mana into his sword before swinging it. Unleashing a powerful gale of wind towards the mob. Nearly all of them flew in random directions. Most tumbling on the stone floor others hitting the side or on top of the structures. Everyone that was flung had the same idea, that was to flee. Save for the ones stuck on the roofs and the few still standing. However after the display Ent lost his balance for a second catching himself in a kneeling pose. His vision was starting to blur, his head felt as light as a feather, and his lungs were screaming for air. How was this possible? He thought to himself. A Lockheed wouldn’t be hindered by mana deficiency like this. No matter, martial skill was all he needed for the last few.
Or so he thought as the feeling of a metallic bat slammed against his right temple. The power behind the attack forced him to the ground his ears now ringing, vision even more blurred and his head ached with pain as warm blood seeped down his cheek. While the blow was powerful it wasn’t enough to knock him out him, so, feign unconsciousness and got the last 3 remaining gang members to approach his body. He couldn’t hear what they were saying but it was safe to assume they were mocking him. Most likely from the fact that they managed to down him in 1 hit. As one of them armed with a chain wound up a kick straight to his gut, he caught it catching the group by surprised. Rolling over, his would be attacker fell atop him to the ground. Another gang member then swung their pipe downwards at him, but Ent rolled out of the way and was quick to get on his feet. But his stance was unstable, and vision was still hazy. He was still suffering from mana deficiency and his sword was now out of his grasp. So gritting his teeth he clenched his fist ready to fight them unarmed. The one with bat was the first to attack. Swinging wildly at his head. Ent leaned back feeling the cold metal brush against his nose. The attack however left his opponent wide open his body turned away from him. He must have put a lot of power in such a swing as he had a wild look in his eye completely vulnerable. Ent was able to shove a palm under his chin feeling his jaw slam against his teeth and using his other hand to disarm him in one swift motion. He stumbled backwards from the recoil and held his mouth which was now gushing blood. He must have bit his tongue by the looks of it. As his eyes went wide and he ran off leaving a crimson trail his wake.
This however did not deter the pipe wielder as he swung in an overhead motion at Ent. He was much quicker than his now tongueless friend, but every swing left him wide open however he was much quicker to recover as he was wielding it in 1 hand. Timing his dodge he ducked down, and ran a clenched fist under his chin executing a powerful uppercut. He was not out of the fight however. As he quickly tried swinging again however Ent was faster and shoved an open palm in his face. Using that momentum, he forced the man to the ground the back of his head hitting the stone floor with such force that Ent could see his brown eyes go dull. Now limp on the floor.
Ent pitied him for a second but felt a cold chain wrap around his neck and tighten, hard. Instinctively he tried to pull the chain off his throat, but his attacker had the upper hand leaning forward and using his back for more leverage. Struggling to breathe and stay on his own feet Ent know that if he had managed to get him on his back, he would be a goner. So kicking back He managed to get the man to trip and he followed suit. He was now on top of his attack and shifted around in the chain till he was now facing the man’s back still pulling with all his might. Ent running out of air abandoned the idea of escaping form the chain and instead reached around the man’s head. Feeling for the man’s eyelids. He then trinkled what little mana he had left from his body to his finger tips thinking of fire. The man then Yelled loudly in pain, and he let go of the chain and grasped his eyes while laying in a fetal position. Ent simply took off the chain and threw it aside. Getting up the battle was won in his favor. However, not the way he envisioned.
Looking around the area, Ent noticed that Oren was no where to be found. But that thought was interrupted as he heard a loud *BANG* followed a sharp painful burning sensation in his abdomen. He tried to look behind towards where the sound came from, but his body gave out falling forwards. As he laid on the floor, he then felt warm blood seeping out of a newly made hole. Being pelted with arrows was something he was familiar with, but this was no arrow. It was as fast like lightning and small like a pebble and burned like hellfire. Whatever the projectile was, it was able to pass clean though him and all he could do now was clutch his wounds to try and stop the bleeding.
“So that’s the power of the gun.” Ent muttered trying hard to focus mana on the wound but to no avail.
“You almost had me there. I’ll give you that. But I guess you’re still human.” Oren said walking into Ents field of view. His lips brandishing a wicked smile.
“You managed to scare off most of my boys with your weird wind magic, whatever the fuck that was. But that doesn’t matter. When I said you’re dead I meant it shit face.” Oren asserted squatting closer to Ent’s face spitting on his cheek.
Ent stayed quiet looking away from Orens eyes.
“Nothing to say Huh? Well, all the same. I’ll be keeping that sword of yours as trophy I always wanted one of those.” He then walked some distance away picked up Ents sword and walked back now pointing the gun straight and steady at Ents head.
“Any last words for your tomb stone?” Oren jokingly asked while inspecting the sword.
Ent glared at him.
“Alright be that way I was really hoping to hear you scream but I gu-“ *BANG*
Another gunshot, much louder than the last. But it was not aimed towards Ent but rather to Oren or what was left of his head as it exploded in a shower of blood and viscera. His headless body toppled down to the floor now laying right next to Ent as it spewed blood from the newly made cavity. Slowly from the corner of his eye another figure presented itself. The lack of blood and mana deficiency was making it extremely hard to stay awake and his vision was unable to focus. now just a constant show of strange blobs against the white light. However instead of death he felt one the blobs hands cut away some of his shirt and focus on his wound. Stuffing it full of something cold and fluffy and affixing something sticky to his skin. The blob then got closer to his face. Showing a visage of a black masked man with open slits on the eyes and mouth.
Another blob then appeared and picked something from the floor before positioning itself at his legs. The masked man then grabbed his limp arms and said something. He then felt his being rise from the floor and was carried a short distance to a large black car. Where he was carried inside and laid gently on the cold metal floor. The blob then closed the door and the masked man stayed with Ent pulling out a coffer full of bandages and strange devices and set to work on tending Ent. After that, every subsequent blink was harder to open then the last. The masked man lightly slapping Ent’s face to keep him awake. Yelling something he could not quite understand. Ent tried to speak but found it hard to even from words. Eventually during his final moments of lucidity, he used the last of his energy to hold on to the amulet he had and gave a silent prayer for himself as his conscious drifted off realizing that the masked man had purple eyes.