Ripped from my peaceful slumber, I find Baledaghs hand wrapped firmly around my throat, his words echoing in my ears. Heart hamring in my chest, my head throbs in tandem as my feet dangle off the ground. Utterly confused, my body reacts on instinct. Grabbing his wrist with both hands, I pull my legs up and kick out with both feet, the shock reverberating up my legs as if I tried to shift a mountain. Tightening his grip, he throws to the ground, where my body crashes and skids. Gasping in pain, I inch away on my back before his boot lands on my chest, squeezing the air from my lungs as he roars, Is it true?!
What? The word cos easily, sounding calr than Id have expected under the current circumstances. Oh right, this is in my head, I don't need to breathe here. The mont the thought crosses my mind, the pain fades and the pressure eases from my chest, though my headache remains in full force. Leaving his boot on my chest, I raise my hands in submission. In case you didnt notice, I was sleeping, so youre gonna have to talk through this Baledagh. He doesnt know it, but Im fairly certain he can snuff out my existence with a minor effort.
Baring his teeth in a snarl, Baledaghs primal fury radiates from him, leaving wishing I could tuck my head into my neck and hide. His breath cos in pants, speaking every word as if it costs him greatly. Am. I. Defiled?
Oh shit.
My involuntary reaction is enough to substantiate his suspicions, his body crumbling beneath the weight of the truth, falling to his knees with the look of a defeated man splashed across his face. Sitting up gingerly, I ease myself into place beside him, shoulder to shoulder should he need soone to lean on. To be fair, it doesnt seem to be... complete? For lack of a better word. Theres hope for you yet.
Just kill . His voice is steady, his tone calm as he stares out into the void. End my misery brother, Ive done nothing right. Those Spectres, I devoured them thinking it would help, invited them into . Now that I know, I hear their whispers, eating away at my control, urging to kill you and take your place.
Well, thats... not good. Well figure sothing out. Youre still here, dont give up.
He chuckles, shaking his head. Why bother? What is there to live for? Why should I continue to struggle only to erge with nothing? Gathering montum, he continues his rant, coming to life before my eyes. Less than nothing in fact. I live half a life at best, hidden away deep in our mind. No one knows besides you. Who would mourn for should I die?
I would.
Shoving aside, he stands to loom over , his anger feeding him. Why? Because youll have lost your precious little brother? Why even care? You only keep around because my misery amuses you, reminds you theres always soone worse off in the world.
This is not going well... Calm down Baledagh.
EXACTLY! He screams, eyes wide and face flushed. The veins beneath his tanned skin bulge, giving him a discoloured red-greenish hue. Baledagh! That is who I am, yet no one knows . You are Falling Rain, you live my life, leaving with nothing but scraps.
Crab-walking away, I swallow my fear at his transformation, the defeated dog turned into stalking predator, angry, hurt, and hungry. Relax okay? Lets talk this through calmly.
Yes, let us talk, he sneers, his form rippling before my eyes, growing and warping as he continues to advance. Falling Rain, Hero of the Empire, what did he do to deserve it? Winning four duels against the Society, how heroic. Except you didnt win them. I did. Baledaghs glory all falling neatly in Falling Rains lap. How nice. For you.
Its not-
Ignoring my words, he smashes with a vicious backhand, my body sent reeling into the void. His voice enters my ears as if hes standing beside , reverberating in my mind. Youre a coward, a weakling. Why should I give my life for you? Another blow lands, this ti on my back, sending waves of agony shooting through . Without , youd be nothing and you know it, seeking to win with your clumsy toys and worthless tricks. The world stops spinning as Baledagh stands before , ard with grotesque facsimiles of Peace and Tranquility, the weapons fusing into his flesh as he smiles in challenge. Co brother, he taunts, holding his arms wide. Co fight . If you wont live like a warrior, then at least you can die like one.
Holding my hand out to stop him, his figure blurs as his sword lops off four of my fingers. Staggering back, I try to reason with him again, but before I can speak, his shield slams into my face, snapping my head back. The sword slices once, twice, and again, each stroke taking an ear, a hand, and then half my foot, setting my nerves afire with agony. Booting away, he grins as I lay helpless, barely able to lift my head as he gathers my severed parts in his hands. Holding my finger like a grape above his head, he drops it into his mouth and chews loudly, taking delight in my horror. This is hardly a challenge. Co, show Falling Rains great prowess.
Gagging from pain and revulsion, I push myself to my feet, panting with exertion. God dammit, you arent breathing and you aren't really injured. There is no fucking spoon. Clearing my head with a deep breath, the agony fades and I glance down at my body, hale and whole. With a howl of anger, he charges and unleashes a flurry of strikes. Standing stock still, I watch dispassionately as each strike passing harmlessly through the air around , guided away by an unseen force.
Leaving Baledagh to flail away, I study him carefully, confused by his abrupt change. Is it the Spectres driving him to this? If so, why did he get weaker? Theoretically, he should be able to tear apart with a thought, this is his mind, his body. What do the Spectres even want? He told they kept asking him to surrender, over and over again, even after he begged them to take him. So why didnt he turn full Defiled? Is it because I arrived first, when he gave up in the mines?
I guess even souls have squatters rights.
Does this amuse you brother? His face twisted in an ugly grimace, Baledagh stalks around promising torture and misery. As he lumbers about, shoulders hunched and head hanging low, all sinew and muscle as his arms deform and elongate to drag behind him, Im struck with a strange sense of... wrongness, a disparity in his appearance. The first ti I saw him, I hated him for his confidence. Regal, proud, and dominant, it irked to no end, everything I wished I was and would never be. A tiger pacing in his cage, graceful, powerful, and even beautiful in a primitive manner. Now, all I can see is an ugly, misshapen thing, lumbering around in a mockery of that once proud warrior, a corruption of who he was.
Huh... I guess thats why theyre called Defiled.
You know, I say, interrupting his rant promising pain and terror, The Baledagh I know, the Warrior, would have acted by now. Talk is cheap.
With a howl of rage, the aberration lunges for and once again, I hold up my palm to stop him. This ti however, he stops, his body hanging in the air as if held by a giant, invisible hand. Ranting and raving, he struggles to free himself to no avail, resuming his endless tirade of threats. Ignoring his words, I study him, going over everything Baledagh ever told . Sothings wrong here, but I cant quite place my finger on it. Cocking my head, I step forward and raise my hand to strike, watching his reaction.
Not fear, but annoyance, a small huff like soone on the verge of losing a ga of chess. Narrowing my eyes, I say, You arent Baledagh. He's too chatty, to passive. Baledagh likes to taunt, but only a little before striking to kill, and this... thing hasn't truly tried to kill .
My words have a startling effect, the aberration displaying mild shock followed by a smile, relaxing in my ntal shackles as his voice changes to an unfamiliar tone, each syllable stressed in a grating manner. It matters not who we are. We are here, we are eternal, and you will submit.
...Well fuck. How many personalities are sharing this body?
I should start charging rent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Panting as the blood coursed through her veins, BoLao rode through the darkened forest, her mind reeling from the attack. Mouth dry and heart racing, she fought for calm and implored the Mother for aid. Too much, this was too much, how could She treat her devout servants with such disdain? Trials and tribulations were the norm but even She must leave a path to victory, else all this suffering would be for naught.
Glancing back at Falling Rain laying comatose behind her, she spurred her horse faster, moving dangerously through the trees. It was obvious she was being herded by those brats, and with only a handful of surviving Aspirants at her side, she held no confidence in breaking through. Who was waiting for her here in the forest? The Bekhai, most likely, those harbingers of the Father, but how had they followed her on their quins? Why was Major Yuzhen willing to devote so many resources towards retrieving a single Warrant Officer?
Her palms ached from gripping the reins, and she threw aside all errant thoughts. Calling for a stop, she steadied her breathing before speaking, glancing around at her remaining Aspirants. So few of them, all lost to infighting when they should be united against the Enemy. Were trapped. Split up, break in different directions, and go to ground or escape. Theyre after Falling Rain, so I will distract them. At least one of you must make your way back to Central and warn Master of this new threat.
Priestess, that would leave you unguarded!
I do not fear death. To et the Mother in your company would be an honour.
Give the apostate, Ill distract them in your stead.
A chorus of refusals answered her, but she was adamant in this. The Mother has given us all this trial, not only myself. Only through my sacrifice will you all live on to further her will. This is my final order: warn the Empire of the Enemys new ability to hide among us. May the Mother guide you true.
Turning her mount, she sped off into the night, yelling as she drove her horse onward. Resisting the urge to look back, she choked down her panic and tears, continue to make as much noise as possible. She didnt want to die, there was so much left for her to do, but what course was left to her? The Behkai wanted their corrupted young master back and she was the most eye-catching bait to go along with it. Ten years of lonely, heart-rending, arduous service, rewarded with what? Dying at the hands of the Enemy wasnt enough, now shed be branded a traitor, her years of holy work discarded as the labours of a madwoman. Worse, her opponents would use this to turn opinion against the Purge and Master.
Too difficult Mother, your humble servant begs for guidance.
Minutes after separating from her Aspirants, BoLao spotted movent in the shadows before her. Releasing her reins, she clenched her fist and turned to strike Falling Rain in the head, to kill this minion of the Fathers so well positioned to cause strife. One last act of defiance before killing herself, denying the enemy the satisfaction.
Cousin!
The familiar voice stayed her hand, filling her with sothing shed all but abandoned: hope. Erging from the trees, his face was barely visible in the dark. Shui-Shui! She exclaid, imdiately wincing at her gaffe. He was a grown man, with soldiers to command, even though there were only a handful here with him. She couldnt keep calling him a childs na in public, it was ill-mannered. Sorry cousin, dont be upset. Thank the Mother youre here, you have to help .
Of course, just dont do anything rash. Even in the shadows, she could pick out his handso face, seeing the vestiges of the young boy she used to look after, an impish scamp who always found trouble. After Papa took him in as a disciple, they beca a happy little family living together at the Bridge, the two of them more like siblings than cousins. Oh how she wished to return to those carefree days...
Eyes filled with concern, Shui rode up and took her hand. So warm, shed forgotten how nice it was to be held. Lucky for us they trusted to block your escape. Leave Rain with my n and Ill get you to safety, I swear it.
Weary from her lengthy flight, his words brought tears to her eyes, gratified to know he still trusted her. Shui, I need to keep Falling Rain as proof. Hes Defiled and a danger to the Empire.
Impossible. Sending his n away with the unconscious apostate, Shui lead her through the forest, leaving only the two of them.
He is, I felt his baleful Aura myself. If you let -
No, you dont understand. Shaking his head, Shui looked her in the eye, his desperation plain to see. I an its impossible to keep him. Fung has a tracker attuned to his blood. I guess the Bekhai didnt want to lose him again. Its how we caught up so quickly. You shouldnt have split your forces or laid all those false trails, wed never have caught up if youd ridden straight towards safety.
Then take prisoner and bring us both to see Major Yuzhen. Panic set in once more, the thought of failure unacceptable. Shell understand once Rain wakes. Laughing Dragon said Rain didnt even know he was Defiled, which explains the disparity in his behaviour, but he knows now and hes turned. So much rage and madness in him, it was terrifying to see.
Cousin, forget Falling Rain and forget the Empire. If hes turned, let soone else deal with it. Im here to save you. Shui squeezed her hand, offering small comfort. Major Yuzhen has laid charges of treason, says youre working with the Defiled Laughing Dragon. Its all nonsense of course, but she ordered us to kill you on sight. Whats more, shes sent ssengers to bring word of your actions to the cities. Shes decreed that anyone caught aiding you will share in your sentence. If youre captured, you will undoubtedly be tortured to death before anyone can save you. Offering a thin smile, he turned back to the forest. I barely even trust my own n not to turn you in, Rains betrothed offered a hefty reward for your head. Bloodthirsty little girl, that one.
What about my Aspirants?
BoShui didnt answer her, which was an answer in and of itself. More and more she learned of her own weakness. Only a few minutes earlier, shed been ready to give her life for theirs, but now that shed found safety, she felt no remorse for their deaths, only the sweet relief of survival. How disgraceful. Hiccuping, she hunched down in the saddle and glanced warily about, imagining hidden dangers in every shadow. Then how will I get back to Master?
You wont. Sounding strained as they rode, now clenching her hand so hard it hurt. Everyone will expect you to go south, its too dangerous. Im taking you ho to the Bridge, to see Uncle. Hell move heaven and earth to keep you safe, and Ill speak with-- no Ill demand my father fight on your behalf. Well claim this whole ss as a misunderstanding, dont you worry about a thing.
At the thought of seeing Papa, her whole world went white. Reminded of Masters prediction, a shiver coursed through her body as pins and needles ran across her skin. Sweat trickling down her spine, her breaths ca in pants as she imagined Papas disappointnt, the pain from his rejection of the Shrike so palpable it made her heart ache. Wrenching her hand free from Shuis grip, she let out a strangled cry and tried to bolt, but he was ready, snatching away her reins and holding the horse in place. Scrambling from the saddle, her foot caught in the stirrup and she tumbled off, her head bouncing on the hard, packed dirt. Barely registering the impact, she sprinted off into the darkness, searching for an escape.
Her flight asured in breaths before Shui caught up, riding her down and tackling her. Tumbling across the ground, she kicked and scratched, shrieking as she fought to escape his grasp. Bucking her hips, she freed her arm and elbowed him in the jaw, rushing off to sweet freedom. A pained groan stopped her in her tracks, her heart seizing at the sound. Running back to his side, she checked his injuries. Blood trickled down his lip, swelling as she watched. Im so sorry Shui-Shui, please be all right...
Im fine, he slurred, holding her wrist tight. She could easily escape, but instead she helped him sit, leaning him against a tree, gently stroking his cheek. Still woozy, he refused to let go and pulled her into a hug. Unwilling to leave him like this, she trembled as he whispered, Dont run away again.
Im sorry. Her check pressed against his chest, she let loose all her fears. I cant go see Papa, he wont understand why I left.
He will, hes your father and loves you dearly.
Shaking her head, she sighed. It was so warm and peaceful here, tucked in his arms. She missed him so much, but there was always work to be done. Ive had to do things Shui-Shui, horrible, terrible things. I have nightmares about them every day, but it was all necessary. My path is righteous, my actions just, no one understands, not even you. I saw your fear, felt you tense when I embraced you. Im nothing but a burden to you and Papa, only Master understands. Dont worry about , Master will make things right, I know he will. Sniffling, she whispered, Please, you have to help get back to him.
You wont go back to see your father? His chest shuddered as he pleaded once more. Just co with to see him, he misses you so much. I promise hell understand and keep you safe, I swear it.
Tensing, she readied to flee before shaking her head. I cant. Only Master can help , only Master understands .
Shui-Shuis arms tightened around her, stroking her back gently. Okay, okay, dont run. Ill help you. His voice choked and resigned, he uttered those three simple words and all the tension drained from her body. Falling against his chest, limp and exhausted, she closed her eyes and stilled, listening to him speak. I love you cousin, youre family. I wont let anyone hurt you ever again.
A jolt of pain radiated from her lower back and she stiffened and gasped. His body wracked with sobs, Shui-Shuis trembling arms clutched tightly around her as he whispered, Im so sorry. Oh Mother, what did he do to you? I wanted to rescue you the mont I heard he took you away, but father wouldnt let . Still shuddering, Shui-Shui continued to mumble, holding her close as she bled out, his dagger having done its work. Poor thing, he was always so cheerful and sweet, how this must pain him so. He said it was good to leave you at his side, roping in a strong ally for the clan. Clan first, family second, he sold you off and I did nothing to stop him, Im so sorry.
The pain faded as she lay there, smiling at a distant mory. Oh how things have changed. I rember when you used to lay in my arms, but this is nice too. Her words brought another wave of sobs and she shushed him lightly. There was so much to say, but so little ti. Its okay little cousin, don't cry. This is for the best. Dont bla yourself. Tell Papa Im sorry and I love him. With a small quiver, she added, Love you too. Closing her eyes, she snuggled against his chest with a smile, clutching him tight as she breathed her last.
Even if the Mother spurned BoLao for her sins, at least she would die in Shui-Shuis embrace.
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