16 Ash And Blood

The field of long grass seemed to stretch on forever, as did the crystal river that ran through this pretty place. The night sky was covered in a pelt of stars, illuminated by the full moon's silvery glow. This is how it always was, too. This realm, one of the countless spiritual planes, was stuck in a state of permanent night. It was as if the sky were entranced by the moon, locking it in a motionless state.

'...Where am I now?'

Down here, a single demon started to wake from her unconscious state, confused when feeling soft grass beneath her instead of sharp stones and brittle twigs.

All she could see was a broad night sky. She sat up, observing the scene of endless sky and field. There was no one here, and not a sound to disturb the whistling of the wind and the rushing of river water.

'I recognize this place, I think. Where have I seen it?'

Then the memory flashed in her mind. She knew where she was, and groaned at the thought.

'The Eternal Realm? No! Godammit, why can't I just get back home?!'

Though the demon was frustrated, she sighed, collecting her thoughts. This forced her to admit that this barren realm was better than being stuck in the realm that she had been in for a while, now. The thought sent shivers down her spine.

The dense forest with no useable resources, and the neverending sound of clashing weapons and dying screams. Everyone fought each other for the pithiest things, and everyone was either killing or being killed. The demon was used to the sound of battle, but knowing the situation she was in, it was still bad to be there.

'Why am I here, though? This place isn't for sinful spirits. Then again, it's not for good ones, either. I never did understand the Eternal Realm's purpose. It's just there. Like the Mirror Realm.'

"You're confused, aren't you?"

The demon stirred at the sound of another voice, standing quickly.

The speaker was a translucent figure standing at the riverbank. Its body and eyes were obscured by a dark hood, while a black half-mask kept the only visible portion of its face concealed, and distorted the voice. Its appearance and voice were too dysmorphic to tell its race or gender.

Uneasy, the demon reached for her weapon. However, her hand grasped nothing. She stepped back, unsure of what to do.

The spirit only spoke, "I don't want weapons here. I keep mine away, you keep yours away."

The demon sneered, "I'm still not defenseless."

As she raised her hands, blue and white aura burst from them, and nearly illuminated her body.

"You shouldn't be afraid," the spirit insisted. "I promise you that. I am not an enemy, nor are there any around us for miles."

"How do I know that?" The demon interrogated. "More concerningly, I can't be sure that you are harmless. I don't just take advice from strange hooded people."

"If I revealed myself..." The spirit shook its head. "Let's just say that it would be better if I didn't. My name alone is cursed, and there are too many unanswered questions for either of us to ask. The point is that I'm trying to help you."

"Then prove it," the demon retorted.

"Look around you. I pulled you out of the Survival Realm. Here, in my tiny section of the Eternal Realm, you should be safe. However, there is still one danger that I must warn you about."

"As if I'd believe you," the demon spat.

The figure sighed, shaking its head. "You still defy the only chance of help. Have you seen yourself? You're becoming more and more like one of us. Soon you might join us permanently. Would you prefer to be stubborn and risk death, or would you listen for a chance to keep living?"

The demon ignored the mystery figure. However, she did let her magic dissipate, then glanced at her own hands. Though they were supposed to resemble those of a living person, they were faint. Not translucent like a spirit, but faint. Lifeless, in a way. A more permanent transformation from real to ghost was imminent. Even so, the thought of trusting this creature was not right. It took a moment for the anxious demon to finally speak.

"Tell me who you are. Only then will I listen to you. I don't..." She hesitated. "I can't trust others on a regular basis, much less one like this."

The figure sighed, remaining silent for a moment while looking at the horizon. The demon was still highly suspicious.

However, the spirit's next words rendered her stunned.

"'We all have to stay determined if we want to win. Doubt will get us nowhere. Every warrior counts for something, but warriors are useless without a leader, and I'm not the one who was meant to lead them. Now go. Shadow Star can't help them, but you can.'"

The demon froze. "It can't be..."

The spirit pulled its mask off. "Your life is far from over, and there are others who still need you. Stay determined, Thundur."

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Just beyond the uncharted swampland, outside of the Sorrowful Moors' border, Leiytning, Scorch, Timbur, and Seyber had finally made it to one of the only landmarks in this area. The Siren's River.

Here, the fog lightened up, revealing the wide river. The surface was partially frozen from winter's chill, though, just as the moors' mud had been. The air was, naturally, as chilly as said ice, and a distant screech could be heard. That was just the so-called 'song' of some sirens, in a separate body of water nearby.

As they went on, Timbur looked annoyed, and Scorch had a mischievous gleam in his eye.

"Don't do anything stupid," Seyber warily spoke. "We don't need you causing extra trouble. Just ignore them."

"Why not?" Scorch jokingly replied. "Those sirens are more annoying than the bluejays."

Timbur sneered, "So are you and Zin, but we keep you around."

"Hey!" Scorch argued.

Leiytning ignored the rising argument. At the very least, it would keep them occupied for a while. Instead, he became focused on the threat at hand; the Aubades.

'This can't be all to fight us, can it? It might be true that she's desperate enough, at this point. From what I've seen, though, Corelia hates the Kaens almost as much as she hates us. She's almost too intolerant of other sylphs to trade with them, so why even think about working with demons? Either way, I need more evidence.'

Seyber must've been thinking the same. She stopped next to him, keeping her voice low. "This is getting annoying, especially with T'Kala's latest report. Did someone tell you what she reported, this morning?"

"No, what would that be?" Asked Leiytning.

"Nothing good," Seyber explained. "She says that a group of Petrif Gargoyles was targeting us, as well as a nearby elf clan completely unrelated to the chaos. It seems like there are new enemies popping up everywhere."

"Never put too much faith in gargoyles," Timbur muttered. "It's true that they've never been aggressive toward us, but they're very fickle. The fact that she's going after gargoyles, specifically, also seems weird. Storms, Petrifs, now Aquarus. Why?"

"They're easy to manipulate," said Leiytning. "That's likely the same reason she's expressing interest in the Draut and Ritin. They're not powerful, they're generally ignorant, they usually hate us, and they have just enough capability to be resourceful. As for why there are so many of these offers going out, Sybilius's army is massive. Just one puny tribe, or even one elven tribe, can't possibly provide enough resources for it. I also doubt one tribe has access to every material. She needs multiple people to make this work."

Timbur looked confused. "You already said weapons were among the items she traded. What would she be trying to accomplish by giving those away? She's taking from her own stocks, and giving it to fickle tribes that could easily turn on her. That sounds dumb."

"Weapons are valuable," said Leiytning. "They get more magic, which implies more weapons. Stronger weapons. It's like a gamble. Why she feels the need for it, after her current one worked too well, I don't know. She might be starting this nonsense to increase her own security, and these other tribes are just taking the opportunity to build up their own strength. She might be plotting something more sinister. We need evidence, first."

Scorch looked unconvinced. "Why would she do that? Why focus on defense, instead of offense? There's nothing dangerous around her. Except for the Kaens, I guess, but she was just trying to work with them!"

While the others discussed, Leiytning already knew the answer to that last question.

More trouble was coming. As the leader and spirit-walker, he and Thundur were the first to be warned. They had seen the warning signs, long before now. It was this warning that encouraged Leiytning to accept Kita's request of joining them. Between the forewarning from their gods, the strange aura that came from her, and her odd behavior, Leiytning was almost completely convinced that Kita was not an 'average sylph' that had gone mad, and was somehow linked to the changes in the Northern Territories.

'She did say that she was visited by the 'grim reaper,' and was told to hunt for our emblem in Sybilius. Still, her situation is just another mystery that we don't have time to solve. It would be better to know...'

Before anyone could speak or continue thinking, the fog began to clear, revealing the village where the Aquarus Gargoyles lived. However, the sight left all four of the demons in shock.

All that was left of the village was ash and blood. The corpses of all gargoyles, from warriors to simple children, were scattered all around. Some were burning with the flames, while others were brutally mutilated or stabbed. The stream that ran through the center of the village, into the river, was tinted red with their blood.

Seyber's ears drooped sadly. "We were too late..."

She watched Leiytning keep going, inspecting the ruin for signs of sylphs or surviving gargoyles. Sure enough, among the burning corpses, one of them was wearing charred silver armor.

"Definitely Aubade," Leiytning muttered. "Bastards. These gargoyles aren't even their enemy, never have been."

Timbur sneered, "And they call us the savages?"

It seemed there was no other living thing here, sylph or gargoyle. Only smoke, blood, and the orange hue of flames. From what they could tell, any sylphs had already fled, and any gargoyles were dead.

Seyber looked utterly distraught. "This is so..." She hid her face in her hands. "I can't believe we're seeing this again. How can they still have the gall to do this, to anybody? What did these people do to her?!"

Leiytning rested a hand on her shoulder. "Easy, Seyber. I'm aware of the kind of memories this is going to bring, but that's all they are. Don't dwell on them, we still have a job to do."

From the frame of one second-story building, another body fell, making Timbur reach for his weapon. Scorch just cringed, as the corpse was missing several limbs.

"Why, though?" Scorch muttered. "This is brutal."

"Once again, we don't know," said Leiytning. "Nor is there a definitive way to tell, in these con-"

"N-No..."

Timbur immediately unsheathed his machete, and Scorch reached for his gun. This threat was rather pitiful, though.

Leiytning's eye narrowed. "Or maybe there is."

Practically crawling out of ash, there was a wounded creature. It was a young gargoyle with blue-gray skin. Instead of wings, he had cerulean fins running along his arms, spine, and tail. He also had webbed fingers, small black horns, and very light cyan hair tied in a complex tail. His eyes were nearly white, with horizontal pupils. He was covered in dirt and ash, and walked with a limp. His arm fell loosely at his side, gushing blood from the shoulder.

The gargoyle angrily stammered, "F-F-First the s-sylphs, and now you? What do you want? There's nothing left t-to take! I'll still fight you if I have to!"

Timbur was about to kill the gargoyle because of that threat, but Leiytning stopped him. Refusing to disobey his master, he stood down and sheathed his weapon. The gargoyle seemed confused by this gesture.

"We're not here to fight," Seyber insisted. "As a matter of fact, we received a warning of this attack. It looks like we arrived too late to tell you."

"L-Liar," the gargoyle growled, limping toward them. "I know your kind. Why would Zyreans go through the trouble of h-helping us? Helping light creatures?"

After taking another step, the gargoyle fell to his knees, clearly drained by wounds and exhaustion.

"The rumors are wrong," Scorch argued. "Just because we're demons, it doesn't make us some breed of monster."

"Scorch, hold off," Leiytning spoke. "Believe it or not, your kind was not the only one to be attacked by sylphs. Corelia has been targeting all kinds of random tribes. Light, dark, demonic; it doesn't matter. Just before you, she went to the Kaen Demons and killed their leader. I'm sure you can relate?"

"Yes..." The gargoyle kept his head down. "It was one of her lieutenants. She slaughtered our chief, then the small army started to kill the rest of us. They were all stronger than us, but that lieutenant..." He gulped. "Sh-Sh-She was a monster! After she killed my leader, she slaughtered my friends and family, and turn my home into the burning ruin you see before you."

"Trust me, we know what that's like," Leiytning muttered.

The gargoyle looked up, and the sight surprised him. Instead of killing him, Leiytning had extended a hand to him.

"Corelia wants to do this to more innocent creatures," Leiytning explained, helping the gargoyle back up. "We're trying to stay ahead of her, but an entire army against seven warriors isn't exactly efficient."

"Wh-What are you getting at?" The gargoyle asked. He then looked suspicious. "And, now that I think about it, why should I believe you at all? Corelia's not the only brutal leader. I heard your legend, sadist. You and that odd sister of yours look more like enemies than friends, and I'm very sure the s-"

Timbur drew his machete, putting the tip to the gargoyle's neck.

"If you plan to keep speaking," Timbur growled. "Make sure it's absolutely, verifiably right."

Leiytning smacked Timbur, shooting him a glare. Timbur begrudgingly sheathed his machete, prompting the gargoyle to step back.

"That's not helping," the gargoyle muttered.

"Apologies, my apprentice tends to be..." Leiytning hesitated. "Eager."

Timbur sneered, crossing his arms. "When they're disrespecting you, right after disrespecting all of us, sure."

"Timbur," Leiytning said sternly.

"Alright, I'll stop!" Timbur insisted. "But if he tries something, I'm not holding back."

Leiytning ignored him. "Now, gargoyle, let's not get into that story, it's complicated enough. Besides, it's not even a story, just more rumors started by juveniles and morons. We don't mercilessly hunt innocents. We're merely doing exactly what needs to be done, which everyone should agree on, by now. Punishing the Aubades for what they've done."

"I..." The gargoyle nodded. "I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but I agree. J-Just look at what they did, here! We are not a very large tribe. I'm all that's left of us, now. All thanks to Corelia and her army..." His mind seemed to drift. "How many ended up like us?"

"Many have had to endure Aubade attacks, over the ages," said Leiytning. "Extinctions have been attempted or planned. We're an obvious example, and I regret to see that they've done the same to you. If this was her plan the whole time, oblivion knows how many others are at risk."

"That..." Rage burned in the gargoyle's eyes. "That wretched tyrant! How can she just stand by and watch her own kind slaughter people -people who never even wanted to be a threat to her?! Even worse, how can those henchmen carry out such horrible orders, with no reaction? I..." He snorted. "I'd do anything to end them all, myself."

"That's just about impossible," Leiytning muttered. "Although, you could assist in fighting back. If you would be willing to work for us, then-"

"Deal," the gargoyle quickly spoke.

"Oh, now he likes us?" Timbur muttered.

"I admit, you're not my favorite people," the gargoyle argued. "You are Corelia's main enemy, though. If aiding you means bringing her down, I'll swallow whatever distaste I have. I want her and her henchmen to pay."

Leiytning's eye narrowed. "Be sure of this. We have more enemies than just the Aubades, you'll be expected to help with those as well."

"Fine!" The gargoyle insisted. "Look around us. My choices are to live in this wasteland to probably die alone, or accept your offer and gain some vengeance. So what if work is involved? I'm not lazy."

"Hold on," Timbur interfered.

Before he spoke, he pulled Leiytning aside, keeping his voice low.

"You can't be serious about this," he said.

"Timbur, this is another lesson for you," said Leiytning. "Look at this thing. His homeland is burning down around him, and everyone he knows has just perished in a painful, bloody manner. Does that story sound familiar?"

"Yes, but we pulled through on our own, and so can he."

"We still had seven of us. He's just one wounded gargoyle that isn't even a warrior. Remember what I said? I said that it's hard for seven warriors to keep up with an entire army of sylphs. Not to mention every other enemy clan that's turned against us. These people are invaluable resources. We wouldn't even know about these recent fights if it weren't for Druitt, as unbearable as he is. T'Kala and Savux confirmed that the sylphs were doing suspicious trading. Thresher's no exception, and -as much as I hate to admit it- that godawful elf has his uses."

"Please tell me he hasn't appeared, yet," Timbur muttered.

"No," said Leiytning. "Now, as stupid as it sounds to you, 'outsider' does not always translate to 'enemy.'"

"You still have to account for their behavior," Timbur insisted. "This one just started throwing threats the second we met him."

"What other choice does he have?" Asked Leiytning. "To put this in a way you'll like, this gargoyle has nothing to live for, so he'll be easier to manipulate. He likely has information we can steal, as well. In other words, shut up and trust me on this."

"And if it fails?"

"Try and tell me how many of our agents have turned against us undetected, and caused significant damage because of it. Also, no, Kita doesn't count."

Timbur still looked uneasy, but sighed, "Fair enough. Sorry for arguing."

Leiytning turned to the gargoyle. "It has been confirmed that you'll be able to work as one of our agents. All we'll ask is for your help on some missions, possibly involving others that work for us, or you'll keep an eye on specific enemies."

"I can do that," said the gargoyle. "I just have to ask for two things in return. Do you, maybe, know another place I can live? Obviously, this isn't going to work. The other request is this; if you ever see that lieutenant, Atara..." He growled, "I want you to kill her in the most painful way you can muster."

"You don't have to tell us twice," Leiytning muttered.

Scorch cringed. "Atara's not dying any time soon, as nice as that'd be."

That was a well-known fact for most of the Northern Territories. Atara was a notorious sylph warrior; a very strong one that raised hell wherever she went, as well as the longest-standing sylph lieutenant. She had just as much of a name for herself -if not more of one- than Chiro or the famous Hitais.

"Just a thought," Scorch interfered. "Where could we leave an Aquarus Gargoyle? They need water, right? I doubt he'll do well in the moors, if that's what your thinking."

"The Silent Meadow," Leiytning dismissively answered. "If he lived here, the river at the border should be more than suitable. The orcs may pose a threat, but not by much. He'll actually be useful for alerting us to their attacks, once he gets a communication crystal."

"You're sure?" Asked the gargoyle. "You're all sure of this?"

Seyber smiled. "Of course. We endangered species have to stick together, right?"

The gargoyle laughed, "You've my thanks, then! My name's Lurix. I'll do what I can to help."

Seyber looked much happier. "Let's go, then."

While Leiytning and Timbur led the way back through the thinning mist, Seyber and Scorch lingered behind to speak with Lurix. The gargoyle still walked with a limp, and he was still bleeding from some wounds. It wasn't long before Seyber took notice.

"Are you alright? Your wounds look pretty severe."

"They hurt, yes," Lurix replied. "I just need clear water. In due time, it will heal me."

"That's a useful trait," Scorch remarked.

"Yes," said Lurix. "However, in turn, our fortitude on land greatly decreases."

"Eye for an eye," Scorch agreed.

Lurix looked over the two demons. "There's one more thing, too. Who are you?"

"I'm Seyber, the team medic and spirit-walker's apprentice. This is Scorch, one of our warriors. The two up there are Timbur and Leiytning, but you probably already knew that."

"Are they the twins that I always hear about?" Asked Lurix. "Although, I could've sworn one twin was a lady. 'The witch and the familiar,' right?"

"That's not an accurate way to describe them," Seyber replied. "Leiytning and Thundur are the Storm Twins, but unfortunately, you won't be able to meet Thundur for a while. Timbur's our beta..."

As they talked, Timbur listened in on the conversation, just to make sure nothing too secret got shared. Naturally, he was suspicious of the newcomer. Timbur was never the person who welcomed others so easily. That also made him think about why they were here in the first place.

"What do you think the sylphs are up to?" He asked.

Leiytning spoke to the gargoyle, "Lurix, is there any known reason as to why the sylphs attacked you?"

"Actually, there is," Lurix replied. "Corelia wanted to start trading with us, but our chief refused. As a response, you saw what happened."

"There's your answer, Timbur," said Leiytning.

Timbur looked confused. "What?"

"The sylphs begin trading with a number of small tribes. Then afterward, they attack the Kaens when they refuse. When the sylphs get to the much weaker Aquarus Gargoyles, they also refuse, so they completely obliterate them. They were getting in the way of business, and when something's in the way of a sylph, they overcome that obstacle in any way possible. Even if it leads to a violent end."