Survival

Snapping his eyes open, Zariel gave a grizzled growl under the spell of anguish emanating from his lower half. Tears that had run dry eons ago had flooded. He hissed in pain, gripping his crotch.

"That bastard," He said grievously, his mind spilling over the thought of his elder brother taking advantage of him while he was defenseless to do anything but watch. It wasn't the first time this had happened, as years before his fall, he had done the same thing. There was no anger in his heart, only mischievous revenge. Zariel chuckled and pulled himself up, noticing the injures over his shoulders and leg had primarily closed. He staggered up, soaked in sweat as pain hounded his worn body, and proceeded to cloth himself in something clean before he departed.

The Young Master reached into himself near the threshold of his door and surveyed the entire manner. He opened the door, heading to the training field, where he gazed at his brother gripping his spear while Aurelia, gripping Morningstar, unfolded into a flurry of blows. Zariel watched from the shadows; while his brother effortlessly weaved through with passive ease. He carried his usual smile when his spear whipped towards its prey like a venomous snake—blasting Aurelia off her feet. He bolted towards her still in mid-air, thrusting a common-looking spear he found within the manner out, ready to take her life.

Calm as the Eben Lakes, Aurelia's eyes glowed; holding onto the Staff of Eldritch, her Arcana surged into an intricate rune. Anticipation fluttered through her heart when she saw she could not block Arsene's blade, but she didn't need to. Running his spear towards her throat, an eruption of arcana exploded in a vast mist of snow clouds as a sigil appeared from her staff, defending her with ease.

Zariel chuckled and stepped out of the shadows when Auralia, covered in sweat, landed like a graceful swan, light and serene. She held Morningstar in a reverse grip and darted out, bolting towards her target with all she had. Zariel stood shocked by the acceleration she exhibited as it reminded him of the Ghast he fought.

Firing off several firebolts that whipped toward Arsene, Aurelia instantly found her opening, and the moment Arsene saw to dodge or deflect her spell. She pivoted, twisting her body over the icy snow. She gathered an incredible amount of momentum and lashed her blade towards Arsene's shoulder with the power of the imperial sutra devouring her Arcana at a rapid rate.

"Good," Arsene said, leaning back slightly; he sidestepped and rushed forward; the moment Aurelia missed her mark, he slapped his knee-high into her ribcage, ripping the air from her lungs, the crackle of bones shattered sounded. And before two, The Young Fallen fell to her knees, dropping her blade, gasping for air.

"I see you found a new target to bully," Zariel remarked, slowly making his way over. Almost involuntary, both brothers covered their balls, harboring a shared mind amongst each other. " What are you still doing here? I thought I made it clear that I don't need people here?"

Arsene glanced at the fallen gasping for air and thought for a moment, " You think I could have stayed in Iliah after what you did? They had already destroyed my cultivation and banished me to a foreign land, forcing me to face humiliation for years."

"It seemed you've recovered well," Zariel said curtly, surveying his brother brimming with life."What of our sister?"

"Still with the witches, she is fine, though. You know they are more impressed at what you were able to accomplish than angry. My secret identity is still intact, so I could still regain some of the power lost, but still, it's dangerous, Zariel. Was it not for your master's involvement? I don't think I would have escaped in time." Arsene warned.

"Hey!" Aurelia said suddenly, " I could use a little help." She saw to say, glaring up with misty eyes. " That hurt!"

"Keep running the Imperial Sutra," Zariel said, " It should increase your healing factor. Give it a few minutes, and you should be good as new. Now shut up." Crossing his arms, he returned his attention to his elder brother, meeting his cool gaze.

"How bad."

"Bad. Iliah is in full lockdown. There are rumors of Chaos Lords making their moves, but not even Zero can confirm this. He has sent II to find out more." Arsene explained, piercing his spear into the ground. He stared at Zariel sternly, " You are compromised. If not you, then those around you. The Black Hand is not the only one that is now hunting you. I say you have less than a decade left on this planet, if not less."

"Those fools are the least of my concern," The young master muttered. He shook his head and bore a smile, " Get out of here. You are two powerful to be on this planet. I will be in contact. Oh, and tell Zero we found that sword. I will send a report of the events that took place later.

The bothers seemed to lock eyes, a hint of understanding stemming between them that made aurelia peering up somewhat jealous. It had only been a week since Arsene had appeared, and she had been having a blast with him. He was funny, silly, and somewhat playful at times. Most of all, he knew a lot. More so than Zariel, whose brain didn't seem to function at times.

Bitterness filled the young fallen as she pouted, standing to her feet, feeling her ribs grinding against her organ. She winced in pain but still held her head high, ready to speak, but her words fell faint as Zariel held his hand over her mouth.

"Bother." He said as a goodbye.

"Till we meet again.' Arsene said, shooting Aurelia a particular glance, and winked. When his body crackled and vanished in a bolt of lightning that pierced through the skies.

"Why did you do that?" Aurelia snapped, slapping his hand away. She growled, lifting her sword, and met with the cold glint in the young master's eyes.

"No need for the both of us to die. Someone needs to take care of our sister in case the other dies." Zariel said, peering down into the snow, devouring the blood dripping from wounds that had slowly opened. A bitter smile appeared over his lips, "It's not that I don't want him around, but survival is our goal right now. Nothing else matters."

"But—"

"No buts." Zariel snapped back, his gaze hard, "Your vacation is over."