《Shards of Arcine》


 Prologue (A/B)

    History. History is typically a subject that bores so many others. With so many complicated details and drawn out explanations, and I can kind of see why, but at the same time, I am completely fascinated by our history. I mean, it''s just so cool looking into the past, reading about all the fascinating events that happened! I envy those who live in the past, to be able to experience those fantastic events for themselves. The theft of the powerful grimoire of the arcane magics, the exorcism of a wicked, soul devouring demon, and even the world almost ending from some super powerful warlock! It''s just...so amazing! Being those people in those events, having so much action and excitement around them!


    I''m...getting a bit sidetracked here. I''m writing down this journal, because I''m so, so interested in seeing the world. I want to see if there''s any adventure still lingering around, and if there is, I want to jump into it! It is a bit dangerous, but I think I can manage. My mother and a few siblings of mine are really supportive of me, and I don''t plan on letting them down! My name is Azai Lithian, this is my first day of adventuring, and I''m going to make my mark on the world!


    <hr>


    The soft sounds of metal clanking against stones echoed through the halls in slow intervals, a tall figure, adorned with a crimson cape, with a gray fox fur trim along its sides, paced slowly towards a large, dark wood door, in a tall corridor surrounded in elegantly carved stone. The figure approached the door and knocked twice, before pulling the door ajar, peering into the room.


    A massive figure, equipped with intrinsically smithed armor, their shoulders several feet apart, and their height beyond 4 meters, sat at the far edge of the room, their back facing a massive ornamental window behind them. They sat slightly leaned forward, two gargantuan gauntlets hovering a few inches away from a hovering, perfectly spherical glass orb, as large as a massive pumpkin, with a beautiful, blue rose-like flower within the glass. The sphere radiated an ethereal glow, trails of magical energy flowing into the massive figure''s gauntlets, arms and broad body, the figure in concentration as they attune their soul to the magical energy of the sphere.


    The cloaked figure pulled the door further open, before walking softly into the large, dim study, illuminated by little but the radiating sphere, and the moonlight peering through the curtains of the window. "Sir, I apologize for interrupting your attunement, but I have some news from our scouts from the Isylian desert." The massive figure''s concentration fades, they carefully cradling the blue orb as the azure light radiating from within the orb soon dimmed, with the energy ceasing its flow into the steel-clad knight. They carefully lay the glass sphere onto a silver mantle, held aloft by an elegantly crafted twisting silver stand. They soon lift their head towards the crimson-cloaked knight, and begun to speak in a gentle, deep voice.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "It is quite alright, for I''m sure that you have important news, do you not?" The large figure straightened themselves up, their faint shadow emitted by the moonlight outstretching far behind the cloaked figure, as they stood in the doorway.


    "I believe that it is important; our scouts had report that there was a large legion of soldiers moving through the desert towards the east." The smaller knight replied with their tenor voice. "They do not bear any flags or emblems signifying their loyalty or kingdom"


    "Hmm..." The large figure paused, raising their gauntlet to their head, and gently scratching the metal of their gauntlets along the curved metal on their face. "I see. It would be too presumptuous for me to suggest that they are mercenaries, but continue.¡±


    The smaller knight stood tall before continuing. ¡°Our scouts, also report that a trail of thick smoke seems to always follow them, and that they never seem to rest.¡±


    The larger figure was intrigued, before leaning a little forward out of interest. ¡°Fascinating...But...Could this mean that there are rogue automata among our ranks?¡±


    ¡°Doubtful, sir. All of our outposts along Eyr respond, and none of them seem to be generating enough suspicion for us to investigate.¡± The smaller knight rebutted.


    ¡°If this is so, then I fear that this may be the start of something grave.¡± The larger knight¡¯s tone became grim, looking down as they slowly stretched the fingers of their gauntlets out.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    The larger knight slowly clenched their hands into a fist, the sound of metal straining against immense weight subtly emitting from their gauntlets. ¡°These soldiers, as you say, never rest, and produce thick clouds of smoke. I am afraid that one of the kingdoms may have discovered the secrets of our creation, and have begun producing soldiers akin to us for their selfish desires.¡±


    Both figures were still, and all was silent, with the exception of a faint rattling sound coming from the larger knights hand, sheer anger flowing throughout the larger knight¡¯s soul.


    ¡°Keep close watch over these machines, and try to discover their origin. Selfish tyrants may use these automatons to wage war amongst the weaker kingdoms. I refuse to let that happen.¡±


    ¡°Right away, sir.¡± The smaller knight gave a salute to the larger knight, before swiftly exiting the premise, closing the door behind them. The larger knight gave a deep sigh as they relaxed their fist, standing up from their large stone throne, and slowly walking to the mirror. Deep metallic crunching coming from every step as they spread the thick curtains apart, with a serene forest view, basked in the moonlight hidden behind the sheets. The large figure stared sorrowfully down towards the peaceful vista, anxiety starting to invade the knights thoughts.


    ¡°Who do these macabre machines belong to? And what exactly is their purpose?¡± The knight muttered to themselves, watching as the leaves gently brushed amongst themselves in the waxing moon.

 Chapter 1

    Endless thoughts. Isolation, anxiety, excitement, yet deep exhaustion all flowed through Azai¡¯s mind. A tireless night, with thoughts for the lust of danger, knowledge and adventure leaving Azai¡¯s mind greatly fatigued, barely getting any sleep during the night. The sound of a wooden door creaking open had interrupted Azai from his tiring thoughts, his eyelids feeling incredibly heavy, barely mustering the strength to even open them up.


    A white, tall and petite figure slowly approached in Azai¡¯s blurred vision, surrounded by a soft and warm, amber light. His mind could not yet register language, or even their presence, hearing only a strange sound coming from the figure, slowly growing louder and impatient, until finally, his mind had awoken from its tired state.


    ¡°Azai!¡± The woman¡¯s voice called out loudly, and rather impatiently. Azai¡¯s nerves nearly jumped out from his skin as he quickly shot himself up in the bed, having a rather surprising and rude awakening, and only having a white blanket to cover himself up.


    ¡°What..¡± Azai quickly stammered out, their words jumbling together in his tired mouth. ¡°What who..what¡¯s going on? I¡¯m up!¡± Azai¡¯s heart raced a little bit, even though he saw the figure coming towards him initially, his mind just didn¡¯t register their presence.


    ¡°We need to get going if we¡¯re gonna get to the combat trainer, so wake up, sleepyhead!¡± The girl yelled out towards Azai, trying to wake them up further from their tired, groggy state. She crossed her robed arms, her leather gloved hands clenching tightly. She gave a piercing stare through her silver hair with striking viridian eyes towards Azai, tapping her foot incessantly against the floorboards.


    ¡°Who...wha...Oh!¡± Azai¡¯s eyes widened as he stared down to his blanketed self, his tan skin only being covered only by the sheet drawn over his lower body. ¡°Could I get a few minutes, Eiri? I¡­¡± Azai paused as he pointed with his eyes towards his lower body, his cheeks flushed with a crimson red. ¡°Am not decent.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The fair skinned woman surveyed Azai¡¯s nearly naked mocha and slightly plump body, a slight shade of pink brushed over her face as she gave a heavy sigh. ¡°Yes, I do suppose that¡¯s in order then, isn¡¯t it?¡± Eiri turned around and opened the oaken door, turning her ear towards Azai. ¡°Just don¡¯t take too long, we¡¯re already fairly late, and I don¡¯t want you to be tardy, you know.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Azai waved off and tried to shoo Eiri away, muttering in a high tone of voice. ¡°Yeah yeah, I got it, I¡¯ll hurry.¡± Eiri turned her head back to open doorway and shut it behind herself, the door locking into its hinge with a solid ¡®click¡¯. Azai jumped out from the bed and quickly started to put his clothing on, for the only thing he having worn under the sheets were some shorts, after all. He quickly slid on some light, yet rather sturdy cotton pants, soon following with silky socks, before finally slipping on tall leather boots, with an iron toe and heel melded on.


    Several minutes had passed as Eiri waited patiently outside of the door, her back pressed against the wall as she gently bounced her leg up and down, her tweed satchel bouncing with her leg. Eiri idly checks her glove and boot straps to make sure they¡¯re properly tightened. Inside of the room, Azai had soon finished dressing and preparing himself, sliding his trusty bound leather journal into his leather bag, and strapped it onto himself, tightening it against his body, before finally putting on long, supple deer hide gloves.


    The door handle begun to shake and rattle as Azai pulled open the door, fully equipped in a mixture of leather and cotton equipment, covering vital parts of himself, a rather intricately designed short sword at his left side, concealed by a leather and brass studded scabbard. His crossbow and quiver against his back, and his dark leather bag hanging down from his right side.


    ¡°Took you long enough, we¡¯ll need to make haste in order to make up for any lost time.¡± Eiri steps away from the wall that was against the door, turning around and looking up and down Azai¡¯s body. ¡°Though, I gotta say, you look pretty good. You know, for a newbie and all.¡±


    Azai furrowed his brow and playfully jabs Eiri¡¯s shoulder, she giving a small chuckle before patting his head. ¡°You know I¡¯m just messing around, Azai. Nothin¡¯ to get your straps in a knot for.¡± Eiri smiled softly to Azai. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go pay the bill for our stay at the inn, you can get go outside and get some air, help wake you up some more.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll see you there!¡± Azai unfurrowed his brow and smiled, quickly going down the staircase to the east of them, going down the several corners before passing through the various tables and seating within the inn, before bursting through the teak doors of the inn. Azai¡¯s body was basked in the blinding, warm light, his eyes adjusting to the scenery before finally, he could see the road ahead of him.


    Azai could see a beautiful, quaint little village, with soft grassy hills rising in elevation to the distance. The chipper call of dashing red birds echoed throughout the air, and the songs of the cold, crisp wind bellowed through the trees, causing Azai to shiver a little bit. Azai looked into his bag, looking much larger on the inside than the outside, and pulls from it a wool poncho, graciously given to him by his sweet mother, and knit with the utmost love, giving him a feeling of warmth both in and out as he adorns it.


    Eiri soon followed Azai through the door, tying up a small cloth bag of money and attaching it to her waist. ¡°Right then!¡± Eiri called out to Azai, the boy turning around towards Eiri, before she walks up to his side. ¡°Ready to head off?¡±


    ¡°I was born ready!¡± Azai said with determination in his eyes. The two set off towards the forest due north of the serene village, marking the first day of their journey together.

 Chapter 1 (Side B)

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Isylian Desert West, 14:31, 34th day of Rho of the Seventh Era</h2>


    Bitter hatred, desire for oblivion, and seething vitriol. Such vile ideals are the core of the metal soldiers, as they march on bearing the flag of a black shroud of smoke behind themselves. Carrying wrought iron weapons made from those who suffered under a fist that demons themselves would fear, these metal automatons travel down the warpath under the harsh desert sun, destroying any and all that dare stand within their way.


    Yet, unbeknownst to them, spies of similar, yet contrasting stature lay within the desert dunes, with eyeglasses extended far, as they watch the thunderous legion of iron barbarians travel towards the east.


    ¡°They show no sign of stopping, or even resting.¡± A voice called out between one of the three half submerged within the sand, wings of leather fluttering faintly under the sand to cover the knight up slightly.


    ¡°Intercepting them is going to be difficult, I doubt we will be able to use traditional techniques to take advantage of the scene.¡± Another, deeper voice came from the dunes, the general color and design of their armor being akin to an emerald scarab. One of their many arms clutching a thick polearm, twisting their grip within their hands, as their upper hands held the magically enhanced eyeglass steady.


    ¡°If I¡¯m correct, their general path looks like they¡¯re going to go straight through the settlement of Tiamun. We could most likely set an ambush there, but civilians lives will most likely be endangered.¡± A third, baritone voice called out, the voice seeming to come from a rippling, white desert robe, tightly surrounding every limb and part of their body.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Either way,¡± The first voice meekly interjected. ¡°If these...things enter Tiamun, they may harm civilians regardless, directly or indirectly, through that toxic smoke they release.¡± The leather clad suit slid down backwards of the dune, concealing their body from view from the marching automata. The two other voices soon pursued the path the leather knight took.


    ¡°Hmm...Jacques, call two squadrons of knights, and perhaps champion Baroque, tell them of our plan. If we get any assistance, we can set up an ambush and evacuate the civilians.¡± The baritone knight responded, the white robes fluttering and flicking around weakly in the desert winds


    ¡°And if they don¡¯t?¡± Jacques responded, turning their head up to the robed knight¡¯s large figure.


    ¡°Then we shall die for our cause before they can reach the settlement.¡±


    The robed knight then put their fist against the center of their chest. Jacques reciprocate the salute, his leather wings spreading afar, loose sand pouring from the crevices between their wings, before taking flight into the desert skies, soaring to the closest outpost to relay the information.


    ¡°Well then.¡± The emerald carapaced knight turned to the other knight, adorned with the white desert robes. ¡°What is our plan then? Do we wait for Jacques to return, or should we begin heading off towards Tiamun?¡± He stretched his pair of arms around, fixing some of the plating along his back.


    ¡°We will be heading off to Tiamun, Mersian, hopefully sooner than that ¡®iron legion¡¯ can get to it.¡± The robed knight tightens the robes and various fabrics strewn across their body, patting the sides of their body for their blades, making sure they were still in their spots. ¡°Now, let us embark, shall we?¡± The robed knight begun their rather quick journey as they begun to run discreetly behind the desert dunes towards the east, with Mersian following soon after.

 Chapter 2 (Side B)

    <h2>Isylian Desert South, 15:47, 34th day of Rho of the Seventh Era</h2>


    Soaring through the harsh desert winds, Jacques was like a speeding bullet as he passed the many dunes high above the air, their leather wings flapping occasionally to push them higher into the air, along with the assistance of magic to propel themselves through the air. ¡®We shall die for our cause before they reached the settlement.¡¯ Jacques repeatedly thought to himself, the harsh desert sun looming overhead, and soon, the image of a fortress within the sands began to reveal themselves.


    ¡®Devotion of that calibre is respectful, but, at the same time, I can¡¯t help but feel...anxious.¡¯ Jacques thought to himself, turning himself upwards into the clear desert skies as he approached the fortress. Small glints of light flashed along the outside of the fortress, the knights along the ground making sure Jacques was a safe entity.


    Jacques dipped down through the skies, his wings spreading afar to break his fall as he landed onto an open balcony along the stone fortresses walls. His wings soon folded in against his back as he quickly paced down the path. Four knights, adorned in highly reflective metals soon joined Jacques¡¯s side as they made their way towards the office of Baroque.


    Two knights guarding a steel door step aside as they pull the heavy door open, a rush of cool air brushing against Jacques¡¯s leather exterior as it was breached, before he quickly paced down the darkened halls that were alit by natural light and magically lit torches. The steel doors closed shut behind Jacques, he descending down a small flight of stairs in the stone corridors, passing several arterial hallways on his way, before finally entering Baroque¡¯s quarters rather disruptly.


    ¡°Champion Baroque!¡± Jacques called out, a knight adorned with a silver mask leaning over a table, circled by several other knights wearing masks looked up to the intruding leather-clad knight.


    ¡°Jacques!¡± The silver masked knight called back, straightening their posture as they walked around the several other knights. ¡°Do you have any news about the situation to the north?¡±


    ¡°I do; the current path of the iron legion seems to collide with the small human settlement of Tiamun further to the west. Mersian and Kharos are en route to the settlement, ma¡¯am.¡± Jacques quickly saluted to Baroque, with the silver masked knight soon after returning the gesture.


    ¡°I see.¡± Baroque paused, turning around and waving their hand to the other knights, they nodding and leaving the room, closing the door behind themselves. Baroque walked back over behind the table and sat down, facing Jacques once more. ¡°So, what is your proposal of what we do then?¡±


    Jacques walked up the table, leaning forward against the table, placing his hands along its surface to support himself. ¡°Champion Baroque, I ask of your, and several other soldiers assistance in evacuating the civilians and protecting the town of Tiamun.¡±


    A sorrowful feeling began to fill Baroque¡¯s soul as they looked down. ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Lass is a wee bit busy with other things at the mo¡¯m¡± A deep, heavily accented voice interjected. The sound of heavy armor clanking approaches Jacques from the side. Jacque turns his head over to a knight with azure blue pauldrons, adorned with a navy blue cape covered in white crosses, with armor made of silver.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°C..Commissaire Achre!¡± Jacque steps back from the table, surprised by the fancy knights presence.


    ¡°Aye, tis I, don¡¯t wear the name out.¡± Achre slowly approaches the table and places their hand down onto its surface, in front of Baroque. ¡°Ye¡¯r proposal is defin¡¯ly noble, but tis got a wee problem; Miss Baroque ¡®ere an¡¯ ¡®er squaddies are already workin¡¯ on an assignment.¡± The knight pulls a small cut blue gemstone, surrounded in a gold ring from their cloak, placing it on the table.


    The gemstone begins to glow illustriously, a hovering image of a map appearing over the table, showing the various energy levels around Eyr, with high concentrations of energy being within a heavily forested area towards the eastern region of Eyr.


    ¡°Me soldiers n aye found a high amoun¡¯ tof energy due east of that wee settlement, Tee-ha-mun. Me and the lads are gonna take a peek at the goods, an¡¯ just in case tis dangerous, we¡¯ll be bringing lil miss Baroque here-¡± Achre taps the table with his fingers towards the silver masked knight. ¡°-ta assist in the effort.¡±


    ¡°B-but Commissaire Ach-¡± Jacques was quickly interrupted by the authoritative figure.


    ¡°Aye lad, call me just Achre, don¡¯t need ye fancy titles an¡¯ all.¡±


    Jacques paused for a second before continuing their train of thought. ¡°Achre, the human settlement of Tiamun is in danger, if we don¡¯t protect it, people will become homeless, or seriously hurt!¡±


    ¡°Toncha think aye already know that, Jackie boyo? Aye have good reason ta think that this energy source is what those rusty iron bastards are lookin for!¡± Achre picks the gemstone up, the light within growing dull before disappearing entirely. Achre putting the blue gemstone back into his cloak


    ¡°Our mission is to protect the weak from powerful threats-¡±


    Achre steps imposingly in front of Jacques, looking down to Jacques smaller figure. ¡°Our mission is ta keep the powerful from gettin even more powerful! What if those tar-spewin hunksa scrap got more forces? What if yer lil plan ends up getting those things exactly what they want?! I¡¯m sure they know how to flank yer pruny leather ass in six different directions!¡±


    Baroque slams their fists down against the table, standing up from their seat. ¡°Enough of this!¡± Baroques voice was filled with forlorn, looking over to Jacques. ¡°I cannot deny the orders from my superiors without good reason, but I can at least make compromises.¡± Baroque slowly descends back into their seat, both Jacques and Achre focusing on Baroque now. ¡°I, personally, will go with Jacques and meet up with their team, while my men will focus on establishing an outpost where the energy source is.¡±


    Achre lifts their hand up to Baroque, before sighing and letting his arm relax. ¡°Tis a difficult call to make. Aye would really appreciate your assistance within Elry-¡±


    ¡°My decision is final. You asked mostly for my soldiers to help you, and I¡¯m going to give you that. What I do from here on is my business only, understand?¡± Baroque said firmly towards Achre, Achre unable to make a decent rebuttal before sighing.


    ¡°Aye, alright lass, tis your funeral.¡± Achre turns himself around, giving one last look over to the adamant knight, before leaving the room. Jacques sighs quietly before looking back over to Baroque.


    ¡°Thank you, we¡¯ll take any help we can get at this rate.¡± Jacques said softly.


    ¡°Achre¡¯s right, you know. It is our funeral.¡± Baroque says grimly, looking down and closing their hands together, pressing them against their head.


    Jacques stepped back away from Baroque for a second. ¡°What..what makes you say that?¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Jacques! Just think about it! We¡¯ll be outmanned, outgunned, and outmatched. The most we¡¯ll be able to do is to try to whittle down some of their numbers and evacuate the civilians. Anything else is just wishful thinking.¡± Baroque lowered their hands to the table, frustrated with the situation.


    ¡°If..¡± Jacques paused for a moment, before looking back to Baroque. ¡°If you know that this whole situation is futile, then why are you helping us?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why, honestly.¡± Baroque¡¯s voice seemed to wane, staring idly at the grains of wood along the table. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just because I think It¡¯s time for me to finally pass on, or maybe it¡¯s just because I want to die a hero.¡± Baroque chuckled weakly, sighing softly.


    Silence permeated within the room, the light from the desert sun very slowly dimming as time went on, the sun eventually going to set within the next few hours. ¡°But, I can at least do something to fulfil my role as champion of the people.¡± Baroque stands up, picking up a very heavy greatsword from a stand next to them, resting the hilt of the blade on their shoulder. ¡°So, let¡¯s complete the goal we were born for.¡±

 Chapter 2

    Sweet, somber whispers from the wind flowed through the coniferous forest. Dead leaves slowly falling from the weakened branches, with fresh teal colored buds eventually taking their place. The soft crunching of crisp, frosted, dry grasses and dirt quietly echoing through the cool forest. Azai, adorned with a woolen poncho, and Eiri, with her hood up and a scarf covering the lower part of her face, walk softly throughout the quiet forest, the sound of crunching leaves and frosted grass emanating from their steps.


    ¡°Hey, Azai?¡± Eiri called quietly from behind Azai, slightly pulling her scarf down from over her mouth so her voice would not be muffled.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Azai continued to walk forward with Eiri, though slowing down so they would be side by side as they talked.


    ¡°Could you remind me why, exactly, we¡¯re not taking a carriage? Wouldn¡¯t it be much faster than walking through this forest?¡± Eiri turned her head to Azai, still being mindful of her steps as she walked on the creased ground formed by wagons and carriages.


    ¡°Taking a carriage isn¡¯t exactly in the spirit of adventure, you know. We gotta learn how to deal with walking long distances if we¡¯re ever going to be a proper adventurers.¡± Azai rebutted, giving a small smile to Eiri.


    ¡°Correction; you¡¯re the one going on the adventure here, I¡¯m just here to make sure you don¡¯t get yourself hurt.¡± Azai shrugged a little bit as they continued down the path for a few more minutes, before Eiri continued her train of thought with Azai. ¡° Your mom is really worried about you, you know. I have a duty to at least try to quell her anxiety, and make sure you¡¯re safe on this journey of yours.¡± Eiri gives a somewhat rough pat to Azai¡¯s back.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°Er-..right.¡± The tone of Azai¡¯s voice quickly became humbled, looking down for a few moments as they walked. Eiri soon followed up her sentence with another; ¡°Secondly, if we¡¯re going to be adventuring, why are we taking the public roads instead of carving our own paths, hmm?¡± Eiri gave Azai a teasing grin as she leaned down a little bit towards Azai¡¯s level, Azai quickly getting flustered and starting to walk ahead of Eiri.


    ¡°W-well.¡± Azai stammered out. ¡°You can¡¯t immediately jump into adventure, you kinda...you kinda need to ease into it!¡± Azai said in a bit of a whining tone, a bit embarrassed by Eiri as she gave a sweet giggle, giving a nice pat onto his back.


    ¡°I get it, you¡¯re just scared of the really nasty things you¡¯ve read in your history books finding us, aren¡¯t you?¡± Eiri chuckled again as her voice changed into a sillier, spookier voice. ¡°Soul stealing demons, power hungry wizards, horrific creatures from another world-¡± Eiri¡¯s fingers wiggled in a teasing, ominous manner towards Azai.


    ¡°S...stop it!¡± Azai¡¯s general demeanor became more of his age, getting flustered as Eiri continued to chuckle. The two¡¯s conversation soon ceased as the sound of a branch broke in the distance. Azai¡¯s body froze up, goosebumps starting to cover his body as he quickly turned around towards Eiri. ¡°This¡­¡± Azai stammered a little more. ¡°This isn¡¯t funny anymore! Please stop i-¡±


    Azai was suddenly shushed by Eiri placing her hand against his mouth in a shushing motion, before motioning to get down onto the ground. Azai quickly complied, squatting down onto the ground, his knees bending and quivering as they press against the frosted ground. Azai placed his shaking hand onto the hilt of his blade, the sound of his heart pounding quickly within his ears over the anxiety from this unknown threat.


    Eiri reached behind her back and unsheathed her arcane polearm, kneeling down and scanning the grounds where the sound emanated from. Eiri¡¯s viridian eyes carefully watched over the area, making sure the threat had passed. It felt like an eternity for Azai, thousands of thoughts racing through his head before finally, Eiri stood up and motioned Azai to stand, placing the butt of the polearm on the ground, using it as a walking staff. Azai stood up and quickly followed behind Eiri. The crisp air feeling almost like needles against his skin within the tense atmosphere.


    ¡°We should continue, and not be nearly as loud. There may be things here that are disturbed by our presence.¡± Eiri spoke softly to Azai as they walked quietly through the forest, pulling up her scarf over mouth a few moments later. Azai nodded in agreement with Eiri, his body shivering with anxiety, following the tall woman closely, clutching onto one of her arms  as they continued down the path.

 Chapter 3

    The long journey through the cool, coniferous forest was slowly taking its toll on little Azai. Eiri and Azai had decided to form camp at sunset, they making a good deal of progress down the path since the interaction with the broken branch. Azai slumps down tiredly against one of the pine trees, as Eiri was close by, picking up fallen boughs of pine to create a small overhead shelter for them.


    ¡°Gaaahhh¡­¡± Azai moaned out weakly, running his hands over his legs. ¡°I never knew that walking that long could hurt my legs so much.¡± Azai gave a rather pathetic, meek groan of pain as he continued to rub his aching legs and thighs.


    ¡°You know-¡± Eiri faintly looked over to Azai, continuing to pick up some long branches for shelter for the two, utilizing what''s left of the crimson sunset over the teal forest for light. ¡°-you can always go home. Your mother would appreciate that a lot, but you would have to pay for all the training from the mentor out of pocket, even if you don¡¯t take it.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Azai piped up, starting to stand up again, before wincing and rubbing his legs. ¡°Ack...I just¡­¡± Azai paused, before sitting back down onto the cold, pine needle covered mulch. ¡°I just need some time to get used to adventuring, my legs will build up some strength over time.¡±


    Eiri sighed softly as she placed the pine boughs down onto some clear ground, before coming over next to Azai and kneeling down next to him. ¡°Just don¡¯t be so hard on your body, okay? We all have limits to what we can do, but over time we can raise those limits, and surpass them, alright?¡± Eiri gave a sweet smile to Azai, rustling his hair a little bit.


    Azai quickly grew a little flustered, but could not deny what Eiri said to be very good advice. ¡°Wow...y..yeah, you¡¯re probably right...but stop rustling my hair!¡± Azai threw his arms up to block Eiri¡¯s rustling, she giving a soft giggle before resuming her work. ¡°I¡¯m not a little kid anymore, I¡¯m gonna do my best to make my mark on the world!¡± He said rather triumphantly.


    ¡°Well-¡± Eiri grabbed a large branch and begun to dig into the ground with it, creating a piece of foundation for the small shelter. ¡°-when you¡¯re done taking a break, you can help me by gathering some branches so we can start a fire. You can probably start one on your own, can¡¯t you?¡± Eiri struck the branch into the dug earth, wiggling it around to make sure it¡¯s stable within the ground.


    ¡°I..I think I can.¡± Azai looked away. He had read some books on surviving on the wilderness, and have packed them into his bag, but hasn¡¯t yet applied the principles yet. ¡°I-I mean, you can count on me!¡± Azai gave a weak smile as he pointed to himself, his aching legs gradually recovering as he rest against the cool ground.


    Some time had passed as Eiri continued to work the ground, pulling a bit of rope from her small satchel and tying the pine boughs against the branches, Azai gently rubbing his legs before standing up. ¡°Y¡¯know what, I¡¯m just...kinda curious as to why you care so much about my mom.¡± Azai began to circle the perimeter, picking up some tinder and sticks as he goes.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s...kind of hard to explain. I really just want to make sure she¡¯s happy and knows you¡¯re safe overall.¡± Eiri tied down the next layer of the pine boughs down against the branches.


    ¡°Huh, alright, I guess, that makes sense.¡± Azai soon had a nice bundle of dry and slightly damp kindling, before placing it down onto a relatively clean clearing for a fire to be set up. ¡°Though, sometimes I feel like you really, really care about some stuff that my mom says, almost like you¡¯re my big sister something.¡± Azai stands up straight and stretches his back a little bit.


    ¡°To be honest...¡± Eiri paused a little bit, before looking down a little bashfully, stopping her work for a moment. ¡°When I was little, I used to have a..¡± Eiri gave a fake cough before meekly continuing her sentence, her voice trailing off into a series of mumbles.


    Azai perks up, turning his head over to Eiri. ¡°What did you say?¡± walking over and leaning towards Eiri. Eiri¡¯s face was flushed pink with bashfulness, mumbling her words a little louder, but still were indecipherable. Azai starting to prod Eiri¡¯s shoulder ¡°C¡¯mon, tell me! Wait...Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re secretly my sis-¡±


    ¡°I-I-I used to have a pretty big crush on your mom, okay?¡± Eiri stammered and quietly shouted out towards Azai, interrupting his sentence. Azai¡¯s eyes widened, being taken aback over Eiri¡¯s confession.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Azai scoffed, initially in a state of shock. ¡°You seriously have a crush on my mom?¡± Azai steps back several paces, his back pressed against tree, before gradually being dragged to the ground by gravity.


    ¡°Ye-yes, I did.¡± Eiri resumed work on the small shelter, Azai left in a state of shock for several minutes, before suddenly bursting out into laughter, Eiri jumping a little bit when Azai began laughing.


    ¡°Oh my gods, this explains so much, like why you¡¯re such a sourpuss!¡± Azai cackled teasingly towards Eiri, clutching his stomach and rolling around laughing over the ground, hardly getting any air into his lungs between his laughs.


    ¡°Sh...shut up! I was little, and your mom just happened to look...very stunning back then, okay? I¡¯m sure you have some weird crushes too!¡± Eiri stood up as she finished tying up the next layer, standing up over Azai.


    ¡°Pphffft, yeah, okay, and I had a crush on your dad.¡± Azai snarkily remarked, his voice laced with sarcasm, before continuing his fit of laughter. Eiri only getting more infuriated towards Azai. ¡°Ye...Pffhtt, yeahaha-no, your crush on my mom pretty much takes the cake on that one.¡± Azai wipes his eyes of the tears that formed during his laughing fit. Eiri dropped the rest of the pine boughs onto the ground.


    A bitter rage began to grow inside of Eiri, getting ready to yell at Azai. Yet, she could feel her soul reel back; this isn¡¯t right. Azai is just a kid, and kids can be a little insufferable at times. Eiri closed her eyes and took a deep breath, before staring at Azai. ¡°Look, could we just¡­Drop the subject? I know, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s real funny, but we still need to get the fire started, and I much rather be warm and cranky than cold and cranky.¡±


    Azai gave a snooty scoff, standing up, barely hiding a few chuckles under his breath before waving Eiri off with the back of his hand, walking away from the campsite. ¡°Yeah, alright mom, I¡¯ll get some firewood for you.¡± Azai¡¯s silhouette soon began to disappear into the trees.


    Eiri grumbles and returns to her work, kneeling back down next to the nigh completed pine bough shelter. ¡°Jerkass kid¡¯s gonna be the bane of my existence at this rate.¡± Eiri muttered before angrily tying down the final layers of the pine boughs. The crimson light of the sunset fading with each passing moment, submerging the forest in dim twilight.