| Part One written by Pocroik @ Tole's Crystal It was as if he had stepped into another world. Ashley Riot dragged himself up the last remaining steps, sighing openly as stone changed to earth beneath his worn boots. He stopped walking to glance about his surroundings. His feet were planted firmly on the grassy hill overlooking the Crevasse Bay, precisely where he had stood merely a day previous--it may have been years past, for all he cared. The forest ahead seemed a strange and alien place to him, and he stared at its dark border for some time, as if having never seen something so simple as a stand of trees before. Then he turned, reluctantly, back the way he'd come. Beyond the shimmering bay, bathed in fresh sunlight like a gleaming fireball, the city of Leá Monde was slowly withering away. The sounds of its walls crumbling echoed over the water, like waves of distant thunder. Smoke rose in great spumes over the toppling buildings, undulating grotesquely, tainting the clouds overhead. Fire licked the ancient stone cathedral; as Ashley watched in suspended fascination, the immense building gradually shook itself apart, until all that remained of Leá Monde's most grand structure was a heap of smoldering rubble. Soon, all the city would follow its example, returning to dust, its legacy erased. Ashley closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of the morning air--clean, unadulterated air. He kept it in his lungs for some time, savoring the taste and the feeling. He released it slowly through his mouth, almost as a sigh of relief. "It's over," he murmured, allowing himself a moment a precious peace. "It has ended." No. It hasn't quite ended. Ashley moved away from the underground tunnels, which were also beginning to lose their structure. He found a spot just before the forest boundary--a shady place beside several large, moss-covered rocks. He knelt down, and for the first time in hours set his attention to the weight that hung upon his shoulders: Sydney Losstarot. The metal arms dangled against Ashley's chest, completely immobile, as they had been ever since escaping the cathedral. If it weren't for the slow, shallow breath emptying against Ashley's chin, he would have thought his charge dead. Carefully--recalling that he hadn't been very thoughtful of his injured companion during their long run through the catacombs--he slid Sydney off his back and laid him face down on a particularly soft spot of grass. He did not make any sound or movement. Ashley sat and leaned against a nearby rock, wiping his forehead. He was exhausted, in every sense of the word--his body, now settled, accepted a comfortable numbness in all its muscles. He hoped vaguely that there were no creatures nearby that would require defense against, as he wasn't sure he was up to the task. It wasn't simply the lack of sleep that was driving his eyelids shut, but the memories of battles and injuries scarred into his flesh, and the heavy knowledge that rested within his brain. It was too much to sort out all at once, and he knew he didn't want to try. There would be time, later, to deal with all he'd learned and gained. But before he could find some release in slumber, a noise to his left alerted him. He focused on the limp body of Sydney, which had begun to move. "I'd lie still a bit, were I you," he advised. Sydney placed his arms beneath him, as if attempting to push himself up. The metal joints rattled as he trembled and fell onto his stomach once more. Giving up on that notion, he remained still after that. "Ashley?" he asked weakly, turning his head so that he might at least see him. He squinted against the light. "We've left the city," he murmured with dull surprise. "Seemed appropriate at the time," Ashley muttered, turning his head to gaze once more on the dying ruins. "We're just across the bay." He noted the wound on Sydney's back--he'd used his own shirt to bandage the gap of missing flesh, which appeared only to stain the fabric dark brick red. The blood had seeped all down his back, marring the leather waist-cape as well. "Your wounds are serious." Sydney coughed weakly, which might have been the closest to laughter he could manage in his condition. "Haven't you yet learned? Such wounds won't kill me." He folded his arms in front of him and rested his head against them. "But without Leá Monde, my power is weak. I will have to regain my strength before trying to heal." Ashley frowned thoughtfully, remembering how quickly his body seemed to rest and regenerate while in the city's walls. Now he understood what he'd seen in the Duke's Manor nights previous. "You truly are immortal, then?" he asked softly. "Truthfully so." His eyes seemed to dull with the words. Perhaps so, but pain will not forsake even this body. I am as much its prisoner as any mortal. He coughed, clearing a clot of blood from his throat. "As are you now, Ashley." Sydney raised his gaze as the man straightened visibly. The dark brown eyes were suddenly very clear, questioning. He doesn't yet understand what I've given him, Sydney realized. He cannot control his power. Perhaps... He closed his eyes briefly. ...it is well that I lived this long. He looked again to the Riskbreaker, for the first time feeling a twang of guilt within him. What I have done, however justified the means and purpose may be, is unfair. He has taken over my life, now. "Ashley." Sydney again tried to raise himself, and succeeded at last in folding his legs beneath him in a comfortable sitting position. "The Dark flows within you. The city has opened its veins and given you its blood, its very life. And with it, all its powers." "I don't want them," he replied instantly, though his expression was blank and without force or resentment. "Give them to another." Sydney shook his head slowly. "That I cannot do. You bear the Blood Sin. It is your gift--and your responsibility--now." "I didn't ask for it." He grinned ironically. "And that is why you have it." Ashley remained thoughtfully silent for some time, watching him. His gaze was thick and intense, as if expecting something to happen. Then, suddenly, his focus swung to the side, landing on open ground several feet away. He seemed to be listening intently. Remembering his ability to See, Sydney quickly turned his own attentions inward, searching for whatever it was Ashley heard. But he couldn't trace Ashley's gift, as he'd been able to do with any of his other followers. That puzzled and excited him--he'd never found another who could pluck his thoughts from him so easily without him knowing. Surely, he was meant to be the chosen one. Ashley looked to Sydney once more, and murmured, "You're an odd fellow, Sydney Losstarot." Sydney only smiled, though internally he was wondering what Ashley had heard within his mind. "No more than thee, Ashley Riot." His back throbbed then, reminding him of his injuries, and he lay back down. "I suspect you have many inquiries. I intend to return to the Duke, my Father, but there will be time en route for your questions. For now, I suggest--" But when he glanced up again, he found that Ashley's eyes were closed, head bowed on his chest, fast asleep. His breath whistled softly through his parted lips. Sydney smiled faintly. "Very well," he murmured. "Get your rest." "Agent Riot? Agent Riot!" Sydney managed to lift himself up just enough to see a woman crossing the hill toward him, followed closely by a young, blond boy. He recognized the pair immediately, and watched their approach with a sigh of relief. "Joshua..." Agent Merlose trotted up to the pair, looking quite exhausted but relieved at the sight of her comrade. When her eyes fell on Sydney, she paused, then continued forward at a more reserved pace. Joshua clung to her skirt and stared at him from behind. "Sydney," she said, "is Agent Riot--" "He sleeps, too deep for dreams, I'll warrant," he replied easily. "You bear a similar face." Merlose sighed deeply moved to check Ashley, just to be sure. Satisfied that he was indeed in good health, she seated herself nearby and stretched her weary legs. "Thank God he's all right." She lifted her head. "How? What happened back there--the Blood Sin--Guildenstern?" "The dear sir has gained all he deserved," Sydney told her. "Unending servitude to the Darkness he sought so avidly. Even I will not imagine what fate has befallen his soul." His answer clearly wasn't enough for the VKP Inquisitor, and she glanced at Ashley, as if wishing he were awake to explain. "My superiors will not accept that," she murmured. "They will want to know what has happened here." "They could not comprehend, even if you detailed every moment." Merlose sighed again, too weary to argue with his twisting words and logic. "Very well. But... what will you do now, Sydney?" She gazed at him questioningly. Beside her, Joshua watched the blond man with wide, wondrous eyes. Sydney glanced at the boy. Joshua... forgive me. But I cannot reveal this truth to you now. "I will away. But not until I am sure of my successor's well being." "Successor? You mean... Agent Riot...?" "Yes. Now, I suggest you rest, Agent Merlose." He settled into a more comfortable position, though the pain would not leave him easily. He wished desperately then that he'd had the foresight to carry at least an herb with him--something to dull the throbbing agony, if only for a while to allow him rest. Merlose must have noticed his discomfort, as she moved to Ashley, carefully undoing a pouch from around his waist. Within the fabric she plucked out a piece of Cure Root, which she handed to him. "Thank you," he said, though still managing to hide the severity of his condition from her. "I'm not accustomed to such wounds, I'm afraid." "Apparently so." Merlose found a space of grass that was comfortable enough for her and stretched out, sighing as her muscles relaxed. "Do you think... this place is safe for us?" "It will do well enough. The sounds from the city will keep the animals away, most likely." The woman stretched out, laying her head on her arm. Joshua watched her momentarily, then moved tentatively toward her. Merlose noticed immediately, and welcomed the child under her arm. He curled against her and was almost instantly asleep. Sydney watched, even as his eyelids drifted shut with fatigue. Hardin... thank you for taking care of him. -- Ashley did not sleep for long. Though his body demanded more rest, the light piercing his eyelids was a constant reminder of his position, and the distant rumblings of fire rang threateningly in his ears. Only an hour had passed when he awoke once more, feeling slightly refreshed but still exhausted. He noted curiously that an addition had been made to their crude camp: Agent Merlose, and the Duke's young son were now with them. He wondered briefly where Sydney's comrade was, and why he'd left them. Perhaps... he's dead? He frowned, wondering what would be done once they, too, awoke. It's good that she's safe. But she'll have to report to the VKP--what will she tell them? How much does she know? What will I tell them? Ashley climbed wearily to his feet, stretching his muscles carefully to keep them from cramping. By now the city of Leá Monde had all but burnt itself down, and was again still and silent, ever the graveyard. The city has at last been laid to rest. The VKP--the Cardinal--they will all demand answers. Can I... can I speak what I have seen? He rotated his shoulder blades, remembering the burning sensation that had haunted him in his dreams: the Blood Sin, branded into his flesh. Sydney would have me believe that the city lives in me, now. All the power he commanded is within me. Surly, they would not let me run free if they knew. But what place is there for me? He knelt down beside Agent Merlose and nudged her gently. He knew that she was most likely just as tired as he, and deserving of sleep, but he felt as if desperately needing some security. "Agent Merlose," he prompted, poking more harshly. "Wake up. Merlose." The woman stirred, and rubbed her eyes as the daylight invaded them. She squinted up at him. "Ashley?" Ashley frowned at her form of address, but he didn't comment. He sat beside her, waiting for her to sit up and reclaim some wits. "I'm sorry to wake you," he said a bit awkwardly, unused to apologies, "but I wanted a word. Without Sydney." He indicated the slumbering man several feet away. Merlose made sure that the boy was still asleep and resting soundly. "You mean... about our report?" "Aye. Will you return?" "To the VKP?" She regarded him curiously, as if not understanding his meaning. "You will not?" "I cannot." Whatever is truth, whatever fantasy, I cannot go back until I know for sure. For if they are responsible for the lies in my soul... "I am not for them any longer. Look yourself." He turned, allowing her a glimpse of the symbol he was sure was now imprinted upon his skin. She gasped quietly, and gingerly reached to touch it. He faced her once more before she could make that contact. "Sydney has named me his successor. I do not understand fully what that means, but until I do, I cannot let them know. I won't be used." Merlose nodded vaguely, her eyes skimming over him. "Agent Riot," she murmured, licking her lips. "Can I ask you? What happened in there?" "I cannot say what I do not understand," he replied truthfully. "And I would not tell you, if I knew it would get back to that committee." Her face reflected hurt, which he chose to ignore. "But I will say this: Leá Monde is of no use to anyone now. I daresay entering it is not possible. Tell them that, if you must." She glanced away, displeased with the lack of information. "They will not be pleased." "I don't care." Ashley paused, realizing how true those words were. He had no intention of returning to the VKP, or giving them information. Even if he couldn't yet bring himself to believe Sydney's truth, his entire being now detested the thought of crawling back to the dark room with its gargoyle-men. "But I will help you and the boy back, if you need it." "Yes, thank you." Ashley settled once more, pleased that he had something of a plan: he would take the Inquisitor and the boy back to the Graylands, and from there decide what to do. Meanwhile, Sydney would answer his questions. He would find the truth that lay hidden in his memories--away from any power that could seek to twist his mind. He gazed down at Sydney, who looked even paler under sunlight than in Leá Monde's dark tunnels and candle-lit church. I wonder... what will he do? He has nothing left, now. Ashley frowned, trying to guess the man's intentions. He's done what he intended, hasn't he? What will become of him? "I wonder what will become of him," Merlose muttered, and Ashley glared at her in surprise. But she wasn't talking about Sydney--she was gently stroking the top of Joshua's soft blond hair, her eyes distant and somewhat sad. "His father dying, his brother dying, his mother already gone..." "Brother...?" he echoed; and then it came to him. He glanced sharply at Sydney. "What mean you?" "Sydney. I Saw something from his mind, in the city." She continued to touch the boy, like a mother caring for her son. "He never intended to survive his own design, I think. But he has. I wonder what he will do." "I was thinking the same. Müllenkamp is all but extinct now. He's a wanted man, alone." Ashley glared at the slumbering man. He wouldn't dare die until I know my truth. He couldn't. "We should leave this place," Ashley said abruptly. "More agents may come to guard the entrance, and we'll all need a place for rest." Carefully, so as to not aggravate the man's wounds, Ashley pulled Sydney onto his back once more. The prophet did not stir. "I'd rather not stay. Can you take the boy?" Merlose frowned, clearly in no mood for more travel, but she nodded and managed to hoist Joshua onto her back in a similar manner. "But where shall we go? Surly we look suspicious as it is..." "Then it will have to be someplace small and unnoticed. Come now." He started into the woods, and Merlose had no choice but to follow. They started down the path, not speaking--Merlose was having a hard enough time simply keeping up with his faster pace as he sought to put the city far behind them. Only when the sounds of the bay could no longer be heard did Ashley slow, allowing her to walk at his side. Sydney awoke some time later with a swift intake of breath, glancing about in confusion. "We're traveling again," he remarked, not moving too much. "To a town, I hope." "You know this area better than I," Ashley said. He shifted the man's weight on his back that, surprisingly enough, wasn't too much of a burden. It was the proximity that was bothering him. "Do you think you can walk?" "Not at your pace. This way may be best." He didn't seem to mind at all, glancing about at the scenery as they went along the path. "If you can manage." "Well enough." "All right, then. Agent Merlose--how fares the boy?" Merlose glared at him briefly, as if detecting some note of sarcasm in his tone--she was having some difficulty carrying him and maintaining a steady pace at the same time. "Still asleep, I believe." She paused. "He is your brother, is he not?" "He is." Ashley frowned thoughtfully. "So that's why you had him taken from the manor," he mused. "You were saving him, really." He paused. "But why? Why take the manor at all, when you already had all you needed?" Sydney didn't answer at first, his breath coming slowly as he compiled his answer. "It was a farce," he replied after some thought. "Obviously, the Duke and I planned it. I wanted to have our comrades freed from the VKP. I wanted it to appear that the Duke and I had broken ties, to keep him from guilt. And... I was looking for you." "For me?" he echoed, startled, though his voice remained calm. "We had not met before then." "You speak truth and ignorance at once, Riskbreaker," the man chuckled. The metal claws slowly clenched and unclenched, brushing against Ashley's chest as they did so. "We had not met, and yet we had." Damn riddles and nonsense again. Ashley scowled. "Explain yourself. I've no tolerance for your 'game' anymore, Sydney." Merlose stared at the pair with some concern, clearly surprised by her partner's unusually sharp words. Ashley didn't care and didn't return her gaze. He continued to march straight ahead, ignoring Sydney as he shifted uncomfortably. No tolerance, he repeated to himself. The game has ended, now, without my knowing the rules. He will explain himself to me. Ashley blinked--his lids covered his sight for only a moment, and yet when they lifted once more, there was another figure on the path beside him. It was a boy, perhaps in his early teens, dressed in leather britches and high boots, nothing else. His blond hair had been tied and fixed in a complicated design of braids and twists, and hung far down his back. The locks shifted back and forth as he walked alongside the small procession, uncovering bits of tattooed flesh. Ashley glanced at his companion, but Merlose hadn't noticed, even though she was watching him intently. "Do you see something?" Sydney asked, catching onto his confusion. "No, nothing. I heard some movement in the woods. We'd best be careful." He continued on, trying not to look at the boy who kept his pace effortlessly. I'm Seeing something. But Sydney cannot tell for sure. He risked a quick look, and was startled to realize that the boy was missing a limb--his right arm had been sliced off near the shoulder, leaving only a ragged, bloody stump. Life fluid oozed from the crude wound and disappeared once it hit the forest floor. His other arm, however, was simply flesh and bone. This is Sydney I'm seeing. Ashley focused ahead, his mind reeling. But what has he to tell me? The ghost image parted its lips and began to speak. His voice was not like the Sydney draped over his shoulders presently--it was thin, and torn with pain. "I sacrificed my arm, to the gods. It had to be by my hand. I was not strong enough to do it myself--Her spirit entered me, and guided my limbs. She took the arm, and Lorenz burned it in the forge. He will make me a better hand. A hand guided not by Her will, but by my own." Ashley tried to keep his stare straight ahead, but he continuously caught himself glancing in the direction of the phantom. By now Sydney had realized what was going on; he was very still, listening for some clue. But the Riskbreaker would not give him that satisfaction. "As you were saying, Sydney?" Sydney started, interrupted in his concentration. "Yes, of course. The Manor." He shifted. "I received a prophecy when I was young--foresight is another talent of mine, as you might have surmised already. I knew that in order to find my successor, I would have to locate him from outside the city--an untainted soul. My plot was to meet you that night." "The prophecy wrote itself in my blood as it twisted like my arm on the floor," spoke the ghost beside him. "It was painful. For a moment, I felt as if my soul had been taken from me." "As soon as you pursued into my labyrinth, I knew you were the one meant to be chosen. I guided you to the heart of my city." "And when my soul returned I knew my purpose. As soon as Lorenz finished my arm for me, I used it to remove the other. And it showed me the second prophecy--my fate." The phantom vanished suddenly, leaving no trace that it had ever existed. Ashley worked his jaw anxiously. Removed his own arms, looking that young... Merlose was speaking now, and he quickly gathered his wits to listen. "But how did you know it was Agent Riot?" she asked. "Several of us were present at the manor who also came to the city. Your own men included." Sydney nodded, his voice a bit distracted, as if still trying to puzzle out what Ashley had Seen. "I knew it would not be one of my own, for I was acquainted with them all and knew the limits of their power. No, the city affects all differently, and I knew none of them were my successor." "There were others," Ashley said, hoping to prompt a more lengthy explanation. "True, there were others. And none far different from Guildenstern, I fear." He shook his head with pity. "The Blades would have all given the power to their master--even the gentle Samantha. Our Inquisitor has too much passion, and naturally, Joshua is too young." "And Rozencratz would have been twice the tyrant Guildenstern intended to be," Ashley mused. "Leaving... I alone." He frowned. "Do you imply that my being chosen was a matter of circumstance? Suppose another had taken my place in that mission." Again Sydney shook his head. "No, Ashley, not circumstance--fate. Destiny brought you to me that night. The very hands of gods that twist the world to their liking. They chose you long before our mothers gave us life." "Perhaps." He continued on without comment or complaint, accepting Sydney's words as truth. At least, until he had gained control of his power enough to search for the answers himself. |