Fantasy Wherever the Wind Takes You

[Gary Sue]

Instead of dodging, the bandit dashed backwards into the arrow, taking the hit cleanly if it meant avoiding getting surprised by Laila instead. Seeing the woman immediately adopt a defensive stance, the smile on his face wavered some as he removed his hand from the pouch and held it in front of himself, some more fire forming on his palm. "That look in your eyes- you understand I'll have to kill you if you keep this up, don't you? You're going to make this much messier than it has to be.", he grumbled and continued to glare at her, meanwhile a groan sounded from the distance followed by the loud clank of metal clashing together.

Reeve's sword was on the troll's buckler, pressing it down with enough force that he had to use both his hands to keep the knight's strength from powering through. "Just a bit... m-more..!", he gave it his all, although he was quickly pushed right off and even sent spinning backwards, with a sudden slash to his back. Lining up perfectly with the scar left from Zel's goons back then, he stumbled once again and tried to keep his footing, thankful that the armor was there to protect him. If it weren't, the scar would only grow and blood would be coming out from over there too. But this...

Do you understand now?

"They know.", he gasped for air, feeling his adrenaline heighten more and more. Rivera was starting to move away from the combat and the flames, as much as possible to stay safe, but he was panicking all the same. The knight moved a hand to touch over his scars, as a scene briefly flashed through his mind. When the sorcerer's magic had hit him, all the way back in the shrine... it left a wound. It wasn't just a 'slight tap', even if that's what he remembered it as all this time. That's why the seared flesh burnt to this very day, wasn't it?

They do. And they want us gone.

"Even if I die, they can't have you back. You're mine forever now.", Reeve dashed at the troll once again, while the rogue glaring at Laila shot a fireball as a warning shot close to her. Maybe it was a cover-up, as he'd thrown a dagger at the magic construct floating in the air, trying to see if it would fade just like that. "You aren't our target. Just step down, and I promise there won't be any collateral damage."

What do you think happens to a soulbound sword when the owner dies?

Slashing at the brute, his first strike was blocked. A counterattack from the man's hatchet, and he dodged the strike skillfully before trying to follow up with another attack of his own. Blocked. Another slash downwards and again- blocked. A fourth strike that was deflected followed by a stab that was blocked, and then an axe swing he backstepped. What he wasn't expecting however, was the pillar of ice that had formed behind him, probably from the cloaked figure silently watching the fights unfold on both sides. "Drop your arms and let it be quick, please."

While pushed against the tower, Reeve tried to move to the side, only to be met with a swing of the man's armored brace, taking a clean hit to his stomach. Thrown off his balance and taken aback from the force, he bumped into another pillar that just formed behind him, coughing out air. He did his best to distance himself, feeling the scar on his back begin to burn too. "I can't let them take Laila away."

And yet you can't fight them off, either.

"So what the hell do I do?!", the knight asked his cursed weapon as Laila's opponent formed a second dagger of sorts out of the flames that kept pouring from his palm, with a curved guard. What she might have started to notice around now was the lack of blood from the man's wounds, as instead energy poured out... Energy really strong in their presence, and not at all in Reeve's. If the mute could see it, he'd be confused what it meant. But to a shrine maiden like Laila, it should be obvious. It was magic energy, on a species not known to be blessed for their magic control nonetheless. Perhaps, looks were deceiving..?

 

[ShredKnives]

Tck. He's daring. They're here for Reeve, so the more I cut in, the more they'll take out of me.

She narrowly avoided the fireball, eyes still locked to the dagger-wielding intruder and keeping a glance over at Reeve to check his status.

The construct disappeared as the dagger pierced through the hand.

"Aren't your target? So long as my partner remains under threat, I am your target." Laila said.

Still, her observations were putting off, and they were clearly at a disadvantage. This dagger-holding man, was losing blood and was expelling energy. Magical energy, actually...She pushed her hand out, her eyebrows furrowed in suspicion.

"The only reason you guys would be tracking us is if you've got something to take. Based on what I know...None of you seem-"

Fuck this, I'm not here to figure out their motives and origins when they're threatening my friend's life.

She snapped her fingers, waving it in a quick circle as she called, "Dispel Magic," and dispelling all usage of magic to that one target. That brief line of dialogue was specifically to pull a diversion long enough to let her cast a spell. Real sneaky, Laila. The man might maintain the dagger, but there wasn't gonna be any more flames or any channeling of magic.

Then she swung forward, releasing a flurry of slashes in an onrush.

 

[Gary Sue]

"You are not our target. Step down, archer-", the man hissed at Laila, interrupting her before she dispelled magic once more- her spell though seemed to snuff out the life in the man's eyes entirely, leaving just a blank stare as he stood there in place and looked at her silently. By the time her flurry was underway, all life had returned to him and with smooth movements from both of his weapons, he parried and blocked every single one of her hits, moving back towards the fire wall's embrace. The circle however seemed to slowly expand, as if to prevent harm from befalling the rogue.

His image wavered for a moment, and it was almost like a fourth enemy presence emerged at the same time. But even then, the man's defensive attempts were successful one after the other, with magic still pouring out of the wound on his shoulder as the arrow seemed to slowly but surely get pushed out more and more. It eventually fell down on the ground and only letting a soft, blue light out of the bandit's limb alongside the foggy energy.

Remember.

Another riddle, although at the worst possible timing for Reeve to sit down and solve it. He was currently in the very process of fighting his last battle, burnt and bleeding. He didn't even have time to ask his sword what it meant before another flashback hit him- the wound on his back wasn't as shallow as he thought it were, was it? He remembered the pain from the strike and just how deeply it reached, yet the adrenaline at the time had kept him going. Hell, the wooden room he remembered... "That was days after the incident, yet it feels like it had just been only moments. Did I..?"

You passed out from blood loss.

The voice filled in for him, realising just how badly he'd gotten hurt during his last 'serious' flirt with death. He briefly looked at Laila, only to see a figure emerging almost transparent from behind her and putting a knife to her throat, holding it tightly. What he didn't see or hear, was the man's whisper to the woman as he held the other knife close to her stomach, keeping her stuck between his blades' edges. "Please. Do not move again.", a tired and heavy-breathing voice panted into her ears, sounding almost mechanical if she were able to focus on it.

At that moment, Reeve felt despair. His surroundings faded, and it felt like he was in the shrine again. Standing in front of the sword's altar, he blankly looked at the black fog that was pouring out from the sword's slot. The sword slowly dissipated into the very same mist, two piercing red orbs forming on the shapeless cloud that floated in place before him.
Do you understand now? I can help you, if you stop denying me. You and I are the same. If you die, I die. And I don't want to die quite yet.

"What do you have to gain from this? You're an object- you can talk to me, and do little else."
​

Why don't you feed me and find out? If you're dying either way, at least save the girl on your way out. She's important to you.

"Laila...", he quietly looked to the side, the image of her being held with a knife at her throat appearing before him and disappearing in mere seconds.​

Your resolve isn't wavering. So feed me your power.

Confusion. What did the sword mean by 'his power'..? He looked behind him at the altar, seeing visions of the battle. The one part his mind had blurred out was the moments before the strike that immediately felled the rogue. Blood streamed down from the attacks and-

"I don't think you can be a bad person for using dark arts."


​

As Reeve's surroundings returned, he tried his best to pull himself back together, walking a healthy distance away from the axe-wielding troll. Though the man's attacks had been slow and relentless, they were steady to this very point. Now he simply looked at the mute, anticipating his next move. "He'll need a moment to get here... That's... all I'll need.", he let out a deep, shaky breath slowly while the familiar reek of dark arts surrounded his person, swirling around him like a cloud of smoke.

His hands were shaking, but his resolve had been steeled. The gem in his blade glowed, raising it to his chest height pointed directly at his opponent. Rather than attack however, he turned the blade to his left arm where his armor had gotten slightly chipped and took a jab at his own flesh. It was only a surface wound, but enough to draw blood from himself. Wincing, he looked at the way the blood slowly pooled into his blade's gap and crawled all the way to the gem, almost magnetized by it.

You're a fool, but a brave one. So take my power and use it while you can.​

Touching the gem, the blood crawled all over it and turned it from brown into a deep red, shining momentarily before the surface wound became deeper and wider around his hand. He groaned and faltered, almost losing his balance as he lost focus. Blood poured out faster and faster, more than the blade could now hold, instead streaming down his arm and over his armor. Just as he lowered his sword, he began to feel something alongside the growing weakness in his limb. With the blink of an eye, the blood covering his left hand had formed an expanding black gauntlet, all the way up to where his shoulder was.

Reeve's presence was for the first time, stronger than ever, and his blade had taken a darker shade of almost black rather than its soft gray it ordinarily had. Feeling his power waning, the man ran straight towards the grunt with the axe, slashing at him and seeing a red wave form with his attack, flying out and cutting right through the man's buckler and only slightly into his skin behind it. A part of the sword darker color had chipped away with the strike, though it returned with the blood getting absorbed from the indent of his sword's blade.

In response, the giant held his now free hand out and stretched it towards Reeve, mumbling something as a ball of fire began to form in front of him, growing in size as he continued the incantation lowly. "It's... disorienting. I'm feeling weak."

Wait until he attacks. Then, strike. Let him put his all into his desperate last resort.​

 

[ShredKnives]

Even with my combination, he's deflecting everything! The only way I've got a chance is if I confuse him...

Fortune was no longer on her side. By the time she got a chance to react, the man had a knife to her throat and to her stomach.

Panic settled in first. In an instant, she lost whatever opportunity she had. Whatever she did next would require an extremely leveraged use of hands and verbally. Spells required movement and vocals...

And whatever was happening to Reeve, she didn't have time to pay attention to. Now her life was actually at risk. What can she do? What will she do?

She sucked her breath in, not willing to say a word. Think, Laila, think...

"Miss...Uh...-Styy...Step!"

Her feet grinded against the grass; that was a good enough somatic component.

In a flash of wind, she teleported up to seven feet away, just enough time for her to take a glance at Reeve.

What the fuck?

Laila had to do a double take upon seeing the change in Reeve.

So he reacted that way upon using Dispel Magic...Then he must be some sort of magical construct...Like a golem? Dispel Magic only worked temporarily, so he's not running autonomously...So a magician's controlling him!

She smacked her hands together, fiercely shouting, "Counterspell!"

Interrupting the necromancer's use of magic in a fierce wave of psychic energy, the linkage should be disconnected almost indefinitely, causing the golem to completely be rid of control for a much longer time and give her a chance to really show that golem what for.

 

[Gary Sue]

Reeve's gaze slipped to Laila as he saw her thankfully escape her foe's grasp, with him leaving a disgruntled groan as he moved to throw a dagger right at the woman. However, he was too slow before she disabled control of him fully for a moment, with the magic threads the cloaked figure was using snapping at that exact moment. Needless to say, he was surprised enough to focus entirely on the woman, causing earthen towers to rise from the soil below them in an effort to block any incoming attacks from Laila. Too much energy was already leaking from the golem, after all.

​

Focusing back on his own assailant, the man felt the armor that formed on his blood crawling further up his hand. Even the blood coming from where his head had been hit began to solidify, making a shoulder guard and the half of some black helmet barely clinging to his head. Drops that went down his body formed bits and pieces of armor draped over his form, but he felt his strength waning faster as more of his armor emerged. "Nngh... I don't know how long I can hang on."

You're feeding too much. I'll stop you in one minute. Finish it before then.

​

By now, the projectile had already reached the knight's size, getting launched right at him. Feeling the ball of hot energy approach, Reeve raised his sword to the sky and followed the voice's instructions, slashing down at it before it connected. Steam erupted all around the ball, making a small cloud that obscured all happenings inside it. The brute was gasping, trying to pace his breathing as he raised his hatchet once more, ready to counterattack if something were to lunge at him once more.

And from the steam emerged the knight, though the edges of his clothes were burnt and damaged all the same. His new blood armor was perfectly in place though, having offered perfect protection. He slashed at the brute, having his first attack blocked- a crack sounded from the man's thick wooden hatchet handle. Another slash, followed by a wave flying out of his blade. Rather than cutting though, the rogue energy turned into blood when it landed and hit the opponent's eyes, getting a groan out of him. That marked the first clean strike on his opponent's shoulder.

Some energy leaked out of his shoulder just like the assassin's, and though Reeve couldn't see it, it was siphoned by his blade and felt almost rejuvenating. "Just a few more...", he struggled with the blood loss, landing another horizontal strike across the man's stomach. Feeling more resistance though, he followed up with one more, another and then one final hit..! He couldn't tell just how quickly his attacks all flew out one after the other, but he hoped- begged even for them to work.

Eventually, it felt like he almost chipped a piece of the man's tough 'flesh' away. He pulled his blade back and stabbed into it, piercing. Reeve's blood felt like it was boiling as he gave it his all, driving his weapon as far inside his target as he could. And when the movement finally stopped, he saw two glowing blue eyes staring down at him with killing intent. "How?!"

As a hand reached for his armored shoulder, everything slowed down. "If he grabs me, I'm dead. He can crush my bones into dust if he wants to- and he will. Is this it?", the man's giant palm reached closer and closer, before a voice soothed Reeve's nerves.

We win.

​

The hand touched his shoulder and immediately, the armor pulled back like rubber from his head and neck, getting absorbed into the shoulderpad and turning into spikes that shot out through the man's hand. At that very same moment, Reeve's sword almost pulled itself through his foe, with a blast of red light through the golem's back, the glow in his eyes faded completely, a now lifeless look in them, like he was no more than a puppet. A fake.

The bodyguard stood there, feeling as paralyzed with fear as he felt alive from the adrenaline. Pulling his sword back, the target he took down collapsed on the ground, but so did he. Now on one of his knees, Reeve breathed heavily and saw the armor turn into blood again before beginning to retract into his body. That did little to shake off his exhaustion though, as the wound was still on his shoulder. He kept pressure on it with one of his hands, but the bleeding didn't stop fully- he was still wounded all the same. So now he only looked at Laila, hoping she'd push through.

The cloaked figure in the back was ready to jump ship as soon as the rogue fell too, after all. Considering how he'd only backed up with support for the group, he was nowhere nearly as powerful on his own as he was when puppeteering artificial humans. And given how stretched thin their powers were right now, that was a blessing in disguise.

 

[ShredKnives]

Needless to say, he was surprised enough to focus entirely on the woman, causing earthen towers to rise from the soil below them in an effort to block any incoming attacks from Laila. Too much energy was already leaking from the golem, after all.

Asshole.

Eat a dick, magician. Reeve was pulling up blood armor, deflecting fireballs and stuff...He was a wildcard now, and Laila wasn't sure where she'd fit into this conflict...Butt in, and she becomes a liability. Too little, and she risks neglecting his status. Anything she attempted to throw seemed to be blocked by these earthen bulwarks, so she wasn't intending on trying to move into the assault.

While Reeve was out there with his epic transformation sequence, Laila was pondering how to go at that magician...

Laila moved along the flank, instead coming from the magician from his side, propping a hand up as she shouted.

"Eldritch Blast!"

A violent web of crackling energy converged into a single streak towards the necromancer; an instantaneous attack that expelled a violent force.

 

[Gary Sue]

Expecting the rogue to be the one that would take the brunt of Laila's wild attacks, the cloaked figure was surprised to see the shrine priestess instead going for him. Hearing the spell's name, he immediately raised a hand towards her and layers of barriers formed to stop it from reaching him, with two breaking in the process but the third standing firm. Unable to connect the strings to his construct again, the mage had to pick a different approach to put an end to this.

He spread both of his hands out, gathering energy to his palms and bringing them back together with a loud clap before slowly expanding his clasp, making sure to keep his fingers connected. And although nothing happened immediately, the slowly expanding cage of lightning from above Laila dropped down on her, surrounding her in a prison that would electrify her on contact no matter what. Just when she was most vulnerable and still processing the situation, the man raised a hand to the sky, energy swirling from all around and even from the golem's leaking wound to a ball of steam.

And with a stomp of his foot, the steam spread like smoke and obscured everyone's vision, getting the faltering Reeve to drop on both knees. "I can't... see clearly, hngh.", he grumbled as the moist air caused his rather dry eyes to close. It was hard to tell exactly what was going on, making sure to clutch his wounded arm until the smokescreen went away. Finally, it receded in full and now all that was left was... nothing.

The cage of lightning around Laila disappeared, as had the circle of flames and the cloaked figure. The two golems were left behind, with Reeve's foe being shattered and wounded all over like he'd left him, while the rogue had toppled over in almost the exact same position Laila left him in when she disconnected his controller's strings. With one final push back onto his legs, Reeve slowly stumbled towards the priestess, smiling. His left eye was closed as his vision was hazy from all the blood that had painted his eye's sclera red, and he was badly roughed up at best after that showdown.

Rivera, who had taken a good distance from the group was frozen in place, though after a moment of processing the situation he found the courage to move back towards them, taking slow and careful steps towards his two owners. "We... We survived."

We did. You should rest, for now. I'll be waiting.​

 

[ShredKnives]

Uwah!

A lightning cage surrounded her, unfortunately catching her right inside as she attempted to figure out her next plan of action.

But then steam and fog surrounded all of them, completely inhibiting her vision as she, unfortunately, could do no more than cast Shape Water. Not that it was very helpful, the smokescreen only seemed to last for just enough for the confronting individuals to escape. Even her lightning cage faded, which meant they were already out of range. Jeez.

One glance at Reeve, and she was already looking over his body, huffing sharply as her hands rushed up and down his wounds. "Gods, you're hurt...Let me take care of you."

Heal Minor Injuries.

It wasn't a doctor's note, but it'd keep Reeve's body up and going for some time longer. "Haaah...I can't believe we survived...Let's hurry up and get out of here," Laila said, still glancing left and right. I'm getting bad feelings about moving further to Sesseth...

 

[Gary Sue]

The healing spell she cast on him didn't fully close his wounds, but it certainly worked a good deal on him. He could probably get the rest of it treated with the few bandages he carried, not having been expecting this large of a battle at any point on their road to Sesseth. It sure stung almost as much as the feeling of having his arm sliced open by his own bloodthirsty blade did, getting magic to stitch his wounds up bit by bit. It didn't take an eagle's eye to notice him wince and shaking some, as his blue attire had been stained red by the blood going down his arm.

Agreeing with her sentiment, he offered a nod and made his way together towards Rivera slowly to not scare him, smiling half-heartedly while he slid his sword right back into its sheath. The feeling of his sword's guard clicking once it was wholly secured felt different than all other times, in a way that made the man feel... funny. "We... huh."

Standing by their four-legged companion, he thought to sit on the front and take the lead but maybe his current state wasn't the most ideal for it. So giving Laila a somewhat reluctant look, he gestured for her to hop on first so he could hold onto her. One of his arms was wounded after all, so he wouldn't be too capable of steering the horse from the reins. Now came the next question though.

"So now do we head back, or do we keep going until the next village in Sesseth..?", he pondered while sorting through the emergency supplies in the horse's satchel, taking some bandages and treating his wound as best as he could to stop too much blood from leaking out. Wherever they went, he only knew he'd appreciate a doctor's help more than ever, bar the temple incident.

 

[ShredKnives]

Laila hopped ontop first, the horse seemingly unintimidated; it seemed very natural to the horse, so perhaps it's seen more than its fair share of combat...Laila had half the mind to believe the horse could probably hold its own. It bumped Laila's shoulder for a brief moment before she hopped on top.

"Bwegh. We'll head to the next village. Worse comes to worst, I can probably make us a salve around these forests...It's not too hard, but it'd be better if we had either a doctor or a real priest who could take your wounds off...Shrine maidens are mostly about blessings, not restorations..."

And awaaaaay they goooo!

 

[Gary Sue]

"Maybe in the next village, there is a doctor.", he grunted internally as the horse got going, leaning forwards towards Laila some and holding her with his injured arm, while keeping some pressure with his free hand on the wound that was almost stitched together by magic. Though the road was long, they appeared to be out of the proverbial woods for the time being. Granted that their leader escaped though, it wouldn't be entirely out of the picture for the group to strike once more. Perhaps the scariest part about the bandits was that they never revealed their true intention.

They were too trained to be anything but paid mercenaries at worst, given one of them was an assassin in every sense of the word. Even Reeve could tell they weren't all alive in the same sense he and Laila were, though. The way the axe-wielding berserker had been wounded time and time again, yet he reached out with his hand and that hauntingly empty gaze in his eyes... It caused him to shudder and slightly tighten his hold around Laila's waist as he scuttled just a bit closer.

Their travelling continued until dusk began to settle in, when they decided to take a break at last. Maybe even a permanent one, considering their condition and how long they had been travelling for. The beautiful, colorful trees had ended by now as they became more and more scarce across the path, and after a few twists and turns they seemed to be going through some narrow 'canyon', in a sense. The walls to their sides scaled all the way up to a few meters up above, and though there were many fields spanning their every direction, they all had tight and claustrophobic sections like this. They'd chosen it for the strategic advantage in resting, if Reeve were to assume anything... or because the path continued from right here, too.

Getting off Rivera, Reeve made his way further into the alcove they decided to rest at. It had enough room to set up something softer to sleep on, or to just sit down against the wall and light a small fire in the middle. Come think of it, with how perfectly placed this was, it might as well have been manmade from some other group trudging through the path to Sesseth?

Giving Laila a quick glance, Reeve sat down against a wall and huffed, touching his wound some with his hand. The bleeding had stopped, but his clothes were in need of a good washing and the wound itself could use with some cleaning... he wasn't sure if they had the supplies for it at hand though, so he couldn't do much.

"Ugh. We were lucky to even make it out of there in the first place.", he touched the back of his head against the earthen wall and looked up at the darkening sky, having a small frown on his face.

 

[ShredKnives]

Laila passively casted Heal Minor Wounds on him across the trip there. It was just a cantrip, so she could cast it as many times as she wanted to, but there's still a fine threshold; she can't quite close up the more major injuries, and she spent a lot of mana with those relatively high level spells. She was gifted, but she didn't have reservoirs.

The canyon and it's strangely enclosing atmosphere was unsurprisingly comfortable for Laila. The forest always seemed to be akin to the class of nature grasping one in its palms, and with the shrine constantly surrounded by overgrowth, this didn't feel that much different, though there's always a sense of unease following new landscapes.

The sky was beginning to lose its color as the sun moved and the wind gusted quieter and quieter. Laila was, fittingly, sitting next to Reeve.

They needed a shower, but she'll settle somehow.

"We did good," she commented. "Hang on, I can show you some tricks my mom taught me, if you'd let me a hand on the bag..."

She began rummaging through the satchel, humming to herself.

 

[Gary Sue]

Her efforts went a long way in keeping Reeve's wound from being too irritating. Maybe that wasn't the only thing though- the rising concern about his false memories had reached its peak now that they were resting and he waited for her to find whatever it was through that satchel of hers. He remembered it clear as day, but even despite the very vivid visions of seeing himself take a minor slash to the back and only a light potshot to his arm... that's not what had happened.

Now that they were seated, he felt comfortable enough to take off what armor had survived the blows he received today from his left arm, raising his sleeve and observing close to his wound. In some parts, his skin was scarred, clearly from some form of burn as it was darker and almost wrinkled. "That's where I was hit, back then... There's no way a small shot like that could cause something this big."

Touching his back from under his clothes was enough to remind him that there was a long scar or two where he remembered getting a shallow wound prior. "No attack that shallow leaves marks, either. But... why?", he grumbled and pulled his knees closer, hugging them with one hand and resting his head on them. Reeve shook it in confusion.

You were traumatized. And you didn't want to accept it.

Accept it..? While perplexed, it didn't take him more than a minute to realise what his blade was talking about. He's always hated this voice in the back of his mind after all, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say he actively tried to suppress it any time it 'woke up' and became more and more talkative. And yet, now he was almost using it to carry out his inner dialogue as if it were Laila in his own dreams.

"Traumatized..?", the man's thoughts echoed in disbelief as he raised his head some and turned to look at Laila again. He hated to admit it, but a part of him was trying to own up to it. He was scared since the fight with Zel's mercenaries, both of his sword and of the two kills that happened almost heartlessly and naturally that day. "I..."

"...", nothing but silence followed. Thankfully, Laila seemed about done with whatever excavation she was performing on their admittedly few belongings.

 

[ShredKnives]

Oofh...Laila didn't like the look of that wound he had...She wasn't medically certified, but a lot of colors there were not intended to be on human flesh. She hums impatiently as she takes some green substance-like salves contained in corked bottles and jars.

Sometimes Laila would take a glance back at Reeve, only to see the guy looking at his sword, mumbling words and what not...

Talking to his sword, I guess...Is it real, I wonder? Is there a ghost inhabiting it? Well...I'm no poltergeist.

She moved right along to Reeve's side, smiling gently at him as she checked for pain and pulses. Following that...

"This should numb up a lot of the pain for ya'...Or if not, at least feel pretty good. Tingly, too, which comes with the natural order of using healing salves."

The green gum-like substance, she began to rub over his injuries, humming a lovely melody to herself as she did so. "Are you feelin' okay, Reeve?"

 

[Gary Sue]

The man recoiled instinctively when she began slathering the healing salve on his wound, feeling her touch sting at first. It was a mix of numbness, coupled with the tingling sensation that she mentioned only moments prior. The cut was irritated but it was like it faded, given a few seconds. His injury was still there, clear as day, but he felt less of its effects on him at the very least- a good start for sure. "... I wish I could thank her."

A silent, passive almost look as he turned his head some to inspect Laila's appearance, scanning her up and down with his eyes before giving a small, almost shy nod. The treatment of his wounds began to feel more and more like a massage, soothing not just the injury but his arm around it too. Leaning his head back into the alcove's embrace, he remembered there was another bruise on him. Raising a hand to touch his head, he was proud to announce (if he could, at least) that the wound on his head was nowhere nearly as bad.

Getting any of the salve on it though... he'd rather avoid looking like he was attacked by a goo monster. "... What even happened to me?", a rhetorical question as he closed his eyes and let out a deep exhale, feeling... tired. Worn out and in need of a rest that he knew he wouldn't get. Even worse, he probably hadn't a single clue what awaited them next, or when they would strike again. He'd just have to hold his head up high and keep being the knight in shining armor he's supposed to be.

"I wonder if things will change when we get to Sesseth..."

Ugh.

"I'm beat."

 

[ShredKnives]

"You don't have to thank me."

Laila just continued working her magic, humming to herself. Something about her expression seemed so...Relaxed. Laila really was under the firm belief that they could handle just about anything, wasn't she? Still, it was nice to see Reeve's feedback; Laila wasn't sure how well she'd fare alone...So Reeve's company was quite comforting. She didn't really need a knight in shining armor. Just a normal knight was good enough.

"Once we make it, we're gonna have the best sleep of our lives!" Laila guaranteed with a positive attitude. "...After we get you checked up, that is."

 

[Gary Sue]

His glance slipped and looked to the side at Laila, remaining quiet... "How is she so calm..?", the exhaustion was hitting him hard, as was all the negativity and panic he should have felt back when they were attacked. It was ironic, because just when Laila was thinking she 'didn't know how she'd fare alone', he was certain he wouldn't still be there. If Laila hadn't convinced him to drag her along all the way to Sesseth, he'd have taken both golems on at once, and judging by his performance against only just one-

...

Reeve grabbed a map that he'd left on the ground next to them and unfolded it, silently trying to pinpoint approximately where they would be. Given how tired they got from the battle and covered less distance, maybe "Around here?", a little less than halfway through their current course to the next village. They had some time before they could safely get to a doctor, but when they did Laila could rest easy. For some reason, he wasn't anywhere nearly as worried about infections or his wounds as she were.

Maybe because of the tingly, oddly comforting sensation that her salve was spreading all over his left arm. It was starting to feel better, though trying to move it too much broke that illusion fairly quickly. He'd best limit his movement like so, but that wouldn't be hard- it was either a night shift on lookout or sleeping, after all. And as much as he wanted to offer, his eyelids were already growing much too heavy for him to stay awake.

"I'm sorry, but I need it.", another apologetic look to Laila as his head slumped, closing his eyes and simply resting against the earthen wall to regain some of his energy.

 

[ShredKnives]

Laila took a good look at the map while Reeve was out here writhing, humming to herself as she looked at their current location. They hadn't strayed very far from where they initially were...Actually, they were still, pretty much, on the way to their next location, if only adding a detour for a spot to rest...

But it seemed Reeve was moving ahead on that front. "A-"

Ah...The mans has fallen asleep. Laila wasn't too sure how to respond to this...After all, if they could set up some bedrolls and a nice fire, it would be a proper campsite...Well, the horse didn't seem too bothered. Confirming his full slump, she promptly went to set up a minor site so it would look, at least, a little discouraging for any animals.

Bucket set up for the horse...Water's filled up, and a comfy bedroll for Reeve. She managed to hoof him over to the roll and get him in a proper sleeping condition...

Should she dreamwalk again?

...Sure!

She curls up right next to Reeve. Time for another lucid dreamwalk.

"Heheh. G'night, Reeve! Horsey, keep watch for us!"

Rivera lightly kicked at a tree, his head bobbing and weaving.

"Thanks!"

 

[Gary Sue]

Thankfully and unfortunately all the same, Reeve was too exhausted to wake up from getting moved around into a more comfortable position. His mind was all over the place even in his sleep, with environments shifting in his mind constantly. One moment he was in the almost comforting cliffside he always found himself in, the next he was back in the wooden room he remembered in Sesseth, and then back in the clearing where they had fought earlier today.

By the time he felt a comforting warmth next to him though, he was surrounded by the fields he was all too fond of from his childhood. Turned away from Laila at first, the man was staring down at his left arm which was wearing the same, black armor from the fight earlier. With blood formed out of the same dreamy, unreal 'material' the rest of their surroundings were formed by, it spilled out of where the wound on his arm was and formed a waterfall over the armor.

The blade, his gauntlet, all of them were painted black with crimson hues slowly getting soaked up in them, as though his equipment was a sponge. Hearing the grass rustle behind him though, he lifted his head and within a moment, all of what must have been the sword's effects came undone, getting magically pulled right back onto the wound and rather than disappearing into it, forming a black coil of sorts that wrapped around the man's arm, crawled up and slipped around the back of his neck like a snake, fully black bar for the two red eyes staring at Laila.

Reeve turned at her and though a bit surprised, he offered another smile. "... Thank you for treating me."

Well, that wasn't quite all, was it?

"And for coming with me. I'm sorry you were put at risk."

He did feel a slight sense of guilt, didn't he? But in a strange turn of events and almost unsettling manner, a voice similar to Reeve's but deeper purred from behind the man.

You'll get stronger through me. For your sa-​

The voice stopped as soon as the knight's own thoughts echoed over it. "To protect Laila next time."

 

[ShredKnives]

Laila, as per usual, was enamored by the sight.

Bearing witness to the sword's effect in proximity was far different from seeing it without the adrenaline rush. At the time, Laila had thought she saw a kaiju or some kind of demonic beast...Not that she was worried, but...

She was a little worried. It was a needed transformation at the time, something that remarked at their strength and reminded Laila that she too, couldn't lag behind when it came to the protection of each other. She was just, in her opinion, utility offense. She didn't have a major role, she just solved the puzzle and, even then, just barely. She just wasn't Reeve.

Something she'd have to adapt to.



"Hey, you know what, I...Am just glad you didn't get hurt too bad."

And then the voice. That was new. She hadn't experienced a third party to be capable of conversation...She was alarmed, just briefly, trying to piece if such a thing was part of the environment...Or a result linked to Reeve himself.

"Your...Sword."

That's the only reason she could perceive, at the time, would be the root of his voice...Unless he had DID.

"Have you been talking to it?" she pursed her lips. "You surprise me everytime I dream walk..."

 

[Gary Sue]

The way the two's thoughts mirrored one another was funny, though Reeve had no insight on what was going through the archer's mind. Knowing her, she no doubt thought much less of herself than what she should. Hearing her gratefulness though, he smiled. If only for a moment due to seeing her own grin turn into a frown, seeing as something troubled her. When she mentioned his cursed possession, he remained silent for a minute, averting his gaze to the side.

"It has been talking to me, yeah... You know back when we were at your family's shrine..?", he crossed both of his arms, letting out a deep exhale and shaking his head quietly. No, that wasn't right... "I first heard it back in the temple. But just as a thought at worst."

All those years ago, it felt like it wasn't really him that moved his hands to kill the two Abyssals he had to, to protect his own life. None of that became clear until he had talked with Laila for the first time though. When they tried delving into breaking his curse, something had... changed. "It started when I became more 'aware' of it, didn't it...", what should have been his personal comments to the situation leaked outwards once again.

"He-... It, wasn't happy. I was breaking the curse by talking to you. I still am.", as he explained the situation, the snake-like shadow wrapped around his upper body moved some, investigating Laila and taking in her appearance. Its piercing gaze never grew lighter on her shoulders, and it felt as harmless as it did scary. With its eerie eyes resting on her and almost seeing through her entire being, it was no doubt an uncomfortable experience.

"So it grew less and less comatose. I was trying to make it quiet down, it kept making being around you, fighting, everything a lot harder..."

You tried to reject me. And look at what happened when you stopped.
​

"I had to feed it when we were attacked, otherwise I'd have died and then you would have too. I couldn't react at the time, but they wanted to take you away, if not kill you. I couldn't let that happen.", his eyes grew a bit watery as he clenched his fists and the creature coiled a bit on the man's shoulders.

That's why I'm helping you. Stop accepting your 'fate'. Take advantage of me.
​

Reeve didn't say anything else, looking at his shoulder momentarily to meet eyes with 'his shadow' before turning back to Laila. "I'm happy you're okay, too. Thank you."

 

[ShredKnives]

Wait, this has been going on since they were at the shrine?

Laila's mouth was agape. "Wait! Why didn't you- We were at the shrine, we could've..."

Not even that, but it could be dated to have been happening since they embarked for that place...

"We could've helped," Laila said with a slow sigh. "I- I guess it's hard to really respond to, so...It's not that big of a deal since that time's already gone and passed."

Then Reeve made his little thought quip. It was happening due to him becoming more aware of the curse...Or rather, that was the hypothesis. Laila couldn't confirm, necessarily, if awareness of a curse could cause the curse to resurge...

And not to mention, this curse was looking at her. Eyeing her. Laila didn't blame it; after all, they had gone through multiple lengths to attempt to rout this curse...To be honest, they still were. She was being watched, the same way they had watched that curse.

Laila understood. It was a tough dilemma for Reeve. She got a little flustered, honestly; this man was willing to do so much for her...Laila didn't feel like she did that much. Reeve, at the end of the day, was suffering more than ever due to her interference. All she could really do was stay optimistic and retain the energy that kept them both up and awake.

"I'm happy you're okay too, Reeve. I...I need to get stronger though...I can't expect you to...Well, indulge the curse your sword has. It's...Not right."

To her, it wasn't right.

She thought back to her blade as well...She conjured the blade up the same way the dream could be constructed, populating her hand in the silhouette of Tomoe's sword.

"...Maybe...We could get stronger for a bit, here."

 

[Gary Sue]

When he realised the disappointment in Laila's reaction, his heart sunk some. He refused to say anything loud and clear, though as per usual, his inner voice chimed in more faintly and quietly than before. "It was my first chance to learn something about me... And if I told her, she would stop me, stop talking to me and she would...", he flinched just at the thought he cut off, shuddering and slumping forwards a bit. As if all this confusion hadn't gotten his head spinning enough, hearing her denial about her own strength loud and clear just gave him more room to throw another pity party.

"Haha... Stronger..?", the man's laugh was as monotone as he was defeated. Avoiding eye contact with the shrine maiden, he looked down at his blade that had taken its ordinary color again and huffed in frustration, directed at none other than himself. "You can use magic... And you're damn good at it, meanwhile I'm...", his words turned into a low mutter that died out quickly.

Nothing like her. Know your limits and say it.
​

The entity tried to finish what was probably his thoughts for him, its side beginning to liquify around his arm and forming a very thin layer of the same power he saw earlier today in action, during their combat encounter. His armor, his sword slowly beginning to change colors into its darker counterpart that could even shoot out his blood as a weapon, it was... oddly enough, nice. It felt good to finally have some power for himself, even if it was quite clearly self destructive, given he needed to literally bleed for it.

"That's right... I'm weak. I've been unable to protect Laila every single time.", even if only for a brief moment, he managed to lift his gaze and meet Laila's before looking back down at his sword. "I'm pathetic.", he tightened his grip, more of the entity melting around his being with his left arm fully encased in this protective layer of blood. "This isn't how a knight should be.", another jab right at his own pride, like a stake aimed for his heart that he only helped to push deeper and deeper.

And that's why you have to use me. Train with the woman. I'll make you whole.
​

Though the voice and her offer were tempting, the offer was most unexpected. Just seeing her ability to materialise objects into the dream was one thing, but to get asked to spar against her... If it didn't feel that out of the blue, maybe he wouldn't have been knocked out of the jabs at himself yet. "Get stronger? I can't fight you, you're...", many thoughts and worries ran through his mind.

Would he 'infect' her with his curse? Or would he hurt her possibly both in the dream and in reality if he landed a blow on her? A blow- that was going to scar him for good, hurting the one he wanted to protect the most currently... Uncertainty clouded his mind right now, and it showed in the unsure looks he kept shooting Laila's way. But his sword had no hesitations.

So you don't want to get stronger? You wish to stay like that, don't you? You've caused yourself to feel the way you do, alone.​

 

[ShredKnives]

Hahh...Laila felt bad for him. Instead of moping of what could've been, she pat his shoulder instead. They'll make the most of what they have.

Her eyes gleamed to the blade in particular, listening in on the words...It sort of reminded her of a really harsh mentor. It's honestly such persuasions that can mess with a mind so easily. And seeing him transform...She had an interesting idea.

"Know what? I have a crazy idea. Scratch the fight idea. What if...I learn a little bit of crazy blood magic and I give you blood to run through the sword! I'll be like...Your fuel tank!"

A blood bank.

"Hehe! So I've never actually tried actively fighting in a dream. Usually dying results in waking up, like jumping off a cliff, or getting stabbed...The more pain you experience, the more the dream transitions into a nightmare and, you know, all that stuff."

"Also. Your sword is really mean. You must hold yourself on some really high expectations..."

 

[Gary Sue]

Perhaps he was too absorbed in his own thoughts, and that's why he was taken aback when he felt her hand on his shoulder. Even though he was looking at her the entire time, his focus wasn't on her at all. "Huh..?", he plainly exclaimed once she gave him her idea, furrowing his brows at the concept and looking down at his sword, somewhat troubled. "Blood... magic..? I- I can't use it to protect myself if it's not mine, only to attack, otherwise he won't accept it."

He stopped for a moment, confused with himself. More specifically, how did he know that..? Despite some faint examples coming to mind, it just... felt like that's how his sword worked. A nameless blade, with a curse given to Reeve until kingdom come. Even so, going from asking him to not indulge in his curse before offering her help for it was a whole other can of worms. He didn't dwell much on whatever was lost in translation (and his doubts) due to her mentioning some details about death in dreams that made him feel... icky.

Mentioning his expectations of himself got no response though, just a sideways glance that the voice followed up on.

Is she right? Are those high expectations, or are you better than that?
​

Alternating between its brutal tone and mentor's stance, it really didn't help him get much of his thoughts in order. "... I've never managed to do something without her help for the both of us, ever since we met. It's always been her saving the day or her magic getting me out of a pinch. I've never been able to use my sword to protect, only to follow orders...", maybe it was the self-reflection that led to a eureka moment for the man, or he was still being too harsh on himself and just trying to dig deeper into his own wounds.

"I just can't- you know... be a knight without a backbone, like I have been. I can wield a sword but can't act on my own. Then what good am I?", a bitter question as he looked down to the armored hand wielding his blade, heaving a deep sigh. The armor expanded some to encase the entirety of his shoulder and even a part of his chest and back, with Reeve feeling its odd warmth, like blood was all over them. "I'll do anything I have to, so I can do better."

Is that all?
​

For the first time in a while, he acknowledged the sword's presence and shot it a glare, shutting down its rather expectant demeanor. Whether it was from genuine disapproval of the implications or annoyance at the voice speaking up so much, was unclear. "There's no magic that can replenish my blood, right? I can't think of ways you can help me train, unless you heal my wounds every time. But even that would be too much to ask, I've been a burden as is. To run our supplies low too, would be... Urk."