Chapter 31: Sliding Granite, Stretching string

Agi’s steps laced between chaotic, controlled, and thought out, a contemporary string of nonsensical flourishing movement, billowing into a chaotic dance of deceptive control.

The desperate and the weak danced to his rhythm, they lost themselves amongst avarice and hunger, for the horned wyrm has come, and his treacherous dance devours all.

Weapons held no meaning, the great powers and strengths of the world, before the truth revealed through lived experience, meant little to nothing.

Becoming lost to the chase, they would inevitably fall into the trap presented so clearly before them.

If the entire world were to fall into a chaotic dance, wouldn’t it seem like order?

Agi’s steps were a presentation of this idea, the idea that while lost in a sea of disorder, could a pattern still be found?

The boy had found that pattern, his steps trailing through the rising tide until finally as the thick red began to fade from his scales and a heavy green tint began to crawl back over him, he had entered the central sea.

He lacked the mind to watch the glorious walls of an ancient past, his eyes fixated forward as his steps slowed, the dance coming to a close.

Soma had barely managed to keep up, stepping into the central sea just after him.

She looked around a bit, letting out a sigh of relief under the weight of the drying blood. She set her gaze to Agi, “Your scales are changing colors again…”

His steps slowed further, “Huh…? Oh… You’re right…” His voice seemed to be delayed by just a bit.

She tilted her head, “Maybe we should find somewhere to rest for a moment, this place is bound to be more dangerous than the inner sea.”

“…” Agi didn’t speak and only continued to drag his feet.

Soma felt a hint of worry toward the child, like a foreign pang crawling into the depths of her heart, she could only try to shake it off, “Agi, are you listening?”

He kept walking, his gaze set forward, every step heavier than the last.

She began to speak once more, “Ag–”

BLURGH!

Agi suddenly stumbled, coughing a flow of blood from his mouth, he staggered unsteadily for a moment before he began to walk again,

She huffed, “Damn it… You’re going to kill yourself if you keep this up!”

The child heaved, “If… I Stop…. I…” He stumbled again, “I’ll… Definitely… pass out….”

Her mouth opened slightly, she was speechless, “Let’s just–” As they passed an alley suddenly Soma’s wrist was grabbed!

Inwardly she began to curse, how many times would she be interrupted? It was beginning to wound her pride.

Agi shot his gaze over, “…” He stared deeply into the alley, his eyes seeing clearly into the black hall.

He made an attempt to sprint in… but his legs wouldn’t move. Muttering a curse he grasped the wall and slowly began to stomp into the alley.

KAKAKAKA…

A vivid and grotesque noise cut through the central sea,

KAKAKA…

It sounded as though someone was slamming their teeth together repeatedly, It was grating, abrasive.

Some of the normal humans within the central sea covered their ears and fell to the ground, writhing uncontrollably.

SLUUUU…

Accompanying each of Agi’s forced steps, it was revealed further. Thick and long clawed paws clenched around Agi as it pulled itself further up his form.

KAKAKA…

Through the mist that was it’s face, a teethed beak slightly extruded, and down its body, thick green scales shone erratically.

Across its limbs, were a scattering of multicolored feathers, and as It wrapped itself around Agi, it’s feathered tail began to flick.

KAKAKA!

Within the Central sea, the image of a feathered serpent engraved itself within the hearts of all those walking its wretched streets.

A man with long black hair, tied into a slick ponytail, gazed from the top of a tall building, “It seems a storm is coming to the tides…” He remarked.

A flaxen haired man, dressed in expensive formal attire let out a snicker, “What storm? Isn’t this just another day in the week?”

At another location, A man raised a cup, around his wrists, and neck, expensive jewelry lined him, as though he was some kind of showcase, “To our future gains!”

KAKAKA!

CLING!

Multiple metal cups fell to the floor in a loud cry as the burly man looked down on his supposed allies, he let out a sigh, the sight of the feathered serpent only leaving a few hairs on end,

“Kill them.”

He commanded coldly, and immediately following, those who had entered his hall were slaughtered, not even capable of fighting back.

Only the small few who could struggle slightly cursing, How could he have set up such an ambush?

The sound of running water nearly drowned out the wicked cackle, as a woman with thick orange hair leaned on the edge of a fountain, clutching her head, “What the hell was that…” She muttered.

She adjusted her blouse, clicking her tongue, “Something crazy has entered the central sea…”

Her gaze returned to the fountain as she moved a small knife, slowly and carefully styling her short hair.

A boy no older than fourteen or fifteen looked out the window, his heart beating in excitement as he glanced over to a well mannered elderly man,

“Was that a hunter?!” He exclaimed, “Haha… I’ve lucked out… Father is dead… Father is dead…”

He leapt up, rushing to his desk and scribbling away,

“Employing a hunter is no easy feat, you must go about this with intelligence and patience.” The well mannered elderly man began to explain slowly.

The boy, tossing on a hat and laughing seemed to ignore the elderly mans advice, wearing a white shirt beneath some brown trousers and a pair of suspenders the boy walked out the door with a wide grin.

“Hunter Friend, Lets kill a baron!” He laughed happily to himself as he rushed out.

Agi, unaware of the stir he had caused, stalked slowly, and it was as though the world had lost its color.

The boy was the only monster in such a world.

The man who had grabbed Soma, seemingly in his twenties, wearing only a simple dirty tan shirt, and worn trousers, staggered.

He nearly lost consciousness immediately as he pressed against a wall.

Soma mind was hit like a storm, she found it hard to formulate thoughts, let alone move.

Agi–with a cold gaze–took another step, and finally he thrust out Yuksho!

SHIING!

Agi stumbled, his body beginning to fall face down while his eyes trailed over Yuksho, “Did you stop me…?” He questioned inwardly, witnessing the spear stop mid air, settling just before the mans neck.

Agi averted the blade, stabbing into the wall behind the man, he relied on Yuksho to keep his footing.

His gaze was locked deep into the mans eyes, before—

THWACK!

Soma slammed her fist into his jaw, sending the man falling onto the floor unconscious.

“Damn it Agi… Don’t do that, I couldn’t even move!”

He was heaving as he leaned on Yuksho, “I couldn’t… Catch… Up… No… Choice…”

She pinched the bridge of her nose, “Well… Alright, it looked like he wanted to take me into here…” She said looking at the thick metal door.

She puffed her cheeks slightly before letting out all her breath in one go, her foot slamming into the metal door,

CLAAANG!

The lock immediately burst from its place, sending the door swinging open. She gave Agi a look to stay here before entering.

…

Soma eventually walked out, “It’s empty. Seems like this is his home.”

She put him on her shoulder, pulling the mans body into the house.

Agi followed behind, settling onto a chair in the corner of the room, while Soma found various items the man had around the house, opting for a makeshift chain, she began to tie the man up.

As he opened his eyes the man was startled to find the monstrous child sitting in the corner, while a woman with an eyepatch was interacting with the boy leisurely.

He could only hear a faint conversation, “…Are you recovered…?” The words were hard to hear under the weight of his recovering conscious

The reply came faster than the man would have expected, “Almost.” The boyish voice came from only what he could assume was the monstrous person in the corner.

“Curse my good nature, everyone in this place are scum…” He felt like he had been scammed! He only wanted to save the fair lady from that monster…

Soma, unaware of his thoughts tilted her head, “You’re awake? Took you long enough.”

Her words grated on his ears, but he held his tongue, humiliation was better than death.

She walked over and crouched down, “We have a few questions we need answered, if you answer well, there will be no danger. Good deal, right?” She grinned.

“What good deal! Let me go!” He cried inwardly, “It’s acceptable terms.” He spoke outwardly.

Soma nodded, “Good, first of all, I suppose I should ask for your name.”

The man glanced around, he then focused his gaze on Soma, “Pietro,” He barked.

Agi stood up, walking over he crouched and stared right into his eyes. Pietro backed up against the pole he was tied to and stammered, “W-what…?”

The piercing emerald was like a focused drill, digging deeper and deeper into his mind every moment those wide eyes stared at him.

“You’re lying.” Agi finally declared. “Pietro is not your name.” He opened his mouth to retort, but his dry mouth only led to a coughing fit.

Soma glanced at Agi, momentarily taken aback, but as she considered it, she felt it made more sense, though she wasn’t sure why he was so confident.

Pietro cursed inwardly, “Damn it… Fine! My name is Remy….”

Soma raised her eyebrows, “You were right…” She muttered.

But if she knew Agi’s thought process, she might’ve found it hilarious, Agi himself was not confident he was lying. He was only taking the chance, a throw in the dark, but it appears to have paid off.

The man seems to have grown a bit averse to lying in front of the boy.

Soma began to question him, “What’s the current situation in the inner sea?”

Remy was silent for a moment, his gaze trailing over the two, “You guys aren’t from around here, are you?”

She crossed her arms, “So what?”

The man cleared his throat, a nervous sweat trailing down his head, “I’ll explain,” He said quickly, “First of all… what do you guys know about the central sea?”

Soma shrugged, “Enlighten us.”

Remy furrowed his brow, “Seeing all the blood… you two must have just arrived from the inner sea,” He grumbled in his mind, “This is going to be annoying…”

“First of all, you have to know who owns this place. The central sea has all kinds of gangs, but there are only five who matter.”

“First, in the north, are those slimy bastards, Red Tower. They can be considered the ones with the greatest territory.”

Agi acknowledged the name while Soma gave a nod to continue,

“To the west, is Rising Sun, They mostly avoid conflict, but they are a greedy group of scum, give them a bit of incentive, and they have no qualms commiting wicked acts.”

Letting it settle for a moment he began dramatically, “In the west, there resides another large gang, Black Chariot,” He seemed to find the name disgusting as he scrunched his nose, “Don’t get involved with them. It’s not worth it.”

He wriggled a bit in his chains, “To the east, Paper House holds the most territory, Paper house are… All you need to know about them is that they are kind to their own, and ruthless to others.”

“Finally, the territory we’re currently in, the southern gang, Union Tar.”

It was a strange name, but Agi felt that was to expected from people of the tides. It was a strange place to begin with.

He gestured to the chains with his chin, “Mind undoing this? I think I’ve proved my willingness to comply…”

He glanced around, “Plus… this is my house!” Of course he refrained from mentioning this, in fear of some kind of retaliation.

Soma glanced at Agi, “What do you think?”

He thought for a moment, moved his arm about before walking around for a second, it was an odd routine to suddenly embark, garnering a confused look from Remy.

“I’ve almost recovered… I suppose this body has its worth…” Agi returned his gaze to Soma, “Go ahead, He can’t escape even if he wanted to.”

“Well that’s awfully reassuring!” He almost clicked his tongue, but the elation from his newfound freedom suppressed it.

“We understand the basics of this place, so then, what’s the current situation?”

Remy stretched his body as he began to speak, “Right now, those slimy bastards on the north, Red Tower, are going mad… They recently called the smaller gangs to an alliance, if it goes through, the balance will undoubtedly be lost.”

Agi titled an eyebrow, “The balance?”

Remy nodded, “There is something of an unspoken agreement, each gang manages their territory, and they don’t get into conflict with the larger ones, this creates a small stability, and allows most people in the central sea to live some semblance of a normal life.”

He ran a hand through his hair, fixing it back into a slick, “But the problem is those Red Tower scum always run amuck, they never cared about the rules, only seeking to grow their own strength, and now, its making the others grow uneasy.”

Uncrossing her arms, Soma tapped her chin, “I’ve witnessed a similar situation in the past…” Her thoughts momentarily drifted back to the clergy, and her eventual escape from it.

Agi trailed his hand alongside Yuksho’s intricate design, the cold spear leaned against the wall, “The situation is already so destabilized, do we even have to act?”

Remy furrowed his brow, “What exactly are you here for?”

Agi felt the man was holding onto more than he was letting on, and decided to take a small risk, “To kill a baron.”

Remy dropped his hands and his mouth flung open in shock, “What?! You crazy… That’s”

Soma interrupted his stammering, “The easy way to explain it, is that we want to bring some stability to this crazy place.”

Remy went through a plethora of different emotions before squeezing his temple, “I should’ve expected this… damn it… I’ve gotten involved in something disastrous…”

Remy’s eyes hovered near the monstrous child carresing the large spear, and he shivered.

“You know quite a bit, you’ll come with us.” Agi’s voice cut through, and all of Remys fears were immedately brought to fruition.

“Oh… I’m not that useful, haha… I just know one or two things, tell you what — Why don’t I introduce you to someone who knows a bit more than me, he’s a short kid, only about this tall,” He started waving his hand near his chest.

Agi cut him off, “Let’s go, I’d like to find someone nice to settle before night falls.”

Soma leaves no words of complaint as they walk out of the house, but Remy can’t help but lament, “What’s wrong with my house? Ahh, this is surely punishment for the sins of my ancestors!”

“Wait! You can’t go out like that,” He huffed, if he was going to be dragged along he might as well try to reduce the consequences.

He runs back into the house drawing a curious gaze from Agi, he grabs what seemes to be a small metal plate with chains dangling on either side.

He quickly smacks the corners with a random hard object he grabbed, until the corners were vaguely chipped in the shape the base of Agi’s horns took.

He walked over with a nervious expression, “Put this on…”

Soma put a hand on her hip, finding it to be utterly ridiculous, but Agi took the metal plate.

He held the chains and tilted his head at Remy, who promptly ran over and secured the chains around Agi’s temple.

The plate covered only a portion of Agi’s forehead, the corners connecting crudely around Agi’s horns, while the center of the plate was engraved with an odd symbol, Four thick canines, They held a deep red color, two above, and two below.

Soma eyed the canine symbol for a moment before shooting Remy an odd look.

He laughed nervously, “Let’s go, the night is coming.”

“Luckily… They don’t know anything about this place, or else they’d realize that’s just a restricted access sign!”

He nearly breathed a sigh of relief, “At least from a distance it seems like a horned ornament, like a crown or something… many high ranking gang members wear strange clothing anyway, it looks less out of place than just having horns!”

The unlikely trio walked for a while before they came across a tall building, many decript and unsavory people lining the streets nearby.

On a dangling cracked sign was a symbol,

It seemed like some kind of totem, three distinct creatures, that Agi didn’t really recognize, but on the topmost piece was only an open maw filled with sharp teeth.

Besides the entrance, a tall version of the symbol sat carved from rotting wood.

Agi began to walk toward the door, ignoring Remys pleas from behind as he held his head,

“The Hungry Totem… Of course its the Hungry Totem…” He lamented as they pushed through the door.

. . .

The faint glimmer of light illuminating the world began to set, drawing forth its weary atmosphere, and its call to rest. Many of the reverse city preferred the scenery of the sky, outside, there was no such sky.

Only a torrential rain, and an unforgiving ocean swirling high above. Within the cities, only the scene of canopies held their gaze. And within the Temple, even more dreary sky sights were all that stood.

Samuel too, preferred such scenery. His eyes drifting into the sky he recalled his time during the trial, after Agi had died, he experienced scenery that made him long.

It made him desire the world he was shown, the snowy mountains under the blue sky, the vast fields beneath a yellow sun, perhaps only the novelty of such an idea drew him in, something so far away that he could fantasize it.

His dark red gaze travelled far off the edge of his ornate balcony, searching far and deep into the barren rose street beneath.

“He should have been back by now… It’s already night…”

The stalwart warrior couldn’t help but frown imperceptibly, Agi was strong… Stronger than he ever could ever be, but at the very least, he was not yet a monster.

“I should have gone…”

He lamented, he gripped the railing tightly, “Should I go?”

He was not worried Agi would be too weak, he was worried about his mental state, he believed that over the past week he had stabilized significantly, but was he wrong?

“Got a lot on your mind?”

Samuel’s eyes trailed behind him, the woman before him had traded her usual elaborate dresses for something simpler tonight—a loose, sleeveless gown in deep crimson, so dark it looked black in the low light. It clung gently to her frame, while her arms crossed gently over her chest.

Samuel regarded Ananda with a troubled gaze as he leaned back against the railing, he averted his eyes, instead staring into the coming night sky.

“Agi has yet to return.”

She frowned, “He left this morning, didn’t he?” She questioned, leisurely striding and settling beside him against the railing.

He sighed, “That’s right… Something could have happened.”

Ananda shook her head, “To Agi? You should be worried about others.”

Samuel gazed down at the Barren Rose street, “He’s strong, but he has his limits.” He clenched the railing, “I’ve seen it more than once.”

She looked at him in silence for a moment before finally speaking, “He has Soma with him, as much as she leaves a bad taste in my mouth… After the raid… she’s undergone some kind of change.”

Ananda’s hand inched onto the rail, her mind whirling for a moment before she held back, “Anyway… Even Rowen agreed that Agi could handle it. Even after all his tall tales about the tides.”

Samuel let out an exhale, it seemed like some of the tension lightening, “You’re right. I’m just paranoid.” He let out a dry laugh, momentarily breaking his stable image, “I guess the spirals did a number on me…” He held a palm on his face.

She inched closer sightly, “Haven’t you thought about resting? I mean… You’ve been pushing yourself nonstop… Is this–” She glanced around the reverse city, “Really worth it?”

He straightened up slightly, “I can’t rest. To you guys, Agi might be some kind of way to escape your fates, to acheive your goals, but to me, he’s like a little brother, an unruly, and hurt little brother.”

The sound of crackling drew Anandas eyes to the crushed rails beneath his hands, “I will not let him rot in a place like this…”

She felt his frustration, and could only nod, she did not share such a bond with the monstrous child.

“Even then… If you don’t rest, won’t you rot before you can achieve that?”

He shook his head, “No, I know where I must place my mind. And even If I falter, or lose myself a bit in the process. I know where I must end up.”

“There are few things, worth fighting for, Ananda.”

His eyes glazed over, the memory of a hand falling against his chest, the scent of ash, and charcoal. The light voice that called him brother so happily, and the farmers who willingly paid tax.

His failures were not small. His sin was overwhelming.

He could only recall his desperate pleading to the hunter, begging him to do something, but what’s done, cannot be changed. He could only find his vengeance through him.

His eyes seemed to resurface as he spoke again, “In a wicked world like this, the only thing I can do is fight, fight as hard I can to pry a small peace, just enough to encompass a single table, where those I care about can eat with a smile, where they can stack their plates until they pass out.”

His eyes were filled with longing. A more intense and vivid longing than Soma had witnessed from anyone within their strange group of warriors.

“I’m not strong enough.” He declared, “I’m not even good enough to protect one child, forcing him to carry all the burden.”

He looked into Soma’s eyes, “While I rest, Agi will undoubtedly be fighting. While I rest, my family suffers.”

She caught his gaze with a stubborn set in her jaw, “You’re not able to handle everything alone. Don’t be foolish.”

She shook his head, “That’s right, I’m lacking. I have to rely on Rowen, and Agi, and they too, fight tirelessly.”

He leaned back against the rail, a faint wind carrying his hair,

“I too, feel the weight of our sin. We colluded and killed a man who shares my very same desire. Someone who had achieved what I want so desperately, I have a goal Soma,”

He stared into the distance, “I want to be like that heroic man who shouldered his family, that man who, even facing death, refused to wield a blade against his family.”

He laughed into the cold breeze, “For humans, we all yearn to love, to be loved. When we lose what we hold dear, we lose our footing, but I don’t want to end there. Agi… He, he reminds me of my little sister. Perhaps its wrong of me to put this on him. To use him as a replacement,”

The cool breeze fell flush against his face, “But I can’t help it, Ananda, isn’t that what this is all about?”

“We’re all just a bunch of wretches piecing together what we lost, and what we desire, in a chaotic string of value and greed.”

“If that isn’t worth it,” He laughed, “Then I’ll happily rest. I’ll rest and I’ll rest, and I’ll vanish from this world. Because living in such a place, lacks meaning.”

Yes, within a world that seeks to break you down, within a world that lacks meaning, there is only the contrived, the found within a sea of loss.

Perhaps what is found lacks worth within such an overwhelming and grand sea.

But to the few who find it, it suddenly becomes their whole world.