Chapter 9: Falling leaves, Creaking wood

The fading light was like the final kindling of a faint fire, the only fire keeping their weak, pitiful lives afloat. That may have been how it felt for the humans who inhabited their dimly lit light.

Historians, with their limited resources, often pondered, how did ancient humans survive? It was an unfathomable mystery, not exactly a pressing matter, but a curiosity that settled deeply into the minds of man.

This was the least of Agis concerns, he had never even pondered such a thing before tonight, it seemed he was more idle than he would have liked.

Recognizing this he began to move, the night during the festival was wildly different from the night hes used to.

Empty, lifeless, a void of pure darkness where only the vilest predators survive.

However during the festival people could be seen dancing on the streets, laughing loudly and eating more food.

The merchants may have never received so much coin in a single day in their entire lives.

Luckily for them the festival did not last only a single day.

Agi snaked through the crowded streets, wondering if the lifeless districts of homes were built purely for this sake.

He had a single intention, avoid hunters at all cost. He had a need to observe them, but being caught was dangerous, Tenebrous was far too unpredictable to engage with.

Strangely enough, the wild looking hunter was situated at his same little booth, if this was to Agis benefit he wasn’t sure, but for now this was good enough.

Agi found his way through a path of people, stepping toward their center, he found the temple warriors performing a strange ritual dance.

They wore thick wide rings around their wrists and ankles, the material sounded hollow, but Agi knew it was an odd resource only found at the main temple.

The sounds of bells jingled throughout the square, Agi could nearly recall a time of his past, but he shoved it deep back into the depths from which it dwelt.

After a while the warriors slowed, a shorter one stepping forward, he was close to Dorian in height, not exactly worth mentioning.

He wore similar clothes to Agi, the typical garment of temple warriors.

He did a small bow forward, “Praise the Emperor.”

The villagers repeated his actions, proclaiming alongside him, “Praise the Emperor!”

Agi shivered in disgust, of course, he had to fit in so he held his tongue and did a small bow.

“This is a great time of celebration, the night of the Emperor is upon us, and soon his grace will bask the world in his light.”

The boy spoke with a charismatic voice, one you’d expect from a shady cult master.

He spoke great words of the Emperor, of his feats, of his blessing, his “Gift.”

Agi narrowed his eyes… This only got more strange, the Temple had never put so much effort into indoctrination before.

He observed the villagers who were cheering and celebrating the feats of the Emperor, talking amongst themselves.

Agi felt a foreign question enter his mind, “What are these people?”

Agi had experienced a lot in his life, but this seemed to run deep, the villagers were not even aware of which village is the youngest, and yet the merchants seem to know quite a bit.

Once the boy finally put an end to his speech and the people gradually dispersed, Agi found his way toward him.

With a small bow he paid his respects, “I have heard the exploits of his grace.”

The boy, whos face gave Agi a strange sense of nostalgia smiled kindly toward him, “I am glad to hear it, but you are a new face, aren’t you?”

Agi looked deeply into his eyes, the boy had the eyes of a beast, fierce eyebrows and a gentle smile, its been a long time since Agi saw someone so twisted.

“I am a traveler, I have heard the tales of the End and could not refrain from testing myself.”

The boy, no older than sixteen pondered for a moment, “Hm… You seem to be a bit more than a traveler.”

Agi could feel the boys instinct attempting to invade his spirit, Agi merely let it ghost over him, passing through with little information.

“I was lucky to have met my master.”

Agi nodded, “He was a guru very skilled in the manipulation of soul.”

The boy tilted his head slightly, “Does that make one capable of bearing the rain? I find that unlikely.”

The boy was of course correct, the movement of soul can only effect the manner in which force is expressed. It cannot change the fundamental structure of the body–a requirement to escape the rain.

Agi recalled a time in the past when he had defied such a notion–Escaping the rain was impossible. However bearing the rain for a time was very possible. A tremendous task, impossible for most.

However the boy would never be capable of calling Agis bluff, as the invisible hue created a distinct pressure, Agi settled into the comfortable feeling, there was a time where he thrived purely on this function.

The boy felt the distinct pressure emenating off of Agi, he could not see soul, only the Asura could do that, however he could feel it.

If soul leaves the body then typically one will lose a proportionate amount of life force, dying very rapidly.

However some of the more skilled ones can make a small amount leave their body, so long as it clings to them closely they will not lose life force.

However, for such an exuberant amount of soul to pour off of a being, they must either have an unlimited lifespan, while not impossible, the boy knows thats not the case.

However the other option–They have a godly level of control over soul.

The boy closed his eyes in acknowledgement.

“I am not capable enough to determine the efficacy of your statements, but I can tell you are not unskilled. Share a conversation with me.”

His fierce eyes opened once more, his gentle expression fading into cold determination.

The shift was sudden, but Agi had heard those words many times–the Temple was such a place.

The two took up their stances, The boy feinted a kick, instead throwing out his fist in a straight.

Agi caught it on his forearm before grabbing his wrist, pulling him into a powerful knee.

The boy coughed, but recovered quickly.

He eyed his opponent, the man was undoubtedly skilled, perhaps more so than any foe hes ever faced… but if he wanted to reach that man, he had to overcome any obstacle.

He was such a foe.

The boy rushed back in, his leg throwing a kick toward Agis side, the air twisted as Agi caught the leg, pulling him forward before spinning a devestating elbow into his unsuspecting jaw.

The boys eyes became lost for a moment as his body shook, he immediately went limp.

Falling halfway before he regained his sense, the boy huffed, he had to take this seriously.

He shot out another fist, but this time it moved straight before completely changing trajectory at the end, connecting into Agis Abdoment.

“Reverse City.”

Agi acknowledged this was no ordinarly warrior, but rather someone who had graduated the reverse city, and at such a young age.

Agi shot his leg forward, sending the boy sliding through the mud.

The boy quickly regained himself, turning onto his side and regaining his balance.

He looked hesitantly at Agi,

“Traveler my ass.”

Agi cracked his neck, feeling a bit more loose he entered a new stance, his posture tall, his hands lowered.

“It’s already been a while since I was a hunter.”

The boy gritted his teeth,

“Damned inheritor, no wonder you hit like geranlod.”

Agi took small steps, The boy shifting to follow his movements,

“Whats your name?”

The boy spit on the ground,

“Yiv.”

The two engaged again, but this time Agi was only defending, and Yiv couldn’t seem to land a single hit on Agi.

“Agi.”

Yiv furrowed his brows but continued to attack,

“What is this…” He growled, Each time he attacked Agi the strange hunter would just twist his hands, and immediately he would feel powerless.

“A strange martial art, taught to me by my little brother.”

Agi continued to disperse each attack, “though, it holds little use, after all I can’t attack like this.”

The boy snickered, “So what then? Isn’t it worthless?”

Agi shook his head, “Its purely for a battle of attrition.”

Yiv seemed to realise something, practically shaking in anger, “Do you seek to desecrate tradition?”

Agi sighed, and his palm pressed against the boys sternum, “I don’t give a damn about your tradition.” A tyranical force poured out as Yiv attempted a single word, only to spit a glob of blood and fly through the air.

His body rolling multiple times, he glared at the man before him, “It’s definitely you…” He cursed as he passed out.

Yiv had clearly known him, and that was far too annoying to let go, besides he had questions that needed answering, so he heaved the boy over his shoulder, vanishing into the deep shadows encroaching on the outskirts.

A while later the world came back to him, it was a hazy darkness, but he could nonetheless see.

His gift blood was heavily drained, leaving his vision hindered, his muscles ached, but if he diverted too much toward it he may lose his ability to see in such darkness completely.

“Finally awake?”

Yiv looked toward the man, seated upon a rock he overlooked the entire village, Over the past week Agi had found this place to train in isolation.

It was quiet, and best of all, nobody came here.

Next to him, a large spear stuck from the ground, the deep red ribbon, tattered and torn, fluttered from the head.

“Is that… a spiritual armament?”

Born from the feathers of an incredibly rare bird, deep within the territory belonging to the beast men, spirit feathers were nearly impossible to get.

But the weapon received was incredibly potent, they were one with their weilder, changing along side them.

The tattered ribbon, something Agi was quite used to in the past, had vanished in his sealed state, but as he realigned his true strength with his sealed strength it came back.

“That’s what people call them. I merely call it my spear.”

Yiv wanted to lunge at him right now, his heart pounded at the oppurtunity, but as his gaze settled on the imposing spear he realized, that was a threat.

If he acted, there would be no mercy this time.

He gulped and sat down, “You must have had some reason for approaching me.”

Agi nodded, “I did, but you went and decided to have a conversation, what an annoying place that temple.”

Yiv didn’t seem to have much of a reaction.

“Tell me, what purpose does this place server to the Temple.”

Yiv crossed his arms, “How would I know?”

Agi felt he at least knew something, and instead was reluctant on revealing what he knew. “Don’t lie to me, they would never let someone unimportant conduct the ritual.”

Yiv gave him a sideeye, “I’m important amongst the warriors, how could I know something likely limited to the knight captain.”

Agi grabbed his spear standing up, “How useless.”

His cold eyes entrenched over the young warrior.

Yiv shivered, “O-Okay!” he shouted, “Crazy son of a… All I know is that they occasionally bring back villagers to the temple.”

Agi raise an eyebrow.

“I don’t know anything else.”

Yiv frowned.

Agis spear vanished in a burst of color, “Fine. Where are you staying?”

Yiv finally stood, brushing himself off he said, “Why should I tell you?”

Agi grabbed his shoulder, “I need insurance. It’s either I deal with you here, or after you fail to hold your tongue.”

The warrior shrugged his shoulders slipping off Agis hand, “Always looking to kill. Just follow me.”

After confirming the location Agi left, and seeing Yiv leave the house, moving to a different one a while later Agi was satisfied.

Tomorrow its likely the knights would arrive.

Agi felt no need to return home, instead staying atop the hill overlooking the town, he decided to clear him mind of distractions.

---

The sound of billowing horns and loud shouts awoke Agi from his meditative state, they had arrived.

There was a clamor within the village, the knights took steady steps, walking in perfect unison into the village.

Yiv stood at the entrance alongside the other warriors, “The warriors greet the honerable knights!”

A man adorned by heavy silver armor rode to the front, amongst the knights a mere four of them rode large beasts, with flowing red fur, they were shaggy and unappealing, with a stubby face and long fangs.

They had short legs, and yet seemed to generate great speed.

The man jumped down from the large beast, his silver armor inlaid with red gemstones, the only such armor.

He had heroic features, short brown hair. And his piercing gaze was a soothing orange, like amber.

“Seventh lord, You have no need to be so formal.”

The knight captain, seemingly just as young as he was all those years ago, Vistar, bowed deeper than any warrior toward Yiv.

Yiv smiled lightly, “You have no need to treat me as such, Vistar, I’m merely a warrior right now.”

Agi couldn’t hear them, but if he could he may have been extremely shocked.

Vistar seemed much more worn down, his eyes held a lack of vigor, and though his body had not aged, it was clear time had taken its toll.

The knight captain directed the warriors to tend to their mounts, the knights steadily entering the village.

“Has there been any unexpected situations?”

Vistar turned toward Yiv.

Yiv was silent for a time, until he finally said, “Nothing.”

Vistar nodded, it was only to be expected, what kind of situation could possible arise in a place like this?

“Where is tenebrous?”

Yiv titled his head.

Vistar looked forward sighing, “You still lack awareness. He is the newly appointed Exalted. Its only right to greet him.”

Yiv frowned, “I don’t lack awareness, just why should we bow before a hunter?”

Vistars hand was held lightly upon the pommel of his sword, “Didn’t I tell you to get rid of that foolish mindset already, Yiv?”

He received no response, so he continued, “Even the Emperor shows the Exalted respect, do you believe yourself above his grace?”

Yiv grumbled inwardly, “I do not.”

“Then do not dishonor him any further.”

Yiv nodded.

Vistar reached the stall, behind it the burly hunter stood.

Tenebrous gave him an odd look, “What does a dog of the emperor want with me?”

Vistar held his tongue, only replying calmly, “I’ve come to pay my respects. It is only right to give Exalted Hollow, the deserved respect.”

Exalted Hollow–Tenebrous, Laughed loudly, “It sure is nice, having the title. Even dogs you’ve never met bow their heads.”

Yivs hands were firmly clenched as he glared at Tenebrous, Agi was one thing, completely crushing him and threatening him, but now he was being mocked. It was a truly terrible feeling.

“I only ask you do not interfere with the goals of the Temple.”

Tenebrous clicked his tongue, “So thats what it was, fine, fine!” He waved his hand at them, small gusts of wind generating, “I won’t interfere, just don’t annoy me too much.”

As the two went on their way, Tenebrous’ gaze lingered on Yiv, “What a brat.” He huffed.

The kid actally tried to exert influence on him through his weak little instinct.

His instinct wasn’t even on the level of a newly inherited hunter, let alone on the level of an exalted.

He found his attempts pitiable, and his frustration was utterly pathetic, a little creature like that should learn how to walk before he begins to sprint.

Eventually a hunter arrived in front of him, “Are you done messing around?”

The lean man with long hair seemed tired of Tenebrous.

The exalted one gave a frown, “Where did all the respect go?”

The hunter scoffed, “We aren’t your dogs, Tenebrous, do you think you’re Exalted Sun? Or maybe even Exalted Beast?”

Tenebrous sighed, “I get it, I get it. We will move tonight, you’re really no fun.”

The mans black hair was tied into a pony tail, he turned to leave giving him one last glance, “For what its worth, you’re at least better than that beast bastard.”

Tenebrous shook his head, “You’ll die if you keep that up.”

The hunter furrowed his brows.

“She’s always listening.” He pointed up.

The hunter shivered, “Haha…” He awkwardly laughed, giving a bow, “My apologies, Lady Oracle, I made a mistake.”

A haze drifted over his body before vanishing, and he looked toward tenebrous, “Thank you.”

He left quickly.

Tenebrous felt a heavy weight settle into his mind, The exalted… They were currently in a very bad position, taking action againt those three had not only seriously injured them, but the Oracle is furious.

She has been considerably more touchy recently, and for the exalted who lay closest to her influence, it was truly a dangerous time.

A while later another hunter appeared, “Exalted Hollow.” He greeted.

Tenebrous nodded in response, “Tonight.”

The man with a long beard nodded, going on his way.

This repeated multiple times.

Old Michael was currently finding his business in the dumps, it was truly infuriating, it wa such a good time to deal business, but he had no way to compete.

The other merchants had hunters with them on their way here, and the hunters couldn’t care less for such worthless monster pelts, giving the merchants massive discounts.

Currently he only held the single bag he received from Agi, and that was hardly enough.

He sighed, seeing nobody approaching his booth, perhaps he should just close for the day…

If Agi hadn’t terrified Arin, he wouldn’t be in this predicament.

The damned hunter was too scared to even leave that place he always hides.

Dorian yawned, settingling beside the cart he began, “Gandpa, We aren’t selling anything.”

Old Michael became even more annoyed, “I know that, you damn brat!”

Dorian shrugged, “Lets just close and go have some fun, we almost never experience the festival. And the knights will be performing soon.”

Old Michael huffed, “You have no business sense. This grandpa is worried.”

Dorian rolled his eyes, “Yeah, sure. Now can we go have some fun?”

“Bah! Unfilial, Unfilial.”

Old Michael started rambling to himself as he began to put away his product.

Walking down the street the two saw a certain mischievous duo.

“Ah, if it isn’t Old Michael!” Evans laughed as he saw the two, “No luck this year?”

Dorian felt like telling him to get lost, after all he was that mans disciple.

Evans noticing his gaze said, “I don’t swing that way.”

William gave him a slap on the head, “Stop spouting nonsense.”

Evans gave a goofy smile and addressed the two again, “We were going to watch the knights perform, are you guys going as well?”

Dorian began to say, “No–” before being cut off by old Michael,

“We are, lets go, what a good kid.”

Dorian could practically smell the ulterior motive coming off his old grandpa.

The four of them took off to the town square, “Old Michael, You are good friends with my Master, aren’t you?”

Old Michael huffed, “Who? Agi? That brat relies on me for everything.”

 Dorian felt his eye twitch, while Evans gave him an odd look, “Haha…. I see.” Evans laughed awkwardly, this old man had definitely lost it.

Old Michael, realizing his mistake immediately attempts to fix it, “Ahha, just kidding, Me and that Agi, ever since he’s come to this small place we’ve been good friends.”

Evans wasn’t so sure anymore and jut gave non answers, Old Michael felt helpless as they approached the platform the knights would preform from.

Atop the stage that was set up by the knights, they all stood. Orderly from the side, Vistar stood in the front, facing the crowd.

“The might of our Blood Temple is not something quantifiable.”

Tenebrous rolled his eyes listening from the side.

Vistar continued, “However, we will give you a small view of the incredible arts the Temple practices. One day you may stand amongst our ranks, so hold this deep in your hearts.”

A knight stepped up, pulling a sword from his waist he took up a stance against Vistar.

Vistar also drew his sword, immedaately taking a step forwad and piercing with torrential force.

The knight responded calmly, letting the blade ride the edge of his own as he trace up its path, almost reaching Vistars head.

Vistar pushed his leg out, creating distance between the two as he repositioned.

The other knight held his sword high, while Vistar held his lower.

The two clashed again, many times they repeated such a visual, and though if they were truly fighting Vistar would have slain him immedately, this was merely for showmanship.

There was no intent flying between them.

Tenebrous yawned, walking off, such lousy combat held no interest to him.

The air at the edge of the village grew heavy—as if space itself twisted. A thick gray mist seeped from the cracks of the old stone walls, curling like fingers into the open air. A figure stepped forward, coalescing into reality, his body reforming from the fog itself.

Exalted Hollow had arrived.

A man slowly peeled himself from the darkness, his form materializing from the wall like an ink stain bleeding onto parchment.

“Still hiding, I see,” Tenebrous muttered. His golden eyes glinted with amusement, like embers smoldering beneath the wind. “The Oracle sent me to reprimand you. Any idea why?”

The shadowed hunter didn’t answer at first. His gaze flickered toward the mist curling around Tenebrous’ feet, watching it like a serpent poised to strike.

Tenebrous sighed, rolling his shoulders. “Don’t make me do this the messy way. My hands are already stained, and I just cleaned them.” He flicked his fingers, and for a brief moment, the mist surged, pressing in like a heavy weight on the hunter’s chest.

The man tensed, but he didn’t panic. Instead, he slowly exhaled—as if resigning himself to what was coming next.

“He’s here,” the shadowed hunter finally rasped. His voice was low, strained. “The beast is here.”

Tenebrous’ eyes narrowed slightly.

He tilted his head, a smirk playing at his lips. “Beast?”

The hunter’s fingers twitched. “Agi.”

For a brief moment, everything stilled.

Then Tenebrous snorted.

“Oh. That creepy bastard.” He ran a hand through his wild mane of golden hair, chuckling. “What, you’re scared of him? Poor thing. Should I hold your hand?”

The hunter didn’t move. He just stared.

Tenebrous’ smirk faltered.

“…You’re serious?”

The hunter’s silence was all the confirmation he needed.

A slow exhale escaped Tenebrous’ lips. He turned his gaze toward the festival below, watching the dim lanterns sway, the sounds of laughter and shouting distant but ever-present.

For the first time, his easy demeanor tightened.

“This could be a problem,” he admitted.

The hunter took a careful step forward. “He’s not even hiding. He’s walking around like he owns the place. You didn’t know he was here?”

“Of course I know,” Tenebrous scoffed, though there was something tense behind his words now. “I always know.” Truthfully, he had no idea he was here, but he couldn’t just come out and say that.

The hunter hesitated. “Then what do we do?”

Tenebrous turned back to him—and suddenly, his smirk was gone.

His fingers lashed forward. The hunter barely had time to react before a clawed hand wrapped around his throat.

The world blurred—no, not blurred, broke.

The hunter’s breath caught in his throat as his body slipped into another realm—half here, half not—as if his soul had been partially peeled away.

For the first time in years, he felt himself slipping toward death.

Tenebrous leaned in, his voice a quiet hum in his ear.

“First, you survive punishment,” he murmured. “Then we talk.”

A faint scream echoed—cut off before it fully formed.

A moment later, the mist dissipated.

Tenebrous stepped back into the festival, wiping fresh blood from his hands.

“This is always so annoying,” he sighed.

He sighed, leaving the alley behind, one less hunter within the village.