Chapter 16: Thrumming Sin, Hollow Justice

Samuel trembled slightly, seeing the approaching woman, earlier she had almost killed him, but he managed to escape.

Agi took a step back, “How did you get away earlier?” The walls would constantly shift whilst fleeing, making escaping near impossible.

It was thanks to that Agi and his assailants were trapped fighting one another.

Samuel never took his eyes off Annika, ” The walls constantly shift when you run, but you probably can’t see right now, which is why you don’t know, but occasionally a hole will appear, like a tunnel to a neighboring path.”

Agi nodded in understanding, he could not see, he was feeling around with his feet using his mind and hearing to visualize the surroundings.

“Agi.”

Annika called out in her sweet voice, “I don’t plan on killing you, so scurry along. We can play later.”

Agi frowned, why didn’t she want to kill him? Was it still Adams orders?

He felt even further anger settle in his heart, not only had he been mindlessly attacked just now because of Adam, but now he was being disregarded as a non-threat.

Like a puppy that can be disciplined as they please.

Agi took a step in front of samuel.

“He is my subordinate. Do you dare?”

She heaved a sigh, “Little brat, don’t force my hand.”

She walked toward Karuna, who smiled looking at her, “My lady–”

Her head slammed into the stone wall, the force causing the area to rumble, Agi staggering momentarily.

Annika had a small smile previously, however now it was conorted into a deep frown, an enraged look of indignation, “You..” Her head smashed again, “Useless…” Again, “Bitch…”

Karuna’s eye was bulging on one side, her face a crumpled mess.

However Karuna had an odd look on her face, she didn’t seem to have fear… no, it was something different, “My lady, I deeply apologize for being such a worthless servant.”

She proclaimed while her head was being smashed.

Agi looked on in disgust…. so there were people like that in this world.

Annika let go after her body finally slumped, “Don’t ever disapoint me again.” She wiped the blood in her hair and then crouched next to her, her face changing back into a smile, “Okay?”

Karuna, who was slowly healing, nodded slowly.

Annika beamed, “Good, I like it best when others listen properly.”

She placed a hand on her back, forcing her gift blood to move, healing her completely.

Karuna bowed on the floor, “What would you ask of me, My lady?”

Agi looked toward Samuel, they had the same idea.

Leaping back they began to run.

“We have to be fast!”

Agi declared as Samuel increased his pace to keep up with Agi.

The room began to shift, and soon it began to spin rapidly.

Agi and Samuel bounced from the walls, already used to its shifting they kept their balance and fled hastily.

However Agi shivered.

“Wait!”

Samuel looked at him in confusion, slowing, “What?”

Agi touched the ground, turning back and going the opposite direction, “She got ahead of us!”

Samuel opened his mouth in shock, and before he could speak a hand grasped his open jaw, “That’s not good. A fly will get in.”

Annika shook her head, pulling Samuels tongue out.

He held his jaw for a moment looking up in terror.

How the hell had she gotten there?!

Agi grit his teeth, an indistinct aura covered his body, a faint reptiliant like ethereal skin cloaked his body as he leaped forward.

Annika glared at Agi, slapping at him, quickly blocking his feet slid on the stone backwards.

Still glaring she said, “Annoying.” Agi had managed to grab Samuel with the strange tail from his manifestation.

Letting him down, Samuel had already recovered his tongue.

“She was holding back earlier…. but why?”

Agi glanced back momentarily, “Does it matter?” He growled.

Before his body was sent flying again, Annika in front of him with her leg outstretched.

“Take a break, kid.”

Agi coughed repeatedly, his body already sore from the after affects of his manifestation.

Before he could run over to help Samuel, Karuna began to attack him.

He cursed his misfortune, without Samuel he was doomed, he would not be able to escape from Annika because he could not see.

Samuel blocked a powerful blow, his body lifting slightly into the air.

“SECOND!”

He shouted

Agi exerted all his strength, “AHHH!” He shot forth, rapily slashing and spinning toward Karuna.

His tail whipped vicously, incorperating flawlessly into his attacks, Before his eyes Samuels Jaw was dislodged, Agi puffed his cheeks, slashing crazily until Karuna finally in a torrent of blood had to take a step back.

Gaining a moment, Agi leaped forward, his hands shot forth like a storm, Annika had mild amusement in her eyes, dodging every attack.

“What exactly is your plan little beast?”

Agi didn’t respond jumping in the air he spun, his tail slamming into her, managing to push her back. Meanwhile Samuel began to engage with the torn up Karuna.

He effortlessly suppressed her, his knee crashing into her face before leaning in for an elobw, her nose split open as she staggered back.

Samuel was rapidly approaching the state of opening, and Karuna was becoming increasingly suppressed.

His hand finally pierced her chest. ending her life.

As Agi continued to fight desperately he began to flee.

The room began to shift, Agi kept striking, meanwhile Annika spun through the air, uncaring about the state of her body as Agi pummeled her.

“What good is this? Just let that miserable creature die.”

She sounded like this was little more than an inconvenience.

However Agi grinned, “Shut up.”

Suddenly his body flew back, as if acted on by some outside source.

Annika raised an eyebrow, seeing a long thin etheral line from Agi.

He had stretched his tail like a rope… leading all the way into a small hole.

Agi bared his teeth in a feral grin as his body flew back, being dragged toward the shifting stone rapidly.

Annika held a dull gaze while looking at Agi, her eyes turning cold.

Agis eyes widened and his heart thrummed, his body felt warm, yet cold as he looked down.

His vision became blurry, and he trembled witnessing the gushing hole in his stomach.

Annika had appeared before him instantly, her hand driving through his stomach.

“Not enough?” She titled her head as Agis body was pulled through the hole.

He sent her one last hateful look, her hand billowing through the rapidly closing gap.

Snap!

Her hand became crushed, mangled mess as she removed it from the sealed stone.

Looking at her stump she ran it through her hair as it regenerated, “Haah… Damn it. I got caught up in it… trying to show that boy how powerless he is.”

Agi crashed into the ground, the world spinning momentarily as he coughed weakly.

Samuel watched as the rope like tail faded into nothing in his hands before rushing over, “Lord Second! What… How?!”

He couldn’t believe it, Agi had been just fine before he pulled him down.

Agi couldn’t see, the pitch black halls, the throbbing pain in his abdomen, they made his mind linger on each thought a bit too long.

“She… Held back…”

He said finally standing up.

Samuel grimaced looking at the bloody mangled mess that was once Agis abdomen, “You don’t have The Gift… do you?”

Agi shook his head, “I do not.”

Samuel rested his body against the wall, looking at Agis small form.

He did not like Agi, an arrogant and cruel creature.

But he understood the necesity of his actions, he understood that if he ever wanted to survive Annika he needed him.

And he understood that Agi had saved him.

This was his fault.

Agi could faintly hear Samuels breathing, how it became erratic, “The Temple has no place for weak sympathies.”

Agi reprimanded. “I can survive for a time like this…” The boundary points within Agis body were swirling vigorously, pulling back in the lost lifeforce, “However, I can’t heal.”

Samuel pushed off the wall, “Then what–”

He was cut off by Agi’s hand poking his chest, over his heart, “You must open your gift. It’s the only way.”

His mouth nearly dropped in shock, “Do you even know how hard that is?!”

Samuel was nearly put into a rage, despite being at the brink of opening his gift, he couldn’t even feel the first step he had to take.

Amongst the droves of warriors, how many ever awakened their gift? The number was incredibly small by comparison.

Agi growled toward him, “You have to!” His breathing was heavy, his body poised for a fight, “If you don’t I’ll die. And when I do, Annika will kill you next.”

Samuel clenched his fists, it was true. He simply could not fight that monstrous woman.

Agi lunged at him, his wound had long since stopped bleeding, but it was clear that he was slowly dying.

He lunged at Samuel, his claws latching around his throat, only for his jaw to be elbowed, sending him rolling to the side.

Agi adjusted quickly, running toward him he sends a high kick, meeting Samuels raised shin instead he drops his leg, rushing toward him.

Agi succesfully captures his slightly raised leg, pulling it and sweeping the much taller fighter.

Samuel felt the ground approaching, twisting his body in the air he landed on his back, using the momentum the leg Agi currently held pushed his small body, sending him to the ground as well.

Agi set a hand to the floor, using it to balance he adjusted, spinning his leg in the air before bringing down heavily toward Samuels head.

Narrowly dodging, Samuel lunged at Agi, finally pinning him under him he sent a fist at his face.

It landed, knocking one of Agis teeth out before the crazed child slammed his head into the fist billowing toward him.

Samuel felt his fist cracking and twisting under the weight, pulling his arm back for a moment Agi wiggled furhter free, taking a bite into Samuels Abdomen, and forcing him off.

Samuel staggered back, holding his side as it healed slowly.

He looked at the opponent before him, If Agi wasn’t injured… he felt he wouldn’t have stood a chance at all.

Agi coughed up blood, stumbling to his feet, his hand held over his open Abdomen.

“You… Have… Open….”

He said, his eyes were dull, lost.

Agi was barely consciousness. His body running off pure instinct, and the desire to survive above all else.

Samuel grit his teeth, “I can’t! I–Damn it…”

He cursed to himself.

From the depths of his mind, the voice of a young girl reverberated.

“Sammy, you got chosen to be an initiate?! Awesome!”

The same girl, slightly older, echoed within his mind once more.

“Ahh… We couldn’t see it… Sorry, Sam, maybe in another life?”

He felt a sense of helplessness bubble up within him, “Am I so worthless!? Damn this Temple, Damn the Emperor!”

Agi’s body staggered forward, “You… Open…” He called out mindlessly once more, his small fist pressing weakly into Samuels side.

He looked down at Agi, seeing him now, he looked so small. So weak, just like… A child.

And his expression contorted, on the child staggering toward him, were tears.

Samuel fell to his knees, his head hung low, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” He repeated it multiple times, as Agis small body slumped into him lifelessly.

He had fought so fiercly, and yet, he had died once more. Helpless. Weak, only a minor inconvinience to slaughter.

That was Agi Vitold.

A weak, pitiful thing, struggling to survive, all while feigning the skin of a beast, A loveless desperate whelp.

Samuel set his body against the wall, he kneeled in front of it.

“Second Lord, I have failed you in this life. I should follow you. But I have much to acomplish. Perhaps in another life, I may serve you.”

He bowed his head twice, to the corpse of the child before him.

He held contempt for the child. A fear, however he held a deep respect.

He had fought from every waking moment, he had the courage to step within this trial at such a young age.

He had saved him, and Samuel was not one to forget a debt.

He stood, his eyes lingering on the boy for a moment longer.

Now that he was a mere corpse, the methods holding his body together faltered, his blood pouring from his open wound.

Samuel tore his shirt, wrapping it around his abdomen tightly, Perserving at least some of his dignity, before he finally left.

The Labryinth was long. A hellish trial that forced his mind to endure.

It was a straight walk, endless, painful.

No matter how many torches lit his path, he could not find its end. He could not hear the solace of death in Annikas prescene.

Nor could he feel the relief of completing the trial.

He walked, for so long, he just walked.

He felt it was pointless to walk any further, his body settling on the floor.

However immediately a blade flew over his head, stunned he dodged two more.

And once he began to run, the blades stopped.

He smiled bitterly, So thats how it was?

If he stops he’ll be assulted by traps.

If he encountered Annika again he’d die.

If he kept walking he would feel helpless once more.

He once more cursed this place, this Temple.

Samuel did not know how long he had walked for, it was only once the floor vanished beneath him, and his body fell limply through the sky that his eyes regained some color.

He frantically looked around, trying to find any way to stop his fall.

Eventually opting to covering his head as he battered into the green grass.

To his surprise, however, nothing happened. As though he had always been on the grass.

Samuel sat up, looking around.

There was a cool breeze, the yellow ball of fire high above him set a warm glow upon his pale skin.

The sky… there was no ocean? Well… it seemed like there was, but it was different.

He could see no waves, only a clear blue expanse, a light blue.

It was strange, the clouds were white and fluffy, they even looked a bit appetizing.

“Was there such a beautiful scene in this world?”

He questioned, standing up, before him was a small lake. It had high rocky hills surrounding it, with a small waterfall at its far end.

He walked over, drinking to his hearts content.

This trial… He couldn’t figure it out, but he knew he must complete it. That was the single goal pushing him forward.

He left the beautiful scenery behind, his steps taking him elsewhere as he found himself atop rocky, snowy peaks.

He felt a distinct, bone chilling draft pass over his body, he drew in a deep breath, it was so damn cold it hurt.

Standing atop that peak however, he felt a distinct sense of freedom, and with a final exhale, he let his body fall from that peak.

As he billowed into the ground the wind passing through his hair shifted, slowly, it became colder, thicker,

Splash!

He began to flail, upside down under water.

He had never been beneath water before, outside of a bath. However, strangely, he quickly grasped the mechanics of swimming, his arms and legs moving in sync as he swam hurriedly toward the surface.

He took in a desperate breath of air as he finally surfaced.

The water beneath him now felt warm, the sun shimmering across its surface.

He nearly laughed to himself, when had he ever felt so carefree?

But his smile turned somber, he had already realized, this place was not real.

These places, these beautiful places, nothing like them existed in their cruel world.

He breathed the salty scent, he wanted to share it with his sister.

But he could show her nothing. She who had been so cruelly taken from him.

The Temple had no beauty.

And he would embrace it.

He would embrace it so he could destroy it.

The water evaporated as he took a step forward, his feet burning beneath the glowing charcoals.

The cracks between the rocks glinting a vicious light.

Before him stood a bridge, a grand bridge, one that eclipses the very mountains he had lept.

Stepping upon the bridge he experienced something truly strange.

From where he stood, he could see words engraved, as clear as day.

“The blood carries The Gift of life… The bones nourish the blood… The blood nourishes the body… The mind becomes the soul, and life becomes eternal.”

The words resonated with him.

And he finally sat down, cross legged, he bowed his head to the words a single time.

The soft padding of feet whispered into his ear as his calm silence was interrupted by a woman.

“Too hot, too hot.”

She complained.

Samuel did not look at Annika, only laughing loudly.

“I’m done! I’m done with this gods forsaken trial!”

He slammed his head to the bridge once more, his skull exploding in a mess of blood and bone.

As his body slumped lifelessly, Annika looked toward him with amusement.

She too saw the words upon setting foot on the bridge.

“What a shame.”

She muttered, shoving her hand into her chest, pulling her still beating heart out and crushing it.

She immediately exhausted all of her gift blood, turning to dust.

“The trials are complete. The six before you now stand as warriors of the Temple.”

Agis eyes opened slowly, a mix of confusion and relief overtook him.

He had survived… somehow.

He didn’t understand, but he didn’t want to either.

Meanwhile Samuel opened his eyes at the same time, despite being within for much longer.

He had a wistful smile, turning to look at Agi.

His judgment was not wrong.

He took long strides, settling before the boy.

This was his only hope, this unhinged child was his only chance to accomplish his goals.

He dropped to a knee before him.

“This lowly warrior, Samuel Sakina, swears to devout his life and loyalty to his lord, Agi Vitold.”

Agi was still mildly confused, but slowly nodded, “Good. We have much to accomplish.”

Agis view had changed, so long as Samuel opened his gift, he could push many of his plans forward.

Standing alone it had its worth, but having another to call on… It was favorable.

The Emperor looked on in mild amusement.

“Complete the final meditation.”

The six found themselves seated for a final time.

It was truly a hellish experience for Agi, however he felt this was merely the beginning.

Finally opening his eyes, he first settled on the bundled clothes before him.

Atop a small basket, they were presented like valuable jewels. Perhaps, in this place they held even greater worth.

The warriors garments.

These were the entire reason Agi had endured these trials, they were a sign. A sign that he was not just some child.

Not just a beast.

They were a show of authority within the Temple, these garments captured the status of those titled “Warriors,” it in itself was the most important piece of clothing Agi had ever laid eyes on.

They were simple, a gray tunic, airy and light. Thick loose black trousers, designed for their ease of movement, and their capability to withstand the rain.

rather than a belt, one would tie their waist with a sash, a deep blood red sash.

Standing in fron of him stood Siv.

His mother, this woman he hated… Yet also sought, in the deepest depths of his heart.

“You’ve at least proven something, beast. You’re certainly effective.”

He grimaced, did he expect something to change? Perhaps…

She began to walk away after saying those words, stopping and turning for just a moment, “Tonight, you will join your brothers at my table. Be grateful, Agi, I am a woman of my word.”

His stared at the garments beneath him, his fingers scraping into the woven floor of the hall with something beyond rage, a feeling of being small, so tremendously small that no matter how strong he becomes, he will never have any real effect.

He did not want to feel this way ever again.

And this was his first step.

He took the clothes, changing right there.

And when he was done, he sat in front of Samuel, awaiting his eyes to open.

“You, I will make you a knight.”

Is the first thing that Samuel heard upon opening his eyes.

He did not know if he chose correctly, but he felt no matter what happened, he would not regret this decision.

“Then I will become so.” He says taking the Warriors garments.

“But lord second, is it not a bit unbefitting for a lord to wear the same clothing as his followers?”

Samuel tilted his head.

Agi never thought about it, going into genuine thought, “You’re right.”

Samuel nodded, “Come.”

He led Agi down the long hall, the two glancing at the empty location that once held a meditating Annika.

It seemed she woke up a long time ago.

They paid the other three no mind, as they were too weak, too worthless.

Samuel opened a door on a secluded side of the temple.

“This is where the initiates stay, surpisingly, we are each provided a room.”

Agi furrowed his brow, even the initiates were provided luxury beyond himself.

Stepping into the room Samuel rummaged around, “Ah, here it is!”

He pulled out a spool, its body covered in long tyrian purple string.

“This is from the Janik Spider.”

Agi tilted his head, “I’ve never heard of such a creature.”

Samuel frowned but remembered Agi’s age, “It’s a monster, a pretty frightening one for us, but for hunters, its little more than a useful pest.”

Agi frowned further, “Hunters?”

Samuels lips twitched, “People who kill monsters, they are really strong, greater than even knights.”

Agi felt he was exaggerating, in his eyes, someone like Vistar was invincible.

“But it doesn’t matter, we are getting off topic. I’ll make you a new sash, with this.”

Agi sat on one of the chairs in the room, “How?”

Samuel gave an awkward smile, “I’m actually not bad at making clothes…” His smile turned wistful, “My sister had taught me, a long time ago.”

Agi nodded, “Useful.”

The warrior didn’t know how to react only sitting down and getting to work.

Agi sat next to him, watching intently as he worked, which really only increased the mental burden on Samuel.

But with his dexterous skill, and his enhancements from The Gift he managed to complete it.

Agi tied the sash around his waist.

Samuel gave a nod, “Fits.”

Agi grinned a toothy grin, “Who dares underestimate me now?” His expression was smug, and Samuel felt at moments like this, Agi seemed much more like a kid.

His expression softened slightly, “Alright, almight Second Lord. You were rushing me so much, you had somewhere to be did you not?”

Agi eyes widened, “You’re right! Let’s go.”

Agi quickly made his way out the door, with Samuel following closely behind despite being confused.

“Where are we going?”

Agi held a frown on his face, “My mother has invited me to a meal.”

Samuel was confused for a moment, “Then why are you taking me?”

Agis gaze set forward as they made their way down the hall, “Insurance.”

Pushing the large door open Agi took in the sight of a massive table. Its length was long, its color was a deep burgundy, it seemed oaky in texture.

He walked in with a calm gait, despite his pounding heart.

Asketill jumped from his seat, despite only being one his development was scary. He could walk and run, his body extremely under control.

“Brother!” he called wanting to run over before looking toward Siv, who was giving him a stern look.

“Mind your manners at the table.”

She reprimanded, as Asketill sat back down, grumbling.

A small child was held near Siv by a handmaiden.

She held the boy in her arms.

Agi looked toward him, “His name?” He asked without looking at Siv.

“Hm? It’s Ari, brother isn’t very smart is he, not knowing something so simple.” Asketill snickered to himself at Agis ignorance.

And Agi too felt it was deeply shameful, his eyes settling on Siv before he took a seat.

Yes, it was deeply shameful to not even know the name of your younger brother.

And it was a debt Agi intended to pay back.