In the chief's village, Giturn tended his crops, his fingers brushing gems that pulsed softly, weaving a lullaby's hum through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of tilled soil. Lisara approached quietly, her steps light on the stone path, her eyes softening as she listened. She clapped gently when he finished, her hands lingering in the air.
Giturn turned, his cheeks flushing as he met her gaze with a warm smile. "That was beautiful," Lisara complimented, her lips curling faintly. "Why do you play to them?"
"I play to soothe my plants," Giturn replied, his fingers fidgeting, his blush deepening. "It brings them comfort, helps them grow."
"Does it make them grow faster?" Lisara asked, her smile widening, her shoulders easing.
"Who knows?" Giturn grunted, his eyes crinkling. They shared a quiet laugh, walking to a bench near the garden, its wood worn smooth by time. The air carried the lullaby's faint echo, gems glowing softly in the torchlight.
"Are you enjoying your stay, Chieftess?" Giturn asked, his posture open, his hands clasped.
"Yes, quite so," Lisara affirmed, her gaze tracing the vibrant village. "Despite the caves, your goblins are so full of life, so kind."
"We make do with what we have," Giturn agreed, his voice steady. "There's no room to be picky."
"Perhaps in time, your kin will grow beyond these caves," Lisara said, her grin brightening, her fingers brushing the bench.
"That depends on your chief," Giturn said, his brow furrowing, his eyes darkening. "But fear not, our doors are always open to you."
Lisara's shoulders sagged, her sigh heavy as she leaned against Giturn's shoulder, her touch tentative. He stiffened, his breath catching, his hands hovering awkwardly. "I don't want to leave, Giturn," she murmured, her voice low, trembling. "I can't go back to that terrible place, to that horrible man."
"You said your husband would raze this place for you," Giturn countered, his fingers tensing. "Does he not love you?"
"That man doesn't love me," Lisara cried, tears tracing her cheeks, her hands shaking. She beckoned him inside a nearby building, her steps hesitant. Giturn followed, his posture rigid. In the dim room, Lisara's hands trembled as she lifted her dress, revealing her back—scarred, beaten, the skin a faint red and purple. Giturn's jaw tightened, his eyes fixed on the wounds, unblinking.
"You see," she whispered, turning to face him, her shoulders hunched. "He beats me when I disagree. If I resist, he takes me by force. I can't go back, Giturn."
Giturn's fingers curled, his gaze dropping as he palmed his head. "I can't unsee this," he said, his voice low. "But keeping you here endangers all I protect." He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Perhaps there's another way—rally the other elves, usurp your chief."
"You think they don't know?" Lisara snapped, her eyes flashing, her hands clenching. "They're all too caught up in their own troubles to care."
Giturn scratched his head, his brow creasing. Lisara darted forward, her lips meeting his in a sudden kiss. Giturn shoved her back gently, his fingers wiping his lips, his eyes wide. "What are you doing?" he stuttered, his voice unsteady.
"I love you, Giturn," Lisara confessed, her hands reaching for his chest, her smile desperate. "I want to stay here with you."
"I'm flattered, honestly," Giturn said, his frown deepening, his shoulders stiffening. "But I've known you only a day. Forgive me if I don't believe you."
"Please, Giturn, I'll do anything," Lisara pleaded, her hands pressing against him, her eyes glistening.
"I'll consider it," Giturn sighed, his voice soft but firm. He pushed past her, storming out, his footsteps heavy. Lisara fell to her knees, her quiet sobs echoing in the empty room, her fingers clutching the floor.
Later the seven trekked through the cavern's tunnels, torches casting long shadows as dripping water echoed. Directions carved into the walls glowed faintly under the dim flames. The tunnel's walls hinted at branching paths ahead. Tengune approached Miograce as the party moved on, Jessie chatting with goblins ahead.
"Oh, the beastman," Miograce smiled, her eyes flicking to Omaar, his gaze fixed ahead. A chorus of crows over him, their numbers thicker than before, their wings a restless rustle. She glared a moment but refocused. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Tengune glanced at the party, smiling.
"May I ask why you joined this quest?" Tengune asked. "I don't understand what you gain from it."
"There's plenty for me here," Miograce smirked. "In truth, I'm using this as an opportunity."
"For what?" Tengune pressed.
"Do you think Malevians are the only ones worthy of God's grace?" she asked, turning to him. He paused, thinking.
"Well, Malevia seems to think so," Tengune growled.
"But our God says no such thing," Miograce smiled. "It's our solemn duty to spread the Nine's warmth."
"Yet Malevia crushes anyone who doesn't share their faith," Tengune pondered.
"Indeed, why do you think that is?" Miograce questioned. Omaar's ears perked.
"If Malevia draws power from God," Tengune said, "they'd want to covet it."
"Exactly," Miograce affirmed. "This isn't God's will, yet it goes unpunished. Why? By His standard, all are equal."
"I don't get it," Tengune said, his voice sharpening. "Are you saying your God is flawed?" Miograce's smile twitched faintly as she paused. Omaar's smirk widened.
"Of course not," Miograce said smoothly, her smile returning. "His machinations are beyond us. But I feel He's waiting."
"For what?" Tengune asked, his tone still edged.
"A revelation to redefine our faith," Miograce said, watching Jessie with the goblins. "He wants us to grasp divinity's truth, beyond Malevia."
"How would you reshape it?" Tengune questioned.
"In an image of superior grace," Miograce smirked, "uniting all in light."
Tengune hesitated, wary of her tone, but Miograce nudged him. "I have a question," she grinned. "You owe me one." He sighed, waving her on.
"Tell me, what is greater: strength in oneself or strength in another?" she asked. Tengune raised a brow, confused, but Miograce smiled.
"It depends," Tengune pondered. "But I'd say strength in oneself."
"Interesting," Miograce smirked. "I'd imagined you'd say the opposite."
"Do I seem that righteous?" Tengune chuckled. "Strength in others is great when your own fails, but relying on it means you can't change the world. Others can leverage that."
"Even strength in a higher power?" Miograce asked.
"That creates security," Tengune said. "It's less about strength, more about access to it."
"So it's about how much strength is held," Miograce smiled.
"Kind of," Tengune said, "but also how it's used."
"Is there a right way?" Miograce asked. "That's up to the beholder and strength is what decides what's right."
"Strength should help others find their own," Tengune affirmed, "so they help others in turn."
"And when pushed to your limit, where does your strength lie?" Miograce pressed, her gaze sharp.
"Then you simply give everything," Tengune growled, eyes narrowing, "I fight what is right, no matter the foe." Miograce smiled, catching Omaar's glance.
"Humor me once more then" she continued. "When two need help but helping one betrays the other, who do you help?"
"We find a middle ground," Tengune said, eyes blazing with determination. "There's always a middle ground." Miograce's smile widened as the party halted in a small cavern, its damp stone walls reeking of earth. A three-way path split loomed ahead, the crows' caws swelling, then fading into the dark.
"We'll take the middle path," Hemphie announced. "It's about thirty minutes to the village."
The group nodded, but the ceiling pulsed once with a faint glow, a low hum rising before a tremor shook the cavern. Dust choked the air as the party stumbled.
"What's happening?" Kamitafa shouted.
"I don't know!" Hemphie yelled as rocks began to cave in. "Everyone, run to the path!"
The group bolted. Tengune yanked Jessie behind him, gripping his staff. Hemphie saw the middle path was too narrow for all to pass. "It's caving in too quickly!" he shouted. "We can't fit everyone in time!"
"Then we split!" Kokutafa yelled. Tengune blasted a falling boulder with flame, but the debris shattered, accelerating the collapse. "Stop it, you fool!" Omaar snapped, his eyes glinting. The crashing rocks scattered the party, a wall of rubble sealing the cavern.
"Is everyone alright?" Kamitafa yelled from the central path. "I've got Omaar and Kokutafa with me."
"We're fine over here!" Tengune shouted, his voice tight, shielding Jessie. "I'm with Jessie and Hemphie."
"Um, Miograce?" Jessie called, her voice shaky.
"I'm alright," Miograce shouted, her tone calm. "The Nine protects us, it seems. Though I am alone"
"Tch, what a coincidence," Omaar muttered, smirking.
"All the paths lead to the village," Kokutafa explained. "We'll meet up there."
"Fine," Tengune agreed, his jaw set. "If anyone gets lost, report back to the previous village."
The group nodded, splitting down their separate paths. Kokutafa stopped, glaring at Omaar. "You, in front," she hissed.
"Koku, there's no need," Kamitafa protested, but Omaar scoffed, shoving past to lead. Kokutafa gripped her dagger, following with her sister.
Meanwhile, Tengune, Jessie, and Hemphie walked through their cave path, the ominous crumble of stone guiding their echoing footsteps. Dust stung their eyes, the air thick with a metallic tang.
"Why would we have a cave-in now?" Hemphie pondered. "Is it the start of a collapse?"
"The ceiling glowed back there," Jessie said. "I saw it for a second."
"A flash of magic?" Hemphie gasped.
"That glow could only be Miograce's magic," Tengune deduced. "But where was she when we were at the village? Always slipping away."
"And Kokutafa," Jessie added, her voice low. "She was gone during those talks, wasn't she?"
Hemphie's jaw tightened. "Kokutafa's loyal to our kin—she'd never betray us. Miograce, though…" He trailed off, eyes narrowing. "No proof, but she's trouble."
"She's got something up her sleeve," Tengune frowned, thinking of Omaar.
They emerged into a vast mine, ringing steel and shuffling carts echoing as goblins barked orders at one another. Mana crystals and ore glinted in the dim light.
"This is where we gather resources," Hemphie explained. "The next village is through here."
"What have you been harvesting?" Tengune asked.
"Quartz steel and mana stones for rituals and festivals," Hemphie answered. "Thorren's skilled with the steel."
"You mean the white-looking steel?" Jessie pondered. "Is that what Kokutafa and Kami's weapons are made from?"
"Indeed," Hemphie smiled. "We've built quite an operation."
Tengune nodded, watching goblins coordinate, sorting ore with precision. "You've got a lot on your hands."
"Still much to do," Hemphie sighed.
A sharp cry drew them deeper, faint clinks of steel echoing earlier. They found goblin guards beating elves, who mined tirelessly, knees wobbling, coughing on dust, their clothes worn and torn. Jessie gasped, stunned, as Tengune's fists clenched.
Hemphie sighed, staring toward the exit. "We'll be with the chief soon. Let's move."
"Wait!" Tengune barked, marching up and grabbing Hemphie's collar. "Are these the villagers those goblins captured?"
"Yes," Hemphie said, his eyes narrowing, stepping back, ripping Tengune's hand from him. "What of it?"
"Why are you enslaving them?" Tengune growled, voice shaking.
"We could've left them in cages," Hemphie said. "Instead, they work."
"They're not tools!" Tengune roared. "How can you seek peace while working prisoners to the bone?"
"We offered sanctuary until peace is formed," Hemphie countered. "They chose to revolt. This is their atonement."
"For what?" Jessie shivered. "They've done nothing. Your quarrel is with their Chieftain. You can't expect them to be agrreable after you kidnap them."
"These elves seek to harm us," Hemphie shouted, kicking over a cart of ore. "You've seen how they chain our kind to fields, make us rabble!"
"That's why I can't stand by!" Tengune yelled. "How can you inflict that pain, knowing its weight?"
"They see us as monsters," Hemphie growled. "Evil to be slaughtered. Is it wrong to return that treatment?"
"We're better than them," Tengune reasoned.
"Who decided that?" Hemphie snapped. "Why must we be better? They'll only see us as equals if we subject them to the same horrors they inflict!"
"It's not right," Tengune roared, his runes flaring. "And you know it!"
As Tengune and Hemphie argued, Jessie caught quick footsteps and clashing steel from a path to the right. Screams and steel drowned the mine, then a tall, muscular woman in red ornate armor burst in, spear raised, cleaving a goblin in two with savage fury, snarling. Her long black hair whipped around piercing green eyes, crowned by horns—one snapped. Scales flashed on her pale skin, elven ears sharp. She brandished a tower shield and spear, a lizard-wing flag flapping with a proud flourish as goblins collapsed in chaos. Hemphie watched, face twisted, as his kin fell.
"Was this your plan?" Hemphie bellowed, gripping his wand, weaving runes quickly.
"No, she's not with us!" Tengune howled, clutching his staff and tome.
"Then stop her!" Hemphie roared, hurling a hail of water bullets. The woman blocked with her shield, staggering, slashing another goblin with relentless strikes, sneering as she cut them down.
"We need to talk to her!" Tengune shouted, voice strained.
"She's slaughtering my kin!" Hemphie screamed. "Peace is not always an option!"
A goblin lunged at an enslaved elf. "Enough!" Tengune roared, weaving runes flickering, a scorching flame felling the goblin. Hemphie froze, eyes darting, torn by Kokutafa's words. "Kokutafa knew!" he spat, voice cracking. "We're betrayed! Kill the envoys and this beast!"
"Wait!" Tengune yelled, goblins glaring with malice.
"Tengune, we've got to run!" Jessie screamed, voice breaking.
"We can't abandon the villagers!" Tengune bellowed, fists trembling. "We fight to stop this!"
The woman, clenched her teeth, raising her spear in a commanding stance, runes spiraling into its blade, glowing blindingly. "Vermin that don't understand thy art are still pitiful cattle!" she roared. "And by my right as royal blood, thou shalt sunder the filth of thy corpses and render all to kneel in the greatness of your better!" A shockwave boomed as she gripped the spear with both hands. "Smite!" she yelled, as she slammed it down. A blast rocked the mine, dust choking the air, heat searing. Tengune and Jessie scrambled up through smoke. A goblin charged Jessie, but Tengune's flame scorched it.
"I can't fight them, Tengune!" Jessie cried, tears streaming.
"We'll force a retreat and talk after!" Tengune shouted. "I swear it!"
Jessie hesitantly nodded, gripping her Valkyrie amulet. "I'll cover you!" she yelled.
"Thank you!" Tengune smiled, eyes blazing as the smoke cleared and goblins charged, the woman taking a menacing step toward the horde. Tengune's hands wove runes: open, heat, transfer to force, enhance with heat. A searing wave blasted the goblins, knocking them back. "It worked," Tengune gasped, "but it's weak." Hemphie conjured a massive water orb, firing it at Tengune, Jessie, and the woman. She blocked it with her shield, glaring at the goblins' weakness, as Tengune and Jessie dove for cover.
"Feeble magic!" she scoffed, grasping a charging goblin by the head, crushing its skull, then hurling its corpse at the orb. Blood mixed with water, sending it spiraling chaotically. Jessie, hands shaking, fired a bullet into the orb, bursting it into relentless rain over the mine. As Tengune scorched a score of goblins, he saw villagers surrounded. He ran, weaving runes, eyes wide, but he was too late. Blood pooled as screams faded, the villagers slaughtered. Tengune unleashed a blast with all his might, shattering the area. He stared at the pile of corpses, heart pounding, blood boiling. A warped voice scraped in his mind, one of his heads smirking: "Do you see, beast? The product of your foolishness." Enraged, Tengune blasted goblins with violent fury.
Meanwhile, the woman hounded Hemphie with relentless slashes, towering over him in a deadly dance. Hemphie wove runes, flooding the area with water, then condensed it into a tiny bullet and fired. It bounced off her skull as she growled, "Weakling," charging with her spear, its blade glowing with blinding light. Hemphie tried another rune, but she inhaled deeply and bellowed a deafening roar that immobilised him completely. His eyes widened as she closed the distance, yelling "Smite!" The blast sent Hemphie crashing into mana crystals, half his face blown off. He staggered up, peering from one eye, watching Tengune burn fleeing goblins. Grasping the crystals, Hemphie wove runes, unleashing a torrent to flood the mine. Suddenly, a shot rang out, a bullet piercing his torso, stopping the spell. The mine lay in a shallow lake. Hemphie turned to see Jessie crying.
"Please stop!" she sobbed, eyes wide. The woman pressed her attack, undeterred. Hemphie dodged, faltering, and retreated, ripping the bullet from his torso. At the exit, he fired at the ceiling, collapsing it, blocking the path as the mine crumbled.
"Cowardly meek creature!" the woman roared. "Die with honor!" Rubble scattered the goblins. Jessie, panicking, ran through debris into a path, beckoning Tengune, who sat amid the destruction. He snapped out, trying to join her, but rubble trapped Jessie alone. The rumbling stopped as Tengune stood among goblin corpses, the woman grimacing, as she poked around the mine looking for a path to pursue.
"Jessie, are you alright?" Tengune shouted, searching for a gap.
"I'm alright!" Jessie yelled, sniffling. "It's dark. I don't know what to do."
"Listen, Jessie," Tengune urged, voice steady, "find the first village, but don't speak until I'm there."
"Are you sure?" Jessie yelped.
"No telling how they'll react," Tengune affirmed. "Play it safe."
"Okay," Jessie stuttered, nodding. "I'm going."
Tengune listened as her footsteps faded, then faced the woman, her towering frame looming. "I don't know who you are or why you're here," he growled, "but I need your help—"
"Kneel!" she hissed, eyes blazing.
"Excuse me?" Tengune stammered. Her spear swung down, nearly cleaving him, a righteous snarl on her lips.
"A noble does not repeat herself!" she barked. "Thy head holds too high for such meager stature!"
Tengune stared, shocked, then steadied. "We shouldn't fight," he pleaded. "We've done enough. We need to reach the village and plan."
"Do not speak as if we are one, beast!" she growled. "I care not for your politics. I'll exterminate these vermin myself."
"You can't kill them all!" Tengune argued. "Their lives matter!"
"Lesser weaklings flock together," she chuckled, sneering. "The strong need no such cowardice. I'll do as I please." She turned to leave. "Tsk. This is taking too long."
"You expected to waltz in and murder the entire horde alone?" Tengune asked, incredulous.
"Yes," she barked, "for nothing short of perfection is acceptable!"
Tengune grimaced but his ears perked.
"So you know where to go?" he questioned. She paused, spear aimed at him.
"You will tell me," she hissed.
"Killing me won't solve your problem," Tengune growled. "You'd end up just as lost."
Muttering curses, she hoisted her shield and spear. "Fine, mongrel, I'll allow you to guide me," she sneered. "We'll strike their camp, tear these vermin from the roots. With me!" She stormed down the left path, kicking over goblin corpses and broken weapons. Tengune glared, staring at the dead. "I should have done more," he muttered, following. "I don't know what I could have done."
Hemphie stumbled through the exit, blood dripping, clutching his torn torso. Jessie's sobbing echoed in his mind. Had he misjudged them? "No time to think," he muttered, relenting, staggering down the path.
Meanwhile, Omaar, Kokutafa, and Kamitafa walked down the dimly lit cave path, damp air clinging to the walls, torchlight flickering. Omaar strode ahead as the goblin sisters trailed in silence, their footsteps echoing. Kokutafa glared at Omaar, her eyes fixed, clutching her dagger. Kamitafa bit her lip, head hung, glancing at her sister nervously.
"I do hope Miograce is alright," Kamitafa said, forcing a smile.
"Does no one find it strange that she's the only one alone?" Omaar laughed.
"Well, it's odd, but I'm sure there's just no room," Kamitafa responded.
"The only thing I find strange is your role here," Kokutafa sneered.
"Oh, how so?" Omaar smirked.
"You don't get along with your party at all," Kokutafa said. "Nor do you work with them. You act alone."
"But I don't scheme with the enemy," Omaar snickered. "You'd know all about that."
A pause settled, the clock ticking and tocking. "Koku?" Kamitafa called, her head darting between Omaar and her sister. "What is he on about?"
"Nothing but a cornered rat lying through his teeth," Kokutafa growled.
"You deny it?" Omaar smirked. "A question, then: was that Miograce's magic pulsing in that cavern?"
"A simple cave-in, nothing more," Kokutafa answered.
"Strange, there's no evidence of cave-ins anywhere," Omaar chuckled, the melody clawing his mind as crows began to cackle, applauding the show. "But if it was her magic, she'd have set it up beforehand, seeing as she didn't activate it directly. How did she know there was a cavern with three paths, perfect for splitting the group? Only a goblin would have that information. I've only seen her talk to you in that village."
"What are you getting at, Omaar?" Kamitafa yelled.
"Don't play dumb, goblin," Omaar smirked. "You know already."
Kamitafa's face dropped as she stared at Kokutafa. "You think you're her equal, but you're nowhere near as clever," Omaar continued. "You dance on strings and think you're free."
"And who are you to talk?" Kokutafa hissed, gritting her teeth as her eyes strayed away. "A goblin killing the Oracle is unthinkable. Curious that he mentioned you specifically."
"Of course," Omaar smirked, glancing back. "I did kill her." The melody of death silenced as Kokutafa's dagger cut through the air. Omaar parried, his grip tightening, sliding back to face the goblins. Kamitafa stared in disbelief as Kokutafa readied her weapons.
"Why would you do that?" Kamitafa barked. "What is your goal?"
Omaar locked eyes with her, smirking. "The utter extermination of the goblins."
"See!" Kokutafa snarled. "You let your attachment to that foolish girl blind you. There's no working with elves."
"But why?" Kamitafa yelled. "What have we done to you?"
"Nothing personal, honestly," Omaar sighed, twirling his dagger, his smirk hiding a bitter glint. "The priest wants you alive for some reason. Nothing in my best interest, so it's better to remove you all entirely."
"You'd slaughter us all to undo some vague, veiled plan of someone you don't like?" Kamitafa cried.
"Absolutely," Omaar affirmed. "In the end, I'll be the one who wins."
Kamitafa fell silent, taking a deep breath. "Come, sister, we must—"
"You be silent!" Kamitafa hissed, drawing her short blade and extending it, taking a firm stance. "You'll have a long, thorough lecture after this, I swear. But for now, Omaar must die." Kokutafa scoffed as Omaar smirked, steeling himself.
"Be it a dream or not," Omaar muttered, the melody ringing in his head. "Let's see if you can make it through this life."
The goblins rushed in, slashing in sync. Omaar dodged and parried, using the cramped tunnel to hinder their assault. Kokutafa jumped back, throwing her daggers past Kamitafa, lightning arcing between them. Omaar dropped to a push-up, the bolt sizzling above as crows perched on ceiling, cawing in his mind. He sprang up, kicking Kamitafa's head with swift acrobatics to gain distance. Kamitafa tapped her blade's hilt, extending it to carve through cave walls, smacking Omaar's guard and sending him flying. He landed on his feet, sliding into a cavern, nearly falling off the edge but regaining balance. The cavern, a storage vault, brimmed with giant shelves of ore, mana crystals, and mining gear, torchlight glinting off their surfaces.
Kamitafa's blade shot from the darkness. Omaar parried, but a slash grazed his shoulder, knocking him down. He grabbed a shelf's edge as crows flapped chaotically above him. Kokutafa leaped off the cliff, throwing her daggers parallel to Omaar. He dropped, dodging the lightning, flipping down the shelf. The sisters hounded him with long-range strikes until he reached the ground, vanishing into the cavern. The girls descended, stalking through the large storage vault space.
"He means to split us," Kokutafa growled. "Watch my back."
"Okay," Kamitafa panted.
"Oh, but is she watching yours?" Omaar snickered from the shadows, his voice echoing, obscuring its direction. "Or waiting to rid herself of her naive other half?"
"Show yourself, coward!" Kokutafa shouted.
"Coward?" Omaar smirked, the melody pulsing faintly in his mind. "I'll use anything to my advantage. Why cry foul when you do the same?"
Omaar cut a shelf's supports, ore rattling as it groaned and crashed toward the twins. They dove for cover. Omaar appeared behind Kamitafa, slashing. She parried, extending her blade, but Omaar ducked, locking blades. Kokutafa twirled her daggers wildly, throwing them. Omaar shoved Kamitafa aside to deflect one, the other flying past as lightning arced. Both dodged as Omaar darted behind another shelf, vanishing.
"See? Your sister wants me dead more than she wants you alive," Omaar smirked, strolling past a shelf of explosives, smiling. "She wants war, little goblin. Even the pawn has a pawn."
Kokutafa gritted her teeth, eyes somber. Kamitafa stared, wide-eyed, as a bomb hurtled toward them, exploding. Dust choked the air as crows flew around the ceiling frantically. Bomb after bomb roared, lit by Omaar's black wick, as the twins scrambled to avoid the blasts.
"You see it now, don't you?" Omaar snickered. "Your sister never loved you."
"Kami, don't listen—"
Kamitafa screamed, tears streaming, extending her blade to its limit, longer than the cavern, spinning wildly. Kokutafa ducked prone as the blade shattered shelves into debris, smoke rising. The storage vault lay in ruins.
Kamitafa stood, panting, hands shaking. Omaar darted from the smoke behind her. She turned, swinging, but too late. In a flash, her sword arm was cleaved off. Omaar caught her blade, tapped its hilt, and extended it, stabbing her into the cavern wall. Kokutafa leaped to ambush, but Omaar thrust and extended Kamitafa's blade into the ground, vaulting upward and swing blade back round, striking Kokutafa with a heavy blow, sending her reeling. The slam kicked up dust. Kokutafa shielded her eyes, then gasped as Omaar's dagger stabbed her side, poison clawing her body. She kicked him off, coughing blood, glancing at Kamitafa slumped against the wall. Grimacing, she mumbled something to her, stabbed both daggers into the ground, unleashing lightning in an explosion, then retreated out the exit. Omaar smirked, strolling to Kamitafa as crows gathered around them and he sheathed his daggers.
Kokutafa marched down the path, coughing and panting, tears streaming down her face, her expression frozen in anguish.
Omaar rested his foot on Kamitafa's neck, smirking. "Your sister abandoned you," he said. Kamitafa coughed up blood, clutching the hole in her stomach, her eyes somber as she looked down. "Well, in the end, I always prevail."
"Just kill me," Kamitafa coughed, gritting her teeth, locking eyes with Omaar, fire still burning. "Is that not what you want, vile monster, our extermination?"
"Oh, you don't get off that easy," Omaar chuckled. "Before you go, I'm going to need some answers."
Kamitafa glared, silent. Omaar sighed, drawing her dagger. "Well, have it your way," he smirked, grabbing and breaking each of her fingers. Her screams echoed off jagged walls as he questioned.
"Is there another entrance to the chief's village, a back door perhaps?" Omaar asked.
She panted, teeth gritted, silent. Omaar cut off her hand, diced it, and forced the remains into her mouth, causing her to vomit over herself, blood's coppery stench filling the air.
"How many goblins are there? How big is this cave?" Omaar pressed.
Kamitafa coughed, silent. Omaar pressed her against the wall by her neck. He grabbed a needle from his pouch, slowly inserting it into her eye. She screamed, struggling as he drove it deeper.
"How powerful is your chief? What is he capable of?" Omaar continued.
Kamitafa panted, silent. Omaar pressed his boot to her face, grabbing her hair and pulling slowly. She jittered, trying to grasp his arms with no hands left. He ripped out a clump of hair, tossing it aside, sighing with vacant, cold eyes.
"Tsk," he scoffed. "I'm going to need to start getting creative." A crow cawed as the melody hummed faintly in Omaar's mind, a presence looming behind him.
"You're going to kill her, you fool," Miograce said, a shadow flickering before she appeared, smiling.
Omaar turned, slashing, but stopped the blade at her neck. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Miograce smirked. Omaar grimaced, relenting.
"Where did you come from?" Omaar frowned.
"Just a little detour," Miograce said, her smile graceful and kind. "I found an exceptional hunter in these caves, already here to slay them. I pointed her in Hemphie's direction; he should be dead by now." Omaar's eyes widened, realizing he wasn't alone in fighting, then curled a smirk. Miograce knelt to Kamitafa, their eyes locking.
"All your friends are dead," Miograce smiled, her golden eyes glinting wide. "But fear not, by my blessing, your pain shall be fleeting." Omaar shivered as she clasped her hand, healing Kamitafa's fatal injuries. Kamitafa rose, her face dropping, staring at Miograce with cold eyes mirroring Omaar's. Crows flocked in droves, as a soft, calming melody filled her ears. The Oracle's words echoed: In the veils between life, there lies the hunter; when the end is close, thou shalt hear the mother. So mote it be.
"Have you tried ripping out her teeth?" Miograce inquired softly, nudging Omaar.
"Good idea," Omaar smirked. "Let's give that a go." They tortured Kamitafa relentlessly, ripping out her teeth. She stayed silent.
Omaar kicked her to the ground, punting her repeatedly. She stayed silent.
Miograce shaped her hands, using holy light to peel off her skin meticulously. She stayed silent.
Miograce snickered. "What?" Omaar asked, raising a brow.
"Can you imagine this goblin thought she could change the world?" Miograce giggled. "With kindness, of all things."
"You jest, surely," Omaar laughed. "Even she's not that naive."
"She doesn't understand," Miograce snickered. "The world can only be changed by one with true grace."
"Well, I can't fault her for being a fool," Omaar smiled. "It's all meaningless anyway." They shared a hearty chuckle as the crows cackled with them. Kamitafa sat, drooling and broken.
"Well, then, it seems we are done here," Miograce said. "I'll be taking her now."
"Actually, I think I'd find some use for her yet," Omaar interjected, sheathing his dagger. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind, would you?" Miograce turned to Omaar, tilting her head. She stared wide-eyed, approaching him. The melody pulsed in Omaar's soul, growing louder as she neared. He took a glove from his pouch and put it on. Dust stung their eyes, rubble crunching underfoot. She laid her palms on his chest, leaning in close.
"I can help you, Omaar," she whispered. "I can free you from your fate."
"What do you mean?" Omaar sneered. "I need no assistance."
"You needn't hide your pain around me," Miograce grinned. "For I know your pain."
"You know nothing," Omaar growled.
"But I do," she affirmed. She undressed her chest, revealing runes forming a skull shape burned over her heart. Visceral pain shot through her body, but she fought through, panting, sweat beading on her brow.
"You never get used to that pain, do you?" she smiled, eyes flickering. "But we are both cursed." Omaar stayed silent, staring at the rune upon her breast. "By my light, you would never fear death," she continued, placing a palm on his face. "Together, we could have the world and save it with my grace. I will free you from those chains, and you will finally have the life you deserve. Is that not your dream?" Omaar locked eyes with Miograce, her golden eyes peering into his soul. "Let me take you into my love, so you may love me in return," she grinned, "so that you may know true divinity in eternal devotion to me." Miograce smiled, gazing into Omaar's eyes.
Suddenly, she heard it. That soft melody. Its hum seared her mind as crows swarmed, their cries clawing Omaar's mind. His empty stare morphed into a smirk. Miograce, sweating, eyes wide, pulled back, attempting to clasp her hands together, but she was too slow. Omaar pulled a valorium bullet from his pouch, lined it up with the death mark on her chest, and spiked it in with his dagger. She stumbled back, wheezing, staring at the bullet lodged in her chest. The crows cackled with laughter as the melody pounded in Miograce's head, her breath ragged.
"What is this?" Miograce gasped.
"A valorium bullet," Omaar smirked, eyes flaring. "But you know that already." Miograce clasped her hands together, but no magic came to aid her.
"Your god can't reach you now," Omaar smirked.
"Foolishness," Miograce laughed, taking a shaky breath. "I'll just pull it out." But as she tried, pain shot through her body, greater than before, her knees buckling.
"You know not to touch your death mark," Omaar cackled. "You never get used to the pain, do you?" Miograce froze, her breath quickening, hands shaking, her face filled with menacing rage.
"Are you angry?" Omaar snickered, raising a brow. "Good." He approached her as she edged back, taking a stance atop a pile of rubble, dust swirling. He gave a menacing smirk, looking down at her. "I'm going to kill you," he said. Miograce stood frozen, staring at Omaar. Suddenly, a clock's tick echoed sharply from behind her. She glanced back, seeing the shadowy figure of a woman obscured by the cave's dark path, holding a strange pocket watch. Miograce's eyes widened as she realized her fate. She was about to die.
Omaar darted in, closing the distance in an instant, hacking and slashing. Miograce parried each blow with the golden bracelets on her wrists, striking Omaar with a palm to the gut, sending him sliding back across the rubble-strewn floor. Dust choked the air, rocks crunching underfoot.
"A skilled fighter too. You're full of surprises," Omaar laughed. He grabbed Kamitafa's short blade, tapped the hilt, extending it. "But it's no matter." He swung the blade down. Miograce dodged, sprinting into the exit as Omaar gave chase. She ran through the dark tunnel, torchlight flickering, as Omaar's voice echoed through the cave. "'Run,' he hissed over and over. 'Run, run, run.'" Miograce gritted her teeth, panting, an army of crows chasing her, their cries clawing in her mind. The melody seared their minds, pulsing aggressively.
"Have you ever felt like this?" Omaar smirked. "Death clawing at your heels, the end close, breathing down your neck." Miograce kept running, her face still, eyes wide. "I have," Omaar continued. "I have walked with it every day of my life. I am so happy to be the first and last elf to introduce you to this feeling." Miograce ran into an empty cavern, nothing but a large crack in the ceiling shining light in the center like a spotlight. She stopped under the light, taking a stance. A blade extended from the cave's darkness. Miograce parried as Omaar rushed in. The blade returned to its short length. He drew his venomvine dagger in his other hand, entering the light, dual-wielding. Crows circled, cackling, as the melody hummed in their minds, the clock ticking hecticly and pulsing aggressively. The serene light bathed their dance until Miograce missed a crucial blow. Omaar dodged behind her, stabbing her neck. The crows went silent, but the melody grew louder. He ripped the dagger out, stabbing her stomach, chest, shoulder, arm, slashing her ankle, removing her balance, and finally driving the blade through her forehead. She fell to the floor, eyes lifeless, dead in a pool of blood, the cavern's chill seeping into the air.
Omaar cheered with a loud roar, laughing in hysteria. "Hah, you see? Not so high and mighty now," Omaar laughed. "You should have killed me when you had the chance, yet your only success here is proving that overconfidence is indeed a slow and insidious killer." He began kicking and stomping her corpse as he smiled with glee. "And just as always you lose, and I win," Omaar cackled as the crows around watched in silence, the melody in his head finally silenced for a time. Omaar stopped and stared at Miograce's corpse, taking a deep breath before looking at a crow that cawed when he glanced. "I know it is wrong," Omaar sighs, "for the pain I inflict to others will come back to haunt me a thousand fold when I reach the great soul ocean." He kneels down and rips the dagger from her skull as he stares into her hollow eyes. "But I've lived a thousand lives," Omaar frowned, "and this one may be another dream, but I've died enough. So I will burn the world until fate releases me from its chains." He stands up and gazes at the light shining from the above, the quiet in his mind soothing. "When death finally comes for me it will not kill me." Omaar affirmed "It will simply show me what I have done. And fill my hollow heart with nothingness." Omaar sneers as He stares at the bloodied dagger in his hand. "For I will become the villain if I must," Omaar grimaces "But I will become the hunter if I must, I will become death if I must" but a smile begins to creep on his face as his eyes flare with resolve. "And I am destined for damnation," Omaar smirks, "but I will LIVE this Life. For in this moment I feel alive. For at this moment I am alive." Omaar took a deep breath, looking at the light and smiling, before returning to the destroyed storage vault and grabbing Kamitafa by the hair, dragging her with him. "Do not die on me now, little goblin," Omaar snickered. "I have plans for you yet."
Later, Thorren, back in the village, pondered as all the goblins gathered at the mess hall, congregating for food. "They should be talking to the chief by now," he sighed. "I do hope all goes well." Suddenly, a scream echoed outside, a loud commotion brewing in the plaza beyond the mess hall. Thorren sighed and ran out, pushing through the crowd.
"Alright," he yelled, "what's all the fuss?" But he reached the center and found Kamitafa, missing a hand and an arm, one eye and clumps of hair ripped out. Teeth and patches of skin were gone, her body crawling over a trail of her blood, panting and wheezing. Blood pooled under her, its coppery scent thick in the air. Thorren darted over and knelt, holding Kamitafa in his arms.
"Kami," he cried, "what happened?"
She rasped, struggling to breathe, squirming as she tried to speak. Thorren looked down, seeing her throat caved in. They locked eyes as Kamitafa tried to smile, the light fading from her gaze. A sweet, soft melody lulled her to eternal sleep, soft as a mother's whisper. Kamitafa was dead. Thorren stared, wide-eyed, veins bulging on his brow as his blood boiled. A shadow lurked in the corners, flickering before vanishing into the village, leaving a chill in its wake.