xxhuntressxx

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Flame

A shudder overtakes me as the gem whispers again. I had nearly forgotten about it. I'm not sure what kind of deal Smough has in mind but free has got to be better right? I'd give this gem to Gaul if he wanted it. I'd give anything I have to him if he wanted it. The thought is so unwarranted I'm immediately blushing and embarrassed by my own mind. It doesn't seem like Gaul is opposed to dealing really but I plan on at least informing him of the one I have. Just in the interest of open communication.

I admired the jacket on Gaul. It barely fit over his sculpted arms and just made them more prominent. I have trouble swallowing. I'm so dazed that Blaze has to nudge me when he mentions us.

I spring up off the ladder with Blaze close behind me. Feeling bold, I stop next to Smough and look up at him through my lashes, "Sorry Admiral. We're not much for being left out of the loop. Please don't make me walk the plank." I give him my most innocent round eyes.

Blaze grabs my arms and practically drags me against the rail. I pout but settle against it, all back to business.

It looks like I'm just standing paying attention, but really I'm completely focused on my blood. The way my blood rushes in my veins and hums through my body, next I'm focused on Gaul's and the way it connects to his brain. It takes seconds before I'm in his mind.

Hey it's Flame. Just so you know. I have a giant blood stone I found if you want it. Just encase you don't want to deal.

I lock eyes with Gaul and float right back out of his mind before I get more than I should. I'm back to waiting on what he wants to share with us.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Flame

I'm completely thrown when a man dressed in shadow stops my brother and I short. What is a ninja doing on a pirate ship? My brother is unfazed. Like ninjas on pirate ships are his everday, for all I know they are. We both take a step back our court masks slipping causally into place, like slipping on a jacket.

As soon as Smough and the ninja are gone we share a conspiratorial look. My brother and I aren't good with orders, especially from people we don't know well and don't yet completely trust.
He takes a slow step toward me putting away his weapon. "This isn't over."

"Of course not, I've just gotten warmed up." With a final glare at each other we dart into our positions. I slide into the shadows on the ladder, ever my brother's guardian. He follows right behind me. We focus our hearing and try and eavesdrop on what's happening up top.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Flame

When he flinches I see my opening and press on.

"Whether you acknowledge, use it, or not you can't deny that Mother saw it as a gift. You had more time with her than any of us you could help me."

"Like hell I will! I'll chain you in a dungeon before I let that thing have your soul."

I raise my voice to match his, "I'll control it better with your help!"

"Continue this line of questioning and you'll be subject to disciplinary action." He bites the words out.

"I'm not wrong and you know it."My anger matches his and drips in my voice.

When he wordlessly draws his sword, I do the same. This is how we normally sparred back home. The only difference is I enjoyed sword fighting and he always complained. He's proficient I know, but he probably hasn't been using it as much as I lately. Lax on keeping up training. If he won't help me willingly I'll push him to see why he should.

Blaze

Infuriating, foolish, stubborn sister.

Honestly talking isn't getting us anywhere and I'm itching to unleash some violence. Wordlessly I pull out my sword and cross a hand behind my back. Using arcane energy I put a barrier around us, it pushes some of the cargo back and gives us room to work. Last thing I need is Admiral Smough getting upset over crushed crates or slashes in the boat.

We attack each other at the same time.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blaze

Her back is against the wall and I'm effectively cutting off any retreat. Slowly, she turns her back to me and with shaking fingers unzips her uniform top. As the uniform slips down her shoulders, I start to see it. She lets the material fall in the back as she clutches the front to her. I stare in shock and disgust. The symbol of the Fox Spirit that is so revered on Haust is etched into my kid sister's once unblemished skin. It mares her back in deep intricate carvings.

Hate is my next feeling. An all-consuming hate for whoever did this. Someone dared to perform the Pain Rite on my sister. I will flay the skin from their bones. I will sanction a public spectacle so no one on Haust will ever forget what happens when you cross the royal family.

"Who?" My voice is a deadly calm as she slowly rezips her shirt. When she turns around I see determination in her eyes and rebellion. I glare. "The name Flame." She squares her shoulders and just stares back.

"I know you're angry I didn't tell you but they don't deserve your anger."

I laugh without humor," It's treason. Treason against the crown-"
"- Treason I committed! It was done on my command!"

"Who was it!" Then it dawns on me, there was only one person who could have done it."Captain Farley."

Flame shakes her head and I know I've guessed right. "No."

I back away and she grabs at me hands. "No! Blaze No!"

"Is he your intended?" She shrinks back like I've struck her."No of course not."

I open my arms wide. "Then obviously no problem. He'll be publicly executed the moment we return to Haust." I turn to leave and Flame grabs back onto me. "You can't!" I try to shake her off but she steps in front of me and shoves me back. "Just because you and Inferna didn't want it you expect me to be the same?"

"I expect you to put more thought into it and discuss it with us. You know how we feel about it. It's not just you Flame it'll effect any children you have too."

"That didn't stop Mom."

I'm sure it wasn't meant as a jab but I flinch just the same.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Flame

I'm on a pirate ship, with a pirate captain who's talking to me. I'm going to ride with said pirate leader on this very ship. As the ancestors live and breathe! My ears perk up. I'm so excited I don't think I could sleep if I tried. Plus if I stay above I'll get to witness Gaul at work. I'm about to give my answer when my brother slides in front of me closing his hand around my wrist in a too tight grip.

Blaze

Goddamn pirates. Just had to be pirates. She's not thinking straight and spilled her full title. He might as well ransom her for all I know! I lock my hand around her wrist and get right in the Admiral's face. I'll have to walk the intimidation line.

I force my voice to stay neutral but the timing of my words implies all I need. "I think you'll find our help in mutual survival payment enough, Admiral. You'll do well to remember that when you meet our other friends. Now, as you saw for yourself we just took down a mountain. Gaul had a great suggestion about rest. We'll see ourselves down." I yank Flame along behind me ignoring her quiet protests. Once we're below deck in a vacant cabin I whirl on her.

"Well thanks for that. You had to go and drop the royal bomb didn't you."She has the good grace to look down.

"You didn't have to be rude to him. I just wanted to give a proper introduction."

"Do you not have a brain in your head? He's a pirate! Greedy bastard would probably sell his own mother for money." Her head darts up and she glares right back at me.

"I'm not a damsel in distress! I'd like to see him try something on me. Besides, Gaul is a viking does that automatically make him a barbarian? I think you're just threatened."

"Thea- HA!" I shake my head even more livid."By what his pipe?!"
"Yes, I'm sure his is bigger."

My jaw actually drops. Then I recall the rage from earlier.
"Show me."

Her eyes widen. I've switched topics and she knows exactly what I'm talking about. My glare bores into her. Her ears flatten but she wisely obeys.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blaze

I fall back against the railing and just breathe. She's alive. The relief comes in a tidal wave. My eyes feel slightly misty and I blink it back quickly. My head falls in my shaky hands. My sister is alive. I think it over and over but I feel a twinge of something. Understanding dawns in terrible surprise. She almost died because of the Fox Spirit. The Fox Spirit she didn't tell me she could summon. Rage is a new storm settling over me. But I don't have time to confront her now. Especially not with Raia watching. In a land where women hold most the cards I'd hate to offend our hatch-ling ally. My diplomacy training won't let me have breathing room in this area. But my rage is an undeniable force.

In answer to the Admiral I point at Raia. "She's actually why we're here." I roll my eyes at Sia. "You'd just have to be there darlin'."

My sister still has a star-struck look in her eye as she watches the Admiral. He saved her so I owe him but I trust him about as far as I can spit. He's a pirate after all and if all those stories taught her anything it should be, to be wary.

Flame

Raia appears and while her exchange with Admiral Ghat happens I set to making myself more presentable. I unhook the I.V., slide my dagger out, and cut my palm back open. Immediately, the blood drenching me and Gaul is absorbed through my power. I quickly refasten my uniform top, and slide my dagger back into the sheath at my thigh underneath my skirt. As I stand slowly, I lean over and whisper to Gaul "I'm glad you're okay."

With myself more in order, I wait for Lady Rider to say her piece. For having saved her people she still doesn't look too happy. I hop at my chance to introduce myself to the Admiral before she can start up again.

I execute a perfect curtsy," I am Princess Flame of Haust, Second daughter of the Phantom Crown, and Honorblood Garde to His Majesty. I am extremely pleased to meet you Admiral Ghat and I owe you a debt." I smile up at him and tilt my head slightly. "How might I repay that?"

Just then a message clear as day rings in my mind. My brother shuffles over, his walk is predatory and his eyes bore into me but he quickly looks at the Admiral. "Friend of mine wants to meet you. Chun Li too I'm guessing. So....what's the move?" Though his words are all directed at the Admiral, he looks to me with the last sentence and I catch the double meaning. My ears lay back and I feel my insides wither under his blazing stare. He's seething.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Flame

"Goddammit Gaul! That better be enemy blood. I can't take anymore critically injured in my personal space." I hear as if through water. The voice is clearly my brother's.

I launch bolt-upright dragging in a wheezing breath. I latch on to the figure in front of me and cling for dear life. I turn my head slightly into their shoulder and cough great,racking coughs. My vision swims so I keep my eyes shut. Once I'm breathing normal again, I decide to chance a peek. The face I see is not the one I expect.

Green eyes greet me, but not a dark forest green like mine. His are a shade lighter. Blonde hair, stubble along the jaw and I read kindness mixed with focus in his eyes. Is this man a doctor?

I haven't the slightest clue about our surroundings so I scan the area over the strange man's shoulder. A list of things dawn on me at once. One, we're on a ship. Two, the men look like pirates. My eyes widen at the possibility. Are we on a pirate ship? I look up at the stranger with child-like awe, "Are...are you a pirate doctor?"

"You'll have to forgive my sister, Captain. She's been in love with pirates since she was old enough to say the word." My brother's voice comes out slightly raspy and strained. When I turn to look, his head is cradled in his hands like he's trying very hard to compose himself.

It was so long ago but I remember to this day when I'd point to the bookshelves in Mother's study demanding pirates. Although it came out sounding more like pie-reet. Blaze called the man Captain. As the ancestors live and breathe...am I looking at a pirate Captain!?

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blaze

The captain has begun a cursory inspection of Flame as I hold her protectively in my arms. I’ve taken out my earpiece so I can focus my hearing on her vitals. I can hear the blood rushing through her veins but her heart is beating faintly and getting fainter. The even more troubling thing is, she’s not breathing.

I nod quickly to the captain. I can’t think straight so I’m in no condition to try and tend to Flame. I release my death grip on my sister and instead lay her flat on the deck so the captain can get a good look at her. I pace, biting on one fingernail thinking about the millions I would kill to save my kid sister. Along with the worry though is also a nagging sense of betrayal. She didn’t tell me about the Phantom Spirit. We’re going to have a serious discussion when she wakes up. Please wake up Flame cycles endlessly through my brain.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Frenzied Flame

Something beckons to be claimed. The Fox Spirit, fueled by blood, is all too eager to oblige. It rushes out, retrieving the item. The mountain shudders.

Blaze

He asks what I need. That's all the invitation I was looking for whether he realizes I'm real or not. I transform back just as I reach the slide and motion my ladies down. "Girls and goats on the boat!"

Just as the last of my charges slide down I feel a sonic pulse emanate out seconds before a sharp crack slices through the chaos that has been. I whip my head up and notice a large fissure snaking its way up the mountain. A monstrous howl echoes out and then a massive clawed paw swipes at the top of the mountain. The entire overhead ledge shifts to the opposite side and crumbles in huge boulders that begin rolling down the opposite incline.
The top of the mountain reshaped and ultimately destroyed in a blink. I see the paw come down closed fist in a direct punch.

I don't stop to gawk. I'm already running back up to the entrance as I pop my headset in. "Scarlet talk to me baby. Where is she?" The AI that runs most of my devices links in to my tablet at once and reads what I need for me.

"Master. It seems the Princess Flame is unconscious in the cavern." A slender attachment to the headset slides out with a specialized lens. Through it I can see a holographic layout of the entire structure. Scarlet highlights the route I need to take.

Without hesitation I throw a massive shot of dark energy through the first wall. We're making our own route. The mountain shakes again. I've coated myself with an arcane energy shield and huge chunks of rock come crashing down around me. I side step around debris and blast my way through. "Send a message to Gaul for me to get his ass in gear. Assuming he's alive."

A nanobot shoots off to relay the following to Gaul: Targets retrieved, rendezvous on pirate ships at mountain base, water side."

Finally, I spot my sister sprawled out on the floor with a huge ruby clutched in a death grip. "Scarlet start the countdown for the end of the Phantom Spirit's rampage."

"Master the state should last for approximately 10 more seconds. 9, 8..." I'm flying through the tunnels, my sister in my arms. When I reach the ledge again, I jump for it as the countdown comes to a close and another sonic boom blows another section of the mountain to bits.

Eternal Realities: Umbra

Blaze

This is ridiculous. I really don't have time for this. I need to get this group out and then find my sister and Gaul and drag them out as well. There's a heavy sent of too much blood. The too eerily silence that was just now interrupted. And a serious sense of dread growing within me. First things first, stop the paralysis. I take out my tablet and start scanning. Definitely the howl that's doing it. With enough time I could negate it entirely but time is one thing I do not have.

Taking the sample I got from this recent scan, I reverse it. Then I adjust the output, maxing out every pitch. Finally I pulse the sound matching the tempo to the undercurrent of the roar. It won't negate the sound but it should counteract it by scrambling the frequency. I set the soundwave to loop and start flipping the goats in my way back upright. "Alright hang tight just a sec."

Using dark energy, I construct a slide from here to the ship. "Watch for my signal and then follow me down." I turn myself back into a small cat-sized fox and I slide down bumping right into a leg. Alright time to turn on the cute. I curl my tail around me, raise one paw, and tilt me head. "Hey there, mind helping a fox and his friends out?"

Frenzied Flame
The spirit won't be satiated much longer. With all of the enemies underneath having breathed their last, there's nothing to distract from what can be sensed but not controlled. Flame stands before the bubbling, boiling mass of blood. She can feel it but it will not bend to her will. The need for control burns.