Akihito sighed quietly in relief at Cain's response, his eyes wandering over to Sergio as the man approached. Listening to him speak, the demon's expression darkened in a slight annoyance. Was Sergio always like this? He thought to himself, unable to remember. Such a half-assed, unenthusiastic soldier would never have been tolerated without a proper smack in the head. But they weren't soldiers anymore, and Aki was certainly in no place to have such opinions.
"Thank you." He muttered curtly, unsure whether to be honored or bothered by Sergio's assistance.
"I won't be staying here," Aki said, returning his eyes to Cain. "I am not who I was, and what I desire in life has changed...I experienced the cost of a life like this." Both his staring and his voice intensified, as if urging the father of the pack to heed his words. "I have seen what is coming for you. If you continue this path. And I know where I'll be returning, once this body perishes." The demon grabbed the nearest wrist Cain had extended towards his wounds and drew the man in closer, his voice whispering gravely.
"I am truly sorry I set you all on this path so long ago. But you must turn from it. As soon as you can. I am destined for it, for my blood cannot be unchained. But you can escape, you can change your ways." Letting Cain go, Aki looked up at Sergio as well. "All of you must change. This life is so fleeting. You cannot imagine what is waiting for you. The cells are already built. For each of you. I have seen them. I have seen our fallen brothers, they made me watch-..." Looking down, the demon took in a sharp inhale and closed his eyes.
"I have seen their suffering, and they cannot be saved. But it is not too late for you. You must stop lying and cheating, killing if you are. You must pray, because you can. Pray to someone, anyone that can save you."
Instead of feeling embarrassed over the insult to his lack of medical prowess, he stopped his bandaging and waited for the ice to fall. Cain had seen the carnival trick a variety of times, yet was still somehow impressed-- or more accurately: proud. For how far the object of Sergio's abilities furthered from him, he was still able to pull it back without difficulty. That took skill over talent. One he helped train and hone. He'd become used to the unenthusiastic remarks of the post-warrior, unlike his company.
Cain's smile faltered for a moment as Aki's piercing gaze solely focused on the flamesman. Words of wisdom attached to his attention and held it, forcing him to comprehend every severity, and his heed his associate's suffering. Suffering beyond the extent that any of the young boys knew, but something Cain had glimpsed of more than once through abyssal flames.
"My friend,"
He started, drawing in a long breath. Although Akihito had pulled him in closely, he sat himself slightly upright and used his free hand to start applying the ice to injury. He wouldn't fight the hand at his other wrist, allowing the demon to hold on a moment longer. His fiery hair draped down his face, masking his face to all but Akihito, if he'd open his eyes. Keeping the conversation between the two of them, his volume remained low, as to keep Sergio from initially hearing.
"You wound me. Our thievery extends to thieves themselves. Lies of the loot's origins. Those killed are those deserving of it. We perform the thankless work only thought to exist in children's tales while we train ourselves further."
Leaning fully back, he left the ice in a single spot, smearing around the small bit of water which began to melt atop him.
"If that lands us in the abyssal castle then, as predicted, perhaps we were meant to be there."
[attr="class","skulloverlap"]Nunca llueve a gusto de todos.
[attr="class","skullbody"]Interesting. Sergio raised a hand to his chin and made a contemplative expression; his eyebrows knitted close to one another as Akihito's warning. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that many people found prescriptive advice to be simplistic or, worse, boring. On the contrary, Sergio found such to be very appealing, especially when proffered by someone of interest. The first aspect, being the content of the advice, was not to be dismissed but the more intriguing aspect had to do with what would cause advice to be given in the first place. Sergio felt that it was a universally relatable experience, to keep shareable lessons all to oneself-- could you imagine Dominic knowing how to use gravitational manipulation? Shaking off his shuddering, the warrior honed back in on Akihito's words on life... and then his words about stopping lying and cheating, killing if they were. Wait, killing? [break][break] Remaining quiet, Sergio scratched his head out of habit and tried not to let raised brows give away his surprise at the mention. The modus operandi, at least for him, included the first two, sure, but not at all the last. Even in his warm-up bout against Tempestclan, he'd been careful to pick his targets-- or rather, the areas around his targets. Registering zero direct hits, save for the strange long-haired individual, was not an error but a choice. Gravitational repulsion allowed him the privilege, and it was certainly a privilege, of ending fights without bloodshed. Bruises and broken bones were more common, but hardly life-threatening. More mortally-damaging applications were, of course, possible and learned but deployed never. Whether it was the level of competition never approaching the need for such or a question of stomach, Sergio hadn't given it thought, for he needn't until mentioned now. Managing a half-shrug, he murmured to himself, "I dunno about praying to you, but if you're volunteering to save us... I can name off the top of my head worse saviors, so kinda hard to say no to you in that case." What interest Akihito, or Kirai, had in doing so was unclear but Sergio's interest was piqued-- certainly, their rescued companion wouldn't talk this way unless it was serious. In theory, Sergio's clear tone would convey the seriousness that his typical aloofness, or even hushed volume, might otherwise disguise. "Castles can be trouble; they're too tall and offer, like, no room to work in, for me at least. All of that can be said for cells too. Not a fan of either, really. Avoiding them-- especially if they're waiting for me and I don't want them to be, well, waiting for me-- sounds fine," he sighed, taking a reclining position once more.
As Cain privately explained their endeavors, Akihito's worried expression softened into one of whole-hearted relief. He held on to the man's hand against his chest, looking down at the ground and exhaling long and slow as he considered the concept that, perhaps, what he had seen in the Castle had merely been a hellish trick- one of many he'd experienced in his centuries of incarceration. As Kirai, he had taught these men to live as cruel, barbaric creatures. He had only assumed that was all they knew, but hearing that his friend had taken such bold initiative as to redirect their energies was...phenomenal to say the least. Cain saved them.
Hearing Sergio's reply, the demon looked up at him once more. "Pray to me..? No.." His face hardened in urgency again, "I am no divine spirit. Find a god." As he spoke, the sacred words burned his devil tongue. "Pray to a god that can save you. Any god of the light." Aki looked back to Cain, nodding at himself. "For your souls. To ensure their safety..."
Where Cain's hand remained on the demon began to feel like a personal heater; the flamesman's body heat a bit hotter than the average person's. His normal vibrant smile returned as Akihito's features softened, relieved that he could clear one of the many dark clouds that loomed over the other.
As Akihito's attention turned to Sergio, so did his own-- he knew full well how unusual it was to note an underlying mischief to his words. And yet, it still brought needless worry to the former leader. Nothing he could blame the man for, although it was frustrating.
"Your concern is endearing; we shall be fine."
He assured him, brightening his expression before flickering his glance over to Sergio and back.
"Instead, we worry for you, Kirai. Already, you intend to leave us, no? Right as you return home to us. I understand your path may have changed, but our familial ties have not. Our base's location matters not, but won't you stay with us awhile longer, my friend? Should anything happen, we stand with you."
[attr="class","skulloverlap"]Nunca llueve a gusto de todos.
[attr="class","skullbody"]"Okay, well, noted for consideration. I'll flip through my book of gods later," the warrior said, holding his hands up with shrugged shoulders. Sergio felt validated in leaving the bulk of the discussion to the two of them; Akihito had certainly given some poignant pieces of advice, however. Where did this life lead, was one questions somewhat raised by their exchange. Cain seemed to have a comfortable enough inkling on the subject to make a reassuring to their former leader. "I get your concerns too, man. That's cause it's my honest opinion, though," Sergio said, including a playful jab at the motivation behind Cain's reply. [break][break] The warrior wondered about where Akihito might go; surely, it wouldn't have to do with the clan they'd just robbed of their prisoners? There was almost certainty in Sergio's mind that they'd all accompany Akihito to wherever he needed to go, if not just because Cain required as much. It posed no problem to Sergio, but the more important question was if it'd pose a problem to Akihito. "Maybe I can find a god of the light along the way, wherever you're headed. Praying seems like something I could get good at, especially if it comes with the added bonus of avoiding abyssal cells and shit. What do you need us to do for you, man?" he asked.
Through his swollen eyes, the demon's expression filled with confused gratitude. Such compassion, how did I not see this in them so many years ago? "Ah- I," He stammered, smiling in bewilderment at the two men from where he sat.
"I don't need anything, you've done more than I could have ever asked of you...You will never understand how much the sound of your voices have lifted my spirit." Akihito's smile was soft and sad, bordering on teary. "You saved me from death. Saved me from my return." He squeezed Cain's hand fondly. Centuries burning underground had certainly taught him that public displays of affection towards his brothers was nothing to be afraid of- something he'd been far too proud to do in the time before.
"I'm afraid there will be a hunt for my head after tonight." Aki sighed, "However, I have the feeling that wouldn't bother any of you in the slightest." A playful and dark smile crept onto his lips, an expression carrying familiar hues. Being hated was not what he desired, but it was a role he knew well. "I was planning on leaving in the morning. It's not your burden to bear. But if you were looking for a little more," He glanced at the dirty surroundings, "stimulation, I could stay. And serve you in any way that would be helpful."
Listening to Sergio speak, Cain couldn't help but widen his grin. He understood the mission well, without the flamesman needing to explain it to him. Something he appreciated greatly-- and perhaps also the reason why he was given the most responsibility during their assignments.
As Akihito stammered, Cain focused back his attention on the man's decision; determined.
Although an immense amount of time passed between the two, the former deputy hadn't felt a drift with Akihito at all. Rather, it felt akin to a quick mend in their relation towards each other. The years that'd passed mere added age and wear, only strengthening the bond between them and his brethren.
"We took opportunity and assisted." Cain corrected midway through the demon's speech. He took no issue with his hand being squeezed, however, had all the boys been present, he would've expected some teasing from it.
Nevertheless, the word "hunt" alone caused the flamesman's expression to darken-- his grin still ever-present. /This/ was the man he remembered, the accent of his friend. Someone the boys both respected and feared; someone he felt they needed in their lives, now that they've grown a bit lazy. Rusty.
"Field experience has always been best for the boys, you know. The smaller our numbers, the swifter we move."
He reasoned, while the ice fully melted as the excess trickled and dripped off Akihito's body. Cain did his best to wipe it off as he continued to finish the bandaging.
"Sergio. If those oafs take too long, I'll need you to retrieve them. Permission granted to throw them back at camp, if you must."
An order that he didn't expect to be dealt with right away, although he had a feeling the two would be out until dawn if not bothered to return.
[attr="class","skulloverlap"]Nunca llueve a gusto de todos.
[attr="class","skullbody"]Sergio cracked a witty smile as the tide of their exchange turned; seeking salvation while searching stimulation occurred to him as a most interesting pair of objectives. Cain and Akihito, he felt, were likely appreciating the same side of a misunderstanding unknown to each of them-- harmless, for now. Probably. Akin to ships passing in the night, Sergio sighed at the thought of either one becoming disappointed in the near future. Hopefully he wouldn't need to exert overmuch effort to ameliorate such scenarios. Familiarity could be a really funny thing, sometimes. [break][break] "I'll go ahead now, before they find another, you know, clan to get pitchforked and torched by. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Papa Cain," Sergio faked a half-swoon before continuing, "You always know how to cheer me up," he said in reference to the granted permission. Picking up a boarskin ball of his own handiwork, the warrior began kicking the object gently between both of his feet while taking care not to let it ricochet away into the brush. If Cain, or even Akihito, recalled, the ball made for a useful tool, especially for corralling a loose Dominic or Knox. Some extra heavy amount of gravity applied to the unsuspecting toy typically saw a frustrated Dom attempt to kick it far into the woods, in the hopes of dismaying Sergio-- only to result in a severe toe-stubbing, given the surprise heft and weight of the ball. Quietly and quickly, Sergio flitted into the woods, toy in tow as if it were a natural extension of his feet. "Get Knox or Dominic first, that is the question," the warrior hummed to himself. A strong strike to the ball with the broad inside of his foot saw it rise into the sky, just above the trees; Sergio followed it up and floated it alongside himself.
Akihito let Cain's hand go and watched Sergio leave with a half-smile. "It's strange, seeing them so grown." He said, looking back at his friend. "And to know if you all had stayed, you'd be lost with the rest of the clan..."
With all of the boys gone, the night was suddenly quiet and full of nocturnal chirping. It felt peaceful. Safe. Familiar. The demon looked down at himself, rubbing the wounds on his face with his palm. "We've survived worse, yeah?" Aki chuckled quietly.
Lifting his eyes, he watched Cain with a playful smile. "How have you been all this time, my friend? I see you have children, but no wife." He laughed again, gently.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, Knox hadn't stopped moving forward since he'd set off. He was headed for Maelstromclan territory. "I have to see them," He was mumbling to Dom as the man caught up with him. "I have to find my mum." The man followed the trail of the moonlight, using illuminated breaks in the trees for guidance as he marched onwards.
Cain repeated to Sergio what he had to Knox, but with a bit more worry. The possibility that the boys would be detained by one of the surrounding three clans was enough to stir up more concern than was needed-- the men could easily hold their own. But still...
He sighed as Akihito spoke, releasing his tension as he started to relax. So did the rest of their surroundings, it seemed, as the wilderness could be heard once again. The hooting of owls. The songs of cicadas. A lull whistle on the breeze. The demon spoke truths, all of which he agreed with. He nodded his head slowly, his thoughts drawn to what Akihito hadn't managed to see. What he wasn't there for. What unremarkable timing.
"No, no wife."
He chuckled, shooting the man a playful grin of his own.
"None willing to live with these silly louts. I don't blame them. They're only a few years my juniors, you know."
His grin dissolved, morphing into something a bit more bittersweet. He brushed back his hair, fixing the ends' flames away from his face.
"But to answer your question, life has its highs and lows. Our peace is a performance we try to convince ourselves by acting on it. I've been thankful to have my health, but in truth, time hasn't been very kind."
He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back, eyeing the medical box. Most of its contents had labels, but no descriptions. It was something the group had stolen out of necessity, but also had no idea its usage. It was clear what the group lacked. Shutting the kit, he slid it away from them both as he continued.
"This is not a life one can live forever. As crude as they are, I am thankful they've kept together, unlike some."
Cursing under his breath, Dominic scratched at his head. The walk there would take more than an hour, if not longer than that. He'd forgotten the distance, not having step foot there in years. But Knox tempted him, even if he hadn't meant to do so. After ten years, how would the territory look? The camp? How old was his crazy aunt and sister, again? Hell, how many arrows struck them until their pulse stopped completely?
[attr="class","skulloverlap"]Nunca llueve a gusto de todos.
[attr="class","skullbody"]Moonlit air felt coolest; at altitudes like this, muggy forests and muddy stomps seemed foreign as if they were issues for the poor surfacebound to contend with in their daily lives. There was little need for Sergio's tracking skills here. The combined racket of Dominic Vogt and Knox Just-knox did enough attention-grabbing to make wildfire smoke signals jealous. Even from the air, both of them looked alike; two bumbling dots, one taller than the other and one mask-er than the other. Such was the eye-glazing effect the pair had on poor Sergio, that their stupefying auras together would cause him to grasp at non-existent adjectives. That was unique. He considered the angle he'd need to strike the forward Knox with the ball, such that it would bounce off to hit Dominic. As per usual, the two's conversing interrupted his thoughts-- someone had a fixation on finding family, Sergio noted. [break][break] "Turn around, you... fucking losers. I dunno. Kirai is back and the first thing you do is leave? I mean, don't get me wrong, there's some tension being enjoyed, like a lot, back at camp but it's not 'get-the-fuck-out-of-camp' bad, just sorta weird," Sergio huffed aloud with frustration. Breaking his silence meant breaking his element of surprise and, subsequently, his envisioned perfect ricochet off an unsuspecting Knox or Dominic. Picking up the ball and cradling it in his elbow, he quickly followed up with more, um, constructive statements. "Cain wants both of you back. Neither of you can make it to the latrine without getting lost, and that's during the day. How do you two expect to make it to Maelstromclan territory at night? We'll all go check it out in the morning or something, I dunno," he lied with a bored expression. "I'll cut the kids-gloves bullshit and say that I'd prefer to float both of you back to camp, like right now, but I'm hoping, just hoping, that I don't have to resort to that. Again. So turn around, let's head back, why don't we. Yippee."
"I'm proud of you." The demon replied, his smile slowly falling into an exhausted one. His eyelids grew heavy. "I hope I can help. You just tell me what you need." Akihito looked down at his chest, touching the bandages. "And thank you. For everything. "
Then, his eyes gradually traveled to his arm. For the first time he noticed the neatly stitched slit across his veins. "They took my blood..?" He muttered to himself quietly, running his fingers over the incision. He frowned and moved to other thoughts.
"When I was given this new body," Aki started, looking up at Cain, "I was also given a new name. Akihito. I don't know what it means. But I am not Kirai anymore."
Knox had ignored Dom's warning, his face growing increasingly bothered, but when Sergio spoke out the way he did- that crossed the line.
"Oh SHUT UP, SERGIO!" He screamed, turning and looking up at the floating man. Raising a hand, he pointed an accusing finger. "Just because YOU don't give a fuck about ANYONE doesn't mean I DON'T!" Angrily, he turned towards Dominic. "You too, Dom! Leave me the fuck alone! I don't care what Cain said! Unlike you douchebags, I still care about my family and I planned on seeing them again!" The man's voice was cracking and his eyes filled with tears as he yelled at his brothers.
"I'm gonna find them and god dammit I'm gonna give them a PROPER BURIAL!" With a furious huff, Knox spun around and continued forward.
"And DON'T YOU FUCKING PICK ME UP, SERGIO!" He yelled over his shoulder.
