Hmm, market first, or Lin's place?

Lin lived to the southeast, which was the complete opposite direction of the market square. From his home, it would take almost a full hour to reach her place and return if he went at a leisurely pace.

That should be fine. I still have time to kill, plus it'd be nice to see her before the Ceremony began. With his mind made up he turned to the south and began walking.

At this hour, the town was just beginning to bristle with life as his people started their day. A few neighbors waved at him as he passed by and he returned the gesture with a smile.

t's such a beautiful day. Please, please, please, let a catastrophe happen.

He sighed internally as he continued walking. It wasn't that he wanted his people to suffer, far from it, but if the town just so happened to go into high alert and the Ceremony just so happened to be postponed, he wouldn't be disappointed.

Doesn't seem like it though. The earlier one was just one horn, and it takes three to go to danger mode and five for panic. Damn.

In his lifetime, there had only been one level 5 incident, but it happened a little over 20 years ago, before he was even born. The Zvyrs broke through the western wall and rampaged through the housing district, which resulted in the loss of thousands of innoncent lives. Only with the combined forces of the Paths and every available citzen was certain annihlation staved off and humanity lived to see another day.

Jaire spent his childhood pretending he had been a part of Pasdarinia, Doomsday, and of fighting alongisde the his heroes.There was Tellemar the Vicious, a Slayer who single-handedly killed hundreds of Zvyrs that rushed to the northern districts, and the Golden Champion of Hope Irene, who (alongside her Golden Bulwarks), gave her life to hold back thousands more at the ruined wall.

Even his mother and her father were legends he looked up to. His grandpa had already been a legend by that time, and proved he still had it in him when he slayed an Apex that had snuck through, while his mother single handledly killed an Aberrant that appeared in Crafter's Lane, and earned herself the nickname Karamarj among their people. Well, technically it's Hammer of Death in common, but mom thinks that sounds lame, and I agree.

Hm, come to think of, she met dad after that too, him being the healer assigned to her. I guess love does bloom on the battlefield. Heh, if another raid occurred, I wonder if Lin and I would-

Despair.

A shiver ran up his spine. Dozens of images flashed in his eyes, each depicting a gruesome scene. No. This isn't real. That isn't happening! He clenched his eyes as-

"You okay Jay?"

Startled, Jaire hopped in place as he looked up with a frightened look. A beautiful young woman stood just a few feet away, staring at him curiously with her head cocked slightly to the side.

"What's wrong?" She spoke, and then slyly smiled, "Has your tongue gone missing perhaps? Captivated by my, Dazzling, beauty?" She flipping her long black hair and fluttered her eyes.

Snapping from his daze, Jaire could only blurt out, "L-Lin! What are you doing here?!"

"What?" Her tone shifted as she frowned with crossed her arms, "What am I doing here?? This is MY house. What are YOU doing here?"

"Huh???" Confused, Jaire looked around. Somewhow he had already ended up on the street in front of Lin's home. It was a two story house that stood alone at the edge of a plantation, far removed from the typical districts that houses were built in. Only people of wealth and power owned homes like this, and Lin's parents had both in spades. But, wasn't I still by Jamerson's hut? No, wait, I was near the-

"So? Are you just gonna gawk or explain yourself?" She scowled at him.

"Oh, right. Sorry. I kind of just...got lost in thought?" He sheepishly replied with a frown. "Sorry, I didn't mean to, uh, well-"

A fit of giggles stopped him as he looked over to Lin. She was barely containing her laughter with an amused look.

"Oh Jay," She giggled while shaking her head, "you silly little bird, I'm just teasing you, relax! I kind of suspected that already when I saw you dozing off where you stood."

Embarassment burned his ears while she continued to giggle. "Psh, yeah, I knew that. I was just testing you too of course."

Bemused, she took a step closer while keeping her eyes locked on his. "Oh yeah? How come?"

His heart began to beat faster, but he didn't back away, "Cause, well you know, I wanted to see if you were paying attention to me."

"Mmmm, I see." She leaned in, her voice lowering to a soft whisper. "Well, I always am."

Her lips came closer to his. Closer. Just an inch more and-

She moved passed him. "Liar." she spoke into his ear before pulling away and with her tongue out.

You...!! "Anyways!" Jaire huffed, "The kids broke the vase so my mom needs a new one for the..um..monster cheese plant?"

Still grinning, she replied, "It's called monstera deliciosa Jay. And sure, I should have some in the kitchen cabinet. But I have to run some errands right now so you'll have to get it yourself."

"Oh?" For the first time he noticed that she was dressed far too nicely to have been slumming around within her home. "Where are you heading off to?"

"What's it to ya?" She frowned once more in mock offense.

Oh for the love of..Jaire rolled his eyes, "Okay. Thanks for the vase, you better get going." If I don't stop this now she'll keep at it.

"Aww don't be mad Jay!" She pouted and kissed him on the cheek. "Forgive me?"

Though his heart fluttered, Jaire remained stoic as he turned his face away. "Hmph."

"Awwwww, pleeeaaase??" She spoke while continiously pecking him until finally he caved in.

"Okay okay I forgive you! Stop already geez." He spoke with a bashful smile.

"Yay! Okay I'll see you later! Bye!" With one final kiss she turned and walked away

So embarassing...heh heh...

With that, he walked into her home.

"Amazing" He gasped as he entered. Despite the countless times he had been over, her home never ceased to amaze him. Along each wall, dozens of exotic flowers grew and sprouted in a dazzling display. The floor was covered in a soft grass that gently lulled him to sleep whenever he laid upon it. Furthermore, the room was always the right temperature, be it in the middle of winter or summer. Her home was a secret garden known only to him and his small group of friends. It was a place brought to life purely by Lin's magic, and maintained itself through a self contained ecosystem. As he usually did, he looked down at his palm, and thought of the plant at home.

"One day..." He sighed.

Heading over to the kitchen, he carefully made his way around the carnivorous plants that littered the area. Lin had told him that they were designed to imiate plants native to Earth, though he did not understand why a plant would need rows of teeth or large tubs of digestive fluids. When he reached the cabinets, he rummaged around it as quickly as he could. The kitchen was not a room he enjoyed being in, as it always felt as though-

He spun around in an instant. Nothing had moved.

"...if you can hear me...she wouldn't like it if I ended up going missing you know..."

No response.

Okay, just hurry up. Returning to his task, he searched until he found the vase he was looking for. Gotcha.

Satisfied, he got up and turned around to-

"..."

Upon the path he had treaded before, a singular purple flower now sat where it hadn't previously been. As he stared at it, every plant in his peripherals moved a tiny inch.

Nope. Nope nope nope nope nope. He leapt over the flower and was through the front door in record time.

----------------------------------

Wrong choice...

He had stopped by his house to drop off the vase, and by the time he reached the market square, it was brimming with people. From one end to the other, the streets were filled with dozens of stalls and eager customers that filled the air with their chatters. He hadn't expected it to be so slammed, until he saw some of the wares being sold.

Many of the stalls had changed from selling their typical goods to ones that were related to the Ceremony. They sold trinkets and rawhide banners with the insignias of the Paths upon them, and dozens of different blasting horns and t-shirts. Oh damn, of course it would be like this. Well, might as well get it over with.

He walked through the market while perusing the wares, when he was approached by an elderly woman.

"Good morning Jaire," She spoke. He recognized her as Joipa, a friendly tailorer. "Are you ready for the Ceremony?"

"Good morning vecal, yes I am in fact. Couldn't be more excited for it to begin." More like anxious for it to end...

"That's wonderful. But I notice that you aren't wearing any insignias?"

"Oh, um, yeah I don't have any. I think that having one might ruin my chances with them you know? It seems a bit too much like..." brown-nosing, "grovelling."

"That's nonsense Jaire! You have to express your desires out loud! You have to show them that you are dedicated to their cause and proud of having your name assocaited with their association!"

"Uh, yeah, I guess. But I-"

"Come come, allow me to show you the best products I have. I guarantee they will help you claim your rightful membership today."

"Ah...um...okay..."

Half an hour later, he said his goodbye and left Joipa's stall behind. Well, I mean she does have a point...and I got some neat shirts out of it so-

"Jaire! Over here!" A burly man called out. "Say, how do you feel about a new pair of boots?"

----------------------------------------------

I'm...so...hungry...

Jaire thought as he struggled with his bags. Aside from his initial purchase, he had also bought: 10 banners, 5 ornamental plates, 3 more shirts, 2 pairs of pants, a new fur blanket, 20 marbles, 3 spinning tops, 2 stuffed toys, a cake that had the words "Fight On!" written over it, and finally two oversized blue eggs.

He sighed. Of all the things, these eggs are probably the most useless. She said they were exotic and that they came from a settlment far far away...but they just look like really big eggs to me. 50 qip each...better be worth it.

“Jaire m’boy!” A voice boomed above the other noise. Ahead, an old bearded giant rose from behind a fish stall and marched over. Ever step he took caused the road to tremble as his shadow engulfed the crowd who parted before him.

"Hi vectev! How are you today?" Jaire replied as he looked up to his grandpa Protus. Every centimeter of his grandpa's body was honed to perfection, and he emitted an aura of confidence and brutality about him. In his youth, he held the rank of Slayer, the highest honor a Hunter could ever dream to achieve. He exclusively hunted aquatic Zvyrs far up the Dzivir river that ran parallel to Rivivera. His victories against the many powerful Zvyrs that roamed the river eventually granted Rivivera the opportunity to fish with relative safety.

Protus smiled down on him and spoke, “oda' ye bi’d’ain’i’?”

(Today's your big day ain't it?) Jaire mentally translated, a skill he gained after many years of listening to his granpa speak. His grandpa had lost a majority of his teeth during his time as a Slayer, along with a portion of his extremities, and his entire right arm, which was brutality eaten by the Nukahui, the last Apex his granpa ever faced.

“Yes, I'm finally 20 and ready for the Ceremony.” Jaire replied.

His grandfather laughed as he ruffled Jaire's hair, while Jaire just smiled as he held back a painful wince. I swear, one of these days he's going to snap my head off by accident...

"(Excellent! You've grown into such a strong young man!)"

"Haha, thank you vectev, it is all thanks to your teachings." Well not really, Jaire thought as he recalled the "training" his grandfather put him through over the years, which consisted mainly of chores, since Jaire was'nt allowed outside the walls.

"(Of course boy! You shall be a powerful Slayer one day just like me! Now if only-)"

"Yes vectev," Jaire quickly interrupted, "You are the greatest teacher here after all." Please don't bring up mom again, I don't have time for this. "Well, I should be going now, have a big day to prepare for."

“Ya’b’eeksi! R’ded’fa’enil’a’er’h’? Y’my’isve’re’nngt’ra’we’ya!” (????)

Despite it all, there were still times Jaire could not understand what the old man said, especially when his grandpa began mixing an old Earth language with the modern-day Tartarus common speech. "Uh....yes?" He awkwardly replied.

With that, his grandpa smiled and grabbed him by the shoulder. Before Jaire could react further, he found himself being dragged towards the fish stall his grandfather ran.

What did I just agree to? He thought as he walked along. Did I say yes to buying fish? Oh man, I don't want fish for breakfast!

As they arrived, his grandpa took him behind the stall, where the crates of fresh fish sat patiently. There, he told Jaire to wait as he rummaged through the boxes.

What is he looking for? Oh no, it's not some exotic and stupidly expensive fish is it?? I can't afford that! Please don't-

He smiled as his grandpa turned to face him. Within his hand, he held a beautifully carved wooden box. The carvings depicted a variety of Zvyrs and waves across the sides. As he looked it over, he realized he recognized some of them. They had characteristics of the creatures that his grandpa spoke about fighting in his youth.

Yeah, that's the Zvinjipa isn't it? What did he say it was again? A 'crocodile/shark look-alike'? And there's the Bojtom, and the Gavbejor,and the...wait what is that one? On the lid, one Zvyr sat alone at the center. As he compared it to the others, he realized the others were carved to look as though they were circling around it. What's more, the others were all the same size, but this one was at least double, and much more detailed. Its body was long and slender, with fins by its side and a long dorsal fin upon its back. Its mouth was open, and held hundreds of teeth within it, each looking as deadly as the next. Finally, where the eyes would be, the wood was burned, and gave the impression of a dark and endless hole.

"Is...is that the Nukahui?" He asked and his grandpa nodded. Incredible...

"(Open it)" He said and, filled with curiosity, Jaire quickly obliged. Within, he found a dagger sheathed in a sleek black scabbard. The scabbard was beautifully engraved in waves while the dagger's handle had an amethyst gem infused at its center.

“(A gift.)”

"Thank you Vectev, I'm sure my mom will love-"

"(No Jaire)" Protus frowned, "(Not for your mother. For you)"

"Me? Why?" He asked in confusion. It's nice and all, but what am I going to do with a dagger? I never even used one in training because they are so useless against Zvyrs. This is nothing more than an ornament.

"(Because)," Protus began, "(She cannot see. But I know that you can.)"

See? What is he going on about? "Ah, well, thank you vectev. I shall treasure it always."

He smiled as he reached out and took hold of the handle-

He paused. He was walking along the path once more. It was a dirt road, with nothing discernible about it. Around him, the land was hidden by the dark abyss, giving him no clue as to what other paths lay beyond his own. Behind him, the path he had walked on faded to grey, consumed by an invisible wall. He looked forward and saw the dirt road ended and a bridge began. It rocked dangerously over a dark chasm, and passed by a suspended cage that slowly rocked in mid-air. As he stared, he felt a tendril lick at his ankle, and so he stepped forward onto the bridge. The bridge swayed, but it never threatened to break, thus he took his time to pause and peer over the side. Below, the endless abyss stretched on, but somehow he knew it wasn't empty. Not down there. Somewhere, hidden deep beneath the endless void, he knew it waited for him. It watched and sent tendrils and whispers at him, beckoning him to surrender. For what purpose, he had no clue, all he knew was that it wanted him. He huffed and carried on, towards the swinging cage. As he approached, he saw an entity, a prisoner, held within the bars. It stood there, staring at him with its shining purple eyes.“Release me.” it called out, it's voice mighty and regal. “Why?” he responded, curious but hesitant as he continued to walk. “Release me, and I shall reward you.” It spoke to him, its intense gaze never ceasing. He stopped as the bridge swayed next to the cage, allowing him to face the entity head on. “What could a prisoner in the void possible give me?” He responded, staring straight into those bright purple eyes. Just then, the prisoner grinned, revealing a thousand sharp teeth as it's eyes shone brigther. "Absolute Power."

Torrents of water exploded from the box and Jaire was hurled backwards. He crashed against stalls and other people as the waters dragged him through the streets. He desperately swam to stay afloat as the water took him throughout the town, causing havoc everywhere it went. It destroyed stalls, homes, buildings, and engulfed the people in its endless fury. Their screams of agony mixed with the rushing howls of the water as he screamed for help. Ahead, he saw the gates to the wall fling open and the waters pushed him through to the outside, where the land ripped open like a hungry maw, sucking in the water to a darkness down below. NO! NO!! NOOOOO!!!!

A powerful grip shook him and his eyes snapped open. He stood in front of his grandpa, in the same fish stall from before. Around him, there were no waves, no screams of pain, no darkness; just him, his grandpa, and the dagger. He shivered and dropped the knife, letting it clang against the paved floor as he stumbled to run away. Before he could get too far, his grandpa blocked his path.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING!?" he yelled, still trying to escape. THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE!! THIS ISN'T-

For several minutes, he continued to flail, but he was helpless against the strength of his grandpa, who silently held him in place through his hysteria. Finally, his beating heart began to calm, and he just stared at the dagger.

...

...I've...

...I've felt this way before. Five years ago...when I met Lin...

He gazed to his grandpa, who looked at him with knowing eyes, then back to the dagger. Is...is it magic? A magical dagger? No that's stupid. It's insane! But...but is that really so far-fetched? After everything I have seen? Maybe...

The gem gleamed in the sunlight, beckoning him forward. Slowly, he approached it and reached forward. Maybe...just maybe...

At the last moment, his mind screamed and his hand shot back. What the hell am I doing?! This is insane! No no no, this isn’t right. It’s just an old family heirloom or something. But how...no dammit! Stop fantasizing!

“I’m so sorry vectev!" he spoke as he scrambled to grab his belongings which he had dropped in his fear, "I can’t accept this! Thank you so much for your consideration but I can't! This is just...I’m sorry I just ca-"

"Stop."

Jaire instantly froze in place as a single primal instinct ran through his entire body:

Obey, or be killed.

He watched in fear as his grandpa stepped around him, picked up the dagger, and placed it firmly within the box. He then turned to Jaire with a stern look.

"(Take it Jaire. It's yours.)"