The Crescent Blade Farce Chapter 2
Greetings! Remember that collab fic I started a week (a month) ago?
Well now it's time for my chapter, and in the meantime we worked out a new title. So we should be moving forwards from here.
#Chapter 2: Breakfast is in Order ##By TyrekGoldenspear
The Kyon Inn had seen better days, the age beginning to show on its walls despite the multiple layers of paint applied to its surfaces. The stairs, for their part, were a constant reminder of how much in need they were of repairs, as they creaked whenever somebody walked on them. This morning they creaked a little more than usual, as it had to support the weight of an ex-Celestial and a young man carrying a scythe that was heavier than normal. “We should get some supplies before we start on our journey.” Soraka said as she and Kayn walked downstairs to the inn’s meager but decent breakfast bar.
“We should get something to eat first.” Kayn replied as his stomach demanded his full attention with a growl. “Fortunately, we will be able to feed the both of us while on a budget for one person.”
Soraka looked at him curiously, her amber eyes sparkling. “Really? And how is that? Do you not need to eat?”
“I drink the blood of my fallen enemies.” Kayn said seriously.
Spare us. Rhaast grumbled while Soraka looked at him incredulously. This is more of your incessant need to sound fierce. You wield a living scythe that revels in the blood of the slain, what else do you need to intimidate people with? Rhaast paused a moment before adding, Are you compensating for— Kayn proceeded to accidentally slam Rhaast against the doorway as they entered the breakfast bar. Soraka started towards the line of people awaiting a meal, and Kayn joined.
Soraka noted the wide gap that opened in the line ahead and in front of them thanks to the Darkin Scythe’s presense. “Can’t you leave that in your room until we’re ready to leave?” Soraka asked, motioning with her eyes to the fearful glances passed their way.
“No.” Kayn said flatly. He had never let Rhaast out of his sight since discovering the artifact, and he had no intentions on letting another get a hold of the power that was rightfully his.
“Where are you going to put it when we sit down?” Soraka pressed, as the line moved forwards. “Surely you don’t plan on eating with it, do you?”
It? Rhaast echoed with growing fury. Can you please let me feast on her blood when this dreary chore is done?
Kayn replied dryly, “He doesn’t like it when you call him an ‘it’”.
“Fine, ‘him.’” Soraka rolled her eyes before pressing her question. “I’m serious, where are you going to put him when we sit down? You’ll have to let him go at some point.”
“I can eat with one hand.” Kayn insisted. “Besides, if I feel the need to put him down, I can always grab the other seat.”
Soraka looked towards the mildly packed tables, where hardly any seating could be spared, let alone extra space set aside for a weapon. “Um, I don’t think there is space for him. Most of the available tables only hold two seats.”
As Soraka spoke, Kayn scanned the room, searching for something. Upon discovering it he grabbed Soraka’s attention and pointed to it. “I can eat from the bar, while you can eat from there.” He said, motioning to a refuse bin off in the corner.
“What?” Soraka shot him a look. “I’m not eating trash.”
Kayn shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. I have seen goats eat worse and survive.”
“I am not a goat.” Soraka insisted, offended.
Kayn looked her up and down, mildly surprised she didn’t see it. “You have the hooves, and legs of a goat. Not to mention the ears and horn.”
“I have one horn.” Soraka said, irritation creeping into her voice. “And plenty of animals have hooves, why not think of a unicorn?”
Kayn shrugged. “When I look at you, the word ‘goat’ just comes to mind.”
Instead of replying, Soraka turned her back to him and noted with pleasant surprise that it was their turn. “Hello.” She said brightly. “I would like two specials please.”
The large man behind the counter made an unpleasant sound before looking her up and down. He looked towards Kayn and asked, “Is this goat yours?”
Soraka flushed with anger. “I’m not a—”
“Yes, and as you can tell, she’s obviously Vastaya.” Kayn said, cutting him off. “Nothing special, now give us our meals or I will use this scythe to make you choice cuts for my feast.”
The startled man turned paler than his shaggy beard and took a long step back as Soraka struggled to keep calm. “What my… friend means is that we just want some food, and we don’t want any trouble.”
“I can handle any ‘trouble’ this pathetic establishment can dish out.” Kayn said haughtily. “I am the Shadow Reaper, the Scion of Suffering, the Baron of Bloodshed, the Soon to be Master of the Shadows themselves—” A throaty roar inside Kayn’s mind cut him off.
Alright! I take back what I said about your inadequate body! Gods, why are you humans so sensitive about them! They are sacks of meat and flesh that die quickly and are worth nothing! Just shut up! I am sorry! Spare me your torturous ramblings!
As Kayn was having an internal talk, Soraka laughed nervously before turning back to the man. “Yes, he’s a little insane. But he’s mostly harmless, I promise. Now how much are the meals?”
He looked at her a moment before saying, “You one of those Vastaya?”
“Um,” Soraka hesitated a moment. What exactly would telling him that I’m a celestial accomplish? She wondered. Perhaps it’s best if I keep things simple. “I am.” She said, a twinge of guilt over the lie passing over her.
He pointed to Kayn, talking to his scythe as if it could talk back. “Your crazy friend needs 80 gold pieces, and for you little lady, it’s free.” He said, pointing a meaty finger at her.
“Free?” Soraka asked, flushing slightly with embarrassment. “Really, you don’t have to do that, I can pay full price.”
The man shrugged. “Why would I charge for eating out of my trash can? Stuff is getting thrown out anyway.”
“You expect me to eat out of a trash can?” Soraka demanded, infuriated by this rude gesture.
He held up two hands in defense. “Woah, calm down. Didn’t know you goat Vastaya were so sensitive. If you really don’t want the trash can I have some old shoes upstairs if you want something more filling.”
Soraka silently stewed as Kayn walked up to the counter. “80 gold pieces?” Kayn asked, outraged. “That’s robbery!”
“Look son, we gotta pay for the upkeep of this place somehow.” The man grunted, clearly feeling he wasted enough time talking with these two oddities when there were regular people behind them that were too scared to come closer. “If you don’t want to pay, then I suggest you find food elsewhere.”
“How about I take what I please and carve you like a prize bird if you get in my way?” Kayn snarled.
Soraka held up a hand. “There’s no need. Come on Kayn, we don’t need this. We can find better service, and food, elsewhere.” With that she turned on her hoof and walked towards the stairs to grab her staff from her room.
Kayn seriously struggled with the temptation to butcher the man, but with so many witnesses he couldn’t oust himself as an assassin. Not yet. So with a flourish and twirl of Rhaast he left the breakfast bar to exit the building. “That goat bought your life today,” He said as he left. “I suggest you don’t give her a reason to turn it back in for in-store credit.”
What in the dark pits of the void was that supposed to mean? Rhaast demanded.
“It sounded cooler in my head.” Kayn admitted as he exited the room.
The two met outside the inn, the morning air crisp and Kayn’s foul mood worsened by his empty stomach. “You should have let me kill him.” Kayn muttered.
Soraka shook her head. “Violence would have solved nothing, and it would have only gotten us arrested.”
“On the contrary.” Kayn remarked, twirling Rhaast. “Violence would have solved my food problem. As I would be able to take the food I want.”
“And then we would have been arrested.” Soraka repeated patiently. “And then our little journey would have been cut off short.”
“And then I would have killed the ones who have come to try to detain me.” Kayn said with exaggerated patience, mocking Soraka’s tone.
Soraka frowned with distaste. “That doesn’t excuse—”
Kayn raised a hand. “We could stand around talking about this and slowly waste away, or we could find food elsewhere. Or rather, I could find food elsewhere, you can find food wherever.”
Soraka declined to reply to the slight. “Wherever we decide to go, we will need the money to purchase it. I spend a good portion of the gold I had on hand to pay for our lodging.”
Kayn rolled his eyes. “If we’re doing it your way, then I will go find somebody wealthy and take their gold.” And their lives. Rhaast added. “And their lives.” Kayn added at Rhaast’s behest.
“No!” Soraka protested. “We are not killing people and robbing them!”
Kayn groaned irritably. “Well what would you suggest? Go around and beg for money?” He snarled spitefully. “Shieda Kayn begs for nothing, and we are not going to take jobs. The money earned will be too slow, and we are not staying here for long anyway.”
“I have talents to offer.” Soraka said confidently. “I can heal the sick here and ask for gold in exchange. This way we help others and ourselves. And we won’t become morally bankrupt or ask for trouble.”
“And what am I going to do?” Kayn asked, crossing his arms. “I’m not going to follow you around and watch you play nurse with people here.”
“We can always talk.” Soraka offered, an inviting hand directed towards the marketplace with a friendly smile on her lips. “We are going to be traveling together for some time anyway. We may as well get to know each other. After all, I don’t think I should be hearing everything about you from Rhaast.”
“I’ll pass.” Kayn said, turning to walk away. “I am going to get funds my way.” He raised a hand to stop Soraka’s protest before it started. “I won’t kill anyone Celestial, we can agree on one thing. Murder will cause complications, which will in turn cause me to spend more time here. And I am as eager as you are to get moving.” He proceeded to harness his shadow arts and walk through a wall, effectively ending the conversation.
Soraka watched him go, saddened but partly assured that he wouldn’t be killing anybody at the very least. She resolved to make rounds throughout the city and heal whoever Kayn harmed before they left. She turned towards the marketplace and walked confidently, her hooves silent in the soft grass.
Soraka walked throughout the busy market, her external senses picking up all the busy energy that surrounded the shoppers and shopkeepers alike. She perceived many things, but only faintly as she drew her focus within herself. She felt her own vibrant energy flow through her, a font of life, perceived by her mind’s eye as fresh green energy flowing throughout her being.
Her focus slowly expanded as she walked, and as others walked in and out of her range of senses, she could feel their life flow throughout their bodies as well as shimmering green auras. They were never as vibrant as hers, but as they were mortals it was to be expected. A few auras were a slightly discolored green, as orange tendrils of pain snaked throughout. Soraka focused on them, to see what exactly ailed them.
One had discomfort stemming from stepping on a rock, and another had an ingrown fingernail. The final one just had a headache from too much ale. Soraka sighed as she knew they would never pay for relief, but as she passed by them she stretched out a hand and expended tiny bits of her magic into their bodies, providing immediate relief from their pain. She didn’t look back to see if they noticed, but as she became more aware of her environment she saw the eyes on her. Most were of curiosity, and no doubt they assumed she was a Vastaya.
When she reached the far end of the market, an aura orange with agony flared to life in her peripheral vision. Her head snapped in that direction, her amber eyes gaining focus. Her eyes twitched slightly as she tried to filter out the background noise. She could just barely make it out over the din, a child’s attempt both cry and hold back tears. She moved swiftly towards the child, his aura visible to her past several people and behind a shop. She moved around and between busy crowds, her staff held close to her body to minimize her profile and reduce the risk of striking somebody.
He was leaning against the wall, sitting down and cradling his right arm to his chest while trying to hide his pain from everybody. Soraka assumed he was either ten or approaching it soon, as a younger child would have surely bawled his eyes out until an adult came to help him.
He saw her approach. Eyes widened at the unexpected creature coming towards him, he moved to scramble away like a wild animal.
“Wait, it’s okay.” Soraka said gently, slowing her approach. “I’m a healer. I can help you.” She pointed to his arm. “Your arm, it’s broken. I can heal it.”
He looked at her warily. “Why help me, goat?” He tried to sound tough and in control, but the shock of his injury made his voice waver uncontrollably.
“Because I want to.” Soraka soothed. She knelt next to him. “Here, let me see it. And I’m not a goat.” She added gently.
He looked at her, uncertainty and fresh pain warring with the possibility of relief in his eyes. He slowly moved his left arm away from his right as Soraka reached for it. He cried out briefly as Soraka’s fingers grazed where the bone splintered beneath the skin. The touch was soft however, and the pain left as soon as it arrived. He saw the staff in the healer’s hand glow slightly as green energy flowed from her fingertips to his arm. It began to warm as his pain ebbed.
Soraka’s face was tranquil as she healed the boy’s arm, even as her right arm burned in agony. She told herself over and over that her arm wasn’t truly broken, it just felt that way due to how her healing worked now. Ever since she fell from the celestial grove, everything about her was cursed, from her appearance to her magic. Now every time she healed somebody, she felt an echo of their pain. She thought it would return to how it once was with time, but so far no luck.
Presently as the boy’s injury healed completely, the echo of pain in her arm faded instantly. The lad let out a whoop as he flexed his arm, and marveled as it worked just fine. “Thank you.” He said sincerely, a huge grin on his face appeared as he looked behind Soraka. “Father! My arm’s all better!” He ran towards the richly dressed man that was running up.
The man knelt and embraced his son, before standing up and bowing his head in gratitude. “Many thanks to you, Vastaya. I must offer you something in return for your service.”
Soraka smiled pleasantly. “Really, you don’t have to. It was a pleasure to help.”
“No, no.” The man held up a hand to stop her. “I insist that you get something in return.”
Soraka bowed her head in respect. “Well, my companion and I need some food for a long journey we are about to undertake.”
“Say no more, come with me.” The man said as he walked out of the market to a pleasant little home just outside the city square. “This is one of my many guest houses. There is plenty of food inside.” He took a key from around his neck and opened the door. The boy ran in first, followed by his father who walked.
Soraka walked in, expecting wealth, but nothing prepared her for what she saw. She felt richly decorated rugs beneath her hooves, saw splendorous busts and statuettes on pedestals around every corner, and the interior had a color scheme that matched that of scarlet velvet. She could smell incense mixed with the scent of rich foods being prepared by what was most likely the home’s chefs. The smells tortured her stomach, but she willed herself to remain outwardly calm.
The man directed her past many doors, and she was eager to bring back food for her and Kayn, as well as a life lesson. She had already began mentally preparing her speech of why kindness was better than violent tendencies when he led her past the dining room where the food was prepared.
Soraka’s confusion was only amplified by the man’s next words.
“As you can see, our food is top quality, so that the end product is nothing but the best.”
“End product?” Soraka repeated, confusion tinged her voice.
“Indeed.” The man said as he led her out the back door of the guest house towards an alleyway fenced off. “You don’t have to worry, nobody can get back here, so you get the best picks.” Beaming, he motioned with an outstretched hand to a circular bin in the center of the courtyard. “That there is the finest garbage in the city, perfect for a discerning goat woman as yourself. This is my thanks for helping my son. If you would prefer, I have the finest shoes in my bedroom you can eat instead.”
Oblivious to Soraka’s predicament, Kayn stalked the streets searching for prey.
The shadow reaper walks through the night, like a shadow. The summer sun does little to part the veils of shadows wrapped around my form, my very soul. I am the darkness. And just as one cannot see the darkness as it encompasses all, so too will I encompass my prey’s very world. They will regret the day they crossed me, Shieda Kayn, the Master of Shadows.
The entire time Kayn had this internal dialogue, Rhaast would cut in at every opportunity.
It is not nighttime you fool. Why are you speaking like this? Shut up. I can hear everything you are thinking shut up. What does that even mean? Shut up. You are walking in plain daylight, I have seen exploding stars with more shadows than you do. Shut up. Your brain will be the first thing I devour. Shut up. You’ve been doing this for an hour. SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
Kayn stopped to argue with Rhaast, but a wealthy-looking figure walked out of an equally wealthy looking house. Perfect. Kayn thought with a grim satisfaction.
He walked up to the main, and offered a malicious grin. “Hello.”
The man stopped, already wary, but confident that the topless guy wielding a scythe wouldn’t try anything in public. “Hello?” He asked nervously.
“I’m selling something. Would you like to buy?” Kayn asked, keeping the grin on his face.
“Not particularly.” The man said, moving to walk in the other direction.
“Oh, but I think you’ll be interested in this.” Kayn said slyly. With a flourish, he harnessed his shadow techniques and reached for his most deadly one. Umbral Trespass. He entered straight into the man, as if he was made of air. The only evidence of Kayn’s presence was a black smog foaming and bubbling in the man’s torso, as if a swamp of pure shadow.
The man for his part, was remarkably composed. He only freaked out half as much as Kayn had expected. He created quite a spectacle, but Kayn was beyond caring.
Once the man’s cries have died down enough, Kayn spoke calmly as a voice in the man’s mind.
Listen carefully. What I have for sale is your life. How much are you willing to pay? Now I am going to come out.
Rhaast rasped a chuckle, also hearable by the man.
Kayn ignored Rhaast. Whether I come out painlessly or lethally is up to you.
“Take everything I have on me!” The man cried, ignoring the other voice. “Please don’t kill me.”
What a generous offer. Kayn purred. I’ll take it. Kayn emerged from the man’s chest painlessly. “Now.” Kayn said, holding out a hand. “Time to pay the reaper.”
Kayn walked back to the inn’s entrance, tossing a bag of gold coins in his hand, appreciating the weight of it. He saw Soraka stalking back to their meeting place, clearly upset about something yet trying to hide it. “So, how much did you get doing good deeds?” Kayn asked tauntingly.
“Good deeds aren’t done for the reward.” Soraka muttered, dodging the question. She looked at Kayn’s gold. “How much did you hurt them?” She asked, worry etched on her face.
“I didn’t hurt him, relax.” Kayn assured. “It was the threat of pain that made him give me the gold. Now we can eat and be on our way.”
Soraka shook her head, “I am not using money gained from stealing.”
“Fine.” Kayn shrugged. “You can be here noble and starving.” He turned to walk into the inn when law enforcement rushed into the area, with the captain of the guard pointing to Kayn.
“He’s the one.” The captain barked, “Take him in custody.” He pointed to the bewildered Soraka. “Take his goat too.”
“Wait!” A familiar voice sounded behind the captain, who stood aside to let the noble from before past the throng of guards. He pointed to Soraka. “Not her, she is no criminal. She healed my son. No doubt she was going to turn him in when we caught up to the thief.”
Kayn turned to Soraka. “You know him?”
“Barely.” Soraka admitted. She didn’t bother saying any more as Kayn was roughly pulled by the arms and taken away. As they dragged Kayn past Soraka and the noble, Soraka moved to follow but the nobleman stopped her.
“I see now that I hurt your feelings greatly before in offering you trash. What was I thinking?” The man said hastily. “I want you to know that I am truly sorry for my actions.”
Soraka was only half paying attention, looking past the noble to see Kayn become immaterial, slip out of the guards’ grasp, and escape handily. “Oh, I understand why you did what you did. You thought you knew my diet.”
The noble seemed relieved. “Thank you for understanding, but I want to make it right.” He reached in his boot and pulled out a bag. “That dastardly thief thought he took everything, but I kept an extra bag of gold in my boot that he missed. I want you to have it, and buy whatever you wish to eat.”
Soraka brightened, as she took the bag. “This means a lot, thank you.”
“It’s the least I can do for what you’ve done for me. For catching that criminal.”
“What?” Soraka deflated slightly. “For catching the thief?”
“Yes. After all you did, I want you to be rightly rewarded.”
“Wait, but I haven’t—” Soraka began, but pandemonium broke out behind the noble, and he turned to see the commotion.
He paled. “He escaped.” He turned to her and said quickly, “You should leave, nobody left alone with that monster escapes without scarring.”
You’ve no idea. Soraka thought as he ran off. She looked down to the gold bag in her hands, conflicted on whether it was right for her to use it because it was gifted to her on a false assumption.
As she warred with herself, Kayn walked through one of the walls with a knapsack full of food. “Come on, I led them on a wild goosechase through the alleyways. We have a long day of travel ahead of us.”
Soraka put her conflict on hold as she ran to keep up with Kayn as he sped out of the town before the authorities caught on.
