6 The cantankerous Vagabond

A faint light glimmered from the sky, in the rural countryside. A male canine leashed, with blond hair was traveling alone on the dirt roads. The sun still hadn't fully rose into the sky, giving him temporary cover for the time being. This vagabond seemed to be traveling, without a set destination, yet appeared in a hurry. He was surrounded a by white fog, as he pressed on, his feet grinding along the gravel, under the sky of the early dawn.

"Urgh... fuck. The sun's already coming out?!" The leashed growls to himself. "I better move my ass. The last thing I need is to run into anyone who wants to put a collar around my neck." He said, before grumbling under his breath, "Might as well make it a noose..." The vagabond adjusted a black hooded cape, that was concealing himself, in hope that the plethora of other life would not notice what his race way.

His blue eyes spotted something in the distance. Before him was a small abundance of Templar forces, positioned in front of what appeared to be a rickety old farm house. However, there also seemed to be some commotion coming from inside the building.

"(Shit... Whatever is happening in there, better keep their attention...)" The vagabond thinks to himself, as he was making his way by them quietly.

As he brushed passed the Templar forces, he could see slightly into the ranch home. There he noticed Lyra, the red haired Viceroy Templar commander. She seemed to be extorting the people inside as if it was usual business.

"You Templar and your master make me sick! Extorting us for helping that poor little child. WHAT GIVES YOU SUCH A RIGHT?!" The rancher snapped at her.

This caused Lyra to grab the man by his throat. "Pitiful sympathizers. Aoba's word is law, so now, you'll suffer the same fate." From her finger tips, the man froze over into a ice statue.

"NO!!! YOU MONSTER!!!!" The rancher's wife cried out in horror, her tears flying into the air.

Lyra knocked back the woman with a blade of ice, shutting her up. "..." The icy rapier stabbed through the woman's chest, as gurgled sounds only emerged from her mouth, along with a gushing trail of blood.

The leashed saw the whole scene, including the blood spilling to the wooden flooring. "(T-THE F-FUCK!? Uhh...)" The Vagabond thought in fear, now stuck in his tracks from the sight. He tries to shift himself, but what he had witnessed was running deep in his mind.

Lyra had yet to exit the home, however a Templar noticed the canine peering to the scene. "You there! Isn't it a bit early to be taking a stroll?" One spoke up, looking skeptically to him.

"...Urh..." He regained his mind, looking to the Templar, angrily. "Who the fuck asked you? I'm on business, so fuck off!" The leashed spat out, turning away from the Templar.

As he turned, another was positioned in his path, as the others all looked his way.

"Seems this condescending bloke's looking for some trouble, eh?" Another spoke, letting their eyes focus on the leashed.

"Not observing the curfew could get you in all sorts of misfortune, laddie." Another provoked, accusingly.

"This guy's traveling by night, what if he's that notorious Amygdala we've been hunting down?" One of the others inquired, seriously.

"The hell are you guys on!? Fuck, I mean it's not even that late. It's probably morning at best, but come on! You fuckers are just looking for problems. Why don't you go fuck yourselves, or something?" The leashed spat at them, cantankerously.

Heels clicked, as Lyra broke through the crowd, approaching the canine vagabond. She looked to the leashed with her white eyes. "Isn't this rather lamentable?" Her lips curled, extending her feminine hand, to gently place her fingers around his jaw. "Thou has quite the vulgar tongue." She spoke in a pernicious tone, her thumb rubbing along his lower lip.

The leashed pulls back from her, shaking. "B-back off! (I'm so boned! How the fuck am I getting out of this!?) ...You back me into a corner, you're gonna regret it!"

He was surrounded at this point. Lyra's expression grew more amused. "How foolish. Does thou even know to whom he's threatening? It would be wise to rephrase your statement, boy. Treading in such ways will bring you to worse fates then death." She said, as the air grew colder. Some snowflakes began to float around them.

"I don't care who the fuck you are! You're in my way..." The leashed places his hand to the skull pauldron on his chest. It changed form suddenly, to that of a staff that he now carried in his hand. It had an animal skull fastened to it.

Without a sign of warning, all the Templar had their blades drawn to him. One knocked the staff from his grasp, positioning his sword to the throat of the vagabond leashed. "Not a very pragmatic response. Being derisive will get you in the gallows, friend. Let's see who you are, under that shroud." The Templar grunted, yanking the hood from the dog's head.

"A leashed?""Don't be surprised, I bet this dog's just some stray." The Templar group corroborated, the one keeping his blade kept close to the canine's throat. "So much for being the wanted felon. Stupid mutt."

"Fuck me..." The leashed says under his breath,fearfully as he was staring to the blade with an unnerved, forlorn expression.

"A feral leashed, how quaint. Does thou have a name, I wonder?" Lyra appeared curious, in a sadistic manner.

"M-My name? Heh... (Don't give them your name, Zyron! You need to get the hell out of dodge!)" The vagabond stammered, thinking briefly to himself in a scolding way. He glanced to the staff, that had been knocked to his feet.

"Filthy vermin. No sense wasting time rehabilitating such a slovenly, cantankerous, vagabond." Lyra appeared displeased, speaking grievously. "If the dog doesn't obey the master, put him down, I say."

Zyron grabs his staff quickly, enchanting a fire spell with his tome magic. The smoldering flames flew off at the Templar forces, dancing around them before creating a wall of surrounding flames. "(Phew, time to get the hell out of here!)"

"Infidel!!" A Templar shouted, as the entire squad was ready for attack.

Lyra's eyes locked sharply to Zyron in rage, as the storm picked up. "Don't let him out of your sight!"

Zyron quickly flees, rushing west bound to a massive weeping willow. As he nears it, Zyron turns his attention behind him, spotting the Templar forces in pursuit. "(Shit, that didn't work...)" Zyron thought to himself, turning back to the tree.

He suddenly noticed a tombstone at the foot of the tree, hidden from site under the brush of the covering branches. He rushes over, hiding behind it. However in the process, he bumped it open, exposing an entrance to a secret passage.

"Huh?" Zyron turns his attention back to the Templar, then quickly back to the passage. "(Not a lot of time to think, I have no choice here.)" The vagabond pondered to himself as he made his way into the passage quickly.

The passage abruptly closed behind him. Zyron was left in the darkness of the underground tunnel system. Various noises came from afar, but not anywhere to be seen. The noises resembled ghastly shrieks of demons, and other foul monster-like entities.

Above ground there was a ruckus, causing Zyron to jolt slightly. "Where is that vermin!?" "Spread out, and search this sector! Do not allow him to escape!" "SER!!"

"Jeez. I guess I dodged that...But only for the moment. They could figure out how to get in here. Then what?" Zyron places a hand to his head thinking over his next plan of action. "I suppose I should head deeper in. Man it's dark..."

Zyron ignites his staff, which held fire at the mouth of the skull. It illuminated the path ahead of him, cutting through the darkness as he progressed forward, into the depths of the underground maze. More sounds occurred from all directions, as beastly fiends appeared in the dark corners of the passageway. Their eyes kept on Zyron, as some drew closer to him, without hesitation, and let out bellowing screams.

Zyron shrieks as he starts to rush down the path quickly. He didn't bother to bat an eye to the sounds of the Templar that pursued him. He was more concerned with the cavernous claws that echoed around him, as monstrous creatures gave chase. "(FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! There has to be a way out of here!)" He thought to himself, pushing forward through more of the thick darkness with his fire lit staff.

An eerie wind blew in the tunnel, blowing the flames out from Zyron's staff. Looming around him was an unsettling chuckle in the air, echoing around like an endless loop of insanity. "Eh heh heh heh heh...." the feminine laughter flowed through Zyron's ears.

"W-Who's there!?" He shouted, in fear. Zyron was blinded by the darkness, with his skin crawling from the sudden bone chilling tone of the soft laughter. He couldn't identify it, but was left petrified in fear. "...Crap..." He muttered, shakily. Though not too far off from his position, a red glow was seen, barely visible through the darkness that plagued him.

Zyron's heart was pounding out of his chest, as if he was witnessing the end of his very existence. Gripping to his staff, he presses forward to the glow, which seemed to be calling to him. Perhaps this red illumination he spotted in his eye, could it be the redemption he sought from this dark nightmare, or perhaps he was fooling himself. Many thoughts crawled through his head as he kept his stead to the red glowing aura. "(Just maybe it's another way. It just has to be! I can't die in this place!)" The leashed thought to himself.

His eyes were focused on the light, rushing to it as fast as his feet would carry him. The sounds of monsters continued to draw nearer by the second. Then, when he thought all might be lost, his hand reached the red glowing stone in front of him. A blood red crystal. Before another thing could be said or done, Zyron felt his body pulled into the stone. Then suddenly, he was gone... Standing in the darkness was a silhouette of a female fiend, hundreds of eyes from her body staring intensely to the blood crystal.

The scene faded to black, panning back to the Knothole sanctum. Nye was perched on the ledge, finishing her monologue of persuasion. The location grew loud, as the fiends and Amygdala rejoiced upon her statements.

"All hail the Queen!!" They cheered, except a few of the bystanders who still seemed skeptical.

Miles seemed relieved, coming back into view as Nye descended to the lower level. As she landed, many of her followers surrounded her. She was bombarded with questions and statements. There was so many, that the dialog was distinguishable. She didn't seem too fazed by it, but couldn't speak over them.

Miles ran up to the crowd with his ears slanted backwards as his tail fluffed up. "Hey! Stop crowding her!" He growled, shoving them away.

Nye's hand placed between his ears, "You can place your mind at ease Miles, they just have questions that they want answered. It's alright."

"..." Miles grumbled, crossing his arms.

As Nye was being slammed with questions and comments, there was two skeptical ones lingering in the back. The purple haired fiend from before, as well as a red haired Amygdala.

"She says all the right things, as if it's scripted. I don't know if I can trust her that easily." Scoffed the purple haired fiend.

The red haired one looked lazily to him, "Didn't you do enough blubbering to her face, Vex? Listen, you know I hate all the politics and rules... but, maybe SHE can fix things. Ya'know?" He said, taking a drag from a cigarette.

Vex gave the other a demented glare, "I don't give a damn about your conspiracy theories Ashe! Either way WE LOSE!"

Ashe raised a brow, "You just don't want to be under a woman."

Vex grabbed Ashe's shirt collar, with a sly expression. "I bet the only reason you're even CONSIDERING this, is because you're an Amygdala."

"What's that 'spose to mean?" Ashe inquired, chuckling in amusement.

"Think about it dunderhead. You can marry into the throne, no questions asked." Vex scoffed.

Ashe rolled his eyes. "Like I have the motivation for that."

"Blame it on low self-stem, or better yet, propaganda." Vex mocked.

"Mind saying that again, I didn't hear you the first time!" Ashe snapped, growing enraged.

"You two need to control your mouths." Spoke up Runfaust, the towering Oculus fiend who stood behind them. "I didn't take you children in, to have you speak in such ways."

"What are you gonna do old man? Make us fight in the front lines?" Vex glared over.

"If that's what it takes to straighten out you two hooligans." Runfaust stated, in an intimidating tone, before approaching the bar table.

The two boys stared in unease, slightly shocked by the statement of their foster father.

The pub had settled from prior, as the patrons had already resumed their spirituous indulgences. Nye and Miles sat at the bar, seeming to be in talks with Molliana's father, Runfaust.

"I must apologize for the insanity of that outburst, my queen. I do hope those scoundrels didn't upset you too much." Runfaust spoke up.

"I expected reactions as such, you needn't worry. Things have settled." Nye replied, to the oculus fiend.

"You are quite optimistic, mi'lady. There truly is authentic integrity in you, not only in the words you speak, but it's shown in your eyes as well. I do look forward to aiding your quest for our redemption." Runfaust went on, as he gave Nye a glass of Whiskey.

Nye held the glass, shifting the ice. "Aye. Having access to Knothole will surly increase alliances and moral."

Miles was eating an apple, as he kept silent. His eyes panned over, seeing the patrons of the tavern, that still kept a watchful eye on them. "(Creepy...)"

"Not only is Knothole a safe house, and a tavern, but we also have other things that could assist your efforts." Runfaust stated, cleaning a glass.

"Such as?" Nye took a swig of her whiskey.

"The little one that lead you here, my foster daughter, Molliana. She helps me maintain this place by keeping hungry bellies full. It draws in plenty of new folks from time to time. Then there's the secret shop that shows up when you least expect it." Runfaust mentioned, casually.

"Interesting." Nye nodded.

"We also keep track of the wanted signs, to help those who the Templar are after for daft reasoning. We get plenty of folks in here who seek refuge. However, there was one who sought out that doctor who resides in Belmont... since then, many show up needing healing, however they can't find the healer." Runfaust set down the glass, looking off to the bulletin board. "It's rather upsetting."

"Finch, you mean." Nye's eyes glanced to the large man.

"That's right, but how did you know that?" Runfaust seemed surprised, as he turned back to her.

"I rescued him from a Dream Weaver not too long ago. Before you inquire, he is quite alright." Nye stated, seriously.

"So, then he must be residing at this hidden underground kingdom you spoke of?" Runfaust pondered aloud.

"Indeed." Nye nodded.

"You mentioned 'Dream Weaver' though... I could have sworn that man was an Amygdala..." Runfaust went on. "Dark hair, and pale skin, right? Also wears a trench coat."

"Aye. Finch informed me of what he was. They had a prior engagement before things went awry. I do have to wonder. How often does that man show up around here, if you don't mind me asking?" Nye inquired, leaning to the table.

"Nye..." Miles huffed.

"Your friend seems concerned about you. Why do you seek out a creature who went after Finch in such a manner?" Runfaust sounded curious, in a concerned tone.

"I would rather not speak of such, however I can say I am looking into his choice of actions. So, would you care to answer my question?" Nye shifted in her seat.

Runfaust nodded to her statement. "I understand, my queen. That man has shown up on a few occasions. He typically keeps to himself on the balcony when he does stop by. Quite a scary bloke... I would advise caution if he has shown aggression though, being as such what he is."

"Noted." Nye stood up, "We should be taking our leave. We'll be in touch."

"Very well. Before you leave, however. I would like to offer aid on the battlefield, if you so need it, I am at your beckon call. My other foster children will also be able to help on the front lines as well." Runfaust spoke up.

Nye glanced back with a smirk, "I'll keep that in mind." She said, as Miles stood up from his seat.

"Safe travels mi'lady." Runfaust spoke, letting the duo exit the tavern.

Some time had elapsed, as Nye and Miles were making their way for the tunnels. However in the process something had caught their eyes. A glow illuminated the trees in the distance, as vocal cries emerged in the direction.

"I'll scout ahead." Miles stated, running ahead of Nye before she could say a word.

Nye stood, watching him rush off. "(He's starting to get braver, however, being brave doesn't mean he's smart about this. I better catch up to that cat.)" Nye faded into darkness.

Miles got close, taking cover in the brush for observation. His eyes widened, seeing an orange haired woman facing off what appeared to be a phoenix. The bird was flapping it's wings, but the huntress had jumped onto it's back. Ropes had already been tied around, preventing the bird from flying away. As Miles rose to his feet, and drew his sword, the woman had already used her knife to slay the giant bird. It cried out, as it's body became ash, falling to the ground.

The huntress turned, spotting Miles. "A waste of time killing such a thing for a mere feather, but a job's a job. You though, might be more entertaining to kill." She had eyes of steel, coldly gazing over to the leashed.

Miles kept his sword in tow. "And what are you, some hunter?"

"Very perceptive of you. Yes, I am a bounty hunter. Undoubtedly you've heard tales of Trigger Wyshak? I always get the job done, rare oddities, criminals, killing things, whatever collects the Zircon. Feral leashed included." She stated cynically.

Miles gripped the hilt tighter. "..." He was breathing heavy, as he sneered over to the woman.

"I've handled worse than some feline pet. Once I get my hands on you, I'll break each and every one of your fingers and toes. Then, I'll skin you alive, and make you suffer further. I wonder how leashed stew tastes." Trigger stated, without even switching emotion, just a cold, blank stare.

Miles was taken by surprise, staring to her with shock in his slitted cat eyes. He shook his head quickly, before taking a samurai stance. "Killing a phoenix for a lousy feather... you... make me... SICK." Miles' fangs were gritted, as he leered at her.

"Lacking intelligence even. Such is wasted on your kind. I'll enjoy killing you." Trigger stated boredly.

Trigger rushed at Miles, who countered her blow. The blades collided, as did their gaze.

"You make this too easy." Trigger scoffed.

"Then maybe you should have gotten a better look at your surroundings." Spoke Nye's voice. Her blade was to Trigger's back.

Trigger seemed uneasy. "...." Her eyes trying to glance behind. "... How did I not sense you til just now?" Her voice cracked, fearfully.

"Do you really want to find out?" Nye spoke, in a threatening tone.

"..." Trigger was sweating, "(Amygdala....) This is all a misunderstanding, we can resolve this without trouble."

"You struck first." Miles scoffed.

"..." Trigger looked annoyed. "Let's just walk away from this, with no further conflict. What say you?"

"Aye, smart choice." Nye looked to Trigger, showing amusement in her smirk.

"Good." Trigger said, as she got too a distance from them. "Don't expect me to do the same if you're my target next time. Follow me, and I'll kill you." She said, heading off in a hurry.

Miles finally lowered his blade, with a sigh of relief. "That was too close for comfort..."

Nye smacked him upside the head.

"Ouuuuch." Miles glared to Nye, with his ears back. "What the heck was that for?!"

"Running off on your own. You can be brave, but don't be stupid." Nye stated, taking a step from him.

Miles grumbled under his breath, but noticed where he kneeled, was the ash of the phoenix. Sitting there before him, in the midst of it, was an egg. "What the?"

Nye glanced back with her usual expression, "Surprised? Phoenix's are immortal after all. That woman could have made more Zircon on that egg over a feather from the bird."

Miles had picked it up, looking to the egg. "..." Miles glanced to Nye, "How much do you know about these birds? Is someone able to befriend them?"

"Enough to know the dangers and benefits of one. In the past humans were able to befriend creatures that did not speak. So I assume it is possible." Nye explained.

"..." Miles nodded. "(Then I'm going to try.)"

"Seeing you're taking it, we should be on our way. It's nearly dawn now." Nye insisted.

"Right. I won't run off again like that. I promise." Miles followed after his master.

"Then we should be getting back." Nye stated, as the two made their way back to the underground.

They passed the monsters inside the lair of the labyrinth. They were a corridor away from the red crystal, not even seeing it as they arrived to the underground city. Upon entering the walls, they noticed that the others were already asleep. So then they went to Nye's chambers, where Nye took perch in the rafters above, allowing Miles' to have the bed. Soon the two drifted off to sleep, as the morning sky emerged.