Chapter Text
"I bear no harm." Now that the dust settled, Buck saw that their 'backup' was a young man with white hair and fair skin. He wore a white coat with cold accents over a white shirt and black pants and knee high boots. He wore a shoulder pad that looked like leather that fastened a blue half cloak on his left shoulder. He placed a hand over his heart and looked sincere enough, but Buck's come to an understanding that things are definitely not what they seem to be on Amphoreus. When the stranger said that he doesn't want to hurt them, the ex-firefighter raised an eyebrow in question. They must have seen his expression because he continued speaking, "I just want everyone to be safe."
"Want everyone to be safe?" Caelus repeated, his tone dripping with disbelief and wariness.
"Roaming around a place like the Abyss with weapons in tow is a show of provocation." the white-haired man warned. "These soldiers are minions of the Strife Titan. They are not known to stop until all invaders fall to their feet. If you continue brandishing your weapons, you won't only be putting yourselves in the crossfire," he paused, pointing behind them and Buck was surprised to see a group of people there when they weren't before. Even at this distance, Buck could see their exhaustion and fear, even as they huddle together. Even if what that man said was true, this group is too small so there might be more people somewhere. Buck returned his attention to the man who looked at the three of them with a fiercely protective look, "Their looming blades will come down on the heads of the innocent." he warned, and as a first responder, Buck couldn't let that happen if he could help it.
"A civil approach gets your message across all the same." Dan Heng chided, dismissing his broken spear with a grimace.
"Yeah man, you didn't have to cut my friend's spear in half." Buck added, miffed on the guard's behalf. "Those things attacked us without warning. What were we supposed to do? Let them kill us?"
The guy just shook his head, "It's difficult to tell if you're friend or foe when you appear out of thin air." Okay, valid point but they haven't done anything aside from crashing into a possible temple and well, pot meet kettle? Buck could say the same for him but he can't blame him. Just when he was about to give the guy credit, he said something that set off alarm bells in Buck's head.
"Even without your weapons, a great power still lurks within you." He was looking directly at Caelus. Buck instantly stepped in front of him, partially covering the grey-haired Nameless, thanks to the added size of his turnout jacket. His mouth was set into a grim line, his mind racing. There's no way he could've sensed the Stellaron inside Caelus. A glance at Dan Heng showed the same protective tension. "I could be putting myself in harm's way for all I know." he continued, nonchalantly crossing his arms, "I'd be unwise to not take precautions." Was that a hint of amusement in his voice? "So, care to share the reason for dropping in on us, visitors from above?" His voice dropped into a low rumble, and his blue eyes had gone cold.
No one spoke for a few moments, the three of them tense agains the easy, unbothered air of the man before them. That is until a high pitched voice broke the standoff.
"Phainon! Look what you did again! Taking off only to get yourself into trouble?!"
Buck's neck snapped to where he heard the voice was coming from, and was surprised to see a white and red blur zoom past. When he turned to the man - Phainon, if thats what he heard, - looking down sheepishly at a child in a white dress, and short, red hair with a black hair band with flowers on it. Now he would find it rather funny but what threw him off was the small wings floating behind the little girl's back.
Argh! You even ruined his weapon!" She said, her hands covering her face in exasperation. "Now you've really gone and done it! This is no way to be treating strangers." Has that kid ever heard of 'Stranger Danger'? For what it's worth, Phainon's reaction was justified albeit misplaced.
"I was just trying to fix our problem in the safest possible way." Phainon reasoned, not even bothering to spare them a glance while he talked. Did he think they weren't much of a threat which they weren't but still, rude.
"How is this safe?!" She cried, abruptly turning around to face them. "Hello, friendly strangers! Let's all simmer down and cool out jets. We're all humans here. No need for things to get heated." Buck was glad someone was acting friend though it spoke a lot on Phainon letting a kid do it. "Snowy's just worried you're baddies but we know you three are nothing of the sort." 'We'? Are there more watching them? Before Buck could ask, the kid continued, "Oh right! You don't know us yet." She pointed to herself, "We are Tribbie from Janusopolis, and this is...Snowy!" she pinched his thigh, shooting him an unimpressed look. "Hurry up and apologize to them!"
Phainon softened his expression, "Alright, if you say so Tribbie." He turned to their group, and said, "I apologize for my earlier behavior. I was overly wary because the three of you landed in this tumultuous region. It put me on high alert." he explained smoothly.
"You knew that, we only found out when those statues came to life." Buck muttered under his breath, but curse Caelus and his heightened senses and elbowed him. There was an exasperated look on his face, the same one that his previous team gave him, that 'don't Buck it up look.' What he would give just to see that look on any of their faces, not the cold indifference or disregard. Hell, he did, but what he's doing was not enough and who he is was just too much.
You're exhausting! Once again, Eddie's words whisper-yelled in his head, and he felt the pull of the despair in him stir, threatening to engulf him. It took a lot of work to shake himself out of it, just as Tribbie and Phainon were rendered speechless by whatever was said in the interim.
"Not from above the sky, but beyond it?" the white-haired man recovered first, looking down towards Tribbie who was gaping. Huh, Dan Heng must have told them the truth about their status as outlanders.
Wow," Tribbie breathed, looking completely disbelieving. Buck can relate. "that's something else altogether..."
Oh, Buck can really relate with the disbelief they feel, now that Buck thinks about it, it hasn't even been a week since he learned about the wider universe. "It really is. Every time Chris-" he floundered for a moment, his mind drifting to the times he brought Chris to the Griffith Observatory to check out the space exhibit. He really missed that kid like a limb. "I mean 'I' went to an observatory, I always thought we might not be alone, that there was life among the stars." he chuckled, "I just didn't expect it to come knocking at my front door." There was a rueful smile on his face, plus he heard Caelus snicker at his words.
"Whoa, lucky you met us then." Uh, I beg your pardon, Buck thought, because that was not what he expected any of them to say.
"What do you mean?"
"She means you're lucky because we won't hurt you." the white-haired man clarified, and the look on his face and the firmness of his words made it clear that to Phainon, he and Tribbie were the least dangerous individuals they could meet. Buck only had to look around, at the scattered remains of the stone warriors, how they just came back, and how they seemed to heal in spite of how many hits they took. Not to mention whatever shot down their train car.
Phainon's gaze was then to the refugees behind them, his expression pained, "Let's talk somewhere else. You've seen it first hand. It isn't safe out here. As you saw, there are refugees that haven't been freed from the temple." His expression hardened and Buck felt the hairs at the back of his head stand on end. "We're here to rescue and escort them to the holy city, Okema. They're the reason why I had to be absolutely sure you were not here with ill-intent and why I wanted to put away your weapons. If something were to occur, they would have no way of protecting themselves." Can't really argue with that logic, and Buck can understand him. However, like Dan Heng said earlier, a civil approach would have gotten the point across.
Phainon then properly introduced himself, looking earnest and sincere. Dan Heng went next, motioning to Caelus to introduce himself. "I'm the Galactic Baseballer who's missing a baseball bat." Caelus said cheekily.
"Baseball bat?" Phainon asked, confused as he took a look at the thing in his hand. "Oh, you mean this marvel of a weapon?" A mischievous grin crept on his face. "Sorry, but why don't you tell me your name before I return your weapon to you?"
Caelus sighed as his would-be game was over before it started, and just told Phainon his name. Nodding, the white-haired man turned his blue eyes to Buck, "And you, what's your name?"
Normally, Buck would have been cocky, even a tad flirty, but he remembered how that worked out the first time that happened. No, he won't let the shadow of Buck 1.0 taint who he is now. "Im Evan Buckley, though I prefer you call me 'Buck', instead."
There's a warm smile on Phainon's face, "Friction really dows spark friendships, huh?" Oh, boy that's an opening for an innuendo, but Buck congratulates himself on his restraint and is glad for the lowered tension. Phainon hands them back their weapons with ease while Tribbie returns Dan Heng's spear and then proceeds to pin the blame on Phainon (rightly so).
"Guess I'll have to treat Chartonus to some drinks for the effort." What has that got to do with a spear?
"We've just arrived and still have many questions. If you two can ensure our safety, traveling together would certainly be the best choice. Please lead the way." Dan Heng suggests, dismissing his spear with a wave as Caelus dows the same with his spear. Seriously, Buck needs to know how to do that with his axe.
They let Phainon and Tribbie go ahead of them, and the two start coaxing and guiding the refugees into the temple in front of them. Buck wants to help, but the locals might not like some guy who's not from Amphoreus getting anywhere near them, much less looking out for them in case of injuries.
"What do you two think of the situation?" Dan Heng asked now that the three of them are more or less alone.
Caelus frowns, "I have some questions. What about you, Buck?"
"Same," the ex-firefighter shrugged, "though I don't know where to start."
Caelus shot him a sympathetic look before turning to Dan Heng, "Don't you think their timing was exactly when we needed help?"
The guard nodded, "Yes, the timing is suspect too. The spear that destroyed our car was definitely man-made." A look of concern crept up on his face, "I suspect they might have staged the encounter..." He trailed off for a moment, just long enough for Buck to point out that the refugees looked too spooked and injured to be faking it. Dan Heng nodded at that assessment, "They're clearly not pretending. FOr now, its reasonable to assume they're not on the same side as the attackers."
"Speaking of those two," Caelus started, "Phainon and Tribbie. Now that I think about it, something's off about them. Especially Phainon, he's more than meets the eye."
"I agree." Dan Heng added, "To disarm you in a flash and even snap my spear. He's no ordinary person."
"He definitely isn't." Buck supplied, crossing his arms. When confronted by their inquisitive looks, Buck clarified: "He said he sensed a great power while looking directly at you, Caelus. Could he sense the Stellaron?"
That placed a grimace on both Nameless.
"That does add to the mistery, It's something to keep in mind when dealing with them." Dan Heng warned.
"On the matter of dealing with them, how is it even remotely possible that we share a common language?" Caelus asked, and it dawned on Buck that they were able to understand each other.
"Could they have Synesthesia Beacons, somehow?" Its the only logical explanation, Buck thought.
"Maybe, but at this point it's just conjecture." the guard shook his head, "We can find out more if we stay close, come on."
They slowly made their way up to the temple, pushing through the big doors that led to an antechamber full of refugees. The first thing Buck notices was that there were more than he expected. Some were bloodied and ragged. Buck wanted to help them but they need more aid than what he can provide, hopefully when they reached...what was that placed called? Oklahoma? Okinawa? Whatever. The second thing he noticed was that conversations that were going on had quieted down the moment Buck and his companions came in, and the refugees sent them distrustful looks. However, in the silence of the antechamber, on the other side of another pair of doors, someone was arguing. "Remember, keep it friendly." Dan Heng advised. They continued through and opened the door to the main chamber, and saw an old man shouting at a younger one.
"Virtus!" The older guy cried out, he wore a grey toga-like robe and had a red sash over it. On his face he had a beard and grey hair, and his posture was nearly hunched over. "You acted on your own to ask the Chrysos Heirs for help?! To be bring us to their so-called holy city no less! We are priests of Janus, born as footless birds - how could we possibly endure being confined to one place?"
There were several things to unpack there. It appears that the young man was named Virtus, who called the 'Chrysos Heirs' for help. Phainon said something about being asked to help so they must be these Chrysos Heirs, if not part of a group that calls themselves that. The old man called himself and Virtus 'priests of Janus', was that the name pf a god they worshipped?
"We've lost far too many to Nikador's forces, Mr. Noldus!" VIrtus pleads, and they now know what; or rather who; is responsible for all those refugees. "I only want for everyone to settle down somewhere safe, and to be able to sleep soundly." Buck can't blame the guy for that, especially if this Nikador is the boss of those stone warriors.
"Lose your faith, and you lose everything." The old man - Noldus - countered, shaking his head in clear disappointment. "Do you seriously think you can seek shelter in Okhema?" All right, not Oklahoma or Okinawa, but Okhema. "Nowhere is safe with the end times looming!"
END TIMES??
There was a moment of tense silence between the two priests, both of them just staring at each other. In this ruined main hall, with both sides believing they are making the right choice for their people, with a literal chasm between them. Oddly, it reminds Buck of him and Bobby. God, he misses his captain, but the thoughts of Bobby are pushed to the wayside when Noldus looks away first. "I've said my piece." The old priest sighs and turns around, "Leave if that's what you want. Everyone else is staying at the temple, where we enjoy the protection of Janus, the Gate of Infinity."
Phainon stepped forward, urging Noldus to not be hasty but the elder declined, telling the Chrysos Heir to respect their choice. Noldus left, disappearing deeper into the temple without looking back.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, esteemed Chrysos Heir." Virtus sagged in defeat, and Buck could see the sadness in his eyes. But it wasn't there long when the priest's attention turned to the Nameless, replaced with wary confusion and curiosity as he regards them. "These three with you are..."
"Travelers from afar." Phainon interjected, "They are also headed for the holy city. If memory serves me right you are...Virtus? Please call me Phainon. What was that just now?" The white-haired Chrysos Heir just flashed a smile and Virtus looked awed and humbled. Smooth, Phainon. Smooth.
"Its an honor you remember me, Phainon." Virtus said, bowing his head a bit. "We are priests from Janusopolis. Armies of the Strife Titan destroyed our home, forcing us to flee across many lands until we arrived here." his face turned pained with grief, "A few days ago, I watched another companion fall to those monsters, and I was shattered." Virtus took a deep breath to calm himself down. "I offered a prayer to Okhema, thinking the answer would take time at least enough for me to convince Mr. Noldus. I didn't expect your arrival to be so swift."
"Every place has its fair share of troubles." Caelus offered, sending an understanding smile towards the young priest.
"Speaking of trouble," Buck prompted, a pensive look on his face. "Your ride is here. Why is no one moving out?"
A sad smile graced Virtus' lips, "The others believe that Janus would keep them safe and some of them are adamant thit will hold. Some are just scared that leaving will leave them open to attack, and Nikador's warriors will slaughter them to the last."
Buck nods, he understands that fear and uncertainty can cloud one's judgement. He's seen what it did to Bobby, even to himself. They both let their fears and uncertainty get the better of them. Thinking back to Noldus and Virtus' argument, the ex-firefighter can empathize with the elder, but as he inspects the temple's crumbling walls, the ruined statues and derelict columns, Virtus was right to call for help. Taking a chance at survival is better than an assured death. This place has long lost the protection of whatever god this was dedicated to.
"The elder just now spoke of the 'end times' and claimed no place in Amphoreus is safe." Dan Heng said, "What did he mean by that?"
Now Virtus' face showed he was really confused, "Excuse me, sir? Everyone knows about the prophecy. How is it that you-"
"Virtus, right now we must focus on convincing Mr. Noldus to return." Phainon headed off that potential problem, "The Abyss is swarming with fierce enemies, and they have no way to defend themselves, leaving them vulnerable to all kinds of danger." The white-haired Chrysos Heir turned to the Nameless, a pleading look in his eyes. "My friends, I have a bold request. The three of you are quite capable; might I trouble you to fetch Mr. Noldus? Tribbie will also accompany you, she will answer any questions you have."
Buck turned to his companions; for him it was a no brainer to help, and was glad to see his companions had the same look in their eyes. "All right, we'll go. If we're to be companions on this journey, its only right to offer assistance where possible."
"We'll take it from here." Caelus answered.
"Yeah, just leave it to us." Buck seconded.
"You three are truly honorable." Phainon smiled, looking rather...touched? "I'll stay behind to guard Virtus and the rest. Go quickly and come back safe."
When it was just Buck, Caelus, Dan Heng and Tribbie, the red-haired Chrysos Heir looked at them with gratitude. "I'm sure you three have a lot of questions, don't you?"
"We do, but getting everyone out of here comes first." Buck placated, giving her a double thumbs -up and getting a wide smile in return.
"As for why we should speak in private, thats because quiet places are better suited for communicating with one another." Tribbie said, looking at the ruined path before them.
"But the road ahead is cut off." Dan Heng stated, looking for other ways to get across. But Buck could see that the other parts were destroyed or blocked by collapsed columns. He noticed that Caelus whispered in the guard's ear, earning a deeply unimpressed frown, but was unabashedly snickering. Ignoring Caelus' shenanigans for a moment, Tribbie was approaching a big book on an ornate pedestal. What was she doing? Buck thought as he stepped closer.
Tribbie looked over her shoulder at them, and Buck can tell she's planning something. "Judging from your reactions, you weren't lying about being newly arrived travelers." she raised her hand to the pedestal, the book floated off it a bit, opening to reveal its pages looked as though they were made of the night sky. "In that case, don;t blink or you'll miss the best part." The air around Buck was electric, with even the hairs on Buck's arms were standing on end as Tribbie chanted: "We, thy humble descendants doth surmount the myriad of passages of Janus, to stand before thee and receive te scales of judgement." The pedestal glowed, and the book's pages turned on its own, slowly going faster.
"O, selfless arbiter Talanton, declare us innocent in the name of the law. Weigh the fruits of the present in exchange for the sweetness of the past." A pulse emitted from the book, enveloping all of them in a fractal aura.
"We summon thee, Oronyx, to lift the curtain of memory," the book gave off a dull, blue light, "Once again, stir the ripples of past reverie." and Buck's jaw dropped.
It was like that hallway all over again. There was daylight shining in when it had been nighttime, the stonework was restored, the tapestries hung once more elegantly and statues once more stood in splendor and majesty. More importantly, there was a bridge now that connected the ends of the hall together.
"This is..." Dan Heng gasps and Caelus gapes, "..unbelievable." Buck agrees, and it doesn't stop him from taking a picture. He shook himself out of his stupor when he felt Caelus take hold of his hand, and they made their way across the bridge. As they moved, Buck really took in the scenery. The bright sunlight did wonders, and whatever Tribbie did with that book on the pedestal. He tried to recall the unfamiliar names: Janus, Talanton, Oronyx and the one Virtus said earlier, Nikador. So she invoked the names of the first three, and Noldus said that he and Virtus were priests of Janus. Buck's gonna go out on a limb and suspect that those were the names of Amphoreus' gods.
And that means that the one currently causing problems; Nikador the Strife Titan if he remembered correctly, is a god.
Buck's really over his head this time, but he has no one else to trust but himself, Caelus, and Dan Heng. That's enough. Its got to be enough.
He was about to whisper in his companions' ear about his findings when the surroundings flickered, the hall returning to its decrepit state as they stepped foot in the middle of the crosswalk. Everything went back to its gloomy and crumbling state, save for the spotlight they were in. Somehow, anything under that spotlight was restored. Buck really didn't know how that, and he's not gonna question it. They managed to make it to the other end of the hall when the spotlight finally gave out, and Buck found it weird that while in the radius of the light, there were things that were partially there, like someone had sawed off parts of benches and books, or saw the floor look swept up and clean while others were crusted with dust.
Tribbie stopped just short of a staircase and turned to them, "Amazing, isn't it? Now that we're here, we can speak in peace." but looking around, she soon frowned. "But why does it feel a little too quiet?"
She's right, Noldus intimated that there were more people deeper in the temple. They should have seen others on this end of the hall.
Tribbie made her way up the stairs to the big doors, prompting Buck and the others to follow after her. The ex-firfighter gripped his axe tightly, his shoulders tense as the red-haired Chrysos Heir opened the door. Immediately, the cries and shouts of people filled the air, coupled with the sound of crashing.
"This was what I was afraid of." Tribbie zoomed ahead, her wings beating fast that it left Buck and the others in the dust. They rounded a corner and threw open the door, only to be greeted by the sight of Noldus and his fellow priests, huddled together while a dozen stone warriors started closing in around them.
"The history lesson will have to wait, my friends." Tribbie said, rolling out a small cannon from somewhere and HUH?! "We must help Mr. Noldus!" She yanked a string connected to the cannon, firing a rocket (Again, HUH?!) into the middle of the warriors. Children firing ballistic payloads notwithstanding, now wasn't the time to freeze and gawk. Buck quickly shook himself, switching to his first responder instincts. "Caelus, Dan Heng. I'll get these people to safety while you take those things out." They mobilized as one, and Buck knew they could handle themselves, though it didn't hurt that Tribbie was providing arterial fire with her cannon. With the warriors distracted, he ran to Noldus, who was covering a small girl with his body, "Come on, Mr. Noldus!" he helped the older man up and yelled to the other five civilians, "Let's get out of here!"
He ushered them as fast as they could, heading back into the corridor and slamming the door shut when the last of their group crossed the threshold. But not before one of the warriors managed to slip past the others, a winged one flying above the rest and zipping towards Buck. It was fast, and at the speed it was going to easily break open the door. Left with no other choice, Buck took his axe into his hands and swung.
However, the thing was too fast and swung too late. The winged warrior will kill the refugees, Buck dreaded. His companions were too busy with the rest to help him.
Now its true, you really are a liability! The voice whispered in his head, just as the axe made contact with the warrior's gut, not even a true dent, and he's not strong enough to divert its path. At that moment, Buck felt a true sense of clarity, just as the warrior's hands were about to reach his neck. He's going to die, and then the people behind him. Time slowed down, and Buck's eyes drifted to the small girl, and how her eyes shone with horror. That's not right, Buck thought, feeling cold hands around his throat, kids aren't supposed to be horrified.
Oh, they were horrified for him.
It clicked that if he died, that kid would die, and then everyone else.
That was unacceptable.
He already failed one kid, already failed Chris, he was not gonna fail another. Even if he was about to die, he would die taking this thing down with him. If more people survived, it wouldn't matter what happened to him. He felt the gaze of IX intensify around him, and the darkness crept around the edges of his vision. Buck's axe cleaved through the warrior's body easily, bisecting it and splattering gold liquid all over him.
BUCK! Who was talking?
BUCKY? Chris? No, that's not right, Eddie removed Buck from their lives.
BUCK, ARE YOU HURT? Who was touching him?
Then time lurched forward, and everything hit him all at once. The clarity lifted, and his body reeled with sensory overload. People were touching him; the darkness and IX's gaze lessened. His knees gave way, but someone was holding him up. His axe clattered to the ground.
"Buck!" Oh, its Caelus and he's scared.
"Cael's..." Buck drawled, the edges of his vision becoming darker.
"Set him down..." Its Dan Heng, and he looks like how he did when Caelus died.
'What's happening to him?" A child's voice, and Buck turns his head towards the source. Beside him, there's a small, blurry figure; he almost sees Christopher, but he blinks and its Tribbie, looking very concerned. He's let down slowly, and propped up against a wall, somehow his body feels like it was infused with concrete, making it hurt to move.
"What happened?" Buck rasped, noticing the crowd of people around him.
"You tell us, Buck." Caelus replied, a frown marring his face.
Its funny, now that Buck tries to remember he can't. Its like he's chasing a mirage of it, and it feels like its an illusion. Buck gave up after a few tries. "Sorry, bud. I don't know what happened." he explained. Tribbie had a thoughtful frown on her face while Dan Heng's was more pensive. Buck turns to Noldus, "Was anyone hurt?" he asked.
The elder priest shook his head, "None aside from you. Are you all right?"
Buck shrugged, slowly but surely the mobility in his joints are coming back. "As I can be. Just give me a second to regain my strength and I'll check you all over for injuries."
Noldus nodded, "All right. Thank you once again." He left their group alone to check on his people, leaving Buck with three concerned companions. "What?"
"What?" Tribbie repeated, a look of incredulity as her expression, "That's what you're asking? Buck, you went all...dark."
"Dark?" He said, dumbly turning to the two Nameless for the answer.
"You kinda went all spooky and glitchy there all of the sudden." Really, Caelus? That's the answer you're going with? Buck thought, turning to Dan Heng to here his opinions.
"My logical guess was that you somehow awakened your Pathstrider abilities, Buck." Well, guess that answers that, and Buck spotted Tribbie mouthing 'Pathstrider', her incredulity replaced with confusion.
"Great." the ex-firefighter groaned. "I was able to use my powers and I have no memory of it." Letting that go for now, they had other worries to deal with. He tried to stand up, and was surprised to do it so easily when a few moments ago, his body couldn't even manage to lift a pinkie. "Don't worry," he assured, especially with Caelus trying to tug him down, "I'm just gonna stretch my legs then I'll attend to Noldus and his group." The others glanced at each other before they let him walk to the rest. He started with Noldus first, wouldn't be right that the person they're trying to convince somehow died before Buck could do anything to help, followed by the adults who let him check surprisingly. The kids among their numbers were more reluctant, but Buck flashed his most friendly smile and a few soft questions and answers and he was able to see to them. Just as he checked on the last one, he was relieved that aside from possible shock, scratches and bruises, nothing more threatening than that.
With his job done, he returned to his companions, who were just wrapping up their own conversation. "Sorry for the hold up." Buck turned to Tribbie, "You'd be happy to hear that no one has some life threatening injuries." he said, feeling a sense of contentment he hasn't felt in a while. It was good to be on the field again, helping people. The only thing missing was the 118, but they've made their opinion on his place in their lives clear. He'll mourn the family he lost, that's not going away, but it seems with the Astral Express, he might find a new one.
Back to the matters at hand, Tribbie sagged with relief. "Thank you, Buck. It's nice to know they're okay." she said, her wings fluttering a bit. "I'll try to convince him now. Buck, Dan Heng and Caelus want to talk to you." She trots along, and Buck turns to the two, confused.
"What's the matter, guys?"
"How are you, Buck?" Caelus asked, eyes roaming over him.
Buck checked all over himself, "You think something is wrong?" he asked, unable to find whatever the trailblazer thinks is wrong with him. He looks up to see Dan Heng looking at him more assessingly. "Dan Heng?"
"You awakened your Pathstrider abilities, Buck." Dan Heng stated, crossing his arms. "Not to mention, you appeared to glitch and distort. We were almost afraid you'd erase yourself."
That would solve a lot of problems for the 118...Buck immediately dismissed that morbid thought, now was not the time for that. Buck tried to mask his discomfort at where that came from. "Honestly, to tell you the truth guys, I don't know."
They got quiet after a while, but in the end, what's going on in Amphoreus takes priority. "Listen, we can figure this out while we help them." Buck advised, holding his hand up to stop Caelus from interrupting him. "I'm treating this like any other call I've been on. Which means we go in and get these people to safety, so right now, they-" Buck waves to the refugees, "-take priority." He lets his words settle, and adds, "I appreciate you checking in on me, but we need to learn more. If helping them gets us the information we need, then that's our course of action."
Caelus wants to object but Dan Heng placed his hand on the other's shoulder. "He's right, Caelus. We know so little about this place, and its people." he does turn to Buck, "However, once things have settled, we will need to check on you. It doesn't sit right that we let you find out the limits of your abilities on the go, Buck but so long as you say you're okay, we will not press."
Buck nods in thanks, just as the argument with Noldus gets a bit more heated. They make their way over when Buck spots his axe still on the floor, he stays behind to pick it up and inspect it. It looked okay, the blade was still sharp, so how did it take out that warrior? He turns to the remains of said warrior, crumbling and bleeding gold ichor. There's too many mysteries and not enough time to answer them. He puts the axe back on his belt holster and is flabbergasted to it disappear the same way Caelus' bat and Dan Heng's spear do when their owners don't need them. Seriously?
One crisis at a time, Buck rejoins the group as Noldus was talking with Tribbie more amicably. "So, what'd I miss?"
Caelus looks lost, "That old guy was being adamant not even stepping one foot in Okhema, then Tribbie says something about her name being Tribios and being a high priest and folds like house of cards."
That raised an eyebrow, "So her name is just a nickname?"
"That's what you got out of that?"
Buck shrugged, "It just means her real name carries weight and that she's in a unique position. That's one thing to keep note of."
Dan Heng agrees, adding "If we want to get to the bottom of Amphoreus, that means we take what information we have and deliberate on it when we're alone. Right now, we need to help them reach safety."
Phainon, Buck is tempted to call him 'Mr. Right Time' because his entrances are exactly when he's needed. He's accompanied by Virtus and other refugees. "Mr. Noldus, I'm glad you're all right." The younger priest sighed in relief.
"Virtus," Noldus said, chidingly. "I still disagree with your methods but it doesn't matter now. Let's put our trust in the Chrysos Heirs."
Phainon nodded, pleased by the turn of events. "The dromas caravan that's supposed to meet us isn't here yet so let's all rest where its safe for a while." That's good, they're nearly out of this place.
The next few moments were just Phainon and Virtus guiding the rest of the refugees to the extraction point. It was a secure hallway that led out of the temple and onto a road far from where they met Phainon and Tribbie. They all get settled, with light conversations among the refugees happen, the exodus from this place has lifted up their spirits. Now that things have settled down, the trio make their way towards the Chrysos Heirs.
Tribbie clocks them and their intentions instantly. "I'm sure you have your questions." she began.
The guard nodded, "Regrettably, our questions are still unanswered, and now we have even more. Now that things have calmed down, you two can find the time to answer a few of them?"
"Of course." Phainon agreed. He glanced at the refugees and his face grew somber, "I see you three have been made aware of our troubles. I'm grateful for your understanding, so in return, please ask me anything you wish to know."
Buck had a question, and he wants to ask it but Caelus takes the first move. For the best, what he wants to ask might be a bit touchy.
"What is this 'end times' people speak of?" Forget Buck's question being touchy, that one gets an 'oof' for subtlety. Heh, as subtle as a baseball bat...
"Just as the word implies," Phainon confirmed gravely, "its the time of strife before the world meets its end."
Buck exhaled, so his first expedition not only started out with a crash landing, its also going DEFCON-1. He really shouldn't be surprised at how he gets himself into things like this.
"Are you saying its your civilization coming to an end?" Dan Heng asks for clarification. Was there a difference? Well, it could be. Just because their civilization might collapse, doesn't mean its gone. As long as someone stays alive to keep their culture and traditions.
"To be precise, its the whole world that's coming to an end."
Buck grimaced. That doesn't bode well, so what the hell are they gonna do? Glancing at Caelus, who looks to be looking at Dan Heng, then to him, they might have the same thoughts running around their heads nut are keeping it to themselves for the moment. Good idea, best not to promise what he can't deliver.
There's a bit of a lull in the conversation after that cheerful start, so Buck takes his chance. "Janus, Talanton, Oronyx." Buck enumerated, counting on his fingers. "Noldus said he and Virtus are 'priests of Janus, so does that mean the three I listed out are your gods?"
"Yes." Phainon answered immediately. "The ancient gods of Amphoreus, once worshipped by humanity they now stand as their enemies."
From a world ending to enemy gods, at least its not a Lord Ravager. Buck thought, scratching the back of his neck. "And Nikador is one too?"
Tribbie nodded, "Yes, their forces are the stone warriors that you have encountered."
"But how do you all fit in all this?" Caelus interjected, his brow furrowed. "They called you 'Chrysos Heirs.' Who and What are they?
"The prophetic Deliverers." Phainon said, a rueful smile on his face. "With golden blood coursing through their veins." That was a whole lot of words but no context at all.
"What was that miracle performed earlier?" Dan Heng asked this time, and was that a twitch on his lips?
The two Chrysos Heirs shared a glance before Phainon answered once more, "Its a gift from the Three Titans of Fate. With their blessings, priests can awaken shadows of the past to alter reality."
Shadows of the past? So its like time travel but instead of going back in time, they just bring it forward or something? Like they take a previous day where it was all intact and bring it to the present? Buck's brain was starting to ache thinking about it.
"You're putting it too lightly!" Tribbie scolded, "Don't make miracles sound like a tool you can simply use at will."
The questions pretty much dried up there, though Dan Heng pointed out that Phainon's answers were too concise. Jeez, really going for it are you, Dan Heng. Buck thought, though he remembered the guy lived in the archives of the Astral Express so he can be excused for wanting more information.
"I'm sorry." Phainon apologized. "Guess I'm not to good at telling stories."
"And a tedious and overly long explanation isn't ideal either." Tribbie thought out loud. "Let me think..." A moment passed before her eyes brightened. "Right! Virtus and the others are priests of Janusopolis. They should be adept at playing the lyre." She took off, leaving the three Nameless and Phainon to go after her. She was talking to a few of the kids before turning to them, specifically Buck, Caelus and Dan Heng. "How about playing a song for our three friends?"
Buck was confused when the whole crowd of refugees came closer, nearly crowding them when two kids, a boy and a little girl sat on the stone window and began to play. Tribbie closed her eyes and said, "There's a ballad that's been passed down in Amphoreus since ancient times..."
Buck knew he couldn't let what gonna happen slip him by so takes out his phone to record what comes next. The music plays, a soft and lulling tune that has Tribbie swaying a little.
Happiness abound in this lush land by gods chosen.
Giants raised the glasses in a toast beheld by the twelve constellations.
Three created the heavens and the earth,
Three wove the threads of fate,
Thee molded life with their hands,
and Three guided calamity's gate.
They declared the world too unstirring,
hence wished endless laughter upon the living.
Thus You and I were created,
with words and songs to weave,
and love and intimacy to give.
Thus, creation was complete.
Who then will bear the weight of humanity's souls?
To lighten the steps of the living as a whole?
Tribbie's gaze turned to the glowing orb in the distance, and had a soft smile on her lips.
O great Kephale, all-knowing father of stature so tall,
yet low does their gaze willingly fall.
With light of dawn heavy upon their shoulders,
golden ichor spills onto the land,
Could that orb be Kephale? Or is just a metaphorical thing?
forming the boiling river that flows
through the legacies of heroes who take their stand.
She ends the ballad with a bow and the refugees applaud. As he ends the recording, he'll have to parse through what it says and what it means when they're in Okhema. For now its just time to wait that caravan Phainon mentioned. What did he call it? A dromas caravan? Must be the creature carrying the carts. Just as the crowds dispersed and formed into smaller groups, Buck noticed Caelus talking with Phainon talking animatedly about something while Dan Heng showed Tribbie his broken spear. Seeing as no one needs any help and there's no danger happening, Buck looked at his phone once again, entertaining trying to contact the Astral Express again. But another name pops up in his head, he promised to keep in contact no matter what.
Hey Carla, Buck starts, how are you? I'm still alive so you don't have to worry about that. There's something I really wish I could show you. Buck paused, recalling the home he left behind on South Bedford Street, I miss you. I miss Chris. I miss Eddie. Everybody really. I know you'll take care of them. If Chris asks, tell him he's never far from my mind. - Buck.
He hits 'send' and hopes, and prays as the dots appear. But when it fails to deliver Buck can't help the sniff that escapes him. He misses Chris so much, misses Eddie but he can't help but remember all the times the man snubbed him, glared or outright ignored him. He probably told Chris that Buck had abandoned them, probably found their letters and tore them up ad threw them in the bin. But Eddie wouldn't be that harsh or that cruel, would he?
You abandoned them. You left them. You exhaust them.
He ignores the words when they come, and it takes his entire being to not let his tears fall. Thankfully no one noticed him, either they were too busy with themselves or they didn't care. Probably the latter...
THUMP
Buck jolts at the tremor, and the refugees shriek and huddle closer when it happens again. The second time it happens, he subconsciously summons his weapon into his hand. The ex-firefighter turns to his companions and they are at the ready, Caelus has his bat and Dan Heng had a transluscent spear in hand. Phainon is at the hall entrance, standing tall as he stares at the open road. The three Nameless take up a protective formation beside the Chrysos Heir, ready for what might come.
But Buck wasn't expecting to see what crested over.
It was a - What was that word...sourpop? No, wait! Sauropod! A real life sauropod was making its way over to them! It stood on four trunk-like legs supporting a round body, and that connected to a long and thick neck that made it probably three or maybe four stories tall. On its head was a pair of forward facing horns, and tuffs of white fur on the sides of its jaw. It had light purple skin, and a white underbelly, with grey nubs sporadically appearing on its body.
"Our ride's here!" Phainon cheered, a wide smile on his face. "Come now, everyone!"
Buck thinks back to what he called their transport, a dromas caravan if he recalls it right so there must be more cnoming. He was right, three more dromas (dromases? Buck will have to ask on the correct pluralization along the way.) made themselves known. The pod (was that what you call a group of dromases? Dromai?) slowly made their way to them, stopping just a few meters from the entrance and Buck took the first steps toward the creatures. If there was a moment he thought missing Chris would physically pain him, it would be at this moment. He remembered that the last thing the boy had told him was his fixation on dinosaurs, before Bobby revealed his part in holding Buck back, before he filed the lawsuit, before he lost everything.
He took out his phone and snapped a picture, taking a step back when one of them lowered its head to try to nuzzle him. He took another picture for the heck of it. He circled the dromas, admiring the way it looks, only to see the big saddle on its back, large enough to carry a group of people on it. He turned to see that the others had their own, which means they can get all the refugees on them and out of here. He smiled, and it only grew when he thinks he saw one smile back. He continues circling the creature, running his hand along the skin, feeling noting but muscle. He also decided to check on the nubs they had, which was curious to look at it more closely. It was on its skin like a wart or mole, but looked like it was a rock that just got stuck. His hand reached out, to at least feel what its like but was disturbed when he heard Caelus yelp. He ran back, heart pounding only to find the man in question pouting, Dan Heng holding his head in his hand and Phainon chuckling. "I forgot to mention: Don't touch their white humps. When the Earth Titan blessed these creatures, its said they stuffed their ill tempers into these stumps." Okay, avoid the stumps.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the refugees slowly mount the dromases and seeing as he wasn't needed, Buck chose to help them.
When the last refugee was on, and that left him as the only one on the ground, he quickly climbed up the dromas that had Caelus and Dan Heng.
"You ready?" Caelus asked, eyes drooping as he reclined back.
"As I'll ever be." Buck replied, his knuckles whitening as the dromas departed to Okhema.