I put the sword on my shoulder, it shrunk on its way on the air to morph to a normal sized sword. It's heavy but not as heavy to dislocate my articulation, so don't worry about the mass volume index.
A handle flew from the destroyed wall and sheathed the blade, I was able to wear then my weapon on my back.
Maybe I should've thrown it up and went back exiting the room, before it fell perfectly on it's place. "Yeah, that would've been cooler"
"You are abusing it" Alaric, who changed to his suit and already cleared the table, reproached.
"Alright let's go!" I looked to the boy who's absorbed staring at the bricks reforming and constructing the wall. The automatic castle's restoration is convenient for rampaging my intrusive thoughts.
He snapped out of it "Wait wait, you can't just swing your sword randomly at people's faces" as if his sense of proper comport was also restored.
I took out my sword and swung it to his face, he flinched and backed down. "I can do whatever I want, if I didn't hurt you." I answered with a smug face, the smile hiding insincerity that shouldn't be overlooked.
His eyes were fixated on the sword's point, like a deer who's analysing the lion's muscle mouvements to flee on the spot of a fibre of his threshing beneath the skin. He's still wary of me, it would've been strange if he thrusts me blindly after exchanging mere words, words I don't know how to use.
I'm glad he is cautious, yet he willingly came to my shrine, guess it takes putting a head inside the paralysed lion's mouth for him to compel.
''Let me chew them all, let me show them the true beast under the eclipse''. His eyes were still put. ''Don't fret you will not be harmed, I'm a man of my word'' I put away my sword as I reassured him.
I threw the sword in the air "anyway let's go". He, as hypnotized by the silver rolling, nodded.
I halted in front of the exit, the sword spinning on the air fell perfectly on the back scabbard, then I enchained my steps to quit the hall.
''So cool!'' the boy muttered.
"I recommend you go out fast, the castle is already narrowing its walls" Alaric, holding the plates on one hand, tapped the boy's head.
"Wait wait, you are helping me just like that?" the boy turned to look at him.
"Why wouldn't we?"
"I thought you needed some reason, since you said you are not heroes. I see nothing to gain for you in helping me"
"Your opinion of humanity is low, not that I'm human" he lift a finger touching his mouth "Heroes are hypocrites in my opinion"
The boy wanted to defend but Alaric cut his muster "Don't reply to what I said, I'm just ridiculing something" " But of course, he is a maniac, he'll just slash whatever. However,I'm gonna squeeze every last penny you have" He smirked.
The boy stood from his chair. They moved to exit the hall together."You know that I'm broke, right!"
"Whaaaat!" He put a dumb expression.
"You forgot that I robbed your friend before you knocked me out!"
"I can exploit your robbery skills" he gave a solution while indicating up with his finger.
He elevated his second finger grabbing something. "Yet, refrain from robbing mee!" "I adore my sleeve's buttons" he smirked with a slot hint of irritation, watching the golden button between his two fingers. He stretched it towards the boy "But you can have it, I'll merely take your soul in return" he smiled evilly.
The boy started laughing uncomfortably.
"What? You will complete your collection it's a cheap price to pay"
The boy stretched his hand and shown the other button he have "Sorry, it's just a habit"
Alaric took his button back "hahaha, but it's perfect" He adjusted his sleeves and inserted them "I'm already imagining myself rich"
The boy appeared confused "When did you.."
"Hmm" he looked at him while still adjusting his sleeves.
"Where are the plates?"
"They fell and they are shattered" he replied sarcastically.
The boy looked back on the stairs.
"Of course I've put them in the kitchen!"
"When?" The boy exclaimed.
"When you were looking" "Guess you are just drown by gold, but I want jewellers" he put a disappointed face.
"Hey, why did you stop suddenly!" He shouted at me "Were you gonna trip?"
"Nah!" I replied "I was listening to your discussion and imagining your faces then I remembered"
"You remembered what?" They approached me.
I turned looking to the boy then to Alaric. ''What's your name boy?''
Alaric smacked his face in disbelief.
''Mich-aeelll!'' the boy was mazed ''I already informed you of it though''
''Oh! So I forgot. It would be easier to regard you as Mike instead of boy''
''It's actually Michael''
''I'm not gonna shout your family name too!'' I announced.
''I didn't even tell you my family name''
''What! Isn't it Ael! You are Mike Ael, you said it yourself''
''All my name is Mich.ael'' he retaliated
''So why cut it for the love of heaven, say just Michel as the guardian angel, prosperity and rain. You have wind, can you add a Nimbostratus! I miss the cosy rainy days''
''Cut the crap'' Alaric cut off our conversation. ''Tell me what is it, and stop conjuring your ideas behind this meaningless dialogue''
I turned serious ''We should retrieve the Hero's armour''
''I also thought of that, but it's a holy item. I don't want unnecessary attention'' He apprised.
''I was working on the emitted signal, I can weaken it'' we continued going down the stairs.
''The hero's armour!'' Michael solicited for answers.
''That's as its name indicates, It's the fighting gear the hero used to wear'' I answered.
''The gear that is symbol for a Hero! That Armour!''
''Yes that's it, I'm glad I don't have to explain more''
He stayed a moment processing the information. ''Are we gonna steal from the Hero?'', he came to the conclusion of the armour being symbol for the Hero, thus he can't give it willingly. The Hero is shiny, the populace knows him this way, he is recognisable no matter the different faces looking from the shiny metal. It's narrow minded to sum his identity in a breastplate, but people needs a symbol to bow in respect for. Narrow minded people are leaded as mules if you planted the right instructions from the beginning.
''Of course not! If I would steal from him, why not let him help us even!''
''Oh'' Michael lowered his face realising his dumbness, yet he stared at my eyes again and said confidently ''So why not asking him to help us! Did you have a quarrel?''
''Help us! If we were in front of the Hero and we had a disagreement, you will abandon me and flee to him. Maybe he will help you better than I since he is, The Hero!'' I was crouching down examining the pillar.
''Are you fond of me!'' he sarcastically stated ''You want to help me so baaad'' he added in a tease.
I stopped talking for a moment while I scribbled the contours of the pillar.''Of course I will help you'' I answered firmly
His joke was shaken. ''Why? I can't wrap up my hands on your reasons''
''And that scares you I know'' I went to the other pillar and crouched again to write invisible sigils.
''I can't even know why you are touching those pillars in a weird way. I can't understand why there is two people in a grandiose castle on a weird city. I can't remember why I'm here''
''You ask lots of questions.'' Alaric stopped his ringing words from poking my ears further.
''What I'm saying is, of course I will choose the Hero, of course when I know all his tales'' But he failed to.
''Yeah, yeah, all the kingdoms chanted poems for his glory. The « Loved by the gods», «Humanity's hope and light», «Horror slayer», «Chosen Man» and many legendary names befitting a champion. I don't need you to lecture me of who he was, I'm a man of history''
''I'm not trying to. I simply want reassurance, as you said; it scares me. It scares me to be living a compelling life, and to flee, and to flee further entrusting my fate to the unknown''
I got up and took a breather ''You are good with words for a boy, but you rush things, be patient. I'll answer you eventually but leave it for later''
''You can't tell me to shut up and wait''
''Ooooh, that's exactly what I'm telling you''
''Is it that serious for him to need an armour?'' Alaric asked when the boy has shown discontent. He already knew it is a must for that armour, yet he wanted to ease the mood and make me explain the situation for Michael.
''Yes as it seems, I...''
''What? Me?'' Michael pointed to himself interrupting me. ''I'm the one who's wearing the armour! But that can't be, I can't, it's the Hero's armour.''
''And?''
''And I can't wear it. It's a Hero's property, only a Hero can wear it''
''Didn't I tell you I know everything about the Hero. Well, everything you know and more.'' I was annoyed by his interruption.
He was silent for a moment ''Pardon me, there is lot's I don't understand''
I took a sight ''Haahe, It's not only heroes who can wear it. It seemed like that cause heroes passed it down to only heroes by the generations, but anyone who gets the right from the former possessor can put it on''
''But it's a symbol for the Hero!'' Michael pointed to the fact it shouldn't be wore by others even if it's possible, maybe for conflict of identity.
''The Hero isn't his armour, or sword, or power, or privileges by the gods. He could have been the Hero cause of admiration and character. I've learned that in some way. The armour is like a ruff collar the Nobles wear to show peasants that they don't do field work '' I went to finish the other two pillars.
''You calling the hero arrogant!'' Michael was displeased.
''He was, a little.''
''You know nothing about him'' My statement annoyed him.
''Ooooh, I know him. You can't fathom how much I wish I didn't. But don't get angry on me, me not liking him does little to the admiration you owe for him. He was good, he was a hero through and through, I don't like him for personal reasons'' Well, the tales were never wrong, but getting cocky was a fatal flow of his. Yet I find it understandable; give a young lad power, praise and authority, and he will act far worse than him. He was a good lad.
''Personal reasons! Inferiority!'' that statement got on my nerves.
''It's not good to argue in people opinions, trivial opinions regarding other people. I was saying you just need the right to put that armour on''I was glaring, I wasn't mad but we strayed from our topic.
''And why would he give me this right?!'' He put the hand on the waist as forcibly yielding to go back in track.
''No, it comes to be I'm the possessor'' I moved to quit the castle's entrance we were in.
''Oh'' he tailed me. ''Wait, What? You are the Hero?''
Alaric chuckled, I too chuckled from his chuckle. Is he dumb or spontaneous! Burping every idea or question that comes to mind, he seems retarded for other people.
''No wait, you said you are not, and you talk about 'Him' '' he quickly rectifies after deep thoughts ''So why the Hero gave you the right?''
''I stole it''
''You stole it!'' he widened his eyes in disbelief.
''Yes. I stole it. I wanted it to be eternally mine'' My sight got lost in the whitish walls.
''It is a grave sin to steal a holy item. We will get cursed, I refuse to wear it then'' he stopped his walk and scowled, he really admires the Hero.
I stood in the middle of the dancing hall as her silhouette danced in front of me. I remembered the first time I saw her dancing without a sword, dancing outside the battlefield, dancing without her eyes looking at the Hero, dancing with me while my heart danced for her. Her brown faint hair was swaying with every little of her moves, her pale slender hands and her milky figure weren't symbolising a canvas tarnished by blood or giving signs of harsh trainings by a sword. She was the goddess of the battlefield, by beauty and technique, and she could drop me dead by a single touche. That was in the Royal Palace, and now I'm here staring at a plaine wall, cannot hold her hand or grab her waist near. The only souvenir I have is a scrap metal.
''Oh no don't worry, I don't mean that stealing. And see! The first question of yours has been answered. We will not steal from the hero or go meet him, we are going now to retrieve the gear from the basement'' I answered while deterring my sight from the walls.
''You will find some of your pairs in there, pretty boys locked up'' Alaric smirked.
''What?'' Michael seemed worried
''Come ooon, that was a jo~oke'' Alaric hit his shoulder by a fist ''Loosen u~p!''. ''They are not in the basement, they were in the meal pot'' he added with a long face.
Michael quickly distanced himself from him ''What?''
''He is joking again, don't take him seriously'' I reassured. ''We don't eat boys of course'' I bowed down to the level of his face '' we eat girls, boys have a weird taste, so you are safe''
''Hhahe'' he ridiculed ''You got me for a moment, but now the joke is obvious''
I was still staring at his eyes ''Town's Folks who don't talk to strangers, two weird guys in a grandiose castle they can't afford, an empty castle on the side of a mountain. What do you think we do here alone, we even have a Hero's gear; what «The saviour of the weak» wore''
He was puzzled. I distanced myself and opened my arms to the ceiling then smiled dementedly ''That's right, We are the monsters in the tower and they give us sacrifices, little girls to gustate their frail bones; their tasty bones.''. My back arched backward, the boy's image was upside-down, my crescent eyes under the reverted widened mouth screamed the insanity and reasonable danger I was emitting ''They can do nothing but give us their precious children, when they call for help I skin their helper, even their hero turned to a kettle meal''
Michael stepped back, shaken he wanted to flee. He bumped into Alaric's abdomen, his breathing was heavy and cold sweat running from the forehead.
''Pffft hahahe'' Alaric couldn't contain his laugher.''That was good,even I wondered if the bullshit you spit was real'' He caressed Michael's hair; he seemed as a scaredy-rabbit pulled by the ears. ''Don't worry, He just got carried away by the joke'' He consoled him ''As I said, he is a strange guyy. If we were as he said, we will not have this conversation''
Alaric looked at me in reproach ''I told you not to traumatize the boy, we are in the process of gaining his trust remember!''
'Ahem'' I cleared my throat as I stood up normally and adjusted my hood. ''I know I know, but you started it''. He was silent caressing the boy's hair and gazing to my direction''I know, I know. I'm sorry Michael for this, I was feeling little sad and wanted to forget my mood by you. I'm sorry, really I'm, mentioning some horrors and hero, that wasn't considerate at all''.
His panting cleared ''Why... Why do I need to put on the hero's armour'', and changed the conversation to our initial topic.
''There is an intense ominous aura, I could sense it since Alaric's barrier was set off, it hits now the castle's walls''
He removed Alaric's hand from his head ''And?''
''It can corrupt you, you need to have some protection, and what is better than the legendary hero's item! I can feel my soul getting damaged as I don't have my full endurance so I've already made the castle as a barrier by scribbles on pillars as its fondation, but we need to go out to travel and the castle is shrinking from my previous order'' I explained everything. ''Thus we need to hurry, I can't cancel the order. So let's head down to the treasures chamber'' I turned around to enchain my path.
''And where does this aura come from?''
I kept walking, I walked through a wall; I crashed it. It shattered rubble around my frame and dust rose to hide it. ''You will know eventually. Hurry up, follow me''
''You like destroying walls'' he put a dumb face.
''I don't like plaine stark white walls. I keep wrecking my home but that's the way to the basement''
''You are extra with it''
''It's anti-magic, it's the first obstacle''
''Obstacle for what?'' he asked again, he asks plenty. This turned to an interview, curiosity is good but my throat is dry.
''No more questions'' I twist my head back ''And no more hero coming out your mouth, I don't like talking about him as much as you adore bubbling his name in your sleep to drive away the darkness''
''I don't do that''
''Just shut up and follow me. ''Or I'll knock you out to have my silence back, never thought I'll lounge for silence this fast'' I was standing behind the wrecked wall, behind the 'poussiere' and my eyes were shining. I shivered imagining myself looking cool, this rush I feel, those repulsive thoughts, my memories are lacking for I to act wiser.
But he will mumble 'hero, hero' in his sleep, I will not be pleased by that. I can't konock him off.