The last thing he saw was his small smirk.
"Is this what you wanted? Did you know this would happen."
She looked down at him. She was still in shock from what happened, but at least she could move once more.
The truth was she hadn't expected any of this. Sure helping him awaken was one thing, and strengthening his bond with his soul was another. But the appearance of Frost, the real Frost, or rather a younger version of him. That was something she hadn't expected.
What she did expect was for him to cause a beautiful and lavish landscape to appear. For them to find something there that could be helpful in unlocking his ability fully, or maybe even some information about him or his past life.
But this? This was beyond what she'd expected.
"Not in the slightest. I never would've guessed he would appear. But the fact that he had means I've done my job."
"What do you mean?"
As she began to climb down the steps, everything around them began to shift once more. But it wasn't creating anything, instead it was reseting itself; returning to the void he appeared in.
"The fact that the two of you met this soon means the bond with your soul truly is strong. Therefore there is nothing else I can do for you at this time. But send you on your way."
He was confused at first, but he understood now that everything she did was to help him. But why. What was her real goal? To help some "family member" she'd never met. And how exactly did she find him in the first place, or even know that he had appeared in this world? And who were those shadowy figures that appeared in her domain, more companions. More questions. Not enough answers.
She walked closer to him, placing her hand onto his shoulder. She spoke.
"The moment you leave this space your body will go through a change. It will be painful but it will be necessary. When you get back to your world your body will cease to exist replaced with this new one."
He nodded once more.
"When you get home, send my regards to our mutual friend."
He raised an eyebrow. She pulled her hand away and placed her palm outward.
"Tell shadow I said, "Hello"."
Before he could respond she slammed her hand into his chest. And he was gone leaving her there alone. She stood there, in the silence for a moment. She was deep in thought, contemplating what her next move should be.
"What is it?"
Stepping out from the darkness not far behind her, a lone figure appeared.
"I have received word that lord Icarus has returned. How would you like me to proceed?"
"Continue as planned. There are a few loose ends I need to tie up, then I'll come aid you."
He simply nodded then disappeared back into the darkness. She sighed to herself. She hadn't expected Icarus to return, at least not so soon. She had an inkling of an approaching war, but now with him appearing it was more so to happen very soon. With the sudden appearance of a clan member she planned to request their aid. And with it being Frost it would've been a bigger boon, but now she might have to think of another plan.
In her mind, the two of them alone could singlehandedly end the war. That is, of course, if his power lived up to her expectations.
"So he really is special. I thought something about him seemed familiar. To think he would be one of yours."
She froze. The voice sounded familiar, too familiar. Before turning, she calmed her beating heart. Face to face with him, she tried her best to remain calm and relaxed.
"You been here long?"
"Long enough to witness the whole thing."
She crossed her arms, changing her stance. With her hand hidden from him, she held it slightly out; ready to call her sword if need be.
"You don't seem surprised to see me, but I guess that's a given since you were just told of my arrival... You know I came here to talk about our future, but seeing this, I assume you've got everything handled."
She flinched under his gaze, but kept her outward composure as best as she could.
"Indeed. Not only have I found someone useful but now that you're back, our victory is nothing more than a step away."
He raised an eyebrow, then took a single step forward; vanishing before her eyes. Then she felt his breath on her right ear.
"Our victory? For a second I thought you were going to use him for your own benefit. To get rid of me, maybe. I'm glad you're still the bright star that I once raised. Always thinking ahead."
She responded without an ounce of fear.
"A well-tamed blade never dulls."
He backed away with a smile written on his face. He turned away, taking a few steps, then stopped before speaking once more.
"Indeed. And you seem as sharp as ever... Now lets see if you still know how to cut."
Leaving her with that, he was gone as quickly as he came. She was once again left alone in silence. This one less comforting than the last.
'I will be rid of you Icarus, if it's the last thing I do. You and this cursèd mark.'
--
Scarlett stood there with wide eyes, the man she was speaking to a moment ago had suddenly vanished without a trace. She had no idea how he could've done it. He had only just arrived in this world so there was no way he could've used some kind of ability. Especially since she had followed him here in the first place to try and help him unlock it. Even still someone of her skill would've noticed something.
As she was looking around she suddenly heard a deafening cry from deep in the trees. The animals around reacted wildly scurrying away. Too her surprise though they seemed to be heading towards the cry.
Without giving a second thought, she ran towards the sound; speeding past the creatures.
As she dashed through the trees the forest suddenly became quiet. The animals were silent, the wind ceased. Even the flowing of the water fall; far behind her, seemed to be drowned in it.
She stopped to look around for a moment. The silence was off putting, and yet the animals around continued on their path towards where the cry came from.
She took caution going forward this time. She brandished her blade, as she walked slowly through the forest.
She found herself infront of a group of animals huddled around something. She raised her blade as she moved closer. The animals seeing her cleared a path for her, not sensing any ill intent.
When she finally made it to the center, she found a person curled into a ball with blood splattered onto the grass nearby. Some of the animals were standing over him, watching over him. Some where sniffing him carelessly, while a few were licking the sweet tears from his face.
When she got closer she could see a small fawn nuzzling up under him. Its small horns were glowing dimly, giving off a warm light.
It was comforting to him, warming his cold body. Giving him a feeling of familiarity, like home. Its warmth was helping his body heal from its recent trauma.
Upon closer inspection she could see a slight smile appear on his face.
"Thank you, little one."
His words were horse from before, but he still showed his gratitude towards it. He planted a small kiss on its head, then allowed it to return to it's mother before raising to a seated position.
The others took a step back to give him room. They then looked to her with curious eyes.
"What happened to you? You look... different. Is that.. your blood."
"How long do I have???"
"What?"
He looked up at her. Clearing his throat, he spoke once more.
"How long until I go back?"