Vladimir and Ivan stood in the open streets, yet there wasn't anyone around. The two were relaxed, relieved that everything went so well. After such a stressful mission, things being simple was a nice reward.
They leaned against a wall next to a river, the sound of flowing water was soothing, it felt like a heavy weight left them. Vladimir stared at the water as it swam, while Ivan stared upwards, his eyes unfocused.
Ivan tilted his head to the side "It's a relief isn't it? Finally we're done with dealing with annoying people"
Vladimir nodded as he leaned his head against the wall behind him "Yea…I'm exhausted, do we have any more steps to this mission?"
Ivan shook his head "Thankfully no, we're done, we'll be leaving soon"
Vladimir let out a sigh of relief, afterwards he reached into his pocket and pulled out a box of cigarettes. He took one out and lit it on the box before smoking it, he felt his body relax with each puff.
Ivan looked over and glanced at the box as he asked "Mind passing one?"
Vladimir looked at him in surprise before holding the box closer to him. Ivan took one out and lit on the box the same as Vlad did, soon they were both smoking away. The struggles of everything slowly began to fade as they relaxed.
The sun felt soft on their skin, all except Vladimirs fingers, despite everything they still stung. He looked down at them, they were black and burnt, he wondered how Lev didn't bring it up at any point in the meeting.
Vlad looked to Ivan as he asked curiously "So, do you think Ennzoll could heal my hand?"
Ivan glanced down at his fingers, his eyes widening in surprise as he asks "How the hell did you get that?"
Vladimir winces "Back at the place with the other Champions, my Twilight Core activated when I touched a lightbulb and it burnt my fingers" His fingers felt like they were tearing themselves apart as he spoke.
"Yea…I think that'll need Ennzoll, well I mean, I do need to teach you proper Veles control, so no time like the present"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he looked at Ivan "Veles control?"
Ivan nodded as he cracked his neck "Yep, Veles is the basis of Orders, you need it to use it, or really for anything to exist, Veles exists in every atom in the world"
Vladimirs eyes widened in surprise "Vivillia mentioned Hollow Veles, she used it to heal us"
Ivan looked at Vladimir confusedly as he said "You used Hollow Veles yet your fingers are still burnt? That's not right"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow "How so?"
Ivan shook his head "Hollow Veles heals even lost limbs, burnt fingers shouldn't be limited"
Vladimir winced to himself "Oh lord, I really hope Ennzoll has a way around it"
Ivan gulped "Hopefully, I don't know how many Orders he has or what they do, he's secretive about that"
"Why?"
"No clue, he just refuses to let us know" He closed his eyes as he took a few steps from the wall before continuing "Anyways, let's start with the basics"
Ivan took a deep breath in before stating "So, basically in every bit of the world there are Veles, we call the Veles within atoms Hollow Veles due to it being purely a particle"
Vladimir held his hands up as he asked "Hold on, just quickly tell me how many there are"
Ivan stopped in place, his mouth open without a sound exiting it, his cigarette went limp between his fingers. He licked his lips as he looked away, wincing slightly through his gritted teeth.
Vladimir winced as he took a swift puff "Great, are there some that are more important"
Ivan nodded as he said "Uh yea, there are three main Veles types, just let me finish explaining Hollow Veles though"
Vladimir took a few steps from the wall and stood alongside Ivan as he said "Right, go ahead"
Ivan exhaled deeply "Alright so basically, Veles in the air can be absorbed into your soul, now while it starts as Hollow Veles it can be turned into Blank Veles which then can be turned into pretty much anything."
Vlad raised an eyebrow "Why is it called Blank Veles if it starts as Hollow Veles?"
Ivan shrugged "I guess it's kind of like a canvas, Blank Veles can be turned into any other kind of Veles"
Vladimir flicked his cigarette, ash coming off the end, he smoked another puff before asking "Okay, what does Hollow Veles do?"
"It can enhance your physical body, you can enhance your strength, speed and durability with it, you can even focus it on one specific spot to make it either really strong or really durable"
Vlad squinted "That's the same thing"
Ivan shook his head "Not to us" He sighed deeply before continuing "It also can allow you to heal yourself, or you could combine it with Blank Veles to create Fortified, which is just meant to defend environment from Orders, it's not that useful in combat"
Vladimir held his finger up "Okay so the main types are Hollow, Blank and Fortified" His finger bounced up as he said each one.
Ivan winced as he hissed to himself, turning away with a pained expression "Ahhh…No, Fortified isn't a main one, it's Pure"
Vladimirs expression fell instantly, he groaned to himself "Of course, what is Pure Veles? Is it Hollow mixed with Hollow?"
Ivan shook his head "No, that's Filled, Pure Veles is entirely made of Soul Essence, while Hollow Veles is made from particles that were absorbed, Blank is a mix, though we all do produce the three naturally"
Vlad held his mouth as he looked down in thought "Alright, what does Pure do?"
Ivan crouched down and placed a hand on the hard pavement, he stated with a calm expression "Pure Veles is what you use to cast Orders, it's pretty much used for all non physical things, such as Terraniss"
Vladimir looked at him confusedly as he asked "And what is a Terraniss?"
Ivan placed his cigarette on the ground as he said "Better to explain it in a more comfortable place, Terraniss will take a while to explain"
Vladimir sighed as he took another puff "Is this everything about Orders?"
Ivan shook his head heavily as he flicked his cigarette slightly away "Nope, but it's the basics on Veles, so we'll just need to work on your control of Veles"
He tipped it near the river as he said "Grace Orders guarantee a lot of Veles, so you'll be fine in terms of amount, you'll just need to be efficient with it"
Vladimir crouched next to him as he took one last puff, his cigarette burning out "I see, I-" He coughed out a small black cube, less than a fingernail in size.
Vlad looked at it concernedly, though Ivan didn't notice it "Once you get your Veles control better, you'll be set, you'll be at the same level as us Champion"
Once he said that he flicked his cigarette into the river, it flowed through the deep blue liquid, eventually flowing into the arch at the end of the lake, then into a small box in the side. Instantly the cigarette was disassembled, its matter turning to pure energy, becoming one of the many energy sources for the city.
Ivan stated calmly "One thing, there is a special ability, if you are fully dedicated to something, you'll enter a state known as Manifest State, though it's early impossible"
Vladimir gagged slightly as he responded "Oh, I see, by the way, any clue what this is?" He held up the cube with an eye closed.
Ivans eyes widened in confusion as he looked at the cube "I…I have seen it, I'll take it for now" He held out a hand.
Vladimir nervously handed it over to him "Alright, though what is it from?"
Ivan hissed to himself as he clenched it in his palm "It's…A special type of Zagovory, it's deadly though, so be careful"
Vladimir looked down at his hands nervously "Where did I get it though…"
Ivan shrugged "I'm not sure, be careful, you'll need to make sure you don't get another cube"
Vladimir stood up as he rolled his arms "Alright, well anyways, what's the plan now?"
Ivan looked upwards as he pondered that question himself, muttering to himself under his breath. He stood up and cracked his back before looking out over the huge river, placing a hand on his hip.
He stated "Well I guess we should pick up some food, we do still have access to the card" He turned around calmly.
Ivan walked past Vlad, turning his head slightly as he said "Let's get moving"
In a distant part of the city there was a single small building, it was eclipsed by the large buildings and skyscrapers surrounding it. It looked like just a normal house on the inside, a kitchen, a sitting room, just a normal home.
The door to it opened swiftly, in walked two men in black suits, knives in their pockets. After they entered another man entered, his face held a concerned expression. He glanced around the building as he walked through.
One man spoke "Mr Kruschev, do you have anything in mind for the Cracker?"
Lev nodded "I have an idea, I need to contact the council first" He stopped in front of a bathroom.
He pulled open the door, instead of being met with a bathroom, it was a long staircase downwards. He walked down swiftly, barely looking to the men behind him who both struggled to keep their composure at the situation.
Lev stared forward with a dull expression as he reached the bottom of the stairs, at the bottom was an elevator. He pressed a button to open it, the men following him close behind. As they descended, the men nervously looked downwards while Lev kept his same expression.
The elevator fell hundreds of meters a second, kilometres downwards, beneath the surface. They stopped at not even a third of the way down, yet it still was over ninety thousand metres below the city.
As the elevator opened Lev swiftly walked down the hallway they were met with, quickly opening every door in his path. The men could barely keep up with him, he moved far faster than what they expected.
Lev stopped outside one door, a keycard scanner on the side. He held his hand back, his palm open as he stared forward. One bodyguard pulled out a keycard and handed it into Levs hand, soon after he swiped it on the scanner.
Afterwards he placed his thumb on a small panel above it, it made a ding sound before the door opened. The bodyguards took position on either side of the door while Lev entered, the door closing swiftly behind him.
He stood in front of a long table, nineteen seats across the sides, two at each end for twenty one in total. Lev sat down at a seat on the side, pressing a small red button on the table in front of him.
It made a loud ringing sound before suddenly several dings came from different seats, he glanced around the room, sighing deeply. He sat straight as he stared forward, his breaths steady, though deep.
Suddenly a voice came from one seat on the other side "Lev Kruschev, why do you summon us? You rarely do" The voice was deep and serious.
Lev sat forward "The Cracker has made a dire request of me Mr Invark"
Mr Invark continued "What request? He rarely asks anything of you"
Lev felt a slight pang at his chest as he responded "You're right, usually he asks of the Revin Association, though this is because of my connections at the moment"
"What connections?"
Lev sat forward "I am in a deal with the Champions Of Ennzoll, whilst I have agreed to make a contract with them, the Cracker has…Other plans…"
Mr Invark was silent, Lev worriedly thought to himself 'This is a dangerous plan, but I can't think of defying the Cracker'
Mr Invark spoke "Will this plan affect anybody else in the council?"
Lev shook his head "No, if it fails, the Kruschev Organisation will take full responsibility, you won't have to worry, I have a plan in mind, if you will greenlight it…"
Mr Invark requested curiously "Will this plan fulfill his desires?" His voice spoke firmly, only one thing in mind.
"Yes it will" Lev spoke swiftly, though internally he nervously thought to himself 'I hope…'
Mr Invark responded "Very well then, good luck Lev Kruschev" His deep voice slowly drowned itself out.
Soon after his voice cut off, leaving Lev alone, not a single other buzzer was answered, despite Lev asking for the entire council. Mr Invarks approval was all he needed though, he only needed one member of the councils approval.
He stood up swiftly, pushing in his chair as he walked out of the door, the two bodyguards met him outside, he nodded to both of them. He exhaled deeply as he walked through the hallways, he had a plan to meet the Crackers demands, it was risky, but it could work.
On the other side of the city Vladimir and Ivan just left a building, wiping their mouths with napkins. Vladimir sighed deeply as he wiped his mouth with his wrist, his stomach feeling like it was going to burst.
Ivan looked to him as he asked "Alright, I think we should practice Veles for the rest of the day, we can head back tomorrow"
Vlad looked back at him, nodding as he said "Sure though you sure there are any safe spots to do it?"
Ivan nodded as he responded bluntly "There's a few empty fields in the district next to Nimenica, we'll practice there for a while"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he asked "What's Nimenica?"
Ivan walked ahead of him as he said bluntly "Nimenica is the third largest city in the northern province, behind Viraj and Cran"
He cracked his neck as he said "Though Cran and Viraj aren't on good terms, the Duchess supposedly made some decisions that ruined the stock market of Cran"
The two continued walking, making their way to the west, the city was alive today, there were lots of people celebrating something. Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he saw people walk around with balloons and big foods.
Vlad curiously asked "Is there some event happening?" He looked around the streets with a curious expression.
"Yep, it's the anniversary of the city's founding, they never missed a single anniversary" Ivan held his hands behind his head as he walked.
Vladimir thought to himself 'The underground has been around for as long as people can remember, how long has Viraj been around though?' He held his chin as he looked down in thought.
His thought process was stopped as he noticed a building, massive, with barriers surrounding it and armed personnel. His eyes widened in shock, a tower, reaching above the clouds, he recognised it, the same as the one in the underground.
Ivan looked back at him, glancing at the tower and hissing to himself 'Right, I forgot about that, it's probably a shock to think that he's above the towers now'
Ivan stood next to Vladimir as he looked at the tower, speaking calmly "It's a sight isn't it? Massive, they say the tower reaches from the Flatgrounds to Heaven"
Vladimir scoffed "Yea, like that's the reality, probably just another city above it" He turned away, his veins tensed as he forced himself to look down.
Ivan glanced at him and slowly closed his eyes, turning away and starting to leave, Vlad close behind. As they saw more and more people celebrate the anniversary, they prepared special feasts involving food like ostrich meat.
As they reached the end of the city they came face to face with a large wall, a small door was at the bottom, guarded by several heavily armed soldiers. Ivan looked at them and sighed, ruffling his front hair slightly.
Ivan stated "Let me handle this"
He approached the soldiers with a smile, waving to them as he stated calmly "Greetings, my name is Ivan Piterozky, I request myself and my colleague leave the walls for a short time"
The soldiers looked at each other in thought, one came forward as he asked "What do you wish to do out there?"
Ivan waved his hands "We wish to help get some food for the anniversary, I enjoy indulging in the culture of places I work at, so I hoped we could help get some fresh ostrich meat" He tilted his head to the side as he spoke with a casual smile.
The soldiers glanced at each other in thought, though eventually they nodded and opened the door. Ivan smiled at them as he walked through, Vlad following swiftly afterwards, the soldiers exchanged glances once again as they saw Vlads unusual face.
The outside was an enormous field, trees in the distance, open fields as far as the eye could see, different animals all jumping and running around freely. Vladimir looked in shock at the swarms of ostriches running around too.
Ivan stretched his arm upwards as he stated with a strained voice "Alright! Now I guess we have an activity to help you practice your Veles, we need to catch some ostriches"
Vladimir looked at him in confusion as he asked "W-What? Are we actually catching ostriches?"
Ivan looked at him in surprise as he bluntly asked "Yea? I said we were, it'll look suspicious if we come back with none"
Vladimir sputters slightly but sighs and nods "Alright, how will Veles help me though?"
Ivan cracked his back as he stated "Well, you'll improve speed and strength to catch them, also you can just fire off the Veles itself to knock them out or just get a swift kill"
Vladimir asked "Is firing it off that deadly?"
Ivan rolled his eyebrows as he said "Ehhh, only for weaker creatures, at my level firing off Veles is useless and just a waste, it's pretty much as strong as a Tissue Rifle if you're precise with it"
Vlad looked at him in confusion as he said "Those things can cave an entire torso in"
Ivan nodded "I'm aware"
They stopped in the middle of the large field, countless creatures running around them, though Ivan kept his gaze on the ostriches. He took a swift breath in before picking up a rock, he lowered his head as he took a throwing pose.
He stated calmly "Veles is all about control and faith, you need to be relaxed and focused on your own power, once you do that you can easily use Veles"
He suddenly threw the rock at an ostrich's head, the sound waving and the wind shaking several trees in the rocks path. It struck the ostrich in the head, it collapsed to the ground unmoving, yet its head wasn't caved in, it clearly didn't have a beating heart anymore.
Vladimir looked in confusion at him "How did it not damage it?"
Ivan cracked his neck "For weaker creatures you can channel the Veles so it'll specifically strike their brains, that throw completely splattered its organs and the inside of its head, though it's still edible"
Vladimir held his mouth in thought "I see…Mind if I give it a go?"
Ivan nodded "Go right ahead, remember, focus and faith"
Vlad nodded as he picked up a rock, he took a deep breath as he saw an ostrich between two trees. He rolled his shoulders as he gripped the small rock tightly, staring at the ostrich was unaware of what was coming.
Vlad exhaled with a thin breath as he felt his body relax, his foot taking a step back, digging his shoes into the perfectly green ground. He pulled the rock back as he tensed his shoulder slightly, never looking away from the ostrich.
Swiftly, he threw the rock at the ostrich, though despite it being only a quarter of the distance Ivans was, the rock barely hit it in the head. It yelled out in pain before fleeing into the forest with blood dripping from its head.
Vladimir hissed to himself as he asked "How? I did everything you asked"
Ivan crossed his arms as he asked "Did you? Did you relax and have faith?"
Vlad nodded as he responded "Yea, I think at least"
Ivan raised an eyebrow as he asked "Did you try to focus on the Veles itself?"
Vladimir sputtered slightly as he asked "I was meant to do that?"
Ivan sighed as he rubbed his forehead, stating bluntly "Relaxing and having faith is just step one, once you do that the Veles is opened up for you, you can freely reach into your reserves once you do that"
Vladimir sighed deeply as he muttered "You could've told me"
"Everyone experiences it opening up, I don't know how you didn't"
Vlad rubbed his forehead as he reached down for another rock, gripping it tightly "So I need to focus and then channel the Veles into it"
Ivan nodded "Yep, do that and you'll be able to use your Veles"
Vlad rolled his shoulders and rubbed them too as they slowly relaxed, looking around for another target to attempt his throw. Soon he saw another, another ostrich standing around drinking from a pond without any notice to the nearby yell.
He thought to himself 'It would've been better if I had practiced with a non living target"
He sighed deeply as he took a step back, his body relaxed, his joints loose, letting himself move as freely as possible. He cracked his wrists and arms before holding the rock back, he focused on the Veles.
He felt something within him, not physical, yet it was like another limb he could control. His eyes widened as he could feel it, the name flowed into his mind. He gripped the rock tighter as he prepared to throw it.
The rock was ready to throw, the Veles flowing to the rock freely, coating every inch of the outside. The Blank Veles secured it, it reinforced it, the rock was sturdy, but it was also focused, and precise.
He took a step forward as he threw the rock, it flew swiftly to the ostriches head, smashing into it. However unlike Ivans the ostriches head instead was a puddle of blood, dripping into the lake freely.
Ivan looked at Vlad in confusion as he asked "How did you mess up this time?"
Vlad looked at him and asked "What do you mean? I channelled my Veles into it, I think it wasn't precise enough maybe?"
Ivan shook his head disapprovingly "No, that rock had no Veles, that was just your natural strength, I will say you're stronger than you look, especially with your small arms" He took a few steps forward.
Vladimir sputtered as he asked "How? I felt the Veles surround it, it made it stronger"
"Nope it didn't, you messed up somehow" Ivan shook his head swiftly, sighing deeply.
"How? How did I mess it up?" He irritatedly asked.
Ivan rubbed the back of his head as he stated "Don't know, you should've done it right, maybe we should try it again?"
Vladimir nodded, reaching downwards and grabbing another rock, he took a deep breath. Focusing purely on it, every inch of his body was dedicated to powering just a single rock with any Veles.
He exhaled deeply as he threw it, his target was simply a tree this time, as no ostriches were nearby. The rock flew through the air at even faster speeds than before, slamming into the tree and cracking the slim fibers easily.
Ivan groaned as he stated "Again, we're doing this until you get it right"
Vladimir looked at him in confusion as he asked "Are you serious? Even then?"
He nodded "Yea, though I can tell you are controlling it better, it still needs work"
Vlad hummed annoyedly to himself as he cracked his back, looking down at the piles of rock at their feet. There were countless opportunities, just great, this was going to make it very boring, at least he had a lot of time and no distractions.
"HEY!" A voice called out from behind them.
The two turned as Vlad picked up another rock, they saw one of the soldiers approach them swiftly. Vladimir swiftly dropped the rock as he hissed to himself, he walked next to Ivan, worriedly looking at the soldier.
He muttered "Are ostriches protected here?"
Ivan shook his head "No, I'll talk, you stay back"
Ivan took a few steps forward and smiled as he asked "What's wrong sir-"
"Not you" He swiftly walked past Ivan who was dumbfounded.
He stopped in front of Vlad and stated "You have been requested by the Kruschev Organisation, they claim they did not finish their contract details, there's a spot they feel is best"
Vlad glanced at Ivan who nervously nodded to him, Vladimir looked back at the soldier and nodded firmly to him. He turned away and began leaving, Vladimir followed close behind his body no longer relaxed.
As he passed Ivan he muttered "Wish me luck"
He had a worried sense, this was far worse than the previous talk, was it because it was directly about the contract? It can't be, the previous not only was about the contract, it was also about the amulet.
As they entered the walls Vladimir glanced at the soldiers guarding it, they all looked serious, more than before. Vlad gulped as he walked through the streets, people glanced away from their preparations to see him and the soldier.
His eyes widened as he realised what it looked like, his red eyes, his thin arms, his shorter stature compared to everyone else, it looked like he was being detained for being a Bracken. He let out a silent gasp, though inhaling swiftly as to not draw attention.
Soon they reached their destination, the soldier did not speak at any point in the journey. They were at the bottom of a large tower, the soldier took out a key before opening the door. He took a step away from the door and looked to Vlad.
"You go ahead, they'll meet you here" He spoke swiftly.
Vladimir nodded as he entered the tower, as he entered he looked up, his eyes slightly widened as he saw the height. It was tall, reaching nearly as high as he could see. He groaned slightly until he saw a lift inside it.
He swiftly walked over to the lift, it was open, held to the top by ropes. He pressed one of the two buttons on the edge of it, it swiftly lifted him higher and higher. Only a few moments later he had reached the top.
He walked out of the lift calmly, it lowered back down instantly after he left. Vladimir looked around the top of the tower. There was a large bell in the centre of the tower, railings around the edges, yet the top was surprisingly small.
He walked over to one edge and looked out, his eyebrow raised in surprise, he could see nearly the entire city, makes sense, the tower was tall. He could even see the tower from the underground in the distance, it really felt small.
Vladimir exhaled deeply, his body feeling relaxed now, the distant noises felt quiet, he enjoyed the silence, it was rare for him. He whistled slightly, learning on the railing as he looked directly down, feeling a bit dizzy from the height.
Though the silence was interrupted by the sound of a click. He turned in its direction quickly, however he noticed there was nothing there. Another distant click came from below, he looked down but once again saw nothing.
There was a third click, only a small distance from the previous one, on the top of a nearby building. He could see something from the origin, a small light being reflected onto him, he squinted his eyes as he looked at where the light was coming from.
His body suddenly tensed as he heard a crack from behind him, he turned swiftly only to be met with a fist. It struck his shoulder swiftly, Vlad gagged slightly before taking a step into the railing, barely stopping himself from falling.
His eyes widened as he looked at who punched him, a soldier from the Kruschev Organisation. In a pocket there seemed to be a large paper coming out, with a silent jingle as he moved. He was in heavy riot gear and a visor that covered his face.
Vladimir gritted his teeth as he tried to kick him from the side, though the soldier simply took it in his ribs, grunting slightly, though the armor defended him. Vladimir winced slightly as the soldier tried to kick him in the shoulder from directly ahead.
Vlad could barely catch the kick, its weight like a car, the equipment the soldier had was heavy. Vladimir swung a right hook to his hip, it struck the soldiers hip, he staggered slightly before the fist sunk into his ribs.
The soldier took a step back and tries for a punch, however Vladimir managed to lean his head out of the way, it barely missed his face, only grazing his hair. Vlad tried for a knee to his face only for the soldier to grab his leg, he leaned his body back before throwing Vlad to the edge.
Vladimir smashed into the railing, breaking it as he slowly tumbled off. His eyes widened as his breath went shallow. He frantically swung his arms around in the split second since he fell, he looked in every direction for something to grab onto.
His eyes widened as he realised something, he reached behind himself and grabbed his knife, gripping it with two hands he stabbed it into the wall. He swung with the knife to the railing on the side next to where he fell.
He smirked slightly as he clutched his knife in one hand, running at the soldier who barely had time to react. He slashed at the soldiers visor, slicing through it and slashing his cheek. He followed it up with an elbow to the stomach, causing him to lean down.
Vladimir ended it with a knee to the face, the soldiers teeth gritted as he felt his visor slowly crumble to pieces. He swung his huge wrist at Vladimir who barely blocked it with his knife. The knife took most of the force, though it was too much.
It flew off the tower, stabbing into the ground far below. Vlad punched him swiftly in the face only for the soldier to kick him in the side. Vladimir tumbled onto the ground though as he fell he grabbed the soldiers leg.
He pulled him on the ground and kicked him into the bell above them. The soldier gagged before punching next to Vlad who barely avoided it. Vladimir stood up swiftly and took a few steps back as the soldier stood up too, though far slower.
Vladimir smirked as he looked at the now scared soldier, he could see the greatest strength of his enemy was his greatest weakness. The soldier was strong, he had big arms and heavy armor, but that meant he had little mobility.
Vlad ran forward, the soldier swung from the right only for Vladimir to lean below it. He punched the soldier in the face before kicking him into a railing. He ran to punch him again only for the soldier to kick him in the stomach.
Vladimir gasped as his eyes went wide from pain, he gritted his teeth as he wrapped himself around the bells centre, swinging himself around before flying towards the soldier. The soldier barely blocked the kick and the railing was broken from the force, even if he wasn't hurt badly.
The soldier was struggling with balance, he was almost falling, he barely could keep forward. Vladimir smiled as he saw the opportunity, he ran forward and jumped at him, kicking him the torso and sending him off the tower.
The soldier held a hand out as he fell, though Vladimir didn't give any, he simply smiled to him. The soldier fell swiftly, the weight creating a heavy missile like velocity for him, he couldn't help but feel tears fly by him.
He smashed into the ground, in the middle of the street, the nearby people looked in horror at him. His wallet fell from his pocket, on the inside, was a picture of him, two children and a woman, alongside a reservation for a beautiful restaurant.
Vladimir still smiled even as people crowded around him, they looked up to see him standing, smiling like a psycho. Vladimir face twitched, and it slowly lowered as he saw something, his eyes widening in horror and shock.
Blood, the mans corpse was bleeding, people called out to him, two people were rolling him constantly, though his eyes couldn't stop closing. Vladimir felt a loss of breath, he let out shaky breaths as he took a step back, falling onto the ground.
He muttered to himself "What? What? What? WHAT? Why?...What did I do?"
His mouth cracked slightly as he stood up, gulping heavily, he took a step back towards the stairs, he couldn't go to the railing again. His eyes widened as he heard a camera click, he turned to the side, another bright light from inside the tower, he could see it clearly, a camera.
His eyes couldn't get wider, he nearly threw up, he gritted his teeth as he worriedly ran onto the stairs, swiftly running down them. His head felt like it was spinning as he went down the countless flights of stairs.
He nearly could cry, he could hear commotion outside, people were yelling, he could hear crying. He gritted his teeth as he exited the tower, picking up his knife on the ground outside, his eyes widened more as he saw the crowd around the man.
Two young men were yelling, they kept saying one name "BRANDON!!" Their voices were filled with desperation and fear.
Vladimir leaned back in shock, people were crying over him, others gritted their teeth, it wasn't a soldier he killed, it was a friend. He took a step back as more and more people ran past him, shoving him out of the way, he knew he deserved it.
He turned to leave, though stopped in place as he heard a single word "Daddy?" A shaky young voice came from far behind.
Vladimir held his hand over his mouth, he shakily turned to see a woman holding two children from Brandons body. Vladimirs eyes were stretched, he couldn't breathe, he gritted his teeth as he took a few steps away before running.
He muttered to himself "Fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK!" He looked upwards to the sky, it was too bright for such a horrible day.
He reached the hotel again, it was closer than Ivan, he made his way quickly into the hallways before the elevators. Though as he waited for the elevator to come down he heard a tv at the front desk blare loudly.
"Just a few moments ago, a man named Brandon Schevia was found dead after trying to negotiate with a Champion Of Ennzoll, identified as Vladimir Nikito, he was claimed to have been seen smiling as he looked down at Brandons dead body, we are searching for him as soon as possible"
Vladimir leaned back to see the tv, his jaw shaking as he saw a video of them taking out a body bag, in the back he could see the children crying. He almost began doing the same, his entire face was twisted in agony and despair.
The elevator arrived and he swiftly got in and went to his floor, he held his mouth worriedly as he waited for it to go up. Once the door opened he ran to the room, swinging the door open and slamming it closed.
He held his hands pressed against the door for a few moments, sweat dripping off his forehead and hands. He sat back as he took heavy breaths, yet it didn't feel like he was getting any oxygen.
He leaned his back against the door, before soon falling down and pulling his legs close. He breathed through his teeth, staring into his own knees. His fists clenched before he smacked his own leg, then again, he smacked his head back on the door as he angrily groaned to himself.
Far away, Lev stood in a dark room, observing a large monitor, it gave every conceivable angle of Vladimir. While also emphasising Brandons dead body as much as possible. He pressed a button on a table, turning it off, leaving him in darkness.
He stared down blankly, though soon he heard a voice come through a radio "Mr Kruschev, we've got the magazine printed, it contains the file you requested"
Lev pressed a button on the radio as he responded "Perfect, this will satisfy him"
The magazine was swiftly brought to shelves, only twenty minutes after Brandons death. At the end it gave a specific contract, a contract advising the Champions to go to Viraj, signed by Herbert Smith, the Duke of Crans west side.
Lev couldn't help but smirk, he not only had tarnished the Champions, he had dealt damage to Crans reputation, their economy would suffer. The papers on Brandon were both the contract between the Champions and Lev and the same recommendations from Herbert.
The contract between the Champions and Lev were specifically a bit leaned in the Organisations favour purposefully. It would give off the impression that Vladimir was unhappy with the contract and resorted to violence.
He further emphasised it with the new broadcast, stating Vladimir was actually a Bracken who was wrongly brought in to the city and was treated with respect yet returned none. Lev chuckled to himself as he sat down in his dark room, he had won, against the Champions
Ivan felt a sudden chill go down his neck, he had amassed a large amount of ostrich meat, pristine and clean. Though the ones still around were irritating him with their yelps, he didn't want to cull too many but they were getting on his nerves.
He held his neck nervously, the chill still remaining, he looked down without moving. Soon after his eyes widened as he felt a vibration in his pocket, he reached into it and pulled out his phone, a large and blue steel device.
Ivans eyes slowly widened as he looked at his phone, the ostriches didn't seem like such a problem anymore, he gritted his teeth in shock and fear. He swiftly turned back to the walls and ran across the long field in only a few moments, covering hundreds of metres in a second.
He slammed open the door as he took heavy breaths, his whole body tense, the moment he opened the door he heard a voice from the soldiers radios. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he could tell it was bad.
The soldiers turned to him and one by one held their weapons high, Ivan inhaled deeply as he saw them ready themselves. One soldier stood in front of him, his heavy rifle tight in his hands, one with a small magazine but heavy bullets.
The soldier stated firmly "Ivan Piterozky, you are being detained, you shall come with us, you will not speak or attempt to run" He tightened his grip on the rifle.
Ivan scoffed under his breath, though he sighed deeply, slowly raising his arms upwards. He held his arms up as the soldiers surrounded him, slowly walking him off. Ivan stared forward, cursing under his breath, wondering where Vlad was.
Ivan walked back with the soldier who didn't speak to him, Ivan understood as he kept his head straight. He could hear people around him, they were pointing at him, sneering their words. The weight of Vladimir actions were like a mountain.
The soldier did nothing, didn't even seem phased when he was being yelled at. Even when someone threw an apple at his head, it broke to pieces on in his hair, yet neither him or the soldier reacted.
As he reached the hotel the soldier pushed him through the doors, stating "You better go back, if I catch you out here I have permission to have a misfire"
Ivan nodded firmly as he walked through the hallways, people still muttered at they stared at him. Ivan hissed to himself as he kept his head up, he walked up the stairs quickly, going up each floor in only a few seconds.
He annoyedly slammed the door open, stopping in the doorway as he saw Vladimir. He was sitting on the couch, his arms between his legs, leaned forward, his eyes shaking and wide. He tightly gripped the couch below him.
Ivan walked next to him as he asked "What happened?" His voice was harsh, almost a demand.
Vladimir slowly turned to him as he responded "I'm sorry…"
Ivan shook his head as he grabbed Vlads arm "I didn't ask for an apology, I asked for an explanation!" He gritted his teeth as he finished yelling.
Vladimir pulled his arm out of Ivans grasp as he responded "I went up a tower and waited for them, then a man appeared and attacked me, I accidentally kicked him off, then they framed it as I purposefully attacked him"
Ivan shook his head "You looked happy when you were smiling"
Vladimir took a deep breath in as his eyebrows raised, frantically stating "I was caught up in the moment, I saw a way to counter him, I wasn't thinking"
Ivan walked away as he rubbed his hands on his face "Oh my Arca, aren't you meant to be smart?"
Vladimir gritted his teeth as he shook his head "What about you then?"
Ivan sighed deeply as he smacked his palm against a wall "Just shut up already, I need to find a way out of this, even if it doesn't involve you"
Vladimirs eyes widened in shock as he asked confusedly "What did you say?"
"SHUT UP! Let me fucking think"
Ivan rubbed his forehead as he muttered to himself "We have no proof of your innocence, we have no proof you didn't attack, the man died, everythings stacked against us, there's even that contract"
Vladimir gulped as he stated "I had no control over the contract, that's your faul-"
"Yea I get it I get it!" Ivan yelled as he gripped his forehead in annoyance.
He took several steps back as he held his chin in thought, his eyes moving in directions though never focusing on anything. He took another step before falling onto a wall, barely holding himself up on it.
He pressed his palms deeply into the material, his breaths heavy as he felt the blood in his head swim in every tightened vein his skull could hold. He gulped harshly, his hands sliding off the wall slowly as he took a few steps around the room.
He muttered to himself "Give give them-No! If-...No no no that can't work…Fuck" All Vlad could hear was the smacking of lips as he let out the lights whispers.
Vladimir asked nervously "Couldn't we just…Get…Rid of them?" He felt his stomach burn as he asked for an unknown reason.
Ivan stopped moving, his voice silenced, his eyes wide like the sky. He could feel a drop of sweat roll down his cheek, his breaths light and cut off. His ocean like eyes shaking in horror at what he heard.
Ivan turned swiftly to Vlad, his body crooked and his arms hanging as he looked at the other man in both horror and disgust. Vladimir felt a sense of fear too, Ivans expression was not something he ever expected.
"Do-...Do you believe you can always just kill someone to fix your problems?" His voice was barely audible, though it felt like it was the only noise in the room. He suddenly smiled as he spoke with an unnervingly happy tone "That's what got us in this mess fucker"
Vladimir felt his veins tighten as he responded "Do you expect me to know how to get us out of this mess?"
"Do you expect ME to know how to get us out of this mess?" Ivans smile was unwavering as he let out the swift retort.
Vladimir stood up as he pointed downwards harshly while responding "Yes! You've been a Champion much longer than I have"
Ivans fists clenched as he yelled "Doesn't mean I'm all knowing! Doesn't mean I have magically a solution to everything before it even happens! Be realistic here Vladimir, you killed a man and now WE have to pay the price"
"Oh so you use your time as a Champion as proof of superiority, but the one fucking time experience is important you suddenly don't know what to do? Telling me to be realistic?! What a shitstain" Vlad stood not even an inch from Ivan as the two stared knives into each other.
Ivan learned forward as he stated "Fine, let's do it your way, we'll kill everyone who we don't like, what then? The answer? We're seen as monsters that will kill anyone who gets in our way! You don't think about the future, your mind is only in the past, what about what will happen later?"
Vlad took a small step back as he responded "Who gives a shit what happens in the future?! What matters is the present right now! If you live in the future you'll never experience your life!"
Ivan swung his arms as he took a few steps back "Oh wow you're so clever, tell them that quote! Maybe they'll forgive you kicking one of them off a tower-"
"I was attacked, what should I have done? Die!?" He held his hands up in irritation.
"You have a knife, use it as a threat, scare him off" Ivan squealled to him annoyedly.
Vlad pinched his fingers together as he responded "What the hell do you think I did? He didn't back off, in fact, he was more aggressive!"
"Oh my lord, you could've apprehended him, got him down, done ANYTHING else" He rolled his eyes as he spoke "but no, you just wanted to take another life to further your ow-"
Vlad jabbed his finger into Ivans shoulder as he shouted "You think I wanted this? You think I ever wanted to be a Champion? You got a choice, I didn't, it was this or die, you had an opportunity, I've gone from a gambling addict to a slave of god"
"Oh don't give me that shit, oh wow you had a shitty life, guess what? So did I! I became a Champion because I would've died on my own, How would you expect a twelve year old to survive alone in a battlefield!"
Ivans eyes shook as he felt like he could cry, Vlad felt a sharp jab in his heart as he Ivan stared him in the eyes. Vlad took a step away as he stared down, he took a deep breath before turning away and beginning to walk off.
Ivan yelled "Where are you off to?" His voice croaky at this point.
Vlad stated firmly "Fixing this" He glanced at Ivan over his shoulder
He stormed out of the door swiftly, leaving Ivan in confusion as he stared forward. Vladimir swiftly went down the stairs, hearing mutters all around him, people looking at him. He gritted his teeth and lowered his head, everyone knew already.
It was only a matter of time until he got attacked, he needed to move as quickly as possible. He swiftly left the entrance, noticing another attendant at the counter, he looked nearly identical to the one from before, the one that nearly shot him.
He held his forehead tightly, looking forward nervously as he walked out the building. The moment he left we was met with countless people walking around, he winced slightly before running into an alleyway, leaning on a wall as he walked far away.
He stuck to the tight area, rats running around him, it was the closest he was to the underground. He stopped suddenly, this place, he truly never belonged there at any time, he leaned his head against a wall.
He gritted his teeth as he hissed to himself "Fuck…"
"Hey, don't break your skull this soon" A voice spoke out annoyedly.
Vlads eyes widened in shock as he turned to the origin of the voice, he recognised it yet it was still a surprise. Ivan had his arms crossed, he looked at Vladimir in anger. Vlad returned a look of annoyance.
Ivan barked "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to Lev"
Ivan fake chuckled as he stated "Like hell you are, you want to get shot? They won't let you near him, it was his plan all along"
Vladimir gritted his teeth as he muttered "I know that, but he also has the proof, if we can get him to come out with the truth, then maybe thin-"
Ivan shook his head dramatically "Oh you didn't actually say that, that's not true, no way you think this is some stupid fairy tale"
He smacked his hands lifelessly by his sides "We can't do this, this is out of our control at the minute" He waved his arms with every word.
Vladimir looked at down as he yelled "You aren't even listening to me, just listen for onc-"
"I don't fucking care what you're going to say, it's going to be stupid!" He looked down annoyedly.
Vladimir shrugged harshly "As if you're coming up with anything better!" He took a thin breath through his teeth.
Ivan shook his head "Oh don't give me that, you're acting like a child, you're like a thirteen year old, wouldn't you know it, I never got to experience that time, you did, lucky you!" He feigned a smile and positive tone at the end.
Vladimir took a step closer as he stated "Are you acting like I had an easy life? That my life was something you do on the dai-"
Ivan pressed a finger on Vlads lips as he stated "Yes, I am, you're life is a tuesday for me"
He looked down at him irritatedly, which Vladimir returned. The two stood in place, staring at each other in silence. Vladimir scoffed as he lowered his head, Ivan continued staring at him with a look of superiority.
He shook his head disappointedly "You can't even look at me for ten seconds, that's sad if anything"
Vladimir gritted his teeth "Are you just making fun of me now?!? We have a huge problem here and you're acting like a bitch!"
Ivan smiled as he asked "Oh I'm the bitch? Not the one acting like a child constantly, the one who might end the Champions on his third fucking day being one? And I'M the bitch!?!" He pressed his hands against his chest.
Vladimir nodded "Yes, yes you are, you're acting like I never struggled in life, I never had a problem just because you had things badl-"
Ivan stated irritatedly "Same thing again and again, you're just like Xeiemia" Vlads eyes widened slightly "You're both shitty, I guess it was a good idea to have her be your guide, can't have her corrupting someone worthwh-"
Vlad punched him in the cheek, Ivan staggered back, his head lowered, Vladimir looked at him with rage in his crimson eyes, the veins in his eyes flared as his teeth gritted. He took a step towards Ivan who covered his head in silence.
He yelled as harshly as he could, rage he never knew before emerging from his lungs "SHUT UP, JUST SHUT UP! You never even knew her" His voice cracked, his vocal cords tearing but he continued regardless "Have you tried to talk to her? NO! You believe you're so superior because you're just this stronger Champion, you are insufferable! A bastard who thinks he's the one in right all along, not acknowledging mistakes!"
Vladimir gritted his teeth as he took a step right in front of Ivan "Look at me! Look at me! I SAID LOOK AT ME FUCKER" He grabbed Ivans jacket as he pulled him closer to him.
In that moment Ivan grabbed Vlads arm and pulled him down before kneeing him the chest, then he slammed his elbow into his torso and slammed him into a wall. The wall crumbled as Vladimir let out a gasp of pain, his bones feeling like they were crushed.
"I DON'T NEED TO LISTEN TO SOME BRACKEN WITH THE NIKITO NAME!" Ivans eyes were as wide as they could be, his teeth gritted, his voice cracked and out of breath.
Ivans face was not injured, not even a bruise, the only difference between his perfect face and skin was the bit of dirt Vlad splashed on it. Despite this, his face was still handsome and each feature was perfect, much unlike Vladimir's face.
Vladimir grabbed Ivans arm tightly, his skin felt like steel beneath his sleeve. Ivan scoffed as he shoved Vladimir aside, Vlad let out a groan as Ivan smacked a wall with his palm, bits of rubble coming with his hands as it pulled away.
Vlad let out a heavy gasp, his throat cracking as he muttered to himself "My fucking body, it hurts!" He squealed out to himself.
Ivan scoffed as he responded "So does mine, I'm in constant pain all the time, so you think it's easy being a Champion? Our lives are more horrific than anything you experienced in the underground"
He slammed his fist into his own left ribs, wincing slightly as a silent sizzling sound came from beneath his shirt. Vladimir slowly pushed himself up the wall, his body slow and forced, it felt like he had no energy.
Vlad gagged to himself, gripping his throat painfully, he winced slightly as he leaned on the wall. Ivan leaned his head against the wall on the opposite side, looking down blankly. He groaned slightly to himself.
Vlad muttered "You were nice before, what the hell happened?"
Ivan looked at him in annoyance as he barked "You said I was an insufferable bastard, pick a side will you" He smacked his hand against his pocket.
He pulled out his box of cigarettes before taking one out, he flicked it on the box yet it didn't ignite. He muttered silently to himself as he flicked it again, and again, groaning as it refused to ignite each time.
He dropped the box as he said to himself defeatedly "Oh just kick me down again Arca, you're good at that huh?"
Vladimir leaned his back against the wall as he asked "I have a lighter-..."
"I don't need it" Ivan sharply interrupted.
Vladimir scoffed to himself as he muttered "Fine, fiddle with that inflammable box"
Ivan held the cigarette up to his head, muttering to himself "I know that, you can't light a cigarette on a box, I'm not thinking…"
He held his mouth tightly as he looked away, his eyes unfocused, the cigarette still tight between his fingers. Vladimir barely stood straight, his body still hurt, he could feel each individual bones movements, yet he could stand.
Ivan took a deep inhale as he looked back at him, asking harshly "What's your goal with the Champions?" His eyes were sharp, serious.
Vladimir looked down in annoyance as he responded "I don't have any, I don't have a goal"
Ivan looked down at him irritatedly "So why are you here? You have to have some goal"
Vlad shook his head "No…I have none, I was just forced into this, I don't know why I of all people were chosen, all I know is that I'm not fit for it…You're right…I'm not a Champion like you…" His head looked straight down, his crimson eyes no longer as sharp, now almost pathetic looking.
Ivan looked at him in surprise, he bit his cheek before stating "You're got some talents, though Orders is not one of them…"
He straightened himself as he stated "Are you looking to live?" He spoke genuinely.
Vladimir looked at him in surprise as he asked "A-are you serious? I mean…Yea I am…"
Ivan picked up his box as he held up the cigarette close to his mouth "Then we're leaving"
Vladimir's eyes widened in shock as he asked "Why? Why are you still bringing me back? Why not leave me?"
Ivan flicked the tip of his cigarette, igniting it, he fidgeted with it before stating "Listen, we need to talk about some things…Just not here, let's go back, and then we talk"
Vladimir nodded, though his eyes widened as he said "J-Just…Can I do something quickly…I need to go somewhere"
Ivan uncomfortably shuffled around, eventually saying "I'll wait here, don't do anything too reckless"
Vladimir nodded acceptantly "I'll be quick, I promise" He looked down for a moment before turning away.
Ivan glanced at him before looking at the wall, letting out a deep irritated sigh. Vladimir took a few hesitant steps forward before glancing at Ivan one more time. Then he started running quickly, much to the concern of Ivan.
Vladimir moved quickly, his eyes staring down in fear, though soon he slowed, eventually turning to a fast walk. He took a deep breath as he held his mouth, rubbing his chin as he relaxed slightly.
Though as he did he heard voices behind him "Is that him? That Champion?" The voice was hushed but not quiet enough for him to not hear.
Another came near it "Yea, they were right, he is a Bracken"
Vladimirs eyes widened in horror, he held his mouth as he looked down, his eyes looking up slightly only to see several others looking at him. People around him, they pointed at him, they whispered through their teeth at him.
Every eye nearby was on him, the weight felt like a mountain, he could barely stand, people scowled as they spoke of him. He could hear everything they knew of them, Bracken, murderer, traitor, spy.
His teeth gritted harshly as he walked faster, covering his mouth and arms with his hands, though it wasn't enough to hide. No matter how much he walked it felt like they were following him, and more were in front of him.
He soon reached his destination, however outside a small group of people stood, their clothes fancy and elegant. They spat with nearly every word that came out, they didn't care at all about keeping quiet.
One of them saw Vlad, his face twisted in disgust as he angrily barked "Hey Bracken!"
Vladimir recoiled slightly, muttering to himself "Fucks sake"
He approached Vladimir alongside two others, his chubby face in Vlads as he spoke "We let you up here, we let you have your way, then you kill someone, how have you not been executed yet?!" He screamed at him, despite only being a foot away.
Vladimir annoyedly stated "How about you visit my place instead then? The residents will give a warm welcome" His voice was nearly a hiss through his teeth.
Another man to his side shoved Vlad in the shoulder "Are you threatening us? Are you threatening us!?!"
Vladimir shook his head "No I'm no-"
The man in front took a step back as he yelled "AH! Get him away, he'll kill me!" He sputtered as he spoke.
Vladimir took a step back, sweat starting to drip down his head as he muttered "They're sociopaths"
The man on the other side, who was less chubby stepped forward and stated "You're a sociopath! No a psycho!" He gritted his teeth as he held an arm between Vlad and him.
Vladimir gritted his teeth "Oh just move, I'm not hurting anyone, shut up already, none of you ever experienced trouble in your lives" He tried to walk past them only for one to stand in his way.
"Where are you going? To meet with your other Brackens to kill Mr Kruschev!?!"
Vladimir scoffed "Lev and I were fine, he tried to get someone to kill me"
The fit man angrily shouted "You're still trying to lie, what is wrong with you!?"
His fist clenched as he got close to Vladimir, his arm raising as his muscles tensed. Vladimir looked at him in anger, his arm tensing the same as the other man. He ground himself as he prepared to punch.
"HEY! STOP!" A voice called from behind the group.
Out of a shop came the same man who helped Vladimir before, he angrily demanded "Get out of here, all of you" He glanced at Vlad "Except you, come with me"
The group angrily walked away, hesitantly and forced as they left the two alone. Vladimir looked at them in surprise as he saw the entire group leave with just a few words. He turned to the man whose expression slowly relaxed.
He said calmly "There we go, come with me, would you like some coffee?" His voice was gentle and kind.
Vladimir looked at him in surprise "Oh sorry, I don't have any money with m-"
He quickly interjected "Don't worry, you deserve something nice today" He turned and walked back towards his shop.
Vladimir walked behind him, nervously saying "I really appreciate it, but I just wanted to ask you to give a message to Vivillia"
The man looked at him in surprise, but soon smiled slyly as he said "Oh you want to give her a message? Then why not do it yourself"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he entered the shop alongside him, though his eyes soon widened in shock. There sitting at the counter was Vivillia, a cup of steaming coffee in front of her.
The man walked back to the counter, calling out "What kind of coffee do you want?"
Vlad asked curiously "Uh, do you have anything that's not too sweet? No matter what I make it's always too sweet"
He raised an eyebrow before going behind the counter, leaving Vladimir and Vivillia alone. She had noticed him at this point, equally as surprised he was there. Vladimir gulped as he sat down next to her, both staring forward.
They were silent for a while, Vivillia only sipped her coffee every so often, its beautiful pattern in the centre barely disturbed. Vladimir leaned his arms on the counter, staring forward blankly, he couldn't think of what to say.
Vivillia was the one to break the silence "So, it didn't go well?" Her voice was dull and blunt.
Vlad nodded "I thought it did, Lev had other plans…"
"He always has another goal in mind, that's just Lev" She leaned her head on her palm.
Vladimir inhaled deeply as he nervously stated "He actually gave us the mission just to find out if you were safe"
Her eyes widened behind her mask, she looked over at Vlad "I see…Lev and I have a…Troubled history, but still I don't hate him, I'd get it if you do though" She spoke understandingly.
Vladimir shook his head "No, I don't hate him, I can't bring myself to, I don't know why" He looked down in annoyance at himself.
The owner returned out of the back, a steaming cup of coffee in his hands. He placed it on the table in front of Vladimir, a small heart shape in the centre, perfectly done. Vladimir looked down in surprise, it was far darker than the other coffee he's seen.
He gently lifted it up and took a short sip, his eyes slowly widening as the black liquid passed his lips. It was bitter, yet, he liked it. The taste was nice, it wasn't too sweet for him, it was bitter and waking, practically perfect.
Viv asked "What kind of plan do you have?
Vlad tilted his head "I'm not sure, I probably need to get stronger to survive"
Vivillia shook her head "That's not what I meant, what's your overall goal?"
Vladimirs eyes widened "I-...Well, I don't really have one…" He leaned on the counter, staring forward annoyedly, this was the same problem when Xeiemia asked.
She traced the top of her cup with her finger as she said "I see, well are you in a rush to find a goal?"
His eyes widened in surprise, though they soon lowered as he muttered "Well…Yea…I have no clue what I need to do…What do I live for?"
"Yourself?"
"I-..." He shook his head as he took another sip "I don't know about that…Survival isn't enough, I…Actually wouldn't care to live…"
Vivillia looked down as she spoke calmly "You could say that in simpler terms…But I get it, I experienced that too…At your age…"
Vladimir raised an eyebrow "You look like we're nearly the same age"
Viv shook her head "I'm nearly pushing fourty" She looked back at Vladimir "I just got lucky I guess"
Vlad tapped the table as he asked "I see…I guess that's nice…" He rubbed his own face slightly, the uneven features feeling rough under his fingers.
Vivillia asked "Are you going back to your Champion base?"
Vlad nodded "Yea…I am…You?"
The two sat in silence for a moment, their coffee sizzling with smoke rising from the dark liquid. Both their bitter and dark drinks seemed insignificant in their minds, instead they both just stared forward without a thought.
Eventually Viv picked up her coffee, stating calmly "I'm going back to the underground" She took a short sip before placing it back down.
Vlad looked at her in surprise as he asked "Why? Why would you go back?"
"I don't have anything left here, I might be able to continue being a thief, but that would only happen in the underground" Viv tapped the side of her cup as she finished.
She sighed as she lowered her head "Well, I actually doubt it would work out, I'm probably gonna need to get to work somewhere else"
Vlad asked without looking to her "Like what?"
Vivillia held her hand to her face, taking a deep breath as she grasped something and placed it on the counter. She leaned her head on her hand as she looked at Vladimir, poking him in the side to get his attention.
He turned confusedly, though it soon turned to shock and surprise. She wasn't wearing her mask, she had taken it off. Vivillia's face was nearly perfectly done, each feature matching against each other perfectly, aside from her eyes which were too sharp.
She smiled as she said "Well, I think there really is only one way I can make a living"
Her smile was fake, she knew what she needed to do, it wasn't nice, but what other choice did she have? Vivillia looked down at the counter with a low expression, her eyes had a feel of resignment.
Vivillia said "In time I might make enough to get a Ark, then I can actually live in this place"
Vladimir looked down as he said bluntly "You'll die of an STD before then"
Vivillia nodded solemnly and defeatedly "Yea…Probably"
She looked at her coffee as she asked "Do you think it'd be fine if I did take Nikito as my name?"
Vladimir nodded "Yea…Of course"
She smiled as she said "Thank you…Maybe I'll become famous and get a ton of support and clients…Vivillia Nikito…" She had a toothy grin, her face twisted as she forced the smile.
Vladimir looked down as he responded "Yea…That would be good, Vivillia Niki-..."
His eyes slowly widened as he sat up, Viv taking notice as she confusedly looked at him. He turned to her quickly and sat forward, placing his hands on her shoulders as he looked at her determinedly.
"Do you know the Gina Colony?"
Vivillia nodded confusedly "Yea, I was going to go there"
Vladimir gulped before stating "Go to the southern point, you'll find the Alkiver Casino, go in the back and you'll find Carey Nikito, ask him for a job, tell him Vladimir Nikito sent you"
Vivillias eyes widened in shock, she looked down for a moment, then glanced at her mask on the counter. She took a deep breath before smiling to Vladimir, a sense of gratitude and a weight off her shoulders was gone.
She nodded "Okay, I'll do it"
Vlad smiled as she agreed, he felt happy, this might just save her from that kind of job, it made him feel…Good, he helped someone. He picked up his coffee, Vivillia doing the same, they raised the cups with smiles on their faces.
Vladimir stated "We'll meet again soon"
Viv nodded "I promise that Vladimir Nikito"
They tapped the cups together before both taking a drink, for once, their lives felt easy, they could just drink without worry. Vladimir placed his empty cup on the counter, smiling calmly, Viv soon finished hers too.
Vladimir sighed "Ivan's waiting for me, I'll see you hopefully soon Viv" He stood up from his seat.
Vivillia nodded and smiled "I'll see you soon Vlad" Her face was calm for once.
He nodded as he walked through the door, the sun felt too bright once again, though at least this will be the last time he experiences it. He walked through the streets calmly, the people around him didn't mean as much anymore, though he still moved quickly.
As he reached the hotel again he found Ivan standing in the same place, a cigarette in his hand, he irritatedly clenched his fists as he smoked it. Vladimir walked into the alleyway with wide eyes, shocked to see Ivan actually still there.
Ivan noticed him to his side, turning as he asked harshly "You done?"
Vlad nodded as he stated silently "Yea…I am…"
His voice could barely come out, he was thinking 'Ivan waited? Why wouldn't he go without me?'
Ivan waved his hand and suddenly the same doorway as before emerged, Vladimir exhaled deeply before walking up to it. Ivan opened it and walked in swiftly, Vlad followed close behind, the two were silent as they reached the other side.
As they walked back into the perfect environment of the Champions world, the sun was setting, the sunset was like a painting. Ivan glanced at it before swiftly walking in the direction of the main building.
Ivan called out to Vlad "I'll debrief Ennzoll, and I'll see if we can get tomorrow off, you go sleep, we both need rest"
Vladimir nodded confusedly, he was acting strange, though it was also worrying that Ivan was debriefing Ennzoll, who knows what he would say to him. Vladimir sighed deeply before walking away, towards the rooms.
Vladimir entered the building with the rooms, rubbing his face constantly, he missed wearing his mask, though he found no point putting it on now. It was too much effort to take it out of his pocket.
He sighed deeply as he reached the front door to his room, though once he reached it he noticed the door was open a crack, his key in the door. He worriedly pushed it open, walking in swiftly.
Though once he entered he saw a confusing sight, Zheva and Merkolax were sitting at the desk to the side of his bed. The two turned to him as he entered, Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he leaned out the door to see the door number.
He thought it was right which was confusing, he looked back at Zheva and Merk who glanced at each other. Merk pulled another chair out for Vlad, turning it around for him. Vladimir felt a sense of concern, was this about Brandon?
Vlad asked "Am I in the wrong room?"
Merkolax shook his head "Nope, come on, sit down, let's talk"
Vlad gulped before sitting down next to the two "What's going on?" He was tensed heavily.
Zheva spoke with his deep voice "How things been?"
Vladimir winced slightly as he asked "Do you know?"
The two look at him in confusion, glancing at each other before turning back, Merk asking "Know what?"
Vladimir gulped as he stated "I might have ruined the Champions reputation…"
Merk nodded his head understandingly "Oh yea no that's not what this is about"
Vladimir looked at him in confusion as he asked "Then what?"
Merk leaned his arms against the head of his chair "Well we want to know how you feel being a Champion so far"
Vladimir nodded slightly as he responded "Well I…It's…Tough…"
Zheva nodded as he said calmly "I understand, being a Champion is a tough job, did Ivan tell you about Orders?"
Vlad nodded "Yea, he taught me about Veles, yet no matter what I couldn't use it, I felt it work and I did everything right yet nothing happened"
Zheva held his leg on his chair as he held his chin "Can you see your soul?"
Vladimir squinted at him "What? No?"
Merkolax sighed "Yea that's what you're missing, if you can do that then Veles will be easy"
Vladimir looked at Merkolax nervously, he remembered what Ivan said and it made him uneasy talking to him. Merkolax does anything only for his own gain, he doesn't care about anyone else or the people around him.
Zheva sighed deeply as he stated "Anyways, don't beat yourself up about the fight, you should probably get some rest, we'll talk tomorrow"
Vlad nodded as both Merk and Zheva stood up, Merkolax swiftly left the room while Zheva held his hand on the desk for a moment. A dark shadow appeared in his palm, before soon materialising as a small needle.
Vladimir looked in confusion "What's that?"
"A trump card, if you're struggling in a fight, use that, stab yourself, it'll be worth it"
He waved slightly before his body swiftly turned to darkness before vanishing into thin air, Vladimir's eyes were wide in confusion. He groaned slightly before standing up, closing the door and taking the key inside.
As he did so he noticed another door next to the one for the inside, as he placed the key on the desk he walked to the other door and opened it. It was dark inside, but he thankfully saw a light on the side of the wall.
His eyes widened as he realised it was a large luxurious bathroom, a huge bath, a large shower and many different bottles he couldn't even recognise. He looked in surprise, he didn't even think about what to do when he needed the bathroom.
At that moment he felt a need to go, he swiftly closed the door and did his business, he couldn't even remember the last time he could use a toilet, it was always on the street. Vladimir looked at the shower and wondered if he could take one quickly.
His eyes widened as he looked down at his clothes, that was the only thing he had, he had given the white suit back to Ivan. He left the bathroom and caught sight of a wardrobe, he opened it nervously and was happy to see many outfits.
He took out one and went back in to take a shower, it was one of the calmest experiences he ever felt, the day felt like it had been just a bad dream. As Vlad left the bathroom he laid his clothes next to his bed on a chair.
He sat on the bed before falling to his side, his body bouncing against the soft mattress and pillows. He stared forward blankly, maybe things weren't so bad, Zheva and Merkolax seemed sincere, maybe things could get better.
He rolled to face upwards, his eyes blank as he stared at the ceiling. They slowly lowered before falling asleep, without even turning off the light. The time passed by quickly, it felt like he just blinked before he woke up.
He had no clue what time it was, there were no windows. He sat up in his bed, the lights seeming bright, he looked around curiously, trying to find out what time it was. Vladimir got out of bed and went to the desk, sitting down and looking at what was on it.
He looked through everything, there were pages, small notepads, pens, like it was a school desk. Though he noticed something near the back of the desk, he pulled away a notepad to see a digital clock.
It was half eleven in the morning, he had slept for nearly twelve hours without knowing. He got out of the seat, glancing at his outfit on the chair, he reached for it for a moment until he stopped. He turned to the wardrobe.
Vlad opened it and picked some stuff out, though as he was about to close it he noticed something, his Ushanka was hung up. His eyebrows raised as he took it, it was surprising that they actually kept it.
He put it on, he was wearing a black jacket, light blue jeans and two loafers. He walked through the door to his room, making his way down the corridors. He still felt a sense of nervousness, everything from tomorrow still weighed heavily on him.
He scoffed to himself, no matter what, everything felt like a weight on him. People around him always say they feel a strange weight on them too, something they don't usually feel unless he is nearby.
He held his mouth slightly as he reached the break room, opening it widely. He took a deep breath before walking in, the sound of a steaming kettle echoed in his ears. As he entered he took a quick look at who was in there already.
His eyebrows raised as he noticed only three people there, sitting to the left was Ivan reading a book. Next to a pool table was Mirkola who barely glanced at Vladimir, the one at the kettle was a woman in a leather black outfit.
Vladimir raised an eyebrow as he saw she had black mist around her hands, he glanced at Ivan who didn't look at him. Vladimir sighed before walking to the kitchen area next to the woman, she was just standing there, staring forward at the kettle.
Vlad asked curiously "Sorry, do you think I can use the kettle once you're done?"
She was silent for a moment before responding "I don't know" Her voice was dull and silent.
Vlad looked at her in confusion as she just stared at the steaming kettle, her eyes dull and blank, black like her outfit and hair. He looked at Ivan who still didn't look at him, then looked at Mirkola who just continued playing pool.
Vlad asked "Are you making coffee?" He tried to make some kind of small talk.
She continued staring downwards "I guess…I'll bring it with me…"
Vladimir squinted as he asked "Are you going somewhere with it?"
"You already know" Her voice was slowly becoming more dead.
Vladimir shook his head as he responded "No…I really don't"
The woman was silent, still staring at the now finished kettle, the steam stopped coming out yet she didn't do anything. Instead she swiftly planted her palm on Vlads face, his cheek hurting slightly from the fast smack.
The womans eyes slowly turned to him as she looked at him in surprise, tapping his face slightly, tapping his arms too. She grabbed a coffee base off the counter and pressed it against his shoulder.
Vlad shook his head "What are you doing?" He annoyedly asked as he pushed her hand away.
She looked at him in surprise as she said with no breath "You're real…I see…"
She turned away and grabbed a cup, swiftly filling it with water and dropping a tea bag into it. She stirred it with incredible speeds, water splashing onto her wrists yet she didn't seem to care, she dropped the spoon in the sink right after finishing and grabbed her cup.
She took one sip before suddenly her neck was enveloped by a black smoke, Vladimirs eyes widened in confusion as she changed so much. Soon her arms began to have smoke come off, the mist turned to smoke.
Soon after, her whole body was covered in smoke, though a moment later the smoke disappeared, and she was gone. Vladimir looked around in confusion, had she just teleported? Why would she do that?
Vladimir picked up the kettle and a cup, he grabbed a random one from the cupboard, a white one with a small red symbol on opposite sides that had a line connecting them. Vladimir took some of the coffee beans and prepared to make his coffee.
"That's my cup" A voice came from next to him.
He swiftly turned to see Mirkola standing there, her face blank as she stared at the cup in his hands. He glanced down at it before slowly putting it back in the cupboard, he grabbed a blank black one which she didn't seem phased about.
"I would've appreciated if you didn't put it away, as I was going to grab a drink"
"Sorry…"
Vlad sighed as he put the coffee beans in, he glanced at the kettle before asking Mirkola "Hey uh, how do you make black coffee?" He was getting milk and cream out and ready.
Mirkola looked at him in surprise but responded "Well for starters, get rid of the milk and cream, it has none of that, it's just the coffee and water"
"O-Oh!" Vladimir scratched the back of his head as he moved the milk and cream away.
He poured the water and beans before getting to work on them, he stirred them and made sure they looked good enough. He saw the black appearance and sighed deeply, raising it up and taking a short sip.
His lip was slightly singed, but it still was the same bitter taste he enjoyed from yesterday. Mirkola was passive aggressively trying to shove him out of the way, which Vlad noticed and he took a step back.
She said annoyedly "I also would've appreciated you not moving that stuff away" She poured her own coffee and got everything done.
Hers had a beautiful pattern in the centre, the same as the one on the cup. She sighed deeply as she leaned against the counter, glancing at her solo pool game. Vladimir sipped away at his own coffee swiftly.
Mirkola turned to him and asked "Alright, so how've you been?"
Vlad raised an eyebrow as he asked "I-...I don't know…"
Mirkolas mouth scrunched to the side as she responded "Great…Well, are you at least better than yesterday?"
Vladimir scratched the back of his head "Yea…I guess so…"
Mirkola turned to Ivan "Alright I've done it, I'll be expecting the payment later"
Ivan sighed deeply as he nodded "Alright fine, you didn't need to yell out to me though"
He stood up and put his book down, carrying his now empty cup to the counter. He put the cup in the sink, leaning against the counter as he pulled his shoulders back. Both Vlad and Mirkola looked at him in confusion.
Ivan turned to her and stated "You're on cleaning duty remember"
She groaned and nodded defeatedly "I know, I'll do it later"
Ivan then turned to Vladimir "Ennzoll agreed for us both to take today off, let's talk"
He walked to the couch he previously sat at, Vladimir followed behind and sat at the one opposite him. Ivan leaned forward as he seriously looked at Vladimir, his eyes tensed and straight.
"Vladimir, we've had some…Difficulties…You know that right?"
Vlad nodded "Yea…We did…" He took a deep breath "I really…I still don't know what happened yesterday"
Ivan nodded "Me neither"
He placed his hands on his knees "You see, I've been a Champion a long time, I've had to train most of them, I was the one who guided most of them…It's stressful, and it got to me yesterday…"
He looked down as he shook his head "Don't accept it as an apology, I don't deserve it, just listen to me…I know I didn't for you…But listen to me please…"
Vladimirs eyes widened in surprise "Okay…Go ahead"
Ivan sat up as he looked Vladimir in the eyes "I want to help you, I want you to become strong enough to protect yourself, we need to fix our reputation, it's equally my fault, I should've been there with you instead of fucking with ostriches"
Vladimir nodded "How though? I can't see my soul, I can't use my Veles"
"Everyone can use Veles, the fact you've cast Orders in the past proves it, I'll make sure you can control Veles naturally, if you'll allow me"
Vladimir nodded "I…Is it too cruel to ask a request?"
Ivan shook his head "Go ahead…"
Vlad exhaled deeply "Give Xeiemia another chance…"
Ivan closed his eyes for a moment, he looked down "I see…" He raised his head and looked at Vladimir again "I'll try my best…"
Golden City Arc, Complete