The words cut deep. They swirled around Vera's mind, bringing back memories that would be better left forgotten.
The ship rocked back and forth from the impact of the rogue wave. As Vera clung to the door, she ignored the bruise on her leg from when the wave flung her. She was dazed but at the same time completely lucid. Her mind rushing through all the memories that she tried so hard to stomp down, They all came flashing through.
The peaceful day. The argument with her parents. The arrival of the man wearing a wolf's head. And then the bright light, the light that ripped everything she held away from her. Leaving her all alone.
Despite this, she had still desperately wanted to forget those words, wishing that it was all a dream against all odds.
"Atlas...doesn't exit anymore?"
————————————————
Naren didn't understand the weight of the words he just said. I mean, they sounded completely unplausible to him. Alice told him all he had to do was make it to whatever place the beast in his soul told him to go. Now that very place isn't real?
"So, uh, what's that mean exactly?"
The man had a look of amusement on his face.
"Exaacctllyy aaasss iitt soounnds."
Naren's golden eyes were unwavering. They stared at the reflection off the man's sunglasses.
"Are you telling me my souls getting eaten?"
The man let out a chuckle.
"Weelll iitt woooullldd seeem thaaattt waayy."
Step. Step. Step. There were two other voices Naren's been noticing. One was Vera's, the other was unfamiliar.
As he turned his attention to his right, a hulking woman was standing before him. Her eyes were closed, dark circles so deep they looked like bruises. Despite this, he could tell for a fact she was looking at him. Or feeling him?
'What's up with not showing eyes now?'
The woman had long coarse wavy brown hair in braids. She wore a sleeping mask raised above her forehead. She wore a long sleeved nightgown—evidently white in the past, now grey—with lace at the collar and cuffs. On top of it was a fur coat, one so cozy, that just looking at it was enough to lull Naren into a drowsy spell.
As his eyes slowly drooped he shook his head to stay awake.
"Soren can you knock it off already? Who knows when you'll even get to anything meaningful."
The woman talked in an authoritative but tired voice. There was cutting edge to her voice, as if she hadn't slept in years.
Soren waved her off and began twirling his long hair.
"Whhaaateeveerrr, juuusstttt giiiveee hiiim theee speeechh."
Naren looked over at the woman from the man. His eyes focusing on her fur coat again, as his own face snuggled into his scarf. He couldn't help but yawn, to which the woman clicked her tongue.
"Speech?"
She finally opened her eyes, revealing deep brown eyes. They were completely devoid of energy. As the beady brown balls stared at Soren, Naren couldn't help but wonder if they were just for show. The gaze seemed to go right through him, not taking in any meaningful information.
She clicked her tongue again.
"Oh well, might as well. Soren get us some chairs."
The woman turned her gaze to Naren. Outstretching her hands for a handshake. When Naren reached for it, the sudden grip strength had almost churned his bones into fragments.
"Captain Elara, third company, Grimm Division."
The sudden introduction was like something straight from a drama. Her previous lax attitude suddenly stiffening. Naren couldn't help but follow suit. he lazily raised his free hand to his forehead in a salute. A slight smile smug on his face.
"Captain. Naren, uh, Naren."
"Lotta gall you got Naren. Can't say it's not welcome."
Elara let go of his hand, finally letting Naren relax it a little. He slowly caressed his other hand over it, trying to ascertain the damage.
By now Soren came back with two chairs, this time Naren did hear his steps clear as day. As he walked over, he placed one near Naren and threw the other at Elara—who caught it effortlessly and placed it down before sitting. Naren followed suit.
"I'm going to assume you have no idea what's going on so I'll start from the start. Also you come here too."
Elara waved over at the cabin that she came out. Vera was standing by the doorway watching them. When Elara waved over, she hid a little, but then bobbed out and came forward.
Naren turned and gave her a little tired wave.
"Long time no see."
As there was no other chair, Vera just stood there —closest to Naren— listening to what Elara had to say.
"You two must be either new to the black sea or completely stupid. From your reaction to Atlas, I'll go with the first option."
Elara closed her eyes and leaned back on her chair.
"Thera used to be the first base for the black sea. A place where people can stop by to gather supplies and trade before going any deeper. Or where the smart turned back. Anyways, a particularly big Charybdis—One with a name at that— decided to make it it's hunting ground."
"Charybdis?"
Naren didn't know what a Charybdis was, but he definitely knew the significance of a name. Maren told him once, back on the island, only beasts that were particularly strong were given to accompany them. It signifies a higher ranking compared to the rest of the pack. Typically, these would get another distinction, they would all be labeled as "Feints".
"A giant sea beast. It lives under Thera and uses it's fable to make mud dolls of people to lure in sailors like you two. Though, lucky for you two, we saved you guys after he burned it's tongue."
Elara sat up pointing at Naren, her eyes still closed.
"Well, now we're here—"
"Huuurrrryyy uuuupppp, geeeettt tooo thheeee gooooood paaaarrrtttt."
Elara shot Soren, who was leaning against one of the trees, a dirty look.
"Soren here is the Lieutenant for this sorry second platoon. And here I am, recruiting you for that same sorry platoon."
Naren tilted his head.
"You want us to join the army?"
Elara turned her gaze towards Naren and Vera. Examining them properly through closed eyes.
"Yes. I want you and your friend to join our this platoon. Of course, there are benefits you would get from the government. On top of that, you would be immediately registered as a third class shaman upon completing your trial."
Naren folded his arms thinking.
"Nah, I'm good. Too much work."
Elara cracked a smile.
"Yeah, not many people come to the army after my speeches."
Suddenly her smile dimmed a little. Her voice cutting sharp.
"You're not from one of the First Families, are you?"
"What's that?"
She sighed, her smile returning.
"Nothing nothing. Well, I did want to mention before letting you. As a member of our platoon we will accompany you to the Tomb of Atlas."
"I'm in."
"I'll join."
Naren and Elara turned to Vera. It was the first time she spoke since joining them. Her voice wavered a little, but Naren could see the glint in her eyes glow.
Elara fell into a laughter.
"I don't know what your deal is little girl, but we'll take you to the Tomb of Atlas."
Elara turned to Naren.
"You too."