Bygone

10

Departure

The blade of the sword was still glistening, its origins and craftsmanship still unknown. Enigmatic, and yet still so appalling. He saw himself in the reflection of the brandished steel, failing to feel as though he was honoured to wield it.

Soon, he told himself.

All this clamour and worry of prestige and dignity was to soon be ridden from his incapable mind. His echo deepened in the deviating metal, staring back at him with a renowned judgement; the question of right and wrong battling furiously in him.

Soon, he told himself.

His every action and inaction, his every fear and weakness, every paining thought, every daring event. Soon, he told himself. Her eyes, oh her eyes that've burned in his mind, that stared back.. wouldn't have to matter.

Soon, he told himself. Soon, it all wouldn't have to matter.

The sword's blade reduced back into the seemingly solidified, blending of fantasy and reality, hilt of the former and maybe the original Elementis Feurno. Marcus threw his gaze back up to the girls and Moira ahead of him, slouching over to one side and preparing himself to listen intently on what she had to say.

The Between may not have been the world he created after all, and whatever additional knowledge she was willing to spout to them could make this process quicker and help him to understand the many minor and major differences that will greet them as they trod on.

"Usually, travelling through the forest ring to get into the inner circle would prove challenging to those inexperienced around the parts; especially for those who haven't even stepped foot in the Between for a night," Moira clarified, the three of them expecting a little insight on the world itself.
"But in the recent decades, the populations of elemental flora and fauna have begun to dwindle no thanks to the Sedition and their Extinction forces."

She made her final checklist, looking through each of the backpack's she had prepared for the three to accomodate them on their journey. It was unnaturally smaller than he thought it'd be, especially with the contents he and Chloe saw her and Jaclyn lay out previously.

"The kits I've arranged include various supplies ranging from medical provisions, almost half a year's worth of rationed meals—which I doubt exist in your world.." She remarked on the absurdity that was all of this.

For a moment, they were again bitterly reminded that they were a ways away from returning home.

"..to more situational equipment such as climbing harnesses and the necessary gear, and Odium culture appropriated fashion along with undiminished currency."
"Whatever the situation, I believe I've tried to account for it."

Another silence struck the awkward quartet, the same quartet believing they were the Between's final chance at bringing amends to the corrupted world.

Chloe tried her best not to turn to face Marcus, finding an odd sense of companioning leadership in the both of them. Mostly because there was no way Jaclyn was to take the lead willingly. But she refused, allowing herself to take that stand; a way of atoning for her guilt of having kept them there.

"Are there any animals that we should be looking out for during the trip through the forest?" Chloe asked, breaking the silence and raising both their heads from admiring their greyed, colour-specific lined armor that they adorned in preparation for their leave.

Upon her query, the panel built into their bracers lit up together in a frankly synchronised fashion. Their heads moved like little ducklings to face the impressively miniaturised device, which had begun to flash several species with relevant data and information.