Fragile Soul (Tactical Article x Land of the Lustrous)

Chapter 10: At The Bottom Of The Night

Third Person POV

Arctic who had now escaped the clutches of the doctor now wandered outside by himself. He looked up into the sky as he reminisced at Phos's demise. He thought about how he could have saved Phos, but that was all past tense as there was nothing he could do now. Arctic continued to wander through the island by himself and soon stumbled across a beach. He looked at it for he had never seen a beach before as he looked at the waves slowly washing onto the sand. It was a sight to see for him, but he didn't stay long. For a presence in the sky caught his attention. A Lunarian ship soon started approaching as Arctic quickly pulled out his Sickle and Machete. His expression showed one of anger as he had a deep hatred for what they did to his friend Phos. He tossed his sickle upward as spears and arrows were fired at him during his climb up the sickles chain. He'd weave left and right, dodging the attacks with nothing but sheer determination fueling him. And in less than a minute, he made it to the top where he pulled out his machete and started ripping through these Lunarians. With no hesitation he'd impale and slice his way through the crowd like they were nothing. The Merc would toss Lunarians off the ship to their death or would use them as shields to their own arrows and spears. Nonetheless, they suffered greatly at the hands of Arctic. However the Lunarians began to adapt to the violence as they circled him and fired at him, Arctic was fast to jump into the air and do a flip but was met to the arm by two arrows.

Arctic: Erk! I was just healed... SHIT!

With all he could he'd grab another nearby Lunarian and use it as a shield before slicing up more lunarians but was met by another arrow to his arm he couldn't block.

Arctic: Bastards...

Arctic looked at the center Lunarian, and decided it was enough tormenting these white freaks and decided to go for the center of attraction. He quickly rushed toward the large center Lunarian and tried to slice it in two. However, something caught his eye. A familiar metal liquid was coming straight for the platform. Arctic quickly ripped out the arrows from his arm and tried to run off the platform and jump, but couldn't as the liquid quickly started to engulf the entire platform. The metal liquid washed away all the Lunarians to dust as Arctic was washed up onto land covered in mercury as he fell face first into the ground. He winced from the fall but slowly looked up to a familiar red hair gem. The gem had a look of shock as he rushed to Arctic's aid.

Cinnabar: I'm terribly sorry Arctic... I didn't see you up there

Cinnabar said absolutely sorry at the mess he caused. He then slowly helped the Merc to his feet as he just seemed tired of everything going on. He then dusts his knees and coat.

Arctic: It's okay... you didn't know I was up there

Cinnabar: I'm still sorry... but besides that... What are you doing here at this time? Shouldn't you be resting?

Arctic: I couldn't sleep, besides... Damn Rutile wanted to continue surgery on my ass. He knocked me out in order to do it and I have a damn headache... The metal smell doesn't help it either.

Cinnabar: sorry...

Cinnabar lowered his head down in shame as Arctic realized this and put his hand on the gem's head before ruffling it.

Arctic: It's ok, I'm the one who should be sorry...

The red haired gem blushed from the contact before backing up a bit.

Cinnabar: I...

The waves slowly washed onto shore as the sunsets lighting gleamed onto Cinnabar. Arctic knelt down near the water and began to wash away some of the mercury. While Arctic was washing away the metal liquid, Cinnabar had his head down for a moment until a splash of water slightly hit his face. The gem looked up to see Arctic with a smile chuckling at him

Arctic: Don't get all mopey, come on... lighten up

Cinnabar didn't know what to say as Arctic was just trying his best to get his spirits up, for a small smile a gratitude began to form on his face before he quickly noticed it and looked away.

Cinnabar: Thank you...

Arctic nodded as he stood back up to his feet, he slightly winced from the pain in his arm as he had three holes in it, he was lucky that his arm hadn't even shut down. Even then, the poor Merc held a smile on his face for Cinnabar. Arctic then went up to Cinnabar before asking.

Arctic: So... have you thought about if we could be partners?

Cinnabar slowly looked up at Arctic , still indecisive.

Cinnabar: I'll still think about that...

Arctic: Alright then, take your time Cinnabar...

From there the two began to walk together throughout the land. It was quiet and calm as the sun faded into the night. This continued for a while until a bright light came into sight from the distance, starling the two as Arctic was blinded by this bright light