The Brink of Creation

Chapter 10 - The Reconsecration of the Some

Caius trained The Scientist deep into the night, the hollow clacks of their Haku spears resonating against the pillar that hummed against the Titans' cursed conflict. Though he did not show it, Caius was well pleased that his companion was picking up even the difficult and unique Northern Isles' disarm-and-destroy fighting style.

"I don't want the others to know my name, Scientist. I wish the name of Caius to be forgotten in the drums of the Titans."

The Scientist grunted as he leapt in the air, using a shockwave to propel himself around and knock the charred man's spear far from him. It extinguished with two shockwaves of Freedom's powerful blows.

"What name do you want me to call you then?"

Caius retrieved his spear, which burst immediately into flames. He threw the spear directly at The Scientist, who parried it with his own, but with the force of the throw the spear was knocked from his clenched hand. His friend was upon him, throwing fists that mirrored the Titans' battle in the ruins of the ancient city. The Scientist blocked and dodged Caius' attacks, remembering the footwork he had learned through the night. He squatted for a neat strike to Caius' leg, and he tripped to the ground. The Scientist wrapped his calves around his neck, pinning him in place. Caius grinned through his tightened neck.

"At this rate, it won't take long for ya to outclass me, brother. You learn quickly."

The Scientist released his hold and picked up his spear, leaning on it as he grinned boyishly. "You told me to listen, so I did." His face contorted into one of frustration. "But you ignored my question. What name do you want me to call you?"

Caius picked at a piece of leftover charcoal from between his teeth. "You clearly wanna call me somethin'. Why don't ya come up with it yerself?"

Confused, the heart of flame looked at his guide and friend incredulously. "You want me... to give you a name?"

Caius nodded. "Serious. You and The Paladin have these cool names, why don't I get to have one?"

"The names in my world are specific and intentional. They are much more than just titles – the science of hope is my entire life. I am bound to live by my title."

"Then ya better choose my name carefully, Scientist." Caius picked up his spear and squeezed it. It dematerialized into a nearby channel of light. "Oh, and one more thing,"

Caius crossed his arms hesitantly. "I should've probably told you this earlier, but we're gonna have to cross directly underneath the Conflict of the Titans if we expect to survive our way north."

"What? We couldn't have just gone another way?" The Scientist stepped back.

Caius puffed his cheeks anxiously. "There are four paths north from Deltafront, and three of them mean certain death. This is the only uncertain way."

The Scientist gazed across the meadow. Its vastness provided plenty of walking room far enough away from the two Titans for a group of six travelers to cross by. "Why can't we cut north through the meadow? Why the city?"

The scorched guide gestured towards the grassy plains in front of them. "A long time ago, I crossed through this meadow with some friends as we travelled south towards the Sea. What we didn't know at the time was that Honor, aligned with the terrible dragon, is stronger and faster than the general of Light that he fights. In his blinded cruelty, he hurled pieces of the city ruins at my friends, killin' most of 'em."

The Scientist planted a weary hand on his brow. "Why would crossing underneath the Titans be any safer than pathing by the meadow across the way?"

"Because I went a different way, through the city itself. I so desired death that my footsteps took me underneath the feet of Freedom and Honor, and Freedom defended my uncarin' hide with his own marbled body. He took the brunt of Honor's anger so that I could live, even if I didn't want to. Even then, he could not defend my friends as they were too far from 'is reach." Caius rocked his volcanic skull, as if he resisted his own bestial nature. "No, I can't let happen again. We must all cross together, underneath the soles of Honor and Freedom."