Enter Abyss

Chapter 37; A champion of the realm.

Archer had never been more terrified in his life, walking through that crowded street and up to Mordren. 

That is, until Galen had brought up this matter of a Duel of Kings and had fainted in his arms, slumping against his chest.

Trying his best to prop his limp friend up, Archer avoided looking directly at Pip and instead gazed directly at Mordren, glaring at him.

There was a beat of silence before the false king finally hissed out a strangled reply. "Very well. Should my foolish brother ever awkae from his stupor, he is more than welcome to challenge me for the throne. I only hope he lasts long enough to let me kill him."

"He will." Archer said, before realizing what he had just implied. "That is-- he'll-- he'll beat you...."

But Mordren was already stalking off, with half the crowd flocking after him.

'Blimey, why did I have to open my big mouth?' Archer growled at himself, beginning to drag Galen away toward the palace. Suddenly felt the king's body grow much lighter, and upon looking over his shoulder, he saw Pip supporting Galen's legs, carrying most of the king's weight.

Biting back a retort, Archer let her help him and, eventually, he let her take Galen's entire weight from his arms, relieving his exhausted muscles. Apparently, she had little trouble carrying a boy who was just as big as she was; and though Archer had tried to help once or twice, she would not let him. Thus that was how Archer found himself walking besides Cogs and Meera, neither of whom said a word.

It was likely on of the most quiet walks Archer had ever taken, and it was only when they had reached the safety of the room and had shut the door that Cogs embraced him, long and hard.

Archer gripped his friend, feeling a torrent of emotions whirl through his chest and sting the back of his throat. He was not quite sure if Cogs was crying or if he was, or if they both were, but as he held his friend close, he realized that it did not matter.

"I thought you were dead." Cogs choked out, hiccuping nearly uncontrollably.

Pulling back, Archer studied his friend's tear stained face, feeling as though his chest was breaking open, spilling forth joy and sadness and relief all at once. "That's funny," he said softly, forcing a wobbly grin, "I thought the same about you."

Turning away from him, Archer noted Meera standing quietly off to the side and quickly hugged her as well, telling her that he was glad she was safe and alive, that he was sorry about what had happened to her homeland.

"It is not as if it is your fault," she replied kindly, "And I know Galen will be able to right the wrongs his brother has made. He is a good king and I have faith in him."

That made Archer want to hug her all over again.

Finally, he cast his gaze over to Pip.

Her eyes were fixated on the floor, her shoulders-- usually thrown back boldly-- were hunched as if she was trying not to take up too much space.

Taking a deep breath, Archer regarded her with uncertainty. 

He wanted to trust her-- to believe that blood was thicker than cogs and gears. He wanted to forget, to forgive. But most importantly, he wanted to be a family again; he wanted her as a sister, a cousin again. He wanted to be there for her like he had always been, like he had promised.

So he did.

Stepping forward, Archer slowly wrapped his arms around her, hearing her gasp slightly in surprise. With a nearly desperate touch, she grasped at him, burying her face in his chest and beginning to quietly sob as he held her.