u/OkRaisin1626

I'm a new writer, and I just started writing. I wanna post my story somewhere and see what people all think. But a lot of the big, like, platforms, like Wattpad & Ao3 and only have things like romance stories or fan fiction get popular? And pretty much all of my writing is original stories. So, do you know of any platform that is fitting for my kind of genre and for originals or non-fan fiction stories?

Hi, I'm a self-taught writer. For the last two years, I have been working on a passion project that is very dear to me. (Mercyon) It is an [ action sci-fi, character drama]. About two monster hunters with clashing personalities going on a mission to defend the great city of Arcania from the monsters of pure despair known as the weepers. It is still in the works. I tried posting some of my older stories on platforms like Wattpad and Royal Road, but they didn't receive many views. However, this is a passion project of mine, so it holds a special meaning for me. I would just like to hear what other people think of it. This is the finished prologue. I hope you enjoy. __________________________________

The Path of the Revenant.

Emerged in the final hour, mistaken for death itself. Its hand pulled the bodies of those who were left nothing but shells, from the agony of its touch. Their core raised to the sky. Their eyes burned with light. Their hand held the key to our salvation. They who are possessed by it, dragged their flesh from decay. Their veins running with light. Their steps able to walk the sky. But every path they took was paved by anguish. Every Dream they saw burned the sight from their eyes. Sworn to protect us all. Sworn to keep the land forever alive. But cores cannot last forever, and soon they too will burn. By the fire of the hand that brought them to life. By the powers that are beyond our finest insight. For them, the fire is what lit their path. To them, they must run to the end so as we all pay our respects. To those saviors that died long ago. And to their successors who may die this very day. Let's give them a worthy farewell. May fate have mercy upon the restless.

.

Prologue

Hands of different blood held together and ran across the fields of youth. A shining delight for the future ahead, followed by a promise of eternal loyalty. But tonight, that hope watched a part of itself break. And its remains now run through the relentless fires of chaos. Breathless tears flew from his eye. His limbs still shivering from the last words he heard. His foot slipped, but his hand lunged to the wall beside him, Gambit was barely standing on his knees. The air from his lungs was tightening its grip around his neck. Pale ghost eyes. He was struggling. To just focus on the ground. Between his feet was nothing but a blur. But despite the sore hand that trembled against the metal. He clutched his fingers against the doorknob. With gritting teeth, he forced the flame to open until a loud boom slammed against the hall. The sound of scraping metal echoed across. With a wearying chest, Gambit ran. Beneath the shadows of broken light. Around him, the sound of Hundreds. footsteps began to rain, until it rose into the engines of spaceships Blaring a barrage. of sirens. At the lobby end, Gambit stopped to catch his breath. But when he raised his head, his body froze from the bones. The outer window stretched from wall to wall; its glass was heating from the flames beyond. Behind it, scraps of metal littered the ground, followed by. The bodies of energy columns bursting in flames. All behind. The fortress walls of the Galloway. The structure that had once withstood the catastrophe of the Emergence, now lay, torn apart to shreds. Claw marks of immeasurable size turned the shield of Arcania into nothing but ashes.

The surroundings were engulfed by soldiers. Swarms of ships hovered above their blinding light, impaling straight through the wreckage. From far away, Gambit's body was nearly invisible, A blade of grass. Against an endless blaze, the lands beyond already consumed. As if he too was about to burn. Until a creak from afar snapped him back. He spun his head and saw the door to the outside.

Going through Gambit was forced to dig his body through, piles of guardsmen and officers. When he made it to an open clearing, that's when he caught a face he recognized. Without a minute to spare, he yelled their name. Throwing his arms to reach their shoulders. The officer barely had a chance to respond. Before Gambit shoved, his face to him. " Where is Lancer!? " He cried with a desperate voice. His grip shook, but his eyes stared hard." Where is he? Did you find him? "Is he okay? " " Did he get injured? "

" If anything happens to him. You have to tell me now. " The officer stuttered. "Ah---O--Operator Gambit, what are you doing here?" " Did you seriously run all the way from the... " " Just tell me where he is, Cassie. " " I need to get to him! " I have to, " " I--I can't! Leave him " "He's all alone now, " " and I, I must", I, I made a promise to his---" Gambit, Gambit, the officer began to push back. Please calm down, you are overexerting yourself. Gosh, you're not even supposed to be here. , It's far too dangerous., You need to get, to the safe zone. And wait for the instructions--- I can't just go back, Cassie. I can't just stand around and wait while he's out there. After what's happened, I, I can't just stand by. I have to find him now. Where is he? The officer began to grow more assertive. Operator! Calm down! You have to follow official orders, we have just sent a search party right now. And we will soon---, you looking for him? Gambit. Cut off. Take me with you, I can help! I, I'll do anything you need me to! You just have to, , no. The officer Shut. him. You are just a dispatch operator. You are not qualified at all to be a part of this. They yelled sharply.. If you're really willing to do anything we need you to, then you need to go to the safe zone and wait. Further instructions. Gambit's eyes grew desperate and his voice nearly vanished. But Cassie! I know, Gambit, but what you're doing right now is beyond reckless!

Now, just do what I say and go back inside! For a moment, Gambit is left shaking his mind screeching to run forward. But his legs are forced to remain still. His right hand quivers loosely until it tightens to a fist. Let me go with you, Cassie. His words hardened. Those monsters. Broke through all the defences and headed straight towards them. His voice began to tremble. I don't doubt that he managed to survive but who knows what kind of state his in The guard, stared at him silently for a minute. But, Isn't there supposed to be, two Hunters---? Not anymore He hurled himself at them, startling the guard. Both his hands were Grasping Firmly Against their wrist. The guard immediately pushed the side of their gun against Gambit's chest. Trying to get him away.

Gambit's pale eyes. were shaking with tears. His stare was firm. But his expression was on the edge of sinking in sorrow. Please Cassie You have to let me go. The guard looked into his eyes and then took a deep breath. No Gambit I can't let you you have to let me go. He immediately shot back. His grip began to struggle against the guard's arms trying to push them away. But they instantly turned their guns, barreling to push him back. No Gambit. I won't allow you.

Gambit grabbed them by the collar. And tried to hurl their body away. Then I'll have to do it by force He yelled, but the guard instantly fought back. Kicking their knee against his leg. causing him to slip off balance. Thin hitting Their guns against his shoulder. Gambit lost his grip against them. And with one arm, the guard pushed him, to the ground. They pointed their gun at him. Don't make me do this. They threatened in a firm voice. Gambit pushed himself up. Breathing rampantly Then he ran towards. With his fist in the air " Enough a voice commanded. Gambit's body suddenly jerked both he and the guard turned there, heads back And saw the commander. Gripping Gambit by the wrist. He stared daggers into his eyes. Just what do you think you're doing? He demanded. Gambit pulled himself free, relief breathing out of his chest. But his mind was still ramping, Gabriel... he exhaled. Then he was cut off by the guard. Sir this operator was trying to force himself into the search party. You have to make some sense. Into him. Gabriel, he interrupted. You have to let me go. Let me come with you, please. Lancer is out there, and he's he's.. His voice began to strain. I understand Gambit, He responded, softly. You know, I would never leave anyone. Behind. In a tragedy like this, but starting a fight. will not get you anywhere.

Gambit began to breathe heavily. His shoulders, his quivering As he felt each moment going to waste. He felt himself grow weaker against the impending urge to break through the guard and run straight into the collapsed training ground. But then the Commander, pulled something from his pocket, " Here " he takes out an electric Flash And tosses into Gambit's hand. Who barely manages to catch it The guard is shocked. And turns to their commander to say something. But the man instantly silenced them with a look. He turns to Gambit, The more hands, the better. You are lucky. Our forces are being stretched. Stay inside the formation, and don't go until we tell you to Now he cocks his head, at a group of guard Equipping Themselves. With tracking supplies. Move along if you want to do what you can. Gambit stared into the device for a moment. Unable to say anything before raising his head. And breathing in a faint. But genuine, thank you.

The operator ran to join in with the guards. And the commander watched him. Sir. Like this is against protocol. The guard protested. I'll take care of it. He said coldly. I don't understand. Why would you let someone like that join the Search? Like, I know that he's He's related to the hunters involved. But surely, that can't be enough of a reason to let him in.

The Commander's voice, It became heavy. You do not know the half of it, Soldier. This isn't simply about following pre-written protocols. And expecting everything to go. Exactly. You like the Manual said, what we are dealing with is something beyond any kind of authority. His voice grew deeper. The guard became anxious. What do you mean exactly...? They asked quietly. And that's when the commander turned. His head. His eyes dark and his voice. a booming Whisper.

" You cannot order around the rising Blaze of the Revenant. The guard was stunned Their eyes instantly drained of colour. Sir, you don't really think that Lancer has....

Come, soldier, we have no time to waste. Y--Yes, sir.

The Aaronquill, training ground. Once the Earth that witnessed the bloom Of, many Arch hunters was now lying like a frozen corpse. Dark and barren. The luscious colours of its Autumn leaves were all sucked away. By the atrocity that had been spilled upon its grass. The light of the night sky was obscured. By the Smoking Flames. The further they went. The fainter, the sound of the blasting engines became. Until they found themselves. walking. In chilling, silence. The only lights left was that of their tracking devices. And the electric flash mounted. On their weapons. The search guards walked slowly carefully scanning. Every piece of ground. They went past. Awaiting any sudden attack. Gambit was huddled between them. Frantically pointing his Flash at Anything he saw, but in the midst of scouring empty ground. One of the guards behind him. Began to whisper. So Gambit's about those hunters that were sent. Are they like your family? For a while, Gambit didn't respond. Then he looked at the ground. With Mournful eyes. *Sigh* Not... exactly But the three of us were all raised. Under the same Mercy house. We played together. Always swinging under that ancient, oak tree. And messing around during geography lessons. Being a lot younger, of course. Lancer, always threatened to fall on us. But we just rough-played him until he complied.

With every word. Gambits breathing, began to deepen. Until the warm feeling in his chest, began, and his hand on his chest shook. And gosh, we always be talking. for hours. In the late at night. When we were supposed to be asleep. It was just way too Difficult, not to since at the time, I shared the bunk bed with... His whole body, shuddered at the thought of mentioning. His name. Feeling shame, the guard behind him, tried to turn his head away. Until Gambit spoke again. You know, during the evening, just mere hours before the trial began, he stuttered mid-sentence. I was pulled aside. To the hazel cliff near the entrance gate. Right now, I can't exactly remember everything that he said, but I was asked to fulfill a promise by someone very dear to me. Someone who was my closest companion in all my years in the Hunters Guild. He said that, no matter what, I will always risk everything to protect what I have left. But if worse comes to pass, then I leave my brother to you. Take care of him. The guard behind him watched as Gambit's hand clutched tighter around his chest, his teeth gritted. And his body began to curl in a shivering hunch. He said to himself. In a low but rough whisper that no other can hear. I swear to you that I will not rest for a second until I find Lancer. Halt the commander at the very front. ordered shooting a fist in the air.

Gambit was taken by surprise and His eyes wandered in confusion. Until he leaned his head closer, to see what was in front of the commander. And when he looked past the man's shoulder, his eyes, were shaken by shock. It was the statue of the faceless maiden. A relic from the years following the Emergence. It was pure marble, Standing. gracefully, witnessing the trials of many a young hunter. But in front of them stood horrific remains. The statue's body, it was lined with cracks streaking across its delicate cheek. Its right shoulder was cracked, to ash. And its base. was shattered into pieces. But Gambit's eyes weren't shot by the horrors of the destruction. But by the recognition that the statue's face was the last thing he saw. Before the cameras cut off.

Before he could even think, Gambit, its legs. sped to the front of the group and ran past a statue. The commander shouted, "Operator, get back!" and some guards began to hurry after him. But Gambit couldn't hear anything behind him. The forest, its darkness, this was but a blur of sprouting branches and just hitting against his arms, but with no more than gusts of wind. He found him! He finally found him! The last place the two of them were. And, surely Lancer couldn't have strayed very far.

He ran, he sprinted, he bolted! He ignored, every branch that was making cuts against his face. There was no room to stop. He had finally found him. The guards behind him were hurrying to catch up, repeatedly shouting his name and heaps of warnings. Gambit, stop! It is too dangerous! You don't know what was in there! But all of their efforts were in vain, and again they went faster and faster ahead. Reaching his hand forward, ready to grab Lancer's shoulder the moment he sees it. And then his body jerked back. Gambit, slammed against the, cold ground. His face aching from the impact. But he struggled to pull himself up, as he looked back to where his leg was. And saw his entire foot, was covered. In heaps of a sticky black substance. That was slowly crawling up his leg, as its tips. Withered Into dust. When he saw it, the air vanished from Gambit's lungs. And as the gourds behind him, continued their chase. Gambit turned his head. Around. And lying in front of him was the body of no man and no animal. Its fur. Darker than the loom of death. Its body, the size of a motorship. It's Limbs cuffed and weighed by the chains of Despair. It's Jaws. A cacophony of Jagged teeth. That were protruding from its snout. And eyes that were a tangled contortion of light. Blazing, but hollow,

Gambit's body shutter his legs scrambled against the .muddy Ground to move as far as possible, from the monster in front of him. But instead of being attacked by the blade-like claws, that lay a single strike away from. tearing his body in half, the monster's corpse rolled over And On its chest. Scorching through its flesh, blazing the skin in crimson red. An illuminating cut that sliced through its bones. Forcing its rotten blood to spill upon the ground and wither into lifeless ash. From hip to shoulder, deep, through its body. Burning the hands of chaos alive, until its flesh. is no more than dirt. That smoldering red, blazing. It's Strike. Against the night. Sky The monster's body stained. by its burning light. All the words were choked out of Gambit's throat. He's been a dispatch operator for years. And has seen more than his fair share of manifest ability. He thought he'd gotten used to the. To the Mysterious yet, powerful. attack. Of such Powers. But nothing like this, this wasn't simply the effectiveness. Of weapons that can cut through. The bringers of Despair. This was something that made. A frozen Sensation. Crawl from the inside of his stomach. And dig, its icy fingers against the skin of his back. And when he turned his head to look beyond dozens of Kentorted, sliced apart. Bodies of the same. slaughtered Corps scattered in pieces. torn apart to limbs from limbs. Each monster's remains more horrific than the last. The sight of that same red cut blazing, through all their bodys was seared In Gambit's mind. As that bleeding light was burning right in his eyes. The guards chasing him. suddenly grinded into a halt. Instantly one of them. shot their head to where Gambit was " Are those weepers? " He said in a breathless voice. " But--why haven't they disintegrated yet !? " Before the guard, could even raise his weapon the rest of the crew turned up behind them. All stunted by the horrific scene in front of them. In murmuring gasps, they moved, electro flashes. Between the shadowy remains. endless piles of death until their light landed on the back of a young man with messy black hair. And white sleeves tainted in fresh blood. All the guards froze, speechless. But before their Commander could spark a single word. " LANCER!!! " Gambit shouted. His eyes widened, His heart rushed like lightning. Soon his legs scrambled from the ground. And he stumbled his way to Lancer

But despite the relief, tearing from Gambit's eyes, the young man, he was running toward Kept his back turned. Lancer. " OH, THANK GOODNESS. I finally found you!!! " " I was so worried! " I thought I'd never see you again " " ah I'm sooo GLAD! " " you're okay! " " You'll finally be safe from here." " The two of us can finally get out of here!" With each step, the excitement faded from his words as Lancer Wasn't moving an inch.

" Lancer....? " A name. He spoke in a careful, Whisper. For what felt like ages. Lancer didn't move his body. His voice was silent from any words of relief. Until he slowly turned his back. And in his hand was a Scythe of the same. scorching red. Radiating, ravaging light, that was searing from under his grip. Ablazing, the emotions that were burning from its user The fires of anguish in Lancer's eyes. A face and body covered in withering black blood. Hatred and fury staring back at Gambit's core.

Hi, I'm a self-taught writer. For the last two years, I have been working on a passion project that is very dear to me. (Mercyon) It is an [ action sci-fi, character drama]. About two monster hunters with clashing personalities going on a mission to defend the great city of Arcania from the monsters of pure despair known as the weepers. It is still in the works. I tried posting some of my older stories on platforms like Wattpad and Royal Road, but they didn't receive many views. However, this is a passion project of mine, so it holds a special meaning for me. I would just like to hear what other people think of it. This is the finished prologue. I hope you enjoy. __________________________________

The Path of the Revenant.

Emerged in the final hour, mistaken for death itself. Its hand pulled the bodies of those who were left nothing but shells, from the agony of its touch. Their core raised to the sky. Their eyes burned with light. Their hand held the key to our salvation. They who are possessed by it, dragged their flesh from decay. Their veins running with light. Their steps able to walk the sky. But every path they took was paved by anguish. Every Dream they saw burned the sight from their eyes. Sworn to protect us all. Sworn to keep the land forever alive. But cores cannot last forever, and soon they too will burn. By the fire of the hand that brought them to life. By the powers that are beyond our finest insight. For them, the fire is what lit their path. To them, they must run to the end so as we all pay our respects. To those saviors that died long ago. And to their successors who may die this very day. Let's give them a worthy farewell. May fate have mercy upon the restless.

.

Prologue

Hands of different blood held together and ran across the fields of youth. A shining delight for the future ahead, followed by a promise of eternal loyalty. But tonight, that hope watched a part of itself break. And its remains now run through the relentless fires of chaos. Breathless tears flew from his eye. His limbs still shivering from the last words he heard. His foot slipped, but his hand lunged to the wall beside him, Gambit was barely standing on his knees. The air from his lungs was tightening its grip around his neck. Pale ghost eyes. He was struggling. To just focus on the ground. Between his feet was nothing but a blur. But despite the sore hand that trembled against the metal. He clutched his fingers against the doorknob. With gritting teeth, he forced the flame to open until a loud boom slammed against the hall. The sound of scraping metal echoed across. With a wearying chest, Gambit ran. Beneath the shadows of broken light. Around him, the sound of Hundreds. footsteps began to rain, until it rose into the engines of spaceships Blaring a barrage. of sirens. At the lobby end, Gambit stopped to catch his breath. But when he raised his head, his body froze from the bones. The outer window stretched from wall to wall; its glass was heating from the flames beyond. Behind it, scraps of metal littered the ground, followed by. The bodies of energy columns bursting in flames. All behind. The fortress walls of the Galloway. The structure that had once withstood the catastrophe of the Emergence, now lay, torn apart to shreds. Claw marks of immeasurable size turned the shield of Arcania into nothing but ashes.

The surroundings were engulfed by soldiers. Swarms of ships hovered above their blinding light, impaling straight through the wreckage. From far away, Gambit's body was nearly invisible, A blade of grass. Against an endless blaze, the lands beyond already consumed. As if he too was about to burn. Until a creak from afar snapped him back. He spun his head and saw the door to the outside.

Going through Gambit was forced to dig his body through, piles of guardsmen and officers. When he made it to an open clearing, that's when he caught a face he recognized. Without a minute to spare, he yelled their name. Throwing his arms to reach their shoulders. The officer barely had a chance to respond. Before Gambit shoved, his face to him. " Where is Lancer!? " He cried with a desperate voice. His grip shook, but his eyes stared hard." Where is he? Did you find him? "Is he okay? " " Did he get injured? "

" If anything happens to him. You have to tell me now. " The officer stuttered. "Ah---O--Operator Gambit, what are you doing here?" " Did you seriously run all the way from the... " " Just tell me where he is, Cassie. " " I need to get to him! " I have to, " " I--I can't! Leave him " "He's all alone now, " " and I, I must", I, I made a promise to his---" Gambit, Gambit, the officer began to push back. Please calm down, you are overexerting yourself. Gosh, you're not even supposed to be here. , It's far too dangerous., You need to get, to the safe zone. And wait for the instructions--- I can't just go back, Cassie. I can't just stand around and wait while he's out there. After what's happened, I, I can't just stand by. I have to find him now. Where is he? The officer began to grow more assertive. Operator! Calm down! You have to follow official orders, we have just sent a search party right now. And we will soon---, you looking for him? Gambit. Cut off. Take me with you, I can help! I, I'll do anything you need me to! You just have to, , no. The officer Shut. him. You are just a dispatch operator. You are not qualified at all to be a part of this. They yelled sharply.. If you're really willing to do anything we need you to, then you need to go to the safe zone and wait. Further instructions. Gambit's eyes grew desperate and his voice nearly vanished. But Cassie! I know, Gambit, but what you're doing right now is beyond reckless!

Now, just do what I say and go back inside! For a moment, Gambit is left shaking his mind screeching to run forward. But his legs are forced to remain still. His right hand quivers loosely until it tightens to a fist. Let me go with you, Cassie. His words hardened. Those monsters. Broke through all the defences and headed straight towards them. His voice began to tremble. I don't doubt that he managed to survive but who knows what kind of state his in The guard, stared at him silently for a minute. But, Isn't there supposed to be, two Hunters---? Not anymore He hurled himself at them, startling the guard. Both his hands were Grasping Firmly Against their wrist. The guard immediately pushed the side of their gun against Gambit's chest. Trying to get him away.

Gambit's pale eyes. were shaking with tears. His stare was firm. But his expression was on the edge of sinking in sorrow. Please Cassie You have to let me go. The guard looked into his eyes and then took a deep breath. No Gambit I can't let you you have to let me go. He immediately shot back. His grip began to struggle against the guard's arms trying to push them away. But they instantly turned their guns, barreling to push him back. No Gambit. I won't allow you.

Gambit grabbed them by the collar. And tried to hurl their body away. Then I'll have to do it by force He yelled, but the guard instantly fought back. Kicking their knee against his leg. causing him to slip off balance. Thin hitting Their guns against his shoulder. Gambit lost his grip against them. And with one arm, the guard pushed him, to the ground. They pointed their gun at him. Don't make me do this. They threatened in a firm voice. Gambit pushed himself up. Breathing rampantly Then he ran towards. With his fist in the air " Enough a voice commanded. Gambit's body suddenly jerked both he and the guard turned there, heads back And saw the commander. Gripping Gambit by the wrist. He stared daggers into his eyes. Just what do you think you're doing? He demanded. Gambit pulled himself free, relief breathing out of his chest. But his mind was still ramping, Gabriel... he exhaled. Then he was cut off by the guard. Sir this operator was trying to force himself into the search party. You have to make some sense. Into him. Gabriel, he interrupted. You have to let me go. Let me come with you, please. Lancer is out there, and he's he's.. His voice began to strain. I understand Gambit, He responded, softly. You know, I would never leave anyone. Behind. In a tragedy like this, but starting a fight. will not get you anywhere.

Gambit began to breathe heavily. His shoulders, his quivering As he felt each moment going to waste. He felt himself grow weaker against the impending urge to break through the guard and run straight into the collapsed training ground. But then the Commander, pulled something from his pocket, " Here " he takes out an electric Flash And tosses into Gambit's hand. Who barely manages to catch it The guard is shocked. And turns to their commander to say something. But the man instantly silenced them with a look. He turns to Gambit, The more hands, the better. You are lucky. Our forces are being stretched. Stay inside the formation, and don't go until we tell you to Now he cocks his head, at a group of guard Equipping Themselves. With tracking supplies. Move along if you want to do what you can. Gambit stared into the device for a moment. Unable to say anything before raising his head. And breathing in a faint. But genuine, thank you.

The operator ran to join in with the guards. And the commander watched him. Sir. Like this is against protocol. The guard protested. I'll take care of it. He said coldly. I don't understand. Why would you let someone like that join the Search? Like, I know that he's He's related to the hunters involved. But surely, that can't be enough of a reason to let him in.

The Commander's voice, It became heavy. You do not know the half of it, Soldier. This isn't simply about following pre-written protocols. And expecting everything to go. Exactly. You like the Manual said, what we are dealing with is something beyond any kind of authority. His voice grew deeper. The guard became anxious. What do you mean exactly...? They asked quietly. And that's when the commander turned. His head. His eyes dark and his voice. a booming Whisper.

" You cannot order around the rising Blaze of the Revenant. The guard was stunned Their eyes instantly drained of colour. Sir, you don't really think that Lancer has....

Come, soldier, we have no time to waste. Y--Yes, sir.

The Aaronquill, training ground. Once the Earth that witnessed the bloom Of, many Arch hunters was now lying like a frozen corpse. Dark and barren. The luscious colours of its Autumn leaves were all sucked away. By the atrocity that had been spilled upon its grass. The light of the night sky was obscured. By the Smoking Flames. The further they went. The fainter, the sound of the blasting engines became. Until they found themselves. walking. In chilling, silence. The only lights left was that of their tracking devices. And the electric flash mounted. On their weapons. The search guards walked slowly carefully scanning. Every piece of ground. They went past. Awaiting any sudden attack. Gambit was huddled between them. Frantically pointing his Flash at Anything he saw, but in the midst of scouring empty ground. One of the guards behind him. Began to whisper. So Gambit's about those hunters that were sent. Are they like your family? For a while, Gambit didn't respond. Then he looked at the ground. With Mournful eyes. *Sigh* Not... exactly But the three of us were all raised. Under the same Mercy house. We played together. Always swinging under that ancient, oak tree. And messing around during geography lessons. Being a lot younger, of course. Lancer, always threatened to fall on us. But we just rough-played him until he complied.

With every word. Gambits breathing, began to deepen. Until the warm feeling in his chest, began, and his hand on his chest shook. And gosh, we always be talking. for hours. In the late at night. When we were supposed to be asleep. It was just way too Difficult, not to since at the time, I shared the bunk bed with... His whole body, shuddered at the thought of mentioning. His name. Feeling shame, the guard behind him, tried to turn his head away. Until Gambit spoke again. You know, during the evening, just mere hours before the trial began, he stuttered mid-sentence. I was pulled aside. To the hazel cliff near the entrance gate. Right now, I can't exactly remember everything that he said, but I was asked to fulfill a promise by someone very dear to me. Someone who was my closest companion in all my years in the Hunters Guild. He said that, no matter what, I will always risk everything to protect what I have left. But if worse comes to pass, then I leave my brother to you. Take care of him. The guard behind him watched as Gambit's hand clutched tighter around his chest, his teeth gritted. And his body began to curl in a shivering hunch. He said to himself. In a low but rough whisper that no other can hear. I swear to you that I will not rest for a second until I find Lancer. Halt the commander at the very front. ordered shooting a fist in the air.

Gambit was taken by surprise and His eyes wandered in confusion. Until he leaned his head closer, to see what was in front of the commander. And when he looked past the man's shoulder, his eyes, were shaken by shock. It was the statue of the faceless maiden. A relic from the years following the Emergence. It was pure marble, Standing. gracefully, witnessing the trials of many a young hunter. But in front of them stood horrific remains. The statue's body, it was lined with cracks streaking across its delicate cheek. Its right shoulder was cracked, to ash. And its base. was shattered into pieces. But Gambit's eyes weren't shot by the horrors of the destruction. But by the recognition that the statue's face was the last thing he saw. Before the cameras cut off.

Before he could even think, Gambit, its legs. sped to the front of the group and ran past a statue. The commander shouted, "Operator, get back!" and some guards began to hurry after him. But Gambit couldn't hear anything behind him. The forest, its darkness, this was but a blur of sprouting branches and just hitting against his arms, but with no more than gusts of wind. He found him! He finally found him! The last place the two of them were. And, surely Lancer couldn't have strayed very far.

He ran, he sprinted, he bolted! He ignored, every branch that was making cuts against his face. There was no room to stop. He had finally found him. The guards behind him were hurrying to catch up, repeatedly shouting his name and heaps of warnings. Gambit, stop! It is too dangerous! You don't know what was in there! But all of their efforts were in vain, and again they went faster and faster ahead. Reaching his hand forward, ready to grab Lancer's shoulder the moment he sees it. And then his body jerked back. Gambit, slammed against the, cold ground. His face aching from the impact. But he struggled to pull himself up, as he looked back to where his leg was. And saw his entire foot, was covered. In heaps of a sticky black substance. That was slowly crawling up his leg, as its tips. Withered Into dust. When he saw it, the air vanished from Gambit's lungs. And as the gourds behind him, continued their chase. Gambit turned his head. Around. And lying in front of him was the body of no man and no animal. Its fur. Darker than the loom of death. Its body, the size of a motorship. It's Limbs cuffed and weighed by the chains of Despair. It's Jaws. A cacophony of Jagged teeth. That were protruding from its snout. And eyes that were a tangled contortion of light. Blazing, but hollow,

Gambit's body shutter his legs scrambled against the .muddy Ground to move as far as possible, from the monster in front of him. But instead of being attacked by the blade-like claws, that lay a single strike away from. tearing his body in half, the monster's corpse rolled over And On its chest. Scorching through its flesh, blazing the skin in crimson red. An illuminating cut that sliced through its bones. Forcing its rotten blood to spill upon the ground and wither into lifeless ash. From hip to shoulder, deep, through its body. Burning the hands of chaos alive, until its flesh. is no more than dirt. That smoldering red, blazing. It's Strike. Against the night. Sky The monster's body stained. by its burning light. All the words were choked out of Gambit's throat. He's been a dispatch operator for years. And has seen more than his fair share of manifest ability. He thought he'd gotten used to the. To the Mysterious yet, powerful. attack. Of such Powers. But nothing like this, this wasn't simply the effectiveness. Of weapons that can cut through. The bringers of Despair. This was something that made. A frozen Sensation. Crawl from the inside of his stomach. And dig, its icy fingers against the skin of his back. And when he turned his head to look beyond dozens of Kentorted, sliced apart. Bodies of the same. slaughtered Corps scattered in pieces. torn apart to limbs from limbs. Each monster's remains more horrific than the last. The sight of that same red cut blazing, through all their bodys was seared In Gambit's mind. As that bleeding light was burning right in his eyes. The guards chasing him. suddenly grinded into a halt. Instantly one of them. shot their head to where Gambit was " Are those weepers? " He said in a breathless voice. " But--why haven't they disintegrated yet !? " Before the guard, could even raise his weapon the rest of the crew turned up behind them. All stunted by the horrific scene in front of them. In murmuring gasps, they moved, electro flashes. Between the shadowy remains. endless piles of death until their light landed on the back of a young man with messy black hair. And white sleeves tainted in fresh blood. All the guards froze, speechless. But before their Commander could spark a single word. " LANCER!!! " Gambit shouted. His eyes widened, His heart rushed like lightning. Soon his legs scrambled from the ground. And he stumbled his way to Lancer

But despite the relief, tearing from Gambit's eyes, the young man, he was running toward Kept his back turned. Lancer. " OH, THANK GOODNESS. I finally found you!!! " " I was so worried! " I thought I'd never see you again " " ah I'm sooo GLAD! " " you're okay! " " You'll finally be safe from here." " The two of us can finally get out of here!" With each step, the excitement faded from his words as Lancer Wasn't moving an inch.

" Lancer....? " A name. He spoke in a careful, Whisper. For what felt like ages. Lancer didn't move his body. His voice was silent from any words of relief. Until he slowly turned his back. And in his hand was a Scythe of the same. scorching red. Radiating, ravaging light, that was searing from under his grip. Ablazing, the emotions that were burning from its user The fires of anguish in Lancer's eyes. A face and body covered in withering black blood. Hatred and fury staring back at Gambit's core.