#we about to walk into accordo terf so some might GO DOWN

[savage-rhi]

Immortal Shield Chapter 41: Eripere I

**DM or comment if you want to be tagged in updates on tumblr

**To read previous chapters, hit this link

Tagging: @seradyn​

There was but a small trace of light allowed within the confines of the cell block Caelan dwelled within. From afar, she could hear the low groans and whisper pleads of fellow inmates while the new dawn arrived. Or perhaps it was evening? It was hard to tell. Caelan lost count of how many days she had been in here. Days and nights blurred into a single muddled mess.

The air was heavy, and a strong subterranean scent scattered among Caelan’s thick breath. Her nostrils burnt from the mildew smell that tickled the fine hairs inside her nose. She grimaced. Caelan’s body felt the swirling temptation of wanting to expel her stomach's contents, but she held her breath and counted backward from ten. Nausea subsided for the time being. Enough as she allowed herself to wake, having been asleep for gods only knew how long. There was nothing to do but rest, and eat when little food would come. Dehydration had already warmed its way into becoming a lifelong friend as far as she was concerned.

Caelan had no visitors. Other than a few officials wishing to take statements to counter her father's men, she had been left alone during her stay at Altissa's prison. There was a time she tried to listen to the voices of the cell block; to pinpoint where her former Einherjar brethren dwelled. Men who had been rotting here when Tempus first took over the group. Caelan had half a thought to kill them during her stay. Alas, it didn’t matter. Everybody here sounded the same: mindless grumbling zombies. A fraction of who they were before arrival. Caelan could feel her own spirit slipping away, despite how much she yearned to hold on. Even the knowledge that Ardyn was alive wasn’t enough. That perhaps was the biggest pinch of salt to the wound. Not even his memory seemed to keep her afloat these days.

Pulled away from her thoughts, Caelan hissed and tilted her head back upon seeing a warm light pool into her cell. She squinted her eyes, trying to make sense of who was coming in. Between the dull ring in her ears and everyone sounding like mismatched shapes, Caelan had no clue what was happening other than she was forced onto her feet and escorted out of confinement. She wondered if this was how Ardyn felt when he was dragged out of Angelgard; scared of the most basic of sensations after dwelling in darkness for centuries.

Caelan squeezed her eyes shut. A strong burning sensation radiated against the flesh of her eyelids accompanied by dryness that she desperately wanted to itch. She resorted to opening and closing her eyes rapidly, trying to alleviate the tension by producing tears. Wherever she was, Caelan knew she was outside. The sun and the warm breeze that passed through her beige inmate clothes were telling enough. Her skin felt the first pinches of sunburn already.

“Bathe!” Now that was a word she recognized. Caelan made a face toward her captor, unsure if she heard the command correctly. She suddenly felt her body get shoved into a large crate of water. The freezing cold of its touch elicited shocked gasps from Caelan as she was thrown a bar of soap.

“You have five minutes, then you change!” The guard notified her.

“Into what?” Caelan weakly retorted sarcastically. She didn’t see anything hanging up for her in the small room she had been pushed into. A room that was no bigger than a shack. For all she knew, the guard tossed her into an outhouse.

“Clothes will be given later. Now move!” The guard slammed the door behind himself, and once more Caelan was back in the dark.

Caelan wasted no time taking advantage of the opportunity. It had to have been weeks since she bathed. The smell that had been marinating on her clothes was atrocious when compared to the floral scent of the soap she had been provided. Caelan couldn’t believe how she had allowed herself to get used to such filth. There had been many times on Caelan’s travels when she had to go without a shower--but never to the raw extent--she was currently experiencing.

Five minutes had come and gone in a blink of an eye. Just as the guard said, new clothes were given to her. Simple pants and a dark blue t-shirt that was a few sizes too big. Civilian attire. Of course, there was no underwear provided. That would be considered too hospitable for war criminals. Caelan thought to herself.

Caelan made a face when she was initially tossed the new duds. The guard sighed, much like a disappointed parent would in their child for not grasping a new concept.

“Those are for your trial, to make you look presentable to the courts. Your sentencing begins today.” The guard said as a matter of fact.

“Today?” Caelan’s eyes widened. She blinked several times, then started to slip on the shirt followed by the pants. Not wanting to piss off her captor any more than he looked.

“Yes, today. It’s been a month since your arrest. In that time, officials have gathered the evidence stacked against you. Today you’ll appear before a court of judges and Madam Secretary herself. There are a few in-person testimonials to be heard. Afterward, you’ll be passed onto the executioner.”

“Way to spoil the surprise.” Caelan muttered begrudgingly.

“What was that?” The stern voice of the guard made her cringe. Caelan quickly backtracked.

“I said how do you know I’ll be put to death?”

“Simple. I was given orders to tell you how the day would pan out.”

Caelan sighed, closing her eyes briefly. “And to think, I thought that was done out of the kindness of your heart.”

“Har, har. Where did you learn to talk like that, charm school?”

“No,” Caelan furrowed her brows sadly. “Someone I love, actually.”

The guard didn’t bother to comment after the fact. He was quick to fetch some cuffs and bound Caelan’s hands behind her back. It wasn’t long until she was guided to another set of troopers who escorted her through the city of Altissa, Accordo’s capital.

The entire city was surrounded by waterways and canals. It was a complex maze of streets and buildings as far as the eye could see. Roaring waterfalls would occasionally make their presence known, capturing the awe and attention of both citizens and tourists. Every so often a boat could be seen rowing alongside a busy intersection. The warm smell of coffee and rich foods was everywhere, accompanied by equally warm colors and smooth textures scattered across buildings that looked hundreds of years old. This place held an otherworldly charm.

Caelan could feel her mouth salivate for the first time in weeks. It was near torture to be surrounded by such beauty but with the knowledge that she wasn’t allowed to partake. There were several moments throughout the trek, where Caelan imagined her and Ardyn traversing through Altissa trying out new things much like they did while they stayed at Insomnia. Gods help her, Caelan missed him. She hoped wherever Ardyn was, he had peace. His wounds from the battle with Bahamut were grievous. For all Caelan knew, Ardyn could’ve held on for a time but then lost his will to live shortly after she was exported. Regardless, it didn’t matter. She’d find a way to see him again. Even amongst the uncertainty of an afterlife, Caelan knew she’d wait for Ardyn elsewhere.

Resigned to her fate, Caelan didn’t bother to assess the courthouse upon arrival. Nor did she follow her instincts to search for exits. She kept her eyes forward and did as commanded by her captors. There was no point in fighting. Caelan was done with it all. This life had been a hard one, and there was no reason to prolong her own misery. She didn’t even have the will to summon her blade and tempt fate.

An air of gravity made its presence known when Caelan was brought before the judges of Altissa. Caelan swallowed, seeing there were over fifty men and women sitting at the judge's bench. They cast down hungry stares at her like vultures readying themselves before picking a carcass clean. She had no doubts about where she stood among these people. Having already been judged without knowing the full story. Caelan understood these folks saw her as a monster, nothing more or less.

From behind the bench, a backdoor opened and arrived Madam Secretary Camelia herself. She took her place at the head of the judge's bench. A few aids handed her some papers. Adjusting her glasses, Camelia sighed and finally forced herself to acknowledge Caelan’s presence.

“Caelan Zamfir,” Camelia’s face was stern as she peered down. “Genocide is the highest of sins a human can commit. You stand in front of Accordo’s most powerful judges. Evidence has been reviewed toward your heinous acts. The decision is unanimous that you are to be put to death effective immediately after court proceedings. However, until such time, live testimony will be given.”

Camelia folded her hands after placing her paperwork down on the bench. “People who have lost loved ones to you, people who have encountered the Einherjar, and people who know you personally will be allowed to speak. During these hours, we encourage you to remain silent and to think of the face of every man, woman, and child you have viciously slain. That is all I will say and grant to you of my time.”

Camelia gestured for a guard to attend to Caelan. A female trooper gently grabbed Caelan by the right shoulder. She was guided from the main floor of the court and over to a small podium to stand behind. There was so much Caelan wanted to say--a plethora of curses for one thing--but she didn’t have the strength for it. There was something Caelan did allow herself to take heed of as the first of many witnesses revealed themselves for testimony: she would think of faces, but not of the people her father killed. Ardyn, her mother, and little brother would be her last memories. Everything could be taken away, but that.

Hours passed and over forty people lashed out to Caelan for the crimes Julian committed, and had her watch. She wouldn’t lie to herself, it was hard to listen to each voice drown in a wall of anger and grief. Though Caelan knew for a fact she didn’t have a hand in any of these deaths, she still felt the guilt of association. Julian deserved to be here as did Tempus and the rest of the Einherjar. They deserved to relive the hells they had brought upon Niflheim refugees and their friends. To feel as she did every day for being a coward and not standing up to them sooner. Caelan was angry. Angry at the fact she couldn’t do a damn thing about it but sit back and take it. She was a scapegoat for hells unfathomable.

While a woman finished wrapping up her story about the Einherjar butchering her cousins like cattle, a commotion from outside the courtroom's main doors was heard. It captured the attention of Caelan as well as the judges and witnesses sitting among the public benches. Caelan raised a brow, exchanging a look with the female trooper that escorted her to the podium. The woman offered Caelan a shrug, uncertain how to react herself.

“Keep ten feet behind us at all times!”

“Yes sir!”

That voice…Caelan knew that gruff tone from anywhere. That to have been Gladio, the king's shield. She found herself taking a step forward, immediately drawing the attention of the female trooper who gave Caelan a warning look not to proceed. Caelan stepped back and kept her eyes on the main doors as they opened.

“Well, this is certainly a grand entrance if I do say so myself!” Ardyn exclaimed. His voice carried all the way to the judges. He was quickly disciplined by Gladio, receiving a firm smack upside the head. Ardyn shot a brief glare at his captor before addressing his wider audience.

“Aren’t you all a sight for sore eyes!” His tone was like venom laced with honey; potent but rotting with praise. “It’s been so many years since I’ve been graced by the presence of Accordos finest executioners!”

Gladio, Prompto, and Ardyn began making their descent into the heart of the room. Caelan swallowed. Her breath hitched in her throat as shock traveled down her entire body. This had to have been a dream. There was no way any of them were here. She was done for.

Gods, don’t give me hope when I have none. Caelan said to herself. She could hear the three talking amongst themselves. Still out of earshot from all the judges, but close enough in range to where she could register pieces of the conversation.

“So do you know what you’re going to say?” Prompto whispered to Ardyn.

“Of course! I’m not one to skip a rehearsal for such an occasion!” Ardyn mused. He didn’t bother to lower his voice. His comment earned several awkward stares from the judges the closer he got to them.

“This is serious. Don’t make a fool out of yourself.” Gladio chimed in. His voice was harsh while Ardyn chuckled.

“And embarrass the poor crownsguard and their finest? I wouldn’t dream of such a thing! If I am indeed a fool, I could argue that everyone is entitled to be ridiculous at times. However, you my dear friend, abuse the privilege.”

“Asshole…” Gladio murmured. “Let’s get this over with.”

Caelan watched as a faint smirk made its way across Ardyn’s lips. He had an air of haughtiness that he carried with every step, commanding the attention of people he passed by. Caelan’s pulse hung in her throat as reality sank in upon catching a whiff of Ardyn’s scent travel her way. He was real. He was alive. His arms were bound in chains and no doubt under the custody of Lucis, but he was here. He wasn’t dead in her arms like before. The relief Caelan felt was beyond compare.

As soon as Caelan allowed herself to let out a sigh of relief, Ardyn cast a glance toward her. A smug expression had taken over his face. Conveying he thought so little of her and the situation he had been dragged into. His eyes told a different tale.

Deep amber hues were replaced with an unfamiliar cerulean. For a time, Caelan believed perhaps this was an imposter, a phantom of someone she had known. Yet there was no mistaking the yearning and adoration those eyes conveyed to her, along with an unspoken promise: he would take her away from this place. If it was the last thing he’d do.

“Madam Secretary and the Altissian Courts,” Gladio began.

Caelan watched as Ardyn’s soft features he held for her grew rigid and determined. He faced forward. She couldn’t be certain, but Caelan thought it looked as if Ardyn was counting how many people were in the room mentally to himself. She grimaced. Knowing Ardyn so well, Caelan knew he wasn’t above slaughter. Everyone in this room would be fair game to him as far as she was concerned. She hoped with whatever scheme Ardyn was concocting that he wouldn’t harm Gladio or Prompto.

“On behalf of King Noctis, who unfortunately couldn’t be here, I Gladiolus Amicitia, head commander of the royal crownsguard and its units, offer Ardyn Lucis Caelum to give testimony regarding Caelan Zamfir. You may ask the captive anything you wish to know. My men and I will assist fellow Troopers in keeping the peace during this time. Thank you for having us.”

Both Prompto and Gladio gave a bow with their heads and then presented Ardyn fully to the court floor. Gladio gave Ardyn a push from behind, causing him to stumble forward. He smirked hearing Ardyn growl and ignored the curse muttered at him.

Gladio and Prompto then took their place to the right of the courtroom. Fifteen crownsguard made their way to the left and stood shoulder to shoulder with the Accordo troopers already present.

“Please kindly give the king my regards toward his queen falling ill.” Camelia said sincerely to Gladio and Prompto. The older woman then took in a deep breath, finally casting a scornful look toward the man of the hour.

“Ardyn, it’s nice for you to join us after so many years.” It was quite obvious her words meant nothing here. It was all just formality.

Ardyn didn’t seem to care. He immediately smiled big, his eyes becoming bright by the second as he gave a generous bow with his head.

“It’s my deepest honor to see you all gathered on this fine morning! I’d offer a far kinder formality, but alas, my hands are tied. ” He shook his arms for emphasis. The clanging sound of the cuffs that bound his arms echoed throughout the courtroom. Hushed voices and murmurs were already running amok regarding the man who had been allegedly dead for five years, and Ardyn didn't bother to hide he was eating it up.

“There’s no need.” Camelia’s gaze zeroed in on the former chancellor. Memories of her time dealing with Ardyn when he worked for Niflheim began to take center stage in her mind. She had nearly forgotten how dramaturgical of a man he was.

“Are you aware of the reason as to why you’ve been brought forth to the Altissian courts to give testimony?”

Ardyn hummed, making a face. “I can’t say for certain, but I do believe it’s because of a rather lovely woman I traveled with for a time. Ah, there she is as we speak! Quite the scandal you have going for yourself, wouldn’t you say?”

Ardyn cast playful eyes onto Caelan, gesturing out with his hands as wide as the cuffs would allow him to. Caelan had a feeling the look of bewilderment she gave made Ardyn chuckle. She shot a glare at him. The mocking of his tone put her off. He sounded as if he was scolding her for a mistake.

“Moving on,” Camelia raised her voice, commanding Ardyn’s attention. “We have but a few questions for you regarding Caelan Zamfir, and yourself. Can you truthfully answer to the best of your ability?”

“By all means, ask away! That’s what I’m here for, isn’t it? To serve justice.” Ardyn motioned with his hands. He made a note of how many judges were present and tallied the total up next to the number of people that were sitting on the public benches of the courtroom. Almost 205 give or take. Perfect. He thought to himself.

“Who was Caelan Zamfir to you?” An elderly magistrate asked on Camelia’s behalf. The judge cast her eyes below Ardyn while he began to pace about the court floor.

Both Gladio and Prompto readied themselves, watching intently for any signs Ardyn was up to something mischievous.

“She was but hired help. You see, when I awoke on Angelgard after a long coma, I was in quite a vulnerable state of mind and body. I needed protection so I sought out Ms. Zamfir's services. Being a former crownsguard, I found her to be invaluable. Ms. Zamfir and I made haste to Insomnia. I had plans to visit the king regarding our…not-so-stellar relationship. I’m sure you all know the rest as to how that played out.”

Ardyn took a brief pause to look at Caelan from the corner of his eye. The puzzlement on her face never ceased. To say Ardyn was amused was an understatement.

“Ms. Zamfir at one point considered handing me over to Lucian officials during our travels. Had I not bribed her with monetary gain and public approval, I doubt she would’ve stayed long in my company.”

Ardyn smiled at all the judges. The kind look in his eyes was in stark contrast to his charming but disingenuous rhythm. He could see a few judges already growing uncomfortable.

“Was Caelan Zamfir offered any compensation for said services?” The magistrate asked after clearing her throat.

“Oh yes. Several, in fact.” Ardyn drawled. His enthusiasm accompanied by the salacious smirk he wore had Caelan’s face turning red. She had no doubts where his mind traveled to given his cadence alone, and she made a fist. She didn’t think Ardyn would be one to kiss and tell, but Caelan braced herself for the worst.

“I compensated my shield between the amount of 40 to 75k in gil and credits. Of which I took from old accounts I had at Niflheim. No one knew the wiser I was using it!” Ardyn chuckled at his own wrongdoing.

Caelan’s fist unclenched. She let out a long sigh of relief through her nostrils. If there was an opportunity to hit him soon, she’d take it. No matter how much she loved him.

“There have been reports submitted to us, that you and your shield had a rather close relationship.”

“Hearsay,” Ardyn sighed, giving a roll with his eyes. “Unfortunately, when a man and woman travel together, nasty rumors have ways of tagging along. Ms. Zamfir and I engaged in no such inappropriate contact. I know for a fact she couldn’t tolerate my behaviors, much less stoop so low of her virtue.”

Caelan couldn’t help but snort. He was lying through his teeth, and she knew it well, yet it seemed everyone else was falling prey to Ardyn’s glamour. She was still wrapping her mind around it, why he was simultaneously defending yet throwing her under a bus.

“Did you employ Caelan Zamfir to directly attack the king of Lucis under your command?” The judge asked.

Ardyn was appalled, as he motioned to himself. “Oh, I’d never do such a thing! I may have my problems with the royal family, but that’s my personal affairs. I wouldn’t dream of dragging someone beneath me into my mess.”

Ardyn paced about, gesturing here and there for emphasis and to add further conviction while he finished the rest of his statement. “ Ms. Zamfir, bless her heart, chose to follow me into the palace long after we parted ways. Now, much like you fine ladies and gentlemen, she assumed I was up to no good. Unfortunately from what I’ve been told, it seems that the crownsguard mistook her as an accomplice of mine.”

“Do you admit to attacking the king of Lucis?”

“Pardon?” Ardyn raised a brow.

“Did you purposefully travel to Insomnia to attack king Noctis and his family? I hope that clarifies enough for you.” The woman grumbled the last sentence under her breath. It was quite obvious she was not in the mood for repeating herself.

“I’m afraid I can’t divulge any information as Lucis is pending investigation. If I may be so bold, I’m not the one on trial at present. My former shield is.” Ardyn shook his head. He made a face and then signaled toward the judges every so often as he walked. “With this in mind, I must respectfully decline to answer that particular question.”

“Did Caelan Zamfir attempt to get you involved with anything pertaining to her criminal activity, especially in regards to genocide towards Niflheim citizens?”

Ardyn’s features relaxed and he shook his head. He stopped walking. “No. It was never brought to my attention. Everything for Ms. Zamfir was strictly business. I wasn’t aware of her crimes until recently.”

“Last question,” The older judge adjusted her glasses. “Can you vouch for her character? Please keep it brief.”

“Is that really all there is? Seems like a wasted trip.” Ardyn sighed with heavy disappointment.

“Izunia,” Camelia spoke up for once during the interrogation, giving Ardyn a look to suggest he needed to stay on task. “Please answer the question.”

Caelan watched while Ardyn looked at her from afar. Beneath the cunning gleam his features held, there was a confidence. Instinct commanded Caelan’s attention. Telling her to listen well to what he had to say as Ardyn’s focus went back to the highest of the lands.

“Ms. Zamfir is fiercely loyal. I personally haven’t seen such dedication in centuries. It’s almost unheard of. At times I’ve questioned the nature of her intelligence, yet she never failed to find exits when we dealt with situations beyond our control. I’d say she knows when to run and when to hold her ground. All things considered.”

Caelan saw Ardyn cast one last glance at her from the corner of his eye. There was a subtlety in his body language that Caelan honed in on. He mentioned exits, holding one’s ground, and fleeing. Something was building up. Caelan could feel her intuition telling her that Ardyn would be making a move, and whatever happened, she needed to get out of that courtroom.

“It’s quite unfortunate her choices brought her here. Had circumstances been different, I’m certain Ms. Zamfir would’ve made a fine guard for whatever nation she’d chosen to serve. I’m afraid that’s all I can say regarding the poor thing. I pray she finds repose at your mercy.” Ardyn gave a respectful bow with his head towards the judges, thus finishing his testimony.

“Commander Amictia, you and your crownsguard may take Ardyn back to Lucis. The courts of Altissa have no further use for the Adagium.” Camelia stated. She cast her eyes away from Ardyn, not wanting to give the man any more attention than what he had already stolen.

Caelan watched as Gladio and Prompto approached Ardyn and coaxed him to move. None of them looked her way nor said a word as they followed through with the orders handed down. She was beginning to wonder if maybe she had projected false hope onto the three. Especially that of Ardyn. Maybe her instincts were wrong.

Although Caelan had immense trust in Ardyn, there were many seeds of doubt that began to plant themselves in her mind. Seeing Ardyn’s form slowly disappear from the courtroom began to rip pieces of her heart out. After everything she had done for him, after crying over his corpse, this was it? Was this truly what they amounted to? She couldn’t stop the thoughts from occurring no matter how hard she tried.

“Zamfir,” Camelia’s voice snapped Caelan out of her contemplations, and she was forcibly brought before the judges by the female trooper.

“With Ardyn’s testimony complete, we will now begin the execution process. First, you will be--”

“Pardon my interrupting!” Ardyn’s voice raised all of a sudden. He turned around, facing the judges once again from the court's entrance. “There’s just one more little tidbit I forgot to mention about Ms. Zamfir.”

“Why are you--?!” Before Gladio could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Camelia.

“How paramount must it be that you heckle us during the final procedures?” Camelia hollered towards him. It was clear whatever patience she had for Ardyn had run its course.

“Trust me when I say, it’s of the utmost importance!”

The grin that Ardyn gave was enough to chill down Camelia’s spine. There was something amiss, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.

Caelan’s eyes widened. She could feel it. A static pull that had goosebumps trailing up and down her arms in a matter of seconds. She knew the sensation from anywhere. Ardyn was calling upon the royal arms. She could even make out the small bits of pink red light that signaled their presence coming into focus. There were many of them forming all throughout the courtroom.

“Oh, Gods…” She muttered under her breath.

“Ms. Zamfir is notorious for being quite gullible.” Ardyn laughed. His happy-go-lucky demeanor took a dangerous turn as he spoke with a sinister clarity that even had Caelan frightened.  

“Just like all of you!”

Ardyn’s hands lifted and he motioned toward the judges. In a blink of an eye, the phantom limbs of his armiger appeared. The sickle ends of the weapons flew at great velocity. All of the ghostly blades came dangerously close to impaling their respective targets, missing by a few centimeters or less. Not even Camelia was spared as one of the many swords nicked at her throat. A tiny stream of blood already was pooling down her flesh. Screams and yells rose into the atmosphere of the courthouse as chaos bloomed from Ardyn’s sudden attack.

“Get Zamfir out of the courthouse immediately!” Camelia shouted towards a pair of troopers that were nearby. They were quick to grab a hold of Caelan and began rushing her toward the nearest exit.

Gladio and Prompto attempted to restrain Ardyn but to no avail. Upon summoning Rakshasa, Ardyn broke free of his bonds and viciously took offense. He kicked Prompto several times in a series of quick strikes, bringing the reverse side of his blade upon the crownsguards back. Prompto cried out, his body tumbling to the ground.

“You bastard!” Gladio exclaimed, he brought down his long sword towards Ardyn’s chest. He was quickly incapacitated as Ardyn struck the back of Gladio’s neck with the hilt of Rakshasa. To add further insult to injury, Ardyn summoned two of the royal arms to impale the upper portion of Gladio’s legs. His yells intermingled with that of the many screams as Altissia citizens scrambled to get out of the line of fire.

Gladio attempted another assault. Casting his blade towards Ardyn’s feet as payback. Ardyn jumped, dodging the attack in a split second before warp-striking Gladio. The king's shield was knocked several feet away, and Ardyn sent another round of phantom limbs after anyone who was foolish enough to stick around.

Caelan was close to one of the back exits of the courthouse until blood-curdling noises and whispered gasps fell from the troopers that had been escorting her out. She turned her head, nearly meeting the same fate as her captors. Caelan’s blood ran cold, her eyes conveying shock at seeing Ardyn staring her down. She knew the predatory gaze quite intimately. It was the very same one Ardyn had used the day he had taught her to warp strike. Every crease and crevice of his face told Caelan he intended to harm her.

A single royal arm was sent her way with a flick of Ardyn's wrist. Caelan attempted to block with her hands. The ghost-like sword managed to cut loose her shackles and sliced through her palms, causing her to cry out.

While she was distracted by the sudden pain, Ardyn suddenly teleported in front of her. He hit Caelan square in the stomach with the hilt of Rakshasa, sending her several feet back. Caelan caught herself and dodged round after round of assaults Ardyn had prepared for her. Every time she attempted to right herself and take on an offensive stance, Ardyn had a counter. He didn’t leave any room for her to breathe much less have the clarity to best him.

Caelan was too shocked and hurt to ask why Ardyn was attacking her. Everything about this fight felt wrong. She felt her stomach churning in painful knots from his previous onslaught. She didn’t want to fight. Not just because she didn’t want to harm a person she loved, but due to the fact her body was broken. A shell of its former self. She lost count how many times Ardyn managed to nick her flesh with his crimson blade. She could foresee her death at the rate things were heading; dying in a sea of cuts, slowly bleeding out until nothing was left.

“Is this really all you have to show?” Ardyn seethed. His anger held no bounds as he thrust the Rakshasa towards Caelan, attempting to pierce the center of her heart with quick strikes.

“I’m not fighting you!” Caelan cried out, twisting her body to dodge the assault.

“Then you’ll die here!” Ardyn screamed.

For the first time during their altercation, she had an epiphany. Caelan registered the double meaning of his words. Ardyn wasn’t merely referring to himself killing her, but Accordo being her grave. She could feel it from the desperation of his tone. How every strike, every attack, was an attempt to get her to wake up. She needed to cut her own spirit free.

As Rakshasa came tumbling for her head, Caelan at the last second summoned her blade to block. The gold and black steel of her sword let out a piercing screech as its body met that of Rakshasa. Caelan grit her teeth, her eyes deadlocking with Ardyn’s blue orbs staring at her with contempt. As they battled for dominance, Caelan watched Ardyn's calloused features soften. There was a proud tenderness Ardyn held for her even among the glare he viciously gave. Caelan swallowed as she studied him, trying in vain to determine if he was truly a friend or foe. Her heart was beating so fast, she couldn’t breathe or think.

Ardyn subtly nodded to Caelan several times, as if he was telling her ‘well done’ without speaking the words. He mouthed out ‘go’, and as quickly as his gentle expression occurred, he went back to a raging machine; hellbent on getting his opponent to break. Ardyn forced Caelan back with Rakshasa violently striking against her sword. The speed had Caelan chagrined, so much so that she didn’t see it coming when Ardyn swiped her legs and kicked her far away from him.

“I’m afraid I can’t afford to let you live if I am to be free of everyone in this miserable life!” Ardyn yelled with contempt. He sent ten blades of the armiger flying toward Caelan. She quickly sprinted as her blade disappeared, hearing the thundering clang of the spirited weapons hitting objects and other poor souls who happened to get in the way. If she wasn’t running on adrenaline, Caelan would’ve noticed Ardyn wasn’t using the blades to attack her. No. He was using the royal arms to guide her quickly down a hall and to a window nearby.

On instinct to avoid impalement, Caelan tucked in and rolled out of the window, shattering the glass as she fell several feet and landed on a stack of wooden boxes. The impact had her yell out a scream, feeling as if she had been punched several times over. Having lost muscle and weight from her confinement, such a feat had nearly knocked the wind out of Caelan. Regardless of her current feelings, she could hear the static of the armiger drawing close by, and out of fear she ran. Sprinting past crowds of people that were  in a frenzied panic, traveling through a maze of buildings and waterways.

Caelan had no idea where she was going. Nor did she understand a scrap of what happened behind her. All she could focus on was getting far away, and maybe Ardyn or someone would enlighten her at what the hell was happening. She had to hope--

Hope. The word repeated in mind. It was slowly starting to come back to her. The mere concept was becoming tangible once more as Caelan got further away from the courthouse and into the unknown.