The Void Wolf

Zella screamed in complete hysteria while Gerald cradle himself while mumbling incoherently.

“Hmm?” Ira showed a confused expression while he walked toward them, “You didn’t make a mistake did you, Harper?”

Harper contemplated for a few seconds before she answered, “...No.”

“What’s wrong with them, Ira?!” Lance shouted in a panic.

“I don’t know. Maybe they’ve been dead too long, it takes time to readjust you know.” Ira shrugged. He tapped Gerald’s shoulder and was met with a series of wild swings. Ira stepped back and watched Gerald continue to yell while hitting the air.

“I’m sure he was talking earlier,” Ira said to himself as he suddenly reached out and grabbed Gerald before headbutting him.

Gerald was immediately knocked unconscious and went limp but Ira picked him up and placed him on his shoulder before turning to Zella who was still screaming.

“Make this easy for both us,” Ira said as he approached her.

“No! No! No! No!” Zella screamed as she attempted to run away, but since Ira was the one chasing her it was clear there was no point in fleeing at all. She wasn’t able to advance more than two feet before she was grabbed, knocked out with a heavy tap on the forehead, and hoisted over his shoulder.

“Let’s go.” Ira sighed as he walked back toward the campsite.

Lance, Sarah, and Valerie shared a look before following behind them.

When Ira arrived back at the campsite, everyone placed their gazes on him. Zella’s eerie scream was loud of enough to reach them and some people suspected Ira of being a deviant, but after seeing no evidence they had no reason to continue thinking it.

“Who are those people? What did you do to them?” Randolph spoke up as he looked at Ira strangely. Ira glanced at Randolph before he chuckled and continued on.

Although they had just met, Ira began to think of Randolph as an annoyance. Randolph was about to take a step forward when Lance noticed and spoke up, “Those are our friends.”

It was lucky that Lance interfered when he did. Most of the time it was impossible to tell what would cause Ira to react aggressively. He recalled when he attempted to attack Ira out of anger when he first tampered with Gerald’s and Zella’s bodies. In that moment, it seemed as if Ira would really kill him without a second thought.

“Oh, sorry,” Randolph sat down with an awkward expression, it appeared he didn’t realize that Lance saved him from death. Ira wasn’t the type of person to argue his beliefs or explain the reasoning behind his actions and if he did it would mean he was being extremely patient.

Ira eventually placed Gerald and Zella in a tent before he turned to leave.

“Wait, are they going to be ok?” Sarah asked.

“I really don’t know, just explain it to them slowly when they wake up. I mean they have been dead for a while, right? Harper will watch them until tomorrow.” Ira moved toward the darkness of the forest before he slowly faded from sight.

Harper looked reluctant to stay, but since Ira asked her to she had no choice. She turned around and eyed Randolph threateningly before she entered the tent and sat down. She crossed her legs and began to inspect the minds and souls of Gerald and Zella while they were unconscious.

Lance, Sarah, and Valerie knew there was nothing they could do to help so they went to their own tents and tried to rest, though that was easier said than done.

Aldis, Amy, Clark, and Randolph remained at the campfire, the only source of noise was the crackling of the burning wood.

“I’m sorry, Amy...I wanted to visit you after...After you lost your arm,” Clark finally spoke.

Amy clenched her metal fist as she looked at him, “Then why didn’t you?”

“Ira said that...I shouldn’t stay at the academy, he said it wasn’t the place for me,” Clark replied.

“You’re blaming Ira?” Aldis questioned with a laugh that oozed with mockery, “What did he say exactly?”

“I...I asked him if Amy hated me...and then he said the academy wasn’t right for me before he gave me a couple hundred Gre before he left.” Clark answered.

“Ah, it doesn’t seem like he told you to leave at that moment. It seems like you used it as a convenient excuse to leave,” Aldis’ hands found their way to his swords, but he remained in control.

“You don’t get to talk to him like that, you don’t know how guilty he must’ve felt.” Randolph showed his own anger.

“No, I do get to talk to him however I want because I was there. Let me ask you something, how did you get your ability?” Aldis’ voice slowly began to rise.

“The Red Moon and The Golden Aurora, why?” Randolph asked in confusion.

“So you didn’t have to suffer through anything for it? You just woke up one day and had it? Have you ever suffered the slightest bit of adversity up until this point? If you haven’t why do you think that your own input would be valid. When Amy lost her arm she felt completely powerless. When I fought those monsters, I felt powerless. When did you ever feel powerless to help someone you care about?”

At Aldis’ questions, Randolph found himself tongue-tied. While he didn’t have a silver spoon from birth, he hadn’t lost much.

“What about you? Aren’t you from a noble family? You probably had support from your parents.” Randolph asked stubbornly.

“Support? If you think I had financial support than you’re right, I did, but that’s it. In my family, if you can’t show enough strength you are as good as useless. Everything I’ve achieved has been from my own efforts and I guarantee it was harder than anything you’ve done so far. I dislike you, Randolph...Not because of the fact you were lucky enough to get power without earning it, but because you think that you have the right to tell us how to feel and how to react. You haven’t suffered enough for me to listen to one word from you.” Aldis stood up and drew his swords.

Randolph gripped his sword tightly as he stood up and stared at Aldis.

“That’s enough, Aldis!” Amy shouted before she stormed away from the campfire and into the forest.

Aldis gave one last look to Clark and Randolph before he sheathed his swords and chased after Amy.

…

“Amy!” Aldis called out as he followed her into the forest.

Amy continued walking until Aldis placed a hand on her shoulder which caused her to turn around and face him.

“I’m fine, Aldis,” Amy said as tears gathered near the corners of her eyes.

“You’re not,” Aldis responded before taking a breath and continuing, “...When I was younger...Avery killed my father. He...didn’t like what my sister became during her training so when he tried to take us away, she killed him. After the incident, the servants maintained their distance from me and so did my other relatives...I guess they were afraid of suffering a similar fate. Since I clearly wouldn’t be a Valkyrie, I didn’t see much of my mother or Avery while growing up. Until I met you, Clark, and Ira, I didn’t have anyone. That’s why I can’t ignore Clark’s absence.”

“Aldis…” Amy hugged Aldis tightly.

Aldis looked taken aback, but he returned the hug with a smile.

“Do you two plan on getting married or something?” Ira asked.

“Ira!” Amy and Aldis jumped as they separated.

“You know, I came out here to be alone so I can concentrate, but if you two want some private time I’ll go somewhere else,” Ira smiled mischievously.

“No...It’s not...We just…” Aldis spoke with an uncharacteristic loss of composure.

“I get it, Aldis, I do.” Ira gave a knowing look before winking at them.

“Ira…” Amy blushed slightly, but the darkness helped hide it. She shook her head as if to get rid of her embarrassment, “What are you practicing anyway?”

“Just a bit of space manipulation. It’s hard to do it after stepping into purgatory, but I can still do a little.” Ira slowly raised his arm and short black fur and claws covered it. He swiped downwards and a wave of energy moved.

“...What was that?” Aldis asked as he didn’t notice anything other than a slight gust.

Dozens of trees began falling in succession as if to answer him. They all sliced apart with a clean cut that was so precise it probably split the cells of the tree in half.

Ira looked happy as he nodded and returned his arm to normal, “Not bad,” he said with obvious satisfaction.

“...What...Ira...What did you just do?” Aldis asked with obvious interest.

“I cut through space...Or cut apart space? It’s hard to explain.” Ira shrugged.

“You don’t even know?!” Aldis didn’t think it was possible to be shocked any more than he already was.

“That reminds me…” Ira started as he turned to Aldis, “I have something for you.” He waved his hand and his sword appeared from thin air.

“Here.” Ira handed it over, “It's sharper than most swords. I was going to save it for my kid, but I thought it was better to make something from scratch.”

Aldis accepted the sword, but as he grabbed it he noticed it was at least ten pounds heavier than normal swords, “What is it made of?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“My brother, I turned him into metal and then had him made into a sword,” Ira laughed before continuing, “Anyway, I’ll get you some God Steel when I get a chance.”

“God Steel?” Amy’s eyes widened. She ignored the part about Ira turning his brother into a sword was a joke since she had never heard of him speaking of his relatives before.

“Yeah, the Dark Elves have a lot of it. I’ll grab you some too, ok?”

“Thank you,” Amy nodded gratefully.

“Another thing, did you get anything from the Golden Aurora, Aldis?” Ira asked.

“...Unfortunately, no.” Aldis answered bitterly.

“...Well, give me some time and I’ll find you something,” Ira said reassuringly before he bounced on his heels.

After limbering up he spoke again, “You both can take all the time you need...I’ll find somewhere else.” Without waiting for their response, Ira jumped into the air and disappeared into the night.

Aldis and Amy stood silently for a while before he finally spoke up, “Amy, you can ignore what Ira said if it bothers you...I’ll head back first.”

Aldis stepped forward but Amy tugged on his sleeve, “...It doesn’t bother me.” She said in a voice so low it might as well have been a whisper. Both of them had grown closer during the time Ira spent away so it was no real surprise that something would occur between them.

“Goodnight, Aldis.” Amy was too embarrassed to stay after her odd confession, so she hurried away.

“...Goodnight.” Aldis said after some hesitation. A dozen thoughts filled his head, but the most prominent ones were related to his Mother. He remembered that the children of Valkyries had to undergo a process before they were allowed to marry.

“Marry?” Aldis questioned himself aloud. He shook his head as he realized it was still too early to think such thoughts.

“...Is it?” Aldis once again was uncertain as he thought of how soon Ira had gotten married. It seemed very quick, but Ira appeared to be happier than ever, especially when he learned he was becoming a father.

Aldis shook his head in a frustrated manner before he headed toward the campsite. He decided that he would speak to his mother as soon as possible.

…

The next day arrived quickly and Gerald and Zella appeared to have calmed down. Harper led them out of the tent and into the open where Lance, Sarah, and Valerie awaited them. Gerald was missing a portion of his hair on the side of his head since it was reconstructed from nothing, while Zella seemed to be alright. The only obvious trait they shared was the black orbs of glass lodged into their chest and a slight paleness.

“Hey...” Gerald greeted softly.

Lance rushed up and hugged the man he saw as a brother, “I’m sorry...It’s all my fault.”

He moved over and hugged Zella even tighter, “I’m so...sorry.”

“I-I know I...died...but what happened?” Gerald asked, “Is my wife ok?”

All of a sudden a blur of a silhouette softly landed next to them. It was obviously Ira who was still upset about not being able to teleport.

“You can talk while moving right? I want to get as close to the Capital as I can, since, you know, my wife is pregnant.” Ira smiled.

“Pregnant? C-Congratulations, Ira,” Zella said in a hoarse voice.

“Thanks, anyway, let’s move,” Ira spoke with impatience before he jumped away toward the other side of the camp.

“Ira!” Harper quickly followed him, leaving ghostly blue afterimages trailing behind her.

“Come on, I’ll tell you two everything on the way,” Lance wiped his eyes as he walked forward with energetic steps. It was due to his excitement that he didn’t notice the absent look that briefly swept across Gerald and Zella’s eyes.

“...Ok,” Zella said hoarsely. It seemed that she didn’t even notice the look, but it was to be expected. There was no way that returning from death would be so forgiving as to not leave the slightest of side effects.

…

A week and a half later, at the Valkyrie Hall, several Valkyries walked toward a newly created section with urgency. The two Valkyries leading them were none of than Lauren and Casey who seemed to be the most worried.

“Explain to me what happened step by step,” Lauren said with a voice that didn’t allow refusal.

“It’s...I’m not sure, but when we found her it was already over. The room was completely destroyed and the mana surrounding her was unstable, Mother.” A Valkyrie said solemnly.

“She’s safe though, correct?” Casey asked.

“Yes, Avery is without harm, but...” The Valkyrie trailed off.

“But?” Lauren inquired.

“It’s best if you see for yourself,” The Valkyrie said ominously.

The group of Valkyries opened a pair of iron door and entered a room filled with the broken furniture and bedding. The only intact chair was occupied by Avery who looked toward one of the windows carved out for her.

“Avery, is everything alright?” Casey asked with concern.

“Yes, Mother,” Avery stood up and her entire form could be seen. There was a noticeable protrusion on her abdomen that indicated her pregnancy was moving further along than normal.

“...Impossible,” Lauren trembled as she moved forward to inspect Avery. After she finished, she found that there was no mistaking it. Avery’s child seemed to be developing at an alarming rate, but when considering the Father, it became less of a surprise. It seemed that a month for an ordinary child developing in the womb was akin to three months for Ira’s and Avery’s child.

“Tell everyone to stop their activities, from this point on all of us will keep watch on Avery,” Lauren stated.

“What about the healers and nurses?” Casey asked. Although most of them had given birth at some point, they had people to assist them. There were a number of things that could go wrong and it would never hurt to be extra cautious. Caution became even more appealing when Ira was considered, it was no telling what would happen if his child received an injury.

“So far none of them have proven to be trustworthy. When Ira comes back I’ll ask him to retrieve some people from Sylun. In the meantime, only two Valkyries are allowed to go to the Manor to give orders. Other than that, no one is allowed out unless it is an emergency.” Lauren suddenly paused and turned toward Avery. She felt something was off and just as she was about to speak a burst of energy erupted and sent her and the other Valkyries flying back.

“Avery!?” Lauren yelled as she stood up.

“I’m fine, Grandmother...It just moved for the first time,” Avery traced over her swollen abdomen with a sweet smile.

The Valkyries, on the other hand, had looks of horror, for them to be moved backward by the ability of a child that wasn’t even born. It was something that they couldn’t comprehend no matter how much they tried.

“You know what to do, go,” Lauren said firmly.

The Valkyries immediately left, leaving Avery, Casey, and Lauren as the remaining three.

“How long has this been happening, the pulses of energy I mean?” Casey asked.

“They’ve slowly been increasing in intensity over the last week,” Avery spoke without a hint of worry.

“...And they aren’t harming you?” Lauren asked.

“They have no effect on me, Grandmother,” Avery answered.

“I see…” Lauren nodded, “Sit and rest, Avery, it won’t be long until we’ll replace the furniture shortly. We need to layer it with various protection spells just in case.”

“I understand,” Avery said as she sat down in the only chair left in the room.

Lauren and Casey shared a look before they departed, leaving Avery alone, cradling her stomach with a warm look.

“I hope he comes back, soon,” Avery said to her child. It may have been due to the child’s accelerated development, but it had an effect on Avery’s normally indifferent face. That wasn’t to say that she would be unfeeling toward the life growing inside of her, but rather, the rare times she showed emotion was harder to catch and less obvious.

…

Meanwhile, in the East, Cyprian was preparing to head to the Grenitian Kingdom in order to fulfill the Parvian side of the deal and receive an Index.

“Are you sure that we should send Cyprian? The earthquakes that have been coming from the desert border have increased,” An old man spoke.

“That’s all the more reason to send him, we need to receive that index to prepare for any untimely disaster,” Another old man responded.

“You don’t think it’s the City-Eater, do you?” A middle-aged man asked.

“...Isn’t it true our scouting parties have yet to return?” The old man responded with a question in order to let them draw their own conclusions.

“It can’t be…”

“Gods no…”

“Will we need to use the Spirit of The Desert?”

“Enough! Cyprian, do you understand your task?” The Head of the House of Swords spoke.

“Yes, I am to follow through with the agreement made between us the Grenitian’s investigating Ira’s origins.”

“Good, then depart immediately. The best outcome would be if you could get Ira to assist us with investigating the desert.” The grey-haired old man said.

Cyprian nodded before he turned to leave, he understood the need to learn as much about Ira as they could. Ira had control over a Moon that increased the abilities of those in the Dark Elf Empire, the loyalty and reverence of The Dark Elves and their people, marital ties to the Valkyries, Inhuman strength, and the attention of the Higher Races. Anyone who was sane wouldn’t let such a walking disaster move without gaining information on it.

The reality of the situation was quite different then it would seem. If they thought about everything that made Ira dangerous, they would only be scratching the surface.