The shattered plains beyond Capranor vanished swiftly under ToWrathhs speed. Broken roads, crumbling cliffside, and the constant roiling storm above were her only companions, save for the single blinking IFF tag further up ahead.
It hadnt moved for the past five minutes, almost as if waiting for ToWrathh to arrive. Likely it really was. If she could see the tag, so could whoever owned it see her.
The ground under her turned from smooth to utterly destroyed as she soared above the battlefield of her final clash with ToAacar. Where he had ripped apart the ground with occult slashes, throwing rocks every which way to clobber her into an early grave.
At the center of the broken war-zone, a lone figure stood, examining the destruction left behind. Shimrs floated above her, reflecting light until ToWrathhs vision grew defined enough to recognize the source - floating flat plates of tal. Surrounding a white figure half concealed by a large wide-brimd hat, like that of a witch. The staff held at her side paired well with the odd look.
This had to be ToSefit. The Feather sent by Relinquished.
ToWrathh flew closer, slowing her descent to lightly land nearby, and then observed the unknown Feather. She was taller than ToWrathh by a head, even from a short distance that was apparent. With the boot-like tal heels only adding to the height.
My, you must be my newest little sister. The woman said, still observing the broken ground as ToWrathh approached. Two long white pigtails fluttered in an invisible breeze, much lighter than actual hair. That massive hat with a wide brim, tilted slightly off center. From afar it had covered most of her features, and up close, it did even more to hide the Feathers face..
A smaller halo rotated slowly on itself, around the opposite tilt of the hat, escorted by those small tal plates, orbiting further around her. Fractals glowing brightly on each. No side weapon of any kind on her belt, back or legs. Just the staff she held in a hand, and a long flowing ornate robe of violet, black and white. Sothing felt off about this.
ToWrathh scanned the clothing finding nothing of note. Then she verified the weapon, trying to determine another angle of danger. tal shards, interlinked with silver wiring, floated around the staff end. That was the only return she could identify. Possibly occult blades, following the sa setup as ToAacars left hand.
Its not polite to stare, you know? The Feather said, smiling softly. Why, if you keep looking at like that, this older sister of yours might think youre looking for a spar. She let go of the staff, which floated dutifully behind her, leaving both her hands free. The plates behind equally shifted around, going from a lazy orbit to flowing behind her like wisps as she walked forward to ToWrathh. As much fun as that would be, I dont think you would appreciate being on the other end of my target locks. Nobody ever is, I find.
That wasnt my intention. ToWrathh said, aborting her scans. I was rely curious about your weaponry.
ToSefits eyes seed to snicker, while a hand hid her smile. If youd so like, I could give you a demonstration. Although let's settle for another ti, Im here on a task as you can tell. She said, coming within a hand stretch away. ToWrathh allowed the unknown Feather to approach this close. There wasnt yet any reason to expect an attack.
Pale white hands lifted, reached ToWrathh and cupped her cheeks lightly while violet eyes looked down from above. My, my, look at you. So adorable! Youre the newest little sister of mine, how precious. The one that was uplifted from one of the lessers, a spider chassis?
That is correct. I was originally a spider construct. Mother considered of acceptable ttle.
The Feathers smile deepened. It took years of adaptation before I passed the initial stages of her selection. Feels like it was only yesterday that I took my first step into this world.
Identify your purpose first, sister. ToWrathh asked. I have deadlines I need to attend to.
Ah, I beg your forgiveness, that was rude of . And here I was lecturing about being polite." The Feather let go, taking one step back. "I am of the twelfth generation, ToSefit. She said, taking a bow. The one stepping elegantly further into theosis.
A difficult na. ToWrathh said, considering the implications. Theosis? Was this Feather attempting to beco more like the pale lady?
Arent all burdens worth the while, heavy by nature? Else they wouldnt be worth pursuing. ToSefit countered. Mothers Feathers are lacking ambition, I find. Its a dreadful sha. We should all aspire to be more than simple Feathers, I believe. But enough about my thoughts. Ive told you my na. Would you let know who this cute little sister of mine is?
I am of the fourteenth generation, ToWrathh, the one who rembers and transcends her history. She said, feeling oddly belittled.
And you say my na is difficult. ToSefit giggled, clearly enjoying the parallels. Sounds like youre after the sa as I am, only in different words.
I dont seek divinity. ToWrathh said. You still have not defined your purpose here.
ToSefit waved a hand, You started as a spider, and beca a Feather. And now as a Feather, where will you go next? Transcendence has many definitions. Perhaps the steps you take might make you reconsider that definition a few tis as you reach each peak. As for why Im here, Im sure you can take a guess. She said, waving a hand around the destruction. Who else do you know nearby that would cause such destruction? None of this was mite made.
ToAacar?
ToSefit nodded. Yep, that would be it. A second generation Feather as well. Rarely you see one of their kind running around. Theyre famously reclusive, you know? This is likely where he fought his last, I suspect. The lady sent two others and myself out to investigate what happened to him.
No other reports or nearby sensors had detected the approach of two other feathers. Or any lessers assigned under her command? The Feather seed to have co completely alone. Where are your companions? ToWrathh asked.
Splitting up to get things moving faster, naturally. While our assigned leader investigates reports and logs in the archives, Ive been ordered to get first hand visuals and report those back to him. Tedious, cant be helped. She shrugged, eyes closing as she shook her head. Every now and then, this older sister has to get her hands dirty. Such is the way, Im sure you understand.
Alone?
ToSefit laughed, Why, are you worried about , little sister? Dont worry, I am quite confident in my abilities. She gave a wink, then leaned forward, as if whispering conspiracy in her ear. Secretly, Im hoping our little feather killer shows up to pick a fight with . All alone out here, dont I make for a tempting target, hmm? Would get everything sorted out faster. Deathless have been reckless occasionally. Who knows, I might get lucky and eliminate this thorn in our side without any more effort.
I am not worried about your status, elder sister. Only ask to know the status of the investigation. ToWrathh said, carefully. Where is your third in this case?
To this, ToSefit laughed like a chiming bell, standing back up from ToWrathhs ear. Sleeping away until called on, as he always does. I happen to know him quite well. Hes quite lazy. An odd trait for a Feather, however the results he delivers can't be questioned.
I assu that ans you dont know your leader as much? ToWrathh asked.
ToSefit didnt answer, instead a hand reached out to rub ToWrathhs head. So many questions. What an inquisitive little thing you are, how delightful. Did you care that much for your ntor? Her eyes flashed brighter for a mont. My, my. You didnt, did you? She humd while ToWrathh froze up, not knowing how this Feather was extracting so much information out of her by simply looking and rubbing the top of her hair. No data breach or any kind of cyber attack was noted. Did you like him even a little? ...Ahhh, a strike a miss there, clearly. Nervous about sothing?
ToSefit laughed as if she could see the thoughts going through ToWrathhs mind, while the Feather tried to figure out exactly how she was being read so easily. What could you be nervous about? Your elder sister is here to handle everything now. Dont worry. ToSefit humd, hand retreating back, a finger now tapping her chin in thought. Afraid for yourself then? ...No, looks like I missed that guess. Are you nervous Ill break sothing in your domain, perhaps? Oh, much closer that one. Lets see Afraid Ill step into that little city of yours and ss around with your pets perhaps? Her eyes widened, My, my, my, seems I hit a nerve. Attached to those pets? How eccentric of you.
I prefer them to be labeled by their correct designation. They are test subjects, not pets. ToWrathh hastily said, deciding to completely turn off all subroutines controlling her features. She needed to stay in character. If ToSefit had the sa sadistic tendencies as other Feathers under that smiling face, any weakness would be noted and abused. She hated trying to command her facial details manually. The result always looked stilted and completely off. There was no choice right now.
ToSefit tutted, head shaking slightly in disappointnt as ToWrathhs face fell into a neutral position devoid of any life. Thats no fun, She said, hands reaching out to pinch ToWrathhs frozen features. ToSefit tugged a few tis. Did this elder sister here scare you off with all my questions? Hmm?
There was sothing off about this Feather, despite her current friendly deanor. ToSefit felt like a predator hiding under the water, waiting for prey to pass by, eyes just slightly above the waterline, ever watching.
Danger seed to push down on ToWrathhs shoulders, like an oppressive blanket.
The longer she stayed here, the more chances there was to give ToSefit details she couldnt afford. That feather clearly had ans to extract information from her by simply talking.
She made a choice to extract herself as quickly as possible once she got the current status of the investigation.
We can discuss at the conclusion of the current investigation. I request access to what your team has currently discovered. ToWrathh asked, trying to move the conversation away. I would like to assist the investigation in order to close it. I have work I am attending to.
No need to rush. We have plenty of ti. If that Deathless didnt pounce on little old standing alone and defenceless on this field for the past half hour, I dont think theyll be coming out at all. Its clear to that whatever ca after your ntor, it was personal and the Deathless must have been left only limping after the fight.
Why this conclusion?
Isnt it obvious? She said, chuckling. You are still only a few months old. Hardly have any fractals picked out, a newborn. No matter how cute you are, the world will gobble you right up if it can. Her hand blurred forward and flicked ToWrathhs nose. Boop. Just like that. Whatever could kill ToAacar, why, that could easily rip you to pieces. Since youre still in one piece with a city of defenseless humans nearby under your command, I think that points in a certain direction, dont you think? Deathless are many things, but one thing they all have in common: They are drawn to causes like flies to honey. Put humans in danger and youll find one of their kind coming by soon enough to try and save those bags of at. That this Feather-killer hasnt co after you yet ans they were either killed in the crossfire or still limping around. Given ToAacars shell isnt anywhere I looked, I think they only barely managed to live through the fight to drag your ntors shell away. So, we have a rogue Deathless licking their wounds hiding around sowhere in these cliffs, holding a Feathers soul in stasis, biding their ti before coming after your city. Or perhaps, hiding inside your city itself even.
ToSefit turned her gaze back onto ToWrathh. What can you tell of your ntor and operations? Perhaps we can find so more clues there. Your ntor hasnt done a good job with his logs. Too many holes everywhere, its quite troubleso.
Of course he hadnt. ToWrathh had gone a long way to eliminate and obfuscate ToAacars logs. He considered a liability and refused to cooperate with most of my plans, choosing to separate our tasks instead of working together. She said. That part was true. Anything he did was isolated from . I do not know what happened to him, however I completed the mission without issue after his disappearance.
ToSefit humd, not reacting to the lie. Thats no way to ntor. What an awful older brother, I would have expected better from the esteed second generation if they were given direct order from the Lady. I suppose it does fit their type, they never like to work with us newer models, you see. To'Sefit laughed aloud.
ToWrathh said nothing, to which the other Feather took the wrong aning from. Dont worry. Well find out what happened to him sooner or later. ToSefit smiled. This older sister of yours is more reliable than that ntor of yours. In fact, I dont believe your ntor taught you anything at all with that kind of attitude, did he? Those eyes flashed again, and the Feathers smile deepened. I see he didnt. I suppose I should make up for his absence. You are far too adorable to be left out alone out here.
...What do you an? ToWrathh asked, dreading the answer.
Ill take you under my wing and teach you how to be a proper Feather. Youre but a few months old, soone had to teach you the right ways. Or else the world will gobble you up like it did ToAacar. The hand reached out again and rubbed ToWrathhs head, fingers digging into her hair, almost affectionately. Look at you, experinting on silly humans instead of sharpening your teeth on proper targets like Deathless. Leave those pickings for the lessers. We hunt more worthwhile prey.
That predatory smile never left ToSefit. And speaking of, I dont think Ill learn much more out here. Show that city of yours. Lets see what youve been hunched over all this ti since.
The world slowed for a mont as ToWrathh turned on part of her combat systems. She needed to think. ToSefit was clearly going to find out her betrayal almost imdiately the mont she tapped into the local Undersider citys recordings or security cara logs. Shed discover no experints were being done, that the humans were left to their own devices. Shell find the evacuation plans.
ToWrathh could not allow ToSefit to take a single step inside her city. However, the mont she beca defensive about it, the Feather would start to suspect. But sothing had to be done to bar her passage.
An excuse?
No, that wouldnt work. Theres only one option that would distract a Feather. And she had co equipped for such an eventuality.
Elder sister, you spoke earlier about a possible spar. ToWrathh asked, reaching.
ToSefit laughed, waving a hand. Oh relax, I wasnt serious. How could I be? I dont do silly things like fighting my targets. I eliminate them. Theres a world of difference there.
What do you an? ToWrathh asked, feeling nervous at her elder sisters utter confidence. Then again, ToAacar had also been just as confident and hed ended up destroyed.
ToSefit humd. Feathers specialize in roles. Usually after a decade youll know what fits you best. I can help you discover where your talents lie. Your ntor, for example, was a front line support assassin. Specializing in hunting down fleeing targets, as far as Ive seen his file. In a fight, his type would take point and handle the distractions at the start, such as human allies the Deathless fight with. Mobility would keep him alive during the fight, and once the Deathless are scattered, wounded and running, hell chase them down. Like most of the second generation, they seem tailor built as single-target eliminators. He would be the kind that would give you a fight-fight. My role is different. I am the long range damage, built to crush things like cities and groups of Deathless.
A long range siege engine? ToWrathh asked, feeling optimistic. She could take on sothing like this.
ToSefit laughed. Yes, exactly that. This is why I say I dont fight. If I have a clean shot on sothing, its no longer sothing.
ToWrathh considered all her possible choices. But the result returned again and again to only one option. She had to eliminate ToSefits shell in such a way that no suspicion would be raised.
So completely and utterly that the Feather would require ti to rebuild. Ti she could use to evacuate the city.
If ToSefit was built to destroy things from ranged, then against a lee oriented fighter with ToWrathhs speed, there was a way to win that spar and accidentally deal too much damage to ToSefits shell.
ToWrathh had brought Keiths new and upgraded weapons to bear with her. She had all the training of Tenisent. And she had all the experience of fighting opponents like Kidra and ToAacar.
Could she do this?
No. That wasnt the right way to think of it.
She had to. Failure was not an option.
I am the one who rembers and transcends her history. ToWrathh said. You said before that transcendence had many definitions. This is one of them. I must overco challenges I could not before.
ToSefit laughed. I wont deny you, of course. What kind of ntor would I be if I did? But it wont be a spar, my cute little fledgling. It will be a lesson instead. Dont worry, once were done, Ill keep a watch over that city of yours while your shell is rebuilt.
Next chapter - Returning ho
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