The False King - Avalon/Guts - [Berserk AU]
lifebythesword:
✘ ——-; The night dragged on forever and despite the hours he spent staring at the darkened skies, its color would not change. For the rest of the time he remained awake, anger coursed through his veins, never calming into anything less than the powerful beast it was. An aggravated groan blew from his lips as he reflected on all of the events that transpired. His already exhausted mind would only think about how difficult and annoying the next day would be and no matter how far he tried to keep himself from it all, somehow he would find himself in the middle of it. By default, he would stand at Griffith’s side with no complaints but, he had no patience for listening to the bickering of Casca and definitely not Corkus.
Perhaps he should make it a priority that he try and remain near Judeau or Pippin – at least they were tolerable. The cold touch of his steel sword pressed against his bare chest as he hugged it. The swordsman, while resting against a tree, bowed his head and allowed his eyes to rest – guarding the prisoner’s tent. Within the darkness that consumed him as he fell into a deep slumber, he found himself. A small, terrified, fragile and battle stricken child covered in blood, bruises and tears. The man that he became simply stared in shock at the sight of his former self – as if he didn’t recognize who the young boy was. He was weak. The trait was so foreign to him and he couldn’t sympathize with feelings he could not recall even within himself. The compassion within his stone heart forced the warrior to reach out, his large fingers gripping the small, trembling shoulder of the boy. The very words he wanted to speak retreated down his throat.
So, Guts only waited until the reflection of his past turned to look at him. There was a gut wrenching sensation boiling within him. Anxiety was setting in as the suspense began to eat away at his confidence. The crying of the boy echoed into the abyss, clawing at the soldier’s composure. Slowly, the boy turned his head to face the man, eyes filled with tears. Immediately, Guts stumbled backwards, letting out a shriek of terror as he realized that the boy had no mouth. His cries became muffled and as the disfigured boy stood, he became consumed by darkened hands which pulled him under. The swordsman quivered in fear but still found the strength to lurch forward, trying desperately reach for the boy’s hand so he can pull him out. But the force weighing against him was formidable, even for the almighty black hawk. The boy’s tiny fingers slipped through and in one final scream, he was gone. The agonizing cry violently shook the man awake. Guts’ eyes frantically searched the area around him, trying to find relief in the reality that now surrounded him.
His heart which was filled with apprehension raced and his body broke out into a sweat. Lightly he panted, trying to calm himself and regain his strict composure. It wasn’t until he heard a voice call out to him did he break away from the trance he was in. Before he would turn to face whoever it was that beckoned for him, the swordsman would rip away from the terrified expression he currently donned. Gingerly was of his breaths as he inhaled and exhaled. Finally, raising to his feet his gaze fell upon Griffith who surprisingly, had the woman standing beside him. Seems as though the two reached an agreement without him. She was unbounded and there were plenty of admiring and glaring eyes behind them. The man groaned before walking over, knowing full well the storm that would brew after all was set and done.
Guts walked over, leaving his sword lying against the tree. A quick glance was thrown to the redhead and held for a moment before he looked to Griffith. The white hawk simply nodded his head and the swordsman knew exactly what had gone down. The warrior nodded in return, giving wisdom that there was a mutual understanding. Following that gesture, the leader turned and announced the news to everyone. The swordsman placed his hand upon his waist and adjusted most of his weight on his left foot as he stared with an unmoved expression at the people who were cheering and the selected few who groaned and cursed beneath their breaths. His autumn hues then traveled over to the new recruit, whose attitude appeared to be different when she was gazing upon the man with the silver mane.
However, once she turned and their eyes met, the woman gave a nasty look that slightly shocked Guts. But, he quickly snickered at the woman while looking away. He was to take her under his wing – that much he understood. He was to watch her closely should she prove to be a spy but to almost make sure she would be resourceful for Griffith and his plans. Judeau would have been a better fit. But, then again, he was far too nice to handle this lioness of a woman. Quickly, the man turned on his heel and marched away, leaving no care in the world for the time being. He retreated back into his normal isolation in the woods, with his sword – knowing Griffith would be spending the most time with her from the start.
The flickering flames that once danced within her eyelids were swallowed by the void—deep, impending blackness that nearly suffocating Avalon with its invisible grasp. She could feel her throat tense up, closing in itself as the darkness wrapped itself around her form until it was no longer visible. A long, unnerving silence deafened her ears. Only her growing anxiety slipping through her lips in the form of short, excited breaths. Avalon felt claws grasping at her body; low, rumbling laughter breaking the silence that finally brought the crimsonette to whimper as a form appeared. Drenched in blood, a man that once called himself a King stood before her, with a pile of corpses laying beneath his monstrous feet. Desperate, Avalon flung her limbs in every direction in foolish hope of escaping the grasp of her invisible captors.
This was one dream she held no control over. The devilish tyrant drew closer to the young woman, a fanged grin stretching from one ear to the other. Her breathing became so erratic that she could almost feel her heart burst through her chest. He reached out to her, bloody claws grazing under her chin and nearly breaking skin just to direct her face towards him. His eyes were a filthy gold, glimmering within the darkness that surrounded him. They were fixated on the young crimsonette—filled with hunger and desire. The same stretched grin was painted terrifyingly across his face and it only made Avalon cry in silence as his prolonged stare began to eat away at her.
Again. Silence. Only his heavy breaths misting into her face. Faint chants of death whispering so far and near.
“Sweet Child…” The devil spoke, “Your time will come… Just you wait.” His words fell upon her ears like a thousand swords piercing her body, as his mouth unhinged, coming towards her at a great speed that made Avalon scream, pushing her body back against the wooden pillar. A pulsating pain shook through her body as she fought against another, arms held her down, firmly and gently, waking her from the darkness.
Avalon pushed against the stranger’s appendages while still believing she was in the dream, but was met with a surprise. Along with being unbound, she was also in the presence the graceful phenomenon known as Griffith, the leader of the mercenary group. There was another person behind him, ready with the hilt of their sword in hand. Her frantic eyes dart from the soldier to Griffith and with the premonition she received, Avalon wasn’t so sure of the man’s intentions. What even made her more unsure was his ever so calm demeanor; still holding her so delicately but maintaining a firmness to his touch. His pale, elegant features gracing her with a compassionate smile that allowed some tranquility to eerily settle into her heart. Avalon nibbled her lower lip staring into the glacier-like stare, so soft and concerning.
“You were having quite the fuss in your sleep.” His words spilled from his lips like gentle stream, “I do hope it wasn’t for your… unfortunate experience with my men last night.” Griffith’s tone shifted, almost regrettable. “I can assure you that we are not all the same.” Avalon remembered the other man saying the same, clearly coaxing the idea further more.
“It will not happen again, I promise this.” Another smile, more gracious and forgiving, curled upon his lips. The crimsonette could feel her cheeks flush, bringing her to lower her gaze. Griffith takes notice of her actions and takes a bold step to cupping her face into one hand. She froze in reaction, her only movement being made by backing into the wooden post. He hummed a soft snicker, “You needn’t fear me. I find you to be a fascinating and skilled individual.” His fingers folded wild tufts of her hair behind her ear. “One of the very few reasons you are alive.”
Avalon was a bit startled with that last sentence, furrowing her brows. She did not know what this man intends to do with her, but surely his last words did not help his cause. Finding the courage to speak, her words crept through her capped lips, sounding tender yet dry.
“W-what are your intentions?”
The white hawk’s expression was lifted in interest when she spoke, adjusting himself in is position. “I have a dream…” He began, solemn in his tone, his eyes fixated into her bi-color hues. “A dream that I am so gracious to have many follow with me. For a very long time, I have wished to rule my own kingdom. It… may sound silly. But it just so much more than that… I wish to appease those who have stood alongside me with no fault, to become an auspicious and merciful ruler to my subjects. To grant those a safe and prosperous haven. I would not be able to achieve this aspiration without the best and most skilled warriors on my side. Every person within the Band of the Hawk give me their heart and souls to achieve this dream.” His hands wormed their way into hers, his pale fingers tightening with confidence and anticipation. Avalon felt her lips part, her eyes glimmering with a tinge of remorse that nearly brought her a tear. Griffith acknowledge this change in expression. “My men do not follow me blindly as I hope to direct them into a future where there is security for the rest of their live. This… is something you would like also, yes?”
The crimsonette widened her eyes. It is as if he had seen into her, looking into each piece of her that had desired stability and a haven. Somewhere she will be needed and utilized for a better cause. Something that she had lost in her youth. Griffith had seen this, just by her expression alone. He didn’t only need to take in account that she was an assassin. That would’ve been too easy to deduct as something he could release her from. He offered her a way to live without struggle. He gave her a chance to fight for a life of stability. She pressed her lips together in submission to his question. Griffith smiled. “Will you…?”
The sun was at the zenith point and beaming down into the encampment as members of the mercenary group were performing their duties, some were even lounging about, and taking a sip of ale before the white hawk came out from his dealings. Talk soon spread through the camp, intense gossip of Griffith succeeding in his recruitment. Some were displeased with the thought, perhaps because the new recruit was a female and others were excited by this, followed that she was a skilled fighter that stumbled Guts. It wasn’t comforting catching the gossip in the winds, Avalon walked beside the white hawk as he showed her around the encampment and even introducing her to others. Griffith bore a smile in his introduction while the new recruit remained neutral, only giving a meek grin when he turned into her direction. And of all member to approach personally, it was the brute of a man that had come to her aid last night. Her brows furrowed when he stood to meet with them.
Avalon examined the exchange of looks between the two. It was intriguing to see the mutual understanding they shared without need words. The other man, Guts, glanced in her direction and she only glared, her eyes flinching viciously before turning her head into a different direction to avoid the prolonged stare.
“I hope you don’t mind keeping her under your watch. Perhaps she can teach you a few things.” Griffith teased, turning to Avalon with an assuring grin. “He would be the best person to show you the ropes. If there is anything you need, my tent is on the other side of the encampment.“ With that, he gave a firm squeeze onto her shoulder before brushing past her to a few soldiers who were waiting on him with plans. Avalon followed him off with her eyes as she dreaded turning back to the brute. She stood there idly, unsure of what she was to do now that she was left there with Guts. The situation at hand was so foreign, being new was something she hadn’t experienced for quite some time.
@lifebythesword
