Retrieving the Pendant
Another demon fell, cut down by Gattius’ blade. The Blood Knight returned to his ready stance immediately, eyes scanning across the battlefield for any other would-be contenders. He panted, sweat dripping from his face, streaming through the coagulated demon blood splattered across his cheeks and forehead. The battlefield fell silent - that one seemed like the last of them.
For now.
“Sloppy, lad. That shield’s meant to take beatin’s like that wrathguard was givin’ yah. Not your chest.”
Alteris strolled up behind him, twirling his dagger between his fingers per usual. Gattius turned, shot him a look, and wiped the sweat and blood from his face.
“Remind me again which one of us is dead, and which one’s managed to survive this long.” he returned, coldly.
Alteris was taken aback, nearly dropping his dagger. He let out a light gasp, eyes wide.
“--Well, fuck you too, lad!”
“I’m... I’m sorry, Alt.” Gattius sighed, shaking his head. “That was way out of line. I’m all stressed out and worried, is all. Didn’t mean to take it out on you.”
“Worried about this mystery shooter, aye?” Alteris resumed his knife twirling as if nothing had happened.
“You know I am. That was intentional, not a stray. And wasn’t a Legion shooter, either. If that’s not reason to be worried, I don’t know what is.”
Gattius kept his guard up, surveying the area where just the night before, Syrielle was shot in the abdomen. Thankfully, the damage was minimal and he was able to treat her, extract the bullet, and mend her just like new again. But he was still gravely concerned - what if that bullet had hit something vital, like her heart, or her head? He was also very concerned by Rositsa’s analysis of the bullet itself...
Rositsa continued to stare at the bloody bullet and if glares could kill, well, the one she was giving that projectile quite likely would have sent most running in the other direction in a hurry. Finally prying her gaze away from the forsaken bullet she scowled and crinkled her nose, holding it up so that it could easily be seen. "So, this may come as a shock to you both."
Gattius looked at Rositsa. "--What is it, Li-Mei?"
Syrielle took a moment to sit up, and looked over to Rosi.
“However, this bullet didn't come from a weapon of the Legion. It's from a long-barrel sniper rifle. Goblin engineering. Pirates and outlaws favor it.” she explained.
“--What? Why would...” Gattius staggered over his words, shocked by the revelation. “How's that possible? You're saying it wasn't the Legion who shot her?”
“--wait, what?” Syrielle asked, also surprised.
“Not if we go off this bullet, no.” Rositsa explained.
“Well, I mean, that's the bullet. You saw me pull it out of her.” Gattius nodded.
“Well, yes, but the Legion doesn't use anything like it.”
"...friendly fire, maybe?” Syrielle suggested.
Gattius shrugged. "A stray shot? I guess it's possible..."
“Doubtful.” Rositsa interjected.
“Did you see anyone else out there besides us, Li-Mei?”
"No sir.”
“I didn't either...” Gattius frowned. “Long barrel... that means at great range, right? Way far out?”
“And a sniper, a well trained one normally doesn't miss their mark, so the possiblity of this being a stray bullet is slim to none.” Rositsa nodded. “ So yes, you're right.”
Gattius frowned. "... That's..."
"That was NOT friendly fire.” Rositsa declared. “She was targeted.”
The thought chilled Gattius to his core. Who would target Syrielle? Why? It didn’t make sense. He continued to scan the battlefield, looking specifically for a vantage point a sniper could’ve used to make that shot. They were rather close to Destiny Point - another cause for concern.
“Bah... I’m such an idiot. She followed me down here.” Gattius grumbled to himself. “If I wasn’t so petty and jealous...”
“Almost got her killed, aye.” Alteris agreed, nodding.
“--That’s not helping. You’re supposed to make me feel better about this.” Gattius frowned.
“Oh, am I, lad? I’m a projection of your feelings. If you felt better about this, I’d probably say somethin’ to cheer you up about it.” Alteris shrugged. “But you don’t.”
Gattius grumbled, shaking his head and kicking the dirt beneath his feet. What a fool he’d been! And it almost cost him dearly. He shook his head, and turned back to depart the scene... when something in the dirt caught his eye. He knelt down, and pulled it from the dust; a light sapphire gem pendant, glowing a soft blue and white, attached to a silver chain. It was Syrielle’s pendant - the one Caedius gave her. The one she threw off the cliff. The one he’d jumped down to retrieve, before Syrielle followed him, and...
“--Best leave that be, aye lad?” Alteris peered at the Blood Knight, brow askew.
Gattius didn’t reply. He closed his hand around the pendant, and tucked it away in his satchel. He stood, still wordless, and hurried his way back up to Destiny Point.
“--Lad, I...”
Alteris fell silent, before fading away...
((Mentions: @syrielle, @crazyladyhorse, @somniumaeternus ))
