Chapter 1
Once upon a time there were three idiots.
The first idiot was named Erik. With auburn hair and bright blue eyes, he was the jokester. Always quick to respond and earn a laugh, Erik was one of the kindest men you would ever have the honor of meeting. At 23 young, he was skilled with a sword, and found joy in sparring with one of his best friends, Suga.
Suga, the second idiot, was the handsome one of the group. With warm brown hair and caramel skin, they were quite the sight to behold. Not quite as tall as Erik but still a decent height. Intelligent and creative, Suga was a skilled strategist and kind friend, always quick to help and support those around them.
The final idiot was Fallen. With dark brown hair and eyes, she was the plainest of all of them. Unskilled really in combat, Fallen found her world to be more academic. She studied and learned, always reading some book or journal to pass the time. She was a tad short tempered, but being with her partner Suga, best friend Erik, and crow familiar Pam made her happier than anything.
The world these three idiots lived in was unfortunately not a peaceful one. They lived within the territory of The Order. A large kingdom with a powerful regime, The Order stood unchallenged on almost every side. Except the northern border. Constant attacks from a neighboring country, called the Provinces of Lumen, had sent The Order’s army up north close to the small village in which Erik, Suga, and Fallen lived.
The constant presence of some soldier or another inspired a lot more sparring sessions than usual.
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Erik drew his sword, the plain steel blade gleaming in the mid-afternoon sun. He faced off against Suga in a small clearing behind their houses. Large oak trees towered around a small green meadow. Erik took an attack stance, dropping his weight and holding his sword ahead of him before he shouted "Prepare to be destroyed!" as he lunged forward to attack Suga. A quick side step was all it took to get away from Erik’s overhead strike. Suga deftly swung one of their small battle axes against the side of his blade, knocking against it before he had the chance to take another swing.
"Hah I don't think I'll be the one getting destroyed today." Suga smirked as they swung their axe in a wide arc towards Erik’s chest. The taller man quickly jerked his sword, catching the strike on the hilt of his blade and leaping to the side out of harm's way.
"Hey guys-!" Fallen’s voice suddenly rang out from the edge of the clearing, making Suga jump and miss, throwing their weight wrong and crashing awkwardly down into the dirt. Fallen let out a shocked gasp as she ran to the side of her downed partner. "Oh my gods Suga-" She knelt beside them and quickly touched their shoulder. "I'm really sorry!" Fallen frowned with concern, her eyes flitting over their body as she assessed for injuries. As if a stumble could really do that much damage.
Wiping a stray piece of dirt from their cheep, Suga turned towards their wife and grinned. "Heh, it's ok. Not the first time I've fallen over you." Fallen struggled to contain a heavy blush from spreading over her cheeks when Suga added a little wink onto the end.
Erik fondly rolled his eyes at the two smitten dumbasses. "Fallen, what are you doing here?" He questioned. She rarely ever showed up to their sparring matches, claiming it just wasn’t her place and watching made her anxious that they’d hurt one another.
Fallen quickly stood up, brushing dirt and plant debris from her pants before pulling a neatly folded letter from her back pocket. Even from this distance, Erik could see the official seal of The Order keeping the note together. She held it out to him. “I was talking with Ceutie when the mail arrived. It’s a letter from someone named Camorrista. If I recall correctly, he’s one of the archons of The Order.”
The archons. There were 3, each surrounded in mystery. They were the supreme leaders of The Order. If they had a letter from one of them, it had to be something important.
“It’s… addressed to both of you.” Fallen’s voice went slightly quieter as Erik took the letter in his hands.
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It had been two weeks since the letter from Camorrista arrived, offering Suga and Erik a place in the Order’s army.
Both of them had accepted.
Leaving one behind.
Suga pressed a hand to their forehead, a small desperate plea entering their voice as they tried to reason with their partner. "Fallen-"
" You said you were gonna leave in two months, not two weeks! Why are you so eager to go?!” It had been the longest weeks of Fallen’s life. Two months turned into two weeks before the two new additions to the army were set to head out to the capital and begin training. Fallen didn’t want them to go. Why would she? They were her world. Pam sat on the table, her feathers ruffled in reflection of Fallen’s despair. The two were bound, telepathically able to communicate and easily able to pick up on each other’s feelings. The arguing had only gotten worse as the deadline for their leaving neared, leaving Pam miserable most of time.
Dropping their hand from their forehead, Suga stepped forward to where her partner stood rigid in their living room and wrapped their arms tightly around her. "I'm not leaving you, Fallen. I'm just going away for a little bit. You know I'd never abandon you."
Still shaking, Fallen buried her face in their chest and let out a weak breath. She grabbed hold of the back of Suga’s shirt, the fabric twisting in her grip as she tried to anchor herself against them. Maybe if she held on tight enough, they wouldn’t go. “I just don’t want to be without you…” Her voice felt weak. She knew they were going, no matter how hard she begged them to stay. A gentle hand cupped the back of Fallen’s head, running through her hair.
“You’ll never be without me Fallen. I just...have to do this. It feels like it calls to me. Like… like it’s my destiny finally coming true. Just like it was when I knew I had to be with you.”
As Fallen opened her mouth to reply, a few light taps on their door interrupted. Drawing a hand quickly across her stinging eyes, Fallen pulled back from their embrace and took a heavy breath. “I’ve got it.” She pulled open the door, trying not to break down when she saw it was Erik, bag slung over his shoulder and new armor gleaming in the sunlight. It was time. He had a lopsided grin on his face as he waved Suga over.
"Ey guys! Suga are you ready to go?" He asked as Suga cast Fallen a small pained glance before nodding and picking up their own bag from beside the table.
"Yeah I'm about ready. Guess we'll be taking off then huh?" They brushed their hand against Fallen’s back before heading out the door beside Erik. Suga and Erik stood side by side for a moment before sharing a glance and opening their arms. Fallen couldn’t help it. Tears welled up in her eyes as she raced forward into their arms. Burying herself into Suga with Erik pressed against her back, She shut her eyes tightly for a moment and just tried to imprint this moment into her mind. Pam flew out from the home and quickly landed on Suga’s head, her wings spreading over both soldiers in the closest thing to an embrace she could muster.
Erik couldn’t help but quietly laugh. "Of course, safety is my middle name!" That got a smile to flash over Fallen’s face. She reluctantly let go, trying to hide the fact that she was blubbering like a baby.
Suga caught her, gently pressing their hands against her cheeks. They smiled encouragingly and gently pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We’re gonna be fine hun, don’t worry.” Fallen wished that was possible. The two people in this world she loved the most were headed off to a war. There was no possible way she wouldn’t worry. Regardless, she put on a brave smile and turned to Erik. “You keep them in check for me.” Erik smirked and nodded as Suga gave a small fake pout. “Hey!”
Fallen tried to hang onto her brave smile until Suga and Erik had turned onto the next road and disappeared from sight before crouching down and burying her face in her arms, her shoulders shaking as she let out a heavy sob.
Come home soon… Pam murmured in their shared mind. Fallen couldn’t agree more.
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"So off to the capital then huh?" Erik smiled as he got settled into his train car seat. Suga sat down across from him, their eyes bright with excitement at this new adventure. "Off to the capital indeed." They spun their wedding ring around, already missing Fallen. But this would be good for everyone, they just knew it.
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It had been four whole years since Suga and Erik boarded that train. The pair proved to be intelligent and reliable, rising up and gaining more respect in The Order, each now claiming the title of ‘General’. Fallen couldn’t be more proud of them, eagerly reading each and every letter the two of them sent her. She missed them horribly, but thankfully each summer they returned home. The three of them would spend each day together until they had to return to the battlefield. Fallen would be a liar if she said it got any easier saying goodbye, but she could see just how much this mattered to Suga, and no longer gave them any grief over this way of life.
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Spring had arrived. Pollen covered the ground in a thin yellow sheet as bees buzzed through the trees. Birds tweeted joyfully as new buds of flowers and herbs sprouted up all over the village. It was a time of growth and new beginnings. Fallen set down a warm bowl of stew in front of Ceutie, as agreed upon for their lunch. Fallen settled down with her own bowl, swirling it around with her spoon for a few moments before taking a sip. Ceutie followed suit, smiling brightly at the taste. “Not bad!” The blonde girl smiled. “Almost edible!” “Oh, you shut it.” Fallen laughed warmly. She and Ceu had been best friends for as long as either girl could remember. Fallen told her everything. Ceutie had been her support for the times Suga and Erik were away. She could never imagine being able to repay her for that.
Nor did she imagine she’d ever have the opportunity.
A horrendously loud boom against the door made both girls jump out of their skin. Fallen was quick to her feet, Pam fluttering around in a panic over her head. Danger danger danger danger!!! The crow frantically screeched.
Despite Pam’s warning, Fallen hesitantly reached for the door.
“CEUTIE. YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR TREASON AGAINST THE ORDER. EXIT THE PREMISES WITH YOUR HANDS OVER YOUR HEAD. LEAVE ANY WEAPONS BEHIND.” A horrifically loud voice, matching the volume of the knock from before, rattled the house. Fallen stumbled back from the door, her head snapping towards Ceutie with her eyes widened in horror.
Ceutie had paled, her knuckles white as she gripped the spoon tightly in her hand. “No…” Her voice was barely a whisper, cracking with fear.
“What are they talking about?!” Fallen clutched at her arms in fear. Ceutie bit her lip and shakily stood. Without a word towards Fallen, she started towards the door. “Hey- wait where are you going!?" Fallen practically knocked her chair over to chase after her best friend
Before Fallen could stop her, Ceutie was opening the door. A heavily armored man stood in front of them. A large white cross was blazoned across his black chestplate. A horrifically large silver trident sat at his hip, and his gauntleted hands were folded sternly. His figure blocked out the sun, looming over the two women and casting shadows over their faces.
Slowly, Ceutie raised her head to face the armored figure before her. “It’s me you want…” Her voice was small, and her frame looked thin and frail next to such a giant of a man.
The beautiful spring day had dissolved into something from a nightmare. Smoke was rising in the distance, the sharp stinging scent finally reaching the girl’s homes. A number of Order soldiers were marching through, yanking open doors, shattering windows, even killing those who resisted. Bodies littered the streets. All in the search for the small blonde woman standing before them. Fallen couldn’t help but wonder as she tried not to gag how they didn’t hear the screams.
The General before them uncrossed his arms, grunting at finally finding the woman he was looking for. “The Archons have ordered your execution for spying for the enemy, Lumen. If you resist, I'll drag out your death until you beg for its release. Come quietly and we can make it quick.”
Fallen and Pam surged forward, planting themselves in between the Order soldier and Ceutie in a moment of uncharacteristic bravery. “Wait!” She held up her left hand, showing off the silver and blue wedding ring. “I’m married to one of your fellow generals, Suga Snaps! Surely they wouldn’t agree to such drastic measures! Please, let’s discuss this!”
The general narrowed his eyes and made a small growl. “What do you want.” It didn’t sound so much like a question as it did an accusation. Fallen’s hands had begun to shake.
“S-surely the law requires some form of trial, giving Ceutie the chance to argue her innocence! I know she would never do something like betray The Order! I’m Suga would attest to that as well, just ask them!” She tried to reason with him, Pam landing on her shoulder and pressing against her cheek as comfortingly as she could.
At that, the General burst out laughing. It was cold and cruel, echoing from his chest with a dark malice. "Look honey. Seems your little wifey didn't tell you how things work around here. When the archons want somebody dead. They die. No trial needed!" He spread his arms, showing off the cross on his chest with pride.
Fallen’s shaking hands suddenly stilled as her fear was replaced with nothing but a hot rage. First at misgendering her partner, second at his arrogance. “That’s WRONG.” She took a step forward. “I WON’T let you do this.”
"Good.” He smirked, stepping back and drawing his trident. “I love a pointless fight."
What happened next could barely be considered a fight. Fallen ducked and bolted to the side, Ceutie watching in a muted, frozen terror. Pam took flight, diving down with her talons extended towards the man’s eyes. He smacked her aside with ease, Fallen crying out as their pain was shared. She barely had time to turn around before the handle of his trident was brought down on the back of her head. Finally, Ceutie snapped out of her paralyzed fearful state and raced out of the house to Fallen’s side. The brown haired girl’s eyes were swimming, black edging her vision from just the single blow. “R-run!” She cried as Ceutie’s face came into view. There wasn’t a chance.
Ceutie suddenly froze and Fallen felt something warm splatter against her face. Ceutie slowly looked down to her chest, where three prongs had been driven all the way through her body. As the general pulled the weapon free from her already dead form, Ceutie fell sideways. Fallen was frozen, unable to breathe, unable to move, unable to think. Her eyes were wide.
The man laughed. “Tell you what. Since you are married to one of my cohorts, I won’t kill you too.” His trident was still dripping red as he pointed it at Fallen’s upturned, tear stained face.
The last thing she saw was a glint of metal, and an order banner waving in the distance. A single upward strike with the three pronged weapon was all it took to leave sizable gashes. One over each eye, and a finishing one vertical on her forehead. Fallen’s scream was the only thing anyone in the village heard until she fell unconscious, her body twitching with pain.
All around her, the village that she, Suga, Erik, and Ceutie had grown up in, burned to the ground.
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"Hello? Can you hear me?" An unfamiliar, muffled voice brought Fallen’s attention back to the world of the awake. It hurt. It all hurt. Everything was white. It felt like she was lying on some sort of cot, a thin blanket over her legs. She weakly tried to sit up.
"Mmgh wha- who?" She asked weakly. Her throat was dry and raw, her tongue swollen.
A hand pressed against her shoulder as she began to rise, pushing her back down against the bed."Hey, calm down. My name is Fire Fox. You've been seriously injured and need to rest."
The white that had consumed Fallen’s vision was beginning to send her into a panic. “I-i can’t see? Why.. why can’t I see?!” Her voice quickly grew hysterical as she fought to open her eyes. The hand on her shoulder squeezed gently.
"I won’t lie. Your eyes are quite damaged. You might not be able to see again." It was honest, but far from any form of comfort. It was too much. This stranger, ‘Fire Fox’, the bandages over her eyes, the white where there should’ve been color. Lying in a strange place, completely defenseless. And without Pam. Fallen again tried to sit up, this time desperation making her thrash. “W-where’s Pam?!” She cried out, a dull ache in her mind where her dear familiar’s gentle words usually could reassure her. Quickly, a feathered wing was pressed against her hand. Fire audibly sighed. “Don’t worry, your bird is alright. Please, you really need to calm down. You’re safe here, I promise.” Once more he eased her into lying down, and this time Fallen reluctantly stayed. Fallen’s hands found the edge of the blanket, and she pulled it up over her arms. She felt cold, goosebumps rising over her body as she struggled not to slip back into a panic. “W-what happened to me…?” “I heard news of another Order attack, so I went to go investigate. I found your village, and you lying on the ground hardly alive. Your eyes were cut up, and your bird was unconscious beside you. Not finding any other survivors, I brought you back to my camp. That’s about it.” Fire’s voice was mostly calm, only a small edge of anger slipping into his words as he recounted what he knew. “Frankly, you’re lucky to have survived. The order usually just kills whoever stands in their way.”
Fallen couldn’t help the bitterness in her voice as she curled up on her side. "I-I’m pretty sure being dead is better than this..." Pam shifted in response to her pain, but could only find the energy to weakly flutter her wings as an acknowledgement.
Fire just let out a small pained laugh. "Heh, maybe. But this isn't as bad as what they did to me.” Not that Fallen could see this, but Fire bore a thin ceramic mask in the shape of a fox. Hints of scars touched his cheeks where the mask didn’t cover.
Fallen tilted her head towards his voice, unable to help the curiosity that bubbled up at his statement. “What.. what did they do to you…?”
He took a moment to think before letting out a sarcasm laced reply. "What they do to everyone who dares speak against the might of the noble order."
End of Chapter 1