Puppy And Rabbit
Ren awoke early, bathed, and briefly sat with Isaac while he prepared breakfast. The two of them had a strange bond, an unspoken closeness wherein they need not outwardly express themselves, almost as if they could sense one another, read the other’s thoughts. So, they often found themselves sitting in comfortable silence, especially since they were always the first two awake in the morning, out of bed before the sun had even kissed the horizon. It helped ground Ren, to just have Isaac around, especially now that he was working within palace walls and he was so torn up inside.
On one hand, being surrounded by luxury and finery once more was refreshing, and on the other it dug up far too many buried memories and emotions. He often felt himself confusing past and present, feeling as if every awful thing that had happened was simply part of some terrifying nightmare. However, when he was with Isaac, or when he thought of him, it helped him differentiate things, made him realize he was awake. That was one reason why this morning routine was so important to him, as was his tendency to sit with Isaac whilst he cared for his plants in the evening. He felt conscious. He felt anchored.
Saying farewell prior to his journey to the castle every morning also helped anchor him, he need only recall the moment of Isaac nodding at him as he closed their front door to be reminded. His day started with Isaac, therefore today was real. He would not let his grip on reality continue slipping as it tended to. He had to acknowledge that his past was true, it had happened.
He kept these thoughts drifting about his head for the entire walk to the castle grounds. Once there, his focus naturally shifted to work, to training. The two individuals he had met previously, Basil and Harvey, had been training alongside him. Prince Ezil was constantly changing up their routine, always asking them to focus on something else. Some days it was mana control, other days it was hand to hand combat, or ranged combat, or whatever else he wanted that day. They would converse before, during, and after, the topic shifting just as frequently as their training focus. Usually they would talk about different techniques and such, other times they’d talk about mutual acquaintances, or other things going on in their lives. When Harvey and Basil were present, Ren found himself falling near silent, keeping things no more than polite. It wasn’t that he didn’t care for his faux comrades, he just wasn’t quite as comfortable with them as he was Prince Ezil.
Prince Ezil, it seems, wanted the three of them to focus on separate things today. He split them up in the small, quaint courtyard, giving each of them their own instructions. Basil was told to work on basic training, to build a bit more muscle and stamina, while Harvey was asked to take a seat and work on his mana control and focus on distributing it throughout his body. Ren was instructed to focus on the basics of wielding a sword. He had spent his life mastering the polearm and bow, and Prince Ezil felt he needed to get comfortable with a sword in his hands. So, the beloved skylo stood there, swinging at empty air, adjusting his grip and stance, and listening as his prince critiqued him. It seemed Prince Ezil had wanted to divert as much of his attention as possible to Ren.
“Your feet are too close together once more, Sir Ren. Widen your stance.” Prince Ezil huffed, crossing his arms. Ren felt his gaze on his back like a literal weight pressing down on him, and his skin prickled. He did as instructed, glancing over his shoulder with a brow raised. “Don’t look at me like that, it’s not my fault you’re such a novice with the blade.” The Prince chuckled, cocking his head to the side. “Now, resume.”
“My Prince,” Ren began, lowering his sword and turning slightly to face the smaller man. He saw Prince Ezil bristle at those two little, soft spoken words, and paused. It was a barely noticeable reaction, but it was there. However, due to his hesitation, he lost the opportunity to finish his thought.
“I wasn’t aware you were training new dogs, Ezil~!” Someone Ren did not recognize sang, skipping into the clearing. They were dressed in a high ranking knight’s uniform, all white and gold, the coat simply hanging from their slender shoulders, sleeves rolled up to reveal their pallid skin tattooed with scars layered upon scars. Ren did not have a moment to spare focusing on their seemingly poor complexion, as his gaze could not stray from the strange rabbit mask they wore for long. It was white, pristinely so, and plain save for the large, lightless, black eyes. Their hair was messy, falling over the mask in pale lavender streaks, falling nearly to the ground in three loose, lazy braids. Ren felt his guard come up almost immediately, despite the person’s small, unwell physique. They radiated an unsettling aura, akin to the smell of rot. The individual had been completely unnoticed until they spoke, as well. There was no telling how long they had been there, lurking out of sight. Ren felt their eyes on him now, though. Unmoving, focused solely on him. He felt his throat closing up, anxiety creeping in.
“Ah.” Prince Ezil stated simply, blinking up at the rabbit. He stepped slightly between them and Ren, uncrossing his arms. He dusted himself off, looking at his three new subordinates. “Well, I did not think it worth mentioning, in all honesty. It’s a rather recent development, anyways.” Ren saw Harvey out of the corner of his eye, moving closer to Basil, who looked rather unphased. He almost seemed to recognize this person, Ren saw the gears turning behind his eyes.
“Hm, even so, I thought this would be something you’d see worth mentioning to me, Ez. I’m a bit hurt…” The person mimed wiping tears off of their mask, sniffling softly. “In any case, I suppose I know now… and I think introductions are in order! Hello, cute little puppies! I am a head knight here at the palace, belonging to Pluto Coil! You may call me–”
“Neir?” Basil hummed, squinting. He had seemed to connect the dots. “Yeah! Neir!” He let loose an excited laugh, ringing like a bell, before leaving Harvey’s side and running towards the rabbit. He threw his arms around them, slamming all his body weight into the embrace. Ren noticed that they did not so much as stumble or sway, simply wrapped their arms around him in turn. “It’s been far too long, oh my gods! I almost didn’t recognize you!”
“Oh.” The rabbit, Neir, sounded a bit lost. Their voice had gone quiet, thoughtful. “So you knew me, then? How?” They patted Basil’s back softly, before running a hand through his hair, before, finally, they seemed to blatantly sniff him. “You don’t seem entirely too familiar to me, honestly. Did we meet before, or have you simply heard of me prior to now?”
“Wait,” Basil leaned back in the embrace, unphased by the sniffing apparently, keeping his arms loosely wrapped around Neir. “We used to be friends? Neighbors? Outskirts of Blouza? Before you disappeared one night?” He huffed, puffing his cheeks slightly. “What even happened to you? I tried searching for you, but there wasn’t a single trace of you anywhere. I thought you ran away, but I never expected for you to’ve ran off to the castle, of all places!” Neir seemed to bristle at his words, stepping out of his embrace and closer to Prince Ezil. Ren noticed Harvey slowly approaching, now opting to stand next to him, seemingly trying to hide behind him. He must be just as uncomfortable around Neir as Ren found himself, and he wished Harvey wasn’t directly behind him, as he would’ve loved to hide someplace as well.
“I do not recall such times.” Neir stated simply, cocking their head to the side. “Don’t misunderstand, I do not doubt that such a thing is true. My memory is simply unreliable. Due to certain circumstances.” They paused. “I do not recall anything prior to my arrival at the castle, and even some things that have occurred since then. I apologize for forgetting you, I hope you understand.” Their voice lifted slightly, as if they were holding back laughter. “Anyways! You all know my name, now! So… Who are you?” The lightness was gone, tone dry and even, as they raised a finger and pointed directly at Ren.
“This is–” Prince Ezil cut in, attempting to introduce everyone all at once, but he was cut off.
“Uh-uh-uh.” Neir shook their head, brushing a silent and contemplative Basil aside. They stepped in front of Ren, looking up at him through those black eyes. “You can speak, can’t you?”
“Ren. You may call me Ren.” He mumbled, unable to even step back, with Harvey quivering behind him. He straightened his back, and squared his shoulders, feeling Harvey’s feather light touch as he shakily gripped the back of his shirt. He truly did not dislike his comrades, and even if he had yet to develop any concrete impressions or opinions on them, he would not shy away in front of this stranger, nor would he cower, especially seeing how scared Harvey was. Even without knowing why, Ren did not need to know for the desire to protect him to creep in. “Pleased to meet you, Sir Neir.”
“Ren…” They repeated his name softly, under their breath. “Ren, Ren, Ren. Mhm.” They nodded, standing on their tiptoes to closely examine his face. Ren felt his skin crawling at the proximity, even though there was no real reason to feel so unsettled. The mask was simple and plain, and this person looked ready to keel over, they even smelled strongly of medicinal herbs. “Spar with me, Ren.”
“Neir, really, I don’t think–” Prince Ezil was stood next to the three of them, hands raised innocently, attempting once more to intervene. This seemed to get under Neir’s skin, head swiveling around to glare at Ezil, body going rigid. Ren felt his skin crawl even further as tension rolled in.
“Do not forget your place, Ezil. Do not get in my way unless you’d like to deal with Pluto and His Majesty.” Neir hissed, leaning so close towards Prince Ezil that their mask seemed only a hair away from his nose. “Ren and I will spar. And I will see just how much of a well trained dog you are allowing him to become. You three may sit under that lovely tree and watch, if you’d like!” The cheery disposition was back as they spun on their feet and danced off, stretching their arms above their head.
“Harvey.” Ren whispered, turning slowly. He hovered a hand over Harvey’s shoulder, and he saw a bit of Isaac in the man before him. The scarred claws tearing into the fabric of his shirt, knuckles paled and fingers quivering. He felt his heart lurch, placing his hand on his shoulder gently, touch just as light and soft. “Go sit with Prince Ezil and Basil. If anything happens you know you can place your trust in them, yes?”
Harvey was quiet for a moment, gaze fixated on Ren’s hand. “Yes.” He rasped, voice hushed. “I do not wish to see you in harm’s way.” Ren felt his chest tighten once more, throat dry. Though they had not been comrades long, Harvey was still concerned for his well being. He felt shameful for using him, for lying to him, using him as a cover, in that moment. It was such a simple sentiment, but it was one Ren seldom received. He gently pulled Harvey’s hand from his tattered shirt, gripping it securely.
“You need not concern yourself with such a thing, Harvey. I am far more than capable of holding my own in a simple spar.” Ren chuckled, clasping Harvey’s hand in both of his. “However, simply do not watch whatever is about to transpire. Rest in the shade, and keep your focus on this instead. All will be alright.” He slowly removed his hands from Harvey’s, leaving a small snake made of magic in his hand. The creature was iridescent and languidly slithering across Harvey’s hand, winding and unwinding itself around his crooked fingers. Harvey was immediately transfixed on the creature, swallowing thickly. “Prince Ezil, please guide him to where you wish to rest.” Ren gave his prince a small, reassuring smile.
“Good luck, Ren.” Prince Ezil nodded, pulling Harvey towards where Basil was already sprawled out on the grass, arms draped over his eyes. It seemed none of them wished to witness this match. Ren felt truly inspired by his comrades’ faith in him.
Ren sighed heavily, dropping his training sword in the grass, before turning and heading towards Neir, who was simply standing there staring at him.
“Weapons or bare handed?” He asked them, pulling his hair back into a bun at the base of his neck.
“Bare handed. Magic permitted.” Neir responded simply, tossing their jacket aside and checking to make sure their mask was secure. “I am ready when you are, puppy.”
“Stop calling me that.” Ren grimaced, clenching and unclenching his fists at his sides. He wasn’t entirely sure how to go about any of this, honestly. He didn’t want to be the one to make the first move, especially with how unsettling and unpredictable his opponent was. It didn’t help that he couldn’t recall the last time he partook in a spar. Of course, he did not have much time for hesitating.
Neir struck first, aiming a wide kick for his head. They moved far faster than Ren thought they’d be capable of, and he just nearly managed to dodge the attack in time. He spun, arms up to guard his face, before swinging for Neir. They danced out of his reach, quite literally, with a flourish of their hand. The movement seemed to summon something unsightly, as if there was something living under their skin. An oily black head of something that resembled a dog appeared, it’s ghostly image shielding Neir’s hand, before it opened it’s mouth to reveal the several rows of razor sharp teeth. When they next swung for Ren, the jaws of that creature connected, tearing into his arm, before it disappeared again. Ren stumbled back, clutching his bloodied forearm with a hiss. He took a second to reevaluate what little strategy he had.
He would need more distance between him and them, if they could increase their range with that strange attack. He’d have to only come in close in order to inflict a decent amount of damage, and then immediately backtrack. His own magic wouldn’t prove as very helpful here, as it was primarily defensive, and only truly useful when it came to protecting others. He could try a few newer things out, as Nepthys had taught him a fair share of dirty tricks when it came to wielding magic in a brawl. Hand to hand was never his strong suit, not unless the intent was to kill.
Suddenly, he recalled something.
It was a few years ago, when Nepthys had been instructing Isaac on how to better contain his mana, to control his magic. Ren had always thought his advice had been a little strange, that it seemed wasteful. He had instructed Isaac to connect himself to his surroundings, to allow his mana to seep into everything he touched, as if he was breathing into it, to lessen the strain on his body. It was a slightly foreign concept, to infuse your surroundings with mana rather than using it or storing it, or imbuing a single object with it.
Perhaps such advice could prove genuinely useful, here and now, though.
Ren continued dodging, and as the two of them danced around on another, Ren infected the entire courtyard with his mana, like dropping seeds. Every step he took, every drop of blood that left him, it seeped into the ground, the grass, the air. The atmosphere was buzzing, electric. It smelled of iron and thunder.
Then, just as Neir twirled, flourishing their hand once more, Ren activated his mana. Iridescent little spikes shot forth from every single spot he had marked, aimed directly for his opponent. Even if every last one made it’s mark, Neir would survive, as it was a miniscule amount of mana contained in each projectile and their size was so small, but it would be enough damage to call Ren the victor.
However, he had underestimated his opponent once more.
This time, instead of simply the head of the beast appearing, the entire creature formed out of thin air. Ren had never seen something quite as unsightly. The charcoal skin hung from it’s knotted and protruding bones. It had far too many legs, all bending and curving in different directions. There were eyes everywhere, glazed over and unseeing, from inside of it’s mouth to the tip of it’s broken and wrinkled tail. It curled around Nier protectively, and it was easily three times their size, if not bigger. It absorbed each and every sharp projectile, taking the entirety of the attack. It did not bleed, it did not so much as flinch. The sound was sickening, a series of soft, dull thuds as the spikes punctured soft flesh. Ren felt nauseous and light headed, from expending so much energy and mana, as well as the disturbing scene in front of him.
The creature curled around Neir a bit tighter, as if to embrace them ever so slightly, before it faded into the shadows, taking the mana needles Ren had sent flying with it. Neir stood still as stone, seemingly not even breathing, before they began laughing softly. Their laugh grew in volume, and pitch, until it was bordering on maniacal. While Basil’s laugh had sounded like a bell, their’s was more along the lines of a warning, an omen of sorts. It sent shivers up Ren’s spine, his hairs standing on end. He stood there in stunned silence, blood running down his injured arm and falling to the grass at his feet. Then, just as abrupt as it had started, the laughter stopped. Neir raised their hands, palms facing Ren.
“Alright. I surrender.” They hummed, cocking their head to the side. Ren felt their calculated gaze fixated on him, hollow eyes ceaselessly examining him. “You’re quite the little guard dog. I do hope Ez is treating you well?”
“My Prince treats me… Fine?” Ren croaked, blinking dumbly at the rabbit. This entire encounter felt like a strange fever dream, something entirely unpredictable and unpleasant in a way he could not properly articulate. “Thank you for the spar, Sir Neir. I do hope I lived up to your expectations.”
“Your Prince… Mhm. I cannot say I am disappointed, but I am not entirely pleased, either.” Neir dropped their hands to their sides before walking in a slow circle around Ren. “Ezil did not teach you that little trick, did he? Oh, little pup, how I wonder where you may have picked up such a thing. Where might you be from?” They paused, standing in front of him once more. “What is it that gives you such a will to fight? What sort of things have you survived? What forged a blade such as yourself? What is it that you see when you close your eyes?” They stood perfectly still, staring up at Ren. He stared back into the onyx painted eyes, throat gone dry. “No need to bristle so. I’m rather good at keeping secrets. I’m especially fond of broken toys, and I’ve no intention of ruining my own fun by spilling the proverbial beans. However, do know this will not be the last you will see of me.” They began walking backwards, picking up their discarded jacket. “I will excuse myself now, though. Farewell, Ez and company. Keep up the hard work~!”
With that, they disappeared in the blink of an eye. Just as quickly as they had vanished, Prince Ezil was at Ren’s side, wrapping a cloth around his wound and prattling on. Ren didn’t process his words, his focus was hazy and shattered. The next thing he knew, he was bandaged and sitting at Quella’s little shop, a cup of tea sitting in front of him that had long since gone cold.
The bell by the door chimed, and in walked Isaac. He had a quiet conversation with Quella, before he let out a heavy sigh. Ren watched as he made his way over, sitting down across from Ren.
“Long day, huh?” Isaac hummed, rolling up his sleeves. “Miss Quella informed me that it seems you expended a bit too much mana, lost a bit too much blood?” Ren nodded in response, and Isaac sighed once more. “I know I need not scold you for such a thing, as you know full and well not to do such a thing typically. Rather, I’ll give you a simple warning.” He reached across the small table, resting his misfigured hand gently atop Ren’s bandage. Ren found himself staring at the scars and crooked fingers. He hoped Isaac would one day feel comfortable enough to tell his tale, to open up to them fully. He was the youngest of the four of them, but his body seemed far more broken than any of them. His eyes lacked any light belonging to the living. His heart was burdened beyond his years, and he simply hoped that Isaac would one day feel safe enough to share those burdens. “This will not feel pleasant.”
“Wait, what–” Ren rasped, before his whole body felt like it was covered in pins and needles. His blood ran cold, and he broke out in an uncomfortable sweat. His vision blurred, but through his broken focus, he saw Isaac wince, gritting his teeth. The discomfort lasted only a few brief moments, before it was as if he never felt it to begin with. In fact, he felt far better than he had been feeling all day. All his aches and pains were gone, the throbbing in his arm was gone as soon as Isaac had retracted his hand. Isaac’s jaw was tense as he slid on his pair of black gloves, clearing his throat. Ren, curious and thinking he was realizing what it was Isaac had just done, slowly removed his bandage.
His arm was unscathed. Not even a scar remained of the wound he had sustained today. Actually, even his preexisting scars seemed far lighter, having faded considerably. He felt rejuvenated, full of energy, his mana was completely replenished. He could not recall a time wherein he felt so… Well, since he felt so healthy.
“When did you learn to…” Ren squinted at Isaac, who was dumbly staring back, face slack and expression blank. It was answer enough for Ren. Isaac would not give him any details, share no information. “Ah, well, I suppose we should head home. Nep is likely worried.”
“Mhm.” Is all Isaac gave as response, rising from his chair silently. Ren kept his eyes on him, subconsciously trying to figure out exactly what it was that he had done. It made no sense for someone with such a prowess with destruction and suffering to do the literal opposite with ease. He had never seen Isaac use any variant of light magic, and, as far as Ren knew, that was the only magic capable of being applied to mend a wound. So, how had Isaac done it? He knew he had mana control unlike any other, at least when it came to pushing and pulling it. Imbuing things with it, taking root with it. It was not as if Ren had accelerated healing he could have used, if Isaac were to lend him his own mana. It had felt as if Isaac had imbued Ren with his mana, he knew he felt such a thing, but what was it that Isaac had done after that?
He got his answer when they returned home, when Nepthys had thrown his arms around Isaac. The way Isaac tried not to wince, instinctually gripping his arm as if he was in pain.
Isaac’s magic did revolve around suffering, afterall. It revolved around his own suffering.
He had not healed Ren. He had transferred his pain to himself.