Ch 32: The Price of Victory

Soundly defeating Douglas, Scott finds that the ice blades he used on Richter and Mythra were poisoned. Everyone chats with the leader of the SF division they saved while Alexander makes a diagnosis.

            Flying down over to where Mythra lay unconscious, Scott tried to shake her awake, saying “Mythra! Mythra wake up, it’s over!” Groaning weakly, she muttered, “It’s about time…” Turning her over, Scott was shocked to see how awful she looked, her face red and sweating despite having laid there on the ice for almost the whole battle. Looking at the ice blade still stuck in her shoulder, he thought to himself, “Something isn’t right. This wound would be painful, but Mythra’s tough, she wouldn’t let it slow her down this much. It certainly shouldn’t be affecting her like this…” Realizing a terrible possibility, he thought, “Could it be a poison?!” Carefully hefting her onto his back, Scott began to make his way across the frozen lake back to the docks, still wary of the slippery ice. Starting to feel the pain throughout his body that he had been expecting, he thought to himself, “Well, my Thundering Wrath was kind of a success as long as you don’t look at the fact that it will royally screw up your body…” He wondered if he could make it back in his condition, but he soon saw he wouldn’t have to, as rushing down the docks came Serius, Alexander, and Grey. Relieved to see Grey was at least all right, a sudden jolt of pain forced Scott to his knees as he muttered, “Damn, that’s really bad…” Reaching him first, Grey said, “Scott! What’s wrong with you?! You hurt?! Where the hell is that Douglas b*****d?! You get him?!” As Alexander and Serius approached as well, Alexander said, “Let him breathe Grey.” Taking a good look at Mythra and Scott, he added, “Well it looks like you two have really had a rough fight. I must say Scott, I'm impressed. Sorry for doubting you.” With a slightly embarrassed expression, Scott replied, “I kinda doubted myself there for a while…” Then remembering the poisoned ice blades, Scott quickly said, “Anyway we’ve still got a problem! I think the blades of Douglas’ sword were poisoned, Mythra’s sweating and she has a feve-” With a calming gesture, Alexander said, “We know Scott. While I can’t say I’ve had time to analyze it, I’ve already given Richter some basic treatment. Let’s get Mythra somewhere she can rest and I’ll treat her as well.” Taking Mythra from him, Alexander cradled her in his arms and started walking back as Serius and Grey helped Scott stand up. Scott staggered as he tried to move, and Serius said, “Do you need me to carry you?” Showing an embarrassed look, Scott laughed nervously and said, “I’m good, just a little wobbly I guess.” As he watched Scott struggle to walk, Grey laughed slightly and said, “You’re definitely gonna need a hand Scott. Here, lean on me.” Using Grey for support, Scott said, “Thanks bud, sorry about this.” With a grin Grey said, “Don’t mention it.” Slowly they began making their way back.

            Returning to Jennifer’s house, as they entered, Scott was surprised to see Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Walker sitting at the table with Schmitt, Jennifer, and a woman he did not recognize. Amy sat on the floor in the corner of the room, reading to the children again. Getting up as she saw them come in, Amy said, “Oh no! Is Mythra gonna be ok?!” Carrying Mythra in his arms, Alexander said, “It looks the same as Richter here. Now that we have time, I’ll try to figure out what kind of poison it is.” Laid out on the couch was Richter with a wet cloth over his forehead. Richter seemed to briefly attempt to get up as he saw them come in, then gave up on it and simply said in a rather weak tone, “Is it over?” Walking over to him, Scott said, “Yeah.” Closing his eyes, Richter laid his head back and muttered, “Good work Matthews…” For a moment Scott was alarmed, but seeing he was merely resting, Scott simply muttered, “Don’t scare me like that…” Alexander looked over at the group at the table and said, “Jennifer, I know we keep imposing on you, but we have another friend who isn’t doing too well. Do you mind if she rests in your bedroom for the time being?” Nodding, Jennifer said, “Go ahead, it’s through that door.” As she pointed to a door at the far back of the room, Alexander said, “Thank you. I’ll pay you for any laundry expenses.” As Alexander carried Mythra through the door and closed it behind him, Scott turned to Grey and quietly said, “I know we saw her before in the square, but I’m surprised to see Catherine here. And isn’t that the same woman who ran past us at the docks?” Looking over at the group at the table, Grey said, “Actually, the lady with brown hair over there is Schmitt’s daughter.” Overhearing them, an overjoyed Schmitt called out, “Yep! Thank the stars, my little girl is safe and sound! Come on over here, I’ll introduce ya!”

Though he was already starting to feel better, Scott still felt a little weak from using his Thundering Wrath ability, and he wobbled a bit as he started to walk over. Grabbing him by the shoulder, Grey said, “You sure you’re alright? You keep saying you’re fine, but it’s like you can barely walk!” Thinking there was enough for everyone to worry over, Scott decided to just bear with the side effects of his Thundering Wrath ability until he felt better, and he simply replied, “It’s nothing, I’m just really worn out after all that fighting.” Managing to reach the table, Schmitt gave Scott his seat, and standing over by his daughter he said, “This here’s my one and only daughter, Abigail! Abigail, this here’s one of the heroes fighting against Altera Veritas, Scott Matthews the Thunderfury Energist!” Looking rather embarrassed, Scott said, “Schmitt, that introduction is going a bit overboard…” Smiling nervously, Abigail said, “Nice to meet you.” Smiling back, Scott said, “Likewise.” Having gone up to the table, Jacob, with Emily trailing behind her, said, “Mommy, Will you read to us now?” Turning to her children with a smile, Abigail said, “Alright, alright.” Turning to Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Walker, Abigail said, “We’ll have to continue our chat later Catherine, it’s obvious they’ve missed me just as much as I missed them.” Smiling, Catherine replied, “Of course, sorry to keep you from them.” As she got up, Amy came over and handed her the book she’d been reading to the kids, and Abigail said to her, “Thank you for being so kind to my children in my absence.” With a smile, Amy nodded and said, “Don’t mention it!” Taking Abigail’s seat, Amy watched with a smile as Abigail took her place in the corner and began reading to her children.

            Turning to Catherine, Scott said, “I’m not complaining, but why are you here chatting with everyone Catherine? Don’t you still have orders to arrest us?” With a sigh, Catherine shrugged and said, “After watching you all come to the aid of the Special Forces just now, I figured I’d at least hear you out. Between the events at Aerennis and Colonel Richter’s disappearance from the Special Forces, I had already begun to question what was going on. I followed your friends as they carried Richter and the Black Knight up here-” With an indignant look from where he stood leaning against the wall by the table, Grey said, “I’d prefer if you could call me Grey…” Glancing at him, Catherine simply said, “Sorry.” Her apology seemed to satisfy him, and Catherine continued, “Then I ran across Abigail, who was a childhood friend of mine.” Noticing a look of surprise on Scott’s face, Jennifer said, “They met in Bastion, the capital of the Kingdom of Gaian. Back then it wasn’t known that Abigail was an energist. Apparently she wasn’t very strong, and until EDE detection technology advanced she was able to live there. Catherine lived there thanks to her family’s diplomatic immunity.” Bursting into the conversation again, Schmitt laughed and said, “Yep, you and my lil’ Abby gave the grownups a real runaround back in the day!” Then with a reminiscent look on his face, Schmitt added, “Now that I think of it, how is his kingship doing these days?” Smiling at Schmitt, Catherine said, “Oh he’s doing well Mr. Barton. The rest of the Council seems to be as stubborn as ever though.” As Scott sat there with a confused look on his face, Catherine explained, “My father is the ruler of the Kingdom of Gaian. King Daniel Alucard Walker.” Completely surprised, Scott’s eyes went wide as he exclaimed, “Did I just hear that right?!” Gesturing for him to calm down, Catherine said, “It’s not such a big deal. I’m actually surprised you didn’t already know Thunderfury.” 

Unsure how he should even address her, everyone stared as Scott panicked and stammered, “I… I had no idea Cath- I mean, Your Majesty- I mean…” Having been through this with plenty of her fellow soldiers, Catherine sighed and said, “Catherine would be fine.” As Scott fumbled for words, Amy turned to him and said, “Don’t worry. We were all surprised, but she’s really not any different from anyone else.” Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Scott said, “Sorry, I was just a bit surprised. Then again, a lot of surprising events have been happening lately…” Nodding, Catherine said, “Yes, your friend with the sunglasses told me.” Glancing back to the door Alexander had disappeared through, Scott said, “Alexander told you the whole story huh?” Leaning back a bit in her chair, after a brief pause Catherine slowly said, “Yes, and I must say it’s all rather hard to believe. Still, and this is classified information mind you, my country has recently launched our own secret investigation of Altera Veritas and it’s infiltration of The Guild. While what I heard from Alexander is rather absurd, if looked at objectively it all fits. The random attacks, the kidnappings, the source of their funding… We’ve suspected Professor Marcellus for a long time now as well, but we’ve never been able to pin anything on him. Abigail’s story of her kidnapping and the events leading up to her return also completely corroborate with your story as well.” Laughing his hearty laugh, Schmitt said, “That’s our Catherine, sharp as a tack!” Blushing, Catherine smiled reluctantly and muttered, “Always such praise from you Mr. Barton…” Schmitt simply beamed at her in response. Clearing her throat, Catherine said, “Yes well, considering the circumstances, it would seem we share a common goal. As one who is also working against Altera Veritas, I may be able to lend you my aid. I’m in no position to desert the Special Forces at the moment, but my connections could prove quite useful to you.”

            Richter suddenly began coughing over on the sofa, and quickly Amy stood and rushed over to him. Scott and Grey were not far behind, Scott wobbling at first but quickly steadying himself. Removing the wet cloth, Amy felt his head, and after a moment she said, “I’m no expert, but it feels like his fever’s getting worse…” Turning to Serius, who’d been quietly listening to everything while leaning against the wall next to the television, Grey said, “You can heal too right? There must be something you can-” Interrupting, Serius said, “I’m afraid there isn’t. Alexander and Mythra are the only ones knowledgeable in medicine. His wounds have already been healed through healing abilities. What he’s suffering from is not something I have any power to cure.” As Amy went to get a new cloth, Scott said, “Well if Alexander can help, I’ll go get him!” Looking back at Grey and Scott, Amy said, “Guys, I know it’s hard but everyone’s done all they can. My dad was a doctor, and I learned from watching him that sometimes in these situations, we just have to wait and see what happens…” Walking back with a cloth soaked with cold water from the kitchen sink, Amy placed it on Richter’s forehead. Calling out from over at the table, Schmitt said, “Not all too happy about it myself, but Amy’s right. Just settle down and remember it ain’t over till it’s over. Richter and Mythra are tough folks, I’m sure they can get through this.” Turning to Schmitt with a stern look, Catherine said, “It’s true you shouldn’t give up hope, but don’t make promises you can’t keep either Mr. Barton. Sometimes things don’t always end happily ever after…” Looking down at Richter, lying there on the sofa breathing heavily, Scott thought to himself, “Isn’t there anything we can do?!”

            As the door of the bedroom opened suddenly, Alexander stepped out with a wrapped up cloth containing the ice blade from Mythra’s shoulder in hand and a solemn look on his face. Seeing them all looking back at him in expectation, Alexander said, “It’s worse than I thought.” Scott felt his heart sinking. A look of shock on her face, Amy said, “Alexander, you don’t mean…?” Quickly, Alexander added, “Calm down. It’s slim, but there may still be a chance.” Putting on a determined look that made it clear he’d go to any lengths necessary, Grey said, “What is it? What do we have to do?” Alexander held up the cloth wrapped blade and replied, “This poison is a very rare, very deadly concoction. I won’t waste your time with details. The bottom line is that I think I can devise a cure if we can get an herb called Cruciamentum.” His hope renewed, Scott quickly said, “Well if it’s that simple let’s hurry up and-” Interrupting him, Alexander said, “I’m sorry Scott, but it’s really not that simple at all.” Still leaning against the wall by the television, Serius said, “Cruciamentum is a very rare herb even on Gaia. I couldn’t tell you if it exists on Teramis or not.” His hopes fading just as quickly as they’d risen, Scott said, “Then what do we do?” Shaking his head, Alexander said, “I don’t know. To be honest I was hoping Serius would know where we could find it…” Clenching his fists, Grey muttered, “D****t!” Locking her gaze on Alexander, her interest peaked, Catherine said, “I’ve never heard of an herb called Cruciamentum, and I consider myself an expert on botany. What does it look like?” Turning to her, Alexander tried to picture it in his head as he replied, “It’s a very small looking plant, but it has very thin and extensive roots under the ground that can dig into and receive nutrition from any form of soil or even stone. Their color is dark red, and the part that sticks out of the ground looks like a drooping tendril with many large thorns along it. It has no leaves, and it usually thrives in dark places.” Briefly showing a look of surprise, Catherine said, “I think I may just know where you can find something like that…”

As everyone looked at Catherine in shock, Schmitt laughed his hearty laugh and said, “Our Catherine here always loved plants! Kinda fitting with her bein the Energist of Thorns and all!” Yet there was quite the string attached, and Catherine quickly added, “Don’t celebrate just yet. You see, I went to investigate the Ruins of Alcedonia awhile back. Over the years, people have mysteriously disappeared in the Alcedon Forest, and the rumor was that it was the doing of a monster living in the ruins. While we found no trace of the missing persons, I did make a note of the strange plants I found inside the ruins themselves. I didn’t have much time to study them though, as we were attacked by a wild anomaly.” Remembering the events at the Ruins of Nosus, Grey said, “Wild anomaly? Was it a snake like those things that just attacked the town?” Shaking her head, Catherine said, “No. It was a humanoid anomaly. It was terrifyingly powerful, so much so that I barely made it out of there alive. Several of my soldiers were not as lucky. I’m certain it was behind the disappearances, but The Guild abandoned the investigation…” Furrowing his brow as he weighed their options, Alexander said, “Hmm. It sounds like we would be wise to stay away from such a place, but this may be our only hope. Where in the ruins were the Cruciamentum?” Thinking for a moment, Catherine replied, “It’s very deep within the ruins. If you’re going, I suppose I’ll have to come along and show you. You’ll need all the help you can get…” Nodding graciously, Alexander said, “Thank you Catherine.” Eager to get started, Scott exclaimed, “All right, sounds like we’re set!” Just as eager, Grey turned to the door as he said, “Well then what are we still standing around here for?!” Looking back with a confident grin, he added, “Let’s go!”

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Good chapter! Kind of a filler chapter, but that is to be expected at the end of a long battle like the one Mythra, Scott and Douglas had. Mythra's reaction when the battle was over was priceless:

"It's... about time..."

I loved this bit. It showed that even when she was battered and beaten, her character still shows. When Mythra was brought to Jennifer's house, Amy's reaction was believable.

“Oh no! Is Mythra gonna be ok?!”

To be honest, this would have been my reaction cuz I just love Mythra SO much.

Even though this was a filler chapter, I liked how you spiced it up and kept it interesting with the whole 'poisoned ice spikes' thing. Really good idea! I probably wouldn't have thought of it if it were me writing this scene. Great work!

As usual pal, great work on this chapter! I look forward to reading the next one!

~Ryan

[KeithKVH]

xD I'd been worried about your reaction to Mythra's loss and injury, but yes indeed she certainly isn't losing her stride.

In the coming chapters I've actually recently edited something, nothing that changes anything but rather changes how it's presented, so look forward to reading the story a bit differently from everyone who's gone through so far. :)

Going to go review your stuff now. I didn't feel up to it this morning, bit unwell. D:

[Ryan Henderson]

That sucks that you were unwell, mate. And I can handle it if Mythra is injured in a battle. It shows that she actually fought and didn't sit on her butt and do nothing. (Mythra would never do that, but still.) If Mythra DIED however I think I would freakin' lose it.