The Scion’s Journal

As the Annihilation continues to take its toll on the world and its people, I increasingly feel the need to log the exploits of my friends and I. Efforts to shelter victims sick of the fighting are going somewhat smoothly, though in the event anything should happen to me, I’d like this journal to serve as a record of our efforts.

I lay in bed utterly sleepless, as many nights were since things went to shit two months ago. Images continued to flash through my mind at lightning speed whenever I closed my eyes, and I wasn’t sure which was the most harrowing. My comrades in pools of their own blood, King Acheron wiping the blood from his blade as I knelt before him.

“Why… how?” I asked before coughing up blood. “Where did this power come from?” The king laughed maniacally.

“What does it matter?” He replied. “You will be dead soon, and none will be left to oppose me.” I tried to push myself to my feet using my sword as leverage, but to no avail. I stumbled, my sword clattering to the ground, and I fell face first into a puddle of blood.

“Pathetic.” The king taunted. “This is all my guard captain is capable of?” I continued to try in vain to push myself up, before a voice rang through my head. I will take over, for now. After that, I can’t remember a thing.

I sat up in bed, rubbing my temples. Almorn stirred next to me. I barely noticed him moving in the darkness, something he was quite good at as a dark elf.

“Can’t sleep again, love?” He mumbled.

“Unfortunately,” I replied. “I wish I’d stop tearing myself up about it.”

“We’ll work through it together,” he said comfortingly, sitting up and putting a hand on my shoulder. “Not just you and I, but with Minh and the others too. I’m sure they’re all just as puzzled about it as you.” I looked down at my hands before balling them into fists and taking a deep breath.

“You’re right,” I said, sighing. I gave him a kiss on the cheek and then rolled out of bed for my morning patrol.

“Stay safe out there,” Almorn warned before laying back down.

“Promise I will,” I replied. “I can handle a couple monsters, though. I’ll be back in a little while.”

I pushed open the door to our chambers and exited into the hideout. We had fashioned it out of an old abandoned set of military tunnels, quickly repairing it to make a safe haven for those escaping the capital city. As I headed towards the dining hall, an office I rarely found empty had the lights on. I grinned and knocked on the door.

“Come in!” A voice came from inside. I pushed the door open and walked into the cozy office. In the center was a sleek wooden desk with a dark brown stain. Bookcases lined the walls with all manner of things inside, from overstuffed file folders to expensive looking leather bound books.

At the desk sat an elegantly dressed man. White and black fur covered his body, and thin glasses were resting on his snout. He wore an elegant red tricorn hat with a white feather, coupled with an equally elegant red coat. A red cape and rapier sat to his left in a specially made rack. As I entered, he looked up and grinned.

“Fynn!” He exclaimed. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Good morning, Minh,” I said warmly. “I was just heading out for my patrol and saw the light on. Decided I’d say hello before heading out.”

“I appreciate it,” he replied, looking back down at the paper he was writing on. “I’ve got a mind to join you on that patrol. Could use a break from these inventory reports…”

“I’m sure Alice would be thrilled to help you,” I said sarcastically. Minh chuckled.

“I think I’d rather fight an army of Thralls than ask your sister for help with paperwork,” he joked. “Besides, she’s got her own worries. I’m impressed she managed to get electricity to this block of the hideout so quickly.”

“Well, she’s taught her apprentices well in these short months,” I added. “I’m grateful.”

“I believe we all are, friend,” he said. “A lot less complaining nobles this way. You’d think they’d change their tunes considering we’ve agreed to shelter them here…” I shrugged.

“I think they’ll be okay,” I said. “I’d still have them here than leave them out with the monsters outside. Most of them can’t even handle a sword properly, you’ve certainly got that on them.” Minh laughed.

“You better go before someone hears us teasing them,” Minh replied, wiping a tear from his eye. “I can’t take another earful from Lord Dragan anytime soon.” I laughed and waved goodbye as I left the room.

Once again I made my way to the dining hall, though calling it a dining hall makes it sound fancier than it really is. It was really just a stone room that Enna and our Terraformers had fashioned quickly to accommodate a large group of people. It had plain stone walls with ordinary wooden tables and benches filling the space. Some had been made after we arrived, others had been looted from the remains of villages left after the Annihilation, leading to almost none of them matching. There was a sort of charm to that, though.

On the other side of the hall was the kitchen, where Vandil and the other kitchen staff were preparing and handing out breakfast. The regular civilians queued up for their hot meals while another line for my soldiers and Almorn’s scouts formed on the other side to get their field rations.

“Ah, Fynn,” Vandil said as I approached the window. He was animal-like, like Minh, though his features took on a more tiger-like appearance. His black fur was complimented with long, grey hair and a matching beard. His large frame would have you believe he was one of my soldiers, though he managed the kitchen and medical staff. “It’s quite noble of you to take up the early morning patrol.”

“You flatter me,” I replied with a smile. “We’re short this week due to some incidents with Thralls, and besides, I don’t deserve any special treatment as the captain anyways.”

“Well, I think it’s quite admirable,” he replied, handing me a wrapped ration. “I wish I had better food to give you for it, but we’re running low. Just dried deer jerky and bread for today.”

“That’ll do,” I said, taking the food and storing it in my pack. “Has Minh been struggling to get shipments? He hasn’t informed me of any issues.”

“He’s told me there have been delays, but…” Vandil started solemnly. “I think interest in the resistance effort is waning. The dwarves and dark elves are still holding on, but things have been rough for the merfolk and high elves. They probably don’t even have the resources to feed their own.”

“That’s…” I frowned. “That’s concerning. When I’m back, I’ll consult Enna and Alice. I’m sure together they can come up with something that will let us grow our own food.”

“Not a bad idea,” Vandil said. “I’ll do it myself before I head to the infirmary. My staff can handle it without me a few minutes longer.”

“I appreciate it,” I replied, stepping away from the counter. “Just don’t overwork yourself. Wouldn’t do us any good if our best doctor collapsed from exhaustion and got hurt as well.” Vandil nodded, then gave a mock salute and a grin.

“Will do, stay safe out there.”

Finally, I made my way to the hideout’s exit, which was watched over by Enna. With her specially trained earth magic, she could mold the land itself in whatever image she chose. She was indispensable for building and expanding the hideout, and had been training others to use her Terraforming technique. With her magic, they shaped rooms for the people we sheltered and helped to maintain a semblance of secrecy to the hideout’s entrance. The main one was completely sealed off, only able to be accessed by someone sending you out of it or using one of my sister’s specially made Homestones. If the king wanted to find us, it would certainly be a difficult task.

“Ah, Fynn!” Enna’s voice rang cheerfully as I approached the entrance. Her long black hair was tied back in a bun, and she wore golden glasses on her face. She was dressed in simple brown colored mage’s robes that went all the way down to her feet.

“Good morning, Enna,” I said. “I think I’m the last one.”

“That you are,” she replied. “I can’t wait for the day the trainees are skilled enough to start letting the guards out for the day. I’m sick of these early mornings.” I chuckled.

“No such luxuries for me, unfortunately,” I said back. “My men aren’t exactly the greatest at fighting Thralls yet, though what makes it harder is there’s not really a good substitute for fighting them…” Enna looked at me grimly.

“Yeah, it’s a shame…” she said sadly. “It’s scary to think what’ll happen when we run out of willing blades.”

“We’ll end this war before that can happen,” I reassured her. “I just need a little more time.” Enna nodded and managed a small smile.

“I trust you,” she said finally. “Now, are you gonna get out there?” I laughed and nodded.

“Right, right,” I said, stepping into the entrance alcove. “Don’t crush me.”

“Would never even dream of it,” Enna said confidently, her hands glowing softly with magical energy. “I invented the damn technique, after all.” Then, the wall suddenly gave out behind me as the walls closed around me.

Enna had explained her Terraforming technique to me a long time ago. I closed my eyes and remembered her expertise as I prayed to not get crushed.

“Normal earth magic for combat is messy and unpredictable,” she explained. “As you’ve probably seen around the Mage Academy, people just throw giant chunks of rock around. Terraforming aims to be precise and measured, so it can be used for construction and transportation.” This precision is why she forbade any of her trainees from transporting my soldiers out of the hideout with it. With their inexperience, they could easily crush someone, and she wanted to make absolutely certain she could prevent any accidents on account of our already low number of soldiers.

I told myself this as she moved me through the ground in a controlled cylinder. This was a feeling I’d never get used to; shooting quickly through the underground in pitch black darkness, the earth surrounding me, until…

I finally popped up above ground, another site I’d never get used to. The Wastes were a horrifying sight, especially to those who had seen what it was before. Previously, it was the lush Alosar Forest, surrounding the capital city with a pleasant sea of green, filled with life energy.

What it was now was a terrible reminder of the threat we faced. Whatever power the king had invoked rampaged through and gorged itself on the land’s energy. Stumps of dead trees spanned as far as the eye could see, and yellow, dead grass crunched underfoot. The smoke billowing from the city colored the sky a dark grey and turned the sun an eerie red, and we still didn’t know what could be generating that amount of smoke either. Our scouting missions into the capital had been quite fruitless, other than determining that the king was now ruling it with an iron fist and not allowing anyone to leave.

I did a quick scan of my immediate area before setting out. It offered little in the way of cover, so I needed to be very alert. While the Wastes were a dying land, they were also incredibly dangerous, filled with hungry predators and worst of all, Thralls.

Thralls were another side effect of the Wastes. Volatile pockets of dark magic rested in the land, able to blow at a moment’s notice. This dark energy would quickly take over any person or animal it touched, turning them into a mindless monster overloaded with dark energy. Worst of all, they were impossible to kill save for a direct hit through the heart, and the Thralls themselves could expel the same dark energy to Turn others.

“Doesn’t seem to be anything around here,” I noted, slowly spinning around. “Let’s move on then.” I hadn’t even made two steps yet when I heard a cry.

“S-someone help!” Someone shouted. I immediately sprinted towards the scream, drawing my sword. I quickly saw my target- one of my guards, clutching a bleeding arm, was trying to get away from three Thralls. His sword lay uselessly on the ground some feet away.

“Magic, don’t fail me now,” I whispered, forming a small fireball in my hand. Due to the energy deficiency in the Wastes, magic was significantly weaker while within it. What I managed was barely a spark.

“Fuck me,” I muttered, speeding up and dismissing the magic. “This won’t even leave a burn… Curse this damn wasteland!” My soldier tripped as the monsters closed in, and I redoubled my efforts once again. Finally, I made it to the monsters, driving my sword through one of their hearts immediately. The second Thrall raised its arm, dark energy gathering.

“No!” I shouted, trying hard to get my sword out of the body of the first enemy. My soldier screamed, the energy crackled, and time seemed to slow. On its own, my body jumped in the way, shielding the fallen soldier.

Intense pain flooded my entire body as the dark energy made contact. I could feel myself start to change as I dropped to my knees. My arm was first, the tan human skin changing into a dark purple mass.

“Damn it, not like this…” I grunted. The soldier on the ground stared up at me with terrified eyes, before I suddenly heard a familiar voice through my head. Not yet, my champion. A golden light began to envelop me as the pain slowly faded over a few seconds. My soldier looked up at me in awe, and the second Thrall backed away in terror.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I shouted, turning around in a flash. My own sword was lodged in the other monster, but it didn’t seem to matter. Borrow my power, as you were always meant to. I shut my eyes and focused, the limited magic energy of the Wastes not seeming to matter. A blade of pure energy emerged from my arm that had half turned into a Thrall, turning from a dark purple substance to a golden color. As quickly as it formed, I drove the energy blade through the Thrall’s heart, and it vanished in a pillar of light.

Just as quickly as it came, the energy seemed to weaken. My arm turned purple again, though it didn’t seem like I was continuing to turn. I turned and offered my good hand to the soldier.

“Are you alright?” I asked, pulling him to his feet. He nodded, then pointed to my arm.

“I’m fine, Captain,” he said, exasperated. “But what about you? It seems like you’ve turned part Thrall, but… nobody’s ever survived that transformation! And, and… that light!” I lifted my purple arm and turned it around, examining it.

“I’m… not too sure,” I replied. “It’s very odd, though I’m glad to be alive.”

“We should get you back to the hideout right away, at least,” the soldier said, concerned. “Maybe Dr. Vandil knows what to do.”

“I wouldn’t count on it, but I’m more concerned about you,” I replied, pulling one of Alice’s Homestones from my bag and placing a hand on the soldier’s shoulder. “Let’s have him look at that arm too.” He nodded, then I chanted the magic words to activate the stone. It hummed to life before we were back to the hideout entrance in the blink of an eye.

“Fynn?” Enna exclaimed, covering her mouth and looking horrified. “What in the hell happened to your arm? Are you turning into…?”

“I promise I’m fine,” I assured her. “I’ll explain later. For now, I urgently need to see my sister. Know where she is?” Enna nodded quickly.

“Her workshop, same as always,” she replied. “Just… please get it taken care of. We can’t afford to lose you.”

“I promise,” I assured her again, walking away. “Make sure this man gets to the infirmary and that he doesn’t tell anyone about this.” She gave me a quick nod before turning to the soldier, and I headed for Alice’s workshop. I covered my arm with my cloak to not draw suspicion, greeting people happily and keeping my cool on the way there.

I pushed open the door to the workshop, relieved to find it empty except for my sister. She sat at the far end of the room hunched over a desk, writing furiously on some paper. Her long blonde hair flowed over her back, contrasting the deep purple dress she wore. She preferred to dress simply, with flat color dresses on days where she wasn’t getting hands on making machines. As I entered, she didn’t even look up from her work.

“Who is it?” She asked simply. “If you’re in need of an apprentice, they’re hard at work on other matters at the moment.”

“You should show more excitement to your dear brother,” I teased her. Alice laughed and turned around.

“Eat shit, Fynn,” she replied with a grin on her face. “What’s up?” My expression turned more grim.

“Just, uh,” I started nervously. “Don’t freak out, okay? Something very strange happened on my patrol this morning…” Alice raised an eyebrow and folded her arms.

“Strange?” She asked. “Like what?” I pulled the cloak away, exposing my half turned arm. Alice raised a hand to her mouth in horror.

“You’re… But how…” she struggled to find the words. “Obviously I’m grateful, but how the hell are you alive?!”

“Keep it down!” I said quietly, locking the door. “Enna saw it already, but I haven’t told anyone else. I’d like to avoid mass panic in the hideout over this.” Alice closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself.

“Okay, got it…” she said calmly. “Tell me what happened. Every last detail.” I quickly recounted the events to her, and she scratched her chin thoughtfully. At the end, she pushed her glasses back up her nose.

“A magical light keeping you from turning into a Thrall?” She asked. “Seems the gods have finally decided to throw us a bone, though you know me. I’ve never really believed in that stuff.”

“Think you can reverse it?” I asked. “I don’t exactly want to be going around being half Thrall.” Alice pursed her lips.

“I’m gonna be honest with you Fynn, I can’t,” she said. “Vandil won’t be able to either, short of cutting your arm off.” I looked sullenly down at the ground, and she chuckled.

“Don’t look so down,” she encouraged. “We might be able to use this. Seeing someone survive being Turned might lift the spirits of people in the hideout. It might be best to keep it under wraps for now, though.” I nodded in thought.

“Let’s at least bring the Scions together,” I said finally. “Our other friends deserve to know.” Alice nodded in agreement, tapping her earring. Another of her inventions, it was a magical earring that allowed for communication over any distance. She had named them Orator Stones, and it was one she had become quite proud of back in the city. They were incredibly useful for communicating with each other during field work.

It wasn’t long before my friends came filtering in. Vandil and Enna were first, followed by Minh, then Almorn last. Enna looked rather worried, drawing attention from the others.

“What’s the matter, my dear Enna?” Minh asked, setting his fancy hat down on the table. “Did one of your students crush someone?” She shook her head, fidgeting with her hands.

“I wish…” she said nervously. “I’ll just let Fynn tell you.” The whole group looked at me.

“Something the matter, my love?” Almorn asked. I nodded.

“You could say that…” I replied. “Everyone just stay calm and know that it seems to be contained for now.” I dropped the cloak covering my arm once again, leading to gasps from the three who hadn’t seen my transformation.

“What in the hell?!” Vandil shouted standing up quickly. “What happened?!” I quickly explained what had happened again to the rest of the group. Almorn’s ordinarily jet black skin had turned significantly paler, and Minh scratched his chin with a focused scowl on his face.

“Anyone have any ideas?” Alice asked. “I’m not really sure how to proceed myself.”

“I’m sure you’ve already talked about cutting it off,” Vandil said matter of factly. “I’d prefer to avoid that, though.”

“As would I,” I added. “I can’t exactly just never use this arm around the hideout again either, though.” Almorn still looked terrified, sitting down at one of the workshop chairs.

“Everything okay, love?” I asked him, moving over and squeezing his hand with my regular arm. He nodded and took a shaky breath. He tended to freeze up like this when something particularly bothered him, and I wasn’t surprised now was one of those times.

“I’m fine, see?” I said, holding up my changed arm and moving my fingers. “It still works like normal, and it doesn’t seem to be spreading.”

“Y-yeah, you’re right,” Almorn said, nodding and taking a deep breath before looking at me. “I shouldn’t lose hope now, but if you feel it start to spread or, or… or anything else, I want you to tell us right away.” I gave him a quick nod and a kiss on the cheek.

“Of course,” I reassured him, squeezing his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out, and it may even be useful to us for the time being.” Almorn nodded again, color returning to his face.

“That being said, how should we proceed?” Minh asked. “There’s only one man who could possibly know anything, though I’m still doubtful…”

“Stolas Evergreen?” Alice asked. “His knowledge is limitless, though there’s never been someone who can survive being Turned.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Minh replied. “But I can’t really think of anyone else better for the job.” Alice leaned back in her chair and stretched.

“Me neither,” she said, looking at me. “Fancy a trip to Ellinia?” I shrugged.

“Wouldn’t mind the change of scenery,” I told her. “The woods have to be better than the wasteland over our heads. Anyone else interested?”

“I’m coming with you,” Almorn said, standing. “You could use the backup.” Minh stood up as well, tipping his hat.

“I’ll join you as well,” he said. “It just so happens I have some business there trying to secure more food and water.” I looked around the rest of the room.

“I’ll have to pass,” Alice said. “I’ve got my hands full here. Vandil spoke to me about growing vegetables here and I need time to work at that.” I nodded, then looked at the other two, who shook their heads.

“I wish I could,” Enna said apologetically. “Without me here though nobody can let anyone out… I’ll have to stay.”

“Adding to that, I have too many injured soldiers in need of care,” Vandil remarked. “The three of you can handle it though, no?” I nodded.

“I’d be fine even alone,” I said, flexing my good arm and grinning. “Though I appreciate the company all the same.”

“Backup never hurts,” Minh said. “Especially since we’ll have to travel through the Wastes. I’ll be happy for the target practice, my magic’s getting a little rusty.”

“Very well,” I said with a nod. “I’d prefer to leave today as soon as possible, then. Is that okay? This matter is quite urgent.” My two companions nodded.

“Just give me a bit to pack a bag,” Minh replied. “Still need to look fashionable while traveling.” Almorn laughed.

“You need a priority check,” he teased. “Though the two of us should pack some things as well.” Minh nodded before turning on his heel, waving behind him, and leaving the room.

“Best of luck to you three,” Vandil said, slapping his hands on his thighs and standing. “Stay safe out there.” He too left the room before Enna stood up as well.

“Come back to us, Fynn,” she pleaded. “Hopefully not half Thrall.” I gave her a confident thumbs up with my Thrall arm.

“I’ll do my best,” I assured her. “Hopefully Stolas can figure something out…” She nodded and adjusted her glasses.

“If anyone can, it’ll be him,” she said confidently. “Good luck! I need to run, I’ve got a lesson with the Terraformers soon! Come get me when you three are ready to leave.” She gave a quick wave and ran out of the workshop. Alice raised her hand to wave at me without turning around.

“Don’t die out there, brother,” she said. “If you do, there’ll be hell to pay.” I smiled and nodded, even though she couldn’t see.

“I promise I will,” I told her. “You’d have nobody to tease if I didn’t.” She chuckled.

“Damn right,” she replied. “Now hurry up, my apprentices will be back soon.” I took Almorn’s hand and we headed back to our room to pack our bags.