Chapter 6-- Diu oblitus

I can't believe you just accepted another restriction spell, what gives kid? 

 

Ash glanced down at his companion, the sword passed down in his clan. 

Fury was more than just any hunk of enchanted metal, it was said that it represented divine judgment and righteous fury, hence the name, however.. Ash felt Chatterbox a more fitting name, as the spirit sealed within it would jabber away whenever it felt a need to share its often unwanted opinions. 

 

This is your fault.. Unlike you, the military remembers the missions I let you use excessive force.

 

Even as he finished the response he already knew what Fury would say. 

 

You can't fight that level of demons without excessive force.

 

Ash came to a halt at the massive iron gate, waiting for the guards to open it. 

 

If you hadn't pushed things too far, we never would have ended up in that predicament. Hush now, I want to talk with my little brother in peace.

 

The hinges squeaked in protest as the mechanism opened the gate wings inward, revealing a gargantuan yard. One wide stone road led inward, lined by pine trees. Further behind them on either side, gardens with benches and fountains set up made areas for the clan members' leisurely activities, beyond those, long, single storey, square buildings housed the servants and local guards. At the end, loomed the family castle, with its seven stories and pointy roof. The rounded windows made the edifice look more like a cathedral than a home.

 

The yard had been deserted save for the scores of sentinels on patrol. 

 

Another meeting perhaps.. 

 

The thought barely registered when a pair of guards on his left stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of him. They promptly snapped to attention.

 

Ash sighed, "At ease. I'm not gonna be the clan's next leader. Get used to it." 

 

"As you command.." the sentinels paused, clearly searching for alternative titles. 

 

"Do you know where my brother is?"  he cut in before they stuttered whatever word came to them. 

 

"Last we saw, he was in the training field, sir."

 

Getting called sir by your own house. That's rich at your age. 

Fury interjected, followed by what would be a dragon's definition of laughter. 

 

Quiet, Fury.

 

Ash paced off toward the family castle. 

Behind it, he'd find the training fields, and hopefully his kid brother in a decent mood. 

 

Here's what I don't get.. You could put him under a spell.. And make him see reason.. 

 

Ash stopped. 

 

We've had this talk before..

 

But the talkative entity wouldn't let up. 

 

Just saying that.. 

 

Enough, or I'll melt you down to scrap metal myself. 

 

Easy now.. I only wanted to… 

 

Whatever happens, I'd protect and guide him. 

 

Huh? 

 

Ash hesitated a moment, a hot, spiky iron ball seemed to have materialized in his throat. 

 

That was the last request of our mother. She didn't live long enough to hear me swear it on her grave and my own life. I suggest you reconsider your words when talking about my brother. 

 

His thoughts suddenly cleared, Fury had gone silent, something it rarely did, if ever. 

 

Ash arrived at the double winged front door, the sentries straightened out, holding their long spears tight. The one from his right announced his arrival and on cue, the doors opened to admit him. 

 

I think you shared something personal with me for the first time.. 

It took longer than I thought, but you're finally opening up to me.. 

 

Ash hadn't graced that with a reply, instead he took in the sights of the rebuilt castle. Even though most of the original building was destroyed in the chaos caused by his uncle, childhood memories returned to him with every step he took on the red carpet. 

 

The thick tapestry absorbed his steps, much like the memories absorbed his attention. 

Just to the right, in a side room his father sat in an armchair and his little brother by the old man. They had their backs to him and were far enough in that his presence remained unnoticed. 

 

Well, there's your chance, talk to him.. 

 

For once, Ash felt Fury was correct, but something within held him in place, as if his legs had sprouted roots that dug deep.. 

 

"Please father, don't bring up my brother. He's never around anymore. Like he just doesn't care."

 

His heart felt as though someone ran a hot blade through it. 

 

"Is it wrong for a father to miss his son?" 

 

Sure, now you miss me.. 

 

Was that to me? 

Fury interjected, but Ash slowly turned away and left instead of responding. 

 

The guard shot an odd glance at him, but meeting his eyes, the sentinel immediately looked away. 

 

Why did you leave now?! You think your relationship will improve without your doing anything?

 

Though the spirit's voice filled his head, he still felt some kind of a gaping void, a cold and dark emptiness within, as his legs carried him faster and faster out through the yard. 

 

"Is something.." 

 a guard called after him as he just stopped in front of the gate. 

 

"No, I'm.. Everything is fine. I'll be leaving now."

 

Promptly the gates opened for him, and he wasted no time in getting outside. As if staying on the family grounds was hazardous. 

 

"Hey."

Called a rough voice from behind. Ash spun around.

 

The scarred face of his superior met his gaze, the figure already in full armor, save for the helmet, leaned against the gatehouse wall. 

 

Ash waited for any explanation to the officer's presence. 

 

"I figured you'd be here." sounded the grimy tone again. 

 

"So?" 

Ash snapped.

 

"Well, I just wanted to make sure you were alright. You know, not in any sort of emotional chaos."

The figure replied cautiously, then stepped toward Ash. 

 

"I'm fine. I'll be heading to my assignment now."

With that, the blond officer turned away from the first Lieutenant. 

 

"No, you're not fine.. Maybe you're backed up down there and that's why, or perhaps you've experienced emotions after so long and it messed up your mind.."

The adjutant got no further. 

 

A silvery trail blazed through the air from Ash's side toward his superior. 

Unsheathed, Fury's edge stopped right under the officer's throat, touching his skin. 

 

"Keep your perverted daydreams to yourself, LT, or I'll liberate your neck of that lump.. You seem to prefer using the smaller one for everything, reasoning included." Ash hissed. 

 

Wow, lad! Think carefully now! 

Bellowed Fury. 

 

"Yep.. You're fine.." the officer noted a moment later. 

 

Ash's blue orbs narrowed, and stared into the Lieutenant's green, before he slowly lowered the rune decorated blade, almost as if weighing his options. 

 

"Sorry about that. I got.."

 

"I know, so why don't you tell me, what's troubling you?"

 

"Family issues. I'll get over it."

 

"You know.. I'm always here for you."

 

Ash simply nodded.