Chapter 7: Chapter 7

What makes us inhuman

The redwoods begin to rise along the horizon towards Ghaoil .

They continued along the road without rest, racing against the sun that was about to set. When they entered the myriad of Sequoias that preserved a different climate and appearance, alive; it was like walking again in past lands, full of life and people, noises and silence.

I-I ... I can't believe this - Ghaoil stared in shock at the world he thought he would never see again.

It's beautiful... - Neo-Chiontas spent part of his childhood in the ancient world, and can engrave in his head small beautiful moments before the War happened.

Guys - Gràin says - Don't get distracted, these Sequoias separate the world we came from from the world we are going to, things will not be the same, we will have to go through many - A pale figure steals your attention, staying on top of the tree, watching in silence.

In the middle of his trail, he sees the great beast on the horizon. It knew he was coming, and he felt the great eyes watching him. All his life, he had hunted them, but today, he ignores them and moves on, his mind feeling the thoughts and emotions of that beast, as well as the being that looked at him from within.

It was Misneachd , the third son, keeper of the bravest Mothachadh , the second Commander of the Aimhreits during the War of Fìor Saoghal .

Their paths cross as Misneachd heads for the pool, bringing with her all the Aimhreits in the vicinity; hundreds, and more.

Hunter, Ìsleachadh .... what an honor to finally meet you - your appearance was as absolute as Urras , as big as him, but you had no wings, your body was scarred, but it could withstand twice the damage you had already suffered, you were a warrior.

You... Misneachd - He gets out of the tank, there was nothing to fear, they were allies now.

So you're Urras's chosen one... Hm, he's the strongest of us, and his contempt for humanity is immaculate, it makes sense that his champion would be the very hatred of humanity as well.

Did you come here just to meet me? If so, get out of the way, I have-

Be careful how you speak to me, human, remember that even though he is the champion of Urras , it is still the race he hates the most.

Hm.

As for what I want, I think you've already realized it too - Your thoughts align - They've arrived.

Yes... I already knew.

You know what Urras wants, and you must feel that none of us trust you yet, except him.

...

Give the order, Ìsleachadh .

...

They were crossing the Sequoias, Gràin was leading the caravan now, the Sun was beginning to set over the shadows between the leaves, reflecting its red rays on the yellow leaves on the ground.

Gràin , are you sure that there really is this place after these trees?

Why do you doubt me Creideamh ?

Just saying, after everything we've seen, to think that further ahead there was always the life we've been looking for for so long.

But I already explained why no one steps foot here, it's certain death.

I know, just saying that-

Enough, you two - Ghaoil interrupts - we've already discussed this, let's move on together and find a place to... what is that?

The exit was obscured by white, faceless, emotionless humanoid forms... along with a figure of iron and fear, crushing the ground with its wheels, was...

Hunter...

Hunter...

You...

...Attack.

They advance! running on two and four legs, advancing in a direct line against the caravan, leaping into the branches of the Sequoia above, they advance... - I'm sorry, Ghaoil .

No...

Defend yourselves! - Bullets begin to cut through the wind, seeking out the beings that brought the threat with them.

Creideamh positioned himself on the mounted machine gun, spinning it among the myriad white masses that tried to surround them - All ready! The Hunter is our enemy!

Wretch – Neo says , looking at the human being who was walking among monsters.

Quiet Neo , stay here – Ghaoil comes out, axe in hand.

The inhabitants of the caravan prepared themselves for the attack, they got out of the vehicles holding weapons, tridents, spears, and began to defend themselves. The Aimhreits came from all sides, both from the road and from the trees where they hid.

They are coming from all sides! There are so many of them! - the speed at which they slaughtered the beasts was no greater than the more that appeared, so the growing number began to overwhelm the survivors.

Glows and lights began to surround the trunks where leaves fell upon the battle. A great harvest was taking place, carrying writhing souls in ethereal chains into the red sky. Many were falling, and thus rising to eternal rest - This way we will-

Silence Creideamh ! We will not go!

The Hunter begins his attack, walking down the road, and communicating amongst the masses behind.

His tank followed him...

For he was also an Aimhreit ...

As much as any biped that was with the Hunter, and now, communicated with him.

Eagallach ... Shoot – He said, pointing to the middle of the conflict

Gràin 's eyes , the cannon that evaporated whatever he held in front of him - BE CAREFUL!

One shot, and four vehicles from the caravan depart with their pilots in a final spark that shatters those close by, throws those far away, and stuns those who are still alive. As expected, nothing is a match for the Hunter, nothing will stand in his way, except...

He has arrived – Says Misneachd .

A second caravan arrives, fortified, heavy chariots, and in great numbers. The first to disembark is the man whose apparition is passed down among the Aimhreits , a memory of an apparition like that dating back to the times of the War, the information reaches a mind that is shaken by the reception of it.

He's alive... – Urras says, seeing through the Hunter's eyes.

Hurrah... do you know him?

...Withdraw, Ìsleachadh , now.

What?...

Your survival is now uncertain, retreat now.

... Eagallach , open the hatch.

Ghaoil looks at the man, as big as she is, blocking the sun behind him - Who are you?

Stolen story; please report.

Men! Kill them all! For Uìne ! - The weight of his enormous hammer, and the weight of his furious blows, shattered the aberrations that tried to oppose him, his men emerged from the vehicles, enormous weapons and works of art in the form of blades and spikes - Leave nothing left!

I don't know who they are, but they seem to be with us! – Ghaoil resumes his attack.

They...damn it... – It was too early, thought Gràin - Damn it... not now.

The combined forces of Ghaoil and Dìoghaltas overwhelmed any overwhelming forces that came their way, destroying them with iron and steel. Soon, the attack ceased, and the white shapes were no longer a threat.

...We did it – says Creideamh .

...They did it – Urras says.

In the middle of the battlefield, where amalgamated forms of memories and lives ran along the road, and ethereal remains that Uìne had not yet collected were drying, torn from their bodies; where the wind blew yellow leaves that soaked themselves in the red puddles that polluted the purity of the Ionnsadach Sequoias , a battle took place, reminiscent of the times of the War, but this time, it was the humans who remained standing.

You - Ghaoil would not forget that face, which appeared in the midst of certain defeat and turned the tide of battle - I do not know who you are - she will not forget that face - But I wanted to thank you - You will not forget - For having helped us - You will never forget.

Keep Killing - The blades now turn to their own kind, cutting down what remains of the caravan's survivors.

Nooo ! - Dìoghaltas advances, but Ghaoil was not weak, with her axe, she manages to stop Dìoghaltas ' hammer , but despair began to shake her, taking her attention away from the danger in front of her, as she watched those close to her die - Why?! WHY?! - Without her noticing, a huge fist darkens her consciousness, and defeated she falls.

Screams kept his consciousness clouded with guilt and pain, images of his companions being obscured by jets of blood, and ancient chants of necromantic harvest , which trapped the countless souls lost there in the bodies of those who remained standing - Wake up soon, I'm tired of waiting.

Ah... damn - Her hands were cold due to the strong knot that held her wrists, her bare feet on nails placed under the trunk to which she was tied, next to her, Gràin , tied equally.

Now now Gràin , you've gained several new allies, haven't you? It's a shame that your idea of creating a war between everyone that your fragile mind considers enemies didn't work out.

What?... – Ghaoil asks , confused.

How... – Gràin was furious.

Imcheist comes closer, with two knives, starts hitting them - He says that next time, you should cut off his hands too.

Imcheist , you...

Do you know them? – Asks Ghaoil .

Oh yes, she does know, this charlatan thought she could control us with signs and messages, to lure us into a fairy tale that only she believes in, and make us kill everyone she brought with her.

Shut up... – Gràin tried to free himself, movements camouflaged by the blood that was running down.

You.... you were the one who sent the signals, Gràin , it was you! – Ghaoil tried to force the resistance of his bonds.

Save that anger, you'll need it – Dìoghaltas slaps Ghaoil in the face a few times – But for now... you did unforgivable things Gràin , I should have killed you during your test, but I softened, and now, I will settle our differences.

Dìoghaltas and Imcheist give Neo-Chiontas and Creideamh a vision , facing each other, sitting on the ground, surrounded by men wielding weapons eager to cut them down.

In their midst, a weapon, a preserved revolver - You surely remember this game, six capsules, one bullet, it was something my soldiers and I used to do, when we wanted to see if fate had shortened our lives.

Soldiers? You... you fought in the War – Ghaoil asked, trying to remember Dìoghaltas ' face .

Ah, nice to meet you comrade, I am Dìoghaltas , Commander of the entire Northern Army.

The entire North... The side that managed to hold off the Aimhreits .

We'll have time to introduce ourselves later, but right now, Gràin and I have debts to pay - He addresses the other two hostages - Neo , isn't it? You're a beautiful girl, who got involved with the wrong woman, I'm sorry but you'll represent Gràin , and you, not bad at defending yourself from my men, killed more than seven of them, you'll side with...ah

Ghaoil ... – Says Creideamh , with a defiant voice.

Ghaoil , great – Dìoghaltas stands in the middle of the men who were watching the two prisoners, leaning on the handle of his bloody hammer that was resting on the floor – If you point that weapon at anyone other than yourselves, my men will do whatever they want with the four of you, without rules.

Shouts and obscene gestures showed that the fate of the four prisoners would be to lose one, or four lives, with the second option bringing more pain.

...Begin.

No drums were beaten, nor were trumpets sounded, but the tremor in the prisoners' chests was felt at that sentence.

Creideamh on the head and kicked his tired body as he refused to start. When the first club was raised against Neo , Creid gave in.

His hand soaked in blood and dirt, holding the gun pointed at his head.

Don't worry Neo , you'll get through this.

We! We're going to get out of this alive – She was in tears, despair in her eyes – Please – She begged Dìoghaltas , who pondered over the innocent life, her eyes never hurt anyone.

Keep going.

Creideamh smiles at Neo , tries to calm her down. But there was no way to calm down. Her finger trembles, she doesn't have the strength to pull the trigger.

Neo 's face , fast, without mercy, throwing her to the ground.

Neo ! – Ghaoil struggles, not feeling the barbed wire tearing his skin.

What are they doing?! – Creideamh points the gun upwards, avoiding aiming at any of Dìoghaltas ' men .

Take any longer and you'll see her die.

Enough Creideamh ! – Gràin looks at Dìoghaltas - It's me you want!

Silence! Come on!

Creideamh knows he has no choice. Dìoghaltas would not go back on his word, one of them would die there. His hand no longer trembles, his fate has been accepted by him. His head feels the cold barrel of the gun, his finger squeezes the trigger.

CLICK

Empty. Creideamh sighed in relief, but it wasn't over. It was Neo 's turn , her tears wouldn't save her, and her beauty wouldn't win her any more favors.

Okay, it's empty, I know it is – He hands the gun into his hand. It's heavy, it was dirty, Neo needed both hands to hold it.

I'm scared... – She couldn't keep the gun still, she sobbed in despair. Ghaoil kept her eyes closed, straining against the barbed wire. Gràin didn't take her eyes off Neo , she was worried, she knew that Dìoghaltas would kill whoever survived...

Just press, don't worry...

Hmmm ...

- CLICK-

Neo 's eyes . She was catatonic, traumatized, the gun was clutched in her fingers.

Give it to me - Dìoghaltas takes the weapon, and returns it to Creideamh – Your turn.

Creideamh maintained her impenetrable posture, but she was afraid. Afraid for Neo-Chiontas . Afraid that Ghaoil would lose the one she loved the most. Afraid of what would happen if Neo found the full capsule.

-CLICK-

Empty, he pressed without hesitation.

Give me.

Four capsules left – He says.

Let's go.

He looks at Ghaoil , his eyes filled with tears.

Give me.

Take care of her Ghaoil , as you always have - ...-CLICK-

What...

-CLICK-

I can't believe it ! Nooooo !

...

The last shot wasn't empty...

-BANG-

...

He pulled the trigger over and over again. He pulled it to save Neo . He pulled it because he knew that Ghaoil loved her more than he did. He pulled it because he was strong enough to protect them until the end. He pulled it because he never lost faith in them.

You... – Dìoghaltas was shaken. A man sacrificed himself in what he judged to be vandalism to his honor. What was supposed to be a lesson to Graìn , struck Dìoghaltas – You are a warrior.

Creid ... – His eyes soaked in the sight of Creideahm 's head scattered across the leaves. The blood created a trail that found her bloody feet, creating a blood bond between two cruelly separated friends.

In his cries of lamentation and weeping, Dìoghaltas turns to his men, repentant – He did not deserve what he received, he was a brave man, a warrior, just like us. Make a bonfire, large and magnificent, he does not deserve to be buried in Uíne , he deserves to roam the winds of this world!

Graìn looked at Neo , fallen, soaked in blood and leaves, crying in trauma – Ghalt , let the girl go.

Ghaoil won.

What? I thought whoever died would lose.

This was not a death, it was a sacrifice, an act that someone like you would never understand, I will not waste this act – Dìoghaltas walks towards Ghaoil . With his own hands, he breaks the wires that held her. He did not even receive a cut – Ghaoil , is it?

...

Your friend's act was something I didn't expect. I judged him as a simple subordinate of yours, who would cry with happiness upon knowing that the last bullet was destined for the girl's head. I expected everything from him, except what he did. You are free.

Free?... Free. To where?! What did you leave us?! BODIES! You took everything from me! You took everything from her!

I won't apologize because I know it won't solve anything.

No! It won't!

I can offer you to join us.

I would never join... – But it was her only option. Around her, armored cars and men wearing iron. Protection like no one had ever seen. On the ground, Neo , weak, traumatized and unprotected.

Going alone with her in a car destroyed by a massacre was suicide, she wouldn't make Neo suffer again.

We will go to battle, against a clan made up of traitors to humanity who do not deserve to live – Dìoghaltas throws his hammer over his shoulders – After that, we will find what is at the end of the road.

The End of Beatha ... I need to go with you! – Gràin shouts .

Silence! It was because of you that all this happened! Putting lives that were crossing different paths in a multi-sided battle! You will die, Graìn .

I do it – Says Ghaoil .

Hm?

I... I'm going to kill her.

Ghaoil was burning. A fire that started in his bleeding eyes at the sight of the culprit of his actions. It spread to his fists that gnawed with hatred – Let her go.

Dìoghaltas flashes a sadistic smile - Let her go.

Wounded from her hands to her feet. She barely had the strength to stand up, but Ghaoil didn't care. He threw her against the tree trunk, making her spit blood.

His blows were powerful, his hatred immeasurable. Each hit carried with it a trace of the spirit that held firm to Graìn 's body , his lungs filled with blood, his veins were opened from the inside out with Ghaoil 's enormous strength .

Ghaoil ... – Neo says .

Quiet! – Stay on top of Graìn . His enormous muscles weighed on his ripped body. Her fingers felt pleasure as they slid through the ethereal energy that came from his face, she knew that Uìne was observing the pool of souls that Gràin had stored – A receptacle...

A vessel was in Ghaoil 's hands , almost joining Uìne . Spiritual traces that were not hers began to leak into the heavens – Give it to me.

His savage teeth sink into Gràin 's neck , sucking the spiritual traces into himself, depriving Uìne of the harvest over that pool of souls.

Gràin 's memories , his immeasurable hatred, weakened with each vestige of strength that was sucked from him, his body did not move, for the ether that was his spirit was now passing between Ghaoil 's ferocious fangs .

Gràin 's body was nothing more than an empty, ephemeral cocoon, with no use other than to dry out among the leaves along with the others.

That was... liberating, I hope – Dìoghaltas was impressed.

It was... yes it was .

Welcome to Sin , Ghaoil .