Tales of Undeath: The Von Virtus Chronicles

Lunalus: Yes... This does seem like the place. Although I can't help but feel a certain nauseously pure aura looming in the air.

Lunalus and Cabdan had hasted back to the slums. Just a few days after the battle that put an end to Cabdan's prostitution ring took place, they now found themselves in the exact location Lunalus' agent had shared with Lunalus -- a final visage, before his parting.

Lunalus: He's gone... Forever. Lacerbus was one of Nox's best warriors. That he would sacrifice himself as he did, only to show me a glimpse of that boy... There is no doubt about it. Wherever he is, it is imperative that we find him.

Lunalus towers over Cabdan, his gaze fixated on him from above. Nervously, Cabdan forces an unconvincing smile, in a failed attempt to mask his terror.

Lunalus: ... I'm waiting, Cabdan.

Cabdan swallows drily, his forehead beginning to glisten with sweat.

Cabdan: O-of course Spymaster Lunalus! We will make way toward his home as soon as possible, we'll find him in no time...!

Lunalus: Lead the way... The quicker we leave this disgusting chamber the better.

They head straight for the house Cabdan had rented them. On their way there, several passers-by notice Cabdan... Word was quickly spreading that he had returned to the slums. Albeit none dared to approach him, most likely wary of the mysterious figure that accompanied him.

Lunalus: You don't seem too popular around here... Then again, their hatred is more than justified. Wouldn't you agree...?

Cabdan shrugs.

Cabdan: You can't get rich being friends with everybody... It is what it is.

Lunalus did not seem pleased with his answer.

Lunalus: Lives are non-exploitable. Every bruise should have a purpose, every cut should have a meaning. You would do well to learn this...

Cabdan grinned. As more and more people passed them by, cursing him with wrathful eyes, he couldn't help feel superior to them. His once fearful demeanour was shifting, and Lunalus' words had little effect on him.

Cabdan: Exploiting...? No no, don't misunderstand... It is all about supply and demand. One hand washes the other... These people needed shelter and food, I needed a greater monetary influx to support my own ventures. It is all about helping each other, in the end.

He spoke with an air of confidence and disdain that made Lunalus sick to his stomach.

Lunalus: Do you truly believe that...? Are their expressions not indicative of their lust for vengeance? There isn't a shred of gratefulness there. These people clearly do not see your past interactions as "helpful".

As they move across the streets of the slums at a quick pace, Cabdan shakes his head in response to Lunalus' questions.

Cabdan: Ingrate swines, all of them. Pay them no mind... We are almost there. Soon enough, we won't have to set foot in these dirty, foul streets ever again.

Shortly after, they arrive at Anya and Virno's home. There was no lock on the door, as was customary of the houses in the slums. Without warning, Cabdan barges in.

Lunalus: Hmph.

Nobody was home... There was no food or water to be found anywhere, nor any coin or other belongings of relevance. It didn't seem like anybody was even living there.

Cabdan: So... They must have moved. Like scared rats, desperate for survival...

Citizen in the distance: It's him! It's really him!

Behind them, a group of men shouted and pointed towards Cabdan. They then turned their backs and ran down one of the streets that led to a build he knew all too well.

Cabdan: Of course... All the little mice must be in the same nest. I believe I know where the boy may have sought refuge, it's not far from here.

In the meantime, word had already reached the orphanage that Cabdan had returned. Many citizens arm themselves and prepare to greet him by the entrance -- among which were Rel, Jargen and Punjo. As they ready themselves for the impending confrontation, they discuss what his return could mean.

Jargen: Took him a while... Wherever he was, he must've been far. Can't imagine he sat on his fat ass for a couple of days pondering whether or not he should drop by... No, he made his way here as soon as he heard what happened.

Punjo nods, as he grabs his warhammer.

Punjo: Aye, I believe so. But even if his comin' 'ere was predictable, why'd he come with little ta no protection? Just doesn't seem like Cabdan, y'know?

Rel was donning his armour close by. He couldn't help but overhear his two comrades talking.

Rel: Maybe he's got all the protection he needs. That person he brought with him -- if eye witnesses are anything to go by, he's frightening to say the very least. And let's not forget Cabdan also has his damn ring...

Jargen's face twists in anger.

Jargen: We'll see how fast he can use that thing after I break his goddamn pinky.

The wooden door to their room swings open, creaking loudly. As it smashes against the side of the wall, the noise startles several of the people inside -- they turn their heads to find it was Tyssa, with bloodlust in her eyes.

Tyssa: I need a sword.

She heads straight for one of the weapon stands. Before she could claim one, Jargen puts himself between her and what she hoped would be the blade that would put an end to Cabdan's life.

Jargen: What do you think you're doing? Weren't you supposed to be caring for Faya...?

Tyssa doesn't blink.

Tyssa: Move, Jargen. Faya is fine, we've done all we could for now. I can spare the five minutes or so it will take to slice Cabdan's throat, right after I find out what really happened to my brother.

Rel: Look, Tyssa, I know you're pissed off but-

She interrupts him, without looking away from Jargen's eyes. She wanted to make it clear to him that she would not budge.

Tyssa: I'm not pissed off -- as a matter of fact, pissed off doesn't even begin to explain it. Stay out of this, Rel. This is something I must do. I'm not about to let anyone stop me!

Jargen: Look girl, do you want to get killed? Because this is a pretty good way of doing it. Cabdan may not like to get his own hands dirty, but he's killed more men with them than you can imagine. You don't stand a chance.

Tyssa stomps on the ground.

Tyssa: Who says I have to face him alone?! I may not stand a chance by myself, but together there's no way he'll make it out of here alive. You guys are there too, right? So pin him down, disarm him, whatever! I just want to land the killing blow.

Punjo laughs.

Punjo: Queue up missy, I'm pretty sure yer nowhere near the front o' the line for that one...

She doesn't find it funny.

Tyssa: Move, Jargen. Someone's dying today, but it won't be me. So, please.

Jargen sighs.

Jargen: Just don't be reckless... Alright?

It wasn't clear whether she heard him or not. Tyssa grabbed a shortsword and promptly bolted out of the room.

Jargen: Dammit... You two could've helped a bit, you know?

Rel shrugs.

Rel: I get why you don't want her there -- I don't, either. But I had to shut my mouth the moment I realized this is her fight. I don't want to see her guts spilled on the ground, but this is more important than what we want... Didn't you hear her? Tyssa really needs this. Could be her one and only shot at getting some closure. I'm not going to keep her from that.

All geared up, Rel starts walking towards the door.

Rel: But I'm going to do my best to make sure she doesn't get hurt. See you guys out there.

He leaves the room followed by a small group of men. Jargen and Punjo finish preparing themselves, then join the rest of the welcoming committee.

Lunalus: My, my... Seems like they really wanted to see you.

As Lunalus and Cabdan approach the orphanage, more and more armed citizens join by the entrance.

Cabdan: They all want my goddamn head on a spike...

He looks down at the black ring adorning his swollen pinky finger, as it glows with an ominous black aura.

Cabdan: But today, only one of us will walk out of here with what they want.