Brave New World.

As the rumbling and shaking died down, Daring and I stood up cautiously. We were in a carved passageway lit by magical crystals that were nearing their charge limit. I could see fine, but daring required a torch. We moved down the ancient pathway in silence. Which meant that daring could either read my mood somehow, or more likely, focused on finding the exit. To be honest, I felt I needed the quiet. it gave me a moment to "catch my breath" and process my situation...among other things. Jake, wherever you are, I love you little bro.
Thanks for the second chance.

"Hey, Brandon...You OK?" asked daring from in front of me as she plodded forward. "I mean...That was your kid brother right? I mean..." she stumbled over the words. "If you ever want to talk about it....I'll listen. Least I could do after you saved my hindquarters twice." she said, giving me a smile. I just shook my head.

"He...Lived...loved...All I could've asked...." I choked out. Daring nodded and gave me a sad smile.

"Yeah...He did, didn't he. I guess it's your turn now big guy." she said softly. I just grunted in reply. It hurt to talk, and I'd been talking a lot. However, had I any lips, they'd be curled in a small smile. Brash as she is, Daring's a good person. A bit awkward, but good. However, the silence did start getting to me, so I activated the gem in my helm and set it to random. I don't think a more perfect song for my situation could have played

Daring was just looking at me in shock as music poured forth. I paused to take off my helm and tap on the gem. She nodded in understanding and continued on. She appeared to like Iron Maiden too, because when the solo started I almost swore I saw her fingers move as though she were playing guitar. I played more Iron Maiden, starting with These colours don't run, and ending with Dance of death.

By the end, daring was grinning like a fool. "Humans had some great music huh?"

I nodded emphatically. I loved Iron Maiden, as they'd been my introduction to metal music. (On a side note, I found it funny how similar I looked to Eddie the 'ead.) But it wasn't to last, as the exit finally appeared. we found ourselves on an overgrown pathway, with a ruined citadel far behind us on the hillside. Tattered banners fluttered in the breeze, and large Gothic towers leaned in various states of disrepair. The castle itself looked less like a tomb of the dead and more like a place of rest and quiet contemplation. Daring was setting up camp, as she was particularly exhausted. I however felt nothing. Well, more accurately I felt nothing new. Pain was my constant friend, Reminding me of the wrongness of my existence. It was bearable though.

"I'll...take...watch....Already slept.....too long...." I gargled, becoming very annoyed at my inability to communicate properly. It was annoying to have to pause between every word. I'm not Shatner y'know?

Daring smiled gratefully and nodded. I found it a bit odd how trusting she was, but I figure that if I had wanted her dead, I'd had plenty of chances before. I sat on in a shady area near a tree, and covered myself in leaves and vines. I think it was poison oak, but hey, the dead don't itch. I could watch over the camp, and surprise any would-be ambushers. I don't know how long I sat there watching, but even I found it a little creepy how I made no noise and sat so still. I began cleaning and maintaining my equipment just for something to do that made a little noise. I sharpened my sword and seaxe, mended some dents in my helm and rends in my chain tunic, and patched my leather boots. I also looked after my shield. It was hard oak lined with metal and covered with leather. It had no heraldry, but as soon as I touched it's surface it changed. once again, The death Tarot. I removed my hand and it disappeared. Jake you sly dog. It was at the same time I realized my mark had changed. (Don't give me that look, I wear leather gloves! Of course I wouldn't notice!). It was the tarot again. Twice. one was upright, and the other upside down

"Great change is coming, and unable to move on. Fucking grand" I thought to myself. (Of course not aloud you dunce!) I sat and watched as the sun slowly peeked over the horizon. As it spilled over my boots though, I began to change. (lots of that today huh?) Flesh traced it's way around me, pale and lifeless but more...Human. Oh, and you may have already guessed this, but yeah, it hurt. I found myself face-down in a puddle not far from camp, and that's where I got a good look at my features. My brown hair was short, but it still made it to my eyes. I had scruff along my chin (a side effect of the crappy razors of the time period I died in). My face was familiar, if slightly haggard and pinched. my eyes though, were disturbingly blue. (I'd been born with green ones, so this was new.) Like, the snow people from that one medieval show where everyone dies? Game of kings or something? I dunno, I hadn't seen a television in 5 years. (The other two millenia don't count. I wasn't awake.) Anywho, I decided to try and speak again.

"Holy Fuck...I can talk! And I sound Awesome!" I said, savoring my new voice. It was deep, raspy, and sounded manly as fuck. For all the annoying drawbacks, being dead has some perks. However, having a human form also has drawbacks, Like when daring began strangling me. I couldn't die again, but not being able to breath sucks.

"Who are you and why do you have Brandon's stuff?" she said, her whip wrapped around my throat like a vice.

"Dammit Daring!" I gasped trying to uncoil the offending strip of leather. "I AM Brandon!" I shouted. She stared hard at me for a moment before letting go.

"Celestia's sunny ass big guy! Why didn't you tell me you could do that! I could've killed you!" she said.

"Fat chance of that. I didn't even know. until five minutes ago!" I retorted rubbing my throat. (Goddamn t felt good to have one again)

Daring just shook her head. "Princesses'll definitely wanna meet you now. Let's go blue-eyes. she said, trotting off to get her stuff.

I was feeling a bit distracted though. In the darkness I hadn't really gotten a good look, but damn Daring was pretty. As I gathered up my gear, one thought crossed my mind. "hate to see her go, love to watch her leave."

Author's Note

I may have been a bit drunk writing this particular episode. Absynthe: not even once. Anywho, If any of you fans have artistic ability, I'd love to have art to throw into the story, As well as Coverart that isn't a stock photo. Whoever makes the best art gets a Cameo! All artists will be linked though. ( I forget the word right now, But I will state your name and link to your page so people now who made what.)