Ghost Of Reach

Dear make believe diary, today is an interesting day. To start it off, I awoke early to scared guests, who were fleeing from Sworn savages. After confirming that they were friendly, I soon learned that the griffons of the group were identical to the characters in Red Vs Blue. While some things were off about them, they still acted like their halo counter parts. Oh and apparently I indirectly killed Simmons back during the boxing incident has revealed some more things about my new body.

Now that is it? Well, while I still feel some forms of regret, I struggle to fully regret any of my actions. Yeah, I wish Simmons was alive, but everything feels... Justified in a way. It’s hard to explain on make believe paper, it feels that all of my actions were always right? Or that I am not wrong for killing him? It was all accidental..?

Whatever the case may be, it justs puts another part of my humanity put into question. Great.

And after that bloody fight, or if it could be called a fight, ended up as an obvious victory. Everyone including Theek survived, and all of them tread on eggshells around me. Though it makes perfect sense with the mass amount of corpses total up by yours truly. As of who was left, well the dogs and donkeys fled as soon as the battle started. The RVB team on the other hand helped and held the line with the guards. That was good of them, though after the battle they packed what few things they had and got the hell outta dodge.

Again, I can not blame them.

Now that left me with taking care of the corpses. Of course, the Legate said it wasn’t necessary, but I insisted on doing it. Now, how am I going to get rid of 60 plus corpses with least amount of effort? Well let me answer that with another question; what do you use to vaporise and explode everything within a large radius of badassery?

“Trust me Legate, C-7 foaming explosive is the best thing since… Well, I let it speak for itself.” The Legate and his Guards are very curious and equally worried about what I’m about to do. All of said corpses were piled deep in the forest with few ‘ceremonial’ gifts I left behind for them.

“But safety first before fun! Since we don’t have any safety equipment for you guys, I’m gonna ask everybody to turn away eyes closed and bellies on the floor.” And of course they looked at me like I’m a madman, except for Theek. For he’s a good boy. It seems that he’s taking my warnings to heart, which means he's gonna be good a following orders in the future.

“Suit yourself! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Alright! Firing in 10.”

“9”

“8”

“7”

“6”

“5”

“4”

“3”

“2”

“Couldn’t we have just buried-”

“1!”

First, there was a flash off from the west. In the distance as the foaming explosive ignited, vaporising all around it at temperatures near equivalent to an early 20th century nuclear bomb. Quickly following up with the flash came a torrent of winds. Near the camp, tree branches and leaves bend or tear from the wave. Immediately following the pressure wave was the earth shaking, followed with the collapsing one of the old walls. The griffons had fallen not from the sudden blast, but from awe inspiring shock. Once all the them got their bearings and rid themselves of the slight ringing in their ear holes, there still stood the Spartan, motionless and completely unaffected by the explosive force.

“Well, that was fun. Since you guys already packed up, I’m ready to go.”

“Why are you guys acting so weird?” Now that was a question I was wanting to be answered. Yet their answer of silence spoke louder then any of the words they could say. Even after taking care of the many bodies in firy glory, none of them dared to look at me. Why did they see in me, to be so afraid?

Am I a monster? If so, by which definition am I such? For merely killing them? No, rather for how I killed them? How effective I am perhaps? Admittingly, I am a killing machine, but not just for the sake of slaughtering. I defended the Legate, his men, and our guests. So if I did my job, so why am I questioning my motives?

Hazzah! Maybe they are in awe of the power that I wield? That must be it! Who wouldn’t be amazed by my arsenal of death? It is after all natural for the weak to fear me, the strong- Wait, when did I get so egotistical?

“Gabe?” Looking down to my left, I see the gray griffin looking at me worriedly.

“Yes Theek?”

“Um, why did you have to explode everything?”

“I just wanted to have some fun, though don’t worry so hard. Watching the world burn is not my cup of tea, for I’ve seen that sight far too many times…” Theek quietly replied with a “oh” and fell back with the rest of the group. Oh yeah, since all of them are weary of me, I’ve decided to take the lead. So far, no forks in the road so no corrections needed on my part. At least, no one has come to correct my direction.

As the walk progressed, so did the time. Before I knew it, it was already past noon and the heat was really setting in. Well it was sucking only for them, because this nanosuit regulates temperature! But then, right along the road I see the stain of blood. I quickly raise my fist and halt the group, then quickly kneeling down I examined the blood.

“Fresh, no... A little bit at room temperature.”

“What is the hold up Spartan?” Guard 3 asks.

“Found somewhat fresh blood, looks like it follows from the forest and down the road.”

“And, what does that mean?”

“It could be from one of the survivors from earlier, or…”

“Or what?”

“Is there a settlement near by? I think it’s most likely the blood of a hunter’s catch.”

“I’ll check!” With a few large flaps of his wings, Theek took off high and began checking the area. Two minutes later, the gray green griffon returned to me.

“Find anything Theek?”

“Yeah, there is a village a bit far from here.”

“You sure it is a village?”

“Yeah, they have a few big buildings, but the rest are just thatched wooden homes.” Behind us, the carriage doors open.

“We must be at one of settlements in the Vinelands region. That must put us about another day until we reach the Empire’s border.”

“I thought this was the Empire’s land.” I questioned.

“It is, but 3/5 of the Empire’s territories are just wildlands. Once we pass the towers and reach into the plains we will be in much safer civilized land.”

“I see, then let’s continue on.”

Once we had finally reach the outskirt village, it pretty matched up with Theek’s description. Pass the crop fences and the two defense towers, the village was exactly what I thought it would look like. Peasant houses closer to earlier medieval eras litter the landscape. The roads and walkways made of older very worn stones and only had a few directions in which ways they went. The few “bigger” buildings were more or less full two story buildings with one outlier being a medieval equivalent of a large hotel made out of stone and logs. That building also had an equivalent of a tavern built into the side with a storage house connected on the opposite side. Thus making it one large facility. That is, in there own terms of what is big. Diverting from the group, I turn back and tap Theek’s shoulder.

“Hay, I’m gonna see if this place has a weaponsmith, you wanna join?”

“Ah! Sure?” Now with Theek following closely behind, I began searching.

Now, where would a man settle to make his weapons? It’s likely not going to be the center of town, too much disturbance. So perhaps the outskirts of town? As I make my random way, I began picking up the sound of hammering, particularly the hammering of metal. Bingo. Making another turn, I see there down two blocks away, stood a diamond dog matted black and hammering away. Making way there was easy, as the streets were sparse with life. Maybe because of my imposing figure, or maybe people here have things to do. Probably both.

“Greetings, are you the blacksmith of this forge?” The dog took a moment to give any hint of acknowledgment, as all of his focus was on his craft. When he finally turned his gaze up at me, he huffed, surprise gleaming in his small eyes.

“Another strange one? No, I am just Apprentice. The Boss is resting, what do you want?” He turned his attention back onto his work. Said thing was a small triangular like block of hot metal with a crude loop at the end.

“I was hoping to see if this town had any weaponry they could possibly sell me? Particularly I’m looking into getting a longsword, one with a hefty blade and at least good durability.”

“Want greatsword? Huh! Not many want such heavy weapon, but you not any kind of weak. Me only make axes and nails. Though… Boss gots a masterpiece weapon, but it will cost more than a silver.”

“Well, let’s hope I meet that price range then.” Theek was giving me ‘are you serious’ look. I would respond with a ‘just go with it’ if I didn’t have a helmet obscuring my entire face.

“So what gave away that I’m Strong?” My sarcasm seemed to be ineffective, or rather flew over his head.

“Your footsteps heavy and scary like the dragons. Must be even stronger to lift and move them. The stones you touch nearly break under the each step.” True to his word, I have been making sure I don’t accidentally break anything under both my strength and weight. I mean, I do weigh a bit other a thousand pounds in this suit of armor.

“It seems you are very attuned to the area around you, even when focusing on your passion. I respect that.” He seemed to form a smile on his soot covered snout.

“You are very kind giant.”

“Well, since your boss is resting, I’ll swing by in a few hours or check in tomorrow to see if I can judge this masterpiece myself.”

“Aye.” Breaking off from the conversation, the dog resumed his hammering and I made way retracing our steps. Well, with a Heads Up Display directing me it was as they say, a piece of cake. Theek on the other hand seemed concerned.

“Gabe, do you not understand how valuable a masterpiece is?”

“I would guess it means of the highest detail and quality. What, do you think I don’t have enough?”

“No, ten or more Gold Del will get you a masterpiece weapon, but weapons like that are usually… Kept within the family? My tribe have a staff called Sanguine Rose, that can summon an unkillable monster for a day. It is sacred to protecting the tribe and would never be traded, even if offered a thousand gold for it.”

“So you're saying it’s gonna take more than just gold to getting it? Ah, I see your point, especially so if it was a family heirloom. Damn.”

“When we reach the capital, I’m sure there is to be some iron weapons for sale!” Theeks enthusiasm still gets me to chuckle.

“Always stay positive Theek, always stay positive. Except with diseases, try not to be positive there.” Finally making way to the tavern, I make my entrance with style. And by style, I just opened the door and stood for a moment, taking in the atmosphere of the bar.

It wasn’t anything special. In the back of the building, a bar table with shelves full of wooden Kegs and barrels supposedly storing beer on the sides. This place had two large rectangular tables which fitted six seats each by the support beams in the center of the room. There are four small round tables which held two stools each on the right side of the wall. There is a wooden bench by the door with hooking above holding pieces of clothing to dry.

To the left, a wooden board hangs on by chains from one of the support beams in the ceiling. It has various pieces of parchment nailed to it. Some look like bounties while others larger papers hold listings of something important. lastly there were the people, more specifically Griffons either staring at me or enjoying their meals. And by the looks of the residents, I just made myself look like a walking cliche.

“Is Legate Huntseeker here?” I ask, hoping to break the awkward silence.

“You that Warrior right? By gods you are tall- Oh don’t worry boys he’s just another Legion merc, back to minding your drinks!” The bartender rushed out, waving his talons and ushering for us to join. Theek and I definitely followed suit.

“Don’t mind the weary looks traveler, most of these fair folks haven't seen your kind, but here we try not to judge. In my house all who obey the rules are welcomed here, come sit.” He made a gesture with his hands, point to the papers nailed wall.

“Thank you for the warmer welcome, though I have to decline. I don’t want to pay for broken furniture.”

“Ah, don’t worry! I have something just for large people like you.” Entering the back door and turning a corner, the Griffon came back with another griffon lifting a large rounded stone almost as large as Theek.

“Here, this won’t break on ya.” The stone itself was solid, but that didn’t stop me from sitting gently. Besides that, it was perfect for me to sit on.

“Thanks.”

“Ah, now, is there anything the two of you would like?” Theek looked at me with his yellow eyes like a puppy.

“Don’t worry buddy, I’ll pay for it.”

“Okay! I would like half a loaf of bread with butter, 4 scrambled eggs with a cooked potato and a bottle of any kind of wine you have.”

“And what do you want warrior?”

“I won’t be ordering anything, I have my own meal.”

“Hum, suit yourself. As long as your eating and buying, you can stay. Okay, the wine will cost you 5 Volks per bottle, the Eggs for 6 Volk. Bread and roasted potato will be 7 Volks. That totals up to 18 Volks, do we have a deal?”

“Is that price is agreeable, Theek?”

“Yes, is a very reasonable price. Gabe, I think I will pay this and you owe me when we reach the Capital.”

“You sure?” Theek looked up at me, surprised and then narrowed his eyes and contorted his face, as if trying to give me a message.

“Yeah, I don’t think you should be trading your few silver for just a meal. You are getting paid when we reach the capital right? You’ll just add 18 to my share.” For a moment, I hesitated not understanding his meaning, until I remembered the values of each coin. A dozen or more gold coins could buy off this entire establishment, so it best if no one knows that I packed with gold. I nodded understandingly and Theek followed out to grabbing his pouch and handed the 18 coins over.

“See these 4 of coins? Too poor in quality. I need 2 more volks to be sufficient payment.” For a moment, I was about to object as it seemed that we were being ripped off. But glancing down at the these “poor” coins, I see that the 4 of them are indeed chipped with one of them being cracked and other a bit bent.

“That’s reasonable, here you go sir.” Theek handed two more and the Bartender swiped them all into a wooden box, supposedly being the cash register.

“Did ya hear that order chef? Half cut bread with butter, four eggs scrambled and baked potato! And tell that mopping hatchling to fetch a bottle of some blackvine for these two!” The Chef replied back the order and began cooking up the meal. Shortly after a small griffin, most likely in his younger teens, came up flying with a large bulbous bottle in hand.

“Here you go sirs!”

“Thank you kindly!” Theek snatched the bottle and took a slurping sip.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything Warrior?”

“I don’t drink.”

“Now come-ooooon! Just another annnnd I-I’ll owe ya two-fold.”

“Theek, stop, this isn’t what I pay you for.”

“I haven’t been paaaaid man, but I will get ya baaack I-ah promise! Give your fellow griffon a BREAK huh!”

“I’m not a griffon, and I am your boss, you do know that right?”

“Your NOT my boss, MY BOSS is great! And no bossing milk drinker gonna change my drinking habits again!”

“You finished that bottle like thirty minutes ago, there is no way you can be this drunk on that alone.”

“You may be surprised, but that entire bottle was meant for four griffons.” The bartender budded in, taking a dirty tray of mugs back into the kitchen.

“How strong is this wine, is this even wine?”

“Ah, I-ah, I don’t have a strong wife, b-because no-no one would want meeee~”

“Wasn’t talking to you drunk mood.” The bartender can back with a mug for Theek to drink, and thankfully it was full of water.

“Oh yes, Blackvine Wine is solely unique to this area. Made from the Blackvine Bell berries, some bitter yellow roots, and a few other normal ingredients makes quite the concaction. Think of it as a perfect matching of something akin to honeybrew mead and bitter sweet wine with the potent knockout power of vodka.”

“Wait, you have russians names here?”

“Russians? Uh, never heard anyone use that term before. If your referring to the pony vodka, most of those snow ponies just call themselves ponies. I... Hah, I remember now! If I recall correctly there is a place where there are ponies said to be made of crystal! But those are just old legends from long far past the celestial sea…”

“Interesting, so there are creatures made of inorganic material? Might want to see what those things look like.”

“Well, don’t you think calling them creatures is a bit… Uh…Demeaning?”

“Demeaning? Oh, I see, so these ponies are also sentence creatures in this world?”

“Uh, yeah, how have you never met one of them? The next Kingdom over in the east is Prance and it is full of those herbivores.”

“Well, the only beings I have met that can talk back to me are the Diamond Dogs, Griffons, and Donkeys. Are there others besides these Ponies?”

“Wow, you really haven’t traveled far or maybe you’ve just been unlucky? Well, besides what most folk will say, Dragons can be quite intelligent. Though that dragon I met claimed he was an Argonian, or something like that. Yet at the same time he also said he held to title of Dragonborn. He was quite a strange fellow, asked a lot of questions.”

“Wait! Do you mean to tell me that there are others here?”

“Others? What do you mean-”

“Get off me you weeping welp!” A large well built griffon yelled, as he slammed Theek into the floor. The gray green feathered griffon let out a yelp and began to cry on the floor.

“Why does everyone I meet end up throwing me aw-aw-way ay ay!”

“You shut that sorry-feathered beak before I break it in ya hatchling.” Quickly maneuvering and making way, I gained the attention of the offender.

“Hello there, I’m sorry that my companion is causing you trouble. I hope you can forgive his drunken state and we’ll go our separate ways.”

“Oh yeah? Well, I’ll forgive you both if you hand over your silver I overheard you two talking about.” He grinned evilly, resting his hand on his hilt, ready to draw his sword.

“Are you serious threatening me? Look, pal, I don’t want to cause any problems nor do I want to end up destroying your little ego you got going. So would you kindly back off and we’ll be out of your way.”

[Speech Check failed]

“Oh bugger.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Great, now the rest of his group has joined him. So now there is a total of six dead fools… I probably shouldn’t kill them, well, let’s give them a final warning.

“You do know that challenging me is complete suicide, right? Take a second and look at me, I’ve fought manticores head on and strangled them with my bare hands.”

“GET HI-” One solid punch to the neck, and the big leader down for the count. He gasped for air as I had just completely bruised his trachea. The other five didn’t get a chance to draw as I clobbered a head into the floorboards, followed with a knockout bitchslap to another. The third guy got a skyrocketing uppercut into the ceiling and hit the ground hard. The fourth guy jumped onto me, but was quickly ripped off and thrashed into the wall. The last guy though, he backed off, kneeling and screaming for mercy.

“Oh gods, I swear I wasn’t going with their plans!” Deciding to keep my karma good, he was spared and rightfully thrown out with the rest of his gang. Turning back and heading inside, I see the tavern having a whole new vibe in the air. I could almost read it the metaphorical sign above me saying 'not to be mess with' and everyone seemed to understand it.

“Wow, none of my furniture is broken this time. Consider me impressed Warrior!”

“The name is Gabe, but you can call me a Spartan if you so wish it.”

“Well done then Spartan. Please don’t have your friend cause any more trouble while your in town. Oh hay, why don't you grab him and you two can sleep in room 3.” Picking up the drunkenly grumbled griffon, I followed and made way into my new quarters. The room itself had two normal his beds, well those beds had no mattress, just a blanket over wooden boards with a straw pillow. There was a small wood furnace in between the two beds and was currently out cold.

Setting Theek onto the left bed and giving him extra blankets from the right bed, his mumbling soon turned to light snoring. And for me? I slept on the floor again, but I don’t mind. My armor was like a second skin, always the perfect temperature and comfort. But before I sleep, I needed to eat. With a flick of the wrist, my TAC-PAD lights up and displays my status.

“Bodily energy is low, recommend SREB? What the hell?” Selecting yes, a large bar materialized in my hand.

“Spartan Ration Energy Bar, huh. Okay, let’s see the warning label. SREB is strictly for UNSC SPARTAN personnel ONLY! Do not eat or feed to non Spartan personal and if consumed by civilian or non Spartan military personnel, contact nearest medical personnel for assistance. May cause stomach swelling, hyperactive sensitivity, digestive organ failure, vomiting, contractions, cardiac arrest, and possible death. Nutrition: SUSTENANCE DURATION lasts 48 hours. Do not consume any more SREBs or food until a SAFE DURATION of 12 HOURS. before consuming more."

“Well, since it’s made for Spartans, there shouldn’t be any problems, right?