(Past) :: The Berserk

A person appeared behind th tree as Kael approached the smog's edge. As soon as Kael's sensed, his palm briefly touched the hunter's knife by his side. The silence was soon broken by a voice.

Grim said, "Master is proud of you," in a quiet voice that Kael could sense had depth. Something familiar yet far was hidden behind the words, an emotion that Kael was unable to identify.

When Kael heard the voice he wasn't expecting coming from this shadow. He didn't look at Grim yet, though. He continued to stare straight ahead into the hazy fog that pulled him.. After a few moments, his voice; a whisper barely passing his lips; broke the stillness. "Grim... you know I had to leave?"

After a moment of silence, Grim moved forward, grinned and said, "Come on, the person who trained you also trained me." His tone was a mix of laughter and seriousness. "Furthermore, we both followed the same missions together?"

A half-smile tugged at the corner of Kael's lips as he briefly closed his eyes. "So you know that..." he started, turning to look at Grim at last. After a minute of softening, his jaw hardened again. It was never so easy to let go of the past.

With that familiar glitter in his eyes, Grim smiled and said, "Hey, you know there's something still between us."

Kael’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What?”

Grim's smile disappeared before Kael understood what he had said. Suddenly Grim was on his way, his bare hands out, moving with a speed. There was no warning, no hesitancy. Grim's fists were on Kael before he could even react.

With a vicious ferocity, the two of them collided as they attempted to out-think each other. Grim's hands slammed Kael quickly and precisely, like hammers, one after the other. Kael's body was a blur of motion as he reflexively reacted with equal vigour, ducking and launching attacks in response to each hit. Their hands were hitting, blocking, and grasping as their fists smashed in a vicious symphony. This interaction was brutal, primitive, and the result of a link that only they had, and there was no mercy in it.

Grim wasn’t holding back. Like a predator, he moved quickly and striking. But Kael was also experienced. Despite the shock of Grim's unexpected attack, he had quick reactions and force to knock him down.

Kael grabbed Grim's arm and twisted it behind his back as he dodged beneath one of his violent blows. However, ever imagined Grim whirled, threw Kael off balance, and sent him down to the ground. Grim was on Kael before he could get up, dragging him into a struggle as their bodies twisted and strained against one another.

They both paused for a second, gasping for air, realising how much they were fighting together. It was more than just a contest of strength; it was also a conflict of values and wills, and underlying the violence, it was a test. A test of understanding, allegiance, and what was left of their common past.

Kael's hands gripped Grim's shoulders as they fought for control, his chest heaving with effort. "Is this really required?" Despite the tension, Kael mumbled, a little smile showing through.

Grim's eyes glowed, his face displaying a mix of challenge and laughter. “You don’t think we have something to settle between us? after everything we've experienced?"

After hesitating, Kael let out a quiet laugh. "Maybe, but this life is over for me." He moved, trying to knock Grim off balance with his legs.

Grim regained the balance and tumbled with the move. He spoke in a calm but forceful tone. "I'm not done with you yet, Kael, even though you may be done with the mercenaries."

Kael's actions were more precise and concentrated at that particular time. He reached for the hunter's knife by his side, but Grim was quicker and twisted his arm so that Kael had to let go. It was a struggle not only over fists but also over their shared history, their complex relationship, and their past.

They fought relentlessly and brutally until they were both exhausted and covered in blood, and they were both more conscious than ever of the bonds that held them together. At last, Grim took a step back, his chest bouncing up and down quickly, gasping for air. Despite the violence, he nodded to Kael, showing that they respected each other. “I’ll never fully understand your choice, but I know this: You’re still the same, Kael. You underestimate your strength. As the master said, You have greate purpose."

Kael's eyes met Grim's, and his look softened. "I no longer require the past. However, you will always be involved."

Grim and Kael stood facing each other.

Kael's voice was quiet but filled with interest as he looked his eyes. "You are aware of my past, right?" He stood up straight and cocked his head slightly. “Then what’s yours?”

Grim's gaze was clear as he smirked. "Purpose," he said with ease. "Just like yours, Kael. However, yours is to get rid of the guilt that has been bothering you." Grim's voice grew harsher as his intensely focused gaze met Kael's. “Mine is for my nation.”

Kael laughed bitterly and mocked. "Country? Grim, hurry up. There is no longer a nation. All that’s left is war, soaked in the blood of the innocent.” His voice rose slightly as he took a step closer.

Grim’s smirk and stated, "I was absconded from my village," in a low voice. "I'm not even sure why I left. I might have been a coward. Perhaps I assumed I would return when I had something significant to offer. A change."

Kael's face furrowed. “What kind of change?”

Grim sighed, the smirk fading as he glanced awayt. "My father... he was Harald Fairhair's comrade. He fought alongside him in the battle of Hafrsfjord.” His voice fell down to a near whisper as he hesitated. "But me? I don’t belong here, Kael. Not the master, not me. We are both Berserkers.

Kael blinked, he was curious "Berserkers? So how in the world did you get here?"

Grim laughed, "I'm not sure. One moment, I was falling into the great sea... the next, I woke up in chains, sold off to some nobleman.” with a causal mocking smileand continued,"Of course, I got away. Then Master saw me, though. noticed the berserker's mark on my back and gave me a reason to live out my belief that I was destined to accomplish this. That’s how I got here.”

Kael looked at him for a while. With a slight smile pulling at his lips, he added, "Well, well. I didn't understand half of that, but it's okay."

Grim smirked, his usual playful voice. "“You know, just remember what Master always said. Follow the right path, Kael.” He took a small step backward and pointed to the swirling mist in front of him, his eyes narrowing. “And more importantly... be safe in there. This mist isn’t a place for just anyone.”

With a look of surprise. "What?" With a slight smile, he replied "I didn't think you'd be the type to believe in this kind of thing."

Grim shook his head and smirked quietly. "I come from a place full of legends, stories that are older than any of us, believe it or not. While some may simply be stories, others...” He hesitated, looking off into the distance as though he was remembering something he hadn't seen in a long time. “Others carry truths hidden in clear sight.”

Kael’s brow furrowed. "What is the connection between that and me?" Grim's voice was calm but determined, and his sneer softened. "You'll realise when the time comes. Kael, you'll find your place. Until then. With his palm briefly resting on Kael's shoulder, he took a step closer. "Be careful. Although your path ahead isn't easy."

Grim continued, "Valeria!" He paused for a moment, his gaze steady on Kael. "It's what both Master and I believe." Locking eyes with Kael, he added, "The Ashes of Valeria... it’s what we stand for. Just remember, Kael, from ashes, something new can rise. Something stronger. Something worthy of the blood that was shed."

 Grim then turned, he moved towards the camp, Kael stood there for a while watching Grim, Kael remembering that Grim was the first person to encounter in the mercenary camp.

And then Kael made is move into the mist, where legends lay.

  // To Be Continued......