My chance to restore my name

                                                                     The point of view of 13                                                          
 Year 1002.
 The Western region of the Empire
 East of Radon.
‘’13’’ 

After the events of the Inn, my female companion and I took the horses that probably belonged to the assassins and started moving alongside the river. It was almost midnight and raining quite heavily. Our vision was near impossible but we continued to move.

At least that was the plan when all of a sudden my female companion stopped and got off her horse. She then came closer to me and just stared at me with cold eyes. The rain was falling down her porcelain face and her hair was soaking wet, yet she just stood there and continued looking at me without speaking a word.

‘’ We need to continue moving, get back on your horse ‘’ I said as I urged my female companion to move. 

“I’m not going fucking anywhere until you start talking, who were those men back there? Who are you? How can you use a blade like that ‘’ my female companion shouted, her words got mixed with the sound of the heavy rain.

'’ We don’t have time for this. We can talk about this later ‘’ I replied as I came down off my horse trying to persuade my female companion to move. 

‘’ No, you always say that or avoid my questions entirely. I won’t accept this anymore. I want answers’’ my female companion replied with twitching lips.

‘’…………………’’

‘’ Answer me damn it. I’m not just a tool for you to use. I’m a soldier of the kingdom. I deserve to know ‘’ my female companion added.

‘’ Oh, now you want to question orders. Have you ever questioned your captain’s order? Have you ever questioned anything your kingdom asked of you? ‘’ I replied as I locked eyes with her. 

‘’ Don’t give me this shit. You’re not my captain, you’re not my superior officer you’re …..’’

‘’ ….Just a Number? Is that what you were going to say? I’m a Number so I’m unworthy of keeping secrets from you? But they can. They can order you to fight, to plunder, to kill ‘’ I shouted back at her. I don’t know why I‘m doing this. Why am I arguing with a woman I barely know? Why am I justifying myself to her?

I turned around and started heading back to my horse when all of a sudden I felt a sudden punch in my back.

‘’ Don’t you fucking turn your back on me. I’m not a murderer, I’m a soldier. All that I did, all that I do is for the sake of our people. The people you betrayed ‘’ my female companion spoke.

‘’ Sure, sure ….keep telling yourself that ‘’ I quickly replied as I turned back once again to face my horse.

When all of a sudden a unique sound caught my attention, I turned around once again to see my female companion pointing her sword at me.

“I said don’t turn your back on me. You’re not going anywhere until you tell me everything ‘’ my female companion declared with firm words. I couldn’t tell if it was just the raindrops falling gently down her cheeks or if she was really crying but I could tell she was serious.

 Using the element of surprise I jumped forward and grabbed my female companion from her arm and throw her to the ground disarming her of her sword.

‘’ Can we stop this now and get back to the mission? ‘’ I said as I parted my arms as a gesture of peace.

‘’ Not before you fucking talk ‘’ my female companion stubbornly replied.

She then moved toward me and threw a right hook at me, I dodged it and attempted to grab her again but she pushed me away and throw a kick to my temple. I lifted my left arm and blocked it.

‘’ Speak, who the fuck are you? ‘’ My female companion yelled out as she moved once again for a direct punch, I quickly dodged it but she might have anticipated that as she threw another punch with her other hand. I crossed my arms and barely blocked it in time. Damn, she’s as good with her fists as she is with her sword but I don’t have time for this. 

I moved forward and threw a quick punch, she blocked it so I threw another punch this time aiming for her abdomen. My female companion attempted to step back but that was exactly the move I needed. I jumped forward and grabbed her tightly from behind and held her in a headlock.

 ‘’ Let go of me …..Let go of me right now …..Let….’’

Before my companion could finish her words I casted a sleeping spell on her and she fell to the ground unconscious.

                                The point of view of first lieutenant Karolina Porze                                        
 Year 1002.
 The Western region of the Empire
 Unknown location
First lieutenant ‘’Karolina Porze’’ of the first Reevian army

The second I opened my eyes a sudden surge of pain vibrated through my brain. I held my head with both hands hoping it can absorb the pain. I looked around to see myself laying under a mighty tree and covered with a thick blanket. I lifted it to see a horrific sight. I….I was completely naked underneath.

‘’ WHAT THE FUCK? ‘’ I screamed in shock as I hugged the blanket to myself.

‘’ I had to take off your wet clothes otherwise you would have fallen sick ‘’ the person who suddenly spoke was kneeling and cooking a fish over the campfire. 

‘’ You fucking pervert, what else did you help yourself to while I was unconscious and completely naked ‘’ I yelled back as I looked at the man I had been traveling with all this time.

‘’ Don’t flatter yourself, lieutenant, angry abusive women are not my type ‘’ the man replied with the same expressionless look on his face.

‘’W-What? ‘’ I tried to object but the horrible pain has once again assaulted my brain.

‘’ Don’t move too much, severe headaches are a common after-effect of sleeping spells ‘’ the man explained.

‘’Sleeping spell? Is that what you used on me? ‘’ I asked the man to which he just nodded. A magic spell, he can use magic too? Who the hell is this man? 

But while I was full of questions, the man stood up on his feet and tossed something at me.

‘’ your clothes are dry now. Get dressed, I will turn around ‘’ the man declared as he turned around with his back facing me. 

‘’ You better not try to peak or else ….’’ I quickly replied as I started getting dressed …

‘’ You were right yesterday. I think I owe you some answers, it’s the least I could do for making you risk your life at the Inn yesterday ‘’ the man suddenly declared as he continued facing the other way. He was acting very odd today. I mean he was always an odd man but today he is even a stranger. 

‘’ I’m listening …,’’ I answered as I pulled up my panties

‘’ My mission is an assassination job. I am here to eliminate a certain target ‘’ the man added.

‘’ Assassination? Who are you going to assassinate? ‘’ I asked as I braced myself for the answer, if it is a mission ordered by the high council then the target must be a high-profile target. Maybe a military general or a nobleman? 

‘’ I’m here to assassinate the man they call ‘’ Trickster ‘’ the man uttered words I wouldn’t have ever expected, not in a million years.

‘’ W-What? Lord trickster? Are you fucking kidding me? ‘’ this is gotta be a joke? He is making fun of me again. There is no way he is going after that man. I mean lord trickster is the fourth member of ‘’the first knight party’’. A legendary group that is rumored to have been the reason the Empire won the first Magis war. There is no way the high council is sending just one man for such a job.

‘’ I’m afraid I’m serious’’ the man replied with a hollow look in his eyes

‘’ That’s fucking suicide. You must know the stories, Lord Trickster is credited for destroying entire fleets of soldiers all by himself. That person is not human, he is a monster. How are you going to assassinate him all on your own? ‘’ I replied shaking my head in confusion.

‘’ He breaths and bleeds just like any other man. I plan to shove my sword through his chest and continue doing so until he stops breathing ‘’ the odd man spoke as he clenched his right fist. He really not kidding. He really believes he can accomplish such a mission. 

‘’ Who are you? ‘’ I asked once again as I faced the man in front of me.

‘’ 13’’ the man answered. I see he is back to making fun of me 

‘’ I’m serious here, you said I deserve answers so tell me who you are ‘’ I asked again.

‘’ I’m serious too, my official name is 13. I’m a Number, a traitor. A man without a past, without a future, and I would remain like this until I finish this mission. I will remain nameless until my sword is stained by Trickster’s blood. That’s who I am ‘’ the odd man explained as he faced me. So this is why he agreed to this mission, he wants his name back.

‘’ Why is getting your name back so important to you? ‘’ I decided to just ask him directly.

‘’ It’s not important to me but it’s important to someone else ‘’ the man replied with a hint of a smile on his face. I wanted to ask for more information but ultimately decided not to.

Whatever reason he has to do such a suicidal mission must be important to him, otherwise, he wouldn’t be here right now. This is all I cared about. All that mattered to me at that moment. 

                                                               The point of view of 13                                                                
 Year 1002.
 The Western region of the Empire
The fort of Diska
 ‘’13’’

After a few days of hiking along the river, we finally reached our final destination. The fort of Diska. This is the location of my target, the location of a trickster.

 I’m finally here, everything ends today. I looked to my side, my female companion was looking at the fort with her binoculars. She then spoke:

‘’ It’s exactly like you said, the Reevian army is preparing to storm the fort. This is great news, if Lord Trickster is inside then once the Reevian army captures the fort he will be captured along with it ‘’

‘’ That’s not gonna happen, the Reevian army won’t be able to capture the fort, not today ‘’ I replied as I shook my head.

‘’ What? What makes you say that? ‘’ my female companion asked with inquisitive eyes but even if I explained everything to her she won’t believe me and even if she believed me she won’t understand. She can’t understand the truth. The truth about this world and even if she does the truth of our existence will shatter her sanity forever so I decided to ignore her question instead. 

‘’ Here! ‘’ I said as I handed her a sealed envelope.

‘’ What is this? ‘’ my female companion asked.

‘’I wrote it yesterday, this is a letter from me to the higher council acknowledging your noble contribution to this mission. If you show it to the high council in the capital they will handsomely reward you and probably even promote you’’ I answered back as I put the envelope in her cloak pocket.

‘’ What? Why are you giving me this now? The mission is far from over ‘’ my female companion replied. 

‘’ Yes, my mission is not over but yours is. I will take it from here ‘’ I said as I started walking toward the fort.

‘’ No, no this is bullshit. You can’t just push me off at the most important part. This is my mission as much as it is yours “my female companion shouted in irritation as she grabbed me from my shoulder.

‘’ The only thing left is the confrontation between me and the trickster. You have no role in this. Go back home report to your captain and get the reward and honor you deserve. This is an order from the person leading this mission ‘’ I pushed myself away from her grip and continued moving forward. 

‘’No, No… wait ….please wait ….’’ My female companion uttered in a weak voice.

I could hear her footsteps gradually decrease behind me as I made sure to lose her and hide my tracks.

I didn’t need to turn around to know the look on her face or the hatred she must feel toward me right now but then again she had nothing but hatred for me since the day we met so why does it feel different this time? Why does her hatred bother me now? Why can’t she understand that the only thing awaiting her in that fort is her death?

The moment I approached the mighty fort a loud bang echoed in the distance. It has started. the Reevian army’s assault has officially commenced. I need to use this opportunity before it’s too late.

I moved through the fort’s eastern walls and started climbing as fast as I could. Because the assault just started most of the imperial soldiers will be focusing their defense on the northern gate which gives me a good opportunity to try and sneak through.

I continued climbing until I reached the top, sounds of swords clashing and explosions echoed around me. I moved quietly and started sneaking down when all of a sudden a fleet of flaming arrows was heading my way, I quickly lifted an abandoned shield and used it as cover.

I reached the main yard, Reevian soldiers were head to head with the imperial soldiers. The fight just started but bodies were already piling up. I need to move quickly and reach the grand hall.

 I went from cover to cover avoiding the fight until I reached the entrance to the grand hall. This is where the assassin pretending to be an escort said trickster will be.

I gently reached for the handle and opened the door making sure no one notices me but…..

No…No…..no, no, no ….

No…. No…. No….Nooooo….No fucking way …..This isn’t true, this isn’t true.

This can’t be ….this is not how it is supposed to happen. THIS IS BULLSHIT.

I’m supposed to find trickster sitting on his throne, then he and I would have a 1 vs. 1 duel. This is how it was fated to happen.

 ‘’ THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT ‘’ I yelled out at the top of my lungs as the soldiers continued to point their weapons at me.

When all of the sudden, a person emerged from between the soldiers. He had long red hair and was wearing shining silver armor….He pointed at me and laughed:

‘’ What’s wrong 13? Is something wrong? ‘’
‘’ TRICKSTER!!’’ I yelled out his name in disgust. What the fuck is happening? Was I wrong? 

‘’ What is it 13? You look very confused my friend. I thought you will enjoy my little surprise. Since I knew you were coming I made sure to prepare this little trick just for you. Are you happy? Are you happy 13? ‘’ Trickster continued to laugh as he pointed at me.

But How? How did he know I’m coming? How did he know I will be using this entrance? How did he have time to plan all of this?

 ‘’ Your confusion is very entertaining 13 but if you don’t say anything I’m gonna get bored so let me help clear some of your confusion. You see you are not the only one who can see the fabric of the timelines ‘’ Trickster spoke words few people could ever comprehend their meaning….The hidden secret of this world.

 ‘’ That’s right 13. That’s right. You are not the only puppeteer in this doll show my friend. We want to play too’’ Trickster spoke as he looked at me with a disgusting smug face.

‘’Ugh, You are still not talking. This is getting boring…. Kill him! ‘’ Trickster spoke his final words as he left the grand hall.  

 Fuck, this is it. There is no way out of this. I can’t face all of these soldiers at once. I’m completely fucked.

 I took one final deep breath as I drew my sword. The soldiers circled me and with an anonymous war cry, they jumped forward. 6 arrows heading my way at once. I lifted my sword and managed to block 4 of them, the fifth missed me but the sixth hit me straight in my left shoulder. I shouted in pain but while the archers started reloading their crossbow and prepared to shoot again, I jumped forward and stabbed one soldier to my left, 2 soldiers attacked from the right but I managed to block and slash my sword cutting them down. A soldier with an ax attacked me from behind, I turned around and pushed myself off the way and stabbed him in the throat but while I was busy with foot soldiers the archers took their second shot. This time I was able to only block 3 arrows and dodge a fourth. The last two arrows made a clear hit on my chest and abdomen. I fell on my left knee as I wiped the blood pouring from my mouth. I placed my hands on my chest and abdomen and casted a ‘’heal spell’’ and stood up on my feet once again.

 ‘’ Come at me assholes ‘’ I yelled out as I drew my sword once again. My struggle might be pointless, I might be just prolonging my end but I shall fight this fate until the end. I shall die fighting. The moments I said that to myself, 5 more arrows hit me in my back.

                                                               The point of view of 13                                                           
Year 1002
 Unknown
Unknown
 ‘’13 

There was nothing but bleak endless darkness, I tried to lift my hands but they refused to obey. I couldn’t even move my eyes. My body has completely shut down. The only thing that remained was my weak consciousness but that was quickly fading away too.

I have failed my mission, I lost the chance to regain my name. I lost the chance to make everything right. I had one chance but completely fucked it up. Was it because I was not strong enough? Or because I was too confident in my fate? Was I betrayed by my expectations or was I doomed from the start?

 No, nothing of this matters. The point will always be the same. I have failed and it’s time for me to leave. I surrendered myself to my fate and closed my eyes.

‘’ Not yet ‘’ A weak voice transmitted into my ears but I was too tired to care, too tired to listen. I just wanted to sleep, I wanted to rest.  

 ‘’ NOT YET YOU ASSHOLE ’’ A louder firmer voice echoed into my ears followed by a fierce punch into my gut.

I opened my eyes to be greeted with the blurry image of a person looking down at me from above.
An angel? No, no …An angel won’t curse.
Before I could think of something else, a soft sensation spread through my lips.

A kiss? 

‘’It’s not yet time to die ‘’ the person kissing my lips suddenly spoke. I could feel their warm breath on my skin.   

With every strength I could muster, I lifted my hand and wiped out the coagulated blood from my eyes. The image of the person looking down at me suddenly became clear. 

‘’ First lieutenant? ‘’ I weakly whispered these words but she somehow managed to hear them. 
‘’ My name is Karolina Porze, What’s your name? ‘’ the girl looking at me spoke softly as she held my head….a gentle smile plastered on her face. 

I parted my lips and uttered the correct answer to her question:

‘’ My name is …….. 13 ‘’