Blood for the Blood God

When the group crossed seven hallways and walked some more, they saw a wooden door. Believing it to be their salvation, they then hurried through and, in no time, found themselves on the other end.

"Phew!" Renra moved to the side and sat. The jogging had taken the wind out of him. Though previously driven by adrenaline, it had quickly begun to withdraw, allowing the boy to experience the full spectrum of his fatigue and wear.

Placing the vampire on what looked like purple stone, Renra raised his eyes at the other two.

"Soo, how'd it go?" Ceylica asked in Crilandese. "Ye look pretty tired, all things considered."

"I'm doing fine!" Renra replied. "Though, I think Valefar's probably pretty burnt out.'

"Ahem." The paladin said, coughing. "If you would kindly speak in a language I'm able to understand."

"Alright, alright," Ceylica answered with a smile, switching to Modern Aoelian. "So, tell us how it went, Renra."

Jaiga found her interest. "Yes, do tell." she followed up.

"Wait, uh, shouldn't we help Valefar first?" Renra said.

The paladin blinked thrice, raised her brows and said, "We should." She then knelt on one foot, studying the vampire closely. "Just to verify, it was due to using his Idiosyncrasy, or blood weapon, that resulted in this, correct?"

Renra found himself nodding. Although there was no saying that was the definite cause, he thought it the most probable.

"It may very well be that we let Valefar rest and wait until he naturally recovers," answered Jaiga, meeting Renra's eyes. "However, having one less member may prove difficult in the trials ahead."

Then, the paladin took out a knife. Gripping it with her free right hand, Jaiga showed it to Renra.

"If you wish to resuscitate the vampire, draw blood and give it unto him."

Her eyes were a distant hazel. She spoke of facts but without emotion. Simply stating the optimal path to follow.

"It may very well be that mine and Ceylica's blood proves harmful to the vampire."

"Ye, Jaiga's a dirty woman. It's hard to say what diseases she got and all."

Saying nothing of the joke, the paladin coughed twice into her palm and sighed.

"The choice is yours to take. Do as you will."

"Alright, I'll do it,” he said bravely. There was no hesitation. It came to Renra that he needed to cut something. But, as for what, he wasn't all too sure. Regardless of his certainty or not, though, he acted. Drawing the blade across his right wrist, Renra produced a thin cut. Enough so that blood flew from it in alarming measure, straight down Valefar's lips and down to his cheeks.

"I think the blood's supposed to go inside his mouth." Said a cheeky Ceylica, crossing her arms in humorous effect. "Didn't know vampires could drink through their skin."

Jaiga followed by extending her two arms. Tugging at Valefar's upper lip with her left and the lower lip with her right. Blood soon found itself down the vampires' throat, trickled down with sharp drops. When ten seconds or so passed, there came the question of how long they could keep this up.

Surely, sacrificing one member's consciousness and blood for the sake of the other wasn't too effective. Contrarily, it may have been just that which led them to continue. It was a matter of objectivity above all else. The decision that elevated one member's importance over another. Theirs was a mutual cooperation. Led mainly by the thought of survival predominantly.

"Stop."

Or was it?

Jaiga had held onto Renra's wrist. She flipped it over even, as if to dissuade the blood from flowing. Although he had little clue as to why, Renra thought Jaiga his better, and thus looked to her for guidance.

"Continue any further, and it may be that you lapse into unconsciousness. The paladin implored. "There is little guarantee th-

"Kuh...?"

There was a sudden voice. It had come from Valefar's strained throat and was halted by a wave of blood falling into his mouth. He seemed to have woken up halfway and had interjected into the conversation while doing so. Nobody could've guessed as much and watched the vampire with varying degrees of emotion.

"Brghggh".

In any case, the blood from Renra's hand didn't stop. It kept pouring in an endless stream of viscous scarlet. Just choking Valefar into half-breaths with every torrent of liquid.

The vampire lurched upwards after a second more. Wiping at his mouth with his jacket's back, Valefar stared vexingly at the others. By two seconds in, however, his appearance softened.

In a light monotone, he said, "Thanks." And then forced himself to stand, albeit slightly slower than custom. Those present assumed him still weak as a result. Consequently, the paladin asked if he were alright, only to be rebuked with a simple "Yes."

They watched and studied the vampire for some time as if he were a zoo creature. Such a notion was only advanced further by Ceylica, who every so often scratched her chin and offered some crude remark.

All of it came to an end soon enough, though.

Moments later, Valefar walked to the then-standing Renra, examined his hand, and touched it.

He then mumbled something under his breath. From an outward impression, it was to cast a spell. Vocal incantations were necessary to such endeavours, after all.

As a vampire of Koricean origin, Valefar had the magic vessels capable of accessing blood magic. And in this case, was able to draw upon the ancient Idiosyncrasy of the Blood God Desang.

Magic was, in its essence, the ability to replicate the personal Idiosyncrasies of others, and gods, first and foremost, were prime targets to steal from.

In that case, when Valefar had chanted "Rana." It was, in fact, the chant of the God Desang herself, who said as much when calling upon her own Idiosyncrasy. No sooner had Valefar cast said spell did the blood from Renra's wound cease to flow. Coagulating, the blood along the cut had formed a large, deep-red clot.

"Wow, that's pretty cool, thanks!"

Valefar turned away, aware that his job was done. There was no need for further formalities. By casting his magic, all due consideration was given. The path forward was decided.

Ceylica called out from behind.

"Let's get crack on then!"

Hearing that, Jaiga followed up.

"Indeed. For all intents and purposes, we are in want of a missing comrade, after all." She was referring to Tommy. "Well, how shall we proceed?"

"Good question, cause this place seems like really big!"

Renra saw what was in front, taking in the whole breadth of the environment in one fell swoop.

This time, the place was no steam room or dungeon. For all intents and purposes, it seemed like a luxurious tourist destination. Something along the lines of a miniaturized river valley. Tucked away on some idyllic hill in the countryside. Permeated by vast slabs of green and pink stone, with a long river of azure blue running through between small mounds.

"Is this a dungeon?" Renra was saying as he studied the vast landscape.

"Looks like a holiday resort to me."

"All the more reason to be careful. Our enemies may be hiding in plain sight, disguised by virtue of aesthetic."

"Jeez, ye really are a snore, ye know," said Ceylica, playfully punching Jaiga with a tad too much force. "Liven up a little, or you'll stiffen and be stuck in that armour of yours forever."

"Duty affixes itself to me as armour would. If need be, metal plate would be a welcome addition."

"Come on, Jaiga, ye won’t be saying that when ye gotta take a fat dump."

Feeling no pleasure from Ceylica's words, the vampire proceeded. Ahead, he jumped over a small hill of pink stone, his figure gradually shrinking in view.

Ceylica identified his physicality as a challenge, proceeding to leap even higher and gleefully tackle the vampire upon landing. The duo behind looked towards them with amusement. Motivated by some degree of light familiarity, Jaiga and Renra followed.