Tread Lightly

I wake up underneath a soft blanket with footsteps that approach me. My body instantly moves, however, as my mind still struggles to pull itself out of the sleeping drug. I throw off the blankets and go to draw my daggers at my hip, only to meet a surprised Earl and a missing belt of weapons.

"Woah! Chill out, man!"

My brain catches up to my body as my eyes fully open. Next to me is an open window, and my eyes turn to it first because of the bright light. Outside is an early morning sun that shines down upon a few hundred people moving to the town square. I turn my attention back to Earl after I take in the sight.

"How long was I out?"

He just shakes his head as he motions out the open window with his hand.

"About ten hours. Hura's monsters and Outlaws have surrounded Rustbank entirely. Johnny is gathering everyone in the town square for a speech before the fight. He hopes to rally all his Survivors so that we can win. You feel rested? I don't think I've ever seen you without bags under your eyes. This is a first."

I look down at my arms and legs as I move a bit, testing my muscles and tendons. It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my body. A weight that I never even noticed that slowly added onto me over time. It feels like a massive difference. That dreamless sleep was terrific! I'll have to use the sleep aid more often. I smile at Earl, full of confidence.

"I feel great. I don't think I've ever been better."

Earl scoffs as he turns to leave the small room that I was put in while unconscious. He shakes his head as he turns out of the room.

"Of course you do. Only you could sleep four hours in like a week and recover after a single night. Sometimes I wish I got the Bloody Palm. Anyway, Johnny left you something; it's on the dining table. He said something about you deserving more than just a Concoction because we saved Primrose. But of course, I get screwed and get nothing from it despite going too."

My heart beats faster after hearing Johnny left me something. It must be a weapon! I look over at my weapon belt that is on my end table, and I pick it up, looping the thing back over me. I like what I got right now, but the daggers are falling behind. And to be honest, I don't think the knuckles fit me too much. Although, I guess I haven't used them much. Time will tell, though.

I then follow after Earl, who left my door open. I wonder what he left me? Is it a gun? Probably. I don't have a Colt yet. I doubt it's another Claymore, regardless of the type. In preparation, I flow the Ether into Chain Eyes and notice how much easier it now feels to perform. My heart continues to ramp up as I step out of my room, allowing me to see what's on the table.

And what I see instantly makes me fall in love. A sawed-off shotgun with a revolving chamber like a revolver sits on the table. It is even similar in length to a handgun, only a bit longer. The shotgun, however, is much wider to accommodate the larger rounds. It does, however, look to be made to hold in one hand. Another thing that gets my heart beating are those thin green chains wrapped around the handle and the revolving chamber.

As I beeline for the weapon, I see in the corner of my eyes a grinning Elizabeth and a laughing Earl. I pick it up and look it all over. It is a bit old, with stains and scars throughout its body, but it is not heavily damaged. Just a bit worn. The entire gun is covered with pale veins of dim light that go over the wood of the weapon. These veins I mistake for scratches at first, but upon closer inspection, they are entirely different. Ether runs in them.

Besides the gun is a half-open box filled with ammunition and a small note. I pick up the message with one hand still on the gun.

This is both repayment for your help and a gift. Take it. She's named Intervention. One of the spare guns that I used to use back in the day. She's a 4th Mark Colt, so she's got four Sigils, all of which are Priest. Every shot from her six-sided cylinder comes with a burning light. Her bullets scorch the flesh and prevent others from healing, something I figured would work well with you. And the last shell of every fully loaded cylinder comes with an extra punch. More single-direction bomb than a shotgun, so watch out for the kick. Keep her and yourself safe. See you soon.

~Johnny

I wear a beaming smile as I turn to Elizabeth, Earl, and Esther. Even Dakota, who is lying on the floor, gets to see my happiness.

.

"You guys see this?"

Earl and Elizabeth giggle like two children as I look over the weapon. Elizabeth congratulates me on my new gun.

"Yeah, we see it; congrats! How was your sleep?"

I answer her with my focus still on my new weapon.

"Good. I feel like a thousand bucks."

"That's good. We gotta get going soon. The speech is about to start; who knows when the demon will attack, after all."

I nod and turn my attention to them for the first time since I woke up. As I do, I notice Esther sitting awkwardly on the chair.

"That's fine with me. I've been ready to fight for a while. What about Esther, though? She can't fight, and I don't want her to get hurt."

Elizabeth answers me as she stands and wraps an arm around the little girl.

"All children and Unsigiled are to go to the Gate. In the basement is a bunker meant to keep them safe. I was about to take her there."

Good. There is at least somewhere for her to be safe, but someone should be with her, right? It's not good for her to be alone. I'm worried that something could happen if she's alone, even in the Gate.

"Should one of us stay with her? Elizabeth, can you? Or should Dakota? Earl and I have important jobs to do."

Elizabeth looks hurt at my suggestion and shakes her head.

"No, you know I can't do that. I've put too much effort into this all to not be able to help. We all have. Even Dakota. Look at him! He just wants to stay with you!"

Dakota moves over to me as he somehow gets my word of him staying behind to protect someone again. I bend down and scratch his head. I look back up at Elizabeth. I don't know what we should do then.

"Okay, boy. I won't make you do that. What do we do then?"

Earl answers this time as he picks up his gatling gun with a harumph because of the weight, the part without the stand, and walks toward the door. I grab the other part of his gun. It's pretty heavy, that's for sure. The frame almost forced me to flow Ether to carry comfortably.

"Nothing. Primrose is staying with the Unsigiled. She may not be mobile right now, but her poison will protect them in enclosed places like the Gate. Elizabeth should just bring Esther to her for special attention. I'm sure Primrose will take care of her. Now, let's go! It's about to start."

Earl's push for speed makes me frantically grab my bag, put my shotgun inside of it, and grab my hat. Only then do I follow him out the door with Dakota on my heels. Elizabeth also comes next as she drags Esther out, who has tears in her eyes.

My heart stings at seeing her cry. She likely thinks we're about to die. Just like Leonard. Just like Lonnie. Just like the rest of her family. I crouch down and look at her before we split paths to go our separate ways outside the hotel.

"Esther."

She looks up at me through her black bangs, eyes barely open, and tears falling.

"Mmm."

"Esther."

The second time I say her name, she pays attention, finally responding with words.

"Yeah?"

"We'll all be fine."

She sniffles and wipes her nose as she refuses to believe me.

"No, we won't. Someone's gonna die."

I sigh as I try to get through to her.

"Why would you say that? We're all tough. Why do you think we're gonna die?"

Esther just sniffles again.

"Because I'm here."

Worry mixed with grim curiosity touches my mind.

"What are you talking about?"

"People die when I'm around. It's all my fault."

My heart breaks as I hear her say it's her fault. Everything that has happened since the break started has been hell on earth for her. She's lost every single person in her family. We're all she has left. But no matter what has happened to them, a child should never think it's their fault. I grab her tiny shoulders and have her look me in the eyes.

"It's not your fault Esther. It's no one's but the world's. Don't blame yourself for any of this, okay? We'll all be fine, I promise."

She still doesn't seem to believe me, even after all my attempts at making her feel better. So, I pull out the one card that I never thought I'd have to. Everyone seems to know my family. Everyone has heard the legend of the Graves, from random Outlaws and Hunters to townsmen. Our name rings loudly throughout all the Territories, apparently, even being the reason one of them exists.

I rely on this fable, this legend, to bring confidence to this little girl's heart. It feels odd to do so, but I do it anyway for her. I lean in real close and whisper into her ears.

"Can you keep a secret, Esther?"

She nods sadly, only succeeding in making my chest hurt even more.

"You've heard of the Graves, right? The legendary family?"

She nods once more, a little bit of excitement this time.

"I'm one of them."

I pull back after that and see her eyes widen after a moment of confusion. Bits of excitement come out of her broken shell, the legends and fables of stories told to a young child pouring out. I thought for a moment I'd have to convince her somehow, but she just believes me.

"You're!--"

I interrupt her so she doesn't scream it out into the lobby of the hotel.

"Ahh. It's a secret, Esther. Do you believe me now when I say we won't die? I'll be with them the whole time, okay? I'll keep them safe, I promise."

The little girl nods again, this time with subdued excitement instead of depressing sadness. At least my surname brought someone happiness, even if it has only brought me pain. I also realize the slight fib I told her. I doubt I'll be beside Earl and Elizabeth the whole time, but she doesn't need to know that. Sometimes the easy white lies are for the best. The little girl finally shows the tiny bits of herself I never saw because of all the trauma.

"Okay. You better!"

I give Esther a little high-five to seal the deal, and then I start to turn around to catch up to Earl, who is already close to the town square. But before I can, small arms wrap around my legs. I look down and see Esther hugging me with a smile. I return the hug as tight as I can without hurting her and pat her on the head before catching up with Earl. I sprint through the streets to catch up with him, sliding past several people who are also making their way. I seem to be a little late, though, when I do finally catch up.

Johnny had already started addressing everyone from atop the podium where he killed someone the first time I arrived. I missed a good portion of his speech. I am surprised, though, by how quiet the whole square is. Not one of the few hundred people speaks while he does.

"------A quarter mile in every direction lies monsters, Outlaws, and a single demon. I know most of you are here to help me rebel against the Hunters and that you aren't here to fight against a break. But let me ask you this, why do we want to overthrow the Hunters? Is it not because the strongest, the Pillars, refuse to fight this very enemy? They sit with their wealth and power and push us, the weak, to our deaths! They allow demons to encroach on our homes, towns, and land without a care. "

Johnny puts his hands up and riles the crowd up as he takes a short pause in his speech. All the townsmen roar in agreement at his words. I feel a warm energy flow through me as he does so. Is someone here enhancing us with Ether? Or is it Johnny and his voice? Is the man a Lawman like Elizabeth? The Gunfighter returns to his speech after the roars die down.

"A powerful demon and the horde he brings are all that remains between us and fighting for our goal. Think of this as a test run. If we defeat this demon, then we are free to lay siege to the foundation of pain the Pillars and the Prime have left! But do not worry, for you all do not have to fight the demon yourselves. I will take care of it. All you have to do is defend the town. Protect each other."

Johnny points into the crowd as he reaches the latter half of his speech. I see people stand up taller as he calls for their action.

"The more of us that survives this, the better. I apologize for the limited weapons, ammunition, and armor, but I believe you all can do this. After this battle, we will move onward to Razorsand, where we will get the tools we need to prevail. From the cold dead hands of Hunters who refuse to see the Prime's terror or act on it."

He pauses before raising his voice even louder, pouring out emotion.

"So! Let us begin! Split up into teams of ten! Every team protects a building on the edge of town! Traps have been laid outside the boundary, so be careful! Defend each other, yourselves, and our future!"

Roars come from the crowd as he finishes. Johnny's voice seems to touch us all personally, having a hint of Ether to it. At this moment, I realize he has to have a Lawman Sigil like Elizabeth; nothing else makes sense. Otherwise, his voice wouldn't have this subtle pressure or empowering effect.

The entire crowd starts moving and splitting off into small groups as I try to get close to Earl amidst the chaos. When I do get close enough to grab him, I notice that Johnny is looking straight at me. His inhuman perception caught me from a crowd of hundreds.

I get from his gaze that he wants me to come to him, and I do. Earl and I push through the crowd to get close to him. It's not hard to shove past them, as I notice that most of these people only have one or two Sigils. It's a rarity for even one in twenty to have a 3rd Sigil.

I guess Johnny was right. The thirteen or so people in that room were the strongest. Although, I shouldn't look down on anyone just because they have fewer Sigils than me. After all, I don't think I've ever even had a fair fight to win in the first place. And yet, I've won them all. Eh… Most. The battles against Alexos don't count.

When I get close to Johnny, I notice a blurry figure beside him. Virgil. Apparently, being rested makes me more resistant to his stealth, or maybe my Ironheart is stronger the less tired I am. Either way, I welcome the effect.

Johnny addresses me as I step up to the platform he's on.

"Good. You, me, and Virgil. We'll take this bastard down. Earl, what are your new abilities? Have you figured them out yet?"

Earl nods and answers immediately. I had forgotten about his advancement because of everything else, but I listen intently.

"My new Sigil is Cardsharp. I named the new skill Marionette. I can alter the trajectories of flying objects like bullets, cards, or bombs. I can also slow or speed them up a bit, and the range is so much further than Reshuffle, maxing out as far as I can see something clearly. The Cabin said that the more threads I can control with my hands, the more powerful the skill is. Whatever that means. Most of my stuff is really vague, but I figure with enough oomph, I can affect blades and the like as well."

I see Johnny's eyes go wide at the discovery. Excitement also fills me at the prospect of Earl being able to affect bullets. But what really gets me is that part about bombs and slowing or speeding stuff up.

Earl will have a field day with all his explosives if he can affect them like that. Johnny gives Earl new orders because of his unique skills. They aren't that different, though.

"Okay, change of plans. You take a team and have them protect you. Get Elizabeth as well. Use that gatling gun and put pressure on Hura. With that ability, you should be able to keep the bullets from hitting Wyatt and me. If you feel the need, give us aid, but just lay it on him. We must give Virgil as much time as possible to charge up that strike."

Johnny then turns away from Earl and looks at Virgil, who is shimmering in the wide open to my eyes. He stands at the attention of the Gunfighter and makes Earl jump with a small yelp because of the surprise.

"You ready for this, Virgil? Assassinating a demon is quite a big challenge."

Virgil nods beneath all his dark clothes and his new cloak that sticks close to his back.

"Yes. I've experience with this kind of thing. Don't worry."

His words confuse, surprise, and make a bit of sense all at once to me. Everyone here also finds that odd, and Johnny presses on it.

"You do? And how would you have experience with assassination?"

Virgil seems to realize a lapse of the tongue, and a muffled curse comes from him that I can't quite hear completely. Something about the Devil. He tries to recover it, though.

"Old jobs as a Hunter. Nothing big, just practice hiding in the dark to kill something."

Johnny merely hums and goes off the subject, unwilling to go any further. Then he turns west and starts to move in that direction. I leave Virgil a glance as I also let go of the subject. I can ask him later.

"If you say so. Let's get going now. I'd rather be the first to attack, even if we are defending."

Virgil and I both agree with him and follow him promptly. As I leave, though, I call out to Earl.

"Find Elizabeth and call out to me when you guys are set up with the gun!"

"Okay! I will. Stay safe!"

"We both know that won't happen!"

We both chuckle, uneasy laughs that could only happen now at something so unfunny. Earl just leaves me with one more sentence as he goes to find Elizabeth and a team of people to guard him.

"Then just don't die; I know you're good at that!"

I smile as I continue westward through the town with Johnny and Virgil, but as we walk, Virgil fades back into obscurity. People call out to Johnny as we walk, and he waves at them with encouraging words. I ignore them, though, preferring to pull out Intervention and ready myself for the battle.

After a few minutes, we leave the streets of the town and come to the line of traps left by the Sisters Of Silence with their hooded figures. Barbwire, dynamite like Earl's from before, and wooden spikes line the entire edge of the city. Something I don't remember seeing the last time I entered.

And in the distance, not even that far, is a vast army of monsters. On top of several of the giant monsters, though, sits humans with weapons and Sigils, most about the 3rd to 4th Sigil with their middle of the rainbow-colored chains. Above all, the monsters and outlaws float a figure that I can't make out but one that I know.

Hura. The Demon Of Storms.

He's finally here.

Giddy excitement and a want for violence boil up within me. The Bloody Palm also agrees as I feel it beat with energy, encouraging me to kill. Only this time will I accept its encouragement.

I watch as Johnny pulls a long rifle off of his back from a sling and aims toward the demon with it. He glances at me before pulling the trigger.

"You ready?"

I clench my fist and nod.

"Yeah."

"Let's get this started then."

Johnny aims through the lens of his rifle once more, and a loud bang quickly resounds as a bullet is sent barreling across the gap toward those on the other side. I expect the bullet to hit Hura, but Johnny surprises me. Instead, a man atop an Uktena falls off abruptly, a ways away from the demon. He appears to have instantly died from the bullet as he hits the ground unmoving. Silence reigns for a brief moment after the murder.

I notice something as I watch the man fall off the giant snake. A single snowflake falls in front of my eyes. It has been slowly getting colder and colder, prompting us all to wear thicker clothing, but I've mostly ignored it until now.

Winter has arrived. And so has the demon who started all this bullshit.