AN: First off – sorry I’m continuing to delay the next part of Lost. I’m not happy with it and I’d rather ensure I enjoy the fight scene and take my time on it than just rush it out. But hey – this one has been in the queue for a hot minute itself so why not get a new part out there for you guys to check out (totally not due to all the hype I have for the new game hahaha). I’m very excited to play with a new character in our Horizon Zero Dawn universe. Helios is gonna be fun to play off of Brim and Dathan. Sidenote too – I may add Nil in here at some point. Because Nil is best! Let’s keep this story going 🙂
*~For Be~*
The metal of Erend’s armor clanged together as he made his way along the repaired bridge towards the Palace of the Sun King, a welcome signal to the guards standing tall to salute his presence amongst them. Of course, the welcoming glances soon raised brows at the parade the Captain brought along: a squirming guard left in a chokehold and being dragged with each step Erend took, an agitated Banuk woman shifting uncomfortably in the Carja-based attire she’d been forced to wear, an uneasy Shadow Carja man keeping close to his partner’s side, and then…there was the excitable Watcher trotting along like he owned the place. Most would have acted as Helios did at the gate, if not for the marks of the Mended on their person. Clearly – these were heroes chosen by Aloy herself…and they deserved respect. Even if they were Banuks and Shadow Carja…
Helios could barely breathe, the strong hold around his neck giving little room to maneuver as he was dragged along the path and up to the very top of the stairs. He struggled beneath the hardy grip; however, he fell stark still with eyes wide as saucers as he realized soon enough where he’d been taken, the throne of the Sun King now within his sights perched high above the Kingdom of Meridian. His throat went dry, panic bubbling up. This…was not going to be good for him, was it?
His dark ember gaze shifted towards the newcomers following after, silently demanding an explanation that no one bothered to answer. As soon as his eyes met with Brim’s, all he received was a huff and an eyeroll. Dathan did seem far more sympathetic to the captive; however, he offered nothing to ease his struggles. Worthless – Helios suspected as much.
As Erend neared the throne, he tossed away Helios like a ragdoll, the guard welcoming this brief moment of reprieve before finding himself bound at his side by a pair of soldiers ordered to bring him forward. Helios dared to open his mouth, ready to curse and demand his release; however, the Captain quickly shot a glare over his shoulder, the words escaping the captive guard as he was dragged along and stationed just beyond the stairs onto the throne’s platform.
Well – at least it couldn’t get any worse, right?
Suddenly, a small figure rounded the glittering throne and darting along the path, Erend fully stepping to the side to avoid the young boy in royal robes fully colliding with him. His infectious giggle seemed to bring a smile to the Captain’s face as he waved after the child, his attention fully on the newcomers – specifically a certain metal beast rounding the corner.
Brim was quick to pull Dathan clear out of the way as Frostsight barreled forward, his single blue eye steady on the approaching child as he chirped his usual, excited greeting. Once close enough, the Watcher skidded to a halt, lowering just enough to allow the boy to wrap his arms around his neck in a makeshift hug. Chirps and giggles filled the air as many guards looked on in sheer horror and confusion, the most expressive being Helios who wanted to scream at the young prince to step away from the foul beast that could trample him at any moment. This metal abomination was not to be…played with…it was to be hunted! What the hell was happening?!
Helios was certain someone else would step forward, rip the boy away from the Watcher and demand an explanation; however, all remained stoic as another figure rounded the throne and approached the newcomers, his arms outstretched in a jovial greeting.
“I had hoped you would bring along Frostsight – Itamen hasn’t stopped telling us tales of our last venture to Bitter Climb,” Sun King Avad hummed as he stepped forward towards Brim and Dathan, placing a strong hand on each’s shoulder to welcome them. “Aloy certainly has graced us with some of her best warriors to help us this day. It pleases me to see you both again – though I must admit I wished it would be under better circumstances. I thank you for journeying here – and for also making my brother’s day.”
A shy grin formed on Dathan’s lips as he bowed his head, “Thank you, my King. We’re both-.” Dathan paused to glance beside him where Brim stood, her attention focused on the small boy and the machine playing together. She had a warm grin on her lips, a welcome sight for sure, as she gently ruffled the giggling boy’s mane. Alas, as wonderful it was to see Brim so interested – it was time to pull her back to the matters at hand. So the Shadow Carja lightly jabbed his partner in her side, her familiar narrowed glare returning upon him as he gestured to the knowing Sun King. “We’re both happy to be here to aid the kingdom of Meridian in whatever ails it. Isn’t that right Brim?”
The Banuk blinked before nodding along, “right. Thanks.”
Dathan cringed at the sound of her blatant disregard for order. Lucky for them, Sun King Avad grinned at her words and once more praised their good fortune in their timely arrival.
“Brim and Dathan – two of Aloy’s finest warriors of the Mended – it is we who are to be thanking you. Your arrival means so much for our people,” Sun King Avad said as he gestured for Itamen and Frostsight away from the discussion, the young boy not hesitating for a moment to dart off to play. Frostsight held his ground for only but a moment, a quick flick of the wrist from Brim the signal he was allowed to play.
Once both had left the area, the Sun King stepped back, the good tidings seeming to melt away as tension began to rise upon his features. Massaging his temple, he continued, “I trust you have already received word why we’ve asked you here?”
Dathan tensed up at the question, glancing over to his partner in hopes she may have had an answer for him. However, she offered nothing in return, her gaze straight ahead upon the Sun King, awaiting whatever reason she’d been asked to travel beyond her comforts among the mountains and snow and to boiling landscape of desert and jungles. It was clear her patience was strained, her desire for action overwhelming. They needed to get to the bottom of things and soon if they wanted to keep her in control.
“We came as soon as we could – Varl had come to us stating it was an urgent matter and that we were needed in Meridian right away,” Dathan admitted. “Unfortunately, there wasn’t much else briefed to us. He stated we needed to ride as soon as we could. So we made way straight for here.”
“Heh, Varl skimping on the details?” Erend chuckled, though he faltered under Sun King Avad’s knowing glance. “R-Right, I guess we did express the need for urgency and kept a lot of the details close to heart. Wanted to speak with you lot in person. And lucky for us, you three got here in record time. Aloy’s certainly got a good eye for you lot.”
“She surely does keep the best in company,” Sun King Avad agreed with a smile; however, it soon faltered as his eyes finally befell the two guards stationed behind Erend, their hold strong upon a now-bound guard. Erend noticed the stare, preparing himself for the next question that was sure of roll of the Sun King’s tongue. “Captain Erend – I see we have another here with us? Who is this bound soldier?”
“Ah right – Helios Brand’s here too,” Erend ran his fingers through his hair as he relinquished a sigh. “My king, seems we had a bit of an incident along the bridge entering the kingdom. You see, Ice Queen here brought along her good buddy Frostsight despite my personal request not for him to leave Bitter Climb-.”
“Again, you try telling Frostsight he can’t come along,” Brim muttered, Dathan cutting her a glance in hopes to keep her from starting a fight before the Sun King. He could already see her frustrations bubbling up from the excessive use of the nickname Erend had fondly begun calling her.
“I thought it would be best to keep him from Meridian in our current situation – to you know, avoid any panic at a metal beast roaming the streets,” Erend continued, offering a wink towards the irritated Banuk as he spoke. “But well, Ice Queen – much like Aloy – goes by the beat of her own drum. So she brought along Frostsight-.”
Sun King Avad seemed to finally catch on, his eyes studying the captive with a studious glance. “A scene occurred.”
“Yes my king – you see, Helios Brand here is one of the guards stationed along the bridge,” Erend said, gesturing the guards to bring the captive forward to stand right before Sun King Avad. Helios went along with their motions, his eyes wide and searching for some semblance of an answer for what was going on from the man before him that he had such high regard for. Alas, after seeing such a scene commence just moments prior – perhaps there would be no answer he didn’t favor. Erend stepped before the captive, placing a strong hand upon his shoulder as he stared him down. “A capable fighter, got a great set of eyes too for lookouts. But he rushed in to attack Frostsight on the bridge. He failed to see the Mended ensigns on their person and there was a bit of a standoff.”
Sun King Avad shifted his gaze to fully stare upon Helios, noting his straight posture as he stood before his king. He took in the terror that the guard was desperate to hide but to no avail. But what outshone that fear above all else…was pride. Avad could see that pride swell at Erend’s comments regarding being capable, making the flinch at his reprimanding all the more noticeable. This fighter before him was someone strong – perhaps a bit cocky.
“Helios Brand is your name, yes?” Sun King Avad said calmly as he gestured towards the guard before him.
Helios bowed quickly in response, “Yes my king – my name is Helios Brand. I am one of your watchmen.”
Erend cleared his throat at the sight of such a gesture, “My king – I brought him here to share with you what happened on the bridge. And to also instruct that he formally apologize to our guests-.”
“I will not apologize…”
All was still and silent following Helios’ interruption, the guard standing strong despite all eyes now settling upon him. Erend’s narrowed gaze pierced through his armor, eyeing him carefully for such a bold remark. Sun King Avad didn’t seem to flinch at the response, the man carefully studying the watchman for a moment to gauge what would happen next. Brim and Dathan both eyed him as well, the man’s stare more calm and questioning while the woman housed a bubbling fury behind her glare.
“You will apologize,” retorted Erend firmly as he turned to stand directly before Helios. “You will apologize and mean it. A mistake was made so you owe them-.”
Helios’ frown deepened as he struggled under the hold of the two guards. “I will not apologize. I was doing my duty. I was protecting our kingdom from the metal beasts that terrorize our homes. That monster frolicking there with our prince should be slain, not treated as some pet. Not when it will only take a moment for it to slaughter all of us here!”
Erend reached forward and ripped Helios from the other guards, the watchman’s feet hovering above the ground as he struggled under the Captain’s harsh grip. He noted Erend’s other hand extended and followed its trail, noting that Brim was now armed with her spear, its blade aimed in Helios’ direction while Dathan held her back with two arms wrapped around her shoulders. The Banuk was clearly furious and ready for blood – almost like a wild beast herself. The only thing truly keeping her together seemed to be the Shadow Carja, his whispers to her inaudible to others as he desperately tried to soothe her spirit.
“Frostsight is not a monster – he is my family and I will not allow your slander,” Brim hissed through gritted teeth as Dathan looked on with pleading eyes towards Erend for help. Luckily it seemed the Captain was determined to make his thoughts known.
“Neither will I, Ice Queen – neither will I,” Erend growled as he focused his glare upon the watchman still tight in his hold. “You’ll apologize or else I-!”
“That’s enough,” Sun King Avad’s voice suddenly cut through the panic as he stepped between the chaos, an apologetic gaze falling on Brim as she turned her stare upon him. “Brim, I’m deeply sorry for what’s been said here – and Dathan I am sorry as well. Frostsight is family – not just to you but to us all. And I will not allow this behavior from one of our own continue.”
Brim did not lower her spear though the fury seemed to drain from behind her gaze as she listened to the Sun King’s words, Dathan keeping his hold on his partner in case things would escalate again.
With a nod to emphasize his words, Sun King Avad continued, “our kingdom is currently being surrounded on all sides by a bandit tribe of immeasurable size. Surely one of the greatest we’ve ever faced previously. They’ve aggressively pushed into our borders and have taken the lives of guards, merchants, and have even turned their weapons upon children.”
Horror washed over Dathan’s expressed as he loosened his grip on Brim, instead resting a single hand on her shoulder while the other fell to a fist at his hip. “Are they Shadow Carja?”
“Our intel reports a hodge podge of assholes, likely a tribe built from those that were brought down previously that seek revenge for their lost camps,” Erend added, Helios still remaining high in his grip. The watchman’s eyes were narrowed yet even daring to open his mouth as received a threatening glare from the Captain. “I’ve got teams standing by to launch an assault against them but with them countering all around us, I thought up a plan. We use the border assaults as a distraction, pulling forces from the main camp. That’s where you lot come in.”
“We’re doing an infiltration on the camp itself, cutting them off at the head,” Dathan concluded, exchanging a quick glance with Brim before she finally eased her spear to her side.
“I’ll be leading a small team of select individuals, you both included, and we’ll take out the camp and cut them off from escape,” Erend agreed as he finally lowered Helios to the ground, refusing to let him go however as he gazed at Sun King Avad. “We aim to attack at sundown. It’ll be a dangerous trek, through Snapmaw and Longleg territory. May even come across some Bellowbacks, Ravagers, and Stalkers. A lot’s been sighted. And what’s more…there’s been whispers that these bandits may have corrupted machines at their call.”
“Another sign of Hades?” Dathan asked aloud.
“Or something else. Whatever it is, it’s a danger and we can’t allow it to continue,” Sun King Avad answered as he turned his gaze towards the man being held by his Captain. “Helios Brand, I can see you are a formidable guard and someone worth having on your side in the midst of battle. However, your words and actions here today worry me. Yes, the machines can be quite dangerous as we’ve seen in our years living with the land. However, under Aloy’s guidance and efforts from those-,” he paused and gestured towards Brim. “-Like Brim here, we’ve seen the good of machines. And we’ve seen machines work with us. They may be wild, but they are not monsters. Some may even be considered our friends…or family, like Frostsight.”
Helios frowned at the Sun King’s words yet held his tongue. He could feel Erend’s grip tighten and the Banuk woman’s glare pierce his armor. He was vulnerable now and in a fight…he likely wouldn’t win. Not to mention the act would be high treason since the Sun King had made his stance quite clear.
What was to happen to him? He wasn’t willing to back down from his stance. He’d seen the horrors those metallic monsters had done across the lands. His goal in life was to fight for the kingdom…to fight these demons that threatened their safety. What the hell was this talk of them being family? It was madness…
“I can’t allow your actions to stand; however, I want to give you a chance to redeem yourself and possibly learn from your mistakes,” Sun King Avad hummed as he gestured to the Mended in his presence. “That is why I’m going to have you join tonight’s efforts to bring down the Bandit Camp under the watch of Captain Erend, Brim, and Dathan.” An audible groan sounded from the Banuk woman as other sounds of protest formed from Erend yet this did not falter Sun King Avad’s words. “You’ll follow their orders and protect them as I hope they will do to protect you as well. If you hinder the mission in any way, endanger the lives of your teammates, especially Frostsight, Erend is ordered to sentence you on the spot.”
Helios gawked at the Sun King, his words sounding more and more like madness. How could he possibly work together with those who dared to side with the mechanical beasts? How could he possibly be allies with this Shadow Carja…and this Banuk? How had his path led to this – being forced to align himself with these cretins or else face imprisonment…or worst?
“M-My King, you mean for us to babysit him? With all due respect, we’re going deep into the heart of enemy territory and one wrong move could mean life or death for us. That’s too great a risk to chance our survival on a rebellious watchman who’s clearly hostile with those meant to be allies!” Erend argued.
“I hear your words Erend and I understand your concerns,” replied the Sun King. “But I have faith that under the careful watch of you all – we may find Helios Brand an essential asset to the team and a valued ally.”
It was clear that Erend wanted to continue arguing; however Sun King Avad raised his hand to signal there would be no discussion further on the matter. He’d made up his mind and had full trust in the team to see this through. Brim looked ready to argue as well, yet she was quickly silenced by Dathan’s hand on her shoulder, squeezing hard to keep her mouth shut. They didn’t need to aggravate the situation further.
“So Helios Brand, what say you?” Sun King Avad said with a knowing grin. “You ready to prove yourself today as a true warrior of the sun?”
There was so much Helios wanted to say, his glare cut towards where he saw Frostsight last with the young prince. His eyes then traveled towards the annoyed Banuk and her struggling Shadow Carja partner, then onto a frustrated Erend. This was truly madness…but the King asked him to prove his worth as a warrior of the sun. Perhaps this would be the best way to help these fools see reason.
“My sword is yours My King,” Helios replied, ready for action – and hoping he didn’t end up killed by day’s end. He was going to prove that these metal beasts were monsters…and nothing more.
*~Part Two End~*
*~Mae's Corner~* 