Binary Soul

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree is a silly metaphor that you really shouldn't put too much thought into

> Brand Darkhand PoV <

The Guard Captain in front of us stamps the three documents and passes them to us.

“All set, there ya go.” (Guard Captain)

------------------------------------------------------------------

Background confirmation form BG-K

Name: Brand Darkhand

Race: Dwarf

Sex: M

Age: 33

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Green

Special features: None

Birthplace: Hardvark

Father: Not writing that

Mother: Gilda Darkhand

Siblings: Entirely too many

Spouse: None

Known affiliations: Kelly Darkhand, Adventurer Team Black Flame

Previous offenses: None

Character evaluation: Quietly judgemental type. Likes giving people the stink eye

Inspector: Guard Captain Olboun, Runetap

------------------------------------------------------------------

“Is this some sort of sick joke!?” (Rimgold)

I must admit I’m with Senator Rimgold on this one. His and Goldrim’s entry forms are similarly filled out with nonsense. This so-called Guard Captain's conduct and attitude are both highly suspect.

Now admittedly, I’ve never spent much time in Ferseit. I made for the City State Alliance when I was old enough to leave Hardvark. But this is supposed to be a vital part of law enforcement, right?

It’s just shameful is what it is. This as an official document! Our first recorded visit into this country and I’m being called ‘judgemental’ just like that!? And what does he mean my eyes stink?! I’m a little annoyed by this bandit-wannabe's one-sided evaluation!

“Stamp’s all anyone really looks at. If yer all done, then kindly get out of my office.” (Guard Captain)

How rude! Is he simply mad at us because Rimgold repeatedly questioned his qualifications and casual attitude? You can’t let personal grudges like that influence your work! I want to reprimand him myself, but I can’t speak out of turn here.

“Know your place, human! Do you have any idea who you’re speaking to?” (Rimgold)

Senator Rimgold is understandably outraged at this attitude. He’s basically a noble, there’s no way he’d stand for this treatment! I mean yes, Kiressara and Ellie may have threatened both of the senators a bit severely, but they had reasons to do so! They’re our country’s benefactors and these two did not treat them with the proper respect at that time, so they were the ones at fault.

“Yes, yes, mister Rimjob, was it? I'm quite busy lately, so I’m gonna ask ya to leave me to finish my paperwork before someone gets hur!.” (Guard Captain)

But this armored baldy is a different story! He deliberately insulted the senator’s name and is waving us off like we’re nosy flies!

“Let it go, your senatorialness. If we cause them any problems then Red will seriously get mad.” (Kelly)

“Kelly’s right, ya know? If she didn’t vouch for the three of ya on behalf of the Madam, I would’ve kicked ya out of the city for yer clearly hostile behavior. If ya really are a foreign diplomatic party, then ya should act the part! Ya have no business here and are just passin’ through anyway, right?” (Guard Captain)

Guh! Despite his bandit-like atmosphere, this guy still said something reasonable. We can’t cause an incident here!

“Major! Do something about this rude man!” (Rimgold)

Did the senator completely ignore what was just said? I’m at a loss for words! Regardless of who was in the wrong, this is something we need to back down from! The problem is I can’t really oppose what he says since he’s my superior in several ways!

“Rimgold, you heard the man. If we push this, then it will come back to haunt Mrs Quasse! Do you really want to get on that woman’s bad side!?” (Goldrim)

“Bah! Like I care about some broken bones! My pride and honor won’t allow me to just sit back and let this ruffian insult me so casually!” (Rimgold)

“Rimgold. Forget broken bones or pride, the whole of Ecebis is liable to get buried under the ground. You know Red wrecked a significant part of this city just because a High Dragon happened by on her wedding day?!” (Kelly)

“Geh! Is-is-is that true?” (Rimgold)

“It is. We only recently finished rebuildin’ everythin’. The High Dragon along with around 40,000 people’s homes were all wiped out with just one of her spells.” (Guard Captain)

The Guard Captain confirms this catastrophe with a casual tone without lifting his head from the papers he’s working on. The senator stares at him in disbelief for a few moments before he turns sour once again.

“And you just let someone like that walk away?” (Rimgold)

“Course not! I gave her a firm scoldin’ and we asked her to pay fer the majority of the reconstruction costs. Well, the High Dragon scared off all the people so nobody was actually hurt. Not to mention she did technically eradicate a menace to the city. In light of all that as well as her… previous accomplishments… the Baron decided it was punishment enough.” (Guard Captain)

I think I understand what the Guard Captain is saying. Or rather, what he can't say. ‘We couldn’t restrain her by force even if we were ordered to’ are the unspoken words I’m getting from him. I can completely understand it, having witnessed that fearsome magic firsthand. I sympathize with this fellow soldier. There are some battles where the only way to win is to avoid fighting.

Hmm? Fellow soldier? What? This guy? No, he does exude a certain aura. Veteran legionaries give off a similar feeling to this man. Especially the way his eyes constantly keep track of everything around him. He’s ready to respond immediately should we try to pull something. I won’t fault him for that, though. It’s a habit I have as well.

“Come to think of it, that was her 500th arrest, huh? It’s been a bit lonely lately without her gettin’ into trouble four-to-five times a week.” (Guard Captain)

Five hundred!? Both senators are staring with mouths agape! Even Goldrim who was mostly quiet this whole time cannot believe his ears!

“Well she has a wife and kids now. No respectable adult can keep running wild under those circumstances.” (Kelly)

“That’s true, isn’t it? I guess even ol’ Crackhead ended up settling down properly, huh? As expected of Runetap, truly anything can happ-.” (Guard Captain)

*CRASH DING THUD*

“Get down!” (Brand)

I reflexively push the two senators to the floor! What’s going on? Something just broke the glass window! Are we under attack by monsters? I heard it was a common occurrence in this city, but why now!?

“I apologize! I had a momentary relapse since I was being nostalgic! I swear to be more careful! Please forgive me!” (Guard Captain)

The Guard Captain bolted upright and began apologizing to someone. His eyes are swimming and I see sweat beading up on his forehead. I quickly scan the room, but I don’t see anyone else. I spotted several small changes though.

First I noticed that, rather predictably, the glass window to my right had shattered. Next, the shield mounted on the wall to my left is slightly crooked with a dent I’m sure wasn’t there a while ago. And finally, immediately above and behind the Guard Captain’s head in front of me, was a small black knife embedded in the wall. Now that I’m taking a closer look at it, the wooden paneling is full of small, oddly uniform slits.

As for the black knife itself, it’s instantly recognizable. I only saw it just recently, after all.

“Ah, you went and did it now. Don’t worry, she forgave you.” (Kelly)

Kelly touched her new ear cuff while replying to the now relaxed Guard Captain. She didn’t even flinch at the sudden development. What was it she kept saying before? ‘It’s your loss if you mind it’ huh? I see, this is how she became capable enough to survive through that enhanced Calling.

Judging from what the Steelmother told us, if Umph hadn’t planned on going off-script then it shouldn’t have been that bad. Every time I see Kelly’s artificial arm my anger towards that guy flares up a bit. I understand why he did what he did, but as a big brother it’s not something I can easily forgive.

Well, the concerned person herself seems alright with this outcome, so it’s not my place to complain. Although I really want to complain straight to his face with a sword.

“Rimgold. Major. I think it’s best if we take our leave.” (Goldrim)

“Yes… Let’s do that…” (Rimgold)

The two senators unsteadily pick themselves up off the ground after a long moment of silence and start making for the exit. Kelly follows them out while waving back to the Guard Captain who was already returning to his paperwork.

“Bye Olboun, thanks for today! Sorry about all this.” (Kelly)

She points in the general direction of that shattered window.

“Any time Kelly! Also, sorry about what?” (Guard Captain)

He lets out another casual reply. It’s almost as if he’s refusing to believe that window was broken in the first place. Such strength of spirit, I have underestimated this man! Quite formidable indeed. I can learn a lot from him.

“It was a pleasure and honor to make your acquaintance, Guard Captain Olboun.” (Brand)

I give him the traditional two-finger Legion salute. I didn't have much of a chance to speak until now. Olboun smiles back at me and mirrors the gesture.

“Likewise, Major Darkhand. You take care of yourself out there.” (Olboun)

I should come back some time and ask for a spar. I’m sure he can show me plenty of tricks you don’t see in the Depths.

* * *

“This is the place, huh?” (Brand)

There’s a signpost with what looks to be a wolf hanging above the door. The large window in front has been boarded up crudely and there’s sounds of a fight already underway inside. If I had to put it in a few words - the very definition of a seedy bar.

“Yep. Welcome to The Hairy Leg. Now, three things you should keep in mind before we walk in. First, everyone inside has a lot of pent up aggression they need to vent. Second, they’re great lads deep down, so a black eye is the worst they’ll do to you. Third, they heal bloody fast, so we can go all out right from the start!” (Kelly)

The two senators look at each other and nod back to Kelly. There’s not a dwarf in Ecebis that doesn’t enjoy unwinding with a good pint and a straight punch.

“Huh? It went quiet all of a sudden.” (Brand)

The muffled sounds of yells and impacts died off while were standing outside.

“Yeah that’s strange. Usually it keeps going on all day on Thursdays. Still, it’s a good chance to barge in!” (Kelly)

“What’s Thursday have to do with anything?” (Goldrim)

Ignoring the senator's question, Kelly opens the door with a huge grin on her face.

“Hey Frank! I’m back! You would not believe the… uh oh.” (Kelly)

Her grin vanished and she went white as a sheet! I peek over her shoulder and instantly understand why.

There are about a dozen werewolves. Taller, furrier and more muscular than humans, notoriously tough and ferocious. All of them were sprawled out on the ground. Their faces are bruised and their rag-like clothes are stained with blood. The only figure standing in the whole bar was someone I loathed to meet again.

Wearing a plain house-wife like dress, ginger braided hair, piercing green eyes, arms as thick as logs and an air about her that denies the existence of the word ‘disobedience.’ She looks exactly like I remember her - an older version of the current Kelly. Noticing our presence, she lifted a blood stained mug as if to welcome us to her domain.

“OH! There ya are, ya little shit! I’ve been lookin’ all over fer ya!” (Gilda)

“Well if it isn’t the old hag! Still haven’t kicked the bucket, yet?” (Kelly)

*SMASH*

“OOF!” (Kelly)

Kelly’s venomous comment was greeted by a mug throw to the face. It knocked her flat on her back while bouncing off her forehead, flying back into Mother’s hands. That masterful technique is a Secret Art of the Hardvark Style of Drunken Fisticuffs.

“That any way to talk to yer mother you ingrate!? I’m the one that gave ya life!” (Gilda)

“So what!? You think you can just take it back anytime you please?” (Kelly)

“Damn right I can! And is this any way to- Hang on a bloody minute! Brand? BRAND!? What in blazes are you doing out here!? Did you get your sorry ass exiled?” (Gilda)

Unlike my sister, I know better than to oppose Mother. If we had her down in those Depths, she’d probably have all the monsters scrubbing the floors clean within a week!

“Hello Mother. No, actually I’m here as part of an official delegation from Ecebis to the Kingdom of Ferseit. The two people behind me are Senators Goldrim and Rimgold.” (Brand)

She stares at the two senators, instantly finding at least 8 faults with them. You can tell by how many time she blinks her eyes in contempt. It seems they read the mood for once and decided to stay out of this family affair.

“Say what!? They opened up the bloody country? So this incompetent daughter o’ mine really went and did something outrageous, didn’t she?” (Gilda)

“Uuugh… Not me, that bloody titan I found went and broke the Chains! You felt it too, right?” (Kelly)

“Dang right I felt it! It’s bloody marvelous! Now I can finally move out of that shithole and get a proper house! Now then Kelly. Care to explain why and how you lost that arm of yours!? Didn’t I tell you to take better care of yourself?!” (Gilda)

“But the Chains-” (Kelly)

“No excuses, Kelly! I spent all those years correctin’ yer completely reckless behavior and this is the sort of shit you come back with?!” (Gilda)

“*Ptui* Don’t pretend like you care, you old windbag! All you ever did was bitch and moan at the lot of us!” (Kelly)

“Oh! Oh ho ho ho! Feeling like challenging yer mother again now that yer some sorta hero?” (Gilda)

“Hero? Who me? Nah I’m just a mercenary who got bailed out by her boss.” (Kelly)

“Yer a WHAT!? Ya said you was an engineer or something!” (Gilda)

“So? What’s wrong with being a mercenary?! You think I’ll just blindly follow everything you say? Don’t think I won’t slap you silly, you damned bat!” (Kelly)

“Come on then, ya little shit! Let’s see if you got what it takes! Mugs out!” (Gilda)

Looks like she accepted Kelly’s challenge. This obviously isn't the first time it's been issued, either.

Kelly finally picks herself up from the ground. She takes a minute to bring out her hip flask and empty it while swallowing noisily. She then put that away and unfastens the titan-made mug she keeps latched to her belt at all times. It’s almost as blood-stained as Mother’s, although the stains on the latter are very much still wet.

“Oh, I’ve been looking forward to this!” (Kelly)

She cracks her neck and knuckles while assuming her stance. Each of them breaks out into a viciously toothy grin and charge at each other, starting a fight in broad daylight. Fists and mugs make contact with heads and shoulders. They’re really laying into each other! Dull sounds echo through the street.

The few people passing by this out-of-the-way alley either keep walking and minding their own business, or stare knowingly at the street fight. Well, most folk probably won’t be able to tell, but this right here is a duel between seasoned martial artists with their prides on the line. It’s quite the serious affair, although still entertaining to watch if you have an eye for these things. The two senators are already hooked on the fight.

“Oh! Good hit! That left-right-left-headbutt combo was quite something!” (Goldrim)

“The younger one’s not losing though! The kidney shot counter and elbow to the face follow up was clearly superior!” (Rimgold)

“Bah, your eyes must’ve gone bad! Tell ya what, I got 4 pints on the mother!” (Goldrim)

“You’re on, Goldrim!” (Rimgold)

“You want in on this, Major?” (Goldrim)

“Sorry, senator. No matter who I bet on, I’ll lose in the end.” (Brand)

We’re talking about my mother and my sister. I can’t pick sides unless I want one of them to hate me for supporting the other.

“So this is where she went!” (Brown Werewolf)

One of the werewolves poked his head out from the bar. Looks like they do indeed heal fast. He turns around and starts yelling towards the inside.

“Hey Frank! Joseph! Get out here! Kelly’s back and she’s beating the snot out of that lady!” (Brown Werewolf)

Two more of them come out of the bar and join the small crowd that’s forming.

“What’s this now? Oh she’s really laying into her with those knees to the stomach!” (Silver Werewolf)

“Yeah, but that newcomer easily broke out of Kelly’s headlock! Even I can’t do that!” (Burly Black Werewolf)

“That’s her mother, apparently!” (Random Spectator)

“No wonder their fists felt so similar!” (Silver Werewolf)

“Hey you! Yeah, you there with the stink-eye!” (Brown Werewolf)

The brown one calls out to me while pointing at me with a glint in his eye! I see how it is!

“What did you just call me, fleabag!? Say that again and I’ll teach you just what stinks around here!” (Brand)

“Big words coming from a little shrimp!” (Brown Werewolf)

“Big words coming from a giant wimp!” (Brand)

“Want a piece of me, do ya?!” (Brown Werewolf)

“Bring it, ya furry- Urph!” (Brand)

He leaps forward and hits me with a solid left hook right in the gabber! Good timing! Old Brand has some issues he needs to work through!

To celebrate the 100th chapter of the main story, I've submitted the first part of Binary Soul: Lip Service. Make sure you catch it once it gets approved!