New Company [Calathes' Introduction]

A cold and harsh wind rushed over the white and silent wasteland, where only stone buildings, quiet critters, and few persistent greens lay. The atmosphere had been overcast with dark and grey clouds, only fragments of sunshine and moonlight digging past the fluffy thickness. But these gloomy, sunless skies were far too familiar to Ahote, who had treated such a lifeless mass like home, and yet greeted no familiar person nor feature with warmth.

Ahote made way up the mountain, boots sinking into the fresh layer of glistening wet snow and ambled onward, footprints destined to be masked by new layers of snow in only a few hours, as Mt. Hakobe had been known for its frequent snow showers. But a mountain was a mountain, and trips up and down the landscape seemed like a hike to others, and came with it the strain of one. But Ahote had adapted, and treated it like streets from one area to another, streets he wished not to know so well. Everything was dreadfully gloomy and nothing ever seemed to changed. But this day, of all days, had proven different from the rest, for he had with him a friend. Theo Calathes.

Up the mountain he and Theo hiked, and soon the two pairs of colorful and almond-like eyes would behold the massive, stone fortress that would lie in silence on the peak of Mt. Hakobe and would reflect all ice that covered it and all the dread contained within. Yes, his home, the Basilisk Fang's fortress.

Hastily, with a face reddened from the chilly winds, Ahote made way to the large gates that kept them beyond the fortress, groped about his pants pockets, and quietly pushed it open after the click of a key twisting in its large keyholes. He turned to face Theo with a scrunched countenance, as if the thought and uncertainty he held deep within weighed on his expression, "Lets go, we'll freeze if we stay put any longer." Ahote jeered, leisurely slipping into the grounds beyond the gates, through the doors, and into the structure.

The raven haired youth stepped into the dark, cold space with the unusual warmth of a fire in the nearby tavern. He leaned back with a chest full of air before jerking forward with a large, heavy breath, sucking in the cold air like a long, satisfying drink. He raised his feet to his raise, where metal and fleshy fingers would greet them foot-by-foot, slipping his boots off and flicking them to the side followed by the unzipping of his thick woolen jacket, but not taking it off.

Ahote lumbered deeper into the dim space ahead, unsure of whether to move forward or to welcome his companion to his home. He found himself quite flustered between proper etiquette when inviting others over, as he never had anyone to invite, and the people who would come inside like such came for very different reasons. His cherry flushed nose twitched and body twisted to face Theo, "So. . . this is my home." he began awkwardly, uncertain of what he should sound like. It was, after all, the most normal introduction of his home he's ever done. Still, his wet eyes twinkled with a restlessness he had never experienced before, that akin to excitement, and was eager to fulfill his word of preparing good food for the man.

Ahote wasn't surprised at his companion's response, as the fortress was far too dark and glum for anyone to think that people lived here. But it wasn't a choice he or anyone else had, having been a criminal guild. They didn't have much of a choice but to hide atop an icy mountain that almost seemed inhabitable. Far too often, there were times he thought of living elsewhere. Where the air was warmer and the atmosphere wasn't always overcast with storm clouds. Where he may bask in the sun and indulge in the plip-plopping of raindrops against stone pavement and glass windows. But here, the air was dusty, there was little light, and it always seemed chilly no matter how many fires were lit. It was a miserable lifestyle the boy had, sadly, gotten accustomed to.

Ahote's lips would quirk into a smile, turning to face Theo with warm hues, "I might as well be. No one's ever around, so. . . you know." he shrugged weakly, rubbing the nape of his neck awkwardly, "Anyway, aren't you hungry? Come on, the tavern's this way." Ahote would quickly saunter deeper into dark space until the pair would arrive at a large, old door. With the twist of the knob, he pulled it open and entered the empty tavern, where clean tables and an idle, cackling fire would await them.

If not his room, the raven haired youth spent most of his time in this area, where the food and fireplace were. It was perhaps the most comfortable space besides the dorms, or at least Ahote thought so. Even more, there was hardly anyone around long enough to use it, leaving most of the facilities for him to indulge in by himself. Though, the company of only himself sometimes left him feeling longing and melancholy. And though the presence of his mother used to excite him, those cheery feelings didn't seem to be there anymore when he'd see her face. It became another every-other-day thing, but still made him more bubbly than he could make himself.

Ahote folded his arms over his chest and viewed the tavern with a mild countenance, "Sit down while I fix something up for us. We might have some meat left." he looked over to Theo with a cheeky smirk, "Well, even if we don't,
I can still make something great. I'm really good at this sort of thing." Ahote would cackle, almost proud of recognizing his own cooking skills, even if he was usually the only one to eat it.

The kitchen had been dimly lit with the flicker of candlelight, the air thick with the smell of melting wax. Growing up with such an inefficient source of light, one learns to accept the conditions. There were many times he had wondered how different the place would be if all these candles had been done away with and replaced with lightbulbs or even lanterns. The fortress looked more like a medieval prison than anything else. The smell of wax was the smell of home to Ahote, and he greeted it like he would a friend.

Briskly, he filled a small black pot with lukewarm water, jasmine rice, and placed it on a gas burner before turning the knob until a small, orangish blue flame flickered and hissed. After the pot came a relatively aged and worn skillet, its scorched metal the color of coal here and there. Even the tools had seen better days, and every time Ahote saw them he'd have a sudden boost of determination to purchase better, more expensive tools. However, after he'd eat, the determination transformed into satisfaction and decided to discard the thought. From the fridge to the skillet, and from his metal palm did long strips of bacon fall onto the hot metal, and would sizzle in its salty grease.

Ahote sighed with a smile stretched on his lips, clearly thinking thoughts that tickled him. His cheeks flushed a soft pink against his pale skin, hues flickering between the bacon and Theo, who awaited the food patiently. The rice boiled, bacon sizzled, and the boy's feet tapped against the stone floorboards as he ambled over to his waiting friend zealously. Pulling out a chair, Ahote took a seat next to him, "You aren't hurt, are you? Cuts? Abrasions?" he smiled, his eyes wet and glistening with awe. He had been worried about this, a concern that had been no more than a lingering thought for the longest.

His tawny companion reeked of sweat and weeds, a scent that been painfully obvious in contrast to what odors and smells Ahote had been used to. He needed a bath, for sure! Ahote's smile morphed into a cheeky sneer, "You smell awful, you know that? Were you homeless?" he giggled. Question came after question, his curiosity pouring out through his mouth like water through a faucet.

Ahote's lips would quirk up into a smile once hearing such a rude way of expressing concern in addition to his more than satisfying response to the boy's comment. Though Ahote seemed to jeer at Theo, his tawny companion truly did reek of sweat and weeds. It was the awful smell of a hot, humid day spent soaking in a lake by the woods. Ahote's quirky smile snapped into a mischievous smirk, playfully raising his hands as if some sort of officer asked it of him, "All I'm saying is that you need a bath. You really do reek of sweat. It's gross." he chuckled, hands returning back to his lap, "Well, while you're here, I bet you'd feel better after a hot bath and a good meal. Speaking of which. . ." Ahote's voice hushed into thought, rising from his seat and ambling to the kitchen.

The popping of bacon grease became continuously more notable as Ahote approached the hot skillet. The bacon had been crispy and cooked on both sides, and the rice ready to be served. The smell of salt filled his nose as he plucked the bacon from the skillet with a fork, and placed it on a plate. Following that came a few scoops of jasmine rice and slices of wheat bread. It had only been enough to fix one plate, Ahote realizing that he wasn't as hungry as he thought he was. Still, he sliced himself some bread and butter as well.

Ahote turned the dials to their lowest settings and left the dirty skillet and pot on the cooling burners as he took the two plates back over to the table where the two sat and chatted. "Savor it, we don't have seconds." he snickered, eyes narrowing joyfully through his shock of raven hair. Ahote placed the larger plate with a spread of food over it just in front of the waiting Theo and seated himself with his much smaller one with a stick of butter on an even smaller plate. With pink cheeks and a soft smile, Ahote clapped his hands together, "Enjoy."

Ahote tore a piece of bread with his pearly whites, chewing silently. His feet tapped and eyes stared blankly at the wooden table. What did Theo mean when he said it should've been that way from that start? Did he enjoy being alone? Was dragging him here a nuisance to him? Suddenly, Ahote's chewing slowed and tapping accelerated impatiently. He swallowed, turning to face Theo with a weak smile, "Say, don't you want to live life a bit more? I know you say you're satisfied wherever you can sleep, but what about friends and fun? People to talk to besides telling them to shoo?" Ahote queried softly. He spoke with almost a certain melancholy to his tone, his eyes wet and chest heavy with the thought of Theo's inevitable departure. When was the last time Ahote had sat down and eaten with someone? Teased them? It seemed as if almost every question he'd ask were more his desires than Theo's.

Ahote slumped back into his chair, chewing his bread slowly and silently. There had been no words to tackle his tongue when Theo would finish speaking. Yet even if there was, what was there to say? The youth sat there with a large piece of bread crumbling between his wet teeth, thoughtlessly tapping his digits against the table. The food had been good, but Ahote could only indulge in it bitterly.

Ahote quickly shifted his twitchy fingers to his lap, fiddling with them impatiently. His cheeks were pink with blood and eyes so narrowed they were akin to blades. Deep breaths struggled to escape his lips as if an enormous weight had been dropped on his chest. Looking at his feet, he spoke with a trembling voice, "I'm not lonely, I'm just. . ." Ahote held his fleshed fist within his metal palm, squeezing until his pale skin began to scratch against the steel. The statement in of itself made him quiver with frustration and fright. Was this really going to be his first and last meal with a friend? A companion? Would this be the last time he'd experience such a feeling? The thought had tightened the grip against his own flesh, his lips quivering anxiously.

Then, as if a small fire had flickered to light, the youth quirked up to look at Theo through his shock of unkempt raven hair, "Would you like a job here?" he began softly, "If you're concerned about those guys who tried to take you, this is perhaps the most concealed, safe place in the area." Ahote's eyes lit up as if he had witnessed something spectacular. There hadn't been any other options. He had been convinced that he couldn't let such a powerful and vibrant soul slip between his fingers, out of arms reach. The thought of returning to a home of silence and darkness had been more dreadful after feeling such warmth, far too dreadful for Ahote to bare. The two would sit so close to one another, yet the distance between the two boys had been insurmountable, and the youth had been determined to close it.

Ahote's lips curved into a sheepish smile, "This doesn't have to be the last meal we have together, or with anyone else for that matter. In. . . in exchange for your services, I can provide food, a space for yourself, and as much freedom as you need to get what you need to get done, as long as you return to us. To me." he chuckled. Of course, his bold statement had been honest and genuine, and only his nervous laughter could help soothe his anxieties in uttering such words.

Ahote continued to fume quietly in his seat, stuffing his hot cheeks with buttered bread and grinding the heels of his feet into the stone ground. He had read somewhere in his mass collection of books that people did tend to get upset when their feelings were guessed correctly, but he never expected that he'd experience it first hand. His chest was tight and head was hot with frustration, almost pouting like a young child.

Ahote's fuming was brief as his topaz hues would finally meet Theo's golden ones, his lips curving into a quizzical smirk and body slumped back into the chair. Indignantly, Ahote scoffed at him, "Needy? Opportunistic is what I'd call it." he sucked the last bit of butter from his fingertips with the wetness of his tongue, reaching to grab the next slice of bread on his plate with a look of pride in his glossy eyes. "I'm perfectly fine on my own. I don't need anyone." he took a large bite of his freshly buttered bread. Ahote had been certain that this was true since he had been the only one taking care of himself for as long as he could remember. Even when he was still living with his "real" mother, he could only ever recall empty rooms, a silent house, and the sound of him munching on crackers she would keep out for him.

Ahote's buttery, metal digits ran through the threads of his unkempt raven-hair, resting the side of his jaw in its firm grip as he watched the mildly inquisitive Theo. Suddenly, a smile twisted to his lips in an instant and eyes lit up with zeal,  "Well, since you’re curious, he leaned closer to Theo, "this is actually the Basilisk Fang guild's fortress. Well hidden, right?" Ahote snickered. Submerged in shadows cast by an overcast of clouds, the fortress could only be discovered by someone's undaunted attempted to scale the mountain to the very top, most of which had died trying. "Our guild works to collapse Fiore's standing government. You might've read about our supposedly heinous acts. Or, you might've not. You're a hobo, after all." he snickered again, stuffing the last bit of bread into his cheeks, "You'll be employed for your combat and common abilities in order to protect and assist me from any harm or obstacle. A bodyguard, so to speak," his eyes would light up again as if awaiting the climax of a movie, "in exchange for food, shelter, and protection under the guild's and my name. Of course, you'll still have as much freedom and privacy as you need to feel comfortable. That sounds pretty fair, right?"

Ahote's eyes glinted with amusement and plastered his face with a mischeivous smile in seeing the frustrated Theo brood. There was a mild wave of guilt that overcame him from time to time, however. After all, if it were any other person, he would likely get a smack upside the head instead of playful threats.

Ahote's expression hardened at the bold words that spewed from Theo's mouth. His brows scrunched together and flesh tightened but was reluctant to say anything. He wasn't wrong, after all. Basilisk Fang wasn't particularly known in many communities besides those directly affected by them. It was a sorry excuse for people of justice, Ahote would resolve months ago.

Theo continued to shower his comments onto the bubbly boy, in which he swallowed in silence until the brash words had left an ash-like hue to creeping up his complexion. Suddenly, his expression hardened, "What?" Ahote spoke incredulously, his cheeks now overcome with a light flush, "Worry about what other things? There's nothing more important than this. . ." his expression became dejected and voice low as the words poured from his lips and fingers fiddled with one another, like some anxious tic. Ahote sighed, "There is nothing more important than this. We need more people to realize that." he felt his eyes become wet with the threat of tears in the very back of his sockets. The stinging of the moisture ached within his head, feeling the weight that needed to fall, but squinted so much it looked as if he were glaring to prevent the humiliation of sobbing before his companion. His complexion twisted into something far more shamefaced and would hide it beneath his shock of hair as he stared down at the table.

Ahote winced in silence before holding his breath and raising his flushed face with a wistful simper, "I'm not as tough as I'd like to be. I'm only just learning about this whole magic ordeal, and how to use my own power. Someone honest and capable is who I need to watch over me until I can do that." his eyes glistened with the thin layer of moisture that would dare creep to pass his eyelids, "What we're fighting for isn't heartless. It may not affect you, or even me, for that matter. . . but there are people out there who suffer from the corruption of those in power. And. . ." he paused, his eyes narrowing as if the weight deep within his hues was about to give way, clenching his fists and gazing deeply into the soft wooden table, ". . . and who am I to ignore that?" he grimaced. Even if his words were meant to appear as cool, or perhaps even inspiring, never did his countenance twist into that of so much regret and indignancy.

Why was it that he felt so pained at the words of his friend? Why was it that he couldn't recall anything more valuable than this purpose? Why was this purpose valuable? Oh, Ahote thought, if only there were "other things" to worry about.

A sharp stinging festered in the back of Ahote's head, the familiar feeling of tears threatening to pour, and hearing Theo's words of supposed rejection had only made his head ache even more. He figured that down the path he was taking, many were bound to disagree with him, perhaps even fighting him in a rebellion of his ideals, and although he had anticipated this, it was as if no kind gestures or reassuring words could prepare him for the pain of it all. His heart fell to his stomach and twisted deep within his gut. The chatter, if there was any, became nothing but unimportant noise. Static. The light dripped from his eyes and faded into a darkness in which he stared blankly into, twisting his thumbs over one another restlessly. This was until Theo uttered words yet again.

Ahote lifted his head, his cheeks hot with blush and eyes glossy with a film of tears that began to well up in the corners of his eyes, and suddenly, the light returned to his eyes and twinkled with relief. His lips quivered so frivolously that not even a smile could plaster his face. Despite his look of distraught, the boy could feel nothing but a pleasant lift in his chest. Like the weight that had fallen deep within his gullet had become light as a feather, and tickled his bones like one would. Ahote would raise a pale hand to this chest, grasping it tightly through the fabrics that shielded it. His head would fall again, a smile finally cracking his lips in feeling the gentle pound of his heart against his ribs. Ahote nodded, "What was that? Sounded like you were confessing your love to me or something!" soft peals of laughter escaped his trembling lips as he spoke, raising his wrists to his eyes to wipe away to welling tears.

The raven-haired youth raised his head to face Theo's once again, eyes soft and wet with tears smudged against his cheeks, reflecting shards of light through the candlelight. Ahote began to chuckle, looking over at the table now with eyes staring so longingly at the wood that one could almost see the sea of thought pour out through those eyes. Quietly, he twiddled his fingers together again, "I have a long life ahead of me, I think. What's important and what isn't will change over time," he slouched back into his seat, staring up at the ceiling now, "But how things are right now is fine, I tell myself. These things come and go. . ." his voice would fade into something hoarser.

Finally, Ahote returned from those thoughts with a grin plastered on his face. A grin so toothy it had almost looked as if he were being paid to do it. Swiftly, a metal hand slapped itself onto Theo's chocolate shoulder, "So," Ahote began, "you join with a little something called a guild mark. Where should we put it?" his grin twisted into more of a sneer as his eyes would drift from Theo's top to bottom. Obviously, this in of itself would be a challenge to determine!

[END]