Monogatari: The Tale of Castra (Part 3)

Fenora sits on Jaden’s bed. She has a hand on the side of his head as blue energy funnels into him.

JADEN

You need to have enough for the two of you as well you know.

FENORA

I do, and I will. Taking care of you doesn't drain me too much.

She moves her hand, and taps him on his forehead.

FENORA

Besides, I can't be having my little brother spending the day in bed.

JADEN

You're too nice.

FENORA

And that's a bad thing?

JADEN

Sometimes.

FENORA

I'm the elder here.

JADEN

And?

FENORA

Be nice to the others.

JADEN

I am.

FENORA

I will see you later on in the day.

JADEN

Don't go.

FENORA

I have to.

JADEN

No you don't.

FENORA

We need supplies, food, clothes.

JADEN

Someone else can go.

FENORA

I'll be back before you know it… Ok?

JADEN

Alright—Promise you come back in one piece.

FENORA

I always do.

JADEN

Promise.

FENORA

I promise. I'll see you in the evening.

With a kiss she lets go of him and leaves.

Inside the ruinous armory, Castra lifts a great-sword as long as she is tall, and as wide as her shoulders. Standing on a small patch of grass, she swings from one side to the other. She brings it down hard on the floor, leaving behind a perfect imprint of it behind.

FENORA

The floor must have done something unforgivable.

CASTRA

I'm sorry.

Castra looks at Fenora, who is standing alongside the weapons racks.

FENORA

I'm sorry too.

She hangs her head slightly. Fenora steps onto the grass, and holds onto the handle of the great sword trying to lift it. She cannot.

FENORA

I have no idea how you manage to lift these things.

CASTRA

Practice?

FENORA

Is it?

CASTRA

A lot of practice.

FENORA

How are you feeling.

CASTRA

I'm fine.

FENORA

Good.

CASTRA

How about you?

FENORA

I'm fine. Is that what you are taking today?

CASTRA

I think I'm ready for this now.

FENORA

I best make sure I am standing well away from you.

CASTRA

I'm careful.

FENORA

I know.

Fenora lets go of the handle. Castra lifts the sword on one hand and rests the dull side on her shoulder.

CASTRA

What about you?

FENORA

What about me?

CASTRA

What are you taking?

Castra looks at the rest of the weapons, broadswords, spears, tridents, daggers, and many more rest on the racks. Some polished and well kept, others covered in dust and neglect.

FENORA

I'm going to try something new as well.

Fenora walks along the racks, and comes to a sheath with two blades within. She picks it up, buckles it around her and pulls out the two curved blades.

CASTRA

Nothing against mine.

FENORA

It's not all about size. Besides, there's no way I would be able to lift that. This is far more my pace.

CASTRA

Perfect combo.

FENORA

Perfect partnership.

They smile looking at each other. Footsteps echo through the armory, and Garrol steps onto the patch of grass.

GARROL

Two little girls playing warrior.

CASTRA

Little girl that brought you to your knees.

GARROL

By not fighting like a man.

CASTRA

Have you seen me? Or is your mind not capable of telling the difference between a man and a woman?

Garrol ignores her, walks to the racks, picks up a large round shield, a sword, and a spear, and leaves the two of them.

FENORA

That was–

CASTRA

Odd.

FENORA

I've never known him to back down.

She walks over to look at the armor sets.

FENORA

Are you going to wear any?

CASTRA

A little padding never hurt.

FENORA

Actual armor would be beneficial.

CASTRA

If I had no intention of moving—Do you have yours all set?

FENORA

I wear the same thing all the time.

CASTRA

In that case, how about I meet you at the front gates?

FENORA

Alright.

Fenora is at the gates, dressed in thick trousers, a short sleeve top, trench coat with both the sleeves rolled up, and a face mask, all grey. Her tattoos are glowing blue.

She looks beyond the gate to the cobbled path ahead, brick buildings stand up with sharp points piercing the sky. Black all over.

CASTRA

Ready?

Castra walks up to Fenora wearing similar garb, only in black. The great sword is strapped onto her back with the tip nearly touching the floor.

FENORA

I am.

Castra approaches the gate, and places a hand on one of the bars.

CASTRA

Shall we?

Fenora nods as Castra places her hands on the gate and pushes it open. Exiting the grounds Fenora keeps a look out as Castra closes the gate.

FENORA

Best to be careful.

CASTRA

Garrol? If he does try something I'll just kill him—We are outside the grounds of the ward after all. How do you feel about fighting the widow of the fountain?

FENORA

Is that why you brought the great sword?

CASTRA

Of course.

FENORA

Remember what happened the last time?

CASTRA

Yes, and we will not make the same mistakes again.

Once secured, they stand side by side, Castra marches forward while Fenora walks after her. An X marked the front doors of the scavenged buildings. The structures are cramped, fighting for space. Despite nothing living here. The only footsteps echoing are their own.

They find the widow. Lifeless. Burned, and nailed to the fountain, which is circulating a mixture of ash and blood. Its two blades in her chest with the great shield broken at her feet.

FENORA

Castra. Was it–

CASTRA

There is no way that was Garrol.

FENORA

Then–

CASTRA

The reaper. We should be ok.

FENORA

Are you sure?

CASTRA

He had the chance to kill us earlier, instead he saved us.

Castra looks at the corpse surprised. The stench of rot stops them from approaching the fountain. What flesh remained is infested with maggots.

FENORA

The widow has been taken care of, so let's leave.

Castra is breathing heavier, savoring the smell. Fenora holds onto her shoulder as a screech echoes through the street, snapping Castra from her haze.

FENORA

That came from the gate at the bridge. Let's go.

They run towards the screeches. Arriving at the bridge gate, they see four tall beasts, the body resembling a black wolf, and the head of a deer with antlers. Eyes blood red.

Sensing their presence, the beasts turn to face them. Dropping from the top of a building, and landing behind Castra with a thud, Garrol pulls back his spear and thrusts towards Castra.

Maneuvering her body about, she moved the palm of her hand to block the point. The spear rips through her hand, and travels towards her abdomen.

Clenching her hand and placing her fingers along the spears surface, she halts its movement. Pulling the spear to the side, she uses her free hand to chop the spear in two.

Spinning around, she swings her leg around to kick Garrol's head. Dodging her kick, he steps back. Dropping the the spear, he draws his sword. Eyes bright yellow.

GARROL

I told you, you will be mine.