The Judgement
A criminal and his victim
Library of the old mansion seemed deserted, if not for the lone person sitting at the table. Curtains were promptly closed despite a bright sunny day outside, dust was dancing in the air and occupant of this room didn't move for the past few hours.
Young man, wearing fine mage robes, stared blindly at the old tome in his hand. He was extremely sad. Even his long, once glossy, hair was hanging down like dull matted ropes, instead of laying gracefully on his shoulders.
Finally, he huffed, opened the book once again and started to read out loud:
Julius
«Benevolent spirits of this world granted magic to every race. Magic, that supports individual all the way from their birth and well into the grave. Magic, that allows to achieve amazing things, to invent and to learn»
Julius
«One thing that mage isn't allowed to do, is to take a sentient life, as for magic is a breath of nature and thus is to remain sacred. These, who ignore this rule has to be punished...»
He shut the book closed and jumped to his feet
Julius
I, Julius the Great, genius mage, wholeheartedly agree with this! Fools, who taint magic with the blood of sentient beings, don't deserve it's power the slightest!
Julius
But... But... HOW DID IT EVEN COME TO THIS?!?!
.･ﾟﾟ･(／ω＼)･ﾟﾟ･.
Suddenly a gleam of white light appeared by his shoulder, slowly forming a human figure.
Then, a ghostly-looking hand clapped Julius' back amiably
Raynann
Well, if you ask me... You really need to measure your strength, before you throw someone out of the window, buddy.(*´▽`*)\ﾞ
Julius
Nobody asked you!!!(`皿´＃) That's all your fault!
Raynann
Yeah?.. I don't recall commuting suicide, y'know...╮( ˘ ､ ˘ )╭
Julius
Right, you were too busy trying to commit robbery!ヾ(`ヘ´)ﾉﾞ And now I'M a criminal! You, little...
Raynann
Hey!(￣ ￣|||) That's not like I actually managed to steal anything!
Raynann
And I wouldn't take too much money anyway... I have a strong moral code, y'know!
The ghostly form weavered, as an ancient book flew straight through it
Julius
Moral code?!(」°ロ°)」 You actually calling your actions justified?!?(╬ Ò﹏Ó)
Raynann
What? I DO have a honour!
Raynann
I'm a righteous thief, after all
Julius turned and eyed the book he threw earlier. It was laying on the floor, opened. The passage caught his eyes. It reads:
«Thus, a spirit of their victim would follow them as steady, as their magic, as clear, as a light»
Julius
(ᗒᗣᗕ)՞ Divine punishment! That's what you are!
Julius
And what's so honourable in breaking into houses of unsuspecting citizens to threaten them?!
Julius
All the while being dressed and posing like the most famous bandit in this area?!
Raynann
Heh heh heh( ‾́ ◡ ‾́ )
Raynann
Most famous, you say...☆ ～('▽^人)
Raynann
Well, buddy, let me tell ya... I wasn't posing, thank you very much! That was my own identity!(⁀ᗢ⁀)
Julius
My point exactly(눈_눈)
Julius
Just what things like 'honor' and 'moral' do with you?
Julius
Say, Raynann the Merciless — bandit, famous for torturing and disfiguring his victims?!
Raynann
I' ve never did anything like that!〣( ºΔº )〣
Raynann
But for the things to remain this way, I have a reputation to uphold... It kinda comes with the job description...(//_//)٥
Raynann
Thanks to my luck and talent, nobody doubted the rumors, that's all ┐(︶▽︶)┌
Julius
Yeah, just look, where your luck got you!
And me for the good measure as well!
Idiot!
Julius
For one, you could try and find some ACTUAL job instead of hoping your stupid reputation to pay off, you, freeloader!
Raynann
Speaking of reputation... One would have thought a famous teenage mage like yourself would be far more courageous, than that, heh(≧▿≦ς)
Raynann
... Well, I mean... You see me — you throw me out
Raynann
Out of the WINDOW, mind you
Raynann
Waaay before I could actually start to threaten you(￢ᴗ￢;)
Raynann
All because you heard about Raynann, the Merciless Bandit☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆
Raynann
In fact, I didn't even look THAT threatening at the moment
Raynann
I was eating a candy.
Julius
You... you... Bastard! You invited yourself into my house, took my valuable possessions...
Not to mention MY candies...
Julius
You hit your THICK head just hard enough to DIE while being lawfully thrown out...
Julius
You make your stinky little soul linked to me in the process...
Julius
And you DARE to say, I am a COWARD?!
Raynann
WOHA, calm down! σ(￣、￣〃) It's not that bad!
Raynann
That law you was quoting just now...
Raynann
It says something like: «Until repentance and retribution is done for both», right?
Raynann
That means we need just to get along and I'll vanish!(๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Julius
I had no intention to kill some useless scum on my lawn!
Raynann
["useless scum?..(￣ ヘ￣|||)"]
Julius
And I have no intention to get along with someone like you!
Julius
I'll go to the Reaper Department tomorrow. They'll sever the link and clear my name!
Raynann
Nah, not gonna happen
Raynann
Technically, you killed me. That's why the link exists at the first place
Raynann
They will not pledge you innocent of the murder THAT easy, so we'll do it my way, buddy...
Julius
Don't call me that!
Julius
And they will! That's no way Great Spirits would blame me! That was your own fault!
Raynann
Well, as you wish, buddy. But now that's a matter of principle...
Raynann
I will get along with you, before you'll start brawl about being still stuck with me after tomorrow!
Raynann
Sorry to tell ya, but you are also not the most cheerful company out there either, buddy...
(っ˘▽˘)(˘ヘ˘)
Julius
I said, don't call me that!
Raynann
Ok. Do you prefer 'bro'?
Raynann
By the way, are you younger or older? With you mages it's hard to tell, team 'forever baby-faced'!(≧◡≦)
Julius
SHUDDAP already! I'm not your 'bro', scum!
Raynann
Relax, bro! The sooner we'll be friends, the sooner we'll be free from each other!
Raynann
["At least, much sooner, then you'll be pledged innocent, you arse..."]
Julius
Will you shut up?..
Raynann
I may not look like this, but I'm pretty chill dude to drink with!
Raynann
And as I'm already dead, I'll let you have my share!
Raynann
Besides, I can sing! Wanna hear?
Raynann
(〜￣▽￣)〜la-la-la...〜(￣▽￣〜)
Julius
Easy, Julius, easy...
Raynann
♪ヽ(^^ヽ)♪ ♪(/_ _ )/♪♪ヽ(^^ヽ)♪
Julius
With your status they will give you permission first thing in the morning.
A promise of persuasion
Next morning. The Reaper department. Calm workday, as ever.
Alec (Secretary)
I'm telling you, sir, you must verify your request with Priest Department first.
Alec (Secretary)
As per rules.
Julius
I know the rules. Sorry, I'm just nervous.
Raynann
Bro, just relax already, or they'll throw you out...
Raynann
Though, it would be funny.
☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆
Raynann
I mean, imagine the irony...☆ ～('▽^人)
Julius
*calmly* ignore, Julius, just ignore...(눈_눈)
Alec (Secretary)
*rises eyebrow*
Alec (Secretary)
No need to worry, I get it.
Julius
But... As I know, Reaper Department can act directly on this type of request in the most obvious cases, and...
Alec (Secretary)
Yes, that's true. But you still need to follow a standard procedure.
Alec (Secretary)
Don't worry, it could be some mistake.
Julius
It most definitely IS...
Alec (Secretary)
Please, come back here, after you clarify everything.
Julius turned and started to head out. Raynann, drifting beside him, waves cheerfully at Alec
Alec (Secretary)
Good luck!
Raynann
Thanks! He'll need it.(o^ ^o)‶ﾉﾞ
Julius
Just shut up...(눈_눈)
With that they left and Alec let out a weary sigh. He gazed at passerby Sam.
Alec (Secretary)
Did you see these two?..
Alec (Secretary)
For the sake of Great spirits... It doesn't take being a priest to tell, two idiots clearly need a good lesson.
Alec (Secretary)
I'm already starting to envy you fieldworkers...
Alec (Secretary)
Call it a gut feeling, but this duo will give me plenty of grey hair pretty soon...
The reaper glanced at colleague's current hair color without saying an another word
Alec (Secretary)
These are silver, thank you very much...
Alec (Secretary)
Mark my words, 'clients' of this sort are going to be a huge pain in the arse for all of us...
Meanwhile, the Priest Department
Priestess
Welcome, sir Julius and mister Raynann. We have been waiting for you
Julius
Thank you, lady priestess. I knew, that the Great Spirits, as well as their faithful servants, will waste no time and fix this mistake!
Raynann
H-hello. Nice to meet you. I have to tell, you look beautiful, lady priestess!..( 〃▽〃)
Julius
Σ(°△°|||) you idiot! Stop being disrespectful!
Julius
Please, pay him no mind
Priestess
Oh, that's allright, sir Julius
Priestess
There is no shame in honesty, and I'm grateful. However, you are completely right, we should waste no time.
Priestess
Please, hand in your official letter.
She took a paper from him and brought out a small seal with delicate carvings on its handle
Priestess
Lord Julius d'Tealing, do you have something to say, before verdict of the Great Spirits on your matter will be officially stated?
Julius glanced at Raynann ironically. He was in no mood to be too ceremonial with him.
Julius
No, I have nothing to say.
Priestess
And you, Raynann?
Julius side-eyed the thief, half-expecting him to say something stupid
Or to pout, since he will have no rights nor possibilities to torture Julius any further in just few seconds.
But Raynann just calmly smirked and waved at him
Priestess
By the will of the Great Spirits, I, as their representative on the matter, proclaim your request
As the seal left a glaring stamp on his letter, Julius stopped breathing
Raynann
(⁀ᗢ⁀) See, bro? I told you so! We should get along first!
Julius was silent for very long time. When he spoke again, his voice was small and thick.
Priestess
The life is a great treasure to the Spirits. If you still wish to use power, granted by them...
Julius
What?! My magic is to be taken for him?!
Julius
I was protecting my life from a ruthless criminal!!!
Priestess
A criminal indeed. But Raynann never truly harmed a life of another.
Priestess
Moreover, you are stronger of two. You should be much more careful.
Priestess
Greater strength is always a greater burden. You ignored this principle.
Priestess
So the burden is yours to carry, until you both are free from your crimes
Julius
I take it, the soul-link will not be severed right now?..
Julius sounded half-dead himself
Priestess
That's right. Not until a due time. This, or your magic will be taken from your bloodline forever.
Julius
(╬ Ò﹏Ó) Just how come this is fair?!
Raynann
Hey... Calm down...〣( ºΔº )〣
Raynann began, as he noticed, that face of the priestess started to darken ever so slightly
Raynann
You don't want to make the priestess angry...
Julius
I NEVER, LISTEN, NEVER MEANT TO MURDER ANYONE
Julius
NOT EVEN HIM!(ﾉಥ益ಥ)ﾉ
Priestess
That's why the link can still be severed early
Priestess
If the both of you truly agree to do this and find a reaper, who will be willing to carry out your decision, then may it be so.
Priestess
But this is a final verdict.
Priestess
Neither the Great Spirits, nor we, their priests, can show you anymore mercy
Priestess
Learn from you mistakes, boys, and learn properly
Priestess
From now on, you can lean on us for guidance only
Priestess
But fixing yours mistakes is now up to you, yourselves
With that priestess slightly bowed her head, indicating the end of discussion.
Julius bowed harshly and stormed out. Raynann smiled sadly to the priestess and followed him
He watched the mage for several minutes. Julius was completely silent, standing in the middle of the busy street
Raynann
Bro, seriously, are you...
Julius
☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆
People, passing by down the street started to pause on their way, staring at Julius in awe
Most of them couldn't see Raynann beside him (save for a few small kids, who couldn't quite place the meaning of the mysterious gleam), so the answer was clear for these people —
"Look, this guy is sure nuts!"
"Should we call doctors?"
Whispers started here and there.
Raynann
▓▒░(°◡°)░▒▓ oh, no!
Raynann
I need to stop this, before he hears and throws a huge tantrum!
Raynann
Why you are laughing?
Julius
HAR-HAR-HAR...((◣▽◢))
Raynann
Don't scare me like this, bro!..(°﹏°|||)︴
Raynann
I'M the ghost here, remember?..
Julius
I'm fine, you loser...((╬◣⌣◢))
Julius
Now all I have to do is to find a reaper!
Julius
Knowing these bastards, there is probably something else...
Julius
No, there definitely IS something else...
Julius
But I WILL persuade this reaper...
Julius
Even if I'll have to FORCE his hand.((╬◣⌣◢))
The mage chuckled darkly for one last time.
Back in the Reaper department Alec shuddered
Alec (Secretary)
Ugh, this gut feeling again...(＞﹏＜)
Sam (Reaper)
Did you eat something?(↼_↼)
Secretary grumbled, as his colleagues started to make jokes all around the office
Alec (Secretary)
Oh, just you wait and see, Sam (￣︿￣)
Alec (Secretary)
I'll do my best to dump them on you.
Plaguing
The Reaper Department. Early morning.
The door was opened loudly, and a very smug-looking mage entered.
Julius
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!(✧o^ ^o)‶ﾉﾞ✧
Raynann
Hey, guys! That's we again. Sorry in advance...(*´▽`*)\ﾞ
"Hey, Ray" — workers of the Reaper Department answered the ghost here and there.
Some of them smirked, some groaned, some sighed tiredly
Julius was mostly ignored, but that didn't seem to bother him
Alec (Secretary)
Seriously? Again? It's been two weeks already...(=_=ﾞ)
Alec (Secretary)
You guys really need to learn how to give up.
Julius
You, Reaper Departament, are designed to ensure law and order in spiritual matters
Julius
My request is legitimate and simple enough, and yet none of you is willing to fulfill it
Alec (Secretary)
Sir Tealing... For the nth time, it's not that simple... (＿ ＿ ٥)
Alec (Secretary)
People like us, who harbor spiritual and reaper talents, can feel the quality of the soul-links.
Alec (Secretary)
Yours is pretty strong. It's not impossible in theory, but in reality, severing a link like this is a sin in itself!
Alec (Secretary)
Nobody here, — if they want to keep the job that is, — will agree to do something like that.
Alec (Secretary)
It's against the will of the Great Spirits.
Alec (Secretary)
And I'm telling you this about three times a day for the last two weeks...(＿ ＿ ٥)
Julius
However, you didn't tell me any reasons for that! Not. Even. Once.
Alec (Secretary)
How I'm supposed to know?.. The Great Spirits were not particularly specific in your case.
Julius
Well, insisting on something, while not stating actual reasons doesn't seem very fair to me.
Julius
I, however, have a complete reasoning behind my claims...
Some voices around the office started to murmur.
Alec mentally braced himself for unavoidable. The secretary sent an envious side-glance towards Sam, the only person, who seemed completely indifferent to this intrusion.
Instead, field worker of the Reaper Department was sitting at the next desk and scribbling quietly, filling some paperwork.
How he wanted to trade places
Alec (Secretary)
All right, good sir.
Alec (Secretary)
Show me, what you've got this time.(≠_≠)
The mage snapped his fingers, summoning largest stack of papers Alec ever seen.
Julius
This is complete record of the crimes, that are committed by fraud, known as Raynann the Merciless!( ˘▽˘)
Aforementioned ghost smiled shyily
Raynann
Sorry again...(｡•́‿•̀｡;)
Julius
Too late to be sorry.(◣⌣◢)♡
"At least it should be better, that complete record of his own achievements he brought the other day" — someone murmured, loud just enough for everyone to hear.
Raynann
But you guys really should not provoke him now...(>⌣<)
Julius glanced around briefly, eyes stopping on a particular reaper team.
All three of them wore hoods and covered their faces — the usual attire of practicing reapers, and were extremely hard to tell apart.
As far as Julius knew, they were nicknamed accordingly — Reaper A, Reaper B and Reaper C.
They instantly befriended Raynann.
Julius hated all four of them
But he wasn't going to lower himself to this level. So, the mage turned back proudly.
Julius
Let me save you from further trouble...(⌒▽⌒)♡
Most habitants of the office gave him very hopeful glances.
Julius
And recite all of this for you out loud!((╬◣⌣◢))
Mage's cheerful tone had even Sam briefly glaring at him, before returning to paperwork
Raynann
*quietly* Don't you worry, people, I've got some ideas...(ᵔ▿ᵔς)
Julius started to read...
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