Legends of Amacia Return of the Beowulf
Chapter 8: The Sage of Cushar

The Sage of Cushar

Without warning, an old man of eighty years six feet tall with long gray hair, beard, and piercing gray eyes wearing what appeared to be a traditional samurai kimono and pants stepped through the line with a small boy of ten, who wore dark brown pants and a shirt. The old man leaned heavily on a large staff as the boy led him forward. An ancient katana sat tucked into the old man’s belt. When Ronin tried to stop him, the old man growled with authority, “Stand down, Ronin. You’ve already caused enough trouble by attacking these outlanders before knowing their true intentions. I will see these outlanders up close, and then we shall decide whether they are our friends or not.”

“Are you sure, Master Kusanagi?” Ronin asked bluntly. “The cyborgs may be still under the Emperor’s thrall, waiting for the opportune time to attack.”

“Not every creature is as it seems,” Kusanagi declared. “Now, let me through. If they’ve managed to deceive Corso, they will not deceive me.”

“Yes, Master Kusanagi,” Ronin replied with a bow, letting Kusanagi and the boy through the line.

Walking right up to Nemesis, Hannibal, and Magnus, Kusanagi examined them closely, looking each of them in the eye before scanning the rest of Hannibal’s team, starting with Enoch. “Hmmm,” he murmured, “Curious; very curious.” His eyebrow rose significantly when he saw Nathanael standing close by in armor with his executioner’s blade slung across his shoulder. A telling smirk crossed his face. Turning his gaze to Hannibal, he stared at him, looking down into his soul. “You...you’re not like the rest of us. Your soul has been scorched severely by the Darkness, but now lives in the Light as a completed soul. You seek to balance the scales of your life for evil deeds done before the Ancient of Days plucked you from the Darkness. Come here, young man.”

A chill raced down Hannibal’s spine at Kusanagi’s words. Walking to the old man, he decided to kneel out of respect. “You see the truth of my life at a glimpse, wise grandfather,” he stated. “I’m very impressed. How might I help you and your people?”

Kusanagi leaned in, looking Hannibal in the face, seeing his eyes and facial structure. “You know the pain of war and the sorrow of the dead better than anyone I’ve ever encountered,” he declared. “Furthermore, you have felt the mutating wrath of the Emperor and survived to reverse it. Remove your breastplate that I may see.”

“Of course, grandfather,” Hannibal stated, standing up. Unslinging the Caverias Sword and laying it down, he removed his chest armor and shimmering mail shirt, baring his scarred chest to everyone. “I have had a very hard life, and the Emperor hasn’t helped,” he declared, “My scarred form is the record of that life.”

Gasps of fearful astonishment erupted from the people, soldiers, even Ronin when they saw Hannibal’s scarred chest filled with numerous lacerations, bite marks, bullet, and burn marks. Kusanagi smiled wryly, touching Hannibal’s chest with the flat of his hand. “Yes,” he said resolutely, “There’s no doubt now. This is the Beowulf, the Last Caverias. He has come at last with the Eleven as the prophecies told. The cat god standing just behind you reinforces it. Where is your celestial mate, Beowulf?”

“My celestial mate and salvation is safe back in Antilla at the Red Tower,” Hannibal stated as he put his armor back on. He motioned to Nathanael to come forward, which he did. “This cat god as you call him is Nathanael Milineus of Kaitia. He’s a Lynxian and his daughter is my wife and soul mate. I rescued both of them from the destruction of their planetary system using a portal generator I found in the legendary Temple of Tiamat. I literally plucked them from oblivion as the supernova of their blue sun was about to engulf their starship.”

“Is your mate in good health?” Kusanagi asked.

“She is, though she was crippled from her time as a prisoner at the Black Fortress,” Hannibal stated. “I recently returned to the Black Fortress, rescuing her and all the prisoners of the Emperor who suffered under his brutal hand. I even brought out Josephine Keleb...the cyborg wife of the 1st Emperor who Zaros used to mutate me into a woman out of spite. Just two days ago using the tech of the Red Tower, Josephine finished reversing that mutation, restoring me to my true form as a man.”

Turning to the crowd, Kusanagi declared, “Can you now deny who this man is? Here with him is one of cat gods who allied with the Caverias long ago. The prophecies are fulfilled. Can there be any doubt? Corso, can you confirm Beowulf’s testimony?”

“I can, as can many of our team, including Xavier of the Cimmerian clans and the legendary Enoch Caverias himself,” Corso declared, pointing the two men out. “We all saw Beowulf escape as a mutated woman with the help of the Xenian prototypes Nemesis and Magnus. As I said, I have no doubt that this man is the Beowulf.”

“It’s true,” Xavier called out. “We all saw it. None of us have any doubts of who this man is.”

“So even the mutation of Beowulf and the reversal of that mutation spoken of in the prophecies are fulfilled,” Kusanagi announced. “Even the sign of the legendary Ragnar Caverias has appeared in his man’s eyes. I see the silver marker and cat-like look of his eyes is there. Tell me, milord; did the silver in your eyes appear after your restoration?”

“It did,” Hannibal stated. “Even my very form has been altered slightly from my original form. I’m now a bit more muscular than I was before coming to his savage land.”

Turning to Ronin, Kusanagi declared bluntly, “There’s your proof, Ronin. Only the Beowulf would manifest the silver marker of the legendary Ragnar Caverias in his eyes after his restoration. Your unbelief blinded you to our salvation. You should be ashamed and beg his forgiveness.”

“Don’t be so hard on Ronin,” Hannibal pleaded. “I know he acted out of fear and ignorance. Furthermore, I was once like him so I can understand his actions. I’ve already forgiven him, though it took me disarming him to get him to listen.”

Kusanagi nodded with a grunt. “You were very fortunate he didn’t kill you, Ronin,” he stated. “The prophecies state the Beowulf is a fighter unlike this world has seen since the legendary Ragnar Caverias. We are tremendously honored and in his debt for coming to our rescue at such a critical hour. We shouldn’t fear him or any of his followers, including the two cyborg prototypes. I heard the bear’s words as I approached. The Emperor may have created him, but neither he nor his saber cat colleague is tainted by the Emperor’s evil. We must stand with them or perish.” Turning back to Hannibal, Kusanagi said apologetically, “Please, milord Beowulf; forgive our frosty welcome of you and your friends.”

Hannibal bowed slightly to Kusanagi saying, “There’s nothing to forgive. Under these circumstances, I would most likely be as suspicious as Ronin here. Tell me, wise grandfather...your name is Kusanagi Sukara. Am I right?”

Kusanagi’s eyes widened with delight. “You have the gift of seeing minds, just like the prophecies say!” he crowed.

“That I do,” Hannibal stated, “Though I’ve learned much of my skill from my mate, Selina...who is a telepath of the 1st order. Only here in the last couple of weeks have I actually been able to regulate and screen what comes in thanks to her tutelage.”

“One more indelible sign that you are the Beowulf,” Kusanagi chimed, patting Hannibal on the shoulder. “Yes, my friend; I am Kusanagi Sukara...Sage of Cushar, keeper of the prophecies and the seer of the Ancient of Days to these people. He said you would come, and now you are here.”

“I am honored to meet you, Kusanagi,” Hannibal replied formally with a bow. “Were you and Nicodemus colleagues?”

“Yes, we were great friends,” Kusanagi stated, “But he was my elder and the last true prophet of this cursed underworld. Is it true that the Emperor killed him?”

Hannibal sighed deeply. “Yes,” he stated grimly. “He died in my arms before we could get him out of the Black Fortress. There wasn’t anything I could do.”

Kusanagi embraced Hannibal, to the surprise of everyone. “I’m so sorry to hear that,” he said softly. “I know that couldn’t have been easy for you.”

Hannibal returned the hug, saying, “It wasn’t. He was...my friend.”

Kusanagi touched Hannibal on the shoulder again. “I’m sure he was,” he agreed. “Did he hold to his faith until the very end?”

“He did, and it isn’t lost on me what it meant either,” Hannibal stated soberly. “His death at the hands of the Emperor and his Cadre sealed the Emperor’s doom in the eyes of the Ancient of Days. Now our God will rise from the throne and rage in His fury against the Darkness that spawned the Emperor.”

“That our God will,” Kusanagi agreed. “I can see your faith now, my son. It’s truly a marvel that someone who has endured as much as you continues to believe and be faithful to the Almighty.”

“Your words humble me, Kusanagi. That’s good. I need to be reminded constantly of what our God has done for me so I don’t become lost in the Darkness again,” Hannibal chimed, suddenly noticing the little boy staring in fascination at Nemesis. “Who’s your helper here?”

“This is Liam,” Kusanagi stated. “His parents were killed four cycles ago by the Emperor’s raiders when he was six. We found him wandering aimlessly in shock along the river east of the Pass of Cushar. I took him in when we discovered the raiders had burned his village to the ground after killing the adults and taking the children. We found his parents’ bodies among the ashes, hacked to bits and their bodies defiled by some fell beasts.”

Hannibal looked the boy in the eye and felt a kinship with him. “I understand what he’s gone through for I too had my entire family slaughtered by assassins before my eyes,” he declared, touching Liam on the shoulder. “You’re not alone, Liam.”

“I know I’m not, sir,” Liam replied softly. “Master Kusanagi has watched out for me and kept me safe, giving me a family.”

“That’s good,” Hannibal stated, squatting down to look Liam in the eye. “You’re lucky to have someone who could help you cope. I never had anyone to help me cope. Never let the hate of what they did to your family and village fester in your heart. It’ll lead you to a place of Darkness few seldom escape.”

“That’s true,” Nemesis agreed, looking Liam in the eye, noticing the boy had no fear of him. “Fear and hate lead to some very dark places you would not like. I should know since Magnus and I were created in those places.”

“You’re not like the ones who are trying to kill us,” Liam said to Nemesis. “Can I touch you?”

“Of course, little one,” Nemesis rumbled pleasantly. “It’s good to see someone of your age not terrified of me.”

Liam touched Nemesis on his organic arm, stroking the fur. “I like you,” he stated. “What’s your name?”

“I am Nemesis,” Nemesis stated, “I see it as my destiny to bring justice and vengeance upon the Emperor and his dark hordes. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and find the ones who bereaved you so they may answer for their crimes.”

Liam looked into Nemesis’ face fearlessly. “I know you will,” he said, “Will you be my friend?”

“I’d be honored,” Nemesis stated. “You do your people proud. You can call on me any time, Liam.” He patted the boy on the head with a smile.

“I’d like that,” Liam chimed. “I don’t know why everyone is so scared of you.”

“It’s my appearance that frightens them,” Nemesis stated. “But as Elder Kusanagi so eloquently said, not all creatures are as they appear.”

“No, they aren’t,” Liam agreed, walking back to Kusanagi.

Kusanagi turned to the crowd and declared, “We should all take a lesson from little Liam here. Liam saw through Nemesis’ fierce exterior and saw who he truly was. We needn’t fear these people.”

“Kusanagi is right,” Hannibal agreed. “You have nothing to fear from us. We’re all allies here fighting the same scourge. But I fear we may have taken too long to gain your trust. With every minute we delay, the enemy comes that much closer to overrunning you. We’re here to help and provide an escape. Can anyone tell us exactly what is going on?”

“I can,” Kusanagi stated, “Liam and I just came from the siege line. They have broken through to the third level. I ordered our people to fall back to the fourth level just outside the keep. The numbers of Xenian, Zarukar, and droid forces is increasing by the hour. It’s only a matter of hours before they breech the final level and attack the keep from the ground. It’s all we can do to keep the spider Xenians off the walls and ward off the air attacks.”

“This is more serious than I thought,” Hannibal growled, picking up the Caverias Sword and slinging it. “We need to move now. Kusanagi...how many fighters and civilians do you have here?”

“We have seven hundred troops defending about two thousand civilians,” Kusanagi stated. “The civilians are barricaded here in the throne room, banquet hall, and in the two bunkers in this sector of the keep. The troops are out on the siege line protecting all entrances to the keep and the walls, but it’s a hopeless cause. We’re severely outnumbered and outgunned. For every enemy that falls, four take their place. Furthermore, their artillery and aircraft are weakening the walls and blasting our troops when the enemy’s ground forces cause them to cluster. We have nothing that can take out their long-range artillery and aircraft. The artillery is out of range and their aircraft have some kind of shield that nullifies our fire. Needless to say, we’re in big trouble.”

“I’d say so,” Hannibal said grimly. “Not being able to take out their air power and heavy weapons is creating a major problem for you guys. We need to move now before it gets any worse. What do you suggest, Enoch? I think an immediate evacuation is in order.”

“I completely agree,” Enoch stated. “We must start sending the civilians through right now. And while that’s going on, we need to take out their air power and artillery. As long as they have their aircraft and artillery pummeling the fortress, we’ll not slow them down.”

“I concur,” Nemesis stated. “Taking out the aircraft shouldn’t be a problem for Magnus and me. As I remember, the aircraft the 7th Division are using are older models. Whenever they strafe or have to release their bombs, they must lower their shields around the armaments. That’s when you hit them. Furthermore, their shields can only block standard blaster rounds, not high-energy plasma rounds. The plasma cannons built into Magnus and I should have no trouble breeching their shields. I suspect those Gauntlets of yours will take them out if you use a full charge, Hannibal. Unfortunately, we may not be able to do anything about the artillery if they’re over a third of a league from the fortress. How far are they out, Master Kusanagi?”

“At least a league,” Kusanagi stated bluntly. “They refuse to bring their artillery closer than that, though their armored mechanized mobile units they’ve brought right up to the walls. They’ve been tough, but we have been able to knock them out with our plasma grenade launchers, mines, and kinetic cannons. Usually, we have only one shot to take down one of these armored mobile units. If the attack on the unit fails, it usually has fatal consequences for those who attacked it.”

“I get the idea,” Hannibal stated. “Things have become desperate. Well, let’s do this. Enoch, I want you to spearhead the evacuation. Make sure the people make it through the portal to Antilla.”

“Yes, little brother,” Enoch replied, “What will you do?”

“I will take Nemesis, Magnus, Xavier, Kahn, Carver, Tyr, Andrew, Hunter, Morpheus, and Nathanael outside to recon the enemy,” Hannibal stated bluntly. “I need to see the battlefield in person before coming up with a plan to slow them down. The rest of you help Enoch get these people out of here. Our primary goal is the safety of these people. Work with Kusanagi and Corso here to bring the civilians in from the banquet hall and the bunkers.”

“Got it,” Enoch stated. “I think we’re all in agreement. Corso, Joel, Liu...I think it would be wise for you to shepherd the people through the portal while the rest of us hold the line.”

“Right,” Corso chimed with Joel and Liu agreeing. “Ronin, you and your boys can help us too.”

“Yes, milord,” Ronin answered. “We shall make sure everyone get out. Is this portal thing safe?”

“It is,” Enoch insisted. “You all will get to see it in a moment. Just be aware that everyone on Antilla is your ally no matter how strange or bizarre their appearance.”

“Kusanagi, do you wish for us to retrieve the artifacts and heirlooms of Cushar stored in the treasure chamber?” Hannibal asked. “Corso said the books, scrolls, and artifacts tell the entire history of Cushar. It would be a crime to let the Emperor erase that history when they overrun this fortress.”

“Yes,” Kusanagi stated. “By all means, take everything...especially Hreidmar’s weapons and armor at the shrine. They are irreplaceable.”

“We’ll make sure your history is preserved,” Enoch stated, “Even if we have to bring extra people in to help.”

“Just don’t let anyone touch Hreidmar’s weapons and armor,” Kusanagi warned. “Only I can touch them, particularly Grimm’s Mask. Their power is of the gods and will not let just any soul handle them.”

“Kusanagi, I picked up the helmet before we came out,” Hannibal admitted, “I could feel the spirit and will of Hreidmar on it.”

“It didn’t strike you down?” Kusanagi asked with amazement.

“No, it didn’t,” Hannibal stated. “In fact, I felt it approved of me touching it, maybe even using it. It reminded me of when I found Grimm’s Bane in the Red Tower’s armory. It too has a spirit and a will infused into it. It became obvious when I trained with it in the arena. It’s a phenomenal weapon that’s unlike any I’ve ever encountered.”

“You found and used Grimm’s Bane?” Kusanagi asked in astonishment.

“I did, but only in a training exercise,” Hannibal stated. “But it was just before my mutation reversal. I still know little of the weapon and its abilities. One thing I did discover was Ragnar Caverias was the only human known who could wield it, and that he used it to destroy the alpha chaos lord Grimm long ago.”

“If you were able to wield the Bane, then you’re worthy to handle Hreidmar’s armor and weapons,” Kusanagi declared. “If I don’t remove them before the fortress is clear, I leave it to you to retrieve them, Beowulf.”

“Please, call me Hannibal, my friend,” Hannibal urged. “Everyone else does.”

“Very well,” Kusanagi stated. “You will be Hannibal to us. Come; let me see the portal you speak of. Then I will take you and your team to the battlements.”

“This way,” Hannibal replied, motioning towards the door to the treasure chamber. “Time is precious.”

“That it is,” Kusanagi agreed, following Hannibal with Liam helping him.

“Hannibal, when do you want to start sending the people through,” Enoch called out.

Turning to Enoch, Hannibal declared, “As soon as I show Kusanagi the portal is safe, start sending them through. Be sure to have some of our people guarding the portal ring so no one accidently gets vaporized.”

“Got it,” Enoch stated as Hannibal led Kusanagi into the treasure chamber. Turning to the soldiers, and people in the throne room, Enoch said to them formally, “I am Enoch Caverias, descendant of Thoth and Ariel Caverias. Antilla is my domain and you are all welcome there. The Emperor has no influence there. Furthermore, your countrymen and women Hannibal rescued in Cush are already there awaiting you. Please, gather what belongings you may have and get ready to move. We shall start sending you through to Antilla presently.” A rumble of excitement about escaping the Bastion raced through the people.

Two minutes later, Hannibal and Kusanagi stood at the portal. Kusanagi’s eyes sparkled at the swirling ring of energy with the transparent aperture in the middle. Just as they approached, Harry rushed through. When Kusanagi saw Harry run through the portal with no ill effects, he believed. “Hannibal,” Harry said urgently. “The main force has just breached the pass and is coming down into the valley. You need to hurry up.” When he saw Kusanagi, Harry asked, “Oh, I’m sorry. Who are you, sir?”

“This is Kusanagi Sakura, the Sage of Cushar and his helper here is Liam,” Hannibal stated. “He’s the final authority for Corso’s people and wanted to see the portal before we started sending the people through. When you go back, spread the word that we have at least twenty-seven hundred people coming, most of them civilians. Make sure Corso’s people on Antilla know and enlist every able-bodied person you can find. In addition to making sure these people come through okay, we need to clear this chamber. The history of Cushar is stored here in hard copy on the scrolls, books, and artifacts stored here. We cannot let the 7th Division destroy it like they did in Cush.”

Harry looked around and whistled at the treasure, saying, “This is quite the stash. I’ll get right on it. We’ll make sure your history isn’t erased, Mr. Kusanagi.”

“I appreciate that,” Kusanagi stated. “Just don’t let anyone touch the artifacts there on Hreidmar’s shrine. Only Master Hannibal and I can handle them.”

Harry’s eyebrow rose as he saw the Grimm Mask helmet on the pedestal with the armor and swords. “I see,” he stated. “It’s alive like the Hellion, is it?”

“Yes,” Hannibal stated, “In a way, it is. Just concentrate on making sure everything else is salvaged. We’re going to sanitize this place just like we did to your house.”

“Ah, I get it,” Harry chimed. “Say no more. I’ll get right on it. Just don’t drag your feet, Hannibal. The enemy is moving quickly. The main force will be here in three hours at the earliest. We have that long to get these people out of their way.”

“In that case, let’s get moving,” Hannibal stated. “Also, alert Arabella, Drew, and Emma that they can expect fresh casualties in the infirmary.”

“Got it,” Harry stated. Nodding to Kusanagi and Liam, he said, “If you will excuse me, I have to go.” With that, Harry darted back through the portal on a mission.

“He is your friend?” Kusanagi asked Hannibal.

“Yes,” Hannibal stated. “My best friend and brother; we’ve watched each other’s back for decades. I trust him with my life and he too is from the surface as I am.”

“I thought so,” Kusanagi replied. “Come; let’s get the people moving. I’m satisfied with your boast that you are a master of the ancient machines and that this portal thing is safe.”

“The center is, but that flaming ring around it is deadly,” Hannibal stated bluntly. “It’ll vaporize anything that touches it. Let me demonstrate. Do you have anything you don’t mind being destroyed?”

“Liam, give Master Hannibal one of those gold coins out of the pile there,” Kusanagi ordered.

Liam picked up the coin, giving it to Hannibal. “Here, sir,” he said softly as Hannibal accepted the coin.

“Are you sure?” Hannibal queried, “Because the ring will vaporize anything that touches it.”

“Go ahead,” Kusanagi insisted. “It’s merely a gold coin, one of tens of thousands in this room. The loss of one coin isn’t going to harm our history.”

“Okay,” Hannibal stated. “Now watch closely and see how dangerous the ring is.” He tossed the coin into the ring of swirling energy. It vaporized with hiss and a flash of light, causing Kusanagi’s eyebrow to rise and Liam to gasp. “Now you see the danger of the ring,” Hannibal stated. “But where the membrane is clear, it’s perfectly safe.” To prove his boast, Hannibal put his hand through the membrane just six inches away from the swirling energy ring. “See, it’s safe,” he declared, pulling his arm out, “But I would strongly advise not even being this close to the ring. If everyone stays away from the ring, no one will get hurt.”

“Your friend will make sure no one touches that ring, won’t he?” Kusanagi asked.

“Absolutely,” Hannibal stated. “That’s why I told Enoch to have some of our people guard it. My people know the danger of the portal’s ring, and won’t let any of your people touch it. You see, we did this same thing before when I launched my raid in the Black Fortress to retrieve my beloved Selina and the rest of the prisoners there. So, this isn’t the first time I’ve done this.”

“I see,” Kusanagi stated, cracking a smile. “Come, I will now take you to the front line with your friends so we may start pulling back.”

“Lead the way, my friend,” Hannibal stated.

They started back to the throne room when Hannibal suddenly stopped in front of Hreidmar’s shrine. He stared at the Grimm’s Mask helmet. “What is it, Master Hannibal?” Kusanagi asked, seeing his perplexed expression.

“I’m not sure,” Hannibal stated, “But I sense the power on that helmet urgently calling to me telepathically to use it in defense of your people. But I’m not sure I should use it. The force feels so alien, but strangely familiar, as if I’ve seen and felt it in another life. What should I do? I know the danger of using an unknown item without fully understanding that item. However, its call has become incredibly urgent, even stronger than the call I felt when I discovered the Bane. Somehow, it knows your people are in danger. This helmet beckons me to utilize its power in defense of your people. Just what is this helmet?”

“That’s the Grimm’s Mask,” Kusanagi stated, also sensing the helmet calling to Hannibal. “It’s the helmet Hreidmar wore when he first came to Cushar. It’s unlike any helmet you’ll ever encounter, and is imbued with mystical elemental power along with a will of its own, according to the legends. The form reflects the species of the great draken Grimm, one of the most fearsome creatures of Grimm ever to haunt this planet. The draken Grimm were Grimm’s generals and lieutenants with the ability to generate new smaller Grimm from its body. Thankfully, no one has seen them since the Fall of Grimm at the hand of Ragnar Caverias. Legends say when Hreidmar wore Grimm’s Mask, his elemental power and fighting prowess quadrupled. It gave him the power and speed of the Grimm and allowed him to strike terror into his enemies while shielding him from telekinetic and telepathic assaults. The legend also says Hreidmar could also use the helmet to control lesser Grimm, getting them to fight for him. However, I think that could be an exaggeration on the writer’s part. One thing is for certain, only a being of great mental strength and stamina could ever use Grimm’s Mask. It would drive a lesser being to utter madness and death.” He paused as he looked at the Mask, raising an eyebrow. “I can feel the call of the Mask, milord,” Kusanagi declared. “That’s most unusual and as you say, it’s a most urgent call. You should not ignore it. What does your heart tell you?”

“It says to use this helmet, this Mask to protect your people,” Hannibal stated, “But only when I need it most. I know the Caverias Sword on my back knows Grimm’s Mask. Both of them glowed when in close proximity of each other, as did the armor and the swords there. However, the Mask had the greatest reaction.”

“Really?” Kusanagi asked. “Is that truly the Caverias Sword you bear?”

Hannibal unslung it, showing it to Kusanagi. “It is,” he declared, “How I got it is a tale for another time. But be sure I slew the leader of the Devourers, Dagos, and Lord Baal of Belrock retrieving this sword from the pits of Acheron as a mutated woman. Here, let me show you about the reaction.” Hannibal waved the sword carefully towards the helmet, armor and swords on Hreidmar’s shrine and all the items glowed as the Caverias Sword came near them. Pulling the sword back and slinging it, Hannibal said bluntly, “I fear that Mask and don’t know why. It feels so familiar, yet so ancient and alien. It brings dread to my soul like the Darkness that surrounds my missing time. I’ve felt it since I first laid eyes on it. This dread is different from the intelligence I sense bidding me to use it. It’s dark and malicious, hiding in the shadows.” Hannibal paused for a moment with a truly concerned look.

“What are you sensing?” Kusanagi asked, knowing Hannibal was sensing something from the Mask.

“Something isn’t right here,” Hannibal declared. “I suddenly get the feeling this helmet is a trap of some kind. However, the call for me to use it is adamant. It wants me to use its power, but be careful when I do. Things are not as they seem with this helmet. What do I do? Do I use it or don’t I? I’m just not sure.”

Kusanagi put his hand on Hannibal’s shoulder, now completely sure of his identity. “Don’t doubt who you are, Master Hannibal,” he insisted. “You’re the Last Caverias...the Beowulf reborn. The prophecies say you will utilize the weapons of the gods to save us. You will use them as if born to them. It’s obvious you have heard the call of Grimm’s Mask. Answer the call. Pick up the Mask and use it to defend us. As I said, no one who is unworthy can touch Grimm’s Mask, or the armor and weapons of Hreidmar. The fear and dread you fear may be the will of the Mask testing your worthiness. Remember, it will strike the unworthy soul down where they stand. Show me you are worthy to use these ancient weapons of our ancestors. Take the Mask and defend us as Hreidmar wished. Do it.”

“Very well,” Hannibal stated hesitantly. “I hope you’re right about this.”

“I know I’m right,” Kusanagi declared. “Prophecies say on the Beowulf reborn would be able to harness the power of Grimm’s Mask and his Bane. If there is some dark power on the Mask, you should be able to overcome it. I have faith in you and our God who put you in this position. Show us that you are the One.”

“Your faith humbles me,” Hannibal stated, gently picking up Grimm’s Mask, looking directly into its face as the helmet glowed softly. “That’s good. As I said earlier, I need to be kept humbled because of the incredible power the Ancient of Days has given me. I pray that it doesn’t overwhelm me and that when I no longer need it, the Almighty will relieve me of this burden.”

“I’m sure He will,” Kusanagi agreed. “But now, you have need of this power. Look, the Mask didn’t destroy you when you picked it up. Another indelible sigh of who you are. What do you sense from the Mask now?”

“I know this Mask...this helmet,” Hannibal stated. “And it knows me, as amazing as it sounds. There’s definitely an familiar, but alien presence on this thing that’s incredibly ancient. It approves of me using it, but warns me not to invoke its power until I truly need it. It also warns me not to let my guard down when I use it. The message it’s giving me is very cryptic, as if it’s trying to warn me about a hidden foe. I guess I’ll have to follow my gut on that. Despite all of that, I’m not putting it on until it tells me to. Incontrovertible proof of this Mask having a will of its own, don’t you think?”

“Indeed,” Kusanagi agreed, reaching out and touching the Mask as Hannibal held it. “It verifies the legends and definitely thinks you’re worthy to wield its power. I can sense it too, which is very strange. Not once until now have I ever felt anything from it when I came near or handled it. Never has it caused fear to rise in me when I touch it as it does now. Be very careful and do as it says. Keep your guard up when you use it, milord, for if a dark spirit has infested this holy relic, it will try to overwhelm you the moment you put it on. You’ll have to master it and yourself before you can truly unleash the power of the Mask.”

“That’s what I thought,” Hannibal stated, staring at the helmet, trying to control the inexplicable fear it created in him. “You’ve confirmed what I sensed. There are two powers at war within this helmet: one of Light and one of Darkness, most likely of fear. This has to be a trap set by my infernal enemies to snare me before I fully awaken to my destiny. But this helmet, this Mask of Grimm is part of that destiny. I feel it down to my bones and soul. I suppose it’s a trap I’ll have to trip in order to bring out whatever dark power that’s tempting me here.”

“You have my prayers, milord,” Kusanagi stated. “You will not have to fight this fiend alone, if there’s a dark spirit truly infesting the Mask.”

“I appreciate that,” Hannibal replied with a sober expression. “I hope it’s not what I think, but just my own fears being transplanted into the helmet.”

“I’m not so sure,” Kusanagi stated. “If it were your fears, I would not be able to sense it touching it like this.”

“True,” Hannibal agreed. “I guess I should do like the Mask says and keep my guard up in case there really is a demon lurking in it.”

“That would be most wise,” Kusanagi replied. “But I should also remind you not to wear it for too long because you can become lost to it.”

“I felt that too coming from the side that wants me to use it,” Hannibal stated, becoming comfortable holding the helmet. “I promise not use it any longer than absolutely necessary. It’s insisting we get to work now.”

“In that case, let’s get moving,” Kusanagi replied. “We have precious little time left. Come, I will take you to the front line.”

“Right,” Hannibal stated, gently tucking the helmet under his arm. “Lead the way.”

“Wait,” Kusanagi said urgently, picking up a cloth bag sitting on the shrine. “Let me carry the Mask in this sack. That way no one will think you’re stealing or desecrating the artifact.”

“That’s a good idea,” Hannibal agreed, slipping the helmet into the bag as Kusanagi held it open. “They will not think twice about you carrying the helmet. If they see me handling it, they may not like it.”

“That’s my thought,” Kusanagi replied, tying the bag closed and cradling it in one arm. “They are a very superstitious people. They won’t understand you using it unless I’m the one who hands it to you.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Hannibal stated. “Come on; let’s get to the siege line.”

“Follow me,” Kusanagi stated, “Time is precious.”

“Indeed,” Hannibal said, nodding, letting Kusanagi and Liam lead him out to the siege line.

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