Ash recognized the guard on duty, a nasty piece of work named Martin, who took every opportunity to make life miserable for people like Ash. He noted the shabby black uniform, the wet hair that had nothing to do with the rain, and the ugly, oversized nose.
"I have a temple apprentice badge," Ash said before Martin, who had stepped in front of him, could speak.
"That you have, that you have. But do they?" Martin pointed at Spark and Miru. "I don't think so."
"They passed the test at the temple. Their badges will be issued tomorrow."
"Tell you what: you can go. I'll keep your little friends company until they get their permits to enter and leave the city."
"They're free, Martin. Free folk don't need permits."
Ash saw the hit coming before it landed. He could have dodged, but that would only anger Martin more, and he could go after the children directly.
The backhand struck him so hard that he went off his feet. Before he could hit the ground, Spark and Miru were behind him, supporting his weight.
"Serves you right, you wretch! Free folk, you lot? Don't make me laugh! You think just because your mother can sell herself to those in power, you can go about doing whatever you want?"
Ash clenched his teeth. His fists balled so tightly his knuckles whitened. He wanted nothing more than to smash Martin's face with his bare hands. 'Not yet. Not yet.' His mother had endured far worse; this was nothing. He was the elder brother. He was in charge. He would not let the kids get hurt. Mother had entrusted him with that responsibility, and he would not disappoint her.
"We're free, Sir. The temple wouldn't take slaves. I've been offered a permanent position among the Flamebound, Spark might follow, and Miru is bright enough for the scholars. You let us through today… We won't forget it."
Martin spat on the ground. "No papers? Then they're not free. That's the rule."
He leaned in. "And you… future knight, should know that, you little shit."
Ash braced himself. Reasoning had failed. Tomorrow, the temple will shield Spark and Miru. Today, all they had was him. Martin wouldn't kill him. Probably.
Ash punched Martin hard. Martin fell back flat as he screamed at Spark and Miru to run. Spark immediately darted toward the checkpoint, while Miru ran the other way. Spark noticed too late, tried to turn back, but Ash screamed for him to leave.
The frightened boy bolted for the settlement. Thankfully, none of the other guards were in a cruel mood today and let him go. That left only Ash with Martin. Had he run as well, Martin's revenge would have likely ensnared the others in the settlement.
"Hah! You're dead, kid."
Ash endured what felt like hours of pain. He was already an experienced punching bag for the temple knights, but even strategic defense had its limits.
Martin showed no signs of stopping, and the other guards remained uninterested in intervening just as they had ignored Miru and Spark's escape.
'Have to do something fast.'
Ash felt unnervingly calm. He had to be. He could never allow emotions to dictate his actions. Any misstep could affect more than just him.
Martin's breathing came in ragged gasps. "Huff… huff… You think you saved those brats?" He struck Ash again. "Oh no. After I'm done with you… huff… I'll chase down that little runt who ran into the city. I'll enjoy my time with her… huff… then we'll go to the slave camp for an inspection." Another hit landed; Ash's arms absorbed it, but only barely. He nearly vomited. "I won't stop till I find the other one and string him up."
"Who'll stop me? You think the temple gives a rat's ass what happens to you people? No… maybe I'll even visit your Ma, see what all the fuss is about."
Martin grinned wickedly.
There they were, both out in the rain. Ash's flimsy clothing did little to shield him from the caustic shower. Martin wore his shabby, unkempt, but still functional guard suit, keeping most of the rain at bay. Puddles of acidic water collected at their feet, draining quickly into the street channels. Ash's scrambling had led them away from the checkpoint, near a drain into which multiple channels emptied.
Ash was furious. He had thought every abuser had a limit. Every abuser had one, but if this went on any longer, he would really die, and Miru had run into the city, that smart but naive girl, had probably gone to the temple to ask for help. He had to get her out, too.
'I bet he's never been desperate enough to taste the rain.'
Another hit came. Martin was used to subjects taking punishment like slaves, devoid of the will or capacity for disobedience.
But Ash was no slave. He lunged into the kick, grabbing Martin's leg and driving into his body.
Martin had no time to react. Ash held his neck. He was scrawny, but he was no child; he was nearly Martin's height.
Momentum brought them both to the ground, Ash on top. The back of Martin's head hit the pavement, leaving him dazed.
The disadvantage couldn't last long. Ash took the initiative, peeling back Martin's hood. It tore free in his hands as he rolled.
In one fluid motion, Ash vaulted over Martin's head, landing hard on the other side, yanking backward with all his weight. The clasps on the uniform prevented the hood from fully detaching, but they made a perfect noose high on Martin's jaw, clamping it shut, panic replacing confusion.
Martin clawed at the tightening loop, fingers slipping on wet polymer and slick metal. His boots scraped against the pavement as he tried to rise, only to be dragged down again, his head snapping against the stone.
Ash braced his feet, back arched, ribs screaming. He wasn't strong enough to choke a grown man. He knew that. He had always been picked on during Flamebound training sessions and had learned to favor adaptability over brute force.
Martin tried to roll, but Ash shifted with him, keeping the pull uneven, every movement tightening the noose, the clasps grinding, polymer biting into skin.
Rain poured over Martin's exposed face, caustic drops hissing against his cheeks and into his eyes. It wasn't enough to cause permanent damage, but it stung and kept him off balance, unable to use his size advantage.
Ash wrenched again, dragging Martin's head into the runoff channel, and then released the makeshift noose. Martin gasped for air, only to have acid-laced water flood his mouth and nose.
Martin bucked violently, raw strength finally breaking through. Ash's arms shook, vision tunneling. He couldn't hold this much longer. Muscles failing, body trembling from pain and shock.
He shifted tactics.
Ash released one hand just long enough to slam his forearm across Martin's throat, pinning his head back into the stream of burning rainwater.
Seconds stretched. Martin's thrashing slowed, movements uncoordinated. His hands beat weakly against Ash's arm, then slipped away entirely.
Ash rolled clear, gasping, coughing, chest on fire. He lay in the rain, staring at Martin, unsure if he had gone too far.
Martin lay half-submerged by the drain, the noose slack, chest heaving in ragged, broken breaths. His face burned red.
As he struggled to rise, Ash saw hatred in Martin's eyes, where there had only been anger and indifference before. Ash had to decide.
"How did the water taste?" Ash asked. "I know it well. Most of us in the settlement do. It tastes like death."
Ash brought his heel down on Martin's throat. He had never killed before and didn't know the quickest method. He stomped repeatedly until he felt something crack beneath him.