* * *

Nines had thought his brother could drive him crazy. With the stories, and the details he didn't need. The incessant bickering, and sassy comebacks. Eating his food, drinking his ale, waking Nines up too early in the morning, ripping off the blanket during the night,... Connor didn't have limits or filters.

And the Witcher really had thought all these occurrences were punishments from above. Someone he had wronged and cursed him for being followed by his split image for eternity. But no. Sitting leaned against the wall at the front of Danek's house and watching his brother from afar was much worse. Connor hadn't spoken to him since Nines woken up five nights ago from the venom induced slumber.

The Witchers were allowed to stay until Nines's wounds healed, so then, they could finish the contract. The Witcher found himself dreading the end of the adventure. A bit hypocritical since he was the one who wanted this to be over as soon as possible. Now though... Connor ate with them in silence, and disappeared for hours. That moment, he was chopping off wood, a change of pace. Danek had hurt his back that morning so without a word, the Witcher grabbed the axe. Bottled up anger throbbed in each strike, and Nines was losing his mind slowly.

The injured Witcher sighed, exhausted by the same questions over and over. How could he fix it? Could it be fixed? And if Connor leaves for good? There was a time Nines believed his brother had to go, get rid of him. It would've served as the indolent solution for their bond that could not be. The most rational thing to do, they were Witchers - there's a reason people like them should be alone. So he tried to convince himself: this is a good thing.

"Why are you called Nines?" The shy voice of the blond boy came unexpectedly from his left. Ralph peeked behind the fence, still testing the waters.

''Hm... It's a long story, from centuries ago.''

The boy moved slowly to sit in front of Nines, crossing his legs to get himself comfortable. Nines observed, and sighed shaking his head.

''A client had eleven monsters, said he would pay me double if I could get them all.''

Ralph tilted his head, disappointed. ''Nines said it was a long story.''

''After centuries telling the same story over and over, you learn the easier way to tell it.''

''But it makes no sense...''

''Obviously, I couldn't get all of the contracts complete. The client, however, felt generous and was quite impressed with my efforts. He still paid handsomely.''

The boy mused, and Nines tricked himself into believing this conversation was done. Ready to go back to his self-pity, Nines only found Ralph poking at his arm.

"Have you ever fought a basilisk before?"

In an impatient grunt, Nines was forced to face him once more. Something told him that the boy wasn't about to admit defeat the same way Nines wouldn't start sharing his stories.

''Never.''

''Bukavac?''

''No''

''What about a bruxae?''

''Maybe someday.''

''What has Nines seen then?''

''Kid,'' the Witcher held in a breath, to calm his running mouth. The last thing he needed was to offend their hosts. ''Listen, I'm not really in the mood to talk about monster hunting. I hope you understand.''

Nines gestured to his wound, for good measure. In response, Ralph nodded frowning his eyebrows and he really seemed to get what he was being asked to do. However, he didn't leave. Ralph sat there for a long period of time just glimpsing around the countryside. Then when a considerable amount of time passed, he went on with his query.

"Just one more Witcher question...''

Nines simply waved his hand in defeat. The smile the kid had... the Witcher had never witnessed glee so unadulterated. Ralph had the appearance of a man, and an aura of a child.

''Which school is Nines from?"

''Wolf.''

Ralph nodded again, his eyes scanned the Witcher's chest and Nines realised he was looking for the necklace. The one that labelled him as a monster hunter trained in School of the Wolf.

''I don't have it.'' Before Ralph could ask, Nines clarified running his fingers over his neck. ''I gave it to Connor a few years back.''

''Why?''

''His School was attacked, he lost his when he escaped.''

The kid listened with care, as if what Nines had to say was worth that type of attention. It bothered the Witcher because he was used to the sneers but not to the awe looks. So Nines had to turn his face away and change the subject.

''It's funny,'' he let out a dry laugh. ''You haven't asked the one question everyone else does.''

''What?''

''If Witchers feel. At all.''

''Ralph knows the answer.''

The Witcher smirked, actually amused with Ralph's confidence. ''Oh, do you?''

''Connor got here screaming for help when you were hurt. He cried, and held you... He begged my father to help you... so Ralph doesn't need to ask.''

A little taken back, Nines recoiled and his sly smile died out. Nines was so glad someone called for Ralph because the fucking kid got him cornered. He wasn't sure what he could say in return.

Actions speak louder.

Since the day they met, Connor always had Nines' back. Even when Nines threatened his life and pushed him away. Time after time. Connor didn't seem to hold it against him given that the short few moments they saw each other throughout the years, he beamed. Yet Nines wouldn't have blamed Connor for being upset.

Nines was a shit brother, and he had no idea how to change that. They had been separated during their childhood by forces they didn't comprehend. Now they were apart for twenty years because Nines couldn't find it in him.

And that was the hard truth.

The Witcher didn't want to change its ways, it terrified him. So he blamed it on the world, on rationality, that they couldn't be family. People like them were made to walk by themselves. However, as Nines glanced at his brother finishing up with the pile, he didn't want to be rational anymore. Most importantly, he didn't want to be alone.

***

It was right after dinner, Connor discussed his plans with Danek. The man watched closely, one hand covering his mouth, as Connor reviewed each step. Really the lecture was meant for Nines, but the other Witcher was still adamant to keep up the silence treatment.

''I rendered Golden Oriole so I should be fine in case it bites. I'll lure it to the valley you told me about... and just, try to get out of it still breathing. Stay out of reach, strike its weak points....''

''If you need assistance...'' Danek started.

''No, no need to put your life at risk.''

''It would fill me with pride knowing I helped rid these lands of that beast.''

''Danek, I appreciate your readiness to fight but I can handle it. Plus, you have a family to take care of...''

And I do not.

It stung a little, Nines didn't say anything to the underlying meaning. Nonetheless, the Witcher sensed it was time for him to speak up.

''We'll take care of it, Danek. Once and for all.''

Connor glared at him, hand turning into a fist over the makeshift map of the area. Danek cleared his throat, deciding he should give them some privacy.

''You're not going anywhere, Nines.''

''If I remember correctly, you were the one who asked me to come along. I intend to finish the job.''

Connor rolled his eyes and began gathering his things.

''If this is about the money-''

Nines gritted his teeth, it wasn't indeed about the money.

''-you can still have your share. I don't care.''

''You're not going alone, this isn't even... a proper plan.''

The other Witcher huffed a loaf of air, and Nines could already feel his blood boiling. Now he was sure that version of Connor was even more infuriating, - where's the goofy, audacious idiot? He would give anything to have that back.

''What?'' Nines tried to keep his voice in check but the anger was evident.

''You care about me now, that's new...''

His mouth opened and closed but no response came out. Nines could only remember excuses, stuff that would only lead to a nastier fight. Connor, don't be difficult. Stop being stubborn and let me help you. Yet Nines bit his tongue because the purpose wasn't to make it worse. When you break a vase you don't smash the shreds around in frustration until they come together again... No, you patiently piece it back together.

''Connor...'' he choked up on his pride.

Nines sighed, even if he knew what to do he still couldn't admit it out loud. He never needed to purge before, everything was always bottled in and shoved down. Nines carried his wrong doings around, feeding them, using them to repair leaks from inside and he never learned how to get rid of them.

''Save me the speech-''

''Connor!''

Connor looked up from the table, startled at first. Then, he slowly lowered himself until he sat on the chair. Perhaps worn out, being upset was exhausting.

''I... I'm... I care, alright?''

A sharp intake of air had Nines lifting his head to meet his brother's face. Eyes widen, features uncommonly hard as if he had witnessed a miracle unfold.

''Let me help you, please. I... I want both of us to get out of this alive. I don't want you to go... I don't want you to go on your own.''

Amber eyes glittered with everything Nines wished he was strong enough to express. He hoped Connor understood, because the lump on his trachea was unbearable. Connor very cautiously nodded, he spread the map on the table. In an attempt to regain some strength, Nines swallowed his fears - he would deal with them later.

''I have a plan but it may be dangerous...''

The sight presented was something Nines had no idea he had missed so dearly. Connor's dark eyes lighted up in anticipation as he held in a smirk.

***

Connor had the bow and arrow steady on his hands, ready to pull the string and shoot. The night was pitch black and quiet. Too quiet to his taste but Connor didn't complain. It was the calm before all the disarray.

The Witcher followed the tracks crouched down and noting any rustle in the bushes. He carried on even when in the back of his mind worries spread; he feared being at the beast's mercy with no one to aid him. Like Richard had been for a moment.

Letting out a rough breath, Connor pushed it back. He was fine, the Golden Oriole had a lasting effect and he wasn't alone. Not completely. The Witcher just had to lure the basilisk right where they wanted it. So Connor continued through the path wrecked by the claws and fury he was about to face. Would it remember that Connor took out its eye? Well, he wasn't here to make friends anyways.

As he picked up something ahead, Connor stopped. He couldn't see it clearly, it was just a long, menacing shadow that poked at the dirt. Damn it, in times like this he could really use an eyesight like Richard. Luckily, the monster was yet to spot him and that put him in advantage.

The Witcher closed his eyes to calm his nerves, maybe settle his adrenaline fueled heart. Connor just needed to get its attention, he dragged the arrow back aiming at the wing. He released a steady breath that time, and let the hunt begin. The beast shrieked, not really in pain but more like dazzled and it peeked over at Connor. Without hesitation, Connor shot at its beak. Now the growl was way more frightening, and had the Witcher break out running. The fact the basilisk spinned in the air to chase him stirred Connor up a little.

And so, there he was. Sprinting through the forest, dashing behind trees to stop the basilisks blows. The Witcher jumped over thick roots drawing a new arrow mid-air to fight back. The monster dodged it, disturbing the night with its horrible screams. He went back to running until he heard a flap of wings followed by an intense wind coming down on him.

''Shit,'' Connor said.

He looked over his shoulder but didn't halt. Before long the basilisk was flying in a nosedive to crush the Witcher. Connor rolled over and in the moonlight he detected a recent wound on its huge paws. He smirked the moment the arrow pierced the flesh and gained some distance as the beast scritched chaotically. The inclination of the soil increased his speed but also made it impossible not to collide against a crop field.

The verdure was of a tall breed so Connor couldn't really see the basilisk approach. In a act of faith he crawled to the right just in time to feel the ground shake. The monster growled, Connor who laid on his back smeared in dirt and something wet he seriously hoped it was water. The Witcher scrubbed his eyes and when he finally got to glance around his blood froze, - it was right beside him. The claw, tensed and penetrating the dirt, was a few meters away from Connor's cranium and he had to suppress a sigh of relief.

The Witcher glanced to his left, he was so close. All he needed to do was run for a little while longer. Connor gulped trying to keep his breathing in check when the beast banged its paw on the floor. It was searching for him, good eye revolving around the space to find its prey, dark scales protecting its body other than the already open wounds. However, Connor couldn't see shit in that compromising position. Just the fierce knives it had for nails. And the pungent whiff everytime the basilisk rumbled to the night. That was all Connor could focus on. So the Witcher snarled and opened his mouth to a scream that did not come out.

Fuck, he was so close. Why did he have to take the contract? Why did he have to drag his brother all the way to Hagge? Connor bit his lip, fuck, fuck, he was going to die. He had never hunted a beast as such, and now he understood why. Other works had been mild and not a 16ft high hideous chicken... Yet he sealed his hand around a rock and repeated what Richard had told him before sending Connor on his way.

''I'm not a prey... '' he threw the rock over the crops behind him when the monster curled its neck to the left. It hit the leaves, Connor waited concentrating on the ground's vibrations. The basilisk jolted to that spot and punched it, then he sensed its agitation pausing. ''I'm the hunter.''

Connor got up drawing an arrow to aimlessly hit it and run. If he was going down, he was going down fighting.

''Come and get me, fucker!''

The Witcher moved the plants gently out of his way, then he remembered the destruction that followed him. Connor winced imagining the ruined crops and began shoving them instead, a small mercy in case their plan worked. The end of the field was already on sight, Connor sped up, got a good hold on the fence and tucked his legs up to the chest to jump over it. He was reaching the entrance to the village and Connor laughed when he spotted his brother's shadow crouched down way above him.

As soon as he trespassed the hall that surrounded the whole place, Connor lurked behind a market stall and listened to the monster busting through. It howled to the sky as if challenging the Witcher to come out and finish what he started.

Nines came down from the hall since he'd been expecting them. It took Connor a lot longer than initially designed, and Nines was growing restless. The Witcher inspected the beast for a moment, and it seemed a lot bigger than he remembered. Or perhaps he just ignored the detail the first time. Either way, there was no denying: that was a spectacular specimen. Nines drew his sword anyway, and stepped to the middle of the village. He noted how the beast's crest perked up the moment the furious eye locked on the Witcher, and the limp.

The basilisk roded him awkwardly, right wing stiff and lacking some feathers. Its chest had a coat of dry blood, Nines smirked. Maybe the bastard had done a number on him but the Witcher still got some good blows.

Suddenly the tension snapped when the basilisk screeched rushing to the hunter. The brutality was such, Nines suspected it had actually recognized him too. Nines spun around to his left striking the wing with all he could. Even in excruciating pain, the wing pounced from the ground to knock the Witcher to the floor. Nines back flipped and quickly got back on his feet, his face contorted as the ache from the last fight settled. No one said it would be easy, he would be a fool to think as much. Nines shuddered and went at it again.

The Witcher ducked so the left wing wouldn't hit him as the beast whirled. Nines slashed its right wing again, and the creature screamed so loud the Witcher was tempted to cover his ears. Instead he smacked its head to shut it up and again to its right eye - the one Connor had damaged. The basilisk tumbled back, fluffing his feathers to shake the confusion. Nines paused to see if it was enough for now.

Its instinct kicked in, and the basilisk looked for a way out. Preservation prevailing over range and vengeance. But Nines couldn't let it go so he rushed in front of one of the exists. The monster rumbled, and the Witcher saw Connor at the other gate. His brother noded, is it time?

''Not yet!'' Nines shouted, face screwed up.

As a result, Connor hanged on. Heart on his throat as he stood, powerless to what could occur.

Nines breathed in deep mirroring the monsters steps, he scowled even more and spun the silver sword in taunt. You have to get through me, Nines thought watching closely. Finally, distressed, the basilisk screeched again and beat its wings. It beat, again and again but the angle of the right paw was wrong and blood splashed around, - even got to Nines face. The Witcher flinched and smirked the moment the ground shook with the beast surrender. Before it could make a run for the other gate, Nines shouted.

''Connor! Now!''

A loud bang bursted through the space, the monster shifted and glanced across to Connor's side. Flames blocked the exit, thriving. Then another explosion, that time to the exit guarded by Nines. The basilisk took a few steps back as it realized the current setting. Trapped, utterly captured within the halls of the village it tormented for years.

Nines relaxed his muscles for a second, holy shit... it worked. But he claimed victory too soon because before his brain could catch up to it, Nines was pinned down under the creature. It howled and roared unleashing its last strengths on the Witcher who tried his best to avoid the blows. Of course, Nines couldn't keep it up for a long period of time, already injured and spent, the first punch had him defenseless. Before long though, the basilisk arched and screamed.

The Witcher squinted his eyes and saw him. Connor mounted on the monster's back, thrusting an arrow further into its scapula. Grinning, Nines exposed his teeth stained in red, and located his sword just a few inches away. He glanced up at Connor who had taken out another arrow and stabbed its neck for better support.

Nines got up, knees shaking but didn't prevent him from getting to the sword. He lifted it in the air and he screamed at the top of his lungs, running towards the basilisk. The sword drove to its chest, next to the first wound Nines had inflicted days ago. However, now the risk had been calculated and the Witcher went for the heart, determined not to make the same mistake. He tasted iron saturating on his tongue as he thrusted upwards, and more blood leaked out tingling the skin along his forearms. The basilisk's yelps came out choked up and muffled, and Nines withdrew from it.

The monster collapsed on the ground, and Connor was still above it clinging to the arrows. He had a harden expression set upon his features, jaw strained as his shoulders were. In its final moments, the basilisk gobbled losing all signs of life, - the last efforts used to stir its tail one last time.

Connor was panting, tears tearing down across the dirt on his face. He looked up at Nines, expression much softer.

''Is it... is it over?''

Nines dropped his head back looking at the sky, it was much brighter now even though the sun was yet to rise. He closed his eyes and let slip a tiny smile. It was good to be alive.

''Yeah... it's done.'' The Witcher offered Connor a hand. ''Easy, right?''

Connor scoffed and accepted the help to get off the monster. Then his brother touched his face, Connor recoiled when blood hands cleared his tears from the struggles. His shock was brief and the Witcher laughed when Nines grabbed each side of his face to join their foreheads. Fuck, it really felt nice to be alive.

In dribs and drabs, the folk too stubborn to leave their houses for the night, emerged. Most hadn't slept a wink, too anxious with what they would find the next day. However, as Nines remembered the creature's sounds, he didn't blame them.

There were gasps and a lot of talking among the villagers. And the ones already on the street called for the others, soon the Witchers were surrounded by a curious group. Nines turned his head to them, stunned in a considerable distance from the hunters and the lifeless body of the basilisk. Perhaps still terrified it was all a chimera, a trick and the beast would rise to wipe them from existence. Another group carried jugs and pots of water to put on the expiring fire the Witchers had caused.

Connor had placed an arm around him to help him stand, Nines leaned into it, supporting some of his height on the other. The Witchers faced the crowd, Nines evidently agitated by all the eyes on them.

A man, no, the man that had talked to them in the tavern came closer. Hands trembling as he fussed over the torso of the deceased. He seemed in awe, but not afraid just fascinated over the raw might of the beast. He turned to the Witchers.

''You sons of bitches... actually did it. You killed it.''

Connor beamed weakly, and before he could answer the man turned to the villagers.

''They killed the basilisk!''

Another man joined in the chant. ''They slayed the beast, they freed us!''

The folk cheered, and soon everyone was celebrating. Hugging each other, relieved cries coming from everywhere and Nines just stood there. He blinked at the scene because he couldn't quite believe it.

Yes, he had received praise for his performances but nothing quite alike. A woman came up to him, thanking him. Then a man with a child, and he allowed the child to shake his and Connor's hand. The folk scattered around them and the beast, much bolder and intimate. Someone patted him in the back and Nines winced, he tried to answer with the same enthusiasm but nothing came out. So he looked at Connor.

His brother smiled, and accepted the manifestations of gratitude. He didn't seem to notice Nines was staring at him. Suddenly, Connor hugged him tighter, a slight sadness behind his eyes. The Witcher knew what it meant, he felt it too. They hadn't really talked, they merely suspended their fight for later. Or never.

When all that animation cooled off, reality would crash down on them. The problem would be there, and Nines didn't want to talk. He just wanted to let it go, so he nudged Connor who looked back at him, questioning.

''Where to next?'' It was hard to speak above the celebration all around them. Connor tilted his head and Nines could tell he was hesitant. ''We make a great team... so, I though, you know, we could prolong this partnership.''

The corners of Connor's lip pulled up on a lopsided smile. He tried to conceal his joy though and shook his head in confirmation. Nines reciprocated.

The Witcher glanced at the sky again, over the village hall and saw a castle at the distance. The sun started to peer through the towers and brick's, announcing a brand new stage.

Mindless of the titles the pair had gained along the way, in their lone journeys, the Witchers enjoyed their moment. So many had piled up, such as mutant, freak, monster, or butcher,... Those didn't count anymore, for that day, together, they had stood as the Slayers of Hagge.