Unfortunately, it was Pent’s.
Pent stumbled, his hands frozen at his side, as Inferno pulled the sword from where he had stabbed the boy in the abdomen. Falling to one knee, he let Susanoo’s ice seal the wound to try and prevent the dispersal of any more blood.
Pain wracked at him, and he tried very hard to rise. But Pent realized that the wound had secured his defeat. He raised his head to accept death. But it didn’t come. Inferno merely regarded him with a cold gaze.
He was feeling defiant again. “I don’t understand. The sword, it granted me the power to see every move you make. How did you deceive me?”
The large Demon let out a chuckle. “I already told you. You are years too early to face me. That sword grants you many boons. That sight is and is not one of them.”
The man was toying with him, gifting him riddles. “Don’t speak in that roundabout manner. Tell me straight what you mean!” Pent demanded.
With a smirk, Inferno knelt down so that he was level with Pent. “It means that a child can never hope to defeat an adult...at least not amongst the Demon clans.”
“Why?
“When a Demon reaches their fifteenth year, their Demonic eyes evolve, granting them the final true power of the Demon clans. It is the reason our clans are feared throughout the world.”
Pent was having trouble understanding something. “How come I have never heard about this?” He had lived much of his life outside the village, sure, but it should have come up. Why had no one ever told him of this?
“It is one of our closest guarded secrets. We never speak of it, to avoid it falling to the Empire’s knowledge. When a Demon comes of age, they are told to hide it from all. You see, our eyes grant us the power of insight. Abyss is just...lending you that sight. How can you defeat one who has used this power longer than you have even existed?”
And at once, Pent was reliving the sensation he had felt during the battle.
“This pain you are feeling is not nearly a fraction of the pain our clans have felt. Don’t come here with your childish notions of vengeance,” Inferno roared, and he struck Pent’s face with a right hook.
The force of the blow sent Pent crashing to the ground. The side of his face burned with agony and he tasted blood. He was defeated, he could not fight back against this man. You coward. Stand and fight! A part of him raged inwardly.
Inferno showed no compassion. He grabbed him by the hair and yanked him to his feet. “Stand! Stand and show me this justice that causes you to forsake your people!”
Pent cried out as a powerful kick hit him in the back, sending him tumbling across the grass. He was removed from his weapons, and he could no longer hear Susanoo’s words in his head. All he could feel was the growing sense of dread. This was where he died.
Inferno walked over to Pent, kicking him over onto his back. Reaching down, the large Demon wrapped a powerful hand around his neck. Pent was raised into the air, his legs kicking out as he gasped for breath.
“You are a skilled warrior. You could do much for the clans,” Inferno said. And then he rammed a fist into Pent’s wounded side. “However, I was taught mercy once. The man who taught me that is dead, along with every friend I’ve ever known. Now...mercy is nothing but a liability to me.”
Pent groaned as the the ice shattered and the wound reopened. Inferno raised a hand that burst into flames and pressed it to Pent’s side. He howled in pain, as searing fire began to cauterize the wound.
The smell of smoking skin, his skin, made Pent nauseous. In all his life, Pent had always remained proud and defiant. But here, he could do nothing. His injuries were too much and he could sense his body was shutting down, his consciousness fading as he dropped at Inferno’s feet.
As his vision began to fade, he heard Inferno’s voice. “Your sister is necessary to bring forth a new era. Any who attempt to impede this mission will die.” And then Pent entered the darkness.
END OF PART II
INTERLUDE
PURGATORY
Those with power must use that strength for the good of all.
Those had been the words that Xehemoth had instilled upon Inferno. The Dragon had been around since the age of the gods, and he believed that it was the sacred duty of those blessed with might to protect those who could not protect themselves.
Inferno still believed in those words. He had taken it upon himself to rise up and save the Demon clans. He could not fight the Empire alone, so he had to surround himself with other like-minded individuals who possessed talents that could aid his cause.
Dranon had been one of his most stalwart supporters. When he had found the warrior dying, it was Formetis’ magic that had brought him back from the brink. Ever since, he had served brilliantly.
But then he had screwed up and killed Peter Telim. He in turn was killed by the youngest son. The loss of Dranon had dealt the Brotherhood quite the blow.
Dranon’s partner Celran had escaped death, but had been captured by the Xegin. She was quite skilled in infiltration and assassination, so the loss of her skillset was annoying. But the Brotherhood had other ways of getting around undetected.
Forsythe and Milaryna were enough for now. So long as he and Formetis controlled the field, they would be fine. They were getting close to their victory. But even so, he would not mind a little extra help.
Help like the boy who was being carried over his shoulder, unconscious. This boy was the same one that had killed Dranon. He had successfully uncovered his hidden identity within the Human camp as well.
He’s something special, Inferno thought to himself. The lad was no Greater Demon, but he was highly skilled for one so young. He could not match up to Inferno, but few in the world could attempt to fight him in a one on one duel.
Inferno arrived at last at a small cottage, far from Aurora and close to the coast. It had been their hideout for the last few weeks. A few souls had stumbled upon the shack that he was forced to dispatch to avoid detection, but it was otherwise hidden.
Formetis must have noticed his approach. He had taught her to always be on the lookout. Bless that girl, she was becoming quite the competent one. She opened the door to meet him, and let out a gasp.
Inferno shifted the boy into his arms and held them out towards Formetis. “Make sure this kid doesn’t die,” he said simply.
Fifteen minutes later, Inferno sat at the table of the small building, grateful to be able to take a short rest. As Ivaldi, he had been forced to issue orders to the officers, file reports and the like. He had finally put his lieutenant Bakuya Telreya in charge, and managed to sneak off to go meet with Formetis.
He certainly hadn’t been expecting a run in with this boy, the son of his old friend Peter Telim.
Inferno was getting older. Even accounting for being a Demon, he still had entered his fortieth year recently. His body wasn’t as it once was when he had been a young man. Constant fighting left him weary.
The duel with Pent had been simple enough. For all his courage and ability, he lacked the years of experience that Inferno possessed. But that Xegin woman had been a different story.
She had forced him to shed his Human disguise and had found a way to get into his mind. Inferno had nearly been overpowered by this strange power, before he had been able to deal a debilitating blow. But in the end, she had escaped and he had been unable to pursue, lest his cover being blown.
Formetis returned to him shortly after. “It is a good thing you got him to me when you did. He would have died if he had not received treatment soon,” she muttered crossly.
Do I detect a hint of anger from her? Inferno thought to himself. He had very rarely seen this emotion from Formetis, who took most in stride with him. Why is she so upset about this?
“I won’t lie; he was difficult to put down. Each time he got knocked down, he would get back up. It wasn’t until I disabled his ability to do so did he give in,” Inferno answered truthfully.
The girl still looked upset. “He’ll live, but
only because of my power. That was reckless what you did to him.”
Inferno smiled. “And since when do you chastise me for my decisions? What is so special about this boy?”
“That’s the boy who saved my life. He rescued me when the Humans were going to take me away after I ran off. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t still be with you,” Formetis said.
So that was it. The boy had saved Formetis back then and she was feeling protective of him, Inferno mused to himself. Part of him was amazed. She had never really bonded with anyone aside from him, and mostly hid in the shadows.
This was personal growth. But it also meant that she was being torn in two separate directions. This was not good for his plan. He needed Formetis to be at her best. If this young warrior was distracting in any way, then perhaps…
Inferno sighed. When did you grow into such a monster, entertaining thoughts about killing Demon children? he thought to himself. But then he knew the answer. That day three years ago had changed him forever.
Still, it would be best if he could contain this. That boy was skilled, there was no doubt there. And if he had an affinity for Formetis, perhaps that could be the key to securing his loyalty.
No, that wouldn’t work. Based on what he said, he would never willingly do anything that would cause harm to his sister. He would never…
“Master, please stop ignoring me!”
The voice snapped him out of his thoughts. With a pang of realization, he noticed that he had just been standing there for a while with the girl, not saying a word.
“Forgive me, little one. I did not mean any offense. I was just thinking about our guest, is all,” Inferno said truthfully.
Formetis began to fidget with her fingers. Inferno knew that was a habit of hers when she was worried. “What is going to happen to Pent?”
Ah yes, that was the lad’s name. “Ideally I’d wish for him to join our crew. We are nearing the finale, but it wouldn’t hurt to have security forces. What do you think of that?”
Formetis shook her head. “We have his sister. He would never abandon her. When I…” she stuttered, and had to regain her composure before continuing. “When I told him it was for the good of the clans, he became angry. I think he almost killed me there and then.”
“What? I thought you two were friendly?”
The girl tilted her head to the side. “It’s complicated.”
Inferno frowned. He got to his feet and began to pace. He barely remembered a time when he was happy. Fleeting memories would come to him. And yet, for the life of him, he could not remember what it was like to have friends.
Formetis was his ward. The Brotherhood of Shadows were his subordinates. Keta and Xuan...they had become enemies. Had Xehemoth really been the only friend he had?
He stepped outside. He didn’t care if anyone saw him right now, it would just be one more person that he would have to kill. Formetis came scrambling after him, but she had the foresight to keep quiet.
The darkness of night was calming for him. He had lived in the Shadowlands much of his life. Even when he had been working with Xehemoth, he had stayed in the land of his people. To remind him of their suffering and strengthen his resolve to do what he did.
Being a Greater Demon granted him grand power. But it did little in the grand scheme of things. The Empire would still destroy him with their numbers. They needed an edge.
Inferno stopped abruptly and turned to Formetis, who was tailing him at a respectable distance. “Formetis, you’ve followed me this far. Your resolve abandoned you once. Tell me, can you continue the mission?”
Formetis faltered, shrinking back. Then she looked at him with her chin held up. “It is my honor to help you fulfill the mission of the Brotherhood of Shadows.”
Inferno eyed the young woman carefully. He had taken care of this girl since she was a baby. She was like a daughter to him. And so it filled Inferno with contempt for himself at what he was forcing her to do.
“Then please forgive me for what must come next.” He had already sent Milaryna back to the Shadowlands to rouse his Demonic brethren. The eternal night would soon end for his people. He would burn this corrupted world to ash. And at long last, Inferno would rest.
PART III
GHOSTS OF THE PAST
14
Come to me. My voice can finally reach you. You must find me.
Night had fallen over Aurora as Keta made his way swiftly through the streets. The recent battles had enforced a curfew, and the threat level had led to the Administrator not rescinding it yet. This was good, as he didn’t want anyone following or detaining him.
Keta made his way through the military base, avoiding what he could and dispatching the patrols that he couldn’t. He felt bad, they were only doing their job, but he had to leave. The voice was calling him.
You must come to me. We haven’t much time. We must stop her.
He had been hearing the voice in his head not long after he had thrown Abyss away. It was as if the sword had been blocking it out, the sound of the Demon spirit’s voice too loud. Enticing him with promises of power.
He had gotten rid of the sword, but it had been too late. In his last battle, he had faced opponents one after the other, and on the verge of defeat, he had finally given in to the spirit’s honeyed words. The sword had granted him use of it’s demonic power, but had taken control of his body after Keta’s prolonged use of it.
Keta remembered it all. Keta had been forced to do something he had never done before.
He had killed Delta.
The Xegin general had been twisted in his hatred for the Humans. When Keta had been forced to make a decision, the sword had made the decision for him.
Erisda had said to him that it was not his fault, that Delta had gone crazy, that he had saved thousands of lives with his actions. But he had still taken a life. And it was all because he had been forced into that position by allowing himself to become possessed. It was his weakness that led to Delta’s death.
Pent had left him, disgusted by his lack of resolve. Keta couldn’t blame him. He had surrendered Abyss to the boy and refused to fight. He had given up, lost in despair.
Until this voice had reached him. It was not like Abyss, alluring but with a menacing air. This one had a sense of purpose, of tranquility, of familiarity. It was a feeling he had never felt before. No, that was not true. He remembered those feelings from when he was younger with his elder brother. It was faint, but he had felt it with Sephiel as well.
There was no doubt in his mind. The voice was that of a Kitaan. And if anyone out there could help him understand what he was feeling and what his purpose was, it would be this person.
Keta felt bad, for he had excused himself from the military base without asking permission. He could not risk being denied, and he was wary. That after the last conversation he had with Erisda, they would hold him to limit his unpredictable movements, as the Xegin had tried.
He could only rely on himself right now. He had to figure things out on his own. And so, he stood crouched by the building’s shadow, waiting until the patrols made their rounds. He was so focused on their movements that he almost didn’t hear the steps from behind.
Max walked up to him, wearing a particularly somber look. It seemed that the young Demon had been tailing him since the base. Has he been keeping an eye on me after the battle?
“So...have you gone crazy?” Max asked simply with a look of concern covering his face.
A valid question, considering his hasty exodus. Instead, Keta watched as the patrols moved away and nodded for the Demon to follow as he began to run. Very soon Keta’s actions would be discovered and he had no desire to be around when that happened.
And so they ran for several minutes, without stopping, until the base could not be seen in the darkness, and they would not be seen by any scouts. Only then, did he stop, with Max doubled over, trying to catch his breath.
“Okay, mind explaining what the hell is going on?” Max ask
ed after a moment.
“Yes, I’d like to know as well.”
Max whirled around, his hands clenched into fists at the sound of the voice directly behind them. But not Keta. He knew that voice.
“Xuan?”
The direction of the voice came from the trees, and the figure of Xuan slipped out from behind them. The young Demon walked closer, until he was face to face with him. “Hi Keta.”
Xuan had always been the most unpredictable person Keta knew. The old Master had been whimsical and Master Inferno had been stoic. His brother had been practical and Velgauder had been loyal. Ansemaru had been...well, Keta wasn’t really sure what that girl was.
But Xuan simply lived as chaotic as one could. Perhaps it was because of his power, or the confidence he held in himself. Either way, it had always been a trait Keta had been jealous of.
Max looked confused. “Ain't that the guy from the other day? The one that was fighting for the Xegin army? Why’s he here?”
“He’s a mercenary. He fights for whoever pays him.” Keta explained. He looked Xuan in the eyes. “Is that why you are here? The Xegin pay you to take me out for killing their general?”
To his surprise, Xuan shook his head. “Come now, Keta, you know me better than that. Even if I got an offer like that, I would never kill you. Maybe rough you up a little and all,” he added with a smirk.
Keta must have still looked skeptical, because the Demon threw his hands up in the air. “You know how it is, work is work. I could end up on any side of battle, fighting anyone. But here, right now, we are friends. And as your friend, I came to see you.”
Xuan may have been a pain most of the time, but he was pretty honest about things. “Fine, I believe you.” Keta said with a sigh. He had forgotten how aggravating his old friend could be.
Xuan laughed and jabbed a thumb back in the direction of the base. “I was outside surveying the city when I saw you sneaking around. I’ve been following you and your buddy here since. You two are not very observant, are you?”
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