After convincing Pheera that a different environment would be good for her health, Narvari took Pheera out of Draghein School. Yanvirrak, of course, needed no convincing and came along with them even before Narvari could ask.

Instead of teleporting, they took one of the cars along. Narvari had to admit it was more fun exploring the city that way. For the first time in a while, she didn’t feel like a vanquisher on a quest to slay demons. She felt like any normal teenager with her friends. They spent the whole day visiting amusement parks, trying new foods, buying souvenirs, and just exploring the beautiful city. It was strange how Draghein School was located in the city and yet, this was Narvari’s first time seeing Johannesburg in all its glory.

Yanvirrak made the city tour more enjoyable as he seemed to know everywhere. Pheera, however, felt distant. Even when Narvari initiated a conversation with her, she felt the coldness from the Zoleris. This wouldn’t be the first time. Ever since Pheleraz spoke to Pheera in private, she’d been acting strangely and avoiding Narvari. Not wanting to make things worse, Narvari had avoided asking Pheera about it. But now, she didn’t know if she could pretend everything was alright.

After visiting a bowling alley and winning three games in a row against Yanvirrak, they finally went to a restaurant. It was 6 pm. They’d been sightseeing the whole day and Narvari was starving.

“This is so good.” Narvari moaned as she savored the pizza. She hadn’t had anything like this in a long time. Their constant training as vanquishers required a strict diet none of which included pizza or soda.

“Of course it is,” said Yanvirrak. “It’s why I brought you here.”

Pheera silently ate her pasta. She’d barely said a word since coming here. Narvari rested her hand on Pheera’s wheelchair. It was true that Pheera didn’t talk much, but Narvari sensed that something was bothering the young woman. This wasn’t about Pheleraz, was it? Ever since that jerk showed up, Pheera hadn’t been herself.

“Pheera.” Pheera’s gaze met Narvari’s. God, how she wanted to know everything. But Narvari only forced a smile and said, “Um… It’s nothing.”

Pheera gave a small smile before finding her food more interesting than Narvari’s face. Yanvirrak brought up something about wanting to buy a motorcycle and for the rest of their meal, that was all Yanvirrak and Narvari talked about. It was a good distraction, at least.

“I have to go to the washroom,” said Pheera suddenly.

“Alright.” Narvari stood up. “I’ll help you out.”

“No need, Narvari. I’ll be fine.”

Narvari sat in dejection. Silently, she watched Pheera wheel herself away. Now she was convinced that Pheera was trying to push her away. But why? Did Narvari do something? Did she…

“You two alright?” Yanvirrak interrupted her thoughts.

“Huh?”

“You and Pheera,” he said, “what’s going on? I sense some weird dynamic between you two.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” She shrugged. Suddenly, Narvari didn’t want to be here anymore. She wished she was back in her room, sleeping or something. Anything. As long as she won’t be constantly reminded by Pheera’s growing coldness.

“Oh come on, Shar. I know you know what I mean. Pheera is always so physically close to you. But now, I don’t know. It feels like she’s avoiding you or something.”

Narvari sighed. Yanvirrak might not look it, but he could be very observant. “I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me anything either.”

“What did you do?”

Narvari rolled her eyes. “Why do you assume I did something?”

“Because between you and Pheera, you are the asshole.”

That got a chuckle out of Narvari. He did have a point. “Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve done anything. But she started acting this way when her brother showed up.”

Yanvirrak narrowed his eyes. “Pheleraz?”

“Who else? He asked to speak to Pheera in private. Who knows what he said to her… Or did to her.”

“Who knows,” said Yanvirrak with a nod. “But have you thought about the possibility that Pheleraz has nothing to do with it? And maybe this has to do with you?”

“So you think I did something to her then? You know I’ll never hurt her.” Narvari paused. Then quietly, she added, “Not intentionally.”

“I know. You like Pheera, don’t you?”

That stopped Narvari cold. Did she like Pheera? That was a strange question. Her feelings for the girl couldn’t simply be encapsulated in something as pedestrian as ‘like’. She didn’t like Pheera. That couldn’t possibly capture the entirety of what she felt for Pheera. All the confidence she had simply evaporated when she was next to her. When she looked into Pheera’s eyes, the whole world seemed to disappear, and all that remained was Pheera. Pheera didn’t have to captivate her with a touch. With a single look, Narvari would do anything Pheera wanted. So no. She didn’t like Pheera. She was utterly enamored by her.

“Yes.” Narvari nodded. “I like Pheera.”

She expected Yanvirrak to make fun of her for admitting her feelings, but instead, he nodded with a serious expression. “Okay. And have you told her how you feel?”

“No. But she knows. I think.”

“What?” Yanvirrak gaped. “It doesn’t work like that, Shar. Never assume someone knows how you feel. It doesn’t matter how much you show them your feelings. You need to be upfront with them so they don’t get mixed signals.”

“You think she’s acting weird because I haven’t told her how I feel?”

“I think Pheera likes you too,” said Yanvirrak. “But you haven’t told her you feel the same way. She’s probably pulling away so she doesn’t get hurt.”

What the hell was this guy talking about? Only recently, Pheera had been so bold to straddle Narvari’s lap and almost kissed her. Was Pheera really pulling away because Narvari hadn’t told her she liked her? That was absurd. Obviously, Pheera wanted her too. So why hadn’t she said anything either? None of this made any sense.

“Yanvirrak, I don’t think this explains Pheera’s behavior.”

“Well, it’s just a theory.” He shrugged. “But it doesn’t change the fact that you need to tell Pheera how you feel. Sometimes it’s exhausting watching all that sexual tension between you two.” Yanvirrak chuckled. “Why haven’t you told her anyway?” he asked. “You’re never afraid to say what’s on your mind. So what’s stopping you?”

“I don’t know.” Narvari sighed. “I just get so nervous around her. No one makes me feel that nervous, you know.”

“Yeah.” Yanvirrak nodded. “But you should gather the courage and ask her out.”

“I mean… she can ask me out too, you know.”

“Sure. But I believe she still has trust issues. You two need to talk. Communication is the key to every successful relationship.” Yanvirrak shoved Narvari’s shoulder.

“What the hell was that for?”

“For being dumb as hell. Seriously, why did you even let me tag along? You two should have come alone, you know. Damn, you suck at this.”

“Wow,” Narvari smirked. She clasped her two hands together and gently bowed to Yanvirrak. “Teach me thy ways O’ Guru Farouk.”

Yanvirrak chuckled. “Why not? I know a thing or two about love.”

“Oh my god, are you in love?” Narvari grinned. “Tell me everything.”

Yanvirrak laughed. “I’m just utterly in love with my job.”

“I see what you mean.” Narvari nodded in seriousness. “Killing demons sounds romantic, to be honest.”

“You are a giant pain in my ass, Narvari Shar.”

“The feeling is mutual, Yanvirrak Hanes Farouk.”

Yanvirrak’s black eyes lit in mock exaggeration. “You finally said my real name.”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Housewife — ” The sight of Pheera approaching stopped Narvari’s words.

“You are so fucking whipped,” Yanvirrak whispered to Narvari before Pheera wheeled herself to the table.

Narvari rolled her eyes but wouldn’t stop smiling. They continued eating in silence until Yanvirrak’s phone rang.

Yanvirrak received the call. “Hey, Azmel… Yes. We’re here. Sure. Sure.” His eyes suddenly widened. “What?” Narvari sat up straight, exchanging a confused look with Pheera. “Are you sure?” Yanvirrak asked. “Okay. We’re about to leave anyway.” Yanvirrak hung up.

“What?” Narvari asked impatiently. “What did Azmel say?”

“The Order just traced Hellstorm to Zurich.”

Narvari gaped. “Really? How did they find him so fast?”

“The last vanquishers who ran into him put an energy tracer on him.”

“Energy tracer?”

Stolen novel; please report.

“It’s a form of a tracker.”

“Oh.” Narvari paused. “And he’s in Zurich right now?”

Yanvirrak nodded. “That’s what Azmel said.”

“What’s he doing there?”

“They don’t know yet. But he hasn’t changed locations yet. So it’s only a matter of time.”

“But what if he notices the tracker,” asked Narvari as they left the restaurant and walked toward their car. “I mean this is Hellstorm, right?”

“It’s not an ordinary tracker.” Yanvirrak shook his head. “It’s an energy tracer. Even if he knows there’s an energy tracer on him, he won’t be able to take it off, unless it depletes seventy-two hours later. The only way to avoid being traced is by not using his sacred energy. And clearly, he’s already used it since they know where he is.”

“I see.”

Could Hellstorm really not know he was being traced? Or maybe he knew, but just didn’t care. From the things he’d heard about the man, it was obviously the latter. All of a sudden, Narvari wished the man would be caught just so she could see who this legendary Hellstorm was. And yet, another part of her didn’t want that to happen. If Hellstorm was a demon, then weren’t they all royally screwed?

----------------------------------------

Hellstorm glared at the castle. It was massive and well hidden by the forest surrounding it. “So there you are, Ziegler,” Hellstorm muttered to himself. He instantly teleported himself into the mansion, not for a moment caring about the security. Anyone who stood in his way better be ready to die.

Hellstorm reappeared in an expansive room. The floors and walls glistened like silver, the staircase was spiral silver water, and the chandeliers were a behemoth of elegance. Bezvaros did set Ziegler for life. The rage burning within Hellstorm escaped as a fit of laughter. What could be funnier than this? While he was being tortured in hell, Ziegler was enjoying this heaven. Wonderful. Just wonderful.

Approaching footsteps kept him on high alert. Took them long enough, he thought. He waited with bated breath, ready to raise hell right here. Several men in black suits poured into the room and surrounded Hellstorm. Every one of them had pistols pointed at him. He had never seen people so eager to die.

“Gentlemen.” Hellstorm dug his hands in the pockets of his overcoat. “I’m looking for Ludwig Ziegler.” He slowly turned around, so all the men could see him. A pretty useless gesture, anyway, since his mask covered his lower face. But it was effective at intimidating people. Yet these men didn’t look in the least bit intimidated. He couldn’t blame them. There were more than a dozen of them, armed to the teeth, and there was only one of him. Unarmed.

“This is private property.” A man appeared upstairs. With his long blonde hair, chiseled jaw, and icy blue gaze, ordinary people would easily feel intimidated by his presence. “How did you get in here?”

He must be the head of security or whatever. He should get answers for Hellstorm. “Where’s Ziegler?”

“Who are you?”

“Doesn’t matter. But I’ll be your worst nightmare if you don’t let me see Ziegler. Now.”

The man’s expression did not waver for a second. “Kill him.”

Hellstorm sighed. Just before they opened fire on him, he released his golden sacros. As it raged out of him, the sheer force of his sacros flung the men violently in all directions. He did not have time to be fighting insects. These men were protecting the man who sent Hellstorm to hell, so yeah, fuck them.

Hellstorm smirked at the shock in the man’s eyes. In a single leap, Hellstorm was already on the staircase, grabbing the man by the neck and pinning him to the wall. The man struggled to loosen Hellstorm’s grip, but it only tightened even more.

“Where is Ziegler?” The man feebly pointed to his left and Hellstorm dropped him. “Lead the way.”

Wheezing and panting, the man rose and took the lead. Hellstorm followed. They passed several hallways and doors until they finally stopped before a large black door. “He’s in here,”

“Sure. But you’re coming with me.” Hellstorm shoved the man to the door. “Open it.”

He felt this could be a trap, so he used the man as a shield. And just as he had suspected, there were four men in the room all pointing guns at him. But with the hostage closely shielding Hellstorm, the men hesitated to shoot.

“What’s your name?” Hellstorm asked the hostage.

“Jacob.”

“Okay, Jacob. Tell me something, is Ziegler here in this room? Think carefully before you answer my question.”

“Yes,” he stuttered. “He’s here.”

“I see,” said Hellstorm. He couldn’t see Ziegler anywhere in this office. But it was a large room with other doors so Ziegler could be anywhere. “One more question, Jacob. Do you want to die?”

Jacob shook his head vigorously. “Stand down. All of you. Stand down now.”

The four men looked at each other. They seemed uncertain about what to do, however, they didn’t lower their guns. Hellstorm sighed. He threw Jacob out of his way and then bolted toward the four men. Anyone he touched, he disarmed, and in less than a second, he had four guns in his hands. He dropped all the guns and bullets to the floor. The men gaped at their guns on the floor. They retreated slowly.

“I hate having guns pointed at me,” said Hellstorm.

A gunshot ripped the air from behind. Sensing the bullet speeding towards him, Hellstorm caught it between his fingers without even turning around. He dropped the bullet and turned to face the man of the hour.

“Nice to meet you too, Ziegler.” The useless bodyguards quickly scrambled out of the room leaving Ziegler alone with Hellstorm. “That’s your security team?” Hellstorm chuckled. “That’s pathetic. I was expecting demons here.”

Even with his trembling hand, Ziegler continued to aim his gun at Hellstorm.

“What? You still want to shoot me?” Hellstorm scoffed. “Really.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Ziegler lowered his gun. “How did you find me?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“I heard the rumors about you coming to life.” Ziegler clenched his jaws. “I thought the Ancient Order of Vanquishers made it up to flush me out.”

“Please, you’re a fucking joke to the Order.”

“And yet here you are.”

“That’s right, Ziegler, here I am.” He grinned “It’s such a big mystery why I’ll be here looking for the very man who sent me to Bezvar.”

“That was hardly my fault.” Ziegler’s face reddened. “You vanquishers came looking for a fight. We were just minding our business.”

Hellstorm burst into laughter. “Yes. Because trying to release the Demon King into the physical world is no big deal. Just another Friday for you innocent Vessels. And the big bad vanquishers rained on your parade. Obviously, it was not your fault at all.”

“Look, Hellstorm, that’s not the point.”

“You’re right. It’s not.” Hellstorm’s voice turned deadly as he slowly sauntered towards Ziegler. “I’m not here to reminisce. There’s nothing I would like more than to rip your guts out through your mouth and then feed it back to you. As much as I want to kill you right now, I’m here for something else. Something more important than your fucking death.”

Ziegler narrowed his eyes. “What?”

“I need an audience.”

“An audience? Weren’t you in Bezvar? You could have found whoever you were looking for.”

“Is that why you sent me there? Because you thought it was a fucking vacation? Does Hell sound like fucking Hawaii to you?”

After a moment’s pause, Ziegler asked, “Who do you want an audience with”

“Izenros.”

The Vessels’ eyes widened in shock. If Hellstorm could get a dollar for how many times Vessels and demons paled in fear whenever they heard Izenros’s name, he would be the wealthiest man alive. It was certainly for a good reason they feared Izenros. No Vessel or demon in their right mind would want to offend a prince of the Septos. Even many senior vanquishers would think twice about facing Izenros without proper backup.

“Are you crazy?” Ziegler yelled.

“I’m very sane, Ziegler.”

“If you’re going to kill me, then do it.”

“Maybe I won’t kill you,” said Hellstorm. “Maybe I will just tell the Order where you are. And then you’re history. You know what they do to Vessels, don’t you? Imagine what they’ll do to you, Ludwig Ziegler, Archvessel of the Vessels of Bezvaros, and the man who almost unleashed the Demon King.” Hellstorm chuckled. “I can already see your future, Ziegler, and it’s no future.”

“Whatever they would do to me would be nothing compared to what Izenros would do if I dared to summon him. Go ahead and call the Order.”

From the unwavering resolve in his eyes, it was clear Ziegler meant every word. Hellstorm sighed. “Why the hell do you people even call yourselves the Vessels of Bezvaros if you can’t summon royal demons?”

“I didn’t say it was impossible,” said Ziegler. “I’m saying it’s too dangerous even with all my power as Archvessel. The slightest mistake could cost my life. You don’t just summon a pureblood royal demon for no good reason.”

“Who says I don’t have a good reason?”

“Maybe you do. But I don’t. Prince Izenros is too powerful to incur his wrath.”

“You summoned Bezvaros himself.”

“Astrally,” said Ziegler in exasperation. “I summoned him astrally. And that was only possible because of Bezvaros’s Crystal. The crystal was a permit.” Ziegler paused. “Look, even if Prince Izenros would not kill me for disturbing his peace, I still don’t have any relic or rune powerful enough to summon a Septos… not from Bezvar.”

“Izenros is not in Bezvar. He’s here on earth.”

“Hellstorm,” Ziegler put his two hands together, “this is not just a matter of geography. It’s a matter of not pissing off a bloody demon prince. You of all people should understand that.”

“Actually, I don’t.”

Ziegler sighed. “I can’t help you. Sorry.”

Hellstorm nodded. “Okay, then.”

Ziegler tilted his head and narrowed his eyes cautiously. “Really?”

“Sure.” Hellstorm shrugged. Ziegler’s fear of Izenros was real — convincing him otherwise would be a waste of time. Between Hellstorm and Izenros, it was clear Ziegler feared Izenros more. Finding Izenros was of the utmost importance, and if Hellstorm was to get what he wanted, he would have to threaten Ziegler with someone far more terrifying than the last prince of the Septos. Hellstorm stopped before a large painting of a shadowy figure clothed in black amour. It was a poor rendition of the real thing, but it was certainly a painting of the Demon King. He went around looking at more paintings and strange artifacts enclosed in glass casings.

“You have a nice home,” said Hellstorm.

Ziegler said nothing. He simply glared at Hellstorm with intense hazel eyes. It was like he knew Hellstorm’s change in subject was simply the calm before the storm and he was bracing himself for the hell storm at any moment. Vessels knew vanquishers best indeed.

Hellstorm chuckled. “Relax, Ziegler. I’m not going to force you to do anything. You will do it yourself.”

“I already told you — ”

“I heard Bezvaros rewarded you for sending me to him,” Hellstorm interrupted. “It’s that how you could afford all this?”

“King Bezvaros is generous,” said Ziegler. “All hail his name.”

“I’ll pass. But yes, I recall how generous the Demon King can be to his enemies. Especially when that enemy was someone who almost killed him.” Hellstorm grinned as he recalled the lethal blow he had dealt on Bezvaros. “Tell me something, Ziegler, have you ever been to Bezvar?”

Ziegler paused thoughtfully for a moment. “No.”

“Interesting how Vessels of the king of hell have never been to hell themselves. Would you like to know what it’s like?” Ziegler said nothing, but Hellstorm continued anyway. “Well, it’s… hell. You became a hero back in Bezvar for sending me there.” Hellstorm slowly encircled Ziegler. “Hellstorm, the purger of demons, finally the prisoner of demons because of the great Archvessel, Ludwig Ziegler. It was glorious… for them, at least. For me, it was literal torture.”

“What is this? Are you trying to guilt me into summoning Prince Izenros?” Ziegler scoffed. “That’s your plan?”

“Then I escaped from Bezvar.” Hellstorm ignored Ziegler. “And do you know the best part? You see, not only did I inflict great physical pain on Bezvaros, but I also escaped with what he treasures most. Can you imagine Bezvaros’s rage when he heard about my escape? I heard he tortured and killed all the demons who were responsible for keeping me in prison.”

Ziegler’s eyes darkened as the smugness wiped from his face. Good, he was catching on. “Why are you telling me all this, Hellstorm?”

Now Hellstorm stood face to face with Ziegler. “I’m merely wondering what Bezvaros would do when he hears that the man he rewarded for his loyalty was the same man who helped his worst enemy escape from Bezvar.”

The color was gone from Ziegler’s wrinkled white face. “You son of a bitch. I never helped you escape from Bezvar.”

“Oh, I know. I was there. Remember?” Hellstorm grinned. “But Bezvaros doesn’t know that. I wonder what will happen when I spread the rumors. And believe me when I tell you that rumors spread like wildfire in hell.” Hellstorm laughed. “So, whose wrath would you like to incur? The last demon prince or the fucking Demon King himself?”

Ziegler’s lips trembled. “You’re a demon.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment from a Vessel. Now, what’s your call?”

Ziegler sighed in defeat. “I’ll grant you an audience with Prince Izenros.”

Hellstorm patted Ziegler on the shoulder. “Well now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“Someday, you’re going to realize that your own people betrayed you too.”

“I don’t have time for this.”

Ziegler laughed mirthlessly. “Oh yeah? So I guess you don’t have time to know how we knew the Order was coming for us, or how we even found Bezvaros’s Crystal to summon him in the first place?”

“I’m sure you are going to tell me anyway.”

“You vanquishers act all high and mighty, but you’re all just like the demons you so much despise. Your people gave you up, Hellstorm.”

There was no point listening to a Vessel. They twisted people’s minds and used their demons against them. “If you’re done with your sermon,” said Hellstorm, losing his patience, “we should get moving. I don’t have all day.”

“Be in denial all you want. Someone or some people in the Order wanted you gone, Hellstorm. And they succeeded.”

“Well,” Hellstorm shrugged, “I’m here now. So clearly they failed.”

Probably sensing that his words had failed, Ziegler sighed and led the way.