After thinking about it for a long time (pretty long yeah? :S) I decided to rewrite 35 after all. The chapter really felt rushed and after I look over this new monster of a chapter i now know why^^ There was much more to be said about how that went down. Anyway after being sick for more than a week and having no internet for a while and with uni starting i was hardly able to get anything done I am sorry guys! But there are very good news: The storyline for arc4 is finally done!! Meaning? Interlude is done I only have to write it down but that will have to wait until tomorrow. BUT tomorrow you will get: Interlude 3: The Demon Lords Daughter, and Arc 4 Chapter 1: Aria, look forward to it *g* Anyway until then: enjoy The remade chapter 35. I think you will find it much better than before. PS: because of illness I couldn't do my makeover for the first arc sorry! My schedule for now is: 1 chapter new and 1 chapter rewrite a day from tomorrow onwards till sunday. Double new chapters if i get to it look forward to it ;) Anyway finally done with random rant^^
Chapter 35: Betrayal
Katia's PoV (3rd):
Restlessly Katia was pacing up and down her room. The way things had worked out were not good for her plans not good at all! She had carefully observed her prey over and over and had calculated that if she gave Argus the right information he would deal with that Asura problem for her.
It was far outside of her calculations that that stupid boy would just surrender! Now there was the real threat of Asura joining forces with the humans. Not the plan ,not the plan!
Something had to be done. And after thinking over it again and again she suddenly had an idea. Maybe, just maybe this situation could be salvaged. Maybe there was a possibility to even gain here. Slowly but surely a sly grin started to bloom on her face. It seems like her dear husband has outlived his usefulness.
Argus's PoV (3rd):
Argus von Hohenheim was extremely nervous as he followed ten guards towards the underground prisons below the castle. He had by now pretty much put the story together: Asura was without a doubt that last resident of that old cat's cottage. Assuming that the believed assassin survived his last attack it would fit the story.
That would than obviously mean that Asura was here for revenge. The only thing that did not make any sense whatsoever was the fact that Asura gave in. With that boy's power he could have massacred everyone present but he chose not to.
Hence Argus was now on his way to interrogate him. No one else was allowed near as the depth's of Asura's power were completely unknown. After pondering so much he suddenly realized they had already arrived. The guards surrounded the cell door and he took a deep breath before opening the heavy metal door.
Within the small cell on a pallet fixed to the wall sat Asura in meditation. Cross-legged with closed eyes he only reacted when Argus took a step into the cell.
„Leave the guards outside and close the door.“
The entire atmosphere around him had changed. Gone were the self-assured slightly impatient air replaced with a cold dangerous and piercing aura. No wonder that no guard dared to approach the cells until he arrived.
The guards looked unsure but you could tell they did not want to enter this cell. So with a hand gesture Argus signaled the knights that he was fine and to close the door. Darkness fell into the prison cell when the door closed behind him as no lights were lit.
Cold sweat made its way down the principal's neck but he needed answers. Before he could initiate any kind of question Asura spoke:
„Have you figured it out yet?“
Argus took a deep breath before answering:
„More or less. I assume you were involved with that cat beastman?“
A deep oppressive silence filled the cell before Asura decided to answer:
„My master and the closest thing to a father I had.“
That verified what Argus had already suspected. Still left one thing:
„But why surrender then? My guess is you could have killed everyone present at the scene? Yes you would have been suspected but still I don't know it doesn't seem to make much sense to me.“
He heard a small sigh:
„I don't really hate humans. You might have guessed by now that I am not human. Dragon to be precise. But I have no interest whatsoever in those stupid conflicts between races. At the same time I have to take care of my little sister and to be honest the capital is not the worst place to be. I will still ask you to pay the price and you will pay it one way or the other but I am open to negotiations.“
That surprised Argus but before he could say anything Asura continued:
„I have control over three of the emperors principal. Water, Wind and Darkness. Taking your live especially here where I have stripped the palace of it's protective barrier and where there is no annoying formation like at the academy which now that i have acquired the third spirit emperor is actually pretty useless is an easy feat but during my time here I started to think more about the future and spending my at the academy doing research is not the worst thing in the world.“
After saying that there was a long silence within the cell. Again the sage had to take a deep breath before saying:
„I understand. I will talk to his majesty. What are your terms?“
„Blood must be paid in blood. You owe me Argus von Hohenheim but unfortunately these humans need you. Therefore you are mine. You will serve me until I am satisfied. At the same time I killed where I could maybe have avoided it but they were threatening my sister hence I don't regret it. But I offer to help out in the war against the demons at certain times as compensation. That should more than satisfy the emperor.“
After a short while Argus answered:
„It's not like we are in a position to refuse, are we?“
The answer was merciless:
„It's good that you understand. Now leave.“
Theresa's PoV (3rd):
Theresa was extremely nervous. The only thing she had heard until now was that Asura had been arrested. Her father had only told her that Argus was on his way to interrogate him and that she had to wait until he returned.
So now she was restlessly walking circles within her room. Her father had promised her to call for her as soon as any information arrived so she waited patiently. She only hoped that nothing had happened to him.
She couldn't ,no she wouldn't believe that he had done anything wrong. That's right this all had to be a big misunderstanding! While thinking those kind of thoughts over and over again after what seemed like hours to her it finally knocked on her door:
„Little princess are you in there?“
She hurried to the door and burst it open:
„Thomaas what's going on?“
In front of her stood Thomaas the hero. Thomaas was twenty five years old and was chosen as this generations hero. The goddess would grant one youth of every generation her blessing marking him as the hero giving him special powers in order to fight against the demons.
And this generation's hero was her brother's childhood friend Thomaas von Niederwall. Together with the last great genius that graduated from the academy Titus von Dunkelstein they were known as the three shining generals. They weren't really generals but behind General von Niederschloß the three of them were the commanders of the three human armies:
Thomaas was commander of the first unit the Infantry. Alexius was in charge of the second uni the cavalry while Titus was leading the third unit the mage unit. Argus often was not on the front lines, only when he really was needed and that was only if the demon lord himself showed up which has not been the case for quiet a while.
Even though Argus was known to be the strongest human mage, people suspected that Titus had surpassed him by now but no one knew for certain. And that brown haired, blue eyed hero was the one that now came looking for the princess. He was quiet handsome with his height of 180 centimeters, the brown hair held short on soldier's length and his prominent face.
He was smiling at Theresa saying:
„Little princess, your father is looking for you and asked me to get you as I was heading to Alexius's chambers anyway. Gotta get some documents from the last campaign we had.“
Titus and Thomaas were the only people that were allowed to call her little princess. They had done so since she can remember hence for her it was fine as they were almost like her brothers.
„Thanks Tom. Have to hurry.“
Hardly even giving him a glance she was already rushing towards her family's dining chambers.
Thomaas's PoV (3rd):
Thomaas stood back scratching the back of his head: „My my. Quiet the rush huh? So what do you think is the big deal T?“
Suddenly a young man a bit over twenty with black short hair an almost boring face but piercing dark blue eyes appeared out of nowhere.
„I went around a bit, listening. Something smells really fishy Tom. This talk about demons.. We both know that the demons can't do anything drastic at the moment and an assassin good enough to make it here? Or one as powerful as that Asura? No Aria would have taken care of it or at least would have let me know that something is up.“
When Titus, yes the black haired youth was indeed Titus von Dunkelstein the third of the shining generals, mentioned his sister Thomaas face distorted slightly:
„Are you sure that we can trust her?“
Suddenly a bone chilling cold emitted from Titus:
„Thomaas. We had this discussion before. You were at fault because you didn't listen AND she is my sister. I trust her over anybody even you or Alexius.“
Thomaas twitched as if hit and let his head hang down a bit:
„Yes. Sorry.“ The chill vanished and Titus sighed:
„I can kind of understand you Tom, I really can but can't you understand her?“
Thomaas didn't lift his head but answered very silently:
„It's so difficult because i understand her.“
Titus only shook his head and put a hand on his friend's shoulder:
„Sorry I can't tell you what to do, you have to figure that out on your own. But you are my friend so at least I will forgive you. But don't expect the same from her.“
With that he vanished. Thomaas didn't move he only whispered into the empty hallway:
„I know.“
Kalius's PoV (3rd):
Kalius von Hochburg was listening silently to Argus von Hohenheims report. For this rare occasion he had invited someone outside of the royal family into their dining chambers in consideration of his daughter.
He knew how much that Asura had meant to her and he knew he couldn't stop her being present in this discussion. But he did not want her future prospects to see her collapse or cry therefore he had asked Hili to lead Argus into the royal dining chambers.
Now he was sitting at the top end of the table while his daughter was sitting on his right while Argus was sitting and talking to his left. Theresa's face became more and more pale while listening to Asura's story and his own face became serious as well. But what he heard was better than expected.
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If Asura had turned out to be a spy or an assassin the entire situation would have become ugly but at the moment it looked like it could be resolved. Even though it was still severe but he was most worried about his daughter.
Has Asura just used her for his own gains? Or was his change of mind maybe even because of her? But a dragon? On the other hand why not? He could take human shape and having a dragon's bloodline in the royal bloodline? Wouldn't that make his family's future generations stronger than ever?
The more he thought about it the better things looked. The only question remained: How true were Asura's feelings for Theresa? That was a different question entirely. Well he would cross that bridge when it occurred. What was most important at the moment is:
If he agreed to Asura's proposal he would gain immense war potential.
He was still pondering when he heard Argus say:
„So what is going to be your answer your majesty?“
He looked up and first looked towards his daughter. She was quiet pale but she took it better than he had anticipated.
„We will accept his conditions. I am sorry old friend but I don't see any other way here. We can't loose you and we absolutely can't make an enemy of him. On the contrary if we can gain his assistance with the demons maybe an end to this endless war is no longer a dream.“
Argus gave a wry smile:
„Don't worry about it your highness. I have already made my resolve and it was my mistake in the first place. Before meeting Asura I hardly ever have seen the beastkin as more than well beasts but I might have to reassess that position. We knew they were intelligent but I always thought they were savage only living for war but Asura is more sophisticated than most humans I know.“
With that being said Kalius stood up and said to Hili:
„Hili send guards to escort the leader of the wind department back to his tower with a formal apology. Furthermore make sure word of this does not spread. Find the guards that brought him back and know about this incident. Same goes to you Argus. Find the mages and make sure they don't talk. We handle this behind the scenes. Officially Asura was helping the unit out that was encountering demon infiltrators that's why he had to leave the tournament. That's all.“
With that Argus and Hili gave a bow and left the room. Kalius was now walking over to his still seated daughter and asked softly:
„Theresa are you okay?“
As if waking up she slowly looked at him:
„I think so. It's just a lot to take in. I... I think i need some sleep and then later.. I don't know, talk to him?“
The emperor put his hand on Theresa's shoulder:
„Don't worry child. I am sure that he stayed because of you.“
She gave a dry smile:
„You see, I am not sure what should scare me more. If he stayed for me and my boyfriend is an almighty dragon or if he didn't stay for me and the man I have fallen for has just been using me.“
Asura's PoV (1st):
I was finally back in my tower. It was long past midnight but this crappy day was finally over. I wasn't sure how I should feel about how everything went down. I kind of have gotten my revenge but not the way I had hoped.
On the other hand I now had someone that could protect Mia when I was not around. That was by the way exactly my intention. Argus would have to take care of Mia. Especially teach her! I wanted Mia to be able to look after herself but well I am really not a good teacher especially because I use magic differently than anybody else.
Therefore when I was sitting in that cell meditating I came up with this idea to have Argus do it for me. He would be my servant for the rest of his life and I would make sure that he would work for what he had done.
But I came to respect that old man a bit. He was quiet clever, pretty powerful and to be honest all in all quiet pleasant. For a human at least. And it seemed he really regretted what he had done.
Not that that mattered.
But well I kind of really don't wish Theresa or the humans anything bad and Argus was it seems necessary for this country. So slight change of plans.
„Tempest, make contact with Kal'ya and let me speak to Caro through her.“
It only took a moment before I heard Tempest in my head:
„She asks if you are alright.“
I smile. I could imagine that small spider jumping up and down while mentally shouting:
„Is he okay, is he okay?????“
„Yes I am good. I made a deal with the humans. Are you safe, do you have a place to stay the night?“
„Yes we found a small wood not too far from the capital were we will camp for tonight. What do you mean deal?“
„We can live with the humans. Safety for Mia and us and that mage has to serve us for the rest of his life.“
„I am not happy that he is still alive after he killed master but servant doesn't sound to bad to be honest. He was pretty powerful after all. Fine we will see you tomorrow. Don't be too late. Mia misses you dearly.“
With that I cut the mental connection and finally I went to sleep.
??? (will be revealed later) PoV (3rd):
Maybe if Asura had not been as tired from all the things that had happened that day he would have heard the ruckus that would be happening a short while after he went to sleep.
A black shadow was hovering in front of the window of the emperor's sleeping chambers. It stretched out it's hand and when the black ring on the hand touched the window, darkness seeped out of it melting the window away. The black cloaked figure than slowly hovered into the chambers.
It walked over to the sleeping emperor and stretched out the hand with the ring again until the ring touched the emperor's throat. With a scream the Kalius von Hochburg woke up but that scream turned into gargling within the time of two breaths. But that was enough: The guards burst into the room only to see a black shadow jumping out of the window and flying away.
Argus's PoV (3rd):
Breathing hard Argus burst into the throne room.
„Is it true?“
Looking back at him were Theresa with red eyes from crying being hugged by her brother. Next to the siblings was Katia the emperors wife and the last one was Larius. Katia who seemed quiet composed despite the circumstances answered:
„It is indeed. The emperor has been murdered an hour ago. The murderer was obviously a mage seeing that he flew away from the scene of crime. We tried to contact you but couldn't find you at first so Larius came to investigate.“
With a look Larius stepped forward and cleared his throat:
„The scene of crime had huge amounts of darkness and wind energy. The method to kill used was without a doubt as well darkness magic. Combined with the fact that the culprit did not use any incarnation to easily fly away after the deed we can come to only one conclusion.“
Larius took a deep breath and said with a grave voice:
„Asura has murdered the emperor.“
Just as Argus became even paler than he already was the doors behind him burst open again.
„Your majesty. We have lost contact with the assassins. He killed them all and is now on his way here.“
Now even Katia looked shocked:
„No way.“
The messenger continued:
„Further more the last thing we received when the contact was cut was 'You think you can stop the demon kings number one?'“
Katia turned to Argus:
„Respected sage. Please you have to stop him somehow.“
With a deep breath Argus straightened his shoulders.
„I am not confident but I shall try my best.“
As he was rushing towards the next window he could use to confront Asura he was suddenly stopped by a familiar voice:
„Sensei wait.“
Hearing those words he came to a halt turning around.
Indeed there was the best pupil he has ever had: Titus. Titus was next to Asura most likely the greatest genius he had ever met. Titus was gifted in all elements except for light and had immense power and knowledge. Much like himself Titus had reached the ninth rank of control in all of his elements but he was obviously so much younger.
That was talent you could rarely find.
Together with his calm and collected character his high intelligence and hard working nature he was the kind of student every teacher dreamed of. And he was one of the people Argus had the most trust in.
„Titus. Perfect timing. It seems Asura is a demon assassin after all and on his way. Help me stop him!“
Titus only shook his head:
„No Sensei, that is not the case. Something is not right here. I can assure you that the demon king has not sent any kind of assassin to us.“
That confused Argus quiet a bit.
„How can you be so sure?“
The answer shocked him more than he could have imagined.
Asura's PoV (1st):
Furious I was flying towards the castle. How dare they sneak attack me after pretending to be all friendly. How dare they try to kill me. It had been a long time that I was as pissed as I am now. When the castle came in sight I was about to prepare the biggest magic attack i could think when I heard:
„Asura please wait.“
Looking to my right I saw Argus flying up to me. Narrowing my eyes releasing my killing intent I silently say:
„Any last words old man?“
I could see how pale he became but he did not back down:
„Please listen to me. Just for a second. Something is not right here.“
That made me laugh:
„NOT RIGHT?“ I shouted back. „NOT RIGHT IS THAT YOU TRIED TO MURDER ME IN MY SLEEP!“
Before I could continue:
„The emperor was murdered!“
That stunned me a bit. Argus used that small time gap when I hesitated:
„Someone used darkness magic to kill the emperor and then fled the scene using flying magic without incarnation. The empress was furious so she sent assassins after you. You are framed! Someone wants you to get rid of the royal family and all evidence for them!“
That made me think. If what he said was true I was even more pissed. One of the things I hate the most is being used. I absolutely despise it! Even though I whisper he can hear me clearly:
„Who?“
He answers:
„I don't know yet. But I will find out, I swear it on my life and honor.“
I think for a while. I believe him. Everything else doesn't make much sense. Neither Argus nor the emperor are stupid or fools. They know that they can't take me.
So a third party playing against me and the imperial family makes sense. I could kill Argus now, take my revenge and leave but.... That really would leave a bad aftertaste. Fine.
„One year. I will come back in one year and then you will present me a head. Otherwise I will just make sure and take all the heads. Are we clear?“
Relieved he answered:
„Yes. Yes of course. I swear that I will find the culprit within one year.“
Fine. Lets leave it at that. In the meantime, if we can't live in any country why not make my own? Lets go and pick up Mia, Caro and Kam'ya.