Capítulo 8: Chapter 8. Stare Into The Abyss And It'll Stare Back
My dear Crown Prince Hebzucht, your dutiful ally has a piece of information that might interest you. I have been given the authority to conscript an expedition of three hundred men into the eastern wild lands to give aid to the Heer af Nàdu, defenders of our eastern borders.
Their population has been plummeting as of late. With the dark rumblings of demons in the east from the priests within the Baroque Cathedral. I fear that they will not suffice. To secure our borders we shall build a fortress at the edge of the forest.
As you know the wildlands have been touted as a land with many riches. The adventurers who have hunted the mana beast with return with wealth lasting generations.
Little birds have been tweeting in my ears of your need for funds and supportive allies in your ascension to the crown. As you know the crown has heavy regard for accolades in war and exploitation, something in that Prince Krig Besat has excelled. I'm sure you know how highly the Emperor regards the Heer af Nàdur. I'm sure getting the goodwill of the Nàdur will be beneficial in solidifying your position, the Emperor loves them dearly, as one would a friend.
I have conscripted Jahad of Nobel house Griffin to be commander for this expedition. I have heard of his genius abilities from the military academy, if you could form a bond with such a character the skies will be your dominion. This is all only if you are interested, please make haste, I await your decision.
Sincerely, your aid, Prime Minister Jabhat
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Slowly I sunk into the abyss. Memories of all whom I failed bubbled to the surface. My clan's torturous destiny, led by that vile demon Gathorn, his shrill cries of maddened Hatred as he summoned legions of malformed demons and beasts . Mangled corpses of my clan mates floated up from the darkness below as I descended deeper into the abyss, in desperation I stretched my hands to reach out to grab them but the distance only multiplied the more I tried. The demons that the survivors had become, we're now mindless abominations screaming in rage at the multitude of my omissions and by extension, their affliction. I clutched my head in agony from the cries of anguish overwhelmed me.
The bloody and battered bodies of Rhock, Maria, Rosario, Boog, and Zwart slowly floated above me. bloody holes formed in the middle of their heads as blood and a clear liquid trickled down their foreheads. In unison their whispered words invaded my head." Runt you led us to our death...liar...murderer..." Maria glared at me with a smoldering hatred. " you deceitful creature…you beguiled us from the very inception so we could be fodder for the demon king. I should have recognized your disingenuous intentions from the beginning. Some hero you were…" Though they slowly floated away their accusatory glares never left me." I'm...I'm sorry."
Suddenly I felt a jerk on my shoulders. A shriveled, four-armed Spiorad grabbed me by the neck, his robes dirty and torn. The whites of his four eyes blackened with rage." How many more rolling heads BOY!?" The darkness around me shifted into a wasted capital city. The river that flowed through the city was sanguine. Corpses were piled all about the city's ruins. The dilapidated old man's grip tightened as he lifted me up, giving me a better view of the destruction. Those bony hands blighted by necrosis intended to choke the life out of me, my struggling effort was pointless. "How could you let them all die!? Was my sacrifice nothing to you!?!?" His body morphed into my father, his cold eyes bore into me, as his hands crushed my voice box." Disappointment is all you've given me all your life. My clan that I worked so hard to preserve is extinct? Disgraceful failure!You are no son of mine." The humiliation of his words overtook me. My arms slumped by my side abandoning any resistance.' A letdown like me should cease to be .' Succumbing to those angry hands, I closed my eyes ready to perish.
A while passed and nothing happened. I noticed the pressure around my neck was gone. I open my eyes to find myself at the village standing before the clan shrine. Impaled to the sacred stone memorial by a double-bladed staff was a familiar green girl with ginger hair, copious amounts of blood streamed from her mouth. Her previously glamorous white ceremonial kimono was now stained with her blood. I hurled myself beside her, squeezing my hand on the wound in her stomach in an attempt to stop the bleeding." Don't die...don't die my love...not again...please." Her golden amber eyes were full of the terror of her demise. a bloodied hand clasped my face full of tears and whispered. "Don't leave me…please don't let me die." Tears wet her supple cheeks as I pressed my forehead against hers and grabbed her hands while beseeching the Great Spirit, casting a healing spell. Yet still I could feel her resilience withering away. " You said...you were my hero...you said you...would always... Protect me..." Her betrayed whimpering expression crushed my heart. All I yearned for presently was for the demon king to blast my heart out again. Her hands fell from my face as the light in her heartbroken eyes faded." Solsikke...I'm sorry...I've failed you once again..."
I begin to hear a bestial growl behind me and turn to see Gathorn missing one of his staffs and staring at me with purple flames spewing from his eye sockets of his ramm skull mask, his demented outrage fanning the flames of his animosity for all things living. I get ready for battle desiring to be slain by the demon. He points behind me and I turn to see the demon king with crossed arms and one foot on Meladoras's severed head, spreading his bat-like wings in a taunting manner. He looked down at me with a condescending gaze. His arrogant finger unfurls, pointing at my chest. I look down to see the gaping hole from our last battle, blood instantly gushes forth from the gaping void where my heart once throbbed in pain. I fall over and instantly lose consciousness.
I come to atop a grassy hill under an enormous wisteria tree. Its orange petals shimmered in the night sky as if set on fire. I could still feel that giant fissure where my heart should be. Casting a glance up at the mesmerizing tree above me for some reason made all the inimical sentiments that crushed my nonexistent heart fade away.
A small boy crouched over beside my head, its countenance featureless. It was as if a puppet master decided to carve a doll out of the obsidian wood of the wisteria tree and use gold for its joints. The folded wings on its back were translucent as if made of crystals.
Its innocent childlike voice rang out. "Why are you so downtrodden?"
My eyes shifted from the little automaton back to the tree above." Because everything I touch has gone to ruin. I've tried my best to be the hero but it always comes to naught.I wonder if I disappear, would the outcome be better?". The little puppet was still for a while as if deliberating on something, then tugged on the hem of my clothing. " I could help you. What is it that you want to do?" Reflecting on the asinine perdition that is this world I couldn't help but spew my futile ambitions " To save them and the world they loved. I want to create a paradise for them." The child giggled." That's a noble motive. What would you sacrifice for it?" without hesitation, I responded "everything" the boy's mechanical fingers tapped rhythmically on his chin as he held his face in a tilt." He was right, you really do have a hero's gallantry, would you be willing even if you have to assume the heavy yoke of an adversary to former friends ?"
I was silent for a second but remembering Elder Spiorad's words I answered." ...Yes."
The boy leaned in its faceless head getting closer to mine."Even if you have to perform fiendish acts and join hands with former enemies? Even if the world despises you and blots you out of history? Even if you don't get to enjoy the fruits of your labor?" Remembering Solsikke's dying expression, my father's disappointment, and Grand elder Spiorad's anguish I resolutely answered." Yes."
The boy rested his forehead on mine while settling his hand on the empty hole in my chest ." Then I will be the heart beating in your empty chest. No more will you say; Though the Mind is willing, yet the flesh is weak and gives up to limitations. For your body is now enslaved by our agreed purpose. I will be with you through all the nine hells of purgatory and the numerous thunder strikes of heavenly tribulation." I begin feeling an inseparable connection to the automaton. We chant in synchronization." To save the world."
'I will become a demon.'
It's only now I start to comprehend the judgments and sacrifices one would be willing to make on behalf of those that one loves and feels responsible for.
Father….
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My sincerest blessings go out to you and the Baroque Cathedral brother Jose. I have heeded your warning and requested the Emperor's approval for an expedition into the borderlands. This servant is in need of your financial aid as the coffers of the crown and wrapped up in different matters, I pray your heart does not take offense. Since we both suspect the presence of demons, I pray you send paladins and clerics to purify the land. Thank you for your continued prayers and blessings, may the Great One be with you.
Devote of the faith, Prime Minister Jabhat
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Prime Minister Jabhat you are like an uncle to me, how could your nephew not pass an opportunity to give you aid in your time of need as you always do for me? I will be sure to rope Jahad under the influence of the crown. When I have been crowned Emperor I will ensure your son's position in Parliament. I will see if I can recruit the adventures you speak of, as their experience would be appreciated.
Sincerely, Crown Prince Hebzucht
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