บท 55: Aftermath l
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POV: Kali
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The moment the bright flash came and went the holy knights stopped fighting, dropping like flies as they fell unconscious. However I still couldn't pursue the flying semi-Christine to where Astaros presumably was.
This was because he had annihilated the entire section she had flown into. Honestly I wasn't even sure if she was alive.
But what I did know was that I really did fail this time. Unlike most situations where I am outwitted, I couldn't even make it to the battlefield to help him after setting this all up. And it was all because of those idiot royalty.
Or perhaps I'm losing my touch.
Either way I not only failed in my scheme to gain Astaros's favor and put him in my debt. But also allowed Aurora to fire off a weapon of mass destruction in the vicinity of Elden.
I had been aware of the plot yet Aurora had acted erratically and shortened her timetable. And the royals wanted an update on the actions of Astaros.
If Aurora hadn't committed a war crime in the vicinity of Elden I wouldn't have been able to even get here.
*THOOM!*
A massive thunderclap echoed through the sky as grey ash and black glass whirled around my feet.
A demonic form landed in front of me, touching down as it's massive wings folded into it's back.
"We have found our father. However he has been enshrouded in a power that we can neither understand nor approach."
{C̸̡̭͈̤̫̗͋́͋̂̀͗͑̓̕̚͝h̴̜̘͓͓̫̮͐̌̀̓̐͜͜r̸͓͊̑̈́͆̾͂͆̓͑͗͘ĩ̴̼̩̭̿̄͊̃͂̌̏͆̕͝ș̵̢͚̗͙̘͐̿͒́͆̓̾̉͜t̴̡͙̯͚͕̥͔̝̣̻̖̣̻̺̲͐̂̚i̷̡̡͙͚̠̳͙̮͉̺̺̭͗́̐n̴̡̡̢̢̞͙̟̣̮̎͝ë̵̢̛̖͎̥̗̤͓͍́͋̎̒͂͗̀̎̌̚͝?̷̢̙͉͍̯͚͈͖̯̐̈̉̑̀̂͠?̵̘͉̺͇̰͎̯̮̲̜̮̦̯̱̇͊͊͌̎̇͋͐͋͌̕ͅ?̷̤͇̫̿̐̀̋̆̅̇͐͘}
Fathe- you know what it isn't my problem. Placing my hand to my chin I began to consider what had possibly happened. Looking up at Christine it was obvious her transformation was demonic in nature.
If that was the case then it was likely a powerful divinity was keeping her at bay.
Aurora likely did something at the last second to preserve herself and Astaros was likely caught in it.
However no matter what it was I was sure of one thing.
"It's likely Aurora called upon some final vestiges of divine power that remained in her, using it to preserve herself in the face of Astaros's attack. But that can't last. Astaros will either break out or she will run out of energy and he'll do what he wants." {Kali}
Waving her away I turned back to the massive field of carnage that had been created in the wake of Aurora's plot.
If I was to turn this situation on it's head I would need to be smart about it.
It all came down to one thing in my mind.
I could no longer play games.
I would have to have Astaros join the guild. And even if that doesn't happen I need to create a friendly channel between him and the royal court. I had procrastinated far too long.
'Hahhh. Well then lets just deal with that after tonight. I'm too tired for this right now.'
Suddenly I heard something hit the ground and turned to see the unconscious form of Christine in her ripped clothing, laying in the ashen dirt.
She must be exhausted.
Putting away my konda's I picked her up and placed over my shoulder as four people began to arrive.
Two beastmen and an elf, and raven to boot.
The surprises just don't stop, do they. However it couldn't have come at a better time.
"Spare us the lecture where's Astaros" {Fillia}
I sighed at the bluntness of the fox beast but my mind was whirring with ideas of how to capitalize on this new information.
'I'm going to be busy for a while then. This is what I get for messing around and procrastinating with my targets.' {Kali}
I pointed to the messy volcanic terrain behind me as I handed Christine off to Raven. The gears in my mind turned at a vicious pace as questions about the actions of the beast king's recent actions within Alvarian territory and the execution of his son were finally answered. This Elf had to be her.
"In there. And you, you're Dryis vernaheim right? I'm going to need you to come with me as a representative of the beastmen and th-" {Kali}
"Cut the crap." {Astaros}
A booming voice broke through the sky as the ash and dust parted in a massive gust of wind. The armored giant landed heavily on the ground, cratering it as he cradled something within his arms...
Wait, Aurora!?!
"Is she still alive?" {Fillia}
He nodded, turning to me.
"I'm going to be taking her into custody. You can try and take her back if you'd like. And Dryis isn't coming anywhere either. She is mine and I am hers. If you want to take me on then just try it." {Astaros}
In a scarlet flash the Shattered Star appeared in his hands, pulsating with light as the volcanic terrain glowed behind him. A slight bead of sweat tickled me as it ran down my forehead.
"I dare you." {Astaros}
After seeing the mess he made of Aurora and the holy knights I wasn't dumb enough to force the matter now.
However no matter how afraid or exasperated I was, a slight smile began to creep across my face.
It's been a while since someone has caused me to question my own capabilities.
It's also been a while since someone has directly challenged me.
And I wasn't one to back down without eventually making the effort to live up to my opponents challenge.
One day I will accept that challenge.
I've stagnated in life after years of service in the name of myself and Alvaria.
I thought I had already reached my peak.
I was mistaken.
There is far more left to grasp in the palm of my hand.
"I will concede the issue for now. As for Aurora, I never saw her leave the pit." {Kali}
I had no reason to take her from Astaros as chances are she would be let off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
I am more interested in what uses the Silver Fenrir could possibly have for Aurora. Perhaps he had been enamored by her beauty? Then he wouldn't have gone so far in his assault. I looked over at the devastation behind him as he put away the massive greatsword and turned to the two standing awkwardly off to the side observing our exchange.
I say two because the elf was blushing, the tall one was unconcerned and the demoness was unconscious.
"So what will you do now?" {Kali}
Astaros stared at Fillia and Dryis as they suddenly became attentive.
"I'm going to prepare for the consequences of my actions. As well as make use of this one." {Astaros}
He hefted up Aurora onto one shoulder as he turned to Raven who was cradling Christine.
"Can you take us home if it's not too much trouble? I'll leave this mess up to Kali since she knew it was going to happen in the first place." {Astaros}
He didn't even spare a glance as Raven drew her wand from a rift and chanted out a teleportation spell.
And in a violet flash he disappeared with the others.
"Now then. Lets what the guild can make from the church after a mass clean up like this." {Kali}
…
The floor creaked at the sudden addition of weight as Astaros appeared within his home, violet flashes illuminating the dimly lit floor as Oadry and Nikky jumped in surprise.
Nikky cursed as she kicked the table leg, crushing her toe as sat down and began to massage it.
"Welcome back Master Astaros. Shall I make accomodations for our guest? Or is that a prisoner." {Oadry)
She bowed as he turned to face her, not even sparing a single word.
"Room for her. Keep her asleep. I don't care how." {Astaros}
He then dropped Aurora on the table as walked up the stairs to the beds.
"Katia if I could bother you for a moment." {Oadry}
Oadry gestured to the limp unconscious body of Aurora as Katia nodded and walked over, grabbing her as she followed Astaros up the stairs.
Dryis apologized to Oadry for the hollow response she had received from Astaros as the other two headed upstairs after him, leaving Fillia and Nikky with Raven and the unconscious Christine.
Raven sighed as she began charging up another magic circle.
"I have to talk to Kali about the witch I failed to catch so I'll come back with Christine when she wakes up. I'll see you all another day then. " {Raven}
Fillia shook her head as a feeling of new understanding welled up within her, emanating deep from her soul. A warm connection that linked Dryis and her to Astaros now extended to Christine as well.
She sighed as a new realization came to mind as a hectic future came to mind.
"Haaah, Don't you should stay here the night or at least leave Christine. When she wakes up she is going to need to explain something to her." {Fillia}
Raven looked at her curiously as she heard this, many meanings swirling in her head as she attempted to understand.
"If its about the aftermath of the battle I can explain but I get the feeling thats not what you're talkng about." {Raven}
Fillia yawned as Nikky went around the main floor, shutting off the lights as she headed towards the baths.
"I'll explain in the later. I can even explain while we go soak and then head to bed. I bet Astaros may have already hit the sack after dunking a bucket on himself. However, you really shouldn't leave." {Fillia}
Raven sighed as she followed Fillia down the hall to the baths.
"Alright then. I'll bite. Though I'm taking Christine with me. I can't just lay her down on a bed with all this dust and dirt." {Raven}
…
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POV: 3rd person
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In a sea of waving green grasses Christine's eyes fluttered open, a clear blue sunless sky back at her. Slight winds caused the grasses to ripple as the bent and flowed in the breeze. The gales seemed to harbor a deep calm which resonated within her as she stood up from the soft ground.
A groan caused her to look down as she saw a massive wing splayed out beside her. This wing led back to body of a demoness, which stretched out into a second massive wing.
It was Christine's other half.
However, now she had a new question. Where was she?
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Blue_Robin
Blue_Robin There will be a decision to make next chapter so look out for that. Also what use does a priest have to a divine devastator? Also Kali from here on out will go down a winding path of hardship as she balances her loyalty and self indulgences.
Now then for the real question. The hell is up with Christine? These answers and more in the coming chapters!
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