Chapter 73: Those who died

The next morning, after a brief farewell celebration from Zen, Alastor's group was now on their way back to the capital of Zagon, together with the elven refugees they have recently added to their kingdom. Before he departed, Alastor has asked the Beast King to contact him if any more refugees were to be found. Certainly the group they had now could not be all of the elven survivors. Some could have fled toward other parts of the frontiers or even Zagon already. A few hundreds knights of the Millennium Regiment have also been dispatched to stay with Zen in assisting the reconstruction but also in case they needed to help transporting the refugees back through the Gates. Furthermore, some of the leftovers artificial monsters could still be around and these soldiers would prove to be a valuable asset to have.

Unlike the skillful and well-trained zagonian army, most of the remaining elves were civilians, unfit to make such a long journey as nimble and swift as the army so many stops were required on the way. Accompanied with them was also the ambassador's crew which consisted of the human refugees from Caelum who came to the Whispering Forest with bishop Maxime. Leading them was of course the beastman's Champion Viviana who was served as the main ambassador of the Beastmen in their alliance with Empress Morrigan. After a thorough discussion, it was decided that it was in their best interest to accompany Alastor back to Zagon as they were once citizens of Caelum, meaning rightful citizens of Zagon now since Caelum has been integrated as a province of Zagon.

The war might have been over but there were still many obstacles, many unrests waiting up ahead on the path Alastor has chosen. The fact that both Caelum and Malatas were now considered territories of Zagon would certainly provoke some tensions in the last remaining neighbor country: Ceadric. For long, the two nations have already been on bad terms with each other. Taking in account the recent events, Alastor would not be surprised if Ceadric saw Zagon's actions as an act of provocation for war. It was like saying "You are next to them!". But considering Morrigan's plan, that belief might not be that far-fetched from the reality.

And what about the dragons and the celestials? The later was currently in Ragna, under the supervision of Azureus and the rest of the demon guards but that could not stand for long. Sure, they might number only a few thousands, nothing compared to any other race but if Alastor was seeking a true peace, he must take them in account too. And Alastor could not confine them forever anyway. Nothing might have happened now but tension would rise one day and something must be done before that day came. However, would they listen to the voice of a demon like him? Surely not. Yet, perhaps there might be something he could do, maybe not him personally but someone by his side.

Ikarus has informed Alastor that upon returning to Eisenheim, she wanted to go back to her people, to convince them to join his plan. They had no leaders now and while she might have been exiled, the girl believed that not all of them were bad people. With Alastor's instructions on how to treat the celestials carefully, some of them must have realized by now that the demons might not be as bad as people claimed them to be. Certainly, the path would be thorny and difficult but not impossible. Either way, she had to try or else she would never know. She didn't want to feel hopeless, unable to do anything. Alastor's change has triggered something inside her. Watching him made her aspiring to do the same thing. A new era was coming and the blue haired celestial desired to be a part of it, not just her but also her people, to be there when that door of new possibilities opened. It was quite a surprise for the girl to say such thing, especially when you thought about how attached she was to Alastor. But right now, as disheartening as it may seem, there was things more important than their relationship. Each had their own part to play for the upcoming challenge. And it was not like they would never see each other again or anything like that, just simply a short time of separation before a tender reunion. In a way, this would be a small test of their love.

As for the dragons, Alastor has intended to depart to Oros as soon as he finished his business in Zagon. From what Luna has told him before she died, the final God, Amon, was waiting for him there. And only with his soul together with the one Alastor has collected so far, would the door to Celestia open, presumably the giant gate floating above Ragna. In addition, he remembered Odium saying something about his eldest son also being there. Supposedly, this child of his would be responsible for the recent rise of a certain conqueror in the dragon continent he has briefly heard about. Alastor has already lost one due to his carelessness and Sinforma was nowhere to be found. Whatever happened, he must meet up with his last remaining son.

"Alright, we will make camp here. With the current speed, we will arrive at Eisenheim by tomorrow. That's good everyone! Just one more day!" proclaimed Luvik from his horse.

Under his experienced commands, the troops quickly set up a temporary camp for everyone in no time. Perhaps it was due to their number but there was no monster attack on their way back to Zagon, making it a quite uneventful and smooth journey, which was good. These people have been through a lot already. There was no need for any further unnecessary trouble.

"That guy sure has a lot of energy to spare." Viviana commented on the commander to the young heir of Zagon's throne next to her. "Is it just me or is he awfully considerate toward that Luna priestess?" the girl said as she watched Luvik consistently accompany Cynthia around the camp, assisting her with everything she needed.

"That's a good thing, don't you think so? What is a better proof of peace than a romantic passion between two members of two different races?" said Alastor, holding Ikarus' hands tightly, making the girl slightly blush.

"Somehow I don't think that priestess feels the same about him though..."the cat girl conveyed.

"How do you know?" the boy asked.

"Woman's instinct...I guess. It's hard to explain." Viviana brushed. "But I guess the scent of forbidden love is always the most attractive."

"Like you and Lucas?" Alastor jested.

"Wh...WHAT? Are you crazy? Of course not! He is a thousand years too early for that. Who in their right mind would love such a bratty kid like him?" the cat girl startled at the prince's comment. Lucky for her, Lucas was not around to retort back. Not that he would be able to, not without a punch to the face, considering how Viviana led him around like a boss. "Besides, I have no time for such trivial emotion. I need to find my sister first."

It was upon hearing that sentence that Alastor's face turned blank for a moment. The memories, recollections, images of a certain young girl echoed in his mind. After their encounter in Caelum, Alastor has had some doubts about who this sister would be but in the end, he decided that it would be better, perhaps, to just ignore it. People who looked similar to each other were not that rare anyway. But did he really think that way? Or was he only trying to forget that cruel memory? To run away from it. That lasting moment when he devoured her soul? He could not forget it. It was as if the image was carved into his very soul.

So what did Alastor feel when he did that? What kind of emotions could have passed through the mind of a beast as he devoured the person he loved? "Delightful. Exquisite. Luscious." The taste of the soul was unlike anything he has ever savored. Absorbing the souls of Gods? As plain as water for it was directly infused into his own soul. But Shana' soul....The fragrance, that sweet smell...it was so...enslaving, enough to make a man sick, to crave for more. That insatiable lust no man could resist. That was what passed through his mind.

Yet, no matter how much he searched during the invasion of Caelum, no matter how many souls he ate, he could not find anything that could come close to it. The souls of those false heroes, the innocent civilians, the priests...tasteless and dull like air in his beastly mouth. At that point, Alastor could have turned into something very different from what he was now. And the only reason that didn't happen, the only difference that stopped him from crossing that point of no return, was the presence of this cat woman who was also here. Like an anchor, seeing her pulled him back to his sanity from the sinful state he was in. But why was so special about this girl that allowed her to accomplish such a thing without even her knowing? The answer was very simple: her face, those looks that were so similar to Shana.

Sensing a meager trembling of his hands, as if their minds were one, Ikarus realized immediately what Viviana just said has triggered something inside Alastor, a bad memory. Just like him, the celestial was also surprised when she first saw Viviana as the girl looked almost exactly like Shana, although a bit more mature. Perhaps that was what little Shana would look like if she was still alive in a near future. In her mind, Ikarus was aware of how much Shana meant to Alastor and how her loss has almost pushed the boy to the breaking point. Tightening her hand further, she reached her other arm to his shoulder and dragged him back in her side, letting him resting his head on her rounded shoulder. It was only when their skins came into contact, when her fragrant aroma was so close to him, that Alastor came back to himself.

"Ikarus?" uttered softly Alastor when he realized that he was now in her arms.

"It's alright. I am here for you." said the celestial while she gently caressed his back.

"...Thanks! But I am fine. You don't have to worry about me."

"I am sure you are. Still, it won't stop me from doing this."

"....Thank you...."

As the two lovers started talking to each other in a low tone, it made the others a bit curious on why did they suddenly do it that way.

"Something wrong?" asked Viviana.

"No it's nothing. I am just... a bit tired from our journey." The boy replied. "Say...what is your sister's name? If you don't mind me asking..."

"Her birth name is Shanalotte but those who know her well often call her as Shana for short. Why do you ask?"

"...Would you mind telling me a bit about her?" inquired Alastor.

"Well, people say that she looks a lot like me so everyone who has seen her would definitely recognize me. In the past, we were inseparable, always together, always getting along despite our big difference in age. Having lost our parents at a very young age, I tried to raise her as best as I could. Yet to be honest, I am not sure I would have made it this far without her, without her smile that kept me going every day.

Shana is the kindest, gentlest girl you can find in this whole world. One time, I found out that instead of keeping the food for herself, she gave it to the abandoned cats in the neighborhood, almost starving herself to death. Kind of stupid, don't you think? To give up your hard-earning, precious food for some kittens..." Viviana tried to smile forcefully but her eyes were already red at that point. "And the funniest thing about her is her wildest dream. Do you know what she has always wished for? To one day soar ....."

"To soar the sky on the back of a dragon..." Alastor uttered, lowering his head. "Indeed, a special girl she was...."

Viviana was stunned upon hearing the boy's words. How could he possibly know about Shana's dream? Her little sister, as joyful as she was, would never have told anyone like that unless she trusted that person. There was only one possibility that this could have happened: Alastor must have encountered Shana, or even made friends with her.

"How do you know about that?" Viviana shouted as she grabbed Alastor's collar. "Tell me! How do you know about Shana?"

"...I have met her on my travel...She told me that herself..." the boy muttered with sad eyes.

He has met her. Hearing this cracked a smile of joy on Viviana's face. With this she could find her sister again. But it didn't take much time for that smile to turn into despair. "Where? Where did you see here? Is she okay then?" the cat girl begged. "Please, tell me! I need to know, please!!!"

"Miss Viviana, there is something I need to tell you but...I want you to stay calm as..."

"Why? What are you trying to say?"

"Shana...she..."

.....

"NO! YOU ARE LYING! I don't believe you. Shana can't be dead! You are lying!" Viviana cried out furiously as tears poured out her red eyes. Refusing to believe what Alastor just told her, she pushed the boy to ground.

"Viviana, I am telling you the truth. I have no reason to lie to you. Shana is...." But before he could finish, the girl has jumped on him and threw a punch at his face. She was afraid, afraid of the words coming from the boy's mouth. What nonsense was he spouting about? It was impossible for Shana to be dead. That...that could not be possible. Viviana refused to believe it was true. This had to be a lie or perhaps she was in a nightmare. Whatever it was, the girl rebuffed to hear any of these baloneys from him. And punching the boy was the best way to shut him off.

To be frank, Alastor could have just dodged that slow attack easily or simply threw her off him. Yet he didn't, even stopping Ikarus from interfering by instructing her through their bond connection. As hard as it was, Ikarus respected her suitor's decision and simply stood there, watching the love of her life being beaten by Viviana as she clenched her fist. Alastor did not even attempt to defend himself, just lying there receiving one attack after another until blood was drawn from both the girl's hands and his nose.

"She is not dead, you hear me? Not her! So take back what you said! Take it back!!!" Persisting on her assault, the girl didn't stop hurting both herself and Alastor until Father Maxime, upon hearing the commotion, came to the rescue and held her back by restraining from behind.

"What are you doing, Viviana? Why are you attacking him like that? He is just a boy." Maxime did his best to control the emotionally unstable Viviana. It took also the young man Lucas to pin her down, stopping her from hurting the boy any further.

"She is not dead *cry*...she is NOT dead *cry*" Viviana wept loudly. An understandable reaction, after all she just learnt that her long lost sister was dead. Even worse, the girl didn't die from a peaceful death. Not to imply that it would be easier to deal with if she had died in peace. Still, it meant that Viviana would never be able to see her dear sister ever again. In her mind, the cat woman has always imagined the day when she would see Shana again. The first thing she would say would be to apologize to her, for losing sight of her that day when they went to the market. If she has paid more attention, if she had been more careful, Shana would not get lost and perhaps would live until today. Was it her fault that Shana died? No...but the cat girl saw it that way...that she was to blame for her sister's death.

The cries and sobbing of a young woman echoed throughout the entire camp and started to attract some unneeded attention from the crowd as they began to gather around to see what was going on. And that was the last thing a mourning sister like Viviana would need right now. Fortunately, commander Luvik and his soldiers have ordered the people to disperse, to give the girl some space. As the crowd was dispersed and only after an hour of ceaseless sorrowing, the cat girl finally calmed down, not because she was no longer sad but simply her body has given out. She has cried every single last drop of tear she had in her. Nothing was going to come out from those red, weary eyes anymore. Her throat was left dry because of all the whimpering. Her hair was all tangled up due to being pinned down by Maxime and Lucas, not just for Alastor's protection but for her own. In time like these, desperate people tended to resort to stupid things and Viviana certainly fell under that category.

Sensing that she has given up on struggling and in addition, he could see that Viviana has calmed down a bit, Maxime decided to let go of her and helped her take a sit near the bonfire. He reached out to his leather pouch hanging at his belt containing river water and gave it to the girl.

"Slowly now, Viviana! Don't choke yourself!" Maxime said, still preparing himself for any further outburst from the girl.

After gulping down the whole pouch, the cat girl gave out a long breath. Sitting up straight, she has regained her composure, at least from an outside perspective.

"...Where is she now? ...I mean...her body..." Viviana inquired in a dry voice.

"There is no body...everything decomposed after the transformation..." Alastor answered painfully.

"!!!" Clenching her fist, Viviana bit her lips to keep her anger in check as she closed her redden eyes forcefully before releasing. "Who...who is the son of a bitch that did it to my sister?"

"They call themselves Sanctus, a criminal group of extremists who has expanded their power to control the entire world behind the scene. On my travel, I have found out several of their bases of operation including many agents but so far I still have no idea where the main base is."

"Sanctus..." Viviana repeated the name of the nemesis of her life. Her eyes reflected the burning sadness now transformed into anger, hatred, and spite. These people, they took Shana away from her. They ransacked the girl from the bright life she still had ahead. She could and would never forgive them for what they did. It was at that moment that Viviana vowed in her mind that she would crush this insidious consortium. But right now, she had some apologies to make.

"Alastor...I...I must apologize to you, for my shameful behavior. You did nothing wrong and yet I hurt you because I was too much of a coward to face the cruel truth. But at least now, I can finally find some closure...Thank you!" Viviana bowed her head to the ground in front of the boy.

However, what she didn't know was that Alastor didn't tell her the whole truth but only about how he befriended Shana and what happened at that facility outside Cedra. The rest of the story was carefully concealed, how Alastor tried to cure her in Ragna, Shana's final moments and ....how he was the one to end her suffering before devouring her soul. Alastor simply could not afford to reveal his identity as the possibly incoming demon lord, which would only be a title in name, nothing more, nothing less. He has given up on the idea of destroying the world, on the persistence of hatred lingering around. There simply had too many tragedies caused by this worthless conflict between the demon and the Primes. This cycle of hatred and pain, someone had to stop it.

It was no longer just about the conflict itself anymore. People who had nothing to do with it, people like Shana, were getting dragged into it against their own will because of the ones who proclaimed the war. Those cowards who did not dare to fight their own war but instead put others as their shields, their arms to do the fighting for them. Because of fear, they resorted to unspeakable means, even using their own people, the innocents, for their own goal. Where would the line end? Until one side was completely extinguished? Or until neither side was left?

"There is nothing to apologize for, Viviana. You have the right to beat me till you are satisfied. I failed Shana in saving her. I was blind to the threat right in front of me and before I could realize it, it was too late. If anyone has to apologize, it's me." Alastor said.

"...Pleas don't say that! I have to thank you...for being her friend! You did what I, her own sister, couldn't do. To stay by her side till the very end...You have my deepest gratitude, prince Alastor! As for my shameful self, instead of paying that debt, I committed a crime against your Highness so a punishment is to be in place."

To be fair, what Viviana just did was a national crime. Hitting the prince of another country while being the ambassador, such insolence or audacity, depending on from the point of view, would normally deserve capital punishment. Fortunately for her, this was Alastor we were talking about.

"If you are so adamant about this, then fine. For your crime against the crown of Zagon, I sentence you, ambassador Viviana, to never call me as your Highness or any grand title. Just the usual Alastor like you always did would do." The prince proclaimed.

"But..but that's not a punishment!" the cat girl retorted.

"You dare defy my decision? Fine! I punish you to be in charge of dinner tonight. Make something good for everyone! And I don't want any more word from this from you or anyone. Commander, Luvik, the punishment has been announced. Please lead the offender to the execution ground: TO THE KITCHEN!"

"Of course, your Highness! TO THE KITCHEN!"

And so Viviana was dragged away by the commander, not forcefully, more like guided away. Unable to grasp his intention, Ikarus asked him.

"Why did you send her to the kitchen? I would prefer for her to rest at her tent."

"She might have put up a brave front on the outside but inside, she is still very unstable. Just look how she reacted earlier! The cooking area is in right next to Luvik's tent and many others so there will always be someone to watch over her. Furthermore, I don't think staying inside a confined space by herself would do Viviana any good right now. She needs to do something, to keep herself busy in order to forget about it instead of mourning by herself in her tent." Alastor explained his thought. "And don't worry! Everyone pretty much knows about her condition now so they won't make her do anything too heavy, just barely enough to make her move around."

"Wow, I didn't think that far at all. I was afraid when you said to punish her but I guess I shouldn't have doubted you. You truly have a kind heart." Ikarus smiled at the boy. "As I expect from the one I love."

"It's nothing much really. She still has to figure out herself how to deal with this."

"Still, you care about people. Even though you yourself was hurt as much as she did...I know how much Shana meant to you."

"...I don't know anymore. Perhaps I am only trying to atone for what I did. Viviana, Maxime, Lucas and the elves...these people lost their home because of me and yet now they are thanking me, without knowing that the person in front of them is the one who killed their loved ones....Sometimes, I have the urge to tell them but never found the courage to do it...Such a hypocrite, am I not?"

"You are not. Not to me. People make mistakes, Alastor. No one is perfect, not even you. But it's how you try to compensate for your flaws, how to compensate for your mistakes that determinate who you truly are. And you did. You are doing your best right now for a peaceful future, something no one ever has the courage nor the will to do. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.

I don't care what others will say about you but do know that you are the man I love and I will always be by your side, no matter what happens."

"...Sometimes I wonder how I end up with such a wonderful woman like you." Alastor scratched his head.

"So do I, asking the same question." The celestial smiled brightly before kissing Alastor with her soft lips. "Nothing will ever separate us!"

"Yeah, nothing!"

* * *

Somewhere in Astora, a group of individuals wearing black hoods and dark robes was gathering inside a castle engulfed by a dark mist that repulsed every living being. This mist, an anomaly that should not have existed in this world, for some reasons had no visible effect on these strangers. Even odder, they were surrounding a peculiar object, a metallic sphere that looked out of this world. All of the sudden, the black mist began to converge toward the throne in the room and manifested itself as a large figure of darkness. With two bright crimson eyes like beacons, the only things visible to make out of its smoky body, the figure bore a giant coffin on his back with multiples chains covering it.

"All hail the lord of Oblivion!" the men in black robes kneeled before the large figure. Even their voices were inhuman, almost like a mixture of multiples persons speaking at the same time: man, woman, old, young...everything was mingled together. Their faces could not be seen. Yet one thing of sure: whatever lied beyond that darkness was not human or any of the known races.

But the eeriness of those voices would be nothing compared to the one that belonged to the large figure. Each word seemingly brought death to his surroundings, combined with the grave fiendish tone, only added to the already ghastly and terrifying image of the figure. Lifting the smoky dark hand, the figure signaled the others to stand up.

"The first stage of our plan is complete. Odium's body is now in our hands without Alastor taking notice of our presence. But that leaves us with this strange device he left here." The figure pointed to the metal sphere in the middle of the room.

"Your Reverence, may I suggest we use the Records of the Fallen?" said an individual.

"I already did. But this thing is not mentioned anywhere." The large figure spoke firmly.

"Do your Lordship think it has something to do with Alastor's disappearance for those few minutes? We know that the demon lord disappeared into some kind of portal and came back with this artefact at the same place. Yet, we could not detect his presence anywhere around the world in that short moment. How is that possible with our network?"

"What you said is correct. We should have known where he was anywhere around the world. That is if he was in this world."

"In this world? Are your Lordship implying that he somehow crossed the Veil to go to another realm?"

"It's highly possible. That would explain why we could not sense him at all. Based on the structure and the inside of this artefact, I would say that this is some kind of transportation device, much similar to a portal but for worlds crossing." The large figure explained. "But we have no use for it, not now anyway. We still have much more important things to do."

"As you say, your Reverence! Though I must admit that the plan would be much easier with Alastor's assistance. If only we could convince him somehow..."

"Convincing him is not a problem. However, Alastor is constantly under the watchful eyes of the three primordial Gods, especially Magnus and we cannot afford to let the Gods take notice of our plan. For now, no one in this world is allowed to be aware of our presences. With our current strength, taking on a God is not something we are capable of, not yet anyway. That's why we must remain silent, building our strength for the coming days."

"I see what you mean, milord! You intend to have Alastor open the door to Celestia for us."

"Correct! With the door opened and Alastor clearing a path for us, will I be able to ascend to the rank of the Gods. The old order has failed. It's time a new one to rise and with it, a new God!"

"The lord of Oblivion shall become the Ruler of the new world!" the figures in black hood hailed together.

"Besides, I have a personal score to settle with Magnus."

9B= c