Chrysalis

by Kayne Sampson

  And Erisda had pretty much confirmed that if Keta were to interfere against him, he would not hold back any longer. He was running out of friendly faces.

  But Keta had to try. If he didn’t, then they would continue fighting until one side destroys the other. And under the veil, the Brotherhood of Shadows would succeed in summoning the Goddess of Shadows.

  “If we don’t, then they are going to continue fighting until one side destroys the other. And while they are killing each other, the Brotherhood of Shadows succeeds in summoning the Goddess of Shadows,” Keta concluded.

  Nobody spoke, the implication falling upon them. They would potentially have to fight against three separate factions.

  “Sorry Keta, but our partnership in this has come to an end.”

  Xuan was standing a few feet away, his arms crossed. Keta only now noticed the injuries that his friend had sustained in his battle against Inferno. “What do you mean, Xuan?”

  Xuan gestured behind him. “You saw what happened back there. He was able to stop the three of us all at once. If that woman hadn’t come to save us, we would all be dead. I rather like being alive, myself.”

  His friend’s words made sense. “I know that, but what else can we do?” Keta asked.

  Max moved to join them, looking from one to the other. The small sound of a bird in the distance was all that could be heard in the uncomfortable silence that followed.

  “Have you ever stopped to think that maybe he is right?”

  The words hit Keta like a slap in the face. Xuan, his oldest friend in the world, and one of the original members of Sanction, was defending the Brotherhood of Shadows and their plan of mass genocide.

  When Keta didn’t answer (how could he?), Xuan continued. “The Humans have shown nothing but contempt for the Demon clans since the dawn of time. They repeatedly try to exterminate us, and use us in their twisted experiments.”

  Keta looked down at the ground. “Not all Humans are like that…”

  “Oh, so we should go up to every Human and ask if they are evil, before passing judgement on them?” Xuan asked scornfully.

  Keta had never heard his friend speak with such venom in his voice. No, that wasn’t right. There was another time he had heard Xuan speak like this. It was the day that Master Xehemoth had died.

  As Keta stood staring at his old comrade, he realized just how much the death of the old Master had meant to the young Demon. And how it must have shaped his perceptions.

  Could this be the true feelings that Xuan held?

  Keta let out a nervous chuckle. “Xuan...we are warriors of Sanction,” Keta started, but he lost his words and had to focus. When he was ready, he added, “We defend this world against injustice. The Brotherhood aims to wipe out all of Humanity. We have to…”

  Xuan moved forward, cutting him off. When he was face to face with Keta, he said, “What gives you the right to do anything, Keta. You are neither Demon nor Human. You have no stake in this.”

  Max must have gotten worried, as he got between the two of them. “Cut it out, Xuan. Keta is just trying to help.”

  Xuan narrowed his eyes at the interruption, but he made no move against the other Demon. “And how exactly can he help when he is so weak? You had a chance to attack Master Inferno, and you hesitated. Regardless of whether you could have won, you lost when you stayed your blade.”

  Keta could do nothing to contest the insinuation. He was unable to fight like the others.

  Xuan’s eyes softened. “I can’t always be there to save you, Keta. The way you continue, you will die with a dagger in the back.”

  Keta’s eyes widened. Those were the same words that Pent had told him. Was he just a burden to everyone?

  Xuan turned, and waved over his shoulder. “Stay away from Master Inferno, Keta. I’d hate to see you die. But if you ask me, the new world order sounds much better than this one to me. Later.”

  And he was gone, walking off into the distance. He had disappeared from Keta’s life as suddenly as he had returned to it. Keta’s plan had failed. Pent had left him. Xuan had left him. How could he fight against the Brotherhood if he had no team left.

  “It might be wise to listen to him,” Max said, interrupting Keta’s thoughts. “If he was willing to end it all here, there is no doubt that we will die the next time we face him.”

  Keta sighed and stared up at the sky. Inferno was desperate. That meant that the end was near. Keta needed to put an end to it all. He reached down and let his hand rest on Reikon. He could feel the power of the ancient Kitaan and he knew what he needed to do.

  ***

  When Pent opened his eyes, he was met by the sight of an angel. Was he dead? Had Inferno killed him during their confrontation? That was the only answer, right? He reached up to the angel’s face, suddenly enthralled.

  “My my, I had no idea you were so affectionate, Pent.”

  That voice. It was so familiar. He blinked. And now he could see clearly. Susanoo was looking at him warmly, though he could detect concern in her eyes. When had he summoned her?

  You didn’t. I did.

  The words had not been spoken by Susanoo. Rather, it was a deep, echoing voice. And it was coming from his head. What the hell was going on?

  This woman...she is very useful. Who else could have a person to tend to your wounds at one time, and become one’s greatest weapon at another. Well, second greatest weapon.

  Pent’s eyes opened wide. He began to realize what was going on. And he remembered what had occurred in his fight with Inferno. In his rage fueled state, he had bonded Abyss to him. He had let the sword’s spirit empower him.

  And now he was feeling the consequences.

  Susanoo placed a hand on his arm. “It was a little jarring at first, but he has been helping you. I think. I’m not exactly sure. He’s a spirit like me, but different,” she said.

  How is this possible? I’m not even holding Abyss? Pent thought to himself, the panic rising within him. He had never been in a position like this. His body had always been his own. And now, it seemed as if it was being used as a puppet. Keta had been warning him about this.

  You have bonded me to you, something my old wielder had never done. But rest easy, for with my power, and your body, we will be unstoppable.

  And then something ignited in him, something that he had thought might have been destroyed after being bested by Inferno: the spark of defiance. “No!” he said loudly, his voice commanding. His sudden outburst made Susanoo flinch.

  “Pent? What is going on?” Susanoo asked. She looked quite confused. But he needed to set things straight before he gave the spirit some answers. He would not be a tool.

  “You sought a body you could control. But I am not weak like Keta,” Pent said, though he realized he looked crazy. But he needed to talk to Abyss. “I am a proud Demon warrior. You will aid me, Abyss. Together, we shall be unstoppable.”

  Susanoo looked at Pent, and then over to the sword on the table. “Pent, I’m not sure what you are doing, but why are you shouting at Abyss”

  “He’s in my head right now, just as you are when you are a sword. He’s trying to take over. But I won’t allow it. I am the master here. He should serve me,” Pent said with his usual air of confidence.

  Abyss hummed quietly. It continued for a bit, until Pent realized that it was more laughter. Serve? I do not serve, came the voice.

  “Well then, let’s not call it that. Since we both want to rule but we both need each other’s help, why not just cancel the struggle and call it a mutually beneficial partnership,” Pent said quickly.

  He felt a flash of emotion from the spirit. Why was it so strongly in his head? Had he been wrong? No, he couldn’t second guess himself. You poor boy. You realize that I am a Demon sword, yes? It is in my nature to corrupt my host. Your body will eventually fall to me.

  Pent hated the assurance in the spirit’s voice. It was almost as arrogant as...well him. However, he still had a point to prove. “I am not so weak. B
ut if you believe you can take me over, feel free to try,” Pent said.

  Abyss grumbled softly. What is your goal here, child?

  Pent smiled. “Power. I require your power. And you require my body. So we will use each other to fulfill our own desires. And we will do this forever, until one of us ends up victorious. And the struggle? It shall be glorious.”

  Abyss laughed, echoing in Pent’s head. You are an odd one. But it could be fun. You will lose to me in the end. But rest assured, I shall keep you safe. After all, our fates are now intertwined.

  And the echoing presence faded. Abyss, for the moment, had withdrawn from his mind. Pent let out the breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. He had at least exerted his will to the Demon spirit. That was the best thing he could do. He had underestimated Keta. Resisting the weapon’s influence was taking more of his concentration than he had originally thought.

  “Pent, is everything okay?” Susanoo had noticed the lull in the outbursts and figured it was over.

  “Yes. Yeah, everything is fine. Just a little talk with a Demonic spirit,” Pent said, wiping sweat from his forehead.

  The door burst open and Formetis walked inside. He had been confused by the fact that he was alive, after having his body broken in his battle with Inferno. But then, of course, that girl had healed him. She savoured the opportunity to humiliate him.

  Pent had not seen her since their last battle on the mountain. The raven haired Human who had bested him. Her face was not something he wanted to see right now. He hated her. But if that was true, why did he find himself staring at her face. He shook his head fiercely, and tried to recall the events that had occurred. For the moment at least, he was fairly sure Formetis wouldn’t harm him.

  “It’s good to see you, Pent.”

  He ignored her. He was still thinking back to that fight. He could not fight Inferno at all. The Demon warrior had anticipated every single attack he had done, and had moved faster than him even as an older man. His strength was insane. He stood no chance.

  “...have a death wish, challenging the Master alone,” Formetis was saying, walking over to the side of his bed. She reached out a hand, but he slapped it away.

  “Don’t act so casual with me, Formetis. You realize that we became enemies the moment you betrayed me back in Frostclaw Village,” Pent spat at her venomously. Inwardly, he felt conflicted. Why was he so angry when he was also happy to see her? It didn’t make sense.

  The girl stepped back, the hurt in her eyes apparent. “Pent, you were the first person besides the Master to show me any kindness. I just want to repay that kindness.”

  Pent leapt out of bed and onto his feet, painfully aware that his swords were not on his person, Susanoo standing in the corner with a disapproving look on her face A few days ago, he would have attacked her even unarmed. But he knew that though she looked like a normal Human girl, it betrayed her true power.

  Formetis looked at him, and she was suddenly painfully aware how sunken her eyes were, as if she hadn’t slept in days.

  “I don’t want to fight, Pent. Not against you…”

  Pent growled again, but realized that he would never win. So he slid back onto the edge of the bed. Susanoo moved to his side, standing beside him in a protective manner.

  “So what happens now?”

  “That is entirely up to you.”

  He knew that voice. It belonged to the man who had dealt him the most crushing defeat since his time training with Master Xuan. Inferno walked into the room.

  “Master! What…”

  “Out...the both of you,” Inferno commanded. Formetis stopped, and Susanoo realized he was talking to her as well. When she hesitated, his eyes flashed, and the two girls quickly scrambled out of the room. Inferno slammed the door after the two of them had left.

  Pent was left alone with what could potentially be the most powerful warrior he had ever known. He decided not to mince words. “Why am I alive?”

  Inferno would know what he was talking about. Unlike Keta, this man was a true swordsman. Between these warriors, and enemies at that, there should only ever be one outcome for the loss of a duel. Pent had been overpowered by the man’s abilities.

  Inferno’s face betrayed no emotion. “Do I strike you as one who would spill needless Demonic blood?” When Pent said nothing, he continued, “I respect your drive. And for such a young man, you possess tremendous skill. I’ve no wish to destroy such a promising youth of the clans.”

  Again, Pent did not respond.

  “You have been travelling with Keta. There was a time when he and I shared the same vision. But time has taught me how that vision is a fairy tale.”

  Pent found his words. This man was just as sentimental as Keta. “I don’t care about any of that.”

  At this, Inferno tilted his head. “And that is why, despite all your skill, you are weak. You care only about yourself.”

  Pent got up at this assault on his prowess. “What? I’ve been fighting you and your damned cult this whole time to rescue my sister!”

  Inferno smiled, and Pent growled, angry that he had let the older Demon get a rise out of him. “Indeed. But she is part of you; family. My power comes from the desire to save my people, all of the Demon people.”

  Pent clenched his hands into fists. “And yet you commit acts of atrocity to even them.”

  And for the first time since meeting this man, the Brotherhood of Shadows leader, and a greater Demon, Pent saw sadness. He turned away, and clasped his hands behind his back, looking out one of the windows. Masking his emotions, Pent noted.

  “I did wish to avoid such,” Inferno said after some time, and he turned back to Pent. His eyes were different now. “I truly lament the death of your father. In his youth, before his accident, he was a great warrior and a friend. What cruel fate indeed that his daughter be one of the fated maidens destined to revive the goddess.”

  The emotion in the man’s voice made Pent want to believe him. However, it was a fleeting moment, and the leader of the Brotherhood of Shadows once more had hardened eyes. “Regardless, I will commit every atrocity for a future where those of the Demon clans may return to the light. If someone needs to shoulder the evils of revolution, then the Brotherhood and I shall bear it. And when freedom is attained for our people, I shall gladly pay the price for my crimes.”

  The weight of those words hung in the air, and at once he recalled how dangerous of a man Inferno was. But Pent was not a coward like others. “What will you do with me?” he asked.

  The man looked at him in approving manner, as if seeming to respect the courage to ask. “As I mentioned, I admire your resolve. The final hours are upon us, and I would ask your help. Keta and his allies will likely move to stop us.”

  Pent nodded in agreement. “It is what he does.”

  It was faint, but the Demon laughed. “Indeed. I am leaving this place now. If you will not aid us, then flee and hide away until our people are free. The paradise for our people will be bathed in the blood of Humanity. I gave Keta this chance before. If you choose to ignore my warning and oppose me, I will not hesitate to end your life.”

  And he said no more, did not wait for a word, or an answer or anything. He simply turned and walked out of the room, leaving Pent on his own.

  And so Pent sat there for a few fleeting moments, having nothing to do but think until Formetis returned to him, Susanoo close behind.

  “That man is something else,” Pent said softly.

  “Master Inferno is the only one willing to make the hard choices. He’s left to finish this once and for all. He told me you are free to leave. But know this, everyone here in the Brotherhood will follow him to the ends of the Earth,” Formetis declared. He noticed that she always beamed when she was talking about Inferno. She was utterly devoted to him.

  And now Pent was stuck. He had met his enemy face on. And his enemy had told him that he was no more than a pest, a fly in the room. He had been nothing to Inferno. The man didn’t even
bother to keep him hostage, just left without any notice. His resolve was so shaken that he wasn’t even shocked when he said, “Formetis, am I wrong here?”

  He realized that, in his weakness, he had said that to her hoping that the Human girl would comfort him. It disgusted him. But being here again with her, he almost didn't care. Had Inferno beaten him so badly that he suffered brain damage? Why was he showing a vulnerable side?

  And to his surprise, the girl did not shove her cultist agenda at him. She just looked at him curiously, before speaking. “Pent, we are enemies. You shouldn’t ask me something like that.”

  But Pent didn’t care about anything else right now. “What if we weren’t enemies?” The words had shocked him, but they must have gotten to Formetis more. Her mouth hung open for a moment and Pent, uncomfortable with the silence, added, “I’m tired of all this. Causes and wars. I fight only to become strong for those I care about. And when I found you, for once I was happy. Just for a little.”

  He had no more words so he stopped talking and looked away. Pent was blushing, there was no denying it, and he felt indignant at his inability to control such base emotions. Was this some kind of magic she was using on him?

  His anger faded slightly when he felt Formetis slide onto the bed beside him to lean her head on his shoulder. Pent almost pulled away, but in the end he allowed her. Susanoo had a smug look on her face. That insufferable woman...

  “I was too, Pent. You were the first person who decided to help me for no other reason than to help me. I was...glad. When I found out that what I had to do would hurt you, it was too much for me to bear.” Even though Pent could not see the girl’s face, he knew she was crying.

  And the two just sat there, content to be in each other’s company. Pent’s anger over the girl’s power was steadily dropping. “Pent, when this is all over, the world will be a better place. I swear it.”

  Pent wanted to believe her. However, he had to know. “And my sister?” he asked.

  Formetis lifted her head and got to her feet. She started to walk away, and stopped at a distance. “The ritual will most likely result in the end of all the sacrifices. They will die, as will I. I never told you this, but I am one of the maidens destined to be sacrificed in the ritual. ”