Ch 37: A New Threat

The incident more or less resolved, Alexander warns Loki of the likelihood that the events which transpired have stirred the darkness lurking throughout the world. The Nameless One has awakened...

            Obsidian Citadel, Loki’s Study. Wednesday July 11, 520NA. In Loki’s study, Loki sat in his chair facing Alexander and Ace, who had taken two chairs before his desk. Crossing his hands in his lap, Loki said, “Caine, I understand your position. You’ve made many new friends, and you’ve never really wanted to be Lord to begin with. I’m sorry for restraining you. I just wanted to speak to you…” Staring down at his feet, Ace said, “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time too, but I was too afraid to come back…” Nodding, Loki said, “You’re the only family I have left Caine, and I only want what’s best for you. However, I realize it’s your place to decide what is in your best interests. If you want to stay, I will do everything in my power to ensure you are not made Lord. If you want to go, you have my blessing.” Looking up at his brother, Ace said, “Sorry, but the troupe needs me… The Boss, Dewie, Mana, I can’t leave them hanging.” Removing his mask to show his smile, Loki said, “No apologies are necessary, I wish you the best. Come back to visit whenever you can though. I’ll be waiting.” Placing a hand on Ace’s shoulder, Alexander said, “You two can talk some more once I’m out of your brother’s hair.” Facing Loki, Alexander said, “Now that we’ve decided on what will happen to Ace, I need to discuss a few details about this.”

            Withdrawing the old diary, Alexander placed it on the desk in front of Loki. Picking it up and examining it, Loki said, “Yes, I was shown this a long time ago by my father. The Seeker’s Diary. If memory serves, its contents are quite disturbing.” Nodding, Alexander said, “Quite so. I believe the contents pertain to a calamity that may at this very moment be threatening to destroy this world, something even more dangerous than Altera Veritas.” Looking over at Alexander, Ace exclaimed, “You serious?! What the hell is more dangerous than those guys?! Just one of them destroyed a floor of the east wing and leveled half the city!” In a dire tone, Loki said, “Does this have anything to do with Grey being possessed by the Nameless One?” Adjusting his signature shades with a serious expression, Alexander said, “Yes. Due to the seals we used to seal away Alastor and the Nameless One in the past, an unexpected problem has arisen. While absorbing the EDE they required in order to perpetuate the seal, excess EDE stored up inside the seals and became saturated in the Nameless One’s essence, feeding it the power it hungers for, allowing it to expand. Now that the seals have broken, it has been released upon the world. Yet surprisingly enough, that may not have presented an immediate threat. While I have yet to produce any hard evidence, the lack of any negative effects leads me to believe the essence itself was dormant, leaving the contaminated EDE unable to really harm most people or wildlife. That’s not to say it would not eventually become a serious problem. Sensitive organisms that absorb large amounts of EDE, like the elven trees of life, are already showing signs of contamination, but for the most part it has so far gone almost completely unnoticed. Sadly though, I fear this is all about to change…” 

Leaning back in his chair with a sigh, as Loki and Ace hung on his every word, Alexander said, “Three years ago, Grey was abducted by Altera Veritas and was implanted with some of the Nameless One’s essence. Alastor was trying to see if he would make a suitable vessel, but due to lack of results Grey was deemed a failure. However, it seems Alastor made a grave mistake. I can only assume that he accidentally placed into Grey part of the Nameless One’s core essence, a piece of his original self. In doing this, Grey was made into a carrier for the Nameless One. The essence within him, being unable to dominate him, had been dormant as well. Yet just as it was able to take hold of him in a previous occurrence with Alastor controlling it, the use of one of Grey’s abilities combined with the proximity of the active core essence in Alastor has awakened the dormant core essence within him. Grey has regained control of his body and mind again, but if I’m correct, the damage has been done. Because Grey’s core essence was not under any form of control, the Nameless One’s will has no doubt spread to the dormant pieces of his essence stretched across our existence. To be honest, the fact that it has not already begun to consume everything in its path is strange. It makes me think that the Nameless One must now have some ulterior motive, some triumph he feels he must achieve before consuming all of existence. Grey spoke of confusing things while he was recently possessed, things I feel are likely related to both Alastor’s goal and the Nameless One’s goal. I will have to research things further, but for now we need to keep in mind that the Nameless One has awakened into the world once more. I have no idea what will happen next…”

            Looking overwhelmed, Loki muttered, “It seems Xanth has left me at the worst possible time. I cannot begin to think of what I should do for my people in the face of such a threat…” Quickly raising a finger before himself motioning Loki to hold on, Alexander said, “The best thing you can do is remain calm and leave this in our hands. It would also be helpful if you could give me as many details about the Seeker as you possibly can. I have a feeling she will hold the key in dealing with this.” Pushing the diary back to Alexander, Loki said, “I’m afraid I will likely be no more help than the diary itself. The Seeker was a human magic user who, as I’m sure you’ve already deduced, was the one who led my people to fight in the war that nearly destroyed our entire race. If I recall, the purpose of the war was to eradicate humanity, supposedly in order to prevent the destruction of the world before it came to pass. When they were defeated, the Seeker was judged a traitor by the rulers of humanity and was sealed somewhere in the world, a tower according to the legend. I’m afraid I’ve already told you everything I know.” 

With a sigh, Alexander took the diary back and said, “Very well, thank you. We’ll have to see if Schmitt and Rufus can remember the way back to the Seeker’s tower. I hope you don’t mind if we borrow this.” Shaking his head, Loki started to say, “By all means take it, I hope it will be of more use than-” Suddenly, Ace said, “Wait, I remember something! Something I overheard Dad saying to one of his guards while I was listening at the door of his room!” Quickly Loki turned to him and sternly said, “You were eavesdropping again? Honestly, it’s no wonder you didn’t want to ever be Lord, you just can’t conduct yourself properly…” Looking frustrated, Ace said, “Would you shut up?! You gonna let me tell you about the Seeker or not?!” Pulling his shades down as he looked at Ace attentively, Alexander said, “What do you know?” Looking deep in thought for a moment, Ace said, “Well, it’s kinda hard to remember, but I think the guard was telling Dad that the seal on the tower in the Dreamer’s Woods was weakened, and that Claire the Seeker was using some sort of magic to leave the tower for a short periods of time to do… something. Sorry I just don’t remember any more than that…” 

Pulling a map from a drawer, Loki laid it out on the table and said, “Dreamer’s Woods? That’s the forest on the enormous island where the sprites made their homeland. Countless people have gotten lost or have been misled by evil sprites only to die in that forest. What would possess them to go to the trouble of constructing a tower there?” Not concerned about the details, Alexander grinned as he said, “Whatever the case, we at last know where to find the Seeker.” Getting out of his chair, Alexander said, “We’re leaving as soon as you’re finished here Ace. It’s time to head back to the others.” As Alexander left the room, Loki nervously said to Ace, “Well, why don’t you tell me about all your travels? I’m somewhat envious. I never really get to leave the city you know.” With a grin, Ace said, “Heh, well we’re called Gibolu’s Traveling Circus…”

            Opening the door to his brother’s study and stepping out, as Ace closed the door with one last wave to his brother, he held tight to the letter Loki had entrusted him with. Walking down the hall with it in hand, he thought, “Man, why me?” His brother’s words rang through his head, “This letter may be the last chance to repair relations with the halmans. The incident involving the murdered tourists has them out for blood. Several demonfolk travelers have already disappeared, possibly arrested or executed. Land based trade lines have been severed, leaving us with only our air based routes between Effretia, and now that half the city is in ruins, our people are in dire need of supplies. If this continues, war is inevitable. If I am backed into a corner, I will not hesitate to do what I must for our people. I do not want to worry Gabriel with what is going on, so I entrust this to you. Find some way to meet with Count Ferid in Gatria and present it to him. You should be safe as long as Angelorum Lux is with you. Please give the others my apologies for not seeing them off. Good luck Caine, and forgive me for burdening you with this.” 

Suddenly Alexander’s voice said, “Ah, would that be something for me?” Quickly, Ace spastically hid the letter and said, “Wha?! No, it’s… it’s a thank you letter to the troupe for taking care of me all this time! So mind your own business! Let’s just get outta here!” Scratching his head as he stepped away from the wall he was leaning on while waiting for Ace, Alexander finally shrugged his shoulders and said, “I see. Well, everyone is waiting. It appears the rental hover car you and Mythra used to get up here has been completely buried in an avalanche. Fortunately, a different form of transportation has been arranged.” As Ace suddenly sank to his knees with a look of disbelief, Alexander said, “Is something wrong?” Hanging his head, Ace muttered, “The deposit on that thing… It was more than two years worth of the wages the Boss pays me!” Raising an eyebrow, Alexander said, “A rental car deposit is worth two years of your paycheck? You must really like your job…”

            Walking out the doorway of the citadel, Alexander led Ace down the path to the gates where Gibolu’s hover car sat in wait just outside the gates, Grey and the others gathered around it. Seeing them coming, Rufus called out, “There’s Alexander!” Rushing up to the two, Rufus said, “Hey Alexander, this one of the new guys?” Laughing, Alexander said, “He is one of the new friends we’ve made here in Gaia, yes. His name is Ace.” Annoyed, Ace quickly said, “I can introduce myself you know! Just who’s this punk anyways? And why’s he got a cat on his head?” Pumping his fist with a sparkle in his eyes, Rufus said, “I’m Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter!” Pointing up at Ian atop his hat, he added, “And this here’s my trusty sidekick, Ian!” Ian gave a slight “Meow.” Ace just stared, and before he regained his voice, Richter stepped up and said, “Rufus, something about your introductions have been irritating me for awhile…” Looking at Richter in shock and reeling back dramatically, Rufus said, “Huh?! But what’s wrong with it? Is it too much?” Shaking his head, Richter said, “Not exactly, it’s just… The style you use just doesn’t work for you!” 

Mythra’s jaw dropped and she thought, “You can’t be serious! We were THIS close to shutting up that cat-hatted freak for good!” Alexander clutched his head and thought, “I should have known this day would come.” Everyone stared as Richter continued, “You are far too enthusiastic. You see, you need to add a mixed level of coolness and enthusiasm in your introductions, adjusting those levels slightly to suit the situation. Let me demonstrate. Everyone please stand back.” Everyone moved away hesitantly. Forming his pistol and posing coolly with it, Richter said, “Former Colonel Jack Richter, the Energist of Prisms!” As everyone else stared in embarrassment, Rufus clapped as he exclaimed, “Ohhhhhhh! That was cool!” Shaking his head, Grey thought, “Here I thought Richter was one of the normal ones…” Letting the pistol evaporate, Richter said, “Now, everyone’s introduction style is different. We need to work on finding the proper mix of coolness and enthusiasm to suit your needs.” Kneeling before Richter, Rufus said, “Yes, Master!” Schmitt burst out laughing, and Amy patted Mythra on the shoulder as she stood there moaning, “Help me…somebody…” Rolling his eyes, Ace thought, “I still say there’s gotta be some mistake about these guys being Angelorum Lux…”

            Suddenly a hover taxi carriage pulled up, and out of the driver’s seat jumped an old demonfolk with white hair and eyes. Laying eyes on him, Amy exclaimed, “Tobias?! What are you doing here?” Smiling at them all, Tobias said, “I have come to assist you with transportation to Gatria. I do hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Glancing at Richter and Rufus, Alexander said, “You couldn’t have come at a better time…” Looking at the carriage in confusion, Grey said, “But Tobias, why are you driving a taxi?” Chuckling to himself a moment, Tobias replied, “My shop is closed for repairs, but I just so happen to own my own taxi service as well. It pays to be diversified…” With a confused look of her own, ignoring the likelihood that she was the cause of the repairs Tobias mentioned, Mythra stepped forward and said, “Hold on. Did you just say we’re going to Gatria? Scott was hospitalized in Bolseil. We’re supposed to meet the others there.” Stepping up behind her and clearing his throat, Alexander said, “A letter arrived from Serius. Scott was transferred to a special facility at the Anetian Medical Center in Gatria, so the others will be heading there. He’s apparently in a critical condition. The attack Grave used on him was similar to the attack used by the assassin Claus. It causes internal damage that is difficult to heal. Their facilities in Bolseil were insufficient to treat his severe internal injuries…” 

Grey’s blood ran cold as he looked at Alexander in shock. Covering her face with her hands, Amy gasped, “No…” Richter simply stared at the ground and muttered in disbelief, “Matthews…” Trying to lift everyone’s spirits, Schmitt crossed his arms confidently and said, “C’mon ya’ll, don’t give up on him just like that! This is the Admiral we’re talkin bout here! He’s gotta pull through, I know it!” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “Indeed. I withheld this information because I know the last thing Scott would want is for everyone to worry themselves sick over him. For all we know he’s already stabilized, so instead of standing around, why don’t we get on our way and see for ourselves?” Opening the door of the taxi carriage, Tobias said, “Yes of course. I will drive the carriage myself, if that’s alright. I have some business in Gatria I had been putting off what with the recent breakdown in halman and demonfolk relationships…” Everyone split up between the hover car and the hover taxi carriage, and soon they were speeding down the city streets towards the gates of the Bone Wall.

            Sitting in the back seat of the hover car with Grey and Mythra, Alexander in the passenger seat and Ace at the wheel, Amy stared out at the ruined city and said, “Wow, it really looks bad up close too. I hope they can rebuild soon.” Glancing back at her, Alexander said, “I’m worried they’ll be short on needed supplies, but I’m sure Loki can figure something out. Of course, there’s a certain someone here who should well know they are never going to live this down…” Narrowing her eyes and grinding her teeth, after a moment Mythra muttered, “Yeah, yeah, shut up…” With a mischievous grin, Alexander said, “Now let’s see. What’s an appropriate title for you to use in your introductions? Mythra the Steamroller? Mythra the Wrecking Ball? Oh! How about Mythra the Jackhammer?” Her face red with anger and embarrassment, Mythra exclaimed, “It’s the Spellweaver damn you! Stop with the stupid names already, I’m not joining Richter’s School for Introductions!” Laughing in amusement, Alexander said, “Oh come on, you’d be a natural with all that enthusiasm!” Flustered, Mythra shouted, “I thought too much enthusiasm was a bad thing! Wait, I mean… OH NO! I’M TURNING INTO ONE OF THEM! GREY, SAVE ME!” As Mythra clung to Grey and started sobbing, Amy glared at her and muttered, “Mythra…” Grey quickly said, “Uh Alexander, could you not traumatize Mythra please? It causes problems…” Alexander’s mischievous grin widened as he said, “Sorry Grey, it’s my sworn duty!” Laughing nervously, Grey tried to pry Mythra off him as he said, “Hey, c’mon now… I tried but he won’t listen…” Her fury at full charge, Amy exclaimed, “MYTHRAAA!” Listening to the ruckus in the backseat, Ace drove on, looking slightly annoyed as he thought, “Man, how did I get dragged into this…?”

Author's Note

This initial arc of the first 37 chapters is a part I'm very interested in hearing feedback for, particularly the events surrounding Underworld. I know it's too much for anyone reading through to throw something down every time, but here would be a much appreciated spot. There are another 20+ chapters from here in this book, I'll be uploading as soon as I can.