Ch 36: Aftermath of Treachery

As the battle ends, Alexander realizes Grey and Scott are nowhere to be found, and Fenrip alerts him of Saria's kidnapping.

            Digging his way out of his defeated sand incarnation’s chest, as Grave broke through, he tumbled out the hole he’d made and landed on the ground below with a thud. Seeing him fall out, Alexander quickly flew down to land before Grave and raised his sword at him as he said, “I believe now might be a good time to raise the white flag Grave. Keep in mind that I saved a Twilight Rune just for you. Besides, at this rate, that sword of yours will only kill you anyways.” Laying there on his stomach, still holding onto Scorpio Via tightly, Grave lifted his head to look up at him and weakly said, “Then I’m dead… I’m not about to surrender, and I won’t give up my Scorpio Via…” 

Suddenly hearing a cracking sound, both of them looked over at the katana as its blade cracked and shattered. Grave’s mask quickly evaporated as well, and as Grave simply stared at the broken pieces of his Grand Anima Weapon, Alexander said, “It looks like your Scorpio Via gave itself up.” Loosening his grip on the handle of Scorpio Via, Grave laid his head on the ground and muttered, “No doubt another flaw in his ‘groundbreaking’ Binding process. Curse you Nova…” Having a few questions about what Nova had said back in the lab at Gatria, as he let his own weapon evaporate his clothes returned to normal as well, and Alexander casually asked, “Oh? He was having trouble getting it to work was he?” 

Sighing, Grave dejectedly replied, “Apparently I was just one of his guinea pigs. He must have cut a few corners and convinced Alastor it worked well enough to start using it. Thanks to that, he earned Alastor’s favor and got himself that big assignment of his, working with Ferid on the Vinculus while also heading the Legion Project.” Trying to keep the conversation going, able to tell the exhaustion had loosened his tongue, Alexander said, “Knowing him, he must have put all his time into that and left the test subjects of his Binding process out in the cold. Heading his own project would be far more appealing to someone like him, no matter what it was. He must have boasted all about it too.” 

Letting slip a slight laugh, Grave said, “Professor Marcellus is probably rolling over in his grave. Now that he’s dead, Nova is using some of the research from his failed Zero Project. Said something about needing the data on the special ‘vessel cultivation’ process he used to make his test subject more accommodating to being possessed by a foreign essence, damn b*****d. If he had the brains to use something like that to make it easy to go and create those prototype ‘soul’ sprites for Ala Morte, he could’ve at least saved some to finish a project he himself damn well started!” Taking this in, Alexander said, “So in other words the Legion Project is just what it sounds like. Nova was supposed to pave the way for a new type of soldier to be made out of Ala Morte’s sprites, all for Altera Veritas to command.”

            Still lying there talking, Grave said, “Yeah, that’s…” Trailing off as he realized Alexander’s deception at last, he quickly exclaimed, “Damn you!” Grinning mischievously, Alexander said, “You’ve been most informative Grave. Since you’ve told me so much already, I suppose I’ll wait till later to interrogate you further.” Unable to believe he’d been tricked so easily, Grave simply replied, “If you want information, then go bother Nova! I’ve said my piece.” Raising an eyebrow questioningly, Alexander said, “Go bother Nova? Aren’t you aware that he died in Gatria?” Looking up at Alexander as though he were crazy, Grave said, “What?! I just spoke with him through his telepathy! He was watching our battle!” 

His mind racing, Alexander muttered in confusion, “That’s impossible though! Barring the fact that Grey and Amy confirmed his death at their hands, I haven’t sensed a single trace of him around here at all.” Then Alexander’s eyes went wide behind his shades as he realized it. Whirling about, he looked for Grey and Scott as he thought, “I can’t believe I could be so stupid!” Unable to see them anywhere, he quickly turned to the skies, only to find the Vinculus was gone as well. Watching him searching frantically, Grave said, “What the devil are you doing?” Then seeing Fenrip staggering through the gate and into the garden, Grave said, “What now? Oh, it’s just the art freak…” Turning to see him as well, Alexander rushed over to Fenrip, calling out, “Fenrip, what happened to you?!” Clutching the stab wound from Magus’ arcane spear, as Alexander approached, Fenrip said, “I’m sorry Alexander. I couldn’t stop them from taking her…”

            Arriving at Fenrip’s house on the outskirts of Loralu, a two story building made from mostly wood that had a small second floor balcony, Alexander and Grave waited as Fenrip started to unlock the front door. Night had fallen during the battle, but fortunately the light of Gaia’s moons had illuminated their way back to town. Outfitted with a restraining collar created through Fenrip’s powers, as he looked at Fenrip’s home in the moonlight, Grave muttered, “What a dump…” Moving inside as Fenrip opened the door and hit the lights, Grave looked around and said, “So even this backwater town has a power provider?” Stepping in as well, Alexander said, “You really can complain… They get power from a relatively small EDE reactor designed to require little maintenance. I’m technically the one who owns it, but I don’t charge anything on the condition that the town pays to have it maintained.” 

The first floor comprised of a single room, there was a large wooden table and some chairs at the right side of the room, a stove in the corner, stairs in the back leading to the second floor, and several shelves against the wall filled with various items like art books, art supplies, and dinnerware. Also hanging on the walls were framed copies of some of Fenrip’s best artwork, and sitting out on the left side of the room were art easels with partially finished works upon them. Motioning to the table, Fenrip said, “Make yourselves comfortable.” As they all took seats at the table, Alexander sighed and said, “Now what? Both Grey and Saria have been abducted, and just when we’d gotten Grey back too.” Leaning back in his chair with arms crossed and eyes closed, Grave said, “It’s pathetic. In one fell swoop, Nova managed to pull off what we’ve been trying to accomplish this whole time!” 

Drumming his fingers on the table as he thought, Alexander said, “Yes, but why? From what I can tell, he’s betrayed Altera Veritas along with Ferid, or more likely he’s the one who pushed Ferid into betrayal. What use does he himself have for either of them?” Still lounging in his chair, Grave simply said, “Don’t bother asking me, this is your problem.” Turning to glare at Grave, Fenrip said, “If it weren’t for you people, none of this would have happened! We could have simply put you out of your misery back there, so show a little gratitude!” Glancing at Fenrip in annoyance, Grave said, “Gratitude? You obviously don’t know me very well.” Turning away from him in disgust, Fenrip looked at Alexander and said, “Just what are you going to do with him anyways? From what I understand of your situation you can’t exactly walk up to the Elite Guard and turn him over.” Staring at Grave for a moment, Alexander thought, “Yes, what should I do with him? It’d be troublesome to just let him go, but the same could be said for dragging him around with me...”

            Within the Gaian embassy in the border city of Libera, located on the border between the Gaian Kingdom and the Adali Empire on Teramis, Felix sat reading reports behind a wooden desk in a small office room. A man with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes hidden behind rectangular sunglasses, he wore a half gray, half black coat, black pants with gray stripes, and black shoes and gloves, and was the Head of the Guild Council who held direct authority over the Special Forces. As he read, he was thinking, “The problems keep piling up. Altera Veritas, the new Morsus Brotherhood, West’s injury, an impenetrable air fortress that appeared out of nowhere, not to mention whatever the hell is in the sky…” Sifting through the papers in his hands, he continued, “There’s been no contact from anyone in Matthew Greyson’s circle either. What are they doing at a time like this?” 

Suddenly there came a knock on the door. Looking up from his reports, Felix called out, “It’s open.” The door opened, and stepping into Felix’s office, a man with short black hair with a blue right eye and a red left eye approached the desk. Dressed in a fancy blue outfit and a long blue cloak tied around his neck with a chain, he wore black gloves and polished black shoes. Seeing him, Felix put down the papers in his hand and said, “Ah, General Dreck.” Standing before Felix’s desk with a bored look on his face, Dreck haughtily replied, “I dislike being chosen for such a menial task, but I was asked to relay a message from the High General. The Morsus Brotherhood is gathering more and more support in many of the Sanctuaries, and the recent assassination attempts on nobles and Guild officials worries him. He wants you to double your guard.” 

Thinking back to Alastor’s attack in Celestis, Felix gave a slight laugh and muttered, “I wonder if that would even matter against such odds… Very well then, thank Roy for me if you get the chance.” As Dreck turned to go, Felix thought of something and said, “Ah, I forgot to ask you. Has there been any progress with Noctivagus?” Turning his head to look back at Felix, Dreck flatly said, “None. Our unmanned scouts have been unable to gather any data. The shroud of darkness around it is jamming all their sensors, all we can tell is that it’s made of some sort of EDE. Anything that enters can only fly around blindly until they crash or are shot down, and any attack from outside seems to be ineffective as well.” Grimacing, Felix asked, “Well for the time being, it hasn’t shown the intent of making an attack of its own has it?” Moving to the door and opening it, Dreck replied, “No, boringly enough…”

            Making his way down the Gaian embassy’s pure white, pillar lined hallways, General Dreck muttered, “How long is that man going to keep us waiting? Messing around in another world when he already has a weapon that could conquer this one in a day…” Suddenly a voice called out from behind a pillar, “Oh? Do I sense a bit of dissatisfaction with the deal you’ve made with our little black sheep?” Stopping in place and turning his head to look in the voice’s direction, a bead of sweat rolled down Dreck’s face as he saw Malum grinning creepily at him from the shadows of a pillar. Beckoning him over, Malum added, “I never did have much luck teaching him the finer points of business after all. Why don’t we have a little chat and see if we can’t reach a mutually beneficial agreement of our own?” 

Hurrying over to him, Dreck kept his voice down as he angrily said, “I told you people to be more discreet when contacting me! What do you want?” Stuffing his hands in his pockets and chuckling, Malum replied, “Oh, what I desire is of little consequence. I merely overheard your little comments and decided I might give you the chance to move up in the world!” Looking around to ensure they weren’t being watched, Dreck said, “What are you talking about?! Do you have any idea what might happen if I’m caught with you?! Get to the point!” His creepy grin widening, Malum said, “I want you to betray Alastor.” Ceasing to look elsewhere, Dreck turned to stare at Malum in shock for a moment. Extending his hand, Malum said, “Accept my orders from here on, and Alastor will fall. Once that happens, I can take over, and you of course will be rewarded appropriately… You want more power, don’t you?” 

Staring at his hand for a moment, Dreck finally turned away and said, “I’ve heard enough nonsense.” Yet as he started to walk away, he suddenly found a blade at his throat. Standing behind Dreck holding one of his Ravenclaw blades against his neck, Malum said, “Don’t be so hasty now, I’m sure you wouldn’t want my hand to slip…” Dreck could feel the killing intent in his words as clearly as he could feel the cold draft coursing through the hall, and cautiously looking back at Malum, he said, “Alastor is not someone to be trifled with! Can you imagine how much I’ve risked in order to gain his trust? What do you think you can do against someone like him?” Moving his blade away from Dreck’s throat, Malum replied, “It’s a bit early to reveal the extent of my plans I’m afraid. He’s no fool, he already suspects me. For there to be any chance, my scheme must not be uncovered until the time is upon us, but I assure you that with your cooperation, we can bring him down without you having to personally lift a finger against him.” 

Seeing Dreck looked less than confident in his words, Malum gave a slight shrug and added, “Well, I can understand your uncertainty. I expected you wouldn’t risk your standing so easily, and since I have no tasks that require you just yet, I was already prepared to give you some time to think…” Letting his blades evaporate, Malum quickly added, “Do make sure you don’t inform anyone of this meeting though. I would be quite… displeased…” A chill ran up Dreck’s spine from the tone he’d used for the end of his sentence. Opening a dark vortex, Malum waved at Dreck and said, “Don’t betray my expectations now! Opportunity only knocks once…”

            After Malum disappeared into the vortex, Dreck quickly stormed off, thinking, “Is he mad?! I saw those security videos from Celestis! What plan could possibly defeat someone like Alastor without lifting a finger?!” Suddenly, a voice called out, “G-General…!” Coming back to reality, Dreck’s eyes went wide as he saw a member of his division hobbling down the hall towards him, covered in blood. Rushing over to him and catching him as he stumbled, Dreck held him up and asked, “What the hell is going on? Explain yourself!” Coughing blood, the soldier replied, “A man wearing a business suit and a hood… He killed all the security guarding the front of the embassy. We couldn’t call for backup, someone disabled all our communications. I was the only one who was spared, he handed me this letter to give only to you.” 

Taking a bloodstained letter from the soldier’s hand, Dreck opened it and silently read, “By the time you read this, we will likely have already had our chat. I also command the Nameless One’s powers, and I can be just as ruthless as Alastor my dear General. Make sure you consider this before rejecting my offer. And do be sure to kill the survivor and burn the note, assuming you don’t want anyone to know you’re secretly leading the Morsus Brotherhood.” As Dreck quickly crumpled up the note, an evil grin started to spread across his face. Blinking in surprise at the look on his face, the soldier said, “A-are you alright General?” Channeling EDE into his hand, Dreck muttered, “Well, why not? I’ve been so bored after all…”

            Sitting at the black table in his personal chambers, casting a shadow over his cup of coffee in the blue flickering light of the room, as Scathe walked through the door and approached the table, Alastor said, “Has there been any word from Giselle or Grave?” Scathe promptly replied, “Nothing yet Master Alastor. We also have made no progress on discerning the Vinculus’ location.” Drumming his fingers on the table, Alastor blankly muttered, “Marvelous…” Moving around the table to stand at Alastor’s side, Scathe said, “Master, I hold great concern for your health. You have been injured, and while your powers are great, you still require sleep after regenerating your body.” Seeming to ignore him, Alastor merely stared at his cup of coffee. 

Noticing the cup, Scathe reached out to pick it up, saying, “You cannot use caffeine to avoid resting.” Knocking his hand away, Alastor grabbed hold of the cup and drank some of it. Setting it back on the table forcefully, he muttered, “There’s no point in even trying to sleep right now Scathe. I’ve not felt anger like this in a very long time.” Taking another drink, Alastor continued, “I don’t understand how a fool like Ferid managed to accomplish what he did, I would never have even anticipated it. The whole operation was something he should not have been aware of, the only one who was informed over our communication system was Grave, who had been staking out Alexander’s estate on his own.” 

Pausing as he continued to puzzle over it all, as he gleaned no answers he continued to gather his thoughts aloud, saying, “We had several contingents of anomalies stationed onboard the Vinculus to prevent such a betrayal, and while I did not sense the death of a single one, I also cannot connect with their minds anymore. The only way that could even be done is if the Vinculus itself was surrounded by an EDE interference field tuned specifically to counter Corrupted EDE...” Seeing his cup was empty, Alastor seemed to think about getting more for a moment, then cast the cup aside and slumped in his chair as he said, “Before we do anything, we have to try and find Grave and Giselle. We’d better begin to bring over operatives from the Morsus Brotherhood as well. The number of Revenants at my command just keeps dwindling…”

            Stepping through a dark vortex into Alastor’s chambers, Malum overheard the end of Alastor’s rant and said, “In need of more allies are you? I suppose you could say I bring some good news then!” As he took a seat at the table, Alastor looked at him blankly and said, “Malum, I suppose this is probably for the best, but it’s still impossible for me to relax with you around…” As Malum simply shrugged his shoulders and chuckled to himself, Alastor went on to ask, “Just where have you been anyways?” Gesturing whimsically, Malum said, “Oh, just a little of here, a dash of there, nowhere too notable…” Narrowing his eyes slightly, Alastor said, “What are you hiding?” With a dramatic sigh, Malum said, “Fine, fine, spoil the surprise! In truth, I have just devised a method to revive the rest of my fellow horsemen. The only thing left to add is the essence of the Nameless One, and I thought we’d have better results if both of us combined our efforts.” 

Thinking about this a moment, Alastor muttered, “The members of the Four Horsemen is it? I assume they’d be under your command?” His creepy grin widening, Malum replied, “Well yes, but then again, we are partners for the moment aren’t we? Besides, I could revive them one way or another. If we do it this way, you at least gain a few more temporary allies.” Scathe glared at Malum, but did not utter a word. Staring down Malum himself, a tired Alastor finally closed his eyes and said, “Very well. It will have to wait until I rest a bit though…”