PoV :
1. Empress Elinor
Recap: At great sacrifice, Lecra’Moro and Imiunarus lost their lives to give Camellia time to regain her senses and come up with a plan to neutralize Demon’s new vessel. Unfortunately, her sister and their target escaped, but they managed to get his great-great-great-grandson.
Camellia now returns with a partially broken body, forced to carry the Nalvean and isolated parts that makeup Demon’s physical vessel.
We now return to Elinor … It’s time to get our Seraph.
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Elinor got to her feet as she felt the death of Lecra’Moro, and if the intimidating Quen’Talrat Elite Hunter had fallen, then she feared for the others.
“Empress—Is there something I should do?” Violet asked, sensing the loss of her junior, and concern touched the girl’s heart as she thought about her sister being nearby.
Nukulara’s mouth was closed after her statement, silently following her to the balcony as she sorted through the unforeseen event. Edmon hadn’t even noticed since the assassins weren’t under his supervision—currently, Violet was in charge of the branch while her mother was missing.
No, it’s too far away.
Edmon’s concerned tone linked with her mind through the Nexus. “Is something wrong, Elinor? You’re rattled.”
Clearing her throat, she gave the Emperor a forced smile. “If you could give me a moment—a situation has just occurred.”
He nodded, his gaze still on her instead of the calm night view of Shi’Shuka and the Great Ruby Lakes.
The soft glow of the lights dotting the Empire’s streets mirrored the stars above, and the gentle breeze blew back Elinor’s braided hair. However, the incredible nighttime sight was not what pulled Elinor’s eyes. She gazed in the direction of Camellia and Imiunarus while pulling everyone nearby into her Nexus chatroom.
Lecra’Moro just died—Jumi’kerune is proving to be more dangerous than we thought.
“No!” Aileen moaned. “I really liked the big gorilla guy—He threw me in the air like my dad used to do.”
“He was nice,” Quin solemnly replied.
Klaus popped his tongue. “This … is concerning. Lecra’Moro was among the ten strongest Undead inside the Empire. If he was killed, then that’s a major blow against our forces.”
Edmon’s deep growl reverberated through the Nexus, “The question we should be asking is what are we going to do if their whole unit is wiped out?”
I don’t even want to think about that, Elinor mumbled, her heart chilling as she pulled more from her Lich side. However, if that is the case, then we may not be able to free Tal’tamine, which would stress our relationship with Nukulara.
“If I may,” Castella interjected. “Has Camellia or Imiunarus died?”
Not yet … heh. Are you suggesting I have faith in them? Elinor asked, her face softening a little. If so, then you could be right. Until they all fall—I will put my trust in them.
“… Poor Loco’moto,” Aileen mumbled. Emelina privately corrected the twelve-year-old girl, causing her to bluster, “L-Lecra’Moro, I mean! I’m sorry…”
“He-he-he, I don’t think he’d mind, Dear,” Klaus replied. “You might be right, though, Castella, Empress—Camellia is stronger than Lecra’Moro by a decent margin, and Imiunarus is clever.”
… Then we wait.
Elinor counted down the minutes, gut tightening as Imiunarus’s death sent a pin through her heart, but Camellia didn’t follow, and after standing in silence for several minutes, she could feel Camellia on the move again; it was faint, but she was making her way to the north.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, she told the others. Klaus, Castellia, Violet, and Edmon went into a private section of the Nexus to discuss it as Elinor returned her attention to the Emperor next to her.
“Has it been resolved?” he asked, studying her body language.
“Yes, and no.” Elinor’s hands tightened behind her back, glaring at the lake. “… Two of my people are dead.”
Nukulara followed her eyes, and his nose creased. “I see … The ones you sent after Jumi’kerune … What of my daughter?”
“Hmm … Honestly, I can’t say for sure,” Elinor pulled back her hair, green irises shifting to the upset father and ruler. “The strongest of the three survived and is on her way back—but at a much slower pace than I would expect of her.”
The salamander man’s jaw worked for a moment, sharp emerald gaze fixated on the lakes. “… I’ll send a fleet to recover her and an investigation unit to Jumi’kerune’s Estate.”
Elinor turned away from the city. “That would help—She is cautious, though; Klaus should accompany them to point your men in the right direction.”
“What about you?” he questioned, trailing after her as she went inside.
“As much as I wish to see Camellia’s return to understand precisely what has happened … I must return home.”
“Hmm. Is it that urgent?”
Elinor glanced at Violet’s tight hands, enclosed at her front; she feared the potential loss of her mother and sister, but at least they knew Camellia made it out alive—even if she couldn’t get their target, coming back alive was far more critical to Elinor. “It is.”
“… I understand,” Nukulara sighed. “When do you suppose you will be able to return to finish our discussion?”
Elinor slid her fingers across the back of her silken throne, her mind returning to the task ahead of her. “If things go as I hope, I will be back in your lands within days. If not … I have many things to consider.”
Nukulara watched her fingers as they moved down the side of her chair to rest on its side. “I have made many difficult choices for my Empire, Empress Elinor, and there is no easy way out of such situations. If you require aid, then do not be a stranger—I sense a strength in you that befits a Ruler, and your expansion will only help my own people.”
A smile touched her lips, and she gave him a thankful smile, the gratitude in her breast made possible by her Religious System. “Thank you, Emperor Nukulara—while my visit to your nation has caused some issues, I am left with a positive view that we may benefit each other.”
“On the contrary,” Nukulara chuckled, “it is you that has exposed many flaws and weaknesses within my Court and culture that requires addressing. Tal’tamine is still too young to take my place, but I believe it would do her good to spend time in your Empire once things have been resolved.”
“I would enjoy that,” Elinor returned, feeling at least a bit better knowing she finally had an ally in this cruel world. “If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to back home.”
“Of course, and…” He walked over to a nearby table with some kind of chalk-like stick and thick paper. “What are the names and descriptions of your people—I will see to it that they are returned to you, if at all possible.”
“I would like that—but my ambassador will be able to provide that information.”
“Ah, right…” He gave her a respectful nod and gesture. “Until we meet again, Empress Elinor.”
Elinor returned the gesture and made her way out; Violet had difficulty getting past his elite guards but managed it since their attention was centered on her while exiting with the High Ruler.
Edmon and Violet escorted her back to the docks, where Quin was waiting with the rest of the crew; Klaus escorted Aileen to the boat earlier, and Jumbi had the ship stripped of everything heavy to provide the swiftest return possible.
To her surprise, Elluinara and Kolira, the Mother Superior, were on the deck when she arrived, giving the two Thélméthra Drones she’d brought unsure glances; the spider creatures were as still as Sari’aél’s statue below.
She had Aileen go down to double-check to be sure the Seraph was there as she made it on board, meeting with the Ri’bot and her adopted Nalvean Seaweaver daughter. “Ah—I heard the two of you wished to speak to me.”
Jumbi made his way across the large ship to give her a respectful bow before the other two could respond. “Empress Elinor! Not a soul has been into the sealed room since your departure. Are we to set off immediately?”
“We are…” Elinor cut off with a wry smile as Aileen’s voice entered her mind.
“Umm … Empress, the door was locked … I think I broke it.”
Sari’aél?
Aileen’s gasp almost gave her a heart attack. “Empress! She’s—She’s so pretty! She’s really going to come back—an angel?!”
Yes, Aileen. That’s why we’re rushing to return. Stand guard inside for me and let me know if anyone tries to go inside.
“Roger!” she chimed, and Elinor could practically see the girl giving a salute to the air while closing the door. “No one gets near the angel!”
“Empress?” Jumbi asked, Elluinara and Kolira giving her questioning stares.
Edmon’s deep voice caused their focus to snap to the intimidating armor-clad knight. “The Empress is issuing orders. How soon until we can cast off?”
“Uh—immediately!” Jumbi swiftly replied, shouting commands at his crew to get them on the move.
Elinor motioned to the Ri’bot and Nalvean woman as they hugged themselves with uncertainty. “What did you wish to speak to me about, Kolira?”
The elderly toad woman cleared her throat, watching the silken throne an invisible Violet refashioned for Elinor at the bow. “I, umm … I wanted to discuss the workings of my people when we migrate to your lands—We are accustomed to these Great Lakes, Empress.”
Sitting down and folding her legs, Elinor’s gaze bounced between Nalvean Seawayers as they prepared to set sail; the Seawayer Ri’bot she’d brought was aiding in the ship’s needs. “Hmm … It’s good you’ve decided to come—Tiffany will be able to tell you how the Clavex Clan can assimilate into our lands, using the skills you’ve fashioned here.”
“Tiffany…” Elluinara whispered. “Have I met her?”
Elinor shook her head. “I don’t think so. She was busy when Klaus brought you to the Empire.”
The two women looked at each other and then bowed to her.
“Thank you, Empress,” Kolira said, retreating a bit away to discuss things with her adopted daughter.
They’re nervous, Elinor commented, studying their shifting posture.
Edmon stared at the pair. “It’s to be expected. They’re in the middle of what they see as a war of the gods, and there is little protection in-between.”
Right…
As they began to move, Jumbi returned; the Nalvean had no trouble making his way across the rocking ship. “… Empress, might I have a word?”
“You may,” she said, looking up at the strange sea birds flying overhead.
“Sailing upriver and into the valley, umm…” his lips tightened while staring at the large four-armed Quen’Talrat on his deck. “According to the directions we were given, it will take a day to arrive at our destination.”
“A day…” Elinor whispered, hating how long it took to get places in this world; it should have been less than two hundred miles to her city walls.
Edmon refrained from a chuckle at her annoyance. “A day—It took us nearly that long to reach Shi’Shuka sailing downriver, and with support gems that filled our sails when needed. A day upriver is impressive.”
Jumbi’s expression brightened. “Indeed, High Ruler Edmon! Our ship is among the fastest merchant vessels with our Seaweaver pair.”
Elinor gave him a false smile. “We’re in your care. A day should be fine.”
In truth, she hated the prospect of losing a single minute without Sari’aél’s presence; the Seraph’s calming security didn’t come from just her serene presence, but the power she exuded.
Edmon and Jumbi got into a discussion about sailing, her Doom Guard gaining intelligence on areas they hadn’t been yet while Elinor blankly stared ahead, watching the choppy waves of the massive river.
Aileen mourned Lecra’Moro a bit on the journey back, talking to Edmon, who was way more patient than Elinor’s father had been. He let the girl talk about the limited memories she had of him, and Quin joined the conversation.
Jumbi had special lanterns with expensive fuel that lit up the night, allowing them to keep track of the rocky areas of the deep, snaking river, and Elinor spent the trip in her mind, focusing on returning north to where Iris’s signature was growing stronger and stronger.
However, it was during the following day that something peculiar occurred that had her worried. Most of the crew had fallen asleep as they exited the dangerous areas between the Nalvean Empire and her own, passing into the valley an hour ago. Edmon…
“Yes?” he asked, turning his gaze from the distant shoreline on both sides to give her his attention.
After everything in the Nalvean Empire, she’d continued to pump everything into her Death Pool, increasing it by a significant margin.
Death Pool III: (3,842DE Cap (3,787DE Before Investing Points); Currently 3,934/3,842DE) Passive, Summoning, Level Four, Intermediate, Rank Three; Elinor’s energy source is affected by her Endurance Stat. The glow of her crown’s jewels and eyes increase based on its current levels.
- Overpowered III: Reactive Link Skill, Summoning, Level Four, Versed, Rank Max; Grants a 20% reduction of Death Energy loss if Elinor is over her pool’s cap while also giving her a 1500% temporary storage of the surplus that will slowly be drained.
She was getting closer to the 6,405 Death Energy she needed to raise Transcendent Intelligent Undead without the help of the Life Fruit, but the drain of her surplus appeared to cap with the amount given by her Religious System at 4,134—at least, that’s what she’d thought.
Over the past two hours, that consistent flow of energy was getting lower and lower. She wasn’t losing followers, yet the amount of Death Energy they provided was lowering, and by significant amounts.
Something’s happening to my followers—What would cause them to not give the consistent energy they’ve been providing until now?
“Is it that bad?”
It’s noticeable, Elinor grumbled, glaring at the sun, high overhead; Violet had crafted an umbrella that shaded her from the heat. I can’t tell which direction is lacking, though. What does it mean?
Edmon shook his head. “I can’t say. If they’re not killing or eating, then it could be a cultural fast … scarcity in food, for whatever reason, or any other number of possibilities.”
… Why do I feel this is an omen? she growled.
“Heh—because everything feels like an omen in this world … We do have Demon actively working against us.”
True…
Elinor, Edmon, and Violet’s unease grew the further they traveled upriver. At first, it was just the unusual activity in her followers, which could be anything, and then they came into range of the docks Edmon had built, and the Undead that was stationed there didn’t respond.
… Can I panic now? Elinor mumbled.
“It is unusual…” Edmon whispered. “Quin, swim ashore and go ahead to scout things out.”
The Quen’Talrat acted instantly, causing the few Nalvean on the deck to jump in fright as the towering ape leaped over the side and began swimming to shore.
Doing a quick check of her people, Elinor’s vision fixated on the shifting greenish-blue waves of the river.
Klaus was nearing Camellia, and given the direction her internal compass pointed to, they were somewhere close to the Everglade Mountains. The fact it had taken Camellia so long to traverse the Sea Grass Plains told her something was wrong.
Emelina was still in the direction of Shi’Shuka with Castella, keeping Aluix safe until they could puzzle out why Demon wanted him dead.
Interestingly, she could still sense the death locations of Kimlira, Imiunarus, and Lecra’Moro, allowing her the ability to find the exact place they were slain if she drew near.
She was North of them, her entire Empire, hundreds of her unintelligent soldiers, Tiffany—everyone, including Iris beyond the blizzarding mountains, above the massive Quen’Talrat wasteland.
Rigrach was at the docks, ten miles to their northeast, yet he didn’t respond to her inquiry. Ordinarily, she’d be thrilled to not suffer through the bird’s odd way of speaking, but this was different.
Quin traveled upriver, swiftly outpacing them, and when she reached the reverse u-shaped bend where the dock was located, she paused. “… Empress … There is a thick fog ahead.”
“Don’t enter it yet,” Edmon ordered. “Move along the edge and see if there is anything you can discover within it.”
Elinor held her breath as the giant ape reported back what she saw.
“Yes … It stops at the cliffs—It overshadows part of the river.”
“Over the docks?” Edmon pressed.
“Yes … I see small animals within—Everything sleeps.”
A groan shook Elinor’s chest as she slumped back, staring dully at the bending river. Is it moving?
“No. It is keeping its position.”
Edmon cleared his throat with uncertainty. “Elinor … This may be Tiffany’s doing. She used a ritual spell like this to deter the Ri’bot from following us when we were first born.”
So … why would she make it again? she asked, dreading the answer. Did Baxter attack and it was the only option?
“… I can’t say, but—the spell Tiffany used didn’t affect the living dead, which is suspect.”
Great … What do we do then?
“… We improvise.”
Edmon went to the back of the ship to where the helmsman and captain were. “Jumbi, there seems to be fog ahead, and it might have magical properties to put those that breathe it into a deep sleep.”
“Erm … Excuse me? Fog that causes sleep—Well, I can’t say I’ve heard of that before … Is it at our destination?”
“It is.”
“Footlicker,” the captain grumbled. “Alright, what’s the plan?”
Edmon’s shield appeared in his hands from cracking ice. “We will anchor away from shore, and we will take one of your smaller rowboats to shore with the Empress. Will you stay in case we must make an escape?”
He gave the armored man a strained laugh. “Heh—I will, but can you at least tell me what we are dealing with—Is this not your land?”
“I wish I could tell you,” Edmon replied, shifting his tower shield in his hand. “There is a small group after the Empress’s life, and it may be them; if you feel in danger or anyone else tries to approach you, leave back to Shi’Shuka as swiftly as possible.”
“… Well, heh,” he scratched the back of his neck while staring at his helmsman. “Who said this trip would be without event?”
“I believe it was Usitria, Captain,” he chuckled.
“Right … She owes me a drink. Very well, High Lord Edmon. We will heed your advice. May the Empress return safely.”
A smile was in Edmon’s tone; he’d grown more fond of the captain after sharing ship design theories. “Let us hope.”
Elinor’s gaze shifted to the youngest Spider Sister. Violet, you still have the web network spanning the jungle?
“I do. When we make it to shore, I can access it and perhaps communicate with Azalea.”
As Edmon said—Let’s hope.
When they made it to the obscured docks, it was reaching sundown; they’d made better time than Jumbi thought.
Getting in the small boat with Violet, Aileen, and Edmon, her Doom Guard created a frozen platform in the water, tying a rope to it before expertly maneuvering the Seraph’s imprisoned corpse out of the storage area and onto the makeshift attachment.
They made consistent progress with Edmon’s even, consistent strokes, making it to the sandy shore within twenty minutes. As her Gatekeeper pulled in Sari’aél, he lifted her up by the base; he’d have to carefully navigate them through the short patch of jungle before they got to the semi-clear path they’d fashioned over the previous week.
A shimmering transparent shell surrounded their group, including Quin’s large frame, as they entered the silent fog.
Edmon’s shield kept the magical mist at bay; they didn’t require air to live, in any case.
Just before getting to the path, Violet stopped them to examine her network, probing silk scanning for the threads she’d left behind for her sister.
“… I found it—Hmm…” Violet’s reserved features cracked a little with concern. “… The whole jungle sleeps within—miles and miles of resting creatures—insects, animals, reptiles … the Undead.”
Edmon adjusted his grip on Sari’aél’s waist to look at the black-haired spider woman in a human guise. “The city?”
“I cannot tell. I did not lay my sensory thread within.”
Aileen lifted her fingers to bite her nails, pausing just before the act; the Head Maid had been trying to break her of the habit. “Umm … Are all the other maids okay? They all are nice—Well, Adronica is usually pretty annoying, but she’s alright.”
We’ll see, Elinor whispered. Let’s go to the source, Edmon. We need to know if this is happening inside the city walls, too.
“Then we press forward…”
Quin lowered herself to their level. “Empress, would you like me to carry you?”
Elinor chuckled. “That would be lovely … Walking through a jungle is—bothersome.”
“I like it!” Aileen chimed with an innocent grin. “I just can’t get too muddy, or Emelina will get mad—Maids aren’t supposed to get dirty!” she mimicked with a controlled look, trying to emulate the woman before bursting into laughter. “She’s so awesome!”
I like having Emelina around, too, Elinor whispered, smoothing out her large skirt to sit on Quin’s caring hand. Let’s finish this, get Iris back, and—I think we deserve some kind of party after everything we’ve been through.
“Sweets!” Aileen cheered; Elinor wondered if the sugar in this world might be somehow even more addictive or if the girl was just manic for the flavor.
Their journey became smoother as they made it onto the path; Elinor saw sleeping birds, large furry animals, Ri’bot, and her unresponsive Unintelligent Undead along their journey.
She smiled up at Sari’aél as they continued their silent march through the wet jungle, making their way to Nethermore, her capital city of the dead. The angel’s radiant energy helped to calm the nerves her Religious System allowed through. Soon … Very soon.
Sleeping Yaltha’ma became more frequent as they neared the black towers and walls; the front gate’s bridge seemed to have been mostly repaired by Amra’Cora and her Quen’Talrat Unit while they were away, but the deathly silence and thick mist reminded Ellinor of the mystery this place held the first time she’d entered through its broken battlements.
Her streets were far cleaner than when she’d left; they’d been busy—it wasn’t long until she saw unconscious humans resting near each other in groups of three. It seemed a buddy system had been invoked by Gwen.
The fog shifted around their bubble, revealing new sights with every step they took, and after miles of walking, they made it to the palace; its doors were wide open, showing that the mist had fallen upon the city during daylight.
Elinor followed the enchanting haze that showed happy children in the middle of the hallway, leading to her Throne Room. Everyone wore a content, resting stillness that told of fantastic dreams behind their closed eyes.
“Hmm … Tiffany’s in the Life Fruit room,” Edmon mumbled. “Are there any threats, Violet?”
The girl’s threads were scanning much of the palace with her invisible silk. “… I cannot sense anything dangerous—Azalea sleeps with Tiffany; the doors in the back are open.”
Edmon’s tone darkened. “Tiffany would never leave it open—It must be a trap.”
“… I don’t sense anything,” Violet repeated. “All there is is the fog and…”
Her head snapped up as a soft male chuckle echoed around the room, causing all of them to search for the source.
“I sense nothing!” Violet growled. “It’s—It’s coming from several places at once—There’s nothing there!”
Edmon set Sari’aél down as a sizeable raven-like creature appeared out of the mist with a flourishing motion. “I bid thee welcome to the Waltz of Felicity, Empress Elinor; I have learned much about you from those that fear you!”
Aileen’s mouth dropped open. “It’s a bird!” she pointed in astonishment. “… It has funny legs.”
“Quin … You can’t run with this fog surrounding us—We’re trapped inside my shield.”
“I will protect the Empress with my body!” she assured, her three free arms encircling her.
“… You must be Baxter,” Elinor said, doing her best not to sound intimidated, but he’d put her entire army under some kind of unwakeable sleep. “What do you want?”
Baxter’s smirking, bone-like mouth and hollow eyes shifted his head as he looked at each of them. “I—am a lover of the arts, my dear Empress, and those that radiate beauty should not be constrained. Do you agree? Liberation! The joyous act of flight that takes one into the heavens! Viva’lour’tenir … Shita’do … Shi’swi, ala’mou! Ehua-ahua … Oh … oh, such beauty!”
String instruments gently plucked from every angle with a lovely feminine voice that spoke in a foreign language.
Elinor’s gut tightened; this mysterious creature was someone Iris had trouble with, and judging by what she’d seen so far, he was far beyond what they could deal with. Edmon might protect her for quite some time, but he didn’t have the offensive capabilities like Iris to handle him. Eventually, they’d fall.
However, there was one hope that entered her mind, vision moving to her angel. “… It really is an enchanting sound, Baxter—I too am an admirer of the arts. In fact, have you seen my newest piece? She will be even more radiant than Iris—Do you wish to witness my art? You may judge it for yourself and see how I free them from the grasp of death.”
Her defenders prepared for a battle, but they’d already lost if it came to that; Violet couldn’t even sense him—her mother was right, this creature was a real threat to her Empire, and her daughters would be useless against him.
“Ho-ho … to see the bounds of death broken—such beauty I have not witnessed,” he vanished into the fog, appearing above them before even fully dematerializing. “Life—Death … the rise and fall—yet to see the liberation of the shackles of the felled is an epic with exploring! Alas … I must free my glorious Queen from the leash that binds her, and her daughters—Yes, I have seen the light they have inside their … What is this…”
He turned to mist again, appearing to her left, at the edge of the barrier, Edmon following him with his shield.
Remain calm, Elinor commanded. We cannot win, Violet. Don’t try to attack—We must convince him to allow me to resurrect Sari’aél. It’s our only chance.
“He is indeed powerful,” Edmon growled. “His movements aren’t random; every place he moves is a weak point in the shield that I must cover.”
Aileen cocked her head as he leaned left and right, staring at Sari’aél through the barrier. “He’s kind of funny, though! What’s he doing?”
Baxter was ignoring them. “Ah-hah-ha-ha-ha! Such—emotion—raw—divine energy … How could I have missed such—primal beauty. This is—it’s more than her…”
A smile brightened Elinor’s lips as he fixated on the Seraph’s encased form. “Do you wish to see her ascension—to speak to her?”
He shook his head as if in a daze. “Ah—heh, I lost myself for a moment. What is this … Goddess that can save me—This tempting pulse of pain, loss, and unbearable hope for salvation within my breast—this defiance?”
The silence returned as he stared down at her, entirely entranced by the angel’s radiant force, possibly able to read far deeper into the angel’s final emotions before her death.
“Edmon, bring Sari’aél—I will show you so much more, Baxter. If you wish to create art—I promise you, there will be none greater than with Sari’aél … she will bring you into a realm of beauty you’ve never tasted, nor could dream.”
“Hoh-ho-ho! The works of art that will be sung this day will echo throughout time and space! The glory that our dance will bring shall shimmer like the heavens, exploding with splendor at their choir’s end! Yes, Empress Elinor—bring about the Waltz of Ecstasy!”
Aileen gasped, jumping up with a cheer. “I’ve been practicing my dancing! Yes!”
She figured the girl was having a hard time understanding how dire their situation was since Elinor was being so curious to him, and she gestured to the back room. “Shall we? Edmon…”
He kept his gaze on the blackbird while carefully picking up the Seraph. “The waltz cannot start until Sari’aél returns.”
“Yes! Yes! Hurry! Hurry!” Baxter hopped forward, motioning for them to follow. “You need this strange fruit, correct? I have seen it in Tiffany’s dreams! Come. Come!” he demanded, and they complied.
This is it … Everything comes to this … We’re lucky Baxter’s such an eccentric.
“… It was that quality that brought his focus on us, to begin with,” Edmon grunted.
Other earthly music played around them as they proceeded, Baxter, singing alien songs. They marched through the Throne Room and galaxy-like hallway, pausing before the glorious Life Room.
Baxter flew around the top of the heavenly designed space, and Elinor was shocked to find the mist unable to enter the area. Tiffany and Azalea were just outside; it was as if a barrier was forcing the fog away, yet Edmon kept his powerful defensive shell active.
Elinor directed Edmon to the ritualistic table Tiffany crafted for her, and she wasted no time drawing out the corrupted life force within the fruit, Baxter singing his unintelligible songs overhead.
Several minutes passed with Baxter’s fervor increasing; it was as if he knew she was getting close to the finishing act. Taking a deep breath as she gathered the extraordinary amount of Death Energy she needed, Elinor turned, calling upon the nine required butterflies it took to resurrect a Transcendent Spirit.
“Sari’aél … finally—become mine…” Elinor commanded, the emerald flames engulfing the amber-like substance.
Baxter spun down with an elegant flourish to greet the radiant angel—except, when the fire cleared, the amber remained. “Is … this it?”
Elinor’s eyes dimmed with confusion and disbelief as The System reported back to her. Failed… “Why did it fail,” she whispered. No … no, no, no! I’m not strong enough to destroy something divine? Why…
“Empress! We need to get you…”
Baxter’s fingers twitch with agitation. “… My disappointment is … immeasurable—my entire day is ruined … Oblivion it is.”
Elinor was too stunned to react as the blackbird prepared to attack, drawing in its claw-like black hands.
… How did this happen … Sari’aél said she accepted…
Her vision fell to the floor; there was nothing she could do at this point. He had her entire city in an endless sleep; there wasn’t a place she could run.
Tears came to her eyes as she realized everything she’d done was a waste if it ended like this—the humans couldn’t survive without her. No, maybe a few could make it to Yesenia—perhaps they could live with her … until Demon took his pound of flesh.
When the chaos of battle failed to happen, Elinor’s vision lifted to find Baxter frozen in place … Beside her, Edmon was the same, his frost-like aura just as still as the bird. In fact, everything was still, and not a sound touched her mind.
“What’s happening?” she whispered, looking for answers, and it came in the form of a bright radiance that filled a space below one of the white trees eight feet away.
An elderly male voice spoke from the light. “… Elinor, I’ve been expecting you for some time. Come … We have important topics to discuss.”
A lump appeared in her throat; it sounded so human and familiar—like her grandfather when she was a little girl, calling for her to come and sit with him and her grandmother when they had family gatherings.
Sari’aél’s warning resurfaced in Elinor’s mind. “If you can show me that you, Empress Elinor, can provide what it is I seek, then I will bow before you … I am no longer a Daughter of the Sun, seeing as I have fallen, but the Blood Sun will forever be my father, and will never abandon me. Take me, if you can.”
Take me … from her father…
A chill ran down Elinor’s soul at the notion—the thing who’d paralyzed reality itself was beyond this golden gate—the Blood Sun, and he’d invited her to have a chat about his daughter.
Taking a shuddering breath, Elinor straightened, cleaned her wet cheeks, and stepped through the portal—all hope was not lost.
Maps:
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