Chapter 181: Blood Orientation (Maiya)
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Chapter 181: Blood Orientation (Maiya)
Maiya stole through Sonams cool stone alleys alone. The nighttime breeze mightve felt refreshing if she wasnt so crippled with anxiety.
Months of preparation had culminated in this very moment. Maiyas heart pounded and a thin sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead. Shed read through every tome, interviewed all her contacts, and rehearsed her cover story. Sleepless nights became the norm as she scoured over her research, checking and rechecking her plans.
Now, there was nothing more to be done. The preparations made, her mind setat least, as set as it could be when joining a crazy blood cult.
For this occasion, Maiya wore a faded brown cloak over brigandine armorthe kind Vir had worn and that adventurers preferred. Shed dyed her hair black, but her face was unadorned. Makeup would only be a liability later.
As far as locations went, the Children had chosen well. It had taken relying on her intelligence network to find the exact location. If shed acted on her own, shed never have given the nondescript three-story building in Sonams Temple Quarter a second glance.
An ambitious move, conducting their profane activities so close to the center of holiness in the largest, most fortified city in the empire. It was exactly the sort of lunacy Maiya had come to expect from the cult.
Approaching a bland wooden door, she knocked twice, then thrice, then a pause before one final knock.
State your business, a soft voice spoke from a looking hole embedded within the door.
To become one with the Ash, Maiya replied.
There came the sound of a deadbolt sliding, then the door swung open soundlessly.
Name? a gaunt, hooded man in black asked.
Maiya, she said.
The man scribbled something tiredly. He looked like he hadnt slept or eaten in days.
Initiation will begin momentarily. Do not resist.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
What do you!?
Before Maiya could react, the man began patting her down.
Standard check, he said. No orbs or weapons. You may pass. Follow me.
Maiya swallowed her indignation and did as she was told.
Theyre just crazy, Maiya. Theyre not right in the head. You cant blame them. Just stay calm.
Shed known the buildings ordinary exterior was only a facade. That the insides would be everything her intelligence reports told her. Still, shed clung to the possibility that maybe this particular building wouldnt be as bad.
It was.
For one, the cramped hallway was dark, illuminated only by lanterns placed on the walls at long intervals. Too far apart to adequately light the place, the dim light forced Maiya to use the walls as a guide, carefully placing her steps lest she fall in the dark.
If that was all, Maiya wouldve been relieved. It was the blood. So much blood, smeared on the walls, on the ceiling and likely the floor, too. She was suddenly thankful for the darkness; she wasnt sure shed be able to walk on the dried blood of Ash Beasts.
They rounded a bend, and the hall opened into a grand audience chamber that was plunged in darkness. Only the altar at the end of the tall chamber was lit with a dizzying array of candlelight.
There wasnt a single magical lamp she could see. It was as if the hallways darkness had been intentional, to inspire a sense of awe.
Awed she was, though not on account of the lighting. The room was three stories tall, and she knew such rooms were not normal in this neighborhood. The Order must have modified it heavily. Its walls, ceiling, and floors were all dyed a deep crimson.
Dominating the rear wall was a wooden statue of something. It stood nearly the full three stories in height, and like everything else, was covered in blood.If Maiya didnt already know what it was, she couldnt have guessed.
It was, of course, their god. The Prana Swarm the Children of Ash worshiped, said to reside somewhere deep inside the Ashen Realm. As terrifying as that was, the rectangular tub at its base scared her more.
For it was filled with fresh, red blood.
The baptism pool.
From the faint scent of copper, she knew it was real. The blood in the tub, the flakes of dried blood that had peeled off here and there None of it fake, and all of it augmenting the already profane setting.
Wait here, the guide croaked before ambling off.
The room was filled with prospective hopefuls, though Maiya knew only a fraction of their number would end up initiatedthe Order was strangely selective about who they admitted.
Some chatted in groups of three or four. Others looked nervously at the surroundings, and a precious fewthe ones Maiya suspected the Order would be most interested ingreedily took in the surroundings, deranged smiles plastered upon their faces.
Maiya had thought to go that route but ultimately decided against it. She mightve been trained in the arts of deception, but faking insanity was difficult at the best of times. Keeping up the act for monthspossibly even years? That might actually drive her crazy.
The Order had its fanatics, yes, but they were an organized force. Which meant logistics, planning, and detail-oriented work. Deranged zealots seldom checked those boxes, requiring a small army of less fervent sympathizers who worked behind the scenes. It was that organization she hoped to infiltrate.
Unfortunately, the zealots ran the indoctrination process, so her fate rested in their hands. Despite all the power she wielded as Princess Iras right hand, Maiya was no different from any of the other hopefuls. Shed still chosen the Kinjal branch over the others.
Not all Children branches were equal. The ones in countries sharing a border with the ash tended to be larger and wielded more clout within the organization. While the Childrens Rectorstheir mid-level leaderscould deploy her anywhere in the Known World, Maiya figured it was more likely theyd keep her local.
If they did, itd be her gain. She could bring the full force of her power to bear only in the Kinjal Empire. It was exciting, in a way. This might have been the first time a country had placed such a high-level operative within the Children's ranks. Every country had its moleseven Kinjalbut none with ambitions like hers.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
No one had attempted a total takeover in recent history. For good reason. It was a fools errand, and Maiya herself had grave reservations about Iras plan. Bringing a fanatical organization fifty thousand strong under her control sounded wildly fantastical and highly improbable.
Blessed are we, to be so near to the ash. A Blessing that goes unappreciated by your UNINITIATED ears!
Oh gods hes shouting again. So much for the sanity.
Then, without a concluding remark, the Rector walked off the stage, shaking visibly in what Maiya could only assume was rapture. Either that, or the man was experiencing a seizure. She wasnt sure which was worse.
The Child of Ash next to the Rector spoke instead. Your initiation commences one month hence. We shall convene at dawn, east of Jatan Lake. There, your worth shall be determined.
One months a ways away, Maiya thought. Shed known the Children batched their initiation tests, but getting a precise date was difficult without showing up.
Shouldve sent an agent instead, Maiya thought, but she herself had chosen not to. If she was to join these maniacs, she needed to see all parts of their operation. Even the unpleasant ones.
A WARNING! the Rector suddenly shouted, rushing back up to his podium, as if hed forgotten something important. Beware the primordial! The enemy of god. The despicable! The Primordial will bring the end of realms! Find him! Purge him! Burn him to Ash!
Maiya cringed while Yamal sneered.
You think he really exists? This Primordial? the man asked.
Maybe?
Gotta be an Ash beast, I guess.
I dunno. Maybe hes just a handsome teen trying to find his way in a world that hates him?
Thats oddly specific, Yamal said, giving her a look.
Maiya fought the urge to giggle.
Kidding! Who knows what hes like? If he even exists.
R-right.
I do, Maiya thought. And hes amazing.
Her chest grew warm at the thought of Vir. Cirayus had said the Primordialor the Akh Nara, as he called itwould usher in a new era for demons, but how did the Children know of Vir? Or rather, his prior incarnations? What was his true purpose?
Maybe I can help him find out while Im here. Maybe the Children know more
Maiya couldnt wait to see Virs reaction when shed learned all the juicy details of his past. Then she remembered it would be months, if not years, and her mood came crashing down again.
Begone, ye tainted! the Rector shouted, descending from the podium for what was hopefully the last time.
The Children pushed the uninitiated out of the audience chamber, through the hallways, and back out to the entrance. They released them discreetly, letting out only one or two at a time.
It was the most miserable initiation drive shed ever seen, but perhaps that was by design. It was like they wanted the crazies who enjoyed such treatment.
Maiya stretched and took a deep breath the moment she was free, happy to be rid of that bloody place.
To her dismay, she found a certain shaggy-haired, mustached man by her side.
What do you think, Maiya? he asked, earning a frown from her.
Whys he acting so close?
Maiya shrugged. East of Jatan Lake puts us closer to the Boundary Maybe they want us to fight Ash Beasts?
Yamal visibly paled. A-Ash beasts!? Fight them? The man looked as though he was about to piss himself, which helped restore Maiyas mood.
I thought you said you were just there for the handouts? Maiya asked. Dont you already have what you want?
W-well, yes. But, well Yamals eyes darted between Maiya and the ground. Are you going?
Sure am.
Then I shall go.
Huh? Maiya asked incredulously. Whyd you do that?
Youll be in danger. A girl like you should be protected.
Maiya tried to stifle a laugh. She failed. Tears welled up in her eyes. You think Im weak, Yamal?
You can count on me, Yamal replied, taking Maiya aback. There was an earnest determination in his eyes.
Youre free to act as you like, but so am I. Dont expect me to look after you, either, Maiya said, falling behind the man. If you do venture out there, be prepared for the consequences.
I will, MaiMaiya? Yamal said, confused. When he turned to face her, he found only an empty road.
Maiya watched from an alley as the man ambled off in confusion. She couldnt help but feel like shed picked up some useless baggage. Dead weight.
Ash Beasts, huh? she muttered to herself. I only hope its that easy.
For some reason, she feared itd be worse. A lot worse.
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Chapter 181: Blood Orientation (Maiya)
Maiya stole through Sonams cool stone alleys alone. The nighttime breeze mightve felt refreshing if she wasnt so crippled with anxiety.
Months of preparation had culminated in this very moment. Maiyas heart pounded and a thin sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead. Shed read through every tome, interviewed all her contacts, and rehearsed her cover story. Sleepless nights became the norm as she scoured over her research, checking and rechecking her plans.
Now, there was nothing more to be done. The preparations made, her mind setat least, as set as it could be when joining a crazy blood cult.
For this occasion, Maiya wore a faded brown cloak over brigandine armorthe kind Vir had worn and that adventurers preferred. Shed dyed her hair black, but her face was unadorned. Makeup would only be a liability later.
As far as locations went, the Children had chosen well. It had taken relying on her intelligence network to find the exact location. If shed acted on her own, shed never have given the nondescript three-story building in Sonams Temple Quarter a second glance.
An ambitious move, conducting their profane activities so close to the center of holiness in the largest, most fortified city in the empire. It was exactly the sort of lunacy Maiya had come to expect from the cult.
Approaching a bland wooden door, she knocked twice, then thrice, then a pause before one final knock.
State your business, a soft voice spoke from a looking hole embedded within the door.
To become one with the Ash, Maiya replied.
There came the sound of a deadbolt sliding, then the door swung open soundlessly.
Name? a gaunt, hooded man in black asked.
Maiya, she said.
The man scribbled something tiredly. He looked like he hadnt slept or eaten in days.
Initiation will begin momentarily. Do not resist.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
What do you!?
Before Maiya could react, the man began patting her down.
Standard check, he said. No orbs or weapons. You may pass. Follow me.
Maiya swallowed her indignation and did as she was told.
Theyre just crazy, Maiya. Theyre not right in the head. You cant blame them. Just stay calm.
Shed known the buildings ordinary exterior was only a facade. That the insides would be everything her intelligence reports told her. Still, shed clung to the possibility that maybe this particular building wouldnt be as bad.
It was.
For one, the cramped hallway was dark, illuminated only by lanterns placed on the walls at long intervals. Too far apart to adequately light the place, the dim light forced Maiya to use the walls as a guide, carefully placing her steps lest she fall in the dark.
If that was all, Maiya wouldve been relieved. It was the blood. So much blood, smeared on the walls, on the ceiling and likely the floor, too. She was suddenly thankful for the darkness; she wasnt sure shed be able to walk on the dried blood of Ash Beasts.
They rounded a bend, and the hall opened into a grand audience chamber that was plunged in darkness. Only the altar at the end of the tall chamber was lit with a dizzying array of candlelight.
There wasnt a single magical lamp she could see. It was as if the hallways darkness had been intentional, to inspire a sense of awe.
Awed she was, though not on account of the lighting. The room was three stories tall, and she knew such rooms were not normal in this neighborhood. The Order must have modified it heavily. Its walls, ceiling, and floors were all dyed a deep crimson.
Dominating the rear wall was a wooden statue of something. It stood nearly the full three stories in height, and like everything else, was covered in blood.If Maiya didnt already know what it was, she couldnt have guessed.
It was, of course, their god. The Prana Swarm the Children of Ash worshiped, said to reside somewhere deep inside the Ashen Realm. As terrifying as that was, the rectangular tub at its base scared her more.
For it was filled with fresh, red blood.
The baptism pool.
From the faint scent of copper, she knew it was real. The blood in the tub, the flakes of dried blood that had peeled off here and there None of it fake, and all of it augmenting the already profane setting.
Wait here, the guide croaked before ambling off.
The room was filled with prospective hopefuls, though Maiya knew only a fraction of their number would end up initiatedthe Order was strangely selective about who they admitted.
Some chatted in groups of three or four. Others looked nervously at the surroundings, and a precious fewthe ones Maiya suspected the Order would be most interested ingreedily took in the surroundings, deranged smiles plastered upon their faces.
Maiya had thought to go that route but ultimately decided against it. She mightve been trained in the arts of deception, but faking insanity was difficult at the best of times. Keeping up the act for monthspossibly even years? That might actually drive her crazy.
The Order had its fanatics, yes, but they were an organized force. Which meant logistics, planning, and detail-oriented work. Deranged zealots seldom checked those boxes, requiring a small army of less fervent sympathizers who worked behind the scenes. It was that organization she hoped to infiltrate.
Unfortunately, the zealots ran the indoctrination process, so her fate rested in their hands. Despite all the power she wielded as Princess Iras right hand, Maiya was no different from any of the other hopefuls. Shed still chosen the Kinjal branch over the others.
Not all Children branches were equal. The ones in countries sharing a border with the ash tended to be larger and wielded more clout within the organization. While the Childrens Rectorstheir mid-level leaderscould deploy her anywhere in the Known World, Maiya figured it was more likely theyd keep her local.
If they did, itd be her gain. She could bring the full force of her power to bear only in the Kinjal Empire. It was exciting, in a way. This might have been the first time a country had placed such a high-level operative within the Children's ranks. Every country had its moleseven Kinjalbut none with ambitions like hers.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
No one had attempted a total takeover in recent history. For good reason. It was a fools errand, and Maiya herself had grave reservations about Iras plan. Bringing a fanatical organization fifty thousand strong under her control sounded wildly fantastical and highly improbable.
Blessed are we, to be so near to the ash. A Blessing that goes unappreciated by your UNINITIATED ears!
Oh gods hes shouting again. So much for the sanity.
Then, without a concluding remark, the Rector walked off the stage, shaking visibly in what Maiya could only assume was rapture. Either that, or the man was experiencing a seizure. She wasnt sure which was worse.
The Child of Ash next to the Rector spoke instead. Your initiation commences one month hence. We shall convene at dawn, east of Jatan Lake. There, your worth shall be determined.
One months a ways away, Maiya thought. Shed known the Children batched their initiation tests, but getting a precise date was difficult without showing up.
Shouldve sent an agent instead, Maiya thought, but she herself had chosen not to. If she was to join these maniacs, she needed to see all parts of their operation. Even the unpleasant ones.
A WARNING! the Rector suddenly shouted, rushing back up to his podium, as if hed forgotten something important. Beware the primordial! The enemy of god. The despicable! The Primordial will bring the end of realms! Find him! Purge him! Burn him to Ash!
Maiya cringed while Yamal sneered.
You think he really exists? This Primordial? the man asked.
Maybe?
Gotta be an Ash beast, I guess.
I dunno. Maybe hes just a handsome teen trying to find his way in a world that hates him?
Thats oddly specific, Yamal said, giving her a look.
Maiya fought the urge to giggle.
Kidding! Who knows what hes like? If he even exists.
R-right.
I do, Maiya thought. And hes amazing.
Her chest grew warm at the thought of Vir. Cirayus had said the Primordialor the Akh Nara, as he called itwould usher in a new era for demons, but how did the Children know of Vir? Or rather, his prior incarnations? What was his true purpose?
Maybe I can help him find out while Im here. Maybe the Children know more
Maiya couldnt wait to see Virs reaction when shed learned all the juicy details of his past. Then she remembered it would be months, if not years, and her mood came crashing down again.
Begone, ye tainted! the Rector shouted, descending from the podium for what was hopefully the last time.
The Children pushed the uninitiated out of the audience chamber, through the hallways, and back out to the entrance. They released them discreetly, letting out only one or two at a time.
It was the most miserable initiation drive shed ever seen, but perhaps that was by design. It was like they wanted the crazies who enjoyed such treatment.
Maiya stretched and took a deep breath the moment she was free, happy to be rid of that bloody place.
To her dismay, she found a certain shaggy-haired, mustached man by her side.
What do you think, Maiya? he asked, earning a frown from her.
Whys he acting so close?
Maiya shrugged. East of Jatan Lake puts us closer to the Boundary Maybe they want us to fight Ash Beasts?
Yamal visibly paled. A-Ash beasts!? Fight them? The man looked as though he was about to piss himself, which helped restore Maiyas mood.
I thought you said you were just there for the handouts? Maiya asked. Dont you already have what you want?
W-well, yes. But, well Yamals eyes darted between Maiya and the ground. Are you going?
Sure am.
Then I shall go.
Huh? Maiya asked incredulously. Whyd you do that?
Youll be in danger. A girl like you should be protected.
Maiya tried to stifle a laugh. She failed. Tears welled up in her eyes. You think Im weak, Yamal?
You can count on me, Yamal replied, taking Maiya aback. There was an earnest determination in his eyes.
Youre free to act as you like, but so am I. Dont expect me to look after you, either, Maiya said, falling behind the man. If you do venture out there, be prepared for the consequences.
I will, MaiMaiya? Yamal said, confused. When he turned to face her, he found only an empty road.
Maiya watched from an alley as the man ambled off in confusion. She couldnt help but feel like shed picked up some useless baggage. Dead weight.
Ash Beasts, huh? she muttered to herself. I only hope its that easy.
For some reason, she feared itd be worse. A lot worse.
Chapter 181: Blood Orientation MaiyaMaiya stole through Sonams cool stone alleys alone. The nighttime breeze mightve felt refreshing if she wasnt so crippled with anxiety.Months of preparation had culminated in this very moment. Maiyas heart pounded and a thin sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead. Shed read through every tome, interviewed all her contacts, and rehearsed her cover story. Sleepless nights became the norm as she scoured over her research, checking and rechecking her plans.Now, there was nothing more to be done. The preparations made, her mind setat least, as set as it could be when joining a crazy blood cult.For this occasion, Maiya wore a faded brown cloak over brigandine armorthe kind Vir had worn and that adventurers preferred. Shed dyed her hair black, but her face was unadorned. Makeup would only be a liability later.As far as locations went, the Children had chosen well. It had taken relying on her intelligence network to find the exact location. If shed acted on her own, shed never have given the nondescript three-story building in Sonams Temple Quarter a second glance.An ambitious move, conducting their profane activities so close to the center of holiness in the largest, most fortified city in the empire. It was exactly the sort of lunacy Maiya had come to expect from the cult.Approaching a bland wooden door, she knocked twice, then thrice, then a pause before one final knock.State your business, a soft voice spoke from a looking hole embedded within the door.To become one with the Ash, Maiya replied.There came the sound of a deadbolt sliding, then the door swung open soundlessly.Name? a gaunt, hooded man in black asked.Maiya, she said.The man scribbled something tiredly. He looked like he hadnt slept or eaten in days.Initiation will begin momentarily. Do not resist.Updated from novelbin.comWhat do you!?Before Maiya could react, the man began patting her down.Standard check, he said. No orbs or weapons. You may pass. Follow me.Maiya swallowed her indignation and did as she was told.Theyre just crazy, Maiya. Theyre not right in the head. You cant blame them. Just stay calm.Shed known the buildings ordinary exterior was only a facade. That the insides would be everything her intelligence reports told her. Still, shed clung to the possibility that maybe this particular building wouldnt be as bad.It was.For one, the cramped hallway was dark, illuminated only by lanterns placed on the walls at long intervals. Too far apart to adequately light the place, the dim light forced Maiya to use the walls as a guide, carefully placing her steps lest she fall in the dark.If that was all, Maiya wouldve been relieved. It was the blood. So much blood, smeared on the walls, on the ceiling and likely the floor, too. She was suddenly thankful for the darkness; she wasnt sure shed be able to walk on the dried blood of Ash Beasts.They rounded a bend, and the hall opened into a grand audience chamber that was plunged in darkness. Only the altar at the end of the tall chamber was lit with a dizzying array of candlelight.There wasnt a single magical lamp she could see. It was as if the hallways darkness had been intentional, to inspire a sense of awe.Awed she was, though not on account of the lighting. The room was three stories tall, and she knew such rooms were not normal in this neighborhood. The Order must have modified it heavily. Its walls, ceiling, and floors were all dyed a deep crimson.Dominating the rear wall was a wooden statue of something. It stood nearly the full three stories in height, and like everything else, was covered in blood.If Maiya didnt already know what it was, she couldnt have guessed.It was, of course, their god. The Prana Swarm the Children of Ash worshiped, said to reside somewhere deep inside the Ashen Realm. As terrifying as that was, the rectangular tub at its base scared her more.For it was filled with fresh, red blood.The baptism pool.From the faint scent of copper, she knew it was real. The blood in the tub, the flakes of dried blood that had peeled off here and there None of it fake, and all of it augmenting the already profane setting.Wait here, the guide croaked before ambling off.The room was filled with prospective hopefuls, though Maiya knew only a fraction of their number would end up initiatedthe Order was strangely selective about who they admitted.Some chatted in groups of three or four. Others looked nervously at the surroundings, and a precious fewthe ones Maiya suspected the Order would be most interested ingreedily took in the surroundings, deranged smiles plastered upon their faces.Maiya had thought to go that route but ultimately decided against it. She mightve been trained in the arts of deception, but faking insanity was difficult at the best of times. Keeping up the act for monthspossibly even years? That might actually drive her crazy.The Order had its fanatics, yes, but they were an organized force. Which meant logistics, planning, and detail-oriented work. Deranged zealots seldom checked those boxes, requiring a small army of less fervent sympathizers who worked behind the scenes. It was that organization she hoped to infiltrate.Unfortunately, the zealots ran the indoctrination process, so her fate rested in their hands. Despite all the power she wielded as Princess Iras right hand, Maiya was no different from any of the other hopefuls. Shed still chosen the Kinjal branch over the others.Not all Children branches were equal. The ones in countries sharing a border with the ash tended to be larger and wielded more clout within the organization. While the Childrens Rectorstheir mid-level leaderscould deploy her anywhere in the Known World, Maiya figured it was more likely theyd keep her local.If they did, itd be her gain. She could bring the full force of her power to bear only in the Kinjal Empire. It was exciting, in a way. This might have been the first time a country had placed such a high-level operative within the Children's ranks. Every country had its moleseven Kinjalbut none with ambitions like hers.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.No one had attempted a total takeover in recent history. For good reason. It was a fools errand, and Maiya herself had grave reservations about Iras plan. Bringing a fanatical organization fifty thousand strong under her control sounded wildly fantastical and highly improbable.Blessed are we, to be so near to the ash. A Blessing that goes unappreciated by your UNINITIATED ears!Oh gods hes shouting again. So much for the sanity.Then, without a concluding remark, the Rector walked off the stage, shaking visibly in what Maiya could only assume was rapture. Either that, or the man was experiencing a seizure. She wasnt sure which was worse.The Child of Ash next to the Rector spoke instead. Your initiation commences one month hence. We shall convene at dawn, east of Jatan Lake. There, your worth shall be determined.One months a ways away, Maiya thought. Shed known the Children batched their initiation tests, but getting a precise date was difficult without showing up.Shouldve sent an agent instead, Maiya thought, but she herself had chosen not to. If she was to join these maniacs, she needed to see all parts of their operation. Even the unpleasant ones.A WARNING! the Rector suddenly shouted, rushing back up to his podium, as if hed forgotten something important. Beware the primordial! The enemy of god. The despicable! The Primordial will bring the end of realms! Find him! Purge him! Burn him to Ash!Maiya cringed while Yamal sneered.You think he really exists? This Primordial? the man asked.Maybe?Gotta be an Ash beast, I guess.I dunno. Maybe hes just a handsome teen trying to find his way in a world that hates him?Thats oddly specific, Yamal said, giving her a look.Maiya fought the urge to giggle.Kidding! Who knows what hes like? If he even exists.R-right.I do, Maiya thought. And hes amazing.Her chest grew warm at the thought of Vir. Cirayus had said the Primordialor the Akh Nara, as he called itwould usher in a new era for demons, but how did the Children know of Vir? Or rather, his prior incarnations? What was his true purpose?Maybe I can help him find out while Im here. Maybe the Children know moreMaiya couldnt wait to see Virs reaction when shed learned all the juicy details of his past. Then she remembered it would be months, if not years, and her mood came crashing down again.Begone, ye tainted! the Rector shouted, descending from the podium for what was hopefully the last time.The Children pushed the uninitiated out of the audience chamber, through the hallways, and back out to the entrance. They released them discreetly, letting out only one or two at a time.It was the most miserable initiation drive shed ever seen, but perhaps that was by design. It was like they wanted the crazies who enjoyed such treatment.Maiya stretched and took a deep breath the moment she was free, happy to be rid of that bloody place.To her dismay, she found a certain shaggy-haired, mustached man by her side.What do you think, Maiya? he asked, earning a frown from her.Whys he acting so close?Maiya shrugged. East of Jatan Lake puts us closer to the Boundary Maybe they want us to fight Ash Beasts?Yamal visibly paled. A-Ash beasts!? Fight them? The man looked as though he was about to piss himself, which helped restore Maiyas mood.I thought you said you were just there for the handouts? Maiya asked. Dont you already have what you want?W-well, yes. But, well Yamals eyes darted between Maiya and the ground. Are you going?Sure am.Then I shall go.Huh? Maiya asked incredulously. Whyd you do that?Youll be in danger. A girl like you should be protected.Maiya tried to stifle a laugh. She failed. Tears welled up in her eyes. You think Im weak, Yamal?You can count on me, Yamal replied, taking Maiya aback. There was an earnest determination in his eyes.Youre free to act as you like, but so am I. Dont expect me to look after you, either, Maiya said, falling behind the man. If you do venture out there, be prepared for the consequences.I will, MaiMaiya? Yamal said, confused. When he turned to face her, he found only an empty road.Maiya watched from an alley as the man ambled off in confusion. She couldnt help but feel like shed picked up some useless baggage. Dead weight.Ash Beasts, huh? she muttered to herself. I only hope its that easy.For some reason, she feared itd be worse. A lot worse.
