Centuries of Damnation

< Riding the Wave

Port City Eight
After setting down their luggage, Li called everyone together to discuss their future.

"While we can stay here for as long as we need to, we shouldn't be here too long," Li began. "First, I'm gonna try and get in touch with Da, Yu and Richard. Let's make sure they know we're alright. After that, we can try working out the long-term plans. Specifically, getting a pardon from Rosington."

"Wow, how do you plan on getting that?" Chris asked before Atticus interrupted him with a question of his own.

"Is contacting people in Silivia a good idea? We're hiding for a reason."

"Maybe it's not the safest route, but I sincerely doubt they would turn us in," Li said. "Going back to Chris' question, we'll need also someone in Silivia to act as an intermediary. Put a bit of space between us in the mayor in case he tries to track us.

"As for how we get it to them, we'll be relying on the Midnight Runners. They're smugglers who take great care to keep their sources a secret. Also familiar with Alchemilia's true nature. The Runners are currently at the monastery and we'll be meeting with them soon."

"Perhaps I can also act as an intermediary? I'd be willing." Zade asked.

"Sounds like a plan, Zade," Li said. "We got a half hour 'til the meeting starts."

With dinner approaching, Blossom closed the gate behind her and stepped out of the monastery. It was night time now, and lights from Nirvana could be seen flickering in the distance. "Marshall?" She called out.

"What the fuck do you want?" Marshall grunted irately. He sat at the edge of the rocky cliff, looking down at the city.

"Why did you storm out like that?" Blossom asked, sitting nearby. "Dinner is going to be ready soon, and you should probably come inside."

"Because I am done with this shit!" Marshall yelled, turning away.

"Can you please just answer me?" Blossom asked.

Marshall sighed. "It's my parents," he lowered his voice. "My mom was in an Alchem prison. Maybe Remnant Rock. If it was, then I don't know if she's still alive." He turned back to Blossom. "The last time I saw my dad, I was leaving for work. Never got to say goodbye. If he heard the news..." he trailed off.

After a few moments of silence, Blossom choose to speak up again. "I'm sorry...why haven't you mentioned it to any of us?"

"Are you kidding?" Marshall asked, looking at her in a quizzical manner. "Like, sure. I'm going to just bring up my parent issues while we were trekking through an infested continent, Atticus was telling us about his visions, Samuel left, or when we boarded a massive boat to visit some old people."

"I understand," Blossom answered, looking down at the city below them. "I haven't talked to my parents in ages. They weren't happy the last time we talked, due to the decisions I had made then. I miss them a lot, and I want to talk to them again. I tried to do so in Headre, but...you know how things ended there."

"I'm sorry," Marshall responded, going quiet for a few seconds. "It's been hard and I assume it hasn't been any easier on you."

Before Blossom could reply, their names could be heard in the distance. Marshall quickly got up and walked away.

"Come on, let's go."

Inside the monastery, the group was led to the dining room hall by Isaiah and complied around a long, stone table. Seated at different ends, they waited for the Changs and Midnight Runners to show up.

After conversation died down and silence took hold, Zade pulled a bag from under the table. Digging around inside it, he eventually pulled out a small banjo and ran his fingers up it. Feeling his way, Zade cleaned it a bit before quietly playing it. Even without his sight, he still knew how to perform it due to years of practice.

"That was very good music, Zade," Chris replied. "Where did you learn it?"

"I started learning how to play when I was a teenager," Zade answered. "At first, I didn't want to, but as time passed I started taking more and more lessons. Even today I don't think I'm great at playing it, but it brings me some comfort. Especially when I feel lonely every once and a while..."

Before anyone else could reply, Blossom and Marshall walked into the room. Avoiding eye-contact with anyone, Marshall slumped down into a seat, with Blossom sitting near Atticus.

"So," Atticus began. "Any idea of when they'll get here?"

Blackmore sighed. "They're smugglers, right? I've dealt with people like them. Always fashionably late, y'know."

"Mr. and Mrs. Chang are still speaking with them, I believe," Isaiah contributed.

Just then, a large bustling gathering entered the room. Led by the Changs, the following group of fifteen sat around the table.

"I was expecting more," Li mumbled under his breath.

Startled by the sudden noise, Zade hurriedly put his banjo away as best as he could in his bag. Don't want to lose the only instrument I can play somewhat coherently now.

"Uhhh...greetings travelers?" He asked in a somewhat nervous tone. While he didn't didn't know the exact number of people there, he could tell there was a lot.

Following the group, the Changs sat down at the head of the table.

"Our deepest apologies for keeping you all waiting," Marisol began. "We had things to sort out. Now that we're all here, we are delighted to introduce you all to the Midnight Runners. I'm sure Wen has told you all about them."

"Like that they're criminals?" Marshall remarked.

A burly man, with brown hair, a full beard and mustache, dressed in a blue blazer, burgundy sweater, tan pants, black bandanna, and topped with a bowler hat spoke. "We prefer abolitionists, but that works too," he chuckled deeply. "I am [NAME], the captain of the Second Wind."

"Nice to meet you guys," Chris replied, hoping to make a good impression. "I'm Chris Wellington and these are my friends," he continued, quickly introducing the others.

"Pleasure to meet you." Zade replied, walking up forwards. "I'm Zade Santello. I maybe somewhat of your awkward, run-of the-mill traveler with blindness, but I'm still capable of performance." he said, introducing himself.

"Which believe me, took me sometime to get used to doing." Zade said further.

"The Chris Wellington? My..." an older man, similar in appearance to Li, but balding gasped. He was dressed in a tan shirt and a brown apron, stained and oily. He wore a striped black and white bandana around his head.

"Er, what about Chris?" Atticus asked.

"Sorry for my outburst. I am Tetsu Iwanaga." He pulled out a cracked magnifying glass from his apron, and shuffled over to Chris. "Astonishing. It's amazing really," he commented, examining the android. "I never thought I would live to see the day I would meet him."

"What are you even talking about?" Marshall asked.

"This android is an astounding work of engineering. The first sentient android ever created."

"That's not new information. And what do you mean by first?" Marshall queried.

"I created a sentient android based on blueprints of Chris Wellington. It took years, decades to perfect."

"I never knew my father shared the blueprints with anyone, most people appear to paint him as a madman. I'm really flattered by this, though." Chris replied. "Could we maybe meet this android sometime?"

"Do not worry about Andrew's blueprints," Tetsu replied. "That is a story for another day. Aes is waiting at the Second Wind."

Robert cleared his throat. "Let's focus on the plan. We can save the chat for later. Go ahead, Li," he said.

After gaining everyone's attention, Li addressed the captain. "We'd like your group to deliver a few letters for us. One to Mayor Theo Rosington, explaining our actions at Remant Rock. Some others to our friends and family. Our friend Zade has offered to help."

"Hold on." Blackmore interjected. "With the Global Union on your tail, do you really think it would be smart for these guys to deliver these messages? All you'd be doing is getting their ship impounded and investigated."

"Then Marisol and I will go with them. It'll lend them and you credibility since we have past diplomatic experiences," Robert decided.

"Second Wind sets sail early tomorrow morning," [NAME] started. "Anyone who wishes to go to Silivia should be there."

"Would it be alright for us to leave the monastery whenever we wish?" Chris wondered. "Some exploring would do us some good. Unless that's not safe?"

"No, Chris. We are still wanted terrorists, y'know. It's best to stay here until we get that pardon," Marshall advised.

Placing his hand against his head, Atticus stood up from the table. "I'll be back soon, need some fresh air."

Ignoring comments from everyone else, he quickly stumbled out of the dining hall and made his way through the monastery. Opening the door to the artifact room, he stepped in.

Examining the artifacts was a figure draped in a long, dark cloak as black as the absence of light.

"We haven't spoken for ages, apostle. Do you remember our first meeting?" The voice was unmistakable, that of the Dream Eater who had invaded the Allucinor and launched the assault on Remnant Rock. The presumed leader. "Yaakov delivered you here, and so now we can speak face-to-face."

Atticus froze, unsure of how to proceed. Thinking quickly, he said the only thing that came to mind.

"What are you doing here?"

"There is no need to be afraid," Xanvi turned around. "Fear is the mind-killer, after all, and without your mind you are nothing." He placed his hand onto the sickle-sword that Atticus had observed earlier, igniting it into azure flames as he removed it from its display.

"That didn't answer my question," Atticus replied. "Why are you here?"

"Manifest Destiny, as it were," Xanvi looked directly at Atticus, though no face could be made out beneath the hood. The artifacts were suddenly thrust from their displays, as though from a massive shockwave, though after only a moment of motion they remained suspended, frozen in the air.

"Have you ever felt betrayed by the world, Atticus? I'm sure you have. It's always so frustrating to do everything right, to hold as tight as you can and still have things slip through your fingers." Atticus blinked, and noticed that the room had changed shape. A brutal scene was set around the duo, that of soldiers silencing suited office workers in a metallic cubicle-lined room. Atticus immediately recognized the architecture as Remnant Rock. "And yet - Every action holds its consequences."

"I agree, the current state of the world is a mess. Right is wrong and wrong is right. Take a stand, lose everything. Stand down, win nothing. Public officials are corrupt or lazy, demons and angels pick us off daily. A change is needed," Atticus replied, setting his gaze on the flaming sword in Xanvi's hand.

"What made you choose to appear right now?"

Xanvi lowered the sword to the ground, causing sparks to fly from the linoleum tiling. "Euclid is falling into disarray, further than ever before. Worse than even the war. It's time to return it to zero again."

The walls of the room, as well as the suspended figures, began to melt like liquid, revealing an empty train car. Atticus and Marshall had ridden this train to Remnant Rock with Xanvi, but all he could see out the windows was an endless sea of stars and nebulae.

"I can offer you the means to take control of your life. You've proven yourself a decisive man." Xanvi spoke, as for an instant his body took the form of Gabriel Alchemilia's, exactly as he looked in the hangar. The door to the train slid open, and Xanvi stepped into it, vanishing among the emptiness.

Following, Atticus stepped out of the train and found himself surrounded by darkness. The scene quickly shifted to an explosion, metal parts and other bits of debris flying. Knowing he was safe, he didn't feel any fear, only curiosity.

"I'd assume by now you've heard of the Dream Eaters, as they call us. This isn't the first time we've exerted influence on Euclid, and it will not be the last. You've shown a resolve that I quite admire." Xanvi placed his hand onto Atticus' shoulder. "Would you kindly accompany us in our journey?"

"I want to join you all, I want to further your progress," Atticus replied. "But is now the best time? I shouldn't leave my friends behind."

"Those are the kind of thoughts that will hold you back. Always look inwards at the self. You do not need others to bring you purpose." Xanvi turned around, examining the destruction.

"I understand..." Atticus said, pausing. "Then I guess my only option now is to join you."

"You already have."

The room shifted into a facsimile of Samuel's laboratory, and then the barn that Atticus had woken up in. Finally, a golden-pink sky overlooking a cliff-side. Next to Xanvi and Atticus was a stone monolith with strange inscriptions, and towering over them, a trio of spires covered in bizarre architecture and three orbs at their peaks; One spiked, one crystalline, and one mechanical.

"Statodnim. Your new home."

Search Party
The death of Lempo brought an end to the Coalition's occupation of the city. Authorities in the city contacted the government of Sampi.

Mobsters who did not flee were incarcerated. While they were held up for a few hours for the killing of Lempo and his forces, the search party was eventually allowed to continue on their way to Nirvana.

Florence spoke up for the first time since they'd departed, "I've never actually... fired that gun before." He sighed. "At least we made a difference."

"Made a difference?" Jordan asked. "Made a difference? We are still no closer to finding the Port City Eight."

Dexter frowned. "We might not be closer to our friends, yeah, but it's not like we didn't make any difference. Crembraugh's citizens don't have to worry about the mob controlling their city anymore."

"Yeah, at least their troubles are over," Lisa commented. "With the GU coming here, let's hope they don't catch wind of who we're searching for or their whereabouts."

"Yeah," Savannah said.

She sighed. Everything felt like a fever dream. She didn’t even know how she summoned the sword, or where she got it. She never owned one and even if she did, how was it possible that it appeared in her hand like that? She closed her eyes, trying not to think of Lempo, his eyes wide as the sword that went through his body.

''You did the place a favor. Now he isn't going to be able to terrorize everyone,'' she thought. But a smaller voice whispered who are you to judge if he should live or not?

It was drowned out by the louder voice though, saying she did okay, that she was doing the citizens good.

Dexter consulted his tablet. "Still got a few more hours to go, maybe 4 or 5 if we pick up the pace," he eyed the sword sticking out of Savannah's suitcase. It now appeared to be frozen solid. "Did we ever ask where that came from?"

"One of the mobsters had it," Savannah replied, thinking quickly. "He got knocked down and dropped it. I took it, thought it being perpetually aflame meant it was more powerful than the regular swords."

"Hail!" called out a gruff voice from behind. Florence turned around and staggered at what he saw. Two armored figures wielding polearms with a red ouroboros painted on their chests, the mark of the Coalition.

''Florence reached into his jacket. I still have three bullets left if they try something...''

"We mean you no harm," spoke the soldier. "My comrade and I would just like the girl to come with us. The one with the sword?"

"Who are you?" Savannah asked as she stepped in front of Florence. She clutched her suitcase, preparing to pull out the sword if needed.

"We are emissaries of the Nuyö-Dyavol Coalition. The man who has sent for you will answer all of your questions, I am sure." The soldier looked towards the suitcase. "Forgive my curiosity, but is that where you're keeping Ahriman?"

"Ahriman?" she asked. "I've never heard such a name." Aside from being curious, Savannah hoped this question would allow her enough time to think of an answer. She wasn't sure if it was best to go with the soldiers, especially since they worked for the Coalition.

"The sword you have with you. We don't wish to take it from you. After all, Ahriman is your birthright."

"I'm sorry, this makes no sense. My birthright? I've never even heard of the sword before..." She answered. She paused and thought about what the soldier said earlier, how the man who sent him would answer all of Savannah's questions.

"The man you speak of, is he nearby?"

"There's a clearing just through the trees. My commander is waiting there for you." The soldiers turned around to trek through the forest.

This commander could answer everything, how I was able to take the gun without moving, how I was able to summon the sword, Savannah thought. And if needed, I could always defend myself with it.

"I'm going after them. You guys can go ahead, I'll catch up with you later," Savannah said, turning back to the group.

"What?" Lisa asked, shocked. "Are you actually insane? They just said they're with the Coalition. You know, demons?"

“I know what the Coalition is,” Savannah said. “But I have a couple questions for the commander that I’d like answered. I don’t want to slow you guys down so just go ahead and I’ll see you in Nirvana.”

She turned and ran off to join the soliders.

When Savannah came to the clearing, what awaited her was a large industrial structure. It seemed like a building at first, built among the nature like some mechanical cancer. Upon closer inspection, however, it was a massive gunmetal airship. Savannah remembered seeing ships like this fly overhead when she was younger.

Standing in front of the metal wonder was an armored figure, much more regal and imposing than the others, wearing a fur-lined dark purple cloak.

"Miss Whitesmith, I presume?"

“Yes, that’s me. You’re the commander the soldiers were talking about?” Savannah said.

The commander nodded. "I suppose it has been a long while. I knew you were just biding your time. May I see Ahriman?"

"Uh, alright," Savannah took the sword from her suitcase and held it. "Can I ask what you meant by biding my time? I don't think we've ever met before."

"I've grown quite a bit since we last met. I was only... fourteen? The memories do blur." His helmet's visor swung open, revealing two piercing magenta eyes. "It's me, Cicero."

Savannah only stared at the commander. This stranger seemed to think she was an old friend. "Have we met before? I don't recognize you."

"Enough. We both know why you're here. Now is not the time to keep running and hiding, it's the time for action." said Cicero, sternly.

“I’m here to have some questioned answered. And I’m not hiding,” Savannah said, starting to get irritated. “I don’t understand any of this. Why can I summon this sword? Why can I make stuff appear in my hand without even moving my body?”

Cicero's demeanor changed when he heard this. "So... You don't remember anything?" He said, inquisitively. "I think we should discuss this in the airship."

"I'm fine here," Savannah said. She wasn't ready to go jump onto an airship with a stranger. Coming here was already a stretch.

Cicero nodded. "It is not my place to order you around, forgive me." He sat himself down on a large rock. "Have you ever heard of the concept of an 'Aditya,' Savannah?"

“I don’t think I have, no,” she said as she remained standing, her suitcase still clutched tight in her hands. She contemplated sitting on the floor.

"The Adityas were humans - Well, superhumans. They had a wealth of abilities. Usually young teenagers, like yourself, and..." Cicero paused. "Only ever one at a time."

"Are you saying that I'm an Aditya?" Savannah asked. "Do you think it would explain how I was able to do the stuff I did?"

"I'm certain of it. The prevailing theory on Adityas, one I subscribe to, is that they are reincarnations of the creator of Euclid, my father Xeren. Ahriman was a sword of his."

"That's insane. Completely insane," Savannah paused, to consider what Cicero had said. A few things began to make more sense.

"After Lempo died, I saw a giant angel. It was dead, struck down by Ahriman. I didn't know what to make of it then. Was... was I seeing something from a prior life? Through the eyes of another Aditya? Xeren?"

"I can't answer that question. You're the first Aditya I've seen wield Ahriman, the sword Xeren wielded to liberate demonkind from slavery, the action that... led to his demise." Cicero eyed Savannah's suitcase. "Xeren had told one of his highest lieutenants that he would return with that sword."

"I didn't summon the sword on purpose, if that's what you're suggesting," Savannah said. "What were you planning to do if I knew of those past lives?"

"For the past three centuries, I've been leading a crusade not against humanity, nor the angels, but the gods. Those who would keep us on our knees. Did you know the demons were born and bred to be slaves? Xeren was killed for his compassion, and yet fate has delivered you to me." Cicero gave a half-hearted chuckle. "With you on our side, we just might be able to turn the tables. I have abilities like you, and in time, you could learn how to use them to their full advantage."

Savannah did not respond immediately. "You're asking a lot of me, and I want something in return," she finally said. "My friends are looking for a group called the Port City Eight. They might need to go through demon territory. Can you make it so they won't be attacked?"

"They'll be able to pass through unharmed. I'll make sure of it."

''I just met this man. Do I really want to go with him?'' Savannah thought. ''Plus the Search Party might need me... but if I go with them, they will not have Cicero’s protection. And if I stay with him, I’ll find out more about what I am.''

"Okay. I'll train with you," she said.

And if she was, she would have to be very careful.

Silivia
The Laboratory of the Mind became quiet. In sharp contrast to the madness it had become, nothing was abuzz. It was silent. A black-haired man in a finely tailored green suit stood over the sink. Pink latex gloves stretched out over hands, he carefully handled a vial of glowing yellow liquid with tongs.

This'll do quite well, he thought. With the peppercorn in my possession, and now this, I am one step closer to fulfilling Amonte's plan.

A loud noise and a flash of light. The man turned to see another man with cornflower blue skin. He had bright orange eyes and short, indigo hair. Behind him, a view of a forest which brought light into the laboratory for a moment. It vanished, leaving the two men in near-darkness. The new arrival held up a hand. With the snap of his fingers, all of the lights in the room sprung back to life.

"Much better," the blue figure remarked.

"Who — er, what are you?" the intruder was not expecting company. He set the carefully set the liquid down.

"I am Nilohes, Guardian of the Realm of Perseverance and Emissary of the Powers," explained the orange-eyed man. "We know of your name and role already, Cardinal."

"You represent the old gods of the Nirvanists?"

"Indeed."

Cardinal was raised to known there was no truth to the beliefs of Xcenpo and his ilk. Lies created by men who did not know of, or were afraid of, the truth of Amonte's teachings. Yet, here before him was one of the Powers they prayed to. It made no sense.

"Why have you appeared before me?"

"We know what you intend. Attaining godhood, removing the angels and demons from this world and subjugating the apostates. We have a vested interest in instating a new god of Euclid."

"So, you intend to expedite my ascension."

"Assuming you agree to join our ranks and abide by our rules, it would be possible."

It is you who will usher in prosperity and complete the path destiny put me on so many ages ago. The writings of Amonte returned to the forefront of Cardinal's mind. The path of destiny was completing the work of so many Resediennes. He could not trust these false gods. They were only another obstacle to be overcome. A false end to his journey.

"I refuse to join your consortium of heresy," he declared. "Just as our founder rejected the Nirvanists, I reject these 'Powers.' You shall not stand in the path of destiny."

"Very well." The portal appeared again behind Nilohes. "If you realize your mistake, we'll know. I hope you do, but if you remain as you are we will not meet again."

The room darkened. Nilohes returned to the Realm. Cardinal retrieved his tongs.

House of the Rising Sun >