Ashborn Primordial

Chapter 133: Unexpected Company

O-Oh hi, Apra! Fancy seeing you around here! Tia said, waving energetically.

Does she know? was Virs first reaction.It seemed unlikely; Haymi hadn't given him up when she'd healed him. Why would she now? Besides, Tia was much too friendly for having learned he was a demon. He'd have expected her to level her spear at him if she did.

Tia, youre not gonna convince me that this is a coincidence. Why are you here?

Well, you wont believe it. Haymi missed you dearly. Nearly bit my ear off with all her begging. Whats a party leader to do? Gotta make my crew happy, dont I?

Normally, Vir wouldve expected Haymi to admonish Tia, maybe even kick her shin. Instead, the mejai averted her eyes, a look of guilt etched on her face.

A knot formed in Vir's stomach. No way! Did she really tell her?

He'd deferred chatting with Haymi for too long. He had to speak to her. In private, and as soon as possible.

Vir narrowed his eyes. Youre right. I dont believe it. Haymi wouldnt do something like that. Howd you even get here, anyway? Itd have taken you far longer to ride an Ashva.

Ah ha ha! Well, yknow? Tia said, standing up and dusting off her skirt. If Im honest, it wasnt just Haymi who was worried about you, yknow? Vason here got all sulky. He does that when hes worried.

Hey! Vason shouted. Theres a limit to how much you can lie, Tia. Apramor, pay no attention to her words. She came here despite us discouraging her. I can only apologize on behalf of our overly nosy leader here.

Its not just nosiness! Tia said. Were here to make sure youre safe. And dont worry. Bumpys being well-cared for. No issues there.

You have an Acira, dont you? Its the only way you couldve come here this quickly.

We promise not to get in the way, Apra, Tia replied, patting Virs shoulder. Though even as she did, she stared deeply into Virs eyes. As if searching for something. Just think of us as moral support.

You shouldnt be here, Tia.

Vir could tell she cared for his safety and was honestly touched she followed him. He was also disappointed; she was poking her head into matters she had no business with. Then again, it was exactly like the reckless warrior to pull something like this.

Well, I could say the same for you? This place is full of crazies! Havent you walked through the streets? Though I gotta say its nicer here than everyone says it is.

Crazy? That wasnt even close to the impression Vir had gotten. Though, Reth had mentioned that they planted bigots among the humans living in the Upper City to maintain the ruse.

Cmon, why dont you have a seat? Tia said, sitting and patting the ground next to her. The way the waves reflect the moonlight is really something, isnt it? Matalis southern coast has a few beaches, but hardly anyone ever goes there anymore. Too dangerous with all the Ash Beasts flooding past our wall.

Promontory Hill did have a commanding view of the ocean below, but Vir knew she was just trying to change the topic. He wasnt going to get anything further by pressing the point, though. Once Tia made up her mind, few things could change it. She was here now, and he doubted shed be easily convinced to leave. The best he could do was learn what he could.

Why do the beasts get past your wall? Isnt that what the walls for?

Well, sure, but its not that simple, she replied.

Our section of the wall has gone under-manned for decades, Vason said, gazing out at the ocean. Some beasts vault right over it, while others pound their way through. When holes open up, it can be years before theyre fixed.

Not enough funding for that, Haymi said softly. But even the Kinjals deal with this issue, and they have no issues with funding. The Ash boundary is not what one might expect. It looks like an enormous opaque barrier that stretches all the way to the sky, but in reality, Ash Beasts may pop out anywhere near the barrier. Sometimes, even a mile or more away, behind the wall. Nobody understands why.

That sounds awfully inconvenient. And dangerous.

Why dont they just build the wall farther back?

They keep rebuilding it every several decades, Vason said. Incredible expense. But there are homes, fields, and people living there. Relocation can get complicated. So theyre forced to build the wall as close to the Boundary as possible, even if it does mean needless deaths.

Long ago, the Ashen Realm was merely a source of myths and campfire stories for Vir. Now, it felt more real than it ever had.

But do I really need to go now?

Vir allowed the soothing sound of waves to carry away his thoughts. The gentle nighttime breeze completed the picture. With few city lights to ruin the darkness, the Pagan Orders buildings shone under the moonlight in a way few other cities did.

Vir had never fit in at Brij. Hed worn a hood wherever he went, and even then, he was an outcast, with only Maiya and Neel to call friends.

Then hed found Spears Edge, and while he enjoyed his time with them, he could never truly belong.

He glanced at Tia. Not when Tia hates demons as much as she does. Not while I keep my true identity a secret.

Haymi might be alright with it, but he doubted Tia would be so open-minded. Vir longed to tell Tia. To come clean. But he knew full well what it would mean. In the best scenario, he'd never see her again. At worst... he might very well make an enemy out of her. The last thing he needed was more people chasing him.

Was it so wrong to cling to what they had? True, he might not adventure with them in the future, but they'd at least still be on good terms. Maybe it wouldn't ever be a deep friendship, but why rock the boat? Why threaten what they had going?

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Vir's guilt at not telling her warred with his desire to belong. That meant a lot. For Vir, it meant more than it did for most people. They were the only friends he'd had, other than Maiya.

And now, hed found the Pagan Order. So much had happened in just a few short hours. Hed scarcely had the time to digest it all.

To think theres an entire city right under our feet.

A city of demons. For demons. Possibly the only demonic sanctuary in the Known World. This was a place he truly could call home. A place hed truly fit in. Now that hed experienced what it was like to walk around in the open without makeup, to be accepted, he didnt know if he could give it up.

Yes, the Demon Realm Janak asked him to seek would be similar. Better, perhaps. But at what cost? How likely was it hed survive the Ashen Realm? How would he even get across? How would he know where to go?

The risk was too great. Maybe the Pagan Order had some extreme views on humans, but with time, perhaps he could help temper those. There were good humans in this worldpeople like Rudvik, Apramor, and Maiya. People whod be happy to coexist with demons.

The more Vir thought about it, the more his priorities shifted. He could find Maiya and bring her to the Order. Maybe her magic wouldnt function, but it was a big city, and Maiya always wanted to live in one.

This could work!

Getting a little chilly, dont you think? Tia said, shivering. Lets head back. Apramor, you got a place to stay?

Uh, yeah. Theyre putting me up at the castle.

Fancy. But it must be a cold stone room somewhere. Why dont you come over to our nice, warm inn instead?

Vir had nothing to do until tomorrow night, and while he wanted to explore the Undercity, spending time with Tia didnt sound so bad, despite himself. It may very well be the last chance hed have to spend time with them.

If you insist.

On their walk back, Vason and Tia struck up a conversation, debating the merits of prana-rich Ashva. Vason preferred them, while Tia felt the performance difference compared to their prana-starved brethren wasnt worth the added cost.

Haymi hung back and quietly approached Vir.

Apramor, I

You know Im Ashborn, dont you? Vir said, too quietly for Tia to hear.

Haymi nodded. I know what that really means, too.

Did... does Tia know?

Of course not! You think she'd be so casual if she did?

Vir shook his head. Then what was with that look earlier? Wasn't it guilt? Or was it something else?

True enough. Thank you. For keeping the secret. You even healed me up.

"I, that's..." Haymis expression strained, and that same look of guilt flashed across her face. Not all of us hate demons the way Tia does. She watched her parents be butchered before her very eyes as a child, Apra. Please understand what sort of impact that might have on a person.

Ah. So that's it. She's so thoughtful... Vir's eyes flickered to the blonde walking in front of them.

Hard to believe she turned out so normal after going through something like that, Vir admitted.

Shes strong. Sometimes, too strong, Haymi said, before hesitating. Apramor, I must warn you. My duties are to Tia. Ive known her since we were children. I should have told her right away. I didnt because well I didn't want to hurt you, but if we ever find ourselves in conflict I

I know, Vir said quietly.

Just, please do not let it come to that. Please dont make me harm you.

Vir smiled sadly. If anyone does, itll be her. Not me.

I fear you might be right.

Hey, Apra! What do you think? Tia shouted over her shoulder. Cheaper Ashva? Or the prana-rich ones?

Well, Bumpy grew up in Hiranya and hes got a limp, but hes done right by me. I think all Ashva are good, so long as theyre well trained and cared for.

See, Vason? See?

Vason threw his hands up in defeat. Fine. Fine! I can never win.

Vir smiled despite himself. Even knowing Tia's animosity toward demons, Vir still cherished their time together. How could he taint those precious memories?

Tias place wasnt far. Near the western Green Ring rose a district of three-story brick buildings. The inn nestled within was a simple affair, though tapestries livened up the walls and rugs warmed the floors. For fifty coppers a night, the three-bedroom suite was a steal, though it was a little dark. Thanks to the low ceiling, it served to give the place a cozy mood.

Candles were expensive, after all. Even for a premium suite like this, only a handful could be lit at once. The magic-less light that lit the Under City was nowhere to be seena privilege reserved for demonkind alone. The thought uplifted Vir, though he couldnt say why.

Worst part of the Voidlands is no magical cooling. Its a wonder how they keep anything preserved here, Tia said, rummaging around a sack of dried food.

Salt, Vason said. Lots and lots of salt.

Tia wrinkled her nose as she poured some local mead into four glasses and handed them to everyone. So? Howd you enjoy that Acira ride? she asked, setting down a plate of nuts and dried fruit on the table, around which the four of them sat. Pretty amazing creatures, arent they?

Vir nodded, sipping on his wildflower mead.

Maybe it was foolish. Maybe he ought to have returned to Badal straight away, but the cozy mood prevented him.

I'm gonna miss this, he thought. Maybe we can meet from time to time.

That they are, Vir said with a wry smile. Never knew anything could feel so terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

Yeah, well, dont get used to it, Vason said. Most people never even lay eyes on an Acira, let alone ride on one. The Order extended you quite the honor by flying you here.

Right. Says the guy who owns an Acira, Vir countered.

Not me! Its all her! the warrior said, pointing at Tia.

Yknow, its pretty obvious by now youre Sawai, Tia. Theres no point hiding it.

Ha ha, yeaah, well. Its complicated, Tia said smoothly. She mustve guessed Vir knew as much. Anyway, if you think Acira are great, just wait until you see the Altanis fast attack airships. Those things are even faster, and you can walk around the whole deck while its in flight! Really incredible. Plus, theyre invincible.

Thats just a rumor, Vason replied. No ones seen them in action.

Kinjal did, Haymi said. The One Days War. Banshis Folly? Their power is no rumor.

You sound like youve ridden them, Vir said, feeling the drinks effects take hold. Hed never been a fan of alcohol, but he couldnt deny the drink was delicious.

Tia mustve splurged for the good stuff. Is she trying to get me drunk?

Maybe just once or twice, Tia said meekly, staring at her glass. So, uh, you gonna do their mission?

And there it was.

Think I am, yeah, Vir replied, meeting her gaze and taking another sip.

What do they want you to do? Tia asked sweetly.

Tia, Haymi said. Dont be nosy. If Apra doesnt want to tell, its none of our business.

Its a rescue operation. Some innocent people are going to die. They want my help in saving them.

Well, that sounds somewhat noble, if you ask me! Vason roared, clapping Virs back, making him cough out a mouthful of drink.

How much has this guy drunk? Vir thought. Vason was refilling his glass, but there was no way the warrior was inebriated after just a few sips.

It is honorable, yeah. I dont really have a reason to turn them down.

Tia stared at him for a long moment. Then she sighed.

To tell you the truth, I have an obligation I have to see to. Hate it, but thats like, yeah? Cant do much about it.

Someone strongarmed that bullheaded girl? I have to meet this person.

So anyway, well be leaving shortly. Just wanted to check up on you, yknow? Well be back in a few days, so dont go anywhere!

Ill be here. For all her faults, he was happy for Tias concern, and thankful she wasnt insisting on following wherever he went. Perhaps he'd been a bit premature in condemning her nosiness. I'm afraid I have preparations to make, he said at last, standing up. No one rose to stop him.

When he finally left the inn, it was with a sense of remorse. In another world, perhaps Tia wouldnt have hated demons as much and they might've continued adventuring together for years to come. Still, even with all her prejudice, Vir couldnt bring himself to hate her. Spears Edge had done so much for him, and theyd been truly good friends. Tia was just a product of her unfortunate circumstances, and after what Zora said, her hatred was perhaps not unwarranted, which only saddened him more.

He could hardly complain about completing this mission alone. And he wasnt alone; hed be fighting alongside the Pagan Order. While they'd only just met, they were the first demon community he'd encountered. Perhaps the only one like it in the whole realm. And that was worth fighting for.