30/09/2018

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Thank you to PervySageChuck for betaing.

The Cardinal of Sin
Chapter 6 Spoils of War Part 3

-cos-

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Sixth Floor, Amphitheatre

After Ainz had read the requirements for the ceremony Fluder had found, he was left at a bit of an impasse over two problems. The first had to do with himself. As Fluder had correctly surmised, in his overly long introduction, most magic was about transformation but this was about transference. He understood that bit. Within Ainz Ooal Gown, Ainz was easily one of the top five for knowledge of Yggdrasil's magic systems. And he was beginning to see some of the differences between Yggdrasil and the new world. His problem now was because of what this ceremony was dealing with. It was very esoteric.

He was used to the concept of erasing memories. In Yggdrasil you could do it, even on players. On an NPC, if you had the appropriate levels, it was completely effective. You could make them forget their duty, their allegiance, a spell, anything. It was all dependent on the Magic Caster. On a player, not so much. The information in their account was deleted, but you couldn't erase what they biologically remembered. Usually deleting the account information was sufficient, since you were generally preventing them from casting a spell or taking back information to their guild. Most players would be able to remember an impression of what had been erased but not the specifics.

However in Yggdrasil there had never been the debate as to if the spells were truly erasing memories, or merely suppressing them. Now that he was in this new world and everything was real, that became a different question. It was one of the reasons he had chosen not to simply erase Aura's memories. Apart from her resistance to memory alteration, a resistance every Guardian of Nazarick possessed, both Neuronist and the elves that had been rescued from that worker, had told him it would be a bad idea to erase those events. In the event that he was merely suppressing memories, they could come back at an inconvenient time. Even if they were completely erased, it was too much to erase. There was no cover story that could be fabricated.

So he had not erased Aura's memories. Which led now to Fluder's ceremony. It was not erasing memories. It wasn't even suppressing them. It wasn't doing anything with the memory. In the end Aura would still have the memory. What she would not have was the trauma. That was what Ainz was having a problem with. He had to get his undead mind around the fact that the two could be separated.

It struck a little close to home, to the memories of Suzuki Satoru. He did not often think about the human he had been anymore. Those memories belonged, quite literally, in another time and another world but he had acknowledged that the salary man's memories were important. After all, it was Suzuki Satoru who had loved Nazarick first. It was a very convoluted thought process, and it was easier to think of Suzuki Satoru as another person. There were memories which would be discarded, but there were memories, and experiences that he accepted. The memory of his mother's death was one he had been hoping to discard. It stubbornly remained with him.

He could remember Suzuki Satoru's trauma from that incident. He could remember her working in the kitchen. She was trying to make his favourite meal but she had fallen, clutching at her chest. He hadn't known what was going on. He could recall Suzuki crying out, going over to his mother. He remembered that he didn't cry. He'd just watched as she died. And then he'd gone to school because he knew school was expensive and his parents paid so much for it. It had affected him but Suzuki Satoru's world was not one that cared. He had needed to continue.

Aura didn't. She could heal. He wanted to let her heal on her own but it did not appear as if she would. At least not quickly and time was becoming an issue. That's why the ceremony was necessary. It wouldn't remove her memories, but it would remove the associated trauma. It was definitely something that couldn't be done in Suzuki Satoru's world. Even knowing the reality of Yggdrasil and this world, Ainz admitted to some doubt, but Fluder was convinced it would work. More importantly Pandora was, which is why he was willing to go through with this.

The second problem was where to hold the ceremony. There were many places in Nazarick that were large enough for it. It didn't require a lot of space. He needed Aura, himself and those that the trauma was being transferred to there. He didn't need the animals responsible to be there, but Shalltear was correct in her assertion. They should know the same pain they had put those from Nazarick through.

To say nothing of the pain he would go through if Bukubukuchagama ever found out what had happened to her precious child. If that happened… or if she had been here, he wouldn't have to do anything. After she finished whaling on him, he'd simply have pointed her in the right direction. And that would have been the end of that.

Having those… he didn't want to call them men, having those bestial things there might be harder on Aura, but it also required a larger area.

There weren't that many men. There had been five who had been captured with Aura. Four had held her down while one took his turn. It was difficult to praise Aura for her spirit, when that reminded her of the events. There were another eight who had been captured. There were lots of areas within Nazarick that were large enough but it also needed to be comforting for Aura. That cut down the number of suitable areas.

He had settled on the Amphitheatre. It was definitely large enough and since it was on Aura's floor, she would be comfortable there. He had then run into an unexpected problem.

Nazarick's citizens. He should have anticipated this one but he had become used to the freedom being in Nazarick gave him. The NPCs didn't want him left alone with the thugs. It didn't matter that none of them could possibly harm him. It was the principle of the thing. He was never left alone with enemies. Even with restrained enemies.

He didn't want a crowd at this thing. One reason was selfish. The first attempts of any spell were not always graceful but he also was concerned for Aura's dignity. She was going to have to relive everything. He did not want the others thinking her weaker than she was.

Fluder was watching. As the man who had suggested the ceremony it was a simple thing to include him. Ainz had instructed him to remain in the stands and had cast several obscuring spells on him. He had simply nodded at the conditions. Over the course of his life, while his focus had been magic he had learned how to deal with a variety of people. He knew the likely reactions to many things.

Pandora was also with him. The doppelganger could transform into Bukubukuchagama if Aura needed encouragement. It was Pandora's presence which allowed Ainz to allay the fears of the other NPCs.

Even so, the animals were restrained, with heavy chains and choker collars. If they strained against them too hard, they would choke themselves. There was another level of security with the chains. They were grounded. If that grounding broke, an electrical current would be released. The grounding was provided by several stakes driven into the ground to hold the chains.

Each of the men was matched with one of their loved ones. The men were staked out in a line. Those they cared for were held by summons in front of them. Ainz cast his eyes over them. Currently they were unconscious. There was rather an eclectic mix of people. Some men, but mostly women, though their ages varied significantly. There was an old woman, her grey hair was particularly wispy where it escaped from her bonnet. A few he guessed were the offspring of the men.

Each of them had a set of markers in front of them. It signified what they had been through in life. There were a few who had been raped and a few imprisoned. The markers told him what he could transfer to whom.

He was slightly surprised that he didn't have to force himself to look at them. Even knowing what he was about to do, he felt nothing. This was for Nazarick and it was Nazarick that was important. The captives' fate was not important.

The men weren't unconscious. They were split between staring at him with wide eyes or looking at their loved ones. One or two seemed angry, the rest seemed confused.

Aura was floating beside him. She was dressed in a simple, white dress and was currently unconscious. He would have to wake her up before he could begin. The ceremony itself was simple. It didn't require magical potions or artefacts. It relied solely on his strength. He was assured of that.

"My name is Ainz Ooal Gown," he announced, looking at the men. That brought their attention to him. The fear on their faces was not recompense. "Your attack on my servant has had consequences," he told them.

"'e nly id tit kaz tha Cadinl ed euw!" one of the men objected. His accent was thick. He was obviously not educated but whatever magic was in effect in this world allowed him to understand the words. 'We only did it 'cause the Cardinal said to!'

Ainz turned to the speaker. "The Cardinal is currently a guest of Nazarick," he informed them.

The man's eyes widened. Obviously, he didn't think it possible. Ainz didn't care. He wasn't about to parade the Cardinals through here for the benefit of the prisoners.

"E'm so sorry E hert har (I'm so sorry I hurt her)," one of the other men begged. Ainz hadn't bothered learning their names. The man sniffed. "Bat if E dedint do it, tha Cerdarnal wulda houv hert me Hirah. (But if I didn't do it, the Cardinal would have hurt my Hirah)" The man was matched with what appeared to be a young boy. Definitely his child. Again his accent gave away his lack of education.

"Or would they have hurt you?" Pandora asked. The Theocracy had no reason to hurt those who were innocent. It would have undermined their entire society. Of course, to them, Aura, merely by not being human, was not innocent.

"I do not care," Ainz said. He did not want to listen to their snivelling. "You hurt my servant, and the Theocracy will pay the price. But, while that will let the world know there are consequences, she is still injured. As part of your recompense, you will assist in her recovery."

One of the men laughed. It was a coarse sound. "Oh, aye! I kin mark tha biatche racuver. I'll troin er ta squeul, ta do enythang, 'ust far onatha teaste uf me cack. (Oh yes! I can make that bitch recover. I'll train her to squeal, to do anything, just for another taste of my cock.)" He said, looking over to where Aura floated.

Ainz turned to him. The words were crude. He wondered if the man had cracked under the strain. He didn't know but he felt nothing at the taunt, though it had given him an idea. The man was paired with a young girl. She was young, in her early teens. Her father's words condemned her. "You cannot trick me into killing you," he told them. "Your lives have already been promised to Aura," he added. "But consider this, I am a Master of Death. Once she finishes with you pieces of filth, I will have other uses for you."

"While your miserable hides will help her relieve any residual stress, it was rightfully pointed out to me, that you would never know my pain, or the pain of Aura's friends. I have a firm belief that kindness should be repaid with kindness and hurt, with hurt. As such, I will ensure that you understand the true depths of my pain."

"Aura is still suffering, but I am a magic caster capable of spells in the tenth tier and beyond. It is a simple thing for me to ensure she heals." He didn't know how much they knew about magic. No doubt some of them understood the implications more than others. He couldn't pause to explain.

"But magic requires the right ingredients. Thankfully, you who are the direct progenitors of her pain, are also in a position to help her heal, which, now that all of those responsible for her capture, the Cardinals and the Scriptures, have been captured, I may attend to." He hadn't captured every scripture member, but he had the majority. That was all that mattered.

"What are you going to do with Chouko?" the demand was quick. The way the man spoke indicated a slight education.

"Not much," Ainz allowed. "I will transfer my servant's pain to Chouko. After that, you have my word, Chouko will be returned to the Theocracy."

The man nodded. He seemed relieved.

"What's left of it," Pandora added.

Ainz didn't chide his creation. It was true. He had yet to issue any orders regarding the Theocracy. He nodded to Pandora. The doppelganger knew what to do. There were gasps from the men as his features melted, becoming a pink slime. Ainz cast another concealment charm. Pandora, now transformed into Bukubukuchagama, disappeared. The sense of fear from the men intensified. He paid them no mind. Instead he turned to Aura. He called her name. It was enough to wake her. She maintained enough sense of mind to swing gracefully in the air so that her feet touched the ground.

Then she froze. Ainz moved quickly, imposing himself been Aura and the men. A couple of them laughed. It didn't sound humorous. They were relieving their fear by focusing on her. A swipe of his hand, a moment later they were silenced.

"Aura," he called to her.

"Master," she replied. He could hear the trembling in her voice.

"Do you know where you are?"

"Nazarick," the elf whispered.

"Do you know why you are here?"

At that, Aura looked confused. There had been very little time to tell her what had happened. "Look at me," Ainz ordered, making sure she wouldn't look at the men who were staked out. "You can kill them if you want," he offered.

She gulped and shook her head.

It wasn't going to be that easy. "Do you know why you are here?" He asked again.

"No, Master."

"We are here to heal you."

She looked uncertain.

"I will use magic, Aura, but I will need your assistance."

"Master?" Sometimes the unwavering faith the NPCs had in him could work to his advantage. There was curiosity in her tone but no doubt. If it was something to do with magic, then there was no doubt in his ability.

Ainz looked at her. "I will need you to remember what happened."

"No, Master. Please, I can't do that."

He had been as merciful as he could. On this he couldn't be. "I need you to, Aura," he said firmly. "Only as you remember can I take away your pain," he explained.

She trembled. Ainz watched as Aura shivered. He was tempted to call Pandora but he hesitated. She needed to make this decision. She needed to want to heal.

"You promise?" The question was tiny.

"I promise."

She sniffed, and gulped, and then nodded.

Ainz felt relieved, even as he felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. This had better work, or Aura would never trust him again.

"Then, let us begin," he said, turning back to the men as he held out his other hand to the Dark Elf. Aura took it and moved to stand with him, keeping his body between her and the men. This was going to be a long day.

-cos-

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Sixth Floor, Amphitheatre

Noemi woke with a start. Her old bones ached. That was normal. She was warm. That wasn't normal. Her eyes flew open. She wasn't where she remembered going to sleep. Noemi concentrated slightly. Her internal clock told her that it hadn't been a normal night. It felt far longer. She didn't know exactly how long it had been but more than a day. Yet she didn't feel hungry. That too was not normal.

Noemi had been born in the slums. She had grown up in the slums and she knew she was going to die in the slums. There had been a brief time when her son had been employed when they had still lived in the slums and life had been easier. Then he'd been taken by the Theocracy and executed. At least, that's what the priest had said.

Except… she looked over, ignoring the oddities of the passage of time and being warm. Her son was just there but Jochim was shackled like some animal. The chains were thicker than her arms but he was there. She couldn't hear him. He was saying something. He appeared to be yelling but there was no noise coming from him.

Noemi shook her head. That seemed to calm him but he remained glaring. There were others with him, chained in the same way. She didn't know them. Noemi looked around. There were others near her as well. They all seemed asleep. She went with that, it was better than the thought they were dead. Somehow they appeared to be standing in place.

What weird place was this? She wanted to go to him but something was holding her in place. She would have panicked but age had granted some wisdom and she remained, not relaxed but not tense.

"You will not be here long."

The voice came from the side. It was male and deep. It was what she imagined one of the Cardinals would sound like. Magnificent and strong. Noemi turned her eyes to the speaker. She was controlled enough not to scream but she felt her heart clench. At her age that could be fatal, but the pain subsided.

The speaker was undead. It was tall and dressed in shimmering black robes. Incongruously, it was holding the hand of a young girl. It took Noemi a moment to realise the girl was an elf. Her pointy ears were slanting downwards. Her dress was white. It almost hurt to look as she stood beside the undead.

"What?" Noemi didn't know what to say.

The undead gestured to Jochim. "Your son?"

She nodded. There was something in its voice that told her she had to answer. "The Theocracy told me he was dead."

"Not dead," the undead said. "But perhaps that would have been better for you."

She gulped. The undead had a cold note in its voice. "What has he done?" The Theocracy was meant to have executed her son. After hearing of his crimes… she wasn't sure what she thought. She loved her son but despite living in the slums, Noemi was not blind or stupid. Murder was murder, rape was rape, it didn't matter if you were rich or poor, the consequences were the same… though the rich could pay off the Theocracy. Jochim knew they weren't rich.

"Probably many things, but the Theocracy used him to rape my servant," the undead answered her. His voice was flat.

Noemi sighed. "I am sorry," she said. There was nothing else she could say. And she was sorry. Jochim couldn't have hurt the undead but the elf… She had seen elf slaves occasionally but never anyone as young. They were demihuman but they had been even more miserable than the lowest inhabitants of the slums.

The undead waved away the apology before it looked down at the elf. "Aura?" It was bizarre to hear concern colour its tone.

The elf sniffed. She looked up at the undead with tears forming in her eyes. Noemi noticed they were different colours. One was a beautiful crystal blue, while the other a dazzling emerald green. The elf took a deep breath. "First they hit me. I don't know why I was so weak, Master." She seemed ashamed.

"You were drugged, Aura," the undead explained, in a conciliatory tone. "And the [Constraint of Umbra] was suppressing your power."

"They kept hitting me. Some of them were upset because I didn't cry out."

"I know you didn't," the undead told the elf but Noemi could see the way it was looking at something on the ground. She glanced down. There were several marks in front of her. They obviously meant something to the undead. It meant nothing to her.

"After that they…" the elf broke off.

"That's enough for the moment," the undead said. It raised one hand. Noemi was surprised to see that the skeletal fingers were glowing. The undead reached out and gently placed its hand on the elf's forehead. She seemed to lean into the touch.

Noemi watched as mist appeared to rise from the elf's head. It was a soft pink that clashed with her blonde hair. The mist mingled with the glow on the undead's hand, and he pulled it away slowly. Tendrils reached out between the two glows but eventually the light surrounding the elf's head faded.

The child blinked. She looked slightly confused but Noemi couldn't truly place the expression. The undead had turned towards her. Its glowing hand was extended.

Behind the undead Jochim was struggling. His expression anguished. She could see his mouth moving but couldn't hear anything. There was obviously magic at work here. His eyes bulged, and she could see the metal around his neck pressing into his flesh.

It made her want to move but she couldn't. She couldn't even flinch away from the undead. Whatever had held her stationary earlier was still in place. Its hand came closer to her. She watched the glow more than the bony fingers. It was odd though, when it touched her. The bones felt cold. She wasn't sure what she had expected.

For a moment nothing seemed to happen. Then, Noemi felt something enter her head. It wasn't physical. It was mental. It was odd. The glow covered her eyes. It was only for a few moments before the undead drew its hand back. It was no longer glowing.

She stood there, not understanding. The moment the undead touched her had been odd but that was it. Noemi tilted her head. She didn't know much about undead but they were meant to hate the living. This one was…

Then, Noemi felt something. It was like a memory but it wasn't. Her eyes widened and she grabbed her stomach. It didn't hurt but she felt sick, as if she had been kicked there. Noemi knew what that felt like. Life in the slums had been hard. She had been beaten. This felt the same but it was different. As brutal as it seemed there had always been a reason when someone hit her before. This time…

She screamed, going to her knees. Her stomach ached. Noemi could remember the blows. There had been a group of men. They hadn't shown mercy. They kept hitting her and when she fell to the ground, they had kicked her, heedless of the fact that her hands were bound…

Wait… Noemi's eyes widened. That had never happened. Her hands had never been bound! Noemi felt herself topple over. She lay on her side. It was still warm but she hurt. There was no reason for her pain. She felt sick and she lay on the ground panting.

From the corner of her eye she saw the undead wave one hand at Jochim and suddenly she could hear him.

"What have you done?" he roared. There was a note of desperation in his voice.

"I told you," the undead spoke again, its voice still magnificent. "I will transfer my servant's pain to those gathered here."

Noemi swallowed, still breathing shallowly. She tried to tell herself she hadn't been beaten. Her mind did not listen. She squeezed her old eyes closed as she concentrated on her breathing. So that is what the glowing thing had done. These weren't her memories, her experience. These belonged to the elf.

Had Jochim done this?

"I'll kill you!" Jochim screamed. "No! I'll make that little bitch beg you to die!"

Noemi felt her eyes widen. Her son's voice was coarse. There was no question of how he was going to make the elf beg. The priests had told her what he had done but she'd never believed it. Not really. His voice though… she couldn't deny it. It wasn't just the pain making her sick.

The undead glared at Jochim before it waved its hand again. The noise from him was cut off. Even from her position on the ground, Noemi could see the way the elf had paled. The undead placed its hand on her shoulder. It would have been a touching gesture if not for its skeletal nature.

The undead turned its gaze to her. Even without flesh, it appeared superior. Then it turned away, gently pushing the elf towards one of the others she had seen earlier.

"Wait," her voice wasn't strong.

The undead glanced back. "Yes?"

She shuddered, gasping as the pain still flowed through her. "What now?"

It nodded. "I will return you to the Theocracy," the undead told her.

"And Jochim?" It didn't matter what he had done, he was still her son.

"His life is forfeit." There was no mercy in the tone.

Noemi swallowed. She closed her eyes as she took a shuddering breath. "I'm sorry." It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. But it was all she could say.

The undead turned away.

-cos-

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Sixth Floor, Amphitheatre

Aura sniffed. She fought off the shivers and concentrated on the ground. She didn't want to look behind her Master. She knew who was there and logically she knew they were restrained but emotionally, it was easier not to look.

She instead focused on the way her hand felt within her Master's. His bones were warm. She didn't expect that and he was holding her hand so gently. It should have made her feel like a baby but she felt safer this way. Aura wondered if that was why he was doing it. It would be like Lord Ainz to offer her comfort this way.

He was so merciful, so magnanimous. She wanted to cry and to tell him she had failed but she already knew he wouldn't accept that.

She listened to Lord Ainz as he spoke with the old woman. The woman apologised. It meant nothing.

"Aura?"

Aura jumped slightly and sniffed again. She knew what Lord Ainz wanted. She didn't want to. She felt sick but she had agreed to do this. Lord Ainz said it would help her heal and the Supreme Being was never wrong. She would do this, for him.

"First they hit me," she said. Aura glanced at the woman's son. She remembered him. He had taken the most joy in hitting her. "I don't know why I was so weak, Master." She was so weak!

"You were drugged, Aura, and the [Constraint of Umbra] was suppressing your power."

She knew that. Mare had told her this. Lord Ainz had told her this before as well but some drugs shouldn't have affected her that badly. And no artefact should be able to make her so weak. She was a Guardian of Nazarick! She was meant to be stronger than that.

"They kept hitting me. Some of them were upset because I didn't cry out."

"I know you didn't."

When others said it, it was just words. When Lord Ainz said it, Aura couldn't hear the slight trace of doubt. When he said it, she wanted to believe it. She needed to believe it but she shouldn't have been that weak.

"After that they…" She didn't want to talk about this. She didn't want her Master to know every detail of her weakness. It was bad enough he was being forced to spend so much time with her. Aura sniffed, swallowing hard.

"That's enough for the moment."

Aura felt a flood of relief as they paused. Maybe she wouldn't have to say anything. Maybe something would happen to call Lord Ainz away. She watched as he reached out, touching her forehead. He was still holding her other hand. His touch was a comfort. She was embarrassed that such a simple thing was so comforting. She was safe with him.

Aura closed her eyes. She could feel Lord Ainz' magic in her head. She didn't know what he was doing. It didn't matter. The Supreme Being would not hurt her. She relaxed as she felt Lord Ainz scoop something out of her mind. There was almost no feeling to it. It was just Lord Ainz in her mind, and that was nice. Under her eyelashes she could see a faint glow. It must be the magic Lord Ainz was casting.

Only a magic caster of his ability could attempt something this subtle. She almost felt bereft when he lifted his hand away and she opened her eyes, blinking in the sudden light. Aura squeezed at his other hand. Lord Ainz returned the gesture as he reached out to the human. The woman's eyes were wide but she said nothing. He touched her gently. The glow on his hand transferred to her.

Aura watched as the woman collapsed. She was clutching at her stomach and screaming. There was nothing hurting her, why was the woman screaming?

"What have you done?" the man demanded. Aura ducked back behind Lord Ainz.

"I told you. I will transfer my servant's pain to those gathered here."

Aura looked quizzically at the woman as she listened to the Supreme Being's words. The woman was feeling her pain? It wasn't much. The men were weak, and even with the drugs and shackles, she had not been that weak. But then… the woman was human. Humans were that weak.

"I'll kill you!" the man screamed. "No! I'll make that little bitch beg you to die."

Aura gulped. No. No, she couldn't go through that again. She looked up at Lord Ainz. He waved his hand at the man, and the human fell silent. Magic, Aura realised, some sort of silencing spell. Even so the man's words reminded her of what was to come. She felt sick, except she couldn't disappoint Lord Ainz. She had to do this.

He took a step away.

"Wait." The woman's voice was pained.

"Yes?" Lord Ainz asked her. He was so considerate, even towards prisoners.

"What now?"

"I will return you to the Theocracy."

"And Jochim?" Who was Jochim? Aura wondered before her preoccupied mind realised that it must be the man.

"His life is forfeit."

Aura was comforted by Lord Ainz' hand when he said those words. There was no mercy there.

"I'm sorry," the woman said again.

That didn't matter. She could be sorry. It didn't change anything. Aura turned away, gathering her strength for what was to come. She didn't want to do this, but she would.

Lord Ainz stopped beside a young girl this time. Aura looked over at the man. She cringed. She remembered him. She remembered them all.

She shook her head at Lord Ainz. "Aura," he said her name. There was a slight note of disappointment colouring his tone.

The elf felt her stomach clench. No! She couldn't disappoint him. Aura forced herself to take a deep breath. She nodded. "After that they-" She swallowed hard. Ainz squeezed her hand again. "After that four of them held me. I couldn't fight them. I tried. They were too strong. Then another, he…"

She didn't want to remember. It was this man. He had been there. He had been the first. It wasn't meant to be that way. Lady Bukubukuchagama had whispered to her, what it was meant to be like. It had been teasing. The Supreme Being had laughed. It was when Aura was just an NPC, before they fully gained life. But she knew Lady Bukubukuchagama hadn't wanted this for her. She didn't want this for her.

Lord Ainz waited patiently. "Then he…" Tears streamed down her face. She looked up at her Master. Humans would say he was expressionless. He wasn't. Aura could tell he was concerned. He was distressed for her but was keeping a strict control of his emotions. He was radiating a sense of eternal patience.

Aura squeezed her eyes shut. "Then he raped me," she whispered. It was the hardest thing she'd ever said in her life. "That one. He did it," she added, sniffing. She raised her free hand to swipe at the tears. She shouldn't be crying in front of her Master but she couldn't help it. Aura swallowed. Snot went down the back of her throat but it didn't stop her tears.

"He laughed. He said I was tight. He said it was fun." She felt ill.

Lord Ainz waved his free hand at the young girl. Aura saw her awaken. The girl looked around and saw Lord Ainz. She paled but said nothing. The man was struggling. Lord Ainz tilted his head towards the man. "You brought this upon yourself," he told him.

Whatever the man was yelling could not be heard. That must be the Supreme Being's magic. Aura was thankful for that. She didn't need to hear him again but she couldn't stop crying. Lord Ainz reached out again and touched her head. Again she felt him scoop at something. Magic made whatever it was visible as a fine mist. She didn't know what it was but this time, she almost felt lighter.

Then he reached out to touch the girl. She flinched back but was held fast. Aura could almost see the outline of whatever was holding her. She didn't bother to look closer. The girl stiffened as the mist faded into her head. Then, like the old woman, she screamed.

Aura peeked at the man. He was watching with wide disbelieving eyes. So were the others. Aura looked away quickly. There were still too many memories. Aura looked at the girl. She was writhing on the ground. "It hurts!" She was whimpering.

It had hurt. She hadn't cried. She couldn't give them the satisfaction. Every day when the Cardinal came she had simply shrugged. So why was she crying now. They could still see her. Aura reached with her free hand, to wipe furiously at her tears. It didn't stop the flow.

"It's all right," Lord Ainz murmured to her. He turned away from the girl, waving his hand at her to silence her screams. Aura noticed the way he dismissed the man with the same motion. "I think we can try something a bit different."

"My Lord?" She didn't know how this magic was meant to go.

"It may be more difficult on you, Aura," Lord Ainz told her.

Usually she would have told the Supreme Being she could handle it. The words were on her tongue. She wanted to say it. She really did, but Aura just wasn't sure.

"Instead of going chronologically, we will go through these... " The Supreme Being hesitated. "Things." The way he said the word made Aura feel better. "We will go through these things once but at each, you must remember everything that particular creature did to you. Everything, and I will then cast the spell."

"Everything?" Aura gulped but she could see the logic Lord Ainz was presenting. Maybe this way she'd only have to remember once.

"Everything, Aura." He looked down at her. "It will be difficult, but it is so you may heal."

She glanced at the men. They were still looking at them. She quickly looked away. They brought back memories but… Aura frowned slightly. She probed in her mind. She didn't want to but there was something different. Tentatively Aura examined the memory. It was still there. She still knew what the man had done. She could still remember how it had felt. She could still remember everything.

But it was a cold memory. Hard fact with no emotion. She knew it the way she knew math. It just was.

Aura looked over at the man. He was still straining against the chains, trying to get to the girl, who was still writhing on the ground. Aura ignored the girl as she went back into her memories. She didn't feel like hiding from him. That was important.

Aura smiled at Lord Ainz. It was a tentative, wan smile but it was a smile. With the shock of the first memory already reduced she knew the Supreme Being was right. This would heal her.

And… the vindictive part of her was laughing at the delicious irony. Those the men cared about would have the memories of the abuse she suffered at their hands. If there were any reciprocating feelings, they would be shattered.

She sniffed, and swallowed, once again wiping at her tears. Lord Ainz was healing her. There was nothing to cry about. "I will remember everything, My Lord," she told him. "Everything."

-cos-

Poor Aura! Poor Ainz! But at least the long term outcome from the pain will be good. Not for most of those involved with her, but they aren't important, only Nazarick is.

There are others who could have been used - the Scriptures for example - but that doesn't seem quite right to me. Involving those whose only sin is to be related is wrong but does make it really clear to the peons that they sinned.

Review please. I promise I won't pick a too painful snippet of the next chapter for you.