Chapter 21: The Fall
Author's Note: Another scene full of action! Things get really tense here and it wasn't easy to write overall as I had to look back and take to account certain info and factors just to keep consistency. Also character development, can't forget about that now can we? Anyway thats all for now, this is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
The new morning came to stir me awake as its light burned my closed eyes. I growled a bit in frustration before getting up and yawning. It has been a day since Ankha went into that temple and I could not help but wonder how she was doing. As I rubbed the tiredness out of my eyes, I could see Isabelle sleeping soundly next to me. We spent most of yesterday training, me my skills with earth ki and her with her little spell project she was working on.
She was trying to grow plants by using her mana to make grow faster from their seeds. She thought about doing this with our limited supply of Nul-berries which was a good idea. Considering that we are walking biohazards waiting to happen it made sense. Our extremely limited supply of the vaccine means only a few lucky people would be prepared to take the virus head on. However, it has been tricky for her, either nothing happened, or she overdoes the seed with magic, and it blows up. Had a few false successes too, sometimes the plant will immediately grow only to keel over dead. Another one was the plant came out fine, but the berries lost their effect. One bizarre case is the plant coming to life and growing a mouth, the damn thing snarled and hissed. These failures frustrated her to no end, and she was forced to walk away to clear her head.
I found some frustration as well, not in my magic as really it has been slow and steady like a rock itself. Rather in my beast trigger, I been told I could not transform but it did not stop me from trying. Every time, nothing happened, except get weird looks from passersby. Even the Jaguworden stopped to see what the hell I was doing. My failures only ended up getting a reaction of laughter and scolding from the darker me in my mind. Reminding me and taunting me that there is no point and just live for the fact that I can only transform into one creature, the chimera. Frankly I been considering it, but I rather not try practicing with that form unless both Ankha and Isabelle are nearby, and I am not anywhere near a lively ecosystem.
On the upside, our repertoire of spells or Ki skills in my case has slowly been growing. Just by one, but the ones we already know are growing in strength. The more I work with my magic the stronger I can feel my connection to my affinity grow. It frankly feels like it has been physically empowering me in some way, but I do not know how yet. Isabelle told me that she felt it as well, so this is something we will have to ask him later.
"Hey, are you done waking up stud? Because focus your senses, something off here."
My vision cleared as I growled in annoyance, but I tuned to my senses, nevertheless. That is when I realized immediately that there was faint feeling of the frenzy virus in the area. Somebody was infected in this kingdom and slowly the number began growing.
"Oh shit…frenzy? Here? How?"
"I don't know, but some dead man is encroaching on our territory. This frenzy isn't the same as the one the Shagaru made. It's altered, like ours."
"Wait then…somebody else has their own Hunter virus?"
"It seems that way I don't sense them, they just left their mark. This is not good…"
"Coming from you, it has to be."
During my entire conversation with myself I failed to notice I woke up Isabelle, "Mmm…*yawn* Nacho, mayor, sir? Why are you talking to yourself?"
She lifted herself off the bed a bit, showing a bit of her naked body under the sheets, "Sorry Isa, but I sensed something terrible growing in this kingdom. Do you feel it too?"
She rubbed her eyes and twitched her ears. It did not take long for her to fully wake up and realize the presence of the other virus, "I do, just when did this happen?!"
"I don't know, probably just today. Come on, we need to warn the kings!"
We quickly dressed ourselves and headed off to meet the kings. Every second counts as the number of infected kept growing yet there was no panic or anything going on. As there were no symptoms being showed. Feeling that only had me asking questions on what we were going up against. We knocked on the doors to the royal house and immediately we were met with guards asking us what was going on. We explained that we needed to warn the kings of a growing pandemic just inside their kingdom. The guards allowed us inside as they saw how serious we are, even though they barely understood our language.
They eventually led us to the twin kings who were in their sleeping robes, confused at our sudden appearance, ("Nacho and Isabelle? What brings you here?") Taimolche asked.
("By the looks on your eyes something is wrong. What is it?") Olemach added.
The kings did not speak our language and knew we couldn't understand them, but they did their best to gesture that they understood us, "Sorry your highnesses but we have an emergency and time of the essence!"
"A deadly virus has infiltrated your city, if we don't quarantine those infected soon then it could spread like wildfire!" Isabelle frantically said.
Their eyes widen as they quickly looked at each other and back to us, ("How can you be sure?)
("Yeah it seems very unlikely!")
"I say believe them! I sensed it too!" Barging into the room was none other than Azhum, "Sorry I was late, I was doing some research until I heard the commotion going on."
"No problem, can you show the kings what we mean?"
"Of course I can, with magic, anything is possible with the right thoughts," Azhum flipped through his pages with a magical glow as he opened up his pages and flipped through them before stopping at one page. Once he did, an image popped up revealing their people and the virus within their bodies. They stood stunned in silence as they could not believe their eyes, but the truth of the matter is that the virus is real, and they must make a swift decisive action before more people are infected.
("Is there a cure for this plague?") Tiamolche asked.
"Yes actually, well sort of," Isabelle spoke up, "We have a few synthesized vaccines that can be used to give your body some defense against the infection. Granted this is a different strand so I still recommend you avoid it. Also, Nul-Berries can help stave off the virus from getting worse. A cure can be made from the berries and the vaccine together, but we have a limited supply."
("Okay, that will have to do for now, but can you increase cultivation of the plant?")
"That's the thing I am still working on the spell that can do that. I'm not sure I can get it to work in time."
I looked over to her and gave her shoulder a firm yet gentle grasp, "You can do it Isa, I believe in you. There is nobody I know better suited to this job than you."
She blushed at my kind words of encouragement, "Thank you, Nacho, I'll make sure to triple my efforts."
"Glad to hear it."
"She won't be doing it alone; I shall help her in this endeavor. Call it an accelerated lesson for our current situation," Azhum quickly said as he turned to Isabelle, "Is this okay with you?"
"Yes, I know this can work," she took a deep breath, "Nacho, you help the kings track down those infected."
"Will do, I just hope Ankha shows up so she can give us a hand."
"Yeah, good luck!"
Isabelle left with Azhum to grow the nul-berries while I stood by to help the kings. We immediately mobilized with me leading the charge to track down those infected and escorting them to a quarantine zone that was being quickly set up by the kings. The people were confused and some protested, but the words of the kings help calm them a bit however, they were still asking questions. Being this close to those infected set my senses ablaze. It was like my other self said, like somebody else encroaching on my territory. I felt some swell of anger rise within me, but I pushed it down as it was not needed for this moment.
It took all morning to gather all the infected, counting in the hundreds already. A good portion of the whole population. They were scared and wondering what was going on as the kings explained the situation. That they been infected with a virus and they are being quarantined to prevent whole kingdom wide exposure. There was a mixed reaction to the news, some understanding, some straight up scared and others angry. The pained look on the kings faces was enough to tell me that this was painful for them, but it was necessary for the rest of the population.
I sighed as I sensed the virus in the large group but no source to track it back to. The crowd has calmed somewhat knowing that a cure is being made for their condition, but its only a matter of time before the symptoms of the virus come through. Just remembering the horrors of the immortal Shagaru's virus has me determined to find the source.
/
Ankha's P.O.V.
It was not long before being told of one possible calamity to another in the works. Lucky has informed me of Aten's plan and his intent to provoke Ragnarök somehow. What makes it worse is that he already started one part of his plan, spreading the frenzy virus within the hidden kingdom Sub-Solla. I did not think he would be callous enough to keep samples of the virus and use them. Thankfully, Jaggy, the Jaguworden was waiting for me and Lucky so we can hitch a quick ride back to the kingdom.
I asked Lucky how he knew that this was Aten's doing. Lucky looked me dead in the eyes with the most serious expression I have ever seen him make, "Adofo told me."
"Adofo…but he is fiercely loyal to Aten. Why would he tell you about this?"
"Because the man he would die for is gone."
I was stunned, Adofo is among the most loyal of the guardians. To willing betray his own master is proof that Aten is far gone. If there is a way to save his soul from damnation at this point is questionable, but now I know that any appearance by him is a hostile one. I can take solstice in the fact Adofo is on our side.
As we neared the kingdom, my senses for creatures infected by the virus skyrocketed as I felt them all were in one section of the kingdom. The loyal beast we were riding on came to a stop near the location as we hopped off and ran towards the commotion. It was already starting to be surrounded by concerned citizens. Moving pass, them and running into guards placed outside of the makeshift quarantine zone. I asked them what was going on and after a respectful bow the guard gave me the full rundown. Explaining how Nacho and Isabelle came to the kings and warned them of the growing spread of the plague. After some convincing they took quick action and managed to round up all of those quarantined. Still the unrest and the race against time is still there, as recently there has been reports of the some of the citizens feeling unwell along with coughing.
They informed me that Nacho is currently looking for evidence and find the perpetrator of the virus along with the kings. Isabelle and Azhum are looking to increase Nul-berry production which I can see her doing. I should check up on Isabelle before helping Nacho. I wish the guard good luck on his duty before hopping onto the Jaguworden again with Lucky to locate Isabelle.
"Aten…why would you do this? What are you trying to accomplish?"
Riding the guardian, we looked around the kingdom and eventually found the two and spikes of magic being casted into the earth.
/
Isabelle's P.O.V.
"Come on…come on!" I said with frustration as I poured another level of magic into the nul-berry seed as it laid in the dirt. I had about ten failures during the time since I first started, and it was getting to me. Most of them became, thankfully non-aggressive, monsters that just stared at me and Azhum. The latter of which was instructing me carefully and reminding me to stay calm and focus. The talking tome could easily do the spell I wanted but he needed me to do it first. As I came with the idea first and I needed to see it through.
"Relax Isabelle, you are getting close. Focus, just add the right amount of mana, feel your mana connect to the seed, connect to nature."
"Connect to nature…" I heard that many times from him. It annoyed me a little bit as I thought that was doing just that. I took some deep breaths to clear my mind, to settle my thoughts. Maybe I been thinking about it the wrong way, maybe the way I been pouring my mana has been wrong all along. I been pouring it in like I would a catalyst but instead…I should pour it in like the roots of a plant?
I sighed as I focused my mana like plant roots, I felt the roots come out of my hands and touch the seed in the ground. Once they made contact it felt different than my original process. Instead of pouring mana, I felt my mana connect with the seed, connect with nature. Just applying the right amounts of mana until the seed was filled perfectly. Once that was done, I let go and the seed did the rest. It glowed with magic power before the soil around it shuddered and suddenly a bush full of nul-berries popped up from the ground.
"I-I did it! It really works!" I cried with joy. I was ecstatic that I was finally able to get the spell right! My joy was even felt by the nul-berry gremlins I created in the process.
"Congratulations Isabelle!" Ankha's voice took me out of my ecstatic high and pushed me into another one as I turned around to see her. My feline lover dressed in her priestess garb and emitting more magical power than the last I saw her. I could not stop myself from running up and giving her a hug.
"Ankha you're back!"
"Hehe easy Isabelle, I missed you too even though it has been a day."
"*Giggles* Sorry, oh! Wait we are still in an emergency! This will have to wait!"
"I know, sounds like you completed what you needed to do."
"Yes! I finally was able to use the spell successfully!"
I looked over to Azhum who was inspecting my work, "Well its not perfect Isa but I'll say you managed to keep the goal in mind. The berries should keep the effects of the original you grew the seed from, but they lack seeds themselves."
"Wait really? Oh, well still I managed to do it!"
"Right, and Ankha. I see you have gained much more power from your journey into the temple. I sense that you have gained another elemental affinity hmm…water?"
"Yes, unfortunately I know no spells yet."
"I'll have to give you the basics on that later, but first we need to start synthesizing the cure for the virus."
I nodded in agreement, "Right, we first need a sample of the virus affecting the people. We need to add that with the vaccine and the nul-berries."
"That's great! How fast can you make them Isabelle?"
"Uhhh…ten minutes each shot. Luckily, we do not need a lot of the vaccine, about a drop each."
"Great, Lucky can you go back and collect virus samples?"
The mummy dog guardian smiled, "Of course! I won't let you down!"
Lucky took off on the Jaguworden as Ankha helped pick the berries with us as more bushes are created. There was loads and loads of berries to put into baskets and eventually we had up to ten baskets filled with hundreds of berries. It should be enough to make a cure for everybody, or at least that is the hope I held. However, that hope would be dashed as suddenly my world went black and I was standing the middle of pure darkness.
"W-Where…"
*Clap, clap, clap*
My senses went wild as I felt the presence of not just a person but the one who has the source of the virus. I felt my nerves tense up as I looked around for the person, but I couldn't see anything. I took one careful step before a voice echoed in the abyss.
"Hehehe, how clever…then again I should have seen the likes of you figuring it out. However, its far too late to save them…your efforts are wasted. Just…like…this…" I heard a finger snap and suddenly I was back, but with Ankha holding me.
"Wh-what happened?"
"I don't know, your eyes just glazed over, and you fell over. You scared me!"
"S-Sorry, just…I don't know what happened…everything suddenly turned black and…"
"You were caught in some kind trance spell," we both looked at Azhum as he was scanning the air, "There is some left over traces, so whoever cast the spell was close but it wasn't used for very long. I can't trace it."
"Wait…oh no!"
"What is it Isabelle? What's wrong?"
"The civilians! They are in danger!"
Ankha was about to ask what I meant until we both felt a sudden surge of the virus's activity. Shortly after that there was screams of terror and panic along with feral growls and roars. I knew what this was, the people infected had gone feral, "Aten…"
"No! We're too late!"
"I am sensing multiple hostiles, moving, and moving fast…" Azhum stated grimly as he looked back at me, "Isabelle, don't lose hope. Its possible that the virus in their systems is still vulnerable to the cure, however we need to make that cure as quickly as possible."
What he was asking was impossible, at least I thought so. It takes time to make the cure and we still need a sample of the virus. There is no way we can make enough to save all those people, "It's impossible! How can we make a cure with the time we have?"
"Isabelle, with magic, nothing is impossible…it will be risky, but I know a way. Do you trust me?"
"I…I do, please I can't do this alone," I was desperate for a way to save these people and if Azhum, the man I called my teacher can give me that chance I am all in for it.
"You won't be, what kind of teacher would I be if I let my students without my aid. Come there is much to be done!" He looked over to Ankha with a determined gaze, "Ankha, no doubt Nacho would have sensed the surge too. Help maintain the chaos and try not to kill the infected as much as you can and keep the uninfected safe. If you see Lucky, direct him to us."
"Where exactly?"
"Here," he looked over to a nearby door and casted a spell on it. It glowed with magic power and opened to reveal a new room filled with equipment, "Before you ask, personal dimensional space spell. Now we don't have much time! Every second counts!"
"Right! Isabelle, stay calm, I know you can do it. If Nacho was here, he would say the same thing."
I took a deep breath and look her in the eyes, while there was still traces of tears in my eyes, I kept a determined expression, "I know, and I won't fail you both!"
She smiled at me before running off to help contain the chaos as I turned to Azhum and began taking the baskets and putting them into the dimensional room. It was hard work, but nothing I haven't done before. One after another until all of them were inside. I went inside the room myself and was amazed to see an entire library along with science equipment, no doubt to brew potions and the like. I didn't stop to gawk at the scenery though, I immediately went to work and grabbed some of the berries.
"Got the right vials? We need to juice these berries so we can use the liquid to mix in with the vaccine and virus sample."
"I am honestly stunned at your knowledge at making a cure in the first place."
"It's something I learned from the scientists and researchers from my last adventure. I knew that such information is going to be helpful, so I learn how to make it. Normally it just takes the vaccine and the berries for the Hunter's virus Nacho, Ankha and I have but with this new virus we have to take an extra step."
"I see, well I have a blender in the corner, use that to help you out. I'll get you the right equipment."
"Thanks, here goes nothing!" I said as I took bunches of the berries and placed them into the blender. The magically fueled appliance whirled to life and effortlessly liquefied the berries into smooth creamy blend. It was enough for a few vials, but I needed to make many as I can. So, I put the blender through its paces. Having it gorge on the berries until they are creamy as needed and pouring them into the vials as provided by Azhum. I did not know how much time has passed since I started but I was covered a bit in some of the juices. I did not mind though; I had a total of 400 vials from all the berries squished. If it was not for the intense situation, I would have considered it fun.
I sighed and looked at Azhum and the number of vials as the tome spoke to me, "Isabelle, how much of a dose needs to be injected for the cure to work?"
"A full injection, and…we don't have enough for everyone infected. Sigh… dang it!" I hit a nearby table before sitting down in frustration.
"Isabelle, we did what we could. All we can do now save who we can, once Lucky arrives, we can get started with the cure."
"I-I know, but you're a master wizard, right? Can't you use magic to create more of the vials?"
"Isabelle... if it were that simple then I would only have you make one vial. The problem with duplication magic on items such as these is that the effects of the duplicate would be weaker. On metals, less quality and durability etc. It wouldn't do any good to waste my magic on something that will do no good. We just have to accept that we can't save everyone."
"But…what if we grow more berries? We should still have time, right?" The desperation in my voice was apparent and Azhum sighed. He was going to say something until Lucky barged into the dimensional room looking worse for wear. His clothes and armor scratched and partially shredded.
"Whew…it is getting worse out there!" He exclaimed in a panic as he held up a vile of purple liquid, "I managed to snag a large blood sample! This should help you right?"
"Y-Yes, but what do you mean it's getting worse? How did you get a blood sample of that size?"
"Isabelle…we are out of time. The kings ordered to kill the infected, they already have taken some of the lives of guards and civilians alike trying to keep them contained. Not even Ankha and Nacho combined can't keep them all in check! There is simply too many!"
I felt a large weight crash onto my shoulders as the gravity of the situation hit me. There was no way to save everybody, as much as I hate to admit it. Even if we delay a bit longer there was a chance the people I was trying to save will die before the cure reaches them. I felt myself tearing up as I bit my lip.
"Isabelle?"
"Give me the vial! We need to finish making the cure!" I tried my best not to let my voice crack. It was painful, but Azhum is right. We must save who we can with the amount we have. Lucky handed me the vial of blood and with Azhum's help we were able to both add the vaccine drops with the virus infected blood drops and mix them all together, "Azhum show me how you can speed up the wait?"
"With pleasure," Azhum flipped his pages as his eye glowed with great power. The vials floated into the air and began spinning as the sound of a tick-tocking clock echoed in the room. After a few seconds he put the vials down and the mixture had that nice pinkish color, showing that is was ready.
I was awestruck by the magic, but that quickly faded as Azhum fell to the ground exhausted, "Oh no! You exhausted all of your magic?"
"Yeah…I used a time spell to rush the process. In my current state it takes a lot of magic. Don't worry about me, just get that vaccine to those people! The syringes you need are in that cabinet! Go!"
I nodded and look over to Lucky who knew what I needed already, and we went to work getting the syringes. Dealing with towers of paperwork made this easy for me as just in ten minutes we got all the syringes filled up and ready to go. We stored them in the bag and headed out with determined faces. We are going to save who we can.
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
"You heard the kings, you can kill them if you need to!"
"No not yet! We can still save some of them!"
*Raargh!*
I was pushing against the horde that punched and scratched at me. I did my best to knock them out, but only after a few minutes of doing so they got back up. Ankha joined our battle with the kings not too long ago and she was having trouble keeping them at bay. I had to support her a lot by using my body and strength to keep them at bay long enough for her to get a heavy strike on multiple people. The kings, despite their order to the guards to kill infected, they mainly aimed to knock out the infected too. They only took a few lives when it became too much to keep them at bay.
"Nacho, I hate to say it but, we may have to kill some of them if we are going to make it through this," Ankha grimly stated as we stood back to back.
"Grr…I was hoping it wouldn't come to that."
"Oh you listen to her and not me?"
"Shut up"
"I am afraid we do. Just make sure they don't suffer Nacho."
"Will do," I took a deep sigh as I took my own swords out and stared down the infected, "Forgive me…Raargh!"
I gave out a defiant roar as one of the infected leapt at me and I stabbed them through the heart. Using my Ki skills, I was able to skewer some of them with my Earth Spire skill while keeping the main force away with a Rock wall. This did not last long as they began climbing the wall. I growled as I went for quick and instant kills. Decapitating them or stabbing their hearts and brain. Ankha did the same and with frightening efficiency, her blades and body danced around the infected. Using their own to help keep the numbers from overwhelming her. I provided some aid of my own by slamming my foot on the ground and tripping up some infected running at her.
She shortly dispatched them with her blades with a dead expression. What had to be done must be done. We managed to kill close to twenty infected people until suddenly a voice cried out from the air.
"NACHO! ANKHA! I GOT IT!"
"Isa…" I smiled as the form of Isabelle plowed through a crowd of infected with Lucky by her side.
"Whew…" She took a brief glance at the dead bodies before looking at us, "Forgive me for taking so long, I thought I had more time."
"It's alright Isa, do we have enough for everybody infected?" I slammed my foot on the ground again to push away the infected to give us time to talk.
Isabelle looked away from me for a moment before handing me a bundle of needles with the presumable cure inside, "I…was only able to make 400 vials…we gave some to the guards along the way but it isn't enough to cure everybody infected…"
"Isa…I…"
"Nacho…I know…but I don't want my work go to waste…please save who you can."
"I will," I gave her a comforting hug before looking at the bundle of twenty needles I was given. I can only imagine the pain she must be feeling, but if I want to help her then I need to use the cure given to me. I saw her move over to Ankha and got a similar reaction out of her before moving onto the kings. I sighed as I looked at the scrambling infected and got one of the needle's ready.
"You better not waste those needles."
"I don't plan to…"
I steeled my eyes to the nearest infected as I sheathed my blades. Without warning, I rushed at them and gave a swift punch to their temple, knocking them out and giving me time to inject the 3 of the cure injections into them. They groaned and gave a gasp as they finally fell unconscious. I gritted my teeth as I turn my attention to the next ones came my way. I got four needles ready I gave a bestial roar which stunned them. Giving me the opening to plunge the needles into them, curing four more.
I am thankful that the other infected did not attack the cured ones, but they were still so numerous. Bearing down on me and making it harder to get the other needles ready.
"Save what few what you like but release our power if you want to even the odds. Our virus no doubt can have an adverse effect on these infected."
"Yeah…but only controlled. We keep our emission small…"
"Heh, then it's a compromise."
"Rrragh!" In the face of adversity and large numbers I decided to make a move I have not used in a while. I felt my body grow stronger adrenaline and bodily systems kicked into overdrive. My body was covered in a dark red aura as I felt the scar on my chest and back pulse. This is Apex Mode and thanks to it I began emitting the virus from my body in a small field. Thankfully, most of those who are at danger from my virus are far from me and those cured are in no danger.
In my boost of power, I broke away all the infected on me while having them inhale the spores of my virus. Immediately the infected that inhaled my virus began to cough and convulse, falling to the floor as the virus attacked the infection they already have. The battle taking place in their bodies could no doubt possibly kill them. I had to work fast as I took five more needles and use them on the writhing bodies. It took longer to take effect, but it worked all the same as they relaxed.
I looked over how many needles I had left, only 8 left. Which means I can only save eight more. My instincts moved over to the rest of the infected, more than eight and composed of various men, women, and children. I growled as I felt my instincts rage against the opposing virus. Telling me to kill those infected as they encroached on what I considered territory. I resisted the urge to savagely murder them as I walked closer to them. They looked at me with uncertainty before charging at me. Determined to not be intimidated by me a few more leapt at me but I rushed them and punched them both in the gut while the third one was met with my head.
My aura of spores got inhaled and they quickly began spasming. I took out three needles and injected them. The rest of them stepped back after that and that when the tables have turned. They did not try to rush me and instead ran from me. The virus in their bodies no doubt telling them to run from me. I am something they should fear, and they should once I run out of the cure. I gave another primal roar as I chased them down. I was able to catch up to the children and the slower of the those running and pounced on them before injecting them with the cure. I repeated this five more times, saving three children and one man and woman. I put away the last of the used needle back in the bundle.
I was all out. It was time to end lives and I was not looking forward to it. Quick and efficient mercy kills, no mangling or destroying. I slowly walked towards the remaining infected, they cower at my approach. A monster they see…but is it what I am? That was my last thought before everything went blank.
/
Isabelle's P.O.V.
It was over…the infection was stopped after many hours of fighting to contain it. All 400 of the cures I made was used and I relieved to learn none went to waste. I saved 400 lives, however…the bodies of those we could not save laid dead in the streets of the kingdom. Both infected and non-infected laid dead and their blood covered the ground. The number of dead was countless, and it was haunting to see. Just like the time Nacho went on a rampage. I wanted to faint, but I could not as I had to meet up with the kings and the others. They had an announcement to make for all the citizens and we had to attend.
It was terrible. The people were shouting and yelling, not doubt asking for answers for what just happened. I found Nacho and Ankha who both had grim looks on their faces. They gave me a weak smile as they allowed me between them with a hug. Lucky joined us as we looked up at the steps to the palace and see the two kings. They looked tired, done, but still they must do what they can for their people. Slaying so many of their kind no doubt is haunting them severely. The sounds of drums being pounded signaled that they are about to speak.
("Citizens! A great tragedy befell us all. A dark plague infected many of our brothers and sisters in the morning. At first it came out as nothing, a minor inconvenience and our friends from the outside quickly informed us of what it was and set out making a cure. However, this insidious virus was quicker than anticipated and turned our brothers and sisters into monsters,") Taimolche shouted, Ankha was acting as translator and told us what he said.
("They lost all reason and slayed their own in a fit of frenzy. Thanks to the efforts of Isabelle, who quickly with Azhum made a cure possible within the short period of time. Enough to save 400 of our infected brethren, it was unfortunate there was not enough time to make more. However, she is blameless and is a hero to our people. Everyone gives her three hails!") Olemach declared cheerfully.
My guilt-stricken conscious was alleviated somewhat by the praises of the people, who forgot their anger for the time being to hail the hero of the hour. I did not feel like I deserved it, but it was nice to feel appreciation. The cheers faded as attention went back to the kings. Taimolche looked to us before delivering some grave news.
("Who was to blame for this outbreak of the virus? My brother and I quickly investigated the best of our ability and have discovered the origin point for the virus. It came from the temple to our god Tezcatlipoca. We have been told that Nacho came to the temple yesterday and gave some of his blood to the statue of our god. After seeing him in battle today, we saw he too wields a virus as a weapon with great efficiency. We know it cannot be the chosen as she was away in the temple and our hero Isabelle made no such donations. Its with a heavy heart…but you, Nacho, are declared suspicious and shall be detained and put on trial.")
I saw Nacho's jaw dropped at this statement; we were all shocked by the news. The kings just declared that Nacho is suspected of infecting the citizens and most likely held accountable. I could feel his anger and rage at the accusation. Even more so when the guards came in to detain him. Ankha began to protest and so did I, there was no way Nacho could have infected those people. Yes, he made the trip to the temple, but he was more careful than that. There is no way this was his fault. It was Aten's! We know for sure it was him.
"Ankha, Isabelle, mis amores…thank you for standing up for me. But I think it would be best for them to take me in. We all know it was not me so it would be best to prove it rather than just protest."
Mis amores…Nacho rarely spoke his native tongue. He was serious and the soft look in his eyes calmed us. He took both of our hands and squeezed them tightly, "We will clear your name Nacho. I promise you," I said trying not to cry.
"I expected a better reunion when I got out of the temple. You better make it up to us once we get you out."
"Heh, it's a promise."
He turned to face the guards and stuck out his arms. They did not expect him to be so compliant, but they still cuffed him regardless. The crowd of people had mixed reactions to Nacho being led away. Some chattering to themselves, some booing at him, and others staring in silence. It was not long before he was out of sight and the final declarations by the kings came through.
("It is a regrettable decision for sure. Honestly, my brother and I are quite unsure of it, but this will be an ongoing investigation. A burial ritual will take place for the fallen later today. Go on in peace, we shall take care of everything.")
The crowd dispersed and the kings came to us. Bowing in apology, Taimolche was the first to speak, ("Forgive us for putting your consort into custody, we did not want to do it, but we must placate our people.")
I heard Ankha let out a sigh of frustration, "I seriously wished you did not go through with it. Still I am aware how unruly a mob of people can be. Fear and panic can turn a whole civilization upside down. Just wished it was not Nacho who had to be suspected."
"Me too, b-besides! We know for sure it was not Nacho who spread the virus!" I declared which took both kings aback by my voice, "Uh…sorry."
("It's fine but if you have an idea, we would like to hear it. Right Olemach?")
His brother nodded, ("Indeed, what can you tell us?")
Lucky stepped up to explain that the virus was distributed by Aten. While we do not know the exact reason, we nevertheless know it was for something sinister. As he explained more details the more the kings began to understand. Closing their eyes and nodding their heads.
("I see…so this Aten is the one who poisoned our people. I trust your words however do you have any evidence to back up that claim?")
"Uh…no we don't. Everything is just word of mouth."
Olemach sighed, ("That's not good enough, as my brother said we need hard evidence. Without evidence then there is nothing we can do.")
"That makes sense, sigh…then we need to find some evidence then," Ankha looked annoyed, but knew better to argue about it with the kings.
("We wish you luck, until then he stays in our prison.")
"Alright, you better treat him right though!"
("I assure you he will be treated well. I hope you will help us with the bodies though. We would appreciate it greatly.")
I looked at the dead bodies and while it was gruesome, we could not just leave them there. We all agreed to help, and we spent the rest of the day doing just that for the ritual for the dead. It was long and arduous. For each body we load up, the desire to not let something like this happen again build up within me.
/
Lavi's P.O.V.
"News flash…Guild exposed for aiding infamous slave trade. It was at night when a guild building was attacked and was revealed to be harboring a dark secret. Profiting from a cut of profits for aiding in the slave trade of Felimews. The ones who attacked the building have never been found but those part of the guild have been taken in and jailed. The Felimews locked in the building have been set free and are undergoing the process of being set to their respective homes. Nobody could identify those who attacked, all they can say is there were numerous of them and they came silently."
I read the news with interest and some disgust that there was a guild that was doing this under the noses of everybody. My allies looked at me with surprise as I said all of this out loud. Questioning if such corruption can run deep. Me, I am only glad somebody brought it to light but who were the ones who did it? The mystery deepens as my team and I continued our journey to find out where Nacho is. I have already told my guild about the virus cloud, leaving out the detail about my suspicions on who it can be.
I told them that I was on my way with my team to investigate more. They accepted it and remind me to keep in touch with them. So, I did, but I kept things on the down low. I did not want them to figure out what I am up to and take action. The last thing Nacho needs is to answer some questions from a guild.
"Lavi? How much farther do we need to walk? We been trekking through this jungle for some time now," Marshal complained.
"Just until we get a clearing, that way we can make camp and rest. I am surprised you been able to keep pace though."
"You're telling me, I was tempted to ask one of you to carry me."
"You could have asked me Marshal, I wouldn't mind," Kiki said cheerfully.
"O-Oh hehe, well thanks. I'll let you know when I need it."
"Lavi, love, why are we in the jungle again? The humidity does not help my stamina," Whitney added.
"Well according to my investigations, Nacho and his group were last seen heading into the jungle here. Why I have no idea and some time ago there has been unknown magic frequencies in the area. So, knowing Nacho, he may be in the center of that anomaly."
"I won't be dishonest with you love, but that is some flawed logic to follow."
"But not inaccurate."
She rolled her eyes with a small smile, still following me as we eventually found a clearing. Relieved that we found a place to set up camp we unpacked. It was nightfall once we got a fire going to cook some food. Everything was calm and peaceful as I told everyone that I was heading out a bit to use the bathroom. Marshal agreed to follow me and act as overwatch just in case anything tries to attack me doing my business.
We went a fair distance away from the camp and I found a good spot. I was about to go until Marshal, and I heard some voices in the distance. Nothing kills the need to use the bathroom faster than other people. We stopped and followed the sounds of the voice a little bit and beyond the foliage we found something we did not expect to see.
"Is that…the former queen of Ser-Shinn, Ser-ka? What is she doing here?"
"I don't know man, but she and her posse are conversing with those Felimew's over there," Marshal pointed the cat folk which look a lot wilder than ones I have seen before.
This seems quite odd. We observed them and listened to what we can, but that did not accomplish anything as we didn't understand what they were saying. However, we saw the two parties seem to have agree on something and the ex-snake queen had her group follow the cat people.
"This seems suspicious…we should probably regroup with the others."
"Uh Lavi there is one problem with that…"
"What?"
"Them."
I took a side glance behind me as I felt a sharp blade being pressed against my neck. The only thing I can think of at the time before these locals knocked me out was Whitney and Kiki. I wonder if they been found too.